&nbsp; Riley County, KS – Diane Creek started work Monday, December 9 as the new Health Department Director for Riley County. In this role, Creek will also serve as the Local Health Officer, leading the department’s mission to promote and protect the health of Riley County residents.

As Health Department Director, Creek will oversee department programs and services, review agency activities, ensure compliance with local, state, and federal statutes, and collaborate with community partners to address complex public health issues. The position is authorized by state law (K.S.A. 65-202) as well as local resolutions and ordinances.

Creek brings a wealth of experience in public health, social work, and administration to the county. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Kansas State University, Creek started her career at the Salina Health Department working with high-risk pregnant and parenting mothers. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in social work from Washburn University.

Creek has held key positions at the Shawnee County Health Department, and the Toe River Health District as director during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have fueled her passion for addressing critical public health challenges, including rural community outreach, preparedness, and drug recovery initiatives.

“Diane has demonstrated a strong commitment to public health and the well-being of communities,” said Commission Chairman John Ford. &nbsp;“Her extensive experience and innovative mindset make her an excellent fit to lead our Health Department and strengthen services in Riley County.”

Creek shared her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “Everything about who I am and what I believe has led me to be passionate about public health. I want my work to make life better for everybody in the community, not just a select few. There are a lot of opportunities here to connect with other organizations, reach out to rural residents to ask what they need, and build new and stronger connections.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Riley County announces Diane Creek as new Health Department Director

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged phone scam.

Just before 11:30a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of theft&nbsp; in the 3300 block of Mercer Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 73-year-old woman reported an unknown subject called her posing as someone from her place of employment and had her purchase gift cards. 

Total loss associated with this report is $1,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Woman lost $1,000 in gift card scam

Mckenzie Heidrick wins the girls division of Hoop Shoot hitting 3 out of 7 free throws.

The finals of the girls competition in the 2024 Hoop Holler N’ Shoot free throw shooting contest were held during half time of Wednesday’s KSU women’s game.

Participants won their way into the finals via shoot offs conducted at Manhattan area elementary schools among 5th grade students. Over 550 students participated in the competition.

The winners and the schools they represent are as follows:

1st Mckenzie Heidrick, Oliver Brown – hitting 3 out of 7

2nd Jimena Chavez, Bergman – hitting 2 out of 7

3rd Colbie Peterson, Bluemont – hitting 1 out of 7*

Prizes awarded to all finalists included a plaque and a K-State coaches autographed Hoop Holler N’Shoot t-shirt.

This is the 26th Anniversary of Hoop Holler N’ Shoot, during that time over 15,000 5th graders have participated in the program.

Hoop Holler N’ Shoot is a free throw contest for 5th graders in the Manhattan area schools. A boy and girl champion is determined at each school. The grade school champions move on to semi-finals and finals at Kansas State University basketball games. 

Participating sponsors are Manhattan Optimist Club, KS StateBank, McDonalds, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383, Manhattan Parks and Recreation, K-State Bands, Q-Country 103.5, and Power Hits 97.5.

Girls Hoop Holler N' Shoot Contest Champion decided Wednesday night at KSU game

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Riley County Arrest Report December 20

JUNCTION CITY, KS — The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that two of our community leaders, Courtney Boehm and Lindsey Snider, have successfully graduated from the esteemed Leadership Kansas program. This achievement highlights the commitment and dedication of Junction City leaders to shaping the future of Kansas through visionary leadership and community engagement.

Leadership Kansas, a program under the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, is designed to enhance and motivate emerging leaders from diverse communities across the state. Each year, nearly 500 individuals are nominated to apply, but only 40 are selected after a rigorous application and selection process. The program ensures representation from a wide range of geographic, racial, occupational, and gender perspectives, creating a dynamic group of individuals who truly represent Kansas.

Over the past year, Courtney and Lindsey joined their cohort in touring the state, engaging with experts and professionals from various industries, and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape Kansas. From agriculture and manufacturing to healthcare and education, the program provided unparalleled insights into the diverse sectors that drive our state’s economy and culture.

“Participating in Leadership Kansas has been an incredible journey,” said Lindsey Snider, President of Central National Bank - Junction City. “The program not only expanded our understanding of key issues facing Kansas but also reinforced the importance of leadership and collaboration in fostering growth and innovation. It was an honor to represent Junction City and bring our community’s perspective to the conversation.”

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates this milestone as a testament to the leadership potential within our community. By participating in programs like Leadership Kansas, Junction City’s leaders are equipped to bring fresh ideas, foster connections, and champion initiatives that benefit our region and the state.

For more information about Leadership Kansas or to learn more about the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to develop local leaders, please contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@jcacc.org">info@jcacc.org</a>.

Junction City Community Leaders Graduate from Leadership Kansas Program

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced that ten proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor projects have been scaled down to three, none of which will run through Kansas. In the meantime, the Grain Belt Express transmission line, approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission in 2011, will continue through the state regulatory process.

While the route of the Grain Belt Express project fell within the borders of one of the proposed Department of Energy corridors, its status as a previously approved project has not changed and is moving forward.

In addition, without a federal corridor designation, state jurisdiction and approval processes remain intact for the Grain Belt Express, and the Kansas Corporation Commission will continue to review any potential future projects.

Federal “backstop” siting authority or the use of federal eminent domain are not an option.&nbsp; The Department of Energy’s decision does not reverse the previously announced $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee awarded to the Grain Belt Express project on Nov. 25, 2024.&nbsp;

To date, the KCC has taken the following actions in respect to the Grain Belt Express project:

2011 – The Grain Belt Express project, designed to transport energy from Kansas wind and solar farms, was approved based on benefits to the state and granted a certificate of convenience and necessity to build the line.

 2013 – The route of the Kansas portion of the line was approved, beginning at a converter station in Ford County and continuing on to Missouri.

 2019 – The Commission approved the acquisition of the project by Invenergy Transmission LLC from Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC.

 2023 – The KCC approved a request to allow the line to be built in two phases. Phase 1, which includes Kansas and Missouri, can begin once all regulatory and financing requirements have been obtained for that portion of the project. 

The order did not remove or alter any of the protections for landowners required by the commission when it approved Invenergy's acquisition of the project in 2019. In 2024, the KCC gave conditional approval to a siting plan for two 345 kV transmission lines, known as the AC Collector System, designed to connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express.

A final order on the siting of the AC collector lines is expected to be issued in 2025.

Grain Belt Express line continues through Kansas regulatory process

RILEY COUNTY —The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has issued a Consent Order in which 51-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ericksonchiropractic.org/">Kenyon L. Erickson, D.C.,</a> license number 01-04711, surrenders his license to practice, and such surrender shall be treated as a revocation, according to a statement from the board.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.ksbha.ks.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10320/638701331154458300">Click here to see a copy</a> of this public order&nbsp;

In April Ericson was found guilty and convicted of sexual battery in Riley County District Court. The conviction was based on Erickson's conduct during the course of treatment with a patient.

Erickson is also required to register as a sex offender for 15-years, according to the KBI registered offender web site.

Chiropractor surrenders license after sexual battery conviction

Riley County Arrest Report December 19

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A Kansas teen was injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford F250 driven by&nbsp;Corbi M.&nbsp;Tenpenny, 15, Eskridge, was westbound on Mission Valley Road approximately 2.7 miles west of Mission Valley High School

The pickup traveled off the north edge of the road and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle then crossed the westbound and eastbound lanes of the road, entered the south ditch and rolled.

EMS transported Tenpenny to Children's Mercy in Kansas City. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

15-year-old hospitalized after pickup rollover accident

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating two teens in connection with a fight.

Just after 6p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated battery on&nbsp; in the 400 block of Clydesdale Drive in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Nicholas Pounds, 17, of Ogden, threw a metal chair at another resident. Legend Brown, 16, stepped in the middle of the altercation pushing Pounds to the ground and  assaulting him. Police arrested both Pounds and Brown.&nbsp; Both were booked on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated battery; Recklessly can cause bodily&nbsp;harm/disfig/death w/ deadly weapon, according to the county arrest report.

RCPD: Two teens arrested after fight involving thrown chair

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a vehicle driven by 72-year-old David Livingston of Manhattan traveled into a barrier.&nbsp;

EMS transported Livingston to Via Christi for treatment. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man hospitalized after crash into barrier

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview the Rate Bowl against Rutgers, which will be played next Thursday inside Chase Field. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below. The Wildcats will also take part in Rate Bowl Media Day next Tuesday in Phoenix.

“Well, good morning. The guys are off today, and then tomorrow becomes kind of our Monday. We'll go Saturday through Tuesday as our normal game week, and then a walkthrough on Christmas day and then the game on Thursday the 26th. We've had nine practices. We've had a lot of developmental work and some Rutgers work. As you guys know, we also are limited in the amount of game planning, limited in the amount of time because of portal kids and kids being on campus every day. We've got kids on campus pretty much every day. So, that's the balance that we've got to adapt and adjust to. We hope we get it figured out here in college football in the near future, but that's the balance and that's what we have to do. So, I’m proud of our staff being able to come up with the plans, as well as spending the time with kids that are looking for schools. So, busy times around here for sure. We'll practice Saturday, Sunday and Monday before we leave.”

K-State Discusses Matchup with Rutgers at Pre-Bowl Press Conference

ST. LOUIS –&nbsp;Southern Illinois basketball coaching legend Bruce Weber has been selected to the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame, the League office announced Wednesday. 

A highly successful men's basketball coach, Bruce Weber began his Division I coaching career at Southern Illinois in 1998.&nbsp; He coached SIU to a 103-54 overall record (.656) in five seasons from 1998-99 through 2002-03.&nbsp; During his five-year sting in Carbondale, the Salukis recorded a 62-28 record in MVC games-only (.689); the 13th best win percentage in MVC history. 

Weber led SIU to two MVC regular-season titles (2002 and 2003) and two NCAA Tournament appearances (2002 and 2003). Both teams received at-large bids. The 2002 team reached the Sweet 16: one of three Sweet 16 appearances in SIU history. 

The 2002 team was ranked 22nd nationally in the final USA Today/ESPN poll of the season and is the second winningest team in SIU history (28 victories), which is tied for seventh-best in a single-season in MVC history. 

The 2003 MVC Coach of the Year, Weber led the 2000 Salukis to the NIT where they won at Colorado and lost at BYU.&nbsp; Weber coached three MVC All Conference First Team players: Kent Williams (2X) and Rolan Roberts. Roberts was 2002 MVC Newcomer of the Year. A 2018 SIU Hall of Fame inductee, his 2002 and 2003 teams launched a stretch of six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances by the Salukis. 

Weber has an overall head coaching record of 497-302 (.622) in 24 seasons. He coached SIU, Illinois (2003-2012) and Kansas State (2012-22) to a total of six conference championships, to 13 NCAA tournaments (including the 2005 Final Four), and to two NITs. Weber won Big Ten regular-season titles in 2004 and 2005 while Illinois was crowned as Big Ten tourney champs in 2005.&nbsp; 

While at K-State Weber earned two regular-season Big 12 titles (2013, 2019).&nbsp; Weber was Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2005, and he was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2013.Weber's long list of national coaching accolades include AP Coach of the Year (2005), the Henry Iba Award (2005), NABC Coach of the Year (2005), Naismith College Coach of the Year (2005), Victor Awards National Coach of the Year (2005), USBWA District VI Coach of the Year (2013, 2019), NABC District 8 Coach of the Year (2013), and USA Basketball National co-Coach of the Year (2019).Weber currently works as a studio analyst and color commentator for the Big Ten Network.

The league will conduct its annual Hall of Fame ceremony as part the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball Championship in St. Louis, Mo., on March 6-9, 2025. 

The Friday, March 7, festivities begin with an 8:00 a.m. breakfast, followed by the induction ceremony at 8:30 a.m.Tickets to the 2025 Hall of Fame event, which will be held at Stifel Theatre -- adjacent to Enterprise Center – can be obtained by contacting the league office. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.The 2025 State Farm MVC Tournament marks the 35th-straight year the event has been staged in St. Louis.

&nbsp;The MVC Hall of Fame consists of 157 former student-athletes, administrators, coaches, and contributors.

🏀 Former K-State coach inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame

CANYON, Texas — Down 14 just halfway through the first quarter, No. 3 Hutchinson (11-1) found a way to capture its second national championship in program history Wednesday night.

Back-to-back national champion No. 1 Iowa Western (11-2) scored on its first two drives to build a 14-0 advantage with 6:49 left in the first frame.

Reiver quarterback Hunter Dekkers drove his team 93 yards in just nine plays on the first possession of the game. Dekkers capped the drive with a 27-yard pass to Keyon Brown.

Hutchinson went three-and-out and Davis Barr had his punt blocked. The Reivers recovered with a short field and capitalized on a free play.

The Dragon defense jumped offside and Dekkers hit Titus Myers on a 14-yard strike.

Dekkers finished the first half with 240 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing.

Hutchinson cut into the Iowa Western lead as the first quarter expired when Samari Collier completed his first pass of the contest to Ben Prosper for 26 yards.

Collier used that momentum on a 27-yard touchdown run just four plays into the second quarter.

A Max Bartachek 32-yard field goal gave Iowa Western a 17-7 halftime lead after a Nestus Burger field-goal attempt from 46 yards went wide right.

The Reivers drove to the Dragon 4, but had no timeouts left as the clock expired on the first half.

Hutchinson scored the next 21 points unanswered.

The Dragons opened the third quarter with a 10-play, 54-yard drive that was capped with a Collier 8-yard pass to Prosper.

Shortly after, Collier left the game with an ankle injury.

Christian Johnson entered the game at quarterback for Hutchinson and threw a dime for seven on just his second play from scrimmage.

"(You) always got to stay ready," coach Drew Dallas said of his team's next-man-up mentality. "It's two cranks of the arm and go."

Johnson dropped back and hit Tre Brown for a 34-yard score.

In the national semifinal, Johnson threw a touchdown pass on his first play from scrimmage.

The play of the game came with 3:26 left in the third quarter.

Punt returner Kordell Gouldsby backpedaled to retrieve a Jonah Dupont punt. He found the opening he needed for a 73-yard house call.

The momentum-shifter put Hutchinson up 28-17 and was enough for Gouldsby to be named the game's most valuable player.

Hutchinson erased a double-digit lead and etched a double-digit lead of its own, but Iowa Western would not go away quietly.

Dekkers led the Reivers on another 93-yard drive. The 10-play drive was capped on a Brown reverse from 11 yards out.

Reiver head coach Scott Strohmeier kept his offense on the field for a two-point try. The attempt failed as Dekkers could not connect with receiver Fresh Walters.

It was the second time in as many meetings this season that a failed two-point attempt helped decide the outcome of the game.

Up five, Hutchinson needed one last stop from its defense after a Nestus Burger 32-yard field-goal attempt was blocked.

Iowa Western drove the ball to its own 46 before facing a fourth down. On 4th-and-5, Dekkers found tight end Naivyan Cargill for 13 yards.

The Reivers moved the ball to the Hutchinson 5 before facing fourth down again.

Dekkers was looking for Cargill again when he was pressured by Dragon linebacker JaQuel Mack. The pass was broken up by Avian Rice.

"Play for the man beside you," Rice pleaded with his teammates at halftime when the Dragons were down 10, a sentiment Kedrick Walker reminded himself throughout the second half.

Walker, Mack and Rice combined for 18 tackles, a tackle for loss, two broken-up passes and three quarterback hurries.

Marshon Oxley lived in the Reiver backfield and registered three sacks.

FINAL: Hutchinson 28 Iowa Western 23

This is Hutchinson's second national title under Drew Dallas.

Much like the first championship, Hutchinson had to erase a 14-point deficit.

The Dragon defense held Hunter Dekkers to 36.8% passing in the second half.

Before his exit, Samari Collier threw for 80 yards on 6-of-16 passing and added 109 yards on the ground with two total touchdowns.

Christian Johnson's only completion in five attempts went for a 34-yard touchdown.

The Reivers went 3-of-3 on third down to begin the game but were held to 3-of-14 the rest of the contest.

Both of Iowa Western's losses this season came at the hands of Hutchinson.

🏈 Hutchinson secures 2nd national title in 5 years with win over Iowa Western

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bennett Stirtz scored eight of his 22 points in overtime including the game-winner with 3.4 seconds left to give undefeated Drake a 73-70 win over Kansas State on Tuesday night after blowing a 20-point lead.

Mitch Mascari tied a career high with eight 3-pointers in scoring 22 points for the Bulldogs (10-0). Cam Manyawu added 11 points.

Coleman Hawkins scored 16 points but was just 3 of 8 from the line including 2 of 6 in overtime for Kansas State (6-4). David N’Guessan added 13 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Max Jones scored 12 points and Dug McDaniel 10.

Drake's Daniel Abreu made two free throws to tie the game with 23 seconds left in regulation before K-State's Brendan Hausen missed a well-defended 3 attempt.

In overtime, Stirtz scored five straight points and Abreau jammed home a follow for a six-point edge with two minutes left. The Wildcats scored the next six points with Hawkins hitting a 3 to tie with 12.3 seconds remaining. Stirtz took the inbounds and sank his 3 before Jones' deep 3 went off the back of the rim at the buzzer.

Kansas State tied the game for the first time midway through the second half and took its first lead shortly thereafter.

Mascari was 6 of 6 from the arc in the first half in scoring 18 first-half points for a 36-27 lead. His fifth 3-pointer made it a 20-point lead with six minutes remaining in the period. He finished the game 8 of 10 from the arc.

Saturday, Kansas State plays at Wichita State and Drake is host to Green Bay.

🏀 Drake blows 20-point lead, beats K-State on 3-pointer in overtime

&nbsp;The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. Board of Directors has announced a new multi-year partnership with Emporia and Emporia State University to host the 2026, 2027 and 2028 Kansas Shrine Bowl games. The annual East vs. West all-star football game, which began in 1974, is scheduled to be played on the fourth Saturday in June starting in 2026 at Welch Stadium on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia. Game dates will be Saturday, June 27, 2026, Saturday, June 26, 2027, and Saturday, June 24, 2028.

“We are thrilled and honored that Emporia has been selected to host the Kansas Shrine Bowl from 2026 to 2028. This is a testament to our community's dedication to fostering excellence in sports and hospitality,” said LeLan Dains, Director Visit Emporia. “We can’t wait to showcase Emporia’s vibrant community and provide an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and everyone involved.”

In addition to the all-star football game, the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl includes the Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp, the Shriners Children’s Hospital Experience, the Kansas Shrine Bowl Charity Carnival, the largest annual Shriners Parade in Kansas, the Kansas Shrine Bowl golf tournament, and many other gatherings of family, friends, alumni and Shriners from all across Kansas. “The size of our event, along with the logistics for student housing and meals throughout camp, puts a significant strain on the local community and university to host the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “Due to the growing size of our event and the accommodations it requires, it was the right time to find a location that was able to annually accommodate the scope of our event. Emporia and Emporia State have proven to be excellent hosts for our event, they met us with excitement and fully embraced the opportunity to make their community a home for the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”

Emporia State has hosted the Kansas Shrine Bowl on six previous occasions, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2024. Only the three original host cities, Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita have hosted the Kansas Shrine Bowl on more occasions.

The East team will continue to hold their team training camp at Ottawa University, while the West team will host their team training camp at Hutchinson Community College starting in 2025. The coaches and players report to camp the weekend prior to the game for practice. The band camp and cheer camp participants report to camp at the host site on Tuesday and Wednesday of game week, respectively.

Future Kansas Shrine Bowl Dates&nbsp;

Saturday, June 21, 2025 – Memorial Stadium, Dodge City, Kansas

Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Welch Stadium, Emporia, Kansas

Saturday, June 26, 2027 – Welch Stadium, Emporia, Kansas

Saturday, June 24, 2028 – Welch Stadium, Emporia, Kansas

The 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl in Emporia resulted in a $150,000 donation to benefit Shriners Children’s, the second largest single-year contribution in the 51-year history of the organization. That contribution was also made possible in part due to the success of the inaugural KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals, which will be returning to Newman University in Wichita, Kansas for the second annual event on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth is scheduled to be played on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in Dodge City, Kansas. To learn more about the Kansas Shrine Bowl and related events, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>.

The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children's. The Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc has existed since 1974 and has sent $3.99M to Shriners Hospitals for Children. The flagship event has been the Kansas Shrine Bowl, an East vs. West all-star senior football game that began in 1974. Beginning in 2024, the KWCA Kansas Shrine Duals was added to the list of Kansas Shrine All-Star Events. All Kansas Shrine All-Star Events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children's. Shriner's Children's, previously Shriners Hospitals for Children, is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children's is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

Kansas Shrine Bowl and Emporia State Announce Multi-Year Partnership

CLEVELAND (AP) — The only thing the Chiefs had to worry about in the final minutes Sunday was Patrick Mahomes' ankle.

Mahomes threw two touchdown passes before limping off with an injury in the fourth quarter, Xavier Worthy ran for a score and Kansas City finally had a relatively easy win, 21-7 over the mistake-prone Cleveland Browns.

Mahomes connected for TDs in the first half&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1868357953780396068">with Juju Smith-Schuster</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Chiefs/status/1868373621355274266">Noah Gray</a>&nbsp;as the Chiefs (13-1) built a 21-0 lead and then slogged their way through an ugly second half.

The defending Super Bowl champions have 10 wins by seven points or less, with six coming on the game's final play.

Mahomes didn't finish the game, leaving when he got his ankle rolled up on while being tackled. Carson Wentz replaced him for the final 5:23. Mahomes finished 19 of 38 for 159 yards.

After the game, Mahomes said X-rays were negative. He said he would have lobbied harder to stay in if the Browns had gotten within one score.

“We'll get into the rehab part, the treatment part and try to get back on a short week,” said Mahomes, noting the Chiefs will play again Saturday — the second of three games in 11 days. “With all the adrenaline from the game, it's hard to tell now (if he can play). Usually, it's the day after when you get a good sense of it."

Mahomes was driven to the Chiefs' buses on a cart.

Coach Andy Reid was relieved Mahomes was not more seriously hurt.

“It's not broken, that's all I can tell you,” Reid said. “We'll have to see how it goes down the road.”

The Browns (3-11) tried to put up a fight, but had six turnovers. Other than a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Browns/status/1868390624145088796">62-yard TD run from Jerome Ford</a>, Cleveland had few offensive highlights and too many self-inflicted miscues.

Jameis Winston threw more three interceptions — two in the end zone to give him eight in his last three games — and the Browns had two fumbles. The five turnovers made things much easier on Mahomes and the Chiefs, not that they needed a lot of help.

Cleveland running back Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot. It's another setback for the star, who had a devastating knee injury last season.

Winston was pulled after his third pick and replaced by second-year QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who also was intercepted. Coach Kevin Stefanski would not commit to a starter for next week.

“You can't have six turnovers and win,” Stefanski said. “At any level.”

Cleveland's Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards and went over 1,000 for the season.

The Chiefs' second TD — Mahomes' 6-yard pass to Gray with 4:46 left in the first half — came on the same play Browns&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Reflog_18/status/1868374001279795655">star defensive end Myles Garrett left the field in extreme pain</a>&nbsp;with an apparent eye injury.

Garrett was rushing Mahomes and being blocked by Chiefs left tackle Joe Thuney when he suddenly stopped. The league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year immediately grabbed his face mask and pulled off his helmet, flinging it away before dropping to the turf.

He was face down for several minutes before being helped off. As Garrett walked toward the locker room holding a towel to his face, Thuney came over and patted him on the back. Garrett was only gone for a short period before he ran back on to the field and finished the game.

The Chiefs took a 21-0 lead early in the third, capitalizing on a pick by Winston that went off Chubb's hands. Four plays later, Worthy took a deep pitch from Mahomes, turned the corner and scored.

Kansas City's first score was set up by Cleveland's first turnover.

After the Browns forced a three-and-out on Kansas City's first possession, Cleveland's James Proche II fumbled during a punt return and the Chiefs recovered at the 21.

Mahomes then connected with Schuster for a 7-yard TD with 12:12 left in the first quarter.

Taylor Swift ended her world tour. She decided not to hit the road in the NFL just yet.

The pop superstar had been expected to attend the game to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end who grew up in Cleveland. But Swift, who turned 35 on Friday, wasn't on hand despite rumors she would make an appearance.

Taylor has been at several Chiefs games in Kansas City the past two seasons since she began dating Kelce.

Chiefs: S Chamarri Conner suffered a concussion while making a tackle in the second quarter. ... Kelce came up limping after an early play, but walked it off and stayed in. He left the locker room before reporters had access.

Browns: CB Martin Emerson Jr. went to the locker room in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. He did not return. ... DT Shelby Harris (elbow) went out in the second quarter.

Chiefs: Host Houston on Dec. 21 before visiting Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.

🏈Mahomes exits Chiefs victory over Browns with ankle injury

Kansas State running back D.J. Giddens has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Giddens, a former Junction City Blue Jay football player,&nbsp; announced his decision about declaring for the Draft on Instagram.

K-State running back D.J. Giddens declares for NFL Draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zeke Mayo hit five 3s and scored 26 points, Hunter Dickinson had 21 points and 14 rebounds, and No. 10 Kansas bounced back from consecutive losses with a 75-60 rout of NC State on Saturday.

Dajuan Harris Jr. added 15 points and six assists for the Jayhawks (8-2), who scored the first 15 points of the game but didn't have it in hand until midway through the second half, when Dickinson scored eight consecutive points to bury the Wolfpack.

Kansas won its 20th consecutive nonconference home game and avoided its first three-game skid since the 2022-23 season.

Ben Middlebrooks had 14 points and Brandon Huntley-Hatfield finished with 12 for the Wolfpack (7-4), who have lost their last 13 games to Kansas since winning their first matchup at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 20, 1958.

NC State was able to get the Kansas big men into foul trouble, and that allowed Middlebrooks to have success. But the Wolfpack didn't get enough production from the perimeter, where Dontrez Styles and Marcus Hill struggled.

Kansas proved it could survive foul trouble in the paint. Dickinson had three fouls and KJ Adams Jr. and Flory Bidunga four apiece with 12 minutes left. But the Jayhawks' guards, and Mayo in particular, were able to take over the game.

The Jayhawks led 48-41 with 13:10 left when Mayo rattled in a 3-pointer from the corner. He added a free throw moments later, then a blow-by layup, giving Kansas a 54-41 lead with 12 minutes to go.

5 — Harris hit a layup with 18:14 left to give him 1,001 points for his career. He's the fifth member of the team to surpass that plateau, joining Mayo, Dickinson, David Coit and Shakeel Moore.

NC State plays Rider on Dec. 22. Kansas plays Brown the same day.

🏀 Mayo scores 26 as No. 10 KU beats NC State

&nbsp; The Kansas Shrine Bowl has introduced the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City. Each classification 1A through 6A is represented on the coaching staff, while the Head Coach of each team is selected from the previous year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl assistants.

The West team will be led by Dominick Dingle (Wichita Heights) and assisted by Russ Wells (Wichita South – 6A), Mike Vernon (Hutchinson – 5A), Daniel Myears (Mulvane – 4A), Tyson Bauerle (Hesston – 3A), Butch Hayes (Council Grove – 2A), and Alex McMillian (Plainville – 1A). Wells (2020), Vernon (2021) and Bauerle (2018) have all assisted on the West staff in previous Shrine Bowls, while Bauerle also led the 2019 West team to a 26-7 victory as the Head Coach at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

The East team will be led by Garrett Michael (Sabetha) and assisted by Josh Koerkenmeier (Blue Valley West – 6A), Jared Swafford (Seaman – 5A), Clete Frazell (Chanute – 4A), Mike Berg (Wellsville – 3A), Logan Wyrick (Humboldt – 2A), and Roger Holthaus (Centralia – 1A). Among the 2025 assistants, only Wyrick (2019) has previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

Shrine Bowl coaching staffs are announced

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-trump-elon-musk-johnson-schumer-jeffries-cf75ae3c5f04207980cb96b286e70c09">government shutdown</a>&nbsp;deadline, the Senate rushed through final passage early Saturday of a bipartisan plan that would temporarily fund federal operations and disaster aid, dropping President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump's</a>&nbsp;demands for a debt limit increase into the new year.

<a href="https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20241216/ARA%2012.20.pdf">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the continuing resolution

House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ufc-house-speaker-johnson-madison-square-garden-995a7ee3324e04ec6da680c826136655">Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;had insisted Congress would “meet our obligations” and not allow federal operations to shutter ahead of the Christmas holiday season. But the day's outcome was uncertain after Trump doubled down on his insistence that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt ceiling</a>&nbsp;increase be included in any deal — if not, he said in an early morning post, let the closures “start now.”

The House approved Johnson's new bill overwhelmingly, 366-34. Sharice Davids, Ron Estes, Tracey Mann and Jake LaTurner, voted with majority.

 The Senate worked into the night to pass it, 85-11, just after the deadline.&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the measure.

&nbsp;At midnight, the White House said it had ceased shutdown preparations.

“This is a good outcome for the country, ” Johnson said after the House vote, adding he had spoken with Trump and the president-elect “was certainly happy about this outcome, as well.”

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, who has played a less public role in the process throughout a turbulent week, was expected to sign the measure into law Saturday.

“There will be no government shutdown," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

The final product was the third attempt from Johnson, the beleaguered House speaker, to achieve one of the basic requirements of the federal government — keeping it open. And it raised stark questions about whether Johnson will be able to keep his job, in the face of angry GOP colleagues, and work alongside Trump and billionaire ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elon-musk-congress-bipartisan-deal-320a3487d596ae0d2e1ffdc1e62054b3">Elon Musk</a>, who called the legislative plays from afar.

Trump's last-minute demand was almost an impossible ask, and Johnson had almost no choice but to work around his pressure for a debt ceiling increase. The speaker knew there wouldn’t be enough support within the GOP majority to pass any funding package, since many Republican deficit hawks prefer to slash the federal government and certainly wouldn’t allow more debt.

Instead, the Republicans, who will have full control of the White House, House and Senate next year, with big plans for tax cuts and other priorities, are showing they must routinely rely on Democrats for the votes needed to keep up with the routine operations of governing.

“So is this a Republican bill or a Democrat bill?” scoffed Musk on social media ahead of the vote.

The drastically slimmed-down 118-page package would fund the government at current levels through March 14 and add $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion in agricultural assistance to farmers.

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