TOPEKA – Kansas&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Feb. 3-7, 2020, as Wildfire Awareness Week in partnership with the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and multiple state agencies.

“Each year, wildfires endanger our firefighters, neighbors, and landscapes,” said Mick McGuire, the current chair of the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and lead meteorologist of the National Weather Service in Wichita. “Wildfire Awareness Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in preventing wildfires and protecting our communities.”

Preliminary data from the Office of the State Fire Marshall indicates that reported vegetation fires were down to 2,502 fires burning 27,907 acres in 2019 as compared to 6,316 fires that burned 185,610 acres in 2018.

While reported wildfires were lower in 2019 due to above normal precipitation amounts, cooperating agencies within KIWC caution Kansans to not become complacent when it comes to doing their part to reduce the risk of and prepare for wildfires. Nearly 95% of all wildfires result from the activity of people, indicating there is still room for improvement.

"While some wildland fires can't be prevented because they spring from lightning strikes or other natural causes, many are avoidable by carefully observing basic precautions when using fires outdoors," Gov. Kelly said.

McGuire said that every Kansan can implement the tips and best practices highlighted during Wildfire Awareness Week to prevent dangerous wildfires.

“I urge everyone to take simple, precautionary steps like pruning trees and shrubs around homes and removing old debris from yards. Kansas experiences it's heaviest wildfire activity during the early spring months, but fires occur during all seasons of the year, including winter,” he said.

The Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies suggest the following to mitigate the risk of wildfire and reduce potential impacts if a wildfire does occur:

Create defensible space around homes by removing leaves and other plant debris and flammable material that could catch embers. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles. Provide adequate space between the home and trees or other landscaping.

Establish a community or neighborhood group to participate in or be a part of creating a wildfire mitigation and response plan.

Prevent wildfires from starting by avoiding activities that can spark fires near buildings and potential fuel sources.

Write and follow your burn plan for prescribed fire including checking the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the burn area to make sure it hasn’t reignited.

Consider volunteering with your local fire department. Quick responses by local fire departments prevent what could become a devasting wildfire.

Throughout the 2020 Wildfire Awareness Week, the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies including the National Weather Service Office, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Forest Service, and others will remind Kansans of the dangers posed by wildfires and easy to implement practices to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires.

Follow the hashtag&nbsp;#WildfireKS&nbsp;on social media during Wildfire Awareness Week to engage in the conservation. Be sure to like and follow&nbsp;@WildfireKS&nbsp;on Twitter and&nbsp;@KSKIWC&nbsp;on Facebook to see the latest information on wildfires in Kansas year-round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579914794555.jpeg" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (sitting) signed a proclamation Friday recognizing Feb. 3-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week in the state. Photo Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (sitting) signed a proclamation Friday recognizing Feb. 3-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week in the state. Photo Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – Kansas&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Feb. 3-7, 2020, as Wildfire Awareness Week in partnership with the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and multiple state agencies.“Each year, wildfires endanger our firefighters, neighbors, and landscapes,” said Mick McGuire, the current chair of the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and lead meteorologist of the National Weather Service in Wichita. “Wildfire Awareness Week reminds us that we all have a part to play in preventing wildfires and protecting our communities.”Preliminary data from the Office of the State Fire Marshall indicates that reported vegetation fires were down to 2,502 fires burning 27,907 acres in 2019 as compared to 6,316 fires that burned 185,610 acres in 2018.While reported wildfires were lower in 2019 due to above normal precipitation amounts, cooperating agencies within KIWC caution Kansans to not become complacent when it comes to doing their part to reduce the risk of and prepare for wildfires. Nearly 95% of all wildfires result from the activity of people, indicating there is still room for improvement."While some wildland fires can't be prevented because they spring from lightning strikes or other natural causes, many are avoidable by carefully observing basic precautions when using fires outdoors," Gov. Kelly said.McGuire said that every Kansan can implement the tips and best practices highlighted during Wildfire Awareness Week to prevent dangerous wildfires.“I urge everyone to take simple, precautionary steps like pruning trees and shrubs around homes and removing old debris from yards. Kansas experiences it's heaviest wildfire activity during the early spring months, but fires occur during all seasons of the year, including winter,” he said.The Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies suggest the following to mitigate the risk of wildfire and reduce potential impacts if a wildfire does occur:Create defensible space around homes by removing leaves and other plant debris and flammable material that could catch embers. Replace or repair loose or missing shingles. Provide adequate space between the home and trees or other landscaping.Establish a community or neighborhood group to participate in or be a part of creating a wildfire mitigation and response plan.Prevent wildfires from starting by avoiding activities that can spark fires near buildings and potential fuel sources.Write and follow your burn plan for prescribed fire including checking the weather forecast, and continue to monitor the burn area to make sure it hasn’t reignited.Consider volunteering with your local fire department. Quick responses by local fire departments prevent what could become a devasting wildfire.Throughout the 2020 Wildfire Awareness Week, the Kansas Interagency Wildfire Council and partner agencies including the National Weather Service Office, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Forest Service, and others will remind Kansans of the dangers posed by wildfires and easy to implement practices to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires.Follow the hashtag&nbsp;#WildfireKS&nbsp;on social media during Wildfire Awareness Week to engage in the conservation. Be sure to like and follow&nbsp;@WildfireKS&nbsp;on Twitter and&nbsp;@KSKIWC&nbsp;on Facebook to see the latest information on wildfires in Kansas year-round.

Wildfire Awareness Week reminds Kansans to remain vigilant 

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-lawmakers-want-block-right-abortion-changing-state-constitution#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA ⁠— Lawmakers are fast-tracking a push
 to amend the state constitution and undo a Kansas Supreme Court ruling 
that said women have the right to abortion.

The goal, with 
voters’ approval in August, is to add a line to the state bill of rights
 saying abortion isn’t constitutionally protected ⁠— and that 
legislators can regulate abortions, including when a pregnancy results 
from rape or incest or threatens a woman’s life.

The proposal already is awaiting floor votes in both chambers, just over a week after the 2020 session began.&nbsp;

“It’s very important that we allow the citizens of Kansas a say in this,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman said.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hcr5019_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The bill</a>,
 he said, will be among the first to get a floor debate this session. 
House and Senate committees held a joint hearing Tuesday to speed the 
process, and the next day ⁠— the anniversary of Roe v. Wade ⁠— both 
passed the bill to their respective floors.

Critics are crying 
foul over Republicans’ move for a vote in August, which will see a 
competitive GOP primary for a U.S. Senate seat, rather than November, 
when the presidential election will draw far bigger crowds to the polls.

“They
 want to put it out when the lowest amount of people vote,” Democratic 
Rep. Stephanie Clayton said. “The rights of Kansans are not subject to a
 vote of the people.”

University of Kansas political scientist 
Patrick Miller said the August primary will see a “much smaller, much 
more skewed electorate” that could boost the amendment’s chances of 
passing.

That’s because middle-of-the-road voters tend to vote 
less in primaries, he said, and though polling on abortion isn’t 
extensive in Kansas, it suggests most residents have mixed feelings on 
the topic.

To be enshrined in
 the constitution, the proposal needs two-thirds majorities in the House
 and Senate, and more than half the ballots cast by the public.

In April, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-supreme-court-state-constitution-protects-abortion-rights">the Kansas Supreme Court concluded</a> women have the right to terminate a pregnancy under the state constitution, which says everyone has “<a href="https://kslib.info/826/Kansas-Bill-of-Rights">inalienable natural rights</a>.” Those include having control over our bodies and decisions about having a family, the justices wrote.

Kansas’
 abortion restrictions range from banning the procedure after 22 weeks 
of pregnancy for most women to blocking insurance companies from 
covering abortion unless a patient purchases a special policy rider.

Anti-abortion
 lawmakers and activists fear those restrictions, won over the course of
 years, will fall like dominoes if litigated under the April court 
ruling.

Passing the proposed amendment would prevent that from 
happening, said Chuck Weber, a lobbyist for the Kansas Catholic 
Conference, which represents the state’s four bishops and their 
dioceses.

“It's very, very reasonable — almost innocuous,” Weber 
said of the amendment. “I use the word ‘innocuous’ and I realize that 
that probably doesn't fly with some people, but really this just brings 
us back to what we were in Kansas prior to the ruling. So, it does not 
ban abortion.”

Rachel Sweet, a lobbyist for Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, 
argued that anti-abortion groups won’t stop at the amendment.

Currently,
 Kansas abortion restrictions often include exceptions to save a 
mother's life, but generally not for rape or incest victims. Planned 
Parenthood argues the proposed Kansas amendment paves the way to make 
the procedure illegal in all circumstances.

“Kansans do not want 
politicians interfering in their personal medical decisions,” Sweet 
said. “If this (amendment) does get to the ballot, I'm confident that 
the voters of Kansas would reject this.”

A <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/kansas-speaks-2016-final-report.-with-bz-correction-to-fig-8-and-9" target="_blank">2016 survey by Fort Hays State University</a>
 found nearly half of Kansans were somewhere in the middle on abortion 
rights, saying it should be legal for most or at least some situations.

Two years later, a <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/midterms-2018/voter-analysis?filter=KS&amp;type=G" target="_blank">Fox News analysis</a>
 found a similarly complex picture. Four in five Kansans supported some 
level of legal abortion access, and four in five wanted some level of 
restrictions. As in the 2016 survey, Kansans were slightly more likely 
to believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases than illegal in
 all or most cases.

This complex picture means the messaging and 
campaigning for and against the constitutional amendment — and how 
Kansans ultimately interpret its implications — will determine whether 
it passes.

Kansas has four abortion clinics, two in Overland Park
 and two in Wichita. About 7,000 people got abortions in Kansas in 2018,
 about half came from other states. Neighboring Missouri’s only abortion
 clinic is in St. Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has 
appointed two conservative-leaning justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. 
Abortion rights activists say that could lead to justices overturning 
critical decisions like Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide
 in 1973.

Two decades later, in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the 
high court changed the bar to an “undue burden” test, which was 
generally viewed as giving states more leeway for restrictions.

Last
 year’s Kansas Supreme Court ruling set a “strict scrutiny” standard for
 figuring out whether an anti-abortion law violates the right to control
 one’s own body and reproductive decisions. That means abortion 
restrictions are only constitutional when the state can show it has a 
compelling interest, and tailored a law to that end.

It’s 
difficult to say which laws on the books in Kansas today might fail that
 strict scrutiny standard, according to Richard Levy, a constitutional 
law professor at the University of Kansas.

“With respect to 
informed consent and waiting, I think those would be vulnerable,” he 
said, referring to laws that make women wait 24 hours for an abortion 
and mandate doctors give women information designed to discourage 
abortion. “Yet, it's not 100% clear that the Kansas courts are supposed 
to follow the pre-Casey U.S. Supreme court precedents.”

Proponents of amending the Kansas Constitution have launched 
letter-writing campaigns and petitions. And dioceses have called on 
Catholics to appeal to the Virgin Mary.

John Holecek of McPherson
 is coordinating the Kansas Rosary Crusade to get as many Catholics as 
possible praying weekly for the amendment to pass.

“I don't think
 it's a slam dunk by any means,” Holecek said of the amendment’s 
chances, “although Kansas has a reputation of being pro-life.”

Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celialj_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579810772710.jpeg" alt=" Anti-abortion marchers demonstrate at the Kansas Statehouse on Wednesday, 47 years after the Roe v. Wade decision. Daniel Caudill / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Anti-abortion marchers demonstrate at the Kansas Statehouse on Wednesday, 47 years after the Roe v. Wade decision. Daniel Caudill / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-lawmakers-want-block-right-abortion-changing-state-constitution#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA ⁠— Lawmakers are fast-tracking a push
 to amend the state constitution and undo a Kansas Supreme Court ruling 
that said women have the right to abortion.The goal, with 
voters’ approval in August, is to add a line to the state bill of rights
 saying abortion isn’t constitutionally protected ⁠— and that 
legislators can regulate abortions, including when a pregnancy results 
from rape or incest or threatens a woman’s life.The proposal already is awaiting floor votes in both chambers, just over a week after the 2020 session began.&nbsp;“It’s very important that we allow the citizens of Kansas a say in this,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman said.<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/measures/documents/hcr5019_00_0000.pdf" target="_blank">The bill</a>,
 he said, will be among the first to get a floor debate this session. 
House and Senate committees held a joint hearing Tuesday to speed the 
process, and the next day ⁠— the anniversary of Roe v. Wade ⁠— both 
passed the bill to their respective floors.Critics are crying 
foul over Republicans’ move for a vote in August, which will see a 
competitive GOP primary for a U.S. Senate seat, rather than November, 
when the presidential election will draw far bigger crowds to the polls.“They
 want to put it out when the lowest amount of people vote,” Democratic 
Rep. Stephanie Clayton said. “The rights of Kansans are not subject to a
 vote of the people.”University of Kansas political scientist 
Patrick Miller said the August primary will see a “much smaller, much 
more skewed electorate” that could boost the amendment’s chances of 
passing.That’s because middle-of-the-road voters tend to vote 
less in primaries, he said, and though polling on abortion isn’t 
extensive in Kansas, it suggests most residents have mixed feelings on 
the topic.<h2>The details</h2>To be enshrined in
 the constitution, the proposal needs two-thirds majorities in the House
 and Senate, and more than half the ballots cast by the public.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579810571928.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>In April, <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansas-supreme-court-state-constitution-protects-abortion-rights">the Kansas Supreme Court concluded</a> women have the right to terminate a pregnancy under the state constitution, which says everyone has “<a href="https://kslib.info/826/Kansas-Bill-of-Rights">inalienable natural rights</a>.” Those include having control over our bodies and decisions about having a family, the justices wrote.Kansas’
 abortion restrictions range from banning the procedure after 22 weeks 
of pregnancy for most women to blocking insurance companies from 
covering abortion unless a patient purchases a special policy rider.Anti-abortion
 lawmakers and activists fear those restrictions, won over the course of
 years, will fall like dominoes if litigated under the April court 
ruling.Passing the proposed amendment would prevent that from 
happening, said Chuck Weber, a lobbyist for the Kansas Catholic 
Conference, which represents the state’s four bishops and their 
dioceses.“It's very, very reasonable — almost innocuous,” Weber 
said of the amendment. “I use the word ‘innocuous’ and I realize that 
that probably doesn't fly with some people, but really this just brings 
us back to what we were in Kansas prior to the ruling. So, it does not 
ban abortion.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579810604723.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Rachel Sweet, a lobbyist for Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, 
argued that anti-abortion groups won’t stop at the amendment.Currently,
 Kansas abortion restrictions often include exceptions to save a 
mother's life, but generally not for rape or incest victims. Planned 
Parenthood argues the proposed Kansas amendment paves the way to make 
the procedure illegal in all circumstances.“Kansans do not want 
politicians interfering in their personal medical decisions,” Sweet 
said. “If this (amendment) does get to the ballot, I'm confident that 
the voters of Kansas would reject this.”A <a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/docking/Kansas-Speaks/kansas-speaks-2016-final-report.-with-bz-correction-to-fig-8-and-9" target="_blank">2016 survey by Fort Hays State University</a>
 found nearly half of Kansans were somewhere in the middle on abortion 
rights, saying it should be legal for most or at least some situations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579810636168.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two years later, a <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/midterms-2018/voter-analysis?filter=KS&amp;type=G" target="_blank">Fox News analysis</a>
 found a similarly complex picture. Four in five Kansans supported some 
level of legal abortion access, and four in five wanted some level of 
restrictions. As in the 2016 survey, Kansans were slightly more likely 
to believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases than illegal in
 all or most cases.This complex picture means the messaging and 
campaigning for and against the constitutional amendment — and how 
Kansans ultimately interpret its implications — will determine whether 
it passes.Kansas has four abortion clinics, two in Overland Park
 and two in Wichita. About 7,000 people got abortions in Kansas in 2018,
 about half came from other states. Neighboring Missouri’s only abortion
 clinic is in St. Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579810665732.jpeg" alt="Staff at Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes in Overland Park calls Kansans Wednesday, asking them to contact their lawmakers about the constitutional amendment.&nbsp;Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Staff at Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes in Overland Park calls Kansans Wednesday, asking them to contact their lawmakers about the constitutional amendment.&nbsp;Credit Celia Llopis-Jepsen / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>State’s rights?</h2>President Donald Trump has 
appointed two conservative-leaning justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. 
Abortion rights activists say that could lead to justices overturning 
critical decisions like Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationwide
 in 1973.Two decades later, in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the 
high court changed the bar to an “undue burden” test, which was 
generally viewed as giving states more leeway for restrictions.Last
 year’s Kansas Supreme Court ruling set a “strict scrutiny” standard for
 figuring out whether an anti-abortion law violates the right to control
 one’s own body and reproductive decisions. That means abortion 
restrictions are only constitutional when the state can show it has a 
compelling interest, and tailored a law to that end.It’s 
difficult to say which laws on the books in Kansas today might fail that
 strict scrutiny standard, according to Richard Levy, a constitutional 
law professor at the University of Kansas.“With respect to 
informed consent and waiting, I think those would be vulnerable,” he 
said, referring to laws that make women wait 24 hours for an abortion 
and mandate doctors give women information designed to discourage 
abortion. “Yet, it's not 100% clear that the Kansas courts are supposed 
to follow the pre-Casey U.S. Supreme court precedents.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579810710373.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Proponents of amending the Kansas Constitution have launched 
letter-writing campaigns and petitions. And dioceses have called on 
Catholics to appeal to the Virgin Mary.John Holecek of McPherson
 is coordinating the Kansas Rosary Crusade to get as many Catholics as 
possible praying weekly for the amendment to pass.“I don't think
 it's a slam dunk by any means,” Holecek said of the amendment’s 
chances, “although Kansas has a reputation of being pro-life.”Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" target="_blank">@celialj_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Kan. lawmakers want to block right to abortion by changing Constitution 

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

MICHEAL TIMOTHY CARSON, 30, Manhattan,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv;
incapable of safely driving; Bond $750

JEREMY MICHAEL SPAUR, 35, Manhattan,Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a
required device; Bond $1000

CHRISTINA ANNE OSBURN, 39, Kansas City, Failure to Appear; $750

JEFFERY ALLEN MEADE, 36, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $6,000

ASHANTI LASHAY HERNANDEZ, 28, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $750

DELBERT LOUIS HENSON, 47, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $758

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.MICHEAL TIMOTHY CARSON, 30, Manhattan,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv;
incapable of safely driving; Bond $750JEREMY MICHAEL SPAUR, 35, Manhattan,Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a
required device; Bond $1000CHRISTINA ANNE OSBURN, 39, Kansas City, Failure to Appear; $750JEFFERY ALLEN MEADE, 36, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $6,000ASHANTI LASHAY HERNANDEZ, 28, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $750DELBERT LOUIS HENSON, 47, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $758

Riley County Arrest Report Saturday Jan. 25

RILEY COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just before 5a.m. Friday&nbsp; in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner with a snow plow and driven by Lawrence J. Gassman, 65, Manhattan, was westbound on U.S. 24 in the right lane and struck two pedestrians identified as&nbsp; Anthony Stephen Toler, 22, and Jayden J. Rosa, 21, both of Manhattan, who&nbsp;were walking westbound in the right lane.

Toler and Rosa were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home.

RILEY COUNTY —A snowplow has killed two pedestrians in Kansas after winter storm coated roads across parts of the Midwest. The collision involving a Riley County plow truck happened shortly after 5 a.m. Friday. Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner said the victims were in their late teens or early 20s. 

Gardner says they appear to have been crossing the road when they were struck near the Kansas State University campus. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin and a large swath of Missouri.

The 4400 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd&nbsp; (U24 highway) in Manhattan has reopened completely following a fatal crash investigation.

RILEY COUNTY — Two people died in an accident Friday morning in Riley County.

Around 5:00 a.m. a fatality crash occurred in the 4400 block of Tuttle Creek Boulevard involving two pedestrians and a Riley County plow truck, according to a media release from Riley County Police.

"The accident is a tremendous tragedy for all those personally involved and our community as a whole," Marvin Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners said. "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in the accident."&nbsp;

The KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) is responding to further assist in this investigation.

Northbound Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan is closed at Marlatt while the Kansas Highway Patrol conducts an investigation.

KHP said shortly after 5 a.m. Riley County requested a trooper to investigate a truck vs. two pedestrians double fatality crash at 4400 Tuttle Creek Boulevard ( U.S. Highway 24 ) in Manhattan.

Motorists should exercise caution in the area since travel on some roadways may be delayed or rerouted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579900601488.png" alt="First responders on the scene Friday in Manhattan (Photo courtesy WIBW TV)" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene Friday in Manhattan (Photo courtesy WIBW TV)</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just before 5a.m. Friday&nbsp; in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner with a snow plow and driven by Lawrence J. Gassman, 65, Manhattan, was westbound on U.S. 24 in the right lane and struck two pedestrians identified as&nbsp; Anthony Stephen Toler, 22, and Jayden J. Rosa, 21, both of Manhattan, who&nbsp;were walking westbound in the right lane.Toler and Rosa were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home.------RILEY COUNTY —A snowplow has killed two pedestrians in Kansas after winter storm coated roads across parts of the Midwest. The collision involving a Riley County plow truck happened shortly after 5 a.m. Friday. Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner said the victims were in their late teens or early 20s. Gardner says they appear to have been crossing the road when they were struck near the Kansas State University campus. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin and a large swath of Missouri.The 4400 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd&nbsp; (U24 highway) in Manhattan has reopened completely following a fatal crash investigation.-----------RILEY COUNTY — Two people died in an accident Friday morning in Riley County.Around 5:00 a.m. a fatality crash occurred in the 4400 block of Tuttle Creek Boulevard involving two pedestrians and a Riley County plow truck, according to a media release from Riley County Police."The accident is a tremendous tragedy for all those personally involved and our community as a whole," Marvin Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners said. "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in the accident."&nbsp;The KHP Critical Highway Accident Response Team (CHART) is responding to further assist in this investigation.Northbound Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan is closed at Marlatt while the Kansas Highway Patrol conducts an investigation.KHP said shortly after 5 a.m. Riley County requested a trooper to investigate a truck vs. two pedestrians double fatality crash at 4400 Tuttle Creek Boulevard ( U.S. Highway 24 ) in Manhattan.Motorists should exercise caution in the area since travel on some roadways may be delayed or rerouted.

The Latest: KHP IDs 2 who died in crash involving Riley Co. snow plow

ADRIAN LAMBERT, 41, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $500

TOMMY LAMARR FRISON, 49, Junction City, Failure to Appear; Bond $4000

HAROLD DEVONE TAYLOR, 23, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $500

ELIZABETH JANE JONES, 39, Wamego, Failure to Appear; Bond $100

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579868418642.png" alt="Tommy Frison has a previous convictions for aggravated battery- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Tommy Frison has a previous convictions for aggravated battery- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.ADRIAN LAMBERT, 41, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $500TOMMY LAMARR FRISON, 49, Junction City, Failure to Appear; Bond $4000HAROLD DEVONE TAYLOR, 23, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; Bond $500ELIZABETH JANE JONES, 39, Wamego, Failure to Appear; Bond $100

Riley County Arrest Report Friday Jan. 24

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas State University student is suing a bar in the Aggiveille entertainment district where she was raped almost two years ago, alleging it lacked adequate security.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court said the woman was at O’Malley’s bar after midnight in February 2018 waiting for a friend to get off work. The woman said she had half a drink before stepping into the bar’s restroom, where two men stepped in behind her when the door failed to lock. One man raped her while the other pinned her against a wall, the suit says.

The suit also says the security cameras at the bar weren't working that night and that employees cleaned the bathroom before officers gathered evidence. No arrests have been made.

“I want these two men to be found and to answer for what they did. I want O’Malley’s to do better,” the woman said in a statement to The Star. She is asking anyone with information to come forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579793439898.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Google imageMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas State University student is suing a bar in the Aggiveille entertainment district where she was raped almost two years ago, alleging it lacked adequate security.The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court said the woman was at O’Malley’s bar after midnight in February 2018 waiting for a friend to get off work. The woman said she had half a drink before stepping into the bar’s restroom, where two men stepped in behind her when the door failed to lock. One man raped her while the other pinned her against a wall, the suit says.The suit also says the security cameras at the bar weren't working that night and that employees cleaned the bathroom before officers gathered evidence. No arrests have been made.“I want these two men to be found and to answer for what they did. I want O’Malley’s to do better,” the woman said in a statement to The Star. She is asking anyone with information to come forward.

Lawsuit: KSU student raped in bathroom of Aggieville bar after lock failed

ERIC LANE MCDANELD, 25, Manhattan,Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

TRAYVAIL LASHAWN TOLIVER JR, 23, Manhattan, Failure to Appear(2x) Bond $2,250

BRIAN WALLACE GERARD COUGHLIN, 22, Manhattan,&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Bond $1,000

CHRISTOPHER ALMOND MCGRAW, 26, Blue Rapids,&nbsp;Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction; Bond $3,000

MALIEK LANATHAN JOHNSON, 19, Manhattan,&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; Without consent&nbsp; value &lt; $1000; Bond $1,000

DERRIK MICHAEL MELSON, 21, Riley,&nbsp;Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Bond $1,000

KENDRA MUELLER, 27,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2700 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY10 AM.

MONICA TOWERY, 21, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1800 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR CELL PHONE-TEXTING VIOL (14-126.2) AND NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY10:40 AM.

KAYLIE MCLAUGHLIN, 20, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT COLLEGE HEIGHTS RD &amp; SUNSET AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR FTY RIGHT OF WAY STOP/YIELD (159) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 9 AM.

THOMAS WILLIAMS, 64, JUNCTION CITY, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT 3353 ROBINSON DR; CICO PARK IN MANHATTAN FOR POSSESSION OF AN OPEN CONTAINER IN PUBLIC (4-2) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY11:10 AM.

TINISHA BROWN, 33, WAMEGO, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 600 BLK N 14TH ST IN MANHATTAN FOR DRIVE CANC/SUSP/REV LICENSE (19-194) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5 PM.

HANNAH SQUIERS, 30,&nbsp; FT RILEY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 3600 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR IMPROPER PASSING OF SCHOOL BUS (12-81) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:20 PM.

THOMAS MENDOZA, 29,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT ANDERSON AVE &amp; N 17TH ST IN MANHATTAN FOR INATTENTIVE DRIVING (14-104) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:16 PM.

BENJAMIN JOHNSON IV, 43,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2300 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:59 AM.

CHANTEL CRAWFORD, 25, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT SUNSET AVE &amp; ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR IMPROPER TURNING (9-49) AND&nbsp;FOR NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:13 AM.

TERESS ANTHONY, 25,&nbsp; FT RILEY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:14 PM.

MEGAN PARTHEMER, 33, ANDALE, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:42 PM.

MARK NEFF, 41,&nbsp; WAMEGO, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:58 PM.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579781761077.png" alt="Christopher Mcgraw has previous convictions for criminal threat, forgery, theft, reckless driving and driving without a license, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Christopher Mcgraw has previous convictions for criminal threat, forgery, theft, reckless driving and driving without a license, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>ERIC LANE MCDANELD, 25, Manhattan,Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750TRAYVAIL LASHAWN TOLIVER JR, 23, Manhattan, Failure to Appear(2x) Bond $2,250BRIAN WALLACE GERARD COUGHLIN, 22, Manhattan,&nbsp;Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Bond $1,000CHRISTOPHER ALMOND MCGRAW, 26, Blue Rapids,&nbsp;Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction; Bond $3,000MALIEK LANATHAN JOHNSON, 19, Manhattan,&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; Without consent&nbsp; value &lt; $1000; Bond $1,000DERRIK MICHAEL MELSON, 21, Riley,&nbsp;Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Bond $1,000CITATION REPORTKENDRA MUELLER, 27,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2700 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY10 AM.MONICA TOWERY, 21, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1800 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR CELL PHONE-TEXTING VIOL (14-126.2) AND NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY10:40 AM.KAYLIE MCLAUGHLIN, 20, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT COLLEGE HEIGHTS RD &amp; SUNSET AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR FTY RIGHT OF WAY STOP/YIELD (159) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 9 AM.THOMAS WILLIAMS, 64, JUNCTION CITY, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT 3353 ROBINSON DR; CICO PARK IN MANHATTAN FOR POSSESSION OF AN OPEN CONTAINER IN PUBLIC (4-2) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY11:10 AM.TINISHA BROWN, 33, WAMEGO, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 600 BLK N 14TH ST IN MANHATTAN FOR DRIVE CANC/SUSP/REV LICENSE (19-194) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5 PM.HANNAH SQUIERS, 30,&nbsp; FT RILEY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 3600 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR IMPROPER PASSING OF SCHOOL BUS (12-81) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:20 PM.THOMAS MENDOZA, 29,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT ANDERSON AVE &amp; N 17TH ST IN MANHATTAN FOR INATTENTIVE DRIVING (14-104) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:16 PM.BENJAMIN JOHNSON IV, 43,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2300 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:59 AM.CHANTEL CRAWFORD, 25, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT SUNSET AVE &amp; ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR IMPROPER TURNING (9-49) AND&nbsp;FOR NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:13 AM.TERESS ANTHONY, 25,&nbsp; FT RILEY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:14 PM.MEGAN PARTHEMER, 33, ANDALE, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:42 PM.MARK NEFF, 41,&nbsp; WAMEGO, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:58 PM.

Riley County Arrest Report Thursday Jan. 23

By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/4-ways-medicaid-expansion-opponents-kansas-might-still-sink-deal#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA — Medicaid expansion is a done deal, right?

Democratic
 Gov. Laura Kelly and Jim Denning, the second most powerful Republican 
in the Kansas Senate, have compromised on a plan. Together, they bring a
 majority of lawmakers with them. So, game over.

Sure, the deal 
still needs to clear the Legislature and get the blessing of federal 
regulators. But the hard part — breaking an almost decade-long stalemate
 on the issue — looks done.

Expansion supporters finally have 
reason to believe that an estimated 130,000 to 150,000 more low-income 
Kansans will soon have taxpayer-funded health coverage.

A
 relatively small but committed group of lawmakers could still slow — 
theoretically, even kill — the deal. They could continue their fight by 
simply amending the Medicaid expansion legislation to pick apart the 
terms of the compromise.

Their first chance comes this Thursday 
when the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee starts hearings on 
the compromise bill.

Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop chairs the 
committee, where expansion opponents hold a numbers advantage they don’t
 have in the full Senate. Suellentrop expects them to tack on several 
amendments. It’s their chance to weigh in on that Kelly-Denning bargain,
 or what he calls a “kind of a side-negotiated deal.”

Here are four things that opponents could add to upset the carefully balanced compromise:

Expansion supporters say 
they’re prepared to strip such deal-changers out during debate on the 
Senate floor. With 22 of the Senate’s 40 members signed on as cosponsors
 of the bill, they’re confident they have the votes to clean it up.

Even
 so, Denning is concerned about efforts to undo the compromise. In a 
lengthy statement this week, he criticized conservative Republicans for 
leveling “relentless attacks” at the plan.

“Anyone can count the 
votes and see that Medicaid expansion is going to happen,” Denning said.
 “Compromise is a part of leadership and I am proud of the plan that 
Governor Kelly and I have agreed upon.”

If the expansion deal clears the Senate relatively intact, it could still face hurdles in the House.

Most
 House members support expansion, but Republican leaders don’t. Those 
leaders are threatening to hold expansion bill hostage for leverage over
 another hot-button issue: abortion. That’s a potential fifth way to 
derail the Medicaid compromise.

Jim McLean is the senior 
correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, 
Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on 
health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public
 policy. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur .org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579714677583.jpeg" alt=" Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop, left, will chair hearings on a compromise Medicaid expansion plan starting this week. Daniel Caudill / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop, left, will chair hearings on a compromise Medicaid expansion plan starting this week. Daniel Caudill / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By JIM MCLEAN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/4-ways-medicaid-expansion-opponents-kansas-might-still-sink-deal#stream/0">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA — Medicaid expansion is a done deal, right?Democratic
 Gov. Laura Kelly and Jim Denning, the second most powerful Republican 
in the Kansas Senate, have compromised on a plan. Together, they bring a
 majority of lawmakers with them. So, game over.Sure, the deal 
still needs to clear the Legislature and get the blessing of federal 
regulators. But the hard part — breaking an almost decade-long stalemate
 on the issue — looks done.Expansion supporters finally have 
reason to believe that an estimated 130,000 to 150,000 more low-income 
Kansans will soon have taxpayer-funded health coverage.Probably. But not necessarily.A
 relatively small but committed group of lawmakers could still slow — 
theoretically, even kill — the deal. They could continue their fight by 
simply amending the Medicaid expansion legislation to pick apart the 
terms of the compromise.Their first chance comes this Thursday 
when the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee starts hearings on 
the compromise bill.Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop chairs the 
committee, where expansion opponents hold a numbers advantage they don’t
 have in the full Senate. Suellentrop expects them to tack on several 
amendments. It’s their chance to weigh in on that Kelly-Denning bargain,
 or what he calls a “kind of a side-negotiated deal.”Here are four things that opponents could add to upset the carefully balanced compromise:<ul>
 <li>A
 work requirement: Conservatives say requiring non-disabled adults to 
get a job or prove they’re looking for one promotes accountability. 
Kelly says studies show that work requirements cost too much to run and 
mistakenly deny coverage to some. Federal regulators and the courts have
 blocked work requirements in some states.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>&nbsp;Higher 
premiums: Under the compromise, people earning between 100% and 138% of 
the federal poverty level ($25,750 to $35,535 for a family of four) 
would need to pay monthly premiums. Up to $25 for individuals, no more 
than $100 for a family. Increasing those premiums could jeopardize 
federal approval land the state in court.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>&nbsp;Non-payment
 penalties: Previous expansion plans would have penalized people for not
 their premiums by “locking them out” of coverage. Lockout periods in 
those proposals ranged from several months to a lifetime. Kelly and 
expansion supporters oppose such penalties and say they could also 
jeopardize federal approval.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Partial coverage: The 
position Denning started with would have expanded Medicaid only to those
 at or below the poverty line. He proposed giving subsidies to those 
making up to the eligibility threshold to help them purchase regular 
health insurance on the federal (Obamacare) exchange. Arguing that 
federal regulators would reject the two-tier approach, Kelly persuaded 
Denning to abandon the idea.</li>
 </ul>Expansion supporters say 
they’re prepared to strip such deal-changers out during debate on the 
Senate floor. With 22 of the Senate’s 40 members signed on as cosponsors
 of the bill, they’re confident they have the votes to clean it up.Even
 so, Denning is concerned about efforts to undo the compromise. In a 
lengthy statement this week, he criticized conservative Republicans for 
leveling “relentless attacks” at the plan.“Anyone can count the 
votes and see that Medicaid expansion is going to happen,” Denning said.
 “Compromise is a part of leadership and I am proud of the plan that 
Governor Kelly and I have agreed upon.”If the expansion deal clears the Senate relatively intact, it could still face hurdles in the House.Most
 House members support expansion, but Republican leaders don’t. Those 
leaders are threatening to hold expansion bill hostage for leverage over
 another hot-button issue: abortion. That’s a potential fifth way to 
derail the Medicaid compromise.Jim McLean is the senior 
correspondent for the Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, 
Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on 
health, the social determinants of health and their connection to public
 policy. You can reach him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/jmcleanks">@jmcleanks</a> or email jim@kcur .org.

 4 ways Medicaid expansion opponents in Kan. might sink deal 

WICHITA – Kansas State University officials will present the most current information on how to grow hemp in Kansas, based on the first year of research trials at university test plots across the state.

The Industrial Hemp Conference is scheduled for Feb. 4 at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, located at 7001 W. 21st Street North in Wichita (near the intersection of 21st Street and Ridge Road). The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

Registration costs $50 per person if received by Tuesday, or $75 after that date. Officials encourage interested persons to register early because seating is limited.

Registration is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bit.ly/kshempconf" target="_blank">www.bit.ly/kshempconf</a>, or by calling 316-788-0492.

The conference is open to all, from the beginning grower to those considering growing industrial hemp on a larger scale. Topics include disease and insect protection, regulations, lab testing opportunities, and growing hemp in high tunnels.

Officials from the John C. Pair Horticultural Research Center and the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center, where hemp is also being grown and tested, are part of the conference agenda.

For more information or to ask a question before or after the conference, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstateindustrialhemp" target="_blank">K-State Industrial Hemp Facebook page</a>&nbsp;(@kstateindustrialhemp).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579659558886.jpeg" alt="Researchers at the John C. Pair Horticultural Center near Wichita have been growing industrial hemp to determine best practices for Kansas producers.&nbsp; Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Researchers at the John C. Pair Horticultural Center near Wichita have been growing industrial hemp to determine best practices for Kansas producers.&nbsp; Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – Kansas State University officials will present the most current information on how to grow hemp in Kansas, based on the first year of research trials at university test plots across the state.The Industrial Hemp Conference is scheduled for Feb. 4 at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, located at 7001 W. 21st Street North in Wichita (near the intersection of 21st Street and Ridge Road). The conference begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.Registration costs $50 per person if received by Tuesday, or $75 after that date. Officials encourage interested persons to register early because seating is limited.Registration is available online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bit.ly/kshempconf" target="_blank">www.bit.ly/kshempconf</a>, or by calling 316-788-0492.The conference is open to all, from the beginning grower to those considering growing industrial hemp on a larger scale. Topics include disease and insect protection, regulations, lab testing opportunities, and growing hemp in high tunnels.Officials from the John C. Pair Horticultural Research Center and the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center, where hemp is also being grown and tested, are part of the conference agenda.For more information or to ask a question before or after the conference, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstateindustrialhemp" target="_blank">K-State Industrial Hemp Facebook page</a>&nbsp;(@kstateindustrialhemp).

K-State to host industrial hemp conference Feb. 4

GERMY TERRELL CAMERON,&nbsp; 34, Manhattan,Failure to Appear; Bond $8,000

JESSE MARK SEXTON, 33, Manhattan,&nbsp;Identity theft Computer unlawful acts; False representation with
damage &lt; $100,000
Making false information
Criminal use of financial card; W/o consent of
owner $1000 to $25,000
Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to
$25,000; All Other Larceny
Failure to appear; Note( Arrest occurred Jan. 9.)

NICHOLAS ANTHONY HEILMAN, 18, Manhattan,Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Bond $2,000

RYANN KAY MURPHY, 16, Manhattan,&nbsp;Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor&nbsp; 18-20 yrs; 1st conviction; Juvenile

CONNER WAYNE BRUCE, 15, Manhattan,Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; unknown conviction; Juvenile

HENRY LIGE III, 32, LEONARDVILLE, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT 1131 BLUEMONT AVE; SHOP QUIK #13 IN MANHATTAN FOR THEFT (PETTY) (22-26) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM.

MATTHEW SLAGLE, 32,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 500 BLK BLUEMONTAVE IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) AND FOR NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON JANUARY 19, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:05 AM.

MASON COOK, 20,&nbsp; WAKEFIELD, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 7300 BLK TUTTLE CREEK BLVD IN RILEY FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS (08-1558) ON JANUARY 18, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:55 PM.

GAVIN LITES, 22,&nbsp; FT RILEY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1100 BLK MORO ST IN MANHATTAN FOR POSSESSION OF AN OPEN CONTAINER IN PUBLIC (4-2) ON JANUARY 18, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY12:18 AM.

SAMANTHA MATTHEWS, 23, JUNCTION CITY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1400 BLK POYNTZ AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR NO DRIVERS LICENSE IN POSSESSION (19-193) ON JANUARY 19, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM.

KAELIN DANIELS, 25,APARTMENTS, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT KIMBALL AVE &amp; RANSER RD IN MANHATTAN FOR TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS (7-32) ON JANUARY 10, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:39 PM.

ZACHARY BURMEISTER, 29, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT WALTERS DR &amp; TUTTLE CREEK BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR FTY RIGHT OF WAY STOP/YIELD (159) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 PM.

ERICA GIANAKON, 27, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2200 BLK CASEMENT RD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:55 PM.

SHANDON HENDRIX, 21,&nbsp; CLAY CENTER, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 19, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:55 PM.

MATTHEW OVERTON, 18,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1000 BLK DENISON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR WHEN LIGHTED LAMPS REQUIRED (17-144) FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA (22-91) AND FOR POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (22-92) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 ATAPPROXIMATELY 1:52 AM.

JUSTIN BRIGGS, 35,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1800 BLK N MANHATTAN AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 16, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:40 PM.

BRANDON BAILEY, 38, CAIRO, MO WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2500 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 18, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:25 PM.

MARCUS WHITE, 18, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT 4620 EUREKA DR; FLINT HILLS JOB CORP IN MANHATTAN FOR BATTERY (22-17) ON JANUARY 16, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:47 PM.

TONY HOOVER, 27,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT N 12TH ST &amp; BLUEMONT AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR X ZZDRIVE LICENSE CANC/SUS/REV (08-0262) AND X INSURANCE;LIABILITY REQUIRED AND&nbsp;&nbsp;FOR IMPROPR DRIVE ON LANED ROADWAY (08-1522) AND FOR IMPROPER "U" TURN (08-1546) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:16 PM.

BENJAMIN TRACY, 24, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1700 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY11:15 PM.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579696197402.png" alt="Jesse Mark Sexton&nbsp; has previous convictions for obstruction, drugs,&nbsp; flee or attempt to elude and battery of a law enforcement officer, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Mark Sexton&nbsp; has previous convictions for obstruction, drugs,&nbsp; flee or attempt to elude and battery of a law enforcement officer, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>GERMY TERRELL CAMERON,&nbsp; 34, Manhattan,Failure to Appear; Bond $8,000JESSE MARK SEXTON, 33, Manhattan,&nbsp;Identity theft Computer unlawful acts; False representation with
damage &lt; $100,000
Making false information
Criminal use of financial card; W/o consent of
owner $1000 to $25,000
Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to
$25,000; All Other Larceny
Failure to appear; Note( Arrest occurred Jan. 9.)NICHOLAS ANTHONY HEILMAN, 18, Manhattan,Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Bond $2,000RYANN KAY MURPHY, 16, Manhattan,&nbsp;Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor&nbsp; 18-20 yrs; 1st conviction; JuvenileCONNER WAYNE BRUCE, 15, Manhattan,Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; unknown conviction; JuvenileCITATION REPORTHENRY LIGE III, 32, LEONARDVILLE, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT 1131 BLUEMONT AVE; SHOP QUIK #13 IN MANHATTAN FOR THEFT (PETTY) (22-26) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM.MATTHEW SLAGLE, 32,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 500 BLK BLUEMONTAVE IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) AND FOR NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON JANUARY 19, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:05 AM.MASON COOK, 20,&nbsp; WAKEFIELD, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 7300 BLK TUTTLE CREEK BLVD IN RILEY FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS (08-1558) ON JANUARY 18, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:55 PM.GAVIN LITES, 22,&nbsp; FT RILEY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1100 BLK MORO ST IN MANHATTAN FOR POSSESSION OF AN OPEN CONTAINER IN PUBLIC (4-2) ON JANUARY 18, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY12:18 AM.SAMANTHA MATTHEWS, 23, JUNCTION CITY, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1400 BLK POYNTZ AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR NO DRIVERS LICENSE IN POSSESSION (19-193) ON JANUARY 19, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 2 AM.KAELIN DANIELS, 25,APARTMENTS, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT KIMBALL AVE &amp; RANSER RD IN MANHATTAN FOR TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS (7-32) ON JANUARY 10, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 4:39 PM.ZACHARY BURMEISTER, 29, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT WALTERS DR &amp; TUTTLE CREEK BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR FTY RIGHT OF WAY STOP/YIELD (159) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 PM.ERICA GIANAKON, 27, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2200 BLK CASEMENT RD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:55 PM.SHANDON HENDRIX, 21,&nbsp; CLAY CENTER, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 19, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:55 PM.MATTHEW OVERTON, 18,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1000 BLK DENISON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR WHEN LIGHTED LAMPS REQUIRED (17-144) FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA (22-91) AND FOR POSSESS DRUG PARAPHERNALIA (22-92) ON JANUARY 21, 2,020 ATAPPROXIMATELY 1:52 AM.JUSTIN BRIGGS, 35,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1800 BLK N MANHATTAN AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 16, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:40 PM.BRANDON BAILEY, 38, CAIRO, MO WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2500 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON JANUARY 18, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:25 PM.MARCUS WHITE, 18, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT 4620 EUREKA DR; FLINT HILLS JOB CORP IN MANHATTAN FOR BATTERY (22-17) ON JANUARY 16, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:47 PM.TONY HOOVER, 27,&nbsp; MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT N 12TH ST &amp; BLUEMONT AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR X ZZDRIVE LICENSE CANC/SUS/REV (08-0262) AND X INSURANCE;LIABILITY REQUIRED AND&nbsp;&nbsp;FOR IMPROPR DRIVE ON LANED ROADWAY (08-1522) AND FOR IMPROPER "U" TURN (08-1546) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:16 PM.BENJAMIN TRACY, 24, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1700 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) ON JANUARY 20, 2,020 AT APPROXIMATELY11:15 PM.

Riley County Arrest Report Wednesday January 22

Police dispatch in Junction City confirmed there were multiple vehicle slide-offs, primarily on I-70 Wednesday morning.

Snow has fallen overnight in the Junction City - Manhattan area making roads slick and in some cases snowpacked.

Accumulating snow will likely make roads slick and difficult to travel on, especially for the Wednesday morning community.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579646266272.png" alt="National Weather Service Situation ReportZSnow&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service Situation ReportZSnow&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Police dispatch in Junction City confirmed there were multiple vehicle slide-offs, primarily on I-70 Wednesday morning.---Snow has fallen overnight in the Junction City - Manhattan area making roads slick and in some cases snowpacked.Accumulating snow will likely make roads slick and difficult to travel on, especially for the Wednesday morning community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Snowfall leaves roads slushy and slick

Geary USD 475 issued a statement yesterday. School will be in session on Wednesday. USD 475 has been following the weather forecast very closely. While there is a small amount of snow forecast overnight, it does not appear that there will be any issues with ice, due to warmer temperatures. At this time, USD 475 plans on operating a normal schedule for all schools Wednesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Inclement Weather Stops are in effect this morning! Please check&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd383.org/departments/transportation?fbclid=IwAR1760oYmIeB9JIDzHdZ4e5Qu85j1S0D7ZbiVvPzaIrHPtRwiemu9nmfBNU" target="_blank">https://www.usd383.org/departments/transportation</a>&nbsp;to see if you are in an IWS area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County Community College two hour delay. Offices open and classes begin at 10 a.m on both the Concordia and Geary County campuses.

Eisenhower Presidential Library under a two-hour delay.

USD 473 Chapman will have a two-hour delay today. The first bell will ring at 9:55 with class beginning at 10.

USD 378 Riley County schools will be closed

USD 417 Morris County two-hour late start. Buses delayed two-hours. No AM Pre-K. No breakfast

Riley County offices will open at noon on Wednesday.

WednesdayGeary USD 475 issued a statement yesterday. School will be in session on Wednesday. USD 475 has been following the weather forecast very closely. While there is a small amount of snow forecast overnight, it does not appear that there will be any issues with ice, due to warmer temperatures. At this time, USD 475 plans on operating a normal schedule for all schools Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp; Inclement Weather Stops are in effect this morning! Please check&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd383.org/departments/transportation?fbclid=IwAR1760oYmIeB9JIDzHdZ4e5Qu85j1S0D7ZbiVvPzaIrHPtRwiemu9nmfBNU" target="_blank">https://www.usd383.org/departments/transportation</a>&nbsp;to see if you are in an IWS area.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cloud County Community College two hour delay. Offices open and classes begin at 10 a.m on both the Concordia and Geary County campuses.Eisenhower Presidential Library under a two-hour delay.USD 473 Chapman will have a two-hour delay today. The first bell will ring at 9:55 with class beginning at 10.USD 378 Riley County schools will be closedUSD 379 Clay County two-hour delayUSD 320 Wamego two-hour delayUSD 323 Rock Creek two-hour delayUSD 333 Concordia closedUSD 364 Marysville closedUSD 384 Blue Valley closedUSD 417 Morris County two-hour late start. Buses delayed two-hours. No AM Pre-K. No breakfastRiley County offices will open at noon on Wednesday.

Postponements and cancellations

Kansas Chamber Education Foundation

Topeka-The Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced Tuesday it has hired Jeff Chapman to serve as its Executive Director.

“The Foundation Board is excited to have Jeff lead the foundation and its programs, councils and research. His background in fund development,  marketing and public relations is a perfect fit for this new position,”  said Foundation Board Chairman Justin Hill. “And as a 2012 graduate of  Leadership Kansas, one of the foundation’s program, Jeff has firsthand  experience on how the program plays a key role in helping state leaders  learn about issues facing Kansas.”

As  Executive Director, Chapman will oversee the Foundation’s  administration, programs, research and strategic plan of the  organization. Other key duties will include fundraising, marketing, and  community outreach. 

“I  am honored to be given this opportunity because I love my home state of  Kansas and the Leadership Kansas program and want to continue to make  it great. It is my goal to help educate established and emerging leaders  about the strengths and challenges in both rural and urban Kansas  communities from both forward thinking and balanced perspectives. It is  my hope for participants to be more knowledgeable about the state when  they complete the program and have a sense of how they can get more  involved to make a difference,” said Chapman. “I also am excited about  the challenge of expanding the Foundation’s other programs and councils  to help the Kansas business community and its employees succeed.”

A  Kansas native who grew up in Salina, Chapman most recently was the  Assistant Vice President of the University of Missouri Kansas City  Foundation. Prior to his position at the UMKC Foundation, he served as  the Director of Major Gifts for UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management  and Vice President and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement  at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. He is a graduate of Kansas  State University.

The  Education Foundation programs and councils include the Leadership  Kansas program, the Kansas Manufacturing Council and the Kansas Retail  Council. Annual research projects include the Annual Competitive Index  report and the Annual Business Leaders Survey.  

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579645680294.png" alt="Jeff Chapman courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Chapman courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Chamber Education FoundationTopeka-The Kansas Chamber Education Foundation announced Tuesday it has hired Jeff Chapman to serve as its Executive Director.“The Foundation Board is excited to have Jeff lead the foundation and its programs, councils and research. His background in fund development, marketing and public relations is a perfect fit for this new position,” said Foundation Board Chairman Justin Hill. “And as a 2012 graduate of Leadership Kansas, one of the foundation’s program, Jeff has firsthand experience on how the program plays a key role in helping state leaders learn about issues facing Kansas.”As Executive Director, Chapman will oversee the Foundation’s administration, programs, research and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties will include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. “I am honored to be given this opportunity because I love my home state of Kansas and the Leadership Kansas program and want to continue to make it great. It is my goal to help educate established and emerging leaders about the strengths and challenges in both rural and urban Kansas communities from both forward thinking and balanced perspectives. It is my hope for participants to be more knowledgeable about the state when they complete the program and have a sense of how they can get more involved to make a difference,” said Chapman. “I also am excited about the challenge of expanding the Foundation’s other programs and councils to help the Kansas business community and its employees succeed.”A Kansas native who grew up in Salina, Chapman most recently was the Assistant Vice President of the University of Missouri Kansas City Foundation. Prior to his position at the UMKC Foundation, he served as the Director of Major Gifts for UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management and Vice President and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. He is a graduate of Kansas State University.The Education Foundation programs and councils include the Leadership Kansas program, the Kansas Manufacturing Council and the Kansas Retail Council. Annual research projects include the Annual Competitive Index report and the Annual Business Leaders Survey.

Kansas Chamber Education Foundation hires executive director

KRISTINA MARIE HOOVER, 46, Manhattan,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant
Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Bond $3000

AARON JAMES MIDDAUGH, 21, Manhattan, Possession of hallucinogenic drug ALT/CANC/REV TAG/WRONG VEHCLE; Bond $750

DELBERT LOUIS HENSON, 47, Manhattan, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or 1
city officer on duty
Failure to appear, Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent&nbsp; conviction and Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose&nbsp; misdemeanor warrant service or execution


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579608890994.png" alt="Delbert L. Henson photo from a previous arrest in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Delbert L. Henson photo from a previous arrest in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.KRISTINA MARIE HOOVER, 46, Manhattan,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant
Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Bond $3000AARON JAMES MIDDAUGH, 21, Manhattan, Possession of hallucinogenic drug ALT/CANC/REV TAG/WRONG VEHCLE; Bond $750DELBERT LOUIS HENSON, 47, Manhattan, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or 1
city officer on duty
Failure to appear, Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent&nbsp; conviction and Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose&nbsp; misdemeanor warrant service or execution

Riley County Arrest Report Tuesday Jan. 21

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Monday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 GMC Jimmy driven by Beth M. Brunkow, 69, Wamego, was eastbound in the 20500 block of Oregon Trail Road.&nbsp; 

The driver lost control on ice. The vehicle entered the ditch and rolled once.

EMS transported&nbsp;Brunkow to the hospital in Wamego. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Monday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 GMC Jimmy driven by Beth M. Brunkow, 69, Wamego, was eastbound in the 20500 block of Oregon Trail Road.&nbsp; The driver lost control on ice. The vehicle entered the ditch and rolled once.EMS transported&nbsp;Brunkow to the hospital in Wamego. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman from Wamego hospitalized after SUV rolls

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/150000-kansans-who-drink-private-wells-are-largely-blind-contamination">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — About 150,000 people in Kansas get their drinking water from private wells.

How clean, and safe, is that water? Short answer: It depends.

But
 new research suggests those wells deliver water tainted with a range of
 pollutants. Some leaked from dry cleaning operations. Yet far more 
wells soak up, and deliver to taps, fertilizer that’s been building up 
in Kansas soil and water over generations of modern farming.

But
 it’s not up to regulators from Washington or agencies in Topeka to test
 private well water quality. That falls to individual well owners. With 
little to no government oversight, some public health officials worry 
that’s creating a system where far too many people are left vulnerable 
to potential cancer-causing pollutants and toxins.

New research from Kansas State University shows that <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10040-019-02083-z#Sec15" target="_blank">groundwater quality in the&nbsp; Great Bend Aquifer in south-central Kansas </a><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10040-019-02083-z#Sec15">rates far</a><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10040-019-02083-z#Sec15" target="_blank"> worse today than 30 years ago</a>.

The
 main culprit is a dramatic increase in the amount of nitrate. It’s a 
byproduct of the Green Revolution of the 1960s that turbo-charged modern
 farming toward greater yields, especially the use of chemical 
fertilizers.

Farmers learned that soil laced with extra nitrogen 
could squeeze more&nbsp; bushels from an acre of land. But not all that 
nitrogen stays put or gets absorbed in wheat, corn, sorghum and 
soybeans. Some runs off into streams, or trickles into underground 
reservoirs.

“The change that we see is comparable to the most 
extreme change measured by a nationwide study,” Matthew Kirk, associate 
professor of geology at Kansas State University said. “So this is a 
pretty big increase in nitrate.”

High levels of nitrogen in water <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations#two">can lead to shortness of breath</a>. It can even cause death in young children and older adults. The federal <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sdwa">Safe Drinking</a><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sdwa"> Water Ac</a><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sdwa">t</a>, which only governs public drinking water, limits nitrate levels to less than 10 milligrams per liter.

When Kirk sampled the water for his research, seven of the 22 wells tested exceeded that limit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579532395946.jpeg" alt="Brian Grimmett/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Brian Grimmett/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/150000-kansans-who-drink-private-wells-are-largely-blind-contamination">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — About 150,000 people in Kansas get their drinking water from private wells.How clean, and safe, is that water? Short answer: It depends.But
 new research suggests those wells deliver water tainted with a range of
 pollutants. Some leaked from dry cleaning operations. Yet far more 
wells soak up, and deliver to taps, fertilizer that’s been building up 
in Kansas soil and water over generations of modern farming.But
 it’s not up to regulators from Washington or agencies in Topeka to test
 private well water quality. That falls to individual well owners. With 
little to no government oversight, some public health officials worry 
that’s creating a system where far too many people are left vulnerable 
to potential cancer-causing pollutants and toxins.New research from Kansas State University shows that <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10040-019-02083-z#Sec15" target="_blank">groundwater quality in the&nbsp; Great Bend Aquifer in south-central Kansas </a><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10040-019-02083-z#Sec15">rates far</a><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10040-019-02083-z#Sec15" target="_blank"> worse today than 30 years ago</a>.The
 main culprit is a dramatic increase in the amount of nitrate. It’s a 
byproduct of the Green Revolution of the 1960s that turbo-charged modern
 farming toward greater yields, especially the use of chemical 
fertilizers.Farmers learned that soil laced with extra nitrogen 
could squeeze more&nbsp; bushels from an acre of land. But not all that 
nitrogen stays put or gets absorbed in wheat, corn, sorghum and 
soybeans. Some runs off into streams, or trickles into underground 
reservoirs.“The change that we see is comparable to the most 
extreme change measured by a nationwide study,” Matthew Kirk, associate 
professor of geology at Kansas State University said. “So this is a 
pretty big increase in nitrate.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579532260540.jpeg" alt="Location of wells tested. Shaded areas depict the High Plain aquifer. Dashed vertical lines approximate boundaries between the Ogallala, Great Bend Prairie, and Equus Beds aquifers.&nbsp;Credit Matthew Kirk / Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Location of wells tested. Shaded areas depict the High Plain aquifer. Dashed vertical lines approximate boundaries between the Ogallala, Great Bend Prairie, and Equus Beds aquifers.&nbsp;Credit Matthew Kirk / Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>High levels of nitrogen in water <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations#two">can lead to shortness of breath</a>. It can even cause death in young children and older adults. The federal <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sdwa">Safe Drinking</a><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sdwa"> Water Ac</a><a href="https://www.epa.gov/sdwa">t</a>, which only governs public drinking water, limits nitrate levels to less than 10 milligrams per liter.When Kirk sampled the water for his research, seven of the 22 wells tested exceeded that limit.When
 analyzing the molecules, Kirk said it was clear that the nitrogen was 
coming from fertilizer leaching into the aquifer from the surface. This 
particular part of the natural underground reservoir is more vulnerable 
to land use changes because it’s relatively close to the surface, so the
 water doesn’t get filtered well. Kirk said it could stand as an early 
warning for other deeper parts of the broader High Plains Aquifer.Kirk said private well users need to test their water regularly or put the health of their families at risk.“We
 do that for municipal water supplies. But for rural well owners, it’s 
entirely up to them,” he said. “They don’t have to have their water 
tested unless they want to.”Because there’s no reporting 
requirement, there’s also no statewide record of groundwater quality. 
And even if collecting that kind of data helped officials understand the
 bigger picture, the movement of water underground is complex. Just 
because one well is contaminated doesn’t mean the next well over is too.The <a href="https://www.ngwa.org/" target="_blank">National Ground Water Association</a> recommends private well owners do a <a href="https://wellowner.org/" target="_blank">basic quality test for bacteria and nitrates once a year</a>.“(But)
 Some people tend to overlook it,” said Brian Snelten, the NGWA 
President-elect. “It’s one of those things you can forget about. It’s 
like changing your car oil.”While a basic test is going to be fine in most cases, there are other chemicals some people need to worry about.<h2>Dry cleaning plume</h2>The
 water in Randi Williams house now comes from the city of Wichita. But 
until a few years ago, she got her water from a private well.“The
 lady that sold us the house had us taste the water and hold it up to 
the light,” Williams said. “And then we had it tested on our own. Since 
it tested fine, no problems.”It wasn’t fine.A <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/dryclean/FourSeasons.html">toxic plume of dry cleaning chemicals had made its way to their well</a>. It had likely been there for years.Why
 didn’t she discover it when she bought the house? Because the toxic 
chemicals from the dry cleaning plume are odorless and tasteless, and 
basic tests for bacteria don’t expose it.She wished she would 
have been more informed about the potential dangers near her well, such 
as dry cleaners and underground gas storage tanks.“Had we known, we probably would have done more testing because, of course, we want to be healthy,” she said.Databases of <a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/waterwell/index.html">some of that information exist</a>,
 but there’s no system to alert people with water wells nearby. Even if 
someone did know where to find the information, the average homeowner 
isn’t likely to understand what they’re looking at.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579532281804.jpeg" alt="Water quality testing at Meridian Labs in Wichita.&nbsp;Credit Brian Grimmett/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Water quality testing at Meridian Labs in Wichita.&nbsp;Credit Brian Grimmett/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Knowledge gaps</h2><a href="http://meridiantesting.com/services/home-owners/" target="_blank">Meridian Labs in Wichita</a>
 is one of a few places that offers comprehensive residential water 
testing in Kansas. Their tests range anywhere from $20 for a simple 
bacteria test, to $150 for a more comprehensive report.“A lot of
 times, I will take them through their report step-by-step,” Jessica 
Jensen, the lab’s technical director, said. “Some people just need that 
peace of mind.”Even when well owners discover there’s a problem, the cost of solving it can vary wildly. A <a href="https://www.aquasana.com/whole-house-water-filters/500k-gallon-well-water/proinstall?discountcode=LIVEHEALTHY&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA6vXwBRBKEiwAYE7iS4w2sPxDaMiR6fkwErolYdtovM_3xmmS7XWRk2-QHdD0_5dDLBtQ5BoCyXQQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">sophisticated home filtration system</a>
 could run several thousand dollars. While cleaning up a large plume, 
which involves the city or state, can cost several hundred thousand, 
even millions of dollars.Elizabeth Ablah researches population 
health at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita. She 
said that knowledge gap is a big part of the problem. Without some kind 
of standardized statewide regulations, it’s too much to expect regular 
people to fully grasp complex water quality issues.“We need to 
be starting to address these issues in a more systematic way rather than
 this piecemeal patchwork sort of intervention that we’ve been doing,” 
she said.She and her colleague, Jack Brown, worked with state 
agencies, local public health officials and engineering and drilling 
firms to develop <a href="http://wichita.kumc.edu/improving-and-protecting-water-well-quality/project-recommendations.html">18 recommendations for improving and protecting well water quality</a>.The
 recommendations range from changes in code that would standardize the 
definition of a nonpublic household water well to defining trigger 
events for when the state would require well testing.But they were released a year ago, and so far, nothing has changed.She’s
 worried that without some kind of change, the Kansans with private 
water wells will have to continue relying largely on faith that their 
water is safe to drink.“Really there’s no entity that is 
currently focusing on water quality for non-public water well users,” 
she said. “And that is a problem.”Brian Grimmett reports on 
the environment, energy and natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and 
the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>
 or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service 
is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains 
Public Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and 
their connection to public policy.

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