USD 475 Communications Coordinator

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Geary County Schools USD 475 has earned recognition from the Kansas State Department of Education for the 2024-25 school year in the following areas: Social-Emotional Growth, Kindergarten Readiness, Individual Plan of Study, Civic Engagement and Academically Prepared for Postsecondary.

“I’m so excited that we were able to be recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education as we were able to move up in several areas. These awards reflect the collective effort of everyone in our district towards school improvement while celebrating the achievements of our students and staff,” said Alicia Scofield, USD 475 Director of Teaching and Learning.

For the 2024-25 school year, USD 475 earned a Silver Star in Social-Emotional Growth, Individual Plan of Study and Civic Engagement with the addition of an individual school recognition. The district was also honored with a Bronze Star for its Kindergarten Readiness and a Copper Star in Academically Prepared for Postsecondary.

In addition, USD 475 had one school in Morris Hill Elementary earn the Civic Advocacy Network Award for its commitment to civic engagement for students. KSDE will be recognizing the Panthers during state webinars, while also sending a banner to display in the school.

In all, the district has had a total of 13 schools be recognized in the last three years in civic engagement at the state level, which includes Eisenhower Elementary, Junction City High School, Junction City Middle School, Fort Riley Middle School, Fort Riley Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Milford Elementary, Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary, Spring Valley Elementary, Ware Elementary, Washington Elementary and Westwood Elementary. All of these Stars will be included on the updated School Accountability Report which will be released in January.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 475 Honored by Kansas State Department of Education

The First United Methodist Church of Junction City is hosting a Trunk or Treat event this Sunday, Oct. 26, at their church at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

The Church is located at&nbsp;804 N Jefferson St in Junction City.&nbsp;

First United Methodist Church hosting their Trunk or Treat this Sunday

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – On Thursday, Oct. 30, the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation, School Specialty and Eckrich will unveil a new library and media center space at Lincoln Elementary.The unveiling will begin at 10 a.m. with a special ribbon cutting and ceremony in front of students, staff and district personnel.

The new library, will be open to the public to view from 3:30 through 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30.The new space will feature new furniture and technology provided by School Specialty. Research shows that transformed learning environments support teachers' needs and can result in enthusiastic learners for years to come.Lincoln Elementary is one of five Extra Yard Makeovers provided with the support of Eckrich that are in the works through October 2025. 

The project is part of the CFP Foundation’s mission to uplift teachers in grades K-12 and made possible through the support of School Specialty and Eckrich.This specific city holds a special place in the Eckrich team's heart as Junction City plays a critical role in bringing Eckrich products to family kitchen tables every day. As one of the primary production sites for Eckrich, this location is vital to upholding the quality and tradition that the brand represents. 

College Football Playoff Foundation to Unveil New Library at Lincoln Elementary

Dr. Beth Hudson worked for more than 40 years in Geary USD 475 ranging from elementary school teacher to Director of Elmentary Education and Associate Superintendent of Schools. She retired but is now seeking reelection to the Board of Education.

Hudson said she wanted to continue to be of service. "Made sense to me where I had already invested all those years of my life." She&nbsp;noted that she has been a part of USD 475 in the best of times where there was a culture of high expectations and learning for all. "That's something that I want to continue. i don't want to lose track of Junction City being one of the best districts in the state."

Hudson wants to retain and hire the best staff in USD 475 by supporting them and continue to be innovative through pushing for research based instruction. She also mentioned that discipline is a concern in the school district and she wants a committee to continue working&nbsp; on the issue. Hudson feels budgets are priorities and so she wants to make sure there is investment in the staff in their budgets, what teachers are saying about discipline and what can be done to help them.

Thomas Wesoloski, Zeek Torres, Kristian James and Mark Hatcher are all seeking terms on the school board. The election is Nov. 4.

Dr. Beth Hudson seeks to continue serving on the school board

There have been past references but the message was repeated at the Military Affairs Breakfast in Junction City Thursday. The majority of the 1st Infantry Division will deploy in the spring of 2026.

MAC Director Rob Wilson relayed information provided to him by the scheduled guest speaker for the event, Division Command Sgt. Major Derek Noyes, who was unable to attend because the ability to engage in the community has been put on hold due to the federal government shutdown.

One emphasis included that the Division is still ready to fight. They continue to train.

There is a belief that the Fort Riley Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard is staying and will support the Post and the midwest.

Future plans include a Hall of Heroes dedication on March 26, three new barracks for the 5th Engineer Battalion and there are plans to renovate a child youth center. There is an effort to seek long term grants to develop new transit options for Fort Riley.&nbsp;

During the shutdown local Army families received a paycheck Oct. 15 and&nbsp; Army Emergency Relief has received more than 8,000 requests for funding throughout the military. If the community can come together on support it is encouraged.

MAC meeting includes information on future plans

Washington is shut down – again – and Americans have every right to be frustrated. Once again, the dysfunction in D.C. threatens to disrupt lives far beyond the Beltway. And while the political blame game plays out, Kansans are left wondering how this gridlock will affect their families and their livelihoods.

It’s important to know how we got here in the first place. A clean, short-term funding bill — known as a continuing resolution — was introduced by Republicans to keep the government open for seven more weeks.

This measure would have given Congress the time to complete the normal appropriations process, work towards a balanced budget, and hammer out the details of next year’s funding. But to pass in the Senate, the bill needed bipartisan support — at least 60 votes — which means cooperation across the aisle. Unfortunately, that cooperation didn’t transpire.

Like many Americans, I am frustrated that we are in this situation. But while some federal offices may close their doors or scale back operations, I want to be clear with the people of Kansas: my office is open, and we’re still working for you.

Whether you are a farmer navigating USDA programs, a veteran in need of assistance, a federal worker who's been furloughed, a foreigner in need of a Visa, or a senior who relies on Social Security or is signing up for Medicare for the first time, my office is here and ready to help.

Hardworking Kansans shouldn’t have to pay the price for Washington’s dysfunction. The everyday needs of Americans are not put on pause while the government is shut down – and that is why constituent services have always been, and will continue to be, one of my top priorities.

Right now, constituent services are even more important. I understand that this shutdown creates real-life challenges for hardworking people, and my office is committed to ensuring Kansans get the answers they need.

I remain hopeful that five Democrats will vote with us to reopen the government sooner rather than later. But until that happens, know this: our doors are open, our phones are on, and we will continue to serve Kansans — shutdown or not.

Roger Marshall is the junior U.S. senator from Kansas.

MARSHALL: Serving Kansans doesn’t stop during a shutdown

ABILENE, Kan. – A national morning program will broadcast live from downtown Abilene on&nbsp;Friday, October 24, beginning at 6:00 a.m. CST.&nbsp;The segment will highlight why Abilene is recognized as one of&nbsp;America’s Best Small Towns to Visit,&nbsp;featuring local businesses, community organizations, and Made-in-Abilene products.

The on-air team, including a familiar former Abilene resident,&nbsp;plans to walk through downtown and visit with businesses and community members. Filming starts early to accommodate the live airtime on the East Coast.

Residents are encouraged to line the sidewalks, wear Abilene gear, bring signs, and help create a welcoming, energetic atmosphere for viewers across the country. While the exact stops are determined by the producers, the planned route begins at Little Ike Park, continues east along NW 3rd Street to Buckeye Avenue, and circles back to conclude at Amanda’s Bakery &amp; Bistro.

Participants will include the Abilene High School Marching Band, Great Plains Manufacturing, Russell Stover Chocolates, National Greyhound Association,&nbsp;and a variety of other Abilene and downtown businesses.&nbsp;Businesses are encouraged to have their lights on, and Dickinson County Emergency Management&nbsp;will provide additional lighting to illuminate the area.

“This is an invaluable promotional opportunity for Abilene to showcase our community and businesses to a nationwide audience,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau.&nbsp;“The incredible spirit of our businesses and residents—from opening early to showing up with enthusiasm—is exactly what makes Abilene special.”

The program will film rain or shine.&nbsp;Visitors are encouraged to bring umbrellas if needed, and a limited number will be available on-site. To capture the best footage of downtown buildings, parking will be restricted on the north side of NW 3rd Street&nbsp;and on both sides of North Buckeye Avenue between 3rd and 4th&nbsp;from 5–7 a.m.&nbsp;The Little Ike Park parking lot&nbsp;will also be closed to accommodate equipment from local manufacturers and businesses.

All are welcome&nbsp;to join the celebration and help Abilene shine on national television.

For questions, please contact the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau at (785) 263-2231.&nbsp;&nbsp;

National Morning Broadcast to Film Live in Downtown Abilene

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges for terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027.

Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton who was reappointed in the 8th Judicial District, which is composed of Geary, Dickinson, Marion, and Morris counties. He has served as a district judge since 2001 and chief judge since August 2021.

Sexton graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. He worked as a prosecutor and in private practice before he was appointed district judge.

Chief Judge Grant Bannister was reappointed in the 21st Judicial District, which is composed of Clay and Riley counties. He has served as a district judge since 2016 and chief judge since 2019.

Bannister graduated from Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice in Manhattan and served as an adjunct professor teaching ethics in the College of Business at Kansas State University

Supreme Court reappoints chief judges

The Rotary Club of Junction City recently welcomed five candidates running for positions on the Geary County School Board to its weekly luncheon meeting.

Candidates Zeek Torres, Kristian James, Mark Hatcher, Thomas Wesoloski, and Beth Hudson each had the opportunity to introduce themselves, share why they wish to serve, and discuss their vision for the future of local education.

“Engaging with community leaders who are passionate about making a difference for students, teachers, and families is what Rotary is all about,” said Sam Steiner, President of the Rotary Club of Junction City. “We’re proud to provide a platform where civic dialogue and community connection can thrive.”

The Rotary Club of Junction City meets weekly to promote fellowship, service, and leadership development while supporting local and international humanitarian efforts.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Junction City or upcoming programs, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCRotaryClub/">visit our Facebook Page - JC Rotary Club.</a>

Rotary Club of Junction City Hosts Local School Board Candidates

The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library announced the retirement reception for the Library Director, Susan Moyer, is scheduled on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Library, 230 W. 7th Street. Moyer has served as Director for 33 years.

Retirement Reception for Susan Moyer

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Clarence Spencer, Failure to appear, arrested 10/21

Lamont Kairson, Failure to appear, arrested 10/21

Miguel Aguirre, Violation of a protective order, arrested 10/21

Geary County Booking Photos Oct. 22

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected dueling partisan bills to pay federal workers during the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/government-shutdown">government shutdown</a>, with both Republicans and Democrats deflecting blame as many employees are set to miss their first full paycheck at the end of this week.

With unpaid staff and law enforcement standing nearby, Republicans objected as Democrats proposed a voice vote on their legislation to pay all federal workers and prevent President Donald Trump’s administration from mass firings. Democrats then blocked a Republican bill to pay employees who are working and not furloughed, 54-45. Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted with the majority.

The back and forth on day 23 of the government shutdown comes as the two parties are at a protracted impasse with no signs of either side giving in. Democrats say they won’t vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate with them on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-care-subsidies-obamacare-congress-10b2ae9648bc5252fc2bd485ddc83493">extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act</a>. Republicans say they won’t negotiate on the subsidies until Democrats vote to reopen the government. Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-republicans-senate-trump-white-house-8cac539f2a553ced68bc9e0b32bc7b94">mostly disengaged</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-xi-jinping-china-asia-8f21df3df6fa3f51ca4ab4dfcf7669ba">headed to Asia</a>&nbsp;in the coming days.

The Republican bill by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin would pay “excepted” workers who still have to come to work during the current government shutdown and any future shutdowns. The bill would “end this punishing federal workers for our dysfunction forever,” Johnson said.

But Democrats say the legislation is unfair to the workers who are involuntarily furloughed and could give Cabinet secretaries too much discretion as to who gets paid.

Johnson’s bill is “nothing more than another tool for Trump to hurt federal workers and American families and to keep this shutdown going for as long as he wants,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said ahead of the votes.

The Democratic bills would have paid a much larger swath of workers as most federal workers are set to miss paychecks over the next week.

“It seems like everyone in this chamber agrees we should pay federal workers,” Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said ahead of the vote. But because of the shutdown, “they are paying a price.”

As Congress is unable to agree on a way forward, money for essential services could soon reach a crisis point.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Thursday that his message to air traffic controllers during the government shutdown is “come to work, even if you do not get a paycheck.”

Duffy said that air traffic controllers will miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday and that some are having to make choices to pay the mortgage and other bills, at times by taking a second job.

“I cannot guarantee you your flight is going to be on time. I cannot guarantee your flight is not going to be cancelled,” Duffy said.

Payments for federal food and heating assistance could also run out soon, along with funding for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/head-start-government-shutdown-education-10b7ea5cfcc2ae10c37533a09a1d1d0f">Head Start preschool programs</a>, several states have warned.

Another deadline approaching is Nov. 1, the beginning of open enrollment for people who use the marketplaces created by the Affordable Care Act.

Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-aca-obamacare-subsidies-congress-trump-da06fcbc940e661234fac2ea9ee717a0">are holding out for negotiations with Republicans</a>&nbsp;as they seek to extend subsidies that started in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-subsidies-congress-shutdown-democrats-republicans-bb3464820a347fd2c0399e78e335881e">expire at the end of the year</a>. But any solution would be hard to put in place once people start purchasing their plans.

Some Republicans are open to extending the tax credits, with changes, and lawmakers in both parties have been talking behind the scenes about possible compromises. But it’s unclear whether they will be able to find an agreement that satisfies both Republicans and Democrats — or if leadership on either side would be willing to budge.

Moran, Marshall tried but Senate rejects bills to pay federal workers during shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oil prices spiked Thursday after the U.S. announced massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-europe-us-sanctions-f9d98cd011533b6f1c071ea2cef9f2d9" rel="nofollow">new sanctions on Russia’s oil industry</a>&nbsp;in an attempt to get Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/vladimir-putin" rel="nofollow">Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;to the negotiating table and end Moscow’s brutal war on Ukraine.

U.S. benchmark crude jumped 6%, to $62 per barrel midday Thursday and analysts say if the situation remains static, U.S. consumers will soon be paying more at the pump.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said while it was difficult to predict with certainty because of the number of moving parts, consumers will likely see a bump in prices as early as next week, if not sooner.

“We’ll probably start to see motorists be impacted by the sanctions at the pump in the next couple days and it might take five days for that to be fully passed along,” De Haan said, adding that the full impact also depends on whether the Russian or U.S. positions change.

“Russia will feel pressure to come to the table in light of of the new developments or President Trump may react when he sees oil prices rising to levels that become uncomfortable, so I don’t think this is going to be very long lasting,” De Haan said.

Oil prices have been relatively low for the past few years and last week the cost for barrel of U.S. benchmark crude fell below $57, its lowest level since early 2021. The price for a barrel of U.S. benchmark crude did rise near $79 a barrel early this year, just before President Donald Trump took office, a price not necessarily considered outrageously elevated by most analysts.

The broad, extended decline in oil prices pushed the average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. last week under $3 for the first time since December of last year, according to GasBuddy.

For much of 2025, inflation has been held mostly in check, partly due to cheaper prices at the pump. However, that could change quickly as higher energy costs have a downstream effect on prices for virtually all products and services across industries.

“The impact to a lot of Americans is that products derived from crude, gasoline, diesel and jet fuel are all likely to see price increases,” De Haan said.

The main reason oil and gas have stabilized at lower levels this year is that the group of countries that are part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/opec" rel="nofollow">OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries</a>&nbsp;have continued to boost production. Earlier this month, OPEC+ leaders announced they would raise oil production by 137,000 barrels per day in November, the same amount announced for October. The group has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-opec-economy-trump-saudi-arabia-russia-c7b3aa1b3fb6da7bfb8ff1af5c097d6e" rel="nofollow">raising output slightly in a series of boosts all year</a>&nbsp;after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-prices-saudi-arabia-e806f1609df71b5bef4ee6c9b5199df0" rel="nofollow">announcing cuts in 2023 and 2024</a>.

Russia is the leading non-OPEC member in the 22-country alliance. The group’s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2.

The sanctions against Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil follows calls from Ukrainian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/volodymyr-zelenskyy" rel="nofollow">Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;as well as bipartisan pressure on Trump to hit Russia with harder sanctions on its oil industry, the economic engine that has allowed Russia to continue to execute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine" rel="nofollow">the grinding conflict</a>&nbsp;even as it finds itself largely internationally isolated. The European Union on Thursday announced its own measures targeting Russian oil and gas.

Pump prices could rise after US, EU hit Russian oil companies with new sanctions

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has pardoned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/binance-crypto-money-laundering-sanctions-changpeng-zhao-cf81925ff9b4b65e27f80f906a6a63ae">Binance founder Changpeng Zhao</a>, who created the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange and served prison time for failing to stop criminals from using the platform to move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking and terrorism.

The pardon caps a monthslong effort by Zhao, a billionaire commonly known as CZ in the crypto world and one of the biggest names in the industry. He and Binance have been key supporters of some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crypto-american-bitcoin-mining-69fc9161fe037822e76b02c05f88a5df">Trump family's crypto enterprises</a>.

"Deeply grateful for today’s pardon and to President Trump for upholding America’s commitment to fairness, innovation, and justice," Zhao said on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/cz_binance/status/1981404850832494666">social media</a>&nbsp;Thursday.

Zhao’s pardon is the last move by a president who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-justice-department-f9c5b82dfea0128a49c218fa7f1cbeac">flexed his executive power</a>&nbsp;to bestow clemency on political allies, prominent public figures and others convicted of crimes.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted in a statement Thursday that Democratic President Joe Biden's administration prosecuted Zhao out of a “desire to punish the cryptocurrency industry" and that there were “no allegations of fraud or identifiable victims.”

The crypto industry has long complained it was subject to a “regulation by enforcement” ethos under the Biden administration. Trump’s pardon of Zhao fits into a broad pattern of the his taking a hands-off approach to an industry that spent heavily to help him win the election in 2024. His administration has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coinbase-sec-cryptocurrency-trump-f6f7b6b0e546c854c18cf322658699b1">dropped several</a>&nbsp;enforcement actions against crypto companies that began during Biden’s term and disbanded the crypto-related&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-crypto-enforcement-trump-blanche-265c91c32e5fab22fb09ba8449a0aec6">enforcement team</a>&nbsp;at the Justice Department.

Former federal prosecutor Mark Bini said Zhao went to prison for what “sounds like a regulatory offense, or at worst its kissing cousin.”

“So this pardon, while it involves the biggest name in crypto, is not very surprising,” said Bini, a white collar defense lawyer who handles crypto issues at Reed Smith.

Zhao was released from prison last year after receiving a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/binance-crypto-money-laundering-sanctions-changpeng-zhao-cf81925ff9b4b65e27f80f906a6a63ae">four-month sentence</a>&nbsp;for violating the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.occ.treas.gov/topics/supervision-and-examination/bsa/index-bsa.html">Bank Secrecy Act</a>. He was the first person ever sentenced to prison time for such violations of that law, which requires U.S. financial institutions to know who their customers are, to monitor transactions and to file reports of suspicious activity. Prosecutors said no one had ever violated the regulations to the extent Zhao did.

The judge in the case said he was troubled by Zhao’s decision to ignore U.S. banking requirements that would have slowed the company’s explosive growth.

“Better to ask for forgiveness than permission,” was what Zhao told his employees about the company’s approach to U.S. law, prosecutors said. Binance allowed more than 1.5 million virtual currency trades, totaling nearly $900 million, that violated U.S. sanctions, including ones involving Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, al-Qaida and Iran, prosecutors said.

“I failed here,” Zhao told the court last year during sentencing. “I deeply regret my failure, and I am sorry.”

Zhao had a remarkable path to becoming a crypto billionaire. He grew up in rural China and his family immigrated to Canada after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. As a teenager, he worked at a McDonald’s and became enamored with the tech industry in college. He founded Binance in 2017.

In addition to taking pro-crypto enforcement and regulatory positions, the president and his family have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-crypto-treasury-cryptocom-cfb8da95070cad9678ff9597f1900791">plunged headfirst</a>&nbsp;into making money in crypto.

A stablecoin launched by World Liberty Financial, a crypto project founded by Trump and sons Donald Jr. and Eric, received early support and credibility&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-business-interests-family-middle-east-cryptocurrency-cbb7d2354304ce0308800819944cf3f8">thanks to an investment fund</a>&nbsp;in the United Arab Emirates using $2 billion worth of World Liberty's stablecoin to purchase a stake in Binance. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that are typically tied to the value of the U.S. dollar.

A separate World Liberty Finance token saw a huge spike in price Thursday shortly after news of the pardon was made public, with gains that far outpaced any other major cryptocurrency, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

Zhao said earlier this year that his lawyers had requested a pardon.

It is not immediately clear what impact Trump's pardon of Zhao may have for operations at Binance and Binance.US, a separate arm of the main exchange offering more limited trading options to U.S. residents.

Trump pardons founder of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman accused in a crash that killed a Kansas teen was in court for a pre-trial conference on Wednesday.

Trisha Greer, 43, Derby, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence before Judge Quentin Pittman, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June she plead not guilty to&nbsp; charge charges and was to face a jury trial last month.

Just after 11p.m. May 14, Greer was driving without headlights at 55th Street South and Hoover, according to Sheriff's Lt Nathan Gibbs. The vehicle struck and killed 18-year-old Bethany Aillen Callista Leggio who was standing with a group of people at the location.

Greer was booked into jail just after 1a.m. the following morning, according to online jail records. She met the requirements of bond and is no longer in custody.&nbsp;Senencing is scheduled for January 29, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. woman in DUI crash that killed teen changes her plea

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trail-blazers-chauncey-billups-57c920d0fcace5dbce25cd474468cd40">Chauncey Billups</a>&nbsp;and Miami Heat guard&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/terry-rozier">Terry Rozier</a>&nbsp;are among more than 30 people charged in connection with schemes involving illegal sports betting and rigged poker games backed by Mafia, authorities said on Thursday.

Rozier is accused in participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using private insider NBA information, officials said. Billups is charged in a separate indictment alleging a wide-ranging scheme to rig underground poker games that were backed by Mafia families, authorities said.

The indictments are related to two major cases, one involving sports betting and the second involving rigged poker games, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said at a news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel. In the first case, six defendants are accused of participating in an insider sports betting conspiracy that exploited confidential information about NBA athletes and teams, Nocella said. He called it “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.”

The second case involves 31 defendants in a nationwide scheme to rig illegal poker games, Nocella said. The defendants include former professional athletes accused of using technology to steal millions of dollars from victims in underground poker games in the New York area that were backed by Mafia families, he said.

In the sports betting scheme, players sometimes altered their performance or took themselves out of games early, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. In one instance, Rozier, while playing for the Hornets, told other he was planning to leave the game early with a “supposed injury,” allowing others to place wagers that raked in thousands of dollars, Tisch said.

The indictment of Rozier and others says there are nine unnamed co-conspirators including a Florida resident who was an NBA player and an Oregon resident who was an NBA player from about 1997 to 2014 and an NBA coach since at least 2021, as well as a relative of Rozier.

Rozier and other defendants “had access to private information known by NBA players or NBA coaches” that was likely to affect the outcome of games or players’ performances and provided that information to other co-conspirators in exchange for either a flat fee or a share of betting profits, the indictment says.

The NBA had no immediate comment. The league has investigated Rozier previously and still is looking into the actions of former Detroit player Malik Beasley, one of the sources told the AP.

Rozier was in uniform as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heat-magic-score-0c4b69ecf699348bd90f91def98538e0">the Heat played the Magic</a>&nbsp;in Orlando, Florida, in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday evening, though he did not play in the game. He was taken into custody in Orlando early Thursday morning. The team didn’t immediately comment on the arrest.

A message was left with Rozier's lawyer, Jim Trusty, on Thursday. Trusty previously told ESPN that Rozier was told that an initial investigation determined he did nothing wrong after he met with NBA and FBI officials in 2023, the sports network reported.

A message seeking comment was left with Billups on Thursday morning.

The case was brought by the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn that previously prosecuted ex-NBA player Jontay Porter. The former Toronto Raptors center&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nba-jontay-porter-banned-criminal-case-betting-b26d6a136baafdf8e538be260338bb28">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;to charges that he withdrew early from games, claiming illness or injury, so that those in the know could win big by betting on him to underperform expectations.

Billups was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year. The five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA point guard led the Detroit Pistons to their third league title in 2004 as NBA Finals MVP. Boston drafted the former Colorado star with the No. 3 pick overall in 1997. The player known as Mr. Big Shot also played for Toronto, Denver, Minnesota, the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. Billups won the Joe Dumars Trophy, the NBA’s sportsmanship award, in 2009 while playing for his hometown Denver Nuggets.

The 49-year-old Billups is in his fifth season as Portland’s coach, compiling a 117-212 record. He played for the University of Colorado, which was part of the Big 12 conference, leading the team to a second-place finish and an NCAA tournament appearance in the inaugural season of the Big 12 in 1996-97. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors that season. 

The Trail Blazers opened the season Wednesday night at home with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/timberwolves-trail-blazers-score-5e983f9ad18e0c685ef0b64ce08a0857">a 118-114 loss to Minnesota</a>.

A game involving Rozier that has been in question was played on March 23, 2023, a matchup between the Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans. Rozier played the first 9 minutes and 36 seconds of that game — and not only did not return that night, citing a foot issue, but did not play again that season. Charlotte had eight games remaining and was not in playoff contention, so it did not seem particularly unusual that Rozier was shut down for the season’s final games.

In that March 23 game, Rozier finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists in that opening period — a productive quarter but well below his usual total output for a full game.

Posts still online from March 23, 2023, show that some bettors were furious with sportsbooks that evening when it became evident that Rozier was not going to return to the Charlotte-New Orleans game after the first quarter, with many turning to social media to say that something “shady” had gone on regarding the prop bets involving his stats for that night.

A prop is a type of wager that allows gamblers to bet on whether a player will exceed a certain statistical number, such as whether the player will finish over or under a certain total of points, rebounds, assists and more.

Durkin Richer reported from Washington, and Reynolds reported from Miami. Associated Press reporters David Collins in Hartford, Conn., and Larry Lage in Detroit contributed.

🎥Former Big 12 star arrested in NBA, Mafia-linked gambling scandal

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas City, Missouri have identified the victim as 23-year-old Jorden Wynn, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

Just before 3a.m. Sunday police&nbsp;in the area of Westport and Mill Street in Kansas City, Missoui when they heard the sound of gunfire to the north of that intersection, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

Officers immediately responded to the area to investigate and located a Wynn unresponsive to the north and west of Westport and Mill in the restaurant parking lot.

Officers rendered aid and called for EMS. EMS transported him to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Preliminary indication Wynn was at the location in the business parking lot when he had an interaction with one or more suspect(s) that led to gunfire and he was struck. Police released no additional details.

Police ID victim killed in KC restaurant parking lot

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp; U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hawley-vows-hold-democrats-feet-fire-new-government-shutdown-funding-bills">introduced</a>&nbsp;two bills to reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and critical farm programs during the government shutdown, according to a statement from his office.

“Since the Democrats refuse to fund the government, I’m introducing legislation to reinstate food stamps and farm programs immediately,”&nbsp;said Senator Hawley.“Missourians shouldn’t go hungry because of the Left’s incompetence. Our kids deserve to eat.”

More than 650,000 Missourians, 188,000 Kansans and 155,000 Nebraskans stand to lose their access to food benefits next month because Democrats refuse to fund the government. The vast majority of those Missourians are families with children.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Keep SNAP Funded Act&nbsp;would ensure full funding for the SNAP program during the government shutdown. Under the bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.

The&nbsp;Fund Farm Programs Act&nbsp;would reopen all Farm Service Agency (FSA) Offices and&nbsp;ensure resumed services for all FSA programs that farmers rely on. The USDA will be appropriated the necessary funding to provide resumed services for farmers through FSA offices, retroactive to the start of the shutdown.

Read the full bill text for the&nbsp;Keep SNAP Funded Act&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15365.11191843.8917142.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f10%2fKeep-SNAP-Funded-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=707316794103533" target="_blank">here.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read the full bill text for the&nbsp;Fund Farm Programs Act&nbsp;<a href="https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&amp;cid=SenHawley&amp;crop=15365.11191843.8917142.8424141&amp;report_id=&amp;redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.hawley.senate.gov%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2025%2f10%2fFund-Our-Farmers-Act.pdf&amp;redir_log=996771207702541" target="_blank">here.</a>

Bill would fund SNAP and farm programs during government shutdown

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery that that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, according to a statement from the FBI.

The masked suspect demanded money from the U.S. Bank branch at 221 W. Gregory Boulevard.&nbsp; &nbsp;The suspect is described as approximately 5-foot-10 with a medium build and was&nbsp; wearing a grey hoodie with a black New Balance jacked and sunglasses over a mask that covered the lower half of his face.

After the robbery, the suspect ran on foot from the bank. There were no injuries reported.

Suspect wearing sunglasses over a mask robbed Kansas City bank

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the midst of a federal government shutdown, the U.S. government’s gross national debt surpassed $38 trillion Wednesday, a record number that highlights the accelerating accumulation of debt on America’s balance sheet.

It’s also the fastest accumulation of a trillion dollars in debt outside of the COVID-19 pandemic — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/treasury-debt-spending-trump-obbb-6f807c4aae78dcc96f29ff07a3c926f4" rel="nofollow">U.S. hit $37 trillion in gross</a>&nbsp;national debt in August this year.

The $38 trillion update is found in the&nbsp;<a href="https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/datasets/daily-treasury-statement/operating-cash-balance" target="_blank">latest Treasury Department report</a>, which logs the nation’s daily finances.

Kent Smetters of the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Wharton Budget Model, who served in President George W. Bush’s Treasury Department, told The Associated Press that a growing debt load over time leads ultimately to higher inflation, eroding Americans’ purchasing power.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gao.gov/americas-fiscal-future/how-could-federal-debt-affect-you" target="_blank">Government Accountability Office</a>&nbsp;outlines some of the impacts of rising government debt on Americans — including higher borrowing costs for things like mortgages and cars, lower wages from businesses having less money available to invest, and more expensive goods and services.

“I think a lot of people want to know that their kids and grandkids are going to be in good, decent shape in the future — that they will be able to afford a house,” Smetters said. “That additional inflation compounds” and erodes consumers’ purchasing power, he said, making it less possible for future generations to achieve home ownership goals.

The Trump administration says its policies are helping to slow government spending and will shrink the nation’s massive deficit. A new analysis by Treasury Department officials states that from April to September, the cumulative deficit totaled $468 billion. In a post on X Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that’s the lowest reading since 2019.

“During his first eight months in office, President Trump has reduced the deficit by $350 billion compared to the same period in 2024 by cutting spending and boosting revenue,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement, adding that the administration would pursue robust economic growth, lower inflation, tariff revenue, lower borrowing costs and cuts to waste, fraud and abuse.

The Joint Economic Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/debt-dashboard#:~:text=July%202025%20%7C%20Released%20July%2008,reached%20in%20approximately%20194%20days." target="_blank">estimates</a>&nbsp;that the total national debt has grown by $69,713.82 per second for the past year.

Michael Peterson, chair and CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, said in a statement that “reaching $38 trillion in debt during a government shutdown is the latest troubling sign that lawmakers are not meeting their basic fiscal duties.”

“Along with increasing debt, you get higher interest costs, which are now the fastest growing part of the budget,” Peterson added. “We spent $4 trillion on interest over the last decade, but will spend $14 trillion in the next ten years. Interest costs crowd out important public and private investments in our future, harming the economy for every American.”

Report on surge in national debt comes in midst of government shutdown

JOHNSON COUNTY, MO. — On Wednesday,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with Leeton Police Chief Rick Stropes and the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, assisted in the investigation of the arson incident at the Leeton United Methodist Church, according to a media release.

During the investigation, authorities identified juveniles as having committed the arson fire. Due to their age, further information regarding their identities cannot be released in compliance with Missouri law governing juvenile information.

This case will be referred to the Johnson County Juvenile Office for appropriate actions.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Missouri- Investigators confirmed that a fire Monday night at the Leeton United Methodist Church was intentionally set, prompting an arson investigation led by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, according to a statement from the Johnson County Fire Protection District.

Just after 9p.m. Monday, firefighters from the Johnson County Fire Protection District and the Warrensburg Fire Department, responding through automatic mutual aid for a ladder truck to 106 N. Wall Street in Leeton.

When crews arrived, heavy smoke and flames were visible from inside the 129-year-old church. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior and exterior attack, bringing the fire under control after nearly three hours.

Despite extensive damage throughout the structure, the church remains standing, and crews were able to save some items from inside.

The Leeton United Methodist Church, built in 1896, has long served as a cornerstone of the Leeton community.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted the initial investigation into the origin and cause of the fire with assistance from the Johnson County Fire Protection District, Leeton Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnson County Fire Investigation Unit.

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, prompting a formal arson investigation.“

It’s heartbreaking to see a place that has stood for generations be deliberately set on fire,” said JCFPD Captain Joe Jennings. “This church isn’t just a building; it’s part of the history and identity of Leeton.

Seeing it damaged in this way is difficult for the entire community.”Captain Jennings urged anyone with information to come forward.“Someone knows something,” Jennings said. “We’re asking the public to do the right thing and help bring whoever is responsible to justice. No tip is too small.”

Arson: Sheriff reports who started fire at 129-year-old Methodist church

USD 475 announced that it’s been an action-packed couple of weeks for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZXCxyqW2ZyvE7BeYoo4JiiKDLubcVwgzcwT3n4FrATDmtDQvehc-HHLYINLYKL-7dd4tqvaDQAo9pQsnkh14CJNKUk6ZaDLZYVGSgesa_OSERWVwn3OAN0RcZkBIyie07MQCXjLmXQoa2wUh1aA658tAF_BU_BpiBg3mGUXErQVq6mODR6vYJeIshUDTg4_o1o&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School</a>'s fall sports campaign. The Blue Jays wrapped up the girls’ golf season with a solid showing in their last couple of tournaments, while the girl’s tennis team saw junior Hannah Micheel record a 5-2 record at the Class 6A State Tennis Tournament to place ninth overall in Olathe. On the year, Micheel posted a singles record of 25-5 overall.

The boys’ soccer team recorded a 3-2 double overtime victory over Hayden High School on Tuesday night and volleyball senior’s Morgan Nabus and Sophia Tomlinson put the finishing touches on their home careers last week. In cross country, JCHS’ Anthony Testa crossed the finish line in runner-up honors to lead the Blue Jays at the Centennial League Championships. Jake Atkins and Damian Davis followed in fifth and sixth place, respectively. On the girls’ side, Brittney Dibben closed out the meet in 12th-place to earn second-team all-league accolades. 

Finally, the No. 3 ranked football team claimed at least a share of the Centennial League title with a 35-20 victory over Washburn Rural High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;

JCHS sports teams excel

The Junction City / Geary County CatBackers Club is holding a watch party for this weekend's K-State vs. KU football -&nbsp; Sunflower Showdown Matchup. The watch party will be held at Tyme Out Steakhouse located a 101 Continental Dr. in Grandview Plaza.&nbsp;

The event is family-friendly and open to the public. No CatBacker membership is required to attend. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and kickoff for the game will be at 11:00 a.m.&nbsp;

Tyme Out Steakhouse will have their full menu of food and drinks available for purchase on Saturday for the watch party.&nbsp;

The CatBacker Club said there will be door and raffle prizes available.&nbsp;

Junction City/Geary County Catbackers Club hosting a Watch Party this Saturday

Over the weekend, Hannah Micheel represented the Junction City Lady Jay tennis team at the 6A state tennis tournament held at the CBAC in Olathe. 

On Friday, Micheel started out her day with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Katie Rouse from Dodge City.  She then competed against Lindsay Ruder from Olathe West, but lost 6-4, 6-3 to drop into the backside of the bracket.

Micheel then won her next two matches over Anja Meier from Haysville Campus 8-4 and Ilah Hull from Shawnee Mission East 8-2 to qualify for the Day 2 medal rounds.

On Saturday, Micheel started out losing her first match to Cami Lee from Lawrence Free State.  She then bounced back to defeat Mia Huettenmueller from Olathe East 8-1 and then won vs Prisha Dalal, from Blue Valley North, 8-6 to earn the 9th place medal. 

Overall, Micheel went 5-2 over the two day tournament, helping Junction City finish in 13th place with 6 points.

Lady Jay Tennis Player, Hannah Micheel, places 9th at State Tennis

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced on Monday that the game time and television designation for Kansas State’s November 1 Harley Day contest against Texas Tech has been held for a six-day selection. The game time and broadcast will be announced either late Saturday night or Sunday morning.

The Wildcats lead the all-time series over the Red Raiders, 15-9, thanks to wins in each of the last eight meetings and 12 of the last 13 contests. K-State earned a 38-21 victory at Texas Tech in 2023 as the teams did not meet last season. In the last game in Manhattan, the Wildcats picked up a 37-28 victory in 2022.

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