Junction City High School has received a notice from boys and girls wrestling coach Aryus Jones that he is resigning.

Jones led the wrestling team to a very successful season in his first year at the head of the program, with ten wrestlers qualifying for state and three wrestlers placing at state. 

Along with coaching both the boys and girls wrestling team, Jones taught in the special education department at the high school. 

 Jones is a 2017 Junction City High School graduate, and prior to coaching at JCHS, he coached wrestling at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, KS.

Junction City High School Athletic Director Chris Bogenhagen has confirmed the resignation. An official job posting for a new wrestling coach has been posted to the District's website.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostJunction City High School has received a notice from boys and girls wrestling coach Aryus Jones that he is resigning.Jones led the wrestling team to a very successful season in his first year at the head of the program, with ten wrestlers qualifying for state and three wrestlers placing at state. Along with coaching both the boys and girls wrestling team, Jones taught in the special education department at the high school. Jones is a 2017 Junction City High School graduate, and prior to coaching at JCHS, he coached wrestling at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, KS.Junction City High School Athletic Director Chris Bogenhagen has confirmed the resignation. An official job posting for a new wrestling coach has been posted to the District's website.

Junction City High School Wrestling coach Aryus Jones resigns

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.

Zhanaya Thomas, Failure to appear, arrested 03/12

Jermone Battle, Bond violation, arrested 03/12

Adajae Paulus, Failure to appear, arrested 03/13

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/2024/3/1710338261758.jpeg" alt="Stephen Fox, Failure to appear, arrested 03/12" />
 <figcaption>Stephen Fox, Failure to appear, arrested 03/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710338306735.jpeg" alt="Marco Torres, Domestic battery, Failure to appear, arrested 03/12" />
 <figcaption>Marco Torres, Domestic battery, Failure to appear, arrested 03/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710338338545.jpeg" alt="Dylan Hill, Driving while license canceled, suspended, or revoked, arrested 03/12" />
 <figcaption>Dylan Hill, Driving while license canceled, suspended, or revoked, arrested 03/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710338415942.jpeg" alt="Lorenzo Self, Domestic battery, Criminal trespass, arrested 03/13" />
 <figcaption>Lorenzo Self, Domestic battery, Criminal trespass, arrested 03/13</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Zhanaya Thomas, Failure to appear, arrested 03/12Jermone Battle, Bond violation, arrested 03/12Adajae Paulus, Failure to appear, arrested 03/13Recent 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 March 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — VA announced last week that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are eligible to enroll.

"We started with the PACT Act last year," Herndon said. "It modified existing law and made three new categories of Veterans eligible for VA health care. That was supposed to be phased in, those three new categories, through 2034. President Biden, last year, Veteran's Day said, I'd like to see us get rid of that. Secretary McDonough and his staff have been working hard to develop some new rules. Effective March 5, every one of those three categories of Veterans is eligible for health care, right now."

Any Veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) at home or abroad is eligible for VA health care.

"We're using the term TERA," Herndon said. "If you come in and sit down and talk with us, it's a little easier to say that. Toxic exposure risk activity is a bit of a tongue twister. Occupational hazards include jobs where you had to work with asbestos, industrial solvents, lead, paints that include the chemical agent resistant coating, which those of us in the military know as CARC paint, and then firefighting foams. Those are just a few examples. There's a lot of other examples. It's a very long list of toxic exposure risks that service members may have been subjected to, especially if it's something that is tracked through a tracking record system."

VA will use all available information to determine if Veterans participated in a TERA, including military records and service connection. 

You can come into the Hutchinson VA Clinic at 1625 East 30th to get your questions answered during their business hours weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650578121737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — VA announced last week that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are eligible to enroll."We started with the PACT Act last year," Herndon said. "It modified existing law and made three new categories of Veterans eligible for VA health care. That was supposed to be phased in, those three new categories, through 2034. President Biden, last year, Veteran's Day said, I'd like to see us get rid of that. Secretary McDonough and his staff have been working hard to develop some new rules. Effective March 5, every one of those three categories of Veterans is eligible for health care, right now."Any Veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) at home or abroad is eligible for VA health care."We're using the term TERA," Herndon said. "If you come in and sit down and talk with us, it's a little easier to say that. Toxic exposure risk activity is a bit of a tongue twister. Occupational hazards include jobs where you had to work with asbestos, industrial solvents, lead, paints that include the chemical agent resistant coating, which those of us in the military know as CARC paint, and then firefighting foams. Those are just a few examples. There's a lot of other examples. It's a very long list of toxic exposure risks that service members may have been subjected to, especially if it's something that is tracked through a tracking record system."VA will use all available information to determine if Veterans participated in a TERA, including military records and service connection. You can come into the Hutchinson VA Clinic at 1625 East 30th to get your questions answered during their business hours weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

VA: PACT Act full rollout moved up

The annual Downtown Junction City Beautification Event is scheduled on April 20th from 8 a.m. until noon.

The coordinator for the event, Phyllis Fitzgerald, said participants should meet at the north side of Bella's parking lot.

The plan is to prepare the flower beds for planting by Blueville Nursery. Tasks will include but are not limited to removing old mulch, pulling weeds, laying new mulch, trimming bushes and removal of trash.&nbsp;

The annual Downtown Junction City Beautification Event is scheduled on April 20th from 8 a.m. until noon.The coordinator for the event, Phyllis Fitzgerald, said participants should meet at the north side of Bella's parking lot.The plan is to prepare the flower beds for planting by Blueville Nursery. Tasks will include but are not limited to removing old mulch, pulling weeds, laying new mulch, trimming bushes and removal of trash.&nbsp;

Spruce up downtown Junction City effort is scheduled

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated $200.00 to the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” project.  This project helps identified youth receive Christmas gifts when it may otherwise not be possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710336456669.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are Diancha Quigley with the Salvation Army and Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are Diancha Quigley with the Salvation Army and Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ferrell Miller, EdDThe JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated $200.00 to the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” project. This project helps identified youth receive Christmas gifts when it may otherwise not be possible.

Optimists support Angel Tree

&nbsp;THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAID A TORNADO WATCH&nbsp; IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 AM CDT THURSDAY&nbsp; FOR THE

ATCHISON COFFEY DICKINSON&nbsp;DONIPHAN DOUGLAS FRANKLIN&nbsp;GEARY JACKSON JEFFERSON JOHNSON LEAVENWORTH LYON MIAMI MORRIS OSAGE&nbsp;POTTAWATOMIE RILEY SHAWNEE WABAUNSEE WYANDOTTE

&nbsp;THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAID A TORNADO WATCH&nbsp; IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 AM CDT THURSDAY&nbsp; FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:KANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED AREATCHISON COFFEY DICKINSON&nbsp;DONIPHAN DOUGLAS FRANKLIN&nbsp;GEARY JACKSON JEFFERSON JOHNSON LEAVENWORTH LYON MIAMI MORRIS OSAGE&nbsp;POTTAWATOMIE RILEY SHAWNEE WABAUNSEE WYANDOTTE

Wednesday night Tornado Watch

&nbsp; This Friday, March 15th, United Way of Junction City - Geary County&nbsp; will be hosting a St. Patty's Day Potato Bar at the Episcopal Church, Fourth and Adams. . They'll be there from 11:30-1:00 while supplies last.

Call 785-238-2117 for preorders and delivery.

The cost will be $8 per meal, with Wendy's providing chili, sour cream by Tyme Out Lounge and water by Godfrey's.

&nbsp; This Friday, March 15th, United Way of Junction City - Geary County&nbsp; will be hosting a St. Patty's Day Potato Bar at the Episcopal Church, Fourth and Adams. . They'll be there from 11:30-1:00 while supplies last.Call 785-238-2117 for preorders and delivery.The cost will be $8 per meal, with Wendy's providing chili, sour cream by Tyme Out Lounge and water by Godfrey's.

United Way will raise funds

KDOT has announced that beginning on Monday, March 18, I-70 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at a reduced speed as median crossovers will carry one lane of westbound traffic through construction on the eastbound lanes in Junction City. This will occur as the Kansas Department of Transportation begins Phase Two of the pavement replacement project at Junction City.

During this phase, deteriorated pavement will be replaced on the westbound lanes of I-70 from mile marker 296 to mile marker 300. Westbound I-70 ramps will be closed at times to allow for pavement replacement.&nbsp;

In late June or July, when the project reaches the ramps at Exit 296, KDOT and the City of Junction City will replace all pavement on the Washington Street roundabout.

Phase Two is scheduled to be completed in November 2024. Phase Three will replace the deteriorated pavement in the eastbound lanes and is scheduled to begin in March 2025. All three phases of the project are to be completed by December 2025, weather permitting.

Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. and Subsidiaries, of Wichita, is the prime contractor for this $30 million project.

By Ashley Perez / Public Affairs manager&nbsp;

KDOT has announced that beginning on Monday, March 18, I-70 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at a reduced speed as median crossovers will carry one lane of westbound traffic through construction on the eastbound lanes in Junction City. This will occur as the Kansas Department of Transportation begins Phase Two of the pavement replacement project at Junction City.During this phase, deteriorated pavement will be replaced on the westbound lanes of I-70 from mile marker 296 to mile marker 300. Westbound I-70 ramps will be closed at times to allow for pavement replacement.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269340866.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In late June or July, when the project reaches the ramps at Exit 296, KDOT and the City of Junction City will replace all pavement on the Washington Street roundabout.Phase Two is scheduled to be completed in November 2024. Phase Three will replace the deteriorated pavement in the eastbound lanes and is scheduled to begin in March 2025. All three phases of the project are to be completed by December 2025, weather permitting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710269463009.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wildcat Construction Co. Inc. and Subsidiaries, of Wichita, is the prime contractor for this $30 million project.By Ashley Perez / Public Affairs manager&nbsp;Kansas Department of Transportation

I-70 pavement replacement resumes Monday at Junction City

The Geary County workforce challenge, Child Care Crisis Summit will be held Friday, March 22 at the Professional Learning Center, 920 West 6th Street in Junction City. The hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m.

This is for business and industry professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens. Geary County employers and families have 1,800 less child care placements than they need. During the summit there will be multiple presentations from organizations such as Child Care Aware, KSU Research &amp; Extension plus Business and Industry.

Lunch will be provided at no cost. Register online at jcacc.org/childcarecrisissummit by March 20.

This event is being co-hosted by the Geary County Childcare Coalition, Child Care Aware of Kansas and Live Well Geary County.&nbsp;If your business has been impacted by the lack of child care availability or if your organization recognizes the need to be involved in creating the infrastructure for child care expansion in Geary County and surrounding area, consider joining the conversation.

For more information contact Deb Andres at 785-238-4161.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710268533269.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Geary County workforce challenge, Child Care Crisis Summit will be held Friday, March 22 at the Professional Learning Center, 920 West 6th Street in Junction City. The hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m.This is for business and industry professionals, community leaders and concerned citizens. Geary County employers and families have 1,800 less child care placements than they need. During the summit there will be multiple presentations from organizations such as Child Care Aware, KSU Research &amp; Extension plus Business and Industry.Lunch will be provided at no cost. Register online at jcacc.org/childcarecrisissummit by March 20.This event is being co-hosted by the Geary County Childcare Coalition, Child Care Aware of Kansas and Live Well Geary County.&nbsp;If your business has been impacted by the lack of child care availability or if your organization recognizes the need to be involved in creating the infrastructure for child care expansion in Geary County and surrounding area, consider joining the conversation.For more information contact Deb Andres at 785-238-4161.

Child Care Crisis Summit is planned for Friday, March 22

&nbsp; Fort Riley has announced via social media that the annual 2024 Army Emergency Relief (AER) Campaign kicked off March 1 and ends June 14. The AER provides financial support to Soldiers through donations from fellow Soldiers.&nbsp;

There will be the first annual AER Campaign open golf tournament Friday, April 19th, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. This will be a four-person scramble with shotgun starts at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The cost to enter is $60 per person or $240 per team. There will be games, prizes and a meal. Sign up sheets are at&nbsp; the golf course.

&nbsp; Fort Riley has announced via social media that the annual 2024 Army Emergency Relief (AER) Campaign kicked off March 1 and ends June 14. The AER provides financial support to Soldiers through donations from fellow Soldiers.&nbsp;There will be the first annual AER Campaign open golf tournament Friday, April 19th, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. This will be a four-person scramble with shotgun starts at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.The cost to enter is $60 per person or $240 per team. There will be games, prizes and a meal. Sign up sheets are at&nbsp; the golf course.

Army Emergency relief campaign is under way

Geary County Commissioners were informed Monday by Sheriff Eric Coffman that there were 97 inmates in the Geary County Detention Center. The average runs about 100.

There is a challenge in finding corrections officers. The Department is about 20 short but patrol is full. Commissioner Alex Tyson noted that the County needs to figure out a way to address it. Coffman added it's hard to compete with surrounding jails that are newer facilities.&nbsp;

The jail medical contract with ACH is high. Most counties across the state use them but there may be other options out there. There will be an effort to figure something out on that issue.

Coffman also indicated that he would like to meet with&nbsp; the governing body more often, perhaps twice a month.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Commissioners were informed Monday by Sheriff Eric Coffman that there were 97 inmates in the Geary County Detention Center. The average runs about 100.There is a challenge in finding corrections officers. The Department is about 20 short but patrol is full. Commissioner Alex Tyson noted that the County needs to figure out a way to address it. Coffman added it's hard to compete with surrounding jails that are newer facilities.&nbsp;The jail medical contract with ACH is high. Most counties across the state use them but there may be other options out there. There will be an effort to figure something out on that issue.Coffman also indicated that he would like to meet with&nbsp; the governing body more often, perhaps twice a month.

Commissioners receive a Sheriff's Department update

By JON NICCUM University of Kansas News Service

Inmates face numerous difficulties upon reentry into society. Public health care services are not always easily accessible to them while making this transition.

“Recidivism is an expensive and tragic societal problem," said David Slusky, a professor of economics at the University of Kansas. “In addition to designing new policies to help reduce it, policymakers also want to understand what existing policies and programs could help.”&nbsp;

His new paper titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w31971">“Accessing the Safety Net: How Medicaid Affects Health and Recidivism”</a>&nbsp;addresses this by estimating the causal impact of access to means-tested public health insurance coverage on health outcomes and recidivism for those recently released from incarceration. It finds that reducing barriers in access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations increases enrollment and utilization of health care services, but it does not reduce 1-year or 3-year recidivism. This suggests the effectiveness of such policies is context-dependent.

The findings appear as a working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research.

“The U.S. makes it very difficult for those released from prison to rejoin the formal economy,” said Slusky, who co-wrote the article with Analisa Packham of Vanderbilt University.&nbsp;

“Many mundane tasks for the general population are extremely difficult, if not impossible, including housing, employment and voting. Many individuals see continued criminal activity as their best economic option.”&nbsp;

The U.S. boasts an incarcerated percentage of its population that is much higher than other countries, which also leads to a much higher incidence of recidivism. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly half of those returning to the community are rearrested within one year, and 77% are rearrested within five years.

As noted in “Accessing the Safety Net,” a large proportion of inmates have high rates of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as severe mental health disorders and substance use issues, which can lead to a higher likelihood of recidivism. But despite the need for timely and continuous access to care, many offenders do not receive necessary medical treatment.&nbsp;

To study these issues, Slusky focused on South Carolina, a non-Medicaid expansion state that implemented a 2016 policy to more easily re-enroll previously incarcerated individuals in the Medicaid program.

“The South Carolina program we studied was relatively limited in its scale and resources," Slusky said. “Other states. such as Wisconsin, &nbsp;introduced far more expansive pre-release enrollment assistance. And many other states also changed their laws to allow those beginning incarceration who were on Medicaid to suspend their benefits instead of being terminated so they could much more easily and quickly be reactivated upon release.”

In terms of a strategy to combat this issue, some states are now exploring enrolling inmates on Medicaid while they are incarcerated, in the hopes that it will deliver better and more efficient care then and increase continuity of care before and after release.

However, Slusky found no evidence that people with easier access to Medicaid are less likely to commit future violent or property crimes.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>

So what exactly is the benefit for the community if this doesn’t curb crime?“Medicaid has been shown in many other cases to improve economic and financial outcomes and make individuals less likely to skip necessary medical care due to cost,” he said. “We also do see increased overall healthcare utilization from the policy change, which is evidence individuals are getting more care — which is the outcome most directly affected by increased insurance rates.”

A KU faculty member since 2015, Slusky specializes in health economics and labor economics. He has conducted research on a wide variety of topics, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/11/03/flint-water-crisis-affected-timing-pediatric-lead-testing-not-quantity-study-finds">Flint water crisis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2020/11/06/surgical-abortion-restriction-did-not-decrease-clinic-visits-during-pandemic">COVID-19 restrictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2018/04/09/texas-womens-clinic-restrictions-increased-fertility-rate-unmarried-women-study-finds">abortion care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2024/01/29/physicians-experience-worse-birth-outcomes-lawyers-study-finds">physician birth outcomes</a>. He is currently interim chair of KU’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing. In 2022, he was named&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/01/18/ku-professor-david-slusky-selected-direct-national-organization-health-economists">executive director</a>&nbsp;of the American Society of Health Economics.

“There are limits to what can be done in non-Medicaid expansion states as enrollment assistance programs can only help those who are eligible,” Slusky said.

“It’s very difficult to scale up a program like the one in South Carolina. Despite all of the effort and expense, we just don’t see that large an increase in the share of released individuals who end up on Medicaid. There is just only so much that non-expansion states can do to help those in need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710256633655.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JON NICCUM University of Kansas News ServiceInmates face numerous difficulties upon reentry into society. Public health care services are not always easily accessible to them while making this transition.“Recidivism is an expensive and tragic societal problem," said David Slusky, a professor of economics at the University of Kansas. “In addition to designing new policies to help reduce it, policymakers also want to understand what existing policies and programs could help.”&nbsp;His new paper titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w31971">“Accessing the Safety Net: How Medicaid Affects Health and Recidivism”</a>&nbsp;addresses this by estimating the causal impact of access to means-tested public health insurance coverage on health outcomes and recidivism for those recently released from incarceration. It finds that reducing barriers in access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations increases enrollment and utilization of health care services, but it does not reduce 1-year or 3-year recidivism. This suggests the effectiveness of such policies is context-dependent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710256681851.jpeg" alt="David Slusky. Image courtesy KU News Service" />
 <figcaption>David Slusky. Image courtesy KU News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The findings appear as a working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research.“The U.S. makes it very difficult for those released from prison to rejoin the formal economy,” said Slusky, who co-wrote the article with Analisa Packham of Vanderbilt University.&nbsp;“Many mundane tasks for the general population are extremely difficult, if not impossible, including housing, employment and voting. Many individuals see continued criminal activity as their best economic option.”&nbsp;The U.S. boasts an incarcerated percentage of its population that is much higher than other countries, which also leads to a much higher incidence of recidivism. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly half of those returning to the community are rearrested within one year, and 77% are rearrested within five years.As noted in “Accessing the Safety Net,” a large proportion of inmates have high rates of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as severe mental health disorders and substance use issues, which can lead to a higher likelihood of recidivism. But despite the need for timely and continuous access to care, many offenders do not receive necessary medical treatment.&nbsp;To study these issues, Slusky focused on South Carolina, a non-Medicaid expansion state that implemented a 2016 policy to more easily re-enroll previously incarcerated individuals in the Medicaid program.“The South Carolina program we studied was relatively limited in its scale and resources," Slusky said. “Other states. such as Wisconsin, &nbsp;introduced far more expansive pre-release enrollment assistance. And many other states also changed their laws to allow those beginning incarceration who were on Medicaid to suspend their benefits instead of being terminated so they could much more easily and quickly be reactivated upon release.”In terms of a strategy to combat this issue, some states are now exploring enrolling inmates on Medicaid while they are incarcerated, in the hopes that it will deliver better and more efficient care then and increase continuity of care before and after release.However, Slusky found no evidence that people with easier access to Medicaid are less likely to commit future violent or property crimes.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>So what exactly is the benefit for the community if this doesn’t curb crime?“Medicaid has been shown in many other cases to improve economic and financial outcomes and make individuals less likely to skip necessary medical care due to cost,” he said. “We also do see increased overall healthcare utilization from the policy change, which is evidence individuals are getting more care — which is the outcome most directly affected by increased insurance rates.”A KU faculty member since 2015, Slusky specializes in health economics and labor economics. He has conducted research on a wide variety of topics, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/11/03/flint-water-crisis-affected-timing-pediatric-lead-testing-not-quantity-study-finds">Flint water crisis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2020/11/06/surgical-abortion-restriction-did-not-decrease-clinic-visits-during-pandemic">COVID-19 restrictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2018/04/09/texas-womens-clinic-restrictions-increased-fertility-rate-unmarried-women-study-finds">abortion care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2024/01/29/physicians-experience-worse-birth-outcomes-lawyers-study-finds">physician birth outcomes</a>. He is currently interim chair of KU’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing. In 2022, he was named&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/01/18/ku-professor-david-slusky-selected-direct-national-organization-health-economists">executive director</a>&nbsp;of the American Society of Health Economics.“There are limits to what can be done in non-Medicaid expansion states as enrollment assistance programs can only help those who are eligible,” Slusky said.“It’s very difficult to scale up a program like the one in South Carolina. Despite all of the effort and expense, we just don’t see that large an increase in the share of released individuals who end up on Medicaid. There is just only so much that non-expansion states can do to help those in need.”

Medicaid’s impact on inmate health and recidivism rates explored in new research

Clarence Knight, Outside warrant, arrested 03/11

Dominique Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 03/11

Camron Dixon, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 03/11

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/2024/3/1710253544566.jpeg" alt="Jason Cartwright, Probation violation, arrested 03/11" />
 <figcaption>Jason Cartwright, Probation violation, arrested 03/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710253574805.jpeg" alt="Matthew May, Failure to appear, arrested 03/11" />
 <figcaption>Matthew May, Failure to appear, arrested 03/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710253611479.jpeg" alt="Robert Searles, Failure to appear, arrested 03/11" />
 <figcaption>Robert Searles, Failure to appear, arrested 03/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710253685532.jpeg" alt="Elijah Pickett, Driver's license without valid DL, Distribute marijuana; 25-&lt;450 grams, Taxation drugs, No drug stamp for marijuana or controlled substance, arrested 03/11" />
 <figcaption>Elijah Pickett, Driver's license without valid DL, Distribute marijuana; 25-&lt;450 grams, Taxation drugs, No drug stamp for marijuana or controlled substance, arrested 03/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710253789803.jpeg" alt="James Scott, Criminal trespass, arrested 03/11" />
 <figcaption>James Scott, Criminal trespass, arrested 03/11</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Clarence Knight, Outside warrant, arrested 03/11Dominique Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 03/11Camron Dixon, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 03/11Recent 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 March 12

&nbsp;The National Weather Service said an Enhanced Risk area has been added to northeast Kansas and surrounding areas. Geary County is the counties included in the area.

○ Large to very large hail (2”+ in diameter)

○ A few tornadoes also remain possible near and north of where a warm front sets up early this evening.

Thunderstorm development is expected between 5 pm and 8 pm but could occur as early as 4 pm. The peak of the severe weather is expected to be from 7 pm to 9 pm, ending around midnight.

● Confidence: Confidence is moderate in severe thunderstorms occurring this evening.

&nbsp;The National Weather Service said thunderstorms are forecast to develop during the late Wednesday afternoon and
evening hours across northeast and north central Kansas and could
quickly become severe. The likely window for thunderstorm
development is between 5 and 8 pm. 

The storms will be capable of
producing very large hail over two inches in diameter, damaging wind
gusts, and even a tornado or two. The storms should move to the north
and northeast through the evening. Areas along and north of a line
from Junction City to Topeka have a 60 to 90 percent chance of seeing
thunderstorms this evening.&nbsp;

UPDATE;&nbsp;The National Weather Service said an Enhanced Risk area has been added to northeast Kansas and surrounding areas. Geary County is the counties included in the area. Expected hazards include…○ Large to very large hail (2”+ in diameter)○ Damaging winds of 60-70 mph○ A few tornadoes also remain possible near and north of where a warm front sets up early this evening.Thunderstorm development is expected between 5 pm and 8 pm but could occur as early as 4 pm. The peak of the severe weather is expected to be from 7 pm to 9 pm, ending around midnight.● Confidence: Confidence is moderate in severe thunderstorms occurring this evening.---&nbsp;The National Weather Service said thunderstorms are forecast to develop during the late Wednesday afternoon and
evening hours across northeast and north central Kansas and could
quickly become severe. The likely window for thunderstorm
development is between 5 and 8 pm. The storms will be capable of
producing very large hail over two inches in diameter, damaging wind
gusts, and even a tornado or two. The storms should move to the north
and northeast through the evening. Areas along and north of a line
from Junction City to Topeka have a 60 to 90 percent chance of seeing
thunderstorms this evening.&nbsp;

Thunderstorms could impact the region

The Geary County Convention Center will be the site for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council Breakfast on March 28th.

Dr. Kristie Clark and Dr. Robert Clark of the Victory Clinic TMS and Spravato Treatment Centers will be the guest speakers. They will talk about Treatment Resistant Depression.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the breakfast runs 7:30 - 9 a.m. Tickets are $20. Register online at www.jcacc.org/mac-breakfast or mac@jcacc.org by 4 p.m. Friday, March 22nd. Walk-ins are discouraged.

The Geary County Convention Center will be the site for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council Breakfast on March 28th.Dr. Kristie Clark and Dr. Robert Clark of the Victory Clinic TMS and Spravato Treatment Centers will be the guest speakers. They will talk about Treatment Resistant Depression.Check-in begins at 7 a.m. and the breakfast runs 7:30 - 9 a.m. Tickets are $20. Register online at www.jcacc.org/mac-breakfast or mac@jcacc.org by 4 p.m. Friday, March 22nd. Walk-ins are discouraged.

MAC Breakfast will be March 28th

All across the state of Kansas, athletic directors and league officials have voted on the honors that recognize the top players in their respective sport.

On the basketball court, Junction City had several members of their team recognized by the Centennial League.

Junior Jackson Austin was named the Centennial League player of the year.

The Blue Jays had two players receive first-team honors: Juniors Jackson Austin and Larkin Turner. Austin averaged 14.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Turner averaged 14.4 points and eight rebounds per game.

One Junction City player received second-team all league honors, and that was sophomore guard Lovell Autry. He finished the year averaging 11.5 points and 3.7 assists per game.

Junction City head coach Nick Perez was named coach of the year.

The Blue Jays had their best year yet under Perez, finishing the year with a record of 18-3 and won the Centennial League for the first time.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostAll across the state of Kansas, athletic directors and league officials have voted on the honors that recognize the top players in their respective sport.On the basketball court, Junction City had several members of their team recognized by the Centennial League.Junior Jackson Austin was named the Centennial League player of the year.The Blue Jays had two players receive first-team honors: Juniors Jackson Austin and Larkin Turner. Austin averaged 14.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Turner averaged 14.4 points and eight rebounds per game.One Junction City player received second-team all league honors, and that was sophomore guard Lovell Autry. He finished the year averaging 11.5 points and 3.7 assists per game.Junction City head coach Nick Perez was named coach of the year.The Blue Jays had their best year yet under Perez, finishing the year with a record of 18-3 and won the Centennial League for the first time.

Blue Jays receive Centennial League Honors, Perez named coach of year

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee&nbsp;– have introduced the&nbsp;Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act&nbsp;to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support former family caregivers of veterans as they transition back to work or into retirement once their time as a caregiver has concluded.

The legislation would require VA to continue to provide needed support - including employment assistance, retirement planning and bereavement counseling - to caregivers when their veteran loved one no longer needs caregiving services because they have sufficiently recovered, require a higher level of care than what a family caregiver can provide or passes away.

“Family caregivers provide an invaluable service to their veteran loved ones, and we can support them by helping them successfully transition back into the workforce or into retirement once their time as a caregiver comes to an end,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “This legislation answers a need I have heard about from veterans, caregivers and VA staff in Kansas and will make certain that support for former family caregivers does not abruptly end when the veteran the caregiver is caring for passes away, regains independence or transitions to a higher level of care.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) – members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee&nbsp;– have introduced the&nbsp;Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act&nbsp;to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to support former family caregivers of veterans as they transition back to work or into retirement once their time as a caregiver has concluded.The legislation would require VA to continue to provide needed support - including employment assistance, retirement planning and bereavement counseling - to caregivers when their veteran loved one no longer needs caregiving services because they have sufficiently recovered, require a higher level of care than what a family caregiver can provide or passes away.“Family caregivers provide an invaluable service to their veteran loved ones, and we can support them by helping them successfully transition back into the workforce or into retirement once their time as a caregiver comes to an end,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “This legislation answers a need I have heard about from veterans, caregivers and VA staff in Kansas and will make certain that support for former family caregivers does not abruptly end when the veteran the caregiver is caring for passes away, regains independence or transitions to a higher level of care.”By Angela Lingg

Sens. Moran, Sinema Introduce Legislation to Support Veterans’ Family Caregivers

Carlos Deleon, Failure to appear, arrested 03/08

Elizabeth Ballenger,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/08

Dexter Curry,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/09

Charles Reeves, Outside warrant, Driving while suspended, arrested 03/09

Kenneth Ford, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 03/09

Alexander Larson, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 03/09

Grant Jefferson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 03/09

Asia Ogletree, Failure to appear, arrested 03/09

Brandi Mccurdy, Probation violation, arrested 03/09

Jeremy Lightfoot, Outside warrant, arrested 03/09

Erin Branham, Failure to appear, arrested 03/09

Aaron Dawson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 03/09

Jamaya Tenner, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 03/10

Joelle Cry,&nbsp; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 03/10

Norvin Rodriguez Sequeira, Transporting an open container, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 03/10

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/2024/3/1710178708340.jpeg" alt="Temari Ingram, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 03/08" />
 <figcaption>Temari Ingram, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 03/08</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710178750667.jpeg" alt="Wallace Lochrie, Failure to appear, arrested 03/09" />
 <figcaption>Wallace Lochrie, Failure to appear, arrested 03/09</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710178784823.jpeg" alt="George Mclean, Aggravated failure to appear, arrested 03/09" />
 <figcaption>George Mclean, Aggravated failure to appear, arrested 03/09</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710178818226.jpeg" alt="Kamel Brooks, Aggravated assault, arrested 03/10" />
 <figcaption>Kamel Brooks, Aggravated assault, arrested 03/10</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Carlos Deleon, Failure to appear, arrested 03/08Elizabeth Ballenger,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/08Dexter Curry,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/09Charles Reeves, Outside warrant, Driving while suspended, arrested 03/09Kenneth Ford, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 03/09Alexander Larson, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 03/09Grant Jefferson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 03/09Asia Ogletree, Failure to appear, arrested 03/09Brandi Mccurdy, Probation violation, arrested 03/09Jeremy Lightfoot, Outside warrant, arrested 03/09Erin Branham, Failure to appear, arrested 03/09Aaron Dawson, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 03/09Jamaya Tenner, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 03/10Joelle Cry,&nbsp; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 03/10Norvin Rodriguez Sequeira, Transporting an open container, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 03/10Recent 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 March 9-11

2023 accomplishments and possible future improvements to the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center building were topics of a report to the county commission on Monday.

The committee overseeing the building listed projects that were completed including a new wi-fi system, commercial garbage disposal in the kitchen, beef barn roof replacement and painting for the parking lot. 

Funds that were contributed are slated for use in building up reserve accounts.

Some projects that are possible this year include new chairs that would upgrade the orange and yellow chairs that have been used in the facility since it opened in 1978, and&nbsp; doing something with the wooden sign in front of the building since it has deteriorated. There might be a different type of sign so events scheduled in the building can be listed.&nbsp;

In the future officials may look at a security system. This past year there were two incidents of theft and one involving graffiti. One occurred in the senior center, another in a shed used by the Saddle Club and the graffiti case on the grounds.

Officials estimate more than 5,000 visitors attended events at the center and on the grounds combined.

Fundraising plans for this year include a letter campaign.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671626064904.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC Post2023 accomplishments and possible future improvements to the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center building were topics of a report to the county commission on Monday.The committee overseeing the building listed projects that were completed including a new wi-fi system, commercial garbage disposal in the kitchen, beef barn roof replacement and painting for the parking lot. Funds that were contributed are slated for use in building up reserve accounts.Some projects that are possible this year include new chairs that would upgrade the orange and yellow chairs that have been used in the facility since it opened in 1978, and&nbsp; doing something with the wooden sign in front of the building since it has deteriorated. There might be a different type of sign so events scheduled in the building can be listed.&nbsp;In the future officials may look at a security system. This past year there were two incidents of theft and one involving graffiti. One occurred in the senior center, another in a shed used by the Saddle Club and the graffiti case on the grounds.Officials estimate more than 5,000 visitors attended events at the center and on the grounds combined.Fundraising plans for this year include a letter campaign.

4-H / Senior Center improvements receive attention

K-State Research and Extension News Service

For Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.

Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.

“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those bought for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”

Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” he said. Each seed should weight between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely more than one eye.

Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.

“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”

Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.

“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”

Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu,">cdom@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710172446612.png" alt="March 17 — St. Patrick's Day — traditionally signals the date for planting potatoes in home gardens. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service" />
 <figcaption>March 17 — St. Patrick's Day — traditionally signals the date for planting potatoes in home gardens. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension News ServiceFor Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those bought for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” he said. Each seed should weight between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely more than one eye.Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu,">cdom@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Time to plant potatoes in Kansas

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert reminded the public that In-Person Advance Voting is going on now from 8:30am-6:00pm this week (Monday – Friday) at the County Building, 200 E 8th&nbsp;St in Junction City.

Advance In Person Voting will end on Monday, March 18th, from 8:30am – Noon.

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert reminded the public that In-Person Advance Voting is going on now from 8:30am-6:00pm this week (Monday – Friday) at the County Building, 200 E 8th&nbsp;St in Junction City.Advance In Person Voting will end on Monday, March 18th, from 8:30am – Noon.

In-Person Advance Voting is under way

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday, police arrested 40-year-old Marcus Grant, 40, of&nbsp; Ogden, in the 200 block of 7th Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Grant was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge was for violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Grant was issued a total bond of $5,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

Grant has been a registered offender since August of 2013 for aggravated robbery conviction in Salina and aggravated battery conviction in Junction City, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710166682965.png" alt="Grant-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Grant-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations.&nbsp;Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday, police arrested 40-year-old Marcus Grant, 40, of&nbsp; Ogden, in the 200 block of 7th Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Grant was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge was for violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Grant was issued a total bond of $5,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;Grant has been a registered offender since August of 2013 for aggravated robbery conviction in Salina and aggravated battery conviction in Junction City, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.

Registered Kansas offender jailed for skipping court

By&nbsp;CAROLYN CAINE KU News Service

The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator">National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator</a>&nbsp;has awarded $650,000 to a team led by University of Kansas scientists to develop a water management data ecosystem that collects water quality and quantity data, models it with machine learning algorithms, and makes insights available on a dashboard for local government officials and state government agencies.

KU researchers will work with Viaanix, an Internet of Things technology company, and officials from the Kansas Water Office for the project, titled "<a href="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/2023%20Cohort-Track%20K-Phase%201-BAA-University%20of%20Kansas%20Center%20for%20Research.508.pdf">Improving Water Quality and Equity through Sensor Data and Machine Learning Models</a>."

“This project focuses on a technical solution to the pressing water sustainability challenges Kansas faces,” said William Duncan, principal investigator on the project and assistant research professor of data science at KU.

Over the first year of the project, the team anticipates creating a data dashboard for real-time public reporting on water quantity, water quality and water equity.

“While one can view water equity in several ways, our project explores how the water-related actions of one group of Kansas community members undermine the ability of another group to use water in Kansas. The dashboard that our project is developing will help to mitigate this problematic interaction, thus improving water equity,” said Dietrich Earnhart, director of the Center for Environmental Policy and professor of economics at KU.

One aspect of the project will bring students’ skills to bear on the complex challenges of tracking Kansas water. KU mechanical engineering students will design a sensor that will remotely detect the existence of harmful algal blooms and broadcast the data to the network. In addition, students in the Kansas Data Science Consortium Community Data Labs course will work to build the dashboard and collect water data from the many different sources available, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/water-resources-and-geohydrology">Kansas Geological Survey.</a>

This award funds the first phase of this project. In August 2024, the team will apply for Phase 2 funding to expand its work.

“The research aligns with the guiding principles of the 2022 Governor’s Water Plan, and KU researchers will team with industry, state agencies and Kansas community partners to help sustain water resources in Kansas,” said Belinda Sturm, director of the Kansas NSF EPSCoR program and interim vice chancellor for research.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator funds teams who seek to apply basic research to pressing social issues. Teams work across disciplines and industries to find solutions that will have long-term social effects. A key part of this program is that teams work through the program with a cohort of other teams, with hands-on education and mentorship.

“The Convergence Accelerator’s curriculum, consisting of human-centered design,&nbsp;user discovery, team science, early-stage prototyping and pitch preparation,&nbsp;is designed to provide our funded teams the tools to transition their solutions into practice,” said Douglas Maughan, head&nbsp;of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program. “Phase 1 teams are expected to apply the curriculum, as well as focus on cross-cutting partnerships as most large-scale challenges cannot be solved with a single discipline and expertise.

At the end of Phase 1, teams will participate in a proposal and pitch competition, Maughan said. That will be used in selecting teams for Phase 2.

Millicent Coil, associate professor of the practice in mechanical engineering at KU, will also lead work on the project. Other team members include Bruce Fritz and Jay Talreja from Viaanix, and Wes McCary from the Kansas Water Office.

The Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research supported the proposal and will manage the project.

The research highlights KU’s strength in the study of&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/earth-energy-environment">Earth, Energy &amp; Environment</a>, which is one of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/themes-impact">five strategic research themes</a>. Research in this area will increase understanding of the various dimensions and impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, and will develop new technologies and mitigation strategies with an ultimate goal of sustaining the life of the planet and its inhabitants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710091656816.jpeg" alt="Field with mobile irrigation system. Credit- Lan Yao, Pexels" />
 <figcaption>Field with mobile irrigation system. Credit- Lan Yao, Pexels</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;CAROLYN CAINE KU News ServiceThe U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator">National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator</a>&nbsp;has awarded $650,000 to a team led by University of Kansas scientists to develop a water management data ecosystem that collects water quality and quantity data, models it with machine learning algorithms, and makes insights available on a dashboard for local government officials and state government agencies.KU researchers will work with Viaanix, an Internet of Things technology company, and officials from the Kansas Water Office for the project, titled "<a href="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/2023%20Cohort-Track%20K-Phase%201-BAA-University%20of%20Kansas%20Center%20for%20Research.508.pdf">Improving Water Quality and Equity through Sensor Data and Machine Learning Models</a>."“This project focuses on a technical solution to the pressing water sustainability challenges Kansas faces,” said William Duncan, principal investigator on the project and assistant research professor of data science at KU.Over the first year of the project, the team anticipates creating a data dashboard for real-time public reporting on water quantity, water quality and water equity.“While one can view water equity in several ways, our project explores how the water-related actions of one group of Kansas community members undermine the ability of another group to use water in Kansas. The dashboard that our project is developing will help to mitigate this problematic interaction, thus improving water equity,” said Dietrich Earnhart, director of the Center for Environmental Policy and professor of economics at KU.One aspect of the project will bring students’ skills to bear on the complex challenges of tracking Kansas water. KU mechanical engineering students will design a sensor that will remotely detect the existence of harmful algal blooms and broadcast the data to the network. In addition, students in the Kansas Data Science Consortium Community Data Labs course will work to build the dashboard and collect water data from the many different sources available, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/water-resources-and-geohydrology">Kansas Geological Survey.</a>This award funds the first phase of this project. In August 2024, the team will apply for Phase 2 funding to expand its work.“The research aligns with the guiding principles of the 2022 Governor’s Water Plan, and KU researchers will team with industry, state agencies and Kansas community partners to help sustain water resources in Kansas,” said Belinda Sturm, director of the Kansas NSF EPSCoR program and interim vice chancellor for research.The NSF Convergence Accelerator funds teams who seek to apply basic research to pressing social issues. Teams work across disciplines and industries to find solutions that will have long-term social effects. A key part of this program is that teams work through the program with a cohort of other teams, with hands-on education and mentorship.“The Convergence Accelerator’s curriculum, consisting of human-centered design,&nbsp;user discovery, team science, early-stage prototyping and pitch preparation,&nbsp;is designed to provide our funded teams the tools to transition their solutions into practice,” said Douglas Maughan, head&nbsp;of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program. “Phase 1 teams are expected to apply the curriculum, as well as focus on cross-cutting partnerships as most large-scale challenges cannot be solved with a single discipline and expertise.At the end of Phase 1, teams will participate in a proposal and pitch competition, Maughan said. That will be used in selecting teams for Phase 2.Millicent Coil, associate professor of the practice in mechanical engineering at KU, will also lead work on the project. Other team members include Bruce Fritz and Jay Talreja from Viaanix, and Wes McCary from the Kansas Water Office.The Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research supported the proposal and will manage the project.The research highlights KU’s strength in the study of&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/earth-energy-environment">Earth, Energy &amp; Environment</a>, which is one of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/themes-impact">five strategic research themes</a>. Research in this area will increase understanding of the various dimensions and impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, and will develop new technologies and mitigation strategies with an ultimate goal of sustaining the life of the planet and its inhabitants.

New NSF grant to fund water management data ecosystem in Kansas

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service’s Free File Guided Tax Software service has seen a year-over-year increase of nearly 10% so far this filing season, according to new statistics released today.Through Feb. 24, 943,000 taxpayers had filed tax returns this tax season through IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.wPh7pEW5ZW4TOoWiCQs_6ifQWZMTGqg9f9_b3yD34t0/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Free File</a>, a 9.7% increase from last year’s comparable period when 860,000 tax returns were filed.

The Free File increase occurs as the IRS continues to see a strong start to the 2024 filing season.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vZmlsaW5nLXNlYXNvbi1zdGF0aXN0aWNzLWZvci13ZWVrLWVuZGluZy1mZWItMjMtMjAyNCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMDEuOTExMzE0MDEifQ.xqX465WBgiasnXjST9WRekTpupUA5E2WN1KTV3BaVUc/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Through Feb. 24</a>, the IRS had delivered more than 28.9 million refunds to taxpayers worth $92.9 billion. The average refund this year is $3,213, up 4.3% from 2023.Now in its 22nd filing season, taxpayers across the nation can access free software products provided by IRS Free File trusted partners by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.CzXhjbwp7XjcMJ7B3NUevsaSSRHN68TE6Xyd4HWqSwg/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS.gov</a>.

Through this public-private partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers. Eight private-sector Free File partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. Free access to online products is only available by starting from&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.c7OSBJgIDBISjI88ZaJPJdfiyNLY1j0UGYD7KWB0HwY/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File</a>.

Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.

Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.mIWhofmOFamn_pM0zL7R5cqKoB98FxnxMC3AeI5j72g/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to features and options to help people with their taxes.

How to use Free File on IRS.govTo find the right IRS Free File product, taxpayers can:

For 2024, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

For 2024, ezTaxReturn.com is providing an IRS Free File product in Spanish. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.zxgnXE_1ezoRPGrdBNzLbu-En7hg0UNRmp_vEVKyaxM/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869881583.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Internal Revenue ServiceWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service’s Free File Guided Tax Software service has seen a year-over-year increase of nearly 10% so far this filing season, according to new statistics released today.Through Feb. 24, 943,000 taxpayers had filed tax returns this tax season through IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.wPh7pEW5ZW4TOoWiCQs_6ifQWZMTGqg9f9_b3yD34t0/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Free File</a>, a 9.7% increase from last year’s comparable period when 860,000 tax returns were filed.The Free File increase occurs as the IRS continues to see a strong start to the 2024 filing season.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vZmlsaW5nLXNlYXNvbi1zdGF0aXN0aWNzLWZvci13ZWVrLWVuZGluZy1mZWItMjMtMjAyNCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMDEuOTExMzE0MDEifQ.xqX465WBgiasnXjST9WRekTpupUA5E2WN1KTV3BaVUc/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Through Feb. 24</a>, the IRS had delivered more than 28.9 million refunds to taxpayers worth $92.9 billion. The average refund this year is $3,213, up 4.3% from 2023.Now in its 22nd filing season, taxpayers across the nation can access free software products provided by IRS Free File trusted partners by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.CzXhjbwp7XjcMJ7B3NUevsaSSRHN68TE6Xyd4HWqSwg/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS.gov</a>. Through this public-private partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers. Eight private-sector Free File partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. Free access to online products is only available by starting from&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.c7OSBJgIDBISjI88ZaJPJdfiyNLY1j0UGYD7KWB0HwY/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File</a>.Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.mIWhofmOFamn_pM0zL7R5cqKoB98FxnxMC3AeI5j72g/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to features and options to help people with their taxes.How to use Free File on IRS.govTo find the right IRS Free File product, taxpayers can:<ol>
 <li>Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.cYgCFEEJ5zpPrgyo76l_Iiqx8tF1UVKt6qFfqM5hto0/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS.gov/freefile</a>,</li><li>Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find Your Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or</li><li>Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,</li><li>Select the desired product, and</li><li>Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.</li>
 </ol>For 2024, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:<ul>
 <li>1040Now</li><li>Drake (1040.com)</li><li>ezTaxReturn.com</li><li>FileYourTaxes.com</li><li>On-Line Taxes</li><li>TaxAct</li><li>TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)</li><li>TaxSlayer</li>
 </ul>For 2024, ezTaxReturn.com is providing an IRS Free File product in Spanish. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.zxgnXE_1ezoRPGrdBNzLbu-En7hg0UNRmp_vEVKyaxM/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>&nbsp;for more information.

IRS Free File program sees early increase in use; filings up nearly 10%

The Geary County Historical Society will host a 1950's murder mystery on April 12th and 13th at 6 p.m. both nights. The setting will be a diner during a dance-off where the sponsor of the event is stabbed. Guests will be asked to solve the murder.&nbsp;

The Executive Director of the Historical Society, Heather Hagedorn, said tickets will be $50 per person and $270 for a table of six. There will be a diner dinner, prizes for best costume, a cash bar and retro ice cream treats.&nbsp;

You can purchase tickets Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Historical Museum.&nbsp; A murder mystery hosted last October was a sellout.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710112530077.jpg" alt="( Photo - Pixabay )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - Pixabay )</figcaption>
 </figure>The Geary County Historical Society will host a 1950's murder mystery on April 12th and 13th at 6 p.m. both nights. The setting will be a diner during a dance-off where the sponsor of the event is stabbed. Guests will be asked to solve the murder.&nbsp;The Executive Director of the Historical Society, Heather Hagedorn, said tickets will be $50 per person and $270 for a table of six. There will be a diner dinner, prizes for best costume, a cash bar and retro ice cream treats.&nbsp;You can purchase tickets Tuesday through Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Historical Museum.&nbsp; A murder mystery hosted last October was a sellout.

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