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.<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.&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/2023/4/1682178664098.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;

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.

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.

<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.

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/2023/4/1681935383708.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>

📸 Reporter experiences Kansas prairie chickens first hand

The 42nd annual Cloud County Community College Foundation Scholarship
 Auction, on Saturday, April 15, raised more than $105,000. 

A
 resort themed event, “Escape to Margaritaville,” saw attendees bid on 
silent and live auction items to raise money for the Foundation’s 
scholarship fund. All funds raised during the evening go directly to the
 General Scholarship Fund, making Cloud County an option for many 
students who otherwise might not be able to attend college.

“The
 42nd annual auction was a huge success thanks to the generous donors 
and attendees,” said Heather Gennette, foundation executive director. 
“The auction only happens with the help of a great team of volunteers 
and amazing staff. The dedication and time these individuals put toward 
the event is simply incredible. I think everyone who attended was able 
to see the impact the Foundation and fundraisers like this have on our 
students. I couldn’t have asked for a more successful evening!”

In the history of the auction, the event has raised more than $1 million toward student scholarships.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681832025227.jpeg" alt="ITC Great Plains presented a scholarship donation to Cloud County Community College’s Wind Energy Technology program at Saturday night’s Foundation Scholarship Auction. Picture are, left to right: JR Behan, ITC State Government Affairs Manager, Foundation Executive Director Heather Gennette, Sen. Elaine Bowers, CCCC President Amber Knoettgen, ITC Senior Community Relations Representative Eric Ivey, and Rep. Susan Concannon." />
 <figcaption>ITC Great Plains presented a scholarship donation to Cloud County Community College’s Wind Energy Technology program at Saturday night’s Foundation Scholarship Auction. Picture are, left to right: JR Behan, ITC State Government Affairs Manager, Foundation Executive Director Heather Gennette, Sen. Elaine Bowers, CCCC President Amber Knoettgen, ITC Senior Community Relations Representative Eric Ivey, and Rep. Susan Concannon.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cloud County CCThe 42nd annual Cloud County Community College Foundation Scholarship
 Auction, on Saturday, April 15, raised more than $105,000. A
 resort themed event, “Escape to Margaritaville,” saw attendees bid on 
silent and live auction items to raise money for the Foundation’s 
scholarship fund. All funds raised during the evening go directly to the
 General Scholarship Fund, making Cloud County an option for many 
students who otherwise might not be able to attend college.“The
 42nd annual auction was a huge success thanks to the generous donors 
and attendees,” said Heather Gennette, foundation executive director. 
“The auction only happens with the help of a great team of volunteers 
and amazing staff. The dedication and time these individuals put toward 
the event is simply incredible. I think everyone who attended was able 
to see the impact the Foundation and fundraisers like this have on our 
students. I couldn’t have asked for a more successful evening!”In the history of the auction, the event has raised more than $1 million toward student scholarships.

Cloud County CC foundation scholarship auction a success

GEARY COUNTY - In a brief release on Friday afternoon, long-time Geary County Clerk, Rebecca Nordyke, announced her retirement in a media release.

"After 26 years and the increasing workload, especially in the election duties, I have decided to retire effective April 28, 2023. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Geary County." - Rebecca Nordyke, Geary County Clerk

No other details were given in the announcement. Nordyke's retirement date is Friday, April 28th.

by BECKY GOFF JC PostGEARY COUNTY - In a brief release on Friday afternoon, long-time Geary County Clerk, Rebecca Nordyke, announced her retirement in a media release."After 26 years and the increasing workload, especially in the election duties, I have decided to retire effective April 28, 2023. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Geary County." - Rebecca Nordyke, Geary County ClerkNo other details were given in the announcement. Nordyke's retirement date is Friday, April 28th.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682120540210.jpeg" alt="Geary County Press Release County Clerk retirement.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Geary County Press Release County Clerk retirement.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Geary County Clerk announces retirement

By THOMAS REUST Fort Riley Public Affairs

April 18, a line of vehicles was filled with 25 transitioning Soldiers 
and their families on the way to the state capital. The mission? 
Learning about educational and occupational opportunities in Topeka 
available to military connected families as they near a key decision in 
transitioning into the civilian sector. 
The day was part of a tour put on by the Kansas Employment Exploration 
Program or KEEP, facilitated by the Fort Riley Transition Assistance 
Program. The day included visits to Washburn Institute of Technology, 
The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka, Frito Lay, and culminated in a panel 
with several employers from the area.

Sergeant Dakota Hoffman, from 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery 
Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said 
he appreciated the opportunity, “I think Topeka is a very promising area
 that is seeing a lot of growth. I got to see several employers that I 
might not have found with a simple internet search, and that widened my 
perspective of the area.” 
At the Washburn Institute of Technology, the participants saw several 
occupational training programs ranging from specialized medical training
 to cybersecurity. The training was one of the highlights that the Fort
 Riley Transition Assistance program is incorporating into their 
opportunities for transitioning military families. 
Debra Shelkey, the Fort Riley Transition Service Manager, wants to get 
the word out that the KEEP initiative is one of the robust programs that
 is offered by her office. “We go all around the state looking at 
different communities to see what they have to offer, and it’s not only 
jobs. Today we heard about parks, recreation facilities, and childcare 
as well. That helps create a better picture of what kind of support is 
out in the civilian world that is offered by these communities. With 
this program we learn about things we didn’t even know about, and many 
of us have been in the state a long time.” 
TAP also works closely with KANSASWORKS which supported the Topeka tour.
 Andrew Dailey, KANSAS WORKS Veteran Employment Representative, sat down
 and gave his perspective on the value of having a strong program like 
TAP for those taking the leap into the civilian lifestyle. “Being a 
veteran myself of over 25 years, I get to connect with these people as 
they begin their journey and are deciding the best path forward for them
 and their families. Take advantage of great programs like TAP because 
it can make all the difference.” 
According to transition assistance personnel, KEEP is a Fort Riley 
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) initiative designed to encourage 
transitioning Service Members to settle down and remain in Kansas after 
completing their military service. Attendees receive community tours and
 are introduced to employers and city leaders to discuss job 
opportunities, salaries, and the quality-of-life options available to 
them in the community. So far this year, the team has visited Manhattan 
and Topeka, and have scheduled trips to Lawrence and Wichita. All tours 
are provided at no cost to participants.

To learn more about this 
program visit, click <a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php/about/dir-staff/dhr/SFL-TAP">HERE</a> or 
call 785-239-2278 or 785-239-9909.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/442961/fort-riley-transition-assistance-program-partners-with-keep-initiative">Story courtesy DVIDS</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681999500175.png" alt="Soldiers, family members, and TAP personnel tour the Topeka Frito Lay facility on April 17. Photo by Thomas Reust" />
 <figcaption>Soldiers, family members, and TAP personnel tour the Topeka Frito Lay facility on April 17. Photo by Thomas Reust</figcaption>
 </figure>By THOMAS REUST Fort Riley Public AffairsApril 18, a line of vehicles was filled with 25 transitioning Soldiers 
and their families on the way to the state capital. The mission? 
Learning about educational and occupational opportunities in Topeka 
available to military connected families as they near a key decision in 
transitioning into the civilian sector. 
The day was part of a tour put on by the Kansas Employment Exploration 
Program or KEEP, facilitated by the Fort Riley Transition Assistance 
Program. The day included visits to Washburn Institute of Technology, 
The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka, Frito Lay, and culminated in a panel 
with several employers from the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681999459741.png" alt="Soldiers, family members, and KEEP tour organizers start a tour of the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka on April 18. Photo by Thomas Reust" />
 <figcaption>Soldiers, family members, and KEEP tour organizers start a tour of the Boys and Girls Club of Topeka on April 18. Photo by Thomas Reust</figcaption>
 </figure>Sergeant Dakota Hoffman, from 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery 
Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said 
he appreciated the opportunity, “I think Topeka is a very promising area
 that is seeing a lot of growth. I got to see several employers that I 
might not have found with a simple internet search, and that widened my 
perspective of the area.” 
At the Washburn Institute of Technology, the participants saw several 
occupational training programs ranging from specialized medical training
 to cybersecurity. The training was one of the highlights that the Fort
 Riley Transition Assistance program is incorporating into their 
opportunities for transitioning military families. 
Debra Shelkey, the Fort Riley Transition Service Manager, wants to get 
the word out that the KEEP initiative is one of the robust programs that
 is offered by her office. “We go all around the state looking at 
different communities to see what they have to offer, and it’s not only 
jobs. Today we heard about parks, recreation facilities, and childcare 
as well. That helps create a better picture of what kind of support is 
out in the civilian world that is offered by these communities. With 
this program we learn about things we didn’t even know about, and many 
of us have been in the state a long time.” 
TAP also works closely with KANSASWORKS which supported the Topeka tour.
 Andrew Dailey, KANSAS WORKS Veteran Employment Representative, sat down
 and gave his perspective on the value of having a strong program like 
TAP for those taking the leap into the civilian lifestyle. “Being a 
veteran myself of over 25 years, I get to connect with these people as 
they begin their journey and are deciding the best path forward for them
 and their families. Take advantage of great programs like TAP because 
it can make all the difference.” 
According to transition assistance personnel, KEEP is a Fort Riley 
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) initiative designed to encourage 
transitioning Service Members to settle down and remain in Kansas after 
completing their military service. Attendees receive community tours and
 are introduced to employers and city leaders to discuss job 
opportunities, salaries, and the quality-of-life options available to 
them in the community. So far this year, the team has visited Manhattan 
and Topeka, and have scheduled trips to Lawrence and Wichita. All tours 
are provided at no cost to participants. To learn more about this 
program visit, click <a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/index.php/about/dir-staff/dhr/SFL-TAP">HERE</a> or 
call 785-239-2278 or 785-239-9909.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/442961/fort-riley-transition-assistance-program-partners-with-keep-initiative">Story courtesy DVIDS</a>

Fort Riley Transition Assistance Program partners with KEEP initiative

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/about/staff/">Kansas State University Meteorologist Chip Redm</a>ond

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: K-State Meteorologist Chip Redman" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=vp5vy-13ea180-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=f6f6f6&size=315"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Forest Service,&nbsp;<a href="https://mesonet.k-state.edu/about/staff/">Kansas State University Meteorologist Chip Redm</a>ond

🎤 Forward Ever: Kan. Forest Service Meteorologist Chip Redmond

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have made a second arrest in connection with the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8ce86ab1-c043-4736-9e97-092b57786a8c">March 6 shooting at Sunset Zoo</a>.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, officers conducted a search warrant in the 1500 block of Hillcrest Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County. Police Department activity report.

The investigation led to the arrest of Sierra Wells and Thesiaus Robinson, both 20, both of Manhattan after drugs and guns were found. 

Wells was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, criminal use of weapons, and two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Robinson was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, three counts of drug possession and&nbsp; for aggravated robbery in connection to the March 6, shooting at the Sunset Zoo parking lot. 

Wells was issued a total bond of $25,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report. Robinson was issued a total bond of $45,000 for the drug and weapon charges, his aggravated robbery charge bond and judicial review are pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678154374014.jpeg" alt="RCPD investigating shooting at Sunset Zoo parking lot" />
 <figcaption>RCPD investigating shooting at Sunset Zoo parking lot</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have made a second arrest in connection with the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8ce86ab1-c043-4736-9e97-092b57786a8c">March 6 shooting at Sunset Zoo</a>.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, officers conducted a search warrant in the 1500 block of Hillcrest Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County. Police Department activity report.The investigation led to the arrest of Sierra Wells and Thesiaus Robinson, both 20, both of Manhattan after drugs and guns were found. Wells was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, criminal use of weapons, and two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robinson was arrested on requested charges of distribution of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance and distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, three counts of drug possession and&nbsp; for aggravated robbery in connection to the March 6, shooting at the Sunset Zoo parking lot. Wells was issued a total bond of $25,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report. Robinson was issued a total bond of $45,000 for the drug and weapon charges, his aggravated robbery charge bond and judicial review are pending.

RCPD: 4th suspect arrested for Sunset Zoo parking lot shooting

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/2023/4/1682084643418.jpeg" alt="Michael Ray Beadle; Distribute marijuana; &gt;30 kilograms; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Michael Ray Beadle; Distribute marijuana; &gt;30 kilograms; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682084750628.jpeg" alt="Winston Darnell Griffin Senior, Failure to appear x2; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Winston Darnell Griffin Senior, Failure to appear x2; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682084795387.jpeg" alt="Joanna Marie Nowak, Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stimulant; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony; Outside warrant x2; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Joanna Marie Nowak, Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stimulant; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; felony; Outside warrant x2; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682084999358.jpeg" alt="Victor Santiago-Rodriguez, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Victor Santiago-Rodriguez, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/20</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 21

By KIRSTEN ZOLLER <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2023-04/free-uncrewed-aircraft-systems-training-for-teachers41723.html">K-State News</a>

SALINA — <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a> offers its award-winning training on uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, at no cost to Kansas middle and high school teachers. Attendees
 will experience an immersive, one-week program from June 12 to 16. After 
completing the program, attendees will be Federal Aviation 
Administration certified as commercial UAS pilots. Attendees will also 
receive a K-State microcredential, gain fundamental multirotor flight 
skills from hands-on flight instruction and understand all opportunities
 to implement a UAS curriculum at their respective schools. <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/uas-teacher-training/">The UAS training for teachers program</a>,
 held in Salina, includes three days of in-person classroom training on 
UAS operations, FAA regulations, safety considerations and all topics 
related to the FAA's 14 CFR Part 107 written exam, which is taken 
on-site at the completion of the course. K-State Salina equips attendees
 with the knowledge needed to pass the FAA exam. Attendees will 
also receive hands-on multirotor flight training over two days, a 
feature unavailable in online-only training. Special attention will be 
given to applying safety practices during flight and basic proficiency 
knowledge of uncrewed aerial vehicle flight operations. Instruction
 is led by K-State Salina's nationally recognized UAS program. K-State 
Salina was the second institution in the country to offer a UAS degree 
and continues to be recognized as a leader in UAS education and applied 
research. "We have been offering this program since 2016 at the 
inception of the FAA's regulations on commercial UAS operations. Our 
program is proven, and we are proud to be able to offer it as a 
strategic partnership with middle and high schools across the region," 
said Kurt J. Carraway, UAS executive director of K-State's Applied 
Aviation Research Center and UAS department head at K-State Salina. 
"This is an opportunity to deepen our teacher relationships, helping us 
educate secondary education students about exciting aviation career 
opportunities — a step toward creating a deeper aviation workforce in 
Kansas." Attendees will also participate in a collaborative 
session with K-State Salina administration on developing UAS curriculum 
in their respective high schools. Teachers who are just beginning a UAS 
program, those who have already had success in offerings, or those 
considering developing a program are encouraged to attend. "As 
part of our land-grant mission and strategic initiatives toward being a 
leading aerospace education institution, outreach to middle and high 
schools is a commitment we continue to deliver on," said Kirsten Zoller,
 executive director of strategic initiatives for K-State Salina. "This 
program, first offered in 2019, is an opportunity to expand UAS 
education across the state and excite the next generation of aviators. 
In addition to providing professional development to educators, we are 
excited to expand pathways for students to achieve Kansas State 
University academic credentials before their high school graduation." Attendees
 will stay in the K-State Salina residence halls and dine on campus at 
no cost. All instruction, materials, flight training and FAA exam fee, 
are provided in kind by K-State. <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/uas-teacher-training/">Registration</a>
 for the course is now open. Spots are limited to the first 20 
registrants and are expected to reach capacity quickly. Registration 
closes on May 25 or upon reaching program capacity. Please contact 
K-State Salina's Professional Education and Outreach at <a href="mailto:profed@k-state.edu">profed@k-state.edu</a> with questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681756556743.png" alt="K-State Salina offers its award-winning training on uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, at no cost to Kansas middle and high school teachers. This weeklong training will allow educators to incorporate UAS into their school's curriculum." />
 <figcaption>K-State Salina offers its award-winning training on uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, at no cost to Kansas middle and high school teachers. This weeklong training will allow educators to incorporate UAS into their school's curriculum.</figcaption>
 </figure>By KIRSTEN ZOLLER <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2023-04/free-uncrewed-aircraft-systems-training-for-teachers41723.html">K-State News</a>SALINA — <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus</a> offers its award-winning training on uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS, at no cost to Kansas middle and high school teachers. Attendees
 will experience an immersive, one-week program from June 12 to 16. After 
completing the program, attendees will be Federal Aviation 
Administration certified as commercial UAS pilots. Attendees will also 
receive a K-State microcredential, gain fundamental multirotor flight 
skills from hands-on flight instruction and understand all opportunities
 to implement a UAS curriculum at their respective schools. <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/uas-teacher-training/">The UAS training for teachers program</a>,
 held in Salina, includes three days of in-person classroom training on 
UAS operations, FAA regulations, safety considerations and all topics 
related to the FAA's 14 CFR Part 107 written exam, which is taken 
on-site at the completion of the course. K-State Salina equips attendees
 with the knowledge needed to pass the FAA exam. Attendees will 
also receive hands-on multirotor flight training over two days, a 
feature unavailable in online-only training. Special attention will be 
given to applying safety practices during flight and basic proficiency 
knowledge of uncrewed aerial vehicle flight operations. Instruction
 is led by K-State Salina's nationally recognized UAS program. K-State 
Salina was the second institution in the country to offer a UAS degree 
and continues to be recognized as a leader in UAS education and applied 
research. "We have been offering this program since 2016 at the 
inception of the FAA's regulations on commercial UAS operations. Our 
program is proven, and we are proud to be able to offer it as a 
strategic partnership with middle and high schools across the region," 
said Kurt J. Carraway, UAS executive director of K-State's Applied 
Aviation Research Center and UAS department head at K-State Salina. 
"This is an opportunity to deepen our teacher relationships, helping us 
educate secondary education students about exciting aviation career 
opportunities — a step toward creating a deeper aviation workforce in 
Kansas." Attendees will also participate in a collaborative 
session with K-State Salina administration on developing UAS curriculum 
in their respective high schools. Teachers who are just beginning a UAS 
program, those who have already had success in offerings, or those 
considering developing a program are encouraged to attend. "As 
part of our land-grant mission and strategic initiatives toward being a 
leading aerospace education institution, outreach to middle and high 
schools is a commitment we continue to deliver on," said Kirsten Zoller,
 executive director of strategic initiatives for K-State Salina. "This 
program, first offered in 2019, is an opportunity to expand UAS 
education across the state and excite the next generation of aviators. 
In addition to providing professional development to educators, we are 
excited to expand pathways for students to achieve Kansas State 
University academic credentials before their high school graduation." Attendees
 will stay in the K-State Salina residence halls and dine on campus at 
no cost. All instruction, materials, flight training and FAA exam fee, 
are provided in kind by K-State. <a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/research-training/applied-aviation-research-center/training/uas-teacher-training/">Registration</a>
 for the course is now open. Spots are limited to the first 20 
registrants and are expected to reach capacity quickly. Registration 
closes on May 25 or upon reaching program capacity. Please contact 
K-State Salina's Professional Education and Outreach at <a href="mailto:profed@k-state.edu">profed@k-state.edu</a> with questions.

K-State Salina offers free uncrewed aircraft systems training to Kansas teachers 

By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development

“Let’s go to the port.” If that calls to mind a big harbor full of ships and seagulls, think again.&nbsp;

There are other kinds of ports such as an airport – or a railport. Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas county that is using a port authority to support railroad infrastructure so as to benefit the local economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the last two weeks, we met Carolyn Dunn, president of the Stafford County Port Authority and past director of economic development in Stafford County. In the conclusion of this three-part series, we will learn about a port authority.&nbsp;

Stafford County is an agriculturally-based county in the middle of Kansas. One of its assets is a railroad line.&nbsp;

When Dunn first took the job as county economic development director, she was approached by three companies that were interested in establishing a large grain car loading facility along the railroad in the county. In each case, the deals did not pencil out, and the companies went elsewhere.&nbsp;

“We had to figure out how we could make this viable for them,” Dunn said. “Rather than those companies having to absorb all the cost of land and track, we looked for a way to structure this so that it makes it advantageous to attract businesses.”&nbsp;

Her research on alternatives led to something called a port authority. This happened to be the same legal structure that a Kansas leader named Huck Boyd had successfully used to support railroad service after the Rock Island Railroad closed in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A port authority is a quasi-governmental, special use district authorized to operate transportation infrastructure. In a sense, it might function like an airport or water port, but in Kansas it has been used with railroads. Typically, the port authority would own the land and railroad sidings and then lease access to companies that ship goods.&nbsp;

Stafford County Economic Development sought to use the port authority to establish a local rail transloading facility with industrial park. This would mean building a loop to the main railroad with space for loading and unloading facilities. This would allow trains and trucks to receive and transfer cargo such as grain or manufactured products.&nbsp;

Establishing a port authority requires state legislative approval. The Kansas Legislature authorized the Stafford County port authority in 2014. Stafford County Commissioners authorized formation of it in 2015. A Port Authority Board of Directors was appointed by the county commissioners. The county then contracted with a K-State agricultural economics professor to conduct a feasibility study on how best to implement it.&nbsp;

A grant was received to do the engineering and legal work. Potential sites were evaluated. A large grain handling company signed a letter of intent to build a unit car loading facility there.&nbsp;

Five million dollars was raised for the project. In 2022, a 256 acre site was purchased near two major highways and next to the railroad right of way.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dunn transitioned from economic development director to her new role as president of the port authority. Much work remains to be done on the project.&nbsp;

If all goes as planned, this project would stimulate an estimated $15 million in private investment initially by an anchor grain-handling tenant. Improved efficiency in grain transportation should improve local grain prices, adding $7.5 to $9 million annually into the local economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In addition to the seasonal shipment of grain at harvest time, we think this can benefit industrial shippers in the county by providing a local point of access to the railroad for companies that don’t have their own rail siding,” Dunn said.&nbsp;

One example would be Hudson Cream Flour, a business we have previously profiled.&nbsp;&nbsp;That company is located in the rural Stafford County community of Hudson, population 95 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;

For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.staffordport.com/">www.staffordport.com</a>.&nbsp;

It’s time to leave the port, but there’s no ships or seagulls. This would be a railroad port.&nbsp;&nbsp;We salute Carolyn Dunn and the Stafford County Port Authority for making a difference with innovative thinking and action.&nbsp;

Will this achieve positive results?&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes - I have it on good authority.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681909639428.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development“Let’s go to the port.” If that calls to mind a big harbor full of ships and seagulls, think again.&nbsp;There are other kinds of ports such as an airport – or a railport. Today we’ll learn about a rural Kansas county that is using a port authority to support railroad infrastructure so as to benefit the local economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;During the last two weeks, we met Carolyn Dunn, president of the Stafford County Port Authority and past director of economic development in Stafford County. In the conclusion of this three-part series, we will learn about a port authority.&nbsp;Stafford County is an agriculturally-based county in the middle of Kansas. One of its assets is a railroad line.&nbsp;When Dunn first took the job as county economic development director, she was approached by three companies that were interested in establishing a large grain car loading facility along the railroad in the county. In each case, the deals did not pencil out, and the companies went elsewhere.&nbsp;“We had to figure out how we could make this viable for them,” Dunn said. “Rather than those companies having to absorb all the cost of land and track, we looked for a way to structure this so that it makes it advantageous to attract businesses.”&nbsp;Her research on alternatives led to something called a port authority. This happened to be the same legal structure that a Kansas leader named Huck Boyd had successfully used to support railroad service after the Rock Island Railroad closed in northwest Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A port authority is a quasi-governmental, special use district authorized to operate transportation infrastructure. In a sense, it might function like an airport or water port, but in Kansas it has been used with railroads. Typically, the port authority would own the land and railroad sidings and then lease access to companies that ship goods.&nbsp;Stafford County Economic Development sought to use the port authority to establish a local rail transloading facility with industrial park. This would mean building a loop to the main railroad with space for loading and unloading facilities. This would allow trains and trucks to receive and transfer cargo such as grain or manufactured products.&nbsp;Establishing a port authority requires state legislative approval. The Kansas Legislature authorized the Stafford County port authority in 2014. Stafford County Commissioners authorized formation of it in 2015. A Port Authority Board of Directors was appointed by the county commissioners. The county then contracted with a K-State agricultural economics professor to conduct a feasibility study on how best to implement it.&nbsp;A grant was received to do the engineering and legal work. Potential sites were evaluated. A large grain handling company signed a letter of intent to build a unit car loading facility there.&nbsp;Five million dollars was raised for the project. In 2022, a 256 acre site was purchased near two major highways and next to the railroad right of way.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dunn transitioned from economic development director to her new role as president of the port authority. Much work remains to be done on the project.&nbsp;If all goes as planned, this project would stimulate an estimated $15 million in private investment initially by an anchor grain-handling tenant. Improved efficiency in grain transportation should improve local grain prices, adding $7.5 to $9 million annually into the local economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In addition to the seasonal shipment of grain at harvest time, we think this can benefit industrial shippers in the county by providing a local point of access to the railroad for companies that don’t have their own rail siding,” Dunn said.&nbsp;One example would be Hudson Cream Flour, a business we have previously profiled.&nbsp;&nbsp;That company is located in the rural Stafford County community of Hudson, population 95 people. Now, that’s rural.&nbsp;For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.staffordport.com/">www.staffordport.com</a>.&nbsp;It’s time to leave the port, but there’s no ships or seagulls. This would be a railroad port.&nbsp;&nbsp;We salute Carolyn Dunn and the Stafford County Port Authority for making a difference with innovative thinking and action.&nbsp;Will this achieve positive results?&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes - I have it on good authority.&nbsp;

Now That’s Rural: Carolyn Dunn, port authority 

WASHINGTON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Thursday in Washington County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup driven by J. Douglas Toll, 78, Clifton, was&nbsp;eastbound on 5th Road four miles north of Kansas Highway 9.

 The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at Bismark Road.

The Chevy collided in the intersection with a southbound&nbsp;Caterpillar Motor Grader driven by Jeremiah James Peters, 45, Washington, Kansas.

Toll was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home. Peters was not injured.&nbsp; The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

WASHINGTON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 9a.m. Thursday in Washington County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Chevy S-10 pickup driven by J. Douglas Toll, 78, Clifton, was&nbsp;eastbound on 5th Road four miles north of Kansas Highway 9. The driver failed to stop at the stop sign at Bismark Road.The Chevy collided in the intersection with a southbound&nbsp;Caterpillar Motor Grader driven by Jeremiah James Peters, 45, Washington, Kansas.Toll was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home. Peters was not injured.&nbsp; The drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with road grader

By Ferrell Miller,&nbsp; JC Breakfast Optimist Club Secretary/Programs Chairperson

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club has established a Junior Optimist International (JOI) Club at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools. The process began in November of 2022 when Ricardo Gutierrez brought the idea to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Board of Directors. Many questions had to be answered before approval would be given to not only start a JOI Club, but also to sustain it.

A committee was formed to address the issues of the Board of Directors if approval were given. The committee met and responded back to Board members with the following: the purpose of the JOI Club would be to grow the concept of service in youth; have a JOI Club or clubs as a feeder to our JC Breakfast Optimist Club; have the adult club be an active participant with youth in our community; establish mentorships with youth; teach youth how committee and clubs are organized and work and address the need to teach cooperation and appreciation for other’s opinions and cultures.

Having received permission to proceed, the committee decided to start with St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools and invited the Principal, Sean Augustine to a meeting to hear the proposal and seek his approval. His response was an enthusiastic YES!!!

A meeting place and time were mutually agreed upon for a monthly meeting with seventh through twelfth grade students at the school.&nbsp; JC Breakfast Optimist Club members Amy Johnson and Ricardo stepped up to be the facilitators of the youth group and then the work began to create bylaws, meet all the requirements, and obtain a charter from Optimist International (OI) to form a JOI Club.

Having met all the OI requirements to charter a JOI Club, the charter was made official on March 14, 2023. The JOI Club at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools has elected officers who include Noah Fields, President; Samuel Haines, Vice President; Dana Davis, Secretary and Treasurer, Rebecca Peterson. Other members of the JOI Club are Danika Ellis, Anabelle Haines, Sierra Smith, and Vienna Wolfe, Activities Coordinator.

An official charter from Optimist International was received on March 14th and was then presented to Mr. Augustine, JOI Club Officers and members at an assembly in the school gymnasium on April 19, 2023.

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club sponsored Junior Optimist International Club at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools is the only JOI Club in the state of Kansas that regularly meets. Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President, stated that “this is an exciting adventure for us and the students to learn, grow and serve our community together with a focus on The Optimist Creed”.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682016209224.jpeg" alt="St. Xavier's Catholic Schools Junior Optimist Club Membership" />
 <figcaption>St. Xavier's Catholic Schools Junior Optimist Club Membership</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ferrell Miller,&nbsp; JC Breakfast Optimist Club Secretary/Programs ChairpersonThe JC Breakfast Optimist Club has established a Junior Optimist International (JOI) Club at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools. The process began in November of 2022 when Ricardo Gutierrez brought the idea to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Board of Directors. Many questions had to be answered before approval would be given to not only start a JOI Club, but also to sustain it.A committee was formed to address the issues of the Board of Directors if approval were given. The committee met and responded back to Board members with the following: the purpose of the JOI Club would be to grow the concept of service in youth; have a JOI Club or clubs as a feeder to our JC Breakfast Optimist Club; have the adult club be an active participant with youth in our community; establish mentorships with youth; teach youth how committee and clubs are organized and work and address the need to teach cooperation and appreciation for other’s opinions and cultures.Having received permission to proceed, the committee decided to start with St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools and invited the Principal, Sean Augustine to a meeting to hear the proposal and seek his approval. His response was an enthusiastic YES!!!A meeting place and time were mutually agreed upon for a monthly meeting with seventh through twelfth grade students at the school.&nbsp; JC Breakfast Optimist Club members Amy Johnson and Ricardo stepped up to be the facilitators of the youth group and then the work began to create bylaws, meet all the requirements, and obtain a charter from Optimist International (OI) to form a JOI Club.Having met all the OI requirements to charter a JOI Club, the charter was made official on March 14, 2023. The JOI Club at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools has elected officers who include Noah Fields, President; Samuel Haines, Vice President; Dana Davis, Secretary and Treasurer, Rebecca Peterson. Other members of the JOI Club are Danika Ellis, Anabelle Haines, Sierra Smith, and Vienna Wolfe, Activities Coordinator.An official charter from Optimist International was received on March 14th and was then presented to Mr. Augustine, JOI Club Officers and members at an assembly in the school gymnasium on April 19, 2023.The JC Breakfast Optimist Club sponsored Junior Optimist International Club at St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools is the only JOI Club in the state of Kansas that regularly meets. Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President, stated that “this is an exciting adventure for us and the students to learn, grow and serve our community together with a focus on The Optimist Creed”.

Junnior Optimist Club formed at St. X

Registration is now open for the Geary County Historical Society’s Time Travel Camp. Time Travel Camp is geared towards children ages 9-13 and will run from May 30th-June 2nd, 9am-12pm.

 This year, campers will travel back to the 1800s to hone their pioneer skills including, candle making, bread baking, and compass reading as they prepare to make the journey to Kansas on their final day of camp. 

Cost for the camp is $45 per child or $35 per child for GCHS members. Registration is limited to 20 children. Registration forms can be found on the Geary County Historical Society’s website or at the museum. Payment due with registration. Questions about Time Travel Camp can be directed to Lisa Highsmith at the museum.

This year’s camp is sponsored by The Junction City-Geary County United Way.

Registration is now open for the Geary County Historical Society’s Time Travel Camp. Time Travel Camp is geared towards children ages 9-13 and will run from May 30th-June 2nd, 9am-12pm. This year, campers will travel back to the 1800s to hone their pioneer skills including, candle making, bread baking, and compass reading as they prepare to make the journey to Kansas on their final day of camp. Cost for the camp is $45 per child or $35 per child for GCHS members. Registration is limited to 20 children. Registration forms can be found on the Geary County Historical Society’s website or at the museum. Payment due with registration. Questions about Time Travel Camp can be directed to Lisa Highsmith at the museum.This year’s camp is sponsored by The Junction City-Geary County United Way.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682015856112.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

'Time Travel' Camp registration now open

Skies will remain clear through the weekend, but cooler temperatures will also stick around in the Flint Hills, the National Weather Service in Topeka said.

A breezy Friday will hit a high temperature in the low-60s, with sustained winds&nbsp; of 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Gusts of up to 40 mph are possible. The overnight low will be near the freezing point.

The high Saturday will be in the mid-50s with an overnight low below 30 degrees, and a high of 62 is forecasted for Sunday.&nbsp;

The work week will begin with a chance of rain Monday through Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682011235790.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Skies will remain clear through the weekend, but cooler temperatures will also stick around in the Flint Hills, the National Weather Service in Topeka said.A breezy Friday will hit a high temperature in the low-60s, with sustained winds&nbsp; of 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Gusts of up to 40 mph are possible. The overnight low will be near the freezing point.The high Saturday will be in the mid-50s with an overnight low below 30 degrees, and a high of 62 is forecasted for Sunday.&nbsp;The work week will begin with a chance of rain Monday through Wednesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark">It will be cool through the weekend. Bad news for the gardeners out there, overnight lows will dip into the 20s and 30s. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/ukBMepVH8v">pic.twitter.com/ukBMepVH8v</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1648991448413638657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Cool windy and dry weekend around the corner

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/2023/4/1682004838585.jpeg" alt="Charles Wesley Allen Anderson Fourth, Criminal deprivation of property; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Charles Wesley Allen Anderson Fourth, Criminal deprivation of property; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682005046870.jpeg" alt="Dominique Trevonne Patrick, Violate protection order; Condition of pre-trial orders; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; misdemeanor; Transporting an open container; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Unsafe turning or stopping; Failure to give proper signal; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Dominique Trevonne Patrick, Violate protection order; Condition of pre-trial orders; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; misdemeanor; Transporting an open container; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Unsafe turning or stopping; Failure to give proper signal; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682005202871.jpeg" alt="Thomas Allen Reyes, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/19" />
 <figcaption>Thomas Allen Reyes, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681919584839.jpeg" alt="Marquez Antonio Staton, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/19" />
 <figcaption>Marquez Antonio Staton, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682005649932.jpeg" alt="Ashley Gino Techur, Probation violation; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Gino Techur, Probation violation; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682005738275.jpeg" alt="Richard Tun, DUI-Liquor/Drugs(1st Offense); No proof of insurance; No registration; illegal or expired tags; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Richard Tun, DUI-Liquor/Drugs(1st Offense); No proof of insurance; No registration; illegal or expired tags; Arrested 04/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682005907830.jpeg" alt="Sonya Simone Monae La Williams, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; misdemeanor; Maximum speed limits; Arrested 04/20" />
 <figcaption>Sonya Simone Monae La Williams, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; misdemeanor; Maximum speed limits; Arrested 04/20</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 20

JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Animal Shelter has been chosen to receive a $14,000 grant from Petco Love, a national nonprofit organization.

Petco Love helps communities and pet families be closer, stronger, and healthier.

“Our investment in Junction City Animal Shelter is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses pet image technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”

“Petco Love has been amazing to our shelter and continues to allow us to help our community and our pets we care for each year. We are THRILLED to be able to celebrate this grant with our staff and the community,” said Vanessa Gray, Director of Junction City Animal Shelter

The Junction City Animal Shelter has served pets in the Junction City area since 1972. For the last 8 years, Junction City Animal Shelter has remained a 'no kill' shelter.

The shelter has as started a 'Trap, Neuter, Release' program in all three cities within Geary County.

by BECKY GOFF JC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681922078722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Animal Shelter has been chosen to receive a $14,000 grant from Petco Love, a national nonprofit organization.Petco Love helps communities and pet families be closer, stronger, and healthier.“Our investment in Junction City Animal Shelter is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses pet image technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681942440870.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Petco Love has been amazing to our shelter and continues to allow us to help our community and our pets we care for each year. We are THRILLED to be able to celebrate this grant with our staff and the community,” said Vanessa Gray, Director of Junction City Animal ShelterThe Junction City Animal Shelter has served pets in the Junction City area since 1972. For the last 8 years, Junction City Animal Shelter has remained a 'no kill' shelter.The shelter has as started a 'Trap, Neuter, Release' program in all three cities within Geary County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681942471178.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Junction City Animal Shelter awarded $14K from Petco Love

The next Greater Manhattan Area Veteran&nbsp;Entrepreneur Meetup is noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at Six on Sixth, 602 N. Washington, Junction City.

The featured speaker at the lunch-and-learn will be Kari Crump of Eagle Communications, a marketing expert and entrepreneur, who discuss effective marketing strategies for businesses.

For more on the free event or to RSVP, click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteran-entrepreneur-lunch-marketing-strategies-for-your-business-tickets-619302639867?fbclid=IwAR2M-Vm7ka6tzxt16gxKVBo_xLIW2O5zkgAFPKCE-qwvEO-jW8K94dbC7Yo">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681841798858.png" alt="Screenshot 2023-04-18 at 1.16.13 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screenshot 2023-04-18 at 1.16.13 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy Spark MHKThe next Greater Manhattan Area Veteran&nbsp;Entrepreneur Meetup is noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at Six on Sixth, 602 N. Washington, Junction City.The featured speaker at the lunch-and-learn will be Kari Crump of Eagle Communications, a marketing expert and entrepreneur, who discuss effective marketing strategies for businesses.For more on the free event or to RSVP, click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteran-entrepreneur-lunch-marketing-strategies-for-your-business-tickets-619302639867?fbclid=IwAR2M-Vm7ka6tzxt16gxKVBo_xLIW2O5zkgAFPKCE-qwvEO-jW8K94dbC7Yo">HERE</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsparkmhk%2Fposts%2Fpfbid05ivgcPQWcgMgrtYubkFiLWRmGLK79teNi88BbAKw61sWZuFnM2rBWHVQamwnHWBJl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="630" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Junction City lunch-and-learn will focus on effective marketing

By CAILIN RILEY K-State News

MANHATTAN — Alfonso Clavijo, director of the National Bio and 
Agro-Defense Facility, will present "Enhancing NBAF's Safety Culture 
Through High Reliability Organization Principles" at the second annual 
K-State Libraries Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, in the 
Hemisphere Room on the fifth floor of Hale Library.

In this talk, Clavijo will share the importance of NBAF becoming a 
high-reliability organization, what that means and why these principles 
are integral to ensure safe and responsible science.

"Creating meaningful partnerships with community research 
organizations, like NBAF, is an integral part of advancing K-State's 
mission," said Joe Mocnik, dean of libraries. "I am very much looking 
forward to hosting Dr. Clavijo and hearing his insights on biosafety and
 security."

NBAF, located in Manhattan, is a national asset that will help 
protect the nation's agriculture, farmers and citizens against the 
threat and potential impact of serious animal diseases. Once fully 
operational, the facility will be the premier center of scientific 
excellence in research, development, diagnostics and training for 
transboundary and emerging livestock diseases, including those that can 
spread from animals to humans.

As the director of NBAF, Clavijo helps guide NBAF's culture to 
implement high standards and expectations for safety and reliability. 
Prior to his appointment at NBAF, Clavijo served as laboratory executive
 director of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's National Centres for 
Animal Disease. As director, Clavijo oversaw the administration of 
diagnostic services, related technology development and research to 
detect and prevent transboundary, emerging and zoonotic animal diseases.
 He also directed the management of biosafety level 2-4 facilities that 
allow for the contained study of pathogens that cause foreign animal 
diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, 
classical swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The lecture is open to the public, and a reception will immediately follow the lecture. Space is limited and <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3E1IblRXr1zaOz4">online registration is required</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681756410334.jpeg" alt="Alfonso Clavijo" />
 <figcaption>Alfonso Clavijo</figcaption>
 </figure>By CAILIN RILEY K-State NewsMANHATTAN — Alfonso Clavijo, director of the National Bio and 
Agro-Defense Facility, will present "Enhancing NBAF's Safety Culture 
Through High Reliability Organization Principles" at the second annual 
K-State Libraries Lecture Series at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, in the 
Hemisphere Room on the fifth floor of Hale Library.In this talk, Clavijo will share the importance of NBAF becoming a 
high-reliability organization, what that means and why these principles 
are integral to ensure safe and responsible science."Creating meaningful partnerships with community research 
organizations, like NBAF, is an integral part of advancing K-State's 
mission," said Joe Mocnik, dean of libraries. "I am very much looking 
forward to hosting Dr. Clavijo and hearing his insights on biosafety and
 security."NBAF, located in Manhattan, is a national asset that will help 
protect the nation's agriculture, farmers and citizens against the 
threat and potential impact of serious animal diseases. Once fully 
operational, the facility will be the premier center of scientific 
excellence in research, development, diagnostics and training for 
transboundary and emerging livestock diseases, including those that can 
spread from animals to humans.As the director of NBAF, Clavijo helps guide NBAF's culture to 
implement high standards and expectations for safety and reliability. 
Prior to his appointment at NBAF, Clavijo served as laboratory executive
 director of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's National Centres for 
Animal Disease. As director, Clavijo oversaw the administration of 
diagnostic services, related technology development and research to 
detect and prevent transboundary, emerging and zoonotic animal diseases.
 He also directed the management of biosafety level 2-4 facilities that 
allow for the contained study of pathogens that cause foreign animal 
diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, 
classical swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza.The lecture is open to the public, and a reception will immediately follow the lecture. Space is limited and <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3E1IblRXr1zaOz4">online registration is required</a>.

NBAF director to present at K-State Libraries Lecture Series

GEARY COUNTY - Geary County Rural Fire hosted a Dedication and Open House for brand-new Fire Station 2, located at 7049 East Lyons Creek Road.

Station #2 is one of two fire stations recently built using ARPA funds.

The land where Station #2 was built was donated by the Dickson family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681834211956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY GOFF JC PostGEARY COUNTY - Geary County Rural Fire hosted a Dedication and Open House for brand-new Fire Station 2, located at 7049 East Lyons Creek Road.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d22666.43062206278!2d-96.71802879999998!3d39.22296135!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc4f011367c4b7%3A0x863196c7f00cac39!2s7049%20E%20Lyons%20Creek%20Rd%2C%20Junction%20City%2C%20KS%2066441!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1681794985668!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Station #2 is one of two fire stations recently built using ARPA funds.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/WZ3nxSNk-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Gcfd Station #2 1" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The land where Station #2 was built was donated by the Dickson family.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681834343687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥: Geary Co. Fire Station No. 2 dedicated this week

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club recognized a St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools Student Of The Quarter on April 19. The teaching staff and Principal nominated Casey Section-Snow for his optimistic approach to learning, improving himself, and being a positive influence on others at school and in the community.

Casey is the President of the Student Council, spearheaded the refurbishing of the weight room at the school, is a dedicated photographer and yearbook staff member. He also participated in basketball and is an integral part of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Sandra Becker, one of Casey’s teachers stated that “he always wants to understand the why.”

Casey is involved in the community as a representative from St. Xavier’s Schools on the Main Street group in Junction City. He will graduate in May from St. Xavier’s High School, plans to attend Cloud County Community College for his General Education classes, and then transfer to Kansas State to possibly major in some form of engineering. “That is still to be determined,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681923667231.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are:&nbsp; Casey Sexton-Snow, senior at St. Xavier’s Catholic High School and Ricardo Gutierrez, JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s Coordinator of the St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools Student of the Quarter." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are:&nbsp; Casey Sexton-Snow, senior at St. Xavier’s Catholic High School and Ricardo Gutierrez, JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s Coordinator of the St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools Student of the Quarter.</figcaption>
 </figure>The JC Breakfast Optimist Club recognized a St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools Student Of The Quarter on April 19. The teaching staff and Principal nominated Casey Section-Snow for his optimistic approach to learning, improving himself, and being a positive influence on others at school and in the community.Casey is the President of the Student Council, spearheaded the refurbishing of the weight room at the school, is a dedicated photographer and yearbook staff member. He also participated in basketball and is an integral part of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Sandra Becker, one of Casey’s teachers stated that “he always wants to understand the why.”Casey is involved in the community as a representative from St. Xavier’s Schools on the Main Street group in Junction City. He will graduate in May from St. Xavier’s High School, plans to attend Cloud County Community College for his General Education classes, and then transfer to Kansas State to possibly major in some form of engineering. “That is still to be determined,” he said.

Optimist Club Recognizes St. Xavier’s Student Of The Quarter

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/2023/4/1681914281276.jpeg" alt="Frances Barrette Cleveland, Failure to appear; Arrested 4/18" />
 <figcaption>Frances Barrette Cleveland, Failure to appear; Arrested 4/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681915842470.jpeg" alt="Kamarie Dennis Okei Hyman, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/18" />
 <figcaption>Kamarie Dennis Okei Hyman, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681916244659.jpeg" alt="Kanavis Korderic Mitchell, Unlawful damage to property; Arrested 04/18" />
 <figcaption>Kanavis Korderic Mitchell, Unlawful damage to property; Arrested 04/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681916518068.jpeg" alt="Sabine Renate Morgan, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/18" />
 <figcaption>Sabine Renate Morgan, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681916568242.jpeg" alt="Zachary Patti, Unlawful damage to property; Arrested 04/18" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Patti, Unlawful damage to property; Arrested 04/18</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 19

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Quick action by law enforcement prevented a tragedy early Wednesday.

Just after 4a.m., Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Deputies were assisting a westbound motorist on Interstate 70 just west of Snokomo Road, according to the Sheriff's Department.

&nbsp;The deputies suddenly heard squealing tires. Multiple vehicles including semi trucks were desperately maneuvering to avoid a collision with a sedan traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of the highway towards oncoming traffic. 

Sheriff's deputies activated lights and sirens, crossed the median ahead of the wrong way driver and moved toward the oncoming sedan. Prior to performing an intentional collision to force the suspect vehicle off the highway, the wrong way vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. 

Verbal commands via loudspeaker for the driver to pull into the median were ignored. Among passing traffic, deputies sprinted at, entered the vehicle, subdued the driver and forcibly drove the vehicle into the median in order to clear the roadway.

The driver was detained and after a brief investigation, released from custody and transported from scene to hospital for evaluation after being cited. 

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Quick action by law enforcement prevented a tragedy early Wednesday.Just after 4a.m., Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Deputies were assisting a westbound motorist on Interstate 70 just west of Snokomo Road, according to the Sheriff's Department.&nbsp;The deputies suddenly heard squealing tires. Multiple vehicles including semi trucks were desperately maneuvering to avoid a collision with a sedan traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of the highway towards oncoming traffic. Sheriff's deputies activated lights and sirens, crossed the median ahead of the wrong way driver and moved toward the oncoming sedan. Prior to performing an intentional collision to force the suspect vehicle off the highway, the wrong way vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. Verbal commands via loudspeaker for the driver to pull into the median were ignored. Among passing traffic, deputies sprinted at, entered the vehicle, subdued the driver and forcibly drove the vehicle into the median in order to clear the roadway.The driver was detained and after a brief investigation, released from custody and transported from scene to hospital for evaluation after being cited. There were no injuries reported.

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