In observance of the Labor Day holiday, the Geary County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6th. The Transfer Station will resume normal business hours starting on Tuesday, Sept. 7th.

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, the Geary County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6th. The Transfer Station will resume normal business hours starting on Tuesday, Sept. 7th.

Transfer Station will be closed on Monday

There have not been any applicants&nbsp; yet for the county's new financial coordinator. The application period was supposed to close this week but on Monday commissioners extended the application period through Sept. 17th and they raised the annual salary for the position from $70,000 up to $75,000 per year. They also plan to offer a two-year contract.&nbsp;

Trish Giordano, Commission Chair, felt that was a good way to go. "There's some job security when a person's coming in to start a whole new department, and there are several employees that don't want this financial person, and so I think it's a good deal."

Giordano stated that she thought that there were a couple of places where the advertising should have been placed, and that will be dealt with. "And then upping the starting salary to $75,000 even though I feel that's a little low, but at least that's a starting salary and we can negotiate pending on experience." Giordano had supported increasing the salary to $80,000.

Commissioner Keith Ascher voted against raising the salary to $75,000, and noted that there have been no applicants for the position. "The consultant that we paid roughly $12,000 to help with this basically said well we need to increase the salary. But I pulled up through HR and we've got some really longtime employees that aren't even making the $80,000 that he was asking for." Ascher added that he didn't think it was fair to the long time employees.&nbsp;

Ascher addressed the salary increase and said it doesn't make sense. "Quite frankly where does it stop. If you don't continue not to get applicants they're just going to throw money out there."

Ascher said the consultant prepared the job description and the county's new HR person who only recently joined the county, rewrote the entire job description. " We set the price range for salary, and at the end of the day I just thought we could have done this all in house so what are paying this person for, just for advertising the job." Ascher commented that was his basis for voting against the salary increase.

There have not been any applicants&nbsp; yet for the county's new financial coordinator. The application period was supposed to close this week but on Monday commissioners extended the application period through Sept. 17th and they raised the annual salary for the position from $70,000 up to $75,000 per year. They also plan to offer a two-year contract.&nbsp;Trish Giordano, Commission Chair, felt that was a good way to go. "There's some job security when a person's coming in to start a whole new department, and there are several employees that don't want this financial person, and so I think it's a good deal."Giordano stated that she thought that there were a couple of places where the advertising should have been placed, and that will be dealt with. "And then upping the starting salary to $75,000 even though I feel that's a little low, but at least that's a starting salary and we can negotiate pending on experience." Giordano had supported increasing the salary to $80,000.Commissioner Keith Ascher voted against raising the salary to $75,000, and noted that there have been no applicants for the position. "The consultant that we paid roughly $12,000 to help with this basically said well we need to increase the salary. But I pulled up through HR and we've got some really longtime employees that aren't even making the $80,000 that he was asking for." Ascher added that he didn't think it was fair to the long time employees.&nbsp;Ascher addressed the salary increase and said it doesn't make sense. "Quite frankly where does it stop. If you don't continue not to get applicants they're just going to throw money out there."Ascher said the consultant prepared the job description and the county's new HR person who only recently joined the county, rewrote the entire job description. " We set the price range for salary, and at the end of the day I just thought we could have done this all in house so what are paying this person for, just for advertising the job." Ascher commented that was his basis for voting against the salary increase.

County seeks applicants for financial coordinator position

Geary County Commissioners have given their approval to the 2022 county budget. Commission Chair Trish Giordano confirmed the property tax levy dropped slightly....less than one mill. But it is over the new revenue neutral rate. "This is a new truth in taxing from Senate Bill 13 just to show that even though we're not raising the mill levy taxes go up slightly because the valuation of the properties are going up."

The mill levy drops 0.175 mills.&nbsp; The county commission trimmed approximately $1.7 million or approximately seven mills to get down to their 2022 spending level.

Geary County Commissioners have given their approval to the 2022 county budget. Commission Chair Trish Giordano confirmed the property tax levy dropped slightly....less than one mill. But it is over the new revenue neutral rate. "This is a new truth in taxing from Senate Bill 13 just to show that even though we're not raising the mill levy taxes go up slightly because the valuation of the properties are going up."The mill levy drops 0.175 mills.&nbsp; The county commission trimmed approximately $1.7 million or approximately seven mills to get down to their 2022 spending level.

County adopts 2022 budget

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan announced an update to its visitation policies Monday, allowing a second support person for labor and delivery patients.

The second person will be allowed during labor, and include a spouse, partner, family member, or doula.

“We understand the importance of sharing some of life’s greatest joys with loved ones,” saidJennifer Goehring, Vice President of Nursing and Operations at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.

The hospital will continue to allow only one support person for patients having a caesarian section, and only one support person may stay with mother and baby following delivery.

The update is part of Ascension Via Christi’s continued response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. It keeps the requirement for all patients, visitors, and providers to wear masks.

The hospital continues to limit inpatient, ICU, critical care, and emergency patients to one visitor only. People undergoing outpatient procedures or testing may have two visitors. Patients receiving care for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will not be allowed any visitors, except for end-of-life situations, or situations where the patient is unable to advocate for themselves.

Ascension Via Christi’s other restrictions include: Visitors must be age 18 or older; visitation hours are 8am to 8pm; visitors should limit travel around the facility; and inpatient waiting room areas are closed.

By WIBW TV's Melissa BrunnerMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan announced an update to its visitation policies Monday, allowing a second support person for labor and delivery patients.The second person will be allowed during labor, and include a spouse, partner, family member, or doula.“We understand the importance of sharing some of life’s greatest joys with loved ones,” saidJennifer Goehring, Vice President of Nursing and Operations at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.The hospital will continue to allow only one support person for patients having a caesarian section, and only one support person may stay with mother and baby following delivery.The update is part of Ascension Via Christi’s continued response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. It keeps the requirement for all patients, visitors, and providers to wear masks.The hospital continues to limit inpatient, ICU, critical care, and emergency patients to one visitor only. People undergoing outpatient procedures or testing may have two visitors. Patients receiving care for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 will not be allowed any visitors, except for end-of-life situations, or situations where the patient is unable to advocate for themselves.Ascension Via Christi’s other restrictions include: Visitors must be age 18 or older; visitation hours are 8am to 8pm; visitors should limit travel around the facility; and inpatient waiting room areas are closed.

Manhattan’s hospital to allow second support person for childbirth, other restrictions remain

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Washburn University is launching a fundraising challenge to build a new veterans memorial on campus.

President, Jerry Farley, announced the project Monday morning and said he and his wife will pledge $50,000 to match donations.

“Washburn has a long history of both military service and honoring those who served,” Farley said. “We are so proud of our veteran alumni, so when the subject of updating our veterans memorial came up, Susan and I wanted to make our personal contribution to ensuring they have a site and a memorial commensurate with their sacrifice.”

The new veterans memorial will replace and expand on the existing monument near Morgan Hall.

It will feature a bronze fallen soldier sculpture telling the story of Washburn University’s military veterans and a seven-foot-tall black granite stone with all 47 names of those who served and died in Vietnam. It will be joined by seven more stones that commemorate the U.S. military’s six branches and one recognizing the nurses who also served in war.

The site will also feature three flagpoles flying the American, Kansas, and POW/MIA flags.

The university said the existing plaque at the site on campus will be retired to Topeka Cemetery.

Farley was a drill sergeant and drill sergeant instructor in the U.S. Army. He asks alumni and friends of Washburn to join him in making this expanded and updated memorial a reality.

“Washburn’s veteran community is incredibly strong, and we have a great campus culture and history of honoring military service and sacrifice,” Washburn military transitions coordinator Chris Bowers said. “There has been a broad push to refurbish this site to give our campus a centerpiece commemorating all of Washburn’s veterans, with the visibility, solemnity, and pride they deserve.”

More information about the veterans memorial and how to make a donation can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://impact.wualumni.org/project/27202" target="_blank">here</a>.

By WIBW TV's Alyssa WillettsTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Washburn University is launching a fundraising challenge to build a new veterans memorial on campus.President, Jerry Farley, announced the project Monday morning and said he and his wife will pledge $50,000 to match donations.“Washburn has a long history of both military service and honoring those who served,” Farley said. “We are so proud of our veteran alumni, so when the subject of updating our veterans memorial came up, Susan and I wanted to make our personal contribution to ensuring they have a site and a memorial commensurate with their sacrifice.”The new veterans memorial will replace and expand on the existing monument near Morgan Hall.It will feature a bronze fallen soldier sculpture telling the story of Washburn University’s military veterans and a seven-foot-tall black granite stone with all 47 names of those who served and died in Vietnam. It will be joined by seven more stones that commemorate the U.S. military’s six branches and one recognizing the nurses who also served in war.The site will also feature three flagpoles flying the American, Kansas, and POW/MIA flags.The university said the existing plaque at the site on campus will be retired to Topeka Cemetery.Farley was a drill sergeant and drill sergeant instructor in the U.S. Army. He asks alumni and friends of Washburn to join him in making this expanded and updated memorial a reality.“Washburn’s veteran community is incredibly strong, and we have a great campus culture and history of honoring military service and sacrifice,” Washburn military transitions coordinator Chris Bowers said. “There has been a broad push to refurbish this site to give our campus a centerpiece commemorating all of Washburn’s veterans, with the visibility, solemnity, and pride they deserve.”More information about the veterans memorial and how to make a donation can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://impact.wualumni.org/project/27202" target="_blank">here</a>.

Washburn University seeks donations for new veterans memorial

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A state audit blames historically high claims, rapidly changing programs, and badly outdated computers for why Kansas may have paid $700 million in fraudulent unemployment claims since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Legislative Post Audit division Monday released the second part of its dive into unemployment issues at the Kansas Dept. of Labor. The first part of the audit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/02/24/post-audit-report-estimates-ks-dept-of-labor-paid-600m-in-fraudulent-claims/" target="_blank">released in February 2021</a>, estimated $600 million of the roughly $2.6 billion Kansas paid in state and federal unemployment benefits in 2020 could have been fraudulent. For Monday’s report, LPA says it used an advanced computer model, which estimated about $700 million (or 25 percent) of the $2.8 billion in unemployment benefits paid from January 2020 through February 2021 could have been fraudulent. They state $343 million in fraud was from federal funds, and $344 million from state funds.

<a href="https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/evaluating-the-kansas-department-of-labors-response-to-covid-19-unemployment-claims-part-2/" target="_blank">Read the full audit report.</a>

LPA’s report did state it could be unlikely all the claims flagged in their estimate will end up being fraud. They also noted they were unable to use KDOL’s full 1099-G data as part of our estimate. The report also states the state prevented about $2 billion in fraudulent payments.

KDOL continues to maintain LPA used a flawed method, in assuming that all fraudulent claims were paid in order to arrive at its total.

The LPA report did not make any recommendations, noting a modernization effort for KDOL’s outdated computer systems is underway. Throughout the report, KDOL notes an antiquated system prevented KDOL from quickly implementing newly-authorized unemployment programs and policies under the federal CARES Act. In addition, a surge of claims overwhelmed the system. The statd went from processing 3,000 initial claims in February 2020 to about 66,000 claims at the end of March - a roughly 22-fold jump in one month.

The LPA report also states issues getting through to KDOL’s call center may have delayed claims. According to the report, KDOL had just 33 fully trained customer service representatives answering calls in April 2020, when the agency recorded 12.5 million incoming calls for the month. However, despite adding staff, the report found the number of calls answered did not improve significantly. A chart in the report shows 70,000 calls answered in April 2020; 39,000 in May 2020; fluctuating between 54,000 and 57,000 through December; rising to 69,000 in January; then falling again to 39,000 in February 2021; increasing to 56,000 in April 2021, when calls fell to 3.3 million for the month.

KDOL said it is possible calls became more complex, which resulted in longer call times and fewer calls answered. In addition, they said not all of the contracted surge staff were assigned to answering phones.

By WIBW TV's Melissa BrunnerTOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A state audit blames historically high claims, rapidly changing programs, and badly outdated computers for why Kansas may have paid $700 million in fraudulent unemployment claims since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.The Legislative Post Audit division Monday released the second part of its dive into unemployment issues at the Kansas Dept. of Labor. The first part of the audit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/02/24/post-audit-report-estimates-ks-dept-of-labor-paid-600m-in-fraudulent-claims/" target="_blank">released in February 2021</a>, estimated $600 million of the roughly $2.6 billion Kansas paid in state and federal unemployment benefits in 2020 could have been fraudulent. For Monday’s report, LPA says it used an advanced computer model, which estimated about $700 million (or 25 percent) of the $2.8 billion in unemployment benefits paid from January 2020 through February 2021 could have been fraudulent. They state $343 million in fraud was from federal funds, and $344 million from state funds.<a href="https://www.kslpa.org/audit-report-library/evaluating-the-kansas-department-of-labors-response-to-covid-19-unemployment-claims-part-2/" target="_blank">Read the full audit report.</a>LPA’s report did state it could be unlikely all the claims flagged in their estimate will end up being fraud. They also noted they were unable to use KDOL’s full 1099-G data as part of our estimate. The report also states the state prevented about $2 billion in fraudulent payments.KDOL continues to maintain LPA used a flawed method, in assuming that all fraudulent claims were paid in order to arrive at its total.The LPA report did not make any recommendations, noting a modernization effort for KDOL’s outdated computer systems is underway. Throughout the report, KDOL notes an antiquated system prevented KDOL from quickly implementing newly-authorized unemployment programs and policies under the federal CARES Act. In addition, a surge of claims overwhelmed the system. The statd went from processing 3,000 initial claims in February 2020 to about 66,000 claims at the end of March - a roughly 22-fold jump in one month.The LPA report also states issues getting through to KDOL’s call center may have delayed claims. According to the report, KDOL had just 33 fully trained customer service representatives answering calls in April 2020, when the agency recorded 12.5 million incoming calls for the month. However, despite adding staff, the report found the number of calls answered did not improve significantly. A chart in the report shows 70,000 calls answered in April 2020; 39,000 in May 2020; fluctuating between 54,000 and 57,000 through December; rising to 69,000 in January; then falling again to 39,000 in February 2021; increasing to 56,000 in April 2021, when calls fell to 3.3 million for the month.KDOL said it is possible calls became more complex, which resulted in longer call times and fewer calls answered. In addition, they said not all of the contracted surge staff were assigned to answering phones.

Audit estimates Kansas paid $700M in fraudulent unemployment claims

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care at 527 West 6th Street in Junction City is now open. They provide urgent care services for non-life threatening injuries.

Xpress Wellness Urgent Care also provides services in sports medicine, primary care, employer services, workers compensation services, private exam rooms, treatment and procedure rooms, computerized x-ray and lab services, on-site diagnostic testing and EKG plus telemedicine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630343992979.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Xpress Wellness Urgent Care at 527 West 6th Street in Junction City is now open. They provide urgent care services for non-life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630344182764.jpeg" alt="Junction City Mayor Jeff Underhill visiting Xpress Wellness Urgent Care" />
 <figcaption>Junction City Mayor Jeff Underhill visiting Xpress Wellness Urgent Care</figcaption>
 </figure>Xpress Wellness Urgent Care also provides services in sports medicine, primary care, employer services, workers compensation services, private exam rooms, treatment and procedure rooms, computerized x-ray and lab services, on-site diagnostic testing and EKG plus telemedicine.

New medical service provider opens in Junction City

1st District Congressman outlined a proposed an active duty spouses bill during a Town Hall visit to Junction City on Monday. He told JC Post right now service members on active duty have decisions to make on where they file their state income tax return. "They can do it from the state where they're residenced or where they're currently stationed. And this bill allows spouses that same ability."

Mann said the process with the legislation just began last week.&nbsp;

The Congressman touched on a variety of topics during his visit. He labeled the Afghanistan pullout an operational failure with a lot of bad decisions, called for a moment of silence for those dealing with Hurricane Ida, noted that the 1st congressional district is almost the exact same size as the state of Illinois, the district is the number three ag producing district in the state,&nbsp; and there are more hospitals in the district than in any district in the country.

In the coming weeks there will be a lot of discussion about proposed federal infrastructure improvements and the federal budget bill.

Mann also had Town Hall meetings on his schedule in Manhattan, Wamego and Salina on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630343467388.jpeg" alt="Congressman during a Town Hall meeting" />
 <figcaption>Congressman during a Town Hall meeting</figcaption>
 </figure>1st District Congressman outlined a proposed an active duty spouses bill during a Town Hall visit to Junction City on Monday. He told JC Post right now service members on active duty have decisions to make on where they file their state income tax return. "They can do it from the state where they're residenced or where they're currently stationed. And this bill allows spouses that same ability."Mann said the process with the legislation just began last week.&nbsp;The Congressman touched on a variety of topics during his visit. He labeled the Afghanistan pullout an operational failure with a lot of bad decisions, called for a moment of silence for those dealing with Hurricane Ida, noted that the 1st congressional district is almost the exact same size as the state of Illinois, the district is the number three ag producing district in the state,&nbsp; and there are more hospitals in the district than in any district in the country.In the coming weeks there will be a lot of discussion about proposed federal infrastructure improvements and the federal budget bill.Mann also had Town Hall meetings on his schedule in Manhattan, Wamego and Salina on Monday.

Congressman works on active duty spouses bill

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted burglary in Manhattan.

Just after 9:30p.m. Sunday officers filed a report for attempted aggravated burglary in the 2100 block of Prairie Glen Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 54-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy reported an unknown suspect attempted to enter their home.

The 54-year-old woman closed a door on the suspect causing them to flee.

 There were no injuries or loss reported. 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 an attempted burglary in Manhattan.Just after 9:30p.m. Sunday officers filed a report for attempted aggravated burglary in the 2100 block of Prairie Glen Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 54-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy reported an unknown suspect attempted to enter their home.The 54-year-old woman closed a door on the suspect causing them to flee. There were no injuries or loss reported. 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: Woman closed door on alleged burglary suspect

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a theft in Manhattan.

Just after 10a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for theft in the 1800 block of Fair Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Little Apple Liquidation reported an unknown suspect stole forks for a forklift. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,000. The forks were later located in the middle of a road and returned to the owner. 

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.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a theft in Manhattan.Just after 10a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for theft in the 1800 block of Fair Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Little Apple Liquidation reported an unknown suspect stole forks for a forklift. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,000. The forks were later located in the middle of a road and returned to the owner. 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 investigates forklift fork theft

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education held a&nbsp;lengthy discussion this past week on the district’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan. The plan outlines the district’s main goals, as follows, and the steps they will take to pursue them:

1. Academic Goal: USD 475 will equitably address the academic learning amongst students in all demographic categories to improve the graduation rate from 84.7% to 95% by 2025.

2. Social and Emotional Goal: USD 475 will equitably address the social and emotional needs of students.

3. Parent Engagement Goal: USD 475 will create opportunities to enhance family and community engagement in an equitable manner that allows for participation for all.

4. Retention and Hiring Goal: USD 475 will develop a plan to Recruit, Retain, and Support High-Quality Staff that reflects our community.

The board made the decision to delay approval of the plan until a later date. 

For inquiries, please contact Lindley Lund, Marketing and Med

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education held a&nbsp;lengthy discussion this past week on the district’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan. The plan outlines the district’s main goals, as follows, and the steps they will take to pursue them:1. Academic Goal: USD 475 will equitably address the academic learning amongst students in all demographic categories to improve the graduation rate from 84.7% to 95% by 2025.2. Social and Emotional Goal: USD 475 will equitably address the social and emotional needs of students.3. Parent Engagement Goal: USD 475 will create opportunities to enhance family and community engagement in an equitable manner that allows for participation for all.4. Retention and Hiring Goal: USD 475 will develop a plan to Recruit, Retain, and Support High-Quality Staff that reflects our community.The board made the decision to delay approval of the plan until a later date. For inquiries, please contact Lindley Lund, Marketing and Med

BOE talks about the District Strategic Plan

&nbsp; There were no surprises in the recently released 2020 census numbers that will be used to draw new lines for congressional and state senate and house districts. Kansas grew, but at a rate slower than the nation overall. Rural areas largely saw their populations dwindle while metros swelled, an ongoing trend since the industrial revolution. Overall, rural parts of the country lost 226,000 people in the past decade to urban and suburban places, which grew by more than 20 million. As a state, we’re slightly older and more diverse, overall. Beyond the obvious demographic shifts, the census numbers mean political power is shifting, too. This is worrisome not because the issues facing cities and towns are all that different from the challenges across the countryside. It’s because far too often a policy or program that works in one area is a total bust when expanded to another. Many of the challenges we face across the state are the same, from housing and childcare to taxes and labor shortages. The solutions to these are nearly as varied as the more than 2.9 million people who call Kansas home. But with fewer folks walking in the statehouse or the halls of Congress with rural backgrounds means there’s less understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in communities where the nearest neighbor might be a quarter-mile or more away. The rules and regulations that make sense in cities where people interact with one another more frequently are often ineffective or even counterproductive in less populated areas. While the proportional political power flowing to cities carries real risks for those of us who enjoy rural lifestyles, we still have a lot of capacity to shape the outcomes of laws. I don’t expect our big city citizens to wield their growing power over their country cousins with malice. But there’s only so many issues we have the time to fully grasp. Self-interest being what it is, we usually don’t stray too far outside our immediate neighborhood when trying to solve a problem. That’s why it’s so important to tell the story of farming and ranching, the benefits of rural living and, most importantly, why people who do none of those should listen. They’re not going to agree with you on everything, but through conversations with friends, family and business partners, greater understanding of rural issues and their solutions is possible. It’s also a good opportunity to talk about the quality of life available in the country and small towns. Most aren’t looking to give up their lives in the city, but in a world where it’s increasingly common to work anywhere, the choice of where workers live is everywhere. That means one of the primary drivers of urbanization is perhaps at its weakest point since the steam engine was invented. Technology alone won’t undo centuries of change quickly, but it’s certainly a welcome tool in reviving rural living. Not only does this mean access to jobs that allow people to stay in rural areas, but benefits like clean air and water, less stress and traffic and more privacy are certainly going to be enticing to some city folks as well. By the time the next census comes around, there’s a real chance the story will be about the dawning of the next rural migration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau&nbsp; There were no surprises in the recently released 2020 census numbers that will be used to draw new lines for congressional and state senate and house districts. Kansas grew, but at a rate slower than the nation overall. Rural areas largely saw their populations dwindle while metros swelled, an ongoing trend since the industrial revolution. Overall, rural parts of the country lost 226,000 people in the past decade to urban and suburban places, which grew by more than 20 million. As a state, we’re slightly older and more diverse, overall. Beyond the obvious demographic shifts, the census numbers mean political power is shifting, too. This is worrisome not because the issues facing cities and towns are all that different from the challenges across the countryside. It’s because far too often a policy or program that works in one area is a total bust when expanded to another. Many of the challenges we face across the state are the same, from housing and childcare to taxes and labor shortages. The solutions to these are nearly as varied as the more than 2.9 million people who call Kansas home. But with fewer folks walking in the statehouse or the halls of Congress with rural backgrounds means there’s less understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist in communities where the nearest neighbor might be a quarter-mile or more away. The rules and regulations that make sense in cities where people interact with one another more frequently are often ineffective or even counterproductive in less populated areas. While the proportional political power flowing to cities carries real risks for those of us who enjoy rural lifestyles, we still have a lot of capacity to shape the outcomes of laws. I don’t expect our big city citizens to wield their growing power over their country cousins with malice. But there’s only so many issues we have the time to fully grasp. Self-interest being what it is, we usually don’t stray too far outside our immediate neighborhood when trying to solve a problem. That’s why it’s so important to tell the story of farming and ranching, the benefits of rural living and, most importantly, why people who do none of those should listen. They’re not going to agree with you on everything, but through conversations with friends, family and business partners, greater understanding of rural issues and their solutions is possible. It’s also a good opportunity to talk about the quality of life available in the country and small towns. Most aren’t looking to give up their lives in the city, but in a world where it’s increasingly common to work anywhere, the choice of where workers live is everywhere. That means one of the primary drivers of urbanization is perhaps at its weakest point since the steam engine was invented. Technology alone won’t undo centuries of change quickly, but it’s certainly a welcome tool in reviving rural living. Not only does this mean access to jobs that allow people to stay in rural areas, but benefits like clean air and water, less stress and traffic and more privacy are certainly going to be enticing to some city folks as well. By the time the next census comes around, there’s a real chance the story will be about the dawning of the next rural migration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Next Rural Migration

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.

Just before 3p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 1500 block of University Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Tim Dewey Hay LLC, and a 20-year-old man reported an unknown suspect broke into a car and stole a Smith and Wesson handgun and cash. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $620. 

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.Just before 3p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 1500 block of University Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Tim Dewey Hay LLC, and a 20-year-old man reported an unknown suspect broke into a car and stole a Smith and Wesson handgun and cash. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $620. 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 took handgun, cash from car

PRATT – “Did you hunt geese, dove, or ducks last year? If yes, how many did you bag?” This is just one of a handful of questions that can provide biologists at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) with information critical to managing migratory game bird populations.

Most game bird hunters in Kansas are familiar with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, but some may not be aware of the short survey that is associated with its purchase. A HIP permit, available for just $2.50, is required to hunt ducks, coots, geese, brant, swans, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons, and gallinules in Kansas; however, the associated survey is voluntary. Therefore, KDWP biologists are encouraging all HIP permit holders to, “Don’t Skip the HIP” and complete the survey upon purchase.

The survey consists of 10 short questions related to the species each game bird hunter typically pursues. This information is provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that more detailed, nationwide surveys are sent to the appropriate hunters. For example, most surveys about dove harvest are typically sent to hunters who hunt doves, while most waterfowl harvest surveys are sent to hunters who typically pursue ducks and geese. The data collected is then used to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons and population management of migratory game bird species. So in essence, hunters serve as biologists’ eyes and ears in the field, helping to improve wildlife conservation efforts and protecting the hunting heritage.

Join KDWP in spreading the “Don’t Skip the HIP” message! For more information about the HIP permit, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630286011938.png" alt="Image courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT – “Did you hunt geese, dove, or ducks last year? If yes, how many did you bag?” This is just one of a handful of questions that can provide biologists at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) with information critical to managing migratory game bird populations.Most game bird hunters in Kansas are familiar with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, but some may not be aware of the short survey that is associated with its purchase. A HIP permit, available for just $2.50, is required to hunt ducks, coots, geese, brant, swans, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons, and gallinules in Kansas; however, the associated survey is voluntary. Therefore, KDWP biologists are encouraging all HIP permit holders to, “Don’t Skip the HIP” and complete the survey upon purchase.The survey consists of 10 short questions related to the species each game bird hunter typically pursues. This information is provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that more detailed, nationwide surveys are sent to the appropriate hunters. For example, most surveys about dove harvest are typically sent to hunters who hunt doves, while most waterfowl harvest surveys are sent to hunters who typically pursue ducks and geese. The data collected is then used to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons and population management of migratory game bird species. So in essence, hunters serve as biologists’ eyes and ears in the field, helping to improve wildlife conservation efforts and protecting the hunting heritage.Join KDWP in spreading the “Don’t Skip the HIP” message! For more information about the HIP permit, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP</a>.-KDWP-

 KDWP biologists seek help from migratory game bird hunters

Patrons can ask for a fall "Library Lovers" punch card at their next library visit. Complete the items on the card and stop by any of the public service desks to get your "punch."

Once your card is complete, turn it in to the Circulation Desk for a chance to win prizes to help you beat the winter blues. Drawings will occur in December.

Cards contain events throughout the fall. Check for start / end dates in the "Pocket Life Directory."

Patrons can ask for a fall "Library Lovers" punch card at their next library visit. Complete the items on the card and stop by any of the public service desks to get your "punch."Once your card is complete, turn it in to the Circulation Desk for a chance to win prizes to help you beat the winter blues. Drawings will occur in December.Cards contain events throughout the fall. Check for start / end dates in the "Pocket Life Directory."

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library unveils a punch card program

Publication takes a look at threats to Kansas’ most popular varieties

MANHATTAN – In Kansas and other wheat-growing states, the tools of the trade include a planter, combine and a grain bin.&nbsp;

But ask most farmers, and they’re also likely to have a reliable source for information on wheat diseases and insects that threaten their crop. Sometimes, that source is neatly tucked into a hip pocket or the truck’s glove box.&nbsp;

For more than 30 years, Kansas State University has been publishing a report that takes a look at disease and insect trends in the state’s wheat crop.&nbsp;

“This is a summary of multi-year data about disease and insect reactions of the most popular varieties – and some historical varieties – that are grown here in Kansas. We also include agronomic traits of these varieties, including height, maturity, straw strength and drought tolerance,” said K-State Research and Extension wheat disease specialist Kelsey Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings is now available online</a>&nbsp;through the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. The publication is available free online.&nbsp;

Anderson Onofre said the publication includes a broad view of wheat varieties in the state that may be “above average for certain diseases in parts of the state as well as varieties that need to be managed more intensely.”&nbsp;

She said that by monitoring the wheat crop, K-State researchers are able to not only track disease and insect pressure in the state, but also compare that with varieties that perform well against disease or insects, and treatments for the crop.&nbsp;

“We put these varieties to the test and put a lot of eyes on them before we include them in our annual report,” Andersen Onofre said.&nbsp;

“This is a year when we certainly had high stripe rust pressure in parts of the state,” she added. “We did get a lot of stripe rust notes, both from inoculated nurseries and from various high natural pressure locations.”&nbsp;

This year, K-State was also reporting “high concern” for Fusarium head blight and wheat streak mosaic virus. Along with stripe rust, “those are the Big Three that really stood out as problematic in pockets of the state this year,” according to Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;

Fusarium head blight was more common in western Kansas due to higher-than-normal moisture.&nbsp;

“We don’t see that disease as often out west because it needs moisture,”  Andersen Onofre said. “Now we know that pathogen is there, so when there is another wet year, we know that a fungicide application at flowering may be necessary.”&nbsp;

Andersen Onofre said Fusarium head blight is a good example of a disease that requires a marriage, of sorts, of the two most effective ways to prevent disease in wheat.&nbsp;

“Selecting a variety with intermediate disease resistance plus a fungicide is really the best way to control Fusarium head blight,” she said. “Neither of those two work well alone, but putting them together – especially if you have high infection – is where you’re going to see the most control in those high pressure years.”&nbsp;

“It’s always good to think about resistant varieties; that’s the tool we always have in the bag that you don’t have to worry about later on. But a timely fungicide decision can be married well with a good variety.”&nbsp;

More information on K-State’s crop research, as well as many other agronomic topics, is available each week in the&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Agronomy eUpdate</a>, available online from the university’s Department of Agronomy.&nbsp;

<h2>Publication takes a look at threats to Kansas’ most popular varieties</h2>MANHATTAN – In Kansas and other wheat-growing states, the tools of the trade include a planter, combine and a grain bin.&nbsp;But ask most farmers, and they’re also likely to have a reliable source for information on wheat diseases and insects that threaten their crop. Sometimes, that source is neatly tucked into a hip pocket or the truck’s glove box.&nbsp;For more than 30 years, Kansas State University has been publishing a report that takes a look at disease and insect trends in the state’s wheat crop.&nbsp;“This is a summary of multi-year data about disease and insect reactions of the most popular varieties – and some historical varieties – that are grown here in Kansas. We also include agronomic traits of these varieties, including height, maturity, straw strength and drought tolerance,” said K-State Research and Extension wheat disease specialist Kelsey Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF991.pdf" target="_blank">2021 Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings is now available online</a>&nbsp;through the K-State Research and Extension bookstore. The publication is available free online.&nbsp;Anderson Onofre said the publication includes a broad view of wheat varieties in the state that may be “above average for certain diseases in parts of the state as well as varieties that need to be managed more intensely.”&nbsp;She said that by monitoring the wheat crop, K-State researchers are able to not only track disease and insect pressure in the state, but also compare that with varieties that perform well against disease or insects, and treatments for the crop.&nbsp;“We put these varieties to the test and put a lot of eyes on them before we include them in our annual report,” Andersen Onofre said.&nbsp;“This is a year when we certainly had high stripe rust pressure in parts of the state,” she added. “We did get a lot of stripe rust notes, both from inoculated nurseries and from various high natural pressure locations.”&nbsp;This year, K-State was also reporting “high concern” for Fusarium head blight and wheat streak mosaic virus. Along with stripe rust, “those are the Big Three that really stood out as problematic in pockets of the state this year,” according to Andersen Onofre.&nbsp;Fusarium head blight was more common in western Kansas due to higher-than-normal moisture.&nbsp;“We don’t see that disease as often out west because it needs moisture,” Andersen Onofre said. “Now we know that pathogen is there, so when there is another wet year, we know that a fungicide application at flowering may be necessary.”&nbsp;Andersen Onofre said Fusarium head blight is a good example of a disease that requires a marriage, of sorts, of the two most effective ways to prevent disease in wheat.&nbsp;“Selecting a variety with intermediate disease resistance plus a fungicide is really the best way to control Fusarium head blight,” she said. “Neither of those two work well alone, but putting them together – especially if you have high infection – is where you’re going to see the most control in those high pressure years.”&nbsp;“It’s always good to think about resistant varieties; that’s the tool we always have in the bag that you don’t have to worry about later on. But a timely fungicide decision can be married well with a good variety.”&nbsp;More information on K-State’s crop research, as well as many other agronomic topics, is available each week in the&nbsp;<a href="https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/" target="_blank">Agronomy eUpdate</a>, available online from the university’s Department of Agronomy.&nbsp;

K-State releases annual Wheat Variety Disease and Insect ratings

(<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6e3d41c2-ab95-421d-b969-23fce33399fd">Part 1 of “Kansans Can – What’s the Plan?</a>”&nbsp;provided a summary of what the Kansans Can vision is about. Part 2, below, provides details about how Kansans Can seeks to improve the success of each student.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why do we need a broader definition of student success than academics alone?

Input from communities, educators and business.&nbsp;In 2015, the State Board of Education and Department of Education received input from thousands of Kansans in community meetings, focus groups and business groups who said the most critical needs for successful students are not academic content knowledge alone, but individual skills such as self-discipline, perseverance, and self-care; and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, speaking and listening, and empathy.

Academic plus much more. In short, the feedback said that there are things students need to know (which is the traditional role of schools), but equally important is what students will be able to do with that knowledge. That position was supported by numerous national studies. Those responses are being reviewed in a new series of meetings this summer.

Supreme Court and Legislative Goals.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Legislature have adopted seven educational goals called the “Rose capacities.” These goals say schools should produce students with “sufficient” knowledge of communication skills; of political, social, economic systems and political processes; of physical and mental health; of arts and cultural heritage; and be prepared for postsecondary studies and the workforce.

Economic Needs and Opportunity.&nbsp;Kansas, like all states, has experienced a massive economic change. Fifty years ago, two-thirds of jobs required only a high school diploma or less, and many of those jobs paid enough to support a family with a middle-class lifestyle. Today, two-thirds of jobs require more than a high school diploma (a technical certificate or&nbsp; college degree), and few jobs requiring only high school or less pay enough to support a middle-class lifestyle.

These changes have created a widening educational gap, with students from lower income families lagging behind their peers in academic measures, making them less likely to learn the skills and the credentials for economic advancement.

Although Kansas educational attainment (completion of high school and postsecondary education) has never been higher, it is still not rising fast enough to meet employment needs. At the same time, employers report that many high school, two-year and four-year college graduates lack the personal and interpersonal skills they need to be successful, even if they have the expected academic credentials.

COVID Impact.&nbsp;Many Kansas students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may include reduced learning time, increased economic pressures for families, unprecedented levels of stress affecting social-emotional well-being, disruptions to academic progress, and less access to postsecondary education.

Why do Kansas schools need to push forward with redesign?

Social needs have changed.&nbsp;Kansas schools are largely organized as they have been for the past 50 to 100 years, after the transition from primarily one-room rural schools. They were designed to focus on academics when fewer students expected to graduate and far fewer went on to college, when most students were prepared for work on a farm or in a factory, and when “non-academic” skills were provided by family, church, community organizations and employment experience.

Success for some, not for all.&nbsp;While many students, especially those with strong family support, do very well under this system, many students are not getting the individualized education they need to meet the challenges of a changing world. The State Board has adopted the Kansans Can vision and the principles of school redesign to meet these challenges to ensure the success of each and every student in Kansas.

How is the Kansans Can system working to help districts adapt to new societal demands and meet the unprecedented expectation of success for every student?

Kindergarten readiness.&nbsp;The biggest gap in student skills is at the start, when some children come to school already reading and others with limited academic, social and behavioral skills. Since 2015, the state has begun funding all-day kindergarten and has expanded early childhood programs, with many districts expanding additional local programs. &nbsp;

Social and emotional needs.&nbsp;Students can’t learn academically, manage themselves or work with others if they are battling emotional issues, depression and trauma. The state and local districts have expanded student mental health services (often in partnership with community programs), added counselors and social workers, and special education staff in efforts to meet these needs. &nbsp;

Individual plans of study.&nbsp;Asking students and families to begin thinking earlier about what they want for their future helps students choose courses and activities to better prepare for postsecondary education and test those interests with real world experiences. &nbsp;

Academically prepared for postsecondary education.&nbsp;The State Board adopted recommendations from a Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia to strengthen teacher training in reading literacy. The Board has increased the focus on reaching “college ready” standards on state assessments, a much higher standard than “grade level” standards. The state now pays for all students to take the ACT college readiness test, increasing the numbers of students participating as well as providing equitable access to this assessment. &nbsp;

High school graduation.&nbsp;High school graduation rates are at the highest point in the history of Kansas public schooling and lower performing groups are improving faster than the average, narrowing the gap.

Postsecondary Success.&nbsp;Kansas has created a unique measure for tracking the percentage of students who complete a postsecondary technical certificate or college degree or remain enrolled in such programs two years after high school graduation. The “postsecondary effective rate” has improved; the number of students earning college or technical credit in high school has increased, and the number of students in remedial college courses has decreased.

Civic Engagement.&nbsp;To promote civic engagement as part of all preK-12 students’ experience, the State Board has created the Civic Advocacy Network to recognize schools that actively involve students in civic engagement opportunities and to collect exemplary practices to share with schools across the state. &nbsp;

Creating opportunities for every child.&nbsp;Kansas school funding declined compared to inflation from 2009 to 2017, resulting in cuts to staff and positions and falling behind other states. The restoration of state funding to constitutional levels by 2023 will allow districts to staff schools with the critical positions needed to meet the new, and broader needs of K-12 students, from pre-K and early learning classes for kindergarten readiness, stronger mental health and special education services, better career planning and preparation through experiences or credentials required for college and career readiness. Today, all means all!

While high school graduation and postsecondary participation has steadily increased, more than one in 10 students do not graduate in four years, and even more&nbsp; students from low-income families, those with disabilities and English Language Learners fail to meet this standard. The percentage of students completing post-secondary programs remains far below expected employment needs.

Lagging academic measures. After funding fell behind inflation from 2009 to 2017 and led to cuts in programs and school staff, state and national tests scores declined with deep disparities remaining among student groups, which the pandemic is expected to worsen.

What is the State Board doing to support improvement?

School Redesign. Five years ago, the State Board began the School Redesign Project, inviting volunteer schools to explore changes in the learning to improve student success with guidance and assistance from the state and a focus on personalized learning social-emotional skill development, real world application, and stakeholder partnerships. Nearly 200 schools are now participating, working on ways to rethink and realign schools to meet the needs of each student, with many others adopting the lessons being learned.

Accreditation.&nbsp;The State Board adopted the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model in 2018 as a model of continuous improvement. A key part of district evaluation and accreditation status involves the use of data to demonstrate growth in the five Kansans Can State Board outcomes – Social Emotional Growth, Kindergarten Readiness, Individual Plans of Study, Academic Preparation, Graduation Rates, Postsecondary Completion, and Civic Engagement.

Recognition.&nbsp;The State Board has also created the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program to recognize district success in the measures of outcomes that Kansans said they value. These outcomes, both quantitative and qualitative measures, serve as the roadmap for Kansas to reach its vision for education. The program awards recognition for high success in each area.

Graduation Requirements.&nbsp;The State Board appointed a task force to examine Kansas high school graduation requirements to better meet the needs of students in the 21st century and reach the State Board’s vision to lead the world in the success of each student. The task force will identify&nbsp; courses that should be added or identify those that should no longer be required for graduation; review competencies and identify multiple ways to show mastery of skills that will allow students to move at their own pace and time; and study the benefit of, or need for requiring value-added assets in addition to the high school diploma, (i.e. industry recognized certificates, college credits, etc.).

What resources are being provided to Kansas schools to support improvement?

Gannon state funding.&nbsp;Kansas per pupil funding decreased compared to the inflation rate between 2009 and 2017. Kansas also fell behind both national and regional averages. Following the Kansas Supreme Court’s Gannon school finance decision, the Legislature approved a plan to gradually restore funding&nbsp; to the 2009 level, adjusted for inflation, over six years (2018-2023). The result is record levels of state funding.

Federal COVID aid.&nbsp;In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government approved three rounds of special funding, called ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief). These one-time funds, which will total over $1 billion, can be used over four years to address COVID-related costs, including student learning loss and social-emotional needs.

The Kansans Can Success Tour is designed to see whether Kansans still agree with this direction. If so, schools and communities can move ahead. If not, we need to determine the alternative. If you have questions, please attend an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Success-Tour#Itinerary">upcoming meeting</a>, contact the Kansas State Department of Education, or you can contact me at <a href="http://mtallman@kasb.org">mtallman@kasb.org</a>.

Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

(<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6e3d41c2-ab95-421d-b969-23fce33399fd">Part 1 of “Kansans Can – What’s the Plan?</a>”&nbsp;provided a summary of what the Kansans Can vision is about. Part 2, below, provides details about how Kansans Can seeks to improve the success of each student.)&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582221969260.jpeg" alt="Mark Tallman.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Mark Tallman.&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Association of School Boards&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK TALLMANWhy do we need a broader definition of student success than academics alone?Input from communities, educators and business.&nbsp;In 2015, the State Board of Education and Department of Education received input from thousands of Kansans in community meetings, focus groups and business groups who said the most critical needs for successful students are not academic content knowledge alone, but individual skills such as self-discipline, perseverance, and self-care; and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, speaking and listening, and empathy.Academic plus much more. In short, the feedback said that there are things students need to know (which is the traditional role of schools), but equally important is what students will be able to do with that knowledge. That position was supported by numerous national studies. Those responses are being reviewed in a new series of meetings this summer.Supreme Court and Legislative Goals.&nbsp;The Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Legislature have adopted seven educational goals called the “Rose capacities.” These goals say schools should produce students with “sufficient” knowledge of communication skills; of political, social, economic systems and political processes; of physical and mental health; of arts and cultural heritage; and be prepared for postsecondary studies and the workforce.Economic Needs and Opportunity.&nbsp;Kansas, like all states, has experienced a massive economic change. Fifty years ago, two-thirds of jobs required only a high school diploma or less, and many of those jobs paid enough to support a family with a middle-class lifestyle. Today, two-thirds of jobs require more than a high school diploma (a technical certificate or&nbsp; college degree), and few jobs requiring only high school or less pay enough to support a middle-class lifestyle.These changes have created a widening educational gap, with students from lower income families lagging behind their peers in academic measures, making them less likely to learn the skills and the credentials for economic advancement.Although Kansas educational attainment (completion of high school and postsecondary education) has never been higher, it is still not rising fast enough to meet employment needs. At the same time, employers report that many high school, two-year and four-year college graduates lack the personal and interpersonal skills they need to be successful, even if they have the expected academic credentials.COVID Impact.&nbsp;Many Kansas students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may include reduced learning time, increased economic pressures for families, unprecedented levels of stress affecting social-emotional well-being, disruptions to academic progress, and less access to postsecondary education.Why do Kansas schools need to push forward with redesign?Social needs have changed.&nbsp;Kansas schools are largely organized as they have been for the past 50 to 100 years, after the transition from primarily one-room rural schools. They were designed to focus on academics when fewer students expected to graduate and far fewer went on to college, when most students were prepared for work on a farm or in a factory, and when “non-academic” skills were provided by family, church, community organizations and employment experience.Success for some, not for all.&nbsp;While many students, especially those with strong family support, do very well under this system, many students are not getting the individualized education they need to meet the challenges of a changing world. The State Board has adopted the Kansans Can vision and the principles of school redesign to meet these challenges to ensure the success of each and every student in Kansas.How is the Kansans Can system working to help districts adapt to new societal demands and meet the unprecedented expectation of success for every student?Kindergarten readiness.&nbsp;The biggest gap in student skills is at the start, when some children come to school already reading and others with limited academic, social and behavioral skills. Since 2015, the state has begun funding all-day kindergarten and has expanded early childhood programs, with many districts expanding additional local programs. &nbsp;Social and emotional needs.&nbsp;Students can’t learn academically, manage themselves or work with others if they are battling emotional issues, depression and trauma. The state and local districts have expanded student mental health services (often in partnership with community programs), added counselors and social workers, and special education staff in efforts to meet these needs. &nbsp;Individual plans of study.&nbsp;Asking students and families to begin thinking earlier about what they want for their future helps students choose courses and activities to better prepare for postsecondary education and test those interests with real world experiences. &nbsp;Academically prepared for postsecondary education.&nbsp;The State Board adopted recommendations from a Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia to strengthen teacher training in reading literacy. The Board has increased the focus on reaching “college ready” standards on state assessments, a much higher standard than “grade level” standards. The state now pays for all students to take the ACT college readiness test, increasing the numbers of students participating as well as providing equitable access to this assessment. &nbsp;High school graduation.&nbsp;High school graduation rates are at the highest point in the history of Kansas public schooling and lower performing groups are improving faster than the average, narrowing the gap.Postsecondary Success.&nbsp;Kansas has created a unique measure for tracking the percentage of students who complete a postsecondary technical certificate or college degree or remain enrolled in such programs two years after high school graduation. The “postsecondary effective rate” has improved; the number of students earning college or technical credit in high school has increased, and the number of students in remedial college courses has decreased.Civic Engagement.&nbsp;To promote civic engagement as part of all preK-12 students’ experience, the State Board has created the Civic Advocacy Network to recognize schools that actively involve students in civic engagement opportunities and to collect exemplary practices to share with schools across the state. &nbsp;What challenges still exist?Creating opportunities for every child.&nbsp;Kansas school funding declined compared to inflation from 2009 to 2017, resulting in cuts to staff and positions and falling behind other states. The restoration of state funding to constitutional levels by 2023 will allow districts to staff schools with the critical positions needed to meet the new, and broader needs of K-12 students, from pre-K and early learning classes for kindergarten readiness, stronger mental health and special education services, better career planning and preparation through experiences or credentials required for college and career readiness. Today, all means all!While high school graduation and postsecondary participation has steadily increased, more than one in 10 students do not graduate in four years, and even more&nbsp; students from low-income families, those with disabilities and English Language Learners fail to meet this standard. The percentage of students completing post-secondary programs remains far below expected employment needs.Lagging academic measures. After funding fell behind inflation from 2009 to 2017 and led to cuts in programs and school staff, state and national tests scores declined with deep disparities remaining among student groups, which the pandemic is expected to worsen.What is the State Board doing to support improvement?School Redesign. Five years ago, the State Board began the School Redesign Project, inviting volunteer schools to explore changes in the learning to improve student success with guidance and assistance from the state and a focus on personalized learning social-emotional skill development, real world application, and stakeholder partnerships. Nearly 200 schools are now participating, working on ways to rethink and realign schools to meet the needs of each student, with many others adopting the lessons being learned.Accreditation.&nbsp;The State Board adopted the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model in 2018 as a model of continuous improvement. A key part of district evaluation and accreditation status involves the use of data to demonstrate growth in the five Kansans Can State Board outcomes – Social Emotional Growth, Kindergarten Readiness, Individual Plans of Study, Academic Preparation, Graduation Rates, Postsecondary Completion, and Civic Engagement.Recognition.&nbsp;The State Board has also created the Kansans Can Star Recognition Program to recognize district success in the measures of outcomes that Kansans said they value. These outcomes, both quantitative and qualitative measures, serve as the roadmap for Kansas to reach its vision for education. The program awards recognition for high success in each area.Graduation Requirements.&nbsp;The State Board appointed a task force to examine Kansas high school graduation requirements to better meet the needs of students in the 21st century and reach the State Board’s vision to lead the world in the success of each student. The task force will identify&nbsp; courses that should be added or identify those that should no longer be required for graduation; review competencies and identify multiple ways to show mastery of skills that will allow students to move at their own pace and time; and study the benefit of, or need for requiring value-added assets in addition to the high school diploma, (i.e. industry recognized certificates, college credits, etc.).What resources are being provided to Kansas schools to support improvement?Gannon state funding.&nbsp;Kansas per pupil funding decreased compared to the inflation rate between 2009 and 2017. Kansas also fell behind both national and regional averages. Following the Kansas Supreme Court’s Gannon school finance decision, the Legislature approved a plan to gradually restore funding&nbsp; to the 2009 level, adjusted for inflation, over six years (2018-2023). The result is record levels of state funding.Federal COVID aid.&nbsp;In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government approved three rounds of special funding, called ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief). These one-time funds, which will total over $1 billion, can be used over four years to address COVID-related costs, including student learning loss and social-emotional needs.The Kansans Can Success Tour is designed to see whether Kansans still agree with this direction. If so, schools and communities can move ahead. If not, we need to determine the alternative. If you have questions, please attend an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Vision-Kansans-Can/Success-Tour#Itinerary">upcoming meeting</a>, contact the Kansas State Department of Education, or you can contact me at <a href="http://mtallman@kasb.org">mtallman@kasb.org</a>.Mark Tallman is the associate executive director for advocacy for the Kansas Association of School Boards.

Tallman Education Report: Kansans Can - What's the Plan? (Part 2)

United Way of Junction City / Geary County is rolling out the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Nichole Mader, United Way Executive Director, said they are able to provide books for children birth to age five from a grant through the Kansas Masonic Literacy Center. "Basically they get one book per month, parents can get them signed up, they have to live in Geary County. But it's a completely free program."

To sign up you can call the United Way Office at 785-238-2117, stop in at 139 East 8th Street. There will also be sign up forms throughout the community. United Way will be at the Junction City Expo as well in Heritage Park from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. "We'll have sign up forms there as well, " said Mader.

United Way of Junction City / Geary County is rolling out the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Nichole Mader, United Way Executive Director, said they are able to provide books for children birth to age five from a grant through the Kansas Masonic Literacy Center. "Basically they get one book per month, parents can get them signed up, they have to live in Geary County. But it's a completely free program."To sign up you can call the United Way Office at 785-238-2117, stop in at 139 East 8th Street. There will also be sign up forms throughout the community. United Way will be at the Junction City Expo as well in Heritage Park from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. "We'll have sign up forms there as well, " said Mader.

United Way will partner with the Kansas Masonic Literacy Center

The Kansas Can Success Tour will visit Manhattan on&nbsp; Tuesday, Aug. 31st, at Oliver Brown Elementary (4787 Jackies Way) in Manhattan from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Join Dr. Randy Watson and Dr. Brad Neuenswander for a community conversation about K-12 education in Kansas.

You can learn about the current direction of the education system and the progress that's been made since the State Board of Education announced its new vision in 2015, and whether Kansas is still headed in the right direction.

 All those attending must wear a mask inside USD 383 facilities.

The Kansas Can Success Tour will visit Manhattan on&nbsp; Tuesday, Aug. 31st, at Oliver Brown Elementary (4787 Jackies Way) in Manhattan from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Join Dr. Randy Watson and Dr. Brad Neuenswander for a community conversation about K-12 education in Kansas.You can learn about the current direction of the education system and the progress that's been made since the State Board of Education announced its new vision in 2015, and whether Kansas is still headed in the right direction. All those attending must wear a mask inside USD 383 facilities.

Kansas Can Success Tour will stop in Manhattan

Leaders of Fort Riley and Unified School District 475, Geary County Schools, formally signed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) on Friday to partner in the demolition of obsolete school buildings on Fort Riley.

Col. Will McKannay, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley commander, was joined by Cmd. Sgt. Major Tim Speichert, Fort Riley, Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent, and Dr. Anwar Khoury, USD 475 Board of Education President, to sign the agreement.

USD 475 operates one middle school and four elementary schools on Fort Riley. USD 475 received Department of Defense grant funding to replace the old Fort Riley Elementary School (Building 104) due to aging infrastructure and overcrowding. In April 2021, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) approved a matching grant for USD 475 to build an additional new elementary school on Fort Riley in place of Jefferson Elementary School. The contract USD 475 is utilizing for demolition of the old Jefferson Elementary School (Building 4720) will be modified to include demolition of the old Fort Riley Elementary School (Building 104). The result is an estimated cost savings to the Government of $194-thousand and a cost avoidance for USD 475 through use of the Fort Riley Construction and Debris Landfill.

“We are excited for this new partnership that paves the way for Fort Riley and USD 475 to share resources and services in order to accomplish much needed work on Fort Riley,” Col Will McKannay said.

“I appreciate the partnership we have with Fort Riley,” Dr. Reginald Eggleston said. “Working together on projects like this demonstrates a unit of effort toward supporting our families and students. Additionally, it also demonstrates good stewardship of resources.”

Dr. Anwar Khoury added, “The agreement between the district and Fort Riley demonstrates a strong partnership that serves the region.”


Leaders of Fort Riley and Unified School District 475, Geary County Schools, formally signed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) on Friday to partner in the demolition of obsolete school buildings on Fort Riley.Col. Will McKannay, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley commander, was joined by Cmd. Sgt. Major Tim Speichert, Fort Riley, Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent, and Dr. Anwar Khoury, USD 475 Board of Education President, to sign the agreement.USD 475 operates one middle school and four elementary schools on Fort Riley. USD 475 received Department of Defense grant funding to replace the old Fort Riley Elementary School (Building 104) due to aging infrastructure and overcrowding. In April 2021, the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) approved a matching grant for USD 475 to build an additional new elementary school on Fort Riley in place of Jefferson Elementary School. The contract USD 475 is utilizing for demolition of the old Jefferson Elementary School (Building 4720) will be modified to include demolition of the old Fort Riley Elementary School (Building 104). The result is an estimated cost savings to the Government of $194-thousand and a cost avoidance for USD 475 through use of the Fort Riley Construction and Debris Landfill.“We are excited for this new partnership that paves the way for Fort Riley and USD 475 to share resources and services in order to accomplish much needed work on Fort Riley,” Col Will McKannay said.“I appreciate the partnership we have with Fort Riley,” Dr. Reginald Eggleston said. “Working together on projects like this demonstrates a unit of effort toward supporting our families and students. Additionally, it also demonstrates good stewardship of resources.”Dr. Anwar Khoury added, “The agreement between the district and Fort Riley demonstrates a strong partnership that serves the region.”

Fort Riley and USD 475 Geary County Schools partner for property demolitions

TOPEKA — 
Governor Laura Kelly's office announced Friday that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and Kansas Department for Health and Environment have collaborated to create an online dashboard that makes it easier for the public to track vaccination rates among healthcare personnel in the state’s long-term care facilities in anticipation of the federal regulation requiring staff vaccinations within the nation’s more than 15,000 Medicare and Medicaid-participating nursing homes.

The state’s newly launched dashboard extrapolates data specific to Kansas from the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network COVID-19 Long Term Care Facility Module and provides a view of the healthcare personnel vaccination rates for Kansas’s federally licensed LTCFs.

According to the dashboard as of Friday, only one Reno County Long Term Care Facility has over 70% of employees vaccinated. That is Wesley Towers with 74.5%. Good Samaritan-Hutchinson Village is just below that at 69.7% and Buhler Sunshine Home is at 65%. Prairie Sunset Home is at 63.4%.

According to the dashboard, only Brighton Place North in Topeka is at 100% as of Friday.

TOPEKA — 
Governor Laura Kelly's office announced Friday that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and Kansas Department for Health and Environment have collaborated to create an online dashboard that makes it easier for the public to track vaccination rates among healthcare personnel in the state’s long-term care facilities in anticipation of the federal regulation requiring staff vaccinations within the nation’s more than 15,000 Medicare and Medicaid-participating nursing homes.The state’s newly launched dashboard extrapolates data specific to Kansas from the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network COVID-19 Long Term Care Facility Module and provides a view of the healthcare personnel vaccination rates for Kansas’s federally licensed LTCFs.According to the dashboard as of Friday, only one Reno County Long Term Care Facility has over 70% of employees vaccinated. That is Wesley Towers with 74.5%. Good Samaritan-Hutchinson Village is just below that at 69.7% and Buhler Sunshine Home is at 65%. Prairie Sunset Home is at 63.4%.According to the dashboard, only Brighton Place North in Topeka is at 100% as of Friday.

Statewide dashboard shows long-term care personnel vax rates

MANHATTAN – Anyone wanting to learn more about all facets of agriculture is encouraged to apply for Kansas Farm Bureau’s Ag Academy. 

The year-long program focuses on advocacy, leadership and service, education, rural communities and farm families. “Ag Academy offers a first-hand view of all the issues and challenges those in agriculture face on a daily basis,” program leader Pam Dankenbring says. “The program will have virtual and in-person sessions, including tours across the state that will give participants a detailed look at the faces and methods of production agriculture in Kansas.” Sept. 10 is the deadline to apply for Ag Academy. Anyone is welcome to apply, but class size is limited to 20 and there is a $100 fee due before the first in-person session. Meals at in-person sessions are provided, but travel, lodging and other costs are the responsibility of participants. Ag Academy begins in October and consists of seven capsules, which each have two sessions, one virtual and the other in-person. Times and locations for tours and speakers will be confirmed after participants are selected.

To view a schedule of Ag Academy, learn more or submit your application, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=ec50bb83f8&amp;e=f3a072990a" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/agacademy</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN – Anyone wanting to learn more about all facets of agriculture is encouraged to apply for Kansas Farm Bureau’s Ag Academy. The year-long program focuses on advocacy, leadership and service, education, rural communities and farm families. “Ag Academy offers a first-hand view of all the issues and challenges those in agriculture face on a daily basis,” program leader Pam Dankenbring says. “The program will have virtual and in-person sessions, including tours across the state that will give participants a detailed look at the faces and methods of production agriculture in Kansas.” Sept. 10 is the deadline to apply for Ag Academy. Anyone is welcome to apply, but class size is limited to 20 and there is a $100 fee due before the first in-person session. Meals at in-person sessions are provided, but travel, lodging and other costs are the responsibility of participants. Ag Academy begins in October and consists of seven capsules, which each have two sessions, one virtual and the other in-person. Times and locations for tours and speakers will be confirmed after participants are selected. To view a schedule of Ag Academy, learn more or submit your application, visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=ec50bb83f8&amp;e=f3a072990a" target="_blank">www.kfb.org/agacademy</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="http://kfb.org">KFB</a>-

Kansas Farm Bureau accepting Ag Academy applications

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics and Boot Hill Distillery have partnered to launch Wabash Reserve, the Wildcats’ officially licensed whiskey, which will be available for purchase beginning September 1. Distilled by K-State alumni at Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City, Kansas, Wabash Reserve is made from grain grown on Boot Hill Distillery’s farm and is an agricultural link that dates back to 1863 when K-State was founded as the nation’s first land grant university. “We are thrilled to work with fellow K-Stater Hayes Kelman (Owner/CEO) and his entire Boot Hill Distillery staff on this unique and exciting project, which we know will be popular with our fans,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “There are very few universities with officially branded whiskey partnerships, and we are appreciative of the work of our staff, our partners at Learfield, Affinity licensing, the great people at Boot Hill and all of the statewide businesses who will carry this premium beverage.” Poured over a cube of ice, served neat, or in a favorite cocktail, Wabash Reserve is the perfect way to celebrate the Wildcats and the legacy of Kansas State University. Each bottle purchased helps support K-State and an alumni-owned Kansas company. A high-wheat Kansas Bourbon, the Wabash Reserve will have a pot-still mash bill of 55% corn, 35% wheat and 10% unmalted&nbsp;barley. Bottled at 90-proof and aged two years, it includes notes of leather, dried fruit and allspice on the nose and roasted sweet corn, orange peel and caramel on the palate. “Our goal with this project is to bring people together,” Kelman said. “Whiskey brings people together and K-State is a place that brings people together, so what better way to do this than for all K-Staters to be able to gather and enjoy a high-quality glass of whiskey.” Fans are encouraged to visit their local liquor stores throughout the state of Kansas&nbsp;beginning September 1&nbsp;to purchase Wabash Reserve. The product, distributed by Standard Beverage, will also be available in restaurants and bars across the state.

For more information on this special release and to see a&nbsp;continually updated list of carriers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boothilldistillery.com/wabashreserve" target="_blank">https://www.boothilldistillery.com/wabashreserve</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630088219156.jpeg" alt="K-State Launches Whiskey Partnership with Boot Hill Distillery" />
 <figcaption>K-State Launches Whiskey Partnership with Boot Hill Distillery</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics and Boot Hill Distillery have partnered to launch Wabash Reserve, the Wildcats’ officially licensed whiskey, which will be available for purchase beginning September 1. Distilled by K-State alumni at Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City, Kansas, Wabash Reserve is made from grain grown on Boot Hill Distillery’s farm and is an agricultural link that dates back to 1863 when K-State was founded as the nation’s first land grant university. “We are thrilled to work with fellow K-Stater Hayes Kelman (Owner/CEO) and his entire Boot Hill Distillery staff on this unique and exciting project, which we know will be popular with our fans,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “There are very few universities with officially branded whiskey partnerships, and we are appreciative of the work of our staff, our partners at Learfield, Affinity licensing, the great people at Boot Hill and all of the statewide businesses who will carry this premium beverage.” Poured over a cube of ice, served neat, or in a favorite cocktail, Wabash Reserve is the perfect way to celebrate the Wildcats and the legacy of Kansas State University. Each bottle purchased helps support K-State and an alumni-owned Kansas company. A high-wheat Kansas Bourbon, the Wabash Reserve will have a pot-still mash bill of 55% corn, 35% wheat and 10% unmalted&nbsp;barley. Bottled at 90-proof and aged two years, it includes notes of leather, dried fruit and allspice on the nose and roasted sweet corn, orange peel and caramel on the palate. “Our goal with this project is to bring people together,” Kelman said. “Whiskey brings people together and K-State is a place that brings people together, so what better way to do this than for all K-Staters to be able to gather and enjoy a high-quality glass of whiskey.” Fans are encouraged to visit their local liquor stores throughout the state of Kansas&nbsp;beginning September 1&nbsp;to purchase Wabash Reserve. The product, distributed by Standard Beverage, will also be available in restaurants and bars across the state.For more information on this special release and to see a&nbsp;continually updated list of carriers, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boothilldistillery.com/wabashreserve" target="_blank">https://www.boothilldistillery.com/wabashreserve</a>

K-State Launches Whiskey Partnership with Boot Hill Distillery

Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has named the members of the next class of participants for the 2021-22 program year, according to Chair Chris Bowman.

The announcement was made public at Ironclad Co-Working, Wamego, during a reception for the newest program participants. The event was underwritten by CivicPlus and a number of alumni. Opening the reception, Bowman stated that, “This new FHRLP Program year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, visionary, leadership. Generally, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program seeks positive, strategic thinking emerging leaders that exhibit a broadened perspective. For the Class of 2021-22, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find a pathway through crisis.”

The regions premier leadership training program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders in the area that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. e class of 20 includes:&nbsp;

The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has named the members of the next class of participants for the 2021-22 program year according to Chair Chris Bowman.

The announcement was made public at Ironclad Co-Working, Wamego, during a reception for the newest program participants. The event was underwritten by CivicPlus and a number of alumni. Opening the reception, Bowman stated that, “This new FHRLP Program year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, visionary, leadership. Generally, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program seeks positive, strategic thinking emerging leaders that exhibit a broadened perspective. For the Class of 2021-22, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find a pathway through crisis. We found people with the right stuff to lead by example… inherent servant leaders.”

The regions premier leadership training program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders in the area that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. Class members will complete the seven session course over the next six months. The class of 20 includes:

Christine Benne Riley County Manhattan Regional Volunteer, inc. Chair, Manhattan Military Relations Committee, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation Board; Friends of Fort Riley Museums Board; AUSA; Flint Hills Veterans Coalition

Casey Biesenthal Pottawatomie County Wamego Commercial Lending, Central National Bank

Christian Bishop Wabaunsee County Manhattan Protocol Specialist, First Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort Riley

Andrew Darrow Geary County Junction City IT Director, City of Manhattan

Cade Dover Pottawatomie County Saint George District Operations Manager, EVERGY

David Easterling Geary County Junction City Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Army Substance Abuse Program/DHR @ USAG Fort Riley

Josh Gering Riley County Manhattan Assistant Director, Riley County EMS

Travis Godfrey Geary County Junction City Outside Sales Manager, Godfrey's Indoor Ranges &amp; Tactical Supply

Becky Goff Riley County Keats WIBW-TV Regional News Reporter and Multimedia Journalist, Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie Counties

Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has named the members of the next class of participants for the 2021-22 program year, according to Chair Chris Bowman.The announcement was made public at Ironclad Co-Working, Wamego, during a reception for the newest program participants. The event was underwritten by CivicPlus and a number of alumni. Opening the reception, Bowman stated that, “This new FHRLP Program year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, visionary, leadership. Generally, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program seeks positive, strategic thinking emerging leaders that exhibit a broadened perspective. For the Class of 2021-22, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find a pathway through crisis.”The regions premier leadership training program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders in the area that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. e class of 20 includes:&nbsp;The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has named the members of the next class of participants for the 2021-22 program year according to Chair Chris Bowman.The announcement was made public at Ironclad Co-Working, Wamego, during a reception for the newest program participants. The event was underwritten by CivicPlus and a number of alumni. Opening the reception, Bowman stated that, “This new FHRLP Program year, our regions communities have never faced greater need for critical thinking, visionary, leadership. Generally, the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program seeks positive, strategic thinking emerging leaders that exhibit a broadened perspective. For the Class of 2021-22, we sought those willing to learn leadership skills to find a pathway through crisis. We found people with the right stuff to lead by example… inherent servant leaders.”The regions premier leadership training program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders in the area that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley and Pottawatomie Counties. Class members will complete the seven session course over the next six months. The class of 20 includes:Christine Benne Riley County Manhattan Regional Volunteer, inc. Chair, Manhattan Military Relations Committee, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation Board; Friends of Fort Riley Museums Board; AUSA; Flint Hills Veterans CoalitionCasey Biesenthal Pottawatomie County Wamego Commercial Lending, Central National BankChristian Bishop Wabaunsee County Manhattan Protocol Specialist, First Infantry Division Headquarters, Fort RileyAndrew Darrow Geary County Junction City IT Director, City of ManhattanCade Dover Pottawatomie County Saint George District Operations Manager, EVERGYDavid Easterling Geary County Junction City Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Army Substance Abuse Program/DHR @ USAG Fort RileyJosh Gering Riley County Manhattan Assistant Director, Riley County EMSTravis Godfrey Geary County Junction City Outside Sales Manager, Godfrey's Indoor Ranges &amp; Tactical SupplyBecky Goff Riley County Keats WIBW-TV Regional News Reporter and Multimedia Journalist, Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie CountiesVanessa Gray Geary County Junction City Director of the Junction City Animal ShelterMarc Greene Geary County Fort Riley Deputy Garrison Safety Director, USAG Fort RileyShannon Horton Riley County Manhattan Director of Growing Nurturing Families, TFI Family ServicesGeorge Kandt Riley County Manhattan Business Retention &amp; Expansion Mgr., Manhattan Area Chamber of CommerceMatthew Lindquist Riley County Manhattan Administrator, Stonecreek Family PhysiciansJeremyMcDiffett Wabaunsee County Alta Vista Information Technology Manager, K-State College of Veterinary MedicineVivienne Uccello Riley County Manhattan Public Information Officer, City of ManhattanDevin Wendt Pottawatomie County Manhattan Lead Pastor, Crestview Christian ChurchWendy Winston Riley County Manhattan Division Chief, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation @ USAG Ft RileyNancy Zenger-Beneda Riley County Manhattan Executive Director, Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the ClassroomEric Zenk Pottawatomie County Manhattan Special Emphasis &amp; Disability Program Manager, Equal Employment Opportunity Office @ USAG Fort RileyDuring the event, Jack Lindquist, Executive Director said, “The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is thrilled to embrace yet another class of forward-thinking leaders. Our innovative board of directors welcomes fresh faces every year, and although our diligent measures for safety have limited the overall class size to twenty, I cannot be more pleased by each individual’s experience, thoughtfulness, and thirst for growth.” Sessions get underway with Orientation at Rock Springs Ranch 4-H Center and the Junction City / Geary County Session in three weeks.