DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting in Abilene and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 4p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 400 Block of NE 14th Street, according to a media release.&nbsp; EMS transported a 43-year-old victim to the hospital in for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Police identified a 16-year-old suspect and took them into custody.&nbsp;

Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend shooting in Abilene and have a suspect in custody.Just after 4p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 400 Block of NE 14th Street, according to a media release.&nbsp; EMS transported a 43-year-old victim to the hospital in for treatment of serious injuries.&nbsp; Police identified a 16-year-old suspect and took them into custody.&nbsp;Police released no additional details Monday afternoon.

43-year-old wounded, 16-year-old jailed after shooting in Abilene

Freedom Fest JC Committee Chair Nate Butler told a Junction City Commission audience recently&nbsp; that the Fourth of July celebration is coming up quick. The event, featuring a free concert series, runs June 30 - July 4.

There also no charge for side shows such as Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets. There will be a Kid's Parade at 2 p.m. on July 4 plus a Hot Dog Eating Contest. "Just a lot of opportunity to get families to downtown Junction City.&nbsp; " There will also be sidewalk sales for a couple of days and a carnival all five days.

The concerts Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls, Paramount, 1st ID Army Rock Band, Rock Gods, Brandon Estelle, Rhett Walker, Run With It and headliner Casi Joy.&nbsp; Joy will perform at 8:30&nbsp; p.m. the night of July 4.

Freedom Fest JC Committee Chair Nate Butler told a Junction City Commission audience recently&nbsp; that the Fourth of July celebration is coming up quick. The event, featuring a free concert series, runs June 30 - July 4.There also no charge for side shows such as Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets. There will be a Kid's Parade at 2 p.m. on July 4 plus a Hot Dog Eating Contest. "Just a lot of opportunity to get families to downtown Junction City.&nbsp; " There will also be sidewalk sales for a couple of days and a carnival all five days.The concerts Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls, Paramount, 1st ID Army Rock Band, Rock Gods, Brandon Estelle, Rhett Walker, Run With It and headliner Casi Joy.&nbsp; Joy will perform at 8:30&nbsp; p.m. the night of July 4.

Butler previews Freedom Fest JC

Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Will McKannay said this past week that his two-year stint at the Post was tremendous and was unlike any other that he has ever had. He noted that the thing that would be remembered and miss the most are the people. He arrived at the heighth of the COVID-19 pandemic. "It was tough but we were resilient, the Soldiers, the families, the DA civilians and thanks to our communities too were resilient and I think that's what helped us get through that difficult time "

McKannay noted that they never stopped ( troop ) training at Fort Riley. "So we were able to maintain the readiness of 1st Infantry Division units and keep them going as well as the other battalions on Fort Riley." Infrastructure renovations and new builds on Post were maintained along with a partnership with USD 475. A new school is being built.

McKannay observed that serving as an ex-officio member of the USD 475 school board was one of the highlights of his job. His next assignment will be with the U.S. Army Northern Command in Colorado Springs to serve as the Chief of Homeland Defense and Protection.&nbsp;

The change of command for the Garrison Commander is scheduled for July 12.

Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Will McKannay said this past week that his two-year stint at the Post was tremendous and was unlike any other that he has ever had. He noted that the thing that would be remembered and miss the most are the people. He arrived at the heighth of the COVID-19 pandemic. "It was tough but we were resilient, the Soldiers, the families, the DA civilians and thanks to our communities too were resilient and I think that's what helped us get through that difficult time "McKannay noted that they never stopped ( troop ) training at Fort Riley. "So we were able to maintain the readiness of 1st Infantry Division units and keep them going as well as the other battalions on Fort Riley." Infrastructure renovations and new builds on Post were maintained along with a partnership with USD 475. A new school is being built.McKannay observed that serving as an ex-officio member of the USD 475 school board was one of the highlights of his job. His next assignment will be with the U.S. Army Northern Command in Colorado Springs to serve as the Chief of Homeland Defense and Protection.&nbsp;The change of command for the Garrison Commander is scheduled for July 12.

Col. McKannay nears end of tour as Fort Riley Garrison Commander

RILEY COUNTY—A Junction City man was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Riley County.

According to the Riley Police Department activity report, a 2021 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Jeffrey Nicholls, 49, of Junction City traveled off the road and crashed near the intersection of N. Park Street and Riley Avenue in Ogden.

EMS transported&nbsp;Nicholls to Via Christi and he was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The RCPD released no additional details early Monday.

RILEY COUNTY—A Junction City man was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Riley County.According to the Riley Police Department activity report, a 2021 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Jeffrey Nicholls, 49, of Junction City traveled off the road and crashed near the intersection of N. Park Street and Riley Avenue in Ogden.EMS transported&nbsp;Nicholls to Via Christi and he was later transferred to KU Medical Center. The RCPD released no additional details early Monday.

Junction City man hospitalized after motorcycle accident

By Kim Baldwin, McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Every year around this time, the world around me has the potential to quickly turn into a continuous swirl that would be perfect for a TV series.&nbsp; &nbsp; In cinematic effect, I imagine my story would begin with a black and white tight shot of my eyes opening wide from slumber and darting back and forth in a semi-confused state. &nbsp; The background music at the start of my episode would consist of an odd pattern of guitar plinks and orchestral bursts, and over this hair-raising musical selection would include a Rod Serling-like narration: &nbsp; “You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance. Of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into … the ‘Harvest Zone.’” &nbsp; Harvest crews are making their way through wheat fields in my part of the world right now. As a farming family, this begins the busy season of not only harvesting wheat from the fields while racing the summer storms, but also finishing up the planting of our fall crops, and beginning the long, hot summer days of irrigation. Sprinkle in a variety of summer activities for our kids like Vacation Bible School, baseball games and swim lessons, and you have a swirling vortex of days that leave people like me asking at times, “What day is it?”&nbsp; &nbsp; It’s during this time of the year I have to intentionally look at my calendar every morning to identify which kid has a baseball game that evening, if I have a scheduled Zoom call at some point during the day, or if my newspaper column is due. In reality, I also have to look at my calendar to know what the actual&nbsp;day is. &nbsp; It’s during this part of the year where I intentionally set two alerts on all of my calendar entries. One alert is set for “1 day before” and the second for “1 hour before” to help remind me of daily events.&nbsp; &nbsp; And it’s during this part of the year while conducting my daily morning calendar review, I will also routinely set alarms on my phone to go off approximately 30-minutes prior to any calendar entries that demand me to be at a certain place at a certain time.&nbsp; &nbsp; While it seems excessive, all of this helps me to avoid wandering through a timeless dimension exacerbated by the hustle of wheat harvest and other continuously flowing summer farm and family tasks and appointments that can easily blend into one big summer blur if not contained. &nbsp; To know what day&nbsp;it is and to be aware of what time&nbsp;it is helps me stay as grounded and focused as possible. These are the steps I take to keep moving forward and not overlook important tasks needing my attention.&nbsp; &nbsp; Whether it’s getting my kids to their games on time, delivering seed to a field at the right time, or consistently delivering our harvest crew their meals twice daily at mealtime, it’s just one of the ways I try to maintain awareness of real time&nbsp;while living in the “Harvest Zone.”

By Kim Baldwin, McPherson&nbsp;County farmer and rancher Every year around this time, the world around me has the potential to quickly turn into a continuous swirl that would be perfect for a TV series.&nbsp; &nbsp; In cinematic effect, I imagine my story would begin with a black and white tight shot of my eyes opening wide from slumber and darting back and forth in a semi-confused state. &nbsp; The background music at the start of my episode would consist of an odd pattern of guitar plinks and orchestral bursts, and over this hair-raising musical selection would include a Rod Serling-like narration: &nbsp; “You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You’re moving into a land of both shadow and substance. Of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into … the ‘Harvest Zone.’” &nbsp; Harvest crews are making their way through wheat fields in my part of the world right now. As a farming family, this begins the busy season of not only harvesting wheat from the fields while racing the summer storms, but also finishing up the planting of our fall crops, and beginning the long, hot summer days of irrigation. Sprinkle in a variety of summer activities for our kids like Vacation Bible School, baseball games and swim lessons, and you have a swirling vortex of days that leave people like me asking at times, “What day is it?”&nbsp; &nbsp; It’s during this time of the year I have to intentionally look at my calendar every morning to identify which kid has a baseball game that evening, if I have a scheduled Zoom call at some point during the day, or if my newspaper column is due. In reality, I also have to look at my calendar to know what the actual&nbsp;day is. &nbsp; It’s during this part of the year where I intentionally set two alerts on all of my calendar entries. One alert is set for “1 day before” and the second for “1 hour before” to help remind me of daily events.&nbsp; &nbsp; And it’s during this part of the year while conducting my daily morning calendar review, I will also routinely set alarms on my phone to go off approximately 30-minutes prior to any calendar entries that demand me to be at a certain place at a certain time.&nbsp; &nbsp; While it seems excessive, all of this helps me to avoid wandering through a timeless dimension exacerbated by the hustle of wheat harvest and other continuously flowing summer farm and family tasks and appointments that can easily blend into one big summer blur if not contained. &nbsp; To know what day&nbsp;it is and to be aware of what time&nbsp;it is helps me stay as grounded and focused as possible. These are the steps I take to keep moving forward and not overlook important tasks needing my attention.&nbsp; &nbsp; Whether it’s getting my kids to their games on time, delivering seed to a field at the right time, or consistently delivering our harvest crew their meals twice daily at mealtime, it’s just one of the ways I try to maintain awareness of real time&nbsp;while living in the “Harvest Zone.”

The Harvest Zone

Cleanup, repair offers may be too good to be true, says Kiss&nbsp;

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Someone knocks on your home’s door and offers a service at a reduced price, simply “because they are in the area.”&nbsp;

Or, a builder comes by offering their service at a lower cost, because “they have materials left over from a previous job.”&nbsp;

Elizabeth Kiss says you should take pause.&nbsp;

These, she says, could be scams. And they’re especially prevalent in areas where severe weather has caused damage to property and buildings – something that is a regular occurrence in Kansas.&nbsp;

“It’s important to be on the lookout for cleanup and repair scams,” said Kiss, a family resource specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “Another type of scam is called an ‘imposter scam,’ in which the scammer pretends to be someone you trust – a government official, safety inspector or utility worker – and tries to convince you to send them money or give personal information.”&nbsp;

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has published a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam" target="_blank">list of caution signs</a>&nbsp;related to home improvement scams. In addition to offers of reduced prices, some of the common tactics include:&nbsp;

Kiss urges consumers to take their time before making decisions on home repairs or improvements. When approached by a service provider, check the company’s background, and get more than one estimate.&nbsp;

“Never pay in cash,” Kiss said. “Pay a portion up front and the balance when the job is completed to your satisfaction.”&nbsp;

If you think you see a scam, she adds, “speak with someone. Report it to the local authorities and to the FTC,” which can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">https://reportfraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;

Kiss said the FTC also publishes information on how to prepare for weather emergencies and how to stay alert to disaster-related scams,<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/dealing-weather-emergencies" target="_blank">&nbsp;which is available online.</a>&nbsp;

She adds that homeowners should also do an annual review of their insurance policy.&nbsp;

“It seems like in Kansas, there is a potentially damaging storm in the state many days of the week,” Kiss said. “If it has been awhile since you reviewed your homeowners’ insurance, now is a good time to do that. Inspect and prepare your home for severe weather. Make a plan for your family and pets and get financially prepared now.”&nbsp;

Cleanup, repair offers may be too good to be true, says Kiss&nbsp;By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – Someone knocks on your home’s door and offers a service at a reduced price, simply “because they are in the area.”&nbsp;Or, a builder comes by offering their service at a lower cost, because “they have materials left over from a previous job.”&nbsp;Elizabeth Kiss says you should take pause.&nbsp;These, she says, could be scams. And they’re especially prevalent in areas where severe weather has caused damage to property and buildings – something that is a regular occurrence in Kansas.&nbsp;“It’s important to be on the lookout for cleanup and repair scams,” said Kiss, a family resource specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “Another type of scam is called an ‘imposter scam,’ in which the scammer pretends to be someone you trust – a government official, safety inspector or utility worker – and tries to convince you to send them money or give personal information.”&nbsp;The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has published a&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam" target="_blank">list of caution signs</a>&nbsp;related to home improvement scams. In addition to offers of reduced prices, some of the common tactics include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Pressuring you to make an immediate decision.&nbsp;</li><li>Asking you to pay for everything up front, or accepting only cash.&nbsp;</li><li>Asking you to get required building permits.&nbsp;</li><li>Suggesting you borrow money from a lender they know.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Kiss urges consumers to take their time before making decisions on home repairs or improvements. When approached by a service provider, check the company’s background, and get more than one estimate.&nbsp;“Never pay in cash,” Kiss said. “Pay a portion up front and the balance when the job is completed to your satisfaction.”&nbsp;If you think you see a scam, she adds, “speak with someone. Report it to the local authorities and to the FTC,” which can be done online at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">https://reportfraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;Kiss said the FTC also publishes information on how to prepare for weather emergencies and how to stay alert to disaster-related scams,<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/dealing-weather-emergencies" target="_blank">&nbsp;which is available online.</a>&nbsp;She adds that homeowners should also do an annual review of their insurance policy.&nbsp;“It seems like in Kansas, there is a potentially damaging storm in the state many days of the week,” Kiss said. “If it has been awhile since you reviewed your homeowners’ insurance, now is a good time to do that. Inspect and prepare your home for severe weather. Make a plan for your family and pets and get financially prepared now.”&nbsp;

K-State expert: Be on the lookout for weather-related scams 

There is a mental health consumer run support group in Junction City called Recovery Harbor. Spokesman R.A. McMillin-Beckman said they're growing in Junction City to help consumers support each other. "It's the Kansas Mental Health Peer Support network."

McMillin-Beckman said they're reaching out to mental health consumers primarily through Pawnee Mental Health Services. "But also just within the community and word of mouth."&nbsp;

McMillin Beckman said people with mental health illnesses are invited to join weekly support groups that they would like to start on Wednesday evenings. There will be work with the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches on this effort.

Mental health support groups help those with shared experiences support one another. "Recovery Harbor is a membership of people experiencing mental illness. You don't have to be diagnosed, you can be just the undiagnosed stressed out but also includes providers of community services as well as mental health services."

To reach McMillin-Beckman you can call 785-717-9630. He noted that Recovery Harbor is partnering with other groups and organizations in the community.

There is a mental health consumer run support group in Junction City called Recovery Harbor. Spokesman R.A. McMillin-Beckman said they're growing in Junction City to help consumers support each other. "It's the Kansas Mental Health Peer Support network."McMillin-Beckman said they're reaching out to mental health consumers primarily through Pawnee Mental Health Services. "But also just within the community and word of mouth."&nbsp;McMillin Beckman said people with mental health illnesses are invited to join weekly support groups that they would like to start on Wednesday evenings. There will be work with the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches on this effort.Mental health support groups help those with shared experiences support one another. "Recovery Harbor is a membership of people experiencing mental illness. You don't have to be diagnosed, you can be just the undiagnosed stressed out but also includes providers of community services as well as mental health services."To reach McMillin-Beckman you can call 785-717-9630. He noted that Recovery Harbor is partnering with other groups and organizations in the community.

Recovery Harbor works to form into a Consumer Run Organization

Abilene was included among the top 10 winners in the 2022 Best Historic Small Town Category in the 10 Best Readers' Choice contest conducted by USA Today.&nbsp;

Abilene finished second among Best Historic Small Towns behind only Wickford, RI. Abilene also ranked number four in 2021, number two in 2020 and number eight in 2019.

Abilene was included among the top 10 winners in the 2022 Best Historic Small Town Category in the 10 Best Readers' Choice contest conducted by USA Today.&nbsp;Abilene finished second among Best Historic Small Towns behind only Wickford, RI. Abilene also ranked number four in 2021, number two in 2020 and number eight in 2019.

Abilene finishes second in Best Historic Small Town

Juneteenth recognizes the formal extension of the liberties enumerated in the Declaration of Independence to Black Americans whose freedom and dignity were for so long denied.

According to a social media post by Fort Riley Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021 and is the first new federal holiday since the recognition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in 1983. 

This year, June 19 was on a Sunday so the federal holiday will be observed on Monday.

Juneteenth recognizes the formal extension of the liberties enumerated in the Declaration of Independence to Black Americans whose freedom and dignity were for so long denied.According to a social media post by Fort Riley Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021 and is the first new federal holiday since the recognition of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in 1983. This year, June 19 was on a Sunday so the federal holiday will be observed on Monday.

Federal holiday for Juneteenth will be Monday

There will be a June Lunch &amp; Learn scheduled Thursday, June 23 at noon central time either in person or online. at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The program will be held in the library building auditorium and will begin promptly at noon. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis.

Continuing with our theme of “The Making of a Leader,” guest speaker MAJ Evan T. Perperis will speak with about Leadership, Loss and Lessons From the War on Terror. Perperis is an active duty Army Special Forces Major currently assigned to 1st Infantry Division as the Community Engagements Officer and Big Red One Year of the Family Physical Strength lead.&nbsp;Over the last 18 years, he’s spent 44 months of time in combat zones including the cities of Baghdad, Mahmudiya and Samarra in Iraq. During his free time he is a professional Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) athlete.&nbsp;His military and OCR accomplishments are chronicled in his book Ultra-OCR Man: From Special Forces Soldier to Record Setting Obstacle Course Racing Athlete and the upcoming documentary Ultra-OCR Man scheduled for release in Summer 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp; JOIN IN PERSON!

There will be a June Lunch &amp; Learn scheduled Thursday, June 23 at noon central time either in person or online. at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The program will be held in the library building auditorium and will begin promptly at noon. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis. Continuing with our theme of “The Making of a Leader,” guest speaker MAJ Evan T. Perperis will speak with about Leadership, Loss and Lessons From the War on Terror. Perperis is an active duty Army Special Forces Major currently assigned to 1st Infantry Division as the Community Engagements Officer and Big Red One Year of the Family Physical Strength lead.&nbsp;Over the last 18 years, he’s spent 44 months of time in combat zones including the cities of Baghdad, Mahmudiya and Samarra in Iraq. During his free time he is a professional Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) athlete.&nbsp;His military and OCR accomplishments are chronicled in his book Ultra-OCR Man: From Special Forces Soldier to Record Setting Obstacle Course Racing Athlete and the upcoming documentary Ultra-OCR Man scheduled for release in Summer 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp; JOIN IN PERSON!<ul>
 <li>Library building auditorium</li><li>Arrive by 11:45 a.m.</li><li>Box lunch provided on a first come, first served basis</li><li>Park in the south parking lot nearest the library building</li>
 </ul> JOIN ONLINE!<ul>
 <li><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001HFaB3d-GpySCx59HUbP68EHSPOC2fKVQDIDjpuv-wtS7-Ch9aLg29w0wWJV7gqToq8KsZe23lNGd6si37wO5If08pbkTFW1gBhml8SB5eCVU3aNyZRGhgfzwv9K1prr8jWI4QRVRy2APM6ujwOPCg08545VduZTU&amp;c=T55ZlqwCXOwVRZWu3zBH9p8lceDkWI1Kub648p99BknvSrNebvtxFg==&amp;ch=a9meK2M3DhiVxUgspV5ZmgPkWmX_Tl6gUery3w2CAz8D0mE4T1uiyg==" target="_blank">Register in advance</a>&nbsp;and join via Zoom.</li><li>Please connect at least 10 minutes before noon.</li>
 </ul>

Eisenhower Presidential Library will host Lunch & Learn

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

GYPSUM - The Knopf family had some high-powered harvest help Saturday as U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and new Kansas State University President Richard Linton visited the farm just northwest of Gypsum.

Justin Knopf said his family had just started harvesting wheat on Friday. Although he has yet to be able to determine yield, he did say that the moisture content of the wheat was approximately 10 percent, which was under the limit of 13 percent moisture. Knopf said that he expected yields to be below average, in part because of dry conditions earlier in the growing season.

With soaring temperatures and drying winds, wheat harvest has moved quickly into the heartland of Kansas, causing some farmers to scramble and others, like the Knopfs, to juggle multiple farming tasks under time and weather restraints, such as spring seeding, putting up hay, taking care of weeds, and, of course, wheat harvest.

"Everything's kind of stacked up," Knopf said. "All of us farmers are scrambling, trying to get our spring crops, milo mostly now, milo and a few soy beans finished up before the moisture leaves. We been at 100 degrees to upper 90s every day, so evaporation rates are really high, so we're putting a priority on getting that crop in." 

Knopf said that while he wasn't trying to make a political statement, he did believe the weather has become more extreme. He noted that the area had gone from drought conditions to having 10-to-11 inches of rain to then being hit with 100-degree weather within a matter of a few months.

"It is incredibly challenging to grow things with that type of extremes," Knopf said.

The evolution of harvest storage in Kansas

Knopf noted that when he was growing up, farmers utilized the small-town grain elevators.

"When I was young, we would haul all of our grain to Kipp or to Gypsum. There were rail spurs going out to all those little grain elevators. So that's what it was like 30 years ago," Knopf said.

Now, the rail spurs have been taken out and the farms have grown in size, prompting farmers to haul their grain to larger terminal elevators.

"So all our grain goes into Salina to Scoular, Cargill, and ADM," he said.

Knopf said he knew of farmers 100 miles away who would arrange for their grain to be trucked to the big terminal elevators at Salina.

During the visit, Linton provided an update on a project K-State has been working on for a number of years that he said would affect farmers.

He said the university received money from the State of Kansas to support an agriculture innovation project.

"The idea is to be able to build a $125 million integrated project which takes advantage of agronomy, grain science, milling, feed science, food animal, and food science," Linton said. 

The university plans to renovate Call Hall and Weber Hall into a new facility that also will support grain science and milling, he explained.

"So Schellenberger will go away and we'll now be able to walk into a facility that says we are No. 1 in the world and we're moving forward," Linton told the group.

Additionally, plans are in the works for a new agronomy research and development center that will be located by the agronomy farms near the football stadium, he said. The center will be two facilities. One to support laboratory research and development and the other to support field science.

"The project will happen fast. We have to have all of the projects done by December 2026, which is when the state-directed dollars because of COVID must be spent," Linton said. "So you're likely to hear about this project a lot over the next couple of weeks and couple of months. It's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise this industry."

"What happens at Kansas State University is among the most important things that determine the future for much of Kansas, and certainly our part of Kansas, and to have a dean of a college of agriculture now the president, that's a great development," Moran said.

Linton smiled and said, "Eat your Wheaties. Put on your crash helment. Fasten your seatbelt."

Knopf said farmers are thinking more about integration, including integration into the supply chain.

"We had Bimbo Bakeries, the largest baker in the world, I believe, at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, some of their upper management, not just a week ago, two weeks ago. So they were there talking about regenerative agriculture, but also just about grain quality, how the baking industry is changing, how the wheat varieties that are flowing in, wheat that's going into their bakeries needs certain characteristics, consistency so that integration across the stakeholders is increasingly more relevant," he said.

What does that mean for wheat farmers like Knopf? It has become increasingly more important for Knopf to not only determine what varieties of wheat will do well on the types of soil his family farms while factoring in for potential weather conditions, bit also to determine what types of wheat will yield the types of grain needed for the baking industry.

"Yield and agronomics has to lead that, but we will certainly make decisions based on quality when we're deciding," Knopf said.

Farming a long-standing family tradition

Knopf noted that he and his brother, Jeff, are the fifth generation of farmers in their family. They farm with their immediate families, and their parents, Jerry and Karlene. He also showed a grouping of historic family photos, talking about some of the farmers that came before him.

Before the group headed to the field, Knopf thanked Moran and Linton for their visit to the farm.

"The honor is ours," Linton said. "This is gonna be, I don't know if Jerry knows how much fun he's gonna have, but this is gonna be maybe the most fun day I've had since I've been at Kansas State. This is like comfort for me. So we're ready to rock and roll."

And with that, the group headed out to harvest some wheat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655603958132.jpeg" alt="Justin Knopf, right, talks with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, left, and K-State President&nbsp;Richard Linton, as members of Knopf's family look on. Salina Post photos" />
 <figcaption>Justin Knopf, right, talks with U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, left, and K-State President&nbsp;Richard Linton, as members of Knopf's family look on. Salina Post photos</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostGYPSUM - The Knopf family had some high-powered harvest help Saturday as U.S. Senator Jerry Moran and new Kansas State University President Richard Linton visited the farm just northwest of Gypsum.Justin Knopf said his family had just started harvesting wheat on Friday. Although he has yet to be able to determine yield, he did say that the moisture content of the wheat was approximately 10 percent, which was under the limit of 13 percent moisture. Knopf said that he expected yields to be below average, in part because of dry conditions earlier in the growing season.Farmers are scramblingWith soaring temperatures and drying winds, wheat harvest has moved quickly into the heartland of Kansas, causing some farmers to scramble and others, like the Knopfs, to juggle multiple farming tasks under time and weather restraints, such as spring seeding, putting up hay, taking care of weeds, and, of course, wheat harvest."Everything's kind of stacked up," Knopf said. "All of us farmers are scrambling, trying to get our spring crops, milo mostly now, milo and a few soy beans finished up before the moisture leaves. We been at 100 degrees to upper 90s every day, so evaporation rates are really high, so we're putting a priority on getting that crop in." Knopf said that while he wasn't trying to make a political statement, he did believe the weather has become more extreme. He noted that the area had gone from drought conditions to having 10-to-11 inches of rain to then being hit with 100-degree weather within a matter of a few months."It is incredibly challenging to grow things with that type of extremes," Knopf said.The evolution of harvest storage in KansasKnopf noted that when he was growing up, farmers utilized the small-town grain elevators."When I was young, we would haul all of our grain to Kipp or to Gypsum. There were rail spurs going out to all those little grain elevators. So that's what it was like 30 years ago," Knopf said.Now, the rail spurs have been taken out and the farms have grown in size, prompting farmers to haul their grain to larger terminal elevators."So all our grain goes into Salina to Scoular, Cargill, and ADM," he said.Knopf said he knew of farmers 100 miles away who would arrange for their grain to be trucked to the big terminal elevators at Salina.A K-State project updateDuring the visit, Linton provided an update on a project K-State has been working on for a number of years that he said would affect farmers.He said the university received money from the State of Kansas to support an agriculture innovation project."The idea is to be able to build a $125 million integrated project which takes advantage of agronomy, grain science, milling, feed science, food animal, and food science," Linton said. The university plans to renovate Call Hall and Weber Hall into a new facility that also will support grain science and milling, he explained."So Schellenberger will go away and we'll now be able to walk into a facility that says we are No. 1 in the world and we're moving forward," Linton told the group.Additionally, plans are in the works for a new agronomy research and development center that will be located by the agronomy farms near the football stadium, he said. The center will be two facilities. One to support laboratory research and development and the other to support field science."The project will happen fast. We have to have all of the projects done by December 2026, which is when the state-directed dollars because of COVID must be spent," Linton said. "So you're likely to hear about this project a lot over the next couple of weeks and couple of months. It's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise this industry.""What happens at Kansas State University is among the most important things that determine the future for much of Kansas, and certainly our part of Kansas, and to have a dean of a college of agriculture now the president, that's a great development," Moran said.Linton smiled and said, "Eat your Wheaties. Put on your crash helment. Fasten your seatbelt."Integration important to farmingKnopf said farmers are thinking more about integration, including integration into the supply chain."We had Bimbo Bakeries, the largest baker in the world, I believe, at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, some of their upper management, not just a week ago, two weeks ago. So they were there talking about regenerative agriculture, but also just about grain quality, how the baking industry is changing, how the wheat varieties that are flowing in, wheat that's going into their bakeries needs certain characteristics, consistency so that integration across the stakeholders is increasingly more relevant," he said.What does that mean for wheat farmers like Knopf? It has become increasingly more important for Knopf to not only determine what varieties of wheat will do well on the types of soil his family farms while factoring in for potential weather conditions, bit also to determine what types of wheat will yield the types of grain needed for the baking industry."Yield and agronomics has to lead that, but we will certainly make decisions based on quality when we're deciding," Knopf said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655603657992.jpeg" alt="Knopf shows&nbsp; Linton some of the farmers in his family that came before him." />
 <figcaption>Knopf shows&nbsp; Linton some of the farmers in his family that came before him.</figcaption>
 </figure>Farming a long-standing family traditionKnopf noted that he and his brother, Jeff, are the fifth generation of farmers in their family. They farm with their immediate families, and their parents, Jerry and Karlene. He also showed a grouping of historic family photos, talking about some of the farmers that came before him.The most fun dayBefore the group headed to the field, Knopf thanked Moran and Linton for their visit to the farm."The honor is ours," Linton said. "This is gonna be, I don't know if Jerry knows how much fun he's gonna have, but this is gonna be maybe the most fun day I've had since I've been at Kansas State. This is like comfort for me. So we're ready to rock and roll."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655603777432.jpeg" alt="Justin Knopf and Linton start to move the combine out to cut some wheat as Moran (black shirt) and others look on." />
 <figcaption>Justin Knopf and Linton start to move the combine out to cut some wheat as Moran (black shirt) and others look on.</figcaption>
 </figure>And with that, the group headed out to harvest some wheat.

Moran, KSU president take in harvest at farm near Gypsum

This is part three in a series on former Kansas State University football coach Bill Snyder. This story touches on his life after coaching football.

During an appearance at a Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel convention in Junction City this past week the former K-State football coach Bill Snyder was asked about what he is doing now. One is serving as a speaker at a variety of different functions. "It's for good causes and this is obviously an extremely good cause."

Snyder has five children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He stays in contact with them. "I try to stay in touch. Now some of the great grandchildren are too young to communicate with on the telephone but all the rest that are I visit with every single day on the telephone. That's important to me. "

The former coach also noted that there are many programs that have become significant to him. "I'm heavily invested in the Kansas State University Leadership School. That has been significant. We have what we call the Snyder Leadership Fellows. I didn't name that but somebody else did." That involves a group of leaders that come through a program he works with on occasion each year.&nbsp;

He is involved in a state level Kansas leadership program and multiple other Kansas State University, community and state programs. "I get to pick and choose so I don't run myself ragged with that."

Snyder is also busy with a lot of correspondence. "That's one thing I've always stayed up with. I'm responsive, kind of felt an obligation to respond to correspondence that I get. " Snyder added that people are very gracious so he keeps up with the correspondence.

In addition to serving as a coach, which is a teaching job, Snyder was a high school teacher for many years early in his career. At Kansas State he served as the head football coach from 1989 until 2005 and again from 2009 until 2018. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and was the recipient of numerous conference and national coach of the year honors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655607376713.jpeg" alt="Bill Snyder speaking to the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel convention in Junction City." />
 <figcaption>Bill Snyder speaking to the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel convention in Junction City.</figcaption>
 </figure>This is part three in a series on former Kansas State University football coach Bill Snyder. This story touches on his life after coaching football.During an appearance at a Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel convention in Junction City this past week the former K-State football coach Bill Snyder was asked about what he is doing now. One is serving as a speaker at a variety of different functions. "It's for good causes and this is obviously an extremely good cause."Snyder has five children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He stays in contact with them. "I try to stay in touch. Now some of the great grandchildren are too young to communicate with on the telephone but all the rest that are I visit with every single day on the telephone. That's important to me. "The former coach also noted that there are many programs that have become significant to him. "I'm heavily invested in the Kansas State University Leadership School. That has been significant. We have what we call the Snyder Leadership Fellows. I didn't name that but somebody else did." That involves a group of leaders that come through a program he works with on occasion each year.&nbsp;He is involved in a state level Kansas leadership program and multiple other Kansas State University, community and state programs. "I get to pick and choose so I don't run myself ragged with that."Snyder is also busy with a lot of correspondence. "That's one thing I've always stayed up with. I'm responsive, kind of felt an obligation to respond to correspondence that I get. " Snyder added that people are very gracious so he keeps up with the correspondence.In addition to serving as a coach, which is a teaching job, Snyder was a high school teacher for many years early in his career. At Kansas State he served as the head football coach from 1989 until 2005 and again from 2009 until 2018. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and was the recipient of numerous conference and national coach of the year honors.

Bill Snyder has plenty to do following his retirement from football

Sixteen volunteers led by Phyllis Fitzgerald spent Saturday morning working on cleanup and beautification of the East Chestnut Street entrance just off I-70 to Junction City

Some work remains&nbsp; to be done, but this is a photo after the effort.

( Photos courtesy of Phyllis Fitzgerald )

This was the appearance before the work began.

Volunteers pulled the weeds and city employees hauled those weeds away. Fitzgerald noted as a community they were just coming together and helping the City clean up the roundabout.

Sixteen volunteers led by Phyllis Fitzgerald spent Saturday morning working on cleanup and beautification of the East Chestnut Street entrance just off I-70 to Junction CitySome work remains&nbsp; to be done, but this is a photo after the effort.( Photos courtesy of Phyllis Fitzgerald )<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655603527817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This was the appearance before the work began.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655603790683.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Volunteers pulled the weeds and city employees hauled those weeds away. Fitzgerald noted as a community they were just coming together and helping the City clean up the roundabout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655604174235.jpeg" alt="Phyllis Fitzgerald working." />
 <figcaption>Phyllis Fitzgerald working.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655604200659.jpeg" alt="Community volunteers working." />
 <figcaption>Community volunteers working.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Volunteers clean up the East Chestnut Street entrance

Members of the community participated in the Adult Corporate Pinewood Derby hosted at Jim Clark Chevrolet Friday night to help raise funds for the Coronado Area Council Boy Scouts.

 One of the coordinators, Willie Thornberg,&nbsp; said the event was a blast. "We did the rental car, the rental rocket so you didn't have to slave over a rental car, but you certainly could if you wanted to." There was an auction for first pick of the rental rockets. "It has just been an absolute hoot."

A fast car could cover the track in about three seconds at about 230 miles per hour. "They go four at a time, there's four different tracks, and each car runs in each track, said Thornberg.

Organizers hope to make this an annual event.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655603113008.jpeg" alt="Derby cars ( Photo courtesy of Phyllis Fitzgerald )" />
 <figcaption>Derby cars ( Photo courtesy of Phyllis Fitzgerald )</figcaption>
 </figure>Members of the community participated in the Adult Corporate Pinewood Derby hosted at Jim Clark Chevrolet Friday night to help raise funds for the Coronado Area Council Boy Scouts. One of the coordinators, Willie Thornberg,&nbsp; said the event was a blast. "We did the rental car, the rental rocket so you didn't have to slave over a rental car, but you certainly could if you wanted to." There was an auction for first pick of the rental rockets. "It has just been an absolute hoot."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655601402598.jpeg" alt="Photo of cars racing with Willie Thornberg ( left ) on the race call." />
 <figcaption>Photo of cars racing with Willie Thornberg ( left ) on the race call.</figcaption>
 </figure>A fast car could cover the track in about three seconds at about 230 miles per hour. "They go four at a time, there's four different tracks, and each car runs in each track, said Thornberg.Organizers hope to make this an annual event.

Adult Corporate Pinewood Derby supports Boy Scouts

Johnson Cremations Funerals &amp; Receptions has confirmed the death of Mick Wunder, 65, Junction City. He died at his home Saturday morning. 

Wunder served four terms as Junction City mayor. Funeral arrangements are pending at Johnson Cremations Funerals &amp; Receptions.

Johnson Cremations Funerals &amp; Receptions has confirmed the death of Mick Wunder, 65, Junction City. He died at his home Saturday morning. Wunder served four terms as Junction City mayor. Funeral arrangements are pending at Johnson Cremations Funerals &amp; Receptions.

Former Mayor Mick Wunder has passed away

On the evening hours on June 16th and June 17th, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency and the County Attorney’s Office, conducted a directed enforcement operation within Geary County.

During the 16 hour operation 17 arrests were made. The operation totaled 11 drug cases, 9 of which were for methamphetamine, fentanyl and/or “Dirty 30” pills (fentanyl-laced opioid pills). The operation recovered 1 stolen firearm; had a Driving Under the Influence arrest and cleared 6 active arrest warrants.

On the evening hours on June 16th and June 17th, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency and the County Attorney’s Office, conducted a directed enforcement operation within Geary County.During the 16 hour operation 17 arrests were made. The operation totaled 11 drug cases, 9 of which were for methamphetamine, fentanyl and/or “Dirty 30” pills (fentanyl-laced opioid pills). The operation recovered 1 stolen firearm; had a Driving Under the Influence arrest and cleared 6 active arrest warrants.

Sheriff's Department conducts enforcement operation

WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is responding to and assisting those impacted by the storms and other natural disasters in the state. In a statement from his office Mann wrote.

"Early Monday morning, I visited Manhattan to see some of the storm damage around the Kansas State University campus that occurred last weekend when a tornado and severe storms hit the Riley and Marshall county areas.:

&nbsp;"During the week, Kansans in the southwest part of the state faced wildfires north of Garden City, and lost cattle. Please keep all the communities affected by these tragic events in your prayers. My staff and I are available to help you in any way that we can; please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need information on resources that may be available near you."

Farmers and ranchers impacted by severe, inclement weather including wildfires can contact their&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FR9FoEWrwkele1DxCH8cSA-6JcVLGlt62OEeLbw8mGdb_zTcBKMy_IIzMWrRJ_Kv1x1NxDWoj0K0ElnX-26ygIdfjm4TVNNJoGVh878ZxK7FNGks1LY816AAJa8VB_XZj5faXQKtKaPrNO2GyPPZ1OXIFxgFLQy2nPMTuFBnb5coNusIuupHXb0X2c17WU5xz08HApjyzoF7HhDm8496IQ==&amp;c=xo6tZ6i9z-vk3kkf_mylNJBIUF30MndW2CahXGj0Ouhh3nf0MSsC2Q==&amp;ch=t3C1_ET_h2fMn6TvVs1hfpBV21kqyGFyYqzBCAZv4wAU7jCmEnDjYw==" target="_blank">local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office</a>&nbsp;for more information on these federal resources:

"Thank you, to all the first responders who are helping those who were affected by the storms and natural disasters. If you have questions about resources that may be available to you or need help finding your local Farm Service Agency, please contact my office."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655072218324.png" alt="Tornado damage in Manhattan -photo Riley Co. Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage in Manhattan -photo Riley Co. Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann is responding to and assisting those impacted by the storms and other natural disasters in the state. In a statement from his office Mann wrote."Early Monday morning, I visited Manhattan to see some of the storm damage around the Kansas State University campus that occurred last weekend when a tornado and severe storms hit the Riley and Marshall county areas.:&nbsp;"During the week, Kansans in the southwest part of the state faced wildfires north of Garden City, and lost cattle. Please keep all the communities affected by these tragic events in your prayers. My staff and I are available to help you in any way that we can; please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need information on resources that may be available near you."Farmers and ranchers impacted by severe, inclement weather including wildfires can contact their&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FR9FoEWrwkele1DxCH8cSA-6JcVLGlt62OEeLbw8mGdb_zTcBKMy_IIzMWrRJ_Kv1x1NxDWoj0K0ElnX-26ygIdfjm4TVNNJoGVh878ZxK7FNGks1LY816AAJa8VB_XZj5faXQKtKaPrNO2GyPPZ1OXIFxgFLQy2nPMTuFBnb5coNusIuupHXb0X2c17WU5xz08HApjyzoF7HhDm8496IQ==&amp;c=xo6tZ6i9z-vk3kkf_mylNJBIUF30MndW2CahXGj0Ouhh3nf0MSsC2Q==&amp;ch=t3C1_ET_h2fMn6TvVs1hfpBV21kqyGFyYqzBCAZv4wAU7jCmEnDjYw==" target="_blank">local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office</a>&nbsp;for more information on these federal resources: <ul>
 <li>The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FR9FoEWrwkele1DxCH8cSA-6JcVLGlt62OEeLbw8mGdb_zTcBKMy_IIzMWrRJ_KvuMx9AEzld-7sgk2PBJ1eT7vt6pDPg0s_Rwsa-C3QFi-bN37toqXc4Yq9_OV3oxBK6P720vmzNUseDG3Gr1l8zL0dLe-lmHiZOuiI2XWpLM48p6xXY85S2zIPK_qtZ1U5yJe2HCWjh_jfQwO4FkUrkAHywHjhckt5AnvP24j4W6El6m_Zw3o-tWSdKXKWQldh&amp;c=xo6tZ6i9z-vk3kkf_mylNJBIUF30MndW2CahXGj0Ouhh3nf0MSsC2Q==&amp;ch=t3C1_ET_h2fMn6TvVs1hfpBV21kqyGFyYqzBCAZv4wAU7jCmEnDjYw==" target="_blank">Emergency Conservation Program</a>&nbsp;helps farmers and ranchers repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters, including down fences.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FR9FoEWrwkele1DxCH8cSA-6JcVLGlt62OEeLbw8mGdb_zTcBKMy_IIzMWrRJ_KvYr2UFlhljk4bboewNUjbOGty9txnPBz2CCqjIrDIapvDR0W6EU6Q6iA5XbcQmuB9jdhoTXU3f915EnqJiD7S1rVv5G4Yhj6ut9WBSPq2g86EkLadd80XKhjDpAjHCCiiAIwWGsECLgETZvvlfQYlgFSi4sJnOpCkhAv10Cbz_l40CRUF0CFijg-M2s4Lu_0a&amp;c=xo6tZ6i9z-vk3kkf_mylNJBIUF30MndW2CahXGj0Ouhh3nf0MSsC2Q==&amp;ch=t3C1_ET_h2fMn6TvVs1hfpBV21kqyGFyYqzBCAZv4wAU7jCmEnDjYw==" target="_blank">Livestock Indemnity Program</a>&nbsp;provides benefits up to 75% of the fair market value of livestock to producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FR9FoEWrwkele1DxCH8cSA-6JcVLGlt62OEeLbw8mGdb_zTcBKMy_IIzMWrRJ_KvOH1_wjKvca9klTi5yXlbHi2XCRjczTln7RuoMEjWNWOrn-SDYoY1B__jIofJJjv6BCkDC0Uf3kAneJQn3MxiwKuePagbGYFJeoGXtCJzxg4iXs4SOBd59nP1ELrUcIMd-X2eLvIlQQ1h6KohLvPAOELkhVWbeoZm29HXa6cv85iRM1p78XaXCkFsGGD5ZDcW9s88kH3pRzmGuV2TDmfpAqMilFVLJyuv&amp;c=xo6tZ6i9z-vk3kkf_mylNJBIUF30MndW2CahXGj0Ouhh3nf0MSsC2Q==&amp;ch=t3C1_ET_h2fMn6TvVs1hfpBV21kqyGFyYqzBCAZv4wAU7jCmEnDjYw==" target="_blank">Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program</a>&nbsp;provides financial assistance to livestock producers for losses due to adverse weather events, including wildfires, and can cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing.</li>
 </ul> "Thank you, to all the first responders who are helping those who were affected by the storms and natural disasters. If you have questions about resources that may be available to you or need help finding your local Farm Service Agency, please contact my office."

Rep. Tracey Mann offers resources for those impacted by storm

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 2.3% in May. This was a decrease from 2.4% in April and a decrease from 3.4% in May 2021.

“Both monthly labor market surveys indicate little change over the month for Kansas,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “However, a small increase in employment estimates from the household survey caused the unemployment rate to decrease to 2.3% in May.” 

Jobless rates across most of northeast Kansas rose slightly, although the highest area rate was Geary County's 3.5 percent. Riley County jobless rate rose from 1.9 to 2.4 percent in May. Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Dickinson Counties are also up slightly but at or below 2.5 percent.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.  Private sector jobs decreased by 1,200 over the month, while government increased by 100.

“Although private sector job estimates showed no significant change over the month, an increase in the number of jobs and hours worked compared to May 2021 shows strength in the Kansas job market,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “At the same time, inflation continues to offset wage growth with real hourly earnings declining over the year.”

Since May 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 19,200 private sector jobs and a decrease of 800 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655476542600.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 2.3% in May. This was a decrease from 2.4% in April and a decrease from 3.4% in May 2021.“Both monthly labor market surveys indicate little change over the month for Kansas,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “However, a small increase in employment estimates from the household survey caused the unemployment rate to decrease to 2.3% in May.” Jobless rates across most of northeast Kansas rose slightly, although the highest area rate was Geary County's 3.5 percent. Riley County jobless rate rose from 1.9 to 2.4 percent in May. Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Dickinson Counties are also up slightly but at or below 2.5 percent.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,200 over the month, while government increased by 100.“Although private sector job estimates showed no significant change over the month, an increase in the number of jobs and hours worked compared to May 2021 shows strength in the Kansas job market,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “At the same time, inflation continues to offset wage growth with real hourly earnings declining over the year.”Since May 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 18,400. This change is due to an increase of 19,200 private sector jobs and a decrease of 800 government jobs.

Geary County jobless rate up slightly 

This is part two in a series on former K-State football coach Bill Snyder. This story focuses on how Snyder was contacted and then became interested in becoming the head football at Kansas State.

Former Kansas State University Athletic Director Steve Miller was persistent in his pursuit of Bill Snyder for the Wildcat head football coaching job. At the time Snyder was the offensive coordinator for the Iowa Hawkeyes.&nbsp;

During a presentation to the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel in Junction City this week the coach humorously related how Miller had called Snyder multiple times to see if he would come to Manhattan to interview for the Kansas State coaching job, but Snyder had always said no. Miller didn't give up, explained the coach, who remembered a Sunday afternoon in Iowa City when two men that he didn't know came to the door of his home.&nbsp; One introduced himself as Steve Miller. "He asked if he could come in and of course we invited him in and he went through everything again."

During the two hour visit Miller posed a question that was explained by Snyder and had the audience of retired educators chuckling. "Coach do you have a spare bedroom upstairs, and I said why do you ask? He said I'm not leaving until you decide that you will at least come to Manhattan and see if it's a job that you would like to have." 

Snyder game in and made the trip to Manhattan. "I flew down to Manhattan with no intent to accept the job but I wanted to see if I couldn't get Steve, what do you say, off my back." At K-State Miller took Snyder into the Legends Room which was full of people ranging from professors and administrators to students and other community members all of whom were trying to tell the coach why he should be at Kansas State University.&nbsp; Snyder said he pulled University President Jon Wefald and asked him if could arrange for someone to take him on campus. "I want to go spend an hour on campus. He said why do you want to do that? I said I just want to go see the campus."

Snyder noted that he was given a ride to the middle of the campus where he spent the next hour stopping people who didn't know who he was and visited with them. "I didn't tell them why I was there and I just asked questions about the community, about the students, about the university, about the athletic department, about anything and everything that I could think of." Upon returning to Wefald Snyder told him he would visit with his family. "I may be interested. He said what changed your mind and I said the people. I was so impressed by the gracious people that I met, students, faculty, visitors to the campus and that's what took me to Kansas State University."

Snyder would guide Wildcat football to a pair of Big 12 championships and numerous bowl game victories during two stints as head coach at Kansas State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655497270230.jpeg" alt="Bill Snyder talked with a fan during a Junction City appearance this week" />
 <figcaption>Bill Snyder talked with a fan during a Junction City appearance this week</figcaption>
 </figure>This is part two in a series on former K-State football coach Bill Snyder. This story focuses on how Snyder was contacted and then became interested in becoming the head football at Kansas State.Former Kansas State University Athletic Director Steve Miller was persistent in his pursuit of Bill Snyder for the Wildcat head football coaching job. At the time Snyder was the offensive coordinator for the Iowa Hawkeyes.&nbsp;During a presentation to the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel in Junction City this week the coach humorously related how Miller had called Snyder multiple times to see if he would come to Manhattan to interview for the Kansas State coaching job, but Snyder had always said no. Miller didn't give up, explained the coach, who remembered a Sunday afternoon in Iowa City when two men that he didn't know came to the door of his home.&nbsp; One introduced himself as Steve Miller. "He asked if he could come in and of course we invited him in and he went through everything again."During the two hour visit Miller posed a question that was explained by Snyder and had the audience of retired educators chuckling. "Coach do you have a spare bedroom upstairs, and I said why do you ask? He said I'm not leaving until you decide that you will at least come to Manhattan and see if it's a job that you would like to have." Snyder game in and made the trip to Manhattan. "I flew down to Manhattan with no intent to accept the job but I wanted to see if I couldn't get Steve, what do you say, off my back." At K-State Miller took Snyder into the Legends Room which was full of people ranging from professors and administrators to students and other community members all of whom were trying to tell the coach why he should be at Kansas State University.&nbsp; Snyder said he pulled University President Jon Wefald and asked him if could arrange for someone to take him on campus. "I want to go spend an hour on campus. He said why do you want to do that? I said I just want to go see the campus."Snyder noted that he was given a ride to the middle of the campus where he spent the next hour stopping people who didn't know who he was and visited with them. "I didn't tell them why I was there and I just asked questions about the community, about the students, about the university, about the athletic department, about anything and everything that I could think of." Upon returning to Wefald Snyder told him he would visit with his family. "I may be interested. He said what changed your mind and I said the people. I was so impressed by the gracious people that I met, students, faculty, visitors to the campus and that's what took me to Kansas State University."Snyder would guide Wildcat football to a pair of Big 12 championships and numerous bowl game victories during two stints as head coach at Kansas State.

Bill Snyder explains how his Kansas State journey began

Work to repair the Riverwalk Trail that runs from Fort Riley along the north side of the Republican River north Junction City is complete. Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council Director for the Chamber of Commerce, said the river and rain washed away a portion of the trail and was going to become dangerous. "I started reaching out to the Kansas National Guard. They have an engineer unit ( DET 1 242nd Engineer Company) and I knew that they could do annual training sometimes to help communities out so I reached out to them."

They spent about a week and a half working on the project, said Bender. "Coordinating with David Walker who provided us all the materials, moved about 400 tons of rock and cleared out a brand new trail." It was moved back from the river about 75 feet and is designed to keep people from accidentally falling in the river." They put berms up at the front and back entrance to force people on the new route. So they cleared it out with skid steers and chainsaws." Rock was then brought in from a quarry.

The site includes a stretch of about 200 feet located approximately 100 feet east of U.S. 77.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655490501649.jpeg" alt="Kansas National Guard contingent worked to repair the Riverwalk Trail" />
 <figcaption>Kansas National Guard contingent worked to repair the Riverwalk Trail</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostWork to repair the Riverwalk Trail that runs from Fort Riley along the north side of the Republican River north Junction City is complete. Craig Bender, Military Affairs Council Director for the Chamber of Commerce, said the river and rain washed away a portion of the trail and was going to become dangerous. "I started reaching out to the Kansas National Guard. They have an engineer unit ( DET 1 242nd Engineer Company) and I knew that they could do annual training sometimes to help communities out so I reached out to them."( Photos courtesy of Craig Bender )<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655490456311.jpeg" alt="Site before the work began" />
 <figcaption>Site before the work began</figcaption>
 </figure>They spent about a week and a half working on the project, said Bender. "Coordinating with David Walker who provided us all the materials, moved about 400 tons of rock and cleared out a brand new trail." It was moved back from the river about 75 feet and is designed to keep people from accidentally falling in the river." They put berms up at the front and back entrance to force people on the new route. So they cleared it out with skid steers and chainsaws." Rock was then brought in from a quarry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655490478208.jpeg" alt="Photo was taken while work was in progress." />
 <figcaption>Photo was taken while work was in progress.</figcaption>
 </figure>The site includes a stretch of about 200 feet located approximately 100 feet east of U.S. 77.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655490428808.jpeg" alt="Finished trail project" />
 <figcaption>Finished trail project</figcaption>
 </figure>

Riverwalk Trail repairs are complete

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Miss Kansas pageant executive director Stephanie Harris.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Miss Kansas director Stephenie Harris" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k6afi-1252504-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Miss Kansas pageant executive director Stephanie Harris.

🎤Forward Ever: Miss Kansas executive director Stephenie Harris

&nbsp;Geary County Emergency Management has announced that repairs have been completed.

Residents in the Cedar Estates, Farnum Creek area are without water as the service line was damaged by contractors working in the area. Repairs are being made. The information was provided through the Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System.

UPDATE:&nbsp;Geary County Emergency Management has announced that repairs have been completed.---Residents in the Cedar Estates, Farnum Creek area are without water as the service line was damaged by contractors working in the area. Repairs are being made. The information was provided through the Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System.

Water line break occurs in northern Geary County

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged aggravated assault in Manhattan.

Just before noon Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated assault near the intersection of Fort Riley Blvd. and S. Seth Child Rd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 71-year-old man reported a 20-year-old male suspect threatened him while holding a gun. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged aggravated assault in Manhattan.Just before noon Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated assault near the intersection of Fort Riley Blvd. and S. Seth Child Rd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 71-year-old man reported a 20-year-old male suspect threatened him while holding a gun. The RCPD released no additional details.

RCPD: Suspect threatened 71-year-old with a gun

Combines will soon be rolling in Geary County wheat fields. Harvest time should arrive in the next few days.

Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent, has been talking with local wheat producers. "It is getting very close. Several I've talked to are thinking they're going to try to test cut on Monday. " Otte added at this point we're within a matter of days.

Otte noted he not overly optimistic about the harvest this year. "We had that heat and dry weather especially in early May. Then it turned off wet and cool and now it just went back to that blast furnace in nothing flat. That's going to hurt the yield, it's going to hurt test weights. I think it's going, to be kind, a lackluster harvest. "

Otte estimated that there are approximately 7,000 to 8,000 acres of wheat planted this year in Geary County, down from about 20,000 acres a few years ago.

Combines will soon be rolling in Geary County wheat fields. Harvest time should arrive in the next few days.Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent, has been talking with local wheat producers. "It is getting very close. Several I've talked to are thinking they're going to try to test cut on Monday. " Otte added at this point we're within a matter of days.Otte noted he not overly optimistic about the harvest this year. "We had that heat and dry weather especially in early May. Then it turned off wet and cool and now it just went back to that blast furnace in nothing flat. That's going to hurt the yield, it's going to hurt test weights. I think it's going, to be kind, a lackluster harvest. "Otte estimated that there are approximately 7,000 to 8,000 acres of wheat planted this year in Geary County, down from about 20,000 acres a few years ago.

Wheat harvest is about ready to begin

&nbsp;MANHATTAN —&nbsp;More than 4,120 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the spring 2022 semester. Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 graded credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors also are recorded on their permanent academic records.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Here is the list of students from Geary County.

Fort Riley:&nbsp;Margaret Bryant, Danielle Escocio, Brianna Kirkwood, Mariah Klein, Jessika Macias, Judy Majid Michel, David Ochner&nbsp;&nbsp;

Junction City:&nbsp;Lydia Baker, Vittoria Benoit, Austin Boyer, Charles Caudill, Daniel Chang, Tristan Cole, Alora Duran, Cyjay Echon, Taylor Gardner, Angel George, Santiago Gonzalez, Jodi Hendon, Johnathan Hensley, Justina Hernandez, Anne Johnson, Kimberley Lasluisa, Brett McInroy, Ruth Mekuria, Denise Meno, Whitney Mills, Alissa Moody, Megan Nelson, Samantha Scrivo, Caitlyn Seay, Anastazzia Simmons, Jalen Williams, Darren Witmer, Liliane Wright, Joshua Wurtz, Jaydon Zima&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;MANHATTAN —&nbsp;More than 4,120 Kansas State University students have earned semester honors for their academic performance in the spring 2022 semester. Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 graded credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors also are recorded on their permanent academic records.&nbsp; &nbsp;Here is the list of students from Geary County.Fort Riley:&nbsp;Margaret Bryant, Danielle Escocio, Brianna Kirkwood, Mariah Klein, Jessika Macias, Judy Majid Michel, David Ochner&nbsp;&nbsp;Junction City:&nbsp;Lydia Baker, Vittoria Benoit, Austin Boyer, Charles Caudill, Daniel Chang, Tristan Cole, Alora Duran, Cyjay Echon, Taylor Gardner, Angel George, Santiago Gonzalez, Jodi Hendon, Johnathan Hensley, Justina Hernandez, Anne Johnson, Kimberley Lasluisa, Brett McInroy, Ruth Mekuria, Denise Meno, Whitney Mills, Alissa Moody, Megan Nelson, Samantha Scrivo, Caitlyn Seay, Anastazzia Simmons, Jalen Williams, Darren Witmer, Liliane Wright, Joshua Wurtz, Jaydon Zima&nbsp;&nbsp;Milford:&nbsp;Hannah Butler

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