This is day 10 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Based on July 1 conditions, Kansas' winter wheat production is forecast at 208 million bushels, down 15 percent from last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 32 bushels per acre, down 5 bushels from 2022. Area to be harvested for grain is estimated at 6.5 million acres, down 2 percent from a year ago.

This week wheat coming in looks to be all over the board, according to Jim Bob Lewton, senior Vice President of Grain Operations with the Konza Coop in Pratt.&nbsp;

Harvest in and surrounding Pratt began June 20, about seven to ten days later than when they usually start. Yields have been averaging about 25 bushels per acre, but some fields have been better than others. Proteins have been high, reaching up into 12-13 percent. These recent rains have been causing test weights to dip, remaining in the 58-60 pounds per bushel region. Moisture has been varying with these recent rains, although the grain has remained dry enough for harvesting. Now all that is left is to wait for conditions to dry enough for farmers to get combines in the field.&nbsp;

Lewton predicts harvest will be complete next week. They anticipate that they will only receive 30-40 percent of their usual amount of wheat.&nbsp;

Chris Tanner from Norton reports his harvest began on July 4 and will last about another week, barring rain delays. He said harvest is far later than normal and he is fighting weed pressure.

“I’m amazed at the resiliency of wheat, given what it looked like through the winter,” he said, noting that the Westbred variety Grainfield has been doing well for him.

This year’s harvest is much better than last year for Tanner, who said this is going to be a “highly average year” for the acres he is able to harvest. Even so, about 30 percent of his wheat was zeroed out due to the drought.

Tanner reports that his test weights have been averaging 61 to 62 pounds per bushel, except for the wheat that was hailed on, which was only in the low 50s. Yields are ranging from 15 to 70 bushels per acre, with an overall farm average anticipated to be 25. Protein is about 13 percent.

﻿It was truly a family wheat harvest with four generations in the field. He was fortunate this year that his son, daughter, son-in-law and 6-month-old granddaughter were able to join him, his brother and his father for this year’s harvest.

Evan Lesser, who farms near Palco in Graham County, reports that harvest began on June 26 and he has about 2 days left.

Test weights are ranging from 60 to 64 pounds per bushel and protein measured 15 percent. May rains came a little too late to positively affect yield, but they did help with improving grain fill and test weights. Yields are ranging from 22 to 50 bushels per acre, depending on which fields caught the rain.

Lesser says yields were much better last year, with his 2022 farm average better than even his highest yields this year. Overall, this has been a disappointing year for his wheat, one of the worst since he started farming in 2010.&nbsp; He does, however, have high hopes for corn and grain sorghum.

He reported that Kansas Wheat Alliance’s KS Territory has been an excellent variety for him this year.

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUHTjYUGm0agKg5bNkG36qziYiniLBG49kvxDmo0yJ90DSr5L8p6CqgUN6zt8VxCTkeqRgZL8UjPTg3fMK30q33IQCfmIab9S4vPVS2Vb1_ahR0wtaP929qeh-yN1X_X6bwnwCIHttnTq0JpMPq0uo8_UZEYcOT-&amp;c=rZYjSSl3F6iXfQp1FNICjWdM8ViE-cJ4ajf22zNjeuLG9AywHqYaOg==&amp;ch=b9BRnaujUJO3rMs3HVYMq-k6gYC5la1hzODhhcOzjkBwdPXzjKmzpg==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUHTjYUGm0agKg5bNkG36qziYiniLBG49kvxDmo0yJ90DSr5L8p6Cslpts-mkPoqgJb50EqE6lCWLhp9bWa7T7aLclWuLb9-Ewhv9zveVMK9H7O0ZLZysYYRd2-60_FkdUU7fn3Tg_LlCeawzLHE2773fUdClAGM&amp;c=rZYjSSl3F6iXfQp1FNICjWdM8ViE-cJ4ajf22zNjeuLG9AywHqYaOg==&amp;ch=b9BRnaujUJO3rMs3HVYMq-k6gYC5la1hzODhhcOzjkBwdPXzjKmzpg==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUHTjYUGm0agKg5bNkG36qziYiniLBG49kvxDmo0yJ90DSr5L8p6CpV0N8SJAo1ZTmYbsThoiTFH04yPAZCU35KNXa8zGkLxx_ElQQfxsZZUYxeCqg5u-A61fwPqmt0TFvxsQBJmHK02R_h3gX3t4XQydj5PNpKV&amp;c=rZYjSSl3F6iXfQp1FNICjWdM8ViE-cJ4ajf22zNjeuLG9AywHqYaOg==&amp;ch=b9BRnaujUJO3rMs3HVYMq-k6gYC5la1hzODhhcOzjkBwdPXzjKmzpg==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Kansas WheatThis is day 10 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Based on July 1 conditions, Kansas' winter wheat production is forecast at 208 million bushels, down 15 percent from last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Average yield is forecast at 32 bushels per acre, down 5 bushels from 2022. Area to be harvested for grain is estimated at 6.5 million acres, down 2 percent from a year ago.This week wheat coming in looks to be all over the board, according to Jim Bob Lewton, senior Vice President of Grain Operations with the Konza Coop in Pratt.&nbsp;Harvest in and surrounding Pratt began June 20, about seven to ten days later than when they usually start. Yields have been averaging about 25 bushels per acre, but some fields have been better than others. Proteins have been high, reaching up into 12-13 percent. These recent rains have been causing test weights to dip, remaining in the 58-60 pounds per bushel region. Moisture has been varying with these recent rains, although the grain has remained dry enough for harvesting. Now all that is left is to wait for conditions to dry enough for farmers to get combines in the field.&nbsp;Lewton predicts harvest will be complete next week. They anticipate that they will only receive 30-40 percent of their usual amount of wheat.&nbsp;Chris Tanner from Norton reports his harvest began on July 4 and will last about another week, barring rain delays. He said harvest is far later than normal and he is fighting weed pressure.“I’m amazed at the resiliency of wheat, given what it looked like through the winter,” he said, noting that the Westbred variety Grainfield has been doing well for him.This year’s harvest is much better than last year for Tanner, who said this is going to be a “highly average year” for the acres he is able to harvest. Even so, about 30 percent of his wheat was zeroed out due to the drought.Tanner reports that his test weights have been averaging 61 to 62 pounds per bushel, except for the wheat that was hailed on, which was only in the low 50s. Yields are ranging from 15 to 70 bushels per acre, with an overall farm average anticipated to be 25. Protein is about 13 percent.﻿It was truly a family wheat harvest with four generations in the field. He was fortunate this year that his son, daughter, son-in-law and 6-month-old granddaughter were able to join him, his brother and his father for this year’s harvest.Evan Lesser, who farms near Palco in Graham County, reports that harvest began on June 26 and he has about 2 days left.Test weights are ranging from 60 to 64 pounds per bushel and protein measured 15 percent. May rains came a little too late to positively affect yield, but they did help with improving grain fill and test weights. Yields are ranging from 22 to 50 bushels per acre, depending on which fields caught the rain.Lesser says yields were much better last year, with his 2022 farm average better than even his highest yields this year. Overall, this has been a disappointing year for his wheat, one of the worst since he started farming in 2010.&nbsp; He does, however, have high hopes for corn and grain sorghum.He reported that Kansas Wheat Alliance’s KS Territory has been an excellent variety for him this year.The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUHTjYUGm0agKg5bNkG36qziYiniLBG49kvxDmo0yJ90DSr5L8p6CqgUN6zt8VxCTkeqRgZL8UjPTg3fMK30q33IQCfmIab9S4vPVS2Vb1_ahR0wtaP929qeh-yN1X_X6bwnwCIHttnTq0JpMPq0uo8_UZEYcOT-&amp;c=rZYjSSl3F6iXfQp1FNICjWdM8ViE-cJ4ajf22zNjeuLG9AywHqYaOg==&amp;ch=b9BRnaujUJO3rMs3HVYMq-k6gYC5la1hzODhhcOzjkBwdPXzjKmzpg==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUHTjYUGm0agKg5bNkG36qziYiniLBG49kvxDmo0yJ90DSr5L8p6Cslpts-mkPoqgJb50EqE6lCWLhp9bWa7T7aLclWuLb9-Ewhv9zveVMK9H7O0ZLZysYYRd2-60_FkdUU7fn3Tg_LlCeawzLHE2773fUdClAGM&amp;c=rZYjSSl3F6iXfQp1FNICjWdM8ViE-cJ4ajf22zNjeuLG9AywHqYaOg==&amp;ch=b9BRnaujUJO3rMs3HVYMq-k6gYC5la1hzODhhcOzjkBwdPXzjKmzpg==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUHTjYUGm0agKg5bNkG36qziYiniLBG49kvxDmo0yJ90DSr5L8p6CpV0N8SJAo1ZTmYbsThoiTFH04yPAZCU35KNXa8zGkLxx_ElQQfxsZZUYxeCqg5u-A61fwPqmt0TFvxsQBJmHK02R_h3gX3t4XQydj5PNpKV&amp;c=rZYjSSl3F6iXfQp1FNICjWdM8ViE-cJ4ajf22zNjeuLG9AywHqYaOg==&amp;ch=b9BRnaujUJO3rMs3HVYMq-k6gYC5la1hzODhhcOzjkBwdPXzjKmzpg==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 10, Kansas wheat harvest report

MARSHALL COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before noon Wednesday in Marshall Coounty.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Toyota Rav 4 driven by Ning Wang, 54, Stillwater, Oklahoma,&nbsp;was south bound on Kansas 99&nbsp; one and one half miles south of Beattie.

The driver failed to stop at stop sign at the junction with U.S. 36. An eastbound 2023 Dodge Ram driven by Daniel Lee&nbsp;Broxterman, 72, Seneca,&nbsp;struck on the passenger side of the Toyota.

After impact the Toyota came to rest in the south east ditch of the intersection and the pickup came to rest in the north ditch of U.S. 36 east of K99.

EMS transported Wang and a passenger identified as Naiqian&nbsp;Zhang, 76, Manhattan, to&nbsp;Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln Nebraska.

EMS transported Broxterman to&nbsp;Nemaha Valley Community Hospital. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MARSHALL COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before noon Wednesday in Marshall Coounty.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 Toyota Rav 4 driven by Ning Wang, 54, Stillwater, Oklahoma,&nbsp;was south bound on Kansas 99&nbsp; one and one half miles south of Beattie.The driver failed to stop at stop sign at the junction with U.S. 36. An eastbound 2023 Dodge Ram driven by Daniel Lee&nbsp;Broxterman, 72, Seneca,&nbsp;struck on the passenger side of the Toyota.After impact the Toyota came to rest in the south east ditch of the intersection and the pickup came to rest in the north ditch of U.S. 36 east of K99.EMS transported Wang and a passenger identified as Naiqian&nbsp;Zhang, 76, Manhattan, to&nbsp;Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln Nebraska.EMS transported Broxterman to&nbsp;Nemaha Valley Community Hospital. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Manhattan man among 3 hospitalized after pickup, SUV crash

&nbsp;You can make appointments and donate blood on July 20th from 11:30 to 6:00 or July 21 from 8:00 to 1:00&nbsp; atthe Municipal Building.&nbsp; during the upcoming Red Cross Blood drive. Donations always drop off in the summer, but the need increases. CALL 1-800-RED CROSS.

&nbsp;You can make appointments and donate blood on July 20th from 11:30 to 6:00 or July 21 from 8:00 to 1:00&nbsp; atthe Municipal Building.&nbsp; during the upcoming Red Cross Blood drive. Donations always drop off in the summer, but the need increases. CALL 1-800-RED CROSS.

Blood drive needs donors

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated to the Junction City Little Theater Summer Theater Program on July 12 at the Hampton Inn in Junction City. The Optimists presented their donation to Ellie Dillon. JCLT Board of Directors Secretary and Desiree (Desi) Brown, Director of the JCLT Summer Theater Program.

Ellie explained that “the Junction City Little Theater (JCLT) is the longest-running community theater in the state of Kansas. The theater began in 1949 under the vision and guidance of Bettina Coover. In 1944, Bettina, Betty Cleary, Mona Kessinger and Alma Hornbaker signed the documents of incorporation creating the JCLT. The mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain their regional community by providing quality theatrical entertainment.

Desi Brown shared that “the JCLT Summer Program had 130 youth involved in three shows this summer. There was a new group of Kindergarten through second graders who did a pre-show; third through fifth graders performed Disney’s Aladdin, Jr; and middle through high school students performed Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. Rehearsals ranged from two to three hours, three days a week for three or four weeks depending on the age group followed by a thirty minute performance at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.”

She also stated that “the youth learned how to work together, problem solve, prop placement, lighting, sound, and many other elements in production of a show.” She appreciated the support of parents and community members who also assisted behind the scenes.

Ellie Dillon stated that ”a Disney production comes with many restrictions and royalty costs. For example, the Aladdin, Junior royalty was $3,500. We rely on ticket sales and donations like those from the Optimist Club to cover our financial obligations, which also includes a rental fee at the Opera House. Although we are housed in the C.L. Hoover Opera House, the Little Theater is a separate entity.”

JCLT’s upcoming season will include Murder on the Orient Express, which is in production now and will be presented in August; Jersey Boys in November; The Foreigner in February and Footloose in April. Tickets for these shows may be purchased by calling 785-238-3871

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689194220825.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated to the Junction City Little Theater Summer Theater Program on July 12 at the Hampton Inn in Junction City. The Optimists presented their donation to Ellie Dillon. JCLT Board of Directors Secretary and Desiree (Desi) Brown, Director of the JCLT Summer Theater Program.Ellie explained that “the Junction City Little Theater (JCLT) is the longest-running community theater in the state of Kansas. The theater began in 1949 under the vision and guidance of Bettina Coover. In 1944, Bettina, Betty Cleary, Mona Kessinger and Alma Hornbaker signed the documents of incorporation creating the JCLT. The mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain their regional community by providing quality theatrical entertainment.Desi Brown shared that “the JCLT Summer Program had 130 youth involved in three shows this summer. There was a new group of Kindergarten through second graders who did a pre-show; third through fifth graders performed Disney’s Aladdin, Jr; and middle through high school students performed Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. Rehearsals ranged from two to three hours, three days a week for three or four weeks depending on the age group followed by a thirty minute performance at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.”She also stated that “the youth learned how to work together, problem solve, prop placement, lighting, sound, and many other elements in production of a show.” She appreciated the support of parents and community members who also assisted behind the scenes.Ellie Dillon stated that ”a Disney production comes with many restrictions and royalty costs. For example, the Aladdin, Junior royalty was $3,500. We rely on ticket sales and donations like those from the Optimist Club to cover our financial obligations, which also includes a rental fee at the Opera House. Although we are housed in the C.L. Hoover Opera House, the Little Theater is a separate entity.”JCLT’s upcoming season will include Murder on the Orient Express, which is in production now and will be presented in August; Jersey Boys in November; The Foreigner in February and Footloose in April. Tickets for these shows may be purchased by calling 785-238-3871

JC Breakfast Optimist Club Donates To JCLT Summer Theater Program

City commissioners says they don’t want ‘garbage’ on the public library’s shelves

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

ST. MARYS —&nbsp;Gerard Kleinsmith says he hates the idea of censorship.

He just wants to pull the lease for the city’s public library because he doesn’t like books about transgender people.

As a city commissioner, he feels it is his duty to remove transgender content — “garbage,” as he refers to it. Kleinsmith said during a city commission meeting that removing the library was part of his job as a city official, emphasizing “God doesn’t make mistakes,” and his belief that people can’t change genders.

“My goal is to terminate the lease with the library,” Kleinsmith said. “If they want to have their library, so be it. Go do it. Find another building to do it in, I can’t stop that. My intention is not to stop that, but I will not ever vote for any taxpayer money, facilities, anything to be used anywhere that houses this kind of garbage.”

He is supported in this stance by the other members of St. Marys’ five-person city commission, a heavily religious group that attends the Society of St. Pius X, or SSPX, an extreme religious sect that broke away from the Catholic church. The commissioners have said at previous meetings that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/06/kansas-towns-library-lease-renewed-after-months-of-debate-about-lgbtq-content/">their views are influenced by their religious affiliation</a>.

“Some things are wrong,” said commissioner Richard Binsfeld, during a city commission discussion about&nbsp; transgender books and the transgender community at large. “If you live up to your morals, if you stand by your morals at all, you’d look at it and say, ‘Why do we have it?'”

The public library has been under scrutiny from local officials for months, narrowly surviving an attempt to pull the lease at the end of last year. Library director Judith Cremer said she and her staff were trying to work with the commissioners while remaining in accordance with legal guidelines for public libraries.

She’s still not sure why the commissioners have taken issue with the library in recent months when it had operated in its St. Marys location for decades without problems. Cremer has held her position since 2003, and until last year, this was a position without controversy.

“We’re not part of the city structure and the lease agreement is the only leverage that they have seemed to be able to find,” Cremer said. “They seem to be continuing down that road, which I’m disappointed with because we have still been here doing our job, trying to help people, trying to do summer reading, and I feel like it’s a misunderstanding of who we are. We are trying to do our job and we have followed the rules.”

While commissioners have no governing influence over the library, the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library would be forced to shift locations if the lease isn’t renewed, giving up a community spot it has held for decades and depriving St. Marys residents of easily accessible library material.

The library has been housed in St. Marys since the 1980s, operating on an annual lease with the city. The library acts as the headquarters for eight locations, including Alma, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Harveyville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. Marys and Westmoreland, with county residents funding the library through taxes.

An eight-member board of trustees provides oversight of the library’s operations, with Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County commissioners appointing members to the board to serve four-year terms. The commission doesn’t have influence over board decisions.

The library formed an advisory group in an attempt to address community concerns with library materials, but efforts toward reconciliation have been unsuccessful.

The library’s lease renewal came up for debate last year because the library refused to accept a renewal clause asking for the removal of all LGBTQ and socially divisive books from the shelves. Facing intense public pressure, the commission in December&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/06/kansas-towns-library-lease-renewed-after-months-of-debate-about-lgbtq-content/">renewed the lease</a>&nbsp;for one year.

Now, city commissioners have renewed their campaign against LGBTQ books, despite federal legal protections for public libraries.

During the April city commission meeting, Kleinsmith raged against the book “Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition,” a coming of age story about a transgender teenager.

“This author is absolutely wrong. God does not make mistakes,” Kleinsmith said. “God cannot make a mistake. We can make mistakes. Mankind can make a mistake. God cannot make a mistake. … I will do everything I can to fight this kind of garbage.”

“If God makes you as a male, you are a male,” he added. “If God makes you a female, you are a female, no matter what.”

St. Marys Mayor Matthew Childs, who formulated the anti-LGBTQ renewal clause last year, said during the April meeting that the library’s contents would once again influence the commission’s decision to renew the lease.

“We don’t want transgender books in the library. … The elephant in the room is that we don’t want the library to be promoting certain types of material,” Childs said. “If the library is, we come back to the question, do we want to renew it at all?”

Sharon Brett, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, which warned commissioners to drop their censorship attempts during the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/02/troubling-and-authoritarian-kansas-aclu-warns-st-marys-officials-that-closing-town-library-is-unconstitutional/">first lease renewal discussion</a>, said city officials need to remember constitutional protections.

“Each member of the commission should remember that their own discomfort with a certain book does not justify restricting its availability to everyone else in the community,” Brett said. “Not only is this potential censorship authoritarian, it has implications under even a basic reading of our First Amendment. We urge the commission to remember their obligations under the Constitution.”

Cremer said she and the library board had been trying to cooperate with the commission and concerned residents as much as possible.

“We’re providing services to the community,” Cremer said. “We’re taking care of the same people. I don’t see why there should be a problem.”

Following the April commission meeting, she sent a letter to the commissioners asking them to directly address their concerns with library staff, as they had a process in place to review book complaints.

Library staff are also participating in the advisory committee. Cremer said the library was sending regular updates about the library and the advisory committee’s work to the city commission.

But she is still fielding criticism from religious members of the community, including during a contentious June 28 library board meeting attended by Binsfeld and other St. Marys residents.&nbsp;

“As we move forward, we would like to see that all LGBTQ+ media — whether audio files, movies, books, activities, etc. — be removed from this branch altogether and from any access, including online ordering and inter-library loans, to any minor through this branch,” resident Stephen Murtha wrote in a letter to library board members.

The library should reflect the community’s Christian majority, Murtha wrote.

Cremer said for the most part, these complaints were from a small segment of the population and that she hasn’t had problems or complaints from a majority of library customers.

But she is concerned about the future of the library.

“We have continued, even though that stress and controversy has been significant,” Cremer said. “My staff and I have continued forward just as we always have to provide those services, because it’s not the people that we’re serving, it’s not their fault, but they’re the ones that are going to be losing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689185283812.png" alt=" St. Marys city commissioners have taken offense with a transgender book in the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> St. Marys city commissioners have taken offense with a transgender book in the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>City commissioners says they don’t want ‘garbage’ on the public library’s shelves</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>ST. MARYS —&nbsp;Gerard Kleinsmith says he hates the idea of censorship.He just wants to pull the lease for the city’s public library because he doesn’t like books about transgender people.As a city commissioner, he feels it is his duty to remove transgender content — “garbage,” as he refers to it. Kleinsmith said during a city commission meeting that removing the library was part of his job as a city official, emphasizing “God doesn’t make mistakes,” and his belief that people can’t change genders.“My goal is to terminate the lease with the library,” Kleinsmith said. “If they want to have their library, so be it. Go do it. Find another building to do it in, I can’t stop that. My intention is not to stop that, but I will not ever vote for any taxpayer money, facilities, anything to be used anywhere that houses this kind of garbage.”He is supported in this stance by the other members of St. Marys’ five-person city commission, a heavily religious group that attends the Society of St. Pius X, or SSPX, an extreme religious sect that broke away from the Catholic church. The commissioners have said at previous meetings that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/06/kansas-towns-library-lease-renewed-after-months-of-debate-about-lgbtq-content/">their views are influenced by their religious affiliation</a>.“Some things are wrong,” said commissioner Richard Binsfeld, during a city commission discussion about&nbsp; transgender books and the transgender community at large. “If you live up to your morals, if you stand by your morals at all, you’d look at it and say, ‘Why do we have it?'”The public library has been under scrutiny from local officials for months, narrowly surviving an attempt to pull the lease at the end of last year. Library director Judith Cremer said she and her staff were trying to work with the commissioners while remaining in accordance with legal guidelines for public libraries.She’s still not sure why the commissioners have taken issue with the library in recent months when it had operated in its St. Marys location for decades without problems. Cremer has held her position since 2003, and until last year, this was a position without controversy.“We’re not part of the city structure and the lease agreement is the only leverage that they have seemed to be able to find,” Cremer said. “They seem to be continuing down that road, which I’m disappointed with because we have still been here doing our job, trying to help people, trying to do summer reading, and I feel like it’s a misunderstanding of who we are. We are trying to do our job and we have followed the rules.”While commissioners have no governing influence over the library, the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library would be forced to shift locations if the lease isn’t renewed, giving up a community spot it has held for decades and depriving St. Marys residents of easily accessible library material.The library has been housed in St. Marys since the 1980s, operating on an annual lease with the city. The library acts as the headquarters for eight locations, including Alma, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Harveyville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. Marys and Westmoreland, with county residents funding the library through taxes.An eight-member board of trustees provides oversight of the library’s operations, with Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County commissioners appointing members to the board to serve four-year terms. The commission doesn’t have influence over board decisions.The library formed an advisory group in an attempt to address community concerns with library materials, but efforts toward reconciliation have been unsuccessful.The library’s lease renewal came up for debate last year because the library refused to accept a renewal clause asking for the removal of all LGBTQ and socially divisive books from the shelves. Facing intense public pressure, the commission in December&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/06/kansas-towns-library-lease-renewed-after-months-of-debate-about-lgbtq-content/">renewed the lease</a>&nbsp;for one year.Now, city commissioners have renewed their campaign against LGBTQ books, despite federal legal protections for public libraries.During the April city commission meeting, Kleinsmith raged against the book “Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition,” a coming of age story about a transgender teenager.“This author is absolutely wrong. God does not make mistakes,” Kleinsmith said. “God cannot make a mistake. We can make mistakes. Mankind can make a mistake. God cannot make a mistake. … I will do everything I can to fight this kind of garbage.”“If God makes you as a male, you are a male,” he added. “If God makes you a female, you are a female, no matter what.”St. Marys Mayor Matthew Childs, who formulated the anti-LGBTQ renewal clause last year, said during the April meeting that the library’s contents would once again influence the commission’s decision to renew the lease.“We don’t want transgender books in the library. … The elephant in the room is that we don’t want the library to be promoting certain types of material,” Childs said. “If the library is, we come back to the question, do we want to renew it at all?”Sharon Brett, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, which warned commissioners to drop their censorship attempts during the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/02/troubling-and-authoritarian-kansas-aclu-warns-st-marys-officials-that-closing-town-library-is-unconstitutional/">first lease renewal discussion</a>, said city officials need to remember constitutional protections.“Each member of the commission should remember that their own discomfort with a certain book does not justify restricting its availability to everyone else in the community,” Brett said. “Not only is this potential censorship authoritarian, it has implications under even a basic reading of our First Amendment. We urge the commission to remember their obligations under the Constitution.”Cremer said she and the library board had been trying to cooperate with the commission and concerned residents as much as possible.“We’re providing services to the community,” Cremer said. “We’re taking care of the same people. I don’t see why there should be a problem.”Following the April commission meeting, she sent a letter to the commissioners asking them to directly address their concerns with library staff, as they had a process in place to review book complaints.Library staff are also participating in the advisory committee. Cremer said the library was sending regular updates about the library and the advisory committee’s work to the city commission.But she is still fielding criticism from religious members of the community, including during a contentious June 28 library board meeting attended by Binsfeld and other St. Marys residents.&nbsp;“As we move forward, we would like to see that all LGBTQ+ media — whether audio files, movies, books, activities, etc. — be removed from this branch altogether and from any access, including online ordering and inter-library loans, to any minor through this branch,” resident Stephen Murtha wrote in a letter to library board members.The library should reflect the community’s Christian majority, Murtha wrote.Cremer said for the most part, these complaints were from a small segment of the population and that she hasn’t had problems or complaints from a majority of library customers.But she is concerned about the future of the library.“We have continued, even though that stress and controversy has been significant,” Cremer said. “My staff and I have continued forward just as we always have to provide those services, because it’s not the people that we’re serving, it’s not their fault, but they’re the ones that are going to be losing.”

St. Marys officials again threaten library because of LGBTQ books

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.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689181225646.jpeg" alt="Marshawn Marquatte Harge, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/12/2023" />
 <figcaption>Marshawn Marquatte Harge, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/12/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689181429561.jpeg" alt="Jerrica Meshawn Kirby, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/12/2023" />
 <figcaption>Jerrica Meshawn Kirby, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/12/2023</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 July 12

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crimes in Manhattan.

Just after 6p.m. July 1, officers filed a report for fraud in the 800 block of Juniper Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County P olice Department activity report.

A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect hacked her Facebook, Instagram and phone allowing the suspect to retrieve personal and bank information. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,800. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged computer crimes in Manhattan.Just after 6p.m. July 1, officers filed a report for fraud in the 800 block of Juniper Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County P olice Department activity report.A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect hacked her Facebook, Instagram and phone allowing the suspect to retrieve personal and bank information. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,800. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Woman lost $4800 after social media accounts hacked

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty in Manhattan and after asking the public for help with information reported they have identified the driver, according to a social media report from the Riley County Police Department.

Police released no additional details early Wedesday.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty in Manhattan. On social media late Monday, the Riley County Police Department asked the public for help identifying a Jeep and the driver.

Police want to speak with the driver about a cat in bad shape that was abandoned in a mesh carrier in the parking lot at Hy-Vee, 601 North Third Sunday afternoon.

If you have any information about this car, the driver, or this abandoned animal, please contact us at (785) 537-2112 or email Animal Control at madison.looney@cityofmhk.com or kourtney.brodosi@cityofmhk.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689070670775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty in Manhattan and after asking the public for help with information reported they have identified the driver, according to a social media report from the Riley County Police Department.Police released no additional details early Wedesday.----------RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty in Manhattan. On social media late Monday, the Riley County Police Department asked the public for help identifying a Jeep and the driver.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Do you recognize this Jeep? We would like to speak with the driver about a cat in bad shape that was abandoned in a mesh carrier at the Hy-Vee parking lot yesterday afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/ruwbUGsfFO">pic.twitter.com/ruwbUGsfFO</a>&mdash; RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RileyCountyPD/status/1678591693745004544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police want to speak with the driver about a cat in bad shape that was abandoned in a mesh carrier in the parking lot at Hy-Vee, 601 North Third Sunday afternoon.If you have any information about this car, the driver, or this abandoned animal, please contact us at (785) 537-2112 or email Animal Control at madison.looney@cityofmhk.com or kourtney.brodosi@cityofmhk.com.

RCPD IDs driver in case of alleged animal cruelty

One pallet of emergency drinking water is being donated by Anheuser-Busch to Geary County Rural Fire. The supply consists of 98 cases or 2,352 cans of water.

Company Representative for Anheuser-Busch, Ben Rowe noted that the their goal this summer is to distribute about two and a half million cans to more than 600 volunteer fire departments across the country.

&nbsp;Rowe noted that the water can be used for any emergencies. "If there's any wildfire, or just any disaster that the firemen could use it for their drinking purposes to keep them hydrated while serving our communities here in the area." The water will be delivered Friday.

That water is being sourced from Anheuser Busch breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Col.

Volunteers account for more than two-thirds of firefighters in the United States and can be their communities' first line of defense in a range of emergencies.

One pallet of emergency drinking water is being donated by Anheuser-Busch to Geary County Rural Fire. The supply consists of 98 cases or 2,352 cans of water.Company Representative for Anheuser-Busch, Ben Rowe noted that the their goal this summer is to distribute about two and a half million cans to more than 600 volunteer fire departments across the country.&nbsp;Rowe noted that the water can be used for any emergencies. "If there's any wildfire, or just any disaster that the firemen could use it for their drinking purposes to keep them hydrated while serving our communities here in the area." The water will be delivered Friday.That water is being sourced from Anheuser Busch breweries in Cartersville, Georgia and Fort Collins, Col.Volunteers account for more than two-thirds of firefighters in the United States and can be their communities' first line of defense in a range of emergencies.

Anheuser will donate drinking water to Geary County Rural Fire

Child Care 101 Workshop will be held July 22nd

Junction City officials said water pressure would be low for a couple of hours in some parts of the city on Adams from 7th Street through 12th Street, and on Madison and Jefferson Streets plus cross streets. East 10th at Monroe were scheduled to be without water at some point Tuesday to repair a water main.

Junction City officials said water pressure would be low for a couple of hours in some parts of the city on Adams from 7th Street through 12th Street, and on Madison and Jefferson Streets plus cross streets. East 10th at Monroe were scheduled to be without water at some point Tuesday to repair a water main.

City makes water repairs

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/2023/7/1689170334074.jpeg" alt="Vincent Earl Holman, Probation Violation; Arrested 07/11/2023" />
 <figcaption>Vincent Earl Holman, Probation Violation; Arrested 07/11/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689170487400.jpeg" alt="Elijah Tee McLeroy, Possession of stolen property; Felony; Vehicles; Operate a vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Vehicle liability coverage required; Arrested 07/11/2023" />
 <figcaption>Elijah Tee McLeroy, Possession of stolen property; Felony; Vehicles; Operate a vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Vehicle liability coverage required; Arrested 07/11/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689170674401.jpeg" alt="Candice Danielle Thomas, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Arrested 07/11/2023" />
 <figcaption>Candice Danielle Thomas, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Arrested 07/11/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689170750926.jpeg" alt="Jeffrey Clyde Zook, Failure to appear x4; Arrested 07/11/2023" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Clyde Zook, Failure to appear x4; Arrested 07/11/2023</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 July 11

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities filed a report for throwing objects onto a highway in the 1300 block of South Walnut Street in Manhattan. The incident occurred just before 12:30a.m.&nbsp; on July 11, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 34-year-old man reported an unknown male suspect threw a rock over the bridge, hitting the victim’s windshield and causing damage. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $500. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities filed a report for throwing objects onto a highway in the 1300 block of South Walnut Street in Manhattan. The incident occurred just before 12:30a.m.&nbsp; on July 11, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 34-year-old man reported an unknown male suspect threw a rock over the bridge, hitting the victim’s windshield and causing damage. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $500. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect threw rock over bridge that hit man's windshield

The Kansas Chapter 34A of the Americas Guardians Motorcycle Club (AGMC) 3rd annual Rebob Legacy Ride on Saturday, June 10th had approximately 50 motorcyclists and vehicles participate in the ride.&nbsp; The event was held to honor the memory of the club's former Vice President Bob Bartholic (road nameRebob) and raised funds for the nonprofit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas (RMHC).

"Rebob died in a motorcycle accident on June 13, 2020"&nbsp; said Jerry Hoeffner (the current Vice-President).&nbsp; Each year AGMC KS 34A chapter selects a charity to receive the annual poker run proceeds. This year they chose the Ronald McDonald House because Rebob's family stayed&nbsp; there when his granddaughter had heart surgery, and also because the organization supports Soldiers and their Families while their children are receiving lifesaving medical in a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

Funds were raised through donations of riders, a silent auction, and sponsorships from local businesses, including The Spot and Dining Car in Herington, RnR Construction and Remodeling in Riley, and Briggs Auto Group in Manhattan. Other AGMC Chapters completed similar rides and sent their event proceeds to them, stated Jerry Hoeffner. KS34A presented Topeka's Ronald McDonald House a check for $4,020, which will support 160 nights stay for one or more families.

The AGMC is a public safety organization. Members of Kansas Chapter 34A include Retired Military, Veterans and First Responders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689085046787.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Chapter 34A of the Americas Guardians Motorcycle Club (AGMC) 3rd annual Rebob Legacy Ride on Saturday, June 10th had approximately 50 motorcyclists and vehicles participate in the ride.&nbsp; The event was held to honor the memory of the club's former Vice President Bob Bartholic (road nameRebob) and raised funds for the nonprofit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas (RMHC). "Rebob died in a motorcycle accident on June 13, 2020"&nbsp; said Jerry Hoeffner (the current Vice-President).&nbsp; Each year AGMC KS 34A chapter selects a charity to receive the annual poker run proceeds. This year they chose the Ronald McDonald House because Rebob's family stayed&nbsp; there when his granddaughter had heart surgery, and also because the organization supports Soldiers and their Families while their children are receiving lifesaving medical in a nearby hospital.&nbsp; Funds were raised through donations of riders, a silent auction, and sponsorships from local businesses, including The Spot and Dining Car in Herington, RnR Construction and Remodeling in Riley, and Briggs Auto Group in Manhattan. Other AGMC Chapters completed similar rides and sent their event proceeds to them, stated Jerry Hoeffner. KS34A presented Topeka's Ronald McDonald House a check for $4,020, which will support 160 nights stay for one or more families. The AGMC is a public safety organization. Members of Kansas Chapter 34A include Retired Military, Veterans and First Responders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ride raises funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Manhattan.

Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1600 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation reported an unknown suspect graffitied the bathrooms at Longs Park. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $550. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689086463342.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Manhattan.Just after 7:30a.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1600 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation reported an unknown suspect graffitied the bathrooms at Longs Park. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $550. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigation: Graffiti in park bathrooms

Kansas Wheat Commission This is day nine of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Harvest continues to plod along into the second week of July, and farmers who still have wheat left to cut are facing rain delays and hail, leading to a long, drawn-out wheat harvest.&nbsp;

From July 3 to July 9, there were only 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 9, 2023. Harvest is now 59% complete, well behind 93% last year and 84% for the average.&nbsp;

Farmers are balancing a mix of emotions from frustration caused by having to wait for conditions to dry, stress of potential hail and other weather events, with joy from these recent rains.&nbsp;

Northwest of Hays, Eric Werth, General Manager at Golden Belt Coop acknowledges some of the struggles he has seen in Ellis county.&nbsp;

“We are really just waiting for it to dry out around here,” Werth says.

Werth speculates they are about 90% wrapped up with harvest for this year. Another stressor that Werth describes is the amount of weeds that the rain has brought with it.

After a late start on June 21, Werth reports that he is expecting probably 55% of the quantity they have gotten in years past. Yields are averaging around 30 bushels per acre, with some brighter spots getting up to 40 bushels per acre.&nbsp;

“That is definitely not the majority, though,” Werth says. “The [Westbred] Grainfield variety is one that seems to be doing well this year.”

Looking at test weights is encouraging for this area, though, seeing those come in around 62 pounds per bushel. However, proteins have been relatively low this year. He guesses they have taken in about 450,000 bushels so far. He said most of the wheat his elevator receives ends up at flour mills.&nbsp;

Seventeen miles west of the geographical center of the continental United States, Bruce Williams at Trinity Ag in Smith Center says his area has been subject to the rain delays as well.&nbsp;

“The thing that hurt us the most is we’ve basically cut very little since July 4th,” Williams noted. “There has been so much humidity.”&nbsp;

Williams said harvest began on June 24 this year, only four days off from when they usually start cutting, but after these recent rains, harvest has been slow to get back up and running. Having had big days on July 3 and 4, they have not had a single, full week of continuous cutting this harvest.&nbsp;

Initial drought stress caused some decent test weights in earlier loads to the elevator. Test weights were about 60-63 pounds per bushel, but these later storms have caused those numbers to dip into the 58 pound per bushel range. Proteins in the area have been as high as 12 to 14 percent. Yields have been all over the board, but even with farmers starting with their best fields, yields were only 35-40 bushels per acre. Many farmers have been abandoning their fields, as the weed pressure has been so intense. The kochia and pigweeds have been so dense that in some of the more extreme cases, you cannot even see the wheat as you drive past fields.&nbsp;

Along with the rain, northwest Kansas has been hit with hail storms. Fortunately, not much of the crop has been destroyed. Smith and Phillips counties are expecting to see more rain and storm chances in the upcoming week.&nbsp;

Elevators and farmers aren’t the only ones waiting for conditions to dry. Custom harvest crews like MJB Harvesting out of Grainfield, Kansas, are anxiously waiting to get out and begin harvesting. So far, MJB Harvesting has only been able to cut one field while in Kansas.

Mark Bosse, owner of MJB, shared that nearly all of their customers in Kansas have been affected by either hail or drought, or both. Fields that were going to be decent are now looking to only be 15-35 bushels per acre. The one field the MJB crew has been able to cut so far yielded about 35-40 bushels per acre. Several producers along the Gove and Lane county line will not even harvest their crop.&nbsp;

Composed of local people, high schoolers and J-1 visa employees, the MJB harvesting crew has been on the road since May 22. They started in Texas and will go all the way up into Montana. Although conditions were good in Texas, the wheat got bleak as they progressed north. Fortunately for them, crop conditions are looking up for areas north of Kansas, rounding out a very interesting wheat crop year.&nbsp;

Check back&nbsp;on July 12&nbsp;as the Kansas Wheat crew continues to share results from the field with the next harvest report.&nbsp;

The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PmhrMq-CirB-u0DVZoST6_FnCxGZ58QfBYh-dQ1R0M_fgnAWT_-pon4CC7z6zOyEvu92enzW-ojLtsNxVrmo1AM6N_a3VpIBnfYudKuMwBia&amp;c=TTqvIM4zLH9n8wODT3Uoy6gRdBvTCB8r4KU4u-7yrHPy5hpdKeHNiQ==&amp;ch=tnQwpqwhYwUlD69KJmsRoIcZ-WN-EE5UabztHMO243_bDO7bEH-iVQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3Pho0cnbH4WOJmaaWZ-PhwWwsCps9xJIx-2cRJqxIr5x-LTvHW4BIWm90mo643mcxdHFrqz_zTSk68xj75fC0h9imWarI6HNsxfY-FRbaU44o&amp;c=TTqvIM4zLH9n8wODT3Uoy6gRdBvTCB8r4KU4u-7yrHPy5hpdKeHNiQ==&amp;ch=tnQwpqwhYwUlD69KJmsRoIcZ-WN-EE5UabztHMO243_bDO7bEH-iVQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PuU1NKQDCspeVP5QEasL0lE1tzRl7hw5H-gmzXgAQvOeIvbLByq18W-oqLFlKY_cMqNeww_BalKixuc7s751Ldx40i59QIsJ4YYFako8uYaj&amp;c=TTqvIM4zLH9n8wODT3Uoy6gRdBvTCB8r4KU4u-7yrHPy5hpdKeHNiQ==&amp;ch=tnQwpqwhYwUlD69KJmsRoIcZ-WN-EE5UabztHMO243_bDO7bEH-iVQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689043934233.png" alt="Day 9 Kansas Wheat Harvest" />
 <figcaption>Day 9 Kansas Wheat Harvest</figcaption>
 </figure> Kansas Wheat Commission This is day nine of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Harvest continues to plod along into the second week of July, and farmers who still have wheat left to cut are facing rain delays and hail, leading to a long, drawn-out wheat harvest.&nbsp;From July 3 to July 9, there were only 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report for the week ending July 9, 2023. Harvest is now 59% complete, well behind 93% last year and 84% for the average.&nbsp;Farmers are balancing a mix of emotions from frustration caused by having to wait for conditions to dry, stress of potential hail and other weather events, with joy from these recent rains.&nbsp;Northwest of Hays, Eric Werth, General Manager at Golden Belt Coop acknowledges some of the struggles he has seen in Ellis county.&nbsp;“We are really just waiting for it to dry out around here,” Werth says.Werth speculates they are about 90% wrapped up with harvest for this year. Another stressor that Werth describes is the amount of weeds that the rain has brought with it.After a late start on June 21, Werth reports that he is expecting probably 55% of the quantity they have gotten in years past. Yields are averaging around 30 bushels per acre, with some brighter spots getting up to 40 bushels per acre.&nbsp;“That is definitely not the majority, though,” Werth says. “The [Westbred] Grainfield variety is one that seems to be doing well this year.”Looking at test weights is encouraging for this area, though, seeing those come in around 62 pounds per bushel. However, proteins have been relatively low this year. He guesses they have taken in about 450,000 bushels so far. He said most of the wheat his elevator receives ends up at flour mills.&nbsp;Seventeen miles west of the geographical center of the continental United States, Bruce Williams at Trinity Ag in Smith Center says his area has been subject to the rain delays as well.&nbsp;“The thing that hurt us the most is we’ve basically cut very little since July 4th,” Williams noted. “There has been so much humidity.”&nbsp;Williams said harvest began on June 24 this year, only four days off from when they usually start cutting, but after these recent rains, harvest has been slow to get back up and running. Having had big days on July 3 and 4, they have not had a single, full week of continuous cutting this harvest.&nbsp;Initial drought stress caused some decent test weights in earlier loads to the elevator. Test weights were about 60-63 pounds per bushel, but these later storms have caused those numbers to dip into the 58 pound per bushel range. Proteins in the area have been as high as 12 to 14 percent. Yields have been all over the board, but even with farmers starting with their best fields, yields were only 35-40 bushels per acre. Many farmers have been abandoning their fields, as the weed pressure has been so intense. The kochia and pigweeds have been so dense that in some of the more extreme cases, you cannot even see the wheat as you drive past fields.&nbsp;Along with the rain, northwest Kansas has been hit with hail storms. Fortunately, not much of the crop has been destroyed. Smith and Phillips counties are expecting to see more rain and storm chances in the upcoming week.&nbsp;Elevators and farmers aren’t the only ones waiting for conditions to dry. Custom harvest crews like MJB Harvesting out of Grainfield, Kansas, are anxiously waiting to get out and begin harvesting. So far, MJB Harvesting has only been able to cut one field while in Kansas.Mark Bosse, owner of MJB, shared that nearly all of their customers in Kansas have been affected by either hail or drought, or both. Fields that were going to be decent are now looking to only be 15-35 bushels per acre. The one field the MJB crew has been able to cut so far yielded about 35-40 bushels per acre. Several producers along the Gove and Lane county line will not even harvest their crop.&nbsp;Composed of local people, high schoolers and J-1 visa employees, the MJB harvesting crew has been on the road since May 22. They started in Texas and will go all the way up into Montana. Although conditions were good in Texas, the wheat got bleak as they progressed north. Fortunately for them, crop conditions are looking up for areas north of Kansas, rounding out a very interesting wheat crop year.&nbsp;Check back&nbsp;on July 12&nbsp;as the Kansas Wheat crew continues to share results from the field with the next harvest report.&nbsp;The 2023 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on Twitter, use #wheatharvest23. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PmhrMq-CirB-u0DVZoST6_FnCxGZ58QfBYh-dQ1R0M_fgnAWT_-pon4CC7z6zOyEvu92enzW-ojLtsNxVrmo1AM6N_a3VpIBnfYudKuMwBia&amp;c=TTqvIM4zLH9n8wODT3Uoy6gRdBvTCB8r4KU4u-7yrHPy5hpdKeHNiQ==&amp;ch=tnQwpqwhYwUlD69KJmsRoIcZ-WN-EE5UabztHMO243_bDO7bEH-iVQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3Pho0cnbH4WOJmaaWZ-PhwWwsCps9xJIx-2cRJqxIr5x-LTvHW4BIWm90mo643mcxdHFrqz_zTSk68xj75fC0h9imWarI6HNsxfY-FRbaU44o&amp;c=TTqvIM4zLH9n8wODT3Uoy6gRdBvTCB8r4KU4u-7yrHPy5hpdKeHNiQ==&amp;ch=tnQwpqwhYwUlD69KJmsRoIcZ-WN-EE5UabztHMO243_bDO7bEH-iVQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001L4S4V4088er1olXZMhUdn3ZOj74xvSIBMXdxJYEwllHQ-lh3UBj3PuU1NKQDCspeVP5QEasL0lE1tzRl7hw5H-gmzXgAQvOeIvbLByq18W-oqLFlKY_cMqNeww_BalKixuc7s751Ldx40i59QIsJ4YYFako8uYaj&amp;c=TTqvIM4zLH9n8wODT3Uoy6gRdBvTCB8r4KU4u-7yrHPy5hpdKeHNiQ==&amp;ch=tnQwpqwhYwUlD69KJmsRoIcZ-WN-EE5UabztHMO243_bDO7bEH-iVQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Kansas Wheat: Day 9 Harvest Report

Geary USD 475 is preparing for Back to School. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston informed the county commission Monday that the district's Back to School Carnival will be Aug. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the high school.

The first day of school will be Friday, Aug. 11.

Grand opening of the new Morris Hill Elementary School on Fort Riley will Sept. 22. The school will begin with 250 students while construction continues, and will eventually move up to 590 students.

Geary USD 475 is preparing for Back to School. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston informed the county commission Monday that the district's Back to School Carnival will be Aug. 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the high school.The first day of school will be Friday, Aug. 11.Grand opening of the new Morris Hill Elementary School on Fort Riley will Sept. 22. The school will begin with 250 students while construction continues, and will eventually move up to 590 students.

USD 475 Superintendent of Schools updates the Geary County Commission

Fort Riley will host the thirty-eighth annual 10-5-2 Prairie Run July 15. Races begin at 7 a.m. at King Field House.

The 10-mile and 5-mile runs are competitive races and runners must register in advance through&nbsp;<a href="https://riley.armymwr.com/" target="_blank">https://riley.armymwr.com</a>. Registration closes at 10 p.m. July 13. There will be no same day registration for the 10-mile and 5-mile runs. Check-in begins at 5:45 a.m.

The two-mile event is a fun run that will start at 7:10 and pre-registration is not required. Because the two-miler is a fun run, strollers are welcome, but pets and bikes are prohibited. Two-mile run participants need to be on site by 6:50 a.m. Saturday.

There is a registration fee for the 10-mile and 5-mile runs and registered participants will receive a shirt. Active duty Soldiers can register for the 10-mile run for free. The two-mile fun run is free. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://riley.armymwr.com/" target="_blank">https://riley.armymwr.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-239-2573.

Water will be available on the course, but all participants are encouraged to bring their own water.

Participants who do not have a DOD-ID card, but do have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, can apply in advance for a visitor’s pass online at&nbsp;<a href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley" target="_blank">https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley</a>. Processing of online passes requires up to 24 hours, so applying by July 13 is recommended. Visitors can apply for a pass in person at the Fort Riley Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 off I-70. Pick up your visitor pass before July 15. The visitor control center opens at 8 a.m. on weekends. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, call 785-239-2982.

Fort Riley will host the thirty-eighth annual 10-5-2 Prairie Run July 15. Races begin at 7 a.m. at King Field House.The 10-mile and 5-mile runs are competitive races and runners must register in advance through&nbsp;<a href="https://riley.armymwr.com/" target="_blank">https://riley.armymwr.com</a>. Registration closes at 10 p.m. July 13. There will be no same day registration for the 10-mile and 5-mile runs. Check-in begins at 5:45 a.m.The two-mile event is a fun run that will start at 7:10 and pre-registration is not required. Because the two-miler is a fun run, strollers are welcome, but pets and bikes are prohibited. Two-mile run participants need to be on site by 6:50 a.m. Saturday.There is a registration fee for the 10-mile and 5-mile runs and registered participants will receive a shirt. Active duty Soldiers can register for the 10-mile run for free. The two-mile fun run is free. More information is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://riley.armymwr.com/" target="_blank">https://riley.armymwr.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-239-2573.Water will be available on the course, but all participants are encouraged to bring their own water.Participants who do not have a DOD-ID card, but do have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, can apply in advance for a visitor’s pass online at&nbsp;<a href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley" target="_blank">https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley</a>. Processing of online passes requires up to 24 hours, so applying by July 13 is recommended. Visitors can apply for a pass in person at the Fort Riley Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 off I-70. Pick up your visitor pass before July 15. The visitor control center opens at 8 a.m. on weekends. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, call 785-239-2982.

Fort Riley hosts 38th annual 10-5-2 Prairie Run

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/2023/7/1689025962747.jpeg" alt="Amber Arcadia Colon, Bond Violation; Arrested 07/10/2023" />
 <figcaption>Amber Arcadia Colon, Bond Violation; Arrested 07/10/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689026003194.jpeg" alt="Donald Rodney Rayton Junior, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/10/2023" />
 <figcaption>Donald Rodney Rayton Junior, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/10/2023</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689026082689.jpeg" alt="Anthony Sustaita, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/10/2023" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Sustaita, Failure to appear; Arrested 07/10/2023</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 July 10

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2106 Can-Am motorcycle driven by Joseph Peter Jacobs, 74, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 six miles west of Junction City.

The motorcycle left the roadway, entered south ditch, struck an embankment and overturned.

EMS transported Jacobs to Salina Regional Medical Center. He was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2106 Can-Am motorcycle driven by Joseph Peter Jacobs, 74, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was eastbound on Interstate 70 six miles west of Junction City.The motorcycle left the roadway, entered south ditch, struck an embankment and overturned.EMS transported Jacobs to Salina Regional Medical Center. He was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after I-70 motorcycle accident

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Manhattan.

Just after 1p.m. Friday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1400 block of McCain Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 20-year-old man reported an unknown suspect spray painted his truck's headlights, bumper, and front license plate.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000. &nbsp;Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Manhattan.Just after 1p.m. Friday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1400 block of McCain Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 20-year-old man reported an unknown suspect spray painted his truck's headlights, bumper, and front license plate. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000. &nbsp;Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect spray painted truck's headlights, license plate

<a></a><a></a><a></a><a>Abilene, Kan.- A long-time fan of the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene is now behind the microphone, working the rodeo.</a>

As a kid, Scott Grover’s parents brought him to the rodeo when they visited friends in Abilene. He watched announcer Phil Gardenhire and rodeo clown Lecile Harris, both legends in the sport, and thought, ‘maybe someday I can do what they’re doing.’

And now he is. The Camden Point, Mo. man will announce this year’s Abilene Rodeo.

Grover, who grew up in Morrowville, Kan., didn’t have a rodeo background. While in junior college, he helped with a youth rodeo. One day, the announcer got sick, and Grover, who had shown interest in the job, got to handle announcing duties.

After graduating from Kansas State University in 2001, he taught high school agriculture in Council Grove for four years, then began announcing rodeos full time.

He was a team roper for a short time, but his talents were with public speaking. “I dabbled in team roping a little bit, but I was not very good at it. Luckily God gave me a voice to talk about rodeo.”

He is part of the PBR World Finals announcing team and announces PBR Velocity Tour events and PRCA rodeos as well. He works about 40 events a year. He has been selected as the announcer for the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo six times, the 2014 RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, the 2014 National Finals Steer Roping, and is the 2017 WPRA Announcer of the Year.

Grover married Becky McGee, a former Miss Rodeo Missouri, ten years ago. The couple has three children: son Statler, and daughters Lano and Clemmie Mae.

Grover loves rodeo. “I’m a fan of the sport,” he said. “I didn’t grow up in the industry and my parents weren’t cowboy people, but I fell in love with it at an early age.

“Being able to talk about rodeo and tell the stories of rodeo and cowboys and cowgirls is what I love the most about it.”

He’s delighted to work the rodeo where his love for rodeo began.

“I am beyond excited for this rodeo,” he said. “It’s like I’ve been waiting since I was ten years old to be inside that arena.”

<a>The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo takes place August 1-4 at the fairgrounds in Abilene. Performances are at 7:30 pm nightly. Tickets can be purchased online at WildBillHickokRodeo.com, at West’s Country Mart and other area retailers, and at the gate. They are $10 in advance and $13 at the gate. Children’s tickets are $7 for ages 7-10. For more information, visit WildBillHickokRodeo.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688989891440.jpeg" alt="Scott Grover. Images Courtesy Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo" />
 <figcaption>Scott Grover. Images Courtesy Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo</figcaption>
 </figure><a></a><a></a><a></a><a>Abilene, Kan.- A long-time fan of the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene is now behind the microphone, working the rodeo.</a>As a kid, Scott Grover’s parents brought him to the rodeo when they visited friends in Abilene. He watched announcer Phil Gardenhire and rodeo clown Lecile Harris, both legends in the sport, and thought, ‘maybe someday I can do what they’re doing.’And now he is. The Camden Point, Mo. man will announce this year’s Abilene Rodeo.Grover, who grew up in Morrowville, Kan., didn’t have a rodeo background. While in junior college, he helped with a youth rodeo. One day, the announcer got sick, and Grover, who had shown interest in the job, got to handle announcing duties.After graduating from Kansas State University in 2001, he taught high school agriculture in Council Grove for four years, then began announcing rodeos full time.He was a team roper for a short time, but his talents were with public speaking. “I dabbled in team roping a little bit, but I was not very good at it. Luckily God gave me a voice to talk about rodeo.”He is part of the PBR World Finals announcing team and announces PBR Velocity Tour events and PRCA rodeos as well. He works about 40 events a year. He has been selected as the announcer for the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo six times, the 2014 RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, the 2014 National Finals Steer Roping, and is the 2017 WPRA Announcer of the Year.Grover married Becky McGee, a former Miss Rodeo Missouri, ten years ago. The couple has three children: son Statler, and daughters Lano and Clemmie Mae.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688989970188.jpeg" alt="Scott and Becky Grover and Family" />
 <figcaption>Scott and Becky Grover and Family</figcaption>
 </figure>Grover loves rodeo. “I’m a fan of the sport,” he said. “I didn’t grow up in the industry and my parents weren’t cowboy people, but I fell in love with it at an early age.“Being able to talk about rodeo and tell the stories of rodeo and cowboys and cowgirls is what I love the most about it.”He’s delighted to work the rodeo where his love for rodeo began.“I am beyond excited for this rodeo,” he said. “It’s like I’ve been waiting since I was ten years old to be inside that arena.”<a>The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo takes place August 1-4 at the fairgrounds in Abilene. Performances are at 7:30 pm nightly. Tickets can be purchased online at WildBillHickokRodeo.com, at West’s Country Mart and other area retailers, and at the gate. They are $10 in advance and $13 at the gate. Children’s tickets are $7 for ages 7-10. For more information, visit WildBillHickokRodeo.com</a>

Man Behind the Microphone, Abilene Rodeo Hires Kansas Announcer

Change of Command Ceremony for the 1st Armored Brigade Team will be held&nbsp; Monday, July 10 at the Cavalry Parade Field at Fort Riley. Col. Ian J. Lauer will be the incoming commander who will succeed outgoing commander Col. Brian McCarthy.

Change of Command Ceremony for the 1st Armored Brigade Team will be held&nbsp; Monday, July 10 at the Cavalry Parade Field at Fort Riley. Col. Ian J. Lauer will be the incoming commander who will succeed outgoing commander Col. Brian McCarthy.The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team will change command

Junction City High School FFA members who competed at the Kansas FFA State Agriscience Fair in June will be recognized by the USD 475 school board Monday night.&nbsp;

The Board will also receive a presentation from Mary Bertwell-Forsythe. The Class of 1967 would like to present a bronze statue of the Blue Jay of that era to be displayed at the high school. Her husband is a well-known sculptor.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Devin Center.

Junction City High School FFA members who competed at the Kansas FFA State Agriscience Fair in June will be recognized by the USD 475 school board Monday night.&nbsp;The Board will also receive a presentation from Mary Bertwell-Forsythe. The Class of 1967 would like to present a bronze statue of the Blue Jay of that era to be displayed at the high school. Her husband is a well-known sculptor.The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Devin Center.

USD 475 Board of Education to meet Monday evening

There will be a ribbon cutting for 52 newly constructed family housing units at Fort Riley on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The location will be at 66502 DeFranco Place in the Warner Peterson Neighborhood.&nbsp;

Guests can tour the new homes following the ribbon cutting. The homes feature energy efficient appliances and inclement weather safe rooms.

There will be a ribbon cutting for 52 newly constructed family housing units at Fort Riley on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The location will be at 66502 DeFranco Place in the Warner Peterson Neighborhood.&nbsp;Guests can tour the new homes following the ribbon cutting. The homes feature energy efficient appliances and inclement weather safe rooms.

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