Several Junction City High School Blue Jay football players received all-league honors from the Centennial League for the 2024 high school football season.

All Junction City award winners are listed below.

Ja'Marcus Vornes -&nbsp;Honorable Mention

By Anthony GorgesJC PostSeveral Junction City High School Blue Jay football players received all-league honors from the Centennial League for the 2024 high school football season.All Junction City award winners are listed below.Offensive awardsOffensive Line awardsPetren Bartolome - 1st teamDorian Coleman - 2nd teamTymar Jones - 2nd team&nbsp;Avery Florence&nbsp; - Honorable MentionRunning Back awards&nbsp;Justice Fonoti - 2nd teamAaron Woods - 2nd teamQuarterback AwardConrad Gomez - Honorable mentionTight End awardChris Coy - 2nd teamWide Receiver awardsScholar Brown - Honorable MentionJa'Marcus Vornes -&nbsp;Honorable MentionXander Caldwell - Honorable MentionDefensive awardsDefensive Line awardsTrevon Briley - 1st teamJackson Hollie - 2nd teamJustice Fonoti - Honorable MentionLinebacker awardsJamarcus Tyson - 1st teamLarkin Turner - 2nd teamKhaliel Walker - Honorable MentionDefensive Back awardsLovell Autry - 2nd teamKingston Timms- 2nd teamJalen Morgan - Honorable MentionJayden Mears - Honorable MentionSpecial Teams AwardsKicker awardEthan Hileman - 2nd teamPunter awardKingston Timms - 1st teamReturner awardJa'Marcus Vornes - 2nd team

Blue Jay football players receive All Centennial League Honors

Brian Field and Adam Geiger have been named Volunteers of the Year for the Geary County Rural Fire Department. They were recognized during the Department's annual banquet Sunday night.

Field and Geiger have served about one and a half years with the Department, although Field served an earlier stint for several years.

Volunteer firefighters attending the banquet posed for a photo.

Brian Field and Adam Geiger have been named Volunteers of the Year for the Geary County Rural Fire Department. They were recognized during the Department's annual banquet Sunday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733762186207.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Assistant Rural Fire Chief&nbsp; Curt Janke, Lt. Brian Field, Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Assistant Rural Fire Chief&nbsp; Curt Janke, Lt. Brian Field, Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733762214975.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Assistant Rural Fire Chief Curt Janke, Firefighter Adam Geiger, Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges." />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Assistant Rural Fire Chief Curt Janke, Firefighter Adam Geiger, Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges.</figcaption>
 </figure>Field and Geiger have served about one and a half years with the Department, although Field served an earlier stint for several years.Volunteer firefighters attending the banquet posed for a photo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733762144536.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Volunteer firefighters are honored

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged aggravated assault involving a firearm.

Just after 5p.m. Friday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault in the 100 block of Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 30-year-old woman reported a 20-year-old man brandished a rifle at her who was trying to merge onto the highway.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged aggravated assault involving a firearm.Just after 5p.m. Friday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault in the 100 block of Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 30-year-old woman reported a 20-year-old man brandished a rifle at her who was trying to merge onto the highway.&nbsp;The RCPD released no additional details.

RCPD: Suspect brandished rifle at driver on Fort Riley Blvd.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann believes the long term farm bill is going to get delayed again.

"That's what it's looking like," Mann said. "I'll tell you, I could not be more disappointed or frustrated. I've been to the floor of the House over 30 times urging other members of Congress to get serious about getting a five year Farm Bill done to lock in certainty for our producers. It looks like this is being made to punt yet again. Very frustrating. Not what I want."

The continuing resolution on discretionary spending needs to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks, but the farm bill will not be a part of that work.

"President Trump and his team are involved in the conversation because they're going to be impacted by however long this gets pushed into next year," Mann said. "It looks like the consensus or their desire is end of March, but we will see, those conversations are ongoing. Then really, you know, the question becomes, what is the plan for President Trump's first 100 days? What order does he want to tackle the many, many things to do to get this country back on track? How does government funding fit into that? All those things we'll take into consideration."

With Republican control of both houses and the presidency in January, there should be a change in emphasis next year.

"The election had consequences," Mann said. "The American people loud and clear, they said they want Donald Trump to be the President of the United States, and they are tired of business as usual in Washington. We need to get the train back on the track, so to speak. Republicans flipped the Senate. So 100 senators, that's a 53-47 vote margin in the House. Similar margins we've had, but with three folks from the House that have joined the administration, we'll have a one vote margin, looks like the first 100 days or so of the Congress."

It is important though, that both Ag committees will have Republicans with the gavel as a long term farm bill is worked out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732122267723.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Office of Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Office of Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann believes the long term farm bill is going to get delayed again."That's what it's looking like," Mann said. "I'll tell you, I could not be more disappointed or frustrated. I've been to the floor of the House over 30 times urging other members of Congress to get serious about getting a five year Farm Bill done to lock in certainty for our producers. It looks like this is being made to punt yet again. Very frustrating. Not what I want."The continuing resolution on discretionary spending needs to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks, but the farm bill will not be a part of that work."President Trump and his team are involved in the conversation because they're going to be impacted by however long this gets pushed into next year," Mann said. "It looks like the consensus or their desire is end of March, but we will see, those conversations are ongoing. Then really, you know, the question becomes, what is the plan for President Trump's first 100 days? What order does he want to tackle the many, many things to do to get this country back on track? How does government funding fit into that? All those things we'll take into consideration."With Republican control of both houses and the presidency in January, there should be a change in emphasis next year."The election had consequences," Mann said. "The American people loud and clear, they said they want Donald Trump to be the President of the United States, and they are tired of business as usual in Washington. We need to get the train back on the track, so to speak. Republicans flipped the Senate. So 100 senators, that's a 53-47 vote margin in the House. Similar margins we've had, but with three folks from the House that have joined the administration, we'll have a one vote margin, looks like the first 100 days or so of the Congress."It is important though, that both Ag committees will have Republicans with the gavel as a long term farm bill is worked out.

Mann says farm bill will wait for new Congress

Downtown Junction City was the site for Hometown Christmas activities Saturday. They ranged from horse and carriage rides to o live music and dance performances.

Junction City Main Street served as a sponsoring organization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733621659307.jpeg" alt="Horse and carriage rides were offered." />
 <figcaption>Horse and carriage rides were offered.</figcaption>
 </figure>Downtown Junction City was the site for Hometown Christmas activities Saturday. They ranged from horse and carriage rides to o live music and dance performances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733621708004.jpeg" alt="Crowd waiting on the popular horse and carriage rides." />
 <figcaption>Crowd waiting on the popular horse and carriage rides.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733621751340.jpeg" alt="Kids enjoyed games at the Municipal Building." />
 <figcaption>Kids enjoyed games at the Municipal Building.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733621805516.jpeg" alt="Holiday lights in Heritage Park." />
 <figcaption>Holiday lights in Heritage Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City Main Street served as a sponsoring organization.

Hometown Christmas is celebrated in Junction City

The Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball team began their season Friday night in Atchison. The Blue Jays beat the Phoenix 74-51. 

After trailing early in the game 9-8, the Junction City Blue Jays went on a 33-6 run to end the first half and led the Phoenix 41-15 at halftime.

The Blue Jays suited up 13 players for the varsity roster, and all 13 played in the game. Nine of the 13 scored. Junction City was led in scoring by junior point guard Lovell Autry, who had 23 points. The only other Blue Jay in double figures was senior center Larkin Turner with 12 points.

With the win, the Blue Jays improve to 1-0 on the season, and Atchison falls to 0-1.

The Atchison Phoenix are led by head coach Pat Battle, who previously was the head coach at Junction City High School from 2011 to 2016. 

Junction City is back in action next weekend. The Blue Jays will play at Hays on Friday night and at Dodge City on Saturday.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball team began their season Friday night in Atchison. The Blue Jays beat the Phoenix 74-51. After trailing early in the game 9-8, the Junction City Blue Jays went on a 33-6 run to end the first half and led the Phoenix 41-15 at halftime.The Blue Jays suited up 13 players for the varsity roster, and all 13 played in the game. Nine of the 13 scored. Junction City was led in scoring by junior point guard Lovell Autry, who had 23 points. The only other Blue Jay in double figures was senior center Larkin Turner with 12 points.With the win, the Blue Jays improve to 1-0 on the season, and Atchison falls to 0-1.The Atchison Phoenix are led by head coach Pat Battle, who previously was the head coach at Junction City High School from 2011 to 2016. Junction City is back in action next weekend. The Blue Jays will play at Hays on Friday night and at Dodge City on Saturday.

Blue Jay boys basketball opens the season with a big win

&nbsp;Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills WILL host its annual 5K event with an extra special 10-Year Birthday Celebration on Sunday, December 8 at the K-State Office Park. This event is more than a race—it's a celebration of empowerment, inspiration, and community, showcasing the strength and determination of girls in the community.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls in 3rd to 8th grade. The 10-week program combines fun running games with dynamic discussions to teach life skills, foster confidence, build friendships, and inspire community service. The season culminates in a celebratory 5K event where participants and their supporters come together to honor their achievements and amplify each other’s Star Power.

This year’s event is open to the public, with all proceeds benefiting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills. The route will take participants on a down-and-back course from Denison to Marlatt Avenue. Last season’s 5K brought together over 500 participants, including program participants, families, friends, and community members.

The registration cost will be $30 for adults, $15 for children 14 and under. It will include Include an event shirt and a custom 10-Year Birthday Medal.

&nbsp;Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills WILL host its annual 5K event with an extra special 10-Year Birthday Celebration on Sunday, December 8 at the K-State Office Park. This event is more than a race—it's a celebration of empowerment, inspiration, and community, showcasing the strength and determination of girls in the community.Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls in 3rd to 8th grade. The 10-week program combines fun running games with dynamic discussions to teach life skills, foster confidence, build friendships, and inspire community service. The season culminates in a celebratory 5K event where participants and their supporters come together to honor their achievements and amplify each other’s Star Power.This year’s event is open to the public, with all proceeds benefiting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills. The route will take participants on a down-and-back course from Denison to Marlatt Avenue. Last season’s 5K brought together over 500 participants, including program participants, families, friends, and community members.The registration cost will be $30 for adults, $15 for children 14 and under. It will include Include an event shirt and a custom 10-Year Birthday Medal.

Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills Celebrates 10-Year Birthday 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Deshaun Durham walked out of the Hutchinson Correctional Facility on Friday morning with a big smile on his face. The 24-year-old from Manhattan was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly after serving over 2.5 years behind bars.

"It's a surreal moment," Durham said. "It kind of feels like an out-of-body experience, feels like a dream, sometimes I've got to pinch myself to make sure its real."

Durham was sentenced in June of 2021 to 92 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 2.4 pounds of cannabis. The courts will typically give probation for people with no criminal history, which is why it was rare that Durham was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison.

"He should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years," Barry Grissom, Durham's attorney, said. "When you think about it, it's a waste of taxpayer dollars. The amount of money that we spend in investigation, interdiction, arrest, prosecution and incarceration is money that could be better spent by law enforcement keeping us safe in our homes, as opposed to running a prohibition."

Durham expressed extreme gratitude to Donte West with the Last Prisoner Project, as well as Grissom, as both played integral parts in helping get his sentence reduced.

"It's good to have faith in people out there, working on you and making sure the right things happen," Durham said. "It's just nice knowing you can sleep better at night, knowing you've got people in place that are really devoted and motivated to getting you home."

Although Durham is grateful to be granted clemency, he was surprised that it happened.

"I was surprised, because it's something a lot of people do in the prison system and very few get it," Durham said. "When I got the news I got it, it was hard not to tear up a little bit, because it's just something that's so rare."

&nbsp;Durham was 20 at the time of the crime and says he has learned a lot from being incarcerated.

"I learned my lesson and now we're here, just ready to look forward and open a new chapter in my life," Durham said. "It's kind of taught me that prison isn't a place that I belong and it's not a place that anyone who gets caught with marijuana, something that is legal in a majority of the United States, deserves to be at. There is definitely some real tough characters in prison, and this place can change you for the worse."&nbsp;

Durham's mother, Brandi Davis, was also there to witness her son walking off the property after being released.

"When he called me from sentencing two and a half years ago and told me he got eight years, I was floored," Davis said. "I never imagined that he would get eight years, I thought he was joking. He asked me how he was going to do eight years in prison, I promised him two and a half years ago that I would do everything in my power to get him home. Luckily, I had people like Last Prisoner Project and Donte and Barry that absolutely supported him in every way and fought like hell to get him home. There really are no words. Deshaun hasn't been home for two and a half years. When I was decorating the house for Christmas, I thought about how Deshaun was going to be in all of our celebrations and he's going to be in the pictures this year."&nbsp;

The final night in the cell of the prison for Durham was one he was looking forward to.

"It was definitely hard to sleep, but it was kind of easy knowing it was going to be my last night sleeping in a prison bunk," Durham said. "I actually woke up about 3:30 in the morning and started getting ready and everything, making sure it wasn't a dream still, because it all feels so surreal."

Durham walked out of the prison with a Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirt on, hoping to get to the Sunday Night Football game against the Chargers in two days.

"That was definitely one of my first ideas, I'm trying to go to the game," Durham said with a smile on his face. "I watch every game, I don't tend to miss a game often, so I'm hoping to make it to the game on Sunday."

&nbsp;Gov. Kelly overturned the Prison Review Board's rejection of Durham's clemency application on Nov. 6.

"We were very very fortunate that we have an amazing governor for our state," Grissom said. "Governor Kelly exercised an immense amount of courage and wisdom to reduce this young man's sentence in light of what he said, is going on around the country, when you compare that to what's happening in Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, he should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years."

Durham is looking forward to turning his life around outside of the prison walls.

"I'm definitely interested in trying to help other people that are in prison for crimes like mine," Durham. "So no one else ends up like I did, without the support from everybody else around me, I would have had to have done my full eight-year sentence."

Durham hopes to attend welding school and start a family in the near future.

The Last Prisoner Project is a 501(c)(3) non profit that was founded in 2019 and works towards helping incarcerated cannabis offenders.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733500940631.jpeg" alt="(L to R) Donte West (Exoneree), Brandi Davis (Deshaun Durham's mother), Deshaun Durham, Barry Grissom (attorney) all exit the Hutchinson Correctional Facility following the release of Durham, who was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>(L to R) Donte West (Exoneree), Brandi Davis (Deshaun Durham's mother), Deshaun Durham, Barry Grissom (attorney) all exit the Hutchinson Correctional Facility following the release of Durham, who was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Deshaun Durham walked out of the Hutchinson Correctional Facility on Friday morning with a big smile on his face. The 24-year-old from Manhattan was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly after serving over 2.5 years behind bars."It's a surreal moment," Durham said. "It kind of feels like an out-of-body experience, feels like a dream, sometimes I've got to pinch myself to make sure its real."Durham was sentenced in June of 2021 to 92 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 2.4 pounds of cannabis. The courts will typically give probation for people with no criminal history, which is why it was rare that Durham was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison."He should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years," Barry Grissom, Durham's attorney, said. "When you think about it, it's a waste of taxpayer dollars. The amount of money that we spend in investigation, interdiction, arrest, prosecution and incarceration is money that could be better spent by law enforcement keeping us safe in our homes, as opposed to running a prohibition."Durham expressed extreme gratitude to Donte West with the Last Prisoner Project, as well as Grissom, as both played integral parts in helping get his sentence reduced."It's good to have faith in people out there, working on you and making sure the right things happen," Durham said. "It's just nice knowing you can sleep better at night, knowing you've got people in place that are really devoted and motivated to getting you home."Although Durham is grateful to be granted clemency, he was surprised that it happened."I was surprised, because it's something a lot of people do in the prison system and very few get it," Durham said. "When I got the news I got it, it was hard not to tear up a little bit, because it's just something that's so rare."&nbsp;Durham was 20 at the time of the crime and says he has learned a lot from being incarcerated."I learned my lesson and now we're here, just ready to look forward and open a new chapter in my life," Durham said. "It's kind of taught me that prison isn't a place that I belong and it's not a place that anyone who gets caught with marijuana, something that is legal in a majority of the United States, deserves to be at. There is definitely some real tough characters in prison, and this place can change you for the worse."&nbsp;Durham's mother, Brandi Davis, was also there to witness her son walking off the property after being released."When he called me from sentencing two and a half years ago and told me he got eight years, I was floored," Davis said. "I never imagined that he would get eight years, I thought he was joking. He asked me how he was going to do eight years in prison, I promised him two and a half years ago that I would do everything in my power to get him home. Luckily, I had people like Last Prisoner Project and Donte and Barry that absolutely supported him in every way and fought like hell to get him home. There really are no words. Deshaun hasn't been home for two and a half years. When I was decorating the house for Christmas, I thought about how Deshaun was going to be in all of our celebrations and he's going to be in the pictures this year."&nbsp;The final night in the cell of the prison for Durham was one he was looking forward to."It was definitely hard to sleep, but it was kind of easy knowing it was going to be my last night sleeping in a prison bunk," Durham said. "I actually woke up about 3:30 in the morning and started getting ready and everything, making sure it wasn't a dream still, because it all feels so surreal."Durham walked out of the prison with a Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirt on, hoping to get to the Sunday Night Football game against the Chargers in two days."That was definitely one of my first ideas, I'm trying to go to the game," Durham said with a smile on his face. "I watch every game, I don't tend to miss a game often, so I'm hoping to make it to the game on Sunday."&nbsp;Gov. Kelly overturned the Prison Review Board's rejection of Durham's clemency application on Nov. 6."We were very very fortunate that we have an amazing governor for our state," Grissom said. "Governor Kelly exercised an immense amount of courage and wisdom to reduce this young man's sentence in light of what he said, is going on around the country, when you compare that to what's happening in Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, he should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years."Durham is looking forward to turning his life around outside of the prison walls."I'm definitely interested in trying to help other people that are in prison for crimes like mine," Durham. "So no one else ends up like I did, without the support from everybody else around me, I would have had to have done my full eight-year sentence."Durham hopes to attend welding school and start a family in the near future.The Last Prisoner Project is a 501(c)(3) non profit that was founded in 2019 and works towards helping incarcerated cannabis offenders.&nbsp;

Manhattan man free from prison following action by Governor

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary in Manhattan. Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of burglary and criminal destruction of property in the 700 block of Moro Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 54-year-old woman and 41-year old woman and Evergy reported the women's apartment had been broken into. Cash was taken and there was damage to the door jam and Evergy property. 

Total loss associated with this report exceeds $1,000.

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary in Manhattan. Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of burglary and criminal destruction of property in the 700 block of Moro Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 54-year-old woman and 41-year old woman and Evergy reported the women's apartment had been broken into. Cash was taken and there was damage to the door jam and Evergy property. Total loss associated with this report exceeds $1,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating burglary at women's apartment

Friday, December 6th, beginning at 10 AM, Junction City Public Works crews will be repairing a fire hydrant at 4th Street and Sunset Dr. Residents on 4th from Garfield to Webster Street including Sunset Dr. will be without water until repairs are complete. Please call Junction City Public Works at 785-238-7142 if you have any questions.

Friday, December 6th, beginning at 10 AM, Junction City Public Works crews will be repairing a fire hydrant at 4th Street and Sunset Dr. Residents on 4th from Garfield to Webster Street including Sunset Dr. will be without water until repairs are complete. Please call Junction City Public Works at 785-238-7142 if you have any questions.

Fire hydrant repair work will impact water service from Garfield to Webster

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fee Insurance Group is excited to announce the opening of its fifth location in Kansas, expanding into the Manhattan area. The new office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave, Suite 185, will enhance the company's ability to provide personalized and experienced insurance solutions to families, businesses, and communities across the region. To celebrate this expansion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 3:30 p.m.

President Bob Fee expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion: “Opening our Manhattan office is a testament to our commitment to Kansas communities. We’re excited to expand our reach and continue providing the high level of service that our clients expect from us, guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, leadership, and relationships.”

CEO Allen Fee added, “We are thrilled to grow across the state with our new office in Manhattan. Our already strong relationship with several key businesses in the area, most notably Steel and Pipe Supply, makes this expansion even more meaningful. We’re eager to bring our client-focused approach and passion for service to this vibrant community.”

Leading the growth in Manhattan is Lee Modesitt, who brings his strong leadership and a commitment to delivering an elevated client experience. As a longstanding Manhattan resident, Lee is excited to bring Fee’s 140-year legacy of excellence and relationships to the local community.

The Manhattan office marks a key step in Fee Insurance Group’s continued growth, as the company remains committed to remaining privately owned and perpetuating to another generation focused on its clients and communities.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.feeinsurancegroup.com/" target="_blank">www.feeinsurancegroup.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the Manhattan office at 785- 340-3500.

Fee Insurance GroupMANHATTAN, Kan. — Fee Insurance Group is excited to announce the opening of its fifth location in Kansas, expanding into the Manhattan area. The new office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave, Suite 185, will enhance the company's ability to provide personalized and experienced insurance solutions to families, businesses, and communities across the region. To celebrate this expansion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 3:30 p.m.President Bob Fee expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion: “Opening our Manhattan office is a testament to our commitment to Kansas communities. We’re excited to expand our reach and continue providing the high level of service that our clients expect from us, guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, leadership, and relationships.”CEO Allen Fee added, “We are thrilled to grow across the state with our new office in Manhattan. Our already strong relationship with several key businesses in the area, most notably Steel and Pipe Supply, makes this expansion even more meaningful. We’re eager to bring our client-focused approach and passion for service to this vibrant community.”Leading the growth in Manhattan is Lee Modesitt, who brings his strong leadership and a commitment to delivering an elevated client experience. As a longstanding Manhattan resident, Lee is excited to bring Fee’s 140-year legacy of excellence and relationships to the local community.The Manhattan office marks a key step in Fee Insurance Group’s continued growth, as the company remains committed to remaining privately owned and perpetuating to another generation focused on its clients and communities.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.feeinsurancegroup.com/" target="_blank">www.feeinsurancegroup.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the Manhattan office at 785- 340-3500.

Fee Insurance Group plans Manhattan ribbon cutting

Each day on his drive to K-State’s football stadium, Coach Bill Snyder remembered driving past the agricultural research plots. That stadium now bears his name - as does a new wheat variety developed by K-State’s wheat breeding program. For the 2024 year-end giving season, everyone can be a part of launching the KS Bill Snyder variety and supporting wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign by the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF).&nbsp;

“The people here are very special, and what you do is meaningful,” Snyder said during a KWCRF event last spring. “When I came here in 1989, I learned that Kansas State people are truly special. They asked, ‘What can we do for you?’ That’s the Kansas State farmer way.”

The KWCRF supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.

“The goal in the end is to increase the profitability of Kansas wheat farmers,” said Tammy McClellan, KWCRF manager of donor relations. “And probably that's one of the reasons I love this work the most because I'm married to a Kansas wheat farmer, and I am a Kansas wheat farmer.”

“My father-in-law was on the Kansas Wheat Commission when they made their first vote to start putting funding into research. So, it's a nice family tradition to be involved in research.”&nbsp;

This giving season, the KWCRF is accepting gifts to the Legendary Greats – KS Bill Snyder &amp; Kansas Wheat Campaign. Donors will be helping promote wheat research during the 2025 fall football season as the variety KS Bill Snyder is introduced to the public. Donors to the campaign will be recognized with other donors in a display inside the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, located directly across from the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium.&nbsp;

KS Bill Snyder — the wheat variety — was the result of the long-running breeding program at the K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays, led by Dr. Guorong Zhang, K-State wheat breeder, and his team. KS Bill Snyder is a medium-maturity and medium-short height variety that was the top-performing variety in the Southern Regional Performance Nursery in 2022. KS Bill Snyder has a solid disease package with good-to-intermediate resistance of stripe, leaf and stem rust, along with moderate resistance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (Wsm2 gene) and intermediate resistance to Triticum mosaic virus. It is also resistant to soilborne mosaic virus, allowing it to move into central Kansas, where it has shown decent yield potential. KS Bill Snyder, along with its very high yield potential, also has good drought tolerance, high tillering capacity, excellent straw strength and good quality.

Releasing a new variety like KS Bill Snyder is the result of years of work, requiring maintaining research greenhouses, keeping research equipment top-notch and supporting the teamwork between wheat breeders, professors and their research teams. This long, complicated work makes each release a true celebration, which is one reason why individual donors like Stephen Graham and his wife Sherry choose to donate to the KWCRF.&nbsp;

“You got to remember that this doesn't happen overnight; it takes many years of work and investment to make new varieties happen,” said Graham, who is a former assistant to the Dean of Agriculture for the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University and administrator for the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1981 through 1995. “But at the same time, it’s fun to watch it evolve, watch us learn how our wheat is used. It’s a long game, but you help support this work that benefits our state so much.”&nbsp;

Donors can contribute in various ways, including cash donations, grain or stock gifts, legacy gifts through estate planning, and Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts. This flexibility allows everyone to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Donors can even specify what specific research areas their contributions will support, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and in line with donor goals.&nbsp;

“I appreciate walking in every morning, coming to work and seeing the variety and diversity of those donors,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “It shows you the passion for Kansas wheat and wheat research from different segments of the industry.”&nbsp;

Just as Coach Snyder transformed the Wildcats’ football program, the variety in his name embodies the relentless, disciplined pursuit of excellence by researchers and producers. By supporting the KWCRF, you too can contribute to supporting the future of Kansas wheat farming for generations to come.&nbsp;

Learn more about the Legendary Greats campaign or how to give to the KWCRF at fieldsforward.org or listen to a full conversation with McClellan and Graham in the most recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast at wheatsonyourmind.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas WheatEach day on his drive to K-State’s football stadium, Coach Bill Snyder remembered driving past the agricultural research plots. That stadium now bears his name - as does a new wheat variety developed by K-State’s wheat breeding program. For the 2024 year-end giving season, everyone can be a part of launching the KS Bill Snyder variety and supporting wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign by the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF).&nbsp;“The people here are very special, and what you do is meaningful,” Snyder said during a KWCRF event last spring. “When I came here in 1989, I learned that Kansas State people are truly special. They asked, ‘What can we do for you?’ That’s the Kansas State farmer way.”The KWCRF supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.“The goal in the end is to increase the profitability of Kansas wheat farmers,” said Tammy McClellan, KWCRF manager of donor relations. “And probably that's one of the reasons I love this work the most because I'm married to a Kansas wheat farmer, and I am a Kansas wheat farmer.”“My father-in-law was on the Kansas Wheat Commission when they made their first vote to start putting funding into research. So, it's a nice family tradition to be involved in research.”&nbsp;This giving season, the KWCRF is accepting gifts to the Legendary Greats – KS Bill Snyder &amp; Kansas Wheat Campaign. Donors will be helping promote wheat research during the 2025 fall football season as the variety KS Bill Snyder is introduced to the public. Donors to the campaign will be recognized with other donors in a display inside the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, located directly across from the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium.&nbsp;KS Bill Snyder — the wheat variety — was the result of the long-running breeding program at the K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays, led by Dr. Guorong Zhang, K-State wheat breeder, and his team. KS Bill Snyder is a medium-maturity and medium-short height variety that was the top-performing variety in the Southern Regional Performance Nursery in 2022. KS Bill Snyder has a solid disease package with good-to-intermediate resistance of stripe, leaf and stem rust, along with moderate resistance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (Wsm2 gene) and intermediate resistance to Triticum mosaic virus. It is also resistant to soilborne mosaic virus, allowing it to move into central Kansas, where it has shown decent yield potential. KS Bill Snyder, along with its very high yield potential, also has good drought tolerance, high tillering capacity, excellent straw strength and good quality.Releasing a new variety like KS Bill Snyder is the result of years of work, requiring maintaining research greenhouses, keeping research equipment top-notch and supporting the teamwork between wheat breeders, professors and their research teams. This long, complicated work makes each release a true celebration, which is one reason why individual donors like Stephen Graham and his wife Sherry choose to donate to the KWCRF.&nbsp;“You got to remember that this doesn't happen overnight; it takes many years of work and investment to make new varieties happen,” said Graham, who is a former assistant to the Dean of Agriculture for the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University and administrator for the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1981 through 1995. “But at the same time, it’s fun to watch it evolve, watch us learn how our wheat is used. It’s a long game, but you help support this work that benefits our state so much.”&nbsp;Donors can contribute in various ways, including cash donations, grain or stock gifts, legacy gifts through estate planning, and Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts. This flexibility allows everyone to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Donors can even specify what specific research areas their contributions will support, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and in line with donor goals.&nbsp;“I appreciate walking in every morning, coming to work and seeing the variety and diversity of those donors,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “It shows you the passion for Kansas wheat and wheat research from different segments of the industry.”&nbsp;Just as Coach Snyder transformed the Wildcats’ football program, the variety in his name embodies the relentless, disciplined pursuit of excellence by researchers and producers. By supporting the KWCRF, you too can contribute to supporting the future of Kansas wheat farming for generations to come.&nbsp;Learn more about the Legendary Greats campaign or how to give to the KWCRF at fieldsforward.org or listen to a full conversation with McClellan and Graham in the most recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast at wheatsonyourmind.com.&nbsp;

Wheat Scoop: Join the Legendary Greats Campaign by giving to the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation

The 2025 goals for the Geary County Clerk's Office received discussion at this week's county commission meeting.

--Cleaning up the voter registration roll.

--Reorganizing the clerk's office side of the basement storage area in the County Office Building.

--Continuing with the community on voter registration and voter education.

County Clerk Courtney Gilbert met with the commission. Gilbert noted things have gone well overall since she became the clerk in May of 2023. She is hopeful of resolving some software issues in the near future.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe 2025 goals for the Geary County Clerk's Office received discussion at this week's county commission meeting.They include:--Cleaning up the voter registration roll.--Reorganizing the clerk's office side of the basement storage area in the County Office Building.--Continuing with the community on voter registration and voter education.County Clerk Courtney Gilbert met with the commission. Gilbert noted things have gone well overall since she became the clerk in May of 2023. She is hopeful of resolving some software issues in the near future.

County Clerk's Office goals for next year

There will be a City of Junction City Career Fair on Thursday, Dec.12 at the Junction City Workforce Center. You can&nbsp; connect directly with city employee recruiters. Learn about opportunities, ask questions, and take the first step toward a career.

The career fair will run 9 a.m. to noon on the 12th.

There will be a City of Junction City Career Fair on Thursday, Dec.12 at the Junction City Workforce Center. You can&nbsp; connect directly with city employee recruiters. Learn about opportunities, ask questions, and take the first step toward a career.The career fair will run 9 a.m. to noon on the 12th.

City will hold a career fair

The Fort Riley Army Substance Abuse Program hosted their annual 3D Awareness Month Operation Santa Claus Sober Ruck March on Wednesday. 

The Army said despite the cold temps and early morning start time, over 600 soldiers, family members and civilians rucked through one of three courses which included 1.5, 3.2 and 8 mile options. Hundreds of toys were collected and delivered Thursday at Operation Santa Claus headquarters.&nbsp;

The Fort Riley Army Substance Abuse Program hosted their annual 3D Awareness Month Operation Santa Claus Sober Ruck March on Wednesday. The Army said despite the cold temps and early morning start time, over 600 soldiers, family members and civilians rucked through one of three courses which included 1.5, 3.2 and 8 mile options. Hundreds of toys were collected and delivered Thursday at Operation Santa Claus headquarters.&nbsp;

Toys are collected for Operation Santa Claus

Creekside at Fall Color Farms near Riley has received a $25,000 Kansas Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism for a new building.

Creekside at Fall Color Farms supplies more than 12,000 trees each year and is developing a new branch of agritourism. Beginning in the fall of 2026 the farm will have a completed orchard where different varieties of apples will be available for U-Pick. Kids activities will also be offered during the fall ranging from a barrel train to a tire mountain. Tree fields will be available for customers to walk through. The farm will pair with local schools to offer educational field trips.

Creekside at Fall Color Farms near Riley has received a $25,000 Kansas Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism for a new building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733438699609.jpeg" alt="Bridgette Jobe Kansas Director of Tourism, Marcia Rozell Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Greg McKinley Riley County Commission, Rose Howe, Scott Howe, Miah Howe Fall Color Farms, Darci Pottroff Mayor City of Riley." />
 <figcaption>Bridgette Jobe Kansas Director of Tourism, Marcia Rozell Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Greg McKinley Riley County Commission, Rose Howe, Scott Howe, Miah Howe Fall Color Farms, Darci Pottroff Mayor City of Riley.</figcaption>
 </figure>Creekside at Fall Color Farms supplies more than 12,000 trees each year and is developing a new branch of agritourism. Beginning in the fall of 2026 the farm will have a completed orchard where different varieties of apples will be available for U-Pick. Kids activities will also be offered during the fall ranging from a barrel train to a tire mountain. Tree fields will be available for customers to walk through. The farm will pair with local schools to offer educational field trips.

State awards grant to Creekside at Fall Color Farms

Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup until sundown on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.

“On the anniversary of this unforgettable tragedy, we’re reminded of our service members’ immense courage and sacrifice on December 7, 1941,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As we reflect on the 83rd&nbsp;anniversary of Pearl Harbor, I encourage all Kansans to join me in honoring those who fought for our freedom then, and continue to defend our country now.”

Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup until sundown on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.“On the anniversary of this unforgettable tragedy, we’re reminded of our service members’ immense courage and sacrifice on December 7, 1941,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“As we reflect on the 83rd&nbsp;anniversary of Pearl Harbor, I encourage all Kansans to join me in honoring those who fought for our freedom then, and continue to defend our country now.”

Governor orders flags to be flown at half staff Saturday

Spend the evening in downtown Junction City on&nbsp;Saturday, December 7, from 4:30-7:30 PM. Hometown Christmas activities will include:

junction City Main Street is a sponsoring organization.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostSpend the evening in downtown Junction City on&nbsp;Saturday, December 7, from 4:30-7:30 PM. Hometown Christmas activities will include:<ul>
 <li>Horse and Carriage Rides</li><li>Live Music</li><li>Dance Performances</li><li>Photos with Santa</li><li>Holiday Lights Displays</li><li>Living Nativity</li><li>Hot Chocolate &amp; Cider</li><li>Cookies &amp; Popcorn</li><li>Fire Pits and S’mores</li><li>Cowboy Christmas Market</li><li>Cookie Carnival at the C.L Hoover Opera House</li><li>Food Trucks</li>
 </ul>junction City Main Street is a sponsoring organization.<ul>
 
 </ul>

Hometown Christmas event is set for Saturday

Abilene's Cowtown Christmas brings community,&nbsp; businesses, and attractions together for a special holiday weekend," said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to this event!”

Saturday, December 7, 2024 Highlights&nbsp;

Activities continue on&nbsp;Sunday, December 8&nbsp;with tours of the Historic Seelye Mansion, the 47th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour, an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and rides aboard the Cowtown Santa Express.

Abilene's Cowtown Christmas brings community,&nbsp; businesses, and attractions together for a special holiday weekend," said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to this event!”Saturday, December 7, 2024 Highlights&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Christmas Tree Lane&nbsp;– All day, enjoy a drive along N. Buckeye Ave to NW 3rd Street, featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees in residential yards.</li><li>Shop Small&nbsp;– 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Explore Abilene’s charming boutiques and specialty shops offering unique holiday treasures and festive deals.</li><li>49th Annual Abilene Holiday Craft Show&nbsp;– 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Sterl Hall. Find handmade gifts from talented crafters across Kansas.</li><li>Holiday Tours at Historic Seelye Mansion&nbsp;– 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Experience the splendor of this 1905 mansion, decked out in holiday glory. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-16.</li><li>Festival of Trees and Wreaths&nbsp;– 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM at Rivendell Bookstore. Bid on stunning holiday décor to benefit Abilene Core Community.</li><li>Plaid Tidings&nbsp;– 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM at Great Plains Theatre. Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is a brand-new show that offers the best of Forever Plaid, tied up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top! Advance tickets encouraged.</li><li>Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town&nbsp;– 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Enjoy chili, cinnamon rolls, kids’ activities, and photos with the Grinch.</li><li>Cowtown Santa Express&nbsp;– Departure times at 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:30 PM from the Abilene &amp; Smoky Valley Railroad’s Rock Island Depot. Advance tickets encouraged.</li><li>47th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour&nbsp;– 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tour five beautifully decorated historic homes and one historic church. Tickets are $10 for the full tour.</li><li>Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center&nbsp;– 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Enjoy live music, crafts, and festive activities. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 5 and under.</li><li>Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown&nbsp;– 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Enjoy a driving tour of Griswold-Style holiday decorations. Donate a canned food item to cast your vote for your favorite home!</li><li>Seelye in Lights&nbsp;– 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A special evening visit to the Seelye Mansion is a magical experience. Guests can enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a tour of the mansion dressed in holiday glory. Tickets are available for $10 for adults and $5 for children 16 and under.</li><li>Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting&nbsp;– 7:00 PM at Little Ike Park, followed by visits with Santa.</li><li>Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Winners Announced&nbsp;– 8:00 PM at Little Ike Park. 1st Place ($2,000) - West's Plaza Country Mart and AC Westside Market; 2nd Place ($1,000) - Shelly Crane - Almost Home Realty; 3rd Place ($500) - Patterson Health Care Pharmacy – Abilene; and Mayor's Choice (4 - $100) - City of Abilene.</li><li>Downtown Fireworks&nbsp;– End the night with a beautiful fireworks display in downtown Abilene (weather permitting).</li>
 </ul>Activities continue on&nbsp;Sunday, December 8&nbsp;with tours of the Historic Seelye Mansion, the 47th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour, an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and rides aboard the Cowtown Santa Express.

Abilene will celebrate the holidays

 Geary County Offices will be closed on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24th) and Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25th) to allow staff to celebrate the holiday with their families.



Geary County Offices will be closed on Christmas Eve (Tuesday, December 24th) and Christmas Day (Wednesday, December 25th) to allow staff to celebrate the holiday with their families.

Geary County makes a holiday office closure announcement

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Riley County.

On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report of fraud/theft by deception in the 300 block of Riley Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Casey's General Store reported an unknown man and woman used a "cash card" to obtain merchandise and lottery tickets but the card was fraudulent. 

Total loss associated with this report is $2,100. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Riley County.On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report of fraud/theft by deception in the 300 block of Riley Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Casey's General Store reported an unknown man and woman used a "cash card" to obtain merchandise and lottery tickets but the card was fraudulent. Total loss associated with this report is $2,100. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspects used fraudulent cash card to buy lottery tickets

The Junction City Commission has approved the designation of a downtown Arts District on 7th Street between Washington and Jefferson Streets.

There will be a proclamation issued at the Hometown Christmas event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Also from the Tuesday night city commission meeting:

--More than 500 meals went out from the First Presbyterian Church annual Thanksgiving dinner

--Renovation work was recently completed at the Konza Prairie Health Center in Junction City. Pharmacy and check-in areas were modified, the Konza Food Closet was established and flooring and lighting in the building on Grant Ave. was upgraded.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe Junction City Commission has approved the designation of a downtown Arts District on 7th Street between Washington and Jefferson Streets.There will be a proclamation issued at the Hometown Christmas event at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.Also from the Tuesday night city commission meeting:--More than 500 meals went out from the First Presbyterian Church annual Thanksgiving dinner--Renovation work was recently completed at the Konza Prairie Health Center in Junction City. Pharmacy and check-in areas were modified, the Konza Food Closet was established and flooring and lighting in the building on Grant Ave. was upgraded.

City Commission approves Art District

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office release:

The holiday season at Fort Riley kicks off Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m.at Garrison Headquarters, 500 Huebner Road.

Fort Riley and Flint Hills community members, plus Santa Claus will be in attendance.

<a>The lighting of the 20-foot-tall tree marks the start of the holiday season for the Fort Riley community. Col. Jerry Nunziato, Garrison Commander, will join Santa Claus to light the tree. </a>

<a>The event includes a children’s choir from Fort Riley Child and Youth Services. Fort Riley’s Holiday Tree lighting is open to the public. Visitor passes are available at the Visitor Control Center near Marshall Army Airfield, </a>

<a>Exit 301 off I-70. Visitors can also apply for a pass online at&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/">https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office release:The holiday season at Fort Riley kicks off Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m.at Garrison Headquarters, 500 Huebner Road.Fort Riley and Flint Hills community members, plus Santa Claus will be in attendance.<a>The lighting of the 20-foot-tall tree marks the start of the holiday season for the Fort Riley community. Col. Jerry Nunziato, Garrison Commander, will join Santa Claus to light the tree. </a><a>The event includes a children’s choir from Fort Riley Child and Youth Services. Fort Riley’s Holiday Tree lighting is open to the public. Visitor passes are available at the Visitor Control Center near Marshall Army Airfield, </a><a>Exit 301 off I-70. Visitors can also apply for a pass online at&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/">https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Riley Holiday Tree Lighting  

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Jingle Mingle will run from 5 p.m. Thursday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

The Konza Closet and Food Pantry Drive will be part of the event.

Requested specifics will include canned items, healthy cereal, oatmeal, dry beans, grits, pasta and sauce mac and cheese, rice, crackers, spices and condiments, men's and women's body wash, socks and underwear plus coats, hats and gloves. Monetary donations will be accepted.

By Dewey&nbsp; TerrillJC PostThe Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Jingle Mingle will run from 5 p.m. Thursday at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.The Konza Closet and Food Pantry Drive will be part of the event.Requested specifics will include canned items, healthy cereal, oatmeal, dry beans, grits, pasta and sauce mac and cheese, rice, crackers, spices and condiments, men's and women's body wash, socks and underwear plus coats, hats and gloves. Monetary donations will be accepted.

Chamber of Commerce Jingle Mingle will be Thursday

On the morning of his federal trial this week for raping and terrorizing vulnerable Black women in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods he patrolled for 35 years, ex-cop Roger Golubski&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/kansas-detective-roger-golubski-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU4.IynZ.E1v2SUhHPHiE&amp;smid=url-share">fatally shot himself</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/overlooked">story</a>, much like last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5073947/kansas-marion-county-record-newspaper-raid-police-chief-charged">Marion police newsroom raid</a>, is another national black eye for law enforcement in Kansas abusing the public’s trust. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel coined the phrase “policing by consent” with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policing-by-consent/definition-of-policing-by-consent">nine principles</a>&nbsp;for democratic policing while establishing London’s first police force. In a nutshell, we consent to the idea of trusting some members of the community to exercise powers required to keep the peace on behalf of the community. In return, we willingly pledge our cooperation.

Police do not serve the state like an occupying army. They serve the people.&nbsp;This philosophy is foundational in most American police academies. At its core are accountability, transparency, and social ties. When these break, we break.&nbsp;Years of racial disparities for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx">wrongful convictions</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/">incarcerations</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/696355#:~:text=In%20the%20century%20since%20the,2015;%20Reppetto%2C%202012).">excessive force</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/">lethal shootings</a>&nbsp;culminated in the fateful spring of 2020 when George Floyd became a tragic household name. Anti-police riots spawned a “back the blue” counter movement.&nbsp;People on both sides did not consent to what they were seeing.As a result, many bipartisan reforms took place from DC to statehouses and city halls to regain the consent of the public – bans on neck restraints and no-knock warrants, body-cam proliferation,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4003">de-escalation training</a>, critical response teams with mental health professionals,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.akronohio.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/citizens_police_oversight_board.php">civilian oversight boards</a>, and ramped-up community policing.&nbsp;

None of these have necessarily proven to be blanket panaceas. Amidst local success stories,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/fatal-police-shootings-unreported/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template">fatal police shootings</a>&nbsp;have risen along with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/?utm_campaign=launch&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_term=mapping%20police%20violence&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoiCFvckTQymuYnbmzZFMlEI3YElA&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28Ik5TnM_C-tX1_YaXZGpGDGqPLEubcB34Uev_gPl1wxtIGpghE-5nTRoCIMAQAvD_BwE">police killings</a>.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/study-of-fatal-and-nonfatal-shootings-by-police-reveals-racial-disparities-dispatch-risks">Better data</a>&nbsp;on police incidents are shared but lack enough standardization to drive dependable policy making. Meanwhile, another proven reform – women in policing – careens into politically charged climates because of DEI implications and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">questioning women in combat</a>.&nbsp;Part of the debate revolves around the national&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30X30</a>&nbsp;initiative. 30X30 has sparked awareness on the benefits of women in policing with a goal of increasing representation from 20% to 30% for recruits by 2030. Wichita, Overland Park, and Salina have joined over 200 localities in taking this pledge. However, Topeka’s incoming police chief recently endorsed 30X30 amidst&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/14/topeka-police-chief-finalist-wants-more-female-officers-gop-objects/76220824007/">GOP pushback on quotas for women</a>.

Given policing’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf">staffing crisis</a>, local leaders would be remiss not to make a bigger play for half of the state’s population. After 2020,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://klcjournal.com/wichitas-police-shortage/">Wichita</a>&nbsp;was 14% below authorized full-strength,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/18/police-chief-union-disagree-on-whether-topeka-police-staffing-crisis/69569929007/">Topeka</a>&nbsp;13%, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2022/03/15/police-vacancies-142647/">Overland Park</a>&nbsp;11%. Also,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/what-works/">research</a>&nbsp;shows women police are less apt to use excessive force, perceived as more honest and compassionate, named in fewer complaints/lawsuits and hold strong&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">communication skills</a>&nbsp;- an advantage for a job considered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">90 percent social work</a>&nbsp;today.Nationally, 14% of sworn officers are female. Kansas is only 12% with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://policedata.org/report/ks">use of force incidents climbing</a>.

Two jurisdictions with falling use of force incidents include Junction City and Leavenworth. Curiously, they have two of the highest female officer rates at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_law.shtml">27%</a>&nbsp;after hitting single digits in 2003. By contrast, the Kansas Highway Patrol added just three female officers since 2003 and currently sit at 6%.Moving towards a 30% female recruit goal aligns with a representative bureaucracy ideal where credibility, fairness, trust, and performance are heightened as civil servant composition reflects the population composition they serve.&nbsp;Will our consent be more about climbing 5-foot walls or breaking glass walls?For the police are us. And we are the police.&nbsp;

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.

Bill Fiander, AICP Lecturer, Public Administration&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the morning of his federal trial this week for raping and terrorizing vulnerable Black women in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods he patrolled for 35 years, ex-cop Roger Golubski&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/kansas-detective-roger-golubski-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU4.IynZ.E1v2SUhHPHiE&amp;smid=url-share">fatally shot himself</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/overlooked">story</a>, much like last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5073947/kansas-marion-county-record-newspaper-raid-police-chief-charged">Marion police newsroom raid</a>, is another national black eye for law enforcement in Kansas abusing the public’s trust. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel coined the phrase “policing by consent” with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policing-by-consent/definition-of-policing-by-consent">nine principles</a>&nbsp;for democratic policing while establishing London’s first police force. In a nutshell, we consent to the idea of trusting some members of the community to exercise powers required to keep the peace on behalf of the community. In return, we willingly pledge our cooperation. Police do not serve the state like an occupying army. They serve the people.&nbsp;This philosophy is foundational in most American police academies. At its core are accountability, transparency, and social ties. When these break, we break.&nbsp;Years of racial disparities for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx">wrongful convictions</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/">incarcerations</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/696355#:~:text=In%20the%20century%20since%20the,2015;%20Reppetto%2C%202012).">excessive force</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/">lethal shootings</a>&nbsp;culminated in the fateful spring of 2020 when George Floyd became a tragic household name. Anti-police riots spawned a “back the blue” counter movement.&nbsp;People on both sides did not consent to what they were seeing.As a result, many bipartisan reforms took place from DC to statehouses and city halls to regain the consent of the public – bans on neck restraints and no-knock warrants, body-cam proliferation,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4003">de-escalation training</a>, critical response teams with mental health professionals,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.akronohio.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/citizens_police_oversight_board.php">civilian oversight boards</a>, and ramped-up community policing.&nbsp;None of these have necessarily proven to be blanket panaceas. Amidst local success stories,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/fatal-police-shootings-unreported/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template">fatal police shootings</a>&nbsp;have risen along with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/?utm_campaign=launch&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_term=mapping%20police%20violence&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoiCFvckTQymuYnbmzZFMlEI3YElA&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28Ik5TnM_C-tX1_YaXZGpGDGqPLEubcB34Uev_gPl1wxtIGpghE-5nTRoCIMAQAvD_BwE">police killings</a>.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/study-of-fatal-and-nonfatal-shootings-by-police-reveals-racial-disparities-dispatch-risks">Better data</a>&nbsp;on police incidents are shared but lack enough standardization to drive dependable policy making. Meanwhile, another proven reform – women in policing – careens into politically charged climates because of DEI implications and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">questioning women in combat</a>.&nbsp;Part of the debate revolves around the national&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30X30</a>&nbsp;initiative. 30X30 has sparked awareness on the benefits of women in policing with a goal of increasing representation from 20% to 30% for recruits by 2030. Wichita, Overland Park, and Salina have joined over 200 localities in taking this pledge. However, Topeka’s incoming police chief recently endorsed 30X30 amidst&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/14/topeka-police-chief-finalist-wants-more-female-officers-gop-objects/76220824007/">GOP pushback on quotas for women</a>.Given policing’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf">staffing crisis</a>, local leaders would be remiss not to make a bigger play for half of the state’s population. After 2020,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://klcjournal.com/wichitas-police-shortage/">Wichita</a>&nbsp;was 14% below authorized full-strength,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/18/police-chief-union-disagree-on-whether-topeka-police-staffing-crisis/69569929007/">Topeka</a>&nbsp;13%, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2022/03/15/police-vacancies-142647/">Overland Park</a>&nbsp;11%. Also,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/what-works/">research</a>&nbsp;shows women police are less apt to use excessive force, perceived as more honest and compassionate, named in fewer complaints/lawsuits and hold strong&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">communication skills</a>&nbsp;- an advantage for a job considered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">90 percent social work</a>&nbsp;today.Nationally, 14% of sworn officers are female. Kansas is only 12% with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://policedata.org/report/ks">use of force incidents climbing</a>. Two jurisdictions with falling use of force incidents include Junction City and Leavenworth. Curiously, they have two of the highest female officer rates at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_law.shtml">27%</a>&nbsp;after hitting single digits in 2003. By contrast, the Kansas Highway Patrol added just three female officers since 2003 and currently sit at 6%.Moving towards a 30% female recruit goal aligns with a representative bureaucracy ideal where credibility, fairness, trust, and performance are heightened as civil servant composition reflects the population composition they serve.&nbsp;Will our consent be more about climbing 5-foot walls or breaking glass walls?For the police are us. And we are the police.&nbsp;Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.Bill Fiander, AICP Lecturer, Public Administration&nbsp;&nbsp;Department of Political Science

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