CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Wednesday, January 10th*

Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Both Manhattan &amp; Wamego sites CLOSED Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas - All Outreach Services CANCELLED, questions call 785-825-0208 Chick-fil-A - DELAYED OPENING at 10:30 am Fort Riley - 2 HOUR DELAY Manhattan Area Technical College - 9:00 AM START TIME Manhattan Public Library - DELAYED OPENING at 11:00 am Manhattan Senior Center - CLOSED Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Tuesday, January 16th USD 320 Wamego - CLOSED USD 323 Rock Creek - CLOSED USD 378 Riley County - CLOSED due to gravel road conditions and drifting snow USD 383 Manhattan Ogden - CLOSED USD 384 Randolph - CLOSED due to gravel road conditions USD 473 Chapman - 2 HOUR DELAY USD 475 Geary County - 2 HOUR DELAY

*This list will be updated throughout the day as more information is released.

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704848344368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Wednesday, January 10th*Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Both Manhattan &amp; Wamego sites CLOSED Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas - All Outreach Services CANCELLED, questions call 785-825-0208 Chick-fil-A - DELAYED OPENING at 10:30 am Fort Riley - 2 HOUR DELAY Manhattan Area Technical College - 9:00 AM START TIME Manhattan Public Library - DELAYED OPENING at 11:00 am Manhattan Senior Center - CLOSED Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Tuesday, January 16th USD 320 Wamego - CLOSED USD 323 Rock Creek - CLOSED USD 378 Riley County - CLOSED due to gravel road conditions and drifting snow USD 383 Manhattan Ogden - CLOSED USD 384 Randolph - CLOSED due to gravel road conditions USD 473 Chapman - 2 HOUR DELAY USD 475 Geary County - 2 HOUR DELAY*This list will be updated throughout the day as more information is released.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

UPDATE: Closings/Delays for Wednesday, Jan. 10

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post/JC Post

MANHATTAN - Applications can now be submitted for those wishing to attend the 2024 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas(ALBSK).

The 2024 session will be held from Sunday, June 2nd through Saturday, June 8th at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

In the past, Boys State of Kansas has been open to individuals who have completed their junior year of high school just prior to the event.&nbsp;

This year the ALBSK will allow applications from individuals completing their sophomore year of high school this spring as well.

The ALBSK program provides an interactive, problem-solving experience in which teamwork and leadership skills are used to help develop self-identity and promote mutual respect among peers.

Participants will learn more about civic responsibility including obigations to the individual's community, state and nation.

Boys State is a 'learn by doing' political experience with opportunities to learn more about elections, political parties and government at multiple levels.

The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375, however, sponsorship opportunities may reduce the amount the delegate and their family are required to pay.

To apply for the 2024 session, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>.

For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held on Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit <a href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704830721864.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post/JC PostMANHATTAN - Applications can now be submitted for those wishing to attend the 2024 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas(ALBSK).The 2024 session will be held from Sunday, June 2nd through Saturday, June 8th at Kansas State University in Manhattan.In the past, Boys State of Kansas has been open to individuals who have completed their junior year of high school just prior to the event.&nbsp;This year the ALBSK will allow applications from individuals completing their sophomore year of high school this spring as well.The ALBSK program provides an interactive, problem-solving experience in which teamwork and leadership skills are used to help develop self-identity and promote mutual respect among peers.Participants will learn more about civic responsibility including obigations to the individual's community, state and nation.Boys State is a 'learn by doing' political experience with opportunities to learn more about elections, political parties and government at multiple levels.The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375, however, sponsorship opportunities may reduce the amount the delegate and their family are required to pay.To apply for the 2024 session, visit <a href="https://ksbstate.org/">ksbstate.org</a>.For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held on Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit <a href="https://www.ksgirlsstate.org/">ksgirlsstate.org</a>.

American Legion Boys State of Kansas accepting applications for 2024 event

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

POTTAWATOMIE CO. - The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance from the public in identifying the individual pictured above.

This person is the suspect in a case of criminal use of a financial card.

Video footage shows the individual using the card in multiple counties.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kidd at the Sheriff’s Office reference case 2023-06360 at 785-457-3353, or leave a tip on our Crime-Stoppers link at <a href="https://ptsheriff.com/programs-resources/crime-stoppers/">www.ptsheriff.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704829374402.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostPOTTAWATOMIE CO. - The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance from the public in identifying the individual pictured above.This person is the suspect in a case of criminal use of a financial card.Video footage shows the individual using the card in multiple counties.Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kidd at the Sheriff’s Office reference case 2023-06360 at 785-457-3353, or leave a tip on our Crime-Stoppers link at <a href="https://ptsheriff.com/programs-resources/crime-stoppers/">www.ptsheriff.com</a>.

Pott. Co. Sheriff's Office asking for assistance identifying individual

RILEY COUNTY - The Riley County EMS has posted a reminder to community members to take breaks while shoveling snow.

Riley County EMS says you should call 911 if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack, including feeling tightness or pain in your chest, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath.

RCEMS recommends taking breaks to avoid oversexertion, which can lead to a heart attack.

It is also recommended while clearing sidewalks also clear snow from around fire hydrants to make access easier for firefighters if a fire were to occur nearby.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - The Riley County EMS has posted a reminder to community members to take breaks while shoveling snow.Riley County EMS says you should call 911 if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack, including feeling tightness or pain in your chest, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath.RCEMS recommends taking breaks to avoid oversexertion, which can lead to a heart attack.It is also recommended while clearing sidewalks also clear snow from around fire hydrants to make access easier for firefighters if a fire were to occur nearby.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRileyCountyEms%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0x25V3WkuFpKachssWxUxa8ELZ1DvcvqXBBazK5SVCWNZosiZWBGz6EgsQW6PyGT4l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="668" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Riley Co. EMS: Suggests taking breaks while shoveling snow

RILEY COUNTY - The Riley County District Court is closed for Tuesday, January 9th.

All Zoom hearings previously scheduled will still proceed.

For those who had in-person hearings schedules, the Riley County District Court recommends you contact your attorney for your next court date or for any questions you may have regarding your court case.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - The Riley County District Court is closed for Tuesday, January 9th.All Zoom hearings previously scheduled will still proceed.For those who had in-person hearings schedules, the Riley County District Court recommends you contact your attorney for your next court date or for any questions you may have regarding your court case.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704817700172.png" alt="Riley County District Court Closed" />
 <figcaption>Riley County District Court Closed</figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley Co. District Court closed, Zoom hearings will proceed

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.&nbsp;

JOSUE BERNARDO MACIAS VASQUEZ, 32, Topeka, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv; Bond $2,000

ZELAYHA VINCENT, 23, Fort Riley,&nbsp;Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Computer unlawful acts; False representation with damage &lt; $100,000; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Mistreat dependent adult/elder person; Deception, false pretense, duress, coercion &lt;$1500; Mistreat dependent adult/elder person; Deception, false pretense, duress, coercion &lt;$1500; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Criminal deprivation of property; Attempted crim use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Failure to appear; Bond $11,500

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.&nbsp;JOSUE BERNARDO MACIAS VASQUEZ, 32, Topeka, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Duty of driver to report accident with an unattended vehicle/property; 1st conv; Bond $2,000ZELAYHA VINCENT, 23, Fort Riley,&nbsp;Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Computer unlawful acts; False representation with damage &lt; $100,000; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Mistreat dependent adult/elder person; Deception, false pretense, duress, coercion &lt;$1500; Mistreat dependent adult/elder person; Deception, false pretense, duress, coercion &lt;$1500; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Criminal deprivation of property; Attempted crim use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Failure to appear; Bond $11,500

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 9

MANHATTAN - Be Able Community Center is open and offering space for those who need a place to warm up on Tuesday, January 9th.

According to a post on social media, Be Able will have coats, coffee, winter clothing, and hot showers available.

They will also provide their signature smiles for all who walk through the door.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704811499678.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - Be Able Community Center is open and offering space for those who need a place to warm up on Tuesday, January 9th.According to a post on social media, Be Able will have coats, coffee, winter clothing, and hot showers available.They will also provide their signature smiles for all who walk through the door.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbeablecommunity%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0FxrLeAHG3vf764QLNA2Yjm2ABJSaKHRjYxYaDwiRTdZ7G9C7da5SwXg6F5ETpxYUl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="610" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Warming center available at Be Able in Manhattan

RILEY COUNTY - Around 10:00 pm on Monday, the Riley County Police Department went into the Emergency Accident Reporting Phase(EARP).

The EARP was put in effect due to the increased number of weather-related crashes being reported.

With the US National Weather Service in Topeka issuing a Winter Storm Warning in effect until noon on Tuesday, January 9th, EARP will remain in effect through the morning.

Here's what you need to do, if you are in a crash, while EARP is in effect:&nbsp;

Crashes must be reported within 48 hours of occurrence. To report a crash after the EARP period is lifted, you need to come to the Riley County Police Department located at 1001 S Seth Child Road in Manhattan.

All parties involved will need to be present when reporting the crash.

* No injuries to any parties involved * No hit-and-run * No driving under the influence (DUI) or suspected alcohol/drug-related crimes * Insurance and contact information are exchanged between responsible parties * Property damage is over $1,000 (If it is under $1,000, you do not need to report it to the police)If there are injuries, a hit-and-run, or DUI, then you should call the police immediately to report the crash.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - Around 10:00 pm on Monday, the Riley County Police Department went into the Emergency Accident Reporting Phase(EARP).The EARP was put in effect due to the increased number of weather-related crashes being reported.With the US National Weather Service in Topeka issuing a Winter Storm Warning in effect until noon on Tuesday, January 9th, EARP will remain in effect through the morning.Here's what you need to do, if you are in a crash, while EARP is in effect:&nbsp;Crashes must be reported within 48 hours of occurrence. To report a crash after the EARP period is lifted, you need to come to the Riley County Police Department located at 1001 S Seth Child Road in Manhattan.All parties involved will need to be present when reporting the crash.* No injuries to any parties involved * No hit-and-run * No driving under the influence (DUI) or suspected alcohol/drug-related crimes * Insurance and contact information are exchanged between responsible parties * Property damage is over $1,000 (If it is under $1,000, you do not need to report it to the police)If there are injuries, a hit-and-run, or DUI, then you should call the police immediately to report the crash.

RCPD: Emergency Accident Reporting Phase is currently in effect

CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Tuesday, January 9th*

Baskin Robbins in Manhattan - CLOSED Blue River Traders - CLOSED B&amp;L Trash Service - NO SERVICE ROUTES will be collected Bountiful Bins in Riley - CLOSED Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas - Manhattan - CLOSED Child Safety Seat Checks at MFD - CANCELLED City of Manhattan buildings-CLOSED City of Manhattan-City Commission Work Session - CANCELLED City of Manhattan - Municipal Court - CLOSED City of Manhattan Parks and Rec activities - CANCELLED Clay County Offices - CLOSED Combative Sports Center - NO MORNING CLASSES Early Edition - CLOSED Finn's Neighborhood Pub - CLOSED Flight Crew Coffee - CLOSED Flint Hills aTa Bus - DELAYED START - 9:00 am Flint Hills Breadbasket - CLOSED Flint Hills Discovery Center - CLOSED Flint Hills Volunteer Center - CLOSED Fort Riley - LIMITED SERVICES ONLY Green Christian School - CLOSED Kansas State University - CLOSED except essential personnel Konza Prairie Community Health Center - CLOSED Laundry Love MHK - Postponed to Tues, Jan. 16th Manhattan Area Techinical College - CLOSED Manhattan Senior Center - CLOSED Manhattan Public Library - CLOSED Mrs. Powell's Cinnamon Rolls - DELAYED OPENING - will open at 10:00 am(depending on road conditions) Riley County District Court - CLOSED, Zoom hearings will be held Riley County Offices - CLOSED Sunset Zoo. - CLOSED The Chef Cafe - CLOSED TheraPie - CLOSED, reopens Wednesday at 11:00 am Toto's Tacoz - CLOSED USD 323 Rock Creek Schools - CLOSED USD 329 Wabaunsee Schools - CLOSED USD 378 Riley County Schools and RCCC - CLOSED -&nbsp; no after school activities or events Smokin' Wille's BBQ - CLOSED USD 379 Clay County Schools - CLOSED USD 383 Manhattan Ogden - CLOSED - all before and after school activities/athletics cancelled USD 384 Blue Valley - CLOSED USD 473 Chapman - CLOSED - no after school activities or events USD 475 Geary County - CLOSED - no after school activities or events USD 498 Valley Heights - CLOSED Vista Drive In - CLOSED

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704741489325.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Tuesday, January 9th*TUESDAY, JANUARY 9th:Baskin Robbins in Manhattan - CLOSED Blue River Traders - CLOSED B&amp;L Trash Service - NO SERVICE ROUTES will be collected Bountiful Bins in Riley - CLOSED Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas - Manhattan - CLOSED Child Safety Seat Checks at MFD - CANCELLED City of Manhattan buildings-CLOSED City of Manhattan-City Commission Work Session - CANCELLED City of Manhattan - Municipal Court - CLOSED City of Manhattan Parks and Rec activities - CANCELLED Clay County Offices - CLOSED Combative Sports Center - NO MORNING CLASSES Early Edition - CLOSED Finn's Neighborhood Pub - CLOSED Flight Crew Coffee - CLOSED Flint Hills aTa Bus - DELAYED START - 9:00 am Flint Hills Breadbasket - CLOSED Flint Hills Discovery Center - CLOSED Flint Hills Volunteer Center - CLOSED Fort Riley - LIMITED SERVICES ONLY Green Christian School - CLOSED Kansas State University - CLOSED except essential personnel Konza Prairie Community Health Center - CLOSED Laundry Love MHK - Postponed to Tues, Jan. 16th Manhattan Area Techinical College - CLOSED Manhattan Senior Center - CLOSED Manhattan Public Library - CLOSED Mrs. Powell's Cinnamon Rolls - DELAYED OPENING - will open at 10:00 am(depending on road conditions) Riley County District Court - CLOSED, Zoom hearings will be held Riley County Offices - CLOSED Sunset Zoo. - CLOSED The Chef Cafe - CLOSED TheraPie - CLOSED, reopens Wednesday at 11:00 am Toto's Tacoz - CLOSED USD 323 Rock Creek Schools - CLOSED USD 329 Wabaunsee Schools - CLOSED USD 378 Riley County Schools and RCCC - CLOSED -&nbsp; no after school activities or events Smokin' Wille's BBQ - CLOSED USD 379 Clay County Schools - CLOSED USD 383 Manhattan Ogden - CLOSED - all before and after school activities/athletics cancelled USD 384 Blue Valley - CLOSED USD 473 Chapman - CLOSED - no after school activities or events USD 475 Geary County - CLOSED - no after school activities or events USD 498 Valley Heights - CLOSED Vista Drive In - CLOSED*This list will be updated throughout the day as more information is released.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

CLOSINGS/DELAYS: Tuesday, January 9, 2024

For Kansas road conditions check out the above map courtesy of KDOT.

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/category/closings">Updated closing information can be found here.</a>

<div><iframe src="https://kandrive.gov/@-99.86957,38.77164,7?show=roadReports,constructionReports,trafficSpeeds,winterDriving,weatherRadar" style="border:0px #ffffff none;" name="myiFrame" scrolling="no" frameborder="1" marginheight="0px" marginwidth="0px" height="500px" width="735px" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>For Kansas road conditions check out the above map courtesy of KDOT.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/category/closings">Updated closing information can be found here.</a>

UPDATE: Find KanDrive road conditions here

RILEY COUNTY - USD 378 Riley County Schools will be releasing students early due to the winter weather conditions on Monday, January 8th, 2024.

Just before 10:30am, school officials, using the automated notifications system, alerted parents and guardians that school would be dismissing early due to the weather.

Students who ride buses will be dismissed at 11:15 am with all other students being dismissed at 11:30am.

Lunch will be served to students before dismissal.&nbsp;

All practices and after-school activities are cancelled.

The Riley County Childcare Center will also be closing at 11:30 am.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704732212945.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY - USD 378 Riley County Schools will be releasing students early due to the winter weather conditions on Monday, January 8th, 2024.Just before 10:30am, school officials, using the automated notifications system, alerted parents and guardians that school would be dismissing early due to the weather.Students who ride buses will be dismissed at 11:15 am with all other students being dismissed at 11:30am.Lunch will be served to students before dismissal.&nbsp;All practices and after-school activities are cancelled.The Riley County Childcare Center will also be closing at 11:30 am.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRiley.County.HS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02e1NaELRZChtBj5wsPZSeaU1As2LbfW1GWxXGqKNCu4LGpYYn4qbXEMT3n1Qn7NUZl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="450" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

USD 378 dismissing students early due to winter weather

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged car theft.

Just before 5p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for recovery of a stolen vehicle in the 4400 block of Riverpond Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A known male suspect test-drove a 2002 Jeep Wrangler and never returned it. Police arrested 62-year-old Barry Sullivan of Topeka on requested charges of possession of stolen property, use/possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use, and possession of a stimulant.&nbsp; He is being held on a total bond of $8,000, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704732693687.png" alt="Sullivan from an earlier arrest in Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Sullivan from an earlier arrest in Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged car theft.Just before 5p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for recovery of a stolen vehicle in the 4400 block of Riverpond Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A known male suspect test-drove a 2002 Jeep Wrangler and never returned it. Police arrested 62-year-old Barry Sullivan of Topeka on requested charges of possession of stolen property, use/possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use, and possession of a stimulant.&nbsp; He is being held on a total bond of $8,000, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: Suspect test drove SUV, didn't return it

KYLE LEE BLISS, 24, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Bond $1,500

YASMIN MARIA AL SHAIBANI, 18, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $6,000

RICKEY LEWELLYN MOSELY, 37, Manhattan, Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Bond $4,000

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.&nbsp;KYLE LEE BLISS, 24, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Bond $1,500YASMIN MARIA AL SHAIBANI, 18, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $6,000RICKEY LEWELLYN MOSELY, 37, Manhattan, Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Bond $4,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 8

CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Monday, January 8th*

AMC Manhattan 13 Theatre - CLOSED American Legion Post 45 - Junction City - CLOSED - Monthly meeting postponed Big Lakes Development Center - CLOSING AT 3:00pm Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Manhattan sites - CANCELLED - no after-school programs Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Wamego sites - CLOSED City of Manhattan Parks and Rec activities - CANCELLED City of Manhattan - Anthony Rec Center - CLOSING at 6:00 pm City of Manhattan - Douglass Activity Center - CLOSING at 5:00 pm City of Manhattan - Eisenhower Rec Center - CLOSING at 6:00 pm City of Manhattan - Parks and Rec Advisory Board - Cancelled Cloud County CC - Concordia &amp; Geary Co Campuses - CLOSED Combative Sports Center - NO CLASSES Finn's Neighborhood Pub - CLOSING at 7:00pm Flight Crew Coffee - CLOSING EARLY(5:00 pm) Flint Hills Breadbasket - CLOSING AT NOON Flint Hills Christian School - CLOSED Flint Hills Volunteer Center - CLOSED Highland CC -Wamego - CLOSED Kansas State University - Essential personnel only after 3:00pm Konza Prairie Community Health Center - CLOSING EARLY - all locations closing at 2:00 pm Laundry Love MHK - Postponed to Tues, Jan. 16th Manhattan Area Technical College - CLOSED at NOON Manhattan Brewing Company - CLOSED Manhattan Public Library - Closing at 5:30pm Peace-Full Pantry - CLOSED - no PM activities Riley County Offices - CLOSED at 1:00 pm Sinkers Lounge - CLOSED USD 108 Washington - CLOSED USD 111 Doniphan West Schools&nbsp;- CLOSED USD 113 PRAIRIE HILLS - ALL&nbsp;- CLOSED USD 115 Nemaha Central Schools- CLOSED USD 207 Fort Leavenworth- CLOSED USD 223 Barnes-Hanover-Linn- CLOSED USD 224 Clifton-Clyde- CLOSED USD 320 Wamego- CLOSED USD 322 Onaga- CLOSED USD 323 Rock Creek- CLOSED USD 333 Concordia- CLOSED USD 335 Jackson Hts.- CLOSED USD 336 Holton- CLOSED USD 337 Royal Valley- CLOSED USD 338 Valley Falls- CLOSED USD 339 Jefferson Co. North- CLOSED USD 340 Jefferson West- CLOSED USD 341 Oskaloosa- CLOSED USD 342 McLouth- CLOSED USD 343 Perry-Lecompton- CLOSED USD 377 Atchison Co. Comm.- CLOSED USD 378 Riley County - EARLY DISMISSAL at 11:15 am(bus riders)/11:30 am(all remaining students) USD 379 Clay County Schools - EARLY DISMISSAL at 1:00 pm, All activities, PM preschool classes and Project Lead are CANCELLED for remainder of Monday USD 380 Vermillion- CLOSED USD 384 Blue Valley- CLOSED USD 415 Hiawatha- CLOSED USD 430 South Brown- CLOSED USD 473 Chapman - EARLY DISMISSAL at 1:30 pm USD 475 Geary County - All athletic/after-school activities cancelled USD 498 Valley Heights- CLOSED Vista Drive In - CLOSED Wamego Senior Center- CLOSED Washington County Head Start- CLOSED Wildcat 4-H Club - POSTPONED - new meeting date to be determined

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704741424332.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Monday, January 8th*MONDAY, JANUARY 8th:AMC Manhattan 13 Theatre - CLOSED American Legion Post 45 - Junction City - CLOSED - Monthly meeting postponed Big Lakes Development Center - CLOSING AT 3:00pm Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Manhattan sites - CANCELLED - no after-school programs Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Wamego sites - CLOSED City of Manhattan Parks and Rec activities - CANCELLED City of Manhattan - Anthony Rec Center - CLOSING at 6:00 pm City of Manhattan - Douglass Activity Center - CLOSING at 5:00 pm City of Manhattan - Eisenhower Rec Center - CLOSING at 6:00 pm City of Manhattan - Parks and Rec Advisory Board - Cancelled Cloud County CC - Concordia &amp; Geary Co Campuses - CLOSED Combative Sports Center - NO CLASSES Finn's Neighborhood Pub - CLOSING at 7:00pm Flight Crew Coffee - CLOSING EARLY(5:00 pm) Flint Hills Breadbasket - CLOSING AT NOON Flint Hills Christian School - CLOSED Flint Hills Volunteer Center - CLOSED Highland CC -Wamego - CLOSED Kansas State University - Essential personnel only after 3:00pm Konza Prairie Community Health Center - CLOSING EARLY - all locations closing at 2:00 pm Laundry Love MHK - Postponed to Tues, Jan. 16th Manhattan Area Technical College - CLOSED at NOON Manhattan Brewing Company - CLOSED Manhattan Public Library - Closing at 5:30pm Peace-Full Pantry - CLOSED - no PM activities Riley County Offices - CLOSED at 1:00 pm Sinkers Lounge - CLOSED USD 108 Washington - CLOSED USD 111 Doniphan West Schools&nbsp;- CLOSED USD 113 PRAIRIE HILLS - ALL&nbsp;- CLOSED USD 115 Nemaha Central Schools- CLOSED USD 207 Fort Leavenworth- CLOSED USD 223 Barnes-Hanover-Linn- CLOSED USD 224 Clifton-Clyde- CLOSED USD 320 Wamego- CLOSED USD 322 Onaga- CLOSED USD 323 Rock Creek- CLOSED USD 333 Concordia- CLOSED USD 335 Jackson Hts.- CLOSED USD 336 Holton- CLOSED USD 337 Royal Valley- CLOSED USD 338 Valley Falls- CLOSED USD 339 Jefferson Co. North- CLOSED USD 340 Jefferson West- CLOSED USD 341 Oskaloosa- CLOSED USD 342 McLouth- CLOSED USD 343 Perry-Lecompton- CLOSED USD 377 Atchison Co. Comm.- CLOSED USD 378 Riley County - EARLY DISMISSAL at 11:15 am(bus riders)/11:30 am(all remaining students) USD 379 Clay County Schools - EARLY DISMISSAL at 1:00 pm, All activities, PM preschool classes and Project Lead are CANCELLED for remainder of Monday USD 380 Vermillion- CLOSED USD 384 Blue Valley- CLOSED USD 415 Hiawatha- CLOSED USD 430 South Brown- CLOSED USD 473 Chapman - EARLY DISMISSAL at 1:30 pm USD 475 Geary County - All athletic/after-school activities cancelled USD 498 Valley Heights- CLOSED Vista Drive In - CLOSED Wamego Senior Center- CLOSED Washington County Head Start- CLOSED Wildcat 4-H Club - POSTPONED - new meeting date to be determined<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

CLOSINGS/DELAYS: Monday, January 8, 2024

MANHATTAN- On Monday, January 8th, the Flint Hills Breadbasket announced they will be closed Monday, January 8, and Tuesday, January 9, due to weather.

According to a post on social media, they intend to be reopened regular hours on Wednesday, January 10th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704725459052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN- On Monday, January 8th, the Flint Hills Breadbasket announced they will be closed Monday, January 8, and Tuesday, January 9, due to weather.According to a post on social media, they intend to be reopened regular hours on Wednesday, January 10th.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFlintHillsBreadbasket%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0kuJQ6VXJUrnB4XmuoSFJqkf713g7eYvgfi5kZW6SkXLxLH6rjrFiLSYeHoADdZNrl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="524" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Flint Hills Breadbasket closing at noon Monday, all day Tuesday due to weather

MARVIN SANTELL GATEWOOD JR, 24, Junction City, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $10,000

BARRY SCOTT SULLIVAN, 62, Topeka, Possession of stolen property; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia; Possession of stimulant; Bond $8,000

CRYSTAL MARIE COKER, 33, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $300

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.&nbsp;MARVIN SANTELL GATEWOOD JR, 24, Junction City, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $10,000BARRY SCOTT SULLIVAN, 62, Topeka, Possession of stolen property; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia; Possession of stimulant; Bond $8,000CRYSTAL MARIE COKER, 33, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $300

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 7

A changing climate looks poised to increase wildfire conditions significantly. That would compound other growing risks, such as the aggressive spread of eastern red cedars.

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/celia-llopis-jepsen">Celia Llopis-Jepsen</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Kansas News Service</a>

A changing climate may bring many more days per year of extreme wildfire risk to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

The findings from&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">a new study</a>&nbsp;also suggest people in those states should brace for more of these days at seemingly unlikely times of the year.

“Even in the winter,” said Guo Yu, an assistant research professor at the Desert Research Institute who studies precipitation and climate change. “In the future, when we have a drier and warmer winter, there’s a high probability wildfire could occur.”

Yu and his colleagues looked at the four most common North American indices that firefighting agencies use to stay alert about wildfire-prone weather.

Think of these as more advanced versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/fpetdl/fire-danger-levels-with-smokey-bear" target="_blank">Smokey Bear fire danger levels</a>&nbsp;that parks sometimes display, he said.

The indices pull together conditions such as wind speed and humidity relative to temperature.

Researchers combined them with climate change models to project wildfire risks into the future.

This analysis suggests that by the last decade of this century, the region that includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas will see 30 more days per year of extreme risk for wildfire, Yu said. Today, this region typically experiences about six of these days annually.

The extra days of extreme risk will be scattered throughout the year, including more instances of these conditions in the wintertime.

Kansas dealt with just that in 2021, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-22/kansas-ranchers-face-a-long-road-to-recovery-after-devastating-wildfires" target="_blank">the Four-County Fire</a>&nbsp;struck the Smoky Hills just two weeks before Christmas.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3b83accf-a254-45ea-a2fb-10f31bf5587c" target="_blank">extreme windstorm</a>&nbsp;with gusts up to 100 mph carried flames across more than 120,000 acres of Russell, Ellis, Osborne and Rooks counties. Scattered blazes burned thousands of acres elsewhere, with 54 wildfires starting in 34 counties on a single day.

The expected increase in wildfire-prone weather conditions highlights the importance of taking preventive measures in a region that has begun to see more destructive blazes than in decades past.

And it raises questions about how to support the already stretched firefighting agencies that protect rural areas. About 80 percent of the state’s fire departments consist entirely of&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">volunteers</a>.

When fires are small and easily contained, firefighters can get the job done quickly. But increasingly, volunteers find themselves called upon to tackle blazes that last many hours and days.

“They have jobs, they have families,” state forester Jason Hartman said earlier this fall. “They aren’t available for those longer-term (firefights) as easily as they are for the shorter-term grass fires — true grass fires — we used to have in this state.”

The landscape of Kansas and neighboring states is moving from&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforresilience.unl.edu/Woody-Plant-Encroachment" target="_blank">grassland to shrub and juniper woodland</a>, a transformation caused by humans.

Native juniper trees — commonly called&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project/invasion" target="_blank">eastern red cedars</a>&nbsp;— are spreading aggressively and greatly intensifying wildfires.

“They look like a Roman candle going off,” Hutchinson fire Capt. Troy Mueller said while training firefighters near Scott City last April. “A 30-foot, 40-foot tall cedar tree … will have 50-, 60-foot flame lengths above the top of the tree and can throw an ember out into the grass a quarter mile (away) and start another fire.”

<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">A recent report</a>&nbsp;issued by a new task force on wildfire in Kansas calls for helping communities and landowners beat back these trees.

It also calls for clear regulation of certain kinds of poorly maintained, rural power lines that are suspected of starting some wildfires.

The new study led by Yu shows that climate change will likely make risky situations such as juniper expansion and sagging power lines even riskier. The study appeared in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">Earth’s Future</a>.

Major fires increasing on the Great Plains

Large wildfires have become more common on the Great Plains in recent decades, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2017GL072901" target="_blank">concluded in 2017</a>.

Some of the biggest recorded blazes in Kansas happened in the past decade:

The biggest — the March 2017 Starbuck fire — and other fires that ignited at about the same time burned more than 2 million acres across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Eastern red cedars played a significant role in intensifying the 2016 and 2017 fires, the state’s wildfire task force said.

“Over the last 20-plus years,” the panel wrote, “the Kansas landscape has evolved in a manner that creates greater risks for wildfires that are almost impossible to contain during dry and windy conditions.”

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has created a&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project" target="_blank">public education campaign</a>&nbsp;to help residents of the Great Plains understand why junipers are spreading, and the reasons for concern. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has launched the Great Plains Grassland Initiative to help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/kansas/ks-great-plains-grassland-initiative" target="_blank">ranchers in Kansas</a>, Nebraska and Oklahoma combat the trees.

Many ranchers, especially in the Flint Hills, use controlled fires to fight the junipers that otherwise eat up their rangeland.

But some landowners don’t have the means to combat the trees, even if they want to.

And plenty of people outside the ranching industry enjoy the trees and allow them to spread, creating tension at times among neighbors.

Often homeowners like the privacy these dense evergreens create, so they aren’t necessarily bothered by the increase in juniper woods hugging their suburban neighborhoods and semirural ranchettes.

But in March 2022, wildfire struck juniper-packed suburbs in Reno County. More than 6,000 acres burned. One person died and more than 100 buildings, including 36 homes, were destroyed.

The wildfire task force says all those eastern red cedars made it hard to stop the flames.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly created the task force in 2022. Its November report encourages state and federal agencies to control problem species on their property — along highways, for example. And it calls for helping private landowners do the same.

The task force recommends more resources, equipment and training for firefighters and local burn associations that carry out controlled blazes called prescribed fire.

The Kansas Forest Service should get more state funding to that end, it says, and to help the agency coordinate community wildfire protection plans.

Federal grants can help communities and landowners take prevention measures, but these often require matching funds to qualify. The report suggests the state government could help out.

It also says documenting the causes of all wildfires — “no matter how small or large” — could help guide prevention measures. Many Kansas wildfires go uninvestigated.

In particular, the task force found a common suspicion that some wildfires are started by poorly maintained, rural power lines that carry electricity to facilities such as oil fields and that are not owned by utilities.

It recommends putting the Kansas Corporation Commission, which oversees the energy industry in Kansas, in charge of regulating the situation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488532134.png" alt="Mark Penner, of the Kansas Forest Service, helps carry out a controlled fire on property owned by the University of Kansas in November. Prescribed burns help keep habitat healthy and make wildfires less dangerous.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Mark Penner, of the Kansas Forest Service, helps carry out a controlled fire on property owned by the University of Kansas in November. Prescribed burns help keep habitat healthy and make wildfires less dangerous.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A changing climate looks poised to increase wildfire conditions significantly. That would compound other growing risks, such as the aggressive spread of eastern red cedars.</h2>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/celia-llopis-jepsen">Celia Llopis-Jepsen</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Kansas News Service</a>A changing climate may bring many more days per year of extreme wildfire risk to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.The findings from&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">a new study</a>&nbsp;also suggest people in those states should brace for more of these days at seemingly unlikely times of the year.“Even in the winter,” said Guo Yu, an assistant research professor at the Desert Research Institute who studies precipitation and climate change. “In the future, when we have a drier and warmer winter, there’s a high probability wildfire could occur.”Yu and his colleagues looked at the four most common North American indices that firefighting agencies use to stay alert about wildfire-prone weather.Think of these as more advanced versions of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwcg.gov/fpetdl/fire-danger-levels-with-smokey-bear" target="_blank">Smokey Bear fire danger levels</a>&nbsp;that parks sometimes display, he said.The indices pull together conditions such as wind speed and humidity relative to temperature.Researchers combined them with climate change models to project wildfire risks into the future.This analysis suggests that by the last decade of this century, the region that includes Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas will see 30 more days per year of extreme risk for wildfire, Yu said. Today, this region typically experiences about six of these days annually.The extra days of extreme risk will be scattered throughout the year, including more instances of these conditions in the wintertime.Kansas dealt with just that in 2021, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hppr.org/hppr-news/2021-12-22/kansas-ranchers-face-a-long-road-to-recovery-after-devastating-wildfires" target="_blank">the Four-County Fire</a>&nbsp;struck the Smoky Hills just two weeks before Christmas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488698235.png" alt="An excavator lowers dead cattle into a burial pit in the Smoky Hills in 2021 after the Four-County Fire swept through this ranching region, including Ellis County, too fast to protect livestock.&nbsp;David Condos/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>An excavator lowers dead cattle into a burial pit in the Smoky Hills in 2021 after the Four-County Fire swept through this ranching region, including Ellis County, too fast to protect livestock.&nbsp;David Condos/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>An&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3b83accf-a254-45ea-a2fb-10f31bf5587c" target="_blank">extreme windstorm</a>&nbsp;with gusts up to 100 mph carried flames across more than 120,000 acres of Russell, Ellis, Osborne and Rooks counties. Scattered blazes burned thousands of acres elsewhere, with 54 wildfires starting in 34 counties on a single day.<h2>Fire agencies are stretched thin</h2>The expected increase in wildfire-prone weather conditions highlights the importance of taking preventive measures in a region that has begun to see more destructive blazes than in decades past.And it raises questions about how to support the already stretched firefighting agencies that protect rural areas. About 80 percent of the state’s fire departments consist entirely of&nbsp;<a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">volunteers</a>.When fires are small and easily contained, firefighters can get the job done quickly. But increasingly, volunteers find themselves called upon to tackle blazes that last many hours and days.“They have jobs, they have families,” state forester Jason Hartman said earlier this fall. “They aren’t available for those longer-term (firefights) as easily as they are for the shorter-term grass fires — true grass fires — we used to have in this state.”The landscape of Kansas and neighboring states is moving from&nbsp;<a href="https://centerforresilience.unl.edu/Woody-Plant-Encroachment" target="_blank">grassland to shrub and juniper woodland</a>, a transformation caused by humans.Native juniper trees — commonly called&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project/invasion" target="_blank">eastern red cedars</a>&nbsp;— are spreading aggressively and greatly intensifying wildfires.“They look like a Roman candle going off,” Hutchinson fire Capt. Troy Mueller said while training firefighters near Scott City last April. “A 30-foot, 40-foot tall cedar tree … will have 50-, 60-foot flame lengths above the top of the tree and can throw an ember out into the grass a quarter mile (away) and start another fire.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488897217.png" alt="As birds carry seeds away from a grove of eastern red cedars, saplings pop up across this Flint Hills grassland in Morris County. Areas that aren’t burned regularly convert into juniper woodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>As birds carry seeds away from a grove of eastern red cedars, saplings pop up across this Flint Hills grassland in Morris County. Areas that aren’t burned regularly convert into juniper woodland.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://agriculture.ks.gov/about-kda/wildfire-task-force" target="_blank">A recent report</a>&nbsp;issued by a new task force on wildfire in Kansas calls for helping communities and landowners beat back these trees.It also calls for clear regulation of certain kinds of poorly maintained, rural power lines that are suspected of starting some wildfires.The new study led by Yu shows that climate change will likely make risky situations such as juniper expansion and sagging power lines even riskier. The study appeared in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003823" target="_blank">Earth’s Future</a>.<h2>Major fires increasing on the Great Plains</h2>Large wildfires have become more common on the Great Plains in recent decades, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln&nbsp;<a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2017GL072901" target="_blank">concluded in 2017</a>.Some of the biggest recorded blazes in Kansas happened in the past decade:<ul>
 <li>March 2016: Anderson Creek Fire (280,000 acres).</li><li>March 2017: Starbuck Fire (460,000 acres).</li><li>December 2021: Four-County Fire (120,000 acres).</li>
 </ul>The biggest — the March 2017 Starbuck fire — and other fires that ignited at about the same time burned more than 2 million acres across Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Eastern red cedars played a significant role in intensifying the 2016 and 2017 fires, the state’s wildfire task force said.“Over the last 20-plus years,” the panel wrote, “the Kansas landscape has evolved in a manner that creates greater risks for wildfires that are almost impossible to contain during dry and windy conditions.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704488988003.jpeg" alt="The evergreens spreading into these deciduous woods in Riley County are eastern red cedars. In dry, windy weather, these junipers make the woods more prone to fast-moving, hard-to-stop crown fires.&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service" />
 <figcaption>The evergreens spreading into these deciduous woods in Riley County are eastern red cedars. In dry, windy weather, these junipers make the woods more prone to fast-moving, hard-to-stop crown fires.&nbsp;Ryan Armbrust/Kansas Forest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has created a&nbsp;<a href="https://agronomy.unl.edu/eastern-redcedar-science-literacy-project" target="_blank">public education campaign</a>&nbsp;to help residents of the Great Plains understand why junipers are spreading, and the reasons for concern. And the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has launched the Great Plains Grassland Initiative to help&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/kansas/ks-great-plains-grassland-initiative" target="_blank">ranchers in Kansas</a>, Nebraska and Oklahoma combat the trees.<h2>What can Kansas and its residents do?</h2>Many ranchers, especially in the Flint Hills, use controlled fires to fight the junipers that otherwise eat up their rangeland.But some landowners don’t have the means to combat the trees, even if they want to.And plenty of people outside the ranching industry enjoy the trees and allow them to spread, creating tension at times among neighbors.Often homeowners like the privacy these dense evergreens create, so they aren’t necessarily bothered by the increase in juniper woods hugging their suburban neighborhoods and semirural ranchettes.But in March 2022, wildfire struck juniper-packed suburbs in Reno County. More than 6,000 acres burned. One person died and more than 100 buildings, including 36 homes, were destroyed.The wildfire task force says all those eastern red cedars made it hard to stop the flames.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly created the task force in 2022. Its November report encourages state and federal agencies to control problem species on their property — along highways, for example. And it calls for helping private landowners do the same.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704489093722.png" alt="Homes on the outskirts of Manhattan overlook a gully of eastern red cedars and prairie.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Homes on the outskirts of Manhattan overlook a gully of eastern red cedars and prairie.&nbsp;Celia Llopis-Jepsen/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The task force recommends more resources, equipment and training for firefighters and local burn associations that carry out controlled blazes called prescribed fire.The Kansas Forest Service should get more state funding to that end, it says, and to help the agency coordinate community wildfire protection plans.Federal grants can help communities and landowners take prevention measures, but these often require matching funds to qualify. The report suggests the state government could help out.It also says documenting the causes of all wildfires — “no matter how small or large” — could help guide prevention measures. Many Kansas wildfires go uninvestigated.In particular, the task force found a common suspicion that some wildfires are started by poorly maintained, rural power lines that carry electricity to facilities such as oil fields and that are not owned by utilities.It recommends putting the Kansas Corporation Commission, which oversees the energy industry in Kansas, in charge of regulating the situation.

Kansas may face 30 more days yearly of high wildfire risk as its climate changes

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;Roger McEowen, the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law is clear that foreign land ownership laws will likely be an issue for courts across the country in 2024.

"There has been a court that has weighed in on one of the state statutes on this," McEowen said. "There have been a number of states that have enacted foreign ownership restrictions in the past year, year and a half, but particularly in 2023, that was Florida. The court said it's perfectly within the state's rights to have a law that restricts foreign ownership of certain adversaries, these foreign adversaries that are on the foreign adversary list. The court didn't have any problem with that, and I think that's probably the right decision. It's a legitimate interest of the state in protecting its people and protecting the food supply."

According to the<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/2021_afida_annual_report_through_12_31_2021.pdf"> latest USDA Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act report</a>, foreign persons held an interest in approximately 40 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of December 31, 2021. This is 3.1 percent of all privately held agricultural land and 1.8 percent of all land in the United States.

"This will continue to be a big issue in 2024," McEowen said. "We'll have more states that enact legislation. Also in 2023, we had the state of Arkansas that pushed it even further and mandated the divestiture of agricultural land interests owned by a company controlled by the Chinese."

Crafting legislation that keeps out bad actors, while allowing for competition to continue when ag land comes up for sale will be tough in statehouses across the country.

"There are a bunch of issues that are tangled into this all over the place," McEowen said. "It's going to make it difficult for state legislatures to craft restrictions in a manner that is carefully tuned to rat out, so to speak, the problem that they are after and not paint with too broad a brush, where you get into constitutional problems," McEowen said. "It presents a thorny issue for state legislatures, for state AGs, for governors, but it's a major issue in terms of agriculture's concern."

Foreign ownership concerns go all the way back to English common law. The common law rule existed in England until it was abolished by statute in 1870.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704552417681.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;—&nbsp;Roger McEowen, the Professor of Agricultural Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law is clear that foreign land ownership laws will likely be an issue for courts across the country in 2024."There has been a court that has weighed in on one of the state statutes on this," McEowen said. "There have been a number of states that have enacted foreign ownership restrictions in the past year, year and a half, but particularly in 2023, that was Florida. The court said it's perfectly within the state's rights to have a law that restricts foreign ownership of certain adversaries, these foreign adversaries that are on the foreign adversary list. The court didn't have any problem with that, and I think that's probably the right decision. It's a legitimate interest of the state in protecting its people and protecting the food supply."According to the<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/EPAS/PDF/2021_afida_annual_report_through_12_31_2021.pdf"> latest USDA Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act report</a>, foreign persons held an interest in approximately 40 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of December 31, 2021. This is 3.1 percent of all privately held agricultural land and 1.8 percent of all land in the United States."This will continue to be a big issue in 2024," McEowen said. "We'll have more states that enact legislation. Also in 2023, we had the state of Arkansas that pushed it even further and mandated the divestiture of agricultural land interests owned by a company controlled by the Chinese."Crafting legislation that keeps out bad actors, while allowing for competition to continue when ag land comes up for sale will be tough in statehouses across the country."There are a bunch of issues that are tangled into this all over the place," McEowen said. "It's going to make it difficult for state legislatures to craft restrictions in a manner that is carefully tuned to rat out, so to speak, the problem that they are after and not paint with too broad a brush, where you get into constitutional problems," McEowen said. "It presents a thorny issue for state legislatures, for state AGs, for governors, but it's a major issue in terms of agriculture's concern."Foreign ownership concerns go all the way back to English common law. The common law rule existed in England until it was abolished by statute in 1870.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Battle over foreign land ownership likely to continue

JESUS SANCHEZ PEREZ, 29, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

STEPHANIE DAWN LILLEY, 23, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

MASON ANTHONY SUTTON, 23, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Transporting an open container; Bond $750

RYAN CHARLES KELLY, 31, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500

MARK TODD LIVENGOOD, 55, Lawrence; Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

KATRINA MARIE FAIR, 38, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; &lt;$1500 w/2 or more conv w/in 5yrs; Shoplifting; Bond $5,000

CANDACE DEANN HUFFMAN, 36, Odgen,&nbsp;Making false information; Giving a worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 3rd/sub conviction; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 3rd/sub conviction; Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony intending to obstruct x2; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Making false information; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 1st conviction; Making false information; Giving a worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 1st conviction; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person x10; Aggravated violate offender registration act; non-person x3; Perjury; unknown circumstance x4; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 1st conviction; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 1st conviction; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Giving a worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $100,000

RODNEY KENT WELFRINGER, 56, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Abuse order per KSA 63105, 63106, 63107; Bond $1,000

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.&nbsp;JESUS SANCHEZ PEREZ, 29, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000STEPHANIE DAWN LILLEY, 23, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750MASON ANTHONY SUTTON, 23, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Transporting an open container; Bond $750RYAN CHARLES KELLY, 31, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500MARK TODD LIVENGOOD, 55, Lawrence; Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County JailKATRINA MARIE FAIR, 38, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; &lt;$1500 w/2 or more conv w/in 5yrs; Shoplifting; Bond $5,000CANDACE DEANN HUFFMAN, 36, Odgen,&nbsp;Making false information; Giving a worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 3rd/sub conviction; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 3rd/sub conviction; Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony intending to obstruct x2; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Making false information; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 1st conviction; Making false information; Giving a worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 1st conviction; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person x10; Aggravated violate offender registration act; non-person x3; Perjury; unknown circumstance x4; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 1st conviction; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 1st conviction; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Giving a worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $100,000RODNEY KENT WELFRINGER, 56, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Abuse order per KSA 63105, 63106, 63107; Bond $1,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 6

Manhattan jumped out to a quick lead over the Junction City girls and never looked back. The Lady Indians defeated the Lady Jays 46-9.&nbsp;

Manhattan was led in scoring by senior Maxine Doering, who finished with 13 points. As for Junction City, Sara Rexrode scored seven of the nine points for the Lady Jays.&nbsp;

With the large margin of victory, this is the sixth time this year that Manhattan has won a game by at least 25 points. As for Junction City, nine points is the least amount of points the Lady Jays have scored this season.&nbsp;

Manhattan improves to 7-1 on the year, while Junction City falls to 0-8.

A back-and-forth game all the way to the end is how this rivalry game went. Manhattan defeated the Blue Jays 65-64 inside Manhattan High School on Friday night. The loss for Junction City was their first loss of the season.

The Manhattan Indians were led in scoring by senior Jason Kim, who had 24 points. Kim knocked down clutch free throws late to help extend the Manhattan lead to two possessions. For Junction City, the Blue Jays were led in scoring by junior Jackson Austin who finished the game with 17 points. Austin knocked down some clutch three pointers, including one with minimal time left to cut the final deficit to one.&nbsp;

With the win, Manhattan improves to 6-2 on the year, while Junction City suffers their first loss and falls to 7-1.&nbsp;

Junction City will travel to Topeka Hayden on Tuesday, January 9. 

Manhattan will play Washburn Rural next Friday, January 12.

By Anthony GorgesGirls recapManhattan jumped out to a quick lead over the Junction City girls and never looked back. The Lady Indians defeated the Lady Jays 46-9.&nbsp;Manhattan was led in scoring by senior Maxine Doering, who finished with 13 points. As for Junction City, Sara Rexrode scored seven of the nine points for the Lady Jays.&nbsp;With the large margin of victory, this is the sixth time this year that Manhattan has won a game by at least 25 points. As for Junction City, nine points is the least amount of points the Lady Jays have scored this season.&nbsp;Manhattan improves to 7-1 on the year, while Junction City falls to 0-8.Boys recapA back-and-forth game all the way to the end is how this rivalry game went. Manhattan defeated the Blue Jays 65-64 inside Manhattan High School on Friday night. The loss for Junction City was their first loss of the season.The Manhattan Indians were led in scoring by senior Jason Kim, who had 24 points. Kim knocked down clutch free throws late to help extend the Manhattan lead to two possessions. For Junction City, the Blue Jays were led in scoring by junior Jackson Austin who finished the game with 17 points. Austin knocked down some clutch three pointers, including one with minimal time left to cut the final deficit to one.&nbsp;With the win, Manhattan improves to 6-2 on the year, while Junction City suffers their first loss and falls to 7-1.&nbsp;Junction City will travel to Topeka Hayden on Tuesday, January 9. Manhattan will play Washburn Rural next Friday, January 12.

Manhattan sweeps Junction City, Blue Jays fall for first time this season

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=br6zm-1541579-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes.

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. 110 District Rep. Ken Rahjes

MANHATTAN - Sunset Zoo announced they will be closed on Friday, January 5th due to the winter weather in the area.

According to a post on social media, animal care staff remains on site to ensure the health and safety of the animals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704475238790.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - Sunset Zoo announced they will be closed on Friday, January 5th due to the winter weather in the area.According to a post on social media, animal care staff remains on site to ensure the health and safety of the animals.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fsunsetzoo%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0vCgr2XbnLraEYfXbm1EUWxhxTkLWmZJT57PxjfxG33N9kmiMdtB3diywrRf8srQdl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="616" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Sunset Zoo closed Friday due to winter weather

RILEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

According to the Riley Police Department activity report, a 2009 Toyota Rav 4 driven by Jeanie Peters, 74, Olsburg, Kansas was involved in a crash with a 2020 Kia Forte driven by Mia Efaw, 74, Manhattan in the 5300 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd.

EMS transported both Peters and Efaw to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.   Peters was issued a citation for improper driving on a laned roadway.

RILEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Riley County.According to the Riley Police Department activity report, a 2009 Toyota Rav 4 driven by Jeanie Peters, 74, Olsburg, Kansas was involved in a crash with a 2020 Kia Forte driven by Mia Efaw, 74, Manhattan in the 5300 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd.EMS transported both Peters and Efaw to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. Peters was issued a citation for improper driving on a laned roadway.

2 women hospitalized after car, SUV crash

ELIZABETH ASHLEY PARKER, 37, Manhattan, Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; Bond $4,000

SAMANTHA JANE HARRIS, 38, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000

AMIRI NEWSOME, 15, Ogden, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

NA QUAN TRAVELLE ISAHIA WILLIAMS, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

AUSTIN BRADLEY ROWZER, 30, Manhattan, Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; Bond $10,000

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.&nbsp;ELIZABETH ASHLEY PARKER, 37, Manhattan, Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; Bond $4,000SAMANTHA JANE HARRIS, 38, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000AMIRI NEWSOME, 15, Ogden, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeNA QUAN TRAVELLE ISAHIA WILLIAMS, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000AUSTIN BRADLEY ROWZER, 30, Manhattan, Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; Bond $10,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 5

Join Catie and Becky as they talk with Genevieve McGregor who opened Sparks Burger Co. in May 2023, and learn all about the locally sourced meats and dairy items on the menu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704429362272.jpeg" alt="Becky and Catie with Genevieve from Sparks Burger Co." />
 <figcaption>Becky and Catie with Genevieve from Sparks Burger Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Join Catie and Becky as they talk with Genevieve McGregor who opened Sparks Burger Co. in May 2023, and learn all about the locally sourced meats and dairy items on the menu.<div><iframe title="Episode 10: A Plate Full of Locally Sourced Burgers" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=f9xd2-15404db-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2baf9e" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>