A&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;middle school teacher who was disciplined for refusing to use a student’s preferred first name and gender pronouns is suing the school district.

Fort Riley Middle School math teacher Pamela Ricard said in a federal lawsuit filed Monday that the Geary County School District violated her constitutional rights and did not accommodate her Christian beliefs when it suspended her for three days.

The district did not immediately return messages left Wednesday seeking comment on the lawsuit. The school is located in Fort Riley, a U.S. Army base that's 130 miles (210 kilometers) west of Kansas City.

Ricard, who has taught at the school since 2005, was reprimanded and suspended in April 2021 for addressing a student as “miss” to avoid using the student’s preferred first name after Picard was told that the student used he/him pronouns.

Ricard believed addressing the student as “Miss (legal/enrolled last name)" respected the student while also upholding Ricard's religious convictions, according to the lawsuit.

A school counselor had told Ricard the student preferred a first name different from his legal and enrolled name. The student had never told Ricard of the preference, but a classmate told Ricard the student preferred he/him pronouns, according to the lawsuit, filed by Kriegshauser Ney Law Group.

The suit says Ricard believes that God assigns gender at birth and any policy requiring her to use language that is different from the student's biological sex “actively violates Ms. Ricard's religious beliefs.”

Neither the school nor the district had a formal policy on gender pronouns at the time. Ricard was suspended under the district's bullying and diversity and inclusion policies.

A week after her suspension, the middle school principal sent staff new training and protocol materials requiring them to use students' preferred names and pronouns.

During an appeal of her discipline, Ricard asked three times to be given a religious exemption to the policy, but her beliefs were never accommodated, according to the lawsuit.

The school district's Board of Education in September approved a policy requiring that students' preferred names and pronouns be used. At that meeting, the board also voted to deny Ricard's request for a religious accommodation.

The district is threatening to discipline Ricard again if she refuses to use students' preferred pronouns, or chooses to use gender-neutral language, according to the lawsuit.

Ricard is suing the school board, as well as Superintendent Reginald Eggleston and Fort Riley Middle School principal Kathleen Brennan. The lawsuit alleges the district's actions violated Ricard's constitutional rights to free speech, free exercise of her religion, due process and equal protection under the law.

“Our suit contends that schools cannot force teachers to promote novel views about gender fluidity and ever-expanding pronoun categories without regard to the First Amendment or due process,” said Josh Ney, one of her attorneys. “Throughout her career, Ms. Ricard has consistently treated every student in her classroom with respect and dignity; unfortunately, the school district has not treated Ms. Ricard with similar good faith or basic fairness.”

Ricard is asking to have her disciplinary record cleared and is seeking “nominal damages.”

By MARGARET STAFFORD, Associated PressA&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;middle school teacher who was disciplined for refusing to use a student’s preferred first name and gender pronouns is suing the school district.Fort Riley Middle School math teacher Pamela Ricard said in a federal lawsuit filed Monday that the Geary County School District violated her constitutional rights and did not accommodate her Christian beliefs when it suspended her for three days.The district did not immediately return messages left Wednesday seeking comment on the lawsuit. The school is located in Fort Riley, a U.S. Army base that's 130 miles (210 kilometers) west of Kansas City.Ricard, who has taught at the school since 2005, was reprimanded and suspended in April 2021 for addressing a student as “miss” to avoid using the student’s preferred first name after Picard was told that the student used he/him pronouns.Ricard believed addressing the student as “Miss (legal/enrolled last name)" respected the student while also upholding Ricard's religious convictions, according to the lawsuit.A school counselor had told Ricard the student preferred a first name different from his legal and enrolled name. The student had never told Ricard of the preference, but a classmate told Ricard the student preferred he/him pronouns, according to the lawsuit, filed by Kriegshauser Ney Law Group.The suit says Ricard believes that God assigns gender at birth and any policy requiring her to use language that is different from the student's biological sex “actively violates Ms. Ricard's religious beliefs.”Neither the school nor the district had a formal policy on gender pronouns at the time. Ricard was suspended under the district's bullying and diversity and inclusion policies.A week after her suspension, the middle school principal sent staff new training and protocol materials requiring them to use students' preferred names and pronouns.During an appeal of her discipline, Ricard asked three times to be given a religious exemption to the policy, but her beliefs were never accommodated, according to the lawsuit.The school district's Board of Education in September approved a policy requiring that students' preferred names and pronouns be used. At that meeting, the board also voted to deny Ricard's request for a religious accommodation.The district is threatening to discipline Ricard again if she refuses to use students' preferred pronouns, or chooses to use gender-neutral language, according to the lawsuit.Ricard is suing the school board, as well as Superintendent Reginald Eggleston and Fort Riley Middle School principal Kathleen Brennan. The lawsuit alleges the district's actions violated Ricard's constitutional rights to free speech, free exercise of her religion, due process and equal protection under the law.“Our suit contends that schools cannot force teachers to promote novel views about gender fluidity and ever-expanding pronoun categories without regard to the First Amendment or due process,” said Josh Ney, one of her attorneys. “Throughout her career, Ms. Ricard has consistently treated every student in her classroom with respect and dignity; unfortunately, the school district has not treated Ms. Ricard with similar good faith or basic fairness.”Ricard is asking to have her disciplinary record cleared and is seeking “nominal damages.”

Fort Riley Middle School teacher files a lawsuit over pronoun policy

Big Red One adds 300 troops to already deployed forces

Approximately 300 Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters and the 1st Infantry Division Artillery will deploy to Europe in the coming days as part of the 7,000 additional troops announced February 24 by the Department of Defense to support our Allies and Partners in Europe.

These Soldiers will join the Division’s forward deployed headquarters in Europe, which previously had about 80 Soldiers from 1st Infantry Division Headquarters deployed in support of the Atlantic Resolve rotation in July 2021.

The additional Soldiers will be tasked under U.S. command and control to serve across Europe.

The soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division will reinforce our Allies as needed, especially on the eastern flank of NATO to ensure deterrence and defense.

The 1st Infantry Division is one unit of a range of multi-mission units contributing to assurance and deterrence in Europe. Soldiers of the Big Red One are ready - if called upon - to support NATO in the defense of the Alliance.

"I’m extremely proud of our Big Red One team as we continue our historic legacy in Europe, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our NATO Allies and partners, building readiness and increasing interoperability," said Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims.

Brig. Gen. Frank Stanco is the senior commander for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley while Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims is in Europe with the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters. 

Big Red One adds 300 troops to already deployed forcesApproximately 300 Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters and the 1st Infantry Division Artillery will deploy to Europe in the coming days as part of the 7,000 additional troops announced February 24 by the Department of Defense to support our Allies and Partners in Europe.These Soldiers will join the Division’s forward deployed headquarters in Europe, which previously had about 80 Soldiers from 1st Infantry Division Headquarters deployed in support of the Atlantic Resolve rotation in July 2021.The additional Soldiers will be tasked under U.S. command and control to serve across Europe.The soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division will reinforce our Allies as needed, especially on the eastern flank of NATO to ensure deterrence and defense.The 1st Infantry Division is one unit of a range of multi-mission units contributing to assurance and deterrence in Europe. Soldiers of the Big Red One are ready - if called upon - to support NATO in the defense of the Alliance."I’m extremely proud of our Big Red One team as we continue our historic legacy in Europe, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our NATO Allies and partners, building readiness and increasing interoperability," said Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims.Brig. Gen. Frank Stanco is the senior commander for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley while Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims is in Europe with the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters.

Additional First Infantry Division troops will deploy to Europe

There will be a Volunteer Open House hosted by the Geary County Historical Society on Saturday, March 26th from 1-3 p.m. at the Historical Museum, 530 North Adams. You can learn about volunteer opportunities with the museum.

There will be a Volunteer Open House hosted by the Geary County Historical Society on Saturday, March 26th from 1-3 p.m. at the Historical Museum, 530 North Adams. You can learn about volunteer opportunities with the museum.

Historical Society will host a Volunteer Open House

Community Outreach Ministries in Junction City will host their Everybody is Somebody Revival on March 11th at 7:30 p.m. and March 12th at 6 p.m. at 117 E. 3rd Street. From noon to 3 p.m. on the 12th there will be a free give-away of food and clothing while supplies last.&nbsp;

The theme for the revival will be "There is still room in the kingdom."

Guidelines for social gathering will be followed.

Community Outreach Ministries in Junction City will host their Everybody is Somebody Revival on March 11th at 7:30 p.m. and March 12th at 6 p.m. at 117 E. 3rd Street. From noon to 3 p.m. on the 12th there will be a free give-away of food and clothing while supplies last.&nbsp;The theme for the revival will be "There is still room in the kingdom."Guidelines for social gathering will be followed.

Community Outreach Ministries schedules a revival

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club celebrated optimism on March 9 by celebrating club member Red Dunham’s upcoming 87th birthday and a sharing by guest speaker Chaplain (COL) Michael Albano. Father Albano is the Senior Command Chaplain for the First Division and Garrison at Fort Riley.

Chaplain Albano told the Optimists that he is from the Philippines and attributes his becoming a priest to his parents. “My parents had had two daughters. They asked a priest named Michael to pray for them to have a son. If a son was born to them, they would offer his life back to God. He did and when I was born, my parents named me Michael. Following elementary school, my parents asked me to attend the seminary while in high school to see if I would like it. At first, I rebelled, but later liked it”.

Father Albano was ordained a priest in 1990. After seven years of being an associate pastor; professor in the seminary and vocational director, he took a sabbatical and moved to San Diego, California. After reflecting on the need for priests in the military, he decided to join the United States Army in 2002 to work with and support soldiers and their families. He has since had 7 deployments with 4 combat tours and moved 20 times in 20 years. “While in Kuwait we had a Humvee that kept breaking down as we moved from Kuwait to Iraq. The mechanics asked me to bless the vehicle. I did and it worked well after that”. He humorously told the Club members that “a priest can bless anything. “

The role of a Chaplain is to provide religious support for soldiers and their families and to advise the staff on religion and morals. There are three competencies for a Chaplain in the military: honor the dead; care for the sick, the wounded and those in prison and nurture the living.

Twenty-five to thirty percent of the soldiers in the Army identify as Catholics. There are 1,500 Chaplains, but only 83 priests”, he said. Chaplain Albano has oversight of the Religious Support at 6 chapels on Post.

By Dr. Ferrell MillerThe JC Breakfast Optimist Club celebrated optimism on March 9 by celebrating club member Red Dunham’s upcoming 87th birthday and a sharing by guest speaker Chaplain (COL) Michael Albano. Father Albano is the Senior Command Chaplain for the First Division and Garrison at Fort Riley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646840808550.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right: Chaplain Michael Albano; Don Manley, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club" />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right: Chaplain Michael Albano; Don Manley, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club</figcaption>
 </figure>Chaplain Albano told the Optimists that he is from the Philippines and attributes his becoming a priest to his parents. “My parents had had two daughters. They asked a priest named Michael to pray for them to have a son. If a son was born to them, they would offer his life back to God. He did and when I was born, my parents named me Michael. Following elementary school, my parents asked me to attend the seminary while in high school to see if I would like it. At first, I rebelled, but later liked it”.Father Albano was ordained a priest in 1990. After seven years of being an associate pastor; professor in the seminary and vocational director, he took a sabbatical and moved to San Diego, California. After reflecting on the need for priests in the military, he decided to join the United States Army in 2002 to work with and support soldiers and their families. He has since had 7 deployments with 4 combat tours and moved 20 times in 20 years. “While in Kuwait we had a Humvee that kept breaking down as we moved from Kuwait to Iraq. The mechanics asked me to bless the vehicle. I did and it worked well after that”. He humorously told the Club members that “a priest can bless anything. “The role of a Chaplain is to provide religious support for soldiers and their families and to advise the staff on religion and morals. There are three competencies for a Chaplain in the military: honor the dead; care for the sick, the wounded and those in prison and nurture the living.Twenty-five to thirty percent of the soldiers in the Army identify as Catholics. There are 1,500 Chaplains, but only 83 priests”, he said. Chaplain Albano has oversight of the Religious Support at 6 chapels on Post.

Senior Command Chaplain speaks to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club

MANHATTAN —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in Manhattan.

A 2015 Subaru Forester driven by Adrianna Zoll, 20, Manhattan was eastbound on Fort Riley Blvd at South 10th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The SUV struck a bicyclist identified as Bryan McGill, 56, of Manhattan in a crosswalk after running a red light due to obstructed vision by sunlight.

EMS transported McGill to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

MANHATTAN —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident just after 8a.m. Tuesday in Manhattan.A 2015 Subaru Forester driven by Adrianna Zoll, 20, Manhattan was eastbound on Fort Riley Blvd at South 10th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The SUV struck a bicyclist identified as Bryan McGill, 56, of Manhattan in a crosswalk after running a red light due to obstructed vision by sunlight.EMS transported McGill to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

SUV struck Manhattan man on a bicycle in a crosswalk

Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce President of Operations / Director of Economic Development Mickey Fornaro-Dean has announced because of the anticipated snowfall that the Chamber's annual dinner that was scheduled Thursday is being postponed. The new date will be April 14th at 6 p.m. at the Geary County Convention Center.

The speaker and program will remain&nbsp; the same.

The area is under a winter storm warning this Thursday with five to seven inches of snow in the forecast.

Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce President of Operations / Director of Economic Development Mickey Fornaro-Dean has announced because of the anticipated snowfall that the Chamber's annual dinner that was scheduled Thursday is being postponed. The new date will be April 14th at 6 p.m. at the Geary County Convention Center.The speaker and program will remain&nbsp; the same.The area is under a winter storm warning this Thursday with five to seven inches of snow in the forecast.

Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is being postponed

Junction City native and Academy Award&nbsp; filmmaker Kevin Willmott pointed to diversity as a community strength during a forum Tuesday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. He noted that there is a beautiful history in Junction City but we don't celebrate it. "Diversity is such an important element of our city but really of the nation. And I think when people talk about multiracial democracy they're talking about Junction City. I mean Junction City was a multiracial democracy before diversity was even a term." Willmott added that he thinks the city hasn't celebrated it enough.

Willmott was a keynote speaker for the Diversity and Equality forum sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and presented by Junction City Main Street. He provided the audience and a student panel that participated in the forum his story on growing up in the community and his efforts to later write and produce movies beginning with "Ninth Street " which focused on the former Ninth Street area in Junction City.

Also speaking during the forum was Miles Sandler, Director of Policy and Engagement with the Kauffman Foundation. " She touched on why main street matters, noting, "entrepreneurs make our country and communities great."&nbsp;

Sandler said research shows most net job creation comes from new and young firms. She added that one truth is that more is accomplished when we all work together.&nbsp;

Sandler pointed to one area where there needs to be improvement. "As adults we have to do better in helping young identify their strengths."

The student panel that participated in the forum identified key steps ranging from figuring out ways to motivate students to want to perform to the need for more entertainment for young people, for example a community center.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646833039960.jpeg" alt="Kevin Willmott" />
 <figcaption>Kevin Willmott</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City native and Academy Award&nbsp; filmmaker Kevin Willmott pointed to diversity as a community strength during a forum Tuesday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. He noted that there is a beautiful history in Junction City but we don't celebrate it. "Diversity is such an important element of our city but really of the nation. And I think when people talk about multiracial democracy they're talking about Junction City. I mean Junction City was a multiracial democracy before diversity was even a term." Willmott added that he thinks the city hasn't celebrated it enough.Willmott was a keynote speaker for the Diversity and Equality forum sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and presented by Junction City Main Street. He provided the audience and a student panel that participated in the forum his story on growing up in the community and his efforts to later write and produce movies beginning with "Ninth Street " which focused on the former Ninth Street area in Junction City.Also speaking during the forum was Miles Sandler, Director of Policy and Engagement with the Kauffman Foundation. " She touched on why main street matters, noting, "entrepreneurs make our country and communities great."&nbsp;Sandler said research shows most net job creation comes from new and young firms. She added that one truth is that more is accomplished when we all work together.&nbsp;Sandler pointed to one area where there needs to be improvement. "As adults we have to do better in helping young identify their strengths."The student panel that participated in the forum identified key steps ranging from figuring out ways to motivate students to want to perform to the need for more entertainment for young people, for example a community center.&nbsp;

Community issues forum focuses on diversity

Manhattan — Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.

At 4:17 a.m. on Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 2112 Farmingdale Ct. for a report of a structure fire, according to Assistant Chief Sam Dameron.

Upon arrival, crews found a two-story residential structure fully involved with fire. The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within an hour and twenty minutes.&nbsp; The two-story structure was not occupied at the time of the fire. Loss to the structure is $230,000 and the value of the contents has not been determined, according to Dameron. The owner is listed as Lori Mitchell of the same address.&nbsp; .

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646833632433.png" alt="Photo courtesy RCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy RCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan — Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.At 4:17 a.m. on Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 2112 Farmingdale Ct. for a report of a structure fire, according to Assistant Chief Sam Dameron.Upon arrival, crews found a two-story residential structure fully involved with fire. The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within an hour and twenty minutes.&nbsp; The two-story structure was not occupied at the time of the fire. Loss to the structure is $230,000 and the value of the contents has not been determined, according to Dameron. The owner is listed as Lori Mitchell of the same address.&nbsp; .

Fire caused $230,000 damage to home in Manhattan

Geary USD 475 Board of Education members have approved the 2022-2023 school calendar. 

Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools,&nbsp; and Tim Winter, Executive Director of Personnel Services, gave the board details of the calendar.&nbsp; Of the 565 responses from the 645-bargaining unit members of the Junction City Education Association, Calendar C received 60.53 percent of the votes with 342 responses. 

The first day of school will be August 16. Winter Break is Dec. 22, 2022 to Jan. 6, 2023.&nbsp; Spring Break is March 13-17, 2023, and the last day of school is May 25, 2023. A copy of the calendar can be found on USD 475’s website.

Geary USD 475 Board of Education members have approved the 2022-2023 school calendar. Dr. Reginald Eggleston, Superintendent of Schools,&nbsp; and Tim Winter, Executive Director of Personnel Services, gave the board details of the calendar.&nbsp; Of the 565 responses from the 645-bargaining unit members of the Junction City Education Association, Calendar C received 60.53 percent of the votes with 342 responses. The first day of school will be August 16. Winter Break is Dec. 22, 2022 to Jan. 6, 2023.&nbsp; Spring Break is March 13-17, 2023, and the last day of school is May 25, 2023. A copy of the calendar can be found on USD 475’s website.

School district calendar is set for the 2022-2023 school year

General Federated Women's Club held their music auditions at the First Baptist Church in downtown Junction City. A total of $2,500 was awarded in scholarships.

Five hundred dollars was presented in piano to Eva Pickering and Ethan Xin of Manhattan and Karis McAllister of Americus, in violin to Maria Stranislow of Junction City and in girls voice to Lolly Winsor of Junction City.

General Federated Women's Club held their music auditions at the First Baptist Church in downtown Junction City. A total of $2,500 was awarded in scholarships.Five hundred dollars was presented in piano to Eva Pickering and Ethan Xin of Manhattan and Karis McAllister of Americus, in violin to Maria Stranislow of Junction City and in girls voice to Lolly Winsor of Junction City.

General Federation of Women's Clubs conduct music auditions

MANHATTAN — Mehreen Iftikhar, master's student in grain science,&nbsp;Karachi, Pakistan,&nbsp;won first place at Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/grad/student-success/professional-development/three-minute-thesis/">Three Minute Thesis</a>, or 3MT, competition for her presentation "Accelerated shelf-life study of rice with added nutrients." As the first-place winner, Iftikhar received a $500 scholarship and will represent Kansas State University in the 2022 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools'&nbsp;<a href="http://mags-net.org/three-minute-thesis-award/">Three Minute Thesis Competition</a>, to be in Milwaukee on April 8. Iftikhar's advisor is Sajid Alavi, professor of grain science and industry. K-State's 3MT began with a first round of competition on Feb. 23, which featured 41 graduate students. Participants were challenged with explaining their research in three minutes or less, using a single, static slide. Iftikhar and nine other students were selected for the final competition on March 1. Judges for the final competition were Mary Ice, K-State alumna, donor and advocate; David Rosowsky, K-State vice president for research; Jeanette Thurston, director of K-State's Food Science Institute; and Priyasha Fernando, master's student in civil engineering and People's Choice Award winner of K-State's 2021 3MT competition. Richard Linton, new K-State president, also was in attendance and joined Claudia Petrescu, K-State vice provost of graduate studies and dean of the Graduate School, in presenting certificates to presenters. "Participation in 3MT was a refreshing and uplifting experience from the preparation to the presentation," Iftikhar said. "It encouraged me to consolidate and evaluate my research objectives with their significance and impact on humanity. Initially, it was incredibly challenging preparing for 3MT and unpacking complex research details into a simplified version to understand and connect the general public to my research." She also said that presenting in the competition will always be a monumental memory for her. "Winning first place and receiving recognition from the president of Kansas State University and the dean of our Graduate School was tremendous," Iftikhar said. "I am humbled and excited to represent K-State at the MAGS 3MT competition in April." Iftikhar was also selected by the audience as the People's Choice winner and received a $125 scholarship. "Honestly, I was not expecting at all to win this award," she said. "I was surprised hearing my name called! It was so rewarding that the audience genuinely connected with my work. Winning this award reinforced the fact that the audience enjoyed listening about my research as much as I was thrilled speaking about it." Iftikhar strongly encourages all graduate students to participate in 3MT to strengthen their communication and presentation skills. She says it will help students connect to the bigger picture of their work and how it impacts our world. Kiana Schulze, doctoral student in kinesiology,&nbsp;Shawnee,&nbsp;won second place and $250 for her research presentation, "Pulmonary hypertension: Not just a lung disease?" Kiana is co-mentored by Timothy Musch, university distinguished professor of kinesiology, and David Poole, university distinguished professor of kinesiology, and anatomy and physiology. "Competing in 3MT was wonderful and I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent my department," Schulze said. "It was a unique challenge to enthusiastically and succinctly convey the significance of complex research to a broad audience. I loved getting questions from the other participants and knowing that something I said resonated&nbsp;with them. Sharing a passion for research brought us together and overall, it was a very valuable experience." Along with Iftikhar and Schulze, the competition featured the following finalists: Natalie Duling, master's student in music,&nbsp;Girard; and Brandi Feehan, doctoral student in genetics,&nbsp;Louisburg. From out of state:Lindsay Howard, doctoral student in couple and family therapy,&nbsp;King City, California; Jack Sytsma, master's student in biology,&nbsp;Leighton, Iowa; Lily Woitaszewski, master's student in agronomy,&nbsp;Wood River, Nebraska;&nbsp;Olivia Haley, doctoral student in horticulture and natural resources,&nbsp;Columbia, South Carolina; and Camille Rieber, master's student in statistics,&nbsp;Fairfax, Virginia. From out of country: Ketan Shende, doctoral student in biological and agricultural engineering,&nbsp;Mumbai, India.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646826542653.png" alt="Finalists of K-State's 2022 Three Minute Thesis competition, from top left: Lindsay Howard, Brandi Feehan, Lily Woitaszewski, Olivia Haley, Jack Sytsma, Natalie Duling; middle left: Ketan Shende, Mehreen Iftikhar, Kiana Schulze, Camille Rieber; front row, from left: Three Minute Thesis judges David Rosowsky, Mary Ice, Jeanette Thurston and Priyasha Fernando.-photo KSU&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Finalists of K-State's 2022 Three Minute Thesis competition, from top left: Lindsay Howard, Brandi Feehan, Lily Woitaszewski, Olivia Haley, Jack Sytsma, Natalie Duling; middle left: Ketan Shende, Mehreen Iftikhar, Kiana Schulze, Camille Rieber; front row, from left: Three Minute Thesis judges David Rosowsky, Mary Ice, Jeanette Thurston and Priyasha Fernando.-photo KSU&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KSU NewsMANHATTAN — Mehreen Iftikhar, master's student in grain science,&nbsp;Karachi, Pakistan,&nbsp;won first place at Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/grad/student-success/professional-development/three-minute-thesis/">Three Minute Thesis</a>, or 3MT, competition for her presentation "Accelerated shelf-life study of rice with added nutrients." As the first-place winner, Iftikhar received a $500 scholarship and will represent Kansas State University in the 2022 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools'&nbsp;<a href="http://mags-net.org/three-minute-thesis-award/">Three Minute Thesis Competition</a>, to be in Milwaukee on April 8. Iftikhar's advisor is Sajid Alavi, professor of grain science and industry. K-State's 3MT began with a first round of competition on Feb. 23, which featured 41 graduate students. Participants were challenged with explaining their research in three minutes or less, using a single, static slide. Iftikhar and nine other students were selected for the final competition on March 1. Judges for the final competition were Mary Ice, K-State alumna, donor and advocate; David Rosowsky, K-State vice president for research; Jeanette Thurston, director of K-State's Food Science Institute; and Priyasha Fernando, master's student in civil engineering and People's Choice Award winner of K-State's 2021 3MT competition. Richard Linton, new K-State president, also was in attendance and joined Claudia Petrescu, K-State vice provost of graduate studies and dean of the Graduate School, in presenting certificates to presenters. "Participation in 3MT was a refreshing and uplifting experience from the preparation to the presentation," Iftikhar said. "It encouraged me to consolidate and evaluate my research objectives with their significance and impact on humanity. Initially, it was incredibly challenging preparing for 3MT and unpacking complex research details into a simplified version to understand and connect the general public to my research." She also said that presenting in the competition will always be a monumental memory for her. "Winning first place and receiving recognition from the president of Kansas State University and the dean of our Graduate School was tremendous," Iftikhar said. "I am humbled and excited to represent K-State at the MAGS 3MT competition in April." Iftikhar was also selected by the audience as the People's Choice winner and received a $125 scholarship. "Honestly, I was not expecting at all to win this award," she said. "I was surprised hearing my name called! It was so rewarding that the audience genuinely connected with my work. Winning this award reinforced the fact that the audience enjoyed listening about my research as much as I was thrilled speaking about it." Iftikhar strongly encourages all graduate students to participate in 3MT to strengthen their communication and presentation skills. She says it will help students connect to the bigger picture of their work and how it impacts our world. Kiana Schulze, doctoral student in kinesiology,&nbsp;Shawnee,&nbsp;won second place and $250 for her research presentation, "Pulmonary hypertension: Not just a lung disease?" Kiana is co-mentored by Timothy Musch, university distinguished professor of kinesiology, and David Poole, university distinguished professor of kinesiology, and anatomy and physiology. "Competing in 3MT was wonderful and I am honored to have had the opportunity to represent my department," Schulze said. "It was a unique challenge to enthusiastically and succinctly convey the significance of complex research to a broad audience. I loved getting questions from the other participants and knowing that something I said resonated&nbsp;with them. Sharing a passion for research brought us together and overall, it was a very valuable experience." Along with Iftikhar and Schulze, the competition featured the following finalists: Natalie Duling, master's student in music,&nbsp;Girard; and Brandi Feehan, doctoral student in genetics,&nbsp;Louisburg. From out of state:Lindsay Howard, doctoral student in couple and family therapy,&nbsp;King City, California; Jack Sytsma, master's student in biology,&nbsp;Leighton, Iowa; Lily Woitaszewski, master's student in agronomy,&nbsp;Wood River, Nebraska;&nbsp;Olivia Haley, doctoral student in horticulture and natural resources,&nbsp;Columbia, South Carolina; and Camille Rieber, master's student in statistics,&nbsp;Fairfax, Virginia. From out of country: Ketan Shende, doctoral student in biological and agricultural engineering,&nbsp;Mumbai, India.

Master's student in grain science to represent K-State in regional competition

FORT RILEY, Kan. – For the first time in the 20-year history of Junction City High School’s (JCHS) internship program, students are receiving the opportunity to intern on a United States Army Installation Fort Riley.

What began as a mutual interest among Geary County Schools Board of Education and Fort Riley Garrison Command has now grown to partnerships across Fort Riley, both at the Irwin Army Community Hospital and the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office. The four participating students are first-hand experiencing what it is like to work on a United States Army installation.

“Our students are the future of our work world; this opportunity benefits the students by giving them prior experience in a field before continuing with their career path post-high school to help them make decisions about a career,” JCHS CTE Administrator Becky Coy said.

The three students interning at Irwin Army Community Hospital rotate through different departments within the hospital, such as Radiology, Physical/Occupational Therapy, Surgery, Radiology, Family Practice, and Anesthesia. At the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office, the student intern has learned the many different media types, aiding the department in creating and publishing news stories on subjects happening across the installation.

“We are hoping to grow the opportunities for students while partnering with different careers on the base,” Coy said.

By Lindley LundUSD 475FORT RILEY, Kan. – For the first time in the 20-year history of Junction City High School’s (JCHS) internship program, students are receiving the opportunity to intern on a United States Army Installation Fort Riley.What began as a mutual interest among Geary County Schools Board of Education and Fort Riley Garrison Command has now grown to partnerships across Fort Riley, both at the Irwin Army Community Hospital and the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office. The four participating students are first-hand experiencing what it is like to work on a United States Army installation.“Our students are the future of our work world; this opportunity benefits the students by giving them prior experience in a field before continuing with their career path post-high school to help them make decisions about a career,” JCHS CTE Administrator Becky Coy said.The three students interning at Irwin Army Community Hospital rotate through different departments within the hospital, such as Radiology, Physical/Occupational Therapy, Surgery, Radiology, Family Practice, and Anesthesia. At the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office, the student intern has learned the many different media types, aiding the department in creating and publishing news stories on subjects happening across the installation.“We are hoping to grow the opportunities for students while partnering with different careers on the base,” Coy said.

Junction City High School and Fort Riley partner for first-ever student internships

Beginning today ( Wednesday ) through March 16th traffic in&nbsp; the 2500 block of Valley Drive will be closed to the public for construction improvements for the sanitary sewer line. The construction will take one week, and motorists will need to follow the posted work zone signage.

Public Works Director Ray Ibarra said the affected area of work is the 2500 block of Valley Drive between Overbrook Drive and Elm Creek Drive.&nbsp;

Beginning today ( Wednesday ) through March 16th traffic in&nbsp; the 2500 block of Valley Drive will be closed to the public for construction improvements for the sanitary sewer line. The construction will take one week, and motorists will need to follow the posted work zone signage.Public Works Director Ray Ibarra said the affected area of work is the 2500 block of Valley Drive between Overbrook Drive and Elm Creek Drive.&nbsp;

Sanitary sewer line construction project begins Wednesday

Former Fort Riley Sports Director, Saint Xavier School coach and Junction City Junior Baseball Association coach Jim Westerhaus has passed away. He was 83.

According to Johnson Cremations, Funerals &amp; Receptions he died at his home Tuesday morning. The rosary is scheduled from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Friday at Saint Xavier Catholic Church followed by visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the church. Mass will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Saint Xavier Catholic Church.

Former Fort Riley Sports Director, Saint Xavier School coach and Junction City Junior Baseball Association coach Jim Westerhaus has passed away. He was 83.According to Johnson Cremations, Funerals &amp; Receptions he died at his home Tuesday morning. The rosary is scheduled from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Friday at Saint Xavier Catholic Church followed by visitation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the church. Mass will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Saint Xavier Catholic Church.

Longtime community member passes away

Geary County Historical Society has been named the recipient of a 2022 Heritage Trust Fund grant. The grant, along with donations of Geary County residents will fund the replacement of the 35-year old roof on&nbsp; the museum building.

The museum is housed in the old Junction City High School at 530 North Adams.&nbsp; It was built in 1903 and has housed educational services ever since as the High School Departmental School, school district administrative building and finally the Historical Museum.

Geary County Historical Society Executive Director Heather Hagedorn said the replacement of the roof has been a needed project in recent years, and thanks to the Heritage Trust Fund committee and the Kansas Historical Society, will be completed in 2022.

The museum is required to make a 20% match to the project which is estimated at about $8,000. Anyone interested in donating to the roofing project can do so in person at the museum, via mail or through the museum's website.

Geary County Historical Society has been named the recipient of a 2022 Heritage Trust Fund grant. The grant, along with donations of Geary County residents will fund the replacement of the 35-year old roof on&nbsp; the museum building.The museum is housed in the old Junction City High School at 530 North Adams.&nbsp; It was built in 1903 and has housed educational services ever since as the High School Departmental School, school district administrative building and finally the Historical Museum.Geary County Historical Society Executive Director Heather Hagedorn said the replacement of the roof has been a needed project in recent years, and thanks to the Heritage Trust Fund committee and the Kansas Historical Society, will be completed in 2022.The museum is required to make a 20% match to the project which is estimated at about $8,000. Anyone interested in donating to the roofing project can do so in person at the museum, via mail or through the museum's website.

Geary County Historical Society receives a Heritage Trust Fund grant

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has awarded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/kassebaum-scholarship.html" target="_blank">Kassebaum Scholarships</a>&nbsp;to four high school seniors. The scholarship competition was conducted earlier this semester. K-State received a significant number of applications, and a selection committee chose 10 student finalists to interview for the scholarship. Of those interviewed, Campbell McNorton,&nbsp;Eudora, a senior from Eudora High School; Emma Shulda,&nbsp;Salina, a senior from Salina South High School; Jack O'Malley,&nbsp;Wichita, a senior from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School; and Dalia Acevedo,&nbsp;West Dundee, Ill., a senior from Harry D. Jacobs High School,&nbsp;were chosen to receive the $5,000 scholarship. Named in honor of former Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, the Kassebaum Scholarship recognizes students whose academic and extracurricular achievements reflect the potential for and desire to make a difference through energetic leadership in the public service arena. The Kassebaum Scholarship has been awarded to 135 students since its inception in 2001. K-State is a leader among public universities in Truman, Goldwater and Udall scholars. Often recipients of these prestigious scholarships come from the Kassebaum Scholarship program. Students will be engaged in enrichment and professional development opportunities to enhance their K-State experience as a result of collaborations between Scholar Services in the Academic Achievement Center and the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. Students will develop an individualized plan to meet their academic and professional aspirations. Finalists for K-State's Kassebaum Scholarship included the following high school seniors: Kinley Nielsen,&nbsp;El Dorado, a senior from El Dorado High School; Alyssa Boudreau,&nbsp;Leawood, a senior from St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Ibrahim Ciftci and Kristopher Long, both from&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;and both seniors at Manhattan High School; Remy Evans,&nbsp;Garden City, Mo., a senior from Holden High School; and Matthew Fries,&nbsp;Bartlesville, Okla., a senior from Bartlesville High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has awarded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/kassebaum-scholarship.html" target="_blank">Kassebaum Scholarships</a>&nbsp;to four high school seniors. The scholarship competition was conducted earlier this semester. K-State received a significant number of applications, and a selection committee chose 10 student finalists to interview for the scholarship. Of those interviewed, Campbell McNorton,&nbsp;Eudora, a senior from Eudora High School; Emma Shulda,&nbsp;Salina, a senior from Salina South High School; Jack O'Malley,&nbsp;Wichita, a senior from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School; and Dalia Acevedo,&nbsp;West Dundee, Ill., a senior from Harry D. Jacobs High School,&nbsp;were chosen to receive the $5,000 scholarship. Named in honor of former Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, the Kassebaum Scholarship recognizes students whose academic and extracurricular achievements reflect the potential for and desire to make a difference through energetic leadership in the public service arena. The Kassebaum Scholarship has been awarded to 135 students since its inception in 2001. K-State is a leader among public universities in Truman, Goldwater and Udall scholars. Often recipients of these prestigious scholarships come from the Kassebaum Scholarship program. Students will be engaged in enrichment and professional development opportunities to enhance their K-State experience as a result of collaborations between Scholar Services in the Academic Achievement Center and the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. Students will develop an individualized plan to meet their academic and professional aspirations. Finalists for K-State's Kassebaum Scholarship included the following high school seniors: Kinley Nielsen,&nbsp;El Dorado, a senior from El Dorado High School; Alyssa Boudreau,&nbsp;Leawood, a senior from St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Ibrahim Ciftci and Kristopher Long, both from&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;and both seniors at Manhattan High School; Remy Evans,&nbsp;Garden City, Mo., a senior from Holden High School; and Matthew Fries,&nbsp;Bartlesville, Okla., a senior from Bartlesville High School.&nbsp; &nbsp;

K-State awards Kassebaum Scholarships to 4 recipients

Geary County Commission Chair Alex Tyson has urged the public to be careful around the County Office Building this week because there will be demolition of the former Wilhoite building next door on East 8th Street. "It's scheduled to be torn down. We've got a lot of construction equipment over here so access to parking and different things will be a little bit different."

The county will consider selling some of the old equipment and chairs on Purple Wave.

The Wilhoite building is located just west of the county's emergency management office.

Geary County Commission Chair Alex Tyson has urged the public to be careful around the County Office Building this week because there will be demolition of the former Wilhoite building next door on East 8th Street. "It's scheduled to be torn down. We've got a lot of construction equipment over here so access to parking and different things will be a little bit different."The county will consider selling some of the old equipment and chairs on Purple Wave.The Wilhoite building is located just west of the county's emergency management office.

Former Wilhoite building will be demolished

Geary County Commissioners will form a new 10-person Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee. County officials have been notifying the 10 members who have been selected. Once that is complete their names will be released publicly.

Commission Chair Alex Tyson said there were 11 applicants for the CVB committee.

Geary County Commissioners will form a new 10-person Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau Advisory Committee. County officials have been notifying the 10 members who have been selected. Once that is complete their names will be released publicly.Commission Chair Alex Tyson said there were 11 applicants for the CVB committee.

County will form new CVB Advisory Committee

Emergency warning sirens sounded in Junction City about 10 a.m. Tuesday as part of a statewide tornado drill. Emergency Manager Garry Berges and Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra did not report any problems.

KJCK Radio also participated in the drill with a test of on-air procedures.

Emergency warning sirens sounded in Junction City about 10 a.m. Tuesday as part of a statewide tornado drill. Emergency Manager Garry Berges and Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra did not report any problems.KJCK Radio also participated in the drill with a test of on-air procedures.

No problems are reported in Geary County with a tornado drill Tuesday

MANHATTAN —Two people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Monday in Manhattan.

&nbsp;A 2020 Dodge Challenger driven by Crystal Rodriguez, 33, Manhattan, struck a utility pole&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Yuma Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported Rodriguez and a 7-month-old to Via Christi for evaluation. &nbsp;The 7-month-old was later to Children's Mercy in Kansas City for further treatment of head injuries, according to the activity report.&nbsp; The child was not in a car seat, according to RCPD.

MANHATTAN —Two people were injured in an accident just after 2:30p.m. Monday in Manhattan.&nbsp;A 2020 Dodge Challenger driven by Crystal Rodriguez, 33, Manhattan, struck a utility pole&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Yuma Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported Rodriguez and a 7-month-old to Via Christi for evaluation. &nbsp;The 7-month-old was later to Children's Mercy in Kansas City for further treatment of head injuries, according to the activity report.&nbsp; The child was not in a car seat, according to RCPD.

RCPD: Infant transported to Children's Mercy after car crash

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the K-18 Bypass, mile marker 178&nbsp; at 7:11 a.m. Monday&nbsp; for a single vehicle accident. Kayden R. Smith, Topeka, was traveling west in a 2003 Toyota 4Runner and due to an icy roadway slid off the road into an embankment.

The vehicle sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene by the on-duty wrecker.

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the K-18 Bypass, mile marker 178&nbsp; at 7:11 a.m. Monday&nbsp; for a single vehicle accident. Kayden R. Smith, Topeka, was traveling west in a 2003 Toyota 4Runner and due to an icy roadway slid off the road into an embankment.The vehicle sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene by the on-duty wrecker.

Deputies work a single vehicle accident

<a href="mailto:maloriewagner@k-state.edu">Submitted by Malorie Sougey</a>

MANHATTAN —K-State physicists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/people/tt-faculty/rolles.html">Daniel Rolles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/people/tt-faculty/rudenko.html">Artem Rudenko</a>, and their graduate student, Xiang Li, are part of an international research team that has published the article "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-022-01507-0">X-ray multiphoton-induced Coulomb explosion images complex single molecules</a>" in Nature Physics, a monthly journal publishing the highest-quality research in all areas of physics, pure and applied.

The team used the world's largest X-ray laser, the European XFEL, to take pictures of complex molecules. With ultra-bright X-ray flashes, the scientists were able to take snapshots of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules with atomic resolution. In the process, the molecules are exploded by the X-ray laser, and the image is reconstructed from the pieces.

In the method known as Coulomb explosion imaging, a high-intensity and ultra-short X-ray laser pulse knocks out numerous electrons from the molecule. Due to the strong electrostatic repulsion between the remaining, positively charged atoms, the molecule explodes within a few femtoseconds — the millionths of a billionth of a second, the individual atoms fly apart and are registered by a detector.

"Our group and many other researchers have been doing similar Coulomb explosion imaging experiments for a while, but we have never been able to take such crisp and clear images of such a relatively large molecule with this technique before,"&nbsp;Rolles said.

"One of the key points here is that we can see all hydrogen atoms, which are hard to image by more conventional techniques like X-ray or electron diffraction," adds Rudenko.

The work published in Nature Physics is part of a broader effort to develop this new imaging technique.

"Recently, our collaboration published a closely-related paper in&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.013029">Physical Review Research</a>, led by our graduate student, Xiang Li, where we have shown that for somewhat simpler molecules, even the full 3D structure can be captured,"&nbsp;Rudenko said.&nbsp;

The images are an important step toward recording molecular movies, which researchers hope to use in the future to observe details of biochemical, chemical and physical reactions with high resolution.

"Seeing how well this works with the extremely short X-ray pulses from an X-ray free-electron laser such as the European XFEL got us really excited about the prospect of being able to take molecular movies of photochemical reactions in complex molecules that are a bit more exciting than simple diatomics or triatomics, and are relevant for many technological applications,"&nbsp;Rolles said.

This realization is particularly timely since the SLAC National Lab in Stanford is about to start its upgraded high-repetition-rate X-ray laser, LCLS-2 this fall, which will deliver 1,000 times more pulses per second than the current version used so far. Combing these incredibly high repetition rates with the demonstrated Coulomb explosion imaging technique promises to revolutionize the field of molecular "movie making,"&nbsp;which will benefit such important technological areas as solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis.

"We have recently received more than $1.1 million in funding from the National Science Foundation to purchase a high repetition rate, 100-kHz femtosecond laser for our lab here at K-State,"&nbsp;Rudenko said. "With this new laser and the things we have learned about Coulomb explosion imaging, we are hoping to be able to take similar movies here as well."

Rolles and Rudenko work at the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory at the K-State physics department, which is one of the most active centers for atomic, molecular and optical physics in the United States. Similar to SLAC, the lab is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Li is now working at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

The work was performed by a large international research team led by Rebecca Boll from the European XFEL, which included researchers from the universities of Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Main and Kassel, Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, Kansas State University, the Max Planck Institutes for Medical Research and for Nuclear Physics, the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, the U.S. accelerator center SLAC, the Hamburg Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter, the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science at DESY, DESY and European XFEL.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646746534414.png" alt="Photo courtesy KSU" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KSU</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:maloriewagner@k-state.edu">Submitted by Malorie Sougey</a>MANHATTAN —K-State physicists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/people/tt-faculty/rolles.html">Daniel Rolles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phys.ksu.edu/people/tt-faculty/rudenko.html">Artem Rudenko</a>, and their graduate student, Xiang Li, are part of an international research team that has published the article "<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-022-01507-0">X-ray multiphoton-induced Coulomb explosion images complex single molecules</a>" in Nature Physics, a monthly journal publishing the highest-quality research in all areas of physics, pure and applied.The team used the world's largest X-ray laser, the European XFEL, to take pictures of complex molecules. With ultra-bright X-ray flashes, the scientists were able to take snapshots of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules with atomic resolution. In the process, the molecules are exploded by the X-ray laser, and the image is reconstructed from the pieces.In the method known as Coulomb explosion imaging, a high-intensity and ultra-short X-ray laser pulse knocks out numerous electrons from the molecule. Due to the strong electrostatic repulsion between the remaining, positively charged atoms, the molecule explodes within a few femtoseconds — the millionths of a billionth of a second, the individual atoms fly apart and are registered by a detector."Our group and many other researchers have been doing similar Coulomb explosion imaging experiments for a while, but we have never been able to take such crisp and clear images of such a relatively large molecule with this technique before,"&nbsp;Rolles said."One of the key points here is that we can see all hydrogen atoms, which are hard to image by more conventional techniques like X-ray or electron diffraction," adds Rudenko.The work published in Nature Physics is part of a broader effort to develop this new imaging technique."Recently, our collaboration published a closely-related paper in&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.013029">Physical Review Research</a>, led by our graduate student, Xiang Li, where we have shown that for somewhat simpler molecules, even the full 3D structure can be captured,"&nbsp;Rudenko said.&nbsp;The images are an important step toward recording molecular movies, which researchers hope to use in the future to observe details of biochemical, chemical and physical reactions with high resolution."Seeing how well this works with the extremely short X-ray pulses from an X-ray free-electron laser such as the European XFEL got us really excited about the prospect of being able to take molecular movies of photochemical reactions in complex molecules that are a bit more exciting than simple diatomics or triatomics, and are relevant for many technological applications,"&nbsp;Rolles said.This realization is particularly timely since the SLAC National Lab in Stanford is about to start its upgraded high-repetition-rate X-ray laser, LCLS-2 this fall, which will deliver 1,000 times more pulses per second than the current version used so far. Combing these incredibly high repetition rates with the demonstrated Coulomb explosion imaging technique promises to revolutionize the field of molecular "movie making,"&nbsp;which will benefit such important technological areas as solar energy conversion, photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis."We have recently received more than $1.1 million in funding from the National Science Foundation to purchase a high repetition rate, 100-kHz femtosecond laser for our lab here at K-State,"&nbsp;Rudenko said. "With this new laser and the things we have learned about Coulomb explosion imaging, we are hoping to be able to take similar movies here as well."Rolles and Rudenko work at the J.R. Macdonald Laboratory at the K-State physics department, which is one of the most active centers for atomic, molecular and optical physics in the United States. Similar to SLAC, the lab is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Li is now working at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.The work was performed by a large international research team led by Rebecca Boll from the European XFEL, which included researchers from the universities of Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Main and Kassel, Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, Kansas State University, the Max Planck Institutes for Medical Research and for Nuclear Physics, the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society, the U.S. accelerator center SLAC, the Hamburg Cluster of Excellence CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter, the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science at DESY, DESY and European XFEL.

KSU physicists publish on X-ray lasers taking pictures of complex molecules

The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley are hosting their next photo of the month contest. The contest opened on March 7 and closes on March 25 at 5 p.m.

On the first Friday of each month, the winning photo of the prior month is featured on&nbsp;the 1ID Instagram at

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/1stinfantrydivision" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/1stinfantrydivision</a>. Additionally, for the remainder of the month, a copy of the winning photo is displayed in the entryway at Victory Hall, the 1ID headquarters building.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This month’s photo theme is “Kid Creations.” Young people in the surrounding communities are encouraged to submit a photo that showcases their unique artistic creation. Creations include, but are not limited to, drawing, painting, sculpture, sidewalk art and digital artwork.

To participate, follow the 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division’s Instagram, “like” the competition announcement (posted at the start of the contest), and submit your photo via direct message to the 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division’s Instagram. Parents or guardians are encouraged to submit photos on their child’s behalf.

A huge&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to “Show Us Your Squad” photo contest winner, Sgt. Luis Cardenas. Cardenas was born in Mexico. When he was 6 years old he and his mother moved to San Antonio, Texas. Cardenas graduated from sniper school in 2020. He currently serves as a sniper section leader with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team.

“The people that you see in this picture are not just my friends, they are my family. They mean the world to me. Thanks to them, I am the person I am today,” said Cardenas.

This contest is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. The winning photo does not imply U.S. Army endorsement. Entrants must be 13 years and older, submit their own creative work, and that work must be in keeping with Army values and the monthly theme.

The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley are hosting their next photo of the month contest. The contest opened on March 7 and closes on March 25 at 5 p.m.On the first Friday of each month, the winning photo of the prior month is featured on&nbsp;the 1ID Instagram at<a href="https://www.instagram.com/1stinfantrydivision" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/1stinfantrydivision</a>. Additionally, for the remainder of the month, a copy of the winning photo is displayed in the entryway at Victory Hall, the 1ID headquarters building.&nbsp;&nbsp;This month’s photo theme is “Kid Creations.” Young people in the surrounding communities are encouraged to submit a photo that showcases their unique artistic creation. Creations include, but are not limited to, drawing, painting, sculpture, sidewalk art and digital artwork.To participate, follow the 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division’s Instagram, “like” the competition announcement (posted at the start of the contest), and submit your photo via direct message to the 1st&nbsp;Infantry Division’s Instagram. Parents or guardians are encouraged to submit photos on their child’s behalf.A huge&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to “Show Us Your Squad” photo contest winner, Sgt. Luis Cardenas. Cardenas was born in Mexico. When he was 6 years old he and his mother moved to San Antonio, Texas. Cardenas graduated from sniper school in 2020. He currently serves as a sniper section leader with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team.“The people that you see in this picture are not just my friends, they are my family. They mean the world to me. Thanks to them, I am the person I am today,” said Cardenas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646695081849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This contest is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc. The winning photo does not imply U.S. Army endorsement. Entrants must be 13 years and older, submit their own creative work, and that work must be in keeping with Army values and the monthly theme.

March photo contest theme is “Kid Creations”

There were multiple properties which were not sold during a delinquent property tax sale last summer. Commissioner Trish Giordano said Monday that bids are now being accepted. "They are listed on the County web site as well as in the Daily Union. Bids will be due on March 18th at the ( County ) Clerk's office by noon."

The commission will open the bids on March 21st with the highest bidder being given the opportunity to buy those lots.

There were multiple properties which were not sold during a delinquent property tax sale last summer. Commissioner Trish Giordano said Monday that bids are now being accepted. "They are listed on the County web site as well as in the Daily Union. Bids will be due on March 18th at the ( County ) Clerk's office by noon."The commission will open the bids on March 21st with the highest bidder being given the opportunity to buy those lots.

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