The Flint Hills Auxiliary is sponsoring a "Flash&nbsp; Sale" tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15) at the Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus hospital lobby.&nbsp; The event is planned from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Books and gifts for all occasions will be sold.

The Flint Hills Auxiliary is sponsoring a "Flash&nbsp; Sale" tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15) at the Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus hospital lobby.&nbsp; The event is planned from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;Books and gifts for all occasions will be sold.

Flash Sale at the hospital

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678797272709.jpeg" alt="Tessence Money Richards-Foster, Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony crime intending action on info; arrested 03/13" />
 <figcaption>Tessence Money Richards-Foster, Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony crime intending action on info; arrested 03/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678797529631.jpeg" alt="Keegan Joseph Dwayne Foreman, Unlawful damage to property; Endangering a child; arrested 3/13" />
 <figcaption>Keegan Joseph Dwayne Foreman, Unlawful damage to property; Endangering a child; arrested 3/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678797603642.jpeg" alt="Lloyal Tyrun Autrey, Probation Violation; arrested 3/13" />
 <figcaption>Lloyal Tyrun Autrey, Probation Violation; arrested 3/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678797685871.jpeg" alt="Ashland Marie Stevens, Endangering a child; Possession of marijuana, 1st Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; arrested 3/13" />
 <figcaption>Ashland Marie Stevens, Endangering a child; Possession of marijuana, 1st Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; arrested 3/13</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 14

Junction City Oktoberfest has been scheduled for Oct. 6 and 7.

Organizers are seeking vendors for the annual event on a first come, first served basis. There will be up to 65 different vendors at the event this year.

Vendors can click <a href="https://www.junctioncityoktoberfest.com/vendors">HERE</a> to register.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678716588406.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Oktoberfest has been scheduled for Oct. 6 and 7.Organizers are seeking vendors for the annual event on a first come, first served basis. There will be up to 65 different vendors at the event this year.Vendors can click <a href="https://www.junctioncityoktoberfest.com/vendors">HERE</a> to register.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJCACCKS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0eCZYLiNSqU49GoF2EEyq7ZcUJ31an32dj4hcgeUN82FKuPkoAtgT8FgHfkoBin7yl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="599" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Date set for 2023 Junction City Oktoberfest

Nore than 80% of businesses believe remote work will continue&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Remote work is here to stay, but limited access to high speed Internet and lack of remote worker training may be barriers, according to findings of a just-released, statewide survey.&nbsp;

Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development, said the survey was conducted in fall 2022 by K-State Research and Extension in collaboration with the&nbsp;Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Small Business Development Centers, NetWork Kansas, Office of Rural Prosperity, and Senator Jerry Moran.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The full survey report is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/">www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;

Wilson said nearly half of respondent organizations currently employ remote workers, and more than two-thirds believe that remote work has been implemented successfully or very successfully in their organizations. More than 80% believe remote work will continue and more than 90% indicating the number of remote workers and hybrid workers will remain the same or increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, only 40% of respondents indicated high speed Internet access was available to help make remote work practical. And, only 3.6% of respondents indicated that training for remote workers was available.&nbsp;

Almost three-quarters of respondent communities do not market their community to potential, current and digital remote workers, and only 1 in 10 offer remote workers relocation incentives of some kind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When selecting remote workers, the types of skills organizations are seeking include self-management/self-starter ability, teamwork, online communication, project management/productivity, online data management and security, technical skills, and organizing/creating a dedicated workspace.&nbsp;

Survey respondents included representatives of businesses, communities, economic development organizations, and others across the state. The project was led by Wilson; Jaime Menon, state program leader for K-State Research and Extension’s community vitality program; and Jason Ellis, head of K-State’s Department of Communications and Agricultural Education.&nbsp;

<h2>Nore than 80% of businesses believe remote work will continue&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — Remote work is here to stay, but limited access to high speed Internet and lack of remote worker training may be barriers, according to findings of a just-released, statewide survey.&nbsp;Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development, said the survey was conducted in fall 2022 by K-State Research and Extension in collaboration with the&nbsp;Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Small Business Development Centers, NetWork Kansas, Office of Rural Prosperity, and Senator Jerry Moran.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The full survey report is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/">www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678714267966.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wilson said nearly half of respondent organizations currently employ remote workers, and more than two-thirds believe that remote work has been implemented successfully or very successfully in their organizations. More than 80% believe remote work will continue and more than 90% indicating the number of remote workers and hybrid workers will remain the same or increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, only 40% of respondents indicated high speed Internet access was available to help make remote work practical. And, only 3.6% of respondents indicated that training for remote workers was available.&nbsp;Almost three-quarters of respondent communities do not market their community to potential, current and digital remote workers, and only 1 in 10 offer remote workers relocation incentives of some kind.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When selecting remote workers, the types of skills organizations are seeking include self-management/self-starter ability, teamwork, online communication, project management/productivity, online data management and security, technical skills, and organizing/creating a dedicated workspace.&nbsp;Survey respondents included representatives of businesses, communities, economic development organizations, and others across the state. The project was led by Wilson; Jaime Menon, state program leader for K-State Research and Extension’s community vitality program; and Jason Ellis, head of K-State’s Department of Communications and Agricultural Education.&nbsp;

Remote work expected to grow, but internet access, training are barriers 

MANHATTAN—Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Manhattan.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 1127 Yuma Street, according to&nbsp;Deputy Chief Ryan Almes,

 Upon arrival, fire companies found the home with smoke and fire showing from a window. Firefighters made entry into the home and contained the fire within 10 minutes. 

&nbsp;Two dogs were outside of the residence when companies arrived, another dog was rescued by firefighters, and two dogs were found deceased inside the home.&nbsp; The residents were not home at the time of the fire. The building is a one-story, single-family residence. Loss is estimated at $8000 to contents and $25,000 to the structure.&nbsp;The residents are able to remain in the home due to damage being limited to a single bedroom that had the door closed during the fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The owner is listed as Gerald and Diane Haug of Manhattan. The fire's cause is under investigation at this time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678753696958.png" alt="Photo Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN—Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Manhattan.Just before 3:30 p.m. Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 1127 Yuma Street, according to&nbsp;Deputy Chief Ryan Almes, Upon arrival, fire companies found the home with smoke and fire showing from a window. Firefighters made entry into the home and contained the fire within 10 minutes. &nbsp;Two dogs were outside of the residence when companies arrived, another dog was rescued by firefighters, and two dogs were found deceased inside the home.&nbsp; The residents were not home at the time of the fire. The building is a one-story, single-family residence. Loss is estimated at $8000 to contents and $25,000 to the structure.&nbsp;The residents are able to remain in the home due to damage being limited to a single bedroom that had the door closed during the fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;The owner is listed as Gerald and Diane Haug of Manhattan. The fire's cause is under investigation at this time.

2 dogs die in Manhattan house fire

CORRECTION: This story was originally published with 2022 results and has been updated to reflect 2023 results.

Junction City's Ezekiel Witt of Junction City will compete in the Oklahoma Border Brawl on Tuesday in downtown Tulsa.

In the 2023 6A State Wrestling Tournament, Witt wrestled against Easton Broxterman&nbsp;of Washburn Rural in the title match for the 113-pound weight class, and was defeated by Broxterman.

Broxterman also will be competing in the event.

Witt was the 2022 state&nbsp;champion in the 106-pound weight class in the Class 6A State Wrestling Tournament defeating Broxterman.&nbsp;

Witt is one of 11 state champion and Fargo All Americans to compete in the Border Brawl.

The event will be <a href="https://www.flowrestling.org/live/46619" target="_blank">live streamed on Flowrestling</a>.

See more from Team USA Wrestling <a href="https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2023/March/12/Oklahoma-Border-Brawl">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678731592989.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JC PostCORRECTION: This story was originally published with 2022 results and has been updated to reflect 2023 results.Junction City's Ezekiel Witt of Junction City will compete in the Oklahoma Border Brawl on Tuesday in downtown Tulsa.In the 2023 6A State Wrestling Tournament, Witt wrestled against Easton Broxterman&nbsp;of Washburn Rural in the title match for the 113-pound weight class, and was defeated by Broxterman.Broxterman also will be competing in the event.Witt was the 2022 state&nbsp;champion in the 106-pound weight class in the Class 6A State Wrestling Tournament defeating Broxterman.&nbsp;Witt is one of 11 state champion and Fargo All Americans to compete in the Border Brawl.The event will be <a href="https://www.flowrestling.org/live/46619" target="_blank">live streamed on Flowrestling</a>.See more from Team USA Wrestling <a href="https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Wrestling/Features/2023/March/12/Oklahoma-Border-Brawl">HERE</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678731357373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Junction City's Witt will compete in Oklahoma Border Brawl

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - Riley County Police Department is asking for assistance from the community to identify a man, who was seen running from the area of Sunset Zoo following the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/1461c288-08a6-43ec-825f-b95b692ba92f">March 6, 2023 shooting.</a>

RCPD officers would like to speak to the man in regards to his possible involvement in the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8ce86ab1-c043-4736-9e97-092b57786a8c">incident that injured a 23-year-old Manhattan man</a>.

Anyone with&nbsp;

any information about the identity of this person or the shooting please call us at (785) 537-2112 or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MHKCrimeStoppers?__cft__[0]=AZWsdb9X5ZAEMWvoBXmVfnc4Bu8oC-rQUog0zWJw2dliUod2WHWQQ0jaVEH4gkn1U9YwA7BGV5RovY3SWKITZTZjnUDdD52Kw0szvmmvq4_thxTH-mBuM32A60Yx_CcfakxjcupqLTTyRu7qn2_I7_6Xd1bjl1_a0H1cojEtXaW9dVLm792vpA_RcaVFgwxSMYk&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers</a>&nbsp;at (785) 539-7777.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678733301954.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - Riley County Police Department is asking for assistance from the community to identify a man, who was seen running from the area of Sunset Zoo following the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/1461c288-08a6-43ec-825f-b95b692ba92f">March 6, 2023 shooting.</a>RCPD officers would like to speak to the man in regards to his possible involvement in the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8ce86ab1-c043-4736-9e97-092b57786a8c">incident that injured a 23-year-old Manhattan man</a>.Anyone with&nbsp;

any information about the identity of this person or the shooting please call us at (785) 537-2112 or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MHKCrimeStoppers?__cft__[0]=AZWsdb9X5ZAEMWvoBXmVfnc4Bu8oC-rQUog0zWJw2dliUod2WHWQQ0jaVEH4gkn1U9YwA7BGV5RovY3SWKITZTZjnUDdD52Kw0szvmmvq4_thxTH-mBuM32A60Yx_CcfakxjcupqLTTyRu7qn2_I7_6Xd1bjl1_a0H1cojEtXaW9dVLm792vpA_RcaVFgwxSMYk&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers</a>&nbsp;at (785) 539-7777.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRileyCountyPD%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0ZvewNf83SJ8aQFDXxssT2qAcYNcgyJA1J3srSwnn5fjfY6G1hXMVMWby3abtMScVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="717" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

RCPD working to ID man seen near shooting at Sunset Zoo

After a dry and breezy start to the work week, the National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting rain and maybe snow to arrive by Thursday.

The high temperature Tuesday is expected to be in the low-50s, jumping all the way to the mid-60s by Wednesday.

In the early morning hours Thursday, a front will cause the mercury to dive and bring a 30 percent chance of rain into Thursday morning. The chance of rain or snow rises to 80 percent through Thursday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678715542274.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a dry and breezy start to the work week, the National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting rain and maybe snow to arrive by Thursday.The high temperature Tuesday is expected to be in the low-50s, jumping all the way to the mid-60s by Wednesday.In the early morning hours Thursday, a front will cause the mercury to dive and bring a 30 percent chance of rain into Thursday morning. The chance of rain or snow rises to 80 percent through Thursday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The week will start cool and quiet, but become warm, windy and wet. A strong cold front moves through Thursday with rain and thunderstorms during the day and some snow possible Thursday night into Friday morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/V2s5kNIaMB">pic.twitter.com/V2s5kNIaMB</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1635200063814397952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Some pleasant days, but rain on the way this week

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678713919916.jpeg" alt="Tessence Money Richards Foster, Failure to appear; arrested 3/13" />
 <figcaption>Tessence Money Richards Foster, Failure to appear; arrested 3/13</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678714438405.jpeg" alt="Miranda Constance McConnaughey, DUI - Liquor/drugs 1st offense; Exceeding posted speed limit; arrested 3/12" />
 <figcaption>Miranda Constance McConnaughey, DUI - Liquor/drugs 1st offense; Exceeding posted speed limit; arrested 3/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678716905416.jpeg" alt="Bailey Marie Collier, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; arrested 3/12" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Marie Collier, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; arrested 3/12</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678717793924.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Marie Stoddard, Probation Violation x2; arrested 3/12" />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Marie Stoddard, Probation Violation x2; arrested 3/12</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 13

Fort Riley blood drive scheduled for March 21

The junction City Animal Shelter's pet vaccine clinic is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. April 15. The deadline to register is March 25.

There is a five-pet limit per registration.

Email the completed form, which can be found <a href="https://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/972/Vaccine-Clinic-Registration?bidId=">HERE</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Vanessa.gray@jcks.com">Vanessa.gray@jcks.com</a>.

The junction City Animal Shelter's pet vaccine clinic is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. April 15. The deadline to register is March 25.There is a five-pet limit per registration.Email the completed form, which can be found <a href="https://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/972/Vaccine-Clinic-Registration?bidId=">HERE</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Vanessa.gray@jcks.com">Vanessa.gray@jcks.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678394342070.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Deadline for JC animal shelter's vaccine clinic in March 25

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678632483096.jpeg" alt="Cody William Allen Junior, Failure to appear, arrested 3/11" />
 <figcaption>Cody William Allen Junior, Failure to appear, arrested 3/11</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678633276059.jpeg" alt="Myles Leon Vaughn, Outside warrant, arrested 3/11" />
 <figcaption>Myles Leon Vaughn, Outside warrant, arrested 3/11</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 12

Meteorologist: Weather patterns play large role in fires&nbsp;

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — The beginning of the year has been quiet for Kansas wildfires after above average moisture in January, but the trend may not continue into peak fire season. In previous years, the incidence of fires increased due to the state’s ongoing drought, resulting in grass or fuel loading.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chip Redmond, the manager of the&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/">Kansas Mesonet</a>, a network of 70 weather stations throughout the state, said short-term weather drives fire potential and determines grass’s ability to burn, making fire season predictions challenging.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Contrary to popular belief, large wildfires in Kansas are usually independent of long-term drought conditions,” Redmond said. “Weather events like a mid-latitude cyclone -- a low pressure system that typically forms east of the Rocky Mountains and moves across the Plains -- typically feature strong winds and provide significant challenges with shifting winds that make firefighting dangerous and fire spread nearly impossible to suppress.”&nbsp;

Strong, low-pressure systems can be forecasted 1-2 weeks in advance. Beyond that, forecasters look at upcoming patterns, Redmond adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“La Nina (a cooling of ocean surface temperatures that is often associated with inland drought) remains the main contributor in the extended forecast despite starting to show signs of weakening,” Redmond said. “An active pattern is set to continue with 1-2 storm systems a week across the central US. This will be enhanced somewhat by the still persistent impacts of La Nina.”&nbsp;

Redmond said those areas that have received moisture will likely continue to see precipitation, which doesn’t favor the central and western parts of the state, which will remain mostly dry.&nbsp;

“The conclusion of fire season is typically considered if or when grasses green up across the state. This varies by year and is mostly dependent on soil moisture and temperatures,” Redmond said.&nbsp;

Eric Ward, Kansas Forest Service assistant fire management officer, said&nbsp;fires occur statewide during the spring, but the south-central area has a history of very serious spring fires, and the Kansas Flint Hills always has a lot of fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Most fires in Kansas are caused by human activity,” Ward said. “Debris burning, escaped prescribed burn, welding or cutting in dry grass, dragging chains, defective equipment. Be especially cautious on any dry breezy day – which is pretty common in a Kansas springtime before things green up.”&nbsp;

Preventing loss due to fires begins with preparing your property to survive a fire by clearing brush away from homes, cleaning gutters regularly and having noncombustible siding and roofing material.&nbsp;

“In a major wildfire, the fire department will simply not have enough resources to protect every home or property, so those that can survive on their own have the best chance,” Ward said.&nbsp;

He notes that the Kansas Forest Service supports the safe use of prescribed fire, but doing so comes with precautions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is a powerful, dangerous tool that must be used carefully,” Ward said. “Those wishing to burn should get training in how to do so safely, and partner with neighbors to help each other out and ensure enough personnel and equipment are on scene to keep the fire where it is supposed to be.”&nbsp;

Ward suggests checking the fire weather forecast on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/fire/">local National Weather Service website</a>&nbsp;to get weather information specific to fire behavior, such as dropping humidity or forecasted wind shifts.&nbsp;

“Weather should be checked for the day of the planned burn, but also for at least 2-4 days after. A number of fires in recent years occurred when the weather was okay on the day of the burn but turned dry and windy a day or two later, and a residual ember was whipped to flame and causes damage,” Ward said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/">Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Program</a>&nbsp;offers resources and tools to learn more about fire control and prevention.&nbsp;

“Wildfires are a real risk for Kansas even with recent moisture. People should have a plan and take proper precautions to avoid fire starts and limit fire spread,” Redmond said.&nbsp;

<h2>Meteorologist: Weather patterns play large role in fires&nbsp;</h2>By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN — The beginning of the year has been quiet for Kansas wildfires after above average moisture in January, but the trend may not continue into peak fire season. In previous years, the incidence of fires increased due to the state’s ongoing drought, resulting in grass or fuel loading.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chip Redmond, the manager of the&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/">Kansas Mesonet</a>, a network of 70 weather stations throughout the state, said short-term weather drives fire potential and determines grass’s ability to burn, making fire season predictions challenging.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662563931969.jpeg" alt="A child's toy is all that is left after a house in Paradise was burned to the ground in 2021 as high winds ripped through Russell County. CRISTINA JANNEY/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A child's toy is all that is left after a house in Paradise was burned to the ground in 2021 as high winds ripped through Russell County. CRISTINA JANNEY/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>“Contrary to popular belief, large wildfires in Kansas are usually independent of long-term drought conditions,” Redmond said. “Weather events like a mid-latitude cyclone -- a low pressure system that typically forms east of the Rocky Mountains and moves across the Plains -- typically feature strong winds and provide significant challenges with shifting winds that make firefighting dangerous and fire spread nearly impossible to suppress.”&nbsp;Strong, low-pressure systems can be forecasted 1-2 weeks in advance. Beyond that, forecasters look at upcoming patterns, Redmond adds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“La Nina (a cooling of ocean surface temperatures that is often associated with inland drought) remains the main contributor in the extended forecast despite starting to show signs of weakening,” Redmond said. “An active pattern is set to continue with 1-2 storm systems a week across the central US. This will be enhanced somewhat by the still persistent impacts of La Nina.”&nbsp;Redmond said those areas that have received moisture will likely continue to see precipitation, which doesn’t favor the central and western parts of the state, which will remain mostly dry.&nbsp;“The conclusion of fire season is typically considered if or when grasses green up across the state. This varies by year and is mostly dependent on soil moisture and temperatures,” Redmond said.&nbsp;Eric Ward, Kansas Forest Service assistant fire management officer, said&nbsp;fires occur statewide during the spring, but the south-central area has a history of very serious spring fires, and the Kansas Flint Hills always has a lot of fires.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Most fires in Kansas are caused by human activity,” Ward said. “Debris burning, escaped prescribed burn, welding or cutting in dry grass, dragging chains, defective equipment. Be especially cautious on any dry breezy day – which is pretty common in a Kansas springtime before things green up.”&nbsp;Preventing loss due to fires begins with preparing your property to survive a fire by clearing brush away from homes, cleaning gutters regularly and having noncombustible siding and roofing material.&nbsp;“In a major wildfire, the fire department will simply not have enough resources to protect every home or property, so those that can survive on their own have the best chance,” Ward said.&nbsp;He notes that the Kansas Forest Service supports the safe use of prescribed fire, but doing so comes with precautions.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is a powerful, dangerous tool that must be used carefully,” Ward said. “Those wishing to burn should get training in how to do so safely, and partner with neighbors to help each other out and ensure enough personnel and equipment are on scene to keep the fire where it is supposed to be.”&nbsp;Ward suggests checking the fire weather forecast on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/fire/">local National Weather Service website</a>&nbsp;to get weather information specific to fire behavior, such as dropping humidity or forecasted wind shifts.&nbsp;“Weather should be checked for the day of the planned burn, but also for at least 2-4 days after. A number of fires in recent years occurred when the weather was okay on the day of the burn but turned dry and windy a day or two later, and a residual ember was whipped to flame and causes damage,” Ward said.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/fire_management/">Kansas Forest Service Fire Management Program</a>&nbsp;offers resources and tools to learn more about fire control and prevention.&nbsp;“Wildfires are a real risk for Kansas even with recent moisture. People should have a plan and take proper precautions to avoid fire starts and limit fire spread,” Redmond said.&nbsp;

Kansas wildfire season is here, officials say 

As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;

In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;

Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;

This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;

This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;

Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;

Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;

The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.

During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.

They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.

Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.

The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.

Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.

In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.

Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;

States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;

In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;

Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.

This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;

Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;

Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.

With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?

Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678373196929.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University." />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>As one of only 13 states that does not legally allow the medical use of cannabis, Kansas will likely continue to face growing calls to rethink its approach.&nbsp;In her 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Kansas&nbsp;Legislature&nbsp;to legalize the medical use of cannabis.&nbsp;Using&nbsp;the&nbsp;personal stories of two Kansans, Kelly argued that this move could reduce suffering for those with&nbsp;chronic pain, seizure disorders, and&nbsp;Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).&nbsp;This&nbsp;call to action, however, faces&nbsp;uncertainty&nbsp;in the&nbsp;legislature.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A bipartisan group of Kansas Senators, including seven Democrats and one Republican, introduced Senate Bill No. 171, also known as the Veterans First Medical Cannabis Act.&nbsp;This Act calls for the “regulation of the cultivation, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis.” If enacted, the bill would prioritize eligibility of those individuals currently serving in the military, as well as those separated from military service by honorable discharge during the first 60 days.&nbsp;Similar to other state’s legislation, the bill also calls for the implementation of an excise tax on the cultivation and sale of cannabis.&nbsp;Last week, the&nbsp;Kansas Committee on Federal and State Affairs&nbsp;held hearings&nbsp;on&nbsp;legislation (Senate Bill No. 135) that would legalize medical marijuana distribution, use, and regulation for patients diagnosed with one of 21 different health conditions.&nbsp;The House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee also heard testimony related to state marijuana policy.During the hearings, opponents criticized the use of veterans as the face of medical cannabis&nbsp;and&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;criminal activity that may result from legalization.They also&nbsp;argued it was a slippery slope to full legalization for recreational use.Proponents, on the other hand, argued it was time for Kansas to move on this issue.The&nbsp;federal nature of the U.S. system has created a complicated patchwork of state policies with regard to controlled substances, such as marijuana.Marijuana and marijuana products are illegal under federal law, but this has not stopped states from adopting their own approaches.In recent years, many states have liberalized their laws on the regulation&nbsp;of marijuana&nbsp;sale and&nbsp;use.Currently,&nbsp;37 states&nbsp;and the District of Columbia allow the use of cannabis for&nbsp;medically&nbsp;qualified individuals, leaving Kansas in the minority.&nbsp;States that&nbsp;allow&nbsp;the sale&nbsp;and use of marijuana&nbsp;collect&nbsp;tax revenue that goes&nbsp;to a variety of sources from education funds to public safety and corrections departments.&nbsp;In addition, public support&nbsp;for&nbsp;legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational&nbsp;use&nbsp;has increased in recent years. An October 2022 Pew Research&nbsp;survey&nbsp;indicates that 89% of Americans think marijuana should be legal for medical use.&nbsp;Kansas may feel pressure&nbsp;from growing public&nbsp;support&nbsp;to legalize&nbsp;marijuana for&nbsp;medicinal and recreational use, as well as&nbsp;from neighboring states&nbsp;changing their policies.This year,&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;legalized&nbsp;recreational sale and use of cannabis and estimates suggest&nbsp;individuals spent nearly $13 million on cannabis products during the first weekend of sales alone.&nbsp;Kansas border cities could face unique challenges as dispensaries open up on the other side of the Kansas-Missouri line.&nbsp;Conversely,&nbsp;Oklahoma voters, who previously approved of a medical marijuana system in 2018,&nbsp;voted against the legalizations of&nbsp;recreational use on Tuesday, March 7.With the politics of marijuana continually changing, the question remains, what will Kansas do on medical cannabis?Brianne Heidbreder is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas an outlier on medical cannabis

CONCORDIA - Cloud County Community College has 
announced that it will host a groundbreaking for its new Technical 
Education &amp; Innovation Center later this month.

The event is 
scheduled for 2 p.m. March 29 on the site of the new building, along 
College Drive between the college and Walmart. The public is invited and
 encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served following the 
ceremony.

“I am honored and excited to celebrate the 
groundbreaking of this monumental facility,” said Cloud County President
 Amber Knoettgen. “It is a culmination of the dedication and 
collaboration of our local and statewide partners who support 
maintaining a vibrant workforce for rural Kansas.”

The now $18 
million center will house Renewable Energy, which includes Wind and 
Solar Energy and Drones; Nursing and Allied Health, which also offers 
high-demand career education for EMT, CNA, CMA, Home Health Aide, and IV
 Therapy; and Agriculture and Industrial Technology, including welding 
and CDL training.

“The Cloud County Community College Foundation 
is&nbsp;pleased to support the Technical Education &amp; Innovation Center,” 
said Heather Gennette, Foundation executive director. “This 
state-of-the-art facility will benefit not only our students, but allow 
Cloud to continue as a leader in providing a highly trained and 
qualified workforce.”

Funding for the center has come from the 
following partners and grants: $4 million in ARPA funds; $1 million from
 the Sunderland Foundation; $500,000 from The Patterson Family 
Foundation; $1 million from Salina Regional Health Center and 
Foundation; $1.5 million from the Cloud County Foundation Board; $40,500
 in tax credits; $10,000 from ITC Holdings; and $10,000 from Central 
National Bank.

Construction of the new 33,725-square-foot center 
will begin in April. The center is expected to begin serving students in
 fall 2024. McCownGordon Construction is serving as general contractor 
on the project.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678230787672.jpeg" alt="A rendering of what Cloud County Community College's Technical Education &amp; Innovation Center will look like. Rendering courtesy CCCC" />
 <figcaption>A rendering of what Cloud County Community College's Technical Education &amp; Innovation Center will look like. Rendering courtesy CCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>CCCCCONCORDIA - Cloud County Community College has 
announced that it will host a groundbreaking for its new Technical 
Education &amp; Innovation Center later this month.The event is 
scheduled for 2 p.m. March 29 on the site of the new building, along 
College Drive between the college and Walmart. The public is invited and
 encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served following the 
ceremony.“I am honored and excited to celebrate the 
groundbreaking of this monumental facility,” said Cloud County President
 Amber Knoettgen. “It is a culmination of the dedication and 
collaboration of our local and statewide partners who support 
maintaining a vibrant workforce for rural Kansas.”The now $18 
million center will house Renewable Energy, which includes Wind and 
Solar Energy and Drones; Nursing and Allied Health, which also offers 
high-demand career education for EMT, CNA, CMA, Home Health Aide, and IV
 Therapy; and Agriculture and Industrial Technology, including welding 
and CDL training.“The Cloud County Community College Foundation 
is&nbsp;pleased to support the Technical Education &amp; Innovation Center,” 
said Heather Gennette, Foundation executive director. “This 
state-of-the-art facility will benefit not only our students, but allow 
Cloud to continue as a leader in providing a highly trained and 
qualified workforce.”Funding for the center has come from the 
following partners and grants: $4 million in ARPA funds; $1 million from
 the Sunderland Foundation; $500,000 from The Patterson Family 
Foundation; $1 million from Salina Regional Health Center and 
Foundation; $1.5 million from the Cloud County Foundation Board; $40,500
 in tax credits; $10,000 from ITC Holdings; and $10,000 from Central 
National Bank.Construction of the new 33,725-square-foot center 
will begin in April. The center is expected to begin serving students in
 fall 2024. McCownGordon Construction is serving as general contractor 
on the project.&nbsp;

CCCC to break ground on Technical Education and Innovation Center

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678574628556.jpeg" alt="Nathan Akeem Wilkinson, Probation Violation, arrested 3/10" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Akeem Wilkinson, Probation Violation, arrested 3/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678574693909.jpeg" alt="Excell Fain Junior, Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; arrested 3/10" />
 <figcaption>Excell Fain Junior, Stalking; Reckless conduct causing fear to person or family; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; arrested 3/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678574806735.jpeg" alt="Breianna Kay Richardson, Failure to appear, arrested 3/10" />
 <figcaption>Breianna Kay Richardson, Failure to appear, arrested 3/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678574861751.jpeg" alt="Neassa Jo Thomas, Failure to appear x3; Outside warrant x3; arrested 3/10" />
 <figcaption>Neassa Jo Thomas, Failure to appear x3; Outside warrant x3; arrested 3/10</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 11

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities searching for a drug suspect have made an arrest.

Just after 11p.m. Friday, authorities arrested Colton&nbsp;Brady after a search warrant was executed at #42 Pioneer Village, according to Council Grove Police. On Wednesday, Brady ran from a domestic disturbance in the 200 Block of North Union Street.

He is being held on requested charges of Felony interference with Law Enforcement-Possession of fentanyl, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and an Outstanding Felony Warrant.

Officers also arrested Morgan Ross, of Council Grove on requested charges of Felony interference with Law Enforcement, Introducing contraband into a correctional facility, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of marijuana.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

COUNCIL GROVE - On Wednesday, March 8th, around 8:00 p.m. the Council Grove Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Union Street on the report of a domestic disturbance.

Colton Brady ran from the scene on 825 Road, north of Council Grove and is wanted for questioning in regards to&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement,  Possession of Fentanyl,  and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Additionally, a felony warrant has been issued for Brady, who is known to be armed.

If you see Brady you are asked to&nbsp;call 911 immediately. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call the Morris County Sheriff's Office at (620) 767-6310.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678380756306.jpeg" alt="Colton Brady, pic from Morris Co. Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Colton Brady, pic from Morris Co. Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities searching for a drug suspect have made an arrest.Just after 11p.m. Friday, authorities arrested Colton&nbsp;Brady after a search warrant was executed at #42 Pioneer Village, according to Council Grove Police. On Wednesday, Brady ran from a domestic disturbance in the 200 Block of North Union Street.He is being held on requested charges of Felony interference with Law Enforcement-Possession of fentanyl, Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia and an Outstanding Felony Warrant.Officers also arrested Morgan Ross, of Council Grove on requested charges of Felony interference with Law Enforcement, Introducing contraband into a correctional facility, Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of marijuana.-----------by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostCOUNCIL GROVE - On Wednesday, March 8th, around 8:00 p.m. the Council Grove Police Department responded to the 200 block of North Union Street on the report of a domestic disturbance.Colton Brady ran from the scene on 825 Road, north of Council Grove and is wanted for questioning in regards to&nbsp; Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Fentanyl, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.Additionally, a felony warrant has been issued for Brady, who is known to be armed.If you see Brady you are asked to&nbsp;call 911 immediately. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call the Morris County Sheriff's Office at (620) 767-6310.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmorriscountyks%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02r5TQRk98MpH7ZQK7SaADwMTgwSk9YFhiZmZvM893DoZyotvRquGGMM42arsVUC7hl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="783" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Police capture drug suspect who ran from domestic disturbance

TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in January. This is unchanged from 2.9% in December and an increase from 2.5% in January 2022.

The jobless rates across northeast Kansas were up, with County County rising from 3.5percent in December to 4 percent in January. The rate in Wabaunsee County jumped from 2.2 percent in December to 3 percent.&nbsp; Riley County saw a slight increase from 2.6 to 2.8 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,500 from December. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,400 over the month, while government increased by 4,100.

“Annual estimates indicate that Kansas employers added 38,300 private sector jobs in 2022, a growth rate of 3.4%,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “This strong growth continued in January 2023, with preliminary estimates for the private sector increasing by 4,400 jobs over the month.”

Since January 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 48,900. This change is due to an increase of 47,100 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,800 government jobs.

Complete Kansas labor market information for January is available&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kdol/viz/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRatesbyCounty/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRates">here</a>. The February 2023 Labor Report will be released on March 24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678465854538.png" alt="Jobless numbers January 2023" />
 <figcaption>Jobless numbers January 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in January. This is unchanged from 2.9% in December and an increase from 2.5% in January 2022.The jobless rates across northeast Kansas were up, with County County rising from 3.5percent in December to 4 percent in January. The rate in Wabaunsee County jumped from 2.2 percent in December to 3 percent.&nbsp; Riley County saw a slight increase from 2.6 to 2.8 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,500 from December. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,400 over the month, while government increased by 4,100.“Annual estimates indicate that Kansas employers added 38,300 private sector jobs in 2022, a growth rate of 3.4%,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “This strong growth continued in January 2023, with preliminary estimates for the private sector increasing by 4,400 jobs over the month.”Since January 2022 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 48,900. This change is due to an increase of 47,100 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,800 government jobs.Complete Kansas labor market information for January is available&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kdol/viz/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRatesbyCounty/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRates">here</a>. The February 2023 Labor Report will be released on March 24.

Jobless rate up in Geary County, across the region

Volunteers are needed for <a href="https://fb.me/e/13am59kvO">Operation Clean Sweep</a>, held in conjunction with Earth Day.

Volunteers should report to Spin City, 915 S. Washington at 8a.m. April 22.&nbsp;Bring gloves and drinking water. Lunch will be provided.&nbsp;

Over the last 10 years, volunteers for Operation Clean Sweep have removed 15.42 tons of trash from Junction City.

If possible, help the city plan for the event by pre-registering.

Volunteers are asked to pre-register with:

Junction City Police Department Cindy Sinklier 210 East 9th Street Junction City, KS 66441 (785) 762-5912 Ext 3603

Junction CityVolunteers are needed for <a href="https://fb.me/e/13am59kvO">Operation Clean Sweep</a>, held in conjunction with Earth Day.Volunteers should report to Spin City, 915 S. Washington at 8a.m. April 22.&nbsp;Bring gloves and drinking water. Lunch will be provided.&nbsp;Over the last 10 years, volunteers for Operation Clean Sweep have removed 15.42 tons of trash from Junction City.If possible, help the city plan for the event by pre-registering.Volunteers are asked to pre-register with:Junction City Police Department Cindy Sinklier 210 East 9th Street Junction City, KS 66441 (785) 762-5912 Ext 3603

Operation Clean Sweep set for April in Junction City

There are some remarkable things happening in Kansas. Our public higher education institutions have played an important role in educating Kansans over the years, preparing graduates for life and work and serving their communities in myriad ways. A subset of those public universities — our research universities — have been essential economic engines in our state. These institutions are talent and resource magnets, leaders in scientific discovery and generators of licensable technologies. They also attract students and faculty to Kansas, compete for federal grants to support their research and engage with industry partners in research, discovery and innovation.

Kansas State University is one of Kansas' three public research universities and the state's only land-grant university, which adds two important functions to our dual mission of educating and serving Kansans:&nbsp; • A robust and publicly engaged College of Agriculture. • Extension, a model that connects the expertise and knowledge at the university to every county in the state in topics ranging from agronomy to education, family sciences to economic development and so much more.&nbsp; K-State also has the privilege and distinction of being the nation's first operational land-grant university, a forever point of pride for Kansas and Kansans. What's happening today in Kansas is new and exciting, and it's something to which every Kansan should be paying close attention. The state is actively recruiting companies with new levels of energy, vision and commitment — big companies with high-paying jobs in critical and emerging growth sectors such as energy storage, semiconductors, drug discovery, animal health, agricultural technologies, biomanufacturing and aviation.&nbsp; Kansas' public research universities must be steadfast partners with the state in recruiting these companies, meeting their workforce needs and creating meaningful and productive industry-university partnerships. Companies are attracted to locations having a great university, a supportive community and commitments from both. Kansas has been successful in recent years and will continue to be successful in the years ahead because of our people, our work ethic, our culture and our values. We hear this time and time again, and we take enormous pride in our state. Our citizens want Kansas to be a great state — for families, businesses, communities and future generations — and we will roll up our sleeves to make it so. K-State has fully aligned itself with the state's strategies to recruit companies and jobs to Kansas. We have done this through our bold and ambitious Economic Prosperity Plan for Kansas. We have done this through our investments in research that support emerging technologies and economic development. We do this through workforce development. We do this through partnerships. Our university is changing, operationally and physically, to be more responsive to industry needs and more valuable to our state in connecting research and innovation to economic development and job creation.&nbsp; How are we changing operationally? We are becoming more nimble, more adaptive and more intentional about connecting to employers hiring our graduates and partnering with our researchers. We are incentivizing innovation and partnerships. We are developing new education and training programs, leveraging new modalities of delivery and reaching new audiences. We are partnering with technical colleges and community colleges in new ways. How are we changing physically? We are embedding industry professionals on our campus. We are building new facilities for industry and K-State researchers — faculty and students — to work together, learn from one another and create the technologies that will drive the jobs and industries of tomorrow. Companies are choosing open offices in K-State's rapidly growing Edge District on the Manhattan campus and in our communities of Manhattan, Salina and Olathe. We are taking full advantage of their proximity, interests and resources.&nbsp; K-State is a great partner to the governor and lieutenant governor, the Kansas Department of Commerce, our communities' chambers of commerce and regional economic development councils. By intentionally connecting research to economic development, K-State will become an even more valuable asset and partner to the state. We need to fully embrace the role of our public research universities in creating and securing the future of Kansas. We must continue to invest in this largest economic driver. We are more than a public good — we are a proven product.&nbsp; David Rosowsky is vice president for research at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678374374839.png" alt="David Rosowsky is vice president for research at Kansas State University. " />
 <figcaption>David Rosowsky is vice president for research at Kansas State University. </figcaption>
 </figure>There are some remarkable things happening in Kansas. Our public higher education institutions have played an important role in educating Kansans over the years, preparing graduates for life and work and serving their communities in myriad ways. A subset of those public universities — our research universities — have been essential economic engines in our state. These institutions are talent and resource magnets, leaders in scientific discovery and generators of licensable technologies. They also attract students and faculty to Kansas, compete for federal grants to support their research and engage with industry partners in research, discovery and innovation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State University is one of Kansas' three public research universities and the state's only land-grant university, which adds two important functions to our dual mission of educating and serving Kansans:&nbsp; • A robust and publicly engaged College of Agriculture. • Extension, a model that connects the expertise and knowledge at the university to every county in the state in topics ranging from agronomy to education, family sciences to economic development and so much more.&nbsp; K-State also has the privilege and distinction of being the nation's first operational land-grant university, a forever point of pride for Kansas and Kansans. What's happening today in Kansas is new and exciting, and it's something to which every Kansan should be paying close attention. The state is actively recruiting companies with new levels of energy, vision and commitment — big companies with high-paying jobs in critical and emerging growth sectors such as energy storage, semiconductors, drug discovery, animal health, agricultural technologies, biomanufacturing and aviation.&nbsp; Kansas' public research universities must be steadfast partners with the state in recruiting these companies, meeting their workforce needs and creating meaningful and productive industry-university partnerships. Companies are attracted to locations having a great university, a supportive community and commitments from both. Kansas has been successful in recent years and will continue to be successful in the years ahead because of our people, our work ethic, our culture and our values. We hear this time and time again, and we take enormous pride in our state. Our citizens want Kansas to be a great state — for families, businesses, communities and future generations — and we will roll up our sleeves to make it so. K-State has fully aligned itself with the state's strategies to recruit companies and jobs to Kansas. We have done this through our bold and ambitious Economic Prosperity Plan for Kansas. We have done this through our investments in research that support emerging technologies and economic development. We do this through workforce development. We do this through partnerships. Our university is changing, operationally and physically, to be more responsive to industry needs and more valuable to our state in connecting research and innovation to economic development and job creation.&nbsp; How are we changing operationally? We are becoming more nimble, more adaptive and more intentional about connecting to employers hiring our graduates and partnering with our researchers. We are incentivizing innovation and partnerships. We are developing new education and training programs, leveraging new modalities of delivery and reaching new audiences. We are partnering with technical colleges and community colleges in new ways. How are we changing physically? We are embedding industry professionals on our campus. We are building new facilities for industry and K-State researchers — faculty and students — to work together, learn from one another and create the technologies that will drive the jobs and industries of tomorrow. Companies are choosing open offices in K-State's rapidly growing Edge District on the Manhattan campus and in our communities of Manhattan, Salina and Olathe. We are taking full advantage of their proximity, interests and resources.&nbsp; K-State is a great partner to the governor and lieutenant governor, the Kansas Department of Commerce, our communities' chambers of commerce and regional economic development councils. By intentionally connecting research to economic development, K-State will become an even more valuable asset and partner to the state. We need to fully embrace the role of our public research universities in creating and securing the future of Kansas. We must continue to invest in this largest economic driver. We are more than a public good — we are a proven product.&nbsp; David Rosowsky is vice president for research at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

OPINION: K-State fusing research to economic development in the state

There will be a three-day career fair at Manhattan Tech, 3136 Dickens Ave., Manhattan, this month.

The event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. March 21, 2 to 4 p.m. March 22 and 2 to 4 p.m. March 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677874844125.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There will be a three-day career fair at Manhattan Tech, 3136 Dickens Ave., Manhattan, this month.The event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. March 21, 2 to 4 p.m. March 22 and 2 to 4 p.m. March 23.

Career fair scheduled at Manhattan Tech this month

Registration for <a href="https://www.jclittletheater.org">Junction City Little Theater's</a> summer theater is open.

There are 50 slots available in the Peter Pan Jr. show and Aladdin Kids. The tuition for these camps is $120 per participant. 

Curtain Call Kids has 25 slots available and the cost is $50.00 per participant.

The registration form will be available on the Facebook and at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjclittletheater.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2IkLhWtKwMvhBK0TF6JrMnUXOrAJlTa077UUnZsz4kv7hVqBmHSPgW5tI&amp;h=AT2bbXFxO5u_XzqO8Q96tCkPtCpzxUmvxGvp1KHd292xwpIH4ztZkhE9HPEdv7IUm6JljmQgZi4B16YwGrIbz_gl_fHsR8v511tGbHvk3-xxGZp2hp8iB-Yvr8Xb1L4d7Tbo80E&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT33SuSW5zCmpeIbxC5G266HQn-VPF1xvEM2JwNB_YzWXySDk2KVsXLuj4j0MWKABYkYMQQz_MLk-s8Vfq7aELz954jLV_GWDblpYQ9q65-nHp8J_dNI59kxnDsFdGnZ_OQq0WEf-bZt7Nw_fc9_TUc9sIqjNrfzizuZD27S6T5GJj6-4_Z08TIwTF-ae8TYCfjDPxwiOTrb" target="_blank">jclittletheater.org.</a> Payment can be made through PayPal, in person or mailed.

Call (785) 238-3871 for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678482646708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Registration for <a href="https://www.jclittletheater.org">Junction City Little Theater's</a> summer theater is open.There are 50 slots available in the Peter Pan Jr. show and Aladdin Kids. The tuition for these camps is $120 per participant. Curtain Call Kids has 25 slots available and the cost is $50.00 per participant.The registration form will be available on the Facebook and at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjclittletheater.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2IkLhWtKwMvhBK0TF6JrMnUXOrAJlTa077UUnZsz4kv7hVqBmHSPgW5tI&amp;h=AT2bbXFxO5u_XzqO8Q96tCkPtCpzxUmvxGvp1KHd292xwpIH4ztZkhE9HPEdv7IUm6JljmQgZi4B16YwGrIbz_gl_fHsR8v511tGbHvk3-xxGZp2hp8iB-Yvr8Xb1L4d7Tbo80E&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT33SuSW5zCmpeIbxC5G266HQn-VPF1xvEM2JwNB_YzWXySDk2KVsXLuj4j0MWKABYkYMQQz_MLk-s8Vfq7aELz954jLV_GWDblpYQ9q65-nHp8J_dNI59kxnDsFdGnZ_OQq0WEf-bZt7Nw_fc9_TUc9sIqjNrfzizuZD27S6T5GJj6-4_Z08TIwTF-ae8TYCfjDPxwiOTrb" target="_blank">jclittletheater.org.</a> Payment can be made through PayPal, in person or mailed. Call (785) 238-3871 for more information.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJCACCKS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02QNdTCMto2TRMZRqpPcTPUAtbJjTDMrGgm9JnPpGGRTMQgrchNtnJfZsqtGwzwUDPl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="733" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Registration for Junction City Little Theater summer camps open

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mCgRqySF6Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota.

🎤 Forward Ever: Dare2tri executive director Keri Serota

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678461969178.jpeg" alt="Marion Patricia Robinson, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Marion Patricia Robinson, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678462273245.jpeg" alt="Charles Anthony Acosta Second, Failure to appear; Aggravated assault; Use of deadly weapon; Domestic battery; unknown circumstance; Criminal damage to property; Value unknown; Arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Charles Anthony Acosta Second, Failure to appear; Aggravated assault; Use of deadly weapon; Domestic battery; unknown circumstance; Criminal damage to property; Value unknown; Arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678463532763.jpeg" alt="Reggie Eugene Blocker, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Reggie Eugene Blocker, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678463685758.jpeg" alt="Calvin Fontenot, Outside Warrant; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Calvin Fontenot, Outside Warrant; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678463774341.jpeg" alt="Patrick Anthony Lowery, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Patrick Anthony Lowery, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678463835129.jpeg" alt="Eric Joseph McClure, Outside warrant; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Eric Joseph McClure, Outside warrant; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678464327187.jpeg" alt="Stephanie Renee Meier, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Stephanie Renee Meier, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678464411304.jpeg" alt="Howard Ray Quigley, Probation Violation; arrested 3/10" />
 <figcaption>Howard Ray Quigley, Probation Violation; arrested 3/10</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678464473178.jpeg" alt="Kara Inez Smith, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9" />
 <figcaption>Kara Inez Smith, Failure to appear; arrested 3/9</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 10

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Bling.” My daughters would say that this term refers to fun, shiny jewelry.&nbsp;

Today we’ll meet a remarkable young woman entrepreneur who has built a business around providing fashionable bling for women. She is not only overcoming the challenges of business, she has found that doing so is helping her overcome the challenges of health and life itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nicole Hedges-Campos is the founder of Bling Glamour, a clothing and fashion accessory business. She grew up in the rural community of Scott City, population 4,113 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

Hedges-Campos attended Kansas State University and joined a sorority. After college, she moved to Las Vegas with two sorority sisters. She was working in a marketing position when an unknown health disorder popped up.&nbsp;

“I got really sick,” she said. On one occasion, she passed out on an airplane. No one could identify the cause. Ultimately she lost her driver’s license and moved back with her parents in Scott City.&nbsp;

“We were going to doctors all over the country, trying to figure out what was wrong,” Hedges-Campos said. Finally a physician at the Cleveland Clinic identified that she had a connective tissue disease, and prescribed treatment.&nbsp;

Back home, Hedges-Campos was cleaning rooms at her parent’s bed and breakfast.&nbsp;&nbsp;She also started selling purses from her basement.&nbsp;

“I love fashion,” she said. “My mom and I always enjoyed shopping.”&nbsp;

Her eye for fashion proved successful, as customers became very interested in the items she was offering. Hedges-Campos also met and married Mark, a local teacher and coach.&nbsp;

Hedges-Campos decided to open a shop in downtown Scott City. She named it Bling Glamour. The shop started selling handbags and accessories, and expanded its product lines over time to include clothing and jewelry.&nbsp;

“It was a hit,” she said. Not only did the business grow, it seemed to give her a purpose in her recovery. “Bling got me back on my feet. God put this in my heart, and I started getting stronger.”&nbsp;

It went so well that Nicole decided to open a second store in Garden City. “That store went crazy,” she said. A third store opened in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Bling Glamour has grown so much that Mark has joined the business, along with Nicole’s parents. In addition to its online presence, Bling Glamour now has 26 stores in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri, with another on the way.&nbsp;

There have been challenges. At one point, their distribution center was lost to fire. On another, the roof collapsed on their store in Hays.&nbsp;

“It’s been a journey, and a lot of work,” Hedges-Campos said. “God has closed doors in our face, and He has opened them. We relied on our faith to get us through. We feel we are meant to do this.”&nbsp;

Hedges-Campos has especially enjoyed mentoring young women who have joined the company. “We’ve helped encourage some incredible leaders who are working really hard. I’ve loved watching other women find opportunity, find strength, and be leaders.”&nbsp;

Bling Glamour can outfit a customer from head to toe – literally. The company offers items from hats to shoes, with apparel, jewelry and other accessories in between.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kendra Scott jewelry is a popular feature. The store stays very current.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We buy weekly,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;

Through its online site, Bling Glamour is shipping items across the nation and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We just had an order from Guam,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We cater to everybody. This is not only for young women. A grandmother can shop with her granddaughter, and each one can find something. It’s like coming into the store to play dress-up.”&nbsp;

She adds: “I want people to feel better about themselves after they come in. I tell my staff, ‘Love people.’”&nbsp;

For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blingglamour.com/">www.blingglamour.com</a>.&nbsp;

Bling. Not only does it enhance one’s wardrobe, it has enabled this young entrepreneur to empower other woman and enrich their lives while enhancing her own health. We commend Nicole Hedges-Campos for making a difference with her fashion and her faith.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678288063920.png" alt="Nicole Hedges-Campos" />
 <figcaption>Nicole Hedges-Campos</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development&nbsp;&nbsp;“Bling.” My daughters would say that this term refers to fun, shiny jewelry.&nbsp;Today we’ll meet a remarkable young woman entrepreneur who has built a business around providing fashionable bling for women. She is not only overcoming the challenges of business, she has found that doing so is helping her overcome the challenges of health and life itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicole Hedges-Campos is the founder of Bling Glamour, a clothing and fashion accessory business. She grew up in the rural community of Scott City, population 4,113 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;Hedges-Campos attended Kansas State University and joined a sorority. After college, she moved to Las Vegas with two sorority sisters. She was working in a marketing position when an unknown health disorder popped up.&nbsp;“I got really sick,” she said. On one occasion, she passed out on an airplane. No one could identify the cause. Ultimately she lost her driver’s license and moved back with her parents in Scott City.&nbsp;“We were going to doctors all over the country, trying to figure out what was wrong,” Hedges-Campos said. Finally a physician at the Cleveland Clinic identified that she had a connective tissue disease, and prescribed treatment.&nbsp;Back home, Hedges-Campos was cleaning rooms at her parent’s bed and breakfast.&nbsp;&nbsp;She also started selling purses from her basement.&nbsp;“I love fashion,” she said. “My mom and I always enjoyed shopping.”&nbsp;Her eye for fashion proved successful, as customers became very interested in the items she was offering. Hedges-Campos also met and married Mark, a local teacher and coach.&nbsp;Hedges-Campos decided to open a shop in downtown Scott City. She named it Bling Glamour. The shop started selling handbags and accessories, and expanded its product lines over time to include clothing and jewelry.&nbsp;“It was a hit,” she said. Not only did the business grow, it seemed to give her a purpose in her recovery. “Bling got me back on my feet. God put this in my heart, and I started getting stronger.”&nbsp;It went so well that Nicole decided to open a second store in Garden City. “That store went crazy,” she said. A third store opened in Manhattan.&nbsp;Bling Glamour has grown so much that Mark has joined the business, along with Nicole’s parents. In addition to its online presence, Bling Glamour now has 26 stores in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri, with another on the way.&nbsp;There have been challenges. At one point, their distribution center was lost to fire. On another, the roof collapsed on their store in Hays.&nbsp;“It’s been a journey, and a lot of work,” Hedges-Campos said. “God has closed doors in our face, and He has opened them. We relied on our faith to get us through. We feel we are meant to do this.”&nbsp;Hedges-Campos has especially enjoyed mentoring young women who have joined the company. “We’ve helped encourage some incredible leaders who are working really hard. I’ve loved watching other women find opportunity, find strength, and be leaders.”&nbsp;Bling Glamour can outfit a customer from head to toe – literally. The company offers items from hats to shoes, with apparel, jewelry and other accessories in between.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kendra Scott jewelry is a popular feature. The store stays very current.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We buy weekly,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;Through its online site, Bling Glamour is shipping items across the nation and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We just had an order from Guam,” Hedges-Campos said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We cater to everybody. This is not only for young women. A grandmother can shop with her granddaughter, and each one can find something. It’s like coming into the store to play dress-up.”&nbsp;She adds: “I want people to feel better about themselves after they come in. I tell my staff, ‘Love people.’”&nbsp;For more information, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.blingglamour.com/">www.blingglamour.com</a>.&nbsp;Bling. Not only does it enhance one’s wardrobe, it has enabled this young entrepreneur to empower other woman and enrich their lives while enhancing her own health. We commend Nicole Hedges-Campos for making a difference with her fashion and her faith.&nbsp;I’m glad bling is a thing.&nbsp;

Local