The&nbsp;Northeast Kansas Animal Welfare Foundation announced its spring 2023 grant winners for nonprofit animal welfare agencies on Monday.

Among the winners were the Junction City Animal Shelter and Have a Heart TNR in CLay Center, which each were awarded $1,000 to advance their spay-trap-neuter programs.

A total of $25,000 was awarded to organizations by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nkawf">NKAWF</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679955621585.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Northeast Kansas Animal Welfare Foundation announced its spring 2023 grant winners for nonprofit animal welfare agencies on Monday.Among the winners were the Junction City Animal Shelter and Have a Heart TNR in CLay Center, which each were awarded $1,000 to advance their spay-trap-neuter programs.A total of $25,000 was awarded to organizations by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nkawf">NKAWF</a>.

Junction City, Clay Center animal welfare agencies awarded grants

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Perhaps the biggest pastime in spring is watching the weather. I could be just searching for a nice Saturday to visit a park or checking to see if I need to carry an umbrella to the office. For farmers and ranchers, however, spring weather is high stakes and full of questions. Will there be enough rain to awaken the wheat crop and carry it through to maturity? If there is, will it be too much to prevent planting corn and soybeans? Will there be enough moisture to grow enough grass for cattle to graze? Unfortunately for more than three quarters of the state right now, the biggest question is when will the drought break? The northeast corner is the only portion of Kansas not experiencing a moisture deficiency currently. More than 40 counties are wholly or in part in an exceptional drought according to the most recent report. Most natural disasters are quick, but a drought is an open-ended catastrophe that grinds on day after day. Pictures and video do little to convey the effects the absence of water has on those who live through it. At least with a tornado or flood, you can start picking up the pieces relatively quickly. With a drought, you’re just left to endure until the rains return. We’re moving into the height of severe weather season in Kansas. Thanks to the drought, fire is also a potential hazard in addition to the usual thunderstorms and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent severe weather outbreaks, there’s plenty of steps to take in advance to be prepared. It starts with developing a good plan while hoping you never need to implement it. This can be as simple as a space in a basement with some bottled water, a battery-operated radio and some flashlights or candles for storms capable of producing tornados. Now’s a good time to check those batteries if they’ve been sitting in a stockpile for a while. For those who don’t have a basement, a windowless room is the next safest place to ride out a storm. If you’re outside, find a low-lying area, preferably away from trees, to lie flat and cover your head with your arms. In the event of a flashflood, immediately move to higher ground and don’t drive through flooded roadways. The current is capable of carrying away a vehicle, plus there’s all kinds of potential dangers obscured by the water. The second step is to be aware of current forecasts and know when there’s potential for severe weather in your area. The National Weather Service has a good track record of predicting when weather systems can go from normal to life threatening. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a reminder to be alert for worsening conditions. A “warning” is the signal to implement you plan as quickly as possible. If watching the weather isn’t already part of your spring routine, now’s a good time to add it to your to-do list so you’re prepared to act if it becomes necessary. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau Perhaps the biggest pastime in spring is watching the weather. I could be just searching for a nice Saturday to visit a park or checking to see if I need to carry an umbrella to the office. For farmers and ranchers, however, spring weather is high stakes and full of questions. Will there be enough rain to awaken the wheat crop and carry it through to maturity? If there is, will it be too much to prevent planting corn and soybeans? Will there be enough moisture to grow enough grass for cattle to graze? Unfortunately for more than three quarters of the state right now, the biggest question is when will the drought break? The northeast corner is the only portion of Kansas not experiencing a moisture deficiency currently. More than 40 counties are wholly or in part in an exceptional drought according to the most recent report. Most natural disasters are quick, but a drought is an open-ended catastrophe that grinds on day after day. Pictures and video do little to convey the effects the absence of water has on those who live through it. At least with a tornado or flood, you can start picking up the pieces relatively quickly. With a drought, you’re just left to endure until the rains return. We’re moving into the height of severe weather season in Kansas. Thanks to the drought, fire is also a potential hazard in addition to the usual thunderstorms and tornadoes. While we can’t prevent severe weather outbreaks, there’s plenty of steps to take in advance to be prepared. It starts with developing a good plan while hoping you never need to implement it. This can be as simple as a space in a basement with some bottled water, a battery-operated radio and some flashlights or candles for storms capable of producing tornados. Now’s a good time to check those batteries if they’ve been sitting in a stockpile for a while. For those who don’t have a basement, a windowless room is the next safest place to ride out a storm. If you’re outside, find a low-lying area, preferably away from trees, to lie flat and cover your head with your arms. In the event of a flashflood, immediately move to higher ground and don’t drive through flooded roadways. The current is capable of carrying away a vehicle, plus there’s all kinds of potential dangers obscured by the water. The second step is to be aware of current forecasts and know when there’s potential for severe weather in your area. The National Weather Service has a good track record of predicting when weather systems can go from normal to life threatening. A “watch” means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. It’s a reminder to be alert for worsening conditions. A “warning” is the signal to implement you plan as quickly as possible. If watching the weather isn’t already part of your spring routine, now’s a good time to add it to your to-do list so you’re prepared to act if it becomes necessary. "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Weather watching

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post/JC Post

FORT RILEY -&nbsp;In 2024, more than 1,000 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oklahomanationalguard">Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen</a>&nbsp;will deploy as Task Force Tomahawk, along with one company from each, Indiana and Nebraska.

<a href="https://twitter.com/OKGuard">Oklahoma National Guard</a> soldiers are currently at Fort Riley undergoing pre-mobilization training before deploying for overseas active duty.

Soldiers are training on various weapons, along with individual troop and squad movements to ensure preparedness for the mission during Task Force Tomahawk.

Conducting training increases soldier readiness for the future deployment in support of operations within U.S. Africa Command's area of responsibility.

"The ability to show that we are ready and prepared to take on any mission. So any element, any type of formation, whether it's active duty, guard, Reserve can come here and we will ensure that they get the best training possible to be able to prepare for any mission." Fort Riley Range Safety Specialist, Nick Johnson says.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post/JC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680040905078.jpeg" alt="Oklahoma National Guard training at Fort Riley, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Oklahoma National Guard training at Fort Riley, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT RILEY -&nbsp;In 2024, more than 1,000 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oklahomanationalguard">Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen</a>&nbsp;will deploy as Task Force Tomahawk, along with one company from each, Indiana and Nebraska.<a href="https://twitter.com/OKGuard">Oklahoma National Guard</a> soldiers are currently at Fort Riley undergoing pre-mobilization training before deploying for overseas active duty.Soldiers are training on various weapons, along with individual troop and squad movements to ensure preparedness for the mission during Task Force Tomahawk.Conducting training increases soldier readiness for the future deployment in support of operations within U.S. Africa Command's area of responsibility.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/vMyUuzj4-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Ok Natl Guard At Fort Riley" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"The ability to show that we are ready and prepared to take on any mission. So any element, any type of formation, whether it's active duty, guard, Reserve can come here and we will ensure that they get the best training possible to be able to prepare for any mission." Fort Riley Range Safety Specialist, Nick Johnson says.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680040834543.jpeg" alt="OK National Guard training at Fort Riley, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>OK National Guard training at Fort Riley, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥: Oklahoma National Guard training at Fort Riley

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A<a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/news-events/news-press-releases/hyvee-voluntarily-recalls-skillet-hamburger-meal-due-to--presence-of-allergens-not-listed-on-packaging/?_ga=2.217803921.620379462.1680012333-2049875303.1680012333"> company announced</a> Tuesday that it is recalling a packaged pasta dish sold in HyVee grocery stores in eight Midwestern states.

Chester, Illinois-based Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. said it was recalling HyVee Hamburger Chili Macaroni Skillet Meals produced at a plant in Steeleville, Illinois, because of undeclared milk in the product. The milk could be dangerous to people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk.

<a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/news-events/news-press-releases/hyvee-voluntarily-recalls-skillet-hamburger-meal-due-to--presence-of-allergens-not-listed-on-packaging/?_ga=2.217803921.620379462.1680012333-2049875303.1680012333">The recall is for lots packaged</a> in 5.2 ounce cartons that have a best by date of Feb. 8, 2024. The food was sold at HyVee and Dollar Fresh Market stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

People can return packages to HyVee stores for a refund or can discard it.

Hy-Vee is based in West Des Moines, Iowa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680037194872.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A<a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/news-events/news-press-releases/hyvee-voluntarily-recalls-skillet-hamburger-meal-due-to--presence-of-allergens-not-listed-on-packaging/?_ga=2.217803921.620379462.1680012333-2049875303.1680012333"> company announced</a> Tuesday that it is recalling a packaged pasta dish sold in HyVee grocery stores in eight Midwestern states.Chester, Illinois-based Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. said it was recalling HyVee Hamburger Chili Macaroni Skillet Meals produced at a plant in Steeleville, Illinois, because of undeclared milk in the product. The milk could be dangerous to people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk.<a href="https://www.hy-vee.com/corporate/news-events/news-press-releases/hyvee-voluntarily-recalls-skillet-hamburger-meal-due-to--presence-of-allergens-not-listed-on-packaging/?_ga=2.217803921.620379462.1680012333-2049875303.1680012333">The recall is for lots packaged</a> in 5.2 ounce cartons that have a best by date of Feb. 8, 2024. The food was sold at HyVee and Dollar Fresh Market stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.People can return packages to HyVee stores for a refund or can discard it.Hy-Vee is based in West Des Moines, Iowa.

HyVee recalls pasta dish sold at grocery chain

Tickets are on sale now at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library for the library foundation’s 2nd&nbsp;Annual Trivia Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m. this event will be held at Spin City, 915 South Washington Street.

Tickets are $40 each when purchased in advance at the library or $45 at the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ticket price includes admission to the event, a meal and one free drink ticket for those 21 and older.&nbsp;&nbsp;A cash bar will also be available.

Dave Lewis will host the contest which will feature general knowledge trivia.&nbsp;&nbsp;People can either play as individuals or as a team of up to four members.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each team, including a team of one, will need at least one smart phone or tablet to play.

Current event sponsors include the Friends of the Library, Thermal Comfort Air, Intrust Bank, Re/Max Signature Properties, Stormont Vail, Coldwell Banker, Sunflower Bank, Exchange Bank, Central National Bank, and Robert Witt Agency.

All proceeds from the event will go to the foundation and the project to build a new library for the Junction City/Fort Riley/Geary County community.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 50/50 drawing will also be held along with a gift basket silent auction.&nbsp;

For questions and additional information, please contact Susan Moyer at 785-238-4311 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:susanm@jclib.org" target="_blank">susanm@jclib.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680022420334.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets are on sale now at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library for the library foundation’s 2nd&nbsp;Annual Trivia Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;Scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 6:00 p.m. this event will be held at Spin City, 915 South Washington Street. Tickets are $40 each when purchased in advance at the library or $45 at the door.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ticket price includes admission to the event, a meal and one free drink ticket for those 21 and older.&nbsp;&nbsp;A cash bar will also be available. Dave Lewis will host the contest which will feature general knowledge trivia.&nbsp;&nbsp;People can either play as individuals or as a team of up to four members.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each team, including a team of one, will need at least one smart phone or tablet to play. Current event sponsors include the Friends of the Library, Thermal Comfort Air, Intrust Bank, Re/Max Signature Properties, Stormont Vail, Coldwell Banker, Sunflower Bank, Exchange Bank, Central National Bank, and Robert Witt Agency. All proceeds from the event will go to the foundation and the project to build a new library for the Junction City/Fort Riley/Geary County community.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 50/50 drawing will also be held along with a gift basket silent auction.&nbsp; For questions and additional information, please contact Susan Moyer at 785-238-4311 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:susanm@jclib.org" target="_blank">susanm@jclib.org</a>.

Tickets on sale now for 2nd annual Library Trivia Night

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680019461579.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680019532517.png" alt="Information provided by Kristel Jahnke, Office of Recruitment and Marketing-Librarian, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School" />
 <figcaption>Information provided by Kristel Jahnke, Office of Recruitment and Marketing-Librarian, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. X Open House and Preschool/Kindergarten Round up

From K-State News and Communications Services Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance presents "Reflections, Spring Dance Concert '23" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, in McCain Auditorium. The concert features choreography, movement creation, costume design and performances from K-State faculty and students as well as choreography and costume design from critically acclaimed dancer and guest choreographer-in-residence&nbsp;<a href="https://karidagriffith.com/" target="_blank">Karida Griffith Walker</a>. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/events/tickets/" target="_blank">k-state.edu/mtd/events/tickets/</a>. Kate Digby, associate professor and associate director for dance, presents dance excerpts from her National Endowment for the Arts sponsored project, "Search for Simurgh," in which K-State dancers are featured as a living, breathing, moving forest. Julie L. Pentz, professor of dance, choreographed "Hide and Seek," a classic tap dance number, and a new jazz dance, "Heart." Stephen Loch, teaching assistant professor, choreographed "There Once Was a River," a modern dance work that was shown at the American College Dance Association in March, and "A Part of Me," a new modern dance work featuring live music. Jack Johnson, master's student in music,&nbsp;Waseca, Minnesota, plays percussion in "A Part of Me." Choreographer-in-residence Griffith Walker has been on faculty at Pace University and the Broadway Dance Center in New York. As a member of the famed Radio City Rockettes, Griffith Walker performed annually in the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular," in the Radio City tribute, "Sinatra," on The Today Show and at the Tony Awards. She has performed as a cast member for the European tour of the Broadway hit "Black and Blue" and Cirque du Soleil's "Banana Shpeel," and she has performed in multiple episodes of "Boardwalk Empire" on HBO. In addition to being a founding member of the critically acclaimed Dorrance Dance, Griffith Walker has been a member of the "Cotton Club Sophisticated Ladies" with Dormeshia, "T.A.D.A.H." with Jared Grimes, Mable Lee's Ladies and Barbara Duffy &amp; Company, and she has performed with Chloe Arnold's "Syncopated Ladies." Griffith Walker has partnered with the Children's Theatre Company of New York City for 20 years and is a member of "Sebe Kan," a West African dance company. She holds a bachelor's degree in business from New York University. Griffith Walker provided choreography and costume design for "The Night-Out Swing" and "Seaside." "The Night-Out Swing" is a contemporary take on the vernacular jazz social dances of the 1920s and '30s. With its origins in West African dance and the music of the jazz era, vernacular jazz dance arose in the Black community and laid the foundation of hip-hop and many other styles. "The Night-Out Swing" captures a group of friends in a dorm room deciding what to wear and do on their big night out. Part tribute to vernacular jazz and part celebration of modern college life, the dance examines the ties and joys of friendship. "Seaside" uses tap dance to explore the waves of emotions — joy, connection, stillness and reflection — that rise and fall like the waves and tides of the sea. Coldplay's song, "Yellow," is reinterpreted here by the Dallas String Quartet and provides a nostalgic, rhythmic landscape with plenty of room for the percussive syncopations of modern tap.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The following K-State students are dancers in "Reflections, Spring Dance Concert&nbsp;'23": Haylee Nicholas, sophomore in architectural engineering,&nbsp;Andale;&nbsp;Lauren Bruna, senior in life sciences,&nbsp;Hanover;&nbsp;Sophia Baskerville, junior in sports nutrition, and Rose West, non-degree student, both from&nbsp;Junction City;&nbsp;Caroline Humphrey, freshman in elementary education,&nbsp;Leawood. From&nbsp;Manhattan:&nbsp;Rylee Boyd, master's student in architecture; Alyx Glessner, sophomore in sociology; and Bella Stearns, sophomore in athletic training and rehabilitation sciences.Riley Chrisler, sophomore in elementary education,&nbsp;Oakley;&nbsp;Abbey Griffin, sophomore in nutrition and health, and Margot McClain, freshman in elementary education, both from&nbsp;Overland Park;&nbsp;Ella Tow, sophomore in chemistry, and Alexis Sutton, senior in bakery science and management, both from&nbsp;Shawnee;&nbsp;Ann Stegman, senior in elementary education,&nbsp;Topeka;&nbsp;Hope Wedel, senior in fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology,&nbsp;Valley Center;&nbsp;and Annika Wiebers, junior in agricultural communications and journalism,&nbsp;Wamego. From out of state: Sami Villasana, sophomore in geology,&nbsp;Aurora, Colorado;&nbsp;Alicia Bohren, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Longmont, Colorado;&nbsp;Audrey Henton, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri;&nbsp;Anna Paige Warner, sophomore in social work,&nbsp;Liberty, Missouri;&nbsp;Cassie Meyer, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Warrensbug, Missouri;&nbsp;Rachel Reichert, master's student in architecture,&nbsp;Platte City, Missouri;&nbsp;Madison Hunter, junior in accounting,&nbsp;Aurora, Nebraska;&nbsp;Mariah Uden, senior in social work,&nbsp;Kenesaw, Nebraska;&nbsp;Kelby Meisinger, senior in elementary education,&nbsp;Louisville, Nebraska;&nbsp;and Avery Johnson, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;Owasso, Oklahoma. From out of country: Emily Hug de Belmont Brugada, senior in business,&nbsp;Asuncion, Paraguay.

From K-State News and Communications Services Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680007025695.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance presents "Reflections, Spring Dance Concert '23" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, in McCain Auditorium. The concert features choreography, movement creation, costume design and performances from K-State faculty and students as well as choreography and costume design from critically acclaimed dancer and guest choreographer-in-residence&nbsp;<a href="https://karidagriffith.com/" target="_blank">Karida Griffith Walker</a>. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/events/tickets/" target="_blank">k-state.edu/mtd/events/tickets/</a>. Kate Digby, associate professor and associate director for dance, presents dance excerpts from her National Endowment for the Arts sponsored project, "Search for Simurgh," in which K-State dancers are featured as a living, breathing, moving forest. Julie L. Pentz, professor of dance, choreographed "Hide and Seek," a classic tap dance number, and a new jazz dance, "Heart." Stephen Loch, teaching assistant professor, choreographed "There Once Was a River," a modern dance work that was shown at the American College Dance Association in March, and "A Part of Me," a new modern dance work featuring live music. Jack Johnson, master's student in music,&nbsp;Waseca, Minnesota, plays percussion in "A Part of Me." Choreographer-in-residence Griffith Walker has been on faculty at Pace University and the Broadway Dance Center in New York. As a member of the famed Radio City Rockettes, Griffith Walker performed annually in the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular," in the Radio City tribute, "Sinatra," on The Today Show and at the Tony Awards. She has performed as a cast member for the European tour of the Broadway hit "Black and Blue" and Cirque du Soleil's "Banana Shpeel," and she has performed in multiple episodes of "Boardwalk Empire" on HBO. In addition to being a founding member of the critically acclaimed Dorrance Dance, Griffith Walker has been a member of the "Cotton Club Sophisticated Ladies" with Dormeshia, "T.A.D.A.H." with Jared Grimes, Mable Lee's Ladies and Barbara Duffy &amp; Company, and she has performed with Chloe Arnold's "Syncopated Ladies." Griffith Walker has partnered with the Children's Theatre Company of New York City for 20 years and is a member of "Sebe Kan," a West African dance company. She holds a bachelor's degree in business from New York University. Griffith Walker provided choreography and costume design for "The Night-Out Swing" and "Seaside." "The Night-Out Swing" is a contemporary take on the vernacular jazz social dances of the 1920s and '30s. With its origins in West African dance and the music of the jazz era, vernacular jazz dance arose in the Black community and laid the foundation of hip-hop and many other styles. "The Night-Out Swing" captures a group of friends in a dorm room deciding what to wear and do on their big night out. Part tribute to vernacular jazz and part celebration of modern college life, the dance examines the ties and joys of friendship. "Seaside" uses tap dance to explore the waves of emotions — joy, connection, stillness and reflection — that rise and fall like the waves and tides of the sea. Coldplay's song, "Yellow," is reinterpreted here by the Dallas String Quartet and provides a nostalgic, rhythmic landscape with plenty of room for the percussive syncopations of modern tap.&nbsp;&nbsp;The following K-State students are dancers in "Reflections, Spring Dance Concert&nbsp;'23": Haylee Nicholas, sophomore in architectural engineering,&nbsp;Andale;&nbsp;Lauren Bruna, senior in life sciences,&nbsp;Hanover;&nbsp;Sophia Baskerville, junior in sports nutrition, and Rose West, non-degree student, both from&nbsp;Junction City;&nbsp;Caroline Humphrey, freshman in elementary education,&nbsp;Leawood. From&nbsp;Manhattan:&nbsp;Rylee Boyd, master's student in architecture; Alyx Glessner, sophomore in sociology; and Bella Stearns, sophomore in athletic training and rehabilitation sciences.Riley Chrisler, sophomore in elementary education,&nbsp;Oakley;&nbsp;Abbey Griffin, sophomore in nutrition and health, and Margot McClain, freshman in elementary education, both from&nbsp;Overland Park;&nbsp;Ella Tow, sophomore in chemistry, and Alexis Sutton, senior in bakery science and management, both from&nbsp;Shawnee;&nbsp;Ann Stegman, senior in elementary education,&nbsp;Topeka;&nbsp;Hope Wedel, senior in fisheries, wildlife, conservation and environmental biology,&nbsp;Valley Center;&nbsp;and Annika Wiebers, junior in agricultural communications and journalism,&nbsp;Wamego. From out of state: Sami Villasana, sophomore in geology,&nbsp;Aurora, Colorado;&nbsp;Alicia Bohren, senior in animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Longmont, Colorado;&nbsp;Audrey Henton, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri;&nbsp;Anna Paige Warner, sophomore in social work,&nbsp;Liberty, Missouri;&nbsp;Cassie Meyer, senior in dietetics,&nbsp;Warrensbug, Missouri;&nbsp;Rachel Reichert, master's student in architecture,&nbsp;Platte City, Missouri;&nbsp;Madison Hunter, junior in accounting,&nbsp;Aurora, Nebraska;&nbsp;Mariah Uden, senior in social work,&nbsp;Kenesaw, Nebraska;&nbsp;Kelby Meisinger, senior in elementary education,&nbsp;Louisville, Nebraska;&nbsp;and Avery Johnson, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;Owasso, Oklahoma. From out of country: Emily Hug de Belmont Brugada, senior in business,&nbsp;Asuncion, Paraguay.

K-State showcases student, faculty talent in 'Reflections, Spring Dance Concert '23' 

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

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

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680006005636.jpeg" alt="Charles Wesley Allen Anderson Fourth, Failure to appear; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Transporting an open container; Defective mirror; Improper parkin; Vehicles; Unlawful Acts; e.g. registration; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Charles Wesley Allen Anderson Fourth, Failure to appear; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Transporting an open container; Defective mirror; Improper parkin; Vehicles; Unlawful Acts; e.g. registration; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680006176359.jpeg" alt="Marshall Lovell Jefferson, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Liquor; Consumption on public streets/alleys/roadways; highways; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Marshall Lovell Jefferson, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Liquor; Consumption on public streets/alleys/roadways; highways; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680006387517.jpeg" alt="Kyrianna Lashe Johnson, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; arrested 3/28" />
 <figcaption>Kyrianna Lashe Johnson, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; arrested 3/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679925652531.jpeg" alt="Travis A Traxler, Bond Violation, arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Travis A Traxler, Bond Violation, arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680006874137.jpeg" alt="Kiara Sharquese Wooldridge, Failure to appear; arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Kiara Sharquese Wooldridge, Failure to appear; arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 28

&nbsp;The
 Geary County Landfill will be open to the public from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, and Saturday, May 20, for the annual 
spring clean up.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The only items accepted at the landfill will be brush and tree debris.

&nbsp;The Geary County Landfill is located South Exit 298 onto South East Street, across the interstate from Walmart.&nbsp;

For more information, contact the Geary County Public Works 
Department at 785-238-3612.

Geary County&nbsp;The
 Geary County Landfill will be open to the public from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, and Saturday, May 20, for the annual 
spring clean up.&nbsp;&nbsp;The only items accepted at the landfill will be brush and tree debris.&nbsp;The Geary County Landfill is located South Exit 298 onto South East Street, across the interstate from Walmart.&nbsp;For more information, contact the Geary County Public Works 
Department at 785-238-3612.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674068304399.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Geary County Public Works announces spring clean up dates

LAWRENCE — Three University of Kansas School of Law alumni will receive the law 
school’s highest alumni honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, this 
year. The award celebrates graduates for their professional 
achievements, contributions to the legal field and service to their 
community and the university.

David Elkouri, Janet Justus and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran will receive 
the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award at a private dinner April 1 in 
Lawrence.

David Elkouri, L’78, has spent the last 12 years of 
his career serving as executive vice president and general counsel of 
two Houston-based, publicly traded corporations, Petrohawk Energy 
Corporation (Petrohawk) and Battalion Oil Corporation (formerly Halcon 
Resources Corporation). As one of the key members of the executive 
management team of Petrohawk, he was instrumental in growing the company
 from an initial investment of $60 million in 2004 into a company with a
 $15 billion enterprise value before it was sold in an all-cash 
transaction to BHP Billiton in 2011. Elkouri has been listed numerous 
times by “Best Lawyers in America” and has consistently been named a 
“Super Lawyer” in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and corporate 
governance. He has been a frequent speaker on topics involving corporate
 law and complex transactions. Elkouri served several terms on the Law 
School board of governors and taught a course on business transactions 
at KU Law. He served on the Wichita Airport Authority for eight years 
and was president for three years. He has been active in numerous other 
charitable and public boards over the years on the local, national and 
international levels.

Janet Justus, L’81, has more than 25 years of 
experience in sports law and higher education as an NCAA national office
 senior administrator, law firm counsel, consultant and university 
athletics administrator. During her 15 years with the NCAA, Justus held 
several leadership positions, including director of eligibility where 
she was the first woman director on the enforcement staff. She was the 
director of education outreach and produced the inaugural NCAA Achieving
 Gender-Equity Guide. Justus also served as the national spokesperson 
for the NCAA on Title IX and gender equity issues. Justus directed the 
development and growth of several NCAA program areas including Title IX 
education and advocacy, the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,
 the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and student-athlete eligibility 
appeals. Her leadership within the national office and respect among 
NCAA member institutions influenced policies and legislation that made 
the association more gender-equitable and student-athlete centered. 
Justus received the Alumni Achievement Award from KU, was named the 
NACWAA (now Women Leaders in College Sports) National Administrator of 
the Year, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the United 
States Sports Academy, was named the WIN for KC/Greater Kansas City 
Sports Commission Mentor of the Year and received the Kansas City 
Harmony Humanitarian of the Year award.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, L’82, has served Kansans in 
the U.S. Senate since 2011. He represented Kansas’ 1st Congressional 
District for seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also 
served eight years in the Kansas State Senate – spending the last two 
years as a majority leader. In addition to his 14 years practicing law, 
Moran has served as the state special assistant attorney general of 
Kansas, the deputy county attorney of Rooks County and assistant county 
attorney for Ellis County. He also served as an adjunct professor of 
political science at Fort Hays State University. Moran is admitted to 
practice law in the state and federal courts of Kansas and the United 
States. In the U.S. Senate, Moran is currently a senior member of the 
Senate Committee on Appropriations; the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation; and the Senate Select Committee on 
Intelligence. He serves as the ranking member of one full committee and 
two subcommittees – the most of any member in the Senate. He is the 
ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; the Senate 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related 
Agencies; and the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, 
Operations and Innovation.

<a href="https://law.ku.edu/alumni/volunteer/distinguished-alumni">Previous Distinguished Alumni Award recipients</a> are listed on the law school’s website.

The law school will also recognize James Woods Green Medallion 
honorees and members of the Dean’s Club. Named after the school’s first 
dean, the medallion recognizes the school’s major financial supporters. 
This year’s honorees include:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679925305163.png" alt="KU News Service" />
 <figcaption>KU News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — Three University of Kansas School of Law alumni will receive the law 
school’s highest alumni honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, this 
year. The award celebrates graduates for their professional 
achievements, contributions to the legal field and service to their 
community and the university.David Elkouri, Janet Justus and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran will receive 
the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award at a private dinner April 1 in 
Lawrence.David Elkouri, L’78, has spent the last 12 years of 
his career serving as executive vice president and general counsel of 
two Houston-based, publicly traded corporations, Petrohawk Energy 
Corporation (Petrohawk) and Battalion Oil Corporation (formerly Halcon 
Resources Corporation). As one of the key members of the executive 
management team of Petrohawk, he was instrumental in growing the company
 from an initial investment of $60 million in 2004 into a company with a
 $15 billion enterprise value before it was sold in an all-cash 
transaction to BHP Billiton in 2011. Elkouri has been listed numerous 
times by “Best Lawyers in America” and has consistently been named a 
“Super Lawyer” in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and corporate 
governance. He has been a frequent speaker on topics involving corporate
 law and complex transactions. Elkouri served several terms on the Law 
School board of governors and taught a course on business transactions 
at KU Law. He served on the Wichita Airport Authority for eight years 
and was president for three years. He has been active in numerous other 
charitable and public boards over the years on the local, national and 
international levels.Janet Justus, L’81, has more than 25 years of 
experience in sports law and higher education as an NCAA national office
 senior administrator, law firm counsel, consultant and university 
athletics administrator. During her 15 years with the NCAA, Justus held 
several leadership positions, including director of eligibility where 
she was the first woman director on the enforcement staff. She was the 
director of education outreach and produced the inaugural NCAA Achieving
 Gender-Equity Guide. Justus also served as the national spokesperson 
for the NCAA on Title IX and gender equity issues. Justus directed the 
development and growth of several NCAA program areas including Title IX 
education and advocacy, the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,
 the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and student-athlete eligibility 
appeals. Her leadership within the national office and respect among 
NCAA member institutions influenced policies and legislation that made 
the association more gender-equitable and student-athlete centered. 
Justus received the Alumni Achievement Award from KU, was named the 
NACWAA (now Women Leaders in College Sports) National Administrator of 
the Year, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the United 
States Sports Academy, was named the WIN for KC/Greater Kansas City 
Sports Commission Mentor of the Year and received the Kansas City 
Harmony Humanitarian of the Year award.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, L’82, has served Kansans in 
the U.S. Senate since 2011. He represented Kansas’ 1st Congressional 
District for seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also 
served eight years in the Kansas State Senate – spending the last two 
years as a majority leader. In addition to his 14 years practicing law, 
Moran has served as the state special assistant attorney general of 
Kansas, the deputy county attorney of Rooks County and assistant county 
attorney for Ellis County. He also served as an adjunct professor of 
political science at Fort Hays State University. Moran is admitted to 
practice law in the state and federal courts of Kansas and the United 
States. In the U.S. Senate, Moran is currently a senior member of the 
Senate Committee on Appropriations; the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation; and the Senate Select Committee on 
Intelligence. He serves as the ranking member of one full committee and 
two subcommittees – the most of any member in the Senate. He is the 
ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; the Senate 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related 
Agencies; and the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, 
Operations and Innovation.<a href="https://law.ku.edu/alumni/volunteer/distinguished-alumni">Previous Distinguished Alumni Award recipients</a> are listed on the law school’s website.The law school will also recognize James Woods Green Medallion 
honorees and members of the Dean’s Club. Named after the school’s first 
dean, the medallion recognizes the school’s major financial supporters. 
This year’s honorees include:<ul>
 <li>Colleen Andreas</li><li>Michael Blumenthal, L’92, and Julie Blumenthal</li><li>Edmund Gross, L’80, and Michiko Miyamori Gross</li><li>Shane Hamilton and Rachel St. John</li><li>Judith Watson Waugh</li><li>Robert Werner, L’83, Rebecca Winterscheidt, L’83</li><li>Mark White, L’85.</li>
 </ul>

KU Law to honor three distinguished alumni

Tickets are on sale for the production of "Shrek The Musical Jr." at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 31 and 2 p.m. April 1.

Click <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35615/production/1152986">HERE</a> for ticket information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678993387127.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Tickets are on sale for the production of "Shrek The Musical Jr." at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. March 31 and 2 p.m. April 1.Click <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35615/production/1152986">HERE</a> for ticket information.

'Shrek' ready to head to C.L.Hoover Opera House stage

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft from a home in Manhattan.

Just after 11:30a.m. March 24, officers filed a report for theft in the 1000 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 21-year-old man reported two Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cell phones that had been delivered to his front door were stolen. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,600. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#" target="_blank">Crime Stoppers</a>&nbsp;which allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft from a home in Manhattan.Just after 11:30a.m. March 24, officers filed a report for theft in the 1000 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 21-year-old man reported two Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cell phones that had been delivered to his front door were stolen. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,600. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#" target="_blank">Crime Stoppers</a>&nbsp;which allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

RCPD: Porch pirate took packages worth $2,600

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kia Sportage driven by Adam&nbsp;Bourne, 23, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 at&nbsp;Keene Eskridge Road.

The SUV left the roadway to the right, traveled through the ditch for 200 feet and then came to a stop after striking several small trees.

EMS transported Bourne Stormont Vail. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679940557493.png" alt="&nbsp;EMS transported the driver to a Topeka hospital -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;EMS transported the driver to a Topeka hospital -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kia Sportage driven by Adam&nbsp;Bourne, 23, Topeka, was westbound on Interstate 70 at&nbsp;Keene Eskridge Road.The SUV left the roadway to the right, traveled through the ditch for 200 feet and then came to a stop after striking several small trees.EMS transported Bourne Stormont Vail. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after I-70 crash

Geary County 4-H members participated in Regional 4-H Club Day activities in Clay Center, Kansas this past Saturday, March 25.&nbsp; They competed with other 4-H members from Central Kansas District — River Valley District, Chisholm Trail District, and Marshall County.&nbsp; 

Geary County 4-H members who earned top ribbons are as follows:

Lyon Creek 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate&nbsp;Purple

Lyon Creek 4-H Club -&nbsp;Top Purple

Junior Demonstration or Illustrated Talk

Grant Slough, Lyon Creek 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate Purple

Josie Strauss, Lyon Creek 4-H Club – Top Purple

Archer Anderes, Blue Line 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate Purple

Aurora Garrison, Blue Line 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate Purple

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679936531441.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Geary County 4-H members participated in Regional 4-H Club Day activities in Clay Center, Kansas this past Saturday, March 25.&nbsp; They competed with other 4-H members from Central Kansas District — River Valley District, Chisholm Trail District, and Marshall County.&nbsp; Geary County 4-H members who earned top ribbons are as follows:Junior Gavel GamesLyon Creek 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate&nbsp;PurpleSenior Gavel GamesLyon Creek 4-H Club -&nbsp;Top PurpleJunior Demonstration or Illustrated TalkGrant Slough, Lyon Creek 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate PurplePublic SpeakingJosie Strauss, Lyon Creek 4-H Club – Top PurpleProject TalkArcher Anderes, Blue Line 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate PurpleJunior Solo DanceAurora Garrison, Blue Line 4-H Club – 1st&nbsp;Alternate Purple

Geary County 4-H Regional Club Day results

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club has recognized Resia Muto for the Making A Difference For Youth Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a Geary County resident who has been a volunteer that has had a positive influence on youth and reflects the character represented in The Optimist Creed. Some of those ideals include being respectful to themselves and others in words and actions; being a person of integrity and is respected by others; is enthusiastic about the success of youth and strives to help them be successful and has demonstrated volunteer work that makes a difference in youth as a priority by volunteering for at least five consecutive years.

Ginger Kopfer, Geary County, Kansas State Research and Development Agent, stated that “Resia has had extensive experience working with youth in 4-H as an Adult Leader for Humboldt 4-H Club; has been Project Leader for Poultry, Clothing Buymanship, Visual Arts, and Foods and Nutrition; served on the Parent Advisory Committee; Geary County Fair 4-H Poultry Superintendent; Assistant Adult Advisor for Geary County 4-H Ambassadors; served on the Planning Committee for Geary County 4-H Public Revue; has been a recent member of the Geary County Free Fair Board; organizes service projects for the Geary County 4-H Dog project members and volunteers with the Junction City Saddle Club that hosts a yearly youth horse show. Resia is a member of the Westview Community Church in Manhattan.

"Resia has always stressed the importance of giving back to the community. She has a positive attitude, is creative, builds teamwork and has a warm personality that is welcoming and caring.”

Resia is employed by USD 475 and works at Lincoln Elementary School in Junction City.

Joe Handlos, Treasurer and Making A Difference For Youth Committee Chairperson, coordinated the recognition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679933194920.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right: Joe Handlos, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Treasurer and Making A Difference For Youth Committee Chairperson; Resia Muto and Nita Miller, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club" />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right: Joe Handlos, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Treasurer and Making A Difference For Youth Committee Chairperson; Resia Muto and Nita Miller, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club</figcaption>
 </figure>The JC Breakfast Optimist Club has recognized Resia Muto for the Making A Difference For Youth Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a Geary County resident who has been a volunteer that has had a positive influence on youth and reflects the character represented in The Optimist Creed. Some of those ideals include being respectful to themselves and others in words and actions; being a person of integrity and is respected by others; is enthusiastic about the success of youth and strives to help them be successful and has demonstrated volunteer work that makes a difference in youth as a priority by volunteering for at least five consecutive years.Ginger Kopfer, Geary County, Kansas State Research and Development Agent, stated that “Resia has had extensive experience working with youth in 4-H as an Adult Leader for Humboldt 4-H Club; has been Project Leader for Poultry, Clothing Buymanship, Visual Arts, and Foods and Nutrition; served on the Parent Advisory Committee; Geary County Fair 4-H Poultry Superintendent; Assistant Adult Advisor for Geary County 4-H Ambassadors; served on the Planning Committee for Geary County 4-H Public Revue; has been a recent member of the Geary County Free Fair Board; organizes service projects for the Geary County 4-H Dog project members and volunteers with the Junction City Saddle Club that hosts a yearly youth horse show. Resia is a member of the Westview Community Church in Manhattan."Resia has always stressed the importance of giving back to the community. She has a positive attitude, is creative, builds teamwork and has a warm personality that is welcoming and caring.”Resia is employed by USD 475 and works at Lincoln Elementary School in Junction City.Joe Handlos, Treasurer and Making A Difference For Youth Committee Chairperson, coordinated the recognition.

JC Optimists recognize Resia Muto

The Riley County Police Department has determined that a threatening email sent to Manhattan Catholic Schools over the weekend is not legitimate.

"We were able to trace the email back to an original source in New York," the RCPD said in a social media release. "At this time, we have no reason to believe this email was valid or even intended to go to this specific school in the first place.

"Out of an overabundance of caution, extra patrol units will be in the area during school hours."

Little Apple PostThe Riley County Police Department has determined that a threatening email sent to Manhattan Catholic Schools over the weekend is not legitimate."We were able to trace the email back to an original source in New York," the RCPD said in a social media release. "At this time, we have no reason to believe this email was valid or even intended to go to this specific school in the first place."Out of an overabundance of caution, extra patrol units will be in the area during school hours."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We have determined a threatening email received by Manhattan Catholic Schools this weekend is not legitimate. We were able to trace the email back to an original source in New York. At this time, we have no reason to believe this email was valid or even intended to go to this… <a href="https://t.co/ql9azNaaAX">pic.twitter.com/ql9azNaaAX</a>&mdash; RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RileyCountyPD/status/1640375734572023809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

RCPD: Email threat sent to MHK Catholic schools not credible

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

Just after 3:30p.m. March 24, officers filed a report for theft by deception, forgery and unlawful computer acts. 

A 68-year-old woman, Capitol Federal Savings and Bluestem Financial Management were listed as the victims when it was reported a 26-year-old man had forged 27 checks made out to himself for over $4,000.

The RCPD reported no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged identity theft crimes in Manhattan.Just after 3:30p.m. March 24, officers filed a report for theft by deception, forgery and unlawful computer acts. A 68-year-old woman, Capitol Federal Savings and Bluestem Financial Management were listed as the victims when it was reported a 26-year-old man had forged 27 checks made out to himself for over $4,000.The RCPD reported no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

RCPD: Man allegedly forged 27 checks

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Friday in Manhattan.

On Monday, the Riley County Police Department reported a 2007 Chevrolet G350 driven by Jose Reyes, 54, of Manhattan, was eastbound on Marlatt Avenue at Brookpointe Circle in Manhattan.

The G350 crossed over the center line and struck a westbound 2002 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jesus Maldonado, 60, of Manhattan. 

EMS transported a passenger in the Silverado, Juan Maldonado, 31, Manhattan, was transported to Via Christi for treatment of a minor injury. The RCPD reported no additional injuries.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Friday in Manhattan.On Monday, the Riley County Police Department reported a 2007 Chevrolet G350 driven by Jose Reyes, 54, of Manhattan, was eastbound on Marlatt Avenue at Brookpointe Circle in Manhattan.The G350 crossed over the center line and struck a westbound 2002 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jesus Maldonado, 60, of Manhattan. EMS transported a passenger in the Silverado, Juan Maldonado, 31, Manhattan, was transported to Via Christi for treatment of a minor injury. The RCPD reported no additional injuries.

Manhattan man hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679925340459.jpeg" alt="Jeryl Keith Denton, Failure to appear, arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Jeryl Keith Denton, Failure to appear, arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679925439812.jpeg" alt="Robert Gerard Enriquez, Probation Violation, arrested 3/26" />
 <figcaption>Robert Gerard Enriquez, Probation Violation, arrested 3/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679925489569.jpeg" alt="Pedro Andres Lopez, Burglary; Locked non-dwelling to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime; Theft &lt;$1,500 Pocket picking; Criminal damage to property; Misdemeanor; arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Pedro Andres Lopez, Burglary; Locked non-dwelling to commit felony, theft or sexually motivated crime; Theft &lt;$1,500 Pocket picking; Criminal damage to property; Misdemeanor; arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679925652531.jpeg" alt="Travis A Traxler, Domestic battery; Possession of marijuana 1st offense; arrested 3/27" />
 <figcaption>Travis A Traxler, Domestic battery; Possession of marijuana 1st offense; arrested 3/27</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 27

LAWRENCE – With the 2019 Oscar for Best 
Adapted Screenplay for his work on “BlacKkKlansman” on his mantel, Kevin
 Willmott can focus on the screenwriting projects he likes. And while 
the&nbsp;University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies has 
carved out a niche telling little-known&nbsp;<a href="http://news.ku.edu/2020/08/12/history-police-brutality-informs-willmotts-24th" target="_blank">stories</a>&nbsp;of
 African American history that resonate with current events, Willmott’s 
latest project takes a fresh look at perhaps the most famous African 
American and most popular athlete of all time – boxing champion Muhammad
 Ali.

The producers (Willmott shares executive-producing credit) have&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yahoo.com%2Flifestyle%2Fmuhammad-ali-scripted-series-being-210048136.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kLhFL2P5YUvXDlmxOMXJkaemsXr%2FbTp3wHIVpZu2guM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;a deal to develop the eight-part series “Excellence: 8 Fights” about Ali's life for NBC’s Peacock streaming video service.

Willmott
 said he had been working with actor/producer Morgan Freeman’s 
Revelations Entertainment, which owns the rights to Jonathan Eig’s 
acclaimed 2017 biography,&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harpercollins.com%2Fproducts%2Fali-jonathan-eig%3Fvariant%3D39935221858338&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=FLZiLc2DUInWvsNQdWab%2FJd258MaPIfKop8M5hE2DcU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“Ali: A Life,"</a>&nbsp;for some time on a script. No star or release date has been announced.

“I
 chose eight different fights Ali had, using the book as my source 
material,” Willmott said. “They’re not all bouts in the ring. One of 
them will be his struggle with Parkinson’s disease.”

Apart from the Will Smith film&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAli_(film)&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=FcEI0SR9etDBebmFJUlplq4nZcvuNjuOhPLl3EX0Zoo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“Ali”</a>&nbsp;in
 2001, Willmott said there have not been many treatments of the 
heavyweight champion and global cultural icon’s life on film. 2020’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt10612922%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2FBnYVFvtQGMsjTmS1hZLaU1c9pveE4QlCL1fHwhLyAs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“One Night in Miami”</a>&nbsp;focuses
 on just that – a single meeting among Ali, football and movie star Jim 
Brown, singer/producer Sam Cooke and Black Muslim leader Malcolm X.

Willmott said “8 Fights” will be a modern biopic.

“The old style is cradle-to-grave,” he said. “Now you try to be a lot more selective and pick certain parts of their life.”

The
 fact that Ali remains so well-known, nearly seven years after his 
death, will enable the filmmakers to use a certain shorthand in 
explication, Willmott said. “He’s got a big life, and the segments 
narrow it down to specific things.”

“8 Fights” will delve into 
Ali’s complicated relationship with his greatest ring nemesis, “Smokin’”
 Joe Frazier, if only for its racial implications, Willmott said.

Despite
 the fact that Frazier had loaned Ali money when Ali was facing fallout 
from his decision to avoid the Vietnam-era draft, in the buildup to 
their fights, “Ali called him Uncle Tom and monkey,” Willmott said.

“There
 was a love-hate relationship – hatred from Joe Frazier’s standpoint. 
Ali didn’t hate anybody. He got angry at people like Floyd Patterson and
 Ernie Terrell that wouldn’t call him by the name Muhammad Ali, and he 
punished them in the ring. Ali was a bit ahead of the game in terms of 
the Black pride movement. It was about starting to connect to our 
African heritage.

“The series will allow Ali to look back on his life and reflect on the pros and cons,” Willmott said.

Willmott
 said he has several other writing irons in the fire, all based on 
historical events, including a completed script for a biopic of the 
first Black tennis star, Arthur Ashe, and one about the relationship 
between jazz musicians Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington and Lena Horne.

Willmott graduated from Marymount College in Salina and grew up in Junction City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679848747333.jpeg" alt="Kevin Willmott. Photo courtesy&nbsp;KU News Service" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Willmott. Photo courtesy&nbsp;KU News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE – With the 2019 Oscar for Best 
Adapted Screenplay for his work on “BlacKkKlansman” on his mantel, Kevin
 Willmott can focus on the screenwriting projects he likes. And while 
the&nbsp;University of Kansas professor of film &amp; media studies has 
carved out a niche telling little-known&nbsp;<a href="http://news.ku.edu/2020/08/12/history-police-brutality-informs-willmotts-24th" target="_blank">stories</a>&nbsp;of
 African American history that resonate with current events, Willmott’s 
latest project takes a fresh look at perhaps the most famous African 
American and most popular athlete of all time – boxing champion Muhammad
 Ali.The producers (Willmott shares executive-producing credit) have&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yahoo.com%2Flifestyle%2Fmuhammad-ali-scripted-series-being-210048136.html&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kLhFL2P5YUvXDlmxOMXJkaemsXr%2FbTp3wHIVpZu2guM%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">announced</a>&nbsp;a deal to develop the eight-part series “Excellence: 8 Fights” about Ali's life for NBC’s Peacock streaming video service.Willmott
 said he had been working with actor/producer Morgan Freeman’s 
Revelations Entertainment, which owns the rights to Jonathan Eig’s 
acclaimed 2017 biography,&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.harpercollins.com%2Fproducts%2Fali-jonathan-eig%3Fvariant%3D39935221858338&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=FLZiLc2DUInWvsNQdWab%2FJd258MaPIfKop8M5hE2DcU%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“Ali: A Life,"</a>&nbsp;for some time on a script. No star or release date has been announced.“I
 chose eight different fights Ali had, using the book as my source 
material,” Willmott said. “They’re not all bouts in the ring. One of 
them will be his struggle with Parkinson’s disease.”Apart from the Will Smith film&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAli_(film)&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=FcEI0SR9etDBebmFJUlplq4nZcvuNjuOhPLl3EX0Zoo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“Ali”</a>&nbsp;in
 2001, Willmott said there have not been many treatments of the 
heavyweight champion and global cultural icon’s life on film. 2020’s&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt10612922%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cmedia1-l%40lists.ku.edu%7C94d198df35dc43c43d2108db2ba07309%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638151740351640576%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2FBnYVFvtQGMsjTmS1hZLaU1c9pveE4QlCL1fHwhLyAs%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">“One Night in Miami”</a>&nbsp;focuses
 on just that – a single meeting among Ali, football and movie star Jim 
Brown, singer/producer Sam Cooke and Black Muslim leader Malcolm X.Willmott said “8 Fights” will be a modern biopic.“The old style is cradle-to-grave,” he said. “Now you try to be a lot more selective and pick certain parts of their life.”The
 fact that Ali remains so well-known, nearly seven years after his 
death, will enable the filmmakers to use a certain shorthand in 
explication, Willmott said. “He’s got a big life, and the segments 
narrow it down to specific things.”“8 Fights” will delve into 
Ali’s complicated relationship with his greatest ring nemesis, “Smokin’”
 Joe Frazier, if only for its racial implications, Willmott said.Despite
 the fact that Frazier had loaned Ali money when Ali was facing fallout 
from his decision to avoid the Vietnam-era draft, in the buildup to 
their fights, “Ali called him Uncle Tom and monkey,” Willmott said.“There
 was a love-hate relationship – hatred from Joe Frazier’s standpoint. 
Ali didn’t hate anybody. He got angry at people like Floyd Patterson and
 Ernie Terrell that wouldn’t call him by the name Muhammad Ali, and he 
punished them in the ring. Ali was a bit ahead of the game in terms of 
the Black pride movement. It was about starting to connect to our 
African heritage.“The series will allow Ali to look back on his life and reflect on the pros and cons,” Willmott said.Willmott
 said he has several other writing irons in the fire, all based on 
historical events, including a completed script for a biopic of the 
first Black tennis star, Arthur Ashe, and one about the relationship 
between jazz musicians Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington and Lena Horne.Willmott graduated from Marymount College in Salina and grew up in Junction City.

Filmmaker Willmott draws lessons from African American history

From 10 to 11 a.m. April 5, the Geary County Historical Society
 will host its next Hands-on History program, "Meteorite Mystery.”&nbsp;

Homeschoolers and their families will combine history and art while 
learning about meteorites and magnets. Each child must bring a small bag
 of dirt, which they will turn into a magnetic meteorite to take home. There
 are only 35 spots available. This event costs $5 per child, $10 per 
family, or free for members. Payment will be taken at the door. An RSVP is required, so email <a href="mailto:gearyhistoryprograms@gmail.com">gearyhistoryprograms@gmail.com</a> to secure a spo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679596161767.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From 10 to 11 a.m. April 5, the Geary County Historical Society
 will host its next Hands-on History program, "Meteorite Mystery.”&nbsp;Homeschoolers and their families will combine history and art while 
learning about meteorites and magnets. Each child must bring a small bag
 of dirt, which they will turn into a magnetic meteorite to take home. There
 are only 35 spots available. This event costs $5 per child, $10 per 
family, or free for members. Payment will be taken at the door. An RSVP is required, so email <a href="mailto:gearyhistoryprograms@gmail.com">gearyhistoryprograms@gmail.com</a> to secure a spo.

Historical society offering Hands-On History program

Have a conviction on your record you would like gone? Geary County District Court, Kansas Legal Services and the Geary County Bar Association will conduct an expungement clinic in Junction City in May.

Public information sessions will be noon to 3 p.m. April 1 and 10 a.m. to noon April 15 at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, 230 W. Seventh.

The expungement clinic will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 22 to 25 at the courthouse, 138 E. Eighth.

To apply for the clinic, call (800) 723-6953.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679671707295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Have a conviction on your record you would like gone? Geary County District Court, Kansas Legal Services and the Geary County Bar Association will conduct an expungement clinic in Junction City in May.Public information sessions will be noon to 3 p.m. April 1 and 10 a.m. to noon April 15 at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, 230 W. Seventh.The expungement clinic will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 22 to 25 at the courthouse, 138 E. Eighth.To apply for the clinic, call (800) 723-6953.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679671729831.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdorothybramlagepubliclibrary%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02ovJtzxNKQ811t32KPo81gZL6jdtgPbq7kUhaU38yx8gkr7JhJdw64eZCTnb8GAAHl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="531" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Expungement clinic scheduled in Junction City

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - Kansas State University's annual day of giving, All In for K-State, raised more than $1 million dollars during the 2023 campaign.

In 2023, <a href="https://allin.ksufoundation.org/">All In for K-State</a>&nbsp;is raising money to bring financial education opportunities to all new students, giving them knowledge to make smart financial decisions and relieve stress.

"Focusing on financial well-being will benefit our students exponentially, not only during their time at&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;but throughout their lives," said Thomas Lane, vice president of student life and dean of students.

Funds raised support the expanding effort of Powercat Financial, a nationally recognized peer counseling and pilot program which offers a zero-credit financial literacy course to incoming students.

"Students spend valuable physical and mental resources stressing about finances. I would rather they spend that on learning&nbsp;in&nbsp;their classes or having a great time at college," said Greg Eiselein, director of&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;First, the university’s first-year experience program. "Financial literacy is going to help them as college students — and it’s going to help them&nbsp;for&nbsp;the rest of their lives."

Thirty-three percent of K-State students surveyed in the 2020 study on Collegiate Financial Wellness considered dropping out due to the stress of financial burdens during college.

"We have the potential to change the average net worth of our future graduates. What a gift!" said Kathleen Hatch, Morrison family associate vice president&nbsp;for&nbsp;student well-being. "So if you want to make a difference, this is your chance."

More information on All In for K-State can be <a href="https://allin.ksufoundation.org/">found here</a>.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - Kansas State University's annual day of giving, All In for K-State, raised more than $1 million dollars during the 2023 campaign.In 2023, <a href="https://allin.ksufoundation.org/">All In for K-State</a>&nbsp;is raising money to bring financial education opportunities to all new students, giving them knowledge to make smart financial decisions and relieve stress."Focusing on financial well-being will benefit our students exponentially, not only during their time at&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;but throughout their lives," said Thomas Lane, vice president of student life and dean of students. Funds raised support the expanding effort of Powercat Financial, a nationally recognized peer counseling and pilot program which offers a zero-credit financial literacy course to incoming students."Students spend valuable physical and mental resources stressing about finances. I would rather they spend that on learning&nbsp;in&nbsp;their classes or having a great time at college," said Greg Eiselein, director of&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;First, the university’s first-year experience program. "Financial literacy is going to help them as college students — and it’s going to help them&nbsp;for&nbsp;the rest of their lives." Thirty-three percent of K-State students surveyed in the 2020 study on Collegiate Financial Wellness considered dropping out due to the stress of financial burdens during college."We have the potential to change the average net worth of our future graduates. What a gift!" said Kathleen Hatch, Morrison family associate vice president&nbsp;for&nbsp;student well-being. "So if you want to make a difference, this is your chance." More information on All In for K-State can be <a href="https://allin.ksufoundation.org/">found here</a>.

More than $1M raised during 'All In for K-State'

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679855280421.jpeg" alt="Adrian Michael Board, Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; arrested 3/26" />
 <figcaption>Adrian Michael Board, Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; arrested 3/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679855631274.jpeg" alt="Jamoal Rashique Clarke, Domestic battery; Unlawful damage to property; arrested 3/25" />
 <figcaption>Jamoal Rashique Clarke, Domestic battery; Unlawful damage to property; arrested 3/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679855780438.jpeg" alt="Odin Max Johnston, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; arrested 3/25" />
 <figcaption>Odin Max Johnston, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; arrested 3/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679855968938.jpeg" alt="Javier Linares, DUI-Liquor/drugs(1st offense); Transporting open container alcohol; Fail to yield to emergency vehicle; Exceeding posted speed limit; Use of wireless communication devices; Driving on left side roadway; arrested 3/26" />
 <figcaption>Javier Linares, DUI-Liquor/drugs(1st offense); Transporting open container alcohol; Fail to yield to emergency vehicle; Exceeding posted speed limit; Use of wireless communication devices; Driving on left side roadway; arrested 3/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679856224812.jpeg" alt="Timothy Earl Smith, Theft &lt;$1,500 Pocket picking; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; misdemeanor; Criminal threat against LEO; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Assault of LEO; properly identified in performance of duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; arrested 3/25" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Earl Smith, Theft &lt;$1,500 Pocket picking; Interference with LEO; unknown circumstance; misdemeanor; Criminal threat against LEO; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Assault of LEO; properly identified in performance of duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; arrested 3/25</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 26

Kansas is officially a Home Rule state. It has been since 1961, when an amendment to the Kansas state constitution officially declared that Kansas cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs…except when” such actions are “limited or prohibited” by an act of the state legislature. That’s an important acknowledgement of local democracy—or at least potentially so.

In my observation over the years, though, our elected representatives in Topeka tend to pay far more attention to the “except when” clause, thus leading the principle of Home Rule to be observed more often in the breach than in fact.

That’s not unusual, unfortunately. If you research which states allow Home Rule, as opposed to those which adopt “Dillon’s Rule”—a 19th-century judicial ruling which stipulated that the residents of cities have no inherent democratic right to rule themselves, and possess the power of local government only so far as states grant it to them—you’ll find that most of those states significantly limit the authority of their cities.&nbsp;

In Kansas, the language of our Home Rule amendment presents a fairly easy limitation for the state legislature to make use of: simply impose some kind of broad, state-wide prohibition, even if the issue is an entirely local one, and suddenly cities may be forbidden from governing themselves in that area whatsoever. A bill being debated in Topeka is just another example of this practice.

The bill, House Resolution 2447, aims to take away from all Kansas cities the ability to ban or restrict within their borders the sale of any product that is otherwise legal elsewhere in the state. Pushed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, its ostensible purpose is to prevent “disuniform business conditions across the state,” which is another way of saying that the people who live in some cities might be persuaded to regulate businesses in response to local problems in a way different from how other cities might. In reality, it’s not difficult to see this bill as reflecting an ideological disposition against giving power to those local residents—specifically, those in urban areas--who might prioritize certain social concerns over the interests of business owners.

The specific provenance of the bill is a pet store in Wichita, which sells dogs from breeders in a manner than many concerned about the size of the city’s population of abandoned and unhealthy pets wish to prevent. (Wichita’s citizen-run Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended action, but Wichita’s city council has as yet taken none, meaning this bill exists in response to a complete hypothetical.) In reality, a bill this broad could potentially prevent any Kansas city from imposing almost any regulation upon businesses within their borders. It also presents a sneaky return to the attempt to stop environmentally concerned Kansans who are pushing their cities to consider limitations on plastic bag use in grocery stores, an invasive bill which the Kansas Senate wisely killed last month.

In the face of criticism, promoters of HR 2447 have added qualifications, guaranteeing that the bill wouldn’t prevent Kansas cities from using their zoning power to regulate liquor stores, strip clubs, and the like. But in my view, that’s just putting Home Rule lipstick on a statist pig. John Doll, a state senator from Garden City, when voting down the aforementioned ban on local plastic bag bans, correctly expressed frustration at the legislature’s frequent “lack of respect” for “the ability of county and city governments” to determine what is best “for their particular communities.” Let’s hope a majority of Kansas legislators agree with Doll, and vote down this overreaching bill as well.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583339056495.jpeg" alt="Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita." />
 <figcaption>Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas is officially a Home Rule state. It has been since 1961, when an amendment to the Kansas state constitution officially declared that Kansas cities are “empowered to determine their local affairs…except when” such actions are “limited or prohibited” by an act of the state legislature. That’s an important acknowledgement of local democracy—or at least potentially so.In my observation over the years, though, our elected representatives in Topeka tend to pay far more attention to the “except when” clause, thus leading the principle of Home Rule to be observed more often in the breach than in fact.That’s not unusual, unfortunately. If you research which states allow Home Rule, as opposed to those which adopt “Dillon’s Rule”—a 19th-century judicial ruling which stipulated that the residents of cities have no inherent democratic right to rule themselves, and possess the power of local government only so far as states grant it to them—you’ll find that most of those states significantly limit the authority of their cities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In Kansas, the language of our Home Rule amendment presents a fairly easy limitation for the state legislature to make use of: simply impose some kind of broad, state-wide prohibition, even if the issue is an entirely local one, and suddenly cities may be forbidden from governing themselves in that area whatsoever. A bill being debated in Topeka is just another example of this practice.The bill, House Resolution 2447, aims to take away from all Kansas cities the ability to ban or restrict within their borders the sale of any product that is otherwise legal elsewhere in the state. Pushed by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, its ostensible purpose is to prevent “disuniform business conditions across the state,” which is another way of saying that the people who live in some cities might be persuaded to regulate businesses in response to local problems in a way different from how other cities might. In reality, it’s not difficult to see this bill as reflecting an ideological disposition against giving power to those local residents—specifically, those in urban areas--who might prioritize certain social concerns over the interests of business owners.The specific provenance of the bill is a pet store in Wichita, which sells dogs from breeders in a manner than many concerned about the size of the city’s population of abandoned and unhealthy pets wish to prevent. (Wichita’s citizen-run Animal Control Advisory Board has recommended action, but Wichita’s city council has as yet taken none, meaning this bill exists in response to a complete hypothetical.) In reality, a bill this broad could potentially prevent any Kansas city from imposing almost any regulation upon businesses within their borders. It also presents a sneaky return to the attempt to stop environmentally concerned Kansans who are pushing their cities to consider limitations on plastic bag use in grocery stores, an invasive bill which the Kansas Senate wisely killed last month.In the face of criticism, promoters of HR 2447 have added qualifications, guaranteeing that the bill wouldn’t prevent Kansas cities from using their zoning power to regulate liquor stores, strip clubs, and the like. But in my view, that’s just putting Home Rule lipstick on a statist pig. John Doll, a state senator from Garden City, when voting down the aforementioned ban on local plastic bag bans, correctly expressed frustration at the legislature’s frequent “lack of respect” for “the ability of county and city governments” to determine what is best “for their particular communities.” Let’s hope a majority of Kansas legislators agree with Doll, and vote down this overreaching bill as well.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita.

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