MANHATTAN, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department is renewing its appeal for information regarding a potential witness in connection with an aggravated battery that occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, May 31, 2018.

Just after 1p.m. that day, a 15-year-old girl was attacked and beaten in the head with an object resembling a bat or pipe.

During the initial investigation, Officer Deutsch interviewed a man near the intersection of the Linear Trail and Pecan Circle, in the vicinity of what was then a Schwan’s Food Service delivery center. The witness was described as taller, possibly in his late 50s or early 60s, and drove a silver passenger car. This individual reported seeing a white male wearing a white shirt and carrying a pipe. The suspect was also described as having visible tattoos, particularly around the neck area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the witness, the suspect was walking northeast on the Linear Trail toward S. Manhattan Avenue before turning around and walking southwest back toward Pecan Circle. This sighting occurred approximately 10 minutes prior to when Officer Deutsch arrived at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities believe this witness may hold critical information that could aid in solving this case. Anyone with information about the incident, the suspect, or the potential witness is urged to come forward.

If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact the Riley County Police Department at 785-537-2112. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

MANHATTAN, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Riley County Police Department is renewing its appeal for information regarding a potential witness in connection with an aggravated battery that occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, May 31, 2018.Just after 1p.m. that day, a 15-year-old girl was attacked and beaten in the head with an object resembling a bat or pipe.During the initial investigation, Officer Deutsch interviewed a man near the intersection of the Linear Trail and Pecan Circle, in the vicinity of what was then a Schwan’s Food Service delivery center. The witness was described as taller, possibly in his late 50s or early 60s, and drove a silver passenger car. This individual reported seeing a white male wearing a white shirt and carrying a pipe. The suspect was also described as having visible tattoos, particularly around the neck area.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the witness, the suspect was walking northeast on the Linear Trail toward S. Manhattan Avenue before turning around and walking southwest back toward Pecan Circle. This sighting occurred approximately 10 minutes prior to when Officer Deutsch arrived at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities believe this witness may hold critical information that could aid in solving this case. Anyone with information about the incident, the suspect, or the potential witness is urged to come forward.If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact the Riley County Police Department at 785-537-2112. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777 or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

RCPD: Search continues for witnesses in 2018 attack on 15-year-old

The Geary County Historical Society announced that If you have photos, items or stories related to Black history in Geary County, join the museum and The Black History Trail of Geary County on Saturday, February 1st for a donation event. 

Items can be donated or loaned for the upcoming Black history exhibit space. Photos can be donated or scanned. Stories can be recorded

The Geary County Historical Society announced that If you have photos, items or stories related to Black history in Geary County, join the museum and The Black History Trail of Geary County on Saturday, February 1st for a donation event. Items can be donated or loaned for the upcoming Black history exhibit space. Photos can be donated or scanned. Stories can be recorded

Black History donation event will be held Saturday

<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By Jacob Klaudt</a> K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Non-irrigated cropland prices in Kansas rose 3.8% last year, while pasture and hay ground increased by approximately 2.7%, according to information in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/land-leasing/land-buying-valuing/kansas-land-values-book-2024">2024 Kansas Agricultural Land Values and Trends publication</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year.

Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid said these figures point to land prices tapering off after many years of rapid growth, as much as 24% per year in some areas. With some regions of the state seeing decreases compared to 2023, Reid notes that land values may lower even more considering tightening margins and decreasing farm income.

“If we look at the state level, we are up just a little bit,” she said. “You will see in the book there are regions that have come down, but overall, I would say the market is starting to flatten and that land values are stabilizing, not continuing to increase at the rapid, unsustainable pace that they have in recent years.”

The cause of this stabilization: a lower profitability environment in the farm economy. Apart from cattle, producers are seeing lower commodity prices after a period of really high ones.

“Add that to relatively high input costs, and specifically, when you're looking at financing and interest rates, we're just at a point where the difference between income and expenses are super tight, creating difficulty for our farmers,” Reid said.

Regarding non-irrigated crop ground, Reid said there is drastic variation in land value between different areas. In southwest Kansas, for example, prices jumped 11-12%, likely influenced by the dairies and feedyards located in that area. Yet, the north-central region of Kansas experienced a drop.

“That was due to a large increase last year,” Reid said. “The north central region had the largest increase in land value in 2023, and then turn around in 2024 and have dropped off the most. I would say that's more of a balancing.”

On the other hand, eastern Kansas continues to grow in land value both for non-irrigated crop ground and pastureland, which can be attributed to such factors as urbanization, hunting pressure and the quality of ground compared to the rest of the state, Reid said.

“The northeast region had a 16% increase,” she said. “The average per acre value for non-irrigated ground is at $7,479 – the highest average value and most rapidly increasing in the state.”

Looking ahead, economic assistance will affect the land market in 2025, according to Reid. A continuing resolution passed through both sides of the U.S. legislature at the end of 2024 will afford producers $10 billion in direct payments, with additional payments possible in the name of disaster assistance in drought-impacted areas

“Those get based on planted acres that a farmer had in 2024, and farmers can look at anywhere from $30 to $40 an acre that is coming in the name of economic assistance,” Reid said. “Those will influence the land market and the cash rental rates in 2025. If we didn't have those support payments, I think we would see things coming down more than we probably will.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1561988751962.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu">By Jacob Klaudt</a> K-State Research and Extension&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Non-irrigated cropland prices in Kansas rose 3.8% last year, while pasture and hay ground increased by approximately 2.7%, according to information in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/land-leasing/land-buying-valuing/kansas-land-values-book-2024">2024 Kansas Agricultural Land Values and Trends publication</a>&nbsp;released earlier this year.Kansas State University farm economist Robin Reid said these figures point to land prices tapering off after many years of rapid growth, as much as 24% per year in some areas. With some regions of the state seeing decreases compared to 2023, Reid notes that land values may lower even more considering tightening margins and decreasing farm income.“If we look at the state level, we are up just a little bit,” she said. “You will see in the book there are regions that have come down, but overall, I would say the market is starting to flatten and that land values are stabilizing, not continuing to increase at the rapid, unsustainable pace that they have in recent years.”The cause of this stabilization: a lower profitability environment in the farm economy. Apart from cattle, producers are seeing lower commodity prices after a period of really high ones.“Add that to relatively high input costs, and specifically, when you're looking at financing and interest rates, we're just at a point where the difference between income and expenses are super tight, creating difficulty for our farmers,” Reid said.Regarding non-irrigated crop ground, Reid said there is drastic variation in land value between different areas. In southwest Kansas, for example, prices jumped 11-12%, likely influenced by the dairies and feedyards located in that area. Yet, the north-central region of Kansas experienced a drop.“That was due to a large increase last year,” Reid said. “The north central region had the largest increase in land value in 2023, and then turn around in 2024 and have dropped off the most. I would say that's more of a balancing.”On the other hand, eastern Kansas continues to grow in land value both for non-irrigated crop ground and pastureland, which can be attributed to such factors as urbanization, hunting pressure and the quality of ground compared to the rest of the state, Reid said.“The northeast region had a 16% increase,” she said. “The average per acre value for non-irrigated ground is at $7,479 – the highest average value and most rapidly increasing in the state.”Looking ahead, economic assistance will affect the land market in 2025, according to Reid. A continuing resolution passed through both sides of the U.S. legislature at the end of 2024 will afford producers $10 billion in direct payments, with additional payments possible in the name of disaster assistance in drought-impacted areas“Those get based on planted acres that a farmer had in 2024, and farmers can look at anywhere from $30 to $40 an acre that is coming in the name of economic assistance,” Reid said. “Those will influence the land market and the cash rental rates in 2025. If we didn't have those support payments, I think we would see things coming down more than we probably will.”

Land market starting to flatten, says K-State economist

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasAssociationofCounties?__cft__[0]=AZWvp3vXteECf34AiWU_DoAGKiQNtSA9WjIYMlT73DKMcsJBbg3VhrPliifcfytGtoZHOh7ogSvsXPyMVo76VheK0U7jgWwFU_Yi1e69mjkfNybRAVWs3u2JysA3k1v6JA9X8MlRvlzRM4_kIMazPhvGbRLPfUzZsjFg8nlmMZ0XlrJd9P1y8nAt32FOijPzZfs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Association of Counties</a>&nbsp;have elected their 2025 Board of Directors. Geary County Director of Human Resources/Special Projects, Crystal Malchose (inside left), will serve as President; Rice County Commissioner, Terry David (right), will serve as Vice-President; Saline County Appraiser, Sean Robertson (outside left) will serve as Secretary; and Reno County Public Health Director, Karla Nichols (not pictured), will serve as Treasurer.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KansasAssociationofCounties?__cft__[0]=AZWvp3vXteECf34AiWU_DoAGKiQNtSA9WjIYMlT73DKMcsJBbg3VhrPliifcfytGtoZHOh7ogSvsXPyMVo76VheK0U7jgWwFU_Yi1e69mjkfNybRAVWs3u2JysA3k1v6JA9X8MlRvlzRM4_kIMazPhvGbRLPfUzZsjFg8nlmMZ0XlrJd9P1y8nAt32FOijPzZfs&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Association of Counties</a>&nbsp;have elected their 2025 Board of Directors. Geary County Director of Human Resources/Special Projects, Crystal Malchose (inside left), will serve as President; Rice County Commissioner, Terry David (right), will serve as Vice-President; Saline County Appraiser, Sean Robertson (outside left) will serve as Secretary; and Reno County Public Health Director, Karla Nichols (not pictured), will serve as Treasurer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738074670110.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crystal Malchose elected KAC President

Geary County Commissioners will meet in executive session from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. They will be interviewing candidates for the Convention and Visitors Bureau director position.

Geary County Commissioners will meet in executive session from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. They will be interviewing candidates for the Convention and Visitors Bureau director position.

County will meet in executive session

Redoing the main electrical for the old portion of the hospital in Junction City is part of the plan at the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus. Geary County Public Building Commission members learned Monday changes are planned around the elevators by the electrical room. It will take 600 days to finish that $2.8 million project.

Redoing all the heating and cooling is under way in the facility, repairs are planned for the cooling tower and efforts are beginning to look at wastewater piping&nbsp; on the second and third floor of the Medical Arts building. It is not yet out for bid.

Initially $20 million was budgeted for the county for deferred maintenance at the hospital, but it is clear that will not be enough to meet needs. Beyond that total, costs would have to be considered by Stormont Vail.

Redoing the main electrical for the old portion of the hospital in Junction City is part of the plan at the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus. Geary County Public Building Commission members learned Monday changes are planned around the elevators by the electrical room. It will take 600 days to finish that $2.8 million project.Redoing all the heating and cooling is under way in the facility, repairs are planned for the cooling tower and efforts are beginning to look at wastewater piping&nbsp; on the second and third floor of the Medical Arts building. It is not yet out for bid.Initially $20 million was budgeted for the county for deferred maintenance at the hospital, but it is clear that will not be enough to meet needs. Beyond that total, costs would have to be considered by Stormont Vail.

Improvements are being made at the hospital facility

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.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Sarah Currin, Domestic battery, arrested 01/24

Christina Murphy, Failure to appear, arrested 01/24

Niket Patel,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/24

Calvin Fontenot,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/24

Kamal Fajari, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 01/24

Domanick Miller, Theft-All other, arrested 01/24

Christopher Cullison, Drivers license without valid DL, arrested 01/25

Heather Reese, Failure to appear, arrested 01/25

Sherman Sherin II, Violation of restrictions, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 01/25

Shawn Adair, Use/possess with intent tot use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 01/25

Keshawn Porter,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/25

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738007954463.jpeg" alt="Robin Bond, Probation violation, arrested 01/24" />
 <figcaption>Robin Bond, Probation violation, arrested 01/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738007986663.jpeg" alt="Dana Pleas, Criminal trespass, Theft of property or services (&lt; $1,500 with 2 or more convictions within 5 years), arrested 01/25" />
 <figcaption>Dana Pleas, Criminal trespass, Theft of property or services (&lt; $1,500 with 2 or more convictions within 5 years), arrested 01/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738008102438.jpeg" alt="Dale Corbin, Reckless driving, Duty of driver to report upon damaging unattended vehicle/property, Interference with LEO, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 01/25" />
 <figcaption>Dale Corbin, Reckless driving, Duty of driver to report upon damaging unattended vehicle/property, Interference with LEO, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 01/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738008211044.jpeg" alt="Jason Brumbeloe, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 01/27" />
 <figcaption>Jason Brumbeloe, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 01/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738008249101.jpeg" alt="Emclean Taylor IV, Unlawful damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 01/27" />
 <figcaption>Emclean Taylor IV, Unlawful damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 01/27</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Sarah Currin, Domestic battery, arrested 01/24Christina Murphy, Failure to appear, arrested 01/24Niket Patel,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/24Calvin Fontenot,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/24Kamal Fajari, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 01/24Domanick Miller, Theft-All other, arrested 01/24Christopher Cullison, Drivers license without valid DL, arrested 01/25Heather Reese, Failure to appear, arrested 01/25Sherman Sherin II, Violation of restrictions, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 01/25Shawn Adair, Use/possess with intent tot use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 01/25Keshawn Porter,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/25Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos Jan. 25-27

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc group to advise the court on creating criminal mediation rules. The 12-member group is created by Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansascourts.org/l/ubH1rWJo7-g4kZkl2rKF5n7at8YX7y7RIxNYGsSEL4A">Administrative Order 2025-CM-011</a>&nbsp;signed by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.“In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in voluntary mediation as a method of resolving criminal cases outside of the traditional court process,” Luckert said. “In criminal cases, mediation could contribute to early case resolution, helping the criminal justice system operate more efficiently.

Statewide rules will help ensure standardized processes across jurisdictions and clarify when criminal mediation should or should not be used. ”What is criminal mediation? Criminal mediation is when an impartial third party meets with prosecutors, defendants, and defense attorneys to help resolve a pending criminal case before trial. The process is confidential and voluntary, and the third party is often a retired judge who has no decision-making authority in the case. Luckert said successful criminal mediation can give the person who has been charged an unbiased appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. It can also make the law understandable, strengthening confidence in the judicial system. “Criminal mediators typically have real world experience with the criminal process, including applying complex sentencing guidelines,” Luckert said. “This knowledge makes them ideally suited to explaining the possible sentences to litigants.”

About the group The Ad Hoc Criminal Mediation Advisory Group will study best practices on criminal mediation and existing local rules in Kansas and in other states. The group will then help the Office of Judicial Administration draft statewide criminal mediation rules. The group is composed of district judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, retired district judges, and a representative from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The group will be supported by Amanda Jacobsen, director of dispute resolution with the Office of Judicial Administration. Group members are:

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc group to advise the court on creating criminal mediation rules. The 12-member group is created by Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansascourts.org/l/ubH1rWJo7-g4kZkl2rKF5n7at8YX7y7RIxNYGsSEL4A">Administrative Order 2025-CM-011</a>&nbsp;signed by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.“In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in voluntary mediation as a method of resolving criminal cases outside of the traditional court process,” Luckert said. “In criminal cases, mediation could contribute to early case resolution, helping the criminal justice system operate more efficiently. Statewide rules will help ensure standardized processes across jurisdictions and clarify when criminal mediation should or should not be used. ”What is criminal mediation? Criminal mediation is when an impartial third party meets with prosecutors, defendants, and defense attorneys to help resolve a pending criminal case before trial. The process is confidential and voluntary, and the third party is often a retired judge who has no decision-making authority in the case. Luckert said successful criminal mediation can give the person who has been charged an unbiased appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. It can also make the law understandable, strengthening confidence in the judicial system. “Criminal mediators typically have real world experience with the criminal process, including applying complex sentencing guidelines,” Luckert said. “This knowledge makes them ideally suited to explaining the possible sentences to litigants.”About the group The Ad Hoc Criminal Mediation Advisory Group will study best practices on criminal mediation and existing local rules in Kansas and in other states. The group will then help the Office of Judicial Administration draft statewide criminal mediation rules. The group is composed of district judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, retired district judges, and a representative from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The group will be supported by Amanda Jacobsen, director of dispute resolution with the Office of Judicial Administration. Group members are:<ul>
 <li>Chief Judge Taylor Wine, 4th Judicial District</li><li>Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, 18th Judicial District</li><li>District Judge Kendra Lewison, 21st Judicial District</li><li>Kevin Moriarty, retired district judge, 10th Judicial District</li><li>Mike Powers, retired district judge, 8th Judicial District</li><li>Tiffanie Askew, victim rights coordinator, Kansas Attorney General's Office</li><li>Marc Bennett, district attorney, Sedgwick County</li><li>Hatem Chahine, defense attorney, Douglas County</li><li>Michael Kagay, district attorney, Shawnee County</li><li>Charles Lindberg, defense attorney, Minneapolis</li><li>Michelle Neis, deputy public defender, 3rd Judicial District Public Defender Office</li><li>Kimberly Rodebaugh, senior assistant district attorney, Reno County</li>
 </ul>

Kan. Supreme Court creates ad hoc advisory group on criminal mediation

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two instances of gun violence in Manhattan.

Just after 11:30p.m. Friday, officers filed a report of criminal discharge of a firearm in the 1300 block of Laramie Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Officers reported hearing a noise similar to that of a gunshot and upon investigation located evidence of a round being fired by an unknown subject in the parking garage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of an unlawful discharge of a firearm in the 400 block of S. Manhattan Avenue. 

&nbsp;A victim reported two bullet holes were located in the ceiling of an Air BNB. &nbsp;Anyone with information on these crimes 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 are investigating two instances of gun violence in Manhattan.Just after 11:30p.m. Friday, officers filed a report of criminal discharge of a firearm in the 1300 block of Laramie Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Officers reported hearing a noise similar to that of a gunshot and upon investigation located evidence of a round being fired by an unknown subject in the parking garage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of an unlawful discharge of a firearm in the 400 block of S. Manhattan Avenue. &nbsp;A victim reported two bullet holes were located in the ceiling of an Air BNB. &nbsp;Anyone with information on these crimes 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 investigating weekend gun violence in Manhattan

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.

Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.

The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star tick, a common variety in brushy and more heavily wooded parts of Kansas. Brenes said in a statement that she surveyed other Kansas extension agents and found there was a lack of available information about alpha-gal syndrome, and that the agents wanted more details to share within their communities.

K-State entomologist Yoonseong Park said studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath and swollen lips and throat.

Park said tick activity picks up during spring months in Kansas, and every patient who develops the red meat allergy has a different level of sensitivity to it, like other allergies. In any case of possible alpha-gal syndrome, patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor immediately.

Michael Chao, K-State meat scientist, said a recent report from the Yale School of Medicine shows that the levels of antibodies which cause the reaction decline over time, giving some people the chance to consume red meat and related products again.

Chao uses mice in his research to test the reaction of various meat products, such as hot dogs and jerky. He said his hope is to use the data he gathers to help people reintroduce red meat into their diet “when they’re ready for it.”

Brenes and her colleagues are offering a survey to residents across all 105 Kansas counties as part of their effort to collect more information about alpha-gal syndrome. Brenes said those who participate in the survey may receive a financial incentive.

The survey and more information about alpha-gal syndrome can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/ags/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;and through local extension offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737977963996.png" alt="The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. (Kansas State University Research and Extension.)" />
 <figcaption>The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. (Kansas State University Research and Extension.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star tick, a common variety in brushy and more heavily wooded parts of Kansas. Brenes said in a statement that she surveyed other Kansas extension agents and found there was a lack of available information about alpha-gal syndrome, and that the agents wanted more details to share within their communities.K-State entomologist Yoonseong Park said studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath and swollen lips and throat.Park said tick activity picks up during spring months in Kansas, and every patient who develops the red meat allergy has a different level of sensitivity to it, like other allergies. In any case of possible alpha-gal syndrome, patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor immediately.Michael Chao, K-State meat scientist, said a recent report from the Yale School of Medicine shows that the levels of antibodies which cause the reaction decline over time, giving some people the chance to consume red meat and related products again.Chao uses mice in his research to test the reaction of various meat products, such as hot dogs and jerky. He said his hope is to use the data he gathers to help people reintroduce red meat into their diet “when they’re ready for it.”Brenes and her colleagues are offering a survey to residents across all 105 Kansas counties as part of their effort to collect more information about alpha-gal syndrome. Brenes said those who participate in the survey may receive a financial incentive.The survey and more information about alpha-gal syndrome can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/ags/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;and through local extension offices.

K-State researchers say red meat allergy from tick bites is becoming more common

GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.

NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.

The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”

At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.

The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.

“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.

Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.

In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.

Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.

Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737927645951.png" alt=" NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)" />
 <figcaption> NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

Kansas mental health professionals prepare listening session while working to enhance services

&nbsp; This week the H. D. Karns Innovations Academy Community Sponsorship Rugby Team, presented Vickie Bobbitt of I.C.A.R.E. with a Certificate of Appreciation for donating 100 pairs of Bombas Socks during the extreme cold weather. 

In addition, there were a total of 500 pair of Bombas Socks delivered last week to several elementary schools, said Bobbitt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737915349602.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; This week the H. D. Karns Innovations Academy Community Sponsorship Rugby Team, presented Vickie Bobbitt of I.C.A.R.E. with a Certificate of Appreciation for donating 100 pairs of Bombas Socks during the extreme cold weather. In addition, there were a total of 500 pair of Bombas Socks delivered last week to several elementary schools, said Bobbitt.

Certificate of Appreciation is presented

The Junction City Girl's wrestling team captured the championship of the DeSoto Invitational.&nbsp; With only 9 of 14 weight classes filled, those 9 girls took the team race by 34 points.&nbsp; 

Junction City scored 273.5 points beating Springdale with 239.5 points.&nbsp; All nine girls placed in the top six. 

--2nd place Jordis Serrano 110&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Junction City Girl's wrestling team captured the championship of the DeSoto Invitational.&nbsp; With only 9 of 14 weight classes filled, those 9 girls took the team race by 34 points.&nbsp; Junction City scored 273.5 points beating Springdale with 239.5 points.&nbsp; All nine girls placed in the top six. Finishers were:--5th place Znylah Slaughter 135--4th place Caity Dee 145--3rd place Catelin Owens 140--3rd place Kiera Lawton 120--3rd place Brandie Brown 155--2nd place Jordis Serrano 110&nbsp;&nbsp;CHAMPIONS--100 Jaidyn Alvarado--115 Juliana (Bree) Villanueva&nbsp;--125 Elaina Twitty

Lady jays capture the wrestling team title

In a matchup of two one-loss teams, the Wichita Heights Falcons beat the Junction City Blue Jays 72-57 on Saturday afternoon at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City in the third-place game in the Tournament of Champions.

Wichita Heights won the opening tip, but Junction City jumped out to an early 5-0 lead. The first quarter was very tight, and the score was tied at 14 after one.

In the second quarter, the Falcons gained momentum and at one point led by seven, but Junction City finished the half on a shot at the buzzer by junior Lovell Autry, which cut the Heights lead to 30-27 at halftime.

In the second half, Heights used their height to their advantage, towering over Junction City. The Falcons had four players on their roster who were at least six feet four inches tall.

Junction City battled and kept it close after three, but Heights led by twenty points in the fourth quarter and beat JC 72-57.

In the game, Junction City had two players in double-digits. Senior Ja’Twaan Williams scored 15 points, and senior Larkin Turner added 11.

The Blue Jays finished fourth in the Dodge City Tournament of Champions and fall to 8-2 on the season.

Next up for Junction City is another top-tier opponent. The Blue Jays play at Blue Valley Northwest on Tuesday night.

In the Dodge City Tournament of Champions, Derby placed first, Kansas City Piper second, Wichita Heights third, Junction City fourth, Maize South fifth, Bishop Carroll sixth, Andover Central seventh, and Dodge City eighth.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostIn a matchup of two one-loss teams, the Wichita Heights Falcons beat the Junction City Blue Jays 72-57 on Saturday afternoon at the United Wireless Arena in Dodge City in the third-place game in the Tournament of Champions.Wichita Heights won the opening tip, but Junction City jumped out to an early 5-0 lead. The first quarter was very tight, and the score was tied at 14 after one.In the second quarter, the Falcons gained momentum and at one point led by seven, but Junction City finished the half on a shot at the buzzer by junior Lovell Autry, which cut the Heights lead to 30-27 at halftime.In the second half, Heights used their height to their advantage, towering over Junction City. The Falcons had four players on their roster who were at least six feet four inches tall.Junction City battled and kept it close after three, but Heights led by twenty points in the fourth quarter and beat JC 72-57.In the game, Junction City had two players in double-digits. Senior Ja’Twaan Williams scored 15 points, and senior Larkin Turner added 11.The Blue Jays finished fourth in the Dodge City Tournament of Champions and fall to 8-2 on the season.Next up for Junction City is another top-tier opponent. The Blue Jays play at Blue Valley Northwest on Tuesday night.In the Dodge City Tournament of Champions, Derby placed first, Kansas City Piper second, Wichita Heights third, Junction City fourth, Maize South fifth, Bishop Carroll sixth, Andover Central seventh, and Dodge City eighth.

Blue Jays finish fourth at Dodge City TOC

2024 weather for the Junction City region was, in short, normal precipitation but significantly above average in temperatures. The longer version of that was that precipitation was at times sporadic and the year will go down tied as the third hottest year on record (records dating back to 1949.)

The average daily high for the year was 68.9, 3.1 degrees above normal. The average low temperature was 48.1, 4.1 degrees above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 58.5, 3.6 degrees above the 30-year average annual temperature. 

January and July were the only months that had a monthly mean temperature below normal. January was 3.3 degrees below and July was 0.9 degree below normal. As is usually the case, January was our coldest month and July our hottest month. 2024 is tied with 1953 and 1956 for the third warmest year on record with a 58.5 mean annual temperature. 2012 was our second warmest year at 58.6 and 1954 was our hottest year with an annual temperature of 59.7. 

Based on 30 year moving averages of the local weather data (as kept by the Milford Lake Office of the US Army Corps of Engineers) the temperature has been increasing over the past 30 years. The highest temperature for the year was the 103 degree reading on August 25th. There were only three days during the year with temperatures of 100 or above, one each in June, July and August. This is well below the long-term average of nine days per year with temperatures of 100 or above. The record for that is that previously mentioned hot year of 1954 when there were 42 days with temperatures of 100 or above.

 The coldest temperature for the year was the morning low of -12 on January 15. This resulted in an annual temperature extreme of 115 degrees, slightly more than the long-term annual temperature extreme of 110 degrees. The growing season for 2024 (determined by the date of the last 32 degree reading in the spring to the first 32 degree reading in the fall) was 203 days. This is two weeks longer than the long-term average of 188 days. 

The last spring freeze was March 27th, and the first fall freeze was October 16th. Looking again at 30 year moving averages, the growing season has lengthened by more than 10 days over the last 40 years. Using that same measure, the average last frost in the spring is now six days earlier and the average last frost in the fall is five days later. 

Precipitation for 2024 was a case of extremes. Total liquid precipitation for the year was 33.43 inches, 0.14 of an inch below the 30-year average. Seven months of the year had below normal precipitation and five had above normal precipitation. May and June are normally our wettest and second wettest months of the year, respectively. In 2024 the two were reversed in order, but still the two wettest months. Of course, the rainfall of note for 2024 occurred the evening of Friday, June 28th. While the official weather station at Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Office recorded 1.57 inches of rain, a very isolated rainstorm sat over Junction City and Grandview Plaza dropping 5.5 to 6" of rain in less than six hours according to certified reports to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). 

Summer thunderstorms can be extremely variable and the town of Milford, just ten miles to the north of Junction City, received no rainfall during this event.

Snowfall season is October through May so overlaps the calendar year. The 2023-24 snowfall season delivered 17.5 inches of snow, just under the long-term average of 18" per season. (So far the 2024-2025 snowfall season has recorded 14.3 inches of now, most of that occurring in January 2025.) Looking at the calendar year of 2024, the area received 10.1 inches of snow, well below the 18 inch long term average. The majority of the snowfall for 2024 occurred during January when 7.6 inches was recorded.

By Chuck Otte&nbsp;County Extension Agent Retired2024 weather for the Junction City region was, in short, normal precipitation but significantly above average in temperatures. The longer version of that was that precipitation was at times sporadic and the year will go down tied as the third hottest year on record (records dating back to 1949.)The average daily high for the year was 68.9, 3.1 degrees above normal. The average low temperature was 48.1, 4.1 degrees above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 58.5, 3.6 degrees above the 30-year average annual temperature. January and July were the only months that had a monthly mean temperature below normal. January was 3.3 degrees below and July was 0.9 degree below normal. As is usually the case, January was our coldest month and July our hottest month. 2024 is tied with 1953 and 1956 for the third warmest year on record with a 58.5 mean annual temperature. 2012 was our second warmest year at 58.6 and 1954 was our hottest year with an annual temperature of 59.7. Based on 30 year moving averages of the local weather data (as kept by the Milford Lake Office of the US Army Corps of Engineers) the temperature has been increasing over the past 30 years. The highest temperature for the year was the 103 degree reading on August 25th. There were only three days during the year with temperatures of 100 or above, one each in June, July and August. This is well below the long-term average of nine days per year with temperatures of 100 or above. The record for that is that previously mentioned hot year of 1954 when there were 42 days with temperatures of 100 or above. The coldest temperature for the year was the morning low of -12 on January 15. This resulted in an annual temperature extreme of 115 degrees, slightly more than the long-term annual temperature extreme of 110 degrees. The growing season for 2024 (determined by the date of the last 32 degree reading in the spring to the first 32 degree reading in the fall) was 203 days. This is two weeks longer than the long-term average of 188 days. The last spring freeze was March 27th, and the first fall freeze was October 16th. Looking again at 30 year moving averages, the growing season has lengthened by more than 10 days over the last 40 years. Using that same measure, the average last frost in the spring is now six days earlier and the average last frost in the fall is five days later. Precipitation for 2024 was a case of extremes. Total liquid precipitation for the year was 33.43 inches, 0.14 of an inch below the 30-year average. Seven months of the year had below normal precipitation and five had above normal precipitation. May and June are normally our wettest and second wettest months of the year, respectively. In 2024 the two were reversed in order, but still the two wettest months. Of course, the rainfall of note for 2024 occurred the evening of Friday, June 28th. While the official weather station at Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Office recorded 1.57 inches of rain, a very isolated rainstorm sat over Junction City and Grandview Plaza dropping 5.5 to 6" of rain in less than six hours according to certified reports to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). Summer thunderstorms can be extremely variable and the town of Milford, just ten miles to the north of Junction City, received no rainfall during this event.Snowfall season is October through May so overlaps the calendar year. The 2023-24 snowfall season delivered 17.5 inches of snow, just under the long-term average of 18" per season. (So far the 2024-2025 snowfall season has recorded 14.3 inches of now, most of that occurring in January 2025.) Looking at the calendar year of 2024, the area received 10.1 inches of snow, well below the 18 inch long term average. The majority of the snowfall for 2024 occurred during January when 7.6 inches was recorded.

2024 Junction City Area Annual Weather Summary

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are reporting more fake cash circulating in Kansas.

On multiple occasions this week, individuals have attempted to pass fake $100 bills at Abilene businesses, according to a social media report from police.

The bills are not counterfeit but rather movie prop money. Please consider taking time to educate your employees on spotting these types of bills, and do not hesitate to contact the Abilene Police Department if you believe you have received one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737832903693.png" alt="Photo Abilene Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Abilene Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are reporting more fake cash circulating in Kansas.On multiple occasions this week, individuals have attempted to pass fake $100 bills at Abilene businesses, according to a social media report from police.The bills are not counterfeit but rather movie prop money. Please consider taking time to educate your employees on spotting these types of bills, and do not hesitate to contact the Abilene Police Department if you believe you have received one.

Police report more fake movie money in Kansas

&nbsp;Soldiers from Kansas are being deployed to help secure the U.S. southern border.

Fort Riley issued a statement on Saturday.

1st Infantry Division to deploy Soldiers to southern border

The 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley will deploy approximately 200 Soldiers to the southern border to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the United States as directed by the President. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored and the 977th Military Police Company will augment the 2,500 forces already at the border supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.

 U.S. Northern Command&nbsp; announced elements of the following units have been activated as part of USNORTHCOM’s mission to bolster security at the United States southern border:

These approximately 1,500 active-duty personnel from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps are deploying to the southern border to augment the approximately 2,500 service members already deployed supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, released the following statement after the announcement that Kansas troops from Fort Riley will be deployed to the southern border:

“My heart is with Kansas families and loved ones as soldiers from Fort Riley are sent to protect and secure our borders. Kansans and Americans across the country extend our deepest gratitude to them for keeping us safe. Under the previous administration, over 2 million known illegal alien gotaways entered our country – something that should have never happened, and compromised our national security.&nbsp;

President Trump is determined to stop the dangerous flow of fentanyl, cartels, and unvetted illegal immigrants coming into the United States and will protect our homeland.&nbsp;

The exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate personnel and as additional forces are tasked to deploy once planning efforts are finalized.&nbsp;Specific units will be announced as soon as more information is made available.&nbsp;These military forces will support enhanced detection and monitoring efforts and repair and emplace physical barriers.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737830991463.png" alt="Photo by Pfc. Kanneth Barnet, 19th Public Affairs Detachment" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pfc. Kanneth Barnet, 19th Public Affairs Detachment</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Soldiers from Kansas are being deployed to help secure the U.S. southern border.--Fort Riley issued a statement on Saturday.1st Infantry Division to deploy Soldiers to southern borderThe 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley will deploy approximately 200 Soldiers to the southern border to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the United States as directed by the President. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored and the 977th Military Police Company will augment the 2,500 forces already at the border supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.-- U.S. Northern Command&nbsp; announced elements of the following units have been activated as part of USNORTHCOM’s mission to bolster security at the United States southern border:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737839008559.png" alt="Photo U.S. Northern Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Northern Command</figcaption>
 </figure>From the U.S. Army:<ul>
 <li>977th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kansas</li><li>41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Riley, Kansas</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Headquarters, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Cavazos, Texas</li><li>Headquarters, 720th Military Police Battalion, Fort Cavazos, Texas</li><li>401st Military Police Company, Fort Cavazos, Texas</li><li>202nd Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas</li><li>Headquarters, 716th Military Police Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky</li><li>23rd Military Police Company, Fort Drum, New York</li><li>549th Military Police Company, Fort Stewart, Georgia</li><li>530th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Stewart, Georgia</li><li>569th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Carson, Colorado</li><li>Headquarters, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado</li><li>66th Military Police Company, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington</li>
 </ul>From the U.S. Marine Corps:<ul>
 <li>Detachment from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st&nbsp;Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California</li><li>Detachment from 7th Engineering Support Battalion, 1st&nbsp;Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California</li>
 </ul>These approximately 1,500 active-duty personnel from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps are deploying to the southern border to augment the approximately 2,500 service members already deployed supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.&nbsp;On Saturday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, released the following statement after the announcement that Kansas troops from Fort Riley will be deployed to the southern border:“My heart is with Kansas families and loved ones as soldiers from Fort Riley are sent to protect and secure our borders. Kansans and Americans across the country extend our deepest gratitude to them for keeping us safe. Under the previous administration, over 2 million known illegal alien gotaways entered our country – something that should have never happened, and compromised our national security.&nbsp;President Trump is determined to stop the dangerous flow of fentanyl, cartels, and unvetted illegal immigrants coming into the United States and will protect our homeland.&nbsp;The exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate personnel and as additional forces are tasked to deploy once planning efforts are finalized.&nbsp;Specific units will be announced as soon as more information is made available.&nbsp;These military forces will support enhanced detection and monitoring efforts and repair and emplace physical barriers.&nbsp;

Soldiers from Fort Riley deployed to help secure the border

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award, a program recognizing the outstanding teaching skills of new educators.&nbsp;

The 32 educators chosen for this prestigious award will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference&nbsp;on Feb. 21, in Topeka.

The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each of the state’s four regions that correspond to the state’s U.S. congressional districts.

Recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.

The 2025 Kansas Horizon Award recipients are as follows:

Denise Acosta, Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475

Jasmine Colle, Hillsboro Middle/High School, Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh USD 410

Jason Dester, Topeka West High School, Topeka USD 501

Brennen Feeback, Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott USD 234

Makayla Gray, Burlington Elementary School, Burlington USD 244

Michael Lager, Junction City High School, Geary County USD 475

Alyssa Larson, Gray Hawk Elementary School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458

Trenton Lowry, North Lawn Elementary School, Neodesha USD 461

Dalton Kraus, Victoria Elementary School, Victoria USD 432

Emma Lidstrom, Coronado Elementary School, Salina USD 305

Anglie Linden, Lyons Middle School, Lyons USD 405

Jessyka Mikkelson, Southeast of Saline Elementary School, Southeast of Saline USD 306

Rylie Sanders, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313

Sarah Schlottman, Abilene High School, Abilene USD 435

Kiley Seidl, Haven Grade School, Haven USD 312

Brayden Smith, Hays High School, Hays USD 489

Sarah Alas, Delaware Ridge Elementary School, Bonner Springs USD 204

Ryleigh Diskin, Ray Marsh Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512

Marie Jones, Scarborough Elementary School, Olathe USD 233

Brock LaPlante, Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill USD 230

Tara Mulcahy, Broadmoor Elementary School, Louisburg USD 416

Steve Murray, Olathe West High School, Olathe USD 233

Allaire Pigg, Turner High School, Turner USD 202

Eric Reece, Central Heights Middle School, Central Heights USD 288

Viridiana Arias, Maize South High School, Maize USD 266

Lexie Bullinger, Robert M. Martin Elementary School, Andover USD 385

Joshua Isaacs, West Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262

Tyler Kohlman, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Goddard USD 265

Matt Miller, Truesdell Middle School, Wichita USD 259

Anna Patton, Augusta Middle School, Augusta USD 402

Hannah Reynolds, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265

SubmittedThe Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award, a program recognizing the outstanding teaching skills of new educators.&nbsp;The 32 educators chosen for this prestigious award will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference&nbsp;on Feb. 21, in Topeka.The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each of the state’s four regions that correspond to the state’s U.S. congressional districts.Recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.The 2025 Kansas Horizon Award recipients are as follows:Region 2Denise Acosta, Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475Jasmine Colle, Hillsboro Middle/High School, Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh USD 410Jason Dester, Topeka West High School, Topeka USD 501Brennen Feeback, Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott USD 234Makayla Gray, Burlington Elementary School, Burlington USD 244Michael Lager, Junction City High School, Geary County USD 475Alyssa Larson, Gray Hawk Elementary School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458Trenton Lowry, North Lawn Elementary School, Neodesha USD 461Region 1Dalton Kraus, Victoria Elementary School, Victoria USD 432Emma Lidstrom, Coronado Elementary School, Salina USD 305Anglie Linden, Lyons Middle School, Lyons USD 405Jessyka Mikkelson, Southeast of Saline Elementary School, Southeast of Saline USD 306Rylie Sanders, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313Sarah Schlottman, Abilene High School, Abilene USD 435Kiley Seidl, Haven Grade School, Haven USD 312Brayden Smith, Hays High School, Hays USD 489Region 3Sarah Alas, Delaware Ridge Elementary School, Bonner Springs USD 204Ryleigh Diskin, Ray Marsh Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512Marie Jones, Scarborough Elementary School, Olathe USD 233Brock LaPlante, Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill USD 230Tara Mulcahy, Broadmoor Elementary School, Louisburg USD 416Steve Murray, Olathe West High School, Olathe USD 233Allaire Pigg, Turner High School, Turner USD 202Eric Reece, Central Heights Middle School, Central Heights USD 288Region 4Viridiana Arias, Maize South High School, Maize USD 266Lexie Bullinger, Robert M. Martin Elementary School, Andover USD 385Joshua Isaacs, West Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262Tyler Kohlman, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Goddard USD 265Matt Miller, Truesdell Middle School, Wichita USD 259Anna Patton, Augusta Middle School, Augusta USD 402Hannah Reynolds, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265

Local educators honored in 2025 Kansas Horizon Award program

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.6% in December. This is an increase from 3.5% in November and an increase from 2.6% in December 2023,&nbsp;according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,200 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 500 over the month, while government increased by 700.

The unemployment rate in Riley County is steady and remains at 3.1 percent.&nbsp; The rate in Geary and Pottawatomie counties is also unchanged from November. Geary County is steady at 5 percent. Pottawatomie County at 2.7 percent.&nbsp; Wabaunsee saw a drop from 3 to 2.7 percent.&nbsp; Dickinson County saw a jump from 3.4 percent in November to 5.5 percent.

“Kansas ended the year with little change in the labor market,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm jobs increased by 1,200 over the month while the unemployment rate edged up to 3.6%.”

Since December 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 13,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,100 government jobs. 

Complete Kansas labor market information for December is available here.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737731421687.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.6% in December. This is an increase from 3.5% in November and an increase from 2.6% in December 2023,&nbsp;according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,200 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 500 over the month, while government increased by 700.The unemployment rate in Riley County is steady and remains at 3.1 percent.&nbsp; The rate in Geary and Pottawatomie counties is also unchanged from November. Geary County is steady at 5 percent. Pottawatomie County at 2.7 percent.&nbsp; Wabaunsee saw a drop from 3 to 2.7 percent.&nbsp; Dickinson County saw a jump from 3.4 percent in November to 5.5 percent.“Kansas ended the year with little change in the labor market,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm jobs increased by 1,200 over the month while the unemployment rate edged up to 3.6%.”Since December 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 13,300 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,100 government jobs. Complete Kansas labor market information for December is available here.

Jobless rate remains steady in Geary and Riley County

In a battle of two undefeated teams in class 6A West, the Derby Panthers beat the Junction City Blue Jays 67-57 in the semifinals at the 82nd annual Dodge City Tournament of Champions. 

The Blue Jays got off to another sluggish start on Friday, falling behind to the Panthers and committing six first-quarter turnovers. Derby led JC 13-11 after the first quarter. 

Much like Thursday's game against Bishop Caroll, the second quarter was better for Junction City, but shots kept falling for the Panthers, and Derby led by five, 31-26 at halftime. 

In the third quarter, both teams went on several runs, and the game remained in reach for Junction City, trailing 42-39 after three quarters. 

After trailing all game, and by nine at one point in the second half, the Blue Jays went on a run and took their first lead at 53-51 midway through the fourth quarter. Junction City senior Larkin Turner made the go-ahead basket and then, was quickly assessed a technical foul. Derby capitalized on the opportunity, made both free throws off the technical foul, tied the game, and turned it into a 12-0 run, to lead 63-53 late in the game. Junction City never recovered and lost their first game of the season by a final score of 67-57. 

Two Blue Jay players were in double digits for the semifinal game. Senior Larkin Turner finished with 16 points, and senior Jackson Austin finished with 11 points. 

Junction City falls to 8-1 on the season and will play Wichita Heights (10-1) on Saturday in the third-place game at 4:00 p.m.

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK Radio.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostIn a battle of two undefeated teams in class 6A West, the Derby Panthers beat the Junction City Blue Jays 67-57 in the semifinals at the 82nd annual Dodge City Tournament of Champions. The Blue Jays got off to another sluggish start on Friday, falling behind to the Panthers and committing six first-quarter turnovers. Derby led JC 13-11 after the first quarter. Much like Thursday's game against Bishop Caroll, the second quarter was better for Junction City, but shots kept falling for the Panthers, and Derby led by five, 31-26 at halftime. In the third quarter, both teams went on several runs, and the game remained in reach for Junction City, trailing 42-39 after three quarters. After trailing all game, and by nine at one point in the second half, the Blue Jays went on a run and took their first lead at 53-51 midway through the fourth quarter. Junction City senior Larkin Turner made the go-ahead basket and then, was quickly assessed a technical foul. Derby capitalized on the opportunity, made both free throws off the technical foul, tied the game, and turned it into a 12-0 run, to lead 63-53 late in the game. Junction City never recovered and lost their first game of the season by a final score of 67-57. Two Blue Jay players were in double digits for the semifinal game. Senior Larkin Turner finished with 16 points, and senior Jackson Austin finished with 11 points. Junction City falls to 8-1 on the season and will play Wichita Heights (10-1) on Saturday in the third-place game at 4:00 p.m.You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK Radio.

Blue Jays suffer first loss of the season

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the arrest of Junction City Commissioner Alovence "Al"Gordon on a requested charge of Domestic Battery. 

Junction City police were called to the 1700 block of Clover Drive just before 5 p.m. Thursday and the Geary County Sheriff's Department was called into investigate the incident. Also arrested at the same location on a requested charge of Domestic Battery was Corieyonna Trice.

The Sheriff's Department confirmed both are free on bond.

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the arrest of Junction City Commissioner Alovence "Al"Gordon on a requested charge of Domestic Battery. Junction City police were called to the 1700 block of Clover Drive just before 5 p.m. Thursday and the Geary County Sheriff's Department was called into investigate the incident. Also arrested at the same location on a requested charge of Domestic Battery was Corieyonna Trice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737757141297.jpeg" alt="Alovencce "Al " Gordon" />
 <figcaption>Alovencce "Al " Gordon</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737757177729.jpeg" alt="Corrieyonna Trice" />
 <figcaption>Corrieyonna Trice</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff's Department confirmed both are free on bond.

Authorities confirm the arrest of a Junction City Commissioner

Joe Roman, Failure to appear, arrested 01/22

Mashaun Baker, Outside warrant, arrested 01/22

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/2025/1/1737753222942.jpeg" alt="Jalen Clark, Domestic battery, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01//23" />
 <figcaption>Jalen Clark, Domestic battery, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01//23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753270056.jpeg" alt="Luis Vasquez Gonsalez, Criminal trespass, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>Luis Vasquez Gonsalez, Criminal trespass, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753342407.jpeg" alt="Thomas Ariaz, Criminal threat, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>Thomas Ariaz, Criminal threat, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753459296.jpeg" alt="Darien Manning, Aggravated kidnapping, Aggravated burglary, Locked dwelling for felony, Theft, Domestic violence, sexually motivated, Rape, Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>Darien Manning, Aggravated kidnapping, Aggravated burglary, Locked dwelling for felony, Theft, Domestic violence, sexually motivated, Rape, Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753547036.jpeg" alt="Christopher Olmstead, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Olmstead, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753585186.jpeg" alt="Alovence Gordon, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>Alovence Gordon, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753641628.jpeg" alt="James Gayle, Failure to appear, Probation violation, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>James Gayle, Failure to appear, Probation violation, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753680992.jpeg" alt="Corrieyonna Trice,&nbsp;Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 01/23" />
 <figcaption>Corrieyonna Trice,&nbsp;Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 01/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737753755424.jpeg" alt="Anthony Martinez-Flores, Criminal damage to property,&nbsp; felony, Criminal restraint, Aggravated domestic battery, Impede breath, Blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 01/24" />
 <figcaption>Anthony Martinez-Flores, Criminal damage to property,&nbsp; felony, Criminal restraint, Aggravated domestic battery, Impede breath, Blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 01/24</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Joe Roman, Failure to appear, arrested 01/22Mashaun Baker, Outside warrant, arrested 01/22Vincent Holman, Driving while suspended, arrested 01/22Kiara Wooldridge, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 01/23Dexter Johnson, Failure to appear, arrested 01/23Zachary Caron, Failure to appear, arrested 01/23Melvin Sanford,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/23Ricky Smith, Theft-Pocket picking,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 01/23Chrystal Gibson, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01/23Recent 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.