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Man hit by semi after Russell Co. motorcycle crash

RUSSELL COUNTY –One person died in an accident just after 11:45p.m. Friday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Morris Henry Noftsger, 64, Kiefer, OK, and Valierie Sue Bowen, 47, Tulsa, OK., were each riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles eastbound on Interstate 70 four miles east of Dorrance.

Both motorcycles struck a large commercial vehicle tarp in the roadway and crashed.

Just after the crash, a semi hit Noftsger. He was pronounced dead the scene and transported to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.

Bowen refused transport from the original motorcycle crash.

The semi driver Elizabeth Ann Randall, 29, Beggs, OK., was not injured.

NW Kansas Area Agency on Aging among Walmart Foundation grant recipients

Walmart Invests in Kansas Communities with More Than $250,000 in Grants
Celebratory check presentation honors five local nonprofits for their dedicated service

TOPEKA — On Thursday, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation celebrated Hunger Action Month by hosting a celebratory “Day of Giving,” presenting five nonprofit organizations with a total of $252,000 in grants. During the event, Representative Roger Elliott and Representative Sean Tarwater joined Walmart executives, associates and grant recipients gathered at the Kansas City and Wichita Supercenters to reflect on each organization’s positive impact on Kansas residents. To close the ceremony, Walmart presented checks to each nonprofit in attendance.

“At Walmart, we understand the importance of championing community organizations in any way we can,” said Annmarie Browning, Walmart vice president and regional general manager. “Through our partnerships with these five nonprofit organizations, we are able to support programs that address the important issue of hunger relief and assist Kansans in need across the state.”

Twice a year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation look for organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact on a local and state level. The following nonprofits received a Walmart Foundation State Giving grant to fund vital local programs:

  • The Boys & Girls Club of Topeka received a $36,500 grant to fund renovations to their Teen Center kitchen which provides daily meals for teen Club members. Club members will also learn culinary skills that they will use to not only feed themselves, but also their families. In addition to the kitchen, the teens will construct and run a food pantry for one of the most poverty-stricken neighborhoods in Topeka.
  • Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas received a $40,770 grant to fund its Rural Resource Bus Program, which travels to some of Kansas’ poorest rural counties to distribute fresh vegetables, bread and other food to hundreds of Kansans in need. Specifically, the funds will be used to purchase a new bus equipped for efficient delivery, which will allow for hundreds more people to be served each year.
  • Convoy of Hope received a $58,000 grant to provide continued support for those that are struggling in the community. The goal of Convoy of Hope is to lead a movement of compassion and help kids going back to school by providing backpacks, immunizations, sports and physicals. Convoy of Hope strives to serve the whole family, and also provides connections with social services, job assistance, technical school information, health and dental screenings and groceries.
  • Mid-America Nutrition Program, Inc. received a $60,446 grant for operational enhancements to improve the organization’s offerings. Mid-America Nutrition Program is a Meals on Wheels provider, delivering hot, nutritious meals each weekday to homebound people age 60 years and older in Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami and Osage counties in east central Kansas.
  • The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging received a $56,284 grant to fund its HOMESTEAD Nutrition Project, which provides meals to seniors in need through 29 meal sites in northwest Kansas, as well as delivering meals to an additional 10 towns. The HOMESTEAD Nutrition Project includes the Congregate Meals Program and the Home Delivered Meals Program. The Congregate Meals Program is designed to bring people age 60 and over together to share a hot and nutritious meal. The Home Delivered Meals Program is designed to provide meals to those who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves.

“Through the generous donation provided by Walmart, Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka is provided with the tools necessary to combat food scarcity issues that rob our youth of successful futures,” said Dawn McWilliams, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka. “We are thankful for Walmart’s investment and for working hand in hand with Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka to build strong futures for kids in our community who need us most.”

In FY17, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $11.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions last fiscal year to support nonprofit organizations and programs in Kansas focused on fighting hunger and healthy eating, veteran reintegration, workforce development, disaster preparedness and other needs specific to many Kansas communities.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online athttps://giving.walmart.com/foundation.

Partly sunny, breezy Saturday

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy, with a south wind 18 to 23 mph.

Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South southeast wind 14 to 18 mph.

Sunday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. South wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Monday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 67. North northwest wind around 9 mph becoming south southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 69.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Study: Kansas could benefit from latest effort to end Obamacare

Image courtesy Kaiser Family Foundation

WASHINGTON — The Latest on the Republican effort to end the Obama-era health overhaul and replace it with a new law (all times local):

Sen. John McCain says he won’t vote for the Republican bill repealing the Obama health care law. His statement likely deals a fatal blow to the last-gasp GOP measure in a Senate showdown expected next week.

A study finds this latest GOP effort to end “Obamacare” would take federal dollars away from states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The study says the states including Kansas that didn’t expand Medicaid would initially get more federal dollars under the Republican Graham-Cassidy bill.

The nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation study came out Thursday. It estimates the states that didn’t expand Medicaid would get an average of 12 percent more.

The study says states that expanded Medicaid to serve more low-income adults would face a cut of around 11 percent from 2020-2026.

The biggest winners are Kansas, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, South Dakota, and Tennessee. However, the study says those gains could vanish over time.

The biggest losers, percentage-wise are New York, Oregon, Connecticut, Vermont and Minnesota. California would be the biggest loser in dollars.

A group that represents state officials who administer Medicaid programs is telling Senate Republicans to slow down and rethink the bill.

The board of the National Association of Medicaid Directors says its members are concerned that the Senate is rushing to make major changes in health programs for low-income people — with far-reaching consequences for state budgets that aren’t fully understood.

The group wants Congress to revisit Medicaid changes.

This weekend’s Hays-area garage sales

Hays-area garage sales

Made possible by our sponsors: Coldwell Banker Executive Realty, Midwest Energy, Nex-Tech Wireless, Northwestern Printers and RE/MAX Pro.

Scroll to the bottom for a map of garage sale locations. Hays Post offers FREE garage sale listings weekly. Having a sale next weekend? Click HERE for details.

Items for sale: Lots of nice home items, clothing, holiday decorations, furniture, etc. Additional items on Saturday!!! Priced to sell quickly!!

Address: 4513 Danby Lane, Hays

Day and times: Friday 9/22 Noon-7, Saturday 9/23 8-2

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Items for sale: Girls clothing 3T to 6, children’s toys, women’s clothing size M/L, shoes, and misc. housewares

Address: 1310 Western Plains Dr., Hays

Day and times: Friday, September 22nd, 2 pm to 7 pm

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Items for sale: Lots of pet items, furniture (large entertainment center, little girls’ storage cabinet, electric fireplace with oak mantle (has an electrical short or something), matching chair/ottoman, black wire stand, end table), new craft items, toolboxes, household, women’s plus size professional clothing, blankets/throws, scarves, new gift items, quilting frame, Coca-Cola bottles, pots/pans, curtains/blinds, and frozen blackberries

All items in good used, clean condition

CASH ONLY

Items will be added as space in garage becomes available

Address: 2107 Ash, Hays

Day and times: Friday 9/22 3-7:30 pm and Saturday 9/23 from 8 am to noon

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Items for sale: Wide selection of household goods, variety of home decor items, exercise equipment, small kitchen appliances, toys, men’s clothing, and plus size women’s clothing in excellent condition. There is something for everyone!

Address: 1505 Marjorie Dr., Hays

Day and times: Saturday 9/23 8a-1p

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Items for sale: Estate Sale Saturday Only!! Antique and vintage items, oak end tables, oak coffee table, Tupperware, antique sewing machine, vinyl records, suit cases, crystal, glassware, kitchen items, pots/pans, pampered chef, dishes, crocks, vases, lamps, home decor, vacuum, lots of books, crafts, scrapbook items, frames, pictures, mirror, ladies shoes, sas shoes, boots, scarves, purses and bags, jewelry, blankets, pillows, misc garage items, hand tools, flower pots, baskets, garden tools, sm ladder, much much more! CASH ONLY! No early birds please!

Address: 1322 Schwaller Ave., Hays (behind Dollar General on 27th)

Day and times: Saturday 9/23/17 8am-4pm

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Items for sale: Garage Sale Benefit for St. Mary’s School in Ellis.
Antiques, Household Items, Furniture, Holiday Decorations, Baby Items, Clothing For All Ages and much more. NEW Items added weekly.

Address: 819 Washington, Ellis

Day and times: Friday, Sept. 22 at 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.

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Items for sale: Men & Women’s clothing, boy clothing (0-18 mo), toys, glassware, Christmas decorations, “man table”, lots of mics.

Address: 518 W. 16th St, Hays

Day and times: Saturday 9/23 8am-12pm

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SUBMIT your free garage sale listing where it will be SEEN! Deadline is noon each Wednesday, but, hey, we’re flexible here at Hays Post. Click HERE to submit your weekend garage sale.

Hays Community Theatre remodels new venue, to host murder mystery

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

The Hays Community Theatre is raising money to remodel its new venue, the former Eagles Building at 121 E. Eighth.

Wendy Richmeier, Hays Community Theatre president, said the remodel may take about $20,000. Work is underway now on the building, including extensive work to the restrooms to make them Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

Once the building is completed, it should be able to accommodate 100 to 140 seats.

Currently, the community theatre is renting a venue at 118 E. 11th St. However, the Eagles buildings would allow it to have a year-round venue with space for offices.

The design of the building will allow for a more theatrical feel for productions. The high ceilings with rafters will allow the theatre to hang theatrical lights. The theatre group is hoping to bring an art deco look to the renovated space.

The former Eagles building also has a kitchen, which will be more suitable for preparing meals for the theatre group’s murder mystery dinners.

Richmeier said she was unsure when the remodeling would be finished. The theatre board had hoped to have its November performances of its murder mystery fundraiser at the venue, but at this point, the group is a long way from opening the building.

Everything that can be done by volunteers is being done by volunteers, so the construction is going much slower than if the theatre group could hire the work done, Richmeier said.

If anyone has construction skills and would like to volunteer or has any construction materials they would like the donate, they can email the theatre group at [email protected].

If you would like to donate to theatre for the remodel of the Eagles building, mail checks to Hays Community Theatre, PO Box 21, Hays, KS 67601. You can also donate to the community theatre with a credit or debit card via PayPal on the group’s website.

Pamela Grizzell, the venue coordinator for the theatre, said the group’s ultimate goal is to have a performing arts center.

“We are definitely growing and this is good,” she said.

The community theatre’s next fundraiser will be a murder mystery dinner based on the popular board game, Clue. The original script was written by the local writing group the Ink Plots.

The “Clue To A Kill” dinner will be staged Friday, Sept. 29; Saturday, Sept. 30; Friday, Nov. 17; and Saturday, Nov. 18. Tickets for the Sept. 29 and November shows are still available. The shows start at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will receive via email their assigned aliases for the night, a bio and instructions on how to play the evening out. Clues arrive throughout the night by means of secret rendezvous in the hall, whispers from waiters and the passing of discrete notes.

Tickets are $20. The menu will be smoked pork, baked potato, tossed salad, dinner role and dessert. A cash bar will be available. All funds support the community renovation of the new building. Tickets can be purchased online at HCTKS.com.

The theatre group also plans to stage its popular haunted tours in October. The winter show will be “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Dates and times for these shows will be announced at a later date. Watch the community theatre’s website for more information.

 

UPDATE: KHP identifies Kan. man who died in Mercedes, semi crash

RENO COUNTY — A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2p.m. Friday in Reno County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Mercedes Benz passenger vehicle driven by Zachary T. Mears 30, Hutchinson, that was northbound on Haven Road twelve miles east of Hutchinson at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S.50 and struck an eastbound semi.

Mears was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Sedgwick County Forensics Center. The driver of the semi Becker, Carlin Becker, 32, Wharton, Texas, was not injured.

Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

—–

RENO COUNTY — The Kansas Highway Patrol, with the assistance of Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies
are on the scene of a fatality accident in the county.

Dispatchers confirm they’re working the crash east of Hutchinson along U.S. 50 and Buhler/Haven Road. According to preliminary reports, a car was going north of Buhler/Haven Road just before 2 p.m. when it pulled into the path of an eastbound semi. The collision pushed the car into the northeast ditch where it caught fire.

No names have been released at this time.

 

2017 upland bird hunting forecast available

KDWPT

PRATT – The wait is over for Kansas bird hunters. The 2017 Kansas Upland Bird Hunting Forecast is available online and in printed form. The report summarizes data from spring and summer surveys and predicts what pheasant, quail and prairie chicken hunters may experience across Kansas this fall. The good news is that it’s good news.

Biologists create the forecast using surveys of breeding populations and reproductive success of pheasants, quail, and prairie chickens. Breeding population data are gathered with spring whistle count surveys for quail, crow count surveys for pheasants and lek count surveys for greater prairie chickens. Last spring, pheasant crow count numbers were back to pre-drought averages and quail whistle counts were the highest recorded since the survey began 20 years ago. Lek counts for greater prairie chickens were down slightly.

The most important factors in predicting fall bird numbers include nesting success and chick survival, both of which depend on habitat conditions and spring and summer weather. Habitat conditions were good to excellent across Kansas and much of the state received adequate precipitation through spring and summer. The biggest limiting factor this year was the April 29 snowstorm that dumped as many as 20 inches of snow in areas of western Kansas. The storm caused mortality in adult quail and occurred during peak laying for pheasants. Other weather events, such as heavy rain and hail, can also impact bird populations locally.

Overall, the data indicates that pheasant hunting will be fair to good this year. While the 2016 pheasant harvest was low, the average daily bag per hunter was above average, suggesting an above-average harvest could have occurred had there been greater hunter participation.

Quail hunting in Kansas should be good to locally great in 2017. Precipitation patterns observed over the past five years have altered vegetation, increasing both the quality and quantity of habitat and allowing for a modern quail boom.

While prairie chicken lek counts were down slightly this year, hunting opportunities should be good throughout the Greater Prairie Chicken Hunting Unit. The best opportunities this fall will be in the Smoky Hills Region (northcentral), where populations have been increasing.

For more detailed information and regional breakdowns for all three species, consult the 2017 Upland Bird Hunting Forecast at www.ksoutdoors.com or pick one up at any Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Office. The full forecast will also be featured in the 2017 November/December issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks Magazine.

Kansas state parks director elected to national post

KDWPT

PRATT – Linda Lanterman, director of the Parks Division for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), was elected president of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) at their annual meeting held September 5-8 in Missoula, Montana. Lanterman has worked for KDWPT for 25 years and has been Parks Division director since 2010.

Lanterman oversees a staff of 120, 26 Kansas state parks and an annual budget of $12 million. She began her service with the department in the Human Resources Section, then served as the assistant chief of the Licensing section and assistant director of the Parks Division. She graduated from Wichita State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Administration degree in Accounting. The Kansas Recreation and Park Association named her a distinguished fellow in January 2015.

“I feel honored to be chosen President of NASPD,” Lanterman said. “America’s state parks are part of the fabric of our nation’s quality of life. Close to home, state parks in every state offer outdoor opportunities that provide lasting memories for our visitors to share with subsequent generations. America’s state parks are staffed with passionate and competent employees who work tirelessly to help create those memories. We want to support our staff and give them the tools to execute their jobs in the most efficient and passionate way.”

“Linda brings a diversity of state park experiences, from daily operations and grants administration to innovative budgeting strategies that help make state parks more fiscally sustainable,” said Lewis Ledford, NASPD executive director. “Her energy and resourcefulness will serve America’s state parks well in continuing to forge public and private partnerships and secure corporate support.”

About NASPD

The NASPD helps state parks effectively manage and administer their systems. Its mission is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health, and economy.

High School Football Scores Week 4

 

Football Score Sheet Week 4 – September 22nd

Western Athletic Conference

Garden City  7  Hays  3

Great Bend  38  Dodge City  13

*Liberal  40   Wichita North  6

 

Mid-Continent League (11-Man)

Norton  0  Smith Center  43

Oakley  6  Phillipsburg  68

TMP  6  Plainville  24

*Valley Heights  56  Ellis  20

 

Central Prairie League (8-Man)

Victoria  20  Otis-Bison  22

Central Plains  68  Kinsley  0

Macksville  68   St. John  20

Ness City  46  Ellinwood  22

 

Central Prairie League (11-Man)

*Ellsworth  21  La Crosse  31

 

Northern Plains (8-Man)

Osborne  28   Pike Valley  30

Bennington  62  Thunder Ridge  14

 

Western Kansas Liberty League

*Stockton  0  Logan-Palco  52

 

 

Great West Activities Association

Hugoton  7   Scott City  35

North Central Activities Association

Republic Co.  6   Beloit  61

 

North Central Kansas League

Clay Center  27  Wamego  14

 

Central Kansas League

Halstead  26  Larned  35

 

Ark Valley Chisholm Trail I

Derby  61  Hutchinson  18

 

Ark Valley Chisholm Trail III

McPherson  40   Augusta  0

 

8-Man-District 8

Hoxie  22   Rawlins Co.  6

*Hill City  55   Quinter  8

 

11-Man Games of note

Pittsburg  45   Fort Scott  19

Buhler  17   Maize South  14

Caney Valley  20   Humboldt  8

 

8-Man Games of note

Centre-Lost Springs  12   Burlingame  58

 

6-Man Games

Weskan  6  Pawnee Heights  51

Wheatland-Grinnell  60   Natoma  12

 

 

 

 

*Non-league game

Plainville gets first win over TMP


By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post

Plainville 24, TMP 6

PLAINVILLE, Kan.-Plainville scored 17 first quarter points on Friday night and didn’t look back. The Cardinals opened the scoring with a 25 yard Tanner Copeland field goal to take a 3-0 lead. TMP would get the ball back but a first play fumble set Plainville up on the TMP 34 yard line and it didn’t take the Cardinals long to answer. Jordan Finnesy found Chase Cellmer for another Cardinal score to give them a 10-0. Plainville capped the first quarter scoring on a 1 yard plunge from Hayden Gillum.

The second quarter was more of a defensive effort from both sides as both teams put zeros up on the scoreboard. TMP was only able to muster three first half first downs and only 78 yards of total offense. Plainville racked up 199 yards in the first half.

TMP recovered an onside kick to start the second half and drove into Plainville territory but could not punch the ball into the end zone. Plainville would answer with six play 67 yard drive and a second touchdown from Gillum gave Plainville a 24-0 lead after three quarters. TMP would get on the board midway through the fourth quarter on a 9 yard touchdown pass from David McFarland to Tate Garcia. The Monarchs would not threaten again and they fall to 1-3 on the season and will host Cimarron next week. Plainville improves to 1-3 and will host Republic County next Friday.

JASON CAULEY INTERVIEW

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

 

Hays falls to Garden City in tight game

The Hays High Indians put their Western Athletic Conference lead on the line Friday night against undefeated Garden City. Hays entered the game at 2-0 on conference play. It was the first league game for Garden City on the season.

The teams played to a stalemate through most of the first half. Garden City had the best chance to score in the first quarter but missed a short field goal off the cross bar when Hays got pressure up the middle of the attempt. Hays had trouble moving the ball and never crossed the midfield stripe. The Indian’s best play of the first quarter on a 27 yard screen was called back on a penalty.

Garden City found pay dirt on the final drive of the first half on 21 yard touchdown pass from Garret Doll to David Arteaga when the Hays defense had a breakdown leaving the receiver open in the end zone. The touchdown with 1:49 left in the half gave Garden City a 7-0 lead at halftime.

Highlights

Hays held Garden City to an 18 yard punt into the wind after three plays to open the second half. Hays moved the ball into field goal range on the ensuing possession and Logan Clark hit a 33 yard field goal making the score 7-3. That would be all the scoring for the night.

Garden City moved to the Hays 38 yard line but missed on a fourth down pass to give Hays the ball back. The Indians were forced into a punting situation on the drive and on fourth down was called for an ineligible man down field on a screen pass out of the punting formation.

The two teams continued to trade punches when Hays finally got the ball back with 52 second left. Hunter Brown converted 4th down on a ten yard pass to Palmer Hutchison and then hit Keaton Markley for 11 yards. Garden City was called for a personal foul on the play giving Hays eight seconds for one play. The game ended with a Garden City in the end zone and freezing the scoreboard at 7-3.

Coach Randall Rath

Hays falls to 2-2 on the season and 2-1 in the WAC. Garden City is now 4-0 and 1-0. Hays travels to 4-0 Valley Center next week.

Kansas man charged with murder: I’m not a criminal

Drake- photo Douglas County

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 20-year-old man who is charged in a deadly Lawrence shooting told a judge that he’s “not a criminal.”

Steven Drake III said during his first appearance Thursday on a first-degree murder charge that he came home to someone trying to steal from him. Drake was initially arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after 26-year-old Bryce Holladay was found dead Tuesday night at a home.

Court records show that Holladay was free on bond when he died, awaiting trial in an unrelated auto burglary and theft case. When Drake began talking about what happened via video from jail, the judge cut him off, suggesting it wasn’t in his best interest to continue speaking.

The judge set bond at $750,000 and appointed an attorney to represent Drake.

——–

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 2000 block of W. 27th Terrace in Lawrence for reports of a shooting, according to a media release.

Responding officers located 26-year-old Lawrence resident Bryce Holladay with fatal injuries.

Police questioned Steven Austin Drake III, 20, in relation to this incident and took him into custody. He has been booked in to the Douglas County Jail on one count of Voluntary Manslaughter.

Anyone with more information on this incident is asked to contact the Lawrence Police Department at (785)832-7509, or Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-TIPS. Tips to Crime Stoppers can be anonymous.

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