By&nbsp; GRANT GUGGISBERG K-State News

MANHATTAN — The Kansas State University Steel Ring Honor Society has inducted 24 new members for the 2023-2024 academic year. Steel Ring is an honor society comprised of seniors in the <a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>.
 Membership is based on leadership, academic achievement, service and 
engagement. Steel Ring has been a part of the K-State engineering 
tradition since 1927.

One of the group's primary tasks each year is planning and organizing
 the College of Engineering Open House in the spring semester. They also
 recognize students and faculty at the annual engineering leadership 
reception and participate in leadership and service activities around 
the college.

The faculty advisor for the group is Craig Wanklyn, assistant dean for recruitment in the College of Engineering.

The following K-State seniors are the new members of Steel Ring:

Cameron Hoppas, chemical engineering, Andover; Molly Blankenship, industrial engineering, Basehor; Tim Foster, civil engineering, and Alison Holthaus, chemical engineering, both from Leawood; Erick Rodriguez, electrical engineering, Liberal; Egan Dritz, mechanical engineering, Manhattan; Trent Powell, computer science, Meriden.

From Olathe: Jakob Long, construction science and 
management; Danny Eckerberg, mechanical engineering; Paige Miranda, 
industrial engineering; Nathan Diehl, computer engineering; and Luke 
Horsch, computer science.

Payton Lee, mechanical engineering, Ottawa.

From Overland Park: Lindsey Crowell, nuclear 
engineering; Natalie Gish, industrial engineering; Emma Worthington, 
biological systems engineering; and Braden Black, mechanical 
engineering.

Stephanie Ma, chemical engineering, Rose Hill; Ryder Jarrett, electrical engineering, Shawnee; Caitlin Donahue, chemical engineering, and Abbi Clark, civil engineering, both from Wamego.

From out of state: Jessica Barnett, chemical engineering, Fishers, Indiana; and Lily Alberding, mechanical engineering, Needham, Massachusetts.

From out of country: Remas Alzubaidi, architectural engineering, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682273443451.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp; GRANT GUGGISBERG K-State NewsMANHATTAN — The Kansas State University Steel Ring Honor Society has inducted 24 new members for the 2023-2024 academic year. Steel Ring is an honor society comprised of seniors in the <a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>.
 Membership is based on leadership, academic achievement, service and 
engagement. Steel Ring has been a part of the K-State engineering 
tradition since 1927.One of the group's primary tasks each year is planning and organizing
 the College of Engineering Open House in the spring semester. They also
 recognize students and faculty at the annual engineering leadership 
reception and participate in leadership and service activities around 
the college.The faculty advisor for the group is Craig Wanklyn, assistant dean for recruitment in the College of Engineering.The following K-State seniors are the new members of Steel Ring:Cameron Hoppas, chemical engineering, Andover; Molly Blankenship, industrial engineering, Basehor; Tim Foster, civil engineering, and Alison Holthaus, chemical engineering, both from Leawood; Erick Rodriguez, electrical engineering, Liberal; Egan Dritz, mechanical engineering, Manhattan; Trent Powell, computer science, Meriden.From Olathe: Jakob Long, construction science and 
management; Danny Eckerberg, mechanical engineering; Paige Miranda, 
industrial engineering; Nathan Diehl, computer engineering; and Luke 
Horsch, computer science.Payton Lee, mechanical engineering, Ottawa.From Overland Park: Lindsey Crowell, nuclear 
engineering; Natalie Gish, industrial engineering; Emma Worthington, 
biological systems engineering; and Braden Black, mechanical 
engineering.Stephanie Ma, chemical engineering, Rose Hill; Ryder Jarrett, electrical engineering, Shawnee; Caitlin Donahue, chemical engineering, and Abbi Clark, civil engineering, both from Wamego.From out of state: Jessica Barnett, chemical engineering, Fishers, Indiana; and Lily Alberding, mechanical engineering, Needham, Massachusetts.From out of country: Remas Alzubaidi, architectural engineering, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

K-State's Steel Ring Honor Society inducts new members

Vendors sought for Junction City's 2023 Juneteenth Festival

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569336839553.jpeg">Click&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jcpost.com/category/obituaries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(39, 163, 209);">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.JC Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

Recent obituaries and service times

UPDATE: Geary County Emergency Management reported the line was repaired around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Geary County Rural Water District 4 has has a line break in the 7300 block of old Milford Road.

The break affects Old Milford Road, McGeorge and Rockwood. 

Repairs are underway to return the line back to service.

<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3746.6436212012513!2d-96.88677502358998!3d39.09793883484575!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc4d22175019ff%3A0x950933d8e2504d0d!2s7300%20Old%20Milford%20Rd%2C%20Milford%2C%20KS%2066514!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1682537293938!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>UPDATE: Geary County Emergency Management reported the line was repaired around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.------Geary County Rural Water District 4 has has a line break in the 7300 block of old Milford Road.The break affects Old Milford Road, McGeorge and Rockwood. Repairs are underway to return the line back to service.— News release

UPDATE: Water line break repaired at Old Milford Road

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University Athletics showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community on Tuesday with a video on social media from Saturday's annual Pride Parade and events.

In addition to the parade, there were <a href="https://www.bkstr.com/kansasstatestore/product/flag-outdoor-3-x5--scspc-------190420-1">vendors,</a> a drag show and the after party at The Hat in Aggieville.

Little Apple Pride Parade was launched in 2010 to show support for the LGBTQ+ Community, according to the organization's social media page.

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University Athletics showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community on Tuesday with a video on social media from Saturday's annual Pride Parade and events.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pride in the Little Apple 💜<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KState</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/LilApplePride?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LilApplePride</a> <a href="https://t.co/uMnoW81Yks">pic.twitter.com/uMnoW81Yks</a>&mdash; K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kstatesports/status/1650930172965580800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FLittleApplePride%2Fvideos%2F3542783989343840%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>In addition to the parade, there were <a href="https://www.bkstr.com/kansasstatestore/product/flag-outdoor-3-x5--scspc-------190420-1">vendors,</a> a drag show and the after party at The Hat in Aggieville.Little Apple Pride Parade was launched in 2010 to show support for the LGBTQ+ Community, according to the organization's social media page.

🎥University shows support for LGBTQ+ community

By MICHELLE GEERING K-State News

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has bestowed the highest faculty title of <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/about/faculty/udp/">university distinguished professor</a> upon five professors. The 2023 recipients of the lifetime honor are <a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/directory/faculty_directory/featherstone/">Allen Featherstone</a>, professor and department head of agricultural economics; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/jumpponen/">Ari Jumpponen</a>, professor of biology; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/about/people/faculty/jli/">Jun Li</a>, professor of chemistry; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/nippert/">Jesse Nippert</a>, professor of biology; and <a href="https://ece.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/scoglio/">Caterina Scoglio</a>, professor of electrical and computer engineering. "Drs.
 Featherstone, Jumpponen, Li, Nippert and Scoglio are all 
internationally recognized researchers in their fields who have 
distinguished themselves as teachers and mentors," said Chuck Taber, 
executive vice president and university provost. "These faculty members 
are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service and will 
continue to support Kansas State University's strategic plan to become a
 next-generation land-grant university."

University distinguished professors are appointed following a 
universitywide nomination and evaluation process conducted by the 
provost. The five faculty members receive a personalized plaque and 
medallion at the university's fall 2023 commencement ceremonies.

Featherstone is globally recognized as a leading expert in the field 
of agricultural finance and agriculture production economics. His 
research includes some of the most impactful areas in agricultural 
economics, including the influences of taxes on farmland, the 
probability of agricultural loan default and loan loss severity, 
groundwater allocation in irrigated crop production, management of corn 
yields and interactions of weather and soils.

Awarded more than $7.1 million in research funding, Featherstone has 
published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, including the 
flagship American Journal of Agricultural Economics of the Agricultural 
and Applied Economics Association, the Journal of Econometrics, and the 
Review of Economics and Statistics, among other leading journals. His 
work has been reported in leading national publications and outlets. His
 agricultural policy and land-value work was cited by then-Secretary of 
Agriculture Dan Glickman and then-President Clinton as rationale for 
farm program support to agriculture.

An internationally recognized conference speaker and presenter, 
Featherstone has been honored by many professional organizations, 
including numerous honors from the Agricultural Finance and Management 
Section, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association; the 2003 
Distinguished Faculty Award and the 1999 Outstanding Research Award from
 the K-State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta; the Phi Kappa Phi Scholar 
Award; and the Gold Quill Award for Outstanding Journal article, Journal
 of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. In 2005, he 
received K-State's Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty award. 
Featherstone is active on university and college committees and has 
served on leading industry advisory boards and as a research journal 
associate editor.

Instrumental in the development of the university's innovative Master
 of Agribusiness program, Featherstone has been the director of the 
program since its inception in 1997. Featherstone earned a bachelor's 
degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master's and
 doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University.

A fungal ecology researcher, Jumpponen pioneered the use of 
high-throughput sequencing for the dissection, characterization and 
analyses of fungal communities in plant and soil samples. Currently, his
 research focuses on the effects of fire on soil and soil-dwelling 
organisms, which is important to understand as wildfire risks increase.

Jumpponen has received $4.6 million in total research funding, 
including funds from National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of
 Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. He has also 
been recognized as being among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by 
Stanford University.

The results of Jumpponen's work have been published in 140 
peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than a dozen book chapters 
with inclusion in the journals Nature, Science, Global Change Biology, 
Ecological Monographs, New Phytologist, Soil Biology, and Biochemistry 
and Molecular Ecology. He has also provided ad hoc manuscript reviews 
for more than 60 scientific journals and has served as an editorial 
board member for Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Axios Reviews 
and Mycorrhiza. Jumpponen also provides scientific consulting services 
for the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Centre 
for Resource and Environmental Studies in Australia and within the 
private sector.

Academically, Jumpponen has advised or co-advised 14 graduate 
students and nearly 50 undergraduates since he joined K-State in 2000. 
From 2011-2016, he served as principal investigator of a National 
Science Foundation-funded grant for an undergraduate training program, 
URM: Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in Ecological Genomics. He 
received the 2022 Division of Biology Outstanding Graduate Faculty 
Award.

Jumpponen holds professional memberships in the North American 
Truffling Society, the Mycological Society of America and the Ecological
 Society of America. He earned a master's degree from the University of 
Eastern Finland, formerly called the University of Joensuu, and a 
doctorate from Oregon State University.

Li is a highly accomplished nanomaterials and nanotechnology expert 
known for developing novel electrochemical protease sensors for cancer 
diagnosis and hybrid materials built on nanotubes for lithium-ion 
batteries or electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Li's current research 
focuses on energy conversion and storage, biosensor development, and 
nanomaterial growth and composite materials synthesis.

Since joining K-State in 2007, Li has been awarded $8.35 million in 
research funding from industry, non-profit foundations and federal 
funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the 
National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Li averages more than seven 
publications annually and throughout his career has produced 148 
peer-reviewed journal articles, 25 conference papers, 23 book chapters 
and one co-edited book. Li also holds 13 U.S. patents, one Japanese 
patent, two international Protected Cooperation Treaty applications and 
one protected international World Intellectual Property Organization 
patent.

Li teaches undergraduate chemistry courses and two interdisciplinary 
graduate nanotechnology classes that he developed. At K-state, he has 
served as an advisor for 19 graduate students, five postdoctoral fellows
 and eight visiting scholars while also supervising undergraduate 
students working in his lab. In 2018, Li was recognized for his 
excellence in the classroom with the Professorial Performance Award and 
the Segebrecht Award. He has been named a 2022 International Association
 of Advanced Materials fellow, 2021 Royal Society of Chemistry fellow 
and 2019 National Academy of Inventors fellow. Additional professional 
honors include the 2005 Nano 50 Innovator Award and the NASA Ames Honor 
Award in 2005.

Li has served on numerous department and university committees and is
 active professionally as senior editor for the journal of IEEE 
Transactions on Nanotechnology. He also serves on the editorial advisory
 board for 11 professional journals, helps to organize industry 
conferences and workshops and has participated in 55 review panels for 
federal funding agencies.

Before joining K-State, Li worked at the NASA Ames Research Center, 
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, and Molecular Imaging 
Co. Li earned his undergraduate degree from Wuhan University and his 
master's and doctorate degrees from Princeton University.

Nippert is a transformative leader and researcher of grassland and 
savanna ecology, grass-to-tree ecological dynamics and response to 
climate change. His multifaceted research challenges long-held ideas of 
water use and drought survival in grasses, and it provides insights into
 the mechanisms underpinning competition for water between grasses and 
woody vegetation. He is also internationally recognized as an expert in 
the use of stable isotopes in ecological studies.

With nearly $23 million in research funding, Nippert's research has 
resulted in 110 publications in peer-reviewed journals, including 
Science, Nature Climate Change, Proceedings of the National Academy of 
Science, Ecology, Global Change Biology, Annals of Botany and Plant 
Ecology. Nippert is the principal investigator for the National Science 
Foundation-funded Long-Term Ecological Research program at the Konza 
Prairie Biological Station. Additionally, his research in South Africa 
on lowveld savanna ecology is funded by the National Science Foundation 
and the South African Environmental Observatory Network.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Nippert secured funding from the 
National Science Foundation in 2016 to develop a national training 
program — Phys-Fest — to provide immersive workshops for plant ecology 
graduate and postdoctoral researchers about eco-physiological methods, 
instrumentation and science communication. Nippert was also instrumental
 in developing an interdisciplinary environmental sciences degree 
program that launched in fall 2021. He has served as a major advisor for
 one postdoctoral scholar, 15 graduate students and 16 undergraduate 
researchers.

Nippert has been recognized for his professional excellence with the 
H. Henley Haymaker Teaching Excellence Award, the William L Stamey 
Teaching Award, the Karen Ann Griffith Research Award, K-State's Biology
 Graduate Student Association's Outstanding Faculty Award and a Big 12 
Faculty Fellowship. He has also been an invited presenter and panelist 
at the AAAS Frontiers of Science.

Nippert has an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, a 
master's degree from the University of Idaho and a doctorate from 
Colorado State University. Prior to returning to K-State as a faculty 
member in 2007, Nippert held post-doctoral fellowships at the University
 of Kansas and the Kansas Geological Survey.

Scoglio is a high-impact expert in the field of network science and 
contact-network models for epidemic spreading. Her research team 
developed a generalized epidemic modeling software tool, which has been 
widely adopted by other researchers and applied to simulating the spread
 of many infectious diseases. Scoglio and her research group produced 
accurate predictions of the spread of COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China, and
 the 2019 Ebola cases in in Uganda.

Scoglio has been awarded more than $15.5 million in research funding,
 including funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department 
of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. Her research has led 
to 114 journal publications, 74 conference publications, six book 
chapters and 49 invited talks.

Along with her transformative research, Scoglio is a proficient and 
dedicated educator and mentor to graduate students, and she serves as a 
role model to others in her profession. She has been an advisor to 42 
graduate students. Scoglio's robust mentoring is also substantiated by 
many of her students being selected for outstanding graduate student 
awards in the electrical and computer engineering departments.

Scoglio earned her doctorate in engineering from Sapienza University 
of Rome. She joined K-State in 2005 and was named the LeRoy and Aileen 
Pasley Professor in 2016. K-State has recognized Scoglio's work with 
several honors, including the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation 
Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, the Engineering Distinguished 
Researcher Award, the Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Award, the role 
of Steve Hsu Keystone research faculty scholar, the Professional 
Performance Award and the Research Proposal Teamwork Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682273280452.png" alt="Kansas State University has honored five professors with the prestigious lifetime title of university distinguished professor. From left: Allen Featherstone, professor and department head of agricultural economics; Ari Jumpponen, professor of biology; Jun Li, professor of chemistry; Jesse Nippert, professor of biology; and Caterina Scoglio, professor of electrical and computer engineering." />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University has honored five professors with the prestigious lifetime title of university distinguished professor. From left: Allen Featherstone, professor and department head of agricultural economics; Ari Jumpponen, professor of biology; Jun Li, professor of chemistry; Jesse Nippert, professor of biology; and Caterina Scoglio, professor of electrical and computer engineering.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE GEERING K-State NewsMANHATTAN — Kansas State University has bestowed the highest faculty title of <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/about/faculty/udp/">university distinguished professor</a> upon five professors. The 2023 recipients of the lifetime honor are <a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/directory/faculty_directory/featherstone/">Allen Featherstone</a>, professor and department head of agricultural economics; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/jumpponen/">Ari Jumpponen</a>, professor of biology; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/about/people/faculty/jli/">Jun Li</a>, professor of chemistry; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/nippert/">Jesse Nippert</a>, professor of biology; and <a href="https://ece.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/scoglio/">Caterina Scoglio</a>, professor of electrical and computer engineering. "Drs.
 Featherstone, Jumpponen, Li, Nippert and Scoglio are all 
internationally recognized researchers in their fields who have 
distinguished themselves as teachers and mentors," said Chuck Taber, 
executive vice president and university provost. "These faculty members 
are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service and will 
continue to support Kansas State University's strategic plan to become a
 next-generation land-grant university."University distinguished professors are appointed following a 
universitywide nomination and evaluation process conducted by the 
provost. The five faculty members receive a personalized plaque and 
medallion at the university's fall 2023 commencement ceremonies.Featherstone is globally recognized as a leading expert in the field 
of agricultural finance and agriculture production economics. His 
research includes some of the most impactful areas in agricultural 
economics, including the influences of taxes on farmland, the 
probability of agricultural loan default and loan loss severity, 
groundwater allocation in irrigated crop production, management of corn 
yields and interactions of weather and soils.Awarded more than $7.1 million in research funding, Featherstone has 
published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, including the 
flagship American Journal of Agricultural Economics of the Agricultural 
and Applied Economics Association, the Journal of Econometrics, and the 
Review of Economics and Statistics, among other leading journals. His 
work has been reported in leading national publications and outlets. His
 agricultural policy and land-value work was cited by then-Secretary of 
Agriculture Dan Glickman and then-President Clinton as rationale for 
farm program support to agriculture.An internationally recognized conference speaker and presenter, 
Featherstone has been honored by many professional organizations, 
including numerous honors from the Agricultural Finance and Management 
Section, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association; the 2003 
Distinguished Faculty Award and the 1999 Outstanding Research Award from
 the K-State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta; the Phi Kappa Phi Scholar 
Award; and the Gold Quill Award for Outstanding Journal article, Journal
 of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. In 2005, he 
received K-State's Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty award. 
Featherstone is active on university and college committees and has 
served on leading industry advisory boards and as a research journal 
associate editor.Instrumental in the development of the university's innovative Master
 of Agribusiness program, Featherstone has been the director of the 
program since its inception in 1997. Featherstone earned a bachelor's 
degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master's and
 doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University.A fungal ecology researcher, Jumpponen pioneered the use of 
high-throughput sequencing for the dissection, characterization and 
analyses of fungal communities in plant and soil samples. Currently, his
 research focuses on the effects of fire on soil and soil-dwelling 
organisms, which is important to understand as wildfire risks increase.Jumpponen has received $4.6 million in total research funding, 
including funds from National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of
 Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. He has also 
been recognized as being among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by 
Stanford University.The results of Jumpponen's work have been published in 140 
peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than a dozen book chapters 
with inclusion in the journals Nature, Science, Global Change Biology, 
Ecological Monographs, New Phytologist, Soil Biology, and Biochemistry 
and Molecular Ecology. He has also provided ad hoc manuscript reviews 
for more than 60 scientific journals and has served as an editorial 
board member for Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Axios Reviews 
and Mycorrhiza. Jumpponen also provides scientific consulting services 
for the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Centre 
for Resource and Environmental Studies in Australia and within the 
private sector.Academically, Jumpponen has advised or co-advised 14 graduate 
students and nearly 50 undergraduates since he joined K-State in 2000. 
From 2011-2016, he served as principal investigator of a National 
Science Foundation-funded grant for an undergraduate training program, 
URM: Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in Ecological Genomics. He 
received the 2022 Division of Biology Outstanding Graduate Faculty 
Award.Jumpponen holds professional memberships in the North American 
Truffling Society, the Mycological Society of America and the Ecological
 Society of America. He earned a master's degree from the University of 
Eastern Finland, formerly called the University of Joensuu, and a 
doctorate from Oregon State University.Li is a highly accomplished nanomaterials and nanotechnology expert 
known for developing novel electrochemical protease sensors for cancer 
diagnosis and hybrid materials built on nanotubes for lithium-ion 
batteries or electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Li's current research 
focuses on energy conversion and storage, biosensor development, and 
nanomaterial growth and composite materials synthesis.Since joining K-State in 2007, Li has been awarded $8.35 million in 
research funding from industry, non-profit foundations and federal 
funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the 
National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Li averages more than seven 
publications annually and throughout his career has produced 148 
peer-reviewed journal articles, 25 conference papers, 23 book chapters 
and one co-edited book. Li also holds 13 U.S. patents, one Japanese 
patent, two international Protected Cooperation Treaty applications and 
one protected international World Intellectual Property Organization 
patent.Li teaches undergraduate chemistry courses and two interdisciplinary 
graduate nanotechnology classes that he developed. At K-state, he has 
served as an advisor for 19 graduate students, five postdoctoral fellows
 and eight visiting scholars while also supervising undergraduate 
students working in his lab. In 2018, Li was recognized for his 
excellence in the classroom with the Professorial Performance Award and 
the Segebrecht Award. He has been named a 2022 International Association
 of Advanced Materials fellow, 2021 Royal Society of Chemistry fellow 
and 2019 National Academy of Inventors fellow. Additional professional 
honors include the 2005 Nano 50 Innovator Award and the NASA Ames Honor 
Award in 2005.Li has served on numerous department and university committees and is
 active professionally as senior editor for the journal of IEEE 
Transactions on Nanotechnology. He also serves on the editorial advisory
 board for 11 professional journals, helps to organize industry 
conferences and workshops and has participated in 55 review panels for 
federal funding agencies.Before joining K-State, Li worked at the NASA Ames Research Center, 
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, and Molecular Imaging 
Co. Li earned his undergraduate degree from Wuhan University and his 
master's and doctorate degrees from Princeton University.Nippert is a transformative leader and researcher of grassland and 
savanna ecology, grass-to-tree ecological dynamics and response to 
climate change. His multifaceted research challenges long-held ideas of 
water use and drought survival in grasses, and it provides insights into
 the mechanisms underpinning competition for water between grasses and 
woody vegetation. He is also internationally recognized as an expert in 
the use of stable isotopes in ecological studies.With nearly $23 million in research funding, Nippert's research has 
resulted in 110 publications in peer-reviewed journals, including 
Science, Nature Climate Change, Proceedings of the National Academy of 
Science, Ecology, Global Change Biology, Annals of Botany and Plant 
Ecology. Nippert is the principal investigator for the National Science 
Foundation-funded Long-Term Ecological Research program at the Konza 
Prairie Biological Station. Additionally, his research in South Africa 
on lowveld savanna ecology is funded by the National Science Foundation 
and the South African Environmental Observatory Network.A dedicated educator and mentor, Nippert secured funding from the 
National Science Foundation in 2016 to develop a national training 
program — Phys-Fest — to provide immersive workshops for plant ecology 
graduate and postdoctoral researchers about eco-physiological methods, 
instrumentation and science communication. Nippert was also instrumental
 in developing an interdisciplinary environmental sciences degree 
program that launched in fall 2021. He has served as a major advisor for
 one postdoctoral scholar, 15 graduate students and 16 undergraduate 
researchers.Nippert has been recognized for his professional excellence with the 
H. Henley Haymaker Teaching Excellence Award, the William L Stamey 
Teaching Award, the Karen Ann Griffith Research Award, K-State's Biology
 Graduate Student Association's Outstanding Faculty Award and a Big 12 
Faculty Fellowship. He has also been an invited presenter and panelist 
at the AAAS Frontiers of Science.Nippert has an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, a 
master's degree from the University of Idaho and a doctorate from 
Colorado State University. Prior to returning to K-State as a faculty 
member in 2007, Nippert held post-doctoral fellowships at the University
 of Kansas and the Kansas Geological Survey.Scoglio is a high-impact expert in the field of network science and 
contact-network models for epidemic spreading. Her research team 
developed a generalized epidemic modeling software tool, which has been 
widely adopted by other researchers and applied to simulating the spread
 of many infectious diseases. Scoglio and her research group produced 
accurate predictions of the spread of COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China, and
 the 2019 Ebola cases in in Uganda.Scoglio has been awarded more than $15.5 million in research funding,
 including funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department 
of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. Her research has led 
to 114 journal publications, 74 conference publications, six book 
chapters and 49 invited talks.Along with her transformative research, Scoglio is a proficient and 
dedicated educator and mentor to graduate students, and she serves as a 
role model to others in her profession. She has been an advisor to 42 
graduate students. Scoglio's robust mentoring is also substantiated by 
many of her students being selected for outstanding graduate student 
awards in the electrical and computer engineering departments.Scoglio earned her doctorate in engineering from Sapienza University 
of Rome. She joined K-State in 2005 and was named the LeRoy and Aileen 
Pasley Professor in 2016. K-State has recognized Scoglio's work with 
several honors, including the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation 
Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, the Engineering Distinguished 
Researcher Award, the Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Award, the role 
of Steve Hsu Keystone research faculty scholar, the Professional 
Performance Award and the Research Proposal Teamwork Award.

K-State names newest university distinguished professors

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

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

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682510719863.jpeg" alt="Thania Elena Colin, DUI-Liquor/Drugs(2nd Offense); Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving w/o lights when needed; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Thania Elena Colin, DUI-Liquor/Drugs(2nd Offense); Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Driving w/o lights when needed; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682510797647.jpeg" alt="Nyasha Deborah Coney, Stalking; Misd. unknown circumstance; Criminal damage to property; Misdemeanor; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Nyasha Deborah Coney, Stalking; Misd. unknown circumstance; Criminal damage to property; Misdemeanor; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682510879787.jpeg" alt="Matthew June Young Keen, Criminal Trespass; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Matthew June Young Keen, Criminal Trespass; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682510926049.jpeg" alt="Fallon Rachelle Luthi, Probation Violation x2; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Fallon Rachelle Luthi, Probation Violation x2; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682510984744.jpeg" alt="Amanda Leigh Massoli, Probation Violation; Possession of Marijuana 1st offense; Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, 2 or more prior convictions; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Leigh Massoli, Probation Violation; Possession of Marijuana 1st offense; Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, 2 or more prior convictions; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682511101945.jpeg" alt="Rollin Dion McClam, Parole Violation; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Rollin Dion McClam, Parole Violation; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682511139694.jpeg" alt="Toni Anne Procanin, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Mid; Unk. conv.; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Toni Anne Procanin, Failure to appear; Outside warrant; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Mid; Unk. conv.; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682511228074.jpeg" alt="Michael Edward Smith, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Michael Edward Smith, Failure to appear; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682511281206.jpeg" alt="Antwaan Dwayne Williams, Bond Violation; Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Antwaan Dwayne Williams, Bond Violation; Flee or attempt to elude; Commission of any felony; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25</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 April 26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.

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

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

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

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

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

Geary County jobless numbers down slightly

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

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

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Life and land

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

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

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

📲 JC Post app available on App Store, Google Play

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

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

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

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

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

Neither driver was properly restrained, KHP reported.

Both vehicles were removed from the scene by wrecker.

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

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

Expect delays as traffic is rerouted through the area.

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

Salina Post will have more information as it becomes available.

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

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

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

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682430222526.jpeg" alt="Rhiannon Makia Hislop, Vehicles; Display of license plates; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25" />
 <figcaption>Rhiannon Makia Hislop, Vehicles; Display of license plates; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Arrested 04/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682430794580.jpeg" alt="Mike Ibarra, Probation Violation; Outside Warrant; Arrested 04/24" />
 <figcaption>Mike Ibarra, Probation Violation; Outside Warrant; Arrested 04/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682431000501.jpeg" alt="Andrew Lee Twedell, Distribute controlled substance, unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Fail to check for safe passage before passing from single lane; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Following another vehicle too closely; Arrested 04/24" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Lee Twedell, Distribute controlled substance, unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Fail to check for safe passage before passing from single lane; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Following another vehicle too closely; Arrested 04/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682431397842.jpeg" alt="Gabe Jospeh Twedell, Distribute controlled substance; unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant cultivate controlled substance; Arrested 04/24" />
 <figcaption>Gabe Jospeh Twedell, Distribute controlled substance; unknown substance; Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or cont substance; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant cultivate controlled substance; Arrested 04/24</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos April 25

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

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

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

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

St. Xavier High students inducted into National Honor Society

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

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

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

By MALORIE SOUGEY K-State News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cups of Culture scheduled in downtown Junction City

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

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

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

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

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

NWS: Chance of rain every day through Saturday

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

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

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

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

GOP seeking replacement for Geary County clerk

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682351481586.jpeg" alt="Richard Arthur Jones, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Arrested 4/23" />
 <figcaption>Richard Arthur Jones, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; misdemeanor; Arrested 4/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682351548643.jpeg" alt="Kevin DeShawn Seldon, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint; Arrested 4/24" />
 <figcaption>Kevin DeShawn Seldon, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint; Arrested 4/24</figcaption>
 </figure>Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos April 24

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff: Kan. felon accused of selling methamphetamine 

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

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

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

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

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash in Manhattan

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

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

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

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

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

By CHIP CHANDLER West Texas A&amp;M University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The inaugural cohort of fellows was selected in March.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eggleston named to inaugural class of rural educational leaders

By BECKY GOFF JC Post/Little Apple Post

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

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

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

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