What started as a home renovation turned into a "labor of love" for two Junction City couples — Paradox Coffee &amp; Bistro, which opened its doors Feb. 26.

"We relocated to Junction City about eight years ago," said Tiffany Nacarato. "We fell in love with Junction City and decided to make it our home. We absolutely love it here."

Originally from the Wichita area, Tiffany Nacarato is a doctor working in Salina and her husband, Teran, is a physician in Geary County.

"We had an older home and decided to renovate it. We hired DM Construction and got to know Derrick Melton and his wife, Tammy," she said.

Derrick and Tammy Melton — city clerk for Junction City — are both lifelong residents of Junction City.

"When you love something, you want to see it grow," Nacarato said. "We looked around and tried to see what Junction City needed and it was a coffee shop. We had a couple of chains, but nothing that seemed like it was Junction City's own."

The idea for Paradox was born when the building at 419 Washington, formerly Liberty Tax, went on the market in 2022.

"This building just kind of spoke to us," she said. Again, DM Construction took on the renovation  project and the partnership between the Nacaratos and Meltons was born. "Derrick and his crew did an amazing job and created just the vibe we were looking for — a home for everyone, a community space."

But the new partners envision more than coffee at their establishment — and recognized the importance of sourcing as much locally as possible, down to the furniture purchased at a Junction City retailer and a local rancher who sells beef, pork and eggs at the shop.

"Local supporting local. It's kind of our unofficial tagline," Nacarato said. "Everything you see in that shop comes from Kansas. ... This is how we make sure everything is the quality we want it to be and add that extra hometown touch. ... (We) scoured social media, buy-sell-trade pages, Google looking for local vendors and asking 'Who doesn't have a storefront who needs one?' "

The coffee originates from <a href="https://www.reverieroasters.com/">Reverie Coffee Roasters</a> in Wichita.

"My husband and I don't drink coffee," Nacarato confessed, "but my husband kept saying 'You don't have to be blind to sell glasses.'"

The Nacaratos and Meltons had a blind taste test that included coffee from Seattle and Maine.

"Reverie was hands down the No. 1 vote," she said. "Reverie came up and trained our staff on exactly how to grind the beans, how to add the flavorings together to get the best taste. They really helped us on how to pair everything together. ... It's the personal touch of 'Locally sourced.'"

The challenge of operating a small business with full-time jobs is made easier by the fact the couples "divvy up roles" - and hired an excellent staff of 12 full- and part-time employees.

"They're so friendly. That's our No. 1 review is how friendly our staff is. ... When you build a strong team, it all works," she said.

"We needed all four of us, but we also really, really love what we do outside of the coffee shop. We just committed to each other and constantly engaged with it without it distracting from our jobs," Nacarato added, noting that working full-time and running a small business "are not mutually exclusive concepts."

The reception by the community already has the Paradox partners eyeing expanded hours and unvieling its catering menu.

"It's a labor of love we hope continues to pay off for everybody, the community, the staff," she said. "It's more than a coffee shop. It's a community space."

Currently, hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For more, visit the <a href="https://www.paradoxcoffeeandbistro.com/index.htm">Paradox website</a>.

Updated 9:30 a.m. Saturday to clarify the Necarato's places of employment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682108804738.png" alt="The Nacaratos and Meltons cut the ribbon at Paradox Coffee &amp; Bistro in Junction City. Photos by Nate King" />
 <figcaption>The Nacaratos and Meltons cut the ribbon at Paradox Coffee &amp; Bistro in Junction City. Photos by Nate King</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON FIELDS JC PostWhat started as a home renovation turned into a "labor of love" for two Junction City couples — Paradox Coffee &amp; Bistro, which opened its doors Feb. 26."We relocated to Junction City about eight years ago," said Tiffany Nacarato. "We fell in love with Junction City and decided to make it our home. We absolutely love it here."Originally from the Wichita area, Tiffany Nacarato is a doctor working in Salina and her husband, Teran, is a physician in Geary County."We had an older home and decided to renovate it. We hired DM Construction and got to know Derrick Melton and his wife, Tammy," she said.Derrick and Tammy Melton — city clerk for Junction City — are both lifelong residents of Junction City."When you love something, you want to see it grow," Nacarato said. "We looked around and tried to see what Junction City needed and it was a coffee shop. We had a couple of chains, but nothing that seemed like it was Junction City's own."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682109380997.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The idea for Paradox was born when the building at 419 Washington, formerly Liberty Tax, went on the market in 2022."This building just kind of spoke to us," she said. Again, DM Construction took on the renovation project and the partnership between the Nacaratos and Meltons was born. "Derrick and his crew did an amazing job and created just the vibe we were looking for — a home for everyone, a community space."But the new partners envision more than coffee at their establishment — and recognized the importance of sourcing as much locally as possible, down to the furniture purchased at a Junction City retailer and a local rancher who sells beef, pork and eggs at the shop."Local supporting local. It's kind of our unofficial tagline," Nacarato said. "Everything you see in that shop comes from Kansas. ... This is how we make sure everything is the quality we want it to be and add that extra hometown touch. ... (We) scoured social media, buy-sell-trade pages, Google looking for local vendors and asking 'Who doesn't have a storefront who needs one?' "<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682109438313.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The coffee originates from <a href="https://www.reverieroasters.com/">Reverie Coffee Roasters</a> in Wichita."My husband and I don't drink coffee," Nacarato confessed, "but my husband kept saying 'You don't have to be blind to sell glasses.'"The Nacaratos and Meltons had a blind taste test that included coffee from Seattle and Maine."Reverie was hands down the No. 1 vote," she said. "Reverie came up and trained our staff on exactly how to grind the beans, how to add the flavorings together to get the best taste. They really helped us on how to pair everything together. ... It's the personal touch of 'Locally sourced.'"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682109486129.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The challenge of operating a small business with full-time jobs is made easier by the fact the couples "divvy up roles" - and hired an excellent staff of 12 full- and part-time employees."They're so friendly. That's our No. 1 review is how friendly our staff is. ... When you build a strong team, it all works," she said."We needed all four of us, but we also really, really love what we do outside of the coffee shop. We just committed to each other and constantly engaged with it without it distracting from our jobs," Nacarato added, noting that working full-time and running a small business "are not mutually exclusive concepts."The reception by the community already has the Paradox partners eyeing expanded hours and unvieling its catering menu."It's a labor of love we hope continues to pay off for everybody, the community, the staff," she said. "It's more than a coffee shop. It's a community space."Currently, hours are 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. For more, visit the <a href="https://www.paradoxcoffeeandbistro.com/index.htm">Paradox website</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682109526763.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Updated 9:30 a.m. Saturday to clarify the Necarato's places of employment.

Pair of docs and JC natives team up for Paradox — 'a home for everyone' 

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 March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,200 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,900 over the month, while government increased by 700.

The Geary County jobless rate fell slightly from 4.5 percent in February to 4.3 percent in March. Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie Counties saw a similar drop. The Riley County remained steady at 2.9 percent.

Since March 2022 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 37,100. This change is due to an increase of 33,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.

The April 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682438906291.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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 March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,200 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,900 over the month, while government increased by 700.The Geary County jobless rate fell slightly from 4.5 percent in February to 4.3 percent in March. Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie Counties saw a similar drop. The Riley County remained steady at 2.9 percent.Since March 2022 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 37,100. This change is due to an increase of 33,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.The April 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 19.

Geary County jobless numbers down slightly

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau &nbsp; Land is the foundation of agriculture, whether it’s the fertile, deep soils along river bottoms that nourish row crops or the rolling hills of grass waiting to be eaten by livestock. Everything a farmer or rancher does begins with the land. In Kansas, many farmers and ranchers have inherited at least a portion of their land from a family member and they have a strong desire to pass it on to the next generation. Tending the ground isn’t just an homage to their heritage, it’s also an equity stake in the future. It’s quite an honor to follow in the family footsteps, especially when those treads go back a century or more. But it’s also a burden to be the owner and caretaker of the family legacy. The expectations aren’t just preserving the land. Instead, the charge is to steadily improve it and leave it in a better condition. It’s almost a sacred oath landowners adhere to. Owning land is a long-term investment, and today’s farmers and ranchers use the latest research and implement the best practices to get the most out of their land while preserving its productive capacity for the future. They also understand at some point the technology they employ now will be as out of date as the moldboard plow and flood irrigation are today. They’ll implement incremental changes and seek out new ways to work the soil to benefit their bottom line and ensure a stronger foundation for the succeeding generation. Private property rights are crucial for farmers and ranchers to know they’ll benefit from all the work they put in to growing the safest, most wholesome food in the world. Owning land means having the privilege of deciding its best use. Thankfully, the government can’t prescribe crop rotations, order a rancher to only raise a specific breed of cattle or pass legislation that every barn needs to be painted red. At its core, private property is about more than just owning land – it's about having the freedom to create, innovate and invest in the future knowing you’ll reap the fruits of your own labor. Appeals to the common good are nice, but self-interest is more powerful at aligning individual incentives to benefit society at large. Farming and ranching are businesses, but their success or failure is not measured by quarter or fiscal year. The real scoreboard is every successive generation that can find new ways to make an old vocation better. Their ancestors instinctively understood land was not a short-term investment. Over the long haul, it’s a store of both value and values. Tending the soil and caring for livestock are required down payments for the reward of leaving a legacy. Stewardship is a way of life, and it all begins with the land. &nbsp; "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau &nbsp; Land is the foundation of agriculture, whether it’s the fertile, deep soils along river bottoms that nourish row crops or the rolling hills of grass waiting to be eaten by livestock. Everything a farmer or rancher does begins with the land. In Kansas, many farmers and ranchers have inherited at least a portion of their land from a family member and they have a strong desire to pass it on to the next generation. Tending the ground isn’t just an homage to their heritage, it’s also an equity stake in the future. It’s quite an honor to follow in the family footsteps, especially when those treads go back a century or more. But it’s also a burden to be the owner and caretaker of the family legacy. The expectations aren’t just preserving the land. Instead, the charge is to steadily improve it and leave it in a better condition. It’s almost a sacred oath landowners adhere to. Owning land is a long-term investment, and today’s farmers and ranchers use the latest research and implement the best practices to get the most out of their land while preserving its productive capacity for the future. They also understand at some point the technology they employ now will be as out of date as the moldboard plow and flood irrigation are today. They’ll implement incremental changes and seek out new ways to work the soil to benefit their bottom line and ensure a stronger foundation for the succeeding generation. Private property rights are crucial for farmers and ranchers to know they’ll benefit from all the work they put in to growing the safest, most wholesome food in the world. Owning land means having the privilege of deciding its best use. Thankfully, the government can’t prescribe crop rotations, order a rancher to only raise a specific breed of cattle or pass legislation that every barn needs to be painted red. At its core, private property is about more than just owning land – it's about having the freedom to create, innovate and invest in the future knowing you’ll reap the fruits of your own labor. Appeals to the common good are nice, but self-interest is more powerful at aligning individual incentives to benefit society at large. Farming and ranching are businesses, but their success or failure is not measured by quarter or fiscal year. The real scoreboard is every successive generation that can find new ways to make an old vocation better. Their ancestors instinctively understood land was not a short-term investment. Over the long haul, it’s a store of both value and values. Tending the soil and caring for livestock are required down payments for the reward of leaving a legacy. Stewardship is a way of life, and it all begins with the land. &nbsp; "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Life and land

The new and improved JC Post native app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device. And you'll never have to hunt for it in the shrubs '-)

<a href="https://jcpost.com/download">Click HERE to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a>

The new and improved JC Post native app for iOS and Android devices is now available FREE for your mobile device. And you'll never have to hunt for it in the shrubs '-)<a href="https://jcpost.com/download">Click HERE to download from the App Store or Google Play.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

📲 JC Post app available on App Store, Google Play

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

DICKINSON COUNTY - An Abilene man was killed early this morning in a head-on collision on Kansas Highway 15.

According to information from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Eric Kenneth Skilling, 43, of Abilene, was northbound on K-15 in a Ford F150 pickup when for an unknown reason, the pickup crossed the center line at a slight bend in the roadway, striking head on a tractor-trailer rig driven by Stanton Neal Uffman, 54, of Greenleaf.

The wreck occurred at 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, approximately a mile north of Kansas Highway 4.

Uffman was transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital, according to KHP.

Neither driver was properly restrained, KHP reported.

Both vehicles were removed from the scene by wrecker.

From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Facebook page</a>:

K-15 is closed at 700 Ave in Dickinson County due to a traffic crash. This is one mile north of K4 / K15 intersection

Expect delays as traffic is rerouted through the area.

Our KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) is responding to the scene.

Salina Post will have more information as it becomes available.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostDICKINSON COUNTY - An Abilene man was killed early this morning in a head-on collision on Kansas Highway 15.According to information from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Eric Kenneth Skilling, 43, of Abilene, was northbound on K-15 in a Ford F150 pickup when for an unknown reason, the pickup crossed the center line at a slight bend in the roadway, striking head on a tractor-trailer rig driven by Stanton Neal Uffman, 54, of Greenleaf.The wreck occurred at 5:50 a.m. Tuesday, approximately a mile north of Kansas Highway 4.Uffman was transported to Abilene Memorial Hospital, according to KHP.Neither driver was properly restrained, KHP reported.Both vehicles were removed from the scene by wrecker.From the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Facebook page</a>:TRAFFIC CRASH K-15 is closed at 700 Ave in Dickinson County due to a traffic crash. This is one mile north of K4 / K15 intersectionExpect delays as traffic is rerouted through the area.Our KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) is responding to the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682426923387.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KHPTroopC">Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Post will have more information as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Abilene man killed in head-on collision on K-15

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/2023/4/1682430222526.jpeg" alt="Rhiannon Makia Hislop, Vehicles; Display of license plates; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Rhiannon Makia Hislop, Vehicles; Display of license plates; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682430794580.jpeg" alt="Mike Ibarra, Probation Violation; Outside Warrant; Arrested 04/24" />
 <figcaption>Mike Ibarra, Probation Violation; Outside Warrant; Arrested 04/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682431000501.jpeg" alt="Andrew Lee Twedell, Distribute controlled substance, unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Fail to check for safe passage before passing from single lane; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Following another vehicle too closely; Arrested 04/24" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Lee Twedell, Distribute controlled substance, unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Fail to check for safe passage before passing from single lane; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Following another vehicle too closely; Arrested 04/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682431397842.jpeg" alt="Gabe Jospeh Twedell, Distribute controlled substance; unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant cultivate controlled substance; Arrested 04/24" />
 <figcaption>Gabe Jospeh Twedell, Distribute controlled substance; unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant cultivate controlled substance; Arrested 04/24</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 April 25

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

Seven St. Xavier High School students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society at a ceremony in the school library. 

These select students were chosen because
 they demonstrate high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character- the four pillars of the National Honor Society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682014016521.jpeg" alt="Fom left: Grace Lichtensteiger, Becky Peterson, Casey Sexton-Snow, Heston Jahnke, Sierra Smith, Miguel Weber, Annabelle Haines" />
 <figcaption>Fom left: Grace Lichtensteiger, Becky Peterson, Casey Sexton-Snow, Heston Jahnke, Sierra Smith, Miguel Weber, Annabelle Haines</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Francis Xavier Catholic SchoolSeven St. Xavier High School students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society at a ceremony in the school library. These select students were chosen because
 they demonstrate high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character- the four pillars of the National Honor Society.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682014109020.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682014164353.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Xavier High students inducted into National Honor Society

By MALORIE SOUGEY K-State News

MANHATTAN — K-State senior Jeremy Kamman will spend 
the summer researching computational materials physics in Germany with 
the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD,
 through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or <a href="https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/">RISE Germany</a>.

Kamman, senior in physics and international studies with minors in 
classics and exploration and environmental geophysics, Antioch, 
Illinois, will conduct research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in 
Germany with DAAD RISE mentor Mike Bruckhoff, theoretical physicist at 
the University of Duisburg-Essen.

"I look forward to expanding my academic horizons while immersing 
myself in a new culture," said Kamman. "I am grateful to the DAAD RISE 
Germany program for granting me this opportunity and look forward to 
meeting my mentor. This summer is sure to fuel both my intellectual and 
cultural growth, and I am excited for the lifelong connections and 
mentorships that I will make."

Sara Luly, faculty director of the University Honors Program, said, 
"This award is a testament to Jeremy's dedication to academics, his 
intellectual curiosity and his willingness to challenge himself inside 
and outside the classroom."&nbsp;

At K-State, Kamman conducts research with Loren Greenman, associate 
professor of physics, for the project "Computational Molecular Dynamics 
for Thiophenone." Kamman utilizes the National Energy Research 
Scientific Computing Center's supercomputer, Cori, to run quantum 
calculations on the thiophenone molecule.

Kamman said the goal of his research is to learn more about the 
process of molecular fragmentation to hopefully be able to predict and 
control molecular reactions.

"I am extremely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Loren Greenman, who has 
been pivotal in my development as a physicist throughout my college 
career," said Kamman. "Without his mentorship and guidance, I would not 
be where I currently am."&nbsp;

Kamman said he is also thankful for Joanne Bader, who was his first 
mentor and physics teacher at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois.&nbsp;

"I am sad that she is not able to celebrate this accomplishment with 
me, but I strive to continue her legacy in my accomplishments and 
research."

In addition to his research with Greenman, Kamman also works with 
Eleanor Sayre, professor of physics, and Brandi Lohman, instructor and 
director of undergraduate labs, on a project analyzing the state of the 
undergraduate physics community. The goal of the project is to examine 
the policies currently in place within the physics department and their 
impacts on the student population to better inform policy creation in 
the future.

He has served in several leadership roles in student organizations at
 K-State, including president of the Kansas State University Physics 
Club, senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the university's 
Student Governing Association and president of the Honors House. He is 
also an Eagle Scout.

Kamman was named the 2023 Senator of the Year by K-State's Student 
Governing Association. Other recognitions include the James R. Macdonald
 Scholarship, the Sunflower State Award and the National Science 
Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant.

Jeremy Kamman is the son of Sue and Doug Kamman of Antioch, Illinois.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682273158382.png" alt="Jeremy Kamman, K-State senior in physics and international studies, will research computational material physics in Germany this summer with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD, through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or RISE Germany." />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Kamman, K-State senior in physics and international studies, will research computational material physics in Germany this summer with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD, through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or RISE Germany.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MALORIE SOUGEY K-State NewsMANHATTAN — K-State senior Jeremy Kamman will spend 
the summer researching computational materials physics in Germany with 
the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD,
 through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or <a href="https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/">RISE Germany</a>.Kamman, senior in physics and international studies with minors in 
classics and exploration and environmental geophysics, Antioch, 
Illinois, will conduct research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in 
Germany with DAAD RISE mentor Mike Bruckhoff, theoretical physicist at 
the University of Duisburg-Essen."I look forward to expanding my academic horizons while immersing 
myself in a new culture," said Kamman. "I am grateful to the DAAD RISE 
Germany program for granting me this opportunity and look forward to 
meeting my mentor. This summer is sure to fuel both my intellectual and 
cultural growth, and I am excited for the lifelong connections and 
mentorships that I will make."Sara Luly, faculty director of the University Honors Program, said, 
"This award is a testament to Jeremy's dedication to academics, his 
intellectual curiosity and his willingness to challenge himself inside 
and outside the classroom."&nbsp;At K-State, Kamman conducts research with Loren Greenman, associate 
professor of physics, for the project "Computational Molecular Dynamics 
for Thiophenone." Kamman utilizes the National Energy Research 
Scientific Computing Center's supercomputer, Cori, to run quantum 
calculations on the thiophenone molecule.Kamman said the goal of his research is to learn more about the 
process of molecular fragmentation to hopefully be able to predict and 
control molecular reactions."I am extremely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Loren Greenman, who has 
been pivotal in my development as a physicist throughout my college 
career," said Kamman. "Without his mentorship and guidance, I would not 
be where I currently am."&nbsp;Kamman said he is also thankful for Joanne Bader, who was his first 
mentor and physics teacher at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois.&nbsp;"I am sad that she is not able to celebrate this accomplishment with 
me, but I strive to continue her legacy in my accomplishments and 
research."In addition to his research with Greenman, Kamman also works with 
Eleanor Sayre, professor of physics, and Brandi Lohman, instructor and 
director of undergraduate labs, on a project analyzing the state of the 
undergraduate physics community. The goal of the project is to examine 
the policies currently in place within the physics department and their 
impacts on the student population to better inform policy creation in 
the future.He has served in several leadership roles in student organizations at
 K-State, including president of the Kansas State University Physics 
Club, senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the university's 
Student Governing Association and president of the Honors House. He is 
also an Eagle Scout.Kamman was named the 2023 Senator of the Year by K-State's Student 
Governing Association. Other recognitions include the James R. Macdonald
 Scholarship, the Sunflower State Award and the National Science 
Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant.Jeremy Kamman is the son of Sue and Doug Kamman of Antioch, Illinois.

K-State student to study physics in Germany through prestigious internship

Junction City students will present "The Play That Goes Wrong" on Friday and Saturday at Junction City High School, 1100 Blue Jay Way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682346614508.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City students will present "The Play That Goes Wrong" on Friday and Saturday at Junction City High School, 1100 Blue Jay Way.Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights.

JCHS students will perform 'The Play That Goes Wrong' this weekend

Junction City Main Street will have the Cups of Culture event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 5 in downtown Junction City.

Participating businesses will each take on a different county and provide an alcoholic drink and appetizer reflecting that country.

Tickets for the age 21-plus event are $25.

Click <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/event/cups-of-culture/?fbclid=IwAR3ZKQG6-yTmQMghUaY9FhG1k3b5b8ds145Cxir7-ruvggg4l0wsRUVjjKM">HERE</a> for more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682363217095.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Main Street will have the Cups of Culture event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 5 in downtown Junction City.Participating businesses will each take on a different county and provide an alcoholic drink and appetizer reflecting that country.Tickets for the age 21-plus event are $25.Click <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/event/cups-of-culture/?fbclid=IwAR3ZKQG6-yTmQMghUaY9FhG1k3b5b8ds145Cxir7-ruvggg4l0wsRUVjjKM">HERE</a> for more.

Cups of Culture scheduled in downtown Junction City

A wet week is in store for the Flint Hills through the week, the National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting.

There is a chance of rain every day through Saturday, beginning with a 20 percent chance of rain Monday night, then again Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night.

After a partly cloudy Thursday, precipitation in expected to return Thursday night and throughout the day Friday.

High temperatures this week will be in the low- to mid-60s, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682366103217.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A wet week is in store for the Flint Hills through the week, the National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting.There is a chance of rain every day through Saturday, beginning with a 20 percent chance of rain Monday night, then again Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night.After a partly cloudy Thursday, precipitation in expected to return Thursday night and throughout the day Friday.High temperatures this week will be in the low- to mid-60s, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Periods of rain will move across the region beginning later this afternoon/evening and lasting into Wednesday Night. Thunderstorms are not expected, keeping overall rainfall amounts on the low end. <a href="https://t.co/jlK3SSmLDo">pic.twitter.com/jlK3SSmLDo</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1650428433426694145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of rain every day through Saturday

The Geary County Republican Central Committee is seeking an individual to fill the unexpired term of Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke, who recently announced her retirement effective Friday.

Interested individuals must be registered Republicans, according to Central Committee chairperson Kathy Tremont, and can contact her <a href="mailto:ktremont1958@gmail.com">via email</a>.

Due to statutory time constraints, the deadline is Wednesday, according to Tremont.

JC PostThe Geary County Republican Central Committee is seeking an individual to fill the unexpired term of Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke, who recently announced her retirement effective Friday.Interested individuals must be registered Republicans, according to Central Committee chairperson Kathy Tremont, and can contact her <a href="mailto:ktremont1958@gmail.com">via email</a>. Due to statutory time constraints, the deadline is Wednesday, according to Tremont.

GOP seeking replacement for Geary County clerk

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/2023/4/1682351481586.jpeg" alt="Richard Arthur Jones, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Arrested 4/23" />
 <figcaption>Richard Arthur Jones, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Arrested 4/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682351548643.jpeg" alt="Kevin DeShawn Seldon, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint; Arrested 4/24" />
 <figcaption>Kevin DeShawn Seldon, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint; Arrested 4/24</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 April 24

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.

On Friday, the Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted the Herington Police Department with a drug investigation. During the investigation, K9 Kimber alerted to the presence of an illegal substance during a drug scan of the suspect vehicle. 

A Deputy located methamphetamine as a result of the probable cause search.&nbsp; The deputy arrested 65-year-old Anthony Sjodahl, of Herington, on a requested charges that included possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In February of 2020, deputies arrested him on similar allegations. He has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581688828208.jpeg" alt="Sjodahl has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept of Corrections- He is being held in Dickinson Co., according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Sjodahl has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept of Corrections- He is being held in Dickinson Co., according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.On Friday, the Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted the Herington Police Department with a drug investigation. During the investigation, K9 Kimber alerted to the presence of an illegal substance during a drug scan of the suspect vehicle. A Deputy located methamphetamine as a result of the probable cause search.&nbsp; The deputy arrested 65-year-old Anthony Sjodahl, of Herington, on a requested charges that included possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.In February of 2020, deputies arrested him on similar allegations. He has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kan. felon accused of selling methamphetamine 

RILEY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Riley County.

A 2015 Jeep Cherokee driven by Patrick Stewart, 36, of Lost Springs was traveling near the intersection of N. Seth Child Road and Amherst Avenue in Manhattan. The Jeep and a 2006 Honda CRV driven by Bokhui Sifdol, 70, of Manhattan collided. The impact caused the CRV to leave the roadway and end up in the parking lot of Rock Hills Church. 

EMS transported Stewart and a passenger of the CRV, Raymond Sifdol, 84, Manhattan, to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.

RILEY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Riley County.A 2015 Jeep Cherokee driven by Patrick Stewart, 36, of Lost Springs was traveling near the intersection of N. Seth Child Road and Amherst Avenue in Manhattan. The Jeep and a 2006 Honda CRV driven by Bokhui Sifdol, 70, of Manhattan collided. The impact caused the CRV to leave the roadway and end up in the parking lot of Rock Hills Church. EMS transported Stewart and a passenger of the CRV, Raymond Sifdol, 84, Manhattan, to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.The RCPD released no additional details.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash in Manhattan

JUNCTION CITY - On Saturday, April 22nd, more than 100 volunteers assisted with the annual 'Operation Clean Sweep' event in Junction City.

'Operation Clean Sweep' is held in conjunction with Earth Day and is intended to clean up the streets in Junction City.

Volunteers removed more than 1.5 tons of trash during this year's event.

by BECKY GOFF JC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682339732005.jpeg" alt="Operation Clean Sweep group, photo courtesy JCPD" />
 <figcaption>Operation Clean Sweep group, photo courtesy JCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY - On Saturday, April 22nd, more than 100 volunteers assisted with the annual 'Operation Clean Sweep' event in Junction City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682339819945.jpeg" alt="Volunteers, photo courtesy JCPD" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers, photo courtesy JCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>'Operation Clean Sweep' is held in conjunction with Earth Day and is intended to clean up the streets in Junction City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682339878458.jpeg" alt="Volunteers picking up trash, photo courtesy JCPD" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers picking up trash, photo courtesy JCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Volunteers removed more than 1.5 tons of trash during this year's event.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJCPDKS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02mJdj86GVKSjxSvcPS7RXdK1XmQ7LP1DkxRLfZiCvsx2TPgCzSiLgMMBdQ4Yik3Utl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

2023 Operation Clean Sweep removes 1.5 TONS of trash from JC streets

By CHIP CHANDLER West Texas A&amp;M University

CANYON, Texas — Scholars from around the country have been selected for the inaugural class of West Texas A&amp;M University’s <a href="https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-education-social-sciences/department-education/programs/edd/rural-community-leaders-fellowship.html">Rural Community Leaders Fellowship</a>.

The RCL Fellowship—a program of the educational leadership doctoral program of WT’s <a href="https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-education-social-sciences/index.html">Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences</a>&nbsp;— is
 an opportunity to identify and recognize particularly talented and 
service-oriented rural leaders after their dedication and effectiveness 
has been proven in the field.

Among the members of the inaugural class is USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Ronald&nbsp;Eggleston.

“We are so fortunate to learn from these proven leaders who bring a 
wealth of practical experience, real-world insights, and a deep 
understanding of the complexities of leadership,” said Dr. Shanna 
Peeples, WT’s Dr. John G. O’Brien Distinguished Chair in Education and 
co-creator, with Dr. Brad Johnson, of the RCL Fellowship. “Rural 
communities offer a rich tapestry of social, economic and cultural 
diversity that is essential for understanding the complexities of modern
 society. Research in rural communities can help to address longstanding
 inequalities and promote cross-sector solutions, making it a crucial 
area of study for researchers and policymakers alike.”

An appointment gives educators the opportunity to pass on their 
hard-won wisdom to the next generation of rural leaders through 
collaboration with doctoral students and other fellows. This 
professional partnership will deepen the understanding of the doctoral 
faculty regarding rural communities, said Johnson, a clinical professor 
of education.

“Our doctoral students will benefit from the powerful combination of 
wisdom from our Fellows and cutting-edge research. We believe that this 
innovative synthesis is the key to unlocking the full potential of the 
next generation of leaders for our rural communities,” Johnson said. 
“The RCL Fellowship provides a means to pass the lessons learned in the 
field directly to the next generation of rural leaders.”

During their one-year appointment, RCL fellows are connected with the
 WT educational leadership program in ways that further the 
effectiveness of future rural leaders through research, education and 
practice.

They participate in a summit in which they will respond to a national
 rural research agenda with six focal areas of health and wellness; 
partnerships and community relationships; spatial and educational 
equity; teacher and leader preparation, recruitment and retention; 
college and career pathways; and policy and funding.

The summit will gather and clarify these topics as they apply to 
rural regions. This work will culminate in a report that will share the 
practical strategies, areas of research and implications for practice 
for implementing effective responses to the most critical needs.

The 2023 summit is set for April 25 and 26 in Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center, 720 S. Tyler St.

Fellows receive an honorarium, travel expenses to the RCL Summit, 
recognition in published reports and the University website, and a 
certificate of acknowledgment.

The inaugural cohort of fellows was selected in March.

Nominees for the next class of fellows are being accepted now. 
Nominees should have 10 or more years in leadership positions, including
 five or more years in a single, rural community, and they should be 
nominated by another rural leader. Rural-serving superintendents and 
college/university presidents are always eligible, and rural hospital 
CEOs and heads of rural-focused nonprofit organizations may be included 
when the research topic might be enhanced by their inclusion.

WT’s fully online Ed.D. degree program was launched in 2018, 
preparing educational leaders for rural schools and those in higher 
education and educational organizations.

The Rural Community Leaders Fellowship is one way in which WT excels 
as a Regional Research University, the primary goal of the University’s 
long-range plan, <a href="https://wt125.wtamu.edu/">WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World</a>.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million <a href="http://wtamu.edu/onewest">One West</a>
 comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — 
which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $120 
million.

Dr. Reginald T. Eggleston&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Superintendent, Geary County Schools&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Reginald Eggleston currently serves as the superintendent of 
Geary County Schools Unified School District 475 in Junction City, 
Kansas. He currently oversees 18 schools and serves over 7,000 students.
 Prior to this position he served as chief administrative officer over 
state intervention for the Alabama State Department of Education. 
Eggleston has been a special education teacher, assistant principal, 
high school principal, director of special education and student 
services, and assistant superintendent over federal and special programs
 and schools. He has over 29 years of experience in public education. 
Eggleston believes that providing students access to quality education 
and support is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Once students 
experience success, they develop the confidence needed to overcome 
barriers and experience life to a greater degree.&nbsp;

By CHIP CHANDLER West Texas A&amp;M University CANYON, Texas — Scholars from around the country have been selected for the inaugural class of West Texas A&amp;M University’s <a href="https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-education-social-sciences/department-education/programs/edd/rural-community-leaders-fellowship.html">Rural Community Leaders Fellowship</a>.The RCL Fellowship—a program of the educational leadership doctoral program of WT’s <a href="https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-education-social-sciences/index.html">Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences</a>&nbsp;— is
 an opportunity to identify and recognize particularly talented and 
service-oriented rural leaders after their dedication and effectiveness 
has been proven in the field.Among the members of the inaugural class is USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Ronald&nbsp;Eggleston.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682105389906.png" alt="Eggleston" />
 <figcaption>Eggleston</figcaption>
 </figure>“We are so fortunate to learn from these proven leaders who bring a 
wealth of practical experience, real-world insights, and a deep 
understanding of the complexities of leadership,” said Dr. Shanna 
Peeples, WT’s Dr. John G. O’Brien Distinguished Chair in Education and 
co-creator, with Dr. Brad Johnson, of the RCL Fellowship. “Rural 
communities offer a rich tapestry of social, economic and cultural 
diversity that is essential for understanding the complexities of modern
 society. Research in rural communities can help to address longstanding
 inequalities and promote cross-sector solutions, making it a crucial 
area of study for researchers and policymakers alike.”An appointment gives educators the opportunity to pass on their 
hard-won wisdom to the next generation of rural leaders through 
collaboration with doctoral students and other fellows. This 
professional partnership will deepen the understanding of the doctoral 
faculty regarding rural communities, said Johnson, a clinical professor 
of education.“Our doctoral students will benefit from the powerful combination of 
wisdom from our Fellows and cutting-edge research. We believe that this 
innovative synthesis is the key to unlocking the full potential of the 
next generation of leaders for our rural communities,” Johnson said. 
“The RCL Fellowship provides a means to pass the lessons learned in the 
field directly to the next generation of rural leaders.”During their one-year appointment, RCL fellows are connected with the
 WT educational leadership program in ways that further the 
effectiveness of future rural leaders through research, education and 
practice.They participate in a summit in which they will respond to a national
 rural research agenda with six focal areas of health and wellness; 
partnerships and community relationships; spatial and educational 
equity; teacher and leader preparation, recruitment and retention; 
college and career pathways; and policy and funding.The summit will gather and clarify these topics as they apply to 
rural regions. This work will culminate in a report that will share the 
practical strategies, areas of research and implications for practice 
for implementing effective responses to the most critical needs.The 2023 summit is set for April 25 and 26 in Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center, 720 S. Tyler St.Fellows receive an honorarium, travel expenses to the RCL Summit, 
recognition in published reports and the University website, and a 
certificate of acknowledgment.The inaugural cohort of fellows was selected in March.Nominees for the next class of fellows are being accepted now. 
Nominees should have 10 or more years in leadership positions, including
 five or more years in a single, rural community, and they should be 
nominated by another rural leader. Rural-serving superintendents and 
college/university presidents are always eligible, and rural hospital 
CEOs and heads of rural-focused nonprofit organizations may be included 
when the research topic might be enhanced by their inclusion.The inaugural class of fellows include:<ul>
 <li>Dr. Reginald T. Eggleston, superintendent of Geary County Schools Unified School District 475 in Junction City, Kansas;</li><li>Adán Estrada, superintendent of Cimarron Municipal Schools in New Mexico;</li><li>Dr. Jud Hicks, retired president of Frank Phillips College in Borger;</li><li>Joy Hofmeister, retired Oklahoma state superintendent of public instruction;</li><li>Dr. Bill Holda, executive search consultant for Association of Community College Trustees;</li><li>Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, president of Mojave Community College in Kingman, Arizona;</li><li>Dr. Tanya Larkin, Region 16 Education Service Center executive director;</li><li>Dr. Linda Lujan, president emeritus of Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado;</li><li>Dr. Scott R. Mickelsen, owner of New Heights Consulting in Lima, Montana; and</li><li>Dr. John Skretta, Educational Service Unit 6 administrator in Milford, Nebraska.</li>
 </ul>WT’s fully online Ed.D. degree program was launched in 2018, 
preparing educational leaders for rural schools and those in higher 
education and educational organizations.The Rural Community Leaders Fellowship is one way in which WT excels 
as a Regional Research University, the primary goal of the University’s 
long-range plan, <a href="https://wt125.wtamu.edu/">WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World</a>.That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million <a href="http://wtamu.edu/onewest">One West</a>
 comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — 
which publicly launched in September 2021 — has raised more than $120 
million.Dr. Reginald T. Eggleston&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Superintendent, Geary County Schools&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Reginald Eggleston currently serves as the superintendent of 
Geary County Schools Unified School District 475 in Junction City, 
Kansas. He currently oversees 18 schools and serves over 7,000 students.
 Prior to this position he served as chief administrative officer over 
state intervention for the Alabama State Department of Education. 
Eggleston has been a special education teacher, assistant principal, 
high school principal, director of special education and student 
services, and assistant superintendent over federal and special programs
 and schools. He has over 29 years of experience in public education. 
Eggleston believes that providing students access to quality education 
and support is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Once students 
experience success, they develop the confidence needed to overcome 
barriers and experience life to a greater degree.&nbsp;

Eggleston named to inaugural class of rural educational leaders

By BECKY GOFF JC Post/Little Apple Post

ORT RILEY - On Tuesday, the Kansas City/Denver Recruiting Battalion for the US Army hosted future soldiers for a tour at Fort Riley.

The future soldiers were taken on a bus tour of Fort Riley before arriving at the Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex, where future soldiers had the opportunity to speak with soldiers, observe weapons systems operations and learn more about some of the equipment they may use after joining the Army.

More than 70 future soldiers raised their right hand and were sworn-in, committing their lives to the US Army in service and protection of the nation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681906977613.jpeg" alt="Future soldiers being sworn-in" />
 <figcaption>Future soldiers being sworn-in</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY GOFF JC Post/Little Apple PostORT RILEY - On Tuesday, the Kansas City/Denver Recruiting Battalion for the US Army hosted future soldiers for a tour at Fort Riley.The future soldiers were taken on a bus tour of Fort Riley before arriving at the Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex, where future soldiers had the opportunity to speak with soldiers, observe weapons systems operations and learn more about some of the equipment they may use after joining the Army.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681907780333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>More than 70 future soldiers raised their right hand and were sworn-in, committing their lives to the US Army in service and protection of the nation.

Fort Riley hosts KC Recruiting Battalion future soldier swear-in

Registration is open for the annual Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble.

The event is scheduled for May 5 at Rolling Meadows Golf Course in Milford, with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

There will be prizes for longest drive, hole in one and longest putt, as well as raffles and lunch.

To register, click <a href="https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/golf-scramble.html">HERE</a>. For sponsorship information, email Jordan at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jordan@jcacc.org">Jordan@jcacc.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680097493227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Registration is open for the annual Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble.The event is scheduled for May 5 at Rolling Meadows Golf Course in Milford, with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.There will be prizes for longest drive, hole in one and longest putt, as well as raffles and lunch.To register, click <a href="https://www.junctioncitychamber.org/golf-scramble.html">HERE</a>. For sponsorship information, email Jordan at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jordan@jcacc.org">Jordan@jcacc.org</a>.

Junction City chamber golf scramble scheduled for May

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss is watching closely to try to figure out what the end of the debt ceiling process will be, but right now, no one knows.

"Come June, you're going to see some knees start to wobble," Goss said. "Something has got to be done. It's unacceptable for it to be getting that close to breaching that number, $31.4 trillion is now the debt limit. We've already moved beyond that. We just need the Congress and the President to move on this and move in a positive direction and do something about it. That may mean cutting spending, which I support, as well."

Where can they cut? Goss has a couple of ideas.

"Let me give you one item I think should be cut," Goss said. "That's the CHIPS Act. $280 billion going away, given to big corporations to support development of chips in the U.S. In my judgment, that's ill spent. That's not good spending. That should not have been done. It should be pulled back. That's $280 billion. Also, $113 billion to Ukraine to support continuing war in Russia, without a call for any sort of negotiations? I'm hoping for negotiations. I don't see any movement in that direction. I'm sure I'll get some disagreement on both of those items, but there you are talking about almost half a trillion dollars."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-biden-republicans-congress-ca106e88f2ad6ca1f2df8d2b27c15758">House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled a debt ceiling increase of $1.5 trillion on April 19, but wants it paired with spending cuts. President Biden has yet to agree to negotiate on the debt ceiling. A floor vote on McCarthy's proposal is expected later in the week.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071466817.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss is watching closely to try to figure out what the end of the debt ceiling process will be, but right now, no one knows."Come June, you're going to see some knees start to wobble," Goss said. "Something has got to be done. It's unacceptable for it to be getting that close to breaching that number, $31.4 trillion is now the debt limit. We've already moved beyond that. We just need the Congress and the President to move on this and move in a positive direction and do something about it. That may mean cutting spending, which I support, as well."Where can they cut? Goss has a couple of ideas."Let me give you one item I think should be cut," Goss said. "That's the CHIPS Act. $280 billion going away, given to big corporations to support development of chips in the U.S. In my judgment, that's ill spent. That's not good spending. That should not have been done. It should be pulled back. That's $280 billion. Also, $113 billion to Ukraine to support continuing war in Russia, without a call for any sort of negotiations? I'm hoping for negotiations. I don't see any movement in that direction. I'm sure I'll get some disagreement on both of those items, but there you are talking about almost half a trillion dollars."<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-biden-republicans-congress-ca106e88f2ad6ca1f2df8d2b27c15758">House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled a debt ceiling increase of $1.5 trillion on April 19, but wants it paired with spending cuts. President Biden has yet to agree to negotiate on the debt ceiling. A floor vote on McCarthy's proposal is expected later in the week.</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Goss: Debt ceiling process still unclear, cuts also needed

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/2023/4/1682307150430.jpeg" alt="Elizabeth Giselle Carrillo, Exceeding posted speed limit; DUI-Liquor/Drugs(1st Offense); Arrested 04/23" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Giselle Carrillo, Exceeding posted speed limit; DUI-Liquor/Drugs(1st Offense); Arrested 04/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682307328160.jpeg" alt="Lloyd Wayne Fisher, Domestic Battery; Assault; Arrested 04/23" />
 <figcaption>Lloyd Wayne Fisher, Domestic Battery; Assault; Arrested 04/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682307401325.jpeg" alt="Tavon Jamerique Goodman, Flee or attempt to elude, avoid tire deflating device; Possession of marijuana; Reckless driving; Defective headlamps on motor vehicle; Official traffic control devices; Required obedience; Improper turn or approach; Failure to yield at stop or yield sign; Improper driving on laned roadway; Arrested 04/23" />
 <figcaption>Tavon Jamerique Goodman, Flee or attempt to elude, avoid tire deflating device; Possession of marijuana; Reckless driving; Defective headlamps on motor vehicle; Official traffic control devices; Required obedience; Improper turn or approach; Failure to yield at stop or yield sign; Improper driving on laned roadway; Arrested 04/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682307591612.jpeg" alt="Brandon R Linton, Domestic battery; Unknown circumstance; misdemeanor; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Traf. contraband in corr/care fac; Unauthorized poss of item at facility; Assault; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body" />
 <figcaption>Brandon R Linton, Domestic battery; Unknown circumstance; misdemeanor; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Traf. contraband in corr/care fac; Unauthorized poss of item at facility; Assault; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682307805409.jpeg" alt="Brittanie Michele Salamon; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Aggravated endangering a child; Expose to meth chemicals; Arrested&nbsp; 04/22" />
 <figcaption>Brittanie Michele Salamon; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Aggravated endangering a child; Expose to meth chemicals; Arrested&nbsp; 04/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682307969777.jpeg" alt="Myles Leon Vaughn, Failure to appear; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Aggravated endangering a child to meth chemicals; Arrested 04/22" />
 <figcaption>Myles Leon Vaughn, Failure to appear; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Aggravated endangering a child to meth chemicals; Arrested 04/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682308352444.jpeg" alt="Luis Mariano Villa Aguirre, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Maximum speed limits; Arrested 04/23" />
 <figcaption>Luis Mariano Villa Aguirre, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Maximum speed limits; Arrested 04/23</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos April 23

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly last week signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMzAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.ABO0Kyu-qRSfQZXDXeReOxx9DGGIibw2iAF07Qk6lQg/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">Senate Substitute for HB 2302</a>, a bipartisan bill that increases funding for the State Water Plan, including two funds for grants for water-related infrastructure projects.

In 2022, Governor Kelly fully funded the State Water Plan for the first time since 2008. This bill represents a significant increase in funding for water, adding $18 million on top of the annual $8 million for the State Water Plan and $17 million for the two grant funds. In total, the bill designates an additional $35 million in funding to protect essential water resources. The bill includes that it is legislative intent to continue this funding through 2027.

“We must protect the water that has powered our booming farming economy for generations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to make progress on this pressing crisis, investing a historic level of resources into major water storage projects.”

The bill also appropriates $52 million to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, funding that was included in the Governor’s budget released in January, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

“Water is one of our most vital natural resources and has been taken for granted far too long. &nbsp;Senate Substitute for HB 2302 is an effort to more fully fund the Kansas Water Office to address water quantity and water quality,"&nbsp;Representative Jim Minnix said. “This will benefit all Kansans -- rural, urban, Republican, Democrats, younger, and older. The Kansas House Water Committee has worked diligently with many stakeholders to put these policies and long-term funding plans together for future Kansans.”

Governor Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMjc5LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.snf8Hqnt3pHzcsjunQM7LVcJGihTJ3V7Wtq05XekjA8/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">House Bill 2279</a>, a bipartisan bill that requires Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts to submit annual reports to the Kansas Legislature with updated water conservation and stabilization plans to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The reports to the Legislature will outline expenditures for water conservation efforts and stabilization of agricultural consumption. A Groundwater Management District oversees the management of groundwater resources, conservation, and use in five regions of the state with significant aquifer storage and use.

“With the historic level of funding in HB 2302 and the commitment to conservation in HB 2279, these bills will provide the state tools it desperately needs to address our water crisis,”&nbsp;Representative Lindsay Vaughn, Kansas House District 22, said.&nbsp;“Together, we are committed to ensuring access to this crucial resource for communities large and small, and for the future generations of Kansas.”

Office of the GovernorTOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly last week signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMzAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.ABO0Kyu-qRSfQZXDXeReOxx9DGGIibw2iAF07Qk6lQg/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">Senate Substitute for HB 2302</a>, a bipartisan bill that increases funding for the State Water Plan, including two funds for grants for water-related infrastructure projects.In 2022, Governor Kelly fully funded the State Water Plan for the first time since 2008. This bill represents a significant increase in funding for water, adding $18 million on top of the annual $8 million for the State Water Plan and $17 million for the two grant funds. In total, the bill designates an additional $35 million in funding to protect essential water resources. The bill includes that it is legislative intent to continue this funding through 2027.“We must protect the water that has powered our booming farming economy for generations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to make progress on this pressing crisis, investing a historic level of resources into major water storage projects.”The bill also appropriates $52 million to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, funding that was included in the Governor’s budget released in January, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.“Water is one of our most vital natural resources and has been taken for granted far too long. &nbsp;Senate Substitute for HB 2302 is an effort to more fully fund the Kansas Water Office to address water quantity and water quality,"&nbsp;Representative Jim Minnix said. “This will benefit all Kansans -- rural, urban, Republican, Democrats, younger, and older. The Kansas House Water Committee has worked diligently with many stakeholders to put these policies and long-term funding plans together for future Kansans.”Governor Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMjc5LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.snf8Hqnt3pHzcsjunQM7LVcJGihTJ3V7Wtq05XekjA8/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">House Bill 2279</a>, a bipartisan bill that requires Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts to submit annual reports to the Kansas Legislature with updated water conservation and stabilization plans to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.The reports to the Legislature will outline expenditures for water conservation efforts and stabilization of agricultural consumption. A Groundwater Management District oversees the management of groundwater resources, conservation, and use in five regions of the state with significant aquifer storage and use.“With the historic level of funding in HB 2302 and the commitment to conservation in HB 2279, these bills will provide the state tools it desperately needs to address our water crisis,”&nbsp;Representative Lindsay Vaughn, Kansas House District 22, said.&nbsp;“Together, we are committed to ensuring access to this crucial resource for communities large and small, and for the future generations of Kansas.”

$35M water resources bill included Lake Milford debt payoff

In 2019, the Governors of Kansas and Missouri both committed to a truce, pausing the pointless, destructive tax border war.&nbsp; Prior to that, KC-area companies would regularly leverage millions
 of dollars from their respective states in order to move just a few miles across the state line.&nbsp; Waddell and Reed received $62 million to move from Kansas to Missouri, while AMC Theaters got over $21 million to move from Missouri to Kansas.&nbsp; Neither move
 took the respective companies out of the KC area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The result of this nonsense was millions of dollars lost to state services, most notably public schools, all for companies to relocate–not create–jobs.&nbsp; State money was in the mix, too—it was
 not just a Kansas City issue. The choice is then whether to cut essential services like schools and infrastructure, or make up the revenue by raising taxes on individuals and small businesses that do not have powerful, well-connected lobbyists.&nbsp; No jobs are
 created in this process, except of course for lawyers and lobbyists.

This is absurd.&nbsp; Fortunately, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson agree.&nbsp; In 2019, they agreed to a tax break truce, and it is holding.&nbsp; The Missouri General Assembly
 also passed legislation codifying it, but only if the Kansas Legislature would pass similar legislation within two years, which they did not.&nbsp; Kelly and Parson have each been re-elected since, but to make this commitment more binding once their terms are up,
 the two legislatures need to renew their own deal.&nbsp; This time, the Kansas Legislature needs to reciprocate.

To be clear, both states are still gung ho about tax breaks such as the massive “APEX” deal that lured a Panasonic electric-vehicle battery factory to Desoto. However, since 2019 there have
 been no massive tax packages dangled before existing KC employers to move a few blocks or a few miles.&nbsp; Yet unfinished business remains.&nbsp; Not only do the legislatures need to make the deal permanent, there is yet another issue that they need to address: a
 lack of tax reciprocity.

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers live in Kansas and work in Missouri, and vice-versa.&nbsp; Each one is required to file and pay taxes in both states.&nbsp; Each state offers residents a credit for
 taxes paid to other states, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone.&nbsp; By contrast, Ohio has had a tax reciprocity agreement with all states which it borders for decades.&nbsp; Most notably, this includes the Cincinnati area, a substantial portion of which
 lies in Kentucky.&nbsp; Under those agreements, one pays taxes to the state where one lives, not where one works.&nbsp; A single state tax return is filed, and that is the end of it.&nbsp; If there are any complications, the other state need only check the taxpayer’s state
 of legal residency.&nbsp; Kansas could also do this with Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Opportunities are being lost and time wasted because of the baffling complexity of filing two tax returns and negotiating each state’s complicated process of taking a credit for the taxes paid
 to other states.&nbsp; It also incentivizes many people with otherwise-simple tax status to rely on paid tax preparers, wasting money.&nbsp; But for the border issue, these taxpayers could easily complete the forms on their own.

This should not be an ideological or partisan issue.&nbsp; The Kansas Legislature needs to renew the tax truce legislation and pass tax reciprocity–the sooner, the better.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2019, the Governors of Kansas and Missouri both committed to a truce, pausing the pointless, destructive tax border war.&nbsp; Prior to that, KC-area companies would regularly leverage millions
 of dollars from their respective states in order to move just a few miles across the state line.&nbsp; Waddell and Reed received $62 million to move from Kansas to Missouri, while AMC Theaters got over $21 million to move from Missouri to Kansas.&nbsp; Neither move
 took the respective companies out of the KC area.&nbsp;&nbsp;The result of this nonsense was millions of dollars lost to state services, most notably public schools, all for companies to relocate–not create–jobs.&nbsp; State money was in the mix, too—it was
 not just a Kansas City issue. The choice is then whether to cut essential services like schools and infrastructure, or make up the revenue by raising taxes on individuals and small businesses that do not have powerful, well-connected lobbyists.&nbsp; No jobs are
 created in this process, except of course for lawyers and lobbyists.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is absurd.&nbsp; Fortunately, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson agree.&nbsp; In 2019, they agreed to a tax break truce, and it is holding.&nbsp; The Missouri General Assembly
 also passed legislation codifying it, but only if the Kansas Legislature would pass similar legislation within two years, which they did not.&nbsp; Kelly and Parson have each been re-elected since, but to make this commitment more binding once their terms are up,
 the two legislatures need to renew their own deal.&nbsp; This time, the Kansas Legislature needs to reciprocate.To be clear, both states are still gung ho about tax breaks such as the massive “APEX” deal that lured a Panasonic electric-vehicle battery factory to Desoto. However, since 2019 there have
 been no massive tax packages dangled before existing KC employers to move a few blocks or a few miles.&nbsp; Yet unfinished business remains.&nbsp; Not only do the legislatures need to make the deal permanent, there is yet another issue that they need to address: a
 lack of tax reciprocity.Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers live in Kansas and work in Missouri, and vice-versa.&nbsp; Each one is required to file and pay taxes in both states.&nbsp; Each state offers residents a credit for
 taxes paid to other states, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone.&nbsp; By contrast, Ohio has had a tax reciprocity agreement with all states which it borders for decades.&nbsp; Most notably, this includes the Cincinnati area, a substantial portion of which
 lies in Kentucky.&nbsp; Under those agreements, one pays taxes to the state where one lives, not where one works.&nbsp; A single state tax return is filed, and that is the end of it.&nbsp; If there are any complications, the other state need only check the taxpayer’s state
 of legal residency.&nbsp; Kansas could also do this with Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opportunities are being lost and time wasted because of the baffling complexity of filing two tax returns and negotiating each state’s complicated process of taking a credit for the taxes paid
 to other states.&nbsp; It also incentivizes many people with otherwise-simple tax status to rely on paid tax preparers, wasting money.&nbsp; But for the border issue, these taxpayers could easily complete the forms on their own.This should not be an ideological or partisan issue.&nbsp; The Kansas Legislature needs to renew the tax truce legislation and pass tax reciprocity–the sooner, the better.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Tax truce is holding, but it’s time to finish the job

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/2023/4/1682178664098.jpeg" alt="Tammy Lynn Ayers, Theft-all other; Failure to appear; Arrested 04/21" />
 <figcaption>Tammy Lynn Ayers, Theft-all other; Failure to appear; Arrested 04/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682178833067.jpeg" alt="Katherine Marie Grumbles, DUI-liquor/drugs(1st offense); Arrested 04/22" />
 <figcaption>Katherine Marie Grumbles, DUI-liquor/drugs(1st offense); Arrested 04/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682178906909.jpeg" alt="Theron Charles Hankins, Failure to appear x2; Arrested 04/21" />
 <figcaption>Theron Charles Hankins, Failure to appear x2; Arrested 04/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682180086372.jpeg" alt="Mildred Crenshaw McNeill, Criminal carry of weapons; Bludgeon/sandclub/knuckles/throwing star; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Traf contraband in corr/care fac; Unauth poss of firearm/expl/cont sub at fac; Arrested 04/22" />
 <figcaption>Mildred Crenshaw McNeill, Criminal carry of weapons; Bludgeon/sandclub/knuckles/throwing star; Possession of marijuana; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Traf contraband in corr/care fac; Unauth poss of firearm/expl/cont sub at fac; Arrested 04/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682180428041.jpeg" alt="Brannon Mebane, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Possession of hallucinogenic drug; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Criminal damage to property; without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Arrested 04/21" />
 <figcaption>Brannon Mebane, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Possession of hallucinogenic drug; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Criminal damage to property; without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Arrested 04/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682180584053.jpeg" alt="Domenick Xavier Rasmussen, Flee or attempt to elude; five or more moving violations; Failure to yield at stop or yield sign; Improper turn or approach; Unsafe turning or stopping; Failure to give proper signal; Improper driving on laned roadway; Maximum speed limits; Traffic control signal; Arrested 04/22" />
 <figcaption>Domenick Xavier Rasmussen, Flee or attempt to elude; five or more moving violations; Failure to yield at stop or yield sign; Improper turn or approach; Unsafe turning or stopping; Failure to give proper signal; Improper driving on laned roadway; Maximum speed limits; Traffic control signal; Arrested 04/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682181089873.jpeg" alt="Jamie Lee Ray; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/21" />
 <figcaption>Jamie Lee Ray; Probation Violation; Arrested 04/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682181163630.jpeg" alt="Jadarius Javonta Turner, Battery against a law enforcement officer; Intimidation of a witness or victim; Criminal deprivation of property; Unlawful damage to property; Interference w/LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Domestic battery; Arrested 04/21" />
 <figcaption>Jadarius Javonta Turner, Battery against a law enforcement officer; Intimidation of a witness or victim; Criminal deprivation of property; Unlawful damage to property; Interference w/LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Domestic battery; Arrested 04/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682181313392.jpeg" alt="Conley Spurgeon Worsham Third, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; drugs and alcohol; Arrested 04/21" />
 <figcaption>Conley Spurgeon Worsham Third, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; drugs and alcohol; Arrested 04/21</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 April 22

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

GOVE COUNTY, Kan. — The prairie was still asleep when I drug my blurry-eyed self and camera gear out of a van onto a pasture in Gove County.

Our instructions indicated we should follow the stacks of cow pies to the lek, mating grounds for prairie chickens, usually used year after year.

We quickly set up our pop-up blinds and settled into the darkness, waiting and listening as the cold, dry Kansas wind slapped our faces.&nbsp;

"You will hear them before you see them," our guide whispered as he zipped us in.

Then through the darkness, you could hear warbles and then bloop, bloop, bloop of the lesser prairie chickens and finally the booooma of a greater prairie chicken.

I participated in the <a href="https://www.audubonofkansas.org/grousetours">Kansas Audubon Society</a>'s Lek Trek weekend April 13 to 16, which was based in Hays.

Although greater prairie chickens can be found from Texas to southern Canada, northwestern Kansas is the only place in the world where greater and lesser prairie chickens occur in the same place.&nbsp;

Lesser prairie chickens have a much smaller range that includes parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico — the majority of that range is in western Kansas.

Last weekend, more than 140 birders from across the nation came to Kansas, with Hays as their base, to see prairie chickens during their mating season.&nbsp;

In addition to the males inflating sacks on either side of their throats to make their signature booms, prairie chickens are also known for their distinct (and in my view, comical) mating dances.

The males shoot up feathers located on the back of their necks called&nbsp;pinnae. Those feathers stick up above their heads like horns. They stick their tail feathers up in the air, wiggle their butts and quickly stomp their feet. It looks like a combo between a 2-year-old throwing a temper tantrum and grandma trying to do the chicken dance.&nbsp;

Although you're supposed to be dead silent in those blinds, it's hard not to giggle just a little at the whole sight.

As more birds join the lek, fights erupt. Two males will face off in the middle of the lek, staring at each other. Sometimes they just walk away. Other times one will fly up and pounce on the other bird.&nbsp;

The females, who are much less showy, which is common in the bird world, mingle with the males appearing uninterested and unamused.

Even after all the girls have left the lek for the morning, a few males tend to hang out, too tired to spar anymore.&nbsp;

Observing prairie chickens from a blind gets you the best views of the birds and the best glimpses of their natural behaviors.

At times, birds were no more than 10 feet from our blinds and could be easily seen without scopes or binoculars.&nbsp;

The downside is that you have to be in those blinds before the first light and must stay in the blinds without a bathroom break until after 9 a.m. in our case when the birds for no apparent reason all flushed at once. We met to load vans to head toward our leks at 3:30 a.m.

Even last Friday when the high was 80, it was cold on that hilltop in Gove County, even with three layers of clothes and gloves. A birder from San Fransisco who went out on one of the blind tours Saturday morning when the high was only in the 50s said it was the coldest he had ever been.

They haven't been here when the wind chills were 50 below.

Prairie chickens were once ubiquitous on the prairie. Early settlers hunted them for food. However, their numbers have been in decline for decades.

Prairie chickens need large open areas of grassland to sustain their populations and perform their signature mating dances. They don't like anything that is taller than they are. This includes trees, power poles, windmills and oil derricks.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681935383708.jpeg" alt="Prairie chickens thrive on land that is being grazed by cattle because the cattle help maintain vegetation at varying densities, which is ideal for the life cycle of the birds. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Prairie chickens thrive on land that is being grazed by cattle because the cattle help maintain vegetation at varying densities, which is ideal for the life cycle of the birds. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostGOVE COUNTY, Kan. — The prairie was still asleep when I drug my blurry-eyed self and camera gear out of a van onto a pasture in Gove County.Our instructions indicated we should follow the stacks of cow pies to the lek, mating grounds for prairie chickens, usually used year after year.We quickly set up our pop-up blinds and settled into the darkness, waiting and listening as the cold, dry Kansas wind slapped our faces.&nbsp;"You will hear them before you see them," our guide whispered as he zipped us in.Then through the darkness, you could hear warbles and then bloop, bloop, bloop of the lesser prairie chickens and finally the booooma of a greater prairie chicken.I participated in the <a href="https://www.audubonofkansas.org/grousetours">Kansas Audubon Society</a>'s Lek Trek weekend April 13 to 16, which was based in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681935690526.jpeg" alt="The greater prairie chicken on the left, inflates its air sacs, as the lesser prairie chicken does the same on the right. Greater prairie chickens tend to be bigger and have an orange air sac. The lesser prairie chickens are smaller and have a red air sac. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The greater prairie chicken on the left, inflates its air sacs, as the lesser prairie chicken does the same on the right. Greater prairie chickens tend to be bigger and have an orange air sac. The lesser prairie chickens are smaller and have a red air sac. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although greater prairie chickens can be found from Texas to southern Canada, northwestern Kansas is the only place in the world where greater and lesser prairie chickens occur in the same place.&nbsp;Lesser prairie chickens have a much smaller range that includes parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico — the majority of that range is in western Kansas.Last weekend, more than 140 birders from across the nation came to Kansas, with Hays as their base, to see prairie chickens during their mating season.&nbsp;In addition to the males inflating sacks on either side of their throats to make their signature booms, prairie chickens are also known for their distinct (and in my view, comical) mating dances.The males shoot up feathers located on the back of their necks called&nbsp;pinnae. Those feathers stick up above their heads like horns. They stick their tail feathers up in the air, wiggle their butts and quickly stomp their feet. It looks like a combo between a 2-year-old throwing a temper tantrum and grandma trying to do the chicken dance.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681935984841.jpeg" alt="Male lesser prairie chickens square off on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Male lesser prairie chickens square off on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although you're supposed to be dead silent in those blinds, it's hard not to giggle just a little at the whole sight.As more birds join the lek, fights erupt. Two males will face off in the middle of the lek, staring at each other. Sometimes they just walk away. Other times one will fly up and pounce on the other bird.&nbsp;The females, who are much less showy, which is common in the bird world, mingle with the males appearing uninterested and unamused.Even after all the girls have left the lek for the morning, a few males tend to hang out, too tired to spar anymore.&nbsp;Observing prairie chickens from a blind gets you the best views of the birds and the best glimpses of their natural behaviors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936081724.jpeg" alt="A male lesser prairie chicken, right, tries to woo a female lesser prairie chicken, left. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A male lesser prairie chicken, right, tries to woo a female lesser prairie chicken, left. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>At times, birds were no more than 10 feet from our blinds and could be easily seen without scopes or binoculars.&nbsp;The downside is that you have to be in those blinds before the first light and must stay in the blinds without a bathroom break until after 9 a.m. in our case when the birds for no apparent reason all flushed at once. We met to load vans to head toward our leks at 3:30 a.m.Even last Friday when the high was 80, it was cold on that hilltop in Gove County, even with three layers of clothes and gloves. A birder from San Fransisco who went out on one of the blind tours Saturday morning when the high was only in the 50s said it was the coldest he had ever been.They haven't been here when the wind chills were 50 below.Prairie chickens were once ubiquitous on the prairie. Early settlers hunted them for food. However, their numbers have been in decline for decades.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936235390.jpeg" alt="A prairie chicken tries to pounce on a rival male as they fight for mates on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A prairie chicken tries to pounce on a rival male as they fight for mates on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Prairie chickens need large open areas of grassland to sustain their populations and perform their signature mating dances. They don't like anything that is taller than they are. This includes trees, power poles, windmills and oil derricks.&nbsp;Some researchers have proffered the prairie chickens avoid these natural and manmade structures because they have historically been used by birds of prey for perches.You likely have heard lesser prairie chickens mentioned in the news recently. The federal government has listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened, which is not sitting too well with some energy companies and local landowners.Prairie chickens thrive on cattle pastures. Grazing keeps cover at the needed heights for the prairie chickens through their life cycles. They need some short grass, some medium cover and some thicker cover.&nbsp;One of these said landowners stopped our van on the way out of the pasture Friday morning and started chit-chatting about the chickens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936388982.jpeg" alt="An overview of the prairie chicken lek as dawn slowly breaks over the prairie. A male lesser prairie chicken, center, can be seen here with several females. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An overview of the prairie chicken lek as dawn slowly breaks over the prairie. A male lesser prairie chicken, center, can be seen here with several females. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>He said he too had prairie chickens on his property, but he said he was concerned about the limits the listing would place on property rights.The landowner said he isn't bothered by the prairie chickens or the researchers and visitors who come to see them.&nbsp;However, he said he wants to be able to manage his cattle and land without interference from the feds in D.C. The farmer's concerns did not fall on deaf ears. We've had a farm in our family for several generations. It's hard work, and farmers are often left with small profits and big debts.So why go through all this trouble to save this one goofy little bird?&nbsp;Jackie Augustine, organizer of the Prairie Chicken Festival and an expert on the birds, said simply they're cute.More importantly, they are a sign of healthy prairie habitat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936745789.jpeg" alt="Lesser prairie chickens have been listed as threatened by the federal government, but the state of Kansas is fighting that designation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lesser prairie chickens have been listed as threatened by the federal government, but the state of Kansas is fighting that designation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/727ddb20-ced5-4d23-9090-aeb6cfda8a9e">She also argued voluntary measures have been in place for years, but the prairie chicken populations have yet to stabilize.</a>Commerce doesn't have to be given up entirely for conservation.Augustine said cattle ranchers can still run cattle on their land, and the listing doesn't completely restrict oil and energy production in this region. It encourages it to be done in areas that won't destroy leks.Birders are a passionate group. They have what they call life lists, which include every bird they have seen in their lifetimes. Some birders travel internationally to add to those life lists.The Prairie Chicken Festival attendees, most of whom were from out of state, paid hundreds of dollars in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/audubonofkansas">Audubon</a> fees alone, not to mention food, gas, lodging and entertainment to watch these birds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936920208.jpeg" alt="Most of the prairie chicken leks in Kansas are on private land. This one was marked by cow pie piles. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Most of the prairie chicken leks in Kansas are on private land. This one was marked by cow pie piles. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Coming to a compromise between maintaining property owner rights and implementing conservation tactics that will preserve the lesser prairie chicken is where we need to be, but that's not where politics are going.Unfortunately, parties in the prairie chicken debate have taken to their corners for a fight. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f995f9e-3403-4556-b353-c968c3e5e924">Last week, the Kansas Attorney General sued President Biden in an attempt to have the lesser prairie chicken delisted from the threatened species list.</a>This weekend was my third time observing prairie chickens in the wild. They never cease to amaze me. They always make me smile. Their boom ... boom ... boom ... makes me feel more in rhythm.&nbsp;They don't understand land deeds or lawsuits. They are just doing what prairie chickens do.Those who know me, know I am not a morning person. I don't know anyone who is a 3 a.m. morning person. However, as I emerged from our little prairie cocoons Friday morning on lek, I had a huge smile on my face. The hike, no bathroom, the early wakeup, and the cold were worth it.However, as the birds flushed and disappeared into the gray morning Friday, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I wondered what was next for my feathered friends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936568023.jpeg" alt="Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney standing outside of her blind in the late morning after her prairie chicken viewing tour. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney standing outside of her blind in the late morning after her prairie chicken viewing tour. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>