USD 383 has announced that Manhattan High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department is sharing that Rachel Palmgren has been named a Semifinalist in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Out of more than 6,000 of the nation’s highest-achieving students nominated, only 621 advanced to the semifinalist stage—making this an extraordinary honor. In the coming months, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will announce the Finalists&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 383 has announced that Manhattan High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department is sharing that Rachel Palmgren has been named a Semifinalist in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.Out of more than 6,000 of the nation’s highest-achieving students nominated, only 621 advanced to the semifinalist stage—making this an extraordinary honor. In the coming months, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will announce the Finalists&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 383 announces a major student honor

Manhattan, KS – The Carnegie Foundation has officially recognized Manhattan Area Technical College as both an Opportunity College and University and a classified institution in Applied and Career Studies.

These dual honors place Manhattan Tech among a select group of colleges nationwide. Less than 16% earned the Opportunity designation, and only 8% are recognized for Applied and Career Studies.

The Opportunity designation comes from the newly launched Student Access and Earnings Classification, developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on&nbsp; Education. It looks at which colleges enroll students who reflect the communities they serve and, more importantly, whether those students go on to earn more. The Applied and Career Studies classification highlights institutions that focus on hands-on education tied directly to workforce needs.&nbsp;

“This recognition proves what we’ve known all along. Manhattan Tech is a place where hardworking people come to get ahead,” said Dr. Jim Genandt, President and CEO of Manhattan Tech. “These classifications tell the world that what we’re doing delivers well beyond graduation.&nbsp;

For over a century, the Carnegie Foundation has set national standards in higher education through its classification system. This latest update reflects the diversity of today’s colleges and makes one thing clear: Institutions like Manhattan Tech aren’t just relevant, they’re essential to the future of workforce education in America

Manhattan, KS – The Carnegie Foundation has officially recognized Manhattan Area Technical College as both an Opportunity College and University and a classified institution in Applied and Career Studies.These dual honors place Manhattan Tech among a select group of colleges nationwide. Less than 16% earned the Opportunity designation, and only 8% are recognized for Applied and Career Studies.The Opportunity designation comes from the newly launched Student Access and Earnings Classification, developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on&nbsp; Education. It looks at which colleges enroll students who reflect the communities they serve and, more importantly, whether those students go on to earn more. The Applied and Career Studies classification highlights institutions that focus on hands-on education tied directly to workforce needs.&nbsp;“This recognition proves what we’ve known all along. Manhattan Tech is a place where hardworking people come to get ahead,” said Dr. Jim Genandt, President and CEO of Manhattan Tech. “These classifications tell the world that what we’re doing delivers well beyond graduation.&nbsp;For over a century, the Carnegie Foundation has set national standards in higher education through its classification system. This latest update reflects the diversity of today’s colleges and makes one thing clear: Institutions like Manhattan Tech aren’t just relevant, they’re essential to the future of workforce education in America

Carnegie Foundation recognizes Manhattan Area Technical College

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman continues a series on leadership and entrepreneurship. Kris Munsch discusses 'Where's My Bag of Money?"

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o0yGIHzYWug?si=SJMcpR5OhrI_oQwG" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman continues a series on leadership and entrepreneurship. Kris Munsch discusses 'Where's My Bag of Money?"

🎤 Forward Ever: Part 3: Kris Munsch: 'Where's My Bag of Money?'

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.

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>
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Riley County Arrest Report April 25

RAFAEL GARCIA K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp; — You may not think about it often, but you have a favorite tree, Matthew Norville bets.

Maybe it's a droopy weeping willow that you wove through as a kid in your grandma's backyard. Or a towering, mature oak older than the city park it shades. It might even be a young evergreen at the town crossroads that shines bright with decoration each winter for the holidays.

"People hold trees close to their heart," said Norville, community forestry program coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service. "It's fascinating how people make trees a big part of their community, and not just physically."

Trees have always been a part of the Kansas landscape — thousands of Eastern cottonwoods and maples, among other species, have long dotted the waterways and low valleys of the old prairie landscape, serving essential roles in the state's ecology.

And as communities have sprouted across the state, so too have the canopies that have provided shelter, recreation and natural beauty for Kansans for more than 150 years.

Through the Kansas Forest Service, professionals like Norville are ensuring that one of the state's most precious resources can continue to thrive — with the right trees in the right places.

Overseeing 5.2 million acres of Kansas trees takes community partnerships

Founded in 1887, the Kansas Forest Service serves rural landowners, communities, rural fire districts, forest and arboriculture industries, and everyday Kansans through various local, district and statewide programs, said state forester Jason Hartman.

"We provide a variety of services through our conservation tree and shrub planting, fire management, community forestry, rural forestry, marketing and utilization, and forest health programs," Hartman said.

The independent agency is housed within K-State Research and Extension, with a separate state office and headquarters about a mile west of the university's Manhattan campus.

The Kansas Forest Service exemplifies the engagement-focused mission of K-State, which aims to integrate engagement across all the university does. By building direct connections with communities and landowners statewide, the service represents exactly the kind of real-world impact K-State envisions in leading as a next-generation land-grant university.

The two entities are also working together to build the Kansas Rural Fire and Workforce Development Center, a new $5 million shared facility that will boost current efforts to provide critical training and equipment for firefighters and state-of-the-art instructional space for academic and regional workforce development programs.

"For most of our existence, except maybe those first 10-15 years, we've worked hand in hand through and with the K-State extension system to connect people to our publications, resources and expertise," Hartman said.

While Kansas isn't known for having huge, dense thickets across its landscape, the state still has extensive stands of trees throughout its hills, prairies, riverways and communities. About 5.2 million acres of forests, woodlands and trees — or roughly 10% of the state's total area — make up Kansas' canopy.

The vast majority of those forests are on private land, and to care for and manage them, the Kansas Forest Service relies on partnerships with local landowners and communities to ensure the state's forests remain vibrant and healthy.

"In Kansas, we don't have any public or national state forests," Hartman said. "That means that our connection, as a forest service, has to be different. We have to connect through our communities."

The forest service also plays a key role in removing or keeping trees from areas where they don't serve a useful purpose.

That includes the removal of dead or sick trees in urban areas, as well as work to stop or reverse the trend of woody encroachment — or the overgrowth of woody trees, shrubs and bushes on traditionally grassy plains — both to help preserve local ecology and to remove fuel for dangerous wildfires.

"In forestry, we always say that it's about putting the right trees in the right place," Hartman said. "We like trees where they belong, and we're just as much against them being where they shouldn't be."

Forest service is rooted in every corner of Kansas

At its headquarters in Manhattan, the Kansas Forest Service hosts most of its statewide programs, including its popular Conservation Tree Planting Program.

The program — which grows and processes tree and shrub seedlings from both in-house and external partner nurseries — sells and ships hundreds of thousands of plantings each year to private landowners, foresters and communities around Kansas.

These plantings serve as wildlife habitats, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations and riparian plantings that help prevent erosion along stream and river banks.

The state headquarters also hosts a shop for the forest service's Federal Excess Property, Firefighter Property and Equipment Donation programs.

These three programs support volunteer firefighter departments across the state with essential fire-fighting equipment from federal surpluses at a fraction of their retail costs. The service has agreements with more than 500 Kansas fire districts that have put more than 600 pieces of equipment, valued at more than $43 million, on the front lines fighting Kansas wildfires.

But much of the Kansas Forest Service's most visible presence is in its fieldwork, which comes from district offices across the state.

Through these offices, the Kansas Forest Service provides expertise via its staff of fire management officers and rural, community and district foresters.

Staff at these offices make hundreds of visits to volunteer fire departments, local landowners and communities across the state, serving as expert advisors and connectors to resources.

"Much of this work does take money for landowners to accomplish, but our foresters connect landowners to opportunities through groups like the National Resources Conservation Service cost-share program," Hartman said. "They also host educational events with the public in their areas, and they go to schools to get students informed and interested in natural resources."

Community foresters are the agency's connection to the state's smaller communities. While medium and large cities can typically hire staff with forestry training, smaller towns rely on the Kansas Forest Service's community foresters to provide technical expertise.

These foresters develop strategic plans to help towns identify, manage and plan care for the trees in their communities, said Matthew Norville, the community forestry program coordinator.

"We work with towns of 98 residents to tens of thousands. The size doesn't matter — we're here to serve all Kansans, but we also prioritize helping our communities that would otherwise not get that kind of expertise," Noville said.

Serving Kansans through trees

In terms of state funding, about 30 cents of each Kansan's taxes go toward the Kansas Forest Service, Hartman said.

But calculating the return on those 30 cents of per-capita investment is difficult. Although they may not realize it, most Kansans benefit from at least one of the agency's services, said Ariel Whitely-Noll, communications coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service.

"Whether they're someone who is buying a tree through our conservation tree program, or they live in a community that has had a canopy study done by one of our foresters, or they live in a community that was protected from a wildfire because of the training and work of our staff — it's hard to quantify exactly how much value the Kansas Forest Service is providing for the state, because there is so much we do," she said.

There's never any shortage of work for the Kansas Forest Service, Hartman said. Changing climate conditions means foresters must help communities adapt and make new plans to protect their forest ecosystems. Wildfires are getting hotter, more extreme and more common, happening during parts of the year when they used to be rare.

Invasive species of trees, like the Bradford pear, and insects, like the emerald ash borer, continue to require the constant vigilance and prevention efforts of the Kansas Forest Service's collective staff.

But no matter the challenge, Hartman said his staff always rises to meet it.

"The staff of the Kansas Forest Service are some of the most dedicated you will find anywhere," Hartman said. "Doing all they can for public safety and natural resources is what drives them to excel."

Ultimately, the Kansas Forest Service isn't about any single tree or forest.

It's about people, and putting tree resources in places to support them.

"If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?" Norville said. "The famous answer is that it depends on whether someone is there to listen to it or not. In that same way, does forestry matter without the people? No, it doesn't, and that's why we focus so much of our work on solving peoples’ forestry problems in Kansas.

"That's our main purpose — to serve Kansans as best as we can," he continued. "We're not here for the trees. We're here for the people."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744425566448.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>RAFAEL GARCIA K-State Research and Extension News Service&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp; — You may not think about it often, but you have a favorite tree, Matthew Norville bets.Maybe it's a droopy weeping willow that you wove through as a kid in your grandma's backyard. Or a towering, mature oak older than the city park it shades. It might even be a young evergreen at the town crossroads that shines bright with decoration each winter for the holidays."People hold trees close to their heart," said Norville, community forestry program coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service. "It's fascinating how people make trees a big part of their community, and not just physically."Trees have always been a part of the Kansas landscape — thousands of Eastern cottonwoods and maples, among other species, have long dotted the waterways and low valleys of the old prairie landscape, serving essential roles in the state's ecology.And as communities have sprouted across the state, so too have the canopies that have provided shelter, recreation and natural beauty for Kansans for more than 150 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745498681823.png" alt="Kansas forests include about 2.2 million acres of rural forests, 2 million acres of agroforests (windbreaks, shelterbelts, streamside forests and fence rows), and 1 million acres of community forests. - Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension " />
 <figcaption>Kansas forests include about 2.2 million acres of rural forests, 2 million acres of agroforests (windbreaks, shelterbelts, streamside forests and fence rows), and 1 million acres of community forests. - Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension </figcaption>
 </figure>Through the Kansas Forest Service, professionals like Norville are ensuring that one of the state's most precious resources can continue to thrive — with the right trees in the right places.Overseeing 5.2 million acres of Kansas trees takes community partnershipsFounded in 1887, the Kansas Forest Service serves rural landowners, communities, rural fire districts, forest and arboriculture industries, and everyday Kansans through various local, district and statewide programs, said state forester Jason Hartman."We provide a variety of services through our conservation tree and shrub planting, fire management, community forestry, rural forestry, marketing and utilization, and forest health programs," Hartman said.The independent agency is housed within K-State Research and Extension, with a separate state office and headquarters about a mile west of the university's Manhattan campus.The Kansas Forest Service exemplifies the engagement-focused mission of K-State, which aims to integrate engagement across all the university does. By building direct connections with communities and landowners statewide, the service represents exactly the kind of real-world impact K-State envisions in leading as a next-generation land-grant university.The two entities are also working together to build the Kansas Rural Fire and Workforce Development Center, a new $5 million shared facility that will boost current efforts to provide critical training and equipment for firefighters and state-of-the-art instructional space for academic and regional workforce development programs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745498553847.jpeg" alt="Nursery technician Heather Ahring and Clara Keller, junior in environmental science, prepare saplings for shipping out of the Kansas Forest Service's distribution center. - Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension " />
 <figcaption>Nursery technician Heather Ahring and Clara Keller, junior in environmental science, prepare saplings for shipping out of the Kansas Forest Service's distribution center. - Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension </figcaption>
 </figure>"For most of our existence, except maybe those first 10-15 years, we've worked hand in hand through and with the K-State extension system to connect people to our publications, resources and expertise," Hartman said.While Kansas isn't known for having huge, dense thickets across its landscape, the state still has extensive stands of trees throughout its hills, prairies, riverways and communities. About 5.2 million acres of forests, woodlands and trees — or roughly 10% of the state's total area — make up Kansas' canopy.The vast majority of those forests are on private land, and to care for and manage them, the Kansas Forest Service relies on partnerships with local landowners and communities to ensure the state's forests remain vibrant and healthy."In Kansas, we don't have any public or national state forests," Hartman said. "That means that our connection, as a forest service, has to be different. We have to connect through our communities."The forest service also plays a key role in removing or keeping trees from areas where they don't serve a useful purpose.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745498495200.jpeg" alt="Daryline Dayzie, nursery technician for the Kansas Forest Service, tends to plantings in the agency's greenhouse. - Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension " />
 <figcaption>Daryline Dayzie, nursery technician for the Kansas Forest Service, tends to plantings in the agency's greenhouse. - Photo courtesy K-State Research and Extension </figcaption>
 </figure>That includes the removal of dead or sick trees in urban areas, as well as work to stop or reverse the trend of woody encroachment — or the overgrowth of woody trees, shrubs and bushes on traditionally grassy plains — both to help preserve local ecology and to remove fuel for dangerous wildfires."In forestry, we always say that it's about putting the right trees in the right place," Hartman said. "We like trees where they belong, and we're just as much against them being where they shouldn't be."Forest service is rooted in every corner of KansasAt its headquarters in Manhattan, the Kansas Forest Service hosts most of its statewide programs, including its popular Conservation Tree Planting Program.The program — which grows and processes tree and shrub seedlings from both in-house and external partner nurseries — sells and ships hundreds of thousands of plantings each year to private landowners, foresters and communities around Kansas.These plantings serve as wildlife habitats, windbreaks, wood lots, timber plantations and riparian plantings that help prevent erosion along stream and river banks.The state headquarters also hosts a shop for the forest service's Federal Excess Property, Firefighter Property and Equipment Donation programs.These three programs support volunteer firefighter departments across the state with essential fire-fighting equipment from federal surpluses at a fraction of their retail costs. The service has agreements with more than 500 Kansas fire districts that have put more than 600 pieces of equipment, valued at more than $43 million, on the front lines fighting Kansas wildfires.But much of the Kansas Forest Service's most visible presence is in its fieldwork, which comes from district offices across the state.Through these offices, the Kansas Forest Service provides expertise via its staff of fire management officers and rural, community and district foresters.Staff at these offices make hundreds of visits to volunteer fire departments, local landowners and communities across the state, serving as expert advisors and connectors to resources.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745498441593.jpeg" alt=""In times of need, when there might be a big wildfire and the locals need a little bit of extra help, they can call on our staff to assist,” said Jason Hartman, Kansas state forester. - Photo courtesy of K-State Research and Extension News Service " />
 <figcaption>"In times of need, when there might be a big wildfire and the locals need a little bit of extra help, they can call on our staff to assist,” said Jason Hartman, Kansas state forester. - Photo courtesy of K-State Research and Extension News Service </figcaption>
 </figure>"Much of this work does take money for landowners to accomplish, but our foresters connect landowners to opportunities through groups like the National Resources Conservation Service cost-share program," Hartman said. "They also host educational events with the public in their areas, and they go to schools to get students informed and interested in natural resources."Community foresters are the agency's connection to the state's smaller communities. While medium and large cities can typically hire staff with forestry training, smaller towns rely on the Kansas Forest Service's community foresters to provide technical expertise.These foresters develop strategic plans to help towns identify, manage and plan care for the trees in their communities, said Matthew Norville, the community forestry program coordinator."We work with towns of 98 residents to tens of thousands. The size doesn't matter — we're here to serve all Kansans, but we also prioritize helping our communities that would otherwise not get that kind of expertise," Noville said.Serving Kansans through treesIn terms of state funding, about 30 cents of each Kansan's taxes go toward the Kansas Forest Service, Hartman said.But calculating the return on those 30 cents of per-capita investment is difficult. Although they may not realize it, most Kansans benefit from at least one of the agency's services, said Ariel Whitely-Noll, communications coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service."Whether they're someone who is buying a tree through our conservation tree program, or they live in a community that has had a canopy study done by one of our foresters, or they live in a community that was protected from a wildfire because of the training and work of our staff — it's hard to quantify exactly how much value the Kansas Forest Service is providing for the state, because there is so much we do," she said.There's never any shortage of work for the Kansas Forest Service, Hartman said. Changing climate conditions means foresters must help communities adapt and make new plans to protect their forest ecosystems. Wildfires are getting hotter, more extreme and more common, happening during parts of the year when they used to be rare.Invasive species of trees, like the Bradford pear, and insects, like the emerald ash borer, continue to require the constant vigilance and prevention efforts of the Kansas Forest Service's collective staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742917001894.png" alt="Callery Bradford Pear - Photo by Kelly Oten North Carolina State Extension" />
 <figcaption>Callery Bradford Pear - Photo by Kelly Oten North Carolina State Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>But no matter the challenge, Hartman said his staff always rises to meet it."The staff of the Kansas Forest Service are some of the most dedicated you will find anywhere," Hartman said. "Doing all they can for public safety and natural resources is what drives them to excel."Ultimately, the Kansas Forest Service isn't about any single tree or forest.It's about people, and putting tree resources in places to support them."If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?" Norville said. "The famous answer is that it depends on whether someone is there to listen to it or not. In that same way, does forestry matter without the people? No, it doesn't, and that's why we focus so much of our work on solving peoples’ forestry problems in Kansas."That's our main purpose — to serve Kansans as best as we can," he continued. "We're not here for the trees. We're here for the people."

Kansas Forest Service cultivates canopies of a precious state resource 

TOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fhb2045%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/9ISwdF7PxGJMfE9b6L394_InVJOVFaA2C6GD5p5sSMU=402">House&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;2045</a>, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. House Bill 2045 received widespread bipartisan support, passing the Kansas House of Representatives 99-23 and the Kansas Senate 30-10. This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“House Bill 2045 is a win for businesses, early childhood providers, and most importantly, Kansas children and families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape. Through collaboration with the Legislature, this bill will streamline access to high-quality early childhood services and make Kansas the premier place to raise a family while ensuring the highest standards for child well-being and safety.”&nbsp;

Under this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office, which will officially open in mid-2026, will house child care licensing, child care subsidy, home visitation programs, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. The office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. The office will be responsible for the state’s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Office of Early Childhood will be staffed by current state employees who will be retained in their existing roles and funded through existing state resources, as the office’s functions already exist across state government. The governor will appoint a transition director and interagency transition team to oversee the process of consolidating programs into the office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Kansas has a very urgent need for more, affordable child care and this legislation hits directly at bottlenecks in the system that, quite frankly, suppress availability and drive up cost,”&nbsp;said Speaker of the House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. “These are real solutions that will immediately increase slots by reducing overly burdensome regulations, streamlining support services for providers and families, and addressing underserved and rural shortages by increasing flexibility for home-based providers. I especially want to thank House Commerce Chair Sean Tarwater, Vice Chair Adam Turk, and Representative Laura Williams for their tireless work to solve these issues without growing government in the process.”&nbsp;

House Bill 2045 also streamlines early childhood licensure processes and regulatory structures to eliminate barriers to becoming a licensed child care provider and support the early childhood workforce. The bill sets standards for various career pathways and qualification requirements for various early childhood educator positions. The bill also authorizes the creation of pilot programs for developing new licensure categories and eliminates certain licensure fees currently charged to providers, allowing for more child care businesses to open and slots to be created.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“With over half of Kansas families struggling to find affordable child care, the child care crisis impacts children, stresses parents, and slows our economy,”&nbsp;said Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes.&nbsp;“Establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood will help parents and children by eliminating the red tape that makes it difficult for families to access services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

This legislation implements the recommendations of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force, which Governor Kelly established in January 2023 via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F142%2F57%3Ffsiteid=1%26arch=1%23!%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/XegYpa6HqXApXFg0b0bYRV3qIWD-nVKLR_S1nvXM2RA=402">Executive Order 23-01</a>, the first of her second term. The task force, comprised of bipartisan leaders and experts, spent a year reviewing Kansas’ current early childhood system and developed this consolidation structure. Through collaboration between the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders, similar legislation was consideration during the 2024 Legislative Session but was not enacted.&nbsp;

Through partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly has previously signed legislation to cut child care costs for working families through $18 million in expanded tax credits, allow for more businesses to access tax credits for providing child care to their employees, and expand the Imagination Library of Kansas to all children between 0-5 years of age. Today, Kansas has more licensed child care slots than ever before, including 7,700 new licensed child care slots since Governor Kelly took office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745519320930.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Governor's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Governor's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Governor's OfficeTOPEKA—Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kslegislature.gov%2Fli%2Fb2025_26%2Fmeasures%2Fhb2045%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/9ISwdF7PxGJMfE9b6L394_InVJOVFaA2C6GD5p5sSMU=402">House&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;2045</a>, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. House Bill 2045 received widespread bipartisan support, passing the Kansas House of Representatives 99-23 and the Kansas Senate 30-10. This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.&nbsp;&nbsp;“House Bill 2045 is a win for businesses, early childhood providers, and most importantly, Kansas children and families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“Now, our early childhood system will no longer be bogged down by inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape. Through collaboration with the Legislature, this bill will streamline access to high-quality early childhood services and make Kansas the premier place to raise a family while ensuring the highest standards for child well-being and safety.”&nbsp;Under this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office, which will officially open in mid-2026, will house child care licensing, child care subsidy, home visitation programs, and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. The office will be led by a director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Kansas Senate. The office will be responsible for the state’s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Office of Early Childhood will be staffed by current state employees who will be retained in their existing roles and funded through existing state resources, as the office’s functions already exist across state government. The governor will appoint a transition director and interagency transition team to oversee the process of consolidating programs into the office.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Kansas has a very urgent need for more, affordable child care and this legislation hits directly at bottlenecks in the system that, quite frankly, suppress availability and drive up cost,”&nbsp;said Speaker of the House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. “These are real solutions that will immediately increase slots by reducing overly burdensome regulations, streamlining support services for providers and families, and addressing underserved and rural shortages by increasing flexibility for home-based providers. I especially want to thank House Commerce Chair Sean Tarwater, Vice Chair Adam Turk, and Representative Laura Williams for their tireless work to solve these issues without growing government in the process.”&nbsp;House Bill 2045 also streamlines early childhood licensure processes and regulatory structures to eliminate barriers to becoming a licensed child care provider and support the early childhood workforce. The bill sets standards for various career pathways and qualification requirements for various early childhood educator positions. The bill also authorizes the creation of pilot programs for developing new licensure categories and eliminates certain licensure fees currently charged to providers, allowing for more child care businesses to open and slots to be created.&nbsp;&nbsp;“With over half of Kansas families struggling to find affordable child care, the child care crisis impacts children, stresses parents, and slows our economy,”&nbsp;said Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes.&nbsp;“Establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood will help parents and children by eliminating the red tape that makes it difficult for families to access services.”&nbsp;&nbsp;This legislation implements the recommendations of the Early Childhood Transition Task Force, which Governor Kelly established in January 2023 via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.governor.ks.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F142%2F57%3Ffsiteid=1%26arch=1%23!%2F/1/0101019668fa2474-3e5847a5-d518-4d43-b55f-5a42e32ba380-000000/XegYpa6HqXApXFg0b0bYRV3qIWD-nVKLR_S1nvXM2RA=402">Executive Order 23-01</a>, the first of her second term. The task force, comprised of bipartisan leaders and experts, spent a year reviewing Kansas’ current early childhood system and developed this consolidation structure. Through collaboration between the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders, similar legislation was consideration during the 2024 Legislative Session but was not enacted.&nbsp;Through partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly has previously signed legislation to cut child care costs for working families through $18 million in expanded tax credits, allow for more businesses to access tax credits for providing child care to their employees, and expand the Imagination Library of Kansas to all children between 0-5 years of age. Today, Kansas has more licensed child care slots than ever before, including 7,700 new licensed child care slots since Governor Kelly took office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly signs landmark bipartisan early childhood legislation 

Rock the Plains country music festival will be held at Tuttle Creek State Park Aug. 8-9.

The Executive Director for the festival, Brandyn Steen,&nbsp; spoke during a press conference at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets and camping are about 60% sold out and there will be a cap of 10,000 tickets in order to provide the best experience.&nbsp; 

Ticket sales have been much faster than expected.&nbsp; The festival may expand into three days next year with other types of acts (mainstream country, rock) .

Rock the Plains country music festival will be held at Tuttle Creek State Park Aug. 8-9.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745510877184.jpeg" alt="Brandyn Steen standing in the photo talking during a press conference" />
 <figcaption>Brandyn Steen standing in the photo talking during a press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>The Executive Director for the festival, Brandyn Steen,&nbsp; spoke during a press conference at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets and camping are about 60% sold out and there will be a cap of 10,000 tickets in order to provide the best experience.&nbsp; Ticket sales have been much faster than expected.&nbsp; The festival may expand into three days next year with other types of acts (mainstream country, rock) .<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745510957452.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Rock the Plains country music festival will be held at Tuttle Creek State Park

RILEY COUNTY —A man who was burning trash is being blamed for starting a fire early Thursday in Manhattan.

Just before 1:30a.m., the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to a mobile home fire at 1704 Fair Lane #15, according to a media release.

The home was searched, and the fire was contained in less than 10 minutes. The single-wide mobile home was occupied at the time of the fire. Loss is estimated at $1000 and the mobile home is a total loss. The owner of the mobile home is Raymond Fisher.&nbsp;

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental due to the resident illegally burning trash.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745507650093.png" alt="Photos Manhattan fire department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Manhattan fire department</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A man who was burning trash is being blamed for starting a fire early Thursday in Manhattan.Just before 1:30a.m., the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to a mobile home fire at 1704 Fair Lane #15, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745507629250.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The home was searched, and the fire was contained in less than 10 minutes. The single-wide mobile home was occupied at the time of the fire. Loss is estimated at $1000 and the mobile home is a total loss. The owner of the mobile home is Raymond Fisher.&nbsp;The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental due to the resident illegally burning trash.&nbsp;

Deputy Fire Chief: Illegal activity destroyed mobile home

The Devil ( 1st ) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division is preparing for an upcoming deployment to Europe. Col. Ian Lauer, Brigade Commander, told a Military Affairs Council Breakfast audience Thursday morning in Junction City that the primary deployment departure time will be in the mid June to mid-July time frame.&nbsp;

There are approximately 4,000 soldiers in the Brigade with a portion going to a pair of locations in Poland and the Iron Ranger unit to Bulgaria. The deployment is scheduled for nine months.

Lauer said the Brigade contains everything from tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles to infantry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745507183883.jpeg" alt="Col. Ian Lauer ( Photo - Kirk Hutchinson )" />
 <figcaption>Col. Ian Lauer ( Photo - Kirk Hutchinson )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe Devil ( 1st ) Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division is preparing for an upcoming deployment to Europe. Col. Ian Lauer, Brigade Commander, told a Military Affairs Council Breakfast audience Thursday morning in Junction City that the primary deployment departure time will be in the mid June to mid-July time frame.&nbsp;There are approximately 4,000 soldiers in the Brigade with a portion going to a pair of locations in Poland and the Iron Ranger unit to Bulgaria. The deployment is scheduled for nine months.Lauer said the Brigade contains everything from tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles to infantry.

Devil Brigade prepares for deployment

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an&nbsp;aggravated robbery and aggravated battery that occurred just after 11p.m. on April 12 in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan and have made additional arrests, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy reported that multiple persons had battered him and property was stolen from him during the incident. 

Arrested in connection with the incident were Avante Cunningham, 16, of Manhattan, Nehemiah Jackson, 14, of Manhattan, and Kaeden Guerrero, 16, of Manhattan. &nbsp;

Cunningham was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 3:43 p.m. in the 1400 block of Humboldt Street on requested charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

Jackson was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 11:09 a.m. in the 400 block of Walters Drive on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

Guerrero was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m. in the 1500 block of Pipher Lane on requested charges for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.. Guerrero and Jackson are confined in the Reno County Juvenile Detention Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cunningham is confined in the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center.

On Wednesday, the RCPD reported the arrest of two others in connection with the alleged crime. Amarion Blanton, 15,&nbsp; and Joshua Davis Jr., 17, both of Manhattan&nbsp;are  confined in the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an&nbsp;aggravated robbery and aggravated battery that occurred just after 11p.m. on April 12 in the 1100 block of Moro Street in Manhattan and have made additional arrests, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy reported that multiple persons had battered him and property was stolen from him during the incident. Arrested in connection with the incident were Avante Cunningham, 16, of Manhattan, Nehemiah Jackson, 14, of Manhattan, and Kaeden Guerrero, 16, of Manhattan. &nbsp;Cunningham was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 3:43 p.m. in the 1400 block of Humboldt Street on requested charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.Jackson was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 11:09 a.m. in the 400 block of Walters Drive on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.Guerrero was arrested on April 23, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m. in the 1500 block of Pipher Lane on requested charges for aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.. Guerrero and Jackson are confined in the Reno County Juvenile Detention Center.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cunningham is confined in the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center.On Wednesday, the RCPD reported the arrest of two others in connection with the alleged crime. Amarion Blanton, 15,&nbsp; and Joshua Davis Jr., 17, both of Manhattan&nbsp;are confined in the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

RCPD: 3 more accused in violent robbery of Manhattan teen

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/2025/4/1745504169334.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745504136938.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report April 24

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Kansas Legislature concluded its session with a budget bill that allocates $208 million in additional funding to schools for the upcoming fiscal year.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3e0bf8bc-ae47-47d3-9aec-b7c581745dde">SEE RELATED STORY: Gov. Laura Kelly signs budget bill, issues dozens of line-item vetoes, asks Legislature to try again</a>

The Legislature also approved $10 million in additional funding for special education statewide. Kyle Carlin, director of the special education co-op, said the Legislature eliminated a $200 per-teacher reimbursement for special education, resulting in a net increase of only about $7.5 million.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said only two years remain on the current school funding formula. The Legislature has formed a task force to review funding.

"We're in a pretty interesting time in terms of finance and how schools are funded," Wilson said.

Senate Bill 114 will allow students from non-public and virtual schools to participate in public school activities. Wilson said locally this allowed Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) students to participate in Hays High School activities.

The high school immediately gained two track athletes from the KAMS program.

Another Senate bill will require school districts to include a fetal development component in any classes on human growth, human development or human sexuality.&nbsp;

The Legislature has eliminated the safe and secure schools funding. The Hays district used those funds repeatedly for various projects, including the installation of secure entrances at schools.

Professional development funds, mentor teacher and teachers of excellence funding, which is paid to teachers who have their national board certification, were all cut by the Legislature this year.

Last year, the district received $16,798 in state aid for professional development. This year, the district would have received&nbsp;$27,750, according to Chris Hipp, USD 489 assistant superintendent of business services.

Last year, the district received $11,284 in mentor teacher funding and $14,000 in&nbsp;teachers of excellence funding, Hipp said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714489195274.png" alt="Photo Courtesy KS Legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KS Legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Kansas Legislature concluded its session with a budget bill that allocates $208 million in additional funding to schools for the upcoming fiscal year.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3e0bf8bc-ae47-47d3-9aec-b7c581745dde">SEE RELATED STORY: Gov. Laura Kelly signs budget bill, issues dozens of line-item vetoes, asks Legislature to try again</a>The Legislature also approved $10 million in additional funding for special education statewide. Kyle Carlin, director of the special education co-op, said the Legislature eliminated a $200 per-teacher reimbursement for special education, resulting in a net increase of only about $7.5 million.Superintendent Ron Wilson said only two years remain on the current school funding formula. The Legislature has formed a task force to review funding."We're in a pretty interesting time in terms of finance and how schools are funded," Wilson said.<h2>School activities</h2>Senate Bill 114 will allow students from non-public and virtual schools to participate in public school activities. Wilson said locally this allowed Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) students to participate in Hays High School activities.The high school immediately gained two track athletes from the KAMS program.<h2>Human development</h2>Another Senate bill will require school districts to include a fetal development component in any classes on human growth, human development or human sexuality.&nbsp;<h2>Cuts</h2>The Legislature has eliminated the safe and secure schools funding. The Hays district used those funds repeatedly for various projects, including the installation of secure entrances at schools.Professional development funds, mentor teacher and teachers of excellence funding, which is paid to teachers who have their national board certification, were all cut by the Legislature this year.Last year, the district received $16,798 in state aid for professional development. This year, the district would have received&nbsp;$27,750, according to Chris Hipp, USD 489 assistant superintendent of business services.Last year, the district received $11,284 in mentor teacher funding and $14,000 in&nbsp;teachers of excellence funding, Hipp said.

Kansas Legislature adds general funding for schools, cuts elsewhere

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement in Riley County investigating a battery and robbery have arrested to local teens.

On April 12, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery in the 1100 block of Moro Street that occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 17-year-old boy was listed as a victim and reported that multiple persons had battered him. The victim also reported that property was stolen from his person during the incident. 

Arrested in connection with the incident were Amarion Blanton, 15,&nbsp; and Joshua Davis Jr., 17, both of Manhattan. 

Blanton, was arrested on April 22, at approximately 2:32 p.m. in the 1700 block of Winne Drive, on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.&nbsp; Davis Jr. was arrested on April 22, 2025, at approximately 2:12 p.m. in the 400 block of Brookmont Drive, on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery. Both are&nbsp; confined in the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement in Riley County investigating a battery and robbery have arrested to local teens.On April 12, officers filed a report of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery in the 1100 block of Moro Street that occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 17-year-old boy was listed as a victim and reported that multiple persons had battered him. The victim also reported that property was stolen from his person during the incident. Arrested in connection with the incident were Amarion Blanton, 15,&nbsp; and Joshua Davis Jr., 17, both of Manhattan. Blanton, was arrested on April 22, at approximately 2:32 p.m. in the 1700 block of Winne Drive, on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.&nbsp; Davis Jr. was arrested on April 22, 2025, at approximately 2:12 p.m. in the 400 block of Brookmont Drive, on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and aggravated battery. Both are&nbsp; confined in the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

2 Manhattan teens accused of violent robbery

(Riley County, KS – April 23, 2025) At a time of year when unintentional injuries typically rise, Safe Kids Riley County Coalition is celebrating Safe Kids Month by providing activities, tips, and resources to educate parents and caregivers about how to keep their kids safe from preventable injuries.&nbsp;

Summer often brings vacations, barbecues, picnics, and time away from work and school. Yet summer is also known as “trauma season” among health professionals in the United States because unintentional injuries and deaths increase dramatically among children. In fact, 41 percent of all deaths from unintentional injuries occur during the months of May through August.

One of the most important ways Riley County Safe Kids Coalition helps keep kids safe is by providing the ongoing Car Seat Check Lane. People can visit the Manhattan Fire Department (MFD) Headquarters at 2000 Denison Avenue every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to get their car seat checked for proper installation. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will educate people how to select the appropriate car seat type for their child’s age, height, and weight as well as on how to properly install the car seat. &nbsp;Families are encouraged to bring their child’s car seat and take advantage of this free service.

The Car Seat Check Lane is a designated Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) inspection station. For more information about the Car Seat Check Lane or to learn more about child passenger safety, please contact Riley County Health Department at 785-776-4779 ext. 7605

In addition, the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) is offering a special safety Storytime at the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave., May 13th at 10:00am. RCHD will also share family safety tips on their Facebook page @rileycountyhealthdepartment throughout the month of May.

By Viviennw Leyva Riley County PIO(Riley County, KS – April 23, 2025) At a time of year when unintentional injuries typically rise, Safe Kids Riley County Coalition is celebrating Safe Kids Month by providing activities, tips, and resources to educate parents and caregivers about how to keep their kids safe from preventable injuries.&nbsp;Summer often brings vacations, barbecues, picnics, and time away from work and school. Yet summer is also known as “trauma season” among health professionals in the United States because unintentional injuries and deaths increase dramatically among children. In fact, 41 percent of all deaths from unintentional injuries occur during the months of May through August.One of the most important ways Riley County Safe Kids Coalition helps keep kids safe is by providing the ongoing Car Seat Check Lane. People can visit the Manhattan Fire Department (MFD) Headquarters at 2000 Denison Avenue every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to get their car seat checked for proper installation. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will educate people how to select the appropriate car seat type for their child’s age, height, and weight as well as on how to properly install the car seat. &nbsp;Families are encouraged to bring their child’s car seat and take advantage of this free service.The Car Seat Check Lane is a designated Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) inspection station. For more information about the Car Seat Check Lane or to learn more about child passenger safety, please contact Riley County Health Department at 785-776-4779 ext. 7605In addition, the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) is offering a special safety Storytime at the Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave., May 13th at 10:00am. RCHD will also share family safety tips on their Facebook page @rileycountyhealthdepartment throughout the month of May.

Ensuring child safety: Safe kids month and free car seat check lane

&nbsp;This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east central
Kansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas.

.

The national Weather Service said Wednesday and Wednesday night there is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and 60 MPH will be
possible along with locally heavy rain.


DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Low chances for severe thunderstorms may return Thursday afternoon
and evening.

Localized areas of heavy rain capable of causing flooding are
possible by Thursday night.&nbsp;

&nbsp;This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east central
Kansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas.

.The national Weather Service said Wednesday and Wednesday night there is a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and 60 MPH will be
possible along with locally heavy rain.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

Low chances for severe thunderstorms may return Thursday afternoon
and evening.

Localized areas of heavy rain capable of causing flooding are
possible by Thursday night.&nbsp;

Weather Outlook

DJ Giddens, a Junction City native, Junction City High School graduate, and now a former K-State Wildcat running back will hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft. The Draft begins Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.

Football has been part of Giddens's life for as long as he can remember. DJ played football for the Junction City Jr. Jays growing up, then for Junction City High School, and most recently was running back for the Kansas State Wildcats. “I still have videos of me playing for the Jr. Jays,” Giddens said. “I’m not going to lie, that feels just like yesterday. It was just playing and being free, no worries just having fun.”

In high school, DJ shined in his senior season at Junction City and helped lead the team to a sub-state appearance in the fall of 2020. Giddens explained that the sub-state game against Derby gave him the confidence that he could perform at the next level. “I feel like the Derby game, the last game of my senior year, gave me a lot of confidence going against a good team like that, and playing how I played,” Giddens said. DJ then graduated from Junction City in the spring of 2021 and began his K-State career where he redshirted that fall.

In 2022, Giddens played for the Wildcats and was part of the Big 12 Championship team that won the Title game in Arlington, Texas. He also played in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama that season.

In 2023, DJ was the main featured running back for KSU, as Deuce Vaughn had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In his red-shirt sophomore season, Giddens earned Honorable Mention Big 12 Honors and helped lead the Wildcats to a victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.

2024 was the final season for Giddens at Kansas State, and he led the team in rushing yards. DJ finished the year with 1,343 rush yards and had seven rushing touchdowns. He also had three receiving touchdowns for the Cats as well.

DJ Giddens declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 14, 2024, and did not play in KSU’s win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.

Looking back at his K-State career, Giddens noted the Oklahoma State game and the Colorado game both played during the 2024 season prove he can play in the National Football League. In the game against OSU, Giddens broke away from the defense and scored a 66-yard touchdown. “Having that touchdown run just shows I can finish off runs and be explosive too,” Giddens said. DJ finished that game with 187 yards rushing and one touchdown against the Cowboys. In the game against the Colorado Buffaloes, Giddens ran wild again. “The Colorado game, I was just playing free again, being myself, and got in that mode,” Giddens said. He finished the game with 182 yards against Colorado.

Giddens began preparing for the NFL Draft in January, when he went to Plano, Texas, to train for the NFL Combine in March. DJ had an exceptional performance at the combine, running a 4.43 40-yard dash. He was measured at 6 feet and 212 pounds.

The NFL Draft is this week, with round one on Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday, and rounds four through seven on Saturday. This year’s NFL Draft is in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Referencing hearing his name being called at the draft, DJ Giddens said, “It feels good, but it’s out of my control at this point for who will pick me up and when I will get picked up. Right now, I just keep on working, and that’s what I’m going to keep on doing,” Giddens said.

Despite all of his success at K-State, and now headed into the NFL, DJ knows the community he is from and said he plans to make it back to Junction City to visit. “I’ve got to come back, can’t forget about that, can’t forget it,” Giddens said. The path wasn’t always easy for DJ, and he had this to say. “Coming from me, being from Junction, I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, I didn’t have the best grades, and everything wasn’t just in front of me. You just got to stay disciplined, keep working, stay humble, stay down till you come up, and if you keep working at what you want, you’re going to get where you want to be. Don’t ever think you can’t be that person doing whatever you want to do,” Giddens said.

DJ Giddens is projected to be a late day two, early day three selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745424053562.jpeg" alt="DJ Giddens - Photo - K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>DJ Giddens - Photo - K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostDJ Giddens, a Junction City native, Junction City High School graduate, and now a former K-State Wildcat running back will hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft. The Draft begins Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers.Football has been part of Giddens's life for as long as he can remember. DJ played football for the Junction City Jr. Jays growing up, then for Junction City High School, and most recently was running back for the Kansas State Wildcats. “I still have videos of me playing for the Jr. Jays,” Giddens said. “I’m not going to lie, that feels just like yesterday. It was just playing and being free, no worries just having fun.”In high school, DJ shined in his senior season at Junction City and helped lead the team to a sub-state appearance in the fall of 2020. Giddens explained that the sub-state game against Derby gave him the confidence that he could perform at the next level. “I feel like the Derby game, the last game of my senior year, gave me a lot of confidence going against a good team like that, and playing how I played,” Giddens said. DJ then graduated from Junction City in the spring of 2021 and began his K-State career where he redshirted that fall.In 2022, Giddens played for the Wildcats and was part of the Big 12 Championship team that won the Title game in Arlington, Texas. He also played in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama that season.In 2023, DJ was the main featured running back for KSU, as Deuce Vaughn had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In his red-shirt sophomore season, Giddens earned Honorable Mention Big 12 Honors and helped lead the Wildcats to a victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.2024 was the final season for Giddens at Kansas State, and he led the team in rushing yards. DJ finished the year with 1,343 rush yards and had seven rushing touchdowns. He also had three receiving touchdowns for the Cats as well.DJ Giddens declared for the NFL Draft on Dec. 14, 2024, and did not play in KSU’s win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.Looking back at his K-State career, Giddens noted the Oklahoma State game and the Colorado game both played during the 2024 season prove he can play in the National Football League. In the game against OSU, Giddens broke away from the defense and scored a 66-yard touchdown. “Having that touchdown run just shows I can finish off runs and be explosive too,” Giddens said. DJ finished that game with 187 yards rushing and one touchdown against the Cowboys. In the game against the Colorado Buffaloes, Giddens ran wild again. “The Colorado game, I was just playing free again, being myself, and got in that mode,” Giddens said. He finished the game with 182 yards against Colorado.Giddens began preparing for the NFL Draft in January, when he went to Plano, Texas, to train for the NFL Combine in March. DJ had an exceptional performance at the combine, running a 4.43 40-yard dash. He was measured at 6 feet and 212 pounds.The NFL Draft is this week, with round one on Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday, and rounds four through seven on Saturday. This year’s NFL Draft is in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Referencing hearing his name being called at the draft, DJ Giddens said, “It feels good, but it’s out of my control at this point for who will pick me up and when I will get picked up. Right now, I just keep on working, and that’s what I’m going to keep on doing,” Giddens said.Despite all of his success at K-State, and now headed into the NFL, DJ knows the community he is from and said he plans to make it back to Junction City to visit. “I’ve got to come back, can’t forget about that, can’t forget it,” Giddens said. The path wasn’t always easy for DJ, and he had this to say. “Coming from me, being from Junction, I wasn’t highly recruited out of high school, I didn’t have the best grades, and everything wasn’t just in front of me. You just got to stay disciplined, keep working, stay humble, stay down till you come up, and if you keep working at what you want, you’re going to get where you want to be. Don’t ever think you can’t be that person doing whatever you want to do,” Giddens said.DJ Giddens is projected to be a late day two, early day three selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Junction City Native DJ Giddens prepares for 2025 NFL Draft

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/2025/4/1745416966122.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report April 23

Manhattan City Commissioners gave consensus support Tuesday night to proceeding on an interim solution proposal for the Blue Earth Water Plaza. There is an 18-inch water depth plus a flat spray area also toward the south end of the feature. The facility includes use as a wading pool and splash park.

There have been several maintenance issues that have sometimes delayed opening on time and the site was never designed to be used as a pool or splash plad. It is an open body of water and there are slip and fall hazards.

Staff wants to remove the identified hazards ranging from infilling the stream with a paver system, removing the boulders and stepping stones and replacement of laminar jets with illuminated directional jets to refinishing trench gates, jet lids and the stream border.

The cost estimate is 278,000 with construction beginning in July and being done by fall. Money would come from South End Transportation Development District funds. A proposed contract would come before the commission in June to consider approval.

The project would be in place an estimated 5-7 years.

There is a permanent concept plan suggested for the 2030-32 time frame, but it isn't final either.

Manhattan City Commissioners gave consensus support Tuesday night to proceeding on an interim solution proposal for the Blue Earth Water Plaza. There is an 18-inch water depth plus a flat spray area also toward the south end of the feature. The facility includes use as a wading pool and splash park.There have been several maintenance issues that have sometimes delayed opening on time and the site was never designed to be used as a pool or splash plad. It is an open body of water and there are slip and fall hazards.Staff wants to remove the identified hazards ranging from infilling the stream with a paver system, removing the boulders and stepping stones and replacement of laminar jets with illuminated directional jets to refinishing trench gates, jet lids and the stream border.The cost estimate is 278,000 with construction beginning in July and being done by fall. Money would come from South End Transportation Development District funds. A proposed contract would come before the commission in June to consider approval.The project would be in place an estimated 5-7 years.There is a permanent concept plan suggested for the 2030-32 time frame, but it isn't final either.

City reaches consensus for proposal to move forward on an Interim Blue Earth Water Plaza upgrade

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army revealed new gender-neutral fitness standards on Tuesday.

The new standards, which will be graduated in over the next seven months, require that men and women meet the same fitness benchmarks for 21 combat specialties.

The positions where such standards would be put in place include infantry officer, an M1 Abrams tank armor crewman, special forces members and artillery crew.

The Army had been working on revising its guidelines over the last year, but leveling standards for men and women in combat fields has also been a priority of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army revealed new gender-neutral fitness standards on Tuesday.The new standards, which will be graduated in over the next seven months, require that men and women meet the same fitness benchmarks for 21 combat specialties.The positions where such standards would be put in place include infantry officer, an M1 Abrams tank armor crewman, special forces members and artillery crew.The Army had been working on revising its guidelines over the last year, but leveling standards for men and women in combat fields has also been a priority of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

US Army reveals new gender-neutral fitness standards

TOPEKA - A new course focusing on work zone safety has been launched for Kansas drivers.

Kansas Work Zone Safe is a free online driving course aimed at teaching teens and other new drivers how to safely navigate through work zones. The course will include information on safe behaviors, laws and situations drivers may encounter in work zones.

Current data from the Kansas Department of Transportation shows 1,705 work zone crashes occurred in Kansas in 2024 – an average of 4.6 per day. Those crashes resulted in 508 injuries and eight fatalities.

“Behind every flag, cone and flashing light are highway workers and first responders who have families that want them to come home every night,” said Haley Dougherty, KDOT State Highway Safety Engineer. “This course is designed to raise awareness in new drivers about safe driving practices in work zones, which should make the work zone safer for all.”

With an estimated 2,500 miles of construction let by KDOT in the last several years and taking place this year, many highway workers will be relying on drivers to slow down and pay attention so everyone can make it home safely.

Drivers can access the course at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/WorkZoneSafe.com/1/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/-eKjFaexEQ3iM_0s37Cw_R5h7W-N2FJoS9dCRnYB7Rg=401">WorkZoneSafe.com</a>&nbsp;by clicking the link for the Kansas course. Students who complete the course will be eligible for a scholarship to be awarded at a later date. Details about the scholarship incentive will be provided as they become available.

The new platform begins during National Work Zone Awareness Week, a campaign focused on increasing work zone safety. Go to KDOT’s website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Ftravel%2Ftraveler-safety%2Fwork-zone-safety%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/tUWWSTKlnSTAOhXpjSvIdNvGYDpHYpEnJA6q06hV6bE=401">ksdot.gov/travel/traveler-safety/work-zone-safety</a>, or KDOT’s Facebook page,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKSDOTHQ%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/YsJXILEhcVMSRvDh6v5-01cV9DYNHnLybHdiJHBUH-s=401">facebook.com/KSDOTHQ</a>.

The Kansas Work Zone Safe course is supported by KDOT, the Kansas Contractors Association and other transportation organizations across the state. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/WorkZoneSafe.com/2/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/dUshJqE-bzG-YdKX-PjbjdNvfaCooLKsAy9YugPf6kM=401">WorkZoneSafe.com</a>.

KDOT releaseTOPEKA - A new course focusing on work zone safety has been launched for Kansas drivers.Kansas Work Zone Safe is a free online driving course aimed at teaching teens and other new drivers how to safely navigate through work zones. The course will include information on safe behaviors, laws and situations drivers may encounter in work zones.Current data from the Kansas Department of Transportation shows 1,705 work zone crashes occurred in Kansas in 2024 – an average of 4.6 per day. Those crashes resulted in 508 injuries and eight fatalities.“Behind every flag, cone and flashing light are highway workers and first responders who have families that want them to come home every night,” said Haley Dougherty, KDOT State Highway Safety Engineer. “This course is designed to raise awareness in new drivers about safe driving practices in work zones, which should make the work zone safer for all.”With an estimated 2,500 miles of construction let by KDOT in the last several years and taking place this year, many highway workers will be relying on drivers to slow down and pay attention so everyone can make it home safely.Drivers can access the course at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/WorkZoneSafe.com/1/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/-eKjFaexEQ3iM_0s37Cw_R5h7W-N2FJoS9dCRnYB7Rg=401">WorkZoneSafe.com</a>&nbsp;by clicking the link for the Kansas course. Students who complete the course will be eligible for a scholarship to be awarded at a later date. Details about the scholarship incentive will be provided as they become available.The new platform begins during National Work Zone Awareness Week, a campaign focused on increasing work zone safety. Go to KDOT’s website,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ksdot.gov%2Ftravel%2Ftraveler-safety%2Fwork-zone-safety%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/tUWWSTKlnSTAOhXpjSvIdNvGYDpHYpEnJA6q06hV6bE=401">ksdot.gov/travel/traveler-safety/work-zone-safety</a>, or KDOT’s Facebook page,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKSDOTHQ%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/YsJXILEhcVMSRvDh6v5-01cV9DYNHnLybHdiJHBUH-s=401">facebook.com/KSDOTHQ</a>.The Kansas Work Zone Safe course is supported by KDOT, the Kansas Contractors Association and other transportation organizations across the state. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/WorkZoneSafe.com/2/010101965da8d9e5-31b30476-2177-41a5-953f-a24fff6d01e8-000000/dUshJqE-bzG-YdKX-PjbjdNvfaCooLKsAy9YugPf6kM=401">WorkZoneSafe.com</a>.

New online work zone course geared to assist new Kansas drivers

Geary County Emergency Management provided information from the National Weather Service.

Periods of Showers and Thunderstorms Through Friday with severe Storms possible this evening and then Wednesday afternoon and evening&nbsp;

 There are several moderate to high chances for showers and thunderstorms tonight through Friday.● Severe thunderstorm potential exists this evening then Wednesday afternoon and evening.● Some locations may see heavy rainfall amounts by Friday, with flooding concerns generally increasing through the week.&nbsp; The entire area can expect some precipitation by Friday afternoon, but confidence in how much and when this will fall is not certain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Emergency Management provided information from the National Weather Service.Periods of Showers and Thunderstorms Through Friday with severe Storms possible this evening and then Wednesday afternoon and evening&nbsp; There are several moderate to high chances for showers and thunderstorms tonight through Friday.● Severe thunderstorm potential exists this evening then Wednesday afternoon and evening.● Some locations may see heavy rainfall amounts by Friday, with flooding concerns generally increasing through the week.&nbsp; The entire area can expect some precipitation by Friday afternoon, but confidence in how much and when this will fall is not certain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Showers and thunderstorms are possible this week

.Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association will be holding a Spring Archery Fun Shoot on Saturday, April 26 at Sportsman’s Acres, 3922 Highway K-244 Spur, just south of the Milford Lake Dam. Spokesman Larry George noted that the start time is 9:30am with sign-in starting at 9:00. &nbsp;

Entry fees are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for under 18 years old.&nbsp; The shoot will have a variety of 3D targets arrayed on the archery walking trail with varying distances.&nbsp; It will include 20 stations with 2 positions at each station for a total of 40 shots.&nbsp; 

Shooters must declare one of three categories of bow: Traditional, Bowhunter, or Open/Target Bow.&nbsp; Once signed up you can traverse the course at your own speed.&nbsp; &nbsp;Range finders will be allowed and Lunch will be provided.&nbsp;

Gift certificates will be given to the best overall score in each category and one for the best youth score.

For more info contact Shirley Allen at 785-375-7305 or email at saa7989.lgm@gmail.com

.Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association will be holding a Spring Archery Fun Shoot on Saturday, April 26 at Sportsman’s Acres, 3922 Highway K-244 Spur, just south of the Milford Lake Dam. Spokesman Larry George noted that the start time is 9:30am with sign-in starting at 9:00. &nbsp;Entry fees are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for under 18 years old.&nbsp; The shoot will have a variety of 3D targets arrayed on the archery walking trail with varying distances.&nbsp; It will include 20 stations with 2 positions at each station for a total of 40 shots.&nbsp; Shooters must declare one of three categories of bow: Traditional, Bowhunter, or Open/Target Bow.&nbsp; Once signed up you can traverse the course at your own speed.&nbsp; &nbsp;Range finders will be allowed and Lunch will be provided.&nbsp;Gift certificates will be given to the best overall score in each category and one for the best youth score.For more info contact Shirley Allen at 785-375-7305 or email at saa7989.lgm@gmail.com

Spring Archery Fun Shoot will be held on Saturday

Eligible donations made through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation on Grow Green Match Day Tuesday can receive a 50% match of up to $7,500.

The Flint Hills Wellness Foundation noted that there are two ways to give to Common Table on Grow Green Match Day:

The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation provided information on the In-person activities.

Support can be provided for different organizations.

Individual contributions ranging from $25 to $1,000 per organization will receive a local match at $.50 per $1, so a $1,000 gift will receive a $500 local match.&nbsp;If a donor gives a $5,000 gift split evenly between five organizations, each group is eligible to receive a $500 match.&nbsp;

Eligible donations made through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation on Grow Green Match Day Tuesday can receive a 50% match of up to $7,500.The Flint Hills Wellness Foundation noted that there are two ways to give to Common Table on Grow Green Match Day:<ul>
 <li>Online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://growgreenmanhattan.com/">GrowGreenManhattan.com</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.</li><li>In-person at Colony Square Atrium (555 Poyntz Avenue) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.</li>
 </ul>The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation provided information on the In-person activities.The event will feature:<ul>
 <li>Lemonade and a photo booth provided by MHK Caravan Co.</li><li>Complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day</li><li>Opportunities to connect with nonprofit professionals and community members</li><li>Hourly drawings for $100 nonprofit bonus grants</li><li>A chance to support the causes you care about and see your impact grow.</li>
 </ul>Support can be provided for different organizations.Individual contributions ranging from $25 to $1,000 per organization will receive a local match at $.50 per $1, so a $1,000 gift will receive a $500 local match.&nbsp;If a donor gives a $5,000 gift split evenly between five organizations, each group is eligible to receive a $500 match.&nbsp;

Tuesday is Grow Green Match Day in Manhattan

On Monday, the RCPD reported no arrests for Sunday.

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.On Monday, the RCPD reported no arrests for Sunday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745331222047.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
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Riley County Arrest Report April 21, 22

Kansas will “Go Orange” this week as buildings, bridges and fountains will be lit in orange and people will wear orange to help raise awareness of work zone safety.

KDOT release--Kansas will “Go Orange” this week as buildings, bridges and fountains will be lit in orange and people will wear orange to help raise awareness of work zone safety.Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed April 21 to 25 as National Work Zone Awareness Week in Kansas. The proclamation reminds motorists to slow down, stay alert, minimize distractions and be patient in roadway work zones – it can mean the difference between life and death.People are encouraged to wear something orange all week, but especially on&nbsp;Go Orange Day in Kansas on Wednesday, April 23, to show support and appreciation for highway workers and their efforts.The Go Orange effort is part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, a national safety campaign that KDOT and numerous partner organizations participate in every year. The campaign highlights the dangers faced by highway workers and motorists in work zones and encourages motorists to use safer driving behaviors.Message signs across the state will also promote work zone safety.