Miss Kansas, Sloane Lewis, plays piano for the talent portion of the Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas.

Photo by Contributed photo

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Gov. Sam Brownback's State of the State address earlier this week pointed to the existence of the Kansas Department of Transportation and Kansas Turnpike Authority as "one of the clearest examples of duplication in state government." The governor proposed merging the two under Secretary of Transportation Mike King.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Lawrence High freshman Justin Roberts (5) holds off defender De'Shawn Terrel as he brings the ball up the court during Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Lawrence High senior Austin Abbott (4) dribbles past Samajae Jones during Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Lawrence High senior Jake Mosiman, left, makes a pass in front of Jordan Hester (0) during Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Lawrence High freshman Justin Roberts (5) switches hands with the ball as he avoids a block attempt by JJ Normore during Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Lawrence High senior Drake Hofer puts his arm around freshman Justin Roberts (5) as they walk off the court following Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Lawrence High senior Jake Mosiman launches a three-pointer during Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Lawrence High freshman Justin Roberts (5) is called for an offensive foul as he plows through Jordan Hester (0) during Lawrence High's opening round game against Wichita East in the Topeka Invitational Tournament, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at Topeka West High School. The Lions held on for a 63-57 victory and will play tomorrow at 6:45 p.m.

Photo by John Young

Francis Heller, a retired professor of law and political science at Kansas University who helped President Truman write his memoirs, died Jan. 9.

Photo by File Photo

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Lawrence High's Connor Daniels celebrates a strike during a Lawrence High bowling invitational Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at Royal Crest Lanes.

Photo by Mike Yoder AP

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"Heart Flow" yoga class members participate in a noon session at OmTree Shala yoga studio, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013.

Photo by Mike Yoder AP

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Andrea Geubelle, right, answers a question during Kansas University's track and field media day on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at Allen Fieldhouse.

Photo by Richard Gwin

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An illustration of an ornate box turtle, published in "A Kansas Bestiary."

Lisa Grossman illustration

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An illustration of a red-tailed hawk, published in" A Kansas Bestiary."

Lisa Grossman illustration

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Kansas University's Diamond Dixon responds to a question during track and field media day on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at Allen Fieldhouse.

Photo by Richard Gwin

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About 10 a.m. Thursday, a U.S. Postal Service truck was involved in a two-vehicle accident in North Lawrence, near the Slowride Roadhouse on North Third Street. The mail truck was heavily damaged, and the driver was transported by ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A van ran into the back of the truck, which then sent the truck up on a curb.

Photo by Richard Gwin

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Kansas registered offender Jamar Eugene Lane.

KBI

Virginia Lee Bock

Melva Jean “Tudy” Sneed

Alvin H. Schild

Tonganoxie Police Lt. William (Billy) Naff prepares for ceremonies of the 251st FBI National Academy graduation on Dec. 14 in Quantico, Va. Naff is a 1998 Lawrence High School graduate. Naff’s mother, Cindy (Ramierez) Naff, of Lawrence, submitted the photo.

Skylar Cowdry, Overland Park. Clothing details: Jacket, Urban Outfitters, Levis, a month ago, $50; shirt, Express, six months ago, $35; pants, Urban Outfitters, three months ago, $10; shoes, Designer Shoe Warehouse, three months ago, $60.

Ali Edwards

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Natalie Schaefer, Pittsburgh, Pa. Clothing details: Vest, L.L.Bean, Christmas gift; shirt, Sunflower Bike Shop, a year ago, $50; bag, Sacroots, online, $80; skirt, Urban Outfitters, seven months ago, $10; tights, Kohls, years ago, $10; shoes, Footprints, Sanita, $100.

Ali Edwards

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