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

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.

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.

Historical Society will host a murder mystery event

This week will be one of those where we will meander through a number of different topics and see where we will go.

There has been much discussion about the streets and the condition of them. Of course, we had tough weather conditions that beat the streets up a bit and yes we had our share of potholes. I know many other cities had them as well, but we have to address what is here in Junction City.

Public Works crews have been filling the potholes. This week much was done on Grant as well in other places across the City. They will continue to address. They will continue to do so. I wish we had more staff to address this issue, but the City, like many other employers, have had a difficult time finding employees. At the same time, other crew members have been tied up taking care of water line issues. There has been more water main breaks than anyone would like, but maybe a good reason to continue the investment in replacing water lines that may be nearly 100 years old. Again, this is just not happening here in Junction City, but in others as well.

The 2024 Street Maintenance Project will soon go to “bid”. We will see where the bids come in, but my guess right now it will be nearly $1.5 Million. The majority of this project will be a mill and overlay as has been done across town the last few years. Some ask how those streets are picked each year. Street condition has been rated and a mixture of both residential streets and higher traffic areas are addressed. Granted the percentages vary from year to year, but there is an effort to keep areas of a size, so we just don’t bounce around town as it costs more for the contractor to have smaller stretchers of streets spread around town in any given year.

Then there are streets that are old but are constructed of concrete. Just like the interstate running by Junction City, at some point the best solution will be to remove and replace. The roundabout at Washington Street and I-70 will be done this year, along with KDOT’s Interstate project. The same contractor that is doing the interstate will do the roundabout so work can be coordinated. The City received a grant from KDOT for $700,000 of the cost with the City covering the remaining $250K or so.

One question I here, is why did the City concrete 3 blocks of alleys? These are all in business areas and the concrete alley will be an asset to commerce. That funding is a bit different than the dollars used for streets and I will go into that sometime.

Last week, I wrote about the Animal Shelter and the need to have a shelter that can handle the increased numbers in the most humane manner possible. Shelter Manager Vanessa Gray made a presentation to the City Commission, and they agreed to move forward. Yes, we will consider a new facility as it can be built to fit the needs, but yes remodeling a building may have merit, but you have to consider drainage, ventilation, and a way to isolate diseased or sick animals. Employee safety is a top issue along with a place where people and families can come to select and rescue a pet from the Shelter.

I have read comments about a business that sells pets here in Junction City. This is not a situation of whether or not they should be here as it is in a proper zoned area. The City does not have the right to decide what businesses are located here, but if it is allowed in a given zone it can be there. Ultimately the customers make the decision.

The Parks and Recreation Department will have skating at Spin City on a couple days during Spring Break this week. The Department’s staff operates the rink so there is no need to hire additional staff. Yes, we hear of the need to go back to full operation as was done before Covid, but we will see where

it goes in the future. Josh and his staff, however, have a desire to be open on limited hours to serve the community.

Speaking of Parks, improvements continue to being made at the Playground Park west of the Swimming Pool. The partnership with the Quality Play for All group has been outstanding and the park is “First Class.” We continue to plan for improvements at Helland Park and work with the South Kiwanis group to make improvements in Coranado Park. There are also plans being made to build a new neighborhood park in a residential area in the NW corner of the City. Presently there are no City playgrounds west of Highway 77.

Allen Dinkel, City ManagerThis week will be one of those where we will meander through a number of different topics and see where we will go.There has been much discussion about the streets and the condition of them. Of course, we had tough weather conditions that beat the streets up a bit and yes we had our share of potholes. I know many other cities had them as well, but we have to address what is here in Junction City.Public Works crews have been filling the potholes. This week much was done on Grant as well in other places across the City. They will continue to address. They will continue to do so. I wish we had more staff to address this issue, but the City, like many other employers, have had a difficult time finding employees. At the same time, other crew members have been tied up taking care of water line issues. There has been more water main breaks than anyone would like, but maybe a good reason to continue the investment in replacing water lines that may be nearly 100 years old. Again, this is just not happening here in Junction City, but in others as well.The 2024 Street Maintenance Project will soon go to “bid”. We will see where the bids come in, but my guess right now it will be nearly $1.5 Million. The majority of this project will be a mill and overlay as has been done across town the last few years. Some ask how those streets are picked each year. Street condition has been rated and a mixture of both residential streets and higher traffic areas are addressed. Granted the percentages vary from year to year, but there is an effort to keep areas of a size, so we just don’t bounce around town as it costs more for the contractor to have smaller stretchers of streets spread around town in any given year.Then there are streets that are old but are constructed of concrete. Just like the interstate running by Junction City, at some point the best solution will be to remove and replace. The roundabout at Washington Street and I-70 will be done this year, along with KDOT’s Interstate project. The same contractor that is doing the interstate will do the roundabout so work can be coordinated. The City received a grant from KDOT for $700,000 of the cost with the City covering the remaining $250K or so.One question I here, is why did the City concrete 3 blocks of alleys? These are all in business areas and the concrete alley will be an asset to commerce. That funding is a bit different than the dollars used for streets and I will go into that sometime.Last week, I wrote about the Animal Shelter and the need to have a shelter that can handle the increased numbers in the most humane manner possible. Shelter Manager Vanessa Gray made a presentation to the City Commission, and they agreed to move forward. Yes, we will consider a new facility as it can be built to fit the needs, but yes remodeling a building may have merit, but you have to consider drainage, ventilation, and a way to isolate diseased or sick animals. Employee safety is a top issue along with a place where people and families can come to select and rescue a pet from the Shelter.I have read comments about a business that sells pets here in Junction City. This is not a situation of whether or not they should be here as it is in a proper zoned area. The City does not have the right to decide what businesses are located here, but if it is allowed in a given zone it can be there. Ultimately the customers make the decision.The Parks and Recreation Department will have skating at Spin City on a couple days during Spring Break this week. The Department’s staff operates the rink so there is no need to hire additional staff. Yes, we hear of the need to go back to full operation as was done before Covid, but we will see whereit goes in the future. Josh and his staff, however, have a desire to be open on limited hours to serve the community.Speaking of Parks, improvements continue to being made at the Playground Park west of the Swimming Pool. The partnership with the Quality Play for All group has been outstanding and the park is “First Class.” We continue to plan for improvements at Helland Park and work with the South Kiwanis group to make improvements in Coranado Park. There are also plans being made to build a new neighborhood park in a residential area in the NW corner of the City. Presently there are no City playgrounds west of Highway 77.

Animal shelter and potholes receive attention in the 515 Report

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the launch of a three-month pilot study exploring whether a pay-per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could potentially replace the current state fuel tax as a new way to fund roads and bridges. The study, part of the Kansas Midwest RUC Study, asks Kansans to try out mileage reporting options and provide feedback about their experience.&nbsp;

Today, gasoline-powered vehicles pay 24 cents per gallon for state gas tax, and diesel-powered vehicles pay 26 cents per gallon for state diesel tax. As vehicles transition to being more fuel efficient or not use gas or diesel at all, state transportation funding may fall short.

KDOT is proactively exploring whether a RUC could be a sustainable, long-term funding source for transportation in the state. KDOT, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, is utilizing federal grant money available to states to study potential alternative approaches to transportation funding. To date, most states exploring RUC are on the East and West coasts — and Kansas is adding a Midwest perspective to this national conversation.

KDOT is actively recruiting pilot participants to take part in the study, which is scheduled to begin in April. Drivers across the state are asked to take part, especially rural Kansans who drive passenger vehicles or medium-duty trucks, people working in the agriculture industry and owners or operators of large trucks. Participants who fully complete the pilot can earn a $100 incentive.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the launch of a three-month pilot study exploring whether a pay-per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could potentially replace the current state fuel tax as a new way to fund roads and bridges. The study, part of the Kansas Midwest RUC Study, asks Kansans to try out mileage reporting options and provide feedback about their experience.&nbsp;Today, gasoline-powered vehicles pay 24 cents per gallon for state gas tax, and diesel-powered vehicles pay 26 cents per gallon for state diesel tax. As vehicles transition to being more fuel efficient or not use gas or diesel at all, state transportation funding may fall short.KDOT is proactively exploring whether a RUC could be a sustainable, long-term funding source for transportation in the state. KDOT, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, is utilizing federal grant money available to states to study potential alternative approaches to transportation funding. To date, most states exploring RUC are on the East and West coasts — and Kansas is adding a Midwest perspective to this national conversation.KDOT is actively recruiting pilot participants to take part in the study, which is scheduled to begin in April. Drivers across the state are asked to take part, especially rural Kansans who drive passenger vehicles or medium-duty trucks, people working in the agriculture industry and owners or operators of large trucks. Participants who fully complete the pilot can earn a $100 incentive.

Road usage charge study underway, looking for Kansans to participate

 Fort Riley announced via social media that starting Wednesday March 13 through March 26, the Grant Access Control Point will be closed. Plan alternate routes of travel on those dates.&nbsp;

Fort Riley announced via social media that starting Wednesday March 13 through March 26, the Grant Access Control Point will be closed. Plan alternate routes of travel on those dates.&nbsp;

Fort Riley announces scheduled Grant Access Control Point closure

This will be spring break week in Geary USD 475.

The district announced that they will be closed March 11-15. Classes will resume on Monday, March 18.&nbsp;

This will be spring break week in Geary USD 475.The district announced that they will be closed March 11-15. Classes will resume on Monday, March 18.&nbsp;

USD 475 observes spring break

Potential refunds to taxpayers was a major topic of discussion at the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coffee Saturday at the Municipal Building.

Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher was in attendance and felt that there was a consensus on the tax issue from state legislators who were present. Tax revenues mentioned ranged from property tax and sales tax on food to individual income tax and social security tax.&nbsp; The state has more than $3 billion in revenue those legislators would like to return to the general public. They are trying to figure out how it can be accomplished.

"I personally think they're trying to work to solidify some relief for the taxpayer, said Ascher. He noted it's a matter of an avenue or mechanism that can be used to accomplish it between the legislature and governor, and what the governor will sign.

This was the only Legislative Coffee hosted by the Chamber of Commerce during the current session.

Potential refunds to taxpayers was a major topic of discussion at the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coffee Saturday at the Municipal Building.Geary County Commissioner Keith Ascher was in attendance and felt that there was a consensus on the tax issue from state legislators who were present. Tax revenues mentioned ranged from property tax and sales tax on food to individual income tax and social security tax.&nbsp; The state has more than $3 billion in revenue those legislators would like to return to the general public. They are trying to figure out how it can be accomplished."I personally think they're trying to work to solidify some relief for the taxpayer, said Ascher. He noted it's a matter of an avenue or mechanism that can be used to accomplish it between the legislature and governor, and what the governor will sign.This was the only Legislative Coffee hosted by the Chamber of Commerce during the current session.

Taxes are a topic at the Legislative Coffee

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations – helped secure $116.3 million for planning and construction of new facilities and training programs at Fort Riley as part of the&nbsp;Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.

“Building and maintaining a strong and ready military requires a foundation of thriving bases where our troops can train, work and build their lives,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “Fort Riley is a symbol of national security, commitment and strength, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation and fostering readiness in our armed forces. New investments for Fort Riley include:

Moran said that investing in Fort Riley makes certain our troops are mission-ready and helps attract other men and women to pursue careers in the military. These investments to Kansas will attract new opportunities to Fort Riley and help our military communities continue to thrive.”

This legislation was passed by the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and now goes to the President to be signed into law.

WASHINGTON –&nbsp;U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations – helped secure $116.3 million for planning and construction of new facilities and training programs at Fort Riley as part of the&nbsp;Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.“Building and maintaining a strong and ready military requires a foundation of thriving bases where our troops can train, work and build their lives,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “Fort Riley is a symbol of national security, commitment and strength, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation and fostering readiness in our armed forces. New investments for Fort Riley include:<ul>
 <li>$105 million for the construction of the Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Fort Riley</li><li>$8.7 million for the construction of an infantry platoon battle course</li><li>$1.6 million for planning and designing a new air traffic control tower at Fort Riley</li><li>$1.1 million for planning and designing improvements for the Bob Dole Railyard</li>
 </ul>Moran said that investing in Fort Riley makes certain our troops are mission-ready and helps attract other men and women to pursue careers in the military. These investments to Kansas will attract new opportunities to Fort Riley and help our military communities continue to thrive.”This legislation was passed by the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and now goes to the President to be signed into law.Contact: Angela Lingg

Sen. Moran Secures Investments for New Facilities, Training Programs at Fort Riley

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted

unemployment rate of 2.6% in January. This is unchanged from 2.6% in December and a decrease from 2.8% in January 2023.

“The average unemployment rate for Kansas was 2.7% in 2023,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “January 2024 shows continually low unemployment, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,200 from December. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government increased by 600.

The unemployment rate in Geary County jumped from 2.8 percent in December to 3.5 percent. Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee county also saw an increase from the most recent KDOL report.

Since January 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 8,500. This change is due to an increase of 7,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,500 government jobs.

“Total nonfarm jobs showed little change over the month in January,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler. “Since January 2023, Kansas has added 8,500 nonfarm jobs, with 7,000 of those in the private sector.”

<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for</a> the complete Kansas labor market information for January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709910516530.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjustedunemployment rate of 2.6% in January. This is unchanged from 2.6% in December and a decrease from 2.8% in January 2023.“The average unemployment rate for Kansas was 2.7% in 2023,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “January 2024 shows continually low unemployment, with an unemployment rate of 2.6%.”Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,200 from December. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,800 over the month, while government increased by 600.The unemployment rate in Geary County jumped from 2.8 percent in December to 3.5 percent. Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee county also saw an increase from the most recent KDOL report.Since January 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 8,500. This change is due to an increase of 7,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,500 government jobs.“Total nonfarm jobs showed little change over the month in January,” said labor economist, Nathan Kessler. “Since January 2023, Kansas has added 8,500 nonfarm jobs, with 7,000 of those in the private sector.”<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for</a> the complete Kansas labor market information for January.

Jobless rate up in Geary County and across the region

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rRzLORiSwvM?si=gjhytMNkK585hsnD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

Sherri Childs has filed for reelection to the Geary County Treasurer's post and Courtney Gilbert for election to the Geary County Clerk's position.

Gilbert was appointed to fill an unexpired term and will now be seeking election to a&nbsp; four-year term in office.

Childs was first appointed to fill an unexpired term and then elected to a two year term. She will now be seeking a four-year stint in office.

Sherri Childs has filed for reelection to the Geary County Treasurer's post and Courtney Gilbert for election to the Geary County Clerk's position.Gilbert was appointed to fill an unexpired term and will now be seeking election to a&nbsp; four-year term in office.Childs was first appointed to fill an unexpired term and then elected to a two year term. She will now be seeking a four-year stint in office.

There are two filings for county offices 

Geary USD 475 elementary and middle school students (third through eighth grade) have been making big gains in math since 2019. In a recent New York Times article, USD 475 was shown to not only rank significantly higher than its Kansas counterparts in mathematics, but also better than the United States average. Each year since 2019, USD 475’s math testing scores have improved, which also included an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic while most schools across the United States dropped significantly below the U.S. average. 

In the fall of 2020, USD 475 made the decision to return to school while also offering a virtual opportunity for any health compromised families. During that time, 83 percent of the district’s students opted to return to schools, while 17 percent continued a virtual platform.“ At that time, we truly felt the best learning environment for our students was to have direct contact with our teachers,” said Dr. Deb Gustafson, USD 475 Associate Superintendent. “Our teachers stayed the course and provided quality math instruction to our students while most of the nation was continuing to figure out a virtual learning environment.&nbsp;

The decision in 2020 to return to the classroom has paid off as USD 475 is now seeing the benefits throughout its schools, daily. “The availability of the COVID-19 emergency relief funds helped us focus on adopting a comprehensive curriculum based on mathematics best practices for core instruction while also supporting acceleration and remediation of learning through small group instruction, progress monitoring and individual intervention,” said Gustafson.&nbsp;She went on to explain that purposeful and recurring professional development has truly allowed for USD 475’s gains to continue.&nbsp;“Ultimately COVID-19 allowed us to completely revamp our math curriculum to specifically match the needs of our students, while also aligning with the adopted math standards. Our decisions have paid off and our students have continued to outperform their peers in math since COVID-19. We are working hard to maintain this upward trend,” said Gustafson.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/01/upshot/learning-loss-school-districts.html" target="_blank">New York Times Article</a>

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/01/upshot/learning-loss-school-districts.html" target="_blank"></a>Matt Hoover

Geary USD 475&nbsp;Communications Coordinator&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709924615231.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Geary USD 475 elementary and middle school students (third through eighth grade) have been making big gains in math since 2019. In a recent New York Times article, USD 475 was shown to not only rank significantly higher than its Kansas counterparts in mathematics, but also better than the United States average. Each year since 2019, USD 475’s math testing scores have improved, which also included an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic while most schools across the United States dropped significantly below the U.S. average. In the fall of 2020, USD 475 made the decision to return to school while also offering a virtual opportunity for any health compromised families. During that time, 83 percent of the district’s students opted to return to schools, while 17 percent continued a virtual platform.“ At that time, we truly felt the best learning environment for our students was to have direct contact with our teachers,” said Dr. Deb Gustafson, USD 475 Associate Superintendent. “Our teachers stayed the course and provided quality math instruction to our students while most of the nation was continuing to figure out a virtual learning environment.&nbsp;The decision in 2020 to return to the classroom has paid off as USD 475 is now seeing the benefits throughout its schools, daily. “The availability of the COVID-19 emergency relief funds helped us focus on adopting a comprehensive curriculum based on mathematics best practices for core instruction while also supporting acceleration and remediation of learning through small group instruction, progress monitoring and individual intervention,” said Gustafson.&nbsp;She went on to explain that purposeful and recurring professional development has truly allowed for USD 475’s gains to continue.&nbsp;“Ultimately COVID-19 allowed us to completely revamp our math curriculum to specifically match the needs of our students, while also aligning with the adopted math standards. Our decisions have paid off and our students have continued to outperform their peers in math since COVID-19. We are working hard to maintain this upward trend,” said Gustafson.&nbsp;Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/01/upshot/learning-loss-school-districts.html" target="_blank">New York Times Article</a><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/02/01/upshot/learning-loss-school-districts.html" target="_blank"></a>Matt HooverGeary USD 475&nbsp;Communications Coordinator&nbsp;&nbsp;

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