By COLLEEN TRESSLER Federal Trade Commission, Division of Consumer and Business Education

Here’s a new scam spotted on social media: appointment setting jobs. They claim you can work from home and make big money. But just what does an appointment setter do? And how can you tell the difference between a legit job offer and a scam?

An appointment setter is someone who schedules calls for a company’s sales staff and potential clients to help them close deals. You’re typically paid an hourly rate, but might earn bonuses based on the number of appointments you successfully set. If you need training, the employer should offer it at no cost to you.

Now that you know the basics, here are some ways to tell the difference between an appointment setter&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams">job scam</a>&nbsp;and a legitimate position. Scammy ads tend to promise a very high income.&nbsp;The truth is&nbsp;that real appointment setting is a normal job with a modest income.&nbsp;Scammy job offers claim you have to pay thousands of dollars upfront for training.&nbsp;The truth is&nbsp;honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job. Scammers say they’ll guarantee you a job once you pay for training.&nbsp;The truth is&nbsp;no one can guarantee you a job. Scammers may also look more like a business opportunity than a paid position, promising you potential clients, or suggesting you recruit new people to their “job” training programs, instead of setting appointments.

Before you accept a job or&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/when-business-offer-or-coaching-program-scam#avoid">business opportunity offer</a>:

If you see a job or business opportunity scam, or lose money to one, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

By COLLEEN TRESSLER Federal Trade Commission, Division of Consumer and Business EducationHere’s a new scam spotted on social media: appointment setting jobs. They claim you can work from home and make big money. But just what does an appointment setter do? And how can you tell the difference between a legit job offer and a scam?An appointment setter is someone who schedules calls for a company’s sales staff and potential clients to help them close deals. You’re typically paid an hourly rate, but might earn bonuses based on the number of appointments you successfully set. If you need training, the employer should offer it at no cost to you.Now that you know the basics, here are some ways to tell the difference between an appointment setter&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams">job scam</a>&nbsp;and a legitimate position. Scammy ads tend to promise a very high income.&nbsp;The truth is&nbsp;that real appointment setting is a normal job with a modest income.&nbsp;Scammy job offers claim you have to pay thousands of dollars upfront for training.&nbsp;The truth is&nbsp;honest employers will never ask you to pay to get a job. Scammers say they’ll guarantee you a job once you pay for training.&nbsp;The truth is&nbsp;no one can guarantee you a job. Scammers may also look more like a business opportunity than a paid position, promising you potential clients, or suggesting you recruit new people to their “job” training programs, instead of setting appointments.Before you accept a job or&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/when-business-offer-or-coaching-program-scam#avoid">business opportunity offer</a>:<ul>
 <li>Take your time and talk to someone you trust.&nbsp;Scammers will try to pressure you to get involved or risk losing out.</li><li>Do some research.&nbsp;Search online for the name of the company and words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” Check with&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/now-leaving?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.naag.org%2Ffind-my-ag%2F&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumer.ftc.gov%2Fconsumer-alerts%2F2024%2F06%2Fjob-scams-start-social-media-appointment-setters%3Futm_source%3Dgovdelivery">your state attorney general</a>&nbsp;for complaints. No complaints? It doesn’t guarantee that a company is honest, but complaints can tip you off to possible problems.</li><li>Read success stories and testimonials with skepticism.&nbsp;They might not be true or typical. Glowing stories of success could be fake or misleading, and positive&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-evaluate-online-reviews">online reviews</a>&nbsp;may have come from made-up profiles.</li>
 </ul>If you see a job or business opportunity scam, or lose money to one, report it to the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Job scams that start on social media: Appointment setters

MARSHALL COUNTY —Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office are conducting a search for a missing man from Blue Rapids, Kansas, who was last seen on the night of July 4, according to a media release from the KBI.

On Saturday, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance in the disappearance of Camoran M. Shoptese, 36. Shoptese was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids.

He is a Native American, approximately 6 foot 1 inch tall, 200 pounds has short black hair, brown eyes, and black tattoos covering his neck and chest. 

Investigators suspect foul play connected to his disappearance. A 2008 black Chevy Colorado may be associated with the case. 

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1e7ZL138ni69usCinvK-vm4J9bZCvL5kgab7VWmF64INP6NYuXs5Ofpac_aem_BaV1wFFE3UwONHrevYC3Jg&amp;h=AT3pGv5r88CExbjzo7m3fbz-naLw8xZZNA8_Rr2PqxVp6OPnmpOUle76PJMn3BSpk2Ku1eecc5K7vBUKmLyJLc0LJrRTgGu6yqURJH_e2sZYxKh-SbtbOkEAec-JEK5tWK_Yl-U&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rZVuR_5-M6b0z16gILIssnkfCfUP27JJnC-wN2yf1LI_L201xvpDB5x1SesivwvOBiD2PNF7dpKz-pge3c4Ho2i6r14jyl-oweUgJCUuPePkDeV8EUcxnhDeUpdxAjaqgMdW-iVHKKpjp9N3q_3MhYQVAAjUmddfQ0fk5QinnfZbONWCsuJUJESc6Y4cE80BgL4QGnWhUR_m9a3fOvnbvVxEosJti-P5R" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Rural property owners in the area are also asked to check for and report any suspicious activity they might notice on their land.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720385919016.png" alt="Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>MARSHALL COUNTY —Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office are conducting a search for a missing man from Blue Rapids, Kansas, who was last seen on the night of July 4, according to a media release from the KBI.On Saturday, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance in the disappearance of Camoran M. Shoptese, 36. Shoptese was last seen around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720385898695.png" alt="Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Camoran Shoptese-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>He is a Native American, approximately 6 foot 1 inch tall, 200 pounds has short black hair, brown eyes, and black tattoos covering his neck and chest. Investigators suspect foul play connected to his disappearance. A 2008 black Chevy Colorado may be associated with the case. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kbi.ks.gov%2Fsar%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1e7ZL138ni69usCinvK-vm4J9bZCvL5kgab7VWmF64INP6NYuXs5Ofpac_aem_BaV1wFFE3UwONHrevYC3Jg&amp;h=AT3pGv5r88CExbjzo7m3fbz-naLw8xZZNA8_Rr2PqxVp6OPnmpOUle76PJMn3BSpk2Ku1eecc5K7vBUKmLyJLc0LJrRTgGu6yqURJH_e2sZYxKh-SbtbOkEAec-JEK5tWK_Yl-U&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1rZVuR_5-M6b0z16gILIssnkfCfUP27JJnC-wN2yf1LI_L201xvpDB5x1SesivwvOBiD2PNF7dpKz-pge3c4Ho2i6r14jyl-oweUgJCUuPePkDeV8EUcxnhDeUpdxAjaqgMdW-iVHKKpjp9N3q_3MhYQVAAjUmddfQ0fk5QinnfZbONWCsuJUJESc6Y4cE80BgL4QGnWhUR_m9a3fOvnbvVxEosJti-P5R" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Rural property owners in the area are also asked to check for and report any suspicious activity they might notice on their land.

KBI: Foul play suspected in disappearance of Kan. man

The headliner group Molly Hatchet and Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute performed at Freedom Fest Saturday night in downtown Junction City. Their concerts drew a good crowd as the celebration moved into day four.

Nate Butler, Freedom Fest C0-Chair, said, "This is an excellent excellent week we're out here doing. "Butler enjoyed the bands. "I'm an old rocker&nbsp; and I love rock. We've got a great lineup that's been good."

Butler guessed that total attendance for the five-day Freedom Fest period might hit 50,000.

Cory Odell, Assistant Police Chief, confirmed that there had not been any major incidents or problems in the park this week. The JCPD kept eight officers on duty there daily during&nbsp; the celebration.

Helicopter rides were a popular new feature this year.

Freedom Fest wraps up Sunday with Worship in the Park hosted at 9:30 a.m. by the Geary County Ministerial Association. Cross Point Worship will perform at 5:30 p.m. and Jordan St. Cyr at 7 p.m. 

The day also includes the Weee Entertainment carnival beginning at 5 p.m., the Foam Zone at 11, 1:30 and 4, venders opening at 11 a.m. and the Pompeyo Family &amp; Their Amazing Dogs at 11:30, 2 and 4:30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720324341429.jpeg" alt="Molly Hatchet" />
 <figcaption>Molly Hatchet</figcaption>
 </figure>( Photos by Maria Perez )By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe headliner group Molly Hatchet and Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute performed at Freedom Fest Saturday night in downtown Junction City. Their concerts drew a good crowd as the celebration moved into day four.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720369063475.jpeg" alt="Molly Hatchet" />
 <figcaption>Molly Hatchet</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720369081979.jpeg" alt="Molly Hatchet" />
 <figcaption>Molly Hatchet</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720369097011.jpeg" alt="Molly Hatchet" />
 <figcaption>Molly Hatchet</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720326153062.jpeg" alt="Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute" />
 <figcaption>Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720368974859.jpeg" alt="Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute" />
 <figcaption>Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720368995155.jpeg" alt="Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute" />
 <figcaption>Hells Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute</figcaption>
 </figure>Nate Butler, Freedom Fest C0-Chair, said, "This is an excellent excellent week we're out here doing. "Butler enjoyed the bands. "I'm an old rocker&nbsp; and I love rock. We've got a great lineup that's been good."Butler guessed that total attendance for the five-day Freedom Fest period might hit 50,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720323566789.jpeg" alt="Attendance during the Molly Hatchet concert.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Attendance during the Molly Hatchet concert.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Cory Odell, Assistant Police Chief, confirmed that there had not been any major incidents or problems in the park this week. The JCPD kept eight officers on duty there daily during&nbsp; the celebration.Helicopter rides were a popular new feature this year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720325021583.jpeg" alt="Helicopter in the background coming in for a landing.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Helicopter in the background coming in for a landing.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720325360526.jpeg" alt="107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK Program Director Jerry Brecheisen&nbsp; broadcast from Freedom Fest Saturday night.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK Program Director Jerry Brecheisen&nbsp; broadcast from Freedom Fest Saturday night.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Freedom Fest wraps up Sunday with Worship in the Park hosted at 9:30 a.m. by the Geary County Ministerial Association. Cross Point Worship will perform at 5:30 p.m. and Jordan St. Cyr at 7 p.m. The day also includes the Weee Entertainment carnival beginning at 5 p.m., the Foam Zone at 11, 1:30 and 4, venders opening at 11 a.m. and the Pompeyo Family &amp; Their Amazing Dogs at 11:30, 2 and 4:30.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720327217133.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720369374644.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Freedom Fest enjoys a strong run 

Helland Park in Junction City has been getting some much deserved attention recently. Crews have been working on clearing the trails throughout the park. Parks and Recreation Director Joshua Gray noted that due to the construction of a pond, new trails are also being formed.

 In the near future, portions of the pond bank will be cleared to allow access to the pond for fishing.

July dates for Spin City have been added to the calendar. There will be public skates on July 10th 1-5p.m., July 19th 4-8p.m., and July 31st 1-5p.m. Admission is $7.00 per skater.

Helland Park in Junction City has been getting some much deserved attention recently. Crews have been working on clearing the trails throughout the park. Parks and Recreation Director Joshua Gray noted that due to the construction of a pond, new trails are also being formed. In the near future, portions of the pond bank will be cleared to allow access to the pond for fishing.July dates for Spin City have been added to the calendar. There will be public skates on July 10th 1-5p.m., July 19th 4-8p.m., and July 31st 1-5p.m. Admission is $7.00 per skater.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720282877884.jpeg" alt="Spin City" />
 <figcaption>Spin City</figcaption>
 </figure>

Junction City Parks and Recreation update

Junction City Public Works crews will begin the cleanup process of storm debris on Monday, July 8th.&nbsp; The City noted that this operation is essential to help restore the community after a June 28th storm. 

Here are the key details: Key Points to Remember:-

--Start Date: Cleanup begins on July 8th.

--Location: Crews will start from the south side of town and work their way north. 

--Placement: Please place branches and tree debris in a pile by your curb but NOT in the road. Ensure the pile is within your yard.

--Type of Debris: Only tree debris will be picked up by the crews. Other types of debris will not be collected.

--Duration: The cleanup will take several days due to the extensive damage from the storm.&nbsp;

--Size of Piles: Keep debris piles manageable to facilitate easier pickup.

---Safety First: Ensure that piles do not block sidewalks or driveways and do not pose a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.

--Coordination: If you have neighbors who may need assistance in moving their debris to the curb, consider offering a helping hand.



Junction City Public Works crews will begin the cleanup process of storm debris on Monday, July 8th.&nbsp; The City noted that this operation is essential to help restore the community after a June 28th storm. Here are the key details: Key Points to Remember:---Start Date: Cleanup begins on July 8th.--Location: Crews will start from the south side of town and work their way north. --Placement: Please place branches and tree debris in a pile by your curb but NOT in the road. Ensure the pile is within your yard.--Type of Debris: Only tree debris will be picked up by the crews. Other types of debris will not be collected.--Duration: The cleanup will take several days due to the extensive damage from the storm.&nbsp;Additional Tips:--Size of Piles: Keep debris piles manageable to facilitate easier pickup.---Safety First: Ensure that piles do not block sidewalks or driveways and do not pose a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.--Coordination: If you have neighbors who may need assistance in moving their debris to the curb, consider offering a helping hand.

City begins storm debris cleanup on Monday

PRATT&nbsp;– Exclusive access to land not normally open to hunting and above-average success rates might sound like an expensive hunting lease, but it’s not. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Special Hunts program provides hundreds of such hunts each fall and winter at no charge – all you have to do is apply and be selected.

KDWP’s Special Hunts program offers hunting opportunities with limited access to public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey, and furbearers.

Available hunts can be viewed and applications submitted at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcHJvZ3JhbXMua3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vUHJvZ3JhbXMvU3BlY2lhbC1IdW50cy8yMDI0LUZhbGwtV2ludGVyLUh1bnRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDcwMS45NzAyMzMxMSJ9.7v_173xwtk1jXaaUwwgXJ_HZkuQCjfbJhbw2JhHdgVY/s/1303179659/br/245072672620-l">https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Special-Hunts/2024-Fall-Winter-Hunts</a>, and a random drawing will determine who is selected.

This fall and winter, KDWP is offering more than 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities&nbsp;through&nbsp;one&nbsp;draw, as opposed to multiple draws in previous years.&nbsp;The application period is open now through July 28, 2024.

Resident and nonresident hunters may apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date, and category, which include “Open,” “Youth,” or “Mentored” hunts. All applicants can apply for Open Hunts, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth Hunts require parties to include at least one hunter age 17 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 21 or older (who may not hunt). Mentored Hunts are open to youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor age 21 or older (who may also hunt, unless otherwise specified).

Email notifications will be sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants in mid-August. Successful applicants will also be emailed their hunt permit and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law. Nonresident deer hunters must have drawn a Kansas deer permit this spring to be eligible for Special Hunts for deer.

SubmittedPRATT&nbsp;– Exclusive access to land not normally open to hunting and above-average success rates might sound like an expensive hunting lease, but it’s not. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) Special Hunts program provides hundreds of such hunts each fall and winter at no charge – all you have to do is apply and be selected.KDWP’s Special Hunts program offers hunting opportunities with limited access to public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey, and furbearers.Available hunts can be viewed and applications submitted at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcHJvZ3JhbXMua3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vUHJvZ3JhbXMvU3BlY2lhbC1IdW50cy8yMDI0LUZhbGwtV2ludGVyLUh1bnRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDcwMS45NzAyMzMxMSJ9.7v_173xwtk1jXaaUwwgXJ_HZkuQCjfbJhbw2JhHdgVY/s/1303179659/br/245072672620-l">https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/Programs/Special-Hunts/2024-Fall-Winter-Hunts</a>, and a random drawing will determine who is selected.This fall and winter, KDWP is offering more than 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities&nbsp;through&nbsp;one&nbsp;draw, as opposed to multiple draws in previous years.&nbsp;The application period is open now through July 28, 2024.Resident and nonresident hunters may apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date, and category, which include “Open,” “Youth,” or “Mentored” hunts. All applicants can apply for Open Hunts, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth Hunts require parties to include at least one hunter age 17 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 21 or older (who may not hunt). Mentored Hunts are open to youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor age 21 or older (who may also hunt, unless otherwise specified).Email notifications will be sent to both successful and unsuccessful applicants in mid-August. Successful applicants will also be emailed their hunt permit and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law. Nonresident deer hunters must have drawn a Kansas deer permit this spring to be eligible for Special Hunts for deer.

KDWP to offer special hunting access this fall, winter through free draw

The rock band Molly Hatchet will perform at Freedom Fest Saturday night in downtown Junction City. The free concert begins at 8:30 p.m.

Some of their songs range from Flirtin' With Disaster to Whiskey Man and Bad to the Bone.&nbsp;

Hells/Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute band will perform 6:30 p.m. in the park.

Other activities on Saturday will include will include a Bike, Car and Truck show on Washington Street near Heritage Park from noon until 2 p.m. with a wards at 3 p.m.,&nbsp; the WEEE Entertainment Carnival starting at noon, Pompeyo Family &amp; Their Amazing Dogs at 11 a.m.&nbsp; 1 and 2:30 p.m. and Helicopter Rides starting at 3 p.m.

The Foam Zone will be in operation at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. and will be part of Freedom on Wheels on Washington Street between 7th and 10th Streets.

The rock band Molly Hatchet will perform at Freedom Fest Saturday night in downtown Junction City. The free concert begins at 8:30 p.m.Some of their songs range from Flirtin' With Disaster to Whiskey Man and Bad to the Bone.&nbsp;Hells/Bells: #1 AC/DC Tribute band will perform 6:30 p.m. in the park.Other activities on Saturday will include will include a Bike, Car and Truck show on Washington Street near Heritage Park from noon until 2 p.m. with a wards at 3 p.m.,&nbsp; the WEEE Entertainment Carnival starting at noon, Pompeyo Family &amp; Their Amazing Dogs at 11 a.m.&nbsp; 1 and 2:30 p.m. and Helicopter Rides starting at 3 p.m.The Foam Zone will be in operation at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. and will be part of Freedom on Wheels on Washington Street between 7th and 10th Streets.

Freedom Fest activities will move into Saturday

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Two Kansas men avoided injury after a small plane mishap just before 5p.m. Thursday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Cessna&nbsp;single engine fixed wing aircraft piloted by&nbsp;Mason Jay Patrick&nbsp;Camera, 22, Manhattan, was northbound on runway 36 at the Wamego Airport.&nbsp;

The pilot was attempting to perform a short field takeoff. Miscommunication between the student pilot and the instructor occurred causing the aircraft to continue northbound on the ground. 

Brakes were applied in an attempt to stop however, the aircraft continued past the runway, entered the grass and came to rest in a corn field.

Camera and a passenger David Allen Thompson, 65, Clay Center, were not injured.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720213611356.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Two Kansas men avoided injury after a small plane mishap just before 5p.m. Thursday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Cessna&nbsp;single engine fixed wing aircraft piloted by&nbsp;Mason Jay Patrick&nbsp;Camera, 22, Manhattan, was northbound on runway 36 at the Wamego Airport.&nbsp;The pilot was attempting to perform a short field takeoff. Miscommunication between the student pilot and the instructor occurred causing the aircraft to continue northbound on the ground. Brakes were applied in an attempt to stop however, the aircraft continued past the runway, entered the grass and came to rest in a corn field.Camera and a passenger David Allen Thompson, 65, Clay Center, were not injured.

2 avoid injury after small plane mishap at Wamego airport

Pawnee Mental Health is celebrateing the contributions of Alison Creager, Pamela Steinmetz, and Terri Bushey from the organization's Recovery Services team. Their commitment to excellence sets a standard for the organization and inspires hope in those we serve.&nbsp;

Alison Creagar, LSCSW, LMAC, has been with Pawnee Mental Health for seven years as a Substance Use Therapist within the Recovery Services team. Creagar has a bachelor's in social work from Kansas State University and a master's in social work from the University of Denver. Recently, Creagar achieved a significant milestone by completing her clinical supervision hours and passing their clinical exam, earning the title of Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW). Creager also holds a Licensed Master of Addictions Counseling (LMAC), solidifying her expertise in the field.

Creagar offers individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments in her role. When asked about her choice of joining Recovery Services, Creagar reflected, "Initially, it was because it was an open job, and I knew a few team members already. However, the real reason that I have stuck with Recovery Services is that I get to work with clients who are filled with potential. I have a lot of favorite phases in working with clients. Still, it's always exciting to me to see someone rebuilding their life and getting to support them while they're repairing relationships, rediscovering who they are sober, and doing the work to live the life they want."&nbsp;

Pamela Steinmetz, LSCSW, LMAC, has been an integral part of the Pawnee team since October 2019. Recently, Steinmetz achieved her clinical license to become a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW). Steinmetz also holds a Licensed Master of Addictions Counseling (LMAC) and hopes to get a clinical license for addiction counseling. Motivated to expand her scope of practice and provide more comprehensive care to her clients, she views obtaining her clinical license as a gateway to diverse opportunities and professional growth. Steinmetz values the invaluable learning experience gained through her clinical supervision, where she received guidance and mentorship from seasoned clinical therapists.

Specializing as a dual diagnosis therapist, Steinmetz navigates the complex intersection of substance use concerns and mental health disorders in her practice. With the flexibility to work with either population independently or address the unique needs of clients with dual diagnoses, she demonstrates a holistic approach to therapy. Steinmetz's venture into Recovery Services was sparked by her prior position as an Adult Protective Service worker at DCF, where she closely interacted with individuals facing addiction and mental health hurdles.&nbsp;

Terri Bushey, BA, LAC P-KCGC, a professional in the realm of addiction treatment, has been with Pawnee Mental Health for five years. With a robust background dating back to 1996, Bushey's journey in the treatment field has been remarkable. Bushey, already a licensed addiction counselor, recently achieved a significant milestone by completing training hours for certification as a problem gambling counselor—a goal she had long aspired to achieve. Motivated by the evolving landscape of addiction and the legalization of online betting in the state, Bushey seized the opportunity to expand her services, now offering comprehensive treatment for problem gambling and counseling for concerned others of problem gambling alongside substance use disorder treatment. Notably, this service is fully funded by the State of Kansas.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, Bushey pursued higher education after all five of her children completed high school. Bushey, fortunate to be connected with some of the state's leading addiction treatment professionals, chose to pursue this path with their encouraging support. "Reflecting, I harbor no regrets; despite its challenges, it's been the most rewarding and fulfilling journey I could have chosen," said Terri Bushey, Counselor.&nbsp;

Pawnee Mental Health serves 10 counties including Geary County

Pawnee Mental Health is celebrateing the contributions of Alison Creager, Pamela Steinmetz, and Terri Bushey from the organization's Recovery Services team. Their commitment to excellence sets a standard for the organization and inspires hope in those we serve.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720211155789.jpeg" alt="Alison Creager, photo courtesy Pawnee Mental Health Services" />
 <figcaption>Alison Creager, photo courtesy Pawnee Mental Health Services</figcaption>
 </figure>Alison Creagar, LSCSW, LMAC, has been with Pawnee Mental Health for seven years as a Substance Use Therapist within the Recovery Services team. Creagar has a bachelor's in social work from Kansas State University and a master's in social work from the University of Denver. Recently, Creagar achieved a significant milestone by completing her clinical supervision hours and passing their clinical exam, earning the title of Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW). Creager also holds a Licensed Master of Addictions Counseling (LMAC), solidifying her expertise in the field.Creagar offers individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments in her role. When asked about her choice of joining Recovery Services, Creagar reflected, "Initially, it was because it was an open job, and I knew a few team members already. However, the real reason that I have stuck with Recovery Services is that I get to work with clients who are filled with potential. I have a lot of favorite phases in working with clients. Still, it's always exciting to me to see someone rebuilding their life and getting to support them while they're repairing relationships, rediscovering who they are sober, and doing the work to live the life they want."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720211210295.jpeg" alt="Pamela Steinmetz, courtesy Pawnee Mental Health" />
 <figcaption>Pamela Steinmetz, courtesy Pawnee Mental Health</figcaption>
 </figure>Pamela Steinmetz, LSCSW, LMAC, has been an integral part of the Pawnee team since October 2019. Recently, Steinmetz achieved her clinical license to become a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW). Steinmetz also holds a Licensed Master of Addictions Counseling (LMAC) and hopes to get a clinical license for addiction counseling. Motivated to expand her scope of practice and provide more comprehensive care to her clients, she views obtaining her clinical license as a gateway to diverse opportunities and professional growth. Steinmetz values the invaluable learning experience gained through her clinical supervision, where she received guidance and mentorship from seasoned clinical therapists.Specializing as a dual diagnosis therapist, Steinmetz navigates the complex intersection of substance use concerns and mental health disorders in her practice. With the flexibility to work with either population independently or address the unique needs of clients with dual diagnoses, she demonstrates a holistic approach to therapy. Steinmetz's venture into Recovery Services was sparked by her prior position as an Adult Protective Service worker at DCF, where she closely interacted with individuals facing addiction and mental health hurdles.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720211326171.jpeg" alt="Terri Bushey, courtesy Pawnee Mental Health" />
 <figcaption>Terri Bushey, courtesy Pawnee Mental Health</figcaption>
 </figure>Terri Bushey, BA, LAC P-KCGC, a professional in the realm of addiction treatment, has been with Pawnee Mental Health for five years. With a robust background dating back to 1996, Bushey's journey in the treatment field has been remarkable. Bushey, already a licensed addiction counselor, recently achieved a significant milestone by completing training hours for certification as a problem gambling counselor—a goal she had long aspired to achieve. Motivated by the evolving landscape of addiction and the legalization of online betting in the state, Bushey seized the opportunity to expand her services, now offering comprehensive treatment for problem gambling and counseling for concerned others of problem gambling alongside substance use disorder treatment. Notably, this service is fully funded by the State of Kansas.Driven by a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth, Bushey pursued higher education after all five of her children completed high school. Bushey, fortunate to be connected with some of the state's leading addiction treatment professionals, chose to pursue this path with their encouraging support. "Reflecting, I harbor no regrets; despite its challenges, it's been the most rewarding and fulfilling journey I could have chosen," said Terri Bushey, Counselor.&nbsp;Pawnee Mental Health serves 10 counties including Geary County

Pawnee Mental Health Honors Achievements of Recovery Services Team Members

The next Evenings at Ease program will be an academic simulation program on&nbsp;Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m.&nbsp;This free event is open to the public and will be held in the Visitors Center Auditorium at the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

There will be an interactive program where participants model the United Nations and attempt to solve real world issues. This exercise will provide participants a deeper understanding of global issues during the Eisenhower Administration and how many of these issues still resonate today. In this shortened simulation, participants will be assigned to represent a select country. In accordance with their designated country's culture and policies, guests will collaborate with other nations and work toward a resolution.

Eisenhower Presidential Library releaseThe next Evenings at Ease program will be an academic simulation program on&nbsp;Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m.&nbsp;This free event is open to the public and will be held in the Visitors Center Auditorium at the Eisenhower Presidential Library.There will be an interactive program where participants model the United Nations and attempt to solve real world issues. This exercise will provide participants a deeper understanding of global issues during the Eisenhower Administration and how many of these issues still resonate today. In this shortened simulation, participants will be assigned to represent a select country. In accordance with their designated country's culture and policies, guests will collaborate with other nations and work toward a resolution.

Evenings at Ease

With all of the construction occurring, more changes are happening beginning Monday, the 8th of July. To simplify it, here is a chart. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gearycountyks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWjMkHSYFdZBeSpmIywnBI7bDdui7Z3umz621ep-JqsZxvTEcJ6HPNsC5McISHTvkI5lFv9tQL6WJgQVg_boZw2LOOmtTlYfzc7pbTEmA3see6tipp6KNaU6dMz_siHVqIPfaUeSGgFzD2JFdiCWy6_nlH1JKGqaYW-6KCb5cywnIEhNImhSUyjQEczV-Y7H_tFjaNlFcuIiJNr1bmtx6Bz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#GearyCountyKS</a>

With all of the construction occurring, more changes are happening beginning Monday, the 8th of July. To simplify it, here is a chart. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gearycountyks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWjMkHSYFdZBeSpmIywnBI7bDdui7Z3umz621ep-JqsZxvTEcJ6HPNsC5McISHTvkI5lFv9tQL6WJgQVg_boZw2LOOmtTlYfzc7pbTEmA3see6tipp6KNaU6dMz_siHVqIPfaUeSGgFzD2JFdiCWy6_nlH1JKGqaYW-6KCb5cywnIEhNImhSUyjQEczV-Y7H_tFjaNlFcuIiJNr1bmtx6Bz&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#GearyCountyKS</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720207037945.jpeg" alt="" />
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Emergency management updates I-70 exits open and  closures

Due to water issues in the administrative areas of the Sheriff's Department, the Geary County Sheriff's offices are closed until Monday, July 8th.

Due to water issues in the administrative areas of the Sheriff's Department, the Geary County Sheriff's offices are closed until Monday, July 8th.

Sheriff's offices notice

Cyberattacks on health care systems don’t just cost money. They can make it harder for clinicians to keep their patients safe.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/rachana-pradhan/">Rachana Pradhan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/kate-wells/">Kate Wells</a><a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">The Beacon</a>

In the wake of a debilitating cyberattack against one of the nation’s largest health care systems, Marvin Ruckle, a nurse at an Ascension hospital in Wichita, said he had a frightening experience: He nearly gave a baby “the wrong dose of narcotic” because of confusing paperwork.

Ruckle, who has worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph for two decades, said it was “hard to decipher which was the correct dose” on the medication record. He’d “never seen that happen,” he said, “when we were on the computer system” before the cyberattack.

A May 8 ransomware attack against Ascension, a Catholic health system with 140 hospitals in at least 10 states, locked providers out of systems that track and coordinate nearly every aspect of patient care. They include its systems for electronic health records, some phones, and ones “utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications,” the company said in a May 9 statement.

More than a dozen doctors and nurses who work for the sprawling health system told Michigan Public and KFF Health News that patient care at its hospitals across the nation was compromised in the fallout of the cyberattack over the past several weeks. Clinicians working for hospitals in three states described harrowing lapses, including delayed or lost lab results, medication errors, and an absence of routine safety checks via technology to prevent potentially fatal mistakes.

Despite a precipitous rise in cyberattacks against the health sector in recent years, a weeks-long disruption of this magnitude is beyond what most health systems are prepared for, said&nbsp;<a href="https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pharmacy/john-s-clark-pharmd-ms-bcps-fashp">John Clark</a>, an associate chief pharmacy officer at the University of Michigan health system.

“I don’t believe that anyone is fully prepared,” he said. Most emergency management plans “are designed around long-term downtimes that are into one, two, or three days.”

Ascension in a&nbsp;<a href="https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event">public statement May 9</a>&nbsp;said its care teams were “trained for these kinds of disruptions,” but did not respond to questions in early June about whether it had prepared for longer periods of downtime. Ascension said June 14 it had restored access to electronic health records across its network, but that patient “medical records and other information collected between May 8” and when the service was restored “may be temporarily inaccessible as we work to update the portal with information collected during the system downtime.”

Ruckle said he “had no training” for the cyberattack.

Lisa Watson, an intensive care unit nurse at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita, described her own close call. She said she nearly administered the wrong medication to a critically ill patient because she couldn’t scan it as she normally would. “My patient probably would have passed away had I not caught it,” she said.

Watson is no stranger to using paper for patients’ medical charts, saying she did so “for probably half of my career,” before electronic health records became ubiquitous in hospitals. What happened after the cyberattack was “by no means the same.”

“When we paper-charted, we had systems in place to get those orders to other departments in a timely manner,” she said, “and those have all gone away.”

Melissa LaRue, an ICU nurse at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, described a close call with “administering the wrong dosage” of a patient’s blood pressure medication. “Luckily,” she said, it was “triple-checked and remedied before that could happen. But I think the potential for harm is there when you have so much information and paperwork that you have to go through.”

Clinicians say their hospitals have relied on slapdash workarounds, using handwritten notes, faxes, sticky notes, and basic computer spreadsheets — many devised on the fly by doctors and nurses — to care for patients.

More than a dozen other nurses and doctors, some of them without union protections, at Ascension hospitals in Michigan recounted situations in which they say patient care was compromised. Those clinicians spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of retaliation by their employer.

An Ascension hospital emergency room doctor in Detroit said a man on the city’s east side was given a dangerous narcotic intended for another patient because of a paperwork mix-up. As a result, the patient’s breathing slowed to the point that he had to be put on a ventilator. “We intubated him and we sent him to the ICU because he got the wrong medication.”

A nurse in a Michigan Ascension hospital ER said a woman with low blood sugar and “altered mental status” went into cardiac arrest and died after staff said they waited four hours for lab results they needed to determine how to treat her, but never received. “If I started having crushing chest pain in the middle of work and thought I was having a big one, I would grab someone to drive me down the street to another hospital,” the same ER nurse said.

Similar concerns reportedly led a travel nurse at an Ascension hospital in Indiana to quit. “I just want to warn those patients that are coming to any of the Ascension facilities that there will be delays in care. There is potential for error and for harm,” Justin Neisser&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NofGfUnptfs">told CBS4</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis in May.

Several nurses and doctors at Ascension hospitals said they feared the errors they’ve witnessed since the cyberattack began could threaten their professional licenses. “This is how a RaDonda Vaught happens,” one nurse said, referring to the Tennessee nurse who was convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/radonda-vaught-nurse-drug-error-vanderbilt-guilty-verdict/">criminally negligent homicide</a>&nbsp;in 2022 for a fatal drug error.

Reporters were not able to review records to verify clinicians’ claims because of privacy laws surrounding patients’ medical information that apply to health care professionals.

Ascension declined to answer questions about claims that care has been affected by the ransomware attack. “As we have made clear throughout this cyber attack which has impacted our system and our dedicated clinical providers, caring for our patients is our highest priority,” Sean Fitzpatrick, Ascension’s vice president of external communications, said via email on June 3. “We are confident that our care providers in our hospitals and facilities continue to provide quality medical care.”

The federal government requires hospitals to protect patients’ sensitive health data, according to cybersecurity experts. However, there are no federal requirements for hospitals to prevent or prepare for cyberattacks that could compromise their electronic systems.

Hospitals: ‘The No.1 Target of Ransomware’

“We’ve started to think about these as public health issues and disasters on the scale of earthquakes or hurricanes,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-tully-672679102/">Jeff Tully</a>, a co-director of the Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity at the University of California-San Diego. “These types of cybersecurity incidents should be thought of as a matter of when, and not if.”

Josh Corman, a cybersecurity expert and advocate, said ransom crews regard hospitals as the perfect prey: “They have terrible security and they’ll pay. So almost immediately, hospitals went to the No. 1 target of ransomware.”

In 2023, the health sector experienced the largest share of ransomware attacks of 16 infrastructure sectors considered vital to national security or safety, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3Report.pdf">FBI report on internet crimes</a>. In March, the federal Department of Health and Human Services said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/13/hhs-office-civil-rights-issues-letter-opens-investigation-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html">reported large breaches involving ransomware</a>&nbsp;had jumped by 264% over the past five years.

A cyberattack this year on Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division that processes billions of health care transactions every year,&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/unitedhealth-change-healthcare-hack-cyber-cybersecurity-ransomware/">crippled the business</a>&nbsp;of providers, pharmacies, and hospitals.

In May, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty&nbsp;<a href="https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/what-we-learned-change-healthcare-cyber-attack">told lawmakers</a>&nbsp;the company paid a $22 million ransom as a result of the Change Healthcare attack — which occurred after hackers accessed a company portal that didn’t have multifactor authentication, a basic cybersecurity tool.

The Biden administration in recent months&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/cyber/Documents/Health-Care-Sector-Cybersecurity-Dec2023-508.pdf">has pushed</a>&nbsp;to bolster health care cybersecurity standards, but it’s not clear which new measures will be required.

In January, HHS&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/HHS-Releases-CPGs-and-Gateway-Website-Jan2024.aspx">nudged companies</a>&nbsp;to improve email security, add multifactor authentication, and institute cybersecurity training and testing, among other voluntary measures. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is expected to release new requirements for hospitals, but the scope and timing are unclear. The same is true of an update HHS is expected to make to patient privacy regulations.

HHS said the voluntary measures “will inform the creation of new enforceable cybersecurity standards,” department spokesperson Jeff Nesbit said in a statement.

“The recent cyberattack at Ascension only underscores the need for everyone in the health care ecosystem to do their part to secure their systems and protect patients,” Nesbit said.

Meanwhile, lobbyists for the hospital industry contend cybersecurity mandates or penalties are misplaced and would curtail hospitals’ resources to fend off attacks.

Ascension in 2022 was the third-largest hospital chain in the U.S. by number of beds, according to the most recent data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Travis Heying/ KFF Health News)

“Hospitals and health systems are not the primary source of cyber risk exposure facing the health care sector,” the American Hospital Association, the largest lobbying group for U.S. hospitals, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aha.org/testimony/2024-04-17-aha-house-statement-fiscal-year-2025-department-health-and-human-services-budget">an April statement</a>&nbsp;prepared for U.S. House lawmakers. Most large&nbsp;<a href="https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf">data breaches</a>&nbsp;that hit hospitals in 2023 originated with third-party “business associates” or other health entities, including CMS itself, the AHA statement said.

Hospitals consolidating into large multistate health systems&nbsp;<a href="https://news.utdallas.edu/business-management/hospital-mergers-hacking-2023/">face increased risk</a>&nbsp;of data breaches and ransomware attacks, according to one study. Ascension in 2022 was the third-largest hospital chain in the U.S. by number of beds, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ahrq.gov/chsp/data-resources/compendium.html">most recent data</a>&nbsp;from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

And while cybersecurity regulations can quickly become outdated, they can at least make it clear that if health systems fail to implement basic protections there “should be consequences for that,”&nbsp;<a href="https://ioe.engin.umich.edu/people/bagian-jim/">Jim Bagian</a>, a former director of the National Center for Patient Safety at the Veterans Health Administration, told Michigan Public’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/stateside/2024-05-22/stateside-podcast-ransomware-attack-at-ascension">Stateside</a>.

Patients can pay the price when lapses occur. Those in hospital care face&nbsp;<a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4579292">a greater likelihood of death</a>&nbsp;during a cyberattack, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Workers concerned about patient safety at Ascension hospitals in Michigan have called for the company to make changes.

“We implore Ascension to recognize the internal problems that continue to plague its hospitals, both publicly and transparently,” said Dina Carlisle, a nurse and the president of the OPEIU Local 40 union, which represents nurses at Ascension Providence Rochester. At least 125 staff members at that Ascension hospital have&nbsp;<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/urgent-ascension-providence-rochester-medical-professionals-demand-safety-precautions-in-hospital-amid-cyber-attack">signed a petition</a>&nbsp;asking administrators to temporarily reduce elective surgeries and nonemergency patient admissions, like under the protocols many hospitals adopted early in the covid-19 pandemic.

Watson, the Kansas ICU nurse, said in late May that nurses had urged management to bring in more nurses to help manage the workflow. “Everything that we say has fallen on deaf ears,” she said.

“It is very hard to be a nurse at Ascension right now,” Watson said in late May. “It is very hard to be a patient at Ascension right now.”

This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/">KFF Health News</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719930547420.png" alt="Marvin Ruckle, who has worked for two decades as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at an Ascension hospital in Kansas, said confusing paperwork nearly led him to administer the wrong dose of a narcotic to a baby after the health system suffered a cyberattack on May 8. Credit: Travis Heying / KFF Health News" />
 <figcaption>Marvin Ruckle, who has worked for two decades as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at an Ascension hospital in Kansas, said confusing paperwork nearly led him to administer the wrong dose of a narcotic to a baby after the health system suffered a cyberattack on May 8. Credit: Travis Heying / KFF Health News</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Cyberattacks on health care systems don’t just cost money. They can make it harder for clinicians to keep their patients safe.</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/rachana-pradhan/">Rachana Pradhan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/kate-wells/">Kate Wells</a><a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/">The Beacon</a>In the wake of a debilitating cyberattack against one of the nation’s largest health care systems, Marvin Ruckle, a nurse at an Ascension hospital in Wichita, said he had a frightening experience: He nearly gave a baby “the wrong dose of narcotic” because of confusing paperwork.Ruckle, who has worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph for two decades, said it was “hard to decipher which was the correct dose” on the medication record. He’d “never seen that happen,” he said, “when we were on the computer system” before the cyberattack.A May 8 ransomware attack against Ascension, a Catholic health system with 140 hospitals in at least 10 states, locked providers out of systems that track and coordinate nearly every aspect of patient care. They include its systems for electronic health records, some phones, and ones “utilized to order certain tests, procedures and medications,” the company said in a May 9 statement.More than a dozen doctors and nurses who work for the sprawling health system told Michigan Public and KFF Health News that patient care at its hospitals across the nation was compromised in the fallout of the cyberattack over the past several weeks. Clinicians working for hospitals in three states described harrowing lapses, including delayed or lost lab results, medication errors, and an absence of routine safety checks via technology to prevent potentially fatal mistakes.Despite a precipitous rise in cyberattacks against the health sector in recent years, a weeks-long disruption of this magnitude is beyond what most health systems are prepared for, said&nbsp;<a href="https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/pharmacy/john-s-clark-pharmd-ms-bcps-fashp">John Clark</a>, an associate chief pharmacy officer at the University of Michigan health system.“I don’t believe that anyone is fully prepared,” he said. Most emergency management plans “are designed around long-term downtimes that are into one, two, or three days.”Ascension in a&nbsp;<a href="https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event">public statement May 9</a>&nbsp;said its care teams were “trained for these kinds of disruptions,” but did not respond to questions in early June about whether it had prepared for longer periods of downtime. Ascension said June 14 it had restored access to electronic health records across its network, but that patient “medical records and other information collected between May 8” and when the service was restored “may be temporarily inaccessible as we work to update the portal with information collected during the system downtime.”Ruckle said he “had no training” for the cyberattack.Back to PaperLisa Watson, an intensive care unit nurse at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis hospital in Wichita, described her own close call. She said she nearly administered the wrong medication to a critically ill patient because she couldn’t scan it as she normally would. “My patient probably would have passed away had I not caught it,” she said.Watson is no stranger to using paper for patients’ medical charts, saying she did so “for probably half of my career,” before electronic health records became ubiquitous in hospitals. What happened after the cyberattack was “by no means the same.”“When we paper-charted, we had systems in place to get those orders to other departments in a timely manner,” she said, “and those have all gone away.”Melissa LaRue, an ICU nurse at Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, described a close call with “administering the wrong dosage” of a patient’s blood pressure medication. “Luckily,” she said, it was “triple-checked and remedied before that could happen. But I think the potential for harm is there when you have so much information and paperwork that you have to go through.”Clinicians say their hospitals have relied on slapdash workarounds, using handwritten notes, faxes, sticky notes, and basic computer spreadsheets — many devised on the fly by doctors and nurses — to care for patients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719930753692.png" alt="Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph in Wichita, Kansas, one of 140 hospitals the Catholic health system operates nationwide. (Travis Heying/ KFF Health News)" />
 <figcaption>Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph in Wichita, Kansas, one of 140 hospitals the Catholic health system operates nationwide. (Travis Heying/ KFF Health News)</figcaption>
 </figure>More than a dozen other nurses and doctors, some of them without union protections, at Ascension hospitals in Michigan recounted situations in which they say patient care was compromised. Those clinicians spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of retaliation by their employer.An Ascension hospital emergency room doctor in Detroit said a man on the city’s east side was given a dangerous narcotic intended for another patient because of a paperwork mix-up. As a result, the patient’s breathing slowed to the point that he had to be put on a ventilator. “We intubated him and we sent him to the ICU because he got the wrong medication.”A nurse in a Michigan Ascension hospital ER said a woman with low blood sugar and “altered mental status” went into cardiac arrest and died after staff said they waited four hours for lab results they needed to determine how to treat her, but never received. “If I started having crushing chest pain in the middle of work and thought I was having a big one, I would grab someone to drive me down the street to another hospital,” the same ER nurse said.Similar concerns reportedly led a travel nurse at an Ascension hospital in Indiana to quit. “I just want to warn those patients that are coming to any of the Ascension facilities that there will be delays in care. There is potential for error and for harm,” Justin Neisser&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NofGfUnptfs">told CBS4</a>&nbsp;in Indianapolis in May.Several nurses and doctors at Ascension hospitals said they feared the errors they’ve witnessed since the cyberattack began could threaten their professional licenses. “This is how a RaDonda Vaught happens,” one nurse said, referring to the Tennessee nurse who was convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/radonda-vaught-nurse-drug-error-vanderbilt-guilty-verdict/">criminally negligent homicide</a>&nbsp;in 2022 for a fatal drug error.Reporters were not able to review records to verify clinicians’ claims because of privacy laws surrounding patients’ medical information that apply to health care professionals.Ascension declined to answer questions about claims that care has been affected by the ransomware attack. “As we have made clear throughout this cyber attack which has impacted our system and our dedicated clinical providers, caring for our patients is our highest priority,” Sean Fitzpatrick, Ascension’s vice president of external communications, said via email on June 3. “We are confident that our care providers in our hospitals and facilities continue to provide quality medical care.”The federal government requires hospitals to protect patients’ sensitive health data, according to cybersecurity experts. However, there are no federal requirements for hospitals to prevent or prepare for cyberattacks that could compromise their electronic systems.Hospitals: ‘The No.1 Target of Ransomware’“We’ve started to think about these as public health issues and disasters on the scale of earthquakes or hurricanes,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-tully-672679102/">Jeff Tully</a>, a co-director of the Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity at the University of California-San Diego. “These types of cybersecurity incidents should be thought of as a matter of when, and not if.”Josh Corman, a cybersecurity expert and advocate, said ransom crews regard hospitals as the perfect prey: “They have terrible security and they’ll pay. So almost immediately, hospitals went to the No. 1 target of ransomware.”In 2023, the health sector experienced the largest share of ransomware attacks of 16 infrastructure sectors considered vital to national security or safety, according to an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3Report.pdf">FBI report on internet crimes</a>. In March, the federal Department of Health and Human Services said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/03/13/hhs-office-civil-rights-issues-letter-opens-investigation-change-healthcare-cyberattack.html">reported large breaches involving ransomware</a>&nbsp;had jumped by 264% over the past five years.A cyberattack this year on Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division that processes billions of health care transactions every year,&nbsp;<a href="https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/unitedhealth-change-healthcare-hack-cyber-cybersecurity-ransomware/">crippled the business</a>&nbsp;of providers, pharmacies, and hospitals.In May, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty&nbsp;<a href="https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/what-we-learned-change-healthcare-cyber-attack">told lawmakers</a>&nbsp;the company paid a $22 million ransom as a result of the Change Healthcare attack — which occurred after hackers accessed a company portal that didn’t have multifactor authentication, a basic cybersecurity tool.The Biden administration in recent months&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/cyber/Documents/Health-Care-Sector-Cybersecurity-Dec2023-508.pdf">has pushed</a>&nbsp;to bolster health care cybersecurity standards, but it’s not clear which new measures will be required.In January, HHS&nbsp;<a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/HHS-Releases-CPGs-and-Gateway-Website-Jan2024.aspx">nudged companies</a>&nbsp;to improve email security, add multifactor authentication, and institute cybersecurity training and testing, among other voluntary measures. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is expected to release new requirements for hospitals, but the scope and timing are unclear. The same is true of an update HHS is expected to make to patient privacy regulations.HHS said the voluntary measures “will inform the creation of new enforceable cybersecurity standards,” department spokesperson Jeff Nesbit said in a statement.“The recent cyberattack at Ascension only underscores the need for everyone in the health care ecosystem to do their part to secure their systems and protect patients,” Nesbit said.Meanwhile, lobbyists for the hospital industry contend cybersecurity mandates or penalties are misplaced and would curtail hospitals’ resources to fend off attacks.Ascension in 2022 was the third-largest hospital chain in the U.S. by number of beds, according to the most recent data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Travis Heying/ KFF Health News)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719930832970.png" alt="Ascension in 2022 was the third-largest hospital chain in the U.S. by number of beds, according to the most recent data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Travis Heying/ KFF Health News)" />
 <figcaption>Ascension in 2022 was the third-largest hospital chain in the U.S. by number of beds, according to the most recent data from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Travis Heying/ KFF Health News)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Hospitals and health systems are not the primary source of cyber risk exposure facing the health care sector,” the American Hospital Association, the largest lobbying group for U.S. hospitals, said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aha.org/testimony/2024-04-17-aha-house-statement-fiscal-year-2025-department-health-and-human-services-budget">an April statement</a>&nbsp;prepared for U.S. House lawmakers. Most large&nbsp;<a href="https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf">data breaches</a>&nbsp;that hit hospitals in 2023 originated with third-party “business associates” or other health entities, including CMS itself, the AHA statement said.Hospitals consolidating into large multistate health systems&nbsp;<a href="https://news.utdallas.edu/business-management/hospital-mergers-hacking-2023/">face increased risk</a>&nbsp;of data breaches and ransomware attacks, according to one study. Ascension in 2022 was the third-largest hospital chain in the U.S. by number of beds, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ahrq.gov/chsp/data-resources/compendium.html">most recent data</a>&nbsp;from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.And while cybersecurity regulations can quickly become outdated, they can at least make it clear that if health systems fail to implement basic protections there “should be consequences for that,”&nbsp;<a href="https://ioe.engin.umich.edu/people/bagian-jim/">Jim Bagian</a>, a former director of the National Center for Patient Safety at the Veterans Health Administration, told Michigan Public’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/stateside/2024-05-22/stateside-podcast-ransomware-attack-at-ascension">Stateside</a>.Patients can pay the price when lapses occur. Those in hospital care face&nbsp;<a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4579292">a greater likelihood of death</a>&nbsp;during a cyberattack, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.Workers concerned about patient safety at Ascension hospitals in Michigan have called for the company to make changes.“We implore Ascension to recognize the internal problems that continue to plague its hospitals, both publicly and transparently,” said Dina Carlisle, a nurse and the president of the OPEIU Local 40 union, which represents nurses at Ascension Providence Rochester. At least 125 staff members at that Ascension hospital have&nbsp;<a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/urgent-ascension-providence-rochester-medical-professionals-demand-safety-precautions-in-hospital-amid-cyber-attack">signed a petition</a>&nbsp;asking administrators to temporarily reduce elective surgeries and nonemergency patient admissions, like under the protocols many hospitals adopted early in the covid-19 pandemic.Watson, the Kansas ICU nurse, said in late May that nurses had urged management to bring in more nurses to help manage the workflow. “Everything that we say has fallen on deaf ears,” she said.“It is very hard to be a nurse at Ascension right now,” Watson said in late May. “It is very hard to be a patient at Ascension right now.”This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/">KFF Health News</a>.

Experts: U.S. hospitals prone to cyberattacks like one that hurt patient care at Ascension 

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Amber Murphy, Failure to appear, arrested 07/03

Erik Reyna, Domestic battery, arrested 07/05

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720194597660.jpeg" alt="Vincent Warner, Operating a water vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Vincent Warner, Operating a water vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720194662063.jpeg" alt="Michael Cordray, Transporting an open container, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, Criminal use of weapons, Shotgun barrel &lt;18", Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Michael Cordray, Transporting an open container, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, Criminal use of weapons, Shotgun barrel &lt;18", Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720194859003.jpeg" alt="Mitchell Yonk, Failure to appear, Criminal threat; Cause terror, Evacuation or disruption, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell Yonk, Failure to appear, Criminal threat; Cause terror, Evacuation or disruption, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Amber Murphy, Failure to appear, arrested 07/03Erik Reyna, Domestic battery, arrested 07/05Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos July 4-5

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 30-year-old man reported a vehicle struck him in a parking lot in the 200 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. 

EMS&nbsp; transported him to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment non life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after noon Wednesday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 30-year-old man reported a vehicle struck him in a parking lot in the 200 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. EMS&nbsp; transported him to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment non life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

RCPD: Man hospitalized after struck by vehicle in parking lot

On July 4th at 11:33 p.m.The Sheriff's Department reported that Deputies responded to the intersection of US 77 Highway and Rucker Road for a two-vehicle accident. Michael Cordray of Junction City was traveling northbound in a 2016 Mazda CX3 when he ran a red light and struck a 2021 F450 driven by Andre Roache of Fort Riley. No injuries reported. Both vehicles sustained minor damage.

The Sheriff's Department reported that&nbsp; Deputies also arrested Michael Cordray of Junction City at 11:58 p.m. the intersection of US 77 Highway and Rucker Road on requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Possession of a shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, Driving while license suspended, and Transporting an open container.

On July 4th at 11:33 p.m.The Sheriff's Department reported that Deputies responded to the intersection of US 77 Highway and Rucker Road for a two-vehicle accident. Michael Cordray of Junction City was traveling northbound in a 2016 Mazda CX3 when he ran a red light and struck a 2021 F450 driven by Andre Roache of Fort Riley. No injuries reported. Both vehicles sustained minor damage.The Sheriff's Department reported that&nbsp; Deputies also arrested Michael Cordray of Junction City at 11:58 p.m. the intersection of US 77 Highway and Rucker Road on requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Possession of a shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, Driving while license suspended, and Transporting an open container.

Deputies respond to accident and make an arrest

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1163%2FReport-an-Illness-or-Health-Incident%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMitchell.Osterlund%40ks.gov%7C7106a680c59e45fcb63b08dc9ba2156e%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638556367647440225%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=uv1MtbE435R7XCcoQh21qdrqN2VE4k5mNNLYyIdtSsU%3D&amp;reserved=0">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.

A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;

When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

&nbsp;When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.

If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. 

Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. 

Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported to KDHE.

Kansas Department of Health and EnvironmentThe Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued a public health advisory due to blue-green algae.A harmful algal bloom (HAB) may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep pets away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your pets, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kdhe.ks.gov%2F1163%2FReport-an-Illness-or-Health-Incident%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&amp;data=05%7C02%7CMitchell.Osterlund%40ks.gov%7C7106a680c59e45fcb63b08dc9ba2156e%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C638556367647440225%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=uv1MtbE435R7XCcoQh21qdrqN2VE4k5mNNLYyIdtSsU%3D&amp;reserved=0">kdhe.ks.gov/1163</a>.Active AdvisoriesWarning&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>King Lake, Lyon County</li><li>Rooks Co. SFL, Rooks County</li><li>Webster Lake, Rooks County</li>
 </ul>Watch&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Eagle Lake (Bel Aire), Sedgwick County</li><li>Gathering Pond, Geary County (Added July 3)</li><li>Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County</li><li>Lovewell Lake, Jewell County</li><li>Marion Lake (Reservoir), Marion County</li><li>Woodland Park Pond (Mount Hope), Sedgwick County&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Lifted&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Hazard status&nbsp;indicates that a harmful algal bloom is present, and extreme conditions exist.&nbsp;When a hazard is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>It is recommended that either a portion of the lake or the entire lake or zone, be closed to the public.</li><li>In some cases, the adjacent land should be closed as well. Actual setback distances will be determined on a site-specific basis, if necessary.</li><li>When partial closures (i.e., beach or cove) are issued, the remaining lake or zone area will carry a warning status.</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Warning status&nbsp;indicates that conditions are unsafe for human and pet exposure. &nbsp;Contact with the waterbody should be avoided.When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.</li><li>Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.&nbsp;</li><li>Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.&nbsp;</li><li>Water contact should be avoided.&nbsp;</li><li>Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.&nbsp;</li><li>Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.&nbsp;</li><li>If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>A&nbsp;Watch status&nbsp;means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.&nbsp;When a watch is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:<ul>
 <li>Signage should be posted at all public access locations.</li><li>Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.</li><li>Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.</li><li>Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.</li><li>Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.</li><li>Clean fish thoroughly with potable water and eat fillet portion only.</li>
 </ul>Advisories are&nbsp;Lifted&nbsp;when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.KDHE investigates publicly accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.&nbsp;If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.Blooms can develop rapidly; if the water appears suspicious or there is decaying algae on the shore, avoid contact and keep dogs away. These toxins can be absorbed by ingestion, inhalation of aerosols and even skin contact. Symptoms vary depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache. If you, or your dog, come into contact with algae rinse the area with clean, fresh water. Suspected HAB-related health incidents, whether human or animal, regardless of season, should be reported to KDHE.

Algae advisories continue for 9 lakes in Kansas

Best of Motown &amp; More, Arena Rock Giants and a Fireworks Extravaganza were among the highlights Thursday evening during Freedom Fest in Heritage Park.

There were numerous activities ranging from vendors to carnival rides.

Freedom Fest continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The schedule on Friday ranges from performances by Goddesses of Rock and the Original Silver Bullet: Tribute to Bob Seger, to Helicopter Rides, Foam Zone, vendors and carnival rides.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720184641841.jpeg" alt="(Photo - Anthony Gorges)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo - Anthony Gorges)</figcaption>
 </figure>Best of Motown &amp; More, Arena Rock Giants and a Fireworks Extravaganza were among the highlights Thursday evening during Freedom Fest in Heritage Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720184700416.jpeg" alt="(Photo - Anthony Gorges)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo - Anthony Gorges)</figcaption>
 </figure>There were numerous activities ranging from vendors to carnival rides.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720144078828.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720144162780.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720144199196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720144239396.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Freedom Fest continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The schedule on Friday ranges from performances by Goddesses of Rock and the Original Silver Bullet: Tribute to Bob Seger, to Helicopter Rides, Foam Zone, vendors and carnival rides.

Heritage Park hosts Freedom Fest

Junction City Commissioners took action on a variety of items Tuesday night.

--They approved the hiring of an architect firm to provide a conceptual design for a proposed new animal shelter. The cost has been capped at $9,200.

--Bayer Construction will be employed for U.S. Department of Agriculture mandated improvements to Homer's Dam. The cost will vw $893,794 with a one half million grant paying part of that cost and the city the remainder.

--The commission declined a Geary County offer to pay for EMS Services January to March. The issue is currently in litigation as differences between the two entities on EMS costs continue.

--The final day of work for Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel is scheduled for July 17. He is retiring. There will be an offer to a private firm not to exceed a cost of $4,000 per week, to provide interim city management services. That service is required due to the city manager form of government used by the City.

--City Manager Allen Dinkel observed that last Friday's severe thunderstorm was close to a 700 to 800 year storm level. There was commission praise for community help following the storm.

Junction City Commissioners took action on a variety of items Tuesday night.--They approved the hiring of an architect firm to provide a conceptual design for a proposed new animal shelter. The cost has been capped at $9,200.--Bayer Construction will be employed for U.S. Department of Agriculture mandated improvements to Homer's Dam. The cost will vw $893,794 with a one half million grant paying part of that cost and the city the remainder.--The commission declined a Geary County offer to pay for EMS Services January to March. The issue is currently in litigation as differences between the two entities on EMS costs continue.--The final day of work for Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel is scheduled for July 17. He is retiring. There will be an offer to a private firm not to exceed a cost of $4,000 per week, to provide interim city management services. That service is required due to the city manager form of government used by the City.--City Manager Allen Dinkel observed that last Friday's severe thunderstorm was close to a 700 to 800 year storm level. There was commission praise for community help following the storm.

Junction City Commission news notes

Sunny skies and a big audience greeted the Freedom Fest Parade on July 4th in Junction City. There was a flyover to open the entries.

The parade traveled from Eisenhower to 6th Street and then to Adams Street in Junction City. Here are some of the photos.

Freedom Fest activities continue through Sunday.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostSunny skies and a big audience greeted the Freedom Fest Parade on July 4th in Junction City. There was a flyover to open the entries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720120998698.jpeg" alt="Flyover ( Photo - Becce Juska )" />
 <figcaption>Flyover ( Photo - Becce Juska )</figcaption>
 </figure>The parade traveled from Eisenhower to 6th Street and then to Adams Street in Junction City. Here are some of the photos.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121570378.jpeg" alt="1st Infantry Division Band members ( Photo - Becce Juska )" />
 <figcaption>1st Infantry Division Band members ( Photo - Becce Juska )</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121446178.jpeg" alt="Parade Grand Marshall Jim Sands" />
 <figcaption>Parade Grand Marshall Jim Sands</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121484523.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121503323.jpeg" alt="( Photo - Becce&nbsp; Juska)" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - Becce&nbsp; Juska)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121553770.jpeg" alt="( Photo - Becce Juska )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - Becce Juska )</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121702034.jpeg" alt="Rural fire truck" />
 <figcaption>Rural fire truck</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720121777209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Freedom Fest activities continue through Sunday.

Freedom Fest Parade is a July 4th highlight.

The annual Freedom Fest celebration opened in downtown Junction City Wednesday evening with a performance by Get Lucky: a Tribute to Loverboy.

Free concerts are a big part of Freedom Fest. The celebration runs through Sunday.

Revelation: Tribute to Journey&nbsp; also performed Wednesday evening.

Activities on Thursday, July 4, will range from the Freedom Run at 7:30 a.m. to the 10 a.m. Freedom Parade and a Fireworks Extravaganza at 10 p.m.&nbsp;

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe annual Freedom Fest celebration opened in downtown Junction City Wednesday evening with a performance by Get Lucky: a Tribute to Loverboy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720055601896.jpeg" alt="( Photos by Becce Juska )" />
 <figcaption>( Photos by Becce Juska )</figcaption>
 </figure>Free concerts are a big part of Freedom Fest. The celebration runs through Sunday.Revelation: Tribute to Journey&nbsp; also performed Wednesday evening.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720062023666.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Activities on Thursday, July 4, will range from the Freedom Run at 7:30 a.m. to the 10 a.m. Freedom Parade and a Fireworks Extravaganza at 10 p.m.&nbsp;

Freedom Fest begins in Junction City

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded at 7 p.m. Tuesday to 402 State Ave, Grandview Plaza, Kansas for the report of a theft that occurred on Monday at approximately 5:29 p.m. in the 1000 block of E. 6th St., Junction City. 

The Sheriff's Department said RoadSafe Traffic Systems Inc. advised that batteries had been stolen out of an electric sign which was also damaged in the process. This case is still pending investigation.

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded at 7 p.m. Tuesday to 402 State Ave, Grandview Plaza, Kansas for the report of a theft that occurred on Monday at approximately 5:29 p.m. in the 1000 block of E. 6th St., Junction City. The Sheriff's Department said RoadSafe Traffic Systems Inc. advised that batteries had been stolen out of an electric sign which was also damaged in the process. This case is still pending investigation.

Authorities investigate theft of electric sign batteries

July 3, Manhattan, KS&nbsp;– Bellus Academy is redefining what it means to be a camper as it hosts a Summer Beauty Camp, July 29-30, at its Manhattan campus. Instead of trails, tents, and campfires, campers will explore beauty techniques, treatments, and services during an immersive camp experience that blends classroom learning with hands-on games and activities.

The summer beauty camp is open to students entering 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;grade in the fall academic year, and the $40 enrollment fee covers lunch for both days, as well as supplies and limited salon services. Activities will include hands-on sessions where campers learn how to create braids and up-dos, and learn the basics of performing manicures and pedicures. Collaborative learning experiences will challenge campers to take their creativity to a new level as they create special hair, nail, and makeup looks. Instructors and top students at Bellus Academy will offer campers a “behind-the-scenes” look at the beauty school experience and provide complimentary facials. Finally, the summer camp will allow campers to explore what it’s like to work in a full-service salon and spa.

Kendra Marston, outreach and event coordinator at Bellus Academy, said the camp is designed for students who want to explore careers in beauty as well as those who want to learn DIY techniques for hair, skin, and nails. “The camp provides a glimpse into what it’s like to work as a hairstylist, nail tech, or esthetician, but also is designed to be a fun experience where campers can participate in games, creativity-building exercises, and enjoy spending time with other beauty enthusiasts,” she said.

Registration is limited to 12 campers and and reservations can be made at&nbsp;(785) 539-1837.&nbsp;

 Bellus Academy is located at 1130 Westloop Place in Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

July 3, Manhattan, KS&nbsp;– Bellus Academy is redefining what it means to be a camper as it hosts a Summer Beauty Camp, July 29-30, at its Manhattan campus. Instead of trails, tents, and campfires, campers will explore beauty techniques, treatments, and services during an immersive camp experience that blends classroom learning with hands-on games and activities. The summer beauty camp is open to students entering 9th&nbsp;through 12th&nbsp;grade in the fall academic year, and the $40 enrollment fee covers lunch for both days, as well as supplies and limited salon services. Activities will include hands-on sessions where campers learn how to create braids and up-dos, and learn the basics of performing manicures and pedicures. Collaborative learning experiences will challenge campers to take their creativity to a new level as they create special hair, nail, and makeup looks. Instructors and top students at Bellus Academy will offer campers a “behind-the-scenes” look at the beauty school experience and provide complimentary facials. Finally, the summer camp will allow campers to explore what it’s like to work in a full-service salon and spa.Kendra Marston, outreach and event coordinator at Bellus Academy, said the camp is designed for students who want to explore careers in beauty as well as those who want to learn DIY techniques for hair, skin, and nails. “The camp provides a glimpse into what it’s like to work as a hairstylist, nail tech, or esthetician, but also is designed to be a fun experience where campers can participate in games, creativity-building exercises, and enjoy spending time with other beauty enthusiasts,” she said.Registration is limited to 12 campers and and reservations can be made at&nbsp;(785) 539-1837.&nbsp; Bellus Academy is located at 1130 Westloop Place in Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Enrollment Open for Bellus Academy Summer Beauty Camp

&nbsp; Geary USD 475 is wrapping-up the design of the brand new state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center. It will be located on the site of the former Junction City High School.

The District confirmed that groundbreaking will occur this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720022616084.jpeg" alt="Renderings from Geary USD 475" />
 <figcaption>Renderings from Geary USD 475</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC Post&nbsp; Geary USD 475 is wrapping-up the design of the brand new state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center. It will be located on the site of the former Junction City High School.The District confirmed that groundbreaking will occur this fall.<figure>
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