There will be a redeployment ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade on Thursday at Fort Riley. It begins at 11:15 a.m at the hangar at 814 Marshall Drive. The Soldiers are returning to post from a nine month deployment to Korea.&nbsp;

The first group of Soldiers arrived on post earlier this month, with the remaining set to redeploy in large groups in the next few weeks. The entire battalion will return by late November.

Several hundred Soldiers from the battalion departed from Fort Riley for Korea in December and assumed the Korea rotational force mission as part of the U.S. commitment to maintaining peace and deterring aggression in northeast Asia.

There will be a redeployment ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade on Thursday at Fort Riley. It begins at 11:15 a.m at the hangar at 814 Marshall Drive. The Soldiers are returning to post from a nine month deployment to Korea.&nbsp;The first group of Soldiers arrived on post earlier this month, with the remaining set to redeploy in large groups in the next few weeks. The entire battalion will return by late November.Several hundred Soldiers from the battalion departed from Fort Riley for Korea in December and assumed the Korea rotational force mission as part of the U.S. commitment to maintaining peace and deterring aggression in northeast Asia.

1st Combat Aviation Brigade members will return to Fort Riley

MANHATTAN — Investigators from the Manhattan Fire Department have determined that improperly disposed of smoking materials caused the house fire that occurred on Tuesday evening at 3341 Effingham Drive in Mahattan, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes. T

The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.&nbsp; Six pets were rescued from the fire and two of them succumbed to injuries at the scene.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Michele Ulmer of the same address.&nbsp;

Manhattan—Authorities are working to determine the cause a house fire in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, fire crews were dispatched to 3341 Effingham Drive for a report of a house on fire, according to assistant Chief Sam Dameron.

Upon arrival, crews found a two-story single-family home with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Five dogs and one cat were rescued from the home. Two pets succumbed to their injuries at the scene.&nbsp; 

The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 40 minutes.&nbsp; The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The residents were displaced from the building due to damage.&nbsp;

 Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Michele Ulmer of the same address.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632274029672.png" alt="Tuesday evening fire-photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Tuesday evening fire-photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632274029672.png" alt="Tuesday evening fire-photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Tuesday evening fire-photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Investigators from the Manhattan Fire Department have determined that improperly disposed of smoking materials caused the house fire that occurred on Tuesday evening at 3341 Effingham Drive in Mahattan, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes. T The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.&nbsp; Six pets were rescued from the fire and two of them succumbed to injuries at the scene.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Michele Ulmer of the same address.&nbsp;------Manhattan—Authorities are working to determine the cause a house fire in Manhattan.&nbsp;Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, fire crews were dispatched to 3341 Effingham Drive for a report of a house on fire, according to assistant Chief Sam Dameron.Upon arrival, crews found a two-story single-family home with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Five dogs and one cat were rescued from the home. Two pets succumbed to their injuries at the scene.&nbsp; The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 40 minutes.&nbsp; The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The residents were displaced from the building due to damage.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Michele Ulmer of the same address.&nbsp;

Update: Pets rescued during 2 alarm house fire in Manhattan

The Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau was present at the 2021 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.&nbsp;

Administrative Assistant Amanda Ravenstein has been handling a majority of CVB duties in the weeks since former CVB Director Michele Stimatze resigned.

"A lot of people were asking about hotel stays or lodging that they could do around the lake, things that they could do in the city." said Ravenstein. "[Milford Lake] was a lot of the big draw for outdoor stuff. People were asking about trails and hunting and fishing, so Milford Lake was a really big draw for us."

&nbsp;Ravenstein thanked the many organizations like the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce and Junction City Main Street for assisting the CVB throughout the week, stating that the volunteers played a big part in helping to spread the word about Junction City and Geary County.

"We had people from all over the state," said Ravenstein of the people who had interest in visiting the county. "We even had people come up from Oklahoma. We had people from Wichita and Hutchinson asking where Junction City was, but we also had people from Ark City really just curious what all we had to offer."

Ravenstein, the Geary County CVB, and its volunteers spoke with people throughout the entirety of the Kansas State Fair, but do not have an official number of the total amount of people they spoke with during their time at the event.&nbsp;

The Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau was present at the 2021 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.&nbsp;Administrative Assistant Amanda Ravenstein has been handling a majority of CVB duties in the weeks since former CVB Director Michele Stimatze resigned."A lot of people were asking about hotel stays or lodging that they could do around the lake, things that they could do in the city." said Ravenstein. "[Milford Lake] was a lot of the big draw for outdoor stuff. People were asking about trails and hunting and fishing, so Milford Lake was a really big draw for us."&nbsp;Ravenstein thanked the many organizations like the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce and Junction City Main Street for assisting the CVB throughout the week, stating that the volunteers played a big part in helping to spread the word about Junction City and Geary County."We had people from all over the state," said Ravenstein of the people who had interest in visiting the county. "We even had people come up from Oklahoma. We had people from Wichita and Hutchinson asking where Junction City was, but we also had people from Ark City really just curious what all we had to offer."Ravenstein, the Geary County CVB, and its volunteers spoke with people throughout the entirety of the Kansas State Fair, but do not have an official number of the total amount of people they spoke with during their time at the event.&nbsp;

Geary Co. CVB represented at Kansas State Fair

MATCH DAY&nbsp;is coming up on October 12th. Donations are matched by the Greater Geary Community Foundation's Match Day. Geary County Historical Society Executive Director Heather Hagedorn said she wanted to emphasize how much your donation, especially on October 12th, can help at the Geary County Historical Society. 2020 and 2021 have been hard across the country, the world, and the Historical Society is no different.&nbsp;

Due to budget cuts by the county, the Historical Museum lost 30% of our annual funding.&nbsp; Donations can help them try to make up for this lost funding. By donating to Geary County Historical Society on Match Day, every dollar given over $25 will be matched at 50%. That means your $25 becomes $37.50; $50 becomes $75; $200 becomes $300 and on. 

Gifts up to $1000 will be given the 50% match and there is $140,000 of matching funds available for the community. Donations can be made in person, online or via mail.&nbsp;

Numerous other organizations will be participating in Match Day ranging from&nbsp; the C.L. Hoover Opera House to United Way and the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association, and more.

MATCH DAY&nbsp;is coming up on October 12th. Donations are matched by the Greater Geary Community Foundation's Match Day. Geary County Historical Society Executive Director Heather Hagedorn said she wanted to emphasize how much your donation, especially on October 12th, can help at the Geary County Historical Society. 2020 and 2021 have been hard across the country, the world, and the Historical Society is no different.&nbsp; Due to budget cuts by the county, the Historical Museum lost 30% of our annual funding.&nbsp; Donations can help them try to make up for this lost funding. By donating to Geary County Historical Society on Match Day, every dollar given over $25 will be matched at 50%. That means your $25 becomes $37.50; $50 becomes $75; $200 becomes $300 and on. Gifts up to $1000 will be given the 50% match and there is $140,000 of matching funds available for the community. Donations can be made in person, online or via mail.&nbsp;Numerous other organizations will be participating in Match Day ranging from&nbsp; the C.L. Hoover Opera House to United Way and the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association, and more.

Match Day is Oct. 12

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a lawnmower theft at a home in Manhattan.

Just before 11a.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft in the 500 block of Stone Pointe Drive. A 78-year-old man reported an unknown suspect stole his John Deere riding lawnmower. 

The total estimated loss associated with this case is approximately $5000. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a lawnmower theft at a home in Manhattan.Just before 11a.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft in the 500 block of Stone Pointe Drive. A 78-year-old man reported an unknown suspect stole his John Deere riding lawnmower. The total estimated loss associated with this case is approximately $5000. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: $5000 riding mower stolen from Manhattan home

The Kansas District Administrative Team met at the Hampton Inn Saturday, September 18. Kansas Optimist Governor, Jeff “Hammer” Bachman, Governor Elect and his administrative team met to share ways to achieve his goals to “Retain, Grow and Gain”. Other Kansas District leaders on the team discussed ways to improve meetings (gatherings); ways to get more members to attend meetings; leadership development; work of the Optimist International Foundation and other topics.

Accordng to spokesman Dr. Ferrell Miller the JC Breakfast Optimist Club was recognized for their contributions to the Optimist Foundation “Dime-A-Day” program. Local members donated a “Dime-A-Day” or $36.50 per year, plus an additional $13.50 totaling $50.00 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the program. The local club leader in this project was T.J. Taylor.

The Kansas District Administrative Team met at the Hampton Inn Saturday, September 18. Kansas Optimist Governor, Jeff “Hammer” Bachman, Governor Elect and his administrative team met to share ways to achieve his goals to “Retain, Grow and Gain”. Other Kansas District leaders on the team discussed ways to improve meetings (gatherings); ways to get more members to attend meetings; leadership development; work of the Optimist International Foundation and other topics.Accordng to spokesman Dr. Ferrell Miller the JC Breakfast Optimist Club was recognized for their contributions to the Optimist Foundation “Dime-A-Day” program. Local members donated a “Dime-A-Day” or $36.50 per year, plus an additional $13.50 totaling $50.00 in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the program. The local club leader in this project was T.J. Taylor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632319228149.jpeg" alt="Second picture: Kansas District Optimist Administrative Team Recognizes JC Breakfast Optimist Club (left to right) Joe Handlos, Treasurer of JC Breakfast Optimist Club; Jeff Bachman, Governor Elect of the Kansas District Optimist Club; Ferrell Miller, Secretary/Programs Chairperson of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club and seated is Dale Fox, Kansas District Optimist International Foundation Representative.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Second picture: Kansas District Optimist Administrative Team Recognizes JC Breakfast Optimist Club (left to right) Joe Handlos, Treasurer of JC Breakfast Optimist Club; Jeff Bachman, Governor Elect of the Kansas District Optimist Club; Ferrell Miller, Secretary/Programs Chairperson of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club and seated is Dale Fox, Kansas District Optimist International Foundation Representative.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Optimist leaders meet in Junction City

POTTAWATOMIE CO., Kan. (WIBW) - Officials in Pottawatomie County are assessing the extent of a cyber attack discovered last week.

<a href="https://www.pottcounty.org/" target="_blank">Pottawatomie Co.</a>&nbsp;Public Information Officer Becky Ryan confirms that county IT staff discovered an active cyber attack on Friday, September, 17.

Ryan says the breach encrypted multiple servers, which prevented the access of many systems used every day. Those specific systems were not identified.

Officials say essential services like the county’s 911, Fire, EMS, and Sheriff’s Office do not appear to be impacted.

Ryan says the full extent of the infiltration is still unclear, but the county is working “diligently to identify the scope of the affected data and how it was compromised.”

Officials say Pottawatomie Co. has technology and procedures in place to prevent an attack like this from happening.

Ryan said local and federal law enforcement agencies are involved, and asked residents, employees and businesses for patience “as we continue to gather facts and restore systems.”

By WIBW TVPOTTAWATOMIE CO., Kan. (WIBW) - Officials in Pottawatomie County are assessing the extent of a cyber attack discovered last week.<a href="https://www.pottcounty.org/" target="_blank">Pottawatomie Co.</a>&nbsp;Public Information Officer Becky Ryan confirms that county IT staff discovered an active cyber attack on Friday, September, 17.Ryan says the breach encrypted multiple servers, which prevented the access of many systems used every day. Those specific systems were not identified.Officials say essential services like the county’s 911, Fire, EMS, and Sheriff’s Office do not appear to be impacted.Ryan says the full extent of the infiltration is still unclear, but the county is working “diligently to identify the scope of the affected data and how it was compromised.”Officials say Pottawatomie Co. has technology and procedures in place to prevent an attack like this from happening.Ryan said local and federal law enforcement agencies are involved, and asked residents, employees and businesses for patience “as we continue to gather facts and restore systems.”

Officials investigate Pottawatomie County cyber attack

Geary County CVB Advisory Committee members voted on Tuesday in favor of installing a CVB sign on the front of the 222 West 6th Street building&nbsp; where they are currently housed.

This would be a five by ten foot sign that will be installed on the front, or south side of the building toward the west end of the structure at a cost of $4,300.&nbsp;

Florence Whitebread, CVB Advisory Committee Chair, noted that the sign will be lighted. "So I think it will be a great addition to let people know where CVB really is located. " Whitebread said the sign will read CVB with the organization's logo with the yellow and blue stripes.

The sign is movable in the event the Convention and Visitor's Bureau changes their office location in the future. Their rental agreement at the 222 West 6th Street location comes to an end at the end of this year.

"I think once the new sign goes up it will advertise the CVB and will be a great place for the community,"said Whitebread. On whether the CVB will be kept in the West 6th Street building because of the sign she said not necessarily. "This sign is movable so that has to be debated."

Geary County CVB Advisory Committee members voted on Tuesday in favor of installing a CVB sign on the front of the 222 West 6th Street building&nbsp; where they are currently housed.This would be a five by ten foot sign that will be installed on the front, or south side of the building toward the west end of the structure at a cost of $4,300.&nbsp;Florence Whitebread, CVB Advisory Committee Chair, noted that the sign will be lighted. "So I think it will be a great addition to let people know where CVB really is located. " Whitebread said the sign will read CVB with the organization's logo with the yellow and blue stripes.The sign is movable in the event the Convention and Visitor's Bureau changes their office location in the future. Their rental agreement at the 222 West 6th Street location comes to an end at the end of this year."I think once the new sign goes up it will advertise the CVB and will be a great place for the community,"said Whitebread. On whether the CVB will be kept in the West 6th Street building because of the sign she said not necessarily. "This sign is movable so that has to be debated."

CVB plans to install new sign on front of the Montgomery building

The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley will host the next Big Red One Year of Honor event Wednesday, Sept. 22. The day’s theme is “Valor.” Honoring two Medal of Honor recipients, the day’s events provide an opportunity to increase the ability of the division’s personnel to serve, lead and live honorably.

The day begins with a 9:30 a.m. Commemoration Ceremony at Victory Park honoring Staff Sgt. Joseph Schaefer, Company I, 18th Infantry, who earned the Medal of Honor Sept. 24th, 1944 near Stolberg, Germany during World War II; and Pvt.1st Class Gino Merli, 18th Infantry, who earned the Medal of Honor Sept. 4th, 1944 near Sars La Bruyere, Belgium. Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general, will speak at the ceremony, relating their battlefield gallantry as examples for today’s Army personnel.

Also in attendance for the ceremony will be the panelists for this month’s Leader Professional Development sessions: Colonel Greg Gadson, U.S. Army, Retired; Major Mark Nutsch, former Green Beret Commander Portrayed in the Movie “12 Strong”; Sergeant Robert “Mike” Debolt III, Distinguished Service Cross Recipient; Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer J. Glidewell, Family Nurse Practitioner, U.S. Army, Retired and Lieutenant Doug Cathey, Watch Commander, Junction City Police Department.

In the afternoon, Fort Riley will unveil new street signs in honor of Schaefer and Merli. Details of their gallantry may be found on the First Division Museum website: <a href="https://www.fdmuseum.org/about-the-1stinfantry-division/medal-of-honor-recipients/">https://www.fdmuseum.org/about-the-1stinfantry-division/medal-of-honor-recipients/</a>.

The Big Red One Year of Honor is a year-long observance of the 37 service members who earned the Medal of Honor while serving with the 1st Infantry Division. By extension, the campaign will enhance esprit-de-corps, foster leader development, and increase unit morale and cohesion through authentic examples of virtue, leadership, and living a life of honor. 


- The 9:30 a.m. Big Red One Year of Honor commemoration ceremony will be live streamed via: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894750279993">https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894750279993</a>

-&nbsp; The street dedication ceremony takes place at 4:00 p.m. and will also be live streamed via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894770694993">https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894770694993
</a>

The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley will host the next Big Red One Year of Honor event Wednesday, Sept. 22. The day’s theme is “Valor.” Honoring two Medal of Honor recipients, the day’s events provide an opportunity to increase the ability of the division’s personnel to serve, lead and live honorably.The day begins with a 9:30 a.m. Commemoration Ceremony at Victory Park honoring Staff Sgt. Joseph Schaefer, Company I, 18th Infantry, who earned the Medal of Honor Sept. 24th, 1944 near Stolberg, Germany during World War II; and Pvt.1st Class Gino Merli, 18th Infantry, who earned the Medal of Honor Sept. 4th, 1944 near Sars La Bruyere, Belgium. Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general, will speak at the ceremony, relating their battlefield gallantry as examples for today’s Army personnel.Also in attendance for the ceremony will be the panelists for this month’s Leader Professional Development sessions: Colonel Greg Gadson, U.S. Army, Retired; Major Mark Nutsch, former Green Beret Commander Portrayed in the Movie “12 Strong”; Sergeant Robert “Mike” Debolt III, Distinguished Service Cross Recipient; Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer J. Glidewell, Family Nurse Practitioner, U.S. Army, Retired and Lieutenant Doug Cathey, Watch Commander, Junction City Police Department.In the afternoon, Fort Riley will unveil new street signs in honor of Schaefer and Merli. Details of their gallantry may be found on the First Division Museum website: <a href="https://www.fdmuseum.org/about-the-1stinfantry-division/medal-of-honor-recipients/">https://www.fdmuseum.org/about-the-1stinfantry-division/medal-of-honor-recipients/</a>. The Big Red One Year of Honor is a year-long observance of the 37 service members who earned the Medal of Honor while serving with the 1st Infantry Division. By extension, the campaign will enhance esprit-de-corps, foster leader development, and increase unit morale and cohesion through authentic examples of virtue, leadership, and living a life of honor. 
- The 9:30 a.m. Big Red One Year of Honor commemoration ceremony will be live streamed via: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894750279993">https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894750279993</a>-&nbsp; The street dedication ceremony takes place at 4:00 p.m. and will also be live streamed via:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894770694993">https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision/posts/10159894770694993
</a>

Big Red One Year of Honor continues September 22

GEARY COUNTY, Kan. - Live Well Geary County has partnered with Geary County Schools USD 475 to host communal meals and provide food and nutritional training programs, such as meal preparation, for the community to make it easier for Geary County residents to lead healthier lives.&nbsp;

Geary County has a food insecurity rate of 14%, according to Kansas Health Matters, which is among the highest 25% of counties in the state.

Live Well will provide these services to the community at the district's Larry Dixon Center during weekday afternoons and evenings.&nbsp;

"This continued relationship with a valued partner in Live Well Geary County is so beneficial to the district, as well as the community," said David Wild, Geary County Schools USD 475 Chief Operations Officer.

This partnership will be funded with an implementation grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of Live Well Geary County's "Pathways to a Healthy Kansas" grant and a Kansas Health Foundation Impact and Capacity Grant.&nbsp;

"The grant is a community and social context communal meals pathway to increase access to healthy food by expanding or enhancing the communal meals program within the city," Wild said.

Live Well and the district plan to begin the partnership on Nov. 1, beginning with a pilot program for in-person communal meals for seniors on Monday evenings. The organizations plan to expand their offerings in early 2022 to make meals available community-wide.&nbsp;

The district has also partnered with Live Well on numerous projects, including the summer meals program, Live Well bicycles used by elementary schools for safe ride training, water bottle filling stations in all of the schools, funding for a new greenhouse a Westwood Elementary School, and promoting tobacco-free schools.&nbsp;

Live Well's Food Policy Council and community partners are currently conducting a survey for the creation of a 10-year Food System Plan that will help guide the growth of the local food system. If you eat or buy food in Geary County, Living Well asks that you please complete a survey&nbsp; to help shape the future of food in Geary County.&nbsp;

The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans.&nbsp;

GEARY COUNTY, Kan. - Live Well Geary County has partnered with Geary County Schools USD 475 to host communal meals and provide food and nutritional training programs, such as meal preparation, for the community to make it easier for Geary County residents to lead healthier lives.&nbsp;Geary County has a food insecurity rate of 14%, according to Kansas Health Matters, which is among the highest 25% of counties in the state.Live Well will provide these services to the community at the district's Larry Dixon Center during weekday afternoons and evenings.&nbsp;"This continued relationship with a valued partner in Live Well Geary County is so beneficial to the district, as well as the community," said David Wild, Geary County Schools USD 475 Chief Operations Officer.This partnership will be funded with an implementation grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as part of Live Well Geary County's "Pathways to a Healthy Kansas" grant and a Kansas Health Foundation Impact and Capacity Grant.&nbsp;"The grant is a community and social context communal meals pathway to increase access to healthy food by expanding or enhancing the communal meals program within the city," Wild said.Live Well and the district plan to begin the partnership on Nov. 1, beginning with a pilot program for in-person communal meals for seniors on Monday evenings. The organizations plan to expand their offerings in early 2022 to make meals available community-wide.&nbsp;The district has also partnered with Live Well on numerous projects, including the summer meals program, Live Well bicycles used by elementary schools for safe ride training, water bottle filling stations in all of the schools, funding for a new greenhouse a Westwood Elementary School, and promoting tobacco-free schools.&nbsp;Live Well's Food Policy Council and community partners are currently conducting a survey for the creation of a 10-year Food System Plan that will help guide the growth of the local food system. If you eat or buy food in Geary County, Living Well asks that you please complete a survey&nbsp; to help shape the future of food in Geary County.&nbsp;The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans.&nbsp;

Live Well Geary County partners with Geary County Schools to fight food insecurity

Members of the community gathered on the grounds at Geary Community Hospital to offer prayers for the patients and staff at the hospital.

They heard from Mother Doreen Rice of the Episcopal Church of the Covenant, who noted that due to the coronavirus vaccine they may be living a more normal life. "But for the people here and across the country in healthcare they don't have that same sense of hope. So there's frustration, anxiety, anger and exhaustion. So what we need to offer is patience, compassion, empathy and gratitude."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632253030338.jpeg" alt="Mother Doreen Rice" />
 <figcaption>Mother Doreen Rice</figcaption>
 </figure>Members of the community gathered on the grounds at Geary Community Hospital to offer prayers for the patients and staff at the hospital.They heard from Mother Doreen Rice of the Episcopal Church of the Covenant, who noted that due to the coronavirus vaccine they may be living a more normal life. "But for the people here and across the country in healthcare they don't have that same sense of hope. So there's frustration, anxiety, anger and exhaustion. So what we need to offer is patience, compassion, empathy and gratitude."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632253172641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Community prays for GCH staff and patients

The Kansas City Royals game at Cleveland Wednesday has been postponed until next Monday due to rain in Cleveland.

The Kansas City Royals game at Cleveland Wednesday has been postponed until next Monday due to rain in Cleveland.

Royals game is postponed

32nd Abbie Whitworth 17:33 (PR) 7th Boys

4th Ethan Falls 13:26 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

31st Roper Woods 16:46 (PR) 8th girls&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

3rd Courtney Adams 13:38 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

6th Makenzie Hall 14:20 (medal)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

12th Jade Beary 15:12 (medal)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

22nd Mayson Obermeyer 18:07 (PR) 8th Boys—2nd as a team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

5th Kaden Hitz 12:30 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

6th Dereck Klukas 12:33 (medal)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

15th Cyras Wyma 13:56 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

18th Charlie Strauss 14:17 (PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

24th Donovan Brabender 14:45 (PR) Varsity girls&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Varsity boys—7th as a team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

6th Drew Elliott 16:50 (medal AND season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

30th Chris Falls 18:20 (career PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

50th Raymond Johnson 19:42 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

51st Levi Gaston 19:44 (career PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

57th Taryn Hoffman 20:24 (career PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

74th Justin Blocker21:13 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

83rd Joey Alonzo 22:09 (season PR) JV boys&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

23rd Travis Leasure 21:37 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

47th Ben Phillips 24:43 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

7th girls32nd Abbie Whitworth 17:33 (PR) 7th Boys4th Ethan Falls 13:26 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;31st Roper Woods 16:46 (PR) 8th girls&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3rd Courtney Adams 13:38 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6th Makenzie Hall 14:20 (medal)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12th Jade Beary 15:12 (medal)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;22nd Mayson Obermeyer 18:07 (PR) 8th Boys—2nd as a team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5th Kaden Hitz 12:30 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6th Dereck Klukas 12:33 (medal)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;15th Cyras Wyma 13:56 (medal AND PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18th Charlie Strauss 14:17 (PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;24th Donovan Brabender 14:45 (PR) Varsity girls&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;28th Paisly Jaderborg 23:11 (season PR)Varsity boys—7th as a team&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;6th Drew Elliott 16:50 (medal AND season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;30th Chris Falls 18:20 (career PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;50th Raymond Johnson 19:42 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;51st Levi Gaston 19:44 (career PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;57th Taryn Hoffman 20:24 (career PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;74th Justin Blocker21:13 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;83rd Joey Alonzo 22:09 (season PR) JV boys&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;23rd Travis Leasure 21:37 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;47th Ben Phillips 24:43 (season PR)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;56th Ayden Muniz 27:50

Results of Chapman Cross Country at SES Invitational

Junction City Lady Jay volleyball lost to Emporia 25-14, 25-16 Tuesday evening in Emporia. In that match they scored double the points from an earlier meeting.&nbsp;

Junction City also lost to the number one ranked team in Class 6A and 10th ranked team nationally, Washburn Rural, 25-11, 25-13.

Coach Basil Nevill of Junction City noted that the Lady Jays played some great volleyball against really good opponents.

Junction City Lady Jay volleyball lost to Emporia 25-14, 25-16 Tuesday evening in Emporia. In that match they scored double the points from an earlier meeting.&nbsp;Junction City also lost to the number one ranked team in Class 6A and 10th ranked team nationally, Washburn Rural, 25-11, 25-13.Coach Basil Nevill of Junction City noted that the Lady Jays played some great volleyball against really good opponents.

Lady Jay volleyball falls in two matches

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex as Wildcats prepare for their Big 12 Conference opener this Saturday at Oklahoma State. A complete transcript of Klieman’s press conference (also streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=15900&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">archived here</a>) are posted below, in addition to comments from select players.

The Wildcats and Cowboys kick off at 6 p.m., on Saturday inside Boone Pickens Stadium in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

“Good afternoon. Excited about the weekend and getting into Big 12 play. Everything kind of gets magnified. The games are a little faster, more physical, and we've got to come up with great game plans on both sides of the ball to go on the road and play a really good Oklahoma State team that has beaten us the last two years. We're in a similar situation as we were in 2019. We started off well in the non-con and had to go on the road against Oklahoma State and didn't fare well, and some of our older guys do recall that and they got after us pretty well. It's a tough environment to play in Stillwater, and our guys know that we've got to work a lot of noise this week to prepare our guys and continue to improve. We have to continue to get better. We got to get better in a lot of areas. Special teams is one that we need to emphasize this week. We can't have penalties on special teams. We continue to hurt ourselves that way. Then, just continuing to play more guys on defense and tackle well. Offensively, to try to rush the football, and then obviously open up a little bit more in the passing game. Sometimes that's more dictated on what your opponent does, and Oklahoma State's got a tremendous defense, so we'll have our hands full.”

On the injury situations regarding Khalid Duke and Skylar Thompson...

“Khalid is going to be done for the year. He had a lower leg injury, so we're sorry to hear because the kid’s a really good football player. Then Skylar just continues with his rehab. He's not ready yet.”

On how they get used to the noise...

“A lot of noise, crowd noise all periods of the day; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, to help our offense like we do when we're at home. We do it on Wednesday and Thursday to help our defense just because in 2020 you didn't have to worry about that stuff, and now you do. It's obviously an impact, so we'll have crowd noise pumped in all three days.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the defensive success so far this season...

“We played really well against Stanford. I don't know if we surprised them or not with the defense we were playing, but played really well there. Then Southern Illinois, I thought had really good schemes on offense to rush the ball and throw the ball. I can't remember how we fared there, but Nevada was a throwing team. We tried to make them one dimensional, and we were able to do, that but that wasn't their bread and butter. Their bread and butter was getting the ball in the quarterback's hands, letting him spin it around. So, we're running to the football well, doesn't matter what front you have. We're tackling and running through our leverage better, but this is going to be an exceptional rushing team that we're going to face in Oklahoma State. They can beat you in a lot of ways. I know against Boise State they were able to rush the football successfully, and we have to be able to. We're not going to stop them. We have to be able to limit some of their explosive plays.”

On the recent matchups with Oklahoma State...

“I thought we had an opportunity to win (last year). I don't know if you'd say they handled us last year, we had an opportunity to win and played a pretty good football game, but they found a way to win in the fourth quarter. Give them credit. In 2019, they got after us, I thought, pretty well up front on both sides of the ball and controlled the game. So, every year is a new year, and a lot of guys played in both games. Then there's a lot of new guys that haven't played in the game. So, every week is a little bit different. Obviously, every year and every team's a little bit different.”

On Oklahoma State and K-State finding more consistency in the passing game...

“Well, I’m sure they're working on theirs just like we're working on ours. Both teams are off to a 3-0 start, and I'd rather be 3-0 than 0-3 and be able to throw the heck out of the thing. You find ways to manufacture wins, and both teams have been able to do that and both teams have been able to win close ballgames. I think that's going to help both teams as we get into conference play. I think it's important that you play tight ball games. You don't like to have it for your stress level, but for the pressure of the players I think it's important that they have to be able to play four quarters, and I know it's helped us to be able to. We've been successful in the fourth quarter of our first three games because of great focus and preparation and being in shape. For us to win, we've got to be able to win four-quarter games.”

On the importance of finding balance on offense…

“Absolutely, and we're smart enough to realize that we're not going to be successful in the Big 12 rushing the ball 13 times a game. We talked about that to our players at the team meeting yesterday. We have to throw the football with more efficiency, more success and just more in general for us to be a factor in this league. All that being said, last week against Nevada – because of the nature of their offense of going four and five wide and emptying it out – one of our best defenses was keeping their offense on the sideline. So, the game plan dictated that, plus they were allowing us to rush the football. It's another reason why Coach (Courtney) Messingham coaches the wide receivers as well as calling plays. He's talking with those wide receivers on a daily basis about what we have to do to continue to improve our passing game, and I know that it's going to be a conscious effort that we make.”

On using both Will Howard and Jaren Lewis at quarterback on Saturday....

“Yeah, it's early in the week. I really haven't had a conversation with Mess (Courtney Messingham) and Collin (Klein) about that specifically other than I think we saw that both players give us an opportunity to be successful. Both players deserve the opportunity to play, so they're both going to be ready to play without question, and I think our football team knows that both guys can get behind center and help us win.”

On if playing on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ for the third-straight week is disappointing...

“I don't think about that. I heard that as well. You control what you can control, and we have no control over that as a football team and as a coaching staff. So, our job is to prepare the guys as best we can to have an opportunity to be successful.”

On the mentality needed to stop the run...

“Well, the gap integrity is the first thing. Everybody knowing where they fit within the run scheme, whether it's inside run, outside run, quarterback run, ability to get off blocks, and I know that's an area that we are improving on compared to where we've been the last two years is shedding blocks. Then, being sound open-field tacklers. Having more hats to the football and knowing where you can miss. You don't want to miss tackles, but if I miss it to my correct leverage and hit that with some speed, I know that the inside part of the cup and leverage is coming in, so we've done a nice job of that thus far. We've got to continue to emphasize it. There were some times we had some let downs in all three games where we felt like – whether it's a run defense or a perimeter pass defense – that we could be a little bit better at tackling. It's hard to practice tackling on a daily basis with all the rule changes. So, it's a conscious effort for us to continue to emphasize running through our leverage.”

On the defense getting into the backfield...

“Cutting those guys loose. We've got some really good defensive linemen. We've been able to play some speed packages with our three-down. We've been able to play three defensive tackles in there. We've had a mixture of both. Having guys like (Spencer) Trussell and Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) and Boom (Bronson Massie) out there as well as (Jaylen) Pickle and (Eli) Huggins and Timmy Horne together. I think keeping fresh bodies out there, the guys know that they're going to be fresh because we're rotating guys. I think that's important. Then just getting off blocks and being disruptive and not reading but being aggressive and penetrating. I think that helps.”

“Nate did a nice job, and he's another guy that is getting more snaps on a weekly basis. He's going to have to have more snaps, especially in some of our third-down packages, and he's ready for that role. He's a tremendous young player that continues to improve. He has a great motor that everybody has seen. We just see him getting so much better with his technique, as well as being strong, physical and really athletic that can run.”

“Well, all of our guys are communicating better. That's one of the things that we talk about on a daily basis on both sides of the ball. We have to have high-level communication, physicality and communication at a high level every day, not just on Saturdays. So, we're trying to continue to emphasize that and just the kids knowing the situation. We didn't defend it great, but the fact that he knew it was coming is encouraging, but we gave up two explosive plays to an explosive offensive team. One was on a trick play and the other one, their great receiver hit us down the seam. I think Mess (Courtney Messingham) had us with a 10-5 advantage in how we tabulate explosive plays. So, we won the explosive-play battle and we won the turnover battle. That's always going to be critical. We need to play error free football.”

On balancing being aggressive with being assignment sound...

“You still have your rules and principles, and everybody has a job to do. We missed the contain on the play. That was probably the bigger issue. We missed the contain where we should add somebody up field. Regardless, we've still got to keep our eyes and coverage, and they kind of high-lowed it. So, it was a good play and good call by those guys.”

“Well, they don't give you any easy things. That's probably the one thing that I've noticed in watching them the last couple years. You've got to work for everything you get, whether it's a 10-yard pass to a six-yard run. They crowd the line of scrimmage, so to speak, but they don't give up explosive plays. We were able to get them on a couple of plays that we really designed well last year, one on a throw and a couple on a run, but they're just tough because they are disciplined, they're physical, and they're not going to give you easy access throws and play their corners off at nine yards and say, ‘Okay, we'll give you a quick hitch or something.’ They're going to make you earn everything that you have, and that's the sign of an aggressive defense. They blitz some, and then they play just some tight quarters and tight man-to-man coverage.”

On what the offensive line did well against Nevada...

“Sustained blocks. More than anything is sustained blocks and communicating all the blitzes that they were doing, because Nevada was blitzing us an awful lot. The kids were able to pass off a lot of those blitzes because of communication on the sideline and then communication in play of some of the stunts. They were running, and we were able to sustain blocks. I thought our wide receivers did a really nice job sustaining blocks. We threw some bubble screens that maybe could have been a yard or two, and we held our blocks a little bit longer and they're six or seven yards and moved the chains. Our tight ends and fullbacks – I thought Nick Lenners had one of his best games of blocking and did a great job. We're going to need that moving forward. We have to be able to sustain blocks by everybody on offense.”

On defensive back Reggie Stubblefield seeing more snaps against Nevada...

“We knew they were going to be in a spread set, and we feel he gives us a better chance to be successful playing as much man coverage as we had to play last week. It was just the type of game for Reggie. On the flip side, he didn't play much against Stanford. It was more (Ryan) Henington and Wayne (Jones), because there were more multiple tight ends. All of them played somewhat against Southern Illinois. So, every week might be a little bit different based on what the offense does.”

On freshman offensive lineman Hadley Panzer...

“He did a really nice job. I talked about him yesterday in the captain's meeting, and Noah (Johnson) was really excited for him. He said he was excited in the huddle but was calm and under control. He’s going to continue to help us and get more and more meaningful snaps as he becomes comfortable, but he played really physical and did a great job communicating.”

On the quarterbacks playing in front of a full stadium in Stillwater...

“Oh, it'll be different for sure. It'll be a big challenge. I think the experience of him (Will Howard) having a lot of snaps, no question, helps, but now we have to put him in some of those adverse conditions in practice. So, it's a lot of hand signals or however we're going to communicate snapping the football. We've got to do a great job so that he feels comfortable. The o-line feels comfortable. We need to do the same thing with Jaren (Lewis), just to make sure that those guys understand that, because it's a different atmosphere when you're doing it in front of 50, 60, 70,000 people, and it's really loud. In certain times, it gets louder and louder, and sometimes it's even loud calling the play. We typically turn the noise on when we come to the line of scrimmage. We need to turn it on, and we'll turn it on as we're in the huddle.”

On Jacardia Wright getting more work...

“Yeah, and we talked about that a little bit on Sunday. He's another guy that is no different than a wide receiver or a tight end having some catches that we need to get the football. We need to find some ways to implement him. The other two guys are playing so well, but he had a couple of really good blocks when he was out there. We're going to need him in, so I know that Coach (Brian) Anderson and Coach (Courtney) Messingham have talked about that within the game plan. When your opportunity comes – I don't care if it's the extra running back to any of our wide receivers, tight ends, or a defensive player – when you get an opportunity to play significant snaps, you have to make the most of it.”

On both teams having momentum coming into the game...

“It's just fun to be a part of starting conference play. We talk about conference play all offseason and all preseason about how difficult this league is week in and week out. What you try to do leading up to conference play is just prepare your guys and prepare your team as best we can to handle some of the adversity and handle some of the situations that are going to come our way. The three non-conference games – this was a really, really difficult non-conference schedule, three teams that are going to win an awful lot of games – and we were fortunate that we found a way to be successful.”

On Hadley Panzer’s playing time going forward...

“Coach (Conor) Riley, communicating with the offensive linemen how we're going to do it. It's no different than what we did with Jaren (Lewis), whether it's the third series, fourth series. Coach Riley kind of goes about that business throughout the week of letting the guys know when they're going to get the reps. We have that at every position. Austin Moore knows when he's going to go in the game and replace Cody Fletcher. Our d-line knows what our rotation is. Our corners know what our rotation is. So, all those things can take place and take hold during the week so that on Saturday, nobody's surprised when they're playing.”

On offensive lineman Carver Willis...

“Carver has done a really good job. It's just that Cooper Beebe is playing at such a high level that Cooper's just a guy that is hard for us to take off the field. It's nothing that Carver Willis has done. He is still a young player. He's a redshirt freshman or two freshmen – depending on how you want to look at it – that's continuing to get bigger and stronger, and he knows our offense well. But, Cooper Beebe is, in my opinion, an All-Big 12 offensive lineman. So, he's a guy that we need to keep in the game.”

“Maturity is the first thing, and I think it hit home to him last fall when Will (Howard) went in the game when Skylar (Thompson) got hurt. He's a prideful kid. He's a great person to be around, and he's really smart. I know at the end of the season or shortly in the offseason, he and I had a conversation that he wanted to be in the mix, and he knew he had to probably go about his business a little bit better. He was going to attack it, and he did. We saw that in the spring. He got better and better in the spring to where he closed the gap somewhat on Will. Will’s experience factor in the fact that Will played in 2020 and Jaren didn't, then we just saw it in fall camp because we go so much good on good and we rotate guys in and out. We just said, ‘This kid just keeps getting better and he keeps making some big time plays, whether it's a run or a throw,’ that when we lost Skylar, we wanted to make sure we were in a position that if something happened to Will that Jaren was ready to help us. Just so happened that when Skylar got hurt, it was the opportune time for us to say, ‘Okay, Jaren, you got to take some snaps,’ and he responded really well. That's the thing. The o-linemen, they're like, ‘Coach, it was great.’ You always worry about whether there is a change in cadence. Is there a change in how the game operation is? The offensive linemen said no, it was really comfortable having both guys in there, and that makes us feel really good as a staff.”

On what areas Jaren Lewis has improved the most...

“Just understanding our offense and our system and understanding and reading defenses better.”

On the defense bringing back the mob mentality...

“They want to play with excitement. All that is is mind on ball, meaning our minds got to be on the football, whether it's interceptions to minds on the ball as it's handed off or thrown. That's what we're trying to do is create some excitement for those guys, because defense has to be played with passion, with energy, with discipline. We all knew we needed to be better on defense, so I'm proud of our guys because they play with a lot of energy, a lot of passion. I think we've got a long way to go, but I think all of us have seen this is a different group on defense, and it's exciting to watch. Yeah, we had a celebration penalty. Don't want it to happen, but I want those kids to have some fun, and that's what they're doing right now. I'm proud of what we've done so far. We have a long way to go because we have a great league in front of us, but we're making significant improvements on defense.”

“Probably not a great body of work, and it's not on them. I think Phillip (Brooks) and Malik (Knowles) are doing some really good things like we knew they would, and Landry (Weber) is doing some really good things. We're blocking exceptionally well. We're being selfless in that respect. The fact that when you're in that locker room last Saturday and we're celebrating a big win or you're in the locker room at AT&amp;T Stadium and we're celebrating a big win, it's a heck of a lot better than the alternative which we all went through last year. Coach Mess (Courtney Messingham) keeps saying to the guys, ‘This is still a team game, and you got to be excited about the success we have as a team.’ All of us want to have more success individually, but sometimes it doesn't work out that way. Winning football is hard to do. Winning games is hard to do. However we can do it, we're going to do that. But, we know we need to get the receivers and tight ends more involved in the pass game. That's the bottom line.”

On evaluating the receivers with so many more rushing attempts...

“Oh, it's a lot more difficult. Yeah, but that's why we practice and that's why we go against each other all the time so that we can continue to evaluate guys. We've got some guys making really good strides out there at wide receiver. I think Jaelon Travis, who missed most of fall camp, is starting to be the Jaelon Travis that I knew he was in the spring, but it's hard when you miss every bit of installation in fall camp. Now he's coming back, and he's getting acclimated, and he's going to be a really good football player for us. Just hasn't had the opportunity. His opportunity will come.”

On Daniel Green’s improvement...

“He's focused on having a great year. He had a great offseason. He put on 13 or 14 pounds. He put on about another 12 or 13 pounds of lean muscle mass. He's just stronger. He's quicker. He is spending more time in the film room doing all of the intangibles that allow you to have a chance to be successful out on the field, and taking care of his body and watching film. All those things go a long way. You can see that on the field with his production, because he's playing the game really fast.”

On the Oklahoma State rushing attack led by running back Jaylen Warren...

“Well, we're focused on their entire rushing offense, because I think (Spencer) Sanders is also a big part of that. When you have the threat of him running the football, it can pull somebody out and then gives those backs more of an opportunity. They did a great job controlling the line of scrimmage against Boise State. They did not get arm tackled, and it was a clinic on how to rush the football. So, for us to be successful, we've got to try to slow those guys down.”

“Probably because we have a lot of former players that I asked to come back and talk to the team because they laid the foundation for all of us to be successful. We watch a lot of videos about K-State of the past because why we have all this great stuff is what Coach Snyder did and all those players did. I think it's just trying to carry on some of the legacy that was built before us and try to honor those guys.”

On playing at Oklahoma State this weekend...

“We’ve been waiting for this one for a while. They've got the capacity, and they're always a very talented team. Last week in Boise, they ran it 58 times. So, we're excited to get down to Stillwater and play the game. It should be fun.”

On the frustrating losses to Oklahoma State the past two years...

“I would say in 2019 they kind of handed it to us. Last year, we felt like we could have gotten that one. We should have got that one, but they're always such a talented team. So, they're always hard to prepare for, but I think we're really well prepared this year. It's going to be a fun game.”

On the crowd environment at Oklahoma State...

“It's funny because I guess people always say we open up the Big 12 away, but I kind of enjoy it. I love playing away games. Stillwater is always such a loud environment with their paddles and stuff, and the fans are all close to you. So, it's going to be fun. I think our team is ready for a road environment like Stillwater. So, we're excited.”

SENIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN NOAH JOHNSON

“For me, this is the first time I've ever really played a game in their stadium. It's against a great opponent that has beaten us the last two years. We've got a lot to prove, and they've got a lot to prove. We know it'll be a really competitive game. It's just one opportunity to start conference play on the road against a team who's consistently one of the best teams in the Big 12. A big rivalry for us, and I just think it's exciting for the whole team.”

On the difference between real crowd noise and practice crowd noise...

“Yeah, it's a little bit different, but it's something that we've practiced. Ever since Coach Klieman got here, it's something that really helps on Saturdays. Hopefully the speakers will be played louder than the actual fans will be. I don't know how loud it'll be at Oklahoma State, but I know we'll be prepared for it, and it's cool. It's a little thing to make practice a little bit more difficult, a bit more entertaining I guess and just to get our operation time with noise down to a tee before we get there on Saturday.”

On evaluation of quarterbacks Will Howard and Jaren Lewis...

“I was so excited to see Jaren get an opportunity. He and I came in at the same time. He was an early enrollee out of high school. The kid has put in the work from day one, every single day. It has always worked out for him. I haven't seen him on the field yet until Saturday, and the kid came in. The dude's got confidence. In two drives, we got points each time and that was huge for us. I've said it before and I'll say it again; I can't say enough good things about Will Howard. The guy has put in an unbelievable amount of work from day one here. He was put into a tough position, and he's handled it incredibly well. Throughout it all and this offseason, he's improved so much. He has an incredibly bright future here, and whoever's back there behind center, I know we're in good hands because Will and Jaren are both something that's a credit to Skylar (Thompson). He really sets that standard for them. A great mentor who was very involved in the game on Saturday and throughout last week. Those guys are going to keep pushing and keep improving every day. Will and Jaren are consistently probably the two last people on the field after practice every day working on their game. So, I can't say enough good things about either.”

On playing in the Oklahoma State road environment...

“Oh, super excited. Like Coach mentioned, this is kind of how it started in 2019. Then we got to go down there and the fans are all over you, maybe about 10 yards or so away from the players, but we're super excited.”

On what stands out about Oklahoma State defense...

“Aggression, every year. They’ll be locked in and ready to go. I think Coach Mess (Courtney Messingham) is doing a great job so far. Yeah, only having a Monday practice just down in the schemes, having different plays and different opportunities for players. But Oklahoma State’s going to be a good thing.”

On what stands out most about last year's game...

“That was a close one. Watching the film back on it, we had a great game. We had a great scheme. We just need to keep finishing in places and execute when we have the opportunity to make big plays and I think we'll do well.”

On his evaluation of the defense…

“I think right now, last game especially, we played really well against the run. I think we started off playing really well against the run, and we improved in that area even better, especially up front. I think areas of improvement, we just still need to eliminate big plays. I think that is what’s killing us. Teams are getting big plays on us, which is where we can improve.”

“Yeah, it’s a big loss. He is a really good player, a really good pass rusher. He does a lot of different things for us. They have to account for him a lot. I think we got a lot of guys in that room. You still got Felix (Anudike-Uzomah). You got Nate Matlack. All these guys can take his place for sure.”

On the improvement of the defense…

“I think we feel settled in, but we know coming into the Big 12, there’s going to be a lot more physical play, especially OSU. They are going to run the ball really well. They are a really good team. So, I think we settled into our defense now for sure. We’re comfortable with our three-down, but we are going to see a lot more different challenges coming up in the Big 12.”

JUNIOR DEFENSIVE BACK EKOW BOYE-DOE

On being fired up for Big 12 play…

“That is what it is all about. This is all we work for. I am very excited.”

On last year’s Oklahoma State…

“Oh definitely, I mean last year was a close one. We made a few last-minute mistakes. I am definitely excited about getting another shot.”

On comparing the past football teams to now….

K-State Holds Weekly Press Conference Prior to Big 12 Opener

The Manhattan High Indians stay at #8 in Class 6A. The Indians are 3-0 after a 70-0 win over Highland Park on Friday. Junction City stands at #10 in the poll after reaching as high as 5th earlier in the season. The Blue Jays are 2-1 and coming off an overtime victory over Topeka Seaman and their only loss is to the 8th-ranked Indians.

The Wamego Red Raiders have played some tight football games so far this season. Currently, they're 2-1 on the year with their lone loss being 41-40 in 4 overtimes against Concordia in week one. Last week, Wamego slid past Clay Center 47-41 in 3 overtimes. They move up to #8 in Class 4A ahead of a matchup with KC Washington this week.

The Riley County Falcons have burst onto the scene this season, starting 3-0 with impressive wins over St. Marys, Minneapolis, and most recently Silver Lake. The Falcons, now ranked #8, will take on Clay Center this Friday in what will likely be one of the marquee matchups this weekend.&nbsp;

CLASS 6A<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632234885458.png" alt="810 VARSITY KSHSAA 6A RANKINGS" />
 <figcaption>810 VARSITY KSHSAA 6A RANKINGS</figcaption>
 </figure>The Manhattan High Indians stay at #8 in Class 6A. The Indians are 3-0 after a 70-0 win over Highland Park on Friday. Junction City stands at #10 in the poll after reaching as high as 5th earlier in the season. The Blue Jays are 2-1 and coming off an overtime victory over Topeka Seaman and their only loss is to the 8th-ranked Indians.CLASS 4A&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632235253009.png" alt="810 VARSITY KSHSAA 4A RANKINGS" />
 <figcaption>810 VARSITY KSHSAA 4A RANKINGS</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wamego Red Raiders have played some tight football games so far this season. Currently, they're 2-1 on the year with their lone loss being 41-40 in 4 overtimes against Concordia in week one. Last week, Wamego slid past Clay Center 47-41 in 3 overtimes. They move up to #8 in Class 4A ahead of a matchup with KC Washington this week.CLASS 3A<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632235454252.png" alt="810 VARSITY KSHSAA 3A RANKINGS" />
 <figcaption>810 VARSITY KSHSAA 3A RANKINGS</figcaption>
 </figure>The Riley County Falcons have burst onto the scene this season, starting 3-0 with impressive wins over St. Marys, Minneapolis, and most recently Silver Lake. The Falcons, now ranked #8, will take on Clay Center this Friday in what will likely be one of the marquee matchups this weekend.&nbsp;

Local

Region

Sports