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Storm shelters to be removed from Kansas Turnpike as KTA moves to cashless tolling

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Storm shelters to be removed from Kansas Turnpike as KTA moves to cashless tolling


WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Along the 236 miles of the Kansas Turnpike are tornado shelters that can be found at most toll plazas.

However, as the Kansas Turnpike Authority moves towards cashless tolling starting in July 2024, a majority of those shelters will be going away.

“We will no longer have employees at those toll plaza areas, and the toll plazas will be completely reconfigured over the next 18 months,” said Rachel Bell, the Director of Business Services and Customer Relations at KTA.

While the shelters were intended to be used by the workers at the toll plazas, they also provided a safe option for commuters on the road caught in the middle of a storm.

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“It is a pretty rare situation that those tornado shelters are used,” said Bell. “At a lot of our lower level toll plazas, we don’t have overnight employees. We don’t staff all shifts, so those tornado shelters are used maybe a couple times a year, if that.”

As the KTA will soon begin the process of closing and removing the storm shelters, since staff will no longer be stationed at the plazas, weather experts are reminding drivers what to keep in mind if they find themselves on the turnpike when a tornado warning is issued and shelters are not available. Vanessa Pearce, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said drivers need to know where they are at all times and how close they are to the nearest exit or service station.

“The biggest thing is to have a plan to avoid that situation, but obviously all situations can’t be avoided,” said Pearce. “If you see the storm ahead, is there an exit coming up that you’re able to get off to? Finding a sturdy shelter will be your best option.”

If commuters cannot reach an exit or shelter in time during severe weather, Pearce said people should get down to the lowest point like a ditch and to avoid overpasses.

“Don’t park under an overpass and think you’re going to get up under the girder,” said Pearce. “That’s going to provide protection, because the winds can travel through there and be stronger so it can be very dangerous.”

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As for current and future safety options on the turnpike, the KTA told 12 News the storm shelters at the toll plazas will close in July, but the shelters at the six service areas along the roadway will remain available.



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Travis Hunter responds to Kansas’ Cobee Bryant after trash talk episodes

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Travis Hunter responds to Kansas’ Cobee Bryant after trash talk episodes


Kansas Jayhawks defensive back Cobee Bryant has made it clear he’s been anticipating this weekend’s matchup against the No. 16 Colorado Buffaloes. In an interview earlier this week, Bryant openly expressed his excitement to face Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter. “I’m not going to lie, I have been waiting,” Bryant said. “I already marked this on my notes… I’ve been waiting on this game all season. This is gonna be the game.” His eagerness spilled over onto social media, where he posted, “Now I’m piss hurry tf up Saturday I meant that omm bet,” highlighting his impatience for the showdown.

Despite Bryant’s bold trash talk, Hunter has kept a calm and confident demeanor. During a livestream, he responded to questions about Bryant, saying, “We let people talk, bro. Would that make him feel better? It’s going to make him feel better, let that boy talk. They know they are going to have to double team.” Hunter’s composed reply suggests he’s more focused on his game than engaging in verbal sparring.

Deion Sanders meets up with coaching legend before Kansas matchup

Bryant’s trash talk hasn’t been limited to Hunter. The Kansas defensive back also took aim at Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, reportedly texting him and drawing a response from the Buffs’ leader. Sanders, unshaken, has hinted at exploiting Kansas’ coverage, adding fuel to the growing tension. This back-and-forth has only energized the Buffaloes, who are vying to strengthen their College Football Playoff resume.

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For Kansas, this game represents a golden opportunity to make a statement by taking down a CFP-ranked opponent. A win would allow the unranked Jayhawks to end their season on a high note and potentially climb the rankings themselves. Colorado, meanwhile, has its sights set on maintaining momentum. A win over Kansas, followed by another against Oklahoma State, would propel the Buffaloes into the the Big 12 title game and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The stakes are high and the stage is set at Arrowhead Stadium. The clash between Kansas and Colorado promises to be intense, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.



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Will Weather Play a Factor in No. 16 Colorado vs. Kansas? Latest Update

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Will Weather Play a Factor in No. 16 Colorado vs. Kansas? Latest Update


As No. 16 Colorado and Kansas prepare to face off on Saturday, the stakes have never been higher.

Colorado enters the game with an 8-2 record and hopes of making a college football playoff run in year two under head coach Deion Sanders.

On the other hand, Kansas has struggled for much of the season but comes into this game with newfound confidence after securing back-to-back wins against Top-25 teams in program history.

The game is set to take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. local time.

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Deion Sanders

Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

According to the latest forecast, the weather should be relatively mild, but there are a few elements to keep an eye on as the game unfolds.

Temperatures will reach a high of 57 degrees during the afternoon, with game-time conditions hovering around 54 degrees.

Fans attending the game can expect clear skies with only a 1% chance of precipitation, so rain isn’t expected to be a factor.

However, wind could still have an impact. Gusts of up to 10 mph are expected, which could affect passing and kicking games.

The humidity will sit at 43%, which shouldn’t be a significant factor for the teams, but it’s something to keep in mind as the afternoon wears on.

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Travis Hunter Fires Back at Kansas’ Cobee Bryant: ‘Stop Talking Crazy’

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Shedeur Sanders Makes Bold Claim Ahead of Matchup with Kansas Football



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KC Current’s Chawinga named NWSL MVP

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KC Current’s Chawinga named NWSL MVP


Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga was named the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League MVP on Friday, one day ahead of the league’s championship match.

Chawinga set a new single-season NWSL record with 20 goals this year for the Current.

She also scored the lone goal in the team’s quarterfinal victory and both goals in the championship of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup last month.

“From the moment Temwa came to Kansas City, we knew she was capable of playing at an MVP level,” general manager Caitlin Carducci said in a statement.

“Not only has she been an incredible player on the pitch, she’s also been an incredible teammate and representative of the organization off it. Temwa laid an incredible foundation with her play in 2024, and we’re so excited for what’s to come in the years ahead.”

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Chawinga is the eighth NWSL Golden Boot winner to also win MVP in the same season since the league’s launch in 2013. She is the first African international to win either award.

The 26-year-old Malawi international arrived in Kansas City this year from the Chinese Super League and took the league by storm in the first season with her eye for goal and her game-changing speed.

Chawinga scored in 13 of the Current’s final 14 matches of the regular season, including goals in eight straight games, which was a first in league history.

She also scored a goal against all 13 other NWSL teams this season, another first, and she added five assists to the Current’s league-record 57 goals this season.

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Chawinga’s 20 goals broke Sam Kerr’s previous record of 18 in a season, which Kerr scored in 21 games.

Chawinga played in 25 regular-season games this year.

The next closest scorer in the regular season was Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, who finished with 13 goals.

Banda scored in last week’s semifinal to help Orlando eliminate Kansas City from the playoffs.

Orlando takes on the Washington Spirit on Saturday in the NWSL Championship at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

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History of NWSL MVPs

2013: Lauren Holiday, FC Kansas City midfielder

2014: Kim Little, Seattle Reign FC midfielder

2015: Crystal Dunn, Washington Spirit forward

2016: Lynn Williams, Western New York Flash forward

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2017: Sam Kerr, Sky Blue FC forward

2018: Lindsey Horan, Portland Thorns FC midfielder

2019: Sam Kerr: Chicago Red Stars forward

2021: Jess Fishlock, OL Reign midfielder

2022: Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC forward

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2023: Kerolin, North Carolina Courage forward



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