ELLIS COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Monday in Ellis County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by George A. Crawford, 72, Elk City, Kansas, was southbound on Vincent Road at Old Highway 40.&nbsp; The driver did not see or hear the train's whistle. A Union Pacific Train with 41 cars struck the semi as it was crossing the tracks. EMS transported Crawford to Hays Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.

The train engineer Troy A. Young, 52, Abilene and conductor Tyler S.&nbsp;Gurnee, 33, Salina, were not injured. Crawford was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226210299.jpeg" alt="A flipped semi-truck after a train collision at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A flipped semi-truck after a train collision at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Monday in Ellis County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Peterbilt semi driven by George A. Crawford, 72, Elk City, Kansas, was southbound on Vincent Road at Old Highway 40.&nbsp; The driver did not see or hear the train's whistle. A Union Pacific Train with 41 cars struck the semi as it was crossing the tracks. EMS transported Crawford to Hays Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226171900.jpeg" alt="The aftermath of a train colliding with a semi-truck at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The aftermath of a train colliding with a semi-truck at Vincent Road and Old Highway 40 east of Victoria. Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>The train engineer Troy A. Young, 52, Abilene and conductor Tyler S.&nbsp;Gurnee, 33, Salina, were not injured. Crawford was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226250114.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765226229934.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Abilene man working aboard train involved in crash with a semi

GEARY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Monday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Subaru Outback driven by&nbsp; Kyle Steven&nbsp;Olson, 42, Yorktown, Virginia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the U.S. 77 exit. The SUV rear-ended a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Neal Andrew&nbsp; Wheatley, 53, Chapman, who had&nbsp;&nbsp;slammed on the brakes due to a ladder in road.

EMS transported Wheatley to Stormont Vail in Junction City. Olson was not injured. Wheatley was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Monday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Subaru Outback driven by&nbsp; Kyle Steven&nbsp;Olson, 42, Yorktown, Virginia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of the U.S. 77 exit. The SUV rear-ended a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Neal Andrew&nbsp; Wheatley, 53, Chapman, who had&nbsp;&nbsp;slammed on the brakes due to a ladder in road.EMS transported Wheatley to Stormont Vail in Junction City. Olson was not injured. Wheatley was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after I-70 rear-end crash

Geary County Commisioners hosted a discussion Monday with area state legislators at the County Office Building. The conversation occurred just weeks ahead of the 2026&nbsp; Kansas legislative session.&nbsp;

Property tax levy, the budget revenue netral rate, population and quality of of life were some of the topics of discussion. State Senator Mike Argabright noted that most of their constituents "get hung up on the mill levy." But paying attention to the dollars rather than the levy helps to understand a little bit.&nbsp;

When evaluation go up taxes are raised twice, leading to frustration. State Representative Shawn Chauncey noted that the population is not growing and the quality of life is not getting better statewide.

Retaining more military service members in Kansas was a topic along with helping their spuses find employment without being discriminatory also received attention from the legislators.

State Representative Nate Butler noted that he would be surprised if no tax bill is passed in the 2026 session.

There is an effort to form a local government caucus in the House and Senate, which would include members who have served in local government. That was viewed as a good idea during Monday's discussion and as a good filter.

The legislators received updates on the recent Geary County delinquent property&nbsp; tax sale and a possible shortage of lawyers in Junction City. They also met with county department heads.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765236939649.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) State Representatives Nathan Butler and Shawn Chauncey plus State Senator Mike Argabright" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) State Representatives Nathan Butler and Shawn Chauncey plus State Senator Mike Argabright</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary County Commisioners hosted a discussion Monday with area state legislators at the County Office Building. The conversation occurred just weeks ahead of the 2026&nbsp; Kansas legislative session.&nbsp;Property tax levy, the budget revenue netral rate, population and quality of of life were some of the topics of discussion. State Senator Mike Argabright noted that most of their constituents "get hung up on the mill levy." But paying attention to the dollars rather than the levy helps to understand a little bit.&nbsp;When evaluation go up taxes are raised twice, leading to frustration. State Representative Shawn Chauncey noted that the population is not growing and the quality of life is not getting better statewide.Retaining more military service members in Kansas was a topic along with helping their spuses find employment without being discriminatory also received attention from the legislators.State Representative Nate Butler noted that he would be surprised if no tax bill is passed in the 2026 session.There is an effort to form a local government caucus in the House and Senate, which would include members who have served in local government. That was viewed as a good idea during Monday's discussion and as a good filter.The legislators received updates on the recent Geary County delinquent property&nbsp; tax sale and a possible shortage of lawyers in Junction City. They also met with county department heads.

Area state legislators visit with Geary County Commissioners 

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– Geary USD 475 and the Junction City Education Association have announced that Fort Riley Elementary fifth grade&nbsp;teacher&nbsp;Emily Chandler and Junction City Middle School ELA and Special Education&nbsp;teacher&nbsp;Elizabeth Spaulding have been named the district’s nominees for the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award.

Chandler was named the USD 475 Elementary&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award nominee, while Spaulding claimed the Secondary&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award nomination. By being named USD 475’s&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award winners, Chandler and Spaulding both received a $500 check on Monday from Exchange Bank of Junction City. The duo will also be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting

To be selected,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;must be a member of Junction City Education Association and chosen by a committee comprised of previous district&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teachers who still teach or taught in USD 475.Overall, USD 475 has had 11 individuals selected as a Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;by Emporia State University in its history. Since 2022, the district has had three USD 475&nbsp;teachers’&nbsp;claim the prestigious honor as Bryan Scruggs (2022), Melissa Hall (2023) and Jennifer Fallin (2024) were all named a member of the Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teachers.

Emporia State University established the Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;awards in 1954.&nbsp;The awards are presented annually to selected&nbsp;teachers who demonstrate the attributes of exemplary professional educators.&nbsp;Chandler, who is in her third year of teaching in USD 475 and is a Texas native, brings a wealth of passion, fun and expertise to the classroom as she not only teaches fifth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Fort Riley Elementary, but also recently created a journalism club at the school. Prior to her time in USD 475, Chandler, who is also the fourth and fifth grade team lead at FRE, taught at multiple schools in Arizona and Texas.

“I am so excited for what this means for our students, school and for myself. This is a wonderful recognition of the hard work we put in every day, and it truly is something to celebrate,” said Sowell. “I hope this shows my students that hard work, perseverance and consistent effort, the things we talk about every day, really do pay off.”

Spaulding, a Junction City native and 2011 Blue Jay graduate, has been a part of USD 475 for nine years. She spends her days in the classroom not only making a difference but also challenging her seventh grade English Language Art students by helping them grow daily. During her tenure, Spaulding, who has spent time at both JCMS and Junction City High School, has served in multiple roles, including being a National Honor Society and student council sponsor, as well as Special Education Case Manager, Gifted Teacher and ELA teacher at JCHS.

“I am truly in shock that I was named the secondary winner. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so this recognition feels like a validation of the hopes and dreams that brought me to where I am today. I care deeply about my students and am constantly looking for new ways to engage them in our lessons, so this is an incredible honor,” said Spaulding.

The Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award nomination portal opened Oct. 1,&nbsp;2025. Nominations will close at 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2026. Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;chosen will be presented with a check for $1,000 and will be highlighted at Emporia State's&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Day on Wednesday, April 1.

The seven state-wide recipients will be selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Parent&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Organization, Kansas National Education Association, United School Administrators, ESU’s Kappa Delta Pi student organization and representatives of past Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;classes.

Previous USD 475&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Honorees&nbsp;

--1961 - Jane E. Roether (Junction City)

--1989 - Ada Ligia R. Paquette (Junction City)

--2016 -&nbsp;Carol Settgast (Geary County)

--2024&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jennifer Fallin (Geary County)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765231792369.jpeg" alt="( Elizabeth Spaulding )" />
 <figcaption>( Elizabeth Spaulding )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Matt Hoover&nbsp;USD 475 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– Geary USD 475 and the Junction City Education Association have announced that Fort Riley Elementary fifth grade&nbsp;teacher&nbsp;Emily Chandler and Junction City Middle School ELA and Special Education&nbsp;teacher&nbsp;Elizabeth Spaulding have been named the district’s nominees for the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award.Chandler was named the USD 475 Elementary&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award nominee, while Spaulding claimed the Secondary&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award nomination. By being named USD 475’s&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award winners, Chandler and Spaulding both received a $500 check on Monday from Exchange Bank of Junction City. The duo will also be recognized at an upcoming Board of Education meeting<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765231746897.jpeg" alt="( Emily Chandler )" />
 <figcaption>( Emily Chandler )</figcaption>
 </figure>To be selected,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;must be a member of Junction City Education Association and chosen by a committee comprised of previous district&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teachers who still teach or taught in USD 475.Overall, USD 475 has had 11 individuals selected as a Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;by Emporia State University in its history. Since 2022, the district has had three USD 475&nbsp;teachers’&nbsp;claim the prestigious honor as Bryan Scruggs (2022), Melissa Hall (2023) and Jennifer Fallin (2024) were all named a member of the Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teachers.Emporia State University established the Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;awards in 1954.&nbsp;The awards are presented annually to selected&nbsp;teachers who demonstrate the attributes of exemplary professional educators.&nbsp;Chandler, who is in her third year of teaching in USD 475 and is a Texas native, brings a wealth of passion, fun and expertise to the classroom as she not only teaches fifth grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Fort Riley Elementary, but also recently created a journalism club at the school. Prior to her time in USD 475, Chandler, who is also the fourth and fifth grade team lead at FRE, taught at multiple schools in Arizona and Texas.“I am so excited for what this means for our students, school and for myself. This is a wonderful recognition of the hard work we put in every day, and it truly is something to celebrate,” said Sowell. “I hope this shows my students that hard work, perseverance and consistent effort, the things we talk about every day, really do pay off.”Spaulding, a Junction City native and 2011 Blue Jay graduate, has been a part of USD 475 for nine years. She spends her days in the classroom not only making a difference but also challenging her seventh grade English Language Art students by helping them grow daily. During her tenure, Spaulding, who has spent time at both JCMS and Junction City High School, has served in multiple roles, including being a National Honor Society and student council sponsor, as well as Special Education Case Manager, Gifted Teacher and ELA teacher at JCHS.“I am truly in shock that I was named the secondary winner. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so this recognition feels like a validation of the hopes and dreams that brought me to where I am today. I care deeply about my students and am constantly looking for new ways to engage them in our lessons, so this is an incredible honor,” said Spaulding.The Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Award nomination portal opened Oct. 1,&nbsp;2025. Nominations will close at 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2026. Through the support of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, each&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;chosen will be presented with a check for $1,000 and will be highlighted at Emporia State's&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Day on Wednesday, April 1.The seven state-wide recipients will be selected by a nine-member committee including representatives from the Kansas Association of Principals, Kansas Association of School Boards, Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Parent&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Organization, Kansas National Education Association, United School Administrators, ESU’s Kappa Delta Pi student organization and representatives of past Kansas&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;classes.Previous USD 475&nbsp;Master&nbsp;Teacher&nbsp;Honorees&nbsp;--1961 - Jane E. Roether (Junction City)--1988 - Bonnie Weingart (Fort Riley)--1989 - Ada Ligia R. Paquette (Junction City)--1992 - Beth Bergsten (Junction City)--2007 - Angela Miller (Junction City)--2012 - Jodi Testa (Junction City)--2016 -&nbsp;Carol Settgast (Geary County)--2017 -&nbsp;Joan Hayden (Geary County)--2022 - Bryan Scruggs (Geary County)--2023 - Melissa Hall (Geary County)--2024&nbsp;-&nbsp;Jennifer Fallin (Geary County)

USD 475 Names Kansas Master Teacher Award Recipients

USD 475 Communications Coordinator

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The Kansas State Department of Education recently announced that Geary County School USD 475’s Parents as Teachers program is one of only 11 outstanding Kansas PAT programs state-wide to achieve the prestigious&nbsp;Blue-Ribbon&nbsp;Endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center.

By receiving this honor, USD 475 is considered among the highest-performing home visiting programs in the entire Parents as Teachers international network, a remarkable achievement that reflects exceptional dedication to&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;children and families.

Earning Blue Ribbon status for the 2025-26 school year were Basehor-Linwood PAT USD 458, Bonner Springs/Edwardsville PAT USD 458, Coffeyville PAT USD 445, Gardner-Edgerton PAT USD 231, Geary County Schools USD 475 PAT, Harvey County PAT Consortium (Newton USD 373, Sedgwick USD 439, Halstead-Bentley&nbsp;USD 440&nbsp;and Hesston USD 460), Holcomb PAT USD 363, Lawrence PAT USD 497, Rice County PAT USD 405, Salina/Heartland Programs PAT USD 305 and Southeast of Saline PAT USD 306.

Achieving&nbsp;Blue Ribbon&nbsp;status demonstrates USD 475’s&nbsp;commitment to&nbsp;operating&nbsp;its PAT program at the highest level of fidelity to the model and research. Every five years, each PAT program engages in the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP), a rigorous, 15-month review.

To earn the&nbsp;Blue-Ribbon&nbsp;honor, a program must meet the following two requirements:&nbsp;the&nbsp;21 Essential Requirements, which are the minimum&nbsp;standards for implementation, and 81 quality standards, which are the pinnacle of excellence in home visiting. Only programs&nbsp;demonstrating&nbsp;outstanding quality, fidelity and positive outcomes achieve Blue Ribbon status.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Matt HooverUSD 475 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The Kansas State Department of Education recently announced that Geary County School USD 475’s Parents as Teachers program is one of only 11 outstanding Kansas PAT programs state-wide to achieve the prestigious&nbsp;Blue-Ribbon&nbsp;Endorsement from the Parents as Teachers National Center.By receiving this honor, USD 475 is considered among the highest-performing home visiting programs in the entire Parents as Teachers international network, a remarkable achievement that reflects exceptional dedication to&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;children and families.Earning Blue Ribbon status for the 2025-26 school year were Basehor-Linwood PAT USD 458, Bonner Springs/Edwardsville PAT USD 458, Coffeyville PAT USD 445, Gardner-Edgerton PAT USD 231, Geary County Schools USD 475 PAT, Harvey County PAT Consortium (Newton USD 373, Sedgwick USD 439, Halstead-Bentley&nbsp;USD 440&nbsp;and Hesston USD 460), Holcomb PAT USD 363, Lawrence PAT USD 497, Rice County PAT USD 405, Salina/Heartland Programs PAT USD 305 and Southeast of Saline PAT USD 306.Achieving&nbsp;Blue Ribbon&nbsp;status demonstrates USD 475’s&nbsp;commitment to&nbsp;operating&nbsp;its PAT program at the highest level of fidelity to the model and research. Every five years, each PAT program engages in the Quality Endorsement and Improvement Process (QEIP), a rigorous, 15-month review.To earn the&nbsp;Blue-Ribbon&nbsp;honor, a program must meet the following two requirements:&nbsp;the&nbsp;21 Essential Requirements, which are the minimum&nbsp;standards for implementation, and 81 quality standards, which are the pinnacle of excellence in home visiting. Only programs&nbsp;demonstrating&nbsp;outstanding quality, fidelity and positive outcomes achieve Blue Ribbon status.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 475 PAT Program Honored

RILEY COUNTY —On Monday, the Riley County Police Department issued an attempt to located for 29-year-old Erick Sanchez-Chavez of Manhattan. 

We’d like to speak to him regarding the death of Mark Rickenbaker in the 800 block of Colorado St on December 6.

&nbsp;Just before 12:30a.m.&nbsp;December 6, police responded to the 800 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, for a reported welfare check and located Rickenbaker who had serious injuries to his body. During the investigation, officers discovered that Rickenbaker had been involved in an altercation prior to their arrival.&nbsp; Rickenbaker was transported by ambulance to Via Christi Hospital and died as a result of his injuries. &nbsp;

Sanchez-Chavez is described as 5-foot 8,&nbsp; 180 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Do NOT approach or attempt to apprehend Sanchez-Chavez. 

If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765218730118.png" alt="Sanchez-Chavez photo RCPD" />
 <figcaption>Sanchez-Chavez photo RCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —On Monday, the Riley County Police Department issued an attempt to located for 29-year-old Erick Sanchez-Chavez of Manhattan. We’d like to speak to him regarding the death of Mark Rickenbaker in the 800 block of Colorado St on December 6.&nbsp;Just before 12:30a.m.&nbsp;December 6, police responded to the 800 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, for a reported welfare check and located Rickenbaker who had serious injuries to his body. During the investigation, officers discovered that Rickenbaker had been involved in an altercation prior to their arrival.&nbsp; Rickenbaker was transported by ambulance to Via Christi Hospital and died as a result of his injuries. &nbsp;Sanchez-Chavez is described as 5-foot 8,&nbsp; 180 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Do NOT approach or attempt to apprehend Sanchez-Chavez. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD asks for help to locate suspect in man's murder

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Stevie Allen, 36 Bennington, struck a 2016 Jeep Renegade driven by Alani Lanning, 32, of La Cygne, near the intersection f of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Griffith Driver in Manhattan.

EMS transported Lanning to Via Christi Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Allen was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Stevie Allen, 36 Bennington, struck a 2016 Jeep Renegade driven by Alani Lanning, 32, of La Cygne, near the intersection f of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Griffith Driver in Manhattan.EMS transported Lanning to Via Christi Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Allen was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way.

Kan. man hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash in Manhattan

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda Pilot driven by Sung H. Lee, 67, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles west of Kansas 15 Highway.&nbsp; The SUV traveled into the north ditch just west of the Chapman exit. The vehicle continued down an embankment, through a KDOT fence and came to rest 100 yards off the highway in a field.

EMS transported the driver to the hospital in Abilene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Honda Pilot driven by Sung H. Lee, 67, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was eastbound on Interstate 70 seven miles west of Kansas 15 Highway.&nbsp; The SUV traveled into the north ditch just west of the Chapman exit. The vehicle continued down an embankment, through a KDOT fence and came to rest 100 yards off the highway in a field.EMS transported the driver to the hospital in Abilene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after SUV travels down embankment on I-70

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Manhattan. Just before 12:30a.m.&nbsp;December 6, police responded to the 800 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, for a reported welfare check of an injured man, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

First responders located a 36-year-old man, identified as Mark Rickenbaker of Manhattan who had serious injuries to his body. During the investigation, officers discovered that Rickenbaker had been involved in an altercation prior to their arrival.&nbsp; Rickenbaker was transported by ambulance to Via Christi Hospital and died as a result of his injuries. &nbsp;

This is an isolated incident, according to the RCPD. Police released no additional details.

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;Crime Stoppers. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide in Manhattan. Just before 12:30a.m.&nbsp;December 6, police responded to the 800 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, for a reported welfare check of an injured man, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.First responders located a 36-year-old man, identified as Mark Rickenbaker of Manhattan who had serious injuries to his body. During the investigation, officers discovered that Rickenbaker had been involved in an altercation prior to their arrival.&nbsp; Rickenbaker was transported by ambulance to Via Christi Hospital and died as a result of his injuries. &nbsp;This is an isolated incident, according to the RCPD. Police released no additional details.Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;Crime Stoppers. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating homicide of 36-year-old

This year, 33 members of law enforcement from 7 different agencies partnered with 60 local kids for a Saturday morning filled with holiday shopping, excitement, and meaningful connections with officers from across the community.

Each year, this program allows law enforcement to brighten the holiday season for local families who may be facing challenges. Working closely with USD 475, they identify children who would benefit from a little extra support and encouragement this time of year. Through this partnership, we ensure the event reaches families who will truly feel its impact, helping create a holiday experience that is joyful and memorable.

A huge thank you goes to the volunteers from Second Missionary Baptist Church for preparing breakfast for all of the kids and officers. They also thanked the team from RE/MAX Signature Properties for volunteering their time to help wrap gifts throughout the morning.&nbsp;

This event would not be possible without the generosity of our local businesses and community partners. Their donations throughout the year ensure that Shop With a Cop continues to grow and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Junction City.

Thank you to the following sponsors for your support:

Junction City Walmart, SVS, ADS, Geary Grain, Cook Family McDonalds, Highwind Brewing Co., Twin Valley Communications, Footlocker, American Legion Post #45, Lynn Devine with Fairway Home Mortgage, B and R Cleaning, Bayer Construction Co.,Voiture 1229 40 and 8, Lee Motors, Junction City Bowl, Jack and Dick's Pawn Shop, Geary County Attorney, Ronna Larson, Kaw Valley Engineering, Homestead Tow Service, Hess and Sons Salvage, Kiwanis South, Crimestoppers, Central National Bank, Street Rods, Walsh Customs and Collision, Bramlage Family Foundation, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Jim Clark Auto Center, Bird Dog LLC, Homefront Group LLC, Frontier Spirits, Performance Audio and Tint, Re/Max Signature Properties, Mathis Lueker Real Estate, Frames and Engraving Etc., Stagg Hill Golf Club, Golf USA, Indian Hills Golf Course, Rolling Meadows Golf Course, The Gun Junction, La Fiesta of Junction City, JCPOA, Honor Screen Printing and Embroidery.

To every volunteer, officer, partner agency, and local business who contributed, thank you. Your continued support is what makes Shop With a Cop such an impactful tradition for our community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069352364.jpeg" alt="( Photos by Cadin Sanner )" />
 <figcaption>( Photos by Cadin Sanner )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Cadin Sanner&nbsp;JCPD Public Information OfficerThis year, 33 members of law enforcement from 7 different agencies partnered with 60 local kids for a Saturday morning filled with holiday shopping, excitement, and meaningful connections with officers from across the community.Each year, this program allows law enforcement to brighten the holiday season for local families who may be facing challenges. Working closely with USD 475, they identify children who would benefit from a little extra support and encouragement this time of year. Through this partnership, we ensure the event reaches families who will truly feel its impact, helping create a holiday experience that is joyful and memorable.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069390292.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069411731.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069437660.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>A huge thank you goes to the volunteers from Second Missionary Baptist Church for preparing breakfast for all of the kids and officers. They also thanked the team from RE/MAX Signature Properties for volunteering their time to help wrap gifts throughout the morning.&nbsp;This event would not be possible without the generosity of our local businesses and community partners. Their donations throughout the year ensure that Shop With a Cop continues to grow and make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Junction City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069480235.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069506243.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Thank you to the following sponsors for your support:Junction City Walmart, SVS, ADS, Geary Grain, Cook Family McDonalds, Highwind Brewing Co., Twin Valley Communications, Footlocker, American Legion Post #45, Lynn Devine with Fairway Home Mortgage, B and R Cleaning, Bayer Construction Co.,Voiture 1229 40 and 8, Lee Motors, Junction City Bowl, Jack and Dick's Pawn Shop, Geary County Attorney, Ronna Larson, Kaw Valley Engineering, Homestead Tow Service, Hess and Sons Salvage, Kiwanis South, Crimestoppers, Central National Bank, Street Rods, Walsh Customs and Collision, Bramlage Family Foundation, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Jim Clark Auto Center, Bird Dog LLC, Homefront Group LLC, Frontier Spirits, Performance Audio and Tint, Re/Max Signature Properties, Mathis Lueker Real Estate, Frames and Engraving Etc., Stagg Hill Golf Club, Golf USA, Indian Hills Golf Course, Rolling Meadows Golf Course, The Gun Junction, La Fiesta of Junction City, JCPOA, Honor Screen Printing and Embroidery.To every volunteer, officer, partner agency, and local business who contributed, thank you. Your continued support is what makes Shop With a Cop such an impactful tradition for our community.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765069546668.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Shop With a Cop supports children during the holidays

Executive Director of United Way Junction City/Geary County

Geary County/Junction City United Way is accepting funding application requests for 2026 funding from viable 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations whose programming provides for health, education, or income needs in the county region of Geary County and Chapman.

Applications will be accepted through January 31st&nbsp;at 4:00 pm. Applications can be found on our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.unitedwayjcgc.org/">www.unitedwayjcgc.org</a>&nbsp;under the Agencies tab.&nbsp; Look for the “Agency Application” tab.&nbsp; If you are a new agency, you will need to create a new account.&nbsp; Applications can only be filled out online.

All applications must be accompanied by the nonprofit organization’s most recent audit or review; compilations will not be accepted. New agencies must provide their 501c3 verification form.&nbsp;

For more information, please contact Geary County/Junction City United Way at (785) 238-2117.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727100586924.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Nichole MaderExecutive Director of United Way Junction City/Geary CountyGeary County/Junction City United Way is accepting funding application requests for 2026 funding from viable 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations whose programming provides for health, education, or income needs in the county region of Geary County and Chapman.Applications will be accepted through January 31st&nbsp;at 4:00 pm. Applications can be found on our website at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.unitedwayjcgc.org/">www.unitedwayjcgc.org</a>&nbsp;under the Agencies tab.&nbsp; Look for the “Agency Application” tab.&nbsp; If you are a new agency, you will need to create a new account.&nbsp; Applications can only be filled out online.All applications must be accompanied by the nonprofit organization’s most recent audit or review; compilations will not be accepted. New agencies must provide their 501c3 verification form.&nbsp;For more information, please contact Geary County/Junction City United Way at (785) 238-2117.&nbsp;&nbsp;

United Way of JC/GC accepting Letters of Intent for 2026 Funding

Junction City hosted Atchison on Friday night for the home openers for JCHS. The Lady Jays won big, but the Blue Jays lost in a down-to-the-wire game.

Girls recap – Junction City 63, Atchison 43

Similar to their season-opening game on Tuesday night, the Lady Jays came ready to play in the opening quarter. The game was all about sophomore #10, Aniyah Henry-Rivers. She started the game off with 11 points in the first quarter and finished with a game high, 22 points. The highlight of the quarter, though, came at the end of it. Freshman Alexis Douglas banked in a half-court shot to give the Lady Jays a 16-9 lead after one.

Both teams tightened up with defense in the second quarter; not much scoring occurred, and JC led 22-13 at the half.

Third-quarter action featured an offensive explosion by the JCHS girls. The Lady Jays began the quarter on an 8-3 run, which forced a quick timeout by the Atchison Phoenix. The timeout only fueled the Lady Jays even more. They expanded their lead to 46-23 at the end of the third quarter, and at that time, it was the biggest lead of the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Jays continued to score, and a three-pointer by sophomore Laniyah Warmack gave the girls their largest lead of the game at 61-36. Junction City won by 20, beating the Phoenix 63-43. It is the first win for the Lady Jays this season and the first win for Coach Tim Testa in his second stint as head coach.

The JCHS girls go to 1-1 on the season and are in action next Friday night hosting Hays at Blue Jay Event Center.

On our KJCK radio broadcast, we named Aniyah Henry-Rivers the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Aniyah Henry-Rivers receives a free meal coupon of up to $20 to Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)

Boys recap – Atchison 67, Junction City 59

The Atchison Phoenix jumped out to an early 7-2 lead, which forced a quick JC timeout. The Blue Jays quickly responded with an 11-2 run to take a 13-9 lead with a minute to go in the first quarter. Both teams then traded buckets, and the Phoenix hit a corner three to tie the game at 15 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, shots began to fall for both sides. It was a back-and-forth battle throughout. Similar to the first quarter, Junction City’s Khaliel Walker hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 31 at the half.

In the third quarter, the defenses buckled in for most of the period. Similar to the first two quarters, the third quarter also ended with a three-point make, this one by Atchison’s Javontae Kelley. The Phoenix led 48-44 after three.

To begin the fourth, JC cut the deficit to three at 52-49, but then freshman Trey’Von Gillum hit back-to-back threes, and Atchison led by nine with three minutes to go. The Phoenix held on to win 67-59. Atchison was led by head coach Pat Battle, who previously coached at Junction City from 2011-2016.

Throughout the game, it was the battle of the big guys on the inside. Junction City’s Brody Boeckman (6’7”), Jackson Hollie (6’6”), and Trevon Briley (6’3”) held their own against Atchison’s 6’7” Javontae Kelley and 6’4” Yogi Purdy.

Ultimately, though, it was the guards who pulled through for Atchison in the second half. Freshman Trey’Von Gillum had a game-high 22 points in his first high school game.

On our KJCK radio broadcast, we named Khaliel Walker the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Walker receives a free meal coupon of up to $20 to Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)

Walker finished with 14 points and four made three-pointers. Lovell Autry led the team with 18 points, and Boeckman added 15 points.

The Blue Jays fall to 1-1 on the season and will now host Hays next Friday at Blue Jay Event Center.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostJunction City hosted Atchison on Friday night for the home openers for JCHS. The Lady Jays won big, but the Blue Jays lost in a down-to-the-wire game.Girls recap – Junction City 63, Atchison 43Similar to their season-opening game on Tuesday night, the Lady Jays came ready to play in the opening quarter. The game was all about sophomore #10, Aniyah Henry-Rivers. She started the game off with 11 points in the first quarter and finished with a game high, 22 points. The highlight of the quarter, though, came at the end of it. Freshman Alexis Douglas banked in a half-court shot to give the Lady Jays a 16-9 lead after one.Both teams tightened up with defense in the second quarter; not much scoring occurred, and JC led 22-13 at the half.Third-quarter action featured an offensive explosion by the JCHS girls. The Lady Jays began the quarter on an 8-3 run, which forced a quick timeout by the Atchison Phoenix. The timeout only fueled the Lady Jays even more. They expanded their lead to 46-23 at the end of the third quarter, and at that time, it was the biggest lead of the game.In the fourth quarter, the Lady Jays continued to score, and a three-pointer by sophomore Laniyah Warmack gave the girls their largest lead of the game at 61-36. Junction City won by 20, beating the Phoenix 63-43. It is the first win for the Lady Jays this season and the first win for Coach Tim Testa in his second stint as head coach.The JCHS girls go to 1-1 on the season and are in action next Friday night hosting Hays at Blue Jay Event Center.On our KJCK radio broadcast, we named Aniyah Henry-Rivers the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Aniyah Henry-Rivers receives a free meal coupon of up to $20 to Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)Boys recap – Atchison 67, Junction City 59The Atchison Phoenix jumped out to an early 7-2 lead, which forced a quick JC timeout. The Blue Jays quickly responded with an 11-2 run to take a 13-9 lead with a minute to go in the first quarter. Both teams then traded buckets, and the Phoenix hit a corner three to tie the game at 15 at the end of the first quarter.In the second quarter, shots began to fall for both sides. It was a back-and-forth battle throughout. Similar to the first quarter, Junction City’s Khaliel Walker hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 31 at the half.In the third quarter, the defenses buckled in for most of the period. Similar to the first two quarters, the third quarter also ended with a three-point make, this one by Atchison’s Javontae Kelley. The Phoenix led 48-44 after three.To begin the fourth, JC cut the deficit to three at 52-49, but then freshman Trey’Von Gillum hit back-to-back threes, and Atchison led by nine with three minutes to go. The Phoenix held on to win 67-59. Atchison was led by head coach Pat Battle, who previously coached at Junction City from 2011-2016.Throughout the game, it was the battle of the big guys on the inside. Junction City’s Brody Boeckman (6’7”), Jackson Hollie (6’6”), and Trevon Briley (6’3”) held their own against Atchison’s 6’7” Javontae Kelley and 6’4” Yogi Purdy.Ultimately, though, it was the guards who pulled through for Atchison in the second half. Freshman Trey’Von Gillum had a game-high 22 points in his first high school game.On our KJCK radio broadcast, we named Khaliel Walker the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Walker receives a free meal coupon of up to $20 to Blu Restaurant in Junction City.)Walker finished with 14 points and four made three-pointers. Lovell Autry led the team with 18 points, and Boeckman added 15 points.The Blue Jays fall to 1-1 on the season and will now host Hays next Friday at Blue Jay Event Center.

Lady Jays pick up first win of the season, boys fall to Atchison

Collin Klein called it a "Dream Come True" as he was introduced to a cheering crowd as the new head football coach at Kansas State University on Friday.

Klein spoke in front of an audience at the Morgan Family Arena on the K-State campus. He praised the Kansas State football competitive spirit, touched on the physicality of the game., the need for resilience to adversity and steps necessary to excel. He was presented with a&nbsp; jersey bearing the number 7.

Klein pledged that K-State will be aggressive in moving the program forward, will play hard and with a schematic advantage.&nbsp; "I love challenges" and noted that&nbsp; he wants to take the program where it hasn't been before."

Collin Klein recruited many of the Wildcat players during an earlier stint as the offensive coordinator at Kansas State. He succeeds Chris Kleiman, who is retiring after seven years as the head coach.&nbsp;

Klein is the 36th head football coach in KSU history. He returns to Kansas State after two years as the offensive coordinator for Texas A&amp;M, and will continue to also serve in that capacity for the Aggies during the upcoming college football playoffs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764990688574.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Collin Klein called it a "Dream Come True" as he was introduced to a cheering crowd as the new head football coach at Kansas State University on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Introducing the 36th head coach in program history, <a href="https://twitter.com/CK_KleinCollin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CK_KleinCollin</a> <a href="https://t.co/na02g1Oi6T">pic.twitter.com/na02g1Oi6T</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1997099888291545307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Klein spoke in front of an audience at the Morgan Family Arena on the K-State campus. He praised the Kansas State football competitive spirit, touched on the physicality of the game., the need for resilience to adversity and steps necessary to excel. He was presented with a&nbsp; jersey bearing the number 7.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Family first <a href="https://t.co/nqPrmp7bob">pic.twitter.com/nqPrmp7bob</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1997042597248839970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Klein pledged that K-State will be aggressive in moving the program forward, will play hard and with a schematic advantage.&nbsp; "I love challenges" and noted that&nbsp; he wants to take the program where it hasn't been before."Collin Klein recruited many of the Wildcat players during an earlier stint as the offensive coordinator at Kansas State. He succeeds Chris Kleiman, who is retiring after seven years as the head coach.&nbsp;Klein is the 36th head football coach in KSU history. He returns to Kansas State after two years as the offensive coordinator for Texas A&amp;M, and will continue to also serve in that capacity for the Aggies during the upcoming college football playoffs.

Collin Klein introduced as the new K-State head football coach

&nbsp; Junction City police have announced that the Tip-A-Cop event was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of the Junction City community, more than one thousand dollars was raised for Special Olympics Kansas. The Geary County Sheriff's Department partnered with the JCPD during the event. 

The support directly benefits the athletes who inspiree with their dedication and determination.&nbsp; The event was hosted at High Wind Brewery.

&nbsp; Junction City police have announced that the Tip-A-Cop event was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of the Junction City community, more than one thousand dollars was raised for Special Olympics Kansas. The Geary County Sheriff's Department partnered with the JCPD during the event. The support directly benefits the athletes who inspiree with their dedication and determination.&nbsp; The event was hosted at High Wind Brewery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721136973122.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>

Tip-A-Cop event is a success 

Home openers tonight for Junction City High School Boys and Girls basketball. Both teams are hosting the Atchison Phoenix.

Both games can be heard on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Girls Livestream -&nbsp; Clic<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXKKNovGSz8&amp;list=PLAq6WhKxcDUX6Q4BsF-Eiw4l1lcxH_jQT">k here to watch and listen live&nbsp;</a>

Boys Livestream - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRUMXeWWyCQ&amp;list=PLAq6WhKxcDUX6Q4BsF-Eiw4l1lcxH_jQT&amp;index=2">Click here to watch and listen live.&nbsp;</a>

The girls are 0-1, while the boys are 1-0.&nbsp;

Home openers tonight for Junction City High School Boys and Girls basketball. Both teams are hosting the Atchison Phoenix.Both games can be heard on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>Girls Livestream -&nbsp; Clic<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXKKNovGSz8&amp;list=PLAq6WhKxcDUX6Q4BsF-Eiw4l1lcxH_jQT">k here to watch and listen live&nbsp;</a>Boys Livestream - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRUMXeWWyCQ&amp;list=PLAq6WhKxcDUX6Q4BsF-Eiw4l1lcxH_jQT&amp;index=2">Click here to watch and listen live.&nbsp;</a>The girls are 0-1, while the boys are 1-0.&nbsp;

🏀WATCH/LISTEN LIVE: Junction City hosts Atchison in boys and girls basketball

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– One of the greatest players in school history will return to lead the Wildcats on the sidelines, as Collin Klein has been named the next head football coach at Kansas State, athletics director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday.

A 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and member of K-State Football's Ring of Honor, Klein is now in his 12th year in coaching, nine of which have come at K-State.

Klein will be introduced to the public Friday in a welcome event at Morgan Family Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. It will also be streamed live on ESPN+."We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," Taylor said.

"Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved.

As we know, college football has changed, and I am confident that Collin is ready to embrace this new model while maintaining the culture that we know as K-State Football.

Welcome home, Collin, Shalin, Beric, Rhett, Trek and Briar."

Klein, the 36th head football coach in school history, has agreed to a five-year contract with an average base salary of $4.3 million to lead his alma mater.

He served as K-State's offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M, a role that he will continue in during the Aggies' postseason run."My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home," Klein said.

"Thank you to President Linton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. The position of Head Coach at Kansas State has a long legacy of service, hard work, determination, and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward.

This is Family business, and we cannot wait to get to work!

"The first K-State alum to serve as head football coach since Ellis Rainsberger from 1975-77,&nbsp; Klein helped the Wildcats to 51 wins and five bowl appearances during his tenure as a full-time assistant coach.

He helped guide Kansas State to a 19-8 mark and a Big 12 Championship during his two-year run as offensive coordinator.His first full season as K-State offensive coordinator in 2022 was a success as he led an offense that ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including ranking second in offensive yards (5,863) and plays (958), fourth in rushing yards (2,916) and fifth in yards per game (418.8).

The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with 421.6 total yards per game – their most since 2014 – while their 32.3 points per game were the most by the squad since 2017. K-State improved its production in Klein's second season at the offensive controls, as its 37.1 points per game ranked 10th nationally and sixth in school history, while it was the highest average by a K-State team since Klein's senior season of 2012 (38.9 points per game).

Kansas State produced 445.2 total yards per game in 2023 to rank second in school history.In Klein's offense, running back Deuce Vaughn became the second player in school history to twice earn Consensus All-America honors, while Cooper Beebe became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn Consensus All-America honors.

Prior to serving as K-State's offensive coordinator, Klein was the Wildcats' quarterbacks coach in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while he was a co-offensive coordinator in 2018.

He earned his first full-time coaching position tutoring the quarterbacks at Northern Iowa in 2016, which was just a year hiatus from Manhattan as he worked as an assistant director of recruiting and defensive quality control coach for the Wildcats in 2014 and an offensive graduate assistant in 2015.

The 2012 Johnny Unitas Award winner, Klein finished his K-State career ranking in the school's top 10 in 34 different game, season and career record categories. He was the first quarterback from a Power 5 school since 1998 to rush for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for 10 scores in consecutive seasons by doing so in 2011 and 2012.

Klein led the Wildcats to a combined 21-5 record as the starting quarterback in 2011 and 2012, which culminated with a No. 1 national ranking, Big 12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl berth in 2012.

Serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M the last two seasons, Klein has helped the Aggies to an 11-1 record this season and a possible berth into the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday.

This season, Texas A&amp;M holds an 11-1 record as the Aggies rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense (16th; 36.3 points per game), total offense (20th; 454.4 yards per game), rushing offense (26th; 192.7 yards per game), passing offense (32nd; 261.8 yards per game), tackles for loss allowed (1st; 2.83 per game), fourth down percentage (2nd; 75.0%), sacks allowed (11th; 1.00 per game), passing yards per completion (11th; 14.09), time of possession (15th; 32:24) and first downs (29th; 272).

Texas A&amp;M has hit the 400-yard mark in total offense 10 times in 12 games thus far in 2025.A 2025 Broyles Award Semifinalist, Klein has guided Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed to top-15 individual marks this season in passing yards per completion (7th; 14.03), points responsible for (13th; 186) and passing touchdowns (14th; 25).

In his first season at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Klein helped guide the Aggies to a 5-0 start in SEC play, marking the program's best start in SEC action and its best conference start since 1998. Texas A&amp;M boasted the No. 2 rushing offense in the SEC, ranking 26th nationally (195.5 yards per game), and the offensive line ranked 10th in the country by allowing just 51.0 tackles for loss on the year.

Klein obtained his undergraduate degree from K-State in December 2011 in business financial services and controllership, while he received his master's degree in academic advising in December 2019. He is married to the former Shalin Spani, a former Wildcat women's basketball player. The couple has three sons, Beric, Rhett and Trek, and one daughter, Briar.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Believe it, Coach <a href="https://t.co/MpF2E7zSOc">pic.twitter.com/MpF2E7zSOc</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1997000680867836339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Back like he never left <a href="https://t.co/cB2e91xezJ">pic.twitter.com/cB2e91xezJ</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1996990122017825082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A message from <a href="https://twitter.com/CK_KleinCollin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CK_KleinCollin</a> <a href="https://t.co/ef3FwC2pES">pic.twitter.com/ef3FwC2pES</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1996779764246630534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– One of the greatest players in school history will return to lead the Wildcats on the sidelines, as Collin Klein has been named the next head football coach at Kansas State, athletics director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday.A 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and member of K-State Football's Ring of Honor, Klein is now in his 12th year in coaching, nine of which have come at K-State.Klein will be introduced to the public Friday in a welcome event at Morgan Family Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. It will also be streamed live on ESPN+."We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," Taylor said."Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved.As we know, college football has changed, and I am confident that Collin is ready to embrace this new model while maintaining the culture that we know as K-State Football.Welcome home, Collin, Shalin, Beric, Rhett, Trek and Briar."Klein, the 36th head football coach in school history, has agreed to a five-year contract with an average base salary of $4.3 million to lead his alma mater.He served as K-State's offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M, a role that he will continue in during the Aggies' postseason run."My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home," Klein said."Thank you to President Linton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. The position of Head Coach at Kansas State has a long legacy of service, hard work, determination, and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward.This is Family business, and we cannot wait to get to work!"The first K-State alum to serve as head football coach since Ellis Rainsberger from 1975-77,&nbsp; Klein helped the Wildcats to 51 wins and five bowl appearances during his tenure as a full-time assistant coach.He helped guide Kansas State to a 19-8 mark and a Big 12 Championship during his two-year run as offensive coordinator.His first full season as K-State offensive coordinator in 2022 was a success as he led an offense that ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including ranking second in offensive yards (5,863) and plays (958), fourth in rushing yards (2,916) and fifth in yards per game (418.8).The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with 421.6 total yards per game – their most since 2014 – while their 32.3 points per game were the most by the squad since 2017. K-State improved its production in Klein's second season at the offensive controls, as its 37.1 points per game ranked 10th nationally and sixth in school history, while it was the highest average by a K-State team since Klein's senior season of 2012 (38.9 points per game).Kansas State produced 445.2 total yards per game in 2023 to rank second in school history.In Klein's offense, running back Deuce Vaughn became the second player in school history to twice earn Consensus All-America honors, while Cooper Beebe became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn Consensus All-America honors.Prior to serving as K-State's offensive coordinator, Klein was the Wildcats' quarterbacks coach in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while he was a co-offensive coordinator in 2018.He earned his first full-time coaching position tutoring the quarterbacks at Northern Iowa in 2016, which was just a year hiatus from Manhattan as he worked as an assistant director of recruiting and defensive quality control coach for the Wildcats in 2014 and an offensive graduate assistant in 2015.The 2012 Johnny Unitas Award winner, Klein finished his K-State career ranking in the school's top 10 in 34 different game, season and career record categories. He was the first quarterback from a Power 5 school since 1998 to rush for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for 10 scores in consecutive seasons by doing so in 2011 and 2012.Klein led the Wildcats to a combined 21-5 record as the starting quarterback in 2011 and 2012, which culminated with a No. 1 national ranking, Big 12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl berth in 2012.Serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M the last two seasons, Klein has helped the Aggies to an 11-1 record this season and a possible berth into the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday.This season, Texas A&amp;M holds an 11-1 record as the Aggies rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense (16th; 36.3 points per game), total offense (20th; 454.4 yards per game), rushing offense (26th; 192.7 yards per game), passing offense (32nd; 261.8 yards per game), tackles for loss allowed (1st; 2.83 per game), fourth down percentage (2nd; 75.0%), sacks allowed (11th; 1.00 per game), passing yards per completion (11th; 14.09), time of possession (15th; 32:24) and first downs (29th; 272).Texas A&amp;M has hit the 400-yard mark in total offense 10 times in 12 games thus far in 2025.A 2025 Broyles Award Semifinalist, Klein has guided Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed to top-15 individual marks this season in passing yards per completion (7th; 14.03), points responsible for (13th; 186) and passing touchdowns (14th; 25).In his first season at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Klein helped guide the Aggies to a 5-0 start in SEC play, marking the program's best start in SEC action and its best conference start since 1998. Texas A&amp;M boasted the No. 2 rushing offense in the SEC, ranking 26th nationally (195.5 yards per game), and the offensive line ranked 10th in the country by allowing just 51.0 tackles for loss on the year.Klein obtained his undergraduate degree from K-State in December 2011 in business financial services and controllership, while he received his master's degree in academic advising in December 2019. He is married to the former Shalin Spani, a former Wildcat women's basketball player. The couple has three sons, Beric, Rhett and Trek, and one daughter, Briar.

Back like he never left: Colin Klein and family arrive in Manhattan 

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Amber Cole’s journey to becoming a first-grade teacher at Westwood Elementary has been anything but traditional. Her impact though once she got into teaching has been nothing short of extraordinary.“Teaching at Westwood has opened my eyes to how deeply this staff is committed to students and their families. As a military family, we are familiar with constant change and the feeling of communities shifting around us. Yet at Westwood, there is a strong and steady sense of belonging that endures. The relationships, support and shared commitment here have created the consistent and caring community my family has longed for, and I am grateful to be part of it,” said Cole.

Although Cole wasn’t raised in a family of educators, her passion for working with children began early. Growing up in Omaha, Neb., Cole, whose family also farmed in Verdigre, Neb., watched as her mother opened their home to children as a foster parent, a powerful example that ultimately shaped her own desire to support and advocate for young people.

Fast forward to when Cole would become an adult herself and she and her husband, whom she met in high school, would go on to not only become a military family, moving all over the United States, but also licensed foster parents, which helped to deepen her belief that working with children is more than a career that it is a calling.“Watching my mom’s love, support and ability to advocate for children in need showed me what it truly means to care for the whole child. That experience shaped me in a profound way. Through every child who has come into our lives, I have learned that working with children is not simply something I can do; it is something I feel called to do. That same belief guides me as an educator today as I strive to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported and seen,” said Cole, who has three boys of her own who all attend schools in USD 475.

Growing up, Cole was a competitive club gymnast who started training at the age of nine. She spent years traveling, competing, coaching and even judging gymnastics, while attending Westside High School in Omaha where she excelled in DECA and business marketing. Following her time as a Warrior, she would go on to graduate as a licensed cosmetologist in 2006, while also earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Southern New Hampshire University. Cole began her tenure in Geary County Schools USD 475 in 2017 in a moment she describes as almost accidental. As a stay-at-home mother, she found herself helping in her youngest son’s Pre-K class at Jefferson Elementary on Fort Riley when a teacher nonchalantly asked if she would like to be a lunchroom aide at the school. Her panicked response of, oh uh yeah, that sounds great, helped launch what would become nearly a decade of service to USD 475 in numerous roles, including being a lunchroom aide, early childhood instructional assistant and early childhood teaching assistant.

Despite having all those roles, she is currently in her first year of teaching at Westwood Elementary thanks to a teaching program at Kansas State University called Master of Arts in Teaching Program, which is designed for individuals who change careers and want to teach. Thanks to the program, Cole can now teach in a USD 475 classroom since she has a limited elementary residency license.“Teaching is truly the only career I have had that no matter what kind of day I had the day before that I get up in the morning and look forward to the day I get to spend in my classroom with my students,” said Cole.As you can see, Cole’s journey reminds us that educators don’t all start the same way, but once they discover where they’re meant to be, their impact is immeasurable.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764956431281.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Matt HooverUSD 475 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Amber Cole’s journey to becoming a first-grade teacher at Westwood Elementary has been anything but traditional. Her impact though once she got into teaching has been nothing short of extraordinary.“Teaching at Westwood has opened my eyes to how deeply this staff is committed to students and their families. As a military family, we are familiar with constant change and the feeling of communities shifting around us. Yet at Westwood, there is a strong and steady sense of belonging that endures. The relationships, support and shared commitment here have created the consistent and caring community my family has longed for, and I am grateful to be part of it,” said Cole.Although Cole wasn’t raised in a family of educators, her passion for working with children began early. Growing up in Omaha, Neb., Cole, whose family also farmed in Verdigre, Neb., watched as her mother opened their home to children as a foster parent, a powerful example that ultimately shaped her own desire to support and advocate for young people.Fast forward to when Cole would become an adult herself and she and her husband, whom she met in high school, would go on to not only become a military family, moving all over the United States, but also licensed foster parents, which helped to deepen her belief that working with children is more than a career that it is a calling.“Watching my mom’s love, support and ability to advocate for children in need showed me what it truly means to care for the whole child. That experience shaped me in a profound way. Through every child who has come into our lives, I have learned that working with children is not simply something I can do; it is something I feel called to do. That same belief guides me as an educator today as I strive to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported and seen,” said Cole, who has three boys of her own who all attend schools in USD 475.Growing up, Cole was a competitive club gymnast who started training at the age of nine. She spent years traveling, competing, coaching and even judging gymnastics, while attending Westside High School in Omaha where she excelled in DECA and business marketing. Following her time as a Warrior, she would go on to graduate as a licensed cosmetologist in 2006, while also earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Southern New Hampshire University. Cole began her tenure in Geary County Schools USD 475 in 2017 in a moment she describes as almost accidental. As a stay-at-home mother, she found herself helping in her youngest son’s Pre-K class at Jefferson Elementary on Fort Riley when a teacher nonchalantly asked if she would like to be a lunchroom aide at the school. Her panicked response of, oh uh yeah, that sounds great, helped launch what would become nearly a decade of service to USD 475 in numerous roles, including being a lunchroom aide, early childhood instructional assistant and early childhood teaching assistant.Despite having all those roles, she is currently in her first year of teaching at Westwood Elementary thanks to a teaching program at Kansas State University called Master of Arts in Teaching Program, which is designed for individuals who change careers and want to teach. Thanks to the program, Cole can now teach in a USD 475 classroom since she has a limited elementary residency license.“Teaching is truly the only career I have had that no matter what kind of day I had the day before that I get up in the morning and look forward to the day I get to spend in my classroom with my students,” said Cole.As you can see, Cole’s journey reminds us that educators don’t all start the same way, but once they discover where they’re meant to be, their impact is immeasurable.

Cole's Amazing Journey

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will see more than 1,500 candidates for graduation this fall at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;set for Friday, Dec. 12, in Manhattan and Salina and Saturday, Dec. 13, in Manhattan.

Candidates from both the summer 2025 and fall 2025 semesters will be recognized.Ceremony information, including parking, accommodations and a livestream of the Manhattan campus ceremonies, will be available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">K-State graduation website.</a>The university will award approximately 1,050 bachelor's degrees, 350 master's degrees and 100 doctorates this fall. Seventy students will be earning multiple degrees and majors.

The graduates-to-be also include more than 300 students who are earning their degrees through a K-State Online program.As part of an effort to deliver and maximize a unified, student-centered graduation experience, undergraduate ceremonies on the Manhattan campus have been strategically combined this fall in a pilot structure.By hosting graduates from multiple academic colleges in three combined ceremonies on Saturday, in addition to an Army ROTC commissioning ceremony, the university aims to amplify the best of its commencement traditions.

Schedule and speakers for Friday, Dec. 12 ceremonies

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will see more than 1,500 candidates for graduation this fall at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;set for Friday, Dec. 12, in Manhattan and Salina and Saturday, Dec. 13, in Manhattan. Candidates from both the summer 2025 and fall 2025 semesters will be recognized.Ceremony information, including parking, accommodations and a livestream of the Manhattan campus ceremonies, will be available on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">K-State graduation website.</a>The university will award approximately 1,050 bachelor's degrees, 350 master's degrees and 100 doctorates this fall. Seventy students will be earning multiple degrees and majors. The graduates-to-be also include more than 300 students who are earning their degrees through a K-State Online program.As part of an effort to deliver and maximize a unified, student-centered graduation experience, undergraduate ceremonies on the Manhattan campus have been strategically combined this fall in a pilot structure.By hosting graduates from multiple academic colleges in three combined ceremonies on Saturday, in addition to an Army ROTC commissioning ceremony, the university aims to amplify the best of its commencement traditions.Schedule and speakers for Friday, Dec. 12 ceremonies<ul>
 <li>1 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum: Graduate School. Regent John Dicus will represent the Kansas Board of Regents at the ceremony. J. Ernest Minton, professor of animal sciences and industry, will be the speaker.</li><li>7 p.m., Student Life Center, Salina: K-State Salina. Lt. Col. Matthew Shelly, U.S. Air Force, will be the speaker.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Noon, Bramlage Coliseum: College of Agriculture and College of Business Administration. Mike Leikam, '87, the president and chief executive officer of Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC, will be the speaker. Weston Schrader, bachelor's candidate in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Minneapolis, Kansas, and Max Roberts, bachelor's candidate in finance,&nbsp;Olathe, will be the student speakers.</li><li>3:30 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum: Carl R. Ice College of Engineering and College of Health and Human Sciences. The student speakers are Robert Holt, bachelor's candidate in mechanical engineering,&nbsp;Overland Park, and Cara Johnson, bachelor's candidate in communication sciences and disorders,&nbsp;Lenexa.</li>
 </ul>

K-State's fall 2025 commencement ceremonies celebrate Wildcat excellence

Geary County Public Works would like to share two new maps now found on the Geary County website. Navigate to the Public Works page, click on the Snow &amp; Ice Tab, and from here, you will find the following maps: 

The first map, Snow Removal Map, indicates which entities within Geary County are responsible for snow removal services. The map is searchable, so residents can search for a property, click on the highlighted road, and learn who is&nbsp; accountable. Associated phone numbers for each entity are included in the legend. 

The second map, Geary County Snow Plow Activity, provides a general&nbsp; representation of where the plow trucks are located. The intent for this map is for residents to see the areas in which the snow plow trucks are operating to inform the public of the areas traveled. 

If there are any questions regarding these maps, please feel free to contact the&nbsp; Geary County Public Works Office at publicworks@gearycounty.org or 785-238-3612.

Geary County Public Works would like to share two new maps now found on the Geary County website. Navigate to the Public Works page, click on the Snow &amp; Ice Tab, and from here, you will find the following maps: The first map, Snow Removal Map, indicates which entities within Geary County are responsible for snow removal services. The map is searchable, so residents can search for a property, click on the highlighted road, and learn who is&nbsp; accountable. Associated phone numbers for each entity are included in the legend. The second map, Geary County Snow Plow Activity, provides a general&nbsp; representation of where the plow trucks are located. The intent for this map is for residents to see the areas in which the snow plow trucks are operating to inform the public of the areas traveled. If there are any questions regarding these maps, please feel free to contact the&nbsp; Geary County Public Works Office at publicworks@gearycounty.org or 785-238-3612.

Geary County Public Works announces new maps for Snow Plows and Removal

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent robbery in Manhattan have identified the teen suspects.

Just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery in the 700 block of Allen Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 23-year-old man reported three unknown men battered him and stole a handgun.&nbsp;After additional investigation into the incident, officers identified the three male suspects.

Terrion Toliver, 18, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held on a bond of $150,000.

Isaiah Ellis, 16, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He remains confined in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

Noah McFadden, 17, of Manhattan was arrested on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:48 a.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $150.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a violent robbery in Manhattan have identified the teen suspects.Just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery in the 700 block of Allen Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 23-year-old man reported three unknown men battered him and stole a handgun.&nbsp;After additional investigation into the incident, officers identified the three male suspects.Terrion Toliver, 18, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held on a bond of $150,000.Isaiah Ellis, 16, of Manhattan was arrested on December 4, 2025, at approximately 10:18 p.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He remains confined in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.Noah McFadden, 17, of Manhattan was arrested on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:48 a.m on a requested charge of Aggravated Robbery. He is being held in the North Central Kansas Juvenile Detention Facility.The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $150.

RCPD: 3 teens arrested for violent robbery, gun theft

A 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and member of K-State Football's Ring of Honor, Klein is now in his 12th year in coaching, nine of which have come at K-State. 

Klein will be introduced to the public Friday in a welcome event at Morgan Family Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. It will also be streamed live on ESPN+."We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," Taylor said. 

"Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved. 

As we know, college football has changed, and I am confident that Collin is ready to embrace this new model while maintaining the culture that we know as K-State Football. 

Klein, the 36th head football coach in school history, has agreed to a five-year contract with an average base salary of $4.3 million to lead his alma mater. 

He served as K-State's offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M, a role that he will continue in during the Aggies' postseason run."My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home," Klein said. 

"Thank you to President Linton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. The position of Head Coach at Kansas State has a long legacy of service, hard work, determination, and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward.

"The first K-State alum to serve as head football coach since Ellis Rainsberger from 1975-77,&nbsp; Klein helped the Wildcats to 51 wins and five bowl appearances during his tenure as a full-time assistant coach. 

The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with 421.6 total yards per game – their most since 2014 – while their 32.3 points per game were the most by the squad since 2017. K-State improved its production in Klein's second season at the offensive controls, as its 37.1 points per game ranked 10th nationally and sixth in school history, while it was the highest average by a K-State team since Klein's senior season of 2012 (38.9 points per game). 

Prior to serving as K-State's offensive coordinator, Klein was the Wildcats' quarterbacks coach in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while he was a co-offensive coordinator in 2018. 

Serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M the last two seasons, Klein has helped the Aggies to an 11-1 record this season and a possible berth into the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday. 

This season, Texas A&amp;M holds an 11-1 record as the Aggies rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense (16th; 36.3 points per game), total offense (20th; 454.4 yards per game), rushing offense (26th; 192.7 yards per game), passing offense (32nd; 261.8 yards per game), tackles for loss allowed (1st; 2.83 per game), fourth down percentage (2nd; 75.0%), sacks allowed (11th; 1.00 per game), passing yards per completion (11th; 14.09), time of possession (15th; 32:24) and first downs (29th; 272). 

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Got our guy. <a href="https://t.co/noyv4A8z7B">pic.twitter.com/noyv4A8z7B</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1996758932828967155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– One of the greatest players in school history will return to lead the Wildcats on the sidelines, as Collin Klein has been named the next head football coach at Kansas State, athletics director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday.A 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and member of K-State Football's Ring of Honor, Klein is now in his 12th year in coaching, nine of which have come at K-State. Klein will be introduced to the public Friday in a welcome event at Morgan Family Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. It will also be streamed live on ESPN+."We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," Taylor said. "Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved. As we know, college football has changed, and I am confident that Collin is ready to embrace this new model while maintaining the culture that we know as K-State Football. Welcome home, Collin, Shalin, Beric, Rhett, Trek and Briar."Klein, the 36th head football coach in school history, has agreed to a five-year contract with an average base salary of $4.3 million to lead his alma mater. He served as K-State's offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M, a role that he will continue in during the Aggies' postseason run."My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home," Klein said. "Thank you to President Linton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. The position of Head Coach at Kansas State has a long legacy of service, hard work, determination, and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward. This is Family business, and we cannot wait to get to work!"The first K-State alum to serve as head football coach since Ellis Rainsberger from 1975-77,&nbsp; Klein helped the Wildcats to 51 wins and five bowl appearances during his tenure as a full-time assistant coach. He helped guide Kansas State to a 19-8 mark and a Big 12 Championship during his two-year run as offensive coordinator.His first full season as K-State offensive coordinator in 2022 was a success as he led an offense that ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including ranking second in offensive yards (5,863) and plays (958), fourth in rushing yards (2,916) and fifth in yards per game (418.8).The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with 421.6 total yards per game – their most since 2014 – while their 32.3 points per game were the most by the squad since 2017. K-State improved its production in Klein's second season at the offensive controls, as its 37.1 points per game ranked 10th nationally and sixth in school history, while it was the highest average by a K-State team since Klein's senior season of 2012 (38.9 points per game). Kansas State produced 445.2 total yards per game in 2023 to rank second in school history.In Klein's offense, running back Deuce Vaughn became the second player in school history to twice earn Consensus All-America honors, while Cooper Beebe became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn Consensus All-America honors.Prior to serving as K-State's offensive coordinator, Klein was the Wildcats' quarterbacks coach in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while he was a co-offensive coordinator in 2018. He earned his first full-time coaching position tutoring the quarterbacks at Northern Iowa in 2016, which was just a year hiatus from Manhattan as he worked as an assistant director of recruiting and defensive quality control coach for the Wildcats in 2014 and an offensive graduate assistant in 2015.The 2012 Johnny Unitas Award winner, Klein finished his K-State career ranking in the school's top 10 in 34 different game, season and career record categories. He was the first quarterback from a Power 5 school since 1998 to rush for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for 10 scores in consecutive seasons by doing so in 2011 and 2012.Klein led the Wildcats to a combined 21-5 record as the starting quarterback in 2011 and 2012, which culminated with a No. 1 national ranking, Big 12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl berth in 2012.Serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M the last two seasons, Klein has helped the Aggies to an 11-1 record this season and a possible berth into the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday. This season, Texas A&amp;M holds an 11-1 record as the Aggies rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense (16th; 36.3 points per game), total offense (20th; 454.4 yards per game), rushing offense (26th; 192.7 yards per game), passing offense (32nd; 261.8 yards per game), tackles for loss allowed (1st; 2.83 per game), fourth down percentage (2nd; 75.0%), sacks allowed (11th; 1.00 per game), passing yards per completion (11th; 14.09), time of possession (15th; 32:24) and first downs (29th; 272). Texas A&amp;M has hit the 400-yard mark in total offense 10 times in 12 games thus far in 2025.A 2025 Broyles Award Semifinalist, Klein has guided Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed to top-15 individual marks this season in passing yards per completion (7th; 14.03), points responsible for (13th; 186) and passing touchdowns (14th; 25).In his first season at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Klein helped guide the Aggies to a 5-0 start in SEC play, marking the program's best start in SEC action and its best conference start since 1998. Texas A&amp;M boasted the No. 2 rushing offense in the SEC, ranking 26th nationally (195.5 yards per game), and the offensive line ranked 10th in the country by allowing just 51.0 tackles for loss on the year.Klein obtained his undergraduate degree from K-State in December 2011 in business financial services and controllership, while he received his master's degree in academic advising in December 2019. He is married to the former Shalin Spani, a former Wildcat women's basketball player. The couple has three sons, Beric, Rhett and Trek, and one daughter, Briar.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

K-State confirms return of Colin Klein as head coach of the 'Cats

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and have taken a Kansas teen into custody.

On December 2, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, a deputy with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office located a Toyota Avalon in the area of East 1st Street and Bonebrake Street that had been reported stolen out of Nebraska. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time it was recovered. The vehicle was processed and evidence was collected. The vehicle was towed for safekeeping until it can be returned to the owner.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation and developed a suspect the following day. The investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Madison Bryant of Abilene on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764861665339.png" alt="Bryant-photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Bryant-photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a vehicle theft and have taken a Kansas teen into custody.On December 2, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, a deputy with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office located a Toyota Avalon in the area of East 1st Street and Bonebrake Street that had been reported stolen out of Nebraska. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time it was recovered. The vehicle was processed and evidence was collected. The vehicle was towed for safekeeping until it can be returned to the owner.Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation and developed a suspect the following day. The investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old&nbsp; Christopher Madison Bryant of Abilene on a requested charge of theft of the vehicle.

Kan. teen arrested after reported stolen car recovered

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with Friends of the Milford Nature Center and the Knights of Columbus this Friday and Saturday night with the&nbsp; Isle of Lights! 

We invite you to drive through the Milford State Park and see our 2025 Isle of Lights this weekend&nbsp;December 5th and 6th from 5-8pm. Alongside the festive displays, you can meet Santa while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies from 6-8pm. Located at the Prairie View Campground at Milford State Park. 

Santa and refreshments are located at the Sprung Hut at the South Boat Ramp and will be available from 6-8pm. A Park Pass is required | $10+ suggested donation per vehicle | No registration is required | All ages are welcome.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764889201251.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with Friends of the Milford Nature Center and the Knights of Columbus this Friday and Saturday night with the&nbsp; Isle of Lights! We invite you to drive through the Milford State Park and see our 2025 Isle of Lights this weekend&nbsp;December 5th and 6th from 5-8pm. Alongside the festive displays, you can meet Santa while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies from 6-8pm. Located at the Prairie View Campground at Milford State Park. Santa and refreshments are located at the Sprung Hut at the South Boat Ramp and will be available from 6-8pm. A Park Pass is required | $10+ suggested donation per vehicle | No registration is required | All ages are welcome.&nbsp;

Last Weekend to see the Isle of Lights at Milford State Park

Help for the homeless in Junction City drew extensive discussion at this week's city commission meeting. A motion to provide $10,000 in short&nbsp; term funding to the Magdaline Project to pay for motel rooms for the homeless failed on a 3-2 vote. Instead city staff have been directed to develop a plan to address the issue. They will evaluate the problem, talk to people and put a plan together.&nbsp;

The arrival of cold weather has brought the issue to the forefront.

--In other business commissoners learned that there&nbsp; is an effort to lower water rates in 2026. An initial study estimated $4 per ratepayer per month, but that is not definite. More study is continuing on the procccess. The goal in 2026&nbsp; is to lower the rates but&nbsp; it's not a promise at this point.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699375540841.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Help for the homeless in Junction City drew extensive discussion at this week's city commission meeting. A motion to provide $10,000 in short&nbsp; term funding to the Magdaline Project to pay for motel rooms for the homeless failed on a 3-2 vote. Instead city staff have been directed to develop a plan to address the issue. They will evaluate the problem, talk to people and put a plan together.&nbsp;The arrival of cold weather has brought the issue to the forefront.--In other business commissoners learned that there&nbsp; is an effort to lower water rates in 2026. An initial study estimated $4 per ratepayer per month, but that is not definite. More study is continuing on the procccess. The goal in 2026&nbsp; is to lower the rates but&nbsp; it's not a promise at this point.--Shop With a Cop is this Saturday. A total of 64 children are signed up for the event which includes breakfast and funds for the children to shop at Walmart for Christmas gifts.--Commissioners approved a bid to Central National Bank for banking services for a five year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

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