WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A National Weather Service storm survey found two tornadoes from Wednesday storms, both preliminarily rated EF-2, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.

The first tornado occurred at 7:45p.m. in largely rural area of Wabaunsee County between Alta Vista and Alma. It had maximum winds of 115mph, traveled 8.8 miles in 30 minutes and was approximately 400 yards wide.

The second tornado occurred at 8:27p.m. just outside of Rossville in Shawnee County.

 It had estimated peak winds of 120 mph, traveled 4.7 miles in 19 minutes and was approximately 200 yards wide. There were no injuries reported from the tornadoes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710412618549.png" alt="Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY—A National Weather Service storm survey found two tornadoes from Wednesday storms, both preliminarily rated EF-2, according to the National Weather Service in Topeka.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710462833711.png" alt="Path of the Wabaunsee Co. tornado" />
 <figcaption>Path of the Wabaunsee Co. tornado</figcaption>
 </figure>The first tornado occurred at 7:45p.m. in largely rural area of Wabaunsee County between Alta Vista and Alma. It had maximum winds of 115mph, traveled 8.8 miles in 30 minutes and was approximately 400 yards wide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710463105180.png" alt="Path of the Shawnee Co. Storm" />
 <figcaption>Path of the Shawnee Co. Storm</figcaption>
 </figure>The second tornado occurred at 8:27p.m. just outside of Rossville in Shawnee County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710463344737.png" alt="Repairing tornado damage in Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Repairing tornado damage in Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> It had estimated peak winds of 120 mph, traveled 4.7 miles in 19 minutes and was approximately 200 yards wide. There were no injuries reported from the tornadoes.

NWS: Wabaunsee Co. tornado rated EF2

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - kstate CREDIT UNION presented a check to the Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters on March 13th for $7,387.50.

This donation was made possible following kstate CREDIT UNION's annual 'Skip-A-Pay' program. This program allows credit union members to skip either their November or December loan payments for a fee with a portion of the fee proceeds being donated to a local organization.

“This donation truly comes from our members, and we are excited it is being donated to such an amazing organization in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides one-to-one mentorship and resources to youth and truly changes lives of the kids and the adults that are a part of it." LaRae Kraemer, President/CEO for kstate CREDIT UNION says.

“I am overwhelmed by the support of kstate CREDIT UNION and their members. Their donation will support 6 Littles on our waiting list matching with their new Big Brother or Sister. Their continued partnership is testament to their commitment of investing into their local community.” says Michelle Sink, Area Director for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters.&nbsp;

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters help children realize their potential and build their futures through professionally supported matches. Together we empower our youth and strengthen communities.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters visit <a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org">https://www.kansasbigs.org</a>. For more information about kstate CREDIT UNION visit <a href="https://www.kstatecu.com">www.kstatecu.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710445950758.jpeg" alt="kstate CU check presentation to Big Brothers Big Sisters" />
 <figcaption>kstate CU check presentation to Big Brothers Big Sisters</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - kstate CREDIT UNION presented a check to the Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters on March 13th for $7,387.50.This donation was made possible following kstate CREDIT UNION's annual 'Skip-A-Pay' program. This program allows credit union members to skip either their November or December loan payments for a fee with a portion of the fee proceeds being donated to a local organization.“This donation truly comes from our members, and we are excited it is being donated to such an amazing organization in our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides one-to-one mentorship and resources to youth and truly changes lives of the kids and the adults that are a part of it." LaRae Kraemer, President/CEO for kstate CREDIT UNION says.“I am overwhelmed by the support of kstate CREDIT UNION and their members. Their donation will support 6 Littles on our waiting list matching with their new Big Brother or Sister. Their continued partnership is testament to their commitment of investing into their local community.” says Michelle Sink, Area Director for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters.&nbsp;Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters help children realize their potential and build their futures through professionally supported matches. Together we empower our youth and strengthen communities.For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters visit <a href="https://www.kansasbigs.org">https://www.kansasbigs.org</a>. For more information about kstate CREDIT UNION visit <a href="https://www.kstatecu.com">www.kstatecu.com</a>.

Kstate Credit Union donates over $7K to Big Brothers Big Sisters

<a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES</a> K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;

A trio of Kansas State University graduate students recently reported their findings regarding threats to the animals that graze the Kansas prairie – and the impact of prescribed fire on those threats.

They reported their findings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day/">during K-State’s recent Cattlemen’s Day</a>, which highlights cattle-related research being conducted at the university.

The students’ multi-year research projects compared the effects of prescribed burning of pastures in spring, summer and fall.

Zach Duncan, who completed the doctoral degree in ruminant nutrition last December, compared the effects of burning in the three seasons on the growth performance of stocker cattle. The study zeroed in on how fire reduces the growth of sericea lespedeza, an invasive weed that has degraded more than 600,000 acres of native Kansas rangeland – most of that in the Flint Hills region.

“Flint Hills ranches traditionally apply a spring-season fire in April, then intensively graze yearling beef cattle from May to August,” Duncan said. “Unfortunately, this practice has not limited the proliferation of sericea lespedeza.”

Previous research at K-State led by range management specialist KC Olson determined that burning in August or September reduces the presence of sericea lespedeza, but that practice has been limited, Duncan said, “because burning pastures later in the year could have unknown major effects on the growth performance of stocker cattle during the next grazing season.”

The six-year study studied the effects of fire in spring, summer and fall with nearly 2,000 yearling beef cattle grazing the land. Duncan said the results indicate shifting burning from August to October reduced yearling stocker cattle weight gains by 10-14 pounds during a 90-day grazing season.

Ranchers should weigh that finding, however, against the reduced need for herbicides against sericea lespedeza, improved wildlife habitat, and the reduced downwind impacts of smoke on air quality, Duncan said.

In another study, Andrea Salazar – a K-State doctoral candidate in entomology – found that spring- and summer-burned pastures had lower counts of ticks compared to fall-burned areas.

High tick burdens on cattle, Salazar said, results in decreased production, anemia, skin irritations, pruritus (itching) and stress.

“Furthermore, ticks serve as vectors for diverse pathogens, such as bacteria, protozoa and parasites, leading to diseases in animals and humans,” she said.

The study was conducted at K-State’s Beef Stocker Unit west of the Manhattan campus. Salazar said three tick species were found: The Lone Star tick, American dog tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. “Significantly fewer ticks were collected from fire-treated areas compared to non-burned areas during eight months of sampling,” she said.

“Among seasonally burned areas, tick counts in fall pastures were higher than summer and spring pastures,” Salazar added.

“The findings suggest that consistent annual burning of grazing areas, particularly when conducted in the spring, holds the potential to substantially diminish tick populations. This approach presents an efficient non-chemical method for tick control. The strategic timing of prescribed fires is crucial, aligning them with conditions that target specific tick species during vulnerable phases in their life cycle to optimize the impact on tick control.”

The choice of when to burn does not seem to make a difference in protecting populations of dung beetles, an important part of the pasture ecosystem. First-year entomology graduate student Herman Griese said “the difference was not significant” in a study that looked at spring, summer and fall prescribed burns.

Dung beetles feed on or store feces to provide housing and food for their young, which in turn transports nutrients to the subsoil and improves nutrient cycling, soil structure and forage growth on the prairie.

For farmers, the benefits to their land and livestock herds also are real: reduced parasite pressure, better aeration, reduced compaction, reduced runoff after rain events and decreased ammonia levels.

“Based on our study, ranchers who are worried about killing their decomposers (such as dung beetles) by burning their pastures can choose what time of year to burn based on other desired outcomes,” Griese said.

The full listing of research reports presented during the 2024 K-State Cattlemen’s Day is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/beef/focusareas/24_CattlemensDaySummary.pdf">available online</a>.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e75818b1-80eb-49fc-a472-5e13faca548b">Propane Central celebrates retirement for 26-year employee</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710440580581.jpeg" alt="Recent research on the effects of prescribed burning in Kansas has looked at benefits to the ecosystem. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Recent research on the effects of prescribed burning in Kansas has looked at benefits to the ecosystem. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES</a> K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;A trio of Kansas State University graduate students recently reported their findings regarding threats to the animals that graze the Kansas prairie – and the impact of prescribed fire on those threats.They reported their findings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day/">during K-State’s recent Cattlemen’s Day</a>, which highlights cattle-related research being conducted at the university.The students’ multi-year research projects compared the effects of prescribed burning of pastures in spring, summer and fall.Zach Duncan, who completed the doctoral degree in ruminant nutrition last December, compared the effects of burning in the three seasons on the growth performance of stocker cattle. The study zeroed in on how fire reduces the growth of sericea lespedeza, an invasive weed that has degraded more than 600,000 acres of native Kansas rangeland – most of that in the Flint Hills region.“Flint Hills ranches traditionally apply a spring-season fire in April, then intensively graze yearling beef cattle from May to August,” Duncan said. “Unfortunately, this practice has not limited the proliferation of sericea lespedeza.”Previous research at K-State led by range management specialist KC Olson determined that burning in August or September reduces the presence of sericea lespedeza, but that practice has been limited, Duncan said, “because burning pastures later in the year could have unknown major effects on the growth performance of stocker cattle during the next grazing season.”The six-year study studied the effects of fire in spring, summer and fall with nearly 2,000 yearling beef cattle grazing the land. Duncan said the results indicate shifting burning from August to October reduced yearling stocker cattle weight gains by 10-14 pounds during a 90-day grazing season.Ranchers should weigh that finding, however, against the reduced need for herbicides against sericea lespedeza, improved wildlife habitat, and the reduced downwind impacts of smoke on air quality, Duncan said.In another study, Andrea Salazar – a K-State doctoral candidate in entomology – found that spring- and summer-burned pastures had lower counts of ticks compared to fall-burned areas.High tick burdens on cattle, Salazar said, results in decreased production, anemia, skin irritations, pruritus (itching) and stress.“Furthermore, ticks serve as vectors for diverse pathogens, such as bacteria, protozoa and parasites, leading to diseases in animals and humans,” she said.The study was conducted at K-State’s Beef Stocker Unit west of the Manhattan campus. Salazar said three tick species were found: The Lone Star tick, American dog tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. “Significantly fewer ticks were collected from fire-treated areas compared to non-burned areas during eight months of sampling,” she said.“Among seasonally burned areas, tick counts in fall pastures were higher than summer and spring pastures,” Salazar added.“The findings suggest that consistent annual burning of grazing areas, particularly when conducted in the spring, holds the potential to substantially diminish tick populations. This approach presents an efficient non-chemical method for tick control. The strategic timing of prescribed fires is crucial, aligning them with conditions that target specific tick species during vulnerable phases in their life cycle to optimize the impact on tick control.”The choice of when to burn does not seem to make a difference in protecting populations of dung beetles, an important part of the pasture ecosystem. First-year entomology graduate student Herman Griese said “the difference was not significant” in a study that looked at spring, summer and fall prescribed burns.Dung beetles feed on or store feces to provide housing and food for their young, which in turn transports nutrients to the subsoil and improves nutrient cycling, soil structure and forage growth on the prairie.For farmers, the benefits to their land and livestock herds also are real: reduced parasite pressure, better aeration, reduced compaction, reduced runoff after rain events and decreased ammonia levels.“Based on our study, ranchers who are worried about killing their decomposers (such as dung beetles) by burning their pastures can choose what time of year to burn based on other desired outcomes,” Griese said.The full listing of research reports presented during the 2024 K-State Cattlemen’s Day is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/beef/focusareas/24_CattlemensDaySummary.pdf">available online</a>.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e75818b1-80eb-49fc-a472-5e13faca548b">Propane Central celebrates retirement for 26-year employee</a>

K-State Cattleman’s Day: Students present research on impacts of prescribed burning

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;

AMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Failure to appear; Bond $500

JADE NACHELLE JENKINS, 21, Wichita, Sexual battery; Arrested and released on bond by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office on 3/7/2024

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;AMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Failure to appear; Bond $500JADE NACHELLE JENKINS, 21, Wichita, Sexual battery; Arrested and released on bond by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office on 3/7/2024

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 14

The Central Kansas Extension District will host an&nbsp;Upland Game Bird Biology and Management program on Wednesday, April 10&nbsp;in the Saline County 4-H Building in Salina.&nbsp;This informational session is an opportunity for land managers and wildlife enthusiasts who have an interest in developing habitat and enhancing game populations to learn about the various programs, services, and resources that are available to help them meet their goals.

Starting at&nbsp;5:30 p.m.,&nbsp;the Central Kansas District 4-H Shooting Sports project members will be serving a BBQ dinner&nbsp;by freewill donation. &nbsp;Youth will also be selling raffle tickets for various&nbsp;prize drawings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds will go to support&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;youth enrolled in the shotgun, archery, bb gun, air rifle, muzzleloader, and hunting skills disciplines.

Dr. Drew Ricketts, K-State Research&nbsp;and&nbsp;Extension Wildlife Specialist,&nbsp;will begin the&nbsp;educational&nbsp;program&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;with a presentation on the biology, habitat requirements and general management&nbsp;of&nbsp;pheasant, quail and other upland game birds in Kansas. &nbsp;Following will be Pat Riese, Wildlife Biologist with Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks. &nbsp;He&nbsp;will highlightnumerous technical assistance and financial resources&nbsp;including&nbsp;cost-share and incentive programs&nbsp;available throughout the state. &nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp;an outlook and forecast&nbsp;on game bird populations and strategy&nbsp;will&nbsp;be offered.

To get an accurate count for the meal, registrations&nbsp;are requested by Wednesday, April 3. &nbsp;For more information&nbsp;or to RSVP, please contact the CKD Extension Office in&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;at (785) 309-5850.

K-State Research and ExtensionThe Central Kansas Extension District will host an&nbsp;Upland Game Bird Biology and Management program on Wednesday, April 10&nbsp;in the Saline County 4-H Building in Salina.&nbsp;This informational session is an opportunity for land managers and wildlife enthusiasts who have an interest in developing habitat and enhancing game populations to learn about the various programs, services, and resources that are available to help them meet their goals.Starting at&nbsp;5:30 p.m.,&nbsp;the Central Kansas District 4-H Shooting Sports project members will be serving a BBQ dinner&nbsp;by freewill donation. &nbsp;Youth will also be selling raffle tickets for various&nbsp;prize drawings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds will go to support&nbsp;4-H&nbsp;youth enrolled in the shotgun, archery, bb gun, air rifle, muzzleloader, and hunting skills disciplines.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710424434971.jpeg" alt="Upland Game Bird Biology and Management flyer. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Upland Game Bird Biology and Management flyer. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. Drew Ricketts, K-State Research&nbsp;and&nbsp;Extension Wildlife Specialist,&nbsp;will begin the&nbsp;educational&nbsp;program&nbsp;at 6:30 p.m.&nbsp;with a presentation on the biology, habitat requirements and general management&nbsp;of&nbsp;pheasant, quail and other upland game birds in Kansas. &nbsp;Following will be Pat Riese, Wildlife Biologist with Kansas Department of Wildlife &amp; Parks. &nbsp;He&nbsp;will highlightnumerous technical assistance and financial resources&nbsp;including&nbsp;cost-share and incentive programs&nbsp;available throughout the state. &nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp;an outlook and forecast&nbsp;on game bird populations and strategy&nbsp;will&nbsp;be offered.To get an accurate count for the meal, registrations&nbsp;are requested by Wednesday, April 3. &nbsp;For more information&nbsp;or to RSVP, please contact the CKD Extension Office in&nbsp;Salina&nbsp;at (785) 309-5850.

4-H Shooting Sports fundraiser featuring upland game bird program

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged theft in Riley County.

Just before 7p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of theft in the 1800 block of College Heights Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 65 year-old-man reported that a known suspect had stolen his aluminum boat and trailer. The total estimated loss in this case is approximately $1,000.

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

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged theft in Riley County.Just before 7p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of theft in the 1800 block of College Heights Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 65 year-old-man reported that a known suspect had stolen his aluminum boat and trailer. The total estimated loss in this case is approximately $1,000.Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect stole aluminum boat and trailer

WABAUNSEE COUNTY — a significant weather event occurred in and around Wabaunsee County, according to a social media report from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.

 It appears that the cities in the county were not struck by any of the reported tornadoes. At least 1/2 dozen tornadoes and up to baseball sized hail were confirmed by trained spotters and sheriff's office personnel.

 There has been damage reported to structures in the rural area.  Officers are still making assessments at this time.  No injuries have been reported at this time.  Wabaunsee County Emergency Management will make a full assessment starting at first light and give any further press releases in regards to this storm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710412618549.png" alt="Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY — a significant weather event occurred in and around Wabaunsee County, according to a social media report from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. It appears that the cities in the county were not struck by any of the reported tornadoes. At least 1/2 dozen tornadoes and up to baseball sized hail were confirmed by trained spotters and sheriff's office personnel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710412661291.png" alt="Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure> There has been damage reported to structures in the rural area. Officers are still making assessments at this time. No injuries have been reported at this time. Wabaunsee County Emergency Management will make a full assessment starting at first light and give any further press releases in regards to this storm.

Tornadoes, large hail reported in Wabaunsee County

Just before 8:30 pm on Wednesday, March 13th, Riley County Public Information Officer notified area media that the KBI has notified Emergency Management officials of Everbridge weather alert messages not working properly

“We are aware that weather messages are not being received in both Kansas and Missouri. We are currently working with the NWS to resolve the issue. Please use alternate means to monitor weather (cell, tv, radio, weather radio, or websites.)”&nbsp;

MESSAGE FROM KANSAS BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710379677859.png" alt="Everbridge logo " />
 <figcaption>Everbridge logo </figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 8:30 pm on Wednesday, March 13th, Riley County Public Information Officer notified area media that the KBI has notified Emergency Management officials of Everbridge weather alert messages not working properly“We are aware that weather messages are not being received in both Kansas and Missouri. We are currently working with the NWS to resolve the issue. Please use alternate means to monitor weather (cell, tv, radio, weather radio, or websites.)”&nbsp;MESSAGE FROM KANSAS BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

KBI: Everbridge alert system is down

JAKOB WALLACE AUSTIN, 25, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Abuse order per KSA 63105, 63106, 63107; Bond $2,000

THOMAS MICHAEL OLLER, 21, St. George, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500

RICHARD ARLEN TAYLOR JR, 37, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $3,000

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;JAKOB WALLACE AUSTIN, 25, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Abuse order per KSA 63105, 63106, 63107; Bond $2,000THOMAS MICHAEL OLLER, 21, St. George, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500RICHARD ARLEN TAYLOR JR, 37, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $3,000

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 13

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — VA announced last week that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are eligible to enroll.

"We started with the PACT Act last year," Herndon said. "It modified existing law and made three new categories of Veterans eligible for VA health care. That was supposed to be phased in, those three new categories, through 2034. President Biden, last year, Veteran's Day said, I'd like to see us get rid of that. Secretary McDonough and his staff have been working hard to develop some new rules. Effective March 5, every one of those three categories of Veterans is eligible for health care, right now."

Any Veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) at home or abroad is eligible for VA health care.

"We're using the term TERA," Herndon said. "If you come in and sit down and talk with us, it's a little easier to say that. Toxic exposure risk activity is a bit of a tongue twister. Occupational hazards include jobs where you had to work with asbestos, industrial solvents, lead, paints that include the chemical agent resistant coating, which those of us in the military know as CARC paint, and then firefighting foams. Those are just a few examples. There's a lot of other examples. It's a very long list of toxic exposure risks that service members may have been subjected to, especially if it's something that is tracked through a tracking record system."

VA will use all available information to determine if Veterans participated in a TERA, including military records and service connection. 

You can come into the Hutchinson VA Clinic at 1625 East 30th to get your questions answered during their business hours weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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/2022/4/1650578121737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — VA announced last week that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military – at home or abroad – are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are eligible to enroll in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States are eligible to enroll."We started with the PACT Act last year," Herndon said. "It modified existing law and made three new categories of Veterans eligible for VA health care. That was supposed to be phased in, those three new categories, through 2034. President Biden, last year, Veteran's Day said, I'd like to see us get rid of that. Secretary McDonough and his staff have been working hard to develop some new rules. Effective March 5, every one of those three categories of Veterans is eligible for health care, right now."Any Veteran who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) at home or abroad is eligible for VA health care."We're using the term TERA," Herndon said. "If you come in and sit down and talk with us, it's a little easier to say that. Toxic exposure risk activity is a bit of a tongue twister. Occupational hazards include jobs where you had to work with asbestos, industrial solvents, lead, paints that include the chemical agent resistant coating, which those of us in the military know as CARC paint, and then firefighting foams. Those are just a few examples. There's a lot of other examples. It's a very long list of toxic exposure risks that service members may have been subjected to, especially if it's something that is tracked through a tracking record system."VA will use all available information to determine if Veterans participated in a TERA, including military records and service connection. You can come into the Hutchinson VA Clinic at 1625 East 30th to get your questions answered during their business hours weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

VA: PACT Act full rollout moved up

MANHATTAN — A Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;researcher aims to ensure the sustainability of Kansas water resources in crop production by creating a tool that can generate future climate scenarios and allow producers the knowledge and insight needed to adjust toward climate-smart practices.

<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/people/faculty/sharda-v/">Vaishali Sharda</a>, assistant professor in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/">Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering</a>, has received a more than $500,000&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/faculty-early-career-development-program-career">National Science Foundation Early Career Development Program award</a>, known as a CAREER award, to develop and refine these models.

The five-year project, "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2339529">CAS-Climate: Multiscale Data and Model Synthesis Informed Approach for Assessing Climate Resilience of Crop Production Systems</a>," intends to create an all-in-one system that can help crop producers better sustain water resources, as well as manage nutrients and soils, by combining inputs from on-the-ground sensors and satellite and remotely sensed data.

“Ensuring the sustainability of water resources, especially under a changing climate and increasingly extreme weather conditions, necessitates a shift in farming practices," Sharda said. "There is a need to integrate scientific and engineering expertise, assess a range of scenarios and develop resilience metrics to prolong the viability of nonrenewable water resources."

The project will build research and educational capacity for developing and refining modeling capabilities across different scales in space and time by linking a variety of data sources with a novel modeling framework capable of generating multiple outcomes for crop production under future climate scenarios.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710333108039.png" alt="Vaishali Sharda, assistant professor in the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, will use a National Science Foundation CAREER award to develop a tool that Kansas farmers can use to implement climate-smart practices and improve water sustainability." />
 <figcaption>Vaishali Sharda, assistant professor in the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, will use a National Science Foundation CAREER award to develop a tool that Kansas farmers can use to implement climate-smart practices and improve water sustainability.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Grant GuggisbergMANHATTAN — A Kansas State University&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;researcher aims to ensure the sustainability of Kansas water resources in crop production by creating a tool that can generate future climate scenarios and allow producers the knowledge and insight needed to adjust toward climate-smart practices.<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/people/faculty/sharda-v/">Vaishali Sharda</a>, assistant professor in the&nbsp;<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/">Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering</a>, has received a more than $500,000&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/faculty-early-career-development-program-career">National Science Foundation Early Career Development Program award</a>, known as a CAREER award, to develop and refine these models.The five-year project, "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2339529">CAS-Climate: Multiscale Data and Model Synthesis Informed Approach for Assessing Climate Resilience of Crop Production Systems</a>," intends to create an all-in-one system that can help crop producers better sustain water resources, as well as manage nutrients and soils, by combining inputs from on-the-ground sensors and satellite and remotely sensed data.“Ensuring the sustainability of water resources, especially under a changing climate and increasingly extreme weather conditions, necessitates a shift in farming practices," Sharda said. "There is a need to integrate scientific and engineering expertise, assess a range of scenarios and develop resilience metrics to prolong the viability of nonrenewable water resources."The project will build research and educational capacity for developing and refining modeling capabilities across different scales in space and time by linking a variety of data sources with a novel modeling framework capable of generating multiple outcomes for crop production under future climate scenarios.

K-State engineer receives NSF award to help prepare farmers for future climates

MANHATTAN - On Thursday, March 14th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, the Flint Hills Discovery Center will host it's first event in anticipation of the total solar eclipse to be visible on April 8, 2024.

'Go See It!: Total Solar Eclipse' is a presentation by Professor Chris Sorensen.

Sorensen will explain to attendees what to expect on the day of the total solar eclipse and how to safely experience it.

The presentation is free and open to the public on the first floor of the Discovery Center, exhibits will be closed during the presentation.

Christopher Sorensen is the Cortelyou-Rust University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Physics at Kansas State University and Vice President for Research and Design at Hydrograph, a startup based on his discoveries. He is an avid amateur astronomer who is spearheading the Solar Eclipse viewing activities at K-State. He has won numerous teaching awards and enjoys sharing his love of the night sky with others.

More information on all of the events associated with the solar eclipse can be found on the FHDC website at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=d2d56de282&amp;e=ae94a9aa01" target="_blank">flinthillsdiscovery.org/solareclipse</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710261893820.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Thursday, March 14th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, the Flint Hills Discovery Center will host it's first event in anticipation of the total solar eclipse to be visible on April 8, 2024.'Go See It!: Total Solar Eclipse' is a presentation by Professor Chris Sorensen.Sorensen will explain to attendees what to expect on the day of the total solar eclipse and how to safely experience it.The presentation is free and open to the public on the first floor of the Discovery Center, exhibits will be closed during the presentation.Christopher Sorensen is the Cortelyou-Rust University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Physics at Kansas State University and Vice President for Research and Design at Hydrograph, a startup based on his discoveries. He is an avid amateur astronomer who is spearheading the Solar Eclipse viewing activities at K-State. He has won numerous teaching awards and enjoys sharing his love of the night sky with others.More information on all of the events associated with the solar eclipse can be found on the FHDC website at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=d2d56de282&amp;e=ae94a9aa01" target="_blank">flinthillsdiscovery.org/solareclipse</a>.

FHDC hosts Solar Eclipse Presentation

By JON NICCUM University of Kansas News Service

Inmates face numerous difficulties upon reentry into society. Public health care services are not always easily accessible to them while making this transition.

“Recidivism is an expensive and tragic societal problem," said David Slusky, a professor of economics at the University of Kansas. “In addition to designing new policies to help reduce it, policymakers also want to understand what existing policies and programs could help.”&nbsp;

His new paper titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w31971">“Accessing the Safety Net: How Medicaid Affects Health and Recidivism”</a>&nbsp;addresses this by estimating the causal impact of access to means-tested public health insurance coverage on health outcomes and recidivism for those recently released from incarceration. It finds that reducing barriers in access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations increases enrollment and utilization of health care services, but it does not reduce 1-year or 3-year recidivism. This suggests the effectiveness of such policies is context-dependent.

The findings appear as a working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research.

“The U.S. makes it very difficult for those released from prison to rejoin the formal economy,” said Slusky, who co-wrote the article with Analisa Packham of Vanderbilt University.&nbsp;

“Many mundane tasks for the general population are extremely difficult, if not impossible, including housing, employment and voting. Many individuals see continued criminal activity as their best economic option.”&nbsp;

The U.S. boasts an incarcerated percentage of its population that is much higher than other countries, which also leads to a much higher incidence of recidivism. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly half of those returning to the community are rearrested within one year, and 77% are rearrested within five years.

As noted in “Accessing the Safety Net,” a large proportion of inmates have high rates of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as severe mental health disorders and substance use issues, which can lead to a higher likelihood of recidivism. But despite the need for timely and continuous access to care, many offenders do not receive necessary medical treatment.&nbsp;

To study these issues, Slusky focused on South Carolina, a non-Medicaid expansion state that implemented a 2016 policy to more easily re-enroll previously incarcerated individuals in the Medicaid program.

“The South Carolina program we studied was relatively limited in its scale and resources," Slusky said. “Other states. such as Wisconsin, &nbsp;introduced far more expansive pre-release enrollment assistance. And many other states also changed their laws to allow those beginning incarceration who were on Medicaid to suspend their benefits instead of being terminated so they could much more easily and quickly be reactivated upon release.”

In terms of a strategy to combat this issue, some states are now exploring enrolling inmates on Medicaid while they are incarcerated, in the hopes that it will deliver better and more efficient care then and increase continuity of care before and after release.

However, Slusky found no evidence that people with easier access to Medicaid are less likely to commit future violent or property crimes.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>

So what exactly is the benefit for the community if this doesn’t curb crime?“Medicaid has been shown in many other cases to improve economic and financial outcomes and make individuals less likely to skip necessary medical care due to cost,” he said. “We also do see increased overall healthcare utilization from the policy change, which is evidence individuals are getting more care — which is the outcome most directly affected by increased insurance rates.”

A KU faculty member since 2015, Slusky specializes in health economics and labor economics. He has conducted research on a wide variety of topics, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/11/03/flint-water-crisis-affected-timing-pediatric-lead-testing-not-quantity-study-finds">Flint water crisis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2020/11/06/surgical-abortion-restriction-did-not-decrease-clinic-visits-during-pandemic">COVID-19 restrictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2018/04/09/texas-womens-clinic-restrictions-increased-fertility-rate-unmarried-women-study-finds">abortion care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2024/01/29/physicians-experience-worse-birth-outcomes-lawyers-study-finds">physician birth outcomes</a>. He is currently interim chair of KU’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing. In 2022, he was named&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/01/18/ku-professor-david-slusky-selected-direct-national-organization-health-economists">executive director</a>&nbsp;of the American Society of Health Economics.

“There are limits to what can be done in non-Medicaid expansion states as enrollment assistance programs can only help those who are eligible,” Slusky said.

“It’s very difficult to scale up a program like the one in South Carolina. Despite all of the effort and expense, we just don’t see that large an increase in the share of released individuals who end up on Medicaid. There is just only so much that non-expansion states can do to help those in need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710256633655.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JON NICCUM University of Kansas News ServiceInmates face numerous difficulties upon reentry into society. Public health care services are not always easily accessible to them while making this transition.“Recidivism is an expensive and tragic societal problem," said David Slusky, a professor of economics at the University of Kansas. “In addition to designing new policies to help reduce it, policymakers also want to understand what existing policies and programs could help.”&nbsp;His new paper titled&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w31971">“Accessing the Safety Net: How Medicaid Affects Health and Recidivism”</a>&nbsp;addresses this by estimating the causal impact of access to means-tested public health insurance coverage on health outcomes and recidivism for those recently released from incarceration. It finds that reducing barriers in access to Medicaid for vulnerable populations increases enrollment and utilization of health care services, but it does not reduce 1-year or 3-year recidivism. This suggests the effectiveness of such policies is context-dependent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710256681851.jpeg" alt="David Slusky. Image courtesy KU News Service" />
 <figcaption>David Slusky. Image courtesy KU News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>The findings appear as a working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research.“The U.S. makes it very difficult for those released from prison to rejoin the formal economy,” said Slusky, who co-wrote the article with Analisa Packham of Vanderbilt University.&nbsp;“Many mundane tasks for the general population are extremely difficult, if not impossible, including housing, employment and voting. Many individuals see continued criminal activity as their best economic option.”&nbsp;The U.S. boasts an incarcerated percentage of its population that is much higher than other countries, which also leads to a much higher incidence of recidivism. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly half of those returning to the community are rearrested within one year, and 77% are rearrested within five years.As noted in “Accessing the Safety Net,” a large proportion of inmates have high rates of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as severe mental health disorders and substance use issues, which can lead to a higher likelihood of recidivism. But despite the need for timely and continuous access to care, many offenders do not receive necessary medical treatment.&nbsp;To study these issues, Slusky focused on South Carolina, a non-Medicaid expansion state that implemented a 2016 policy to more easily re-enroll previously incarcerated individuals in the Medicaid program.“The South Carolina program we studied was relatively limited in its scale and resources," Slusky said. “Other states. such as Wisconsin, &nbsp;introduced far more expansive pre-release enrollment assistance. And many other states also changed their laws to allow those beginning incarceration who were on Medicaid to suspend their benefits instead of being terminated so they could much more easily and quickly be reactivated upon release.”In terms of a strategy to combat this issue, some states are now exploring enrolling inmates on Medicaid while they are incarcerated, in the hopes that it will deliver better and more efficient care then and increase continuity of care before and after release.However, Slusky found no evidence that people with easier access to Medicaid are less likely to commit future violent or property crimes.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>So what exactly is the benefit for the community if this doesn’t curb crime?“Medicaid has been shown in many other cases to improve economic and financial outcomes and make individuals less likely to skip necessary medical care due to cost,” he said. “We also do see increased overall healthcare utilization from the policy change, which is evidence individuals are getting more care — which is the outcome most directly affected by increased insurance rates.”A KU faculty member since 2015, Slusky specializes in health economics and labor economics. He has conducted research on a wide variety of topics, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/11/03/flint-water-crisis-affected-timing-pediatric-lead-testing-not-quantity-study-finds">Flint water crisis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2020/11/06/surgical-abortion-restriction-did-not-decrease-clinic-visits-during-pandemic">COVID-19 restrictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2018/04/09/texas-womens-clinic-restrictions-increased-fertility-rate-unmarried-women-study-finds">abortion care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2024/01/29/physicians-experience-worse-birth-outcomes-lawyers-study-finds">physician birth outcomes</a>. He is currently interim chair of KU’s Department of Speech-Language-Hearing. In 2022, he was named&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2022/01/18/ku-professor-david-slusky-selected-direct-national-organization-health-economists">executive director</a>&nbsp;of the American Society of Health Economics.“There are limits to what can be done in non-Medicaid expansion states as enrollment assistance programs can only help those who are eligible,” Slusky said.“It’s very difficult to scale up a program like the one in South Carolina. Despite all of the effort and expense, we just don’t see that large an increase in the share of released individuals who end up on Medicaid. There is just only so much that non-expansion states can do to help those in need.”

Medicaid’s impact on inmate health and recidivism rates explored in new research

JALISA DELORIS CARSON, 35, Failure to appear x2; Bond $12,000

HAYDEN CHRISTIAN REYNOLDS, 14, Manhattan, Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon; Aggravated battery on LEO; Physical contact to state/county/city officer on duty; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000. Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

RICKY DION DUNKLIN, 29, Ogden, Probation Violation; Bond $5,000

JOSEPH DOUGLAS KEEHN, 30, Junction City, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute marijuana; 450 grams-&lt;30 kilograms; Criminal possession of a weapon by felon; firearm not used in commission of crime; Possession of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Distribute or poss w/int to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Bond $25,000

CALLI ANNE HUMITZ, 34, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500

KEVIA LAWANDERA KING, 35, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office

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;JALISA DELORIS CARSON, 35, Failure to appear x2; Bond $12,000HAYDEN CHRISTIAN REYNOLDS, 14, Manhattan, Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon; Aggravated battery on LEO; Physical contact to state/county/city officer on duty; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000. Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeRICKY DION DUNKLIN, 29, Ogden, Probation Violation; Bond $5,000JOSEPH DOUGLAS KEEHN, 30, Junction City, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute marijuana; 450 grams-&lt;30 kilograms; Criminal possession of a weapon by felon; firearm not used in commission of crime; Possession of marijuana; 2 or more prior convictions; Distribute or poss w/int to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use; Bond $25,000CALLI ANNE HUMITZ, 34, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,500KEVIA LAWANDERA KING, 35, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 12

MANHATTAN - The 9th annual 'Meet the Makers' event returns to the Flint Hills Discovery Center on Tuesday, March 12th.

A local creator, crafter or maker will present live demonstrations of their work from from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Friday.&nbsp;

The 'Meet the Maker' demonstrations will be held in the first-floor atrium at the Flint Hills Discovery Center and are free to observe.

On Tuesday, March 12, FDHC will host, Jessica Crow of After Hours Photography. Jessica will provide demonstrations of Ghost Photography.

Using a technique that combines two different images layered on top of each other, Ghost Photography, produces an almost ghost-like image. Jessica will also discuss general photography tips and have a variety of cameras on display.

On Wednesday, March 13th, members from the Flint Hills Woodturners will demonstrate the art of wood turning, including how to transform pieces of wood into beautiful bowls and spinning tops.

On Thursday, March 14th, Jill Nixon with ChickaBee Pottery will demonstrate her work as a self-taught artist, throwing pottery. Jill will also demonstrate her hand built functional and decorative pottery.

On Friday, March 15th, Joshua O'Crowley will demonstrate his art of blacksmithing, forging metals into keychains, hairpins, and a gardening set. Joshua and his wife Robyn have been in Manhattan since 2022, and offer classes on the art of knife-making. 

The Ogre's Forge demonstration will be set-up outside the Discovery Center.&nbsp;

Meet the Makers is free and open to the public. Those wanting to explore the exhibits beyond the atrium at the Flint Hills Discovery Center must pay the general admission fee.More information is available on the FHDC&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=fdf1ee8991&amp;e=3f6ba80c0e" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;or on the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=42346d3118&amp;e=3f6ba80c0e" target="_blank">Facebook event</a>&nbsp;page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710177314655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - The 9th annual 'Meet the Makers' event returns to the Flint Hills Discovery Center on Tuesday, March 12th.A local creator, crafter or maker will present live demonstrations of their work from from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Friday.&nbsp;The 'Meet the Maker' demonstrations will be held in the first-floor atrium at the Flint Hills Discovery Center and are free to observe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710182007208.jpeg" alt="AfterHours Photography 'Ghost Photography', image provided by Flint Hills Discovery Center" />
 <figcaption>AfterHours Photography 'Ghost Photography', image provided by Flint Hills Discovery Center</figcaption>
 </figure>On Tuesday, March 12, FDHC will host, Jessica Crow of After Hours Photography. Jessica will provide demonstrations of Ghost Photography.Using a technique that combines two different images layered on top of each other, Ghost Photography, produces an almost ghost-like image. Jessica will also discuss general photography tips and have a variety of cameras on display.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710182091539.jpeg" alt="Flint Hills Woodturners, photo submitted by Flint Hills Discovery Center" />
 <figcaption>Flint Hills Woodturners, photo submitted by Flint Hills Discovery Center</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, March 13th, members from the Flint Hills Woodturners will demonstrate the art of wood turning, including how to transform pieces of wood into beautiful bowls and spinning tops.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710182262706.jpeg" alt="ChickaBee Pottery, image submitted by Flint Hills Discovery Center" />
 <figcaption>ChickaBee Pottery, image submitted by Flint Hills Discovery Center</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday, March 14th, Jill Nixon with ChickaBee Pottery will demonstrate her work as a self-taught artist, throwing pottery. Jill will also demonstrate her hand built functional and decorative pottery.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710251036470.jpeg" alt="Ogre's Forge, picture submitted by Flint Hills Discovery Center" />
 <figcaption>Ogre's Forge, picture submitted by Flint Hills Discovery Center</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, March 15th, Joshua O'Crowley will demonstrate his art of blacksmithing, forging metals into keychains, hairpins, and a gardening set. Joshua and his wife Robyn have been in Manhattan since 2022, and offer classes on the art of knife-making. The Ogre's Forge demonstration will be set-up outside the Discovery Center.&nbsp;Meet the Makers is free and open to the public. Those wanting to explore the exhibits beyond the atrium at the Flint Hills Discovery Center must pay the general admission fee.More information is available on the FHDC&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=fdf1ee8991&amp;e=3f6ba80c0e" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;or on the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=42346d3118&amp;e=3f6ba80c0e" target="_blank">Facebook event</a>&nbsp;page.

'Meet the Makers' starts Tuesday at Flint Hills Discovery Center

K-State Research and Extension News Service

For Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.

Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.

“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those bought for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”

Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” he said. Each seed should weight between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely more than one eye.

Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.

“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”

Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.

“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”

Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu,">cdom@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710172446612.png" alt="March 17 — St. Patrick's Day — traditionally signals the date for planting potatoes in home gardens. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service" />
 <figcaption>March 17 — St. Patrick's Day — traditionally signals the date for planting potatoes in home gardens. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension News ServiceFor Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those bought for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” he said. Each seed should weight between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely more than one eye.Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”Domenghini recommends planting each seed piece 1 to 2 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches apart in rows.“Though it is important to plant potatoes in March, they emerge slowly,” she said. “It is often mid- to late-April before new plants poke their way through the soil. As the potatoes grow, pull soil up to the base of the plants. New potatoes are borne above the planted seed piece and it is important to keep sunlight from hitting the new potatoes.”Domenghini said exposed potatoes will turn green and produce a poisonous substance called solanine. Keeping the potatoes covered will prevent this.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">view online</a>&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can also send their garden and yard-related questions to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:cdom@ksu.edu,">cdom@ksu.edu,</a>&nbsp;or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Time to plant potatoes in Kansas

WILLIAM MATTHEW GILBERTSON, 27, Manhattan, Endangering a child; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal trespass; Bond $3,000

KIRSTEN MARIE MCNEAL, 33, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

MATTHEW DAVID PAGE, 30, Covina, CA, Driving while suspended; 1st Conviction; Bond $500

MARCUS LAMART GRANT, 40, Ogden, Failure to appear; Bond $5,000

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;WILLIAM MATTHEW GILBERTSON, 27, Manhattan, Endangering a child; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal trespass; Bond $3,000KIRSTEN MARIE MCNEAL, 33, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000MATTHEW DAVID PAGE, 30, Covina, CA, Driving while suspended; 1st Conviction; Bond $500MARCUS LAMART GRANT, 40, Ogden, Failure to appear; Bond $5,000

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 11

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations.&nbsp;

Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday, police arrested 40-year-old Marcus Grant, 40, of&nbsp; Ogden, in the 200 block of 7th Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Grant was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge was for violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Grant was issued a total bond of $5,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

Grant has been a registered offender since August of 2013 for aggravated robbery conviction in Salina and aggravated battery conviction in Junction City, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710166682965.png" alt="Grant-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Grant-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas offender on new allegations.&nbsp;Just before 3:30p.m. Sunday, police arrested 40-year-old Marcus Grant, 40, of&nbsp; Ogden, in the 200 block of 7th Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Grant was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge was for violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. Grant was issued a total bond of $5,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;Grant has been a registered offender since August of 2013 for aggravated robbery conviction in Salina and aggravated battery conviction in Junction City, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.

Registered Kansas offender jailed for skipping court

By&nbsp;CAROLYN CAINE KU News Service

The U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator">National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator</a>&nbsp;has awarded $650,000 to a team led by University of Kansas scientists to develop a water management data ecosystem that collects water quality and quantity data, models it with machine learning algorithms, and makes insights available on a dashboard for local government officials and state government agencies.

KU researchers will work with Viaanix, an Internet of Things technology company, and officials from the Kansas Water Office for the project, titled "<a href="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/2023%20Cohort-Track%20K-Phase%201-BAA-University%20of%20Kansas%20Center%20for%20Research.508.pdf">Improving Water Quality and Equity through Sensor Data and Machine Learning Models</a>."

“This project focuses on a technical solution to the pressing water sustainability challenges Kansas faces,” said William Duncan, principal investigator on the project and assistant research professor of data science at KU.

Over the first year of the project, the team anticipates creating a data dashboard for real-time public reporting on water quantity, water quality and water equity.

“While one can view water equity in several ways, our project explores how the water-related actions of one group of Kansas community members undermine the ability of another group to use water in Kansas. The dashboard that our project is developing will help to mitigate this problematic interaction, thus improving water equity,” said Dietrich Earnhart, director of the Center for Environmental Policy and professor of economics at KU.

One aspect of the project will bring students’ skills to bear on the complex challenges of tracking Kansas water. KU mechanical engineering students will design a sensor that will remotely detect the existence of harmful algal blooms and broadcast the data to the network. In addition, students in the Kansas Data Science Consortium Community Data Labs course will work to build the dashboard and collect water data from the many different sources available, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/water-resources-and-geohydrology">Kansas Geological Survey.</a>

This award funds the first phase of this project. In August 2024, the team will apply for Phase 2 funding to expand its work.

“The research aligns with the guiding principles of the 2022 Governor’s Water Plan, and KU researchers will team with industry, state agencies and Kansas community partners to help sustain water resources in Kansas,” said Belinda Sturm, director of the Kansas NSF EPSCoR program and interim vice chancellor for research.

The NSF Convergence Accelerator funds teams who seek to apply basic research to pressing social issues. Teams work across disciplines and industries to find solutions that will have long-term social effects. A key part of this program is that teams work through the program with a cohort of other teams, with hands-on education and mentorship.

“The Convergence Accelerator’s curriculum, consisting of human-centered design,&nbsp;user discovery, team science, early-stage prototyping and pitch preparation,&nbsp;is designed to provide our funded teams the tools to transition their solutions into practice,” said Douglas Maughan, head&nbsp;of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program. “Phase 1 teams are expected to apply the curriculum, as well as focus on cross-cutting partnerships as most large-scale challenges cannot be solved with a single discipline and expertise.

At the end of Phase 1, teams will participate in a proposal and pitch competition, Maughan said. That will be used in selecting teams for Phase 2.

Millicent Coil, associate professor of the practice in mechanical engineering at KU, will also lead work on the project. Other team members include Bruce Fritz and Jay Talreja from Viaanix, and Wes McCary from the Kansas Water Office.

The Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research supported the proposal and will manage the project.

The research highlights KU’s strength in the study of&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/earth-energy-environment">Earth, Energy &amp; Environment</a>, which is one of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/themes-impact">five strategic research themes</a>. Research in this area will increase understanding of the various dimensions and impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, and will develop new technologies and mitigation strategies with an ultimate goal of sustaining the life of the planet and its inhabitants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710091656816.jpeg" alt="Field with mobile irrigation system. Credit- Lan Yao, Pexels" />
 <figcaption>Field with mobile irrigation system. Credit- Lan Yao, Pexels</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;CAROLYN CAINE KU News ServiceThe U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/convergence-accelerator">National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator</a>&nbsp;has awarded $650,000 to a team led by University of Kansas scientists to develop a water management data ecosystem that collects water quality and quantity data, models it with machine learning algorithms, and makes insights available on a dashboard for local government officials and state government agencies.KU researchers will work with Viaanix, an Internet of Things technology company, and officials from the Kansas Water Office for the project, titled "<a href="https://nsf-gov-resources.nsf.gov/files/2023%20Cohort-Track%20K-Phase%201-BAA-University%20of%20Kansas%20Center%20for%20Research.508.pdf">Improving Water Quality and Equity through Sensor Data and Machine Learning Models</a>."“This project focuses on a technical solution to the pressing water sustainability challenges Kansas faces,” said William Duncan, principal investigator on the project and assistant research professor of data science at KU.Over the first year of the project, the team anticipates creating a data dashboard for real-time public reporting on water quantity, water quality and water equity.“While one can view water equity in several ways, our project explores how the water-related actions of one group of Kansas community members undermine the ability of another group to use water in Kansas. The dashboard that our project is developing will help to mitigate this problematic interaction, thus improving water equity,” said Dietrich Earnhart, director of the Center for Environmental Policy and professor of economics at KU.One aspect of the project will bring students’ skills to bear on the complex challenges of tracking Kansas water. KU mechanical engineering students will design a sensor that will remotely detect the existence of harmful algal blooms and broadcast the data to the network. In addition, students in the Kansas Data Science Consortium Community Data Labs course will work to build the dashboard and collect water data from the many different sources available, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/water-resources-and-geohydrology">Kansas Geological Survey.</a>This award funds the first phase of this project. In August 2024, the team will apply for Phase 2 funding to expand its work.“The research aligns with the guiding principles of the 2022 Governor’s Water Plan, and KU researchers will team with industry, state agencies and Kansas community partners to help sustain water resources in Kansas,” said Belinda Sturm, director of the Kansas NSF EPSCoR program and interim vice chancellor for research.The NSF Convergence Accelerator funds teams who seek to apply basic research to pressing social issues. Teams work across disciplines and industries to find solutions that will have long-term social effects. A key part of this program is that teams work through the program with a cohort of other teams, with hands-on education and mentorship.“The Convergence Accelerator’s curriculum, consisting of human-centered design,&nbsp;user discovery, team science, early-stage prototyping and pitch preparation,&nbsp;is designed to provide our funded teams the tools to transition their solutions into practice,” said Douglas Maughan, head&nbsp;of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program. “Phase 1 teams are expected to apply the curriculum, as well as focus on cross-cutting partnerships as most large-scale challenges cannot be solved with a single discipline and expertise.At the end of Phase 1, teams will participate in a proposal and pitch competition, Maughan said. That will be used in selecting teams for Phase 2.Millicent Coil, associate professor of the practice in mechanical engineering at KU, will also lead work on the project. Other team members include Bruce Fritz and Jay Talreja from Viaanix, and Wes McCary from the Kansas Water Office.The Institute for Policy &amp; Social Research supported the proposal and will manage the project.The research highlights KU’s strength in the study of&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/earth-energy-environment">Earth, Energy &amp; Environment</a>, which is one of the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://research.ku.edu/themes-impact">five strategic research themes</a>. Research in this area will increase understanding of the various dimensions and impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, and will develop new technologies and mitigation strategies with an ultimate goal of sustaining the life of the planet and its inhabitants.

New NSF grant to fund water management data ecosystem in Kansas

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service’s Free File Guided Tax Software service has seen a year-over-year increase of nearly 10% so far this filing season, according to new statistics released today.Through Feb. 24, 943,000 taxpayers had filed tax returns this tax season through IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.wPh7pEW5ZW4TOoWiCQs_6ifQWZMTGqg9f9_b3yD34t0/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Free File</a>, a 9.7% increase from last year’s comparable period when 860,000 tax returns were filed.

The Free File increase occurs as the IRS continues to see a strong start to the 2024 filing season.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vZmlsaW5nLXNlYXNvbi1zdGF0aXN0aWNzLWZvci13ZWVrLWVuZGluZy1mZWItMjMtMjAyNCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMDEuOTExMzE0MDEifQ.xqX465WBgiasnXjST9WRekTpupUA5E2WN1KTV3BaVUc/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Through Feb. 24</a>, the IRS had delivered more than 28.9 million refunds to taxpayers worth $92.9 billion. The average refund this year is $3,213, up 4.3% from 2023.Now in its 22nd filing season, taxpayers across the nation can access free software products provided by IRS Free File trusted partners by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.CzXhjbwp7XjcMJ7B3NUevsaSSRHN68TE6Xyd4HWqSwg/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS.gov</a>.

Through this public-private partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers. Eight private-sector Free File partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. Free access to online products is only available by starting from&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.c7OSBJgIDBISjI88ZaJPJdfiyNLY1j0UGYD7KWB0HwY/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File</a>.

Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.

Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.mIWhofmOFamn_pM0zL7R5cqKoB98FxnxMC3AeI5j72g/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to features and options to help people with their taxes.

How to use Free File on IRS.govTo find the right IRS Free File product, taxpayers can:

For 2024, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

For 2024, ezTaxReturn.com is providing an IRS Free File product in Spanish. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.zxgnXE_1ezoRPGrdBNzLbu-En7hg0UNRmp_vEVKyaxM/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869881583.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Internal Revenue ServiceWASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service’s Free File Guided Tax Software service has seen a year-over-year increase of nearly 10% so far this filing season, according to new statistics released today.Through Feb. 24, 943,000 taxpayers had filed tax returns this tax season through IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.wPh7pEW5ZW4TOoWiCQs_6ifQWZMTGqg9f9_b3yD34t0/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Free File</a>, a 9.7% increase from last year’s comparable period when 860,000 tax returns were filed.The Free File increase occurs as the IRS continues to see a strong start to the 2024 filing season.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vZmlsaW5nLXNlYXNvbi1zdGF0aXN0aWNzLWZvci13ZWVrLWVuZGluZy1mZWItMjMtMjAyNCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMDEuOTExMzE0MDEifQ.xqX465WBgiasnXjST9WRekTpupUA5E2WN1KTV3BaVUc/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">Through Feb. 24</a>, the IRS had delivered more than 28.9 million refunds to taxpayers worth $92.9 billion. The average refund this year is $3,213, up 4.3% from 2023.Now in its 22nd filing season, taxpayers across the nation can access free software products provided by IRS Free File trusted partners by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.CzXhjbwp7XjcMJ7B3NUevsaSSRHN68TE6Xyd4HWqSwg/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS.gov</a>. Through this public-private partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers. Eight private-sector Free File partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. Free access to online products is only available by starting from&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.c7OSBJgIDBISjI88ZaJPJdfiyNLY1j0UGYD7KWB0HwY/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File</a>.Those with an AGI over $79,000 can use the IRS's Free File Fillable Forms. This product is best for people comfortable using IRS form instructions and publications when preparing their own taxes.Free File is one of many free options available for taxpayers. The IRS has a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.mIWhofmOFamn_pM0zL7R5cqKoB98FxnxMC3AeI5j72g/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov that provides an easy way of seeing many of the free services and options to features and options to help people with their taxes.How to use Free File on IRS.govTo find the right IRS Free File product, taxpayers can:<ol>
 <li>Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.cYgCFEEJ5zpPrgyo76l_Iiqx8tF1UVKt6qFfqM5hto0/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS.gov/freefile</a>,</li><li>Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find Your Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or</li><li>Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,</li><li>Select the desired product, and</li><li>Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.</li>
 </ol>For 2024, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:<ul>
 <li>1040Now</li><li>Drake (1040.com)</li><li>ezTaxReturn.com</li><li>FileYourTaxes.com</li><li>On-Line Taxes</li><li>TaxAct</li><li>TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)</li><li>TaxSlayer</li>
 </ul>For 2024, ezTaxReturn.com is providing an IRS Free File product in Spanish. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZmlsaW5nL2ZyZWUtZmlsZS1kby15b3VyLWZlZGVyYWwtdGF4ZXMtZm9yLWZyZWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMzAxLjkxMTMxNDAxIn0.zxgnXE_1ezoRPGrdBNzLbu-En7hg0UNRmp_vEVKyaxM/s/1558083055/br/238083740857-l">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>&nbsp;for more information.

IRS Free File program sees early increase in use; filings up nearly 10%

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the launch of a three-month pilot study exploring whether a pay-per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could potentially replace the current state fuel tax as a new way to fund roads and bridges. The study, part of the Kansas Midwest RUC Study, asks Kansans to try out mileage reporting options and provide feedback about their experience.&nbsp;

Today, gasoline-powered vehicles pay 24 cents per gallon for state gas tax, and diesel-powered vehicles pay 26 cents per gallon for state diesel tax. As vehicles transition to being more fuel efficient or not use gas or diesel at all, state transportation funding may fall short.

KDOT is proactively exploring whether a RUC could be a sustainable, long-term funding source for transportation in the state. KDOT, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, is utilizing federal grant money available to states to study potential alternative approaches to transportation funding. To date, most states exploring RUC are on the East and West coasts — and Kansas is adding a Midwest perspective to this national conversation.

KDOT is actively recruiting pilot participants to take part in the study, which is scheduled to begin in April. Drivers across the state are asked to take part, especially rural Kansans who drive passenger vehicles or medium-duty trucks, people working in the agriculture industry and owners or operators of large trucks. Participants who fully complete the pilot can earn a $100 incentive.

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the launch of a three-month pilot study exploring whether a pay-per-mile road usage charge (RUC) could potentially replace the current state fuel tax as a new way to fund roads and bridges. The study, part of the Kansas Midwest RUC Study, asks Kansans to try out mileage reporting options and provide feedback about their experience.&nbsp;Today, gasoline-powered vehicles pay 24 cents per gallon for state gas tax, and diesel-powered vehicles pay 26 cents per gallon for state diesel tax. As vehicles transition to being more fuel efficient or not use gas or diesel at all, state transportation funding may fall short.KDOT is proactively exploring whether a RUC could be a sustainable, long-term funding source for transportation in the state. KDOT, in partnership with Minnesota Department of Transportation, is utilizing federal grant money available to states to study potential alternative approaches to transportation funding. To date, most states exploring RUC are on the East and West coasts — and Kansas is adding a Midwest perspective to this national conversation.KDOT is actively recruiting pilot participants to take part in the study, which is scheduled to begin in April. Drivers across the state are asked to take part, especially rural Kansans who drive passenger vehicles or medium-duty trucks, people working in the agriculture industry and owners or operators of large trucks. Participants who fully complete the pilot can earn a $100 incentive.

Road usage charge study underway, looking for Kansans to participate

JEROME DOUGLAS WINSLOW, 39, Waterville, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08 &gt;; Possession of firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs;Bond $3,000

MELISSA ANN JOHNS, 41, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; 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;JEROME DOUGLAS WINSLOW, 39, Waterville, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08 &gt;; Possession of firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs;Bond $3,000MELISSA ANN JOHNS, 41, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 10

GREG ALAN LOHRENTZ, 53, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

CHARLA SUE ALBRIGHT, 43, Wamego, Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction; Bond $1,500

JEFFREY STEPHEN GRAY, 41, Gladstone, MO, Uniform Criminal Extradition Act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

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;GREG ALAN LOHRENTZ, 53, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750CHARLA SUE ALBRIGHT, 43, Wamego, Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction; Bond $1,500JEFFREY STEPHEN GRAY, 41, Gladstone, MO, Uniform Criminal Extradition Act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County JailAMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance; Bond $750RYAN TIMOTHY INGLETT, 37, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Unknown circumstance; Bond $750CHRISTOPHER SHAWN LARSEN, 23, Manhattan, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member/dating relationship; Domestic battery; unknown circumstance; Criminal restraint; Aggravated intimidation of witness/victim; Threat of force/violence; Remains confined to Riley County JailAMY LYNN NERKELIUNAS, 44, Wamego, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000NORBERTO GARCIA GARCIA GARCIA, 25, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000RENE JIMENEZ, 25, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $4,000JERRY MEGAN ELLIS, 37, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

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