After four days of fishing, Easton Fothergill won the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship at Milford Lake on Monday. 

Fothergill, a junior at the University of Montevallo, worked his way through the eight-man bracket and emerged as the winner on Monday afternoon as he caught several bass totaling 11 pounds, 13 ounces on the final day of the competition. 

As pictured above, Fothergill received a check of $7,500, a one-year lease of a Toyota Tundra truck, a one-year lease of a Nitro Bass boat, and an invitation to the 2024 Bassmaster Classic. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696336909614.jpeg" alt="Easton Fothergill, a junior at the University of Montevallo, won the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship at Milford Lake. (Photo courtesy of Acorns Resort and RV Park at Milford Lake)" />
 <figcaption>Easton Fothergill, a junior at the University of Montevallo, won the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship at Milford Lake. (Photo courtesy of Acorns Resort and RV Park at Milford Lake)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostAfter four days of fishing, Easton Fothergill won the 2023 Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship at Milford Lake on Monday. Fothergill, a junior at the University of Montevallo, worked his way through the eight-man bracket and emerged as the winner on Monday afternoon as he caught several bass totaling 11 pounds, 13 ounces on the final day of the competition. As pictured above, Fothergill received a check of $7,500, a one-year lease of a Toyota Tundra truck, a one-year lease of a Nitro Bass boat, and an invitation to the 2024 Bassmaster Classic.

Easton Fothergill announced as winner of Bassmaster College Classic at Milford Lake

(JUNCTION CITY, KS – Oct. 2, 2023) – The Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus has been awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation. This accreditation is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, quality patient care.

In order to receive a Joint Commission Accreditation, healthcare organizations must successfully undergo a site-visit from specially trained Joint Commission surveyors. The Flint Hills Campus welcomed appraisers on June 27, 2023. During the three-day visit, a review of compliance and quality to the Joint Commission standards is performed. There are more than 250 standards set by the Joint Commission that include items like infection prevention and control, emergency management, and patient rights and education, among other critical areas. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“I’m extremely proud of our team and their commitment to providing our patients with great care,” said Tracy Duran, Interim Hospital Administrator and Regional Director of Nursing. “Our team has learned and implemented a lot of new changes and policies in the last few months. The fact that this survey was completed so smoothly credits the hard work and excellence our team works to provide every patient.”

This is the first time the Flint Hills Campus has undergone the Joint Commission Survey since it became a part of the Stormont Vail Health system. Joint Commission accreditation is not mandatory, but pursued voluntarily by healthcare organizations. By being accredited, organizations show that continuous improvement, patient safety, and providing high-quality care is at the forefront.


(JUNCTION CITY, KS – Oct. 2, 2023) – The Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus has been awarded the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation. This accreditation is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe, quality patient care.In order to receive a Joint Commission Accreditation, healthcare organizations must successfully undergo a site-visit from specially trained Joint Commission surveyors. The Flint Hills Campus welcomed appraisers on June 27, 2023. During the three-day visit, a review of compliance and quality to the Joint Commission standards is performed. There are more than 250 standards set by the Joint Commission that include items like infection prevention and control, emergency management, and patient rights and education, among other critical areas. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.“I’m extremely proud of our team and their commitment to providing our patients with great care,” said Tracy Duran, Interim Hospital Administrator and Regional Director of Nursing. “Our team has learned and implemented a lot of new changes and policies in the last few months. The fact that this survey was completed so smoothly credits the hard work and excellence our team works to provide every patient.”This is the first time the Flint Hills Campus has undergone the Joint Commission Survey since it became a part of the Stormont Vail Health system. Joint Commission accreditation is not mandatory, but pursued voluntarily by healthcare organizations. By being accredited, organizations show that continuous improvement, patient safety, and providing high-quality care is at the forefront.

Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus Awarded Hospital Accreditation from The Joint Commission

&nbsp; The Junction City Police Department is continuing its investigation into the January 6th, 2023, homicide of Carson Simon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Anyone who spoke to or interacted with Mr. Simon from the dates of January 3rd, 2023, to January 6th, 2023, please contact the Junction City Police Department or the Geary County Crime Stoppers. Information provided could be eligible for a cash reward. 

This case is still actively being investigated and no further information is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696339151276.jpeg" alt="Photo of Carson Simon. The Junction City Police Department is still investigating the homicide from January 6, 2023." />
 <figcaption>Photo of Carson Simon. The Junction City Police Department is still investigating the homicide from January 6, 2023.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; The Junction City Police Department is continuing its investigation into the January 6th, 2023, homicide of Carson Simon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone who spoke to or interacted with Mr. Simon from the dates of January 3rd, 2023, to January 6th, 2023, please contact the Junction City Police Department or the Geary County Crime Stoppers. Information provided could be eligible for a cash reward. This case is still actively being investigated and no further information is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JCPD continues homicide investigation in death of Carson Simon

FORT RILEY, Kansas – On September 29, 2023, the 1st&nbsp;Infantry&nbsp;Division&nbsp;hosted an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley. The event officially welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Derek Noyes and his family to the Big Red One team.

For the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time in nearly 24 months, every 1st Inf. Div. unit was present on the field for a mass&nbsp;division&nbsp;formation. A unique aspect as the&nbsp;divisions' 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team has recently returned from a 9-month deployment to Europe, and the 1st Inf. Div. Combat Aviation Brigade prepares to deploy to support NATO Allies and partners in Europe.&nbsp;

Command Sgt. Maj. Noyes is a native of Amarillo, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Throughout his 27-year Army career, Noyes has held numerous leadership positions in the armor and cavalry community from tank gunner to the command sergeant major of the 1st&nbsp;Infantry&nbsp;Division.

“This&nbsp;Division&nbsp;has an incredible history, and I am humbled, honored, and incredibly excited to be standing before you today as a Big Red One Soldier and your Command Sergeant Major.,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Noyes, the newly assigned 1st Inf. Div. command sergeant major. “It is not lost on me the legacy of the Soldiers who came before me in this storied&nbsp;Division, from the battlefields of France to the beaches of Normandy, to the jungles of Vietnam, to standing watch on the Frontier of Freedom, to the deserts of the Middle East, I promise that I will give my all every day to continue to move that legacy forward.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696268282430.jpeg" alt="Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Derek Noyes and his wife are officially welcomed&nbsp; to Fort Riley and The First Infantry Division at his Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony on Friday, September 29.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Derek Noyes and his wife are officially welcomed&nbsp; to Fort Riley and The First Infantry Division at his Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony on Friday, September 29.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT RILEY, Kansas – On September 29, 2023, the 1st&nbsp;Infantry&nbsp;Division&nbsp;hosted an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley. The event officially welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Derek Noyes and his family to the Big Red One team.For the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time in nearly 24 months, every 1st Inf. Div. unit was present on the field for a mass&nbsp;division&nbsp;formation. A unique aspect as the&nbsp;divisions' 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team has recently returned from a 9-month deployment to Europe, and the 1st Inf. Div. Combat Aviation Brigade prepares to deploy to support NATO Allies and partners in Europe.&nbsp;Command Sgt. Maj. Noyes is a native of Amarillo, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Throughout his 27-year Army career, Noyes has held numerous leadership positions in the armor and cavalry community from tank gunner to the command sergeant major of the 1st&nbsp;Infantry&nbsp;Division.“This&nbsp;Division&nbsp;has an incredible history, and I am humbled, honored, and incredibly excited to be standing before you today as a Big Red One Soldier and your Command Sergeant Major.,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Noyes, the newly assigned 1st Inf. Div. command sergeant major. “It is not lost on me the legacy of the Soldiers who came before me in this storied&nbsp;Division, from the battlefields of France to the beaches of Normandy, to the jungles of Vietnam, to standing watch on the Frontier of Freedom, to the deserts of the Middle East, I promise that I will give my all every day to continue to move that legacy forward.”

Fighting First Division Welcomes a New Leader

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall spoke to reporters on Zoom Monday morning to explain his no vote on the stopgap spending bill passed over the weekend.

"I made it very clear from the very beginning, that I would vote for no funding for Ukraine, not a single dollar for Ukraine, unless we secured the border first," Marshall said. "I said that I would not do any more of these stopgap measures that we're doing, these continuing resolutions, as well. I said I wouldn't do any more of those and I wouldn't do any big omnibuses, that I will vote against those very consistently."

Marshall wants to see budgets passed with everyone doing their homework on time. That didn't happen here.

"The Budget Act of 1974 states a very clear process, what we should do when it comes to budgeting and setting up our appropriation process," Marshall said. "It has deadlines and dates on it. It starts with the first Monday in February, that the President shall submit their budget. President Biden was a month late with that. That sets up a domino of problems and he's not alone. It's unusual for a President in the past two decades, three decades, to submit a budget on time. Then, it has dates for Congress to do its work, as well. By April 15, we should submit a budget resolution that gives us top-line numbers for the appropriations commitees to work with. Basically, Congress totally ignores that process."

There are no real consequences for missing those deadlines, at this point.

"What happens if the President doesn't submit his budget in time? There's really no recourse," Marshall said. "I'll be working with my friends to try to come up with some type of sticks, so to speak, to encourage, to basically force the President to get the budget on time and for Congress to get a budget resolution done in time, as well."

The vote passed the Senate 88-9 and funds the government for 45 days.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696259889314.jpeg" alt="Marshall Zoom 10 02 2023" />
 <figcaption>Marshall Zoom 10 02 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall spoke to reporters on Zoom Monday morning to explain his no vote on the stopgap spending bill passed over the weekend."I made it very clear from the very beginning, that I would vote for no funding for Ukraine, not a single dollar for Ukraine, unless we secured the border first," Marshall said. "I said that I would not do any more of these stopgap measures that we're doing, these continuing resolutions, as well. I said I wouldn't do any more of those and I wouldn't do any big omnibuses, that I will vote against those very consistently."Marshall wants to see budgets passed with everyone doing their homework on time. That didn't happen here."The Budget Act of 1974 states a very clear process, what we should do when it comes to budgeting and setting up our appropriation process," Marshall said. "It has deadlines and dates on it. It starts with the first Monday in February, that the President shall submit their budget. President Biden was a month late with that. That sets up a domino of problems and he's not alone. It's unusual for a President in the past two decades, three decades, to submit a budget on time. Then, it has dates for Congress to do its work, as well. By April 15, we should submit a budget resolution that gives us top-line numbers for the appropriations commitees to work with. Basically, Congress totally ignores that process."There are no real consequences for missing those deadlines, at this point."What happens if the President doesn't submit his budget in time? There's really no recourse," Marshall said. "I'll be working with my friends to try to come up with some type of sticks, so to speak, to encourage, to basically force the President to get the budget on time and for Congress to get a budget resolution done in time, as well."The vote passed the Senate 88-9 and funds the government for 45 days.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Marshall explains no vote on stopgap spending bill

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

No arrests were reported by the Riley County Police Department's Arrest Report on October 2nd.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;No arrests were reported by the Riley County Police Department's Arrest Report on October 2nd.

Riley County Arrest Report October 2

Recent breakthrough may be another step toward nano uses in agriculture

By PAT MELGARESKSRE It has been said that dynamite comes in small packages, though not nearly as small as one nanometer.

And, as USDA and Kansas State University entomologists are finding out, not nearly as mighty.

The K-State researchers have published findings of a study in which they’ve tested nanomaterial – theirs is a product consisting of an agricultural waste product attached to a known antimicrobial – that is effective at killing mosquito larvae, while using far fewer insecticides in the process.

They’ve reported the breakthrough in the September issue of the American Chemical Society Omega Journal, which also features an image of their technology as one of the supplemental front covers of the month’s issue.

The work is part of the university’s larger vision to develop nanomaterial that researchers believe will not only reduce pesticide use in the environment, but also be a viable solution for many pests that affect agricultural production, such as Hessian fly, corn rootworm, grasshoppers, termites and more.

K-State’s program is funded for four years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment,” said Jeff Whitworth, a field crop entomologist with K-State Research and Extension. “And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano insecticides – products that may be considered organic waste – that may also reduce the amount of organic waste.”

In the current project, K-State researchers coupled silver – a known antimicrobial – with a corn protein known as zein (pronounced zee-inn) that is typically a waste product. As mosquito larvae filter food from water, they ingest the nanomaterial containing silver.

“We found that in mosquito larvae, silver apparently gets into their mid-gut and kills the microbes that are necessary for mosquito larval well-being,” said K-State nano-entomologist Amie Norton.

The concentration of pesticide in the nanomaterial developed by the USDA/K-State team is, by far, less than what would traditionally be used to combat mosquito populations. According to Norton, K-State’s product included just 1 part per million of pesticide – a proportion similar to 1 drop of water in a 10 gallon fish tank.

She said normal concentrations of pesticide range from 10 to 32 parts per million.

“The advantage of nanotechnology is that you have a larger surface area to work with, and nanomaterials have more bioavailability of active ingredients due to their size,” Norton said. “The increased loading of pesticides onto the surface of nanomaterials and their ability to increase the bioavailability of ingredients to targeted pests results in the use of less active ingredients (pesticides), which leads to lower costs for those using these products.”

Silver is not a typical pesticide used in mosquito control, Whitworth said. Future applications are expected to include a more common pesticide – spinosad – and a growth regulator, methoprene, “so that what doesn’t kill them will keep them from growing into adults,” Norton said.

Nanoparticles are considered part of a bright new future for science and technology. By definition, a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, so small that it cannot be detected by electronic microscopes.

For perspective, however, consider that one sheet of standard copy paper is 100,000 nanometers thick; a period at the end of this sentence is approximately 1 million nanometers. Or, one nanometer compares to a standard tennis ball in equal proportion to how that same tennis ball compares to planet Earth.

“We are just one year into this area of research,” Whitworth said. “We are looking for ways to recycle agriculture waste and convert it to something useful. It’s a step-by-step process; it takes a while and we are learning as we go.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696248509702.jpeg" alt="K-State entomologists have developed a way to couple an antimicrobial (silver) with an agricultural waste product (zein) to kill mosquito larvae. Their study is published in the September issue of the American Chemical Society Omega Journal. The graphic above depicting the breakthrough was created by K-State entomology staffer Crystal Ly and appears on one of the journal's supplemental covers. (Graphic courtesy of Amie Norton) " />
 <figcaption>K-State entomologists have developed a way to couple an antimicrobial (silver) with an agricultural waste product (zein) to kill mosquito larvae. Their study is published in the September issue of the American Chemical Society Omega Journal. The graphic above depicting the breakthrough was created by K-State entomology staffer Crystal Ly and appears on one of the journal's supplemental covers. (Graphic courtesy of Amie Norton) </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Recent breakthrough may be another step toward nano uses in agriculture</h2>By PAT MELGARESKSRE It has been said that dynamite comes in small packages, though not nearly as small as one nanometer.And, as USDA and Kansas State University entomologists are finding out, not nearly as mighty.The K-State researchers have published findings of a study in which they’ve tested nanomaterial – theirs is a product consisting of an agricultural waste product attached to a known antimicrobial – that is effective at killing mosquito larvae, while using far fewer insecticides in the process.They’ve reported the breakthrough in the September issue of the American Chemical Society Omega Journal, which also features an image of their technology as one of the supplemental front covers of the month’s issue.The work is part of the university’s larger vision to develop nanomaterial that researchers believe will not only reduce pesticide use in the environment, but also be a viable solution for many pests that affect agricultural production, such as Hessian fly, corn rootworm, grasshoppers, termites and more.K-State’s program is funded for four years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.“If nanotechnology can be employed to control pests, it will greatly reduce the use of pesticides in the environment,” said Jeff Whitworth, a field crop entomologist with K-State Research and Extension. “And if researchers can find the right carriers for these nano insecticides – products that may be considered organic waste – that may also reduce the amount of organic waste.”In the current project, K-State researchers coupled silver – a known antimicrobial – with a corn protein known as zein (pronounced zee-inn) that is typically a waste product. As mosquito larvae filter food from water, they ingest the nanomaterial containing silver.“We found that in mosquito larvae, silver apparently gets into their mid-gut and kills the microbes that are necessary for mosquito larval well-being,” said K-State nano-entomologist Amie Norton.The concentration of pesticide in the nanomaterial developed by the USDA/K-State team is, by far, less than what would traditionally be used to combat mosquito populations. According to Norton, K-State’s product included just 1 part per million of pesticide – a proportion similar to 1 drop of water in a 10 gallon fish tank.She said normal concentrations of pesticide range from 10 to 32 parts per million.“The advantage of nanotechnology is that you have a larger surface area to work with, and nanomaterials have more bioavailability of active ingredients due to their size,” Norton said. “The increased loading of pesticides onto the surface of nanomaterials and their ability to increase the bioavailability of ingredients to targeted pests results in the use of less active ingredients (pesticides), which leads to lower costs for those using these products.”Silver is not a typical pesticide used in mosquito control, Whitworth said. Future applications are expected to include a more common pesticide – spinosad – and a growth regulator, methoprene, “so that what doesn’t kill them will keep them from growing into adults,” Norton said.Nanoparticles are considered part of a bright new future for science and technology. By definition, a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, so small that it cannot be detected by electronic microscopes.For perspective, however, consider that one sheet of standard copy paper is 100,000 nanometers thick; a period at the end of this sentence is approximately 1 million nanometers. Or, one nanometer compares to a standard tennis ball in equal proportion to how that same tennis ball compares to planet Earth.“We are just one year into this area of research,” Whitworth said. “We are looking for ways to recycle agriculture waste and convert it to something useful. It’s a step-by-step process; it takes a while and we are learning as we go.”

USDA, K-State entomologists use nanotechnology to combat mosquitos

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.

The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.

The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. 

An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.

The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.

Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.

“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”

Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.

Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.

“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”

“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.

State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.

Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.

“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”

Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.

The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.

Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.

Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.

“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”

KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.

“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.

The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.

Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.

“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.

Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.

Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695387001249.png" alt="Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)" />
 <figcaption>Jon Rolph, chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents, led colleagues and higher education officials through a discussion Wednesday to reduce requests for $570 million in new state funding to a more palatable amount. The full board is expected to vote Thursday on a unified higher education budget proposal. (Screen capture from the Kansas Board of Regents livestream)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents deleted a quarter-billion dollars Thursday from the extraordinary budget increase sought by public state universities in an effort to prepare a politically credible higher education spending plan for consideration by Gov. Laura Kelly and the 2024 Legislature.The heavy lift gleaned more than $270 million from budget enhancements envisioned by six universities in the fiscal year starting in July 2024. The higher education system of universities, community colleges and technical colleges was left with a $301 million proposal, with nearly half the amount viewed as one-time allocations.The amendment process included replacement of a $150 million proposal to supercharge faculty and staff recruiting and retention at research universities in Lawrence, Manhattan and Wichita with a miniaturized $10 million initiative that wouldn’t be part of this budget request but would be sought individually through the legislative process. An $18 million earmark for the regional universities in Hays, Pittsburg and Emporia was sliced in half rather than discarded.The budget outline to be submitted to the governor’s office in October would raise university spending by $30 million for building improvement or demolition, $15 million for IT cybersecurity and $7 million for rising operational expenditures. There also would be $14 million for need-based student aid, $9.5 million for student academic success initiatives and $5 million for a rural Kansas education program.Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents and a Wichita businessman, said the board’s how-sausage-was-made vetting process involved articulation of diverse aspirational proposals and subjected to refinement by the board before inserted into the legislative arena.“The regents had a vigorous and productive discussion about funding priorities and developed an ask focused on the most impactful projects for Kansas families and businesses,” Rolph said. “We’ve got to hold ourselves accountable. Higher education is essential to the prosperity of Kansas and its communities.”Board members intend to submit a special request in January for restoration of $41 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars stripped from $142 million dedicated to the proposed Wichita Biomedical Campus. It is to be operated by Wichita State University and the University of Kansas. The money for the facility was temporarily withdrawn after the 2023 Legislature redirected too many ARPA dollars to other projects.Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state senator from Lawrence, said the unprioritized $570 million spending hike offered by the 32 public universities, community colleges and technical colleges for review by the board would be dead on arrival at the Capitol if forwarded without revision.“I can tell you that many people in the Legislature would look at that and say, ‘What are they thinking?'” Winter said. “I’m concerned that we’re not doing our job by sending over a budget that is $570 million without any indication from us about which of these items are the most important.”“Most, if not all of that request, would be dismissed. Our advocacy is muted if we send over a budget request that we know is nowhere close to being that which will be funded,” he said.State lawmakers appropriated slightly more than $1 billion in the current year’s higher education budget. The Republican-led Legislature and the Democratic governor embraced a $220 million increase in spending for higher education. In the previous budget year, the increase in state aid was $162 million. Both were adopted during a period in which the state treasury was flush with surplus tax revenue.Ken Hush, president of Emporia State University, pleaded with the Board of Regents not to discard the $18 million sought by Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University and ESU to deal with financial problems associated with stagnant or declining enrollment. PSU president Dan Shipp urged the board to submit a request for $9 million in the upcoming year and seek a second installment of $9 million in the subsequent year for the three universities.“This is about stabilization,” said Hush, who faces a deep enrollment drop at ESU tied to controversial realignment of academic programs. “Enrollment is declining nationwide. We’ve all talked about it. This is truly about stabilization and the initiatives that we need.”Hush did win endorsement by the Board of Regents for three budget requests valued at $17 million, with more than half that total tied to state assistance repaying loans for housing and other obligations that no longer could be repaid through fee assessments.The Board of Regents endorsed funding for the state’s two-year colleges: $14.3 million for business and industry apprenticeships, $10.5 million for technical college operating grants, $6.5 million for IT cybersecurity, $5 million for state aid of technical education capital projects.Ethan Erickson, vice president for administration and finance at Kansas State University, received approval from the board for $25 million to support new or renovated buildings that would be tied to an agriculture innovation center dedicated to beef, dairy and grain science research and instruction. This appropriation would be set up as a one-to-one match from the private sector. The land-grant university has identified $133 million for the agricultural development project budgeted at $208 million, he said.Kansas State earned support from the Board of Regents for $5 million in state tax dollars to create a water research institute to tackle quality and quantity challenges. The institute would delve into water scarcity as well as food production and urban planning for benefit of the state, he said.“We have to do this,” said Marshall Stewart, a senior vice president at KSU. “It’s a top priority for the state of Kansas.”KU was granted approval for $75 million in state funding for construction of a new regional cancer research and clinical treatment facility on the medical center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. The funding would be matched by private foundations that have expressed interest in supporting the cancer center project, said KU chancellor Doug Girod.“We believe we’ve got some champions in the Legislature to carry the water on this one,” Girod said.The cancer center project could cost as much as $500 million, a Board of Regents document said. In June, KU announced a $100 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation and allocation of $43 million in federal funding for the state-of-the-art facility.Wichita State convinced the Board of Regents to endorse a $5 million appeal for support of student retention and workforce development through creation of workplace learning opportunities with businesses that go beyond a traditional internship. WSU officials had sought $10 million for this item.“I think we should be investing in things that we already know is working,” said WSU president Rick Muma.Fort Hays State would gain access to $15 million for a nursing workforce development facility for benefit of western Kansas.Meanwhile, Pittsburg State would receive $5 million in state support to improve science laboratories on campus. The proposal also would collaborate with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation on construction of a criminology center on the campus in southeast Kansas. The specific budget request by the KBI for the center hasn’t been made public. In 2015, KBI opened a $55 million forensic science laboratory and classroom facility at Washburn University in Topeka.

Kansas Board of Regents sculpt $300 million plan for boosting state aid to public higher education

JUNCTION CITY - Starting at 6:45 p.m., you can watch the livestream of&nbsp; the Junction City Blue Jays hosting the Washburn Rural Junior Blues.&nbsp;

If you'd prefer to listen to the radio call,&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">click here</a>.

Sponsors of JCHS Blue Jays Livestream:&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY - Starting at 6:45 p.m., you can watch the livestream of&nbsp; the Junction City Blue Jays hosting the Washburn Rural Junior Blues.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/661156?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>If you'd prefer to listen to the radio call,&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">click here</a>.Sponsors of JCHS Blue Jays Livestream:&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/K5zq6xDr-H24lt1bJ.html" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Jchs Livestream Sponsors" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥: WATCH LIVESTREAM: JCHS hosts Washburn Rural, livestream 6:45 pm

By JC POST Join The House of Ruth in making a difference this winter! The organization invites you to participate in its &nbsp;2023 Winter Coat Drive for Children.&nbsp; Your contribution will make a world of difference by providing a brand-new winter coat to a child in need.

Every coat you help us purchase will be lovingly delivered to handpicked elementary schools within&nbsp;USD 475.

Your kindness will ensure that many families keep their little ones warm during the chilly season. We extend our heartfelt gratitude in advance for your support in keeping children cozy this winter with The House of Ruth.

Drop off points on post at Fort Riley will be at Victory Chapel, M-F, 0800-1600, and Sundays 0800-1200, 2560 Trooper Drive, Fort Riley, KS  66442 AND Morris Hill Chapel, Sundays, 1000- 1300, 5315 Hibbs Street, Fort Riley, KS  66442.

By JC POST Join The House of Ruth in making a difference this winter! The organization invites you to participate in its &nbsp;2023 Winter Coat Drive for Children.&nbsp; Your contribution will make a world of difference by providing a brand-new winter coat to a child in need.Every coat you help us purchase will be lovingly delivered to handpicked elementary schools within&nbsp;USD 475.Your kindness will ensure that many families keep their little ones warm during the chilly season. We extend our heartfelt gratitude in advance for your support in keeping children cozy this winter with The House of Ruth.Drop off points on post at Fort Riley will be at Victory Chapel, M-F, 0800-1600, and Sundays 0800-1200, 2560 Trooper Drive, Fort Riley, KS 66442 AND Morris Hill Chapel, Sundays, 1000- 1300, 5315 Hibbs Street, Fort Riley, KS 66442.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696082255988.jpeg" alt=" " />
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House of Ruth 3rd Annual Winter Coat Drive

Not all Kansas wildfires make headline news, so it may come as a surprise to many that the Sunflower State reported more than 8,000 wildfires in 2022.

Eight…thousand…fires. As in, about 3,000 more than the state’s yearly average.

Drought in much of Kansas is partly to blame for 2022’s bump in wildfires, but Kansas Forest Service fire management officer Mark Neely said many other factors contribute to heightened risk of fire.

“The landscape is changing and land management practices are changing; the vegetation that is out there is changing,” Neely said. “Dry conditions certainly heighten our risk, but other factors that contribute to fire risk include keeping your property maintained, mowing your yard, cleaning gutters and beds of leaves and not stacking firewood directly next to your house.”

Neely said the Kansas Forest Service has led an effort to build a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/wrap.html">Wildfire Risk Assessment tool</a>&nbsp;to help Kansans protect their life and property. Darci Paull, a geographic information systems analyst with KFS, has spent much of the last half-decade building the free, online tool.

“The Wildfire Risk Assessment tool can be used by anybody, from a single occupancy landowner to community leaders, fire chiefs, emergency managers…and many others,” Paull said. “It will allow all of these people to assess the fire risk in their realm of responsibility.”

She calls it “an awesome tool to give to Kansans.”

“You know, you spend a lot of time on something and you wonder how people are going to use it,” Paull said. “It is neat for me to be able to hand it to a landowner, someone who doesn’t know anything about wildfire or GIS, and by putting in their address, they will know their wildfire risk.”

She added that users of the tool can print a report detailing the risk, and how to mitigate it.

“If you are a landowner with a lot of land, or an emergency management professional or even a firefighter, you can go into an advanced viewer…choose a fire district or county and create a bigger report,” Paull said. “We have 34 datasets that go into this tool, so they can find more data that may be overwhelming for the average landowner, but would mean so much more to people that are making community decisions."

Neely adds: “The one thing about Kansas is that fire will happen. This is not in any way going to eliminate wildfires in the state. This is our way of helping Kansans become more resilient toward naturally occurring fires that threaten homes or property or livestock.”

The Kansas Forest Service has scheduled two training sessions to help community leaders and others understand more fully how the Wildfire Risk Assessment tool can be used for wildfire community planning. The first session is Oct. 10 in Wichita, and the second will take place Oct. 12 in Manhattan.

Information on both sessions, as well as registration,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/wrap.html">is available online</a>, and at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasforests.org/">www.kansasforests.org</a>. The cost to attend is $10.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VKFB63R0iys?si=E9LPMQ7bDr_4_EgR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>By PAT MELGARES KSRENot all Kansas wildfires make headline news, so it may come as a surprise to many that the Sunflower State reported more than 8,000 wildfires in 2022.Eight…thousand…fires. As in, about 3,000 more than the state’s yearly average.Drought in much of Kansas is partly to blame for 2022’s bump in wildfires, but Kansas Forest Service fire management officer Mark Neely said many other factors contribute to heightened risk of fire.“The landscape is changing and land management practices are changing; the vegetation that is out there is changing,” Neely said. “Dry conditions certainly heighten our risk, but other factors that contribute to fire risk include keeping your property maintained, mowing your yard, cleaning gutters and beds of leaves and not stacking firewood directly next to your house.”Neely said the Kansas Forest Service has led an effort to build a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/wrap.html">Wildfire Risk Assessment tool</a>&nbsp;to help Kansans protect their life and property. Darci Paull, a geographic information systems analyst with KFS, has spent much of the last half-decade building the free, online tool.“The Wildfire Risk Assessment tool can be used by anybody, from a single occupancy landowner to community leaders, fire chiefs, emergency managers…and many others,” Paull said. “It will allow all of these people to assess the fire risk in their realm of responsibility.”She calls it “an awesome tool to give to Kansans.”“You know, you spend a lot of time on something and you wonder how people are going to use it,” Paull said. “It is neat for me to be able to hand it to a landowner, someone who doesn’t know anything about wildfire or GIS, and by putting in their address, they will know their wildfire risk.”She added that users of the tool can print a report detailing the risk, and how to mitigate it.“If you are a landowner with a lot of land, or an emergency management professional or even a firefighter, you can go into an advanced viewer…choose a fire district or county and create a bigger report,” Paull said. “We have 34 datasets that go into this tool, so they can find more data that may be overwhelming for the average landowner, but would mean so much more to people that are making community decisions."Neely adds: “The one thing about Kansas is that fire will happen. This is not in any way going to eliminate wildfires in the state. This is our way of helping Kansans become more resilient toward naturally occurring fires that threaten homes or property or livestock.”The Kansas Forest Service has scheduled two training sessions to help community leaders and others understand more fully how the Wildfire Risk Assessment tool can be used for wildfire community planning. The first session is Oct. 10 in Wichita, and the second will take place Oct. 12 in Manhattan.Information on both sessions, as well as registration,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/wrap.html">is available online</a>, and at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasforests.org/">www.kansasforests.org</a>. The cost to attend is $10.

Kansas Forest Service launches online tool to assess state’s wildfire risk

The Junction City Blue Jays were defeated by Washburn Rural Junior Blues 28-7 on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium. 

It was a tough night offensively for the Blue Jays as they were held to just seven points. They moved the ball in the second half but were stopped on the two-yard line late in the fourth quarter and turned the ball over as well. 

The final score does not represent how the game went. Junction City had multiple chances in this game, but it was the defense and special teams for Washburn Rural that won the game. The Junior Blues scored twice on special teams and once on defense. On special teams, they recovered the football in the end zone on a botched snap/exchange with the punter, and the other special team's touchdown was in the second half when Washburn Rural blocked a punt and then scooped the football and scored. The defensive score was late in the fourth quarter when Junction City quarterback Brock Bazan was sacked, and JC Heim for the Junior Blues scored making the final 28-7. 

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jays were defeated by Washburn Rural Junior Blues 28-7 on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium. It was a tough night offensively for the Blue Jays as they were held to just seven points. They moved the ball in the second half but were stopped on the two-yard line late in the fourth quarter and turned the ball over as well. The final score does not represent how the game went. Junction City had multiple chances in this game, but it was the defense and special teams for Washburn Rural that won the game. The Junior Blues scored twice on special teams and once on defense. On special teams, they recovered the football in the end zone on a botched snap/exchange with the punter, and the other special team's touchdown was in the second half when Washburn Rural blocked a punt and then scooped the football and scored. The defensive score was late in the fourth quarter when Junction City quarterback Brock Bazan was sacked, and JC Heim for the Junior Blues scored making the final 28-7.

Junction City Blue Jays fall to Washburn Rural on Homecoming night

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nP_jN_9URlU?si=ZqqKxZsG0lsSpv39" 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 the inaugural Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack and Kathie Crispin.

🎤 Forward Ever: Post Rock Limestone Preservation Award winners Jack, Kathie Crispin

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.

Brooke Swango, DUI, Minor in consumption of alcohol, arrested 9/28

Mercedes Imlay, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28

Trey Campbell, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28

Christopher Crotchett, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 9/28

Patrick Kyles, Domestic battery, arrested 9/28

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/2023/9/1696011721179.jpeg" alt="Dante Jung, Failure to appear (re-commit), arrested 9/28" />
 <figcaption>Dante Jung, Failure to appear (re-commit), arrested 9/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696011785151.jpeg" alt="Ashley Price, Aggravated battery on LEO, Fleeing or attempting to elude LEO, Interference with LEO, arrested 9/28" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Price, Aggravated battery on LEO, Fleeing or attempting to elude LEO, Interference with LEO, arrested 9/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696012014722.jpeg" alt="Collin Bluhm, Re-commit, arrested 9/28" />
 <figcaption>Collin Bluhm, Re-commit, arrested 9/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696012130617.jpeg" alt="Zachary Olson, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Olson, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696012175548.jpeg" alt="Luis Dominguez, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28" />
 <figcaption>Luis Dominguez, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696012232695.jpeg" alt="Jesse Rausin, DUI, Endangering a child, arrested 9/29" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Rausin, DUI, Endangering a child, arrested 9/29</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Brooke Swango, DUI, Minor in consumption of alcohol, arrested 9/28Mercedes Imlay, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28Trey Campbell, Failure to appear, arrested 9/28Christopher Crotchett, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 9/28Patrick Kyles, Domestic battery, arrested 9/28Recent 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 Sept. 28-29 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696010912072.png" alt="Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown" />
 <figcaption>Veterans Field Guide to Government Shutdown</figcaption>
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VA provides Veterans with field guide to looming government shutdown

United Way of Junction City and Geary County is having their 2023 campaign kickoff tonight at the Junction City High School football homecoming game.&nbsp;

The table opens at 5:30 p.m., where they will be selling raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. All proceeds go to support United Way of Junction City/Geary County.&nbsp;

The raffle drawing will be at halftime of the Blue Jay football game vs Washburn Rural. Items for the raffle drawing include: Car wash kit, K-State wall hang, official Blue Jay gear, and more.&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696007423986.jpeg" alt="United Way of Junction City/Geary County is hosting their 2023 campaign kickoff tonight at the Junction City High School football game.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>United Way of Junction City/Geary County is hosting their 2023 campaign kickoff tonight at the Junction City High School football game.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>United Way of Junction City and Geary County is having their 2023 campaign kickoff tonight at the Junction City High School football homecoming game.&nbsp;The table opens at 5:30 p.m., where they will be selling raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. All proceeds go to support United Way of Junction City/Geary County.&nbsp;The raffle drawing will be at halftime of the Blue Jay football game vs Washburn Rural. Items for the raffle drawing include: Car wash kit, K-State wall hang, official Blue Jay gear, and more.&nbsp;

United Way Kickoff Campaign will occur tonight at Junction City homecoming football game

The 17th Annual Touch-A-Truck program sponsored by the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot in front of the shopping area that includes Planet Fitness, 437 East Chestnut Street. Here families can get an up-close look at a host of working and recreational vehicles and indulge their fascination with “things that go.”

The vehicles featured in Touch-A-Truck Day will run the gamut from small to large including commercial and industrial equipment. They will be furnished by multiple sponsors including: Fort Riley, Junction City Police and Fire Departments, Geary County Rural Fire, Geary Grain, Adams Farms, Carlyon and Sons, and more. New this year will be the addition of at least one helicopter and a drone.

The vehicles featured in the exhibit along with many others are also the topics of a number of books shelved in the juvenile nonfiction collection in the Young People’s Section of the library. This includes titles on ambulances, police cars, big rigs, airplanes, helicopters, tow trucks, buses, muscle cars, and more. These titles are important to young readers who may not enjoy fiction but can still develop their love of reading through nonfiction titles about topics that match their interests.

For more information about the event or items in the collection, please contact Emily Burtis at 785-238-4311.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696003636275.png" alt="Annual Touch-A-Truck event sponsored by Dorothy Bramlage Public Library&nbsp; is set for October 7th. It will be from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Planet Fitness parking lot.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Annual Touch-A-Truck event sponsored by Dorothy Bramlage Public Library&nbsp; is set for October 7th. It will be from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in the Planet Fitness parking lot.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The 17th Annual Touch-A-Truck program sponsored by the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be held on Saturday, October 7th from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot in front of the shopping area that includes Planet Fitness, 437 East Chestnut Street. Here families can get an up-close look at a host of working and recreational vehicles and indulge their fascination with “things that go.”The vehicles featured in Touch-A-Truck Day will run the gamut from small to large including commercial and industrial equipment. They will be furnished by multiple sponsors including: Fort Riley, Junction City Police and Fire Departments, Geary County Rural Fire, Geary Grain, Adams Farms, Carlyon and Sons, and more. New this year will be the addition of at least one helicopter and a drone.The vehicles featured in the exhibit along with many others are also the topics of a number of books shelved in the juvenile nonfiction collection in the Young People’s Section of the library. This includes titles on ambulances, police cars, big rigs, airplanes, helicopters, tow trucks, buses, muscle cars, and more. These titles are important to young readers who may not enjoy fiction but can still develop their love of reading through nonfiction titles about topics that match their interests.For more information about the event or items in the collection, please contact Emily Burtis at 785-238-4311.

Touch-A-Truck event sponsored by Bramlage Public Library Oct. 7

On Friday, October 6, 2023, an Employee Training Day is being held for all Geary County staff. Due to this, the Public Works Department will be closed. The Transfer Station and Landfill will remain open.

On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Public Works Department, and the Geary County Landfill will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. The Transfer Station will be open.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Geary County Public Works Department--On Friday, October 6, 2023, an Employee Training Day is being held for all Geary County staff. Due to this, the Public Works Department will be closed. The Transfer Station and Landfill will remain open.On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Public Works Department, and the Geary County Landfill will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. The Transfer Station will be open.We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.Thank you for your understanding.

Geary County Public Works Notice of Closure Oct. 6 & Oct. 9

UPDATE: The location for the Saturday morning send-off has been changed. The event has been moved to the area of the Cove Bar &amp; Grill Patio. 

Individuals attending are encouraged to be there at 6:45 AM. Free Coffee, Donuts and Orange Juice for the Kids. Bring your signs of support and be loud. 

The Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship will occur this weekend at Milford Lake. The top eight college anglers will compete in the fishing tournament from September 29-October 2. 

The winner will receive a one-year lease of a Toyota Tundra truck and Nitro Bass boat, in addition to $7,500 and entry into the 2024 Bassmaster Classic. 

 Community organizations of the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Junction City Main Street, and the Farnum Creek Acorns Resort invite community members and families to attend a send-off early Saturday morning to welcome the college anglers.

The send-off will be at the Farnum Creek boat ramp. All individuals attending the send-off are encouraged to show up by 6:45 a.m. Signs are encouraged to welcome all the anglers and their families. 

The event will be broadcast nationally by Fox Sports 1 and bassmaster.com.

UPDATE: The location for the Saturday morning send-off has been changed. The event has been moved to the area of the Cove Bar &amp; Grill Patio. Individuals attending are encouraged to be there at 6:45 AM. Free Coffee, Donuts and Orange Juice for the Kids. Bring your signs of support and be loud. By Anthony GorgesJC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695990209600.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Bassmaster College Classic Bracket Championship will occur this weekend at Milford Lake. The top eight college anglers will compete in the fishing tournament from September 29-October 2. The winner will receive a one-year lease of a Toyota Tundra truck and Nitro Bass boat, in addition to $7,500 and entry into the 2024 Bassmaster Classic. Community organizations of the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Junction City Main Street, and the Farnum Creek Acorns Resort invite community members and families to attend a send-off early Saturday morning to welcome the college anglers.The send-off will be at the Farnum Creek boat ramp. All individuals attending the send-off are encouraged to show up by 6:45 a.m. Signs are encouraged to welcome all the anglers and their families. The event will be broadcast nationally by Fox Sports 1 and bassmaster.com.

Bassmaster Collegiate Fishing Championship will take place at Milford Lake this weekend 

Joining me on "Coffee Talk" this week is Rick Dykstra, the the former (now retired) assistant director of the Geary County Convention and Visitors's Bureau. An avid outdoorsman, he talks about his years with the CVB and making Milford Lake and outdoor opportunities in Geary County a cornerstone of attracting visitors to the community. He also highlights the <a href="https://www.bassmaster.com/college/news/top-8-college-anglers-battle-for-classic-berth-at-bassmaster-college-bracket-on-milford-lake/">"College Classic Bracket Tournament" </a>on Milford Lake this Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Sept 29-Oct. 2) when eight of the best college fishermen in the nation will compete for a berth in the National Bassmaster Classic Tournament. Dykstra tells me officials of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, JC Mainstreet and the Farnum Creek Acorns Resort are encouraging community members to come to the Farnum Creek boat ramp area before 6:45 a.m. tomorrow morning to welcome and cheer on the participants (below) in the College Classic Bracket Tournament.&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Episode 15: Rick Dykstra" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7fsg4-14b8c56-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695990209600.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Jerry BrecheisenJoining me on "Coffee Talk" this week is Rick Dykstra, the the former (now retired) assistant director of the Geary County Convention and Visitors's Bureau. An avid outdoorsman, he talks about his years with the CVB and making Milford Lake and outdoor opportunities in Geary County a cornerstone of attracting visitors to the community. He also highlights the <a href="https://www.bassmaster.com/college/news/top-8-college-anglers-battle-for-classic-berth-at-bassmaster-college-bracket-on-milford-lake/">"College Classic Bracket Tournament" </a>on Milford Lake this Saturday, Sunday and Monday (Sept 29-Oct. 2) when eight of the best college fishermen in the nation will compete for a berth in the National Bassmaster Classic Tournament. Dykstra tells me officials of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, JC Mainstreet and the Farnum Creek Acorns Resort are encouraging community members to come to the Farnum Creek boat ramp area before 6:45 a.m. tomorrow morning to welcome and cheer on the participants (below) in the College Classic Bracket Tournament.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695923456122.jpeg" alt="Left to right: Nick Dumke (University of Montevallo), Easton Fothergill (University of Montevallo), Jack Alexander (University of Montevallo), Brody Robison (University of Montevallo), Hayden Marbut (Auburn University), Tucker Smith (Auburn University), Levi Mullins (Bethel University), Matthew Cummings (Bethel University). Photo courtesy of Bassmaster" />
 <figcaption>Left to right: Nick Dumke (University of Montevallo), Easton Fothergill (University of Montevallo), Jack Alexander (University of Montevallo), Brody Robison (University of Montevallo), Hayden Marbut (Auburn University), Tucker Smith (Auburn University), Levi Mullins (Bethel University), Matthew Cummings (Bethel University). Photo courtesy of Bassmaster</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙: Coffee Talk with guest, Rick Dykstra

Join Catie and Becky as they host Deputy Chief Ryan Almes from the Manhattan Fire Department and talk about everything to do with the Manhattan Fire Department, including the upcoming open house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693546131292.png" alt="Season 1, Episode 3: Plate Full of Flaming Hot Cheetos" />
 <figcaption>Season 1, Episode 3: Plate Full of Flaming Hot Cheetos</figcaption>
 </figure>Join Catie and Becky as they host Deputy Chief Ryan Almes from the Manhattan Fire Department and talk about everything to do with the Manhattan Fire Department, including the upcoming open house.<div><iframe title="Episode 3- A Plate Full of Flaming Hot Cheetos" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f4mtb-14b91b5-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2baf9e" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎙: Little Apple Bites: Plate Full of Flaming Hot Cheetos

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations

Just after 9p.m. September 25, police&nbsp;received reports of a potential drug distribition in the area of 956 K Avenue in Council Grove, according to a media release.

Police obtained a search warrant and with the assistance of the&nbsp;&nbsp;Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office established a perimeter around the home.

As officers conducted surveillance in the area, multiple gunshots were fired from the property. A Special Response Team from Junction City&nbsp; was called to assist in the arrest of 42-year-old Jacob T.L. Hutchinson of Council Grove. He is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, aggravated child endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Lyon County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695933468305.png" alt="Hutchinson from an earlier arrest in Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson from an earlier arrest in Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegationsJust after 9p.m. September 25, police&nbsp;received reports of a potential drug distribition in the area of 956 K Avenue in Council Grove, according to a media release.Police obtained a search warrant and with the assistance of the&nbsp;&nbsp;Morris Co. Sheriff’s Office established a perimeter around the home.As officers conducted surveillance in the area, multiple gunshots were fired from the property. A Special Response Team from Junction City&nbsp; was called to assist in the arrest of 42-year-old Jacob T.L. Hutchinson of Council Grove. He is in custody on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, aggravated child endangerment and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Lyon County Jail.

Shots fired during drug bust at Kansas home

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is a devastating disease in Kansas, and volunteer wheat in your field and all surrounding fields must be removed prior to planting. As farmers are currently drilling winter wheat across the state, be a good neighbor and control volunteer wheat.&nbsp;An infected field can impact thousands of acres in immediate proximity, depending on environmental factors.

The drought over the previous years, combined with multiple issues during harvest, have created conditions that make wheat streak mosaic and related diseases an increased threat this year. Abandoned wheat, weedy patches that weren’t harvested and hail-shattered fields all favor an increased incidence of volunteer wheat.

Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) causes considerable damage to the Kansas wheat crop each year, primarily in the western portion of the state. In 2017, this disease caused a conservative $76.8 million in direct losses to wheat farmers, a loss of 19.2 million bushels of wheat. The 2017 loss was a 5.6 percent yield loss, up from an average 1.5 percent loss. For the past couple growing seasons, however, tests determine the disease showed up not only in western Kansas but also in central Kansas.

Wheat curl mites that spread WSMV and other diseases survive the summer on volunteer wheat and certain other grasses. As those plants die off, the wheat curl mites leave in search of new plants to feed on. Early planted wheat is likely to become infested and thus become infected with wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. The wheat curl mites are moved by wind and can be carried a mile or more before dying, so if wheat is planted early, make sure all volunteer wheat within a mile is completely dead at least two weeks before planting. For growers considering planting early, a good management consideration would be to select wheat varieties with resistance to the wheat streak mosaic virus and/or tolerance to the wheat curl mite, especially in the western portions of the state.

For more information on this devastating disease, download a packet of information or request a printed copy from Kansas Wheat, 1990 Kimball Ave., Manhattan, KS&nbsp;66502.

We must work together to stop the spread of wheat streak mosaic virus and related diseases. There are no effective ways to treat, so the only way to stop it is to prevent it through one or more of the following ways.

The best way to prevent the spread of the wheat streak mosaic virus is to remove volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds. Volunteer wheat must be completely dead and dry for two weeks before planting a new wheat crop. Volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds can be removed with herbicides or tillage, but it’s absolutely essential to allow time for herbicides to work.

Avoid early planting; plant after the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. By avoiding early planting, Kansas wheat farmers can avoid times when wheat mite populations are the highest in late summer and decrease the interval between planting and fall freeze events.

Plant varieties with moderate or high levels of resistance to WSMV. “Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023” is a new publication in the Kansas Wheat Rx Series and addresses steps to ensure a successful variety selection.

It is very difficult to rate varieties for WSMV. There are three separate virus diseases in the Central Plains that can all occur, separately or in combination: wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. They have similar symptoms and are vectored by the wheat curl mite. If two or more of these diseases occur together, all wheat varieties become susceptible.

At this point, there are no chemical options such as insecticides or pesticides that are effective at controlling the wheat curl mite. The best way to stop the spread of WSMV is to control volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting a new crop.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="Kansas Wheat Commission" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wheat Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas WheatWheat Streak Mosaic Virus is a devastating disease in Kansas, and volunteer wheat in your field and all surrounding fields must be removed prior to planting. As farmers are currently drilling winter wheat across the state, be a good neighbor and control volunteer wheat.&nbsp;An infected field can impact thousands of acres in immediate proximity, depending on environmental factors.The drought over the previous years, combined with multiple issues during harvest, have created conditions that make wheat streak mosaic and related diseases an increased threat this year. Abandoned wheat, weedy patches that weren’t harvested and hail-shattered fields all favor an increased incidence of volunteer wheat.Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) causes considerable damage to the Kansas wheat crop each year, primarily in the western portion of the state. In 2017, this disease caused a conservative $76.8 million in direct losses to wheat farmers, a loss of 19.2 million bushels of wheat. The 2017 loss was a 5.6 percent yield loss, up from an average 1.5 percent loss. For the past couple growing seasons, however, tests determine the disease showed up not only in western Kansas but also in central Kansas.Wheat curl mites that spread WSMV and other diseases survive the summer on volunteer wheat and certain other grasses. As those plants die off, the wheat curl mites leave in search of new plants to feed on. Early planted wheat is likely to become infested and thus become infected with wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. The wheat curl mites are moved by wind and can be carried a mile or more before dying, so if wheat is planted early, make sure all volunteer wheat within a mile is completely dead at least two weeks before planting. For growers considering planting early, a good management consideration would be to select wheat varieties with resistance to the wheat streak mosaic virus and/or tolerance to the wheat curl mite, especially in the western portions of the state.For more information on this devastating disease, download a packet of information or request a printed copy from Kansas Wheat, 1990 Kimball Ave., Manhattan, KS&nbsp;66502.We must work together to stop the spread of wheat streak mosaic virus and related diseases. There are no effective ways to treat, so the only way to stop it is to prevent it through one or more of the following ways.Control Volunteer WheatThe best way to prevent the spread of the wheat streak mosaic virus is to remove volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds. Volunteer wheat must be completely dead and dry for two weeks before planting a new wheat crop. Volunteer wheat and other grassy weeds can be removed with herbicides or tillage, but it’s absolutely essential to allow time for herbicides to work.Avoid Early PlantingAvoid early planting; plant after the best pest management planting date, or BPMP (formerly known as the “Hessian fly-free”) date. By avoiding early planting, Kansas wheat farmers can avoid times when wheat mite populations are the highest in late summer and decrease the interval between planting and fall freeze events.Plant Resistant VarietiesPlant varieties with moderate or high levels of resistance to WSMV. “Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023” is a new publication in the Kansas Wheat Rx Series and addresses steps to ensure a successful variety selection.It is very difficult to rate varieties for WSMV. There are three separate virus diseases in the Central Plains that can all occur, separately or in combination: wheat streak mosaic virus, high plains virus and Triticum mosaic virus. They have similar symptoms and are vectored by the wheat curl mite. If two or more of these diseases occur together, all wheat varieties become susceptible.At this point, there are no chemical options such as insecticides or pesticides that are effective at controlling the wheat curl mite. The best way to stop the spread of WSMV is to control volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting a new crop.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Wheat Scoop: Control volunteer wheat to stop wheat streak mosaic virus

The Junction City Blue Jay football team will host Washburn Rural on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium for week five of the high school football season. Friday night is also homecoming night for Junction City High School. The coronation of the king and queen will occur at halftime.

The Blue Jays are 3-1 on the year and currently are on a three game winning streak. Junction City is coming off back-to-back dominant performances, where they defeated Bishop Carroll 41-7 last week and beat McPherson 27-2 in week three. Over the course of the past two weeks, the Blue Jays have outscored their opponents 68-9. As for the Junior Blues of Washburn Rural, they are undefeated on the year at 4-0. Washburn Rural is coming off a win against defending 6A State Champion Manhattan in a back and forth game in which the Junior Blues won 35-28.

Washburn Rural has a very talented offense. It revolves around their senior quarterback, Branton Deweese. The Junior Blues have scored at least 25 points in all four games this season.

Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman knows this will be a big test for his team. "They are very good, very physical, and we have got to stay in our zones," Zimmerman said. “If we are playing right, hopefully it is a great contest. I am very much looking forward it." 

Junction City has won the last five matchups against Washburn Rural.  

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jay football team will host Washburn Rural on Friday night at Blue Jay Stadium for week five of the high school football season. Friday night is also homecoming night for Junction City High School. The coronation of the king and queen will occur at halftime.The Blue Jays are 3-1 on the year and currently are on a three game winning streak. Junction City is coming off back-to-back dominant performances, where they defeated Bishop Carroll 41-7 last week and beat McPherson 27-2 in week three. Over the course of the past two weeks, the Blue Jays have outscored their opponents 68-9. As for the Junior Blues of Washburn Rural, they are undefeated on the year at 4-0. Washburn Rural is coming off a win against defending 6A State Champion Manhattan in a back and forth game in which the Junior Blues won 35-28.Washburn Rural has a very talented offense. It revolves around their senior quarterback, Branton Deweese. The Junior Blues have scored at least 25 points in all four games this season.Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman knows this will be a big test for his team. "They are very good, very physical, and we have got to stay in our zones," Zimmerman said. “If we are playing right, hopefully it is a great contest. I am very much looking forward it." Junction City has won the last five matchups against Washburn Rural.

Junction City Blue Jay football team to host Washburn Rural on Friday night

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report for sexual exploitation of a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Mitchell Simmons, 38, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of of sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of a child &lt; 18 and breach of privacy; install/use concealed camcorder without consent. 

Simmons was issued no bond and was confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report. Police released no additional details about the alleged crime.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report for sexual exploitation of a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Mitchell Simmons, 38, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of of sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of a child &lt; 18 and breach of privacy; install/use concealed camcorder without consent. Simmons was issued no bond and was confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report. Police released no additional details about the alleged crime.

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