Kansas Highway Patrol reported two 14-year old youth were fatality victims in a one vehicle accident about one a.m. Sunday on Fort Riley Boulevard ( K-18 ) at Scenic Drive. The fatality victims were identified as Kenni Cantu, 14, and Gaysha Alfred, 14. The driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer they were riding in, Paris Burgess, 17,and another passenger Alecia Reyna Smith Haynes, 13,&nbsp; were transported to Via Christi Hospital.&nbsp; One more passenger in the vehicle, Jean Carlos Vazques-Ponce, was transported to KU Medical Center. All of those in the vehicle were from Manhattan.

According to KHP the vehicle was eastbound on K-18 and for an unknown reason the driver lost control of the Trailblazer. It entered the south ditch and impacted a concrete bridge pillar. After the collision the vehicle caught fire.

USD 383 Manhattan - Ogden Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Marvin Wade issued a statement that was emailed to all of the families in the school district.

It is with great sadness that I am informing you of the death of two of our students. &nbsp;While words cannot express our collective grief and sadness at this tragic news, I recognize the importance of you having this information as quickly as possible so it can be discussed within your family prior to tomorrow's school day.&nbsp;

Early in the morning of Sunday, December 5, there was a single car accident with two fatalities. &nbsp;Eisenhower Middle School students Gaysha Alfred and Kenni Cantu passed away in the accident. Anthony Middle School student Jean-Carlos Vasquez-Ponce was life flighted to KU Medical Center. Two additional occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2021-014620" target="_blank">https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2021-014620 </a>We have implemented our Emergency Response Plan to provide support to students, staff members, and families during the difficult days and weeks ahead. Counselors and other school staff will be available in the school setting to assist students and staff. If you feel your child needs additional assistance or is having a great deal of difficulty coping, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school.&nbsp;While it is important to deal with grief, loss, anger, and fear reactions, we believe it is essential to resume as normal a routine as possible regarding the school schedule and activities.

Kansas Highway Patrol reported two 14-year old youth were fatality victims in a one vehicle accident about one a.m. Sunday on Fort Riley Boulevard ( K-18 ) at Scenic Drive. The fatality victims were identified as Kenni Cantu, 14, and Gaysha Alfred, 14. The driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer they were riding in, Paris Burgess, 17,and another passenger Alecia Reyna Smith Haynes, 13,&nbsp; were transported to Via Christi Hospital.&nbsp; One more passenger in the vehicle, Jean Carlos Vazques-Ponce, was transported to KU Medical Center. All of those in the vehicle were from Manhattan.According to KHP the vehicle was eastbound on K-18 and for an unknown reason the driver lost control of the Trailblazer. It entered the south ditch and impacted a concrete bridge pillar. After the collision the vehicle caught fire.USD 383 Manhattan - Ogden Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Marvin Wade issued a statement that was emailed to all of the families in the school district.USD 383 Families,It is with great sadness that I am informing you of the death of two of our students. &nbsp;While words cannot express our collective grief and sadness at this tragic news, I recognize the importance of you having this information as quickly as possible so it can be discussed within your family prior to tomorrow's school day.&nbsp;Early in the morning of Sunday, December 5, there was a single car accident with two fatalities. &nbsp;Eisenhower Middle School students Gaysha Alfred and Kenni Cantu passed away in the accident. Anthony Middle School student Jean-Carlos Vasquez-Ponce was life flighted to KU Medical Center. Two additional occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2021-014620" target="_blank">https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search/viewDetail/2021-014620 </a>We have implemented our Emergency Response Plan to provide support to students, staff members, and families during the difficult days and weeks ahead. Counselors and other school staff will be available in the school setting to assist students and staff. If you feel your child needs additional assistance or is having a great deal of difficulty coping, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school.&nbsp;While it is important to deal with grief, loss, anger, and fear reactions, we believe it is essential to resume as normal a routine as possible regarding the school schedule and activities.

Accident claims the lives of two Manhattan youth and injures three

&nbsp;Kansas State and LSU will square off in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 8 p.m., will be televised by ESPN.

KSU head coach Chris Klieman met with the media Sunday. These were his comments.

“Okay. Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks so much for everybody joining us. We're excited to play in the Texas Bowl against a great opponent. Just learned a couple minutes ago that it's going to be LSU, so it's going to be exciting for the guys. We’re practicing this afternoon and they knew it was the Texas Bowl before we started practice but didn't know the opponent. So, I'll be excited to talk to the guys as we finish up practice. Gives us an opportunity to play a great opponent, gives us an opportunity to continue to grow with our developmental guys. Then, obviously, I'm really excited for a bunch of seniors to get one more opportunity to play together down in Houston. So, with that, we'll open it up for questions.”

On the story of the team this year...

“Yeah, it's got one more chapter, that's for sure, and an exciting chapter. We knew it's a long story and you're going to have some bumps in the road, and we had our leadership meeting today. Last time we had a leadership council meeting, we were 3-3 and 0-3 in the league, and I challenged those guys to have an impact and challenge each other to be accountable. Lo and behold, we got it to seven wins. Although we're disappointed that we lost the last two games, I'm a firm believer that you're not judged by a moment but judged by an entire body of work. So, we have one more opportunity with the seniors to truly finish the, story and I know our guys are excited about that. We're going to get after it with our prep and hopefully play a really good game.”

On making the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator...

“It’s something that I thought long and hard about and took a week myself after the game. I didn't want to make any quick decisions. I thought about it long and hard. I was on the road all last week, which probably helped me get away and clear my mind and decide on what's the best thing for Kansas State University. Came back and had a conversation with Gene (Taylor), and it was my decision that I thought we needed to make a change. That was very, very difficult as you can imagine as close as Coach Mess (Courtney Messingham) and I are. But I came here three years ago to get a program ready to go compete for a Big 12 Championship. This is not about Chris Klieman. It's not about Courtney Messingham. It's about Kansas State football, and I felt we needed to make a change, and so we did.”

On Collin Klein putting together the plan for the bowl game...

“Well, I'm excited for Collin and the offensive staff, but I know we're not going to reinvent the wheel in three weeks. I don't want him to think I'm judging solely on what happens here in this three week prep and one game. So, for me, it's more the leadership, the organization, how he interacts with the coaches and players. I'm going to kind of be a fly on the wall a lot with those offensive coaches to see the plan that they come up with, and I know that we had a meeting this morning with the offensive staff. They're excited about the challenge. We didn't know the opponent in the way we were playing. We'll be on the road this week again, and then we'll start that preparation next weekend.”

“We're practicing young guys this weekend. I don't think Skylar (Thompson) would be able to practice if we practiced today. So, we'll have everybody ready. I don't know if that’s going to be Will (Howard) and Jaren (Lewis) and Jake (Rubley), who are practicing this weekend or by next weekend if Skylar (Thompson). I'll have to give you an update another time, but everybody, all hands on deck, this week with the quarterback position for this game.”

“Yeah, not far removed from the National Championship and so much prestige and history behind LSU football, and it excites me. I know it's going to excite our staff and our team to be able to play a high-caliber SEC team that everybody's talked about and heard about. It'll be a lot of fun. It will be a big challenge because they have tremendous players. I know they have a coaching change going on, but they got a bunch of kids that have a lot of pride and want to finish out with a win just like we do.”

“Yeah, it really is. Discipline, commitment, toughness and to be selfless, and our guys have been really disciplined throughout the year. We haven't had troubles off the field and guys have challenged each other on the field, and discipline to come to work every day, committed to your teammate, to be committed to your brother, to be committed to K-State football, I think is important. Toughness – you play seven games in a row after our bye week like we did, and that's a grind. We have a lot of guys that fought through a lot of injuries. We got some guys playing that were really banged up just like everybody else in the country, but I just know how tough those guys have been. Then to be selfless and 18-to 22-year olds. That's tough to ask, but a lot of selfless acts of guys changing positions and moving around to different spots so that we could put the best outfit out there we could every Saturday. We've got a tremendous locker room, a really close-knit group of guys, and I know they're excited to be together for another month.”

On the preparation for this bowl game...

“Yeah, I'm going to go back and look at my notes on it. Obviously, we didn't have success and win the game (2019 Liberty Bowl). It was a tight, tight battle with Navy. There was also the triple option, which made it even more difficult to go back and look at my notes. I know how unique and special bowl games are and postseason football, especially for seniors getting their last opportunity to play, at least for K-State. It's our job as coaches to make sure that we come up with terrific game plans so that those guys can just cut it loose and play. So, I'm excited about spending a month with these guys. Yeah, we'll probably tweak some things from what we did, just because it's my second opportunity at a bowl game. I've played in plenty of games in January, but we've probably played four games through December where this year we haven't played any.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638747917743.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Kansas State and LSU will square off in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 8 p.m., will be televised by ESPN.KSU head coach Chris Klieman met with the media Sunday. These were his comments. CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Okay. Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks so much for everybody joining us. We're excited to play in the Texas Bowl against a great opponent. Just learned a couple minutes ago that it's going to be LSU, so it's going to be exciting for the guys. We’re practicing this afternoon and they knew it was the Texas Bowl before we started practice but didn't know the opponent. So, I'll be excited to talk to the guys as we finish up practice. Gives us an opportunity to play a great opponent, gives us an opportunity to continue to grow with our developmental guys. Then, obviously, I'm really excited for a bunch of seniors to get one more opportunity to play together down in Houston. So, with that, we'll open it up for questions.”On the story of the team this year...“Yeah, it's got one more chapter, that's for sure, and an exciting chapter. We knew it's a long story and you're going to have some bumps in the road, and we had our leadership meeting today. Last time we had a leadership council meeting, we were 3-3 and 0-3 in the league, and I challenged those guys to have an impact and challenge each other to be accountable. Lo and behold, we got it to seven wins. Although we're disappointed that we lost the last two games, I'm a firm believer that you're not judged by a moment but judged by an entire body of work. So, we have one more opportunity with the seniors to truly finish the, story and I know our guys are excited about that. We're going to get after it with our prep and hopefully play a really good game.”On making the decision to make a change at offensive coordinator...“It’s something that I thought long and hard about and took a week myself after the game. I didn't want to make any quick decisions. I thought about it long and hard. I was on the road all last week, which probably helped me get away and clear my mind and decide on what's the best thing for Kansas State University. Came back and had a conversation with Gene (Taylor), and it was my decision that I thought we needed to make a change. That was very, very difficult as you can imagine as close as Coach Mess (Courtney Messingham) and I are. But I came here three years ago to get a program ready to go compete for a Big 12 Championship. This is not about Chris Klieman. It's not about Courtney Messingham. It's about Kansas State football, and I felt we needed to make a change, and so we did.”On Collin Klein putting together the plan for the bowl game...“Well, I'm excited for Collin and the offensive staff, but I know we're not going to reinvent the wheel in three weeks. I don't want him to think I'm judging solely on what happens here in this three week prep and one game. So, for me, it's more the leadership, the organization, how he interacts with the coaches and players. I'm going to kind of be a fly on the wall a lot with those offensive coaches to see the plan that they come up with, and I know that we had a meeting this morning with the offensive staff. They're excited about the challenge. We didn't know the opponent in the way we were playing. We'll be on the road this week again, and then we'll start that preparation next weekend.”On the quarterback update...“We're practicing young guys this weekend. I don't think Skylar (Thompson) would be able to practice if we practiced today. So, we'll have everybody ready. I don't know if that’s going to be Will (Howard) and Jaren (Lewis) and Jake (Rubley), who are practicing this weekend or by next weekend if Skylar (Thompson). I'll have to give you an update another time, but everybody, all hands on deck, this week with the quarterback position for this game.”On facing LSU...“Yeah, not far removed from the National Championship and so much prestige and history behind LSU football, and it excites me. I know it's going to excite our staff and our team to be able to play a high-caliber SEC team that everybody's talked about and heard about. It'll be a lot of fun. It will be a big challenge because they have tremendous players. I know they have a coaching change going on, but they got a bunch of kids that have a lot of pride and want to finish out with a win just like we do.”On the team’s core values...“Yeah, it really is. Discipline, commitment, toughness and to be selfless, and our guys have been really disciplined throughout the year. We haven't had troubles off the field and guys have challenged each other on the field, and discipline to come to work every day, committed to your teammate, to be committed to your brother, to be committed to K-State football, I think is important. Toughness – you play seven games in a row after our bye week like we did, and that's a grind. We have a lot of guys that fought through a lot of injuries. We got some guys playing that were really banged up just like everybody else in the country, but I just know how tough those guys have been. Then to be selfless and 18-to 22-year olds. That's tough to ask, but a lot of selfless acts of guys changing positions and moving around to different spots so that we could put the best outfit out there we could every Saturday. We've got a tremendous locker room, a really close-knit group of guys, and I know they're excited to be together for another month.”On the preparation for this bowl game...“Yeah, I'm going to go back and look at my notes on it. Obviously, we didn't have success and win the game (2019 Liberty Bowl). It was a tight, tight battle with Navy. There was also the triple option, which made it even more difficult to go back and look at my notes. I know how unique and special bowl games are and postseason football, especially for seniors getting their last opportunity to play, at least for K-State. It's our job as coaches to make sure that we come up with terrific game plans so that those guys can just cut it loose and play. So, I'm excited about spending a month with these guys. Yeah, we'll probably tweak some things from what we did, just because it's my second opportunity at a bowl game. I've played in plenty of games in January, but we've probably played four games through December where this year we haven't played any.”

Kansas State will play LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl

Lifelong Republican represented Kansas on a national stage

By NOMIN UJIYEDIIN and SCOTT CANON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-05/bob-dole-is-dead-at-98-he-overcame-war-wounds-nearly-became-president-championed-disability-rights">Kansas News Service</a>

Bob Dole, who overcame war wounds to dominate Kansas politics for 
much of the 20th century and nearly captured his nation’s presidency, has
 died. He was 98.

The death of the former U.S. senator and 
Republican nominee for president was announced by the Elizabeth Dole 
Foundation. The announcement did not say where he died. He died Sunday.

He is survived by his wife, former U.S. Sen. and cabinet secretary Elizabeth Dole and his daughter, Robin Dole.

Dole
 grew up in the boom-and-bust oil town of Russell, watched his 
family scrape by during the Great Depression, suffered crippling wounds 
on an Italian battlefield during World War II and worked his way up from
 county politics to leadership in the U.S. Senate.

He left a 
legacy marked by both fierce partisanship and landmark lawmaking defined
 by his willingness to team with Democrats. He beat cancer in the 1990s,
 but Dole announced Feb. 18, 2021, that he had stage 4 cancer and would 
undergo treatment.

And though he became a creature of Washington —
 cashing in on decades of Capitol Hill connections by spending the last 
decades of his life as a lobbyist — he always saw himself as a Kansan.

His days in Russell, Dole once said, gave him a certain perspective.

“The first thing you learn on the prairie,” he said, “is the relative size of man compared to the lay of the land.”

<a href="http://doleinstitute.org/timeline/alternate-timeline/" target="_blank">Robert Joseph Dole</a>
 was born July 22, 1923. His father ran a small creamery and his mother 
sold Singer sewing machines door to door. They lived on Maple Street.

As a teenager, Dole washed cars and worked as a soda jerk at Dawson’s
 Drug Store. Classmates remembered Dole as a smart dresser, a 
good-looking guy who modeled in a high school fashion show and served as
 sports editor of the school paper.

The family was active in the 
Methodist Church, saw hard financial times and was battered by the 
blinding storms of the Dust Bowl years in Kansas and economic despair. 
He shared a single room, one bike and a pair of rollerskates with his 
siblings.

The farthest east he traveled in the first 20 years of his life was to Kansas City.

In
 1941, Dole entered the University of Kansas with the help of a $300 
loan from a Russell banker and became the first in his family to go 
beyond high school. He led an active life on campus, pledging a 
fraternity, working multiple jobs and playing basketball under legendary
 KU coach Phog Allen.

Three
 years into college, Dole left to join the U.S. Army Officer Candidate 
School. He was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. That took him to 
Italy — and the battle wounds that would leave his right arm all but 
useless for the next seven-plus decades of a storied life.

On 
April 14, 1945, a German shell shattered Dole’s right shoulder, 
collarbone and arm. It crushed a piece of his spine, leaving him 
temporarily paralyzed and in a full-body cast. Dole was shipped home, 
first to Kansas, then to Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, 
Michigan, for rehabilitation.

He struggled with tremors and physical coordination, and learned to 
do everything with his left hand. In the three years following his 
injury, he underwent seven surgeries, none of which improved his 
condition much.

The people of Russell chipped in to help pay 
Dole’s hospital bills, putting coins and bills into an old cigar box. 
Hometown supporters would later put $100,000 in a similar <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/campaign/dole/hand.htm" target="_blank">cigar box</a> during Dole’s presidential run in 1987. Dole kept the box in his Senate office for years.

Dole’s
 new disability had a profound impact. For the rest of his life, he 
often held a pen in his weakened right hand at public events to keep 
people from trying to shake it. In his 2005 memoir, “<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/9780060763428/one-soldiers-story/" target="_blank">One Soldier’s Story</a>,”
 Dole wrote that seeing his wasted body in the mirror disturbed him so 
much that in the 60 years since his injury, he had scarcely looked at 
himself without a shirt on.

“I don’t need any more reminders,” Dole wrote.

During
 his recovery, he met his future first wife, occupational therapist 
Phyllis Holden. He also befriended Daniel Inouye, a fellow wounded 
soldier who would later become Hawaii’s first senator and the president 
of the U.S. Senate. And Dole grew close to an Armenian doctor, Hampar 
Kelikian, an immigrant who refused to take payment for treating American
 GIs.

“He inspired within me a new attitude,” wrote Dole about 
Kelikian in “One Soldier’s Story.” “He encouraged me to see 
possibilities where others only saw problems. It’s an attitude that has 
served me well over the years.”

The
 optimism and perseverance remained with Dole when he left the Army in 
1948. He returned to college at the University of Arizona and then 
Washburn University in Topeka, where he finished his undergraduate and 
law degrees. His wife, Phyllis, attended classes with him, taking notes 
and acting as his scribe during law exams. The Department of Veterans 
Affairs gave him a Sound Scriber, a huge, phonograph-like device that 
Dole used to record lectures and later copy them painstakingly by hand.

At
 Washburn, Dole met Beth Bowers, a law librarian who suggested he run 
for the Kansas Legislature in 1950, when he was 27 years old. In “One 
Soldier’s Story,” Dole wrote that he chose to run as a Republican on the
 advice of the county attorney in Russell — to appeal to the majority of
 the Kansas population.

“My entry into politics certainly wasn’t 
propelled by partisan fervor,” Dole wrote. “I became a Republican, 
pragmatically at first, and then philosophically later on.”

That 
pragmatism would develop into a dogged dedication to the party line when
 he reached Congress a decade later. Dole made $5 a day in the Kansas 
Statehouse — $7 a day during the legislative session — and made his 
living working as a private attorney in his hometown.

In 1952, he 
ran for Russell County attorney. He held the office until he won a seat 
in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1960. As part of that 
congressional campaign, his volunteers bought every can of Dole 
pineapple juice they could find and gave them to voters. Dole would 
reuse the gimmick in subsequent bids for office.

In
 his first years in Congress, Dole voted in favor of the Civil Rights 
Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He criticized the 
policies of Democratic Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson 
and befriended Republican former Vice President Richard Nixon.

“Dole
 mentioned once that Nixon was the only one in Washington who stuck out 
his left hand to shake with Dole,” wrote political journalist Richard 
Ben Cramer in <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/33217/what-it-takes-by-richard-ben-cramer/9780679746492/" target="_blank">“What It Takes,”</a> his chronicle of the 1988 presidential election.

That
 friendship continued through 1969, when Nixon began his presidency and 
Dole began his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Dole was a staunch supporter 
of Nixon, defending the president’s choices in the Vietnam War and 
through the Watergate scandal. In an attempt to protect the reputation 
of the president and the Republican Party, the senator introduced a 
resolution that would pull the Watergate committee hearings off TV.

“The
 purpose of the hearings is to serve legislative interests. It is not to
 try, convict and sentence Richard Nixon,” Dole said in a speech on the 
Senate floor. “Lives, reputations and careers can be hopelessly 
shattered by such exposure.” Dole’s resolution failed. And those 
televised hearings sped the end of the Nixon presidency.

The 1970s
 brought changes in Dole’s personal life. He started spending more time 
at the office and away from his wife and daughter, Robin, who was born 
in 1954. Dole and Phyllis divorced in 1972, shocking his constituents in
 Kansas. Soon after, Dole met then-White House staffer Elizabeth Hanford
 and the two married in 1975.

In the political world, Dole made a 
name for himself by chairing the Republican National Committee from 1970
 to 1972, occasionally crossing party lines to support issues such as 
food stamps.

Dole’s party loyalty and Midwestern sensibility led President Gerald Ford to <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?74133-1/ford-vice-presidential-nominee-announcement" target="_blank">choose him as his running mate</a> in his bid for reelection in 1976. After a heated race, they lost the contest to Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter by three points.

It was Dole’s first bid for national office. In 1979, he made 
another. After an aggressive campaign of speeches touting the Republican
 platform across the country, Dole decided to run for president. He 
returned to his hometown, Russell, to make the announcement. His wife, 
Elizabeth Dole, quit her job at the Federal Trade Commission to support 
him.

But his campaign was rocky. The candidate spent little time 
in Iowa and New Hampshire. Several campaign staffers were fired and had 
to be replaced multiple times. Dole performed abysmally in the New 
Hampshire primary, winning only 0.4 percent of the vote, and announced 
he was dropping out.

He returned to the Senate. As chairman of the
 Senate Committee on Finance, he wrote up a milder version of President 
Ronald Reagan’s proposed tax cuts. The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981
 passed both chambers and became the biggest tax cut in U.S. history.

A year later, Dole authored a bill with the opposite result, convincing Reagan that tax hikes
 were needed to close a federal deficit of $230 billion. The Tax Equity 
and Fiscal Responsibility Act raised nearly $100 billion for the federal
 government, mostly through higher taxes and closed loopholes.

Dole
 took on the mantle of Senate majority leader in 1984. The next year, he
 again worked to reduce the federal deficit through the 
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act and helped pass a farm bill.

His next bid for president came in 1987. Dole stuck it out longer 
this time, in a primary crowded with seven Republicans. Dole had a 
reputation for working hard, but micromanaging to the detriment of his 
campaign. He lost several primaries and dropped out in March 1988.

Accepting
 that his shot at president had probably come and gone, Dole threw his 
support behind Reagan’s Republican successor, then-Vice President George
 H.W. Bush.

“It’s probably finished for me, but you never know,” Dole told biographer <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bob-Dole-Republicans-Man-Seasons/dp/1556114214" target="_blank">Jake H. Thompson</a>. “My role now is to make George Bush a good president. I’m certainly not trying to keep anything alive.”

During
 the first Bush presidency, Dole traveled on diplomatic missions to 
Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, notably visiting Saddam
 Hussein in a failed attempt to stop Iraq from trying to build nuclear 
weapons. The senator played central roles in the <a href="https://www.ada.gov/" target="_blank">Americans with Disabilities Act</a> and the Clear Air Act, both passed in 1990.

In 1991, Elizabeth Dole was named the president of the American Red Cross and Bob Dole underwent surgery for prostate cancer.

Four
 years later, Dole announced he was running for president again. This 
time, he won the Republican nomination. He swept the primaries and chose
 former New York Rep. Jack Kemp — a politician whose supply-side 
economics clashed with Dole’s budget-hawk ways — as his running mate.

Dole left the Senate on June 11, 1996, to focus on the general election campaign. In his <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?72875-1/senator-dole-farewell-speech" target="_blank">farewell speech</a> on the Senate floor, he asked his colleagues to work together across party lines.

“I’m
 not here to make a partisan speech,” he said. “I would hope that we 
would keep in mind that there are still threats around the world. And 
also keep in mind that we’re the envy of the world.”

Dole ultimately lost to incumbent President Bill Clinton by <a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1996" target="_blank">eight points in the popular vote</a> and received fewer than half of Clinton’s electoral votes.

In his <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?76579-1/bob-dole-concession-speech" target="_blank">concession speech</a>, Dole pledged his support to Clinton and joked about his own retirement.

“I
 was thinking on the way down the elevator, ‘Tomorrow will be the first 
time in my life I don't have anything to do.’ … I'm going to sit back 
for a few days, and then I'm going to start standing up for what I think
 is right for America.”

In
 his last two decades, Dole dedicated himself to advocacy. He chaired 
the WWII Memorial Commission, raising nearly $200 million for the 
memorial. At a 1997 ceremony revealing the design for the memorial, 
Clinton <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?78062-1/medal-freedom-presentation" target="_blank">awarded</a> the former senator the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The late 1990s also marked the beginning of a brief television career. Dole famously starred in an early <a href="https://youtu.be/nBdgpjnKInA?t=46" target="_blank">commercial for Viagra</a>, later parodied in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7oh1so-2M8" target="_blank">commercial for Pepsi</a>.
 He shilled for Visa and Dunkin Donuts and appeared on Comedy Central's 
“The Daily Show” as a commentator for the 2000 election.

In the 2000s, Dole continued to advocate for war veterans and the 
disabled, often appearing at events to give speeches and shake hands 
with fellow veterans.

He returned to the Senate floor in 2012, asking legislators to vote 
in favor of ratifying the United Nations-backed Convention on the Rights
 of Persons with Disabilities. Democratic senators <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/us/despite-doles-wish-gop-rejects-disabilities-treaty.html?_r=0" target="_blank">stayed seated</a>
 in solidarity with Dole, a wheelchair user, as they cast their votes in
 favor. But the controlling majority of Republicans opposed the treaty, 
citing concerns about states’ rights and U.S. sovereignty. Two years 
later, despite another visit from Dole, the Republican-led Senate again 
rejected the treaty, <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/218040-senate-gop-block-un-treaty-on-disability-rights" target="_blank">refusing</a> to bring it to a full vote.

In the last years of his life, Dole worked for Alston and Bird, helping the firm lobby for a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/04/world/europe/oleg-deripaska-russia-oligarch-sanctions.html" target="_blank">Russian oligarch</a> and <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-sen-bob-dole-s-influence-helped-lead-call-between-n692661" target="_blank">policies favorable to Taiwan</a>.

Ever the GOP loyalist, Dole endorsed candidate Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. 

“I like Donald Trump because he's a strong leader and he is someone who can work with Congress,” Dole <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wDh8J_3v4c&amp;ab_channel=PBSNewsHour" target="_blank">told NPR</a>
 at the Republican National Convention that year. “There are a lot of 
similarities between my days in the Senate and what Donald is 
proposing.”

In the 2018 midterms, Dole threw his support behind Republican congressional candidates <a href="http://www.yoderforcongress.com/senator_bob_dole_endorses_congressman_yoder_for_re_election" target="_blank">Kevin Yoder</a>, a Republican incumbent in eastern Kansas, and <a href="https://twitter.com/senatordole/status/1050027506814869505" target="_blank">Steve Watkins</a>, a newcomer who had few ties to Dole’s home state. The former senator endorsed incumbent <a href="https://twitter.com/senatordole/status/1026559962963734528" target="_blank">Gov. Jeff Colyer</a>
 in the GOP primaries, and later stayed silent when then-Secretary of 
State Kris Kobach won the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

In 2019, Congress unanimously passed a <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article228436774.html" target="_blank">bill</a> to promote Dole to the rank of colonel in the Army.

In 2020, Dole did not publicly endorse a candidate, but maintained his support of Trump, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bob-dole-donald-trump-presidential-debate-commission-elections-2020-10" target="_blank">accusing</a>
 the bipartisan Committee on Presidential Debates of being biased 
against the candidate ahead of the election. Dole endorsed Republican 
Roger Marshall, a candidate cast more in the mold of Trump than the 
politics of Dole's career.

Dole later said he <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/article247926270.html" target="_blank">believed</a> Joe Biden had won the election over Trump. He told The Kansas City Star that he considered Biden a friend.

“He
 did a good job,” Dole said. “Proud to be a liberal — hopefully not too 
liberal — but he knows how the government works and the Congress works 
and all this will be a benefit to Joe.”

Dole’s health began to decline in early 2021, when he announced he had been <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-stage-4-lung-cancer-480b81fe3e01fa53263c2f817c4eb768" target="_blank">diagnosed</a> with stage four lung cancer and would soon begin treatment.

Dole saw his political career, like his personal battle with a physical disability, as one of perseverance.

“In
 the final analysis, that’s what great leaders do, not just in the 
Senate but also in daily life,” he wrote in his 2005 memoir. “They face 
life without flinching. They make the tough decisions. They live with 
the consequences whether good or bad. They make the most of what they 
have. That’s the kind of leader I have always tried to be.”

Throughout his career, Dole was a staunch supporter of disability rights and some social welfare programs.

Nomin
 Ujiyediin reports on criminal justice and social welfare for the Kansas
 News Service. You can email her at nomin@kcur.org and follow
 her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nominuj" target="_blank">@NominUJ</a>.&nbsp;Scott
 Canon is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service. You can reach 
him at scott@kcur.org, 816-235-8023 or on Twitter @ScottCanon.

🎥 Western Kansas icon: Bob Dole's legacy as a statesman and leader

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library was the site for a Junction City Main Street 10 Days of Christmas event in Junction City on Saturday, Breakfast with Santa.

&nbsp;Breakfast, crafts, songs, stories, and a group of staff and volunteers made every child and adult feel special. This was Day 9 of the 10 Days of Christmas celebration.

10 Days of Christmas activities continue on Sunday include holiday giving. There will be collection boxes at all of the businesses identified on a Downtown Business Decorating Contest ballot with red lettering. I.C.A.R.E. That You read: drop off new or used in good condition children's elementary story books with hard covers, Junction City Main Street Sharing the Warmth where you can drop off socks, underwear, leggings and sweat pants in sizes 4,5,6 and 7.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library was the site for a Junction City Main Street 10 Days of Christmas event in Junction City on Saturday, Breakfast with Santa.&nbsp;Breakfast, crafts, songs, stories, and a group of staff and volunteers made every child and adult feel special. This was Day 9 of the 10 Days of Christmas celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638678953472.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Sheila Markley" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Sheila Markley</figcaption>
 </figure>10 Days of Christmas activities continue on Sunday include holiday giving. There will be collection boxes at all of the businesses identified on a Downtown Business Decorating Contest ballot with red lettering. I.C.A.R.E. That You read: drop off new or used in good condition children's elementary story books with hard covers, Junction City Main Street Sharing the Warmth where you can drop off socks, underwear, leggings and sweat pants in sizes 4,5,6 and 7.

Breakfast with Santa occurs at the Library

Acoustic Junction will be held on Friday, Dec. 10 at the historic St. Joseph Church in eastern Geary County. Food and beverages will be served at 6:30 p.m. and free music begins at 7 p.m. The event is intended to help raise funds for restoration of the church.

Carpooling is encouraged. Parking will be a premium. To reach the church travel I-70 to Exit 307 and go south one and a half miles.

The event is sponsored by the Geary County Historical Society.

Acoustic Junction will be held on Friday, Dec. 10 at the historic St. Joseph Church in eastern Geary County. Food and beverages will be served at 6:30 p.m. and free music begins at 7 p.m. The event is intended to help raise funds for restoration of the church.Carpooling is encouraged. Parking will be a premium. To reach the church travel I-70 to Exit 307 and go south one and a half miles.The event is sponsored by the Geary County Historical Society.

Acoustic Junction is set for Friday, Dec. 10

Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the death of Junction City police officer Wilson “Alex” C.  Johnson Jr. in the line of duty. JCPD posted via social media this week that at 4:30 am on December 3, 2001, Officer Wilson C. A. Johnson, Jr, received a fatal gunshot wound while assisting a domestic battery victim to recover her two children who were being held in a Junction City apartment building. The domestic battery suspect shot Officer Johnson during a confrontation in the apartment. Officer Johnson died at the scene. 

Due to officer Johnson's actions, the two children were rescued unharmed. Johnson served the Junction City Police Department for 18 years as a Patrol Officer and Detective. He joined the department after a twenty-year Army career that included two tours of duty in Vietnam and tours of duty in Korea and Germany. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Junction City Police Officers Association, and the Kansas Peace Officers Association. Officer 

Johnson was fifty-six years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife Hermine Linda Johnson and two stepsons, David and Michael Quintanar. Friday afternoon Chief of Police John Lamb along with the Sergeant of the JCPD Community Involvement Unit, Eliel Borges, visited Officer Johnson’s wife to give her flowers in honor of Alex. Chief Lamb and Sgt. Borges spent some time with Hermine reminiscing on the department’s memories of Officer Johnson. 

JCPD has lost 3 other officers in the line of duty since the department’s inception, Ira M. Buchanan (EOW 11/13/1869), James R. White (EOW 11-18-1901), Robert E L. Cooper (EOW 11/20/1901). Their memories are honored at Junction City’s Heritage Park at the law enforcement memorial, and their names are found on a plaque attached to the department's mural wall. 

"Thank you, Alex, for your sacrifice and service to our community, you are a dearly missed member of our family."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638674596090.jpeg" alt="Photo - JCPD&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo - JCPD&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday marked the 20th anniversary of the death of Junction City police officer Wilson “Alex” C. Johnson Jr. in the line of duty. JCPD posted via social media this week that at 4:30 am on December 3, 2001, Officer Wilson C. A. Johnson, Jr, received a fatal gunshot wound while assisting a domestic battery victim to recover her two children who were being held in a Junction City apartment building. The domestic battery suspect shot Officer Johnson during a confrontation in the apartment. Officer Johnson died at the scene. Due to officer Johnson's actions, the two children were rescued unharmed. Johnson served the Junction City Police Department for 18 years as a Patrol Officer and Detective. He joined the department after a twenty-year Army career that included two tours of duty in Vietnam and tours of duty in Korea and Germany. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Junction City Police Officers Association, and the Kansas Peace Officers Association. Officer Johnson was fifty-six years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife Hermine Linda Johnson and two stepsons, David and Michael Quintanar. Friday afternoon Chief of Police John Lamb along with the Sergeant of the JCPD Community Involvement Unit, Eliel Borges, visited Officer Johnson’s wife to give her flowers in honor of Alex. Chief Lamb and Sgt. Borges spent some time with Hermine reminiscing on the department’s memories of Officer Johnson. JCPD has lost 3 other officers in the line of duty since the department’s inception, Ira M. Buchanan (EOW 11/13/1869), James R. White (EOW 11-18-1901), Robert E L. Cooper (EOW 11/20/1901). Their memories are honored at Junction City’s Heritage Park at the law enforcement memorial, and their names are found on a plaque attached to the department's mural wall. "Thank you, Alex, for your sacrifice and service to our community, you are a dearly missed member of our family."

JCPD remembers Officer Wilson "Alex" C. Johnson Jr.

By Erin Pennington, K-State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — You can plan on it: Kansas State University is launching a new strategic initiative to help people and businesses in Kansas. The university's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/" target="_blank">Economic Prosperity Plan</a>&nbsp;will add thousands of jobs and billions of dollars into the Kansas economy by leveraging K-State's strengths in four key areas: food and agriculture systems innovation; digital agriculture and advanced analytics; biosecurity and biodefense; and extension and outreach. "Our Economic Prosperity Plan will allow K-State to create 3,000 new jobs and $3 billion in additional investments into the state of Kansas in the next 10 years," said David Rosowsky, vice president for research. "This new initiative will allow K-State to truly demonstrate the value that universities provide to local, state and national economies through job growth and job creation, as well as retaining and attracting talent in the state."&nbsp;

The plan is a response to a request from the Kansas Board of Regents to demonstrate how Kansas institutions of higher education will add to economic prosperity in the state. "As the country’s first operational land-grant institution, K-State has always focused on excellent teaching, research and service that advance the well-being and economic prosperity of our state," said Richard Myers, university president. "This new initiative has the potential for significant economic growth for the region and state but will require many dedicated partnerships and support from the state to be successful. The university will continue to work vigorously to build those partnerships to make this plan a reality." Two focus areas in the plan center around food and agriculture. The food and agriculture systems innovation area will ensure Kansas retains greater value-added opportunites throughout the food system value chain. The plan also will leverage K-State's deep strengths across crops, livestock and natural resources research and innovation to attract outside investment and help Kansas become the global leader in digital agriculture and advanced analytics. "The resulting competitive advantages for Kansas within five to 10 years include economic growth and job creation; profitable, regenerative and sustainable food and agriculture systems; new technologies and innovation; and better health for Kansas citizens through nutritional security," said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. K-State's plan also will focus on using university strengths in biosecurity and biodefense to attract new companies and partnerships to the state. A biotechnology development module within the university's Biosecurity Research Institute will allow corporate partners to develop diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive countermeasures for a broad range of emerging zoonotic diseases while addressing scalable production. This secure space also will enable emergency rapid manufacturing to protect the nation's animal and food supply during a crisis. The College of Veterinary Medicine will also focus significant efforts on keeping graduates in Kansas. "In addition to making it easier for companies to partner with K-State researchers, we are increasing our efforts to keep our graduates in the state," said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "Kansas veterinarians contribute about a half a billion dollars to the economic development of the state, so the more veterinarians we can keep in the state, the stronger the economic prosperity of producers." A final area of focus in the plan is an initiative called K-State 105: Every Town to Gown, which leverages K-State's statewide extension presence to assist businesses and communities in all of the state's 105 counties to access K-State innovation, talent and training through local liaisons and coordinated resources. "Our plan is bold, it is audacious, but it is achievable," Rosowsky said. "I am excited to get to work and start demonstrating real results."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638634736719.jpeg" alt="Agricultural systems innovation, such as the use of robots in the field, is a key component of Kansas State University's Economic Prosperity Plan for Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Agricultural systems innovation, such as the use of robots in the field, is a key component of Kansas State University's Economic Prosperity Plan for Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Erin Pennington, K-State News and Communications ServicesMANHATTAN — You can plan on it: Kansas State University is launching a new strategic initiative to help people and businesses in Kansas. The university's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/" target="_blank">Economic Prosperity Plan</a>&nbsp;will add thousands of jobs and billions of dollars into the Kansas economy by leveraging K-State's strengths in four key areas: food and agriculture systems innovation; digital agriculture and advanced analytics; biosecurity and biodefense; and extension and outreach. "Our Economic Prosperity Plan will allow K-State to create 3,000 new jobs and $3 billion in additional investments into the state of Kansas in the next 10 years," said David Rosowsky, vice president for research. "This new initiative will allow K-State to truly demonstrate the value that universities provide to local, state and national economies through job growth and job creation, as well as retaining and attracting talent in the state."&nbsp; The plan is a response to a request from the Kansas Board of Regents to demonstrate how Kansas institutions of higher education will add to economic prosperity in the state. "As the country’s first operational land-grant institution, K-State has always focused on excellent teaching, research and service that advance the well-being and economic prosperity of our state," said Richard Myers, university president. "This new initiative has the potential for significant economic growth for the region and state but will require many dedicated partnerships and support from the state to be successful. The university will continue to work vigorously to build those partnerships to make this plan a reality." Two focus areas in the plan center around food and agriculture. The food and agriculture systems innovation area will ensure Kansas retains greater value-added opportunites throughout the food system value chain. The plan also will leverage K-State's deep strengths across crops, livestock and natural resources research and innovation to attract outside investment and help Kansas become the global leader in digital agriculture and advanced analytics. "The resulting competitive advantages for Kansas within five to 10 years include economic growth and job creation; profitable, regenerative and sustainable food and agriculture systems; new technologies and innovation; and better health for Kansas citizens through nutritional security," said Ernie Minton, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. K-State's plan also will focus on using university strengths in biosecurity and biodefense to attract new companies and partnerships to the state. A biotechnology development module within the university's Biosecurity Research Institute will allow corporate partners to develop diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive countermeasures for a broad range of emerging zoonotic diseases while addressing scalable production. This secure space also will enable emergency rapid manufacturing to protect the nation's animal and food supply during a crisis. The College of Veterinary Medicine will also focus significant efforts on keeping graduates in Kansas. "In addition to making it easier for companies to partner with K-State researchers, we are increasing our efforts to keep our graduates in the state," said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "Kansas veterinarians contribute about a half a billion dollars to the economic development of the state, so the more veterinarians we can keep in the state, the stronger the economic prosperity of producers." A final area of focus in the plan is an initiative called K-State 105: Every Town to Gown, which leverages K-State's statewide extension presence to assist businesses and communities in all of the state's 105 counties to access K-State innovation, talent and training through local liaisons and coordinated resources. "Our plan is bold, it is audacious, but it is achievable," Rosowsky said. "I am excited to get to work and start demonstrating real results."&nbsp;

K-State unveils plan to increase jobs, investments in Kansas

Downtown Junction City was the site for a Hometown Christmas celebration Friday evening. Activities ranged from performances by the Astra youth to carriage rides and the arrival of Santa Claus.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The event was part of the 10 Days of Christmas.

Downtown Junction City was the site for a Hometown Christmas celebration Friday evening. Activities ranged from performances by the Astra youth to carriage rides and the arrival of Santa Claus.Phyllis Fitzgerald shared some photos.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638625270615.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638625287303.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The event was part of the 10 Days of Christmas.&nbsp;

Junction City celebrates a Hometown Christmas

The Festival of Trees continues through Saturday and for that final day of bidding, a special sweet treat....Santa's Sweet Shoppe will be open for business from 11-4pm at the museum.&nbsp;

Funds raised will support the Historical Society.

The Festival of Trees continues through Saturday and for that final day of bidding, a special sweet treat....Santa's Sweet Shoppe will be open for business from 11-4pm at the museum.&nbsp;Funds raised will support the Historical Society.

Historical Society wraps up the Festival of Trees Saturday

&nbsp;Flinthills Investment captured First Place in the downtown business Christmas decorating contest in Junction City.

Magnolias finished second in the contest and Bella's was third. Elite academy of Martial Arts won the People's Choice Award.

&nbsp;Flinthills Investment captured First Place in the downtown business Christmas decorating contest in Junction City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638593542264.jpeg" alt="( Photo courtesy of Junction City Main Street )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo courtesy of Junction City Main Street )</figcaption>
 </figure>Magnolias finished second in the contest and Bella's was third. Elite academy of Martial Arts won the People's Choice Award.

Downtown contest is part of 10 Days of Christmas

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has been honored with the Sunflower Award

The Sunflower Award recognizes Dinkel's efforts in working with other levels of government in support of Cities in Kansas. The recognition comes from the Kansas Association of City / County Management.

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has been honored with the Sunflower Award<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638591354071.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Sunflower Award recognizes Dinkel's efforts in working with other levels of government in support of Cities in Kansas. The recognition comes from the Kansas Association of City / County Management.

City Manager receives recognition

Junction City High School Basketball vs Topeka Seaman

The Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is announcing an extension on the application acceptance for the 2022 Community Support (Special Events) Grant and the 2022 Marketing Grant.

The new deadline for the applications is Friday, December 10th at 4 p.m.

Applicants will need to submit the application to the Geary County CVB office at 222 West 6th St., submitted online at www.junctioncity.org/formventer, or mailed to P.O. Box 1846 Junction City, KS 66441.

Applications will be reviewed individually by the CVB Grant Committee before being presented to the Geary County Board of Commissioners consideration of approval. Projected announcement of support will occur in December 2021 for awards in 2022.

Any organization located in Junction City and Geary County is encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions, call the CVB office at 785-238-2885.

The Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is announcing an extension on the application acceptance for the 2022 Community Support (Special Events) Grant and the 2022 Marketing Grant.The new deadline for the applications is Friday, December 10th at 4 p.m.Applicants will need to submit the application to the Geary County CVB office at 222 West 6th St., submitted online at www.junctioncity.org/formventer, or mailed to P.O. Box 1846 Junction City, KS 66441.Applications will be reviewed individually by the CVB Grant Committee before being presented to the Geary County Board of Commissioners consideration of approval. Projected announcement of support will occur in December 2021 for awards in 2022.Any organization located in Junction City and Geary County is encouraged to apply.If you have any questions, call the CVB office at 785-238-2885.

CVB extends grant application deadline 

There was a soft opening of Dunkin' Donuts at the Exchange on Fort Riley on Friday. The Army said via social media that the new facility is located at 5322 Ashby Ave. near the postal office. 

Not all products are available during the soft opening. The grand opening of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins is currently scheduled for Dec. 14. The facility will be closed in the afternoon of Dec. 8 due to a scheduled water outage.



There was a soft opening of Dunkin' Donuts at the Exchange on Fort Riley on Friday. The Army said via social media that the new facility is located at 5322 Ashby Ave. near the postal office. Not all products are available during the soft opening. The grand opening of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins is currently scheduled for Dec. 14. The facility will be closed in the afternoon of Dec. 8 due to a scheduled water outage.

Dunkin' Donuts opens at Fort Riley

Eagle Communications Inc. has announced a leadership change in its Manhattan and Junction City markets.

As of Friday, Ben Waters will assume the role of regional manager for Eagle's markets in Salina, Manhattan and Junction City.

Waters has served as general manager of Eagle's Salina market since January 2020. Prior, he was the digital marketing leader for Eagle Radio of Hutchinson.

"Ben has proven to be an excellent leader within Eagle Communications and our operations in Salina and previously Hutchinson," said Eagle CEO Kurt David. "We now have the opportunity to combine our resources in Salina with those in Manhattan and Junction City where across markets Eagle Radio has the Top 2 listened-to stations in the market — KG Country 99.9 and Power Hits 97.5. Ben also has strong knowledge and skill with our digital product suite offerings thus allowing our clients across all markets to further drive growth in their local economies in this time when we have continuous news of increasing retail sales."

Waters will take over for Jason Schlitz, who had served as manager of the Manhattan and Junction City markets since January 2020. 

"I want to thank Jason for his service to Eagle in the Manhattan and Junction City markets," David said. "Our clients have been well served under Jason’s leadership. Our stations are fun and informative to listen to, and as we pride ourselves upon in Eagle, involved in our local communities."

In Manhattan and Junction City, Eagle operates 97.5 Power Hits, Q Country 103.5, KJCK 1420 AM / 107.9 AM, and 92.7 The X, as well as news and information sources JC Post and Little Apple Post. In Salina, Eagle operates 99KG Country, KINA 910 AM / 107.5 FM, 94.5 FM Prime and Salina Post.

"I want to thank Jason for providing a solid foundation in our Manhattan and Junction City markets," Waters said. "We have great radio stations and Post sites that entertain and inform our communities. I am excited to continue to build on the solid foundation Jason has started."

Schlitz will continue in a consultative role for the next several weeks to ensure a successful transition.

“The opportunity to play radio and serve this community again has been a true blessing" Schlitz said. "I’ve been proud to be the steward of Eagle’s commitment to Manhattan and Junction City. I’ve made a 'family first' decision and, fortunately, Eagle is replacing me with our best and our brightest. I look forward to helping Ben get launched in the market.”

Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 175 employee-owners. The company operates 31 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production, and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638556431603.jpeg" alt="Ben Waters" />
 <figcaption>Ben Waters</figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Communications Inc. has announced a leadership change in its Manhattan and Junction City markets.As of Friday, Ben Waters will assume the role of regional manager for Eagle's markets in Salina, Manhattan and Junction City.Waters has served as general manager of Eagle's Salina market since January 2020. Prior, he was the digital marketing leader for Eagle Radio of Hutchinson."Ben has proven to be an excellent leader within Eagle Communications and our operations in Salina and previously Hutchinson," said Eagle CEO Kurt David. "We now have the opportunity to combine our resources in Salina with those in Manhattan and Junction City where across markets Eagle Radio has the Top 2 listened-to stations in the market — KG Country 99.9 and Power Hits 97.5. Ben also has strong knowledge and skill with our digital product suite offerings thus allowing our clients across all markets to further drive growth in their local economies in this time when we have continuous news of increasing retail sales."Waters will take over for Jason Schlitz, who had served as manager of the Manhattan and Junction City markets since January 2020. "I want to thank Jason for his service to Eagle in the Manhattan and Junction City markets," David said. "Our clients have been well served under Jason’s leadership. Our stations are fun and informative to listen to, and as we pride ourselves upon in Eagle, involved in our local communities."In Manhattan and Junction City, Eagle operates 97.5 Power Hits, Q Country 103.5, KJCK 1420 AM / 107.9 AM, and 92.7 The X, as well as news and information sources JC Post and Little Apple Post. In Salina, Eagle operates 99KG Country, KINA 910 AM / 107.5 FM, 94.5 FM Prime and Salina Post."I want to thank Jason for providing a solid foundation in our Manhattan and Junction City markets," Waters said. "We have great radio stations and Post sites that entertain and inform our communities. I am excited to continue to build on the solid foundation Jason has started."Schlitz will continue in a consultative role for the next several weeks to ensure a successful transition.“The opportunity to play radio and serve this community again has been a true blessing" Schlitz said. "I’ve been proud to be the steward of Eagle’s commitment to Manhattan and Junction City. I’ve made a 'family first' decision and, fortunately, Eagle is replacing me with our best and our brightest. I look forward to helping Ben get launched in the market.”Founded in 1948, Eagle Communications Inc. is a Kansas-based media company with over 175 employee-owners. The company operates 31 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. In addition to radio, the company offers online solutions, web development, video production, and creative services. Eagle is the parent company of the Post News Network. For more, visit <a href="https://eagleradio.net/">eagleradio.net</a>.

Waters named regional GM for Eagle markets in Salina, Manhattan, Junction City

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft of Christmas decorations in Manhattan.

Just before 2p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft in the 3100 block of Ella Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 25-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect stole her 12-foot Christmas tree off her front porch. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $540. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft of Christmas decorations in Manhattan.Just before 2p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft in the 3100 block of Ella Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 25-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect stole her 12-foot Christmas tree off her front porch. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $540. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect stole 12 foot Christmas tree from Manhattan home

Historic Fort Riley sites and homes will be open to the public for the 38th annual Tour of Homes Saturday, Dec. 4, 4 – 8 p.m.&nbsp;

The tour, organized by the Historical and Archaeological Society of Fort Riley, will include several of Fort Riley’s historic homes, starting with the Custer House. This year’s tour concludes at the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard stables.

The tour is self-guided and self-paced, with maps provided at the Custer House. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parking will be available at the Main Post Chapel, with limited parking near the Custer House and on Schofield Circle and Pershing Avenue.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $10. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org</a>&nbsp;to purchase advance tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the Custer House the day of the event for $12.

The Tour of Homes is open to adults and children age 10 and older.&nbsp; Babies under two in an infant carrier are welcome, but strollers are not allowed. Masks will be required indoors and visitors will be limited to no more than 10 people in a house at a time. Hand sanitizer will be provided for use prior to entering a home and HASFR will also provide booties for each visitor to wear over their shoes.

For more information about the Tour of Homes, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hasfrtourofhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">hasfrtourofhomes@gmail.com</a>.

Visitors to Fort Riley who don’t have a DoD ID card will need to get a visitor’s pass either by applying online prior to Saturday or stopping by the Visitor Control Center, Exit 301 off I-70. The link to apply for a visitor’s pass is available on the Fort Riley website,&nbsp;<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/" target="_blank">https://home.army.mil/riley/</a>&nbsp;under “Accessing Fort Riley.” The Visitor Control Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. You can learn more about accessing Fort Riley by calling (785) 239-2982.

Historic Fort Riley sites and homes will be open to the public for the 38th annual Tour of Homes Saturday, Dec. 4, 4 – 8 p.m.&nbsp;The tour, organized by the Historical and Archaeological Society of Fort Riley, will include several of Fort Riley’s historic homes, starting with the Custer House. This year’s tour concludes at the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard stables.The tour is self-guided and self-paced, with maps provided at the Custer House. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parking will be available at the Main Post Chapel, with limited parking near the Custer House and on Schofield Circle and Pershing Avenue.Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $10. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org</a>&nbsp;to purchase advance tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the Custer House the day of the event for $12.The Tour of Homes is open to adults and children age 10 and older.&nbsp; Babies under two in an infant carrier are welcome, but strollers are not allowed. Masks will be required indoors and visitors will be limited to no more than 10 people in a house at a time. Hand sanitizer will be provided for use prior to entering a home and HASFR will also provide booties for each visitor to wear over their shoes.For more information about the Tour of Homes, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">www.fortrileyhistoricalsociety.org</a>&nbsp;or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hasfrtourofhomes@gmail.com" target="_blank">hasfrtourofhomes@gmail.com</a>.Visitors to Fort Riley who don’t have a DoD ID card will need to get a visitor’s pass either by applying online prior to Saturday or stopping by the Visitor Control Center, Exit 301 off I-70. The link to apply for a visitor’s pass is available on the Fort Riley website,&nbsp;<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/" target="_blank">https://home.army.mil/riley/</a>&nbsp;under “Accessing Fort Riley.” The Visitor Control Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. You can learn more about accessing Fort Riley by calling (785) 239-2982.

Tour historic Fort Riley homes this Saturday

In partnership with the C.L. Hoover Opera House, The R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation is sponsoring a Holiday Jazz Concert to benefit Aging Well Senior Living. The concert, which will be held on Saturday, December 18th at the Opera House, will feature the world-renowned Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.

The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is one of the nation’s preeminent big bands, performing familiar favorites, artful arrangements, and fresh new works for all audiences.

“We are excited to bring the KC Jazz Orchestra to Junction City while at the same time supporting the Aging Well Senior Living project,” shared Theresa Bramlage, Program Director of The R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation. Bramlage continued, “Our foundation is very supportive of Aging Well, the small home design they will bring to our senior living care options, and the positive economic benefit this new campus will bring to the community.”

Aging Well Senior Living at the Spring Valley Campus has raised 70% of their $3.5 million goal. Bramlage, who also serves on the Aging Well Board of Directors, said, “The community has been extremely supportive of the project, and we are so grateful. We are working hard to reach our goal and begin construction by the summer of 2022.”

Tickets to the concert are available now by calling Bramlage at (785) 341-1297, stopping by LaDonna Junghans State Farm Agency, picking up in person at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, or going to www.agingwellseniorliving.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638543226429.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In partnership with the C.L. Hoover Opera House, The R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation is sponsoring a Holiday Jazz Concert to benefit Aging Well Senior Living. The concert, which will be held on Saturday, December 18th at the Opera House, will feature the world-renowned Kansas City Jazz Orchestra.The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is one of the nation’s preeminent big bands, performing familiar favorites, artful arrangements, and fresh new works for all audiences.“We are excited to bring the KC Jazz Orchestra to Junction City while at the same time supporting the Aging Well Senior Living project,” shared Theresa Bramlage, Program Director of The R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation. Bramlage continued, “Our foundation is very supportive of Aging Well, the small home design they will bring to our senior living care options, and the positive economic benefit this new campus will bring to the community.”Aging Well Senior Living at the Spring Valley Campus has raised 70% of their $3.5 million goal. Bramlage, who also serves on the Aging Well Board of Directors, said, “The community has been extremely supportive of the project, and we are so grateful. We are working hard to reach our goal and begin construction by the summer of 2022.”Tickets to the concert are available now by calling Bramlage at (785) 341-1297, stopping by LaDonna Junghans State Farm Agency, picking up in person at the C.L. Hoover Opera House, or going to www.agingwellseniorliving.com.

R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation sponsors benefit Holiday Jazz Concert.

Fort Riley officials have announced that a walk-in flu vaccine event will be held at Colyer Forsyth Community Center on Dec. 15 for ages 6 months and older.&nbsp;

Looking for COVID-19 vaccines? TRICARE beneficiaries can make an appointment through the MHS Genesis Patient Portal or by calling the appointment line 785-239-DOCS. 

Fort Riley officials have announced that a walk-in flu vaccine event will be held at Colyer Forsyth Community Center on Dec. 15 for ages 6 months and older.&nbsp;Looking for COVID-19 vaccines? TRICARE beneficiaries can make an appointment through the MHS Genesis Patient Portal or by calling the appointment line 785-239-DOCS.

Flu vaccine event is scheduled at Fort Riley

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident while attempting to elude law enforcement just after 2p.m. Thursday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Cruz driven by Sangla M. Stevens, 31, Manhattan, was&nbsp;&nbsp;northbound on Northwest Snokomo Frontage Road attempting to elude law enforcement. 

The car was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver&nbsp; lost control on the gravel. The car left the roadway. It struck a tree and a telephone box.

EMS transported Stevens to the hospital in Wamego and he is being held in the Riley County Jail, according to online jail records. Stevens has previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

 He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638496654413.png" alt="Stevens photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Stevens photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident while attempting to elude law enforcement just after 2p.m. Thursday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Cruz driven by Sangla M. Stevens, 31, Manhattan, was&nbsp;&nbsp;northbound on Northwest Snokomo Frontage Road attempting to elude law enforcement. The car was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver&nbsp; lost control on the gravel. The car left the roadway. It struck a tree and a telephone box.EMS transported Stevens to the hospital in Wamego and he is being held in the Riley County Jail, according to online jail records. Stevens has previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. sex offender hospitalized after crash during high-speed chase

The hours for the Hometown Christmas on Friday are 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Voting begins for a Junction City mascot / statue at the Junction City Main Street booth, Visit with Santa Claus at the Bartell Senior Apartments, UD 475 art exhibit at the Bartell Senior Apartments and the Municipal Building, Hot Dogs, Santa's Mailbox, photo opportunity with The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, Christmas Carol and Santa's Sled at Exchange Bank.

At 6:30 p.m. there will be the ASTRA Christmas Show in the C.L. Hoover Opera House lobby, 7 p.m. JC Tuba Christmas show in the Opera House lobby. Cookies &amp; Cocoa by JC Naz in the Opera House lobby, Ice Sulptures photo op downtown on 7th Street, JCLT Strolling Carolers, Free carriage rides, Story Walk Downtown JC - "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles Schulz, Downtown business decorating, Competition winners are announced, United Methodist Church fundraiser including a chili supper, handbell choir, sanctuary choir music and church tour / viewing.

The hours for the Hometown Christmas on Friday are 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.Voting begins for a Junction City mascot / statue at the Junction City Main Street booth, Visit with Santa Claus at the Bartell Senior Apartments, UD 475 art exhibit at the Bartell Senior Apartments and the Municipal Building, Hot Dogs, Santa's Mailbox, photo opportunity with The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, Christmas Carol and Santa's Sled at Exchange Bank.At 6:30 p.m. there will be the ASTRA Christmas Show in the C.L. Hoover Opera House lobby, 7 p.m. JC Tuba Christmas show in the Opera House lobby. Cookies &amp; Cocoa by JC Naz in the Opera House lobby, Ice Sulptures photo op downtown on 7th Street, JCLT Strolling Carolers, Free carriage rides, Story Walk Downtown JC - "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Charles Schulz, Downtown business decorating, Competition winners are announced, United Methodist Church fundraiser including a chili supper, handbell choir, sanctuary choir music and church tour / viewing.

Ten Days of Christmas continues Friday evening

Geary County Republican Central Committee members last week voted to recommend that Sheri Childs be appointed to serve as Geary County Treasurer following the retirement of Kathy Tremont. Their recommendation was sent to Governor Kelly.

Now Committee Chair Todd Godfrey has informed JC Post that the governor has approved the election of Sheri Childs, and has sent it to the Secretary of State's Office. The appointment will be effective on Feb. 2, 2022. Tremont's retirement is effective Feb. 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638494351047.jpeg" alt="Sherri Childs" />
 <figcaption>Sherri Childs</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillGeary County Republican Central Committee members last week voted to recommend that Sheri Childs be appointed to serve as Geary County Treasurer following the retirement of Kathy Tremont. Their recommendation was sent to Governor Kelly.Now Committee Chair Todd Godfrey has informed JC Post that the governor has approved the election of Sheri Childs, and has sent it to the Secretary of State's Office. The appointment will be effective on Feb. 2, 2022. Tremont's retirement is effective Feb. 1.

Governor approves Sherri Childs appointment

MANHATTAN, KAN.&nbsp;– This Sunday Manhattan Town Center will host a special event to offer sensory-friendly photo sessions with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs.

This compassionate, sensory-friendly event allows families with children of special needs across all spectrums to experience the time-honored tradition of a Santa visit, in a comforting environment prior to public hours. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience.

MANHATTAN, KAN.&nbsp;– This Sunday Manhattan Town Center will host a special event to offer sensory-friendly photo sessions with Santa exclusively for families of children with special needs.This compassionate, sensory-friendly event allows families with children of special needs across all spectrums to experience the time-honored tradition of a Santa visit, in a comforting environment prior to public hours. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience.“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Jeff Sutton, Manhattan Town Center marketing manager. “We open the mall early and make it a sensory-friendly event from beginning to end. Instead of waiting in line, families can hang out and do arts and crafts before their visit with Kris Kringle.”The sensory-friendly Santa photo event is scheduled for this Sunday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Visits with Santa are free. Space is limited and families are encouraged to reserve a time in advance by calling (785) 539-4441 or emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@manhattantowncenter.com" target="_blank">info@manhattantowncenter.com</a>. Times are limited and reservations close at 4 p.m. this Friday. Keepsake Santa photo packages will be available for purchase during the event.Patrons are also invited to bring their pets in for photos with Santa every Monday until Christmas, beginning at 5 p.m. each Monday.&nbsp;Manhattan Town Center is currently holding its Holiday Performing Arts Festival featuring performances from area musicians, singers, and dancers. Many regional elementary, middle and high schools will perform on the mall’s East Court stage during the season.The festival kicked off Saturday, Nov. 27 with a performance from award-winning saxophonist JhaVelle and continued Monday with a show from the K-State Dance Team’s “Nut/Cracked.”Spotlight performances include Manhattan Silent Singers (Dec. 7 with music in American Sign Language), Little Apple Aerials (Dec. 3, 9, &amp; 16), and Manhattan Tuba Christmas on Dec. 11. It features 55 tubas sharing holiday music.Later this month, Manhattan Town Center will begin expanded hours. Normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Beginning Saturday, December 18, the mall will begin closing an hour later, with Christmas Eve closing at 5 p.m. Manhattan Town Center is closed on Dec. 25, although AMC IMAX theatre will be open on Christmas Day. Mall anchors Dillard’s and JCPenney, along with restaurants Applebee’s and HuHot Mongolian Grill, may have separate operating hours.

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