On Sunday at 1141 a.m. Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 9509 J Hill Rd for a Hit and Run accident. An unknown vehicle (possibly a Dodge Ram Pickup) drove through the reporting parties’ fence causing extensive damage. The case is still under investigation.

On Sunday at 11:05 p.m. Deputies responded to I-70 at mile marker 306 westbound for a report of a vehicle disabled in the roadway. Upon arrival Deputies located a white in color 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe pulling a box trailer, belonging to Patrick D. Romaine of Pueblo, CO. Romaine was traveling westbound on I-70 between mile marker 306 and mile marker 310. 

His vehicle was driven off of the road and struck a marker post, causing the post to become wedged under the vehicle. Romaine was transported to Stormont Vail for medical evaluation. The vehicle was removed from the scene by Gross Wrecker Service.

At 11:44 p.m.-Deputies also arrested Patrick D. Romaine of Pueblo, CO on I-70 at mile marker 306 on suspicion of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility.

On Sunday at 1141 a.m. Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 9509 J Hill Rd for a Hit and Run accident. An unknown vehicle (possibly a Dodge Ram Pickup) drove through the reporting parties’ fence causing extensive damage. The case is still under investigation.--On Sunday at 11:05 p.m. Deputies responded to I-70 at mile marker 306 westbound for a report of a vehicle disabled in the roadway. Upon arrival Deputies located a white in color 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe pulling a box trailer, belonging to Patrick D. Romaine of Pueblo, CO. Romaine was traveling westbound on I-70 between mile marker 306 and mile marker 310. His vehicle was driven off of the road and struck a marker post, causing the post to become wedged under the vehicle. Romaine was transported to Stormont Vail for medical evaluation. The vehicle was removed from the scene by Gross Wrecker Service.At 11:44 p.m.-Deputies also arrested Patrick D. Romaine of Pueblo, CO on I-70 at mile marker 306 on suspicion of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Facility.

Sheriff's Department Tour Log report

<ul>
 <li>The Geary County CVB has announced improvements to Freedom Park / Atomic Annie.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The wooden information kiosk has a fresh coat of paint, and will soon be completed with brand new map/information plaque on one side and an Atomic Annie history plaque on the other side.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Witt's Mowing &amp; Tree Service LLC, began work on the lower park area and will continue with the trail up the hill and the top near the cannon in coming weeks.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Work is under way on cleaning up the machinery pieces (sandblasting and repainting.</li>
 </ul>CVB news release

CVB works to make upgrades

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft from a retailer in Manhattan.

Just after noon Friday, officers filed a report of felony theft in the 100 block of South 5th Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Dillons&nbsp; reported approximately $3,000 has been taken from the registers over three month's time.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft from a retailer in Manhattan.Just after noon Friday, officers filed a report of felony theft in the 100 block of South 5th Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Dillons&nbsp; reported approximately $3,000 has been taken from the registers over three month's time.

RCPD investigating $3,000 theft from store cash registers

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged financial crime.

Just after 9:30a.m. Friday, officers filed a report of forgery in the 700 block of Pecan Circle in Manhattan.

Thermal Comfort Air reported a known subject cashed a check written to a vendor. Total loss associated with this report is $15,247.90.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged financial crime.Just after 9:30a.m. Friday, officers filed a report of forgery in the 700 block of Pecan Circle in Manhattan.Thermal Comfort Air reported a known subject cashed a check written to a vendor. Total loss associated with this report is $15,247.90.&nbsp;

RCPD investigating alleged $15,000 forgery

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an alleged violent assault on Sunday in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just after. 8p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault and aggravated battery in the 800 block of Dondee Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 61-year-old woman reported a man struck her with a metal patio chair. EMS transported her to Via Christi for treatment of&nbsp; non life-threatening injuries. 

Police arrested 42-year-old&nbsp; William Webster of Manhattan on requested charges of&nbsp;for aggravated battery. He was jailed on a $20,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an alleged violent assault on Sunday in Manhattan.&nbsp;Just after. 8p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault and aggravated battery in the 800 block of Dondee Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 61-year-old woman reported a man struck her with a metal patio chair. EMS transported her to Via Christi for treatment of&nbsp; non life-threatening injuries. Police arrested 42-year-old&nbsp; William Webster of Manhattan on requested charges of&nbsp;for aggravated battery. He was jailed on a $20,000 bond.

Woman hospitalized after man struck her with metal chair

Summer&nbsp; school to free lunches for youth are among the current activities in Geary USD 475.

The communications coordinator for the District, Matt Hoover, reports that approximately 1,200 students are attending summer school. "Chance to enrich their education through different experiences. "

STEM camps are under way at Spring Valley and Seitz elementary schools. They learn about topics such as building circuits, and use of the circuits to make cotton candy. There are activities designed to make them fun for students.

There will be a collaborative STEM camp between Junction City High School and Cloud County Community College June 17, 18 and 20."They'll learn about drones, video games, electrical circuitry, said Hoover. The camp will be open to any high school student. Students can register by going to the USD 475 web site or by contacting Cloud County Community College.

Free summer lunches for youth ages&nbsp; to 1 to 18 are being provided Monday through Friday in June and July.&nbsp; 1,700 meals are being provided per day. Some are sit down meals while others are heated grab and go. In June meal sites include Lincoln Elementary in Junction City, Seitz Elementary on Fort Riley and Milford Elementary. In July meals are available at Seitz and Lincoln Elementary schools. They are not being provided on June 19, July 4 and July 5.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostSummer&nbsp; school to free lunches for youth are among the current activities in Geary USD 475.The communications coordinator for the District, Matt Hoover, reports that approximately 1,200 students are attending summer school. "Chance to enrich their education through different experiences. "STEM camps are under way at Spring Valley and Seitz elementary schools. They learn about topics such as building circuits, and use of the circuits to make cotton candy. There are activities designed to make them fun for students.There will be a collaborative STEM camp between Junction City High School and Cloud County Community College June 17, 18 and 20."They'll learn about drones, video games, electrical circuitry, said Hoover. The camp will be open to any high school student. Students can register by going to the USD 475 web site or by contacting Cloud County Community College.Free summer lunches for youth ages&nbsp; to 1 to 18 are being provided Monday through Friday in June and July.&nbsp; 1,700 meals are being provided per day. Some are sit down meals while others are heated grab and go. In June meal sites include Lincoln Elementary in Junction City, Seitz Elementary on Fort Riley and Milford Elementary. In July meals are available at Seitz and Lincoln Elementary schools. They are not being provided on June 19, July 4 and July 5.

USD 475 remains busy during the summer

The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.

By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>

The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.

The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.

Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.

<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a>

The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>

The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.

Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.

“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”

But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.

“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”

Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.

Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:

“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”

Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”

“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”

Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.

The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.

“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717798696726.png" alt="This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of Harvest Public Media's ongoing coverage of the 2023 Farm Bill.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The overdue farm bill is finally making its way through Congress, after the House agriculture committee recently advanced a proposal. Food assistance is likely to be one of the biggest sticking points as the draft moves forward.</h2>By ELIZABETH REMBERT <a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2024-06-07/snap-benefits-are-a-huge-part-of-the-farm-bill-and-a-big-point-of-contention-for-lawmakers?mc_cid=a5f0d9d772&amp;mc_eid=4e2c084f1d">KCUR</a>The long-stalled farm bill took a step forward in the House of Representatives last month as a Republican-led proposal made it out of the agriculture committee.The clock is ticking as the extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, which expired eight months ago, ends in September.Yet food assistance will likely be a flashpoint in the discussions ahead.<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/key-statistics-and-research/#:~:text=In%20FY%202022%2C%20SNAP%20served,%24230.88%20per%20participant%20per%20month." target="_blank">More than 41 million Americans</a>&nbsp;rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program monthly to put food on the table. The program takes a lot of funding –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/reviewing-the-february-2024-baseline-for-usda-farm-and-nutrition-programs" target="_blank">about 80% of the farm bill’s massive budget goes to SNAP.</a><h2>House farm bill proposal</h2>The House draft suggests placing limits on how the Thrifty Food Plan is updated in the future. The Thrifty Food Plan is a basket of foods that represents a “nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home” for a family of four,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/thriftyfoodplan" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.</a>The money people receive through SNAP is calculated by how much that basket of food costs.Right now, the plan is updated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans#:~:text=As%20stipulated%20in%20the%20Agriculture,reevaluation%20is%20anticipated%20in%202026." target="_blank">every five years</a>&nbsp;based on food prices, food composition data, consumer data and dietary standards. The new proposal suggests updating the cost of the plan only for inflation.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thompson.house.gov/" target="_blank">House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson</a>&nbsp;– a Republican from Pennsylvania – the nonpartisan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbo.gov/" target="_blank">Congressional Budget Office</a>&nbsp;estimates the limit would cut SNAP by $30 billion over the next 10 years.“The cut would take away a day’s worth of benefits from the participants each month, then it would rise to two days of benefits each day,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://hayes.house.gov/" target="_blank">Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes</a>&nbsp;from Connecticut during discussions. “You may think losing one or two days of food is not significant. But I do think it’s quite significant for a low-income family trying to make ends meet.”But&nbsp;<a href="https://alford.house.gov/" target="_blank">Republican Rep. Mark Alford</a>&nbsp;from Missouri said he’s focused on making the program more efficient, not slashing benefits.“Democrats feel like we’re trying to cut the program. And that’s not the case,” he said. “If we can move to a program that has more integrity, more health benefits, it is going to be greater for our nation and greater for our taxpayers.”Alford points to&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf" target="_blank">parts of the bill</a>&nbsp;that would allow frozen and canned produce to be covered, create an accountability office and expand eligibility for the program.Other SNAP proposals in the House’s farm bill draft would:<ul>
 <li>Add frozen, fresh, canned and dried fruits and vegetables as SNAP-eligible products&nbsp;</li><li>Create an office of program integrity to focus on SNAP and address erroneous payments and other inefficiencies&nbsp;</li><li>Allow individuals with past drug offenses to receive SNAP</li><li>Direct the USDA to issue formal guidance on notifying eligible college students that they qualify for SNAP</li>
 </ul>“We don’t feel there are cuts to SNAP – we’re just tightening up some of the issues,” Alford said. “I don’t want anyone who is truly hungry, truly needy and can’t work to go to bed hungry at night.”Megan Hamann, a community organizer focused on food and nutrition access with&nbsp;<a href="https://neappleseed.org/who-we-are" target="_blank">Nebraska Appleseed</a>, said framing limits to the Thrifty Food Plan as anything but cuts to SNAP is a “pretty problematic characterization, because it would erode SNAP’s buying power over time.”“So while families wouldn’t see their benefits go down in an immediate sense, SNAP would be increasingly less efficient as time goes on,” she said. “What we would see is a decline in how well the program actually works in people’s lives.”Hamann said she hopes the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/rural_prosperity_and_food_security_section-by-section.pdf" target="_blank">Senate’s farm bill proposal</a>&nbsp;can find support, which would maintain the regular re-evaluation of SNAP benefits.The House’s draft has a long way to go before it makes it into law as the new farm bill; it will need final passage in the House and endorsement from the Senate.“Everyone knows that this bill would never become law. The Senate won’t accept it and the administration won’t accept it,” Rep. David Scott of Georgia, the ranking Democrat on the House’s Agriculture committee, said during discussions. “And while this bill is a giant misstep, it nevertheless begins our journey toward passing a farm bill.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

SNAP benefits huge part of farm bill, big point of contention for lawmakers

By RICK HELLMAN <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/kevin-willmotts-new-film-shines-light-on-kc-civil-rights-figure">KU News Service</a>

For Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, the Hollywood jobs are great and all. But the material closest to his heart inspires the stories he tells of overlooked historical events, and particularly local ones, that cast a revealing light on the problems of today.

The newest film written, produced and directed by the University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies is just such a story.

Premiering June 19 as part of the Juneteenth Film Festival at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks” is a documentary tribute to a Kansas City civil rights icon.

Brooks, still “sharp as a tack,” according to Willmott, at age 92, was one of Kansas City’s first Black police officers in the early 1950s. He went on to a storied career as the city’s first Black department director and creator of its human relations department, as founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocgroupkc.org/">Ad Hoc Group Against Crime</a>&nbsp;and its Crimestoppers anonymous tip line, as a City Council member, an educator and an all-around advocate for human and civil rights.

READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cfc32e4d-411c-4a45-99d3-cd521e203724">Airborne electromagnetic survey of aquifer conditions planned in northwestern Kansas</a>

Willmott said he first got to know Brooks 20 years ago while filming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsAxiscVZY">“From Separate to Equal: The Creation of Truman Medical Centers,”</a>&nbsp;about the racial history of Kansas City’s public hospital.

“We interviewed him for that,” Willmott said, “and he had so many great stories I was like, ‘Wow, there should be a documentary just about him!’ And so when I did a blurb for his&nbsp;<a href="https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/binding-us-together/">autobiography</a>, it reminded me again of how much I really wanted to make that film. And so we finally did it.”

Willmott said Brooks makes for a great documentary subject.

“I'm not sure if it's because he was a policeman or what, but he can tell you the street addresses of where things happened 65 or 70 years ago,” Willmott said. “He tells a story in the film about an encounter he had with a white cop when he was a little kid, maybe 10 years old, and we go back to that location 82 years later, and he says, ‘This cop put a gun to my head and told me, “Run up this hill, (N-word), before I shoot you!”’

“I know I use the term 'living history' a lot, but he is truly living history.”

Willmott said it’s more important than ever, in light of political efforts to downplay and cover up the history of racism in America, to remind people of it.

“I have tried to tell stories that other people don't want to tell and that Hollywood definitely is not interested in,” Willmott said. “There's this whole thing right now that people don't want to hear the ugly part of the American story. They don’t want Alvin to tell what happened to him on that street corner 82 years ago. But to me, you can't get to the beautiful part of the American story without dealing with the ugly part.”

Willmott said the film offers viewers a ray of hope in dark times.

“We're so divided, and there's so much hate going on right now,” he said, “and who knows where it’s going to end up? But Alvin is a reminder of what we can be. He's a reminder of the best of us. Because I still hold on to Dr. King and what he believed in. That's the America I believe in. And it's hard to hold on to that these days. So the movie, in some ways, is a great reminder of ... who we really are, and who we can be.”

The early show of the June 19 premiere is sold out at press time, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.screenland.com/movie/binding-us-together-2">tickets</a>&nbsp;remain for the 8:30 p.m. show. The film will also be&nbsp;<a href="https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/">presented</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. June 30, at the Lawrence Arts Center as part of the Free State Festival.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717945458645.jpeg" alt="Alvin Brooks, a Kansas City civil rights icon, is the subject of a new documentary that will air June 19 at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, and June 30 at the Free State Festival. Image courtesy Kevin Willmott / Hodcarrier Films" />
 <figcaption>Alvin Brooks, a Kansas City civil rights icon, is the subject of a new documentary that will air June 19 at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, and June 30 at the Free State Festival. Image courtesy Kevin Willmott / Hodcarrier Films</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK HELLMAN <a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/kevin-willmotts-new-film-shines-light-on-kc-civil-rights-figure">KU News Service</a>For Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott, the Hollywood jobs are great and all. But the material closest to his heart inspires the stories he tells of overlooked historical events, and particularly local ones, that cast a revealing light on the problems of today.The newest film written, produced and directed by the University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies is just such a story.Premiering June 19 as part of the Juneteenth Film Festival at the Screenland Armour theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, “The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks” is a documentary tribute to a Kansas City civil rights icon.Brooks, still “sharp as a tack,” according to Willmott, at age 92, was one of Kansas City’s first Black police officers in the early 1950s. He went on to a storied career as the city’s first Black department director and creator of its human relations department, as founder of the&nbsp;<a href="https://adhocgroupkc.org/">Ad Hoc Group Against Crime</a>&nbsp;and its Crimestoppers anonymous tip line, as a City Council member, an educator and an all-around advocate for human and civil rights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717945424412.jpeg" alt="Kevin Willmott, professor of film &amp; media studies, speaking at an event at KU in 2021. Image courtesy KU Marketing" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Willmott, professor of film &amp; media studies, speaking at an event at KU in 2021. Image courtesy KU Marketing</figcaption>
 </figure>READ MORE: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/cfc32e4d-411c-4a45-99d3-cd521e203724">Airborne electromagnetic survey of aquifer conditions planned in northwestern Kansas</a>Willmott said he first got to know Brooks 20 years ago while filming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsAxiscVZY">“From Separate to Equal: The Creation of Truman Medical Centers,”</a>&nbsp;about the racial history of Kansas City’s public hospital.“We interviewed him for that,” Willmott said, “and he had so many great stories I was like, ‘Wow, there should be a documentary just about him!’ And so when I did a blurb for his&nbsp;<a href="https://publishing.andrewsmcmeel.com/book/binding-us-together/">autobiography</a>, it reminded me again of how much I really wanted to make that film. And so we finally did it.”Willmott said Brooks makes for a great documentary subject.“I'm not sure if it's because he was a policeman or what, but he can tell you the street addresses of where things happened 65 or 70 years ago,” Willmott said. “He tells a story in the film about an encounter he had with a white cop when he was a little kid, maybe 10 years old, and we go back to that location 82 years later, and he says, ‘This cop put a gun to my head and told me, “Run up this hill, (N-word), before I shoot you!”’“I know I use the term 'living history' a lot, but he is truly living history.”Willmott said it’s more important than ever, in light of political efforts to downplay and cover up the history of racism in America, to remind people of it.“I have tried to tell stories that other people don't want to tell and that Hollywood definitely is not interested in,” Willmott said. “There's this whole thing right now that people don't want to hear the ugly part of the American story. They don’t want Alvin to tell what happened to him on that street corner 82 years ago. But to me, you can't get to the beautiful part of the American story without dealing with the ugly part.”Willmott said the film offers viewers a ray of hope in dark times.“We're so divided, and there's so much hate going on right now,” he said, “and who knows where it’s going to end up? But Alvin is a reminder of what we can be. He's a reminder of the best of us. Because I still hold on to Dr. King and what he believed in. That's the America I believe in. And it's hard to hold on to that these days. So the movie, in some ways, is a great reminder of ... who we really are, and who we can be.”The early show of the June 19 premiere is sold out at press time, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.screenland.com/movie/binding-us-together-2">tickets</a>&nbsp;remain for the 8:30 p.m. show. The film will also be&nbsp;<a href="https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/">presented</a>&nbsp;at 6 p.m. June 30, at the Lawrence Arts Center as part of the Free State Festival.

Kevin Willmott's new film shines light on KC civil rights figure

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Debra Lynn&nbsp;Hurlbert, 54, Chapman, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 one half mile west of the Solomon Exit

Driver lost consciousness and the car drifted into the south ditch.&nbsp; The vehicle travelled into the south ditch for approximately 150 yards before striking the guard rail.

EMS transported&nbsp;Hurlbert to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 9a.m. Saturday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Dodge Challenger driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Debra Lynn&nbsp;Hurlbert, 54, Chapman, was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 one half mile west of the Solomon ExitDriver lost consciousness and the car drifted into the south ditch.&nbsp; The vehicle travelled into the south ditch for approximately 150 yards before striking the guard rail.EMS transported&nbsp;Hurlbert to Salina Regional Health Center. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman hospitalized after I-70 crash

The Geary County Commission is set to begin budget presentations from both county department heads and outside agencies seeking appropriations. This will undoubtedly be a challenging task.

During my 2020 campaign, I strongly advocated for the hiring of a finance director, as I believed our county needed someone dedicated to managing our multimillion-dollar budget. I was perplexed by the resistance to this idea. However, in early 2022, we hired a finance director who has been instrumental in assisting the county commission and department heads with creating detailed budgets and educating us on the efficient use of funds.

Since hiring the finance director, we have successfully reduced the mill levy by 14 mills, saving over 4 million dollars. The data reveals that county taxes are lower now than they were in 2018. I attribute this success to the professional management of our finances and close collaboration with department heads.

Additionally, we secured a $30 million bond to ensure our community has a strong hospital. We also implemented a pay wage scale and addressed compression issues for the first time in county history. Our Sheriff’s office transitioned to the Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System, and we established a capital improvement fund with a solid plan and reserve fund.

In 2020, I highlighted that 45.41% of property tax paid by Geary County taxpayers went to the county, compared to the state average of 29%. According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, currently, 40.13% of your total property tax payment goes to the county—a decrease of over 5%. You can see that there were substantial increases in the county budget in the years 2015, 2016, and 2017, then the mill levy stays consistent until the substantial decrease in 2023. While this current decrease is positive progress, there are still more efficiencies to be found. The public needs to understand that even if the mill levy stays the same but the valuation increases, that will mean an increase in your taxes. The elected officials setting the mill levy determine your taxes, not the valuation.

The most frequent complaint I hear as a commissioner is that taxes are too high. I completely agree. Elected officials must proactively seek ways to be more efficient with tax dollars. I will continue to seek efficiency and scrutinize spending. I urge the public to stay informed and communicate with their elected officials about the importance of responsible spending.

In conclusion, keeping our taxes under control is essential for our community's prosperity. It provides financial stability to our residents, stimulates local economic growth, and makes Geary County a more attractive place to live and do business. I am committed to continuing our efforts to manage our budget wisely and keep taxes as low as possible while still providing the necessary services and infrastructure our community needs.

By Trish GiordanoGeary County Commission ChairThe Geary County Commission is set to begin budget presentations from both county department heads and outside agencies seeking appropriations. This will undoubtedly be a challenging task.During my 2020 campaign, I strongly advocated for the hiring of a finance director, as I believed our county needed someone dedicated to managing our multimillion-dollar budget. I was perplexed by the resistance to this idea. However, in early 2022, we hired a finance director who has been instrumental in assisting the county commission and department heads with creating detailed budgets and educating us on the efficient use of funds.Since hiring the finance director, we have successfully reduced the mill levy by 14 mills, saving over 4 million dollars. The data reveals that county taxes are lower now than they were in 2018. I attribute this success to the professional management of our finances and close collaboration with department heads.Additionally, we secured a $30 million bond to ensure our community has a strong hospital. We also implemented a pay wage scale and addressed compression issues for the first time in county history. Our Sheriff’s office transitioned to the Kansas Police and Fire Retirement System, and we established a capital improvement fund with a solid plan and reserve fund.In 2020, I highlighted that 45.41% of property tax paid by Geary County taxpayers went to the county, compared to the state average of 29%. According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, currently, 40.13% of your total property tax payment goes to the county—a decrease of over 5%. You can see that there were substantial increases in the county budget in the years 2015, 2016, and 2017, then the mill levy stays consistent until the substantial decrease in 2023. While this current decrease is positive progress, there are still more efficiencies to be found. The public needs to understand that even if the mill levy stays the same but the valuation increases, that will mean an increase in your taxes. The elected officials setting the mill levy determine your taxes, not the valuation.The most frequent complaint I hear as a commissioner is that taxes are too high. I completely agree. Elected officials must proactively seek ways to be more efficient with tax dollars. I will continue to seek efficiency and scrutinize spending. I urge the public to stay informed and communicate with their elected officials about the importance of responsible spending.In conclusion, keeping our taxes under control is essential for our community's prosperity. It provides financial stability to our residents, stimulates local economic growth, and makes Geary County a more attractive place to live and do business. I am committed to continuing our efforts to manage our budget wisely and keep taxes as low as possible while still providing the necessary services and infrastructure our community needs.&nbsp;

County Budget Editorial

It is Budget Time. The time of the year when we set the budget for 2025. The time when we look at the “wants ” and the “needs” of the city and estimate the costs. The time when we look into the crystal ball to determine how revenue can match up with expenses. And yes, the time of the year when the local governing bodies determine how much property taxes that owners of real estate will pay.

We can all discuss what the City should spend their funds on each year. Trust me, there is a wide range of opinion as everyone has their own priorities and thoughts about what should be done. In my career in city management this has never changed and is the same in every single city. Of course, we all believe we are right, and others are wrong.

About 20 years ago State Senator Janis Lee from North Central Kansas, who represented the District I lived in would come to town to visit with the residents. One thing she always said, “if you want to cut taxes it has to be something that you use and is important to you.” The message she always conveyed was that it is easy to cut spending on something you don’t believe is important, but always remember there is someone that does and they may feel your ideas of funding are not that important.

I was not here in Junction City during the high point of the debt crisis. From what I understand there was many different thoughts on how to address the debt issue. City employees were furloughed, and salary increases in subsequent years did not get the raises as others may have. Spending had to be cut because it took most of the tax dollars to just pay the debt payments. I have been told that budget was easy as there was no money as was all was used to address debt. This also meant the City got behind on many other projects. And the road to catch back up has been long and difficult. Even though the General Obligation debt is still an issue, it is nothing in comparison to the darkest days. I do challenge this City to keep on the debt payment path as it still a bit more than it needs to be, but in about 3 more years it will be much different.

I saw a note this week about the 1% sales tax for debt service that the voters approved. This tax will end on December 31. 2030. There, however, is a great chance this can be stopped a year or 2 earlier. This sales tax can only be used for debt service. Nothing else. If this sales tax is needed for another use, the voters will have to approve. Remember all local sales taxes are voted on by the public at an election.

In the next week, we will receive the estimated assessed value for 2024. These are based on the value of your home as set by the County Appraiser as this past New Year’s Day. Now let’s not beat up on the appraiser’s office as they have to follow state standards. For residential properties that amount is multiplied by 11.5% to get the assessed value. On commercial properties they are assessed at 25%. Even though there may be some increase in values this year, I don’t see as much of an increase as there was each of the past 2 years. We know there were some houses built last year and some land annexed. This will grow the total value some.

We have talked about property taxes the last couple of weeks and as we have shown the highest taxes in the state are not in Junction City, but we are more in the middle of the pack. We hear that taxes should decrease, but in the next breath we hear of the need for the City to spend more. I have never figured out how to tax less and spend more. No one ever will.

Yes, it comes down to priorities. So far the requests for dollars for this next budget have either came in at the same level as last year or increase. Now the issue is to find the proper balance of spending. And that is where the discussion begins.

Allen Dinkel, City ManagerIt is Budget Time. The time of the year when we set the budget for 2025. The time when we look at the “wants ” and the “needs” of the city and estimate the costs. The time when we look into the crystal ball to determine how revenue can match up with expenses. And yes, the time of the year when the local governing bodies determine how much property taxes that owners of real estate will pay.We can all discuss what the City should spend their funds on each year. Trust me, there is a wide range of opinion as everyone has their own priorities and thoughts about what should be done. In my career in city management this has never changed and is the same in every single city. Of course, we all believe we are right, and others are wrong.About 20 years ago State Senator Janis Lee from North Central Kansas, who represented the District I lived in would come to town to visit with the residents. One thing she always said, “if you want to cut taxes it has to be something that you use and is important to you.” The message she always conveyed was that it is easy to cut spending on something you don’t believe is important, but always remember there is someone that does and they may feel your ideas of funding are not that important.I was not here in Junction City during the high point of the debt crisis. From what I understand there was many different thoughts on how to address the debt issue. City employees were furloughed, and salary increases in subsequent years did not get the raises as others may have. Spending had to be cut because it took most of the tax dollars to just pay the debt payments. I have been told that budget was easy as there was no money as was all was used to address debt. This also meant the City got behind on many other projects. And the road to catch back up has been long and difficult. Even though the General Obligation debt is still an issue, it is nothing in comparison to the darkest days. I do challenge this City to keep on the debt payment path as it still a bit more than it needs to be, but in about 3 more years it will be much different.I saw a note this week about the 1% sales tax for debt service that the voters approved. This tax will end on December 31. 2030. There, however, is a great chance this can be stopped a year or 2 earlier. This sales tax can only be used for debt service. Nothing else. If this sales tax is needed for another use, the voters will have to approve. Remember all local sales taxes are voted on by the public at an election.In the next week, we will receive the estimated assessed value for 2024. These are based on the value of your home as set by the County Appraiser as this past New Year’s Day. Now let’s not beat up on the appraiser’s office as they have to follow state standards. For residential properties that amount is multiplied by 11.5% to get the assessed value. On commercial properties they are assessed at 25%. Even though there may be some increase in values this year, I don’t see as much of an increase as there was each of the past 2 years. We know there were some houses built last year and some land annexed. This will grow the total value some.We have talked about property taxes the last couple of weeks and as we have shown the highest taxes in the state are not in Junction City, but we are more in the middle of the pack. We hear that taxes should decrease, but in the next breath we hear of the need for the City to spend more. I have never figured out how to tax less and spend more. No one ever will.Yes, it comes down to priorities. So far the requests for dollars for this next budget have either came in at the same level as last year or increase. Now the issue is to find the proper balance of spending. And that is where the discussion begins.

City Manager releases the 515 Report

The Fort Riley Transition Assistance Program is hosting the “Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit” June 11 at Riley’s Community Center, 446 Seitz Avenue on Fort Riley. Morning workshops run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by a hiring fair, featuring more than 80 local, regional, and national employers, from 1 to 4 p.m.

The career summit is a specialized event designed to educate, inform, inspire and connect the military community with military-ready employers. All service members, military spouses, veterans and caregivers are invited.

The morning workshops will cover topics including SkillBridge programs, fellowships, internships, professional development, and using platforms such as LinkedIn. Counselors will also be on hand to review resumes and offer job search tips. Participants should be prepared to interview for job opportunities. 

Pre-registration is available online at HiringOurHeroes.org/riley.

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office releaseThe Fort Riley Transition Assistance Program is hosting the “Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit” June 11 at Riley’s Community Center, 446 Seitz Avenue on Fort Riley. Morning workshops run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by a hiring fair, featuring more than 80 local, regional, and national employers, from 1 to 4 p.m.The career summit is a specialized event designed to educate, inform, inspire and connect the military community with military-ready employers. All service members, military spouses, veterans and caregivers are invited.The morning workshops will cover topics including SkillBridge programs, fellowships, internships, professional development, and using platforms such as LinkedIn. Counselors will also be on hand to review resumes and offer job search tips. Participants should be prepared to interview for job opportunities. Pre-registration is available online at HiringOurHeroes.org/riley.

Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit at Fort Riley

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. -&nbsp;Geary USD 475 Early Childhood Program Coordinator Stephanie Waterman was recently appointed to the Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.

The Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel plays a key role in an early childhood care and education governance structure outlined in the All In For Kansas Kids strategic plan, specifically Goal 1: State-Level Coordination which seeks to ensure their systems are structured and aligned for maximum impact.

By Matt HooverUSD 475 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan. -&nbsp;Geary USD 475 Early Childhood Program Coordinator Stephanie Waterman was recently appointed to the Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund.The Kansas Early Childhood Recommendations Panel plays a key role in an early childhood care and education governance structure outlined in the All In For Kansas Kids strategic plan, specifically Goal 1: State-Level Coordination which seeks to ensure their systems are structured and aligned for maximum impact.

Waterman Named to Early Childhood Recommendations Panel

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

WAMEGO - On Thursday, June 6th, Caterpillar, Inc. announced they will close the Wamego facility by mid-2025.

A statement released by a&nbsp; Caterpillar, Inc spokesperson: 

"To better utilize capacity and ensure alignment with the company’s long-term strategy, Caterpillar Inc. today notified its workforce at its Wamego, Kansas, facility that it will close in mid- 2025. This facility manufactures work tools and attachments. The company will support employees during this transition."

Wamego City Manager, Stacie Eichem, posted a response to Caterpillar Inc.'s announcement on the City of Wamego, Kansas Facebook page:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717791226520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostWAMEGO - On Thursday, June 6th, Caterpillar, Inc. announced they will close the Wamego facility by mid-2025.A statement released by a&nbsp; Caterpillar, Inc spokesperson: "To better utilize capacity and ensure alignment with the company’s long-term strategy, Caterpillar Inc. today notified its workforce at its Wamego, Kansas, facility that it will close in mid- 2025. This facility manufactures work tools and attachments. The company will support employees during this transition."Wamego City Manager, Stacie Eichem, posted a response to Caterpillar Inc.'s announcement on the City of Wamego, Kansas Facebook page:<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCityofWamego%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0eDgxj9NB3fi5g7hurdPVoba6kfakRyyjFJquapGnKhfDbJRT8zqKzuzpfmV68JDal&show_text=true&width=500&preview=comet_preview" width="500" height="292" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Caterpillar in Wamego to close in mid-2025

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.

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/2024/6/1717786909670.jpeg" alt="William Benner, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/06" />
 <figcaption>William Benner, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717786969848.jpeg" alt="AnnaMarie Gardner, Computer unlawful acts, False representation with damage &lt; $100,000, Theft by deception; (Value $25,000 to $100,000), arrested 06/06" />
 <figcaption>AnnaMarie Gardner, Computer unlawful acts, False representation with damage &lt; $100,000, Theft by deception; (Value $25,000 to $100,000), arrested 06/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717787077694.jpeg" alt="Marlow Williams, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, Aggravated domestic battery; Choke in rude manner, Family member/dating relationship, arrested 06/06" />
 <figcaption>Marlow Williams, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, Aggravated domestic battery; Choke in rude manner, Family member/dating relationship, arrested 06/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717787196159.jpeg" alt="Frederick Swinson, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/07" />
 <figcaption>Frederick Swinson, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/07</figcaption>
 </figure>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.

Geary County Booking Photos June 7

Combines started rolling in southern Kansas over the past few days after barely getting started last week. Harvest started earlier than normal because the wheat has matured early and farmers are trying to beat upcoming storms.

Overall, yields are better than expected in the area. Although the first quarter of the year was very dry, recent rainfall has helped with grain fill, and this year’s crop is looking to be much better than last year’s dismal crop. Initial reports of test weights are 62 to 63 pounds per bushel, and proteins are averaging 11 to 12 percent.

USDA/NASS estimated the crop at 267.9 million bushels in its May 1 forecast. Their June 1 estimate will be issued next week. Last year’s Kansas wheat harvest resulted in 201.25 million bushels, with abandonment at 29 percent, the highest since 1951.

Wheat crop conditions in Kansas as of June 2 were 34 percent poor to very poor, 32 percent fair and 34 percent good to excellent.&nbsp;Mature was 25%, well ahead of 1% both last year and average.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c2870c60-72a1-4bbb-9db5-beee8955e2fa">Wheat Scoop: A Love Letter to Turkey Red</a>

Harvest is expected to progress over the weekend, although scattered rains, thunderstorms, wind and hail are in the forecast.

We look forward to hearing your harvest stories and seeing harvest photos using&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_78UO-ulTKH1clYsPaC1lFxYxO6g6HJTPRuj0aSnn9GkQXJ-aLKCNtjBA4NsCKa89IaTYZwI5syrFWEPBY4ipBrzUfPcd_4I8KkYqZiZbCltRctZ5RwSoBOnq00hbpf-DzQ-cWdpHL72YamTpv1IBLKzYDyyUWwRkEjosJoDnUqBCqEKFdGFdv8=&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">#</a><a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_78UO-ulTKH1clYsPaC1lFxYxO6g6HJTPRuj0aSnn9GkQXJ-aLKCNtjBA4NsCKa89IaTYZwI5syrFWEPBY4ipBrzUfPcd_4I8KkYqZiZbCltRctZ5RwSoBOnq00hbpf-DzQ-cWdpHL72YamTpv1IBLKzYDyyUWwRkEjosJoDnUqBCqEKFdGFdv8=&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_3W7aMVl-Kowt4623q6XBw8L2MfVMqzZdb3bRRJ3DLMkbKJ_aeSHy1QJzUoHJdGiEjPKV18ZylVNxSkLFBGD8Ww2oe4vQD_xJC4SVSf1CXM0VZn1QVRubvU=&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_7VhF7j0EETxrboU2Az_884yi3zen6Sxyj59lUyqTgXOf6Zbi94WSNP19hgU2Cp0-2LWeC7bzs3eNhMpkb6vDFC1rrwFghzvc4Ub-6kFDQDk&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_8uV1I1akDi7GVBIxyjS2IzCowdI10ewxtbeeKO5LJ3lJHLbPLOldT8lXsgWL6bcPRq7Q001cuBSxduh4Cq0O2mrRn_c3OlJl1-dr3ByPQTQ&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;Look for the first official harvest report of the season early next week.

We wish you all a safe and bountiful harvest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697792936317.png" alt="Loribeth Reynolds of Hutchinson won the Kansas Wheat Photography Contest at the 2023 Kansas State Fair-Photo provided by Kansas Wheat " />
 <figcaption>Loribeth Reynolds of Hutchinson won the Kansas Wheat Photography Contest at the 2023 Kansas State Fair-Photo provided by Kansas Wheat </figcaption>
 </figure>By KANSAS WHEATCombines started rolling in southern Kansas over the past few days after barely getting started last week. Harvest started earlier than normal because the wheat has matured early and farmers are trying to beat upcoming storms.Overall, yields are better than expected in the area. Although the first quarter of the year was very dry, recent rainfall has helped with grain fill, and this year’s crop is looking to be much better than last year’s dismal crop. Initial reports of test weights are 62 to 63 pounds per bushel, and proteins are averaging 11 to 12 percent.USDA/NASS estimated the crop at 267.9 million bushels in its May 1 forecast. Their June 1 estimate will be issued next week. Last year’s Kansas wheat harvest resulted in 201.25 million bushels, with abandonment at 29 percent, the highest since 1951.Wheat crop conditions in Kansas as of June 2 were 34 percent poor to very poor, 32 percent fair and 34 percent good to excellent.&nbsp;Mature was 25%, well ahead of 1% both last year and average.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/c2870c60-72a1-4bbb-9db5-beee8955e2fa">Wheat Scoop: A Love Letter to Turkey Red</a>Harvest is expected to progress over the weekend, although scattered rains, thunderstorms, wind and hail are in the forecast.We look forward to hearing your harvest stories and seeing harvest photos using&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_78UO-ulTKH1clYsPaC1lFxYxO6g6HJTPRuj0aSnn9GkQXJ-aLKCNtjBA4NsCKa89IaTYZwI5syrFWEPBY4ipBrzUfPcd_4I8KkYqZiZbCltRctZ5RwSoBOnq00hbpf-DzQ-cWdpHL72YamTpv1IBLKzYDyyUWwRkEjosJoDnUqBCqEKFdGFdv8=&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">#</a><a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_78UO-ulTKH1clYsPaC1lFxYxO6g6HJTPRuj0aSnn9GkQXJ-aLKCNtjBA4NsCKa89IaTYZwI5syrFWEPBY4ipBrzUfPcd_4I8KkYqZiZbCltRctZ5RwSoBOnq00hbpf-DzQ-cWdpHL72YamTpv1IBLKzYDyyUWwRkEjosJoDnUqBCqEKFdGFdv8=&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_3W7aMVl-Kowt4623q6XBw8L2MfVMqzZdb3bRRJ3DLMkbKJ_aeSHy1QJzUoHJdGiEjPKV18ZylVNxSkLFBGD8Ww2oe4vQD_xJC4SVSf1CXM0VZn1QVRubvU=&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_7VhF7j0EETxrboU2Az_884yi3zen6Sxyj59lUyqTgXOf6Zbi94WSNP19hgU2Cp0-2LWeC7bzs3eNhMpkb6vDFC1rrwFghzvc4Ub-6kFDQDk&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0010-1Mlquib_uQwR_rE3D8MgF1KsOuigncGcNcI6NrzmikyunTmywo_8uV1I1akDi7GVBIxyjS2IzCowdI10ewxtbeeKO5LJ3lJHLbPLOldT8lXsgWL6bcPRq7Q001cuBSxduh4Cq0O2mrRn_c3OlJl1-dr3ByPQTQ&amp;c=7T9xGUqR0nQ1Yjy4RuF70_YManQZu2nnYswynkytfVPuqp5RGJYDyg==&amp;ch=Yy9g4iiIDSGBVpfpPpW-MAE0zVz8O6kv8qejK8FtVZNl2gzC1gQ4JQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.&nbsp;Look for the first official harvest report of the season early next week.We wish you all a safe and bountiful harvest.

Kansas wheat harvest begins

There&nbsp; will be a joint Junction City - Geary County - USD 475 meeting on Monday ( June 10 ) at 5:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Rehearsal Hall at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Geary County agenda items include transient guest tax. the&nbsp; Flint Hills Regional Council talking about Brownfield and OLDCC grants, and the AUSA/Defense Community Summit.

A Junction City agenda item&nbsp; includes a sidewalk along Spring Valley Road from Ash Street to Valley Drive.

Geary USD 475 does not have a specific agenda item but officials from the school district will be in attendance.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThere&nbsp; will be a joint Junction City - Geary County - USD 475 meeting on Monday ( June 10 ) at 5:30 p.m. in the Montgomery Rehearsal Hall at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.Geary County agenda items include transient guest tax. the&nbsp; Flint Hills Regional Council talking about Brownfield and OLDCC grants, and the AUSA/Defense Community Summit.A Junction City agenda item&nbsp; includes a sidewalk along Spring Valley Road from Ash Street to Valley Drive.Geary USD 475 does not have a specific agenda item but officials from the school district will be in attendance.

Agenda for the joint City - County - USD 475 meeting

K-State horticulture expert outlines treatment options

By K-State Research and Extension News Service

Rose rosette virus and rose blackspot have been reported in several Kansas counties, causing signs of stress on many rose plants this spring.

If you are concerned because your garden’s roses are looking a bit stressed right now, you might not be alone.

Kansas State University horticultural expert Cynthia Domenghini said gardeners in several Kansas counties are reporting problems with their roses due to the rosette virus or rose blackspot.

According to Domenghini, the classic symptoms that appear with rose rosette virus include:

⦁‘Witches broom,’ or a clustering of small branches ⦁Branches develop excessive thorns.

⦁Small, deformed, reddish-purple leaves ⦁Certain varieties may develop reddish-purple streaks or blotches on stems and petioles

“Infected plants, including the roots, should be removed and destroyed,” Domenghini said. “Garden tools that come in contact with the plant need to be sterilized to avoid spreading the virus.”

Rose blackspot is a fungal disease that can cause the following symptoms:

⦁ Dark, circular lesions with feathery edges on the top surface of leaves. Domenghini said usually the lower leaves are usually infected first ⦁ Raised, purple spots on young canes

⦁ Yellowing between spots on infected leaves ⦁ Leaf drop

“Prevention is the best approach for controlling blackspot,” said Domenghini, who recommends purchasing resistant rose cultivars.

Mindful gardeners should also consider watering roses with drip irrigation to avoid splashing water on the leaves, and ensure roses are planted in the sun with good air movement.

“Don’t crowd plants together in a planting,” Domenghini said. “Diseased leaves should be removed from the ground, and infected plant parts should be pruned out of the plant.”

For those gardeners who choose to apply fungicide, Domenghini suggests treating the plants on a 10-14 day schedule. Some recommended fungicides include tebuconazole, myclobutanil, triticonazole or chlorothalonil.

“As always, follow all label instructions carefully,” Domenghini said.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;Horticulture Newsletter&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;view online&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can subscribe to the weekly newsletter, or submit their garden and yard-related questions, by sending email to Domenghini at&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu,&nbsp;More information also is available at your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

How do I get rid of poison ivy growing around my roses?

Individual sensitivity to plant toxins varies; cover arms and legs when handling the plants. When poison ivy plants are growing among desired plants, herbicide treatment may not be ideal due to the risk of overspray and drift. When the soil is wet, use gloves and pull or dig young plants out of the soil.

Large vines can be cut at the base. Treat the remaining stumps with herbicide, including those with the following active ingredients: triclopyr, glyphosate, 2,4-D and dicamba. A second treatment may be necessary. Always follow label instructions.

Cynthia Domenghini, Kansas State University horticultural expert,&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717768836133.jpeg" alt="Rose blackspot is a fungal disease that can cause dark, circular lesions with feathery edges on the top surfaces of leaves. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Rose blackspot is a fungal disease that can cause dark, circular lesions with feathery edges on the top surfaces of leaves. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State horticulture expert outlines treatment options</h2>By K-State Research and Extension News ServiceRose rosette virus and rose blackspot have been reported in several Kansas counties, causing signs of stress on many rose plants this spring.If you are concerned because your garden’s roses are looking a bit stressed right now, you might not be alone.Kansas State University horticultural expert Cynthia Domenghini said gardeners in several Kansas counties are reporting problems with their roses due to the rosette virus or rose blackspot.According to Domenghini, the classic symptoms that appear with rose rosette virus include:⦁ Rapid elongation of a new shoot⦁‘Witches broom,’ or a clustering of small branches ⦁Branches develop excessive thorns. ⦁Small, deformed, reddish-purple leaves ⦁Certain varieties may develop reddish-purple streaks or blotches on stems and petioles⦁Plant death“Infected plants, including the roots, should be removed and destroyed,” Domenghini said. “Garden tools that come in contact with the plant need to be sterilized to avoid spreading the virus.”Rose blackspot is a fungal disease that can cause the following symptoms:⦁ Dark, circular lesions with feathery edges on the top surface of leaves. Domenghini said usually the lower leaves are usually infected first ⦁ Raised, purple spots on young canes⦁ Yellowing between spots on infected leaves ⦁ Leaf drop“Prevention is the best approach for controlling blackspot,” said Domenghini, who recommends purchasing resistant rose cultivars.Mindful gardeners should also consider watering roses with drip irrigation to avoid splashing water on the leaves, and ensure roses are planted in the sun with good air movement.“Don’t crowd plants together in a planting,” Domenghini said. “Diseased leaves should be removed from the ground, and infected plant parts should be pruned out of the plant.”For those gardeners who choose to apply fungicide, Domenghini suggests treating the plants on a 10-14 day schedule. Some recommended fungicides include tebuconazole, myclobutanil, triticonazole or chlorothalonil. “As always, follow all label instructions carefully,” Domenghini said.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;Horticulture Newsletter&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;view online&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can subscribe to the weekly newsletter, or submit their garden and yard-related questions, by sending email to Domenghini at&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu,&nbsp;More information also is available at your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.<h2>Sidebar Question of the Week</h2>How do I get rid of poison ivy growing around my roses?Individual sensitivity to plant toxins varies; cover arms and legs when handling the plants. When poison ivy plants are growing among desired plants, herbicide treatment may not be ideal due to the risk of overspray and drift. When the soil is wet, use gloves and pull or dig young plants out of the soil.Large vines can be cut at the base. Treat the remaining stumps with herbicide, including those with the following active ingredients: triclopyr, glyphosate, 2,4-D and dicamba. A second treatment may be necessary. Always follow label instructions.Cynthia Domenghini, Kansas State University horticultural expert,&nbsp;cdom@ksu.edu

Rx for Roses: Gardeners reporting cases of rosette virus, blackspot

RILEY COUNTY —A suspect accused in a home burglary is back in jail.

Just after 9a.m. Thursday, police arrested 25-year-old Michael Skillern Lewis of Manhattan in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 The original charge was for attempted residential burglary. Lewis is being held on a $50,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY —A suspect accused in a home burglary is back in jail.Just after 9a.m. Thursday, police arrested 25-year-old Michael Skillern Lewis of Manhattan in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The original charge was for attempted residential burglary. Lewis is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Manhattan man accused in home burglary is back in jail

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France - U.S. Army Soldiers serving in the 1st Infantry Division led ceremonies at the 80th Annual D-Day Commemoration in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on Tuesday June 4.

The day’s events took place at the 1st Inf. Div. monument on the bluff overlooking the Easy Red sector of Omaha Beach where Soldiers of the Big Red One assaulted German defenses during the opening stages of the Invasion of Normandy and at the Charles Shay Memorial, located nearby in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Shay.

“If you’ll allow me, I’d like to read something Gen. Eisenhower was given as his directive,” said Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commander of the 1st Inf. Div. “‘You’ll enter the continent of Europe and in conjunction with other united nations undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces.’ That was the mission of the Allied forces. The mission of the 1st Inf. Div. was to be the vanguard of the invasion up these bluffs.”

Members of the 1st Inf. Div. color guard participated in the ceremonies alongside Porte-drapeau (French flag bearers) and Native American service members to remember all those who lost their lives on the sands of Normandy.

Charles Norman Shay, who served as a combat medic in the 1st Inf. Div. earned the Silver Star for his heroic actions on June 6, 1944. Before the day was done, Shay saved the lives of 20 fellow Soldiers.“Those Soldiers fulfilled their duty,” said Meyer. “By doing so they brought victory. They liberated a continent and they gave people hope that tomorrow will be better than today.”

Of the 4,414 Allied troops killed on D-Day, 2,501 were Americans. Between June 6 and July 24, 1944, the 1st Inf. Div. had lost 657 Soldiers. Their names are etched in the stone on the monument erected on the bluff overlooking the beach taken by the Big Red One in the conjoined effort to liberate France and the rest of Europe. By the end of the Second World War the 1st Inf. Div. had lost 5,516 Soldiers. 

1st Infantry Division releaseCOLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France - U.S. Army Soldiers serving in the 1st Infantry Division led ceremonies at the 80th Annual D-Day Commemoration in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on Tuesday June 4.The day’s events took place at the 1st Inf. Div. monument on the bluff overlooking the Easy Red sector of Omaha Beach where Soldiers of the Big Red One assaulted German defenses during the opening stages of the Invasion of Normandy and at the Charles Shay Memorial, located nearby in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. Shay.“If you’ll allow me, I’d like to read something Gen. Eisenhower was given as his directive,” said Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commander of the 1st Inf. Div. “‘You’ll enter the continent of Europe and in conjunction with other united nations undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces.’ That was the mission of the Allied forces. The mission of the 1st Inf. Div. was to be the vanguard of the invasion up these bluffs.”Members of the 1st Inf. Div. color guard participated in the ceremonies alongside Porte-drapeau (French flag bearers) and Native American service members to remember all those who lost their lives on the sands of Normandy.Charles Norman Shay, who served as a combat medic in the 1st Inf. Div. earned the Silver Star for his heroic actions on June 6, 1944. Before the day was done, Shay saved the lives of 20 fellow Soldiers.“Those Soldiers fulfilled their duty,” said Meyer. “By doing so they brought victory. They liberated a continent and they gave people hope that tomorrow will be better than today.”Of the 4,414 Allied troops killed on D-Day, 2,501 were Americans. Between June 6 and July 24, 1944, the 1st Inf. Div. had lost 657 Soldiers. Their names are etched in the stone on the monument erected on the bluff overlooking the beach taken by the Big Red One in the conjoined effort to liberate France and the rest of Europe. By the end of the Second World War the 1st Inf. Div. had lost 5,516 Soldiers.

 Big Red One Attends Annual D-Day Celebrations

ABILENE&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday joined veterans of World War II, the Eisenhower Foundation, and local, state, and federal leaders at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to observe the 80th&nbsp;anniversary of D-Day, according to a media release from her office.

“As we commemorate the 80 years since D-Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who bravely fought in World War II,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“General Eisenhower's leadership and expertise were invaluable in carrying out this successful operation, which laid the foundation for the peace he championed throughout his lifetime. May we never forget the sacrifices and stories of those who served.”&nbsp;

The D-Day operation brought together land, air, and sea armed forces on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. Under the leadership of Kansan and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation resulted in France's liberation and the Allied forces' subsequent victory.&nbsp;

“Today, we honor those who served and those who gave their all to end the last World War,”&nbsp;said Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Foundation.&nbsp;“As one of the first organizations formed to honor World War II veterans, the Eisenhower Foundation is honored to hold this event alongside the global commemoration of D-Day. We do this to ensure we do not forget the sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we still hold dear today.”&nbsp;

The Eisenhower Foundation was formed in 1945 to honor President Eisenhower through programs and events that celebrate his legacy. The D-Day remembrance ceremony included a wreath-laying and certificates of honor for 21 World War II veterans.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717700248162.png" alt="Courtesy photos" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photos</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday joined veterans of World War II, the Eisenhower Foundation, and local, state, and federal leaders at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to observe the 80th&nbsp;anniversary of D-Day, according to a media release from her office.“As we commemorate the 80 years since D-Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who bravely fought in World War II,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“General Eisenhower's leadership and expertise were invaluable in carrying out this successful operation, which laid the foundation for the peace he championed throughout his lifetime. May we never forget the sacrifices and stories of those who served.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717700266457.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The D-Day operation brought together land, air, and sea armed forces on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. Under the leadership of Kansan and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation resulted in France's liberation and the Allied forces' subsequent victory.&nbsp;“Today, we honor those who served and those who gave their all to end the last World War,”&nbsp;said Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director of the Eisenhower Foundation.&nbsp;“As one of the first organizations formed to honor World War II veterans, the Eisenhower Foundation is honored to hold this event alongside the global commemoration of D-Day. We do this to ensure we do not forget the sacrifices made to ensure the freedoms we still hold dear today.”&nbsp;The Eisenhower Foundation was formed in 1945 to honor President Eisenhower through programs and events that celebrate his legacy. The D-Day remembrance ceremony included a wreath-laying and certificates of honor for 21 World War II veterans.&nbsp;

Gov. commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day at Eisenhower Library

June 23rd is the first day campaign signs are allowed in Junction City ahead of the August primary election.

There were a few signs put up early in recent days, but that is not allowed. Signs can go up 45 days before an election and must be picked up by two days after the election.

City Manager Allen Dinkel noted that city code on this issue follows state law.

June 23rd is the first day campaign signs are allowed in Junction City ahead of the August primary election.There were a few signs put up early in recent days, but that is not allowed. Signs can go up 45 days before an election and must be picked up by two days after the election.City Manager Allen Dinkel noted that city code on this issue follows state law.

Campaign signs reminder

On May 31st the Kansas Supreme Court ruled on a case challenging the state’s 2021 election laws that made it more difficult for Kansas citizens to vote.

In its majority decision, the Court states that there is no right to vote enshrined in the Kansas Bill of Rights, but that voting rights are explicitly given in Articles 4 and 5 of the Constitution.

As I was reading the news on the Court’s decision, I found myself recalling a book I recently read (via audiobook), Tyranny of the Minority, by prominent political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.

In the book, Levitsky and Ziblatt state that the whole point of a democratic constitution is to establish a set of rights that are protected from the fleeting whims of present day policymakers. (They were of course discussing the US Constitution, but the same idea applies to state constitutions.)

They also argue that it is imperative we not forget that even the most well-intentioned constitutions are fallible. Even the most brilliant constitutional framers are not perfect, they cannot foresee what undemocratic challenges their document may face in a distant future.

The protection of voting rights is one such example.

Our state constitution was adopted six short years before voting rights were added to the US Constitution via the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, which allowed Kansas to build upon some of the US Constitution’s shortcomings by including voting rights.

As Levitsky and Ziblatt discuss in more detail, the Founders’ ideas regarding democracy were certainly novel and also quite radical for the time, but their goal was not to build what we would today consider to be a modern democracy.

Many Americans revere the Constitution as a virtually infallible document. But this is not reality. The Constitution was not a well-thought-out master plan for democracy. It was built on improvisation and compromise.

We should take care to view our constitutions for exactly what they are, imperfect governing documents that are meant to evolve with the changing societal and political needs of a democracy and its citizenry.

The Kansas Supreme Court’s decision furthers the need for this approach.

The decision can be interpreted in such a way that the state constitution only protects procedural representation — the right of citizens to vote for government representatives. As the Court’s dissenting opinion points out, there is a question of whether the Constitution protects substantive representation — the representation of citizens’ interests in the policymaking process.

The dissenting justices argued that substantive representation is protected by the state’s constitution, but the majority opinion disregarded this interpretation.

In other words, the Court ruled that citizens do indeed have a right to vote, but their elected representatives are not required to act in accordance with citizens’ wishes and interests.

A modern democracy is not simply a system of majority rule; it combines majority rule and minority rights.

To once again borrow from Levitsky and Ziblatt: democracies must create mechanisms that protect the democratic process from forces that would undermine it.

By Alexandra MiddlewoodOn May 31st the Kansas Supreme Court ruled on a case challenging the state’s 2021 election laws that made it more difficult for Kansas citizens to vote.In its majority decision, the Court states that there is no right to vote enshrined in the Kansas Bill of Rights, but that voting rights are explicitly given in Articles 4 and 5 of the Constitution.As I was reading the news on the Court’s decision, I found myself recalling a book I recently read (via audiobook), Tyranny of the Minority, by prominent political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.In the book, Levitsky and Ziblatt state that the whole point of a democratic constitution is to establish a set of rights that are protected from the fleeting whims of present day policymakers. (They were of course discussing the US Constitution, but the same idea applies to state constitutions.)They also argue that it is imperative we not forget that even the most well-intentioned constitutions are fallible. Even the most brilliant constitutional framers are not perfect, they cannot foresee what undemocratic challenges their document may face in a distant future.The protection of voting rights is one such example.Our state constitution was adopted six short years before voting rights were added to the US Constitution via the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, which allowed Kansas to build upon some of the US Constitution’s shortcomings by including voting rights.As Levitsky and Ziblatt discuss in more detail, the Founders’ ideas regarding democracy were certainly novel and also quite radical for the time, but their goal was not to build what we would today consider to be a modern democracy.Many Americans revere the Constitution as a virtually infallible document. But this is not reality. The Constitution was not a well-thought-out master plan for democracy. It was built on improvisation and compromise.We should take care to view our constitutions for exactly what they are, imperfect governing documents that are meant to evolve with the changing societal and political needs of a democracy and its citizenry.The Kansas Supreme Court’s decision furthers the need for this approach.The decision can be interpreted in such a way that the state constitution only protects procedural representation — the right of citizens to vote for government representatives. As the Court’s dissenting opinion points out, there is a question of whether the Constitution protects substantive representation — the representation of citizens’ interests in the policymaking process.The dissenting justices argued that substantive representation is protected by the state’s constitution, but the majority opinion disregarded this interpretation.In other words, the Court ruled that citizens do indeed have a right to vote, but their elected representatives are not required to act in accordance with citizens’ wishes and interests.This is concerning.A modern democracy is not simply a system of majority rule; it combines majority rule and minority rights.To once again borrow from Levitsky and Ziblatt: democracies must create mechanisms that protect the democratic process from forces that would undermine it.Democracy cannot exist without free and fair elections. But not everything can or should be up for grabs by officials who are elected, or appointed, to represent us, especially voting rights.It is exceedingly concerning that the state’s highest court would exclude substantive representation as an important aspect of protecting voting rights.The ruling exposes a significant oversight in the interpretation of voting rights within the state constitution.It is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and advocate for policies that protect and expand voting rights for all citizens, ensuring that our state democracy reflects its core values of inclusivity and participation.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

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