Victims of house fire near Topeka identified

Authorities have identified the bodies of four family members who died when their home southeast of Topeka burned earlier this week.

Martha Lutz, spokeswoman for the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department, said the cause of the fire, which occurred early Wednesday morning, had not been determined.

Confirmed dead were 41-year-old Traci Grady and three of her children, McKenzie, 7; Christopher, 4; and Clayton, 2. Authorities found their bodies in the home’s wreckage.

Lacey Grady, 19, the daughter of Traci Grady’s husband, Tim Grady, escaped the fire by jumping from a second-floor window, carrying her two-month-old son to safety with her.

KPR plans holiday fare throughout December

Sounds of the season will fill the Kansas Public Radio airwaves throughout the month.

“KPR Holiday Cheer” will be broadcast at 8 p.m. Dec. 24 and repeated at 10 a.m. Dec. 25. Performers will include groups from Emporia State University, Kansas University; and a Kansas City vocal ensemble.

Other local holiday programming will include the KU Holiday Vespers, 6 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Dec. 24, and 9 a.m. Dec. 25; “The Jazz Scene Christmas Special,” 1 p.m. Saturday; and rebroadcasts of the “Right Between the Ears” holiday comedy show at 6 p.m. Dec. 26 and noon Dec. 27.

KPR broadcasts on KANU 91.5 FM in Lawrence.