by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Staff recently installed brand new picnic table and benches at the park shelter on the south side of City Park.

The new tables and benches are made with recycled tire rubber and plastic from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChamplinTireRecycling">Champlin Tire Recycling, Inc.</a>&nbsp;in Concordia, Kansas.

The City of Manhattan received the tables and benches as part of the Waste Tire Recycling Grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment(KDHE).

The KDHE has awarded this grant to the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department for the 3rd year, with other tables previously being installed at Northview Park, Warner Park and Twin Oaks Complex.

For more information about the '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KeepItCleanKansas">Keep It Clean Kansas</a>' program which has allowed continued improvements at facilities around the community while helping the environment, visit <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants?fbclid=IwAR2z3LlR1cLiYTkdKryLv3xRwwNQViCVtOwBtXZXP8HYUwTHQMGFoBkyEYk">kdhe.ks.gov</a>.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704401969076.jpeg" alt="New picnic tables in City Park, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>New picnic tables in City Park, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Staff recently installed brand new picnic table and benches at the park shelter on the south side of City Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704402518132.jpeg" alt="New picnic tables in City Park, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>New picnic tables in City Park, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The new tables and benches are made with recycled tire rubber and plastic from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChamplinTireRecycling">Champlin Tire Recycling, Inc.</a>&nbsp;in Concordia, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704401932493.jpeg" alt="New picnic tables in City Park, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>New picnic tables in City Park, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Manhattan received the tables and benches as part of the Waste Tire Recycling Grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment(KDHE).The KDHE has awarded this grant to the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department for the 3rd year, with other tables previously being installed at Northview Park, Warner Park and Twin Oaks Complex.For more information about the '<a href="https://www.facebook.com/KeepItCleanKansas">Keep It Clean Kansas</a>' program which has allowed continued improvements at facilities around the community while helping the environment, visit <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/700/Waste-Reduction-Public-Education-Grants?fbclid=IwAR2z3LlR1cLiYTkdKryLv3xRwwNQViCVtOwBtXZXP8HYUwTHQMGFoBkyEYk">kdhe.ks.gov</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmanhattanparksandrec%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0tZg47jheyn83hCVAM7NtUehUhhp4fKn3Euf2G7BbvRgqvvh6y415skgmyby8FQgBl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="787" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

MHK Parks & Rec installs new picnic tables at City Park

MANHATTAN - Kansas State University has announced the new <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/provost/">provost and executive vice president</a> of the University, as Jesse Perez Mendez.

Following a nationwide search to replace Provost and EVP Charles Taber who retired at the end of the Fall 2023 semester.

Mendez is currently the dean of the Texas Tech University, College of Education and is expected to start at Kansas State University on or before June 1, 2024.&nbsp;

"I am pleased to welcome Dr. Mendez to the K-State community as our next provost," said Richard Linton, Kansas State University president. "Jesse’s deep commitment to educational access perfectly aligns with K-State’s vision as a next-generation land-grant university, and the wealth of higher education experience he brings will undoubtedly serve the institution well in achieving new heights in academic excellence and innovation."

Mendez will serve the University as the Chief Academic Officer, providing leadership and shaping the academic culture at K-State.

He will also be responsible for supervising enrollment and student retention efforts, implementing strategies to reach the University's goals as a next-generation land-grant university.

"The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/" target="_blank">Next-Gen K-State</a>&nbsp;plan and President Linton's vision truly captured my imagination," Mendez said. "I am excited to join the Wildcat family as a servant leader as we all play a part to pen the next chapters of Kansas State University together with the campus communities in Manhattan, Olathe and Salina in the coming years."

As provost, Mendez will be responsible for overseeing academic planning, resource allocation and reorganizing the academic programs to ensure excellence and relevance in the curriculum.

His focus will be on the quality of teaching and learning, as well as providing a global perspective with strategic direction for managing the operating budgets, promoting the development of research programs at K-State with high academic standards for faculty and research contributions. He will also develop and enhance the student experience to meet the needs of students in the current learning environments.

According to K-State,&nbsp;Mendez brings a diverse educational background. He has served in his current role as dean since 2019. Prior to joining Texas Tech, Mendez served as the dean and a professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Education. Mendez’s additional professional experience includes serving as associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education and Community Innovation for the University of Central Florida, head of the School of Educational Studies at Oklahoma State University and a governor-appointed regent for the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents.

He&nbsp;earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Midwestern State University and a master’s in political science from Texas Tech University. He earned a juris doctorate from the Maurer School of Law and a doctorate in higher education and student affairs, both from Indiana University.

In 2015, Mendez was named an American Council on Education Fellow and served a term as a member-at-large of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Board of Directors. At Oklahoma State University, he received the OSU College of Education Leadership &amp; Service Excellence Award and held the John A. and Donnie Brock Professorship in Educational Leadership and Policy.

K-State has appointed Debbie Mercer, dean of K-State’s College of Education, as interim provost beginning Jan. 7, 2024 until Mendez’s appointment begins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704384382351.png" alt="Jesse Perez Mendez, picture from Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Perez Mendez, picture from Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - Kansas State University has announced the new <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/provost/">provost and executive vice president</a> of the University, as Jesse Perez Mendez.Following a nationwide search to replace Provost and EVP Charles Taber who retired at the end of the Fall 2023 semester.Mendez is currently the dean of the Texas Tech University, College of Education and is expected to start at Kansas State University on or before June 1, 2024.&nbsp;"I am pleased to welcome Dr. Mendez to the K-State community as our next provost," said Richard Linton, Kansas State University president. "Jesse’s deep commitment to educational access perfectly aligns with K-State’s vision as a next-generation land-grant university, and the wealth of higher education experience he brings will undoubtedly serve the institution well in achieving new heights in academic excellence and innovation."Mendez will serve the University as the Chief Academic Officer, providing leadership and shaping the academic culture at K-State.He will also be responsible for supervising enrollment and student retention efforts, implementing strategies to reach the University's goals as a next-generation land-grant university."The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/" target="_blank">Next-Gen K-State</a>&nbsp;plan and President Linton's vision truly captured my imagination," Mendez said. "I am excited to join the Wildcat family as a servant leader as we all play a part to pen the next chapters of Kansas State University together with the campus communities in Manhattan, Olathe and Salina in the coming years."As provost, Mendez will be responsible for overseeing academic planning, resource allocation and reorganizing the academic programs to ensure excellence and relevance in the curriculum.His focus will be on the quality of teaching and learning, as well as providing a global perspective with strategic direction for managing the operating budgets, promoting the development of research programs at K-State with high academic standards for faculty and research contributions. He will also develop and enhance the student experience to meet the needs of students in the current learning environments.According to K-State,&nbsp;Mendez brings a diverse educational background. He has served in his current role as dean since 2019. Prior to joining Texas Tech, Mendez served as the dean and a professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Education. Mendez’s additional professional experience includes serving as associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education and Community Innovation for the University of Central Florida, head of the School of Educational Studies at Oklahoma State University and a governor-appointed regent for the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents.He&nbsp;earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Midwestern State University and a master’s in political science from Texas Tech University. He earned a juris doctorate from the Maurer School of Law and a doctorate in higher education and student affairs, both from Indiana University.In 2015, Mendez was named an American Council on Education Fellow and served a term as a member-at-large of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Board of Directors. At Oklahoma State University, he received the OSU College of Education Leadership &amp; Service Excellence Award and held the John A. and Donnie Brock Professorship in Educational Leadership and Policy.K-State has appointed Debbie Mercer, dean of K-State’s College of Education, as interim provost beginning Jan. 7, 2024 until Mendez’s appointment begins.

K-State names new Provost, Executive Vice President

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;

ANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Failure to appear; Bond $6,000

JONATHAN MICHAEL MURPHY, 24, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

RYAN TIMOTHY INGLETT, 37, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500

ZACARIAS ADAM SALAS BOYD, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500

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;ANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Failure to appear; Bond $6,000JONATHAN MICHAEL MURPHY, 24, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County JailRYAN TIMOTHY INGLETT, 37, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500ZACARIAS ADAM SALAS BOYD, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 4

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged threat.&nbsp;

Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for criminal threat in the 400 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. 

A 17-year-old boy reported an unknown male suspect made threats to him. Seth Sumners, 46, of Manhattan was arrested for criminal threat. Sumners was issued a total bond amount of $8,ooo and is being held in the Riley County Jail.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged threat.&nbsp;Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for criminal threat in the 400 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 17-year-old boy reported an unknown male suspect made threats to him. Seth Sumners, 46, of Manhattan was arrested for criminal threat. Sumners was issued a total bond amount of $8,ooo and is being held in the Riley County Jail.

Man jailed for alleged threat against teen in Manhattan

THOMAS MICHAEL OLLER, 21, St. George, Failure to appear; Bond $750

WILLIAM TYLER BENNER, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

CASSANDRA POTTER, 51, Manhattan, Probation violation x2; Bond $4,000

KILEY MARIE VELEZ, 34, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750

SETH DANIEL SUMNERS, 46, Manhattan, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Bond $8,000

JEFFREY EVAN JONES, 39, Manhattan, Assault of LEO; Properly identified in performance of duty; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $3,000

EDWARD JAVANTE WRIGHT, 28, Junction City, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

JORDAN GUY PRATHER, 25, Junction City; Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

MADDIX TROY ROGERS, 14, Manhattan, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; 1st conviction; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

ERIC DAVID MONTELONGO, 15, Manhattan,&nbsp;Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; 1st conviction; Taxation; Possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarette/tobacco by minor &lt;18;&nbsp;Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

JOSHUA MILTON SCHMITZ, 25, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $200

CARLOS MONTEZ DOTSON, 51, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 12/22/2023

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;THOMAS MICHAEL OLLER, 21, St. George, Failure to appear; Bond $750WILLIAM TYLER BENNER, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000CASSANDRA POTTER, 51, Manhattan, Probation violation x2; Bond $4,000KILEY MARIE VELEZ, 34, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750SETH DANIEL SUMNERS, 46, Manhattan, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Bond $8,000JEFFREY EVAN JONES, 39, Manhattan, Assault of LEO; Properly identified in performance of duty; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $3,000EDWARD JAVANTE WRIGHT, 28, Junction City, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704296038953.jpeg" alt="Jordan Guy Prather, pictures from Geary County Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Guy Prather, pictures from Geary County Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>JORDAN GUY PRATHER, 25, Junction City; Failure to appear; Bond $1,000MADDIX TROY ROGERS, 14, Manhattan, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; 1st conviction; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeERIC DAVID MONTELONGO, 15, Manhattan,&nbsp;Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; 1st conviction; Taxation; Possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarette/tobacco by minor &lt;18;&nbsp;Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeJOSHUA MILTON SCHMITZ, 25, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $200CARLOS MONTEZ DOTSON, 51, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 12/22/2023

📷: Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 3

Junction City will not be a member of the Flint Hills Regional Council in 2024.

The City did not budget for the membership this year. The fee for membership would have totaled $20,000. Commissioner Jeff Underhill said he brought up the idea of getting out and no longer participating.

Commissioner Richard Pinaire moved to renew the annual membership pointing out that there could be help writing grants but Underhill said he didn't see the need for a grant writer. The motion died for lack of a second.

Junction City will not be a member of the Flint Hills Regional Council in 2024.The City did not budget for the membership this year. The fee for membership would have totaled $20,000. Commissioner Jeff Underhill said he brought up the idea of getting out and no longer participating.Commissioner Richard Pinaire moved to renew the annual membership pointing out that there could be help writing grants but Underhill said he didn't see the need for a grant writer. The motion died for lack of a second.

Junction City withdraws from the Flint Hills Regional Council

JUNCTION CITY - According to a post made on social media shortly after 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Junction City Fire Department had extinguished a vehicle fire, while two other crews responded to separate ambulance calls.

Firefighters made quick work of extinguishing the fire.

Fire crews were called to the parking lot at the corner of E. Ash Street and S. Washington street to extinguish the vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704234651386.jpeg" alt="JCFD vehicle fire, picture from JCFD" />
 <figcaption>JCFD vehicle fire, picture from JCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY - According to a post made on social media shortly after 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, Junction City Fire Department had extinguished a vehicle fire, while two other crews responded to separate ambulance calls.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704234677887.jpeg" alt="JCFD vehicle fire, picture from JCFD" />
 <figcaption>JCFD vehicle fire, picture from JCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters made quick work of extinguishing the fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704234695541.jpeg" alt="JCFD vehicle fire, picture from JCFD" />
 <figcaption>JCFD vehicle fire, picture from JCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews were called to the parking lot at the corner of E. Ash Street and S. Washington street to extinguish the vehicle.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3144.3830786590197!2d-96.82950500000005!3d39.01571540000001!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bc493674b9b81f%3A0x57d12b176f5cad3f!2sE%20Ash%20St%20%26%20S%20Washington%20St%2C%20Junction%20City%2C%20KS%2066441!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1704234526320!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJCKSFD%2Fposts%2Fpfbid027nSKvCR7PEmA68vKmFr9UnZkDf1KU2o81grmvrww6DJ2j9ouD3LePcznPpiWvb45l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="665" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Junction City Fire Dept. extinguishes vehicle fire on Tuesday morning

RILEY COUNTY - Over the weekend, officers with the Riley County Police Department arrested an 18-year-old Manhattan man on a warrant for attempted 1st degree murder following a <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/680e6e67-539f-4f61-884e-095ee9f8485a">shooting at a house party in October 2023</a>.

On December 30, 2023, Marc Oliver was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department around 10:15 pm.

He was arrested on a Riley County&nbsp;District Court warrant with requested charges for attempted murder in the 1st degree, aggravated battery, criminal discharge of a firearm, and probation violation.

On October 21, 2023, multiple 911 calls were received by the Riley County Police Department Communication Center reporting gunfire in the 400 block of Bluemont Avenue.

RCPD officers arrived on scene to find two male victims with gunshot wounds, and a third male victim arrived at the hospital later with a gunshot wound from the same incident.

Detectives with the RCPD arrested 3 suspects with a week of the shooting, including&nbsp;Cordarius Gowdy, 21, of Ogden, Damerius McGee, 18, of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan.

Those three suspects were arrested on probable cause offenses of&nbsp;attempted first-degree murder (x3), aggravated battery (x3), and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling. 

Oliver has been issued a total bond of $1,000,000. All four suspects are confined to the Riley County Jail.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - Over the weekend, officers with the Riley County Police Department arrested an 18-year-old Manhattan man on a warrant for attempted 1st degree murder following a <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/680e6e67-539f-4f61-884e-095ee9f8485a">shooting at a house party in October 2023</a>.On December 30, 2023, Marc Oliver was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department around 10:15 pm.He was arrested on a Riley County&nbsp;District Court warrant with requested charges for attempted murder in the 1st degree, aggravated battery, criminal discharge of a firearm, and probation violation.On October 21, 2023, multiple 911 calls were received by the Riley County Police Department Communication Center reporting gunfire in the 400 block of Bluemont Avenue.RCPD officers arrived on scene to find two male victims with gunshot wounds, and a third male victim arrived at the hospital later with a gunshot wound from the same incident.Detectives with the RCPD arrested 3 suspects with a week of the shooting, including&nbsp;Cordarius Gowdy, 21, of Ogden, Damerius McGee, 18, of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan.Those three suspects were arrested on probable cause offenses of&nbsp;attempted first-degree murder (x3), aggravated battery (x3), and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling. Oliver has been issued a total bond of $1,000,000. All four suspects are confined to the Riley County Jail.

RCPD: Attempted murder suspect arrested over the weekend

LEONARDO MARCELO RAMOS CENTENO, 30, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship x2; Criminal Restraint x2; Assault; Bond $12,000

JAMIE WALTER DORN II, 26, Junction City; Failure to appear; 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;LEONARDO MARCELO RAMOS CENTENO, 30, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship x2; Criminal Restraint x2; Assault; Bond $12,000JAMIE WALTER DORN II, 26, Junction City; Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 2

Lawmakers chopping previous 6.5% tax on groceries to zero on Jan. 1, 2025

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said the next scheduled reduction in the state’s sales tax on groceries on Jan. 1 would cut the rate in half to 2 percent and enable shoppers in Kansas to avoid $150 million annually in food costs.

The agreement embraced by the 2022 Legislature and the governor established a three-year approach that included a Jan. 1, 2023, drop in the state sales tax on groceries from 6.5 percent to 4 percent. The next step on Jan. 1 moves the state’s assessment to 2 percent on food, food ingredients and certain prepared foods. That would trigger a reduction in state tax collections of $12.5 million per month.

Kansas would join the majority of states by exempting groceries from state sales tax collections on Jan. 1, 2025. Local government sales taxes would still apply to groceries.

“By taking a middle-of-the-road approach,” Kelly said, “we have been able to continue putting money back in the pockets of every Kansan.”

In 2021, Kelly recommended the Republican-led Legislature pass a bill abandoning the state sales tax on groceries. She again called for sacking of the state’s sales tax on food in 2022. The Legislature didn’t bite. Lawmakers, pressured to act in an election year, agreed to the stair-step idea.

In 2022, the Senate unanimously voted for the food sales tax reduction plan. An overwhelming majority of House members agreed. Kelly signed the bill.

The step down from 6.5 percent to 4 percent saved consumers shopping for groceries in Kansas an estimated $187 million during 2023. The compounding influence of the previous and upcoming decline to 2 percent would provide consumers an estimated $500 million in sales tax reductions by the end of 2024, Kelly said.

During a bruising recession in 2010, Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson agreed to raise the statewide sales tax from 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent to prevent cuts in core social service and education programs. That law promised to draw the rate back to 5.7 percent after three years.

In 2012, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill aggressively reducing the state’s income tax, especially for some business owners. It was an experiment in supply-side economics inspired by conservative consultant Arthur Laffer. A soft economy and the refusal of Kansas politicians to reduce state spending to match tax revenue losses led to years of painful budget problems.

Brownback leaned harder on the state sales tax in an attempt to sustain his quest to eliminate the state’s income tax. In 2013, he signed legislation repealing the 2010 law that promised to shrink the state sales tax rate to 5.7 percent. Instead, Brownback reset the rate at 6.15 percent. It allowed him to include in the legislation provisions that would gradually lower the Kansas income tax.

“It has been difficult,” Brownback said at that time. “We’re on a path to growth. Now we’re set.”

In 2015, however, the state government continued to be plagued by revenue shortfalls. Brownback returned to the well. He secured an increase in the state sales tax rate to 6.5 percent.

Brownback’s income tax strategy was repealed by the GOP-controlled House and Senate in 2017 over the Republican governor’s veto. The state’s sales tax, including on groceries, was left unchanged.

The 2019 Legislature passed a bill that would have slashed state tax revenue by at least $500 million over three years. It included a reduction in the food sales tax. Kelly vetoed that bill, arguing it would jeopardize the state’s financial health in a way reminiscent of Brownback policy.

In 2022, Kelly proposed immediate elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and the Legislature offered the three-year phase out associated with food purchases. The state sales tax for non-grocery purchases has stayed at 6.5percent, but that plan cut the food sales tax to 4 percent on Jan. 1, 2023. It is to be rolled back to 2 percent on Jan. 1, 2024, and decline to zero on Jan. 1, 2025.

None of this maneuvering at the Capitol altered city or county sales tax rates, which also apply to grocery purchases in Kansas. In Missouri, that state’s sales tax on groceries is 1.2 percent. Oklahoma charges a 4.5 percent statewide sales tax on groceries. Nebraska and Colorado exempt groceries from the state sales tax.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703862975530.jpeg" alt="A bill approved by the 2022 Legislature and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly initiated a three-year phase out of the state's 6.5% sales tax on groceries. The next step in the plan is a decline from 4% to 2% on Jan. 1. It will be eliminated at the state level on Jan. 1, 2025. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A bill approved by the 2022 Legislature and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly initiated a three-year phase out of the state's 6.5% sales tax on groceries. The next step in the plan is a decline from 4% to 2% on Jan. 1. It will be eliminated at the state level on Jan. 1, 2025. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lawmakers chopping previous 6.5% tax on groceries to zero on Jan. 1, 2025</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly said the next scheduled reduction in the state’s sales tax on groceries on Jan. 1 would cut the rate in half to 2 percent and enable shoppers in Kansas to avoid $150 million annually in food costs.The agreement embraced by the 2022 Legislature and the governor established a three-year approach that included a Jan. 1, 2023, drop in the state sales tax on groceries from 6.5 percent to 4 percent. The next step on Jan. 1 moves the state’s assessment to 2 percent on food, food ingredients and certain prepared foods. That would trigger a reduction in state tax collections of $12.5 million per month.Kansas would join the majority of states by exempting groceries from state sales tax collections on Jan. 1, 2025. Local government sales taxes would still apply to groceries.“By taking a middle-of-the-road approach,” Kelly said, “we have been able to continue putting money back in the pockets of every Kansan.”In 2021, Kelly recommended the Republican-led Legislature pass a bill abandoning the state sales tax on groceries. She again called for sacking of the state’s sales tax on food in 2022. The Legislature didn’t bite. Lawmakers, pressured to act in an election year, agreed to the stair-step idea.<h2>Political ping pong</h2>In 2022, the Senate unanimously voted for the food sales tax reduction plan. An overwhelming majority of House members agreed. Kelly signed the bill.The step down from 6.5 percent to 4 percent saved consumers shopping for groceries in Kansas an estimated $187 million during 2023. The compounding influence of the previous and upcoming decline to 2 percent would provide consumers an estimated $500 million in sales tax reductions by the end of 2024, Kelly said.During a bruising recession in 2010, Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson agreed to raise the statewide sales tax from 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent to prevent cuts in core social service and education programs. That law promised to draw the rate back to 5.7 percent after three years.In 2012, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill aggressively reducing the state’s income tax, especially for some business owners. It was an experiment in supply-side economics inspired by conservative consultant Arthur Laffer. A soft economy and the refusal of Kansas politicians to reduce state spending to match tax revenue losses led to years of painful budget problems.Brownback leaned harder on the state sales tax in an attempt to sustain his quest to eliminate the state’s income tax. In 2013, he signed legislation repealing the 2010 law that promised to shrink the state sales tax rate to 5.7 percent. Instead, Brownback reset the rate at 6.15 percent. It allowed him to include in the legislation provisions that would gradually lower the Kansas income tax.“It has been difficult,” Brownback said at that time. “We’re on a path to growth. Now we’re set.”<h2>Shopping for a deal</h2>In 2015, however, the state government continued to be plagued by revenue shortfalls. Brownback returned to the well. He secured an increase in the state sales tax rate to 6.5 percent.Brownback’s income tax strategy was repealed by the GOP-controlled House and Senate in 2017 over the Republican governor’s veto. The state’s sales tax, including on groceries, was left unchanged.The 2019 Legislature passed a bill that would have slashed state tax revenue by at least $500 million over three years. It included a reduction in the food sales tax. Kelly vetoed that bill, arguing it would jeopardize the state’s financial health in a way reminiscent of Brownback policy.In 2022, Kelly proposed immediate elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and the Legislature offered the three-year phase out associated with food purchases. The state sales tax for non-grocery purchases has stayed at 6.5percent, but that plan cut the food sales tax to 4 percent on Jan. 1, 2023. It is to be rolled back to 2 percent on Jan. 1, 2024, and decline to zero on Jan. 1, 2025.None of this maneuvering at the Capitol altered city or county sales tax rates, which also apply to grocery purchases in Kansas. In Missouri, that state’s sales tax on groceries is 1.2 percent. Oklahoma charges a 4.5 percent statewide sales tax on groceries. Nebraska and Colorado exempt groceries from the state sales tax.

Next phase of Kansas’ gradual repeal of state sales tax on food to yield savings of $150 million

RILEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.&nbsp; Just before 1:30p.m. New Year's Day, fire crews were dispatched to a house fire at 1433 Legore&nbsp; Lane, according to a media release from the Manhattan Fire Department.&nbsp;

Crews found a 2-story home with smoke showing, made access to the basement apartment and quickly extinguished a fire located in the kitchen.&nbsp; 

The residence was occupied by one occupant at the time of the fire, who was able to exit the structure prior to units arrival on scene . The occupant of the basement apartment was displaced as a result of the fire.&nbsp; 

Loss is estimated at $5,000 to contents and $10,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Lane and Elizabeth Mills of Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704204919758.png" alt="photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Manhattan.&nbsp; Just before 1:30p.m. New Year's Day, fire crews were dispatched to a house fire at 1433 Legore&nbsp; Lane, according to a media release from the Manhattan Fire Department.&nbsp;Crews found a 2-story home with smoke showing, made access to the basement apartment and quickly extinguished a fire located in the kitchen.&nbsp; The residence was occupied by one occupant at the time of the fire, who was able to exit the structure prior to units arrival on scene . The occupant of the basement apartment was displaced as a result of the fire.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $5,000 to contents and $10,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Lane and Elizabeth Mills of Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New Year's Day fire at home in Manhattan

DENNIS ALBERT ROBINSON, 33, St. Marys; DUI; 4th conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Driving while a habitual violator; 2nd conviction; Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit; Bond $6,500

ANGEL DAVID PENALOZA ESPINDOLA, 23, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $4,000

JUSTIN KYLE LAKE, 34, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2

JONATHAN ZACHARIA MANZANO NUNEZ, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $2,000

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;DENNIS ALBERT ROBINSON, 33, St. Marys; DUI; 4th conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving; Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Driving while a habitual violator; 2nd conviction; Violation of restrictions on driver's license or permit; Bond $6,500ANGEL DAVID PENALOZA ESPINDOLA, 23, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $4,000JUSTIN KYLE LAKE, 34, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2JONATHAN ZACHARIA MANZANO NUNEZ, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 1

Julia Debes Kansas Wheat

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives and state and national wheat organization staff members got to walk a figurative mile in the shoes of their end-use customers this month during a flour milling short course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

The IGP Institute organizes this course annually as a deep dive into milling and baking processes. This year’s course, conducted December 11-13, 2023, was designed to give wheat growers and industry personnel training in the basic principles of flour milling and a greater understanding of the relationship between wheat quality and flour performance. Eighteen participants representing seven states participated in this year’s course. They got a firsthand look at the ins and outs of what it takes to take wheat from the kernel to the loaf or other wheat food product.&nbsp;

Chris Tanner, vice president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and a farmer from Norton, Eric Sperber, CEO of Cornerstone Ag in Colby, who serves as an industry representative on the KAWG board, and Kansas Wheat Vice President of Communications Marsha Boswell participated in the short course. Farmers from Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Montana, representatives from national wheat organizations, as well as wheat breeders from South Dakota also attended the course, providing each other with a unique viewpoint of the quality needs throughout the wheat and flour supply chain.

“From a grower’s perspective, wheat is wheat. I took it for granted,” Tanner said. “I thought you just ground it into flour and made bread. That was definitely oversimplified. Most people have a mindset that you run it through the mill once, but I didn’t know it went through so many breaks.”

In addition to classroom lectures, the course included hands-on practical training in K-State’s milling and baking laboratories. The group members learned about the milling differences in the six classes of wheat, principles of wheat cleaning and conditioning, an explanation of major milling equipment and the process of wheat and flour blending, as well as the impact of grade, wheat quality characteristics and mill performance on flour extraction. At the milling laboratory in Shellenberger Hall on the K-State campus, the participants divided into groups to mill all six classes of U.S. wheat.&nbsp;

“There’s an intricate process to get every last piece of flour extracted to get a decent margin,” Tanner said. “The flour miller’s margin is thin, like the farmer’s. The things we do on the farm impact the mill’s bottom line.&nbsp;

“There are people every step along the way that care about getting the best product to the consumer. Everyone along the industry chain is trying to bring the highest quality product to market,” he said.

At the Hal Ross Flour Mill, attendees walked through the machinations and process of an actual flour mill and learned about the various products a mill can produce.&nbsp;They milled both hard red winter and soft white wheat in the mill.

“Having been in the wheat trading business for 30 years, I found the course to be enlightening,” Sperber said. “The milling side of the course really resonated with me. It was helpful to see the dynamics of the milling process. Milling wheat into flour is much more complex than just grinding the seed. My anticipation was that you ran the wheat through the mill once and you had bran, germ and flour. I had no concept of the streams it went through to maximize the endosperm.”

In the baking lab, attendees also learned about the different flour and dough testing methods that end-use customers use to evaluate the quality and functionality of each load of wheat. They also participated in baking tests to see the variation in products like bread, cakes and cookies when using different classes of wheat.&nbsp;

“The classroom instruction on the baking and flour qualities was interesting,” said Sperber. “I didn’t know about the care of trying to not damage the starch from the baking side of it.”

Tanner agreed, saying, “When you buy a bag of flour, you think it’s flour. I learned about the different flours made from the classes of wheat. In the baking lab, I didn’t get the flour I needed to make a loaf of bread, so instead I made a brick.”

Ultimately, the short course pulls back the curtain on the technical aspects of how differences in wheat class and qualities impact the final product on a consumer’s plate. The farmers and staff who attended the course left with valuable knowledge of how to better meet the needs of their customers.&nbsp;

Learn more about the technical, research-based training offered by K-State through the IGP Institute at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAHRaBZvRAcAWhSwKA447VYoZAHdzIKpWtQnIDEw6_z6moOhh7cS4pm_wfC4R1C3InkKMXZGz842n7yZnAhePgqPU9zUfCOZQbzinNPZn8M41kPCVIsMfH2_u_IxhRWN9g6522bZzd674vUzeoWDin9idkIsIuGU&amp;c=NDjRI2srZWb9w8UUk_Zc8e6FNQ4WJjVRCw8zSqEd4_RCc6MsBSPnRA==&amp;ch=kfLe6-nSVc3tdrJ3w5T5VTwG7rnothwijPaVC9OnGL64OL0sBa-4GQ==">grains.k-state.edu/igp/</a>.

Julia Debes Kansas WheatMANHATTAN, Kan. – Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives and state and national wheat organization staff members got to walk a figurative mile in the shoes of their end-use customers this month during a flour milling short course at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University.&nbsp;The IGP Institute organizes this course annually as a deep dive into milling and baking processes. This year’s course, conducted December 11-13, 2023, was designed to give wheat growers and industry personnel training in the basic principles of flour milling and a greater understanding of the relationship between wheat quality and flour performance. Eighteen participants representing seven states participated in this year’s course. They got a firsthand look at the ins and outs of what it takes to take wheat from the kernel to the loaf or other wheat food product.&nbsp;Chris Tanner, vice president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and a farmer from Norton, Eric Sperber, CEO of Cornerstone Ag in Colby, who serves as an industry representative on the KAWG board, and Kansas Wheat Vice President of Communications Marsha Boswell participated in the short course. Farmers from Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Montana, representatives from national wheat organizations, as well as wheat breeders from South Dakota also attended the course, providing each other with a unique viewpoint of the quality needs throughout the wheat and flour supply chain.“From a grower’s perspective, wheat is wheat. I took it for granted,” Tanner said. “I thought you just ground it into flour and made bread. That was definitely oversimplified. Most people have a mindset that you run it through the mill once, but I didn’t know it went through so many breaks.”In addition to classroom lectures, the course included hands-on practical training in K-State’s milling and baking laboratories. The group members learned about the milling differences in the six classes of wheat, principles of wheat cleaning and conditioning, an explanation of major milling equipment and the process of wheat and flour blending, as well as the impact of grade, wheat quality characteristics and mill performance on flour extraction. At the milling laboratory in Shellenberger Hall on the K-State campus, the participants divided into groups to mill all six classes of U.S. wheat.&nbsp;“There’s an intricate process to get every last piece of flour extracted to get a decent margin,” Tanner said. “The flour miller’s margin is thin, like the farmer’s. The things we do on the farm impact the mill’s bottom line.&nbsp;“There are people every step along the way that care about getting the best product to the consumer. Everyone along the industry chain is trying to bring the highest quality product to market,” he said.At the Hal Ross Flour Mill, attendees walked through the machinations and process of an actual flour mill and learned about the various products a mill can produce.&nbsp;They milled both hard red winter and soft white wheat in the mill.“Having been in the wheat trading business for 30 years, I found the course to be enlightening,” Sperber said. “The milling side of the course really resonated with me. It was helpful to see the dynamics of the milling process. Milling wheat into flour is much more complex than just grinding the seed. My anticipation was that you ran the wheat through the mill once and you had bran, germ and flour. I had no concept of the streams it went through to maximize the endosperm.”In the baking lab, attendees also learned about the different flour and dough testing methods that end-use customers use to evaluate the quality and functionality of each load of wheat. They also participated in baking tests to see the variation in products like bread, cakes and cookies when using different classes of wheat.&nbsp;“The classroom instruction on the baking and flour qualities was interesting,” said Sperber. “I didn’t know about the care of trying to not damage the starch from the baking side of it.”Tanner agreed, saying, “When you buy a bag of flour, you think it’s flour. I learned about the different flours made from the classes of wheat. In the baking lab, I didn’t get the flour I needed to make a loaf of bread, so instead I made a brick.”Ultimately, the short course pulls back the curtain on the technical aspects of how differences in wheat class and qualities impact the final product on a consumer’s plate. The farmers and staff who attended the course left with valuable knowledge of how to better meet the needs of their customers.&nbsp;Learn more about the technical, research-based training offered by K-State through the IGP Institute at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kAHRaBZvRAcAWhSwKA447VYoZAHdzIKpWtQnIDEw6_z6moOhh7cS4pm_wfC4R1C3InkKMXZGz842n7yZnAhePgqPU9zUfCOZQbzinNPZn8M41kPCVIsMfH2_u_IxhRWN9g6522bZzd674vUzeoWDin9idkIsIuGU&amp;c=NDjRI2srZWb9w8UUk_Zc8e6FNQ4WJjVRCw8zSqEd4_RCc6MsBSPnRA==&amp;ch=kfLe6-nSVc3tdrJ3w5T5VTwG7rnothwijPaVC9OnGL64OL0sBa-4GQ==">grains.k-state.edu/igp/</a>.

Wheat Scoop: Wheat leaders take a deep dive into milling and baking during K-State short course

MARC ANTHONY OLIVER, 18, Manhattan, Attempted murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated; Probation Violation x2; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death; Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied building; Bond $1,000,000

PAUL DANIEL MARPLE, 47, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $4,000

TYLER RANDALL STAATZ, 18, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

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;MARC ANTHONY OLIVER, 18, Manhattan, Attempted murder in the 1st degree; Intentional and premeditated; Probation Violation x2; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death; Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied building; Bond $1,000,000PAUL DANIEL MARPLE, 47, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $4,000TYLER RANDALL STAATZ, 18, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report Dec. 31

Riley County Police Department reported no arrests on the December 30, 2023 report.&nbsp;

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;Riley County Police Department reported no arrests on the December 30, 2023 report.&nbsp;

Riley County Arrest Report Dec. 30

The University of Kansas surveyed more than 200 workers in chain retail settings about their job satisfaction. “They've been treated, in a lot of cases, like a commodity instead of a health care worker,” one industry professional said.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/bek-shackelford">Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Kansas News Service&nbsp;</a>

Pharmacy work is a tough job, according to Amanda Applegate with the Kansas Pharmacists Association. There are, of course, many prescriptions to fill. Filling those also means keeping in mind whether the prescribed medication is best for the patient, whether it is covered by their insurance and more.

And it gets more difficult when it’s inside a bustling retail store, like Walgreens or Target. That’s a recipe for a hectic job.

“If you are in a hospital environment, you don't necessarily have somebody walking by you and asking where the steaks on sale are or where the Tylenol is,” Applegate said. “There is an additional layer of distraction.”

Applegate said retail pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also struggle with performance quotas set by their employers.

A study by professors at the University of Kansas illustrates the differences between pharmacy work in retail and independent or hospital settings.

The study, recently published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(23)00363-1/fulltext" target="_blank">Journal of American Pharmacists Association</a>, surveyed 129 pharmacists and 111 pharmacy technicians at both retail and independent pharmacies in Kansas and Missouri.

Angela Gist-Mackey was the lead author of the paper. Her team began collecting data in 2019 and finished in 2020, just before the pandemic. Survey participants were categorized into three pharmacy settings: retail, independent and health care systems.

Going into the study, Gist-Mackey hypothesized that a person’s role in a pharmacy would determine their overall satisfaction.

“But surprisingly, that was not the case. Role didn't predict any of that,” Gist-Mackey said. “In fact, it was more of the context that people were working in.”

The survey showed that pharmacy workers in retail situations, though paid the same as their independent or hospital pharmacist counterparts, were far less satisfied with pay and benefits.

“Maybe it's because what I have to put up with in my chain pharmacy workplace doesn't seem worth the pay,” Gist-Mackey said.

Applegate agrees. She now serves as director of practice development for the Kansas Pharmacists Association, but she previously worked in the retail pharmacy field for more than a decade. Applegate said the workload at retail pharmacies can often be hard to handle, especially because a lot of retail pharmacies only staff one pharmacist at a time and don’t schedule enough technicians to help.

Concerns about working conditions, pay and staffing came to a head this fall, when workers at CVS and Walgreens stores across the nation walked out. At least a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2023-09-29/kansas-city-cvs-pharmacists-just-walked-out-on-the-job-heres-why" target="_blank">dozen CVS locations</a>&nbsp;in the Kansas City metro, on both sides of the state line, shuttered temporarily while workers were on strike.

Applegate said work safety was one of the No. 1 priorities for striking workers. She said sometimes, retail pharmacists have up to 1,000 prescriptions to fill and not enough support to safely fill them. In addition, they often work long hours without breaks.

“It's oftentimes very hard to step away from that workflow to go to the bathroom, to get a bite to eat, to take a breath after something very difficult has happened,” she said. “That day-to-day environment is a pressure cooker in a lot of cases.”

Applegate said to her knowledge, Walgreens and CVS have made some changes to how stores are operated, but pharmacists are still spread thin.

Gist-Mackey said when she and her team presented their work to editors at the Journal of American Pharmacists editors, they received pushback on their findings.

“One of the reviewers … said, ‘You're taking a stab at retail pharmacies, specifically. I'm not sure that your data really supports this,’” Gist-Mackey said.

The editors dropped their complaints when the strikes began, Gist-Mackey said.

She imagines conditions have gotten worse for retail pharmacy workers post-pandemic, as they are essential health care workers.

During her time at a retail pharmacy, Applegate said her worst shift was on Christmas Eve.

“It's a time of a lot of anxiety; tensions are running high in a lot of cases anyways,” Applegate said. “So something very small may turn into a very big thing that leads to a patient harassing a pharmacist or a member of their staff.”

Applegate said overall, harassment of pharmacists and pharmacy workers is on the rise. During this holiday season, Applegate said she’s received more calls from pharmacy workers reporting harassment in the past two weeks than she has in the past year.

In Applegate’s opinion, a lot of the harassment is because the public does not see pharmacy workers as health care professionals.

“They've been treated, in a lot of cases, like a commodity instead of a health care worker,” she said.

Applegate said customers sometimes don’t understand that pharmacists cannot control things like medicine prices.

“I think the best thing is to be kind to everybody,” Applegate said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703784990382.png" alt="A CVS pharmacy at 9521 Mission Road in Overland Park, Kansas. This location, and about a dozen others in the Kansas City metro, closed temporarily this fall due to staff walkouts. Photo by Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga/Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A CVS pharmacy at 9521 Mission Road in Overland Park, Kansas. This location, and about a dozen others in the Kansas City metro, closed temporarily this fall due to staff walkouts. Photo by Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga/Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The University of Kansas surveyed more than 200 workers in chain retail settings about their job satisfaction. “They've been treated, in a lot of cases, like a commodity instead of a health care worker,” one industry professional said.</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/bek-shackelford">Bek Shackelford-Nwanganga</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Kansas News Service&nbsp;</a>Pharmacy work is a tough job, according to Amanda Applegate with the Kansas Pharmacists Association. There are, of course, many prescriptions to fill. Filling those also means keeping in mind whether the prescribed medication is best for the patient, whether it is covered by their insurance and more.And it gets more difficult when it’s inside a bustling retail store, like Walgreens or Target. That’s a recipe for a hectic job.“If you are in a hospital environment, you don't necessarily have somebody walking by you and asking where the steaks on sale are or where the Tylenol is,” Applegate said. “There is an additional layer of distraction.”Applegate said retail pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also struggle with performance quotas set by their employers.A study by professors at the University of Kansas illustrates the differences between pharmacy work in retail and independent or hospital settings.The study, recently published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(23)00363-1/fulltext" target="_blank">Journal of American Pharmacists Association</a>, surveyed 129 pharmacists and 111 pharmacy technicians at both retail and independent pharmacies in Kansas and Missouri.Angela Gist-Mackey was the lead author of the paper. Her team began collecting data in 2019 and finished in 2020, just before the pandemic. Survey participants were categorized into three pharmacy settings: retail, independent and health care systems.Going into the study, Gist-Mackey hypothesized that a person’s role in a pharmacy would determine their overall satisfaction.“But surprisingly, that was not the case. Role didn't predict any of that,” Gist-Mackey said. “In fact, it was more of the context that people were working in.”The survey showed that pharmacy workers in retail situations, though paid the same as their independent or hospital pharmacist counterparts, were far less satisfied with pay and benefits.“Maybe it's because what I have to put up with in my chain pharmacy workplace doesn't seem worth the pay,” Gist-Mackey said.Applegate agrees. She now serves as director of practice development for the Kansas Pharmacists Association, but she previously worked in the retail pharmacy field for more than a decade. Applegate said the workload at retail pharmacies can often be hard to handle, especially because a lot of retail pharmacies only staff one pharmacist at a time and don’t schedule enough technicians to help.<h2>Retail workers on strike</h2>Concerns about working conditions, pay and staffing came to a head this fall, when workers at CVS and Walgreens stores across the nation walked out. At least a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2023-09-29/kansas-city-cvs-pharmacists-just-walked-out-on-the-job-heres-why" target="_blank">dozen CVS locations</a>&nbsp;in the Kansas City metro, on both sides of the state line, shuttered temporarily while workers were on strike.Applegate said work safety was one of the No. 1 priorities for striking workers. She said sometimes, retail pharmacists have up to 1,000 prescriptions to fill and not enough support to safely fill them. In addition, they often work long hours without breaks.“It's oftentimes very hard to step away from that workflow to go to the bathroom, to get a bite to eat, to take a breath after something very difficult has happened,” she said. “That day-to-day environment is a pressure cooker in a lot of cases.”Applegate said to her knowledge, Walgreens and CVS have made some changes to how stores are operated, but pharmacists are still spread thin.Gist-Mackey said when she and her team presented their work to editors at the Journal of American Pharmacists editors, they received pushback on their findings.“One of the reviewers … said, ‘You're taking a stab at retail pharmacies, specifically. I'm not sure that your data really supports this,’” Gist-Mackey said.The editors dropped their complaints when the strikes began, Gist-Mackey said.She imagines conditions have gotten worse for retail pharmacy workers post-pandemic, as they are essential health care workers.<h2>Holidays pile on stress</h2>During her time at a retail pharmacy, Applegate said her worst shift was on Christmas Eve.“It's a time of a lot of anxiety; tensions are running high in a lot of cases anyways,” Applegate said. “So something very small may turn into a very big thing that leads to a patient harassing a pharmacist or a member of their staff.”Applegate said overall, harassment of pharmacists and pharmacy workers is on the rise. During this holiday season, Applegate said she’s received more calls from pharmacy workers reporting harassment in the past two weeks than she has in the past year.In Applegate’s opinion, a lot of the harassment is because the public does not see pharmacy workers as health care professionals.“They've been treated, in a lot of cases, like a commodity instead of a health care worker,” she said.Applegate said customers sometimes don’t understand that pharmacists cannot control things like medicine prices.“I think the best thing is to be kind to everybody,” Applegate said.

Retail pharmacy workers in Kansas, Missouri are unhappy with their pay and working conditions

MANHATTAN - On Thursday, December 28th, just after 4:00 pm, officers from the Riley County Police Department were called to the 900 block of Humboldt Street, near downtown Manhattan on the report of stolen property.

When officers arrived they found a 59-year-old male and 61-year-old female were victims of theft of property.

The victims reported an unknown suspect broke into their detached garage, taking a Polaris UTV, lawn mower, a generator, a tool box, and other miscellaneous tools.

Police estimate the loss at approximately $30,000 for this reported theft.

Anyone with information can contact <a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. By using Crime Stoppers, information can be reported anonymously and you could qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000 for providing information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703868345785.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Thursday, December 28th, just after 4:00 pm, officers from the Riley County Police Department were called to the 900 block of Humboldt Street, near downtown Manhattan on the report of stolen property.When officers arrived they found a 59-year-old male and 61-year-old female were victims of theft of property.The victims reported an unknown suspect broke into their detached garage, taking a Polaris UTV, lawn mower, a generator, a tool box, and other miscellaneous tools.Police estimate the loss at approximately $30,000 for this reported theft.Anyone with information can contact <a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. By using Crime Stoppers, information can be reported anonymously and you could qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000 for providing information.

Polaris UTV, lawn mower, generator and other tools stolen from MHK residence

ALEXANDER KALEO MEWSHAW, 30, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $500

CHRISTOPHER SIMS, 31, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $500

MANU BENADA REVADA, 40, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $1,500

JAMES EDWARD DWYER, 38, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750

DAVID LEE HUFFMAN, 42, Ogden, Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 1st conviction; Making false information x2; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 1st conviction; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Giving worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $40,000

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;ALEXANDER KALEO MEWSHAW, 30, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $500CHRISTOPHER SIMS, 31, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $500MANU BENADA REVADA, 40, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $1,500JAMES EDWARD DWYER, 38, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750DAVID LEE HUFFMAN, 42, Ogden, Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Forgery; Distributing or issuing written instrument; 1st conviction; Making false information x2; Theft by deception; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Forgery; Making or altering a written instrument; 1st conviction; Identity theft; Defraud to receive benefits &lt;$100,000; Giving worthless check; Value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $40,000

Riley County Arrest Report Dec. 29

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just after 10a.m. Thursday, police arrested 42-year-old David Huffman of Ogden, in the 200 block of North Walnut Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Huffman was jailed on a Riley County District Court warrant for identity theft specifically to defraud or receive benefits, theft of property or services, forgery through distributing or issuing a written instrument, making false information, theft by deception, forgery via making or altering a written instrument, and giving a worthless check. Huffman was issued a total bond of $40,000.

Huffman has previous convictions for making a false writing, burglary and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

He is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703864538910.png" alt="Huffman-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Huffman-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just after 10a.m. Thursday, police arrested 42-year-old David Huffman of Ogden, in the 200 block of North Walnut Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Huffman was jailed on a Riley County District Court warrant for identity theft specifically to defraud or receive benefits, theft of property or services, forgery through distributing or issuing a written instrument, making false information, theft by deception, forgery via making or altering a written instrument, and giving a worthless check. Huffman was issued a total bond of $40,000.Huffman has previous convictions for making a false writing, burglary and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.He is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

RCPD: Kansas felon accused of new financial crimes

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

at the intersection of Commons Place and Southwind Road in Manhattan on December 28, 2023, around 7:04 PM. 

A 2017 Hyundai Veloster driven by Harold Hughes III, 25, of Manhattan was involved in a crash with a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by Elias Matteson of Manhattan&nbsp;at the intersection of Commons Place and Southwind Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported a passenger of Matteson’s vehicle to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. Hughes III was cited for inattentive driving

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Thursday in Riley County.at the intersection of Commons Place and Southwind Road in Manhattan on December 28, 2023, around 7:04 PM. A 2017 Hyundai Veloster driven by Harold Hughes III, 25, of Manhattan was involved in a crash with a 2006 Hyundai Elantra driven by Elias Matteson of Manhattan&nbsp;at the intersection of Commons Place and Southwind Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported a passenger of Matteson’s vehicle to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries. Hughes III was cited for inattentive driving

One person injured after 2-vehicle crash in Manhattan

MANHATTAN - On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, the Flint Hills Bridal Show returns to the K-State Alumni Center from Noon to 3:00 pm.

The Flint Hills Bridal Show features one-of-a-kind experience for people planning their upcoming weddings.

“Our goal is to provide the best services to couples in the area and we are grateful to have been able to do that for the past 30 years,” said Scott Karnes, Owner of Complete Weddings + Events and sponsor of the Flint Hills Bridal Show.

“Over the years we have seen more and more couples plan their weddings digitally, however bridal shows seem to still be popular as they give you that face-to-face interaction with your potential vendors and it provides inspiration to help make some of those big decisions.” Said Tara Grubb, Wedding Coordinator for Complete Weddings + Events and Producer of the Flint Hills Bridal Show.

With more than 40 vendors attending the bridal showcase event, planning the big day gets a little easier with the variety of vendors on hand.

From photographers, venues, florists, DJs, to decoraters, caterers and sweet treats, and other ideas for the big day will be available throughout the event.

There will be prize drawings, including a 3-night stay at the El Dorado Royale resort in Mexico provided by CARE Travel as well as a glass of champagne available for the first 100 registered attendees.

More information about the Flint Hills Bridal show can be found at <a href="https://www.flinthillsbridalshow.com/">FlintHillsBridalShow.com</a>.

Couples can pre-register for the event through the website above.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703794193105.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Sunday, January 7th, 2024, the Flint Hills Bridal Show returns to the K-State Alumni Center from Noon to 3:00 pm.The Flint Hills Bridal Show features one-of-a-kind experience for people planning their upcoming weddings.“Our goal is to provide the best services to couples in the area and we are grateful to have been able to do that for the past 30 years,” said Scott Karnes, Owner of Complete Weddings + Events and sponsor of the Flint Hills Bridal Show.“Over the years we have seen more and more couples plan their weddings digitally, however bridal shows seem to still be popular as they give you that face-to-face interaction with your potential vendors and it provides inspiration to help make some of those big decisions.” Said Tara Grubb, Wedding Coordinator for Complete Weddings + Events and Producer of the Flint Hills Bridal Show.With more than 40 vendors attending the bridal showcase event, planning the big day gets a little easier with the variety of vendors on hand.From photographers, venues, florists, DJs, to decoraters, caterers and sweet treats, and other ideas for the big day will be available throughout the event.There will be prize drawings, including a 3-night stay at the El Dorado Royale resort in Mexico provided by CARE Travel as well as a glass of champagne available for the first 100 registered attendees.More information about the Flint Hills Bridal show can be found at <a href="https://www.flinthillsbridalshow.com/">FlintHillsBridalShow.com</a>.Couples can pre-register for the event through the website above.

30th annual Flint Hills Bridal Show returns to MHK in January

BARTON COUNTY —Six people were injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Barton County

A 2004 Toyota Prius driven by 32-year-old Matthew Burg of Claflin was southbound on Northeast 130 Avenue at Kansas 156, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703781337843.jpeg" alt="photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Six people were injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Barton CountyA 2004 Toyota Prius driven by 32-year-old Matthew Burg of Claflin was southbound on Northeast 130 Avenue at Kansas 156, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign crossing K156. An easbound 2018 Ford F150 driven by 55-year-old Laura Trinkle of Manhattan struck the Prius. Upon impact, both vehicles traveled northeast before coming to rest in a field.EMS transported Burg, as well as two juvenile occupants of the Prius, ages one and three, to the hospital in Great Bend. Burg and the one-year-old were later transferred to a Wichita-area hospital with serious injuries, according Bellendir.Trinkle, as well as two passengers, ages 82 and 59, were transported to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries.