HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Driving while battling the urge to fall asleep is a familiar feeling for many. However, soon-to-be-published research from the&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals the shocking lethality of drowsy driving.

"It's not just a daylight saving time issue," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We do highlight it when the time change happens, because that typically does throw people off for a while in terms of their sleep patterns."&nbsp; 

In its most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2fShN2Q-2FDbJuybXDjmDrKnyYN6QCz6deOb4HRQ1AbO0q9IaIxKYKURaNQ4c-2BUz8QCvLmrJywLsoFC-2Bmfjnl-2Fvo-3Dv2nt_-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjVsYrwneFvFXH6RGjOVtkAEfkWkzNEsurIsNG3bUBUSqm4pvOdMc0DZ5ME8M8hc-2FiRncvkiq4BvsXa-2BllN91QryNduq9XUWlAPz5YGrk3erPKfcoi5VGXNz6eGPaogqsp7kggzD3sG4ptdji5sRaBLVVXL9R-2FUxWR7kRoQnIFuQ77fQngm90fZ3U2COIr2hSPb9TjBI49uNNdpRQwXorFEn4LdSvqelzOWOftPJ-2BccHW7C-2BqqD-2FhT2S-2FEOe4TcfrGz77RJ4YNVlww38E1tOvFI4FNPi6TpdC-2FAnxNc9cdCr5DeJIGG8eYnH5VGJ7KiEpnCz5fgi43nwKvb4BXIC7WUI-3D" target="_blank">Traffic Safety Culture Index</a>, the&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;Foundation noted drivers predominately perceive drowsy driving to be dangerous (95%), however 18% of drivers admit to having engaged in the behavior in the past 30 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The numbers are actually far higher than official government statistics," Steward said. "We analyzed the data in different ways and found that 18% of all traffic fatalities over a five year period from 2017 to 2021 were estimated to involve a drowsy driver."

The Foundation says that drowsy driving is a factor in roughly ten times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crash data indicates.

"One of the symptoms that we cite of drowsy driving is that you just, you may not remember a portion of your drive," Steward said. "You know you got there, but you just can't recall passing that landmark or going through that intersection that you know you did. That's definitely a symptom of drowsy driving."

Get enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124371095.jpeg" alt="Drowsy Driver-Image Courtesy AAA" />
 <figcaption>Drowsy Driver-Image Courtesy AAA</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Driving while battling the urge to fall asleep is a familiar feeling for many. However, soon-to-be-published research from the&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals the shocking lethality of drowsy driving."It's not just a daylight saving time issue," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "We do highlight it when the time change happens, because that typically does throw people off for a while in terms of their sleep patterns."&nbsp; In its most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC2fShN2Q-2FDbJuybXDjmDrKnyYN6QCz6deOb4HRQ1AbO0q9IaIxKYKURaNQ4c-2BUz8QCvLmrJywLsoFC-2Bmfjnl-2Fvo-3Dv2nt_-2BBxK0BSqAd-2BprHf4m5NZjVsYrwneFvFXH6RGjOVtkAEfkWkzNEsurIsNG3bUBUSqm4pvOdMc0DZ5ME8M8hc-2FiRncvkiq4BvsXa-2BllN91QryNduq9XUWlAPz5YGrk3erPKfcoi5VGXNz6eGPaogqsp7kggzD3sG4ptdji5sRaBLVVXL9R-2FUxWR7kRoQnIFuQ77fQngm90fZ3U2COIr2hSPb9TjBI49uNNdpRQwXorFEn4LdSvqelzOWOftPJ-2BccHW7C-2BqqD-2FhT2S-2FEOe4TcfrGz77RJ4YNVlww38E1tOvFI4FNPi6TpdC-2FAnxNc9cdCr5DeJIGG8eYnH5VGJ7KiEpnCz5fgi43nwKvb4BXIC7WUI-3D" target="_blank">Traffic Safety Culture Index</a>, the&nbsp;AAA&nbsp;Foundation noted drivers predominately perceive drowsy driving to be dangerous (95%), however 18% of drivers admit to having engaged in the behavior in the past 30 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The numbers are actually far higher than official government statistics," Steward said. "We analyzed the data in different ways and found that 18% of all traffic fatalities over a five year period from 2017 to 2021 were estimated to involve a drowsy driver."The Foundation says that drowsy driving is a factor in roughly ten times as many traffic fatalities as traditional crash data indicates."One of the symptoms that we cite of drowsy driving is that you just, you may not remember a portion of your drive," Steward said. "You know you got there, but you just can't recall passing that landmark or going through that intersection that you know you did. That's definitely a symptom of drowsy driving."Get enough sleep before driving. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

AAA: Drowsy driving is deadly

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - On Thursday, March 7th, 2024, officers with the Riley County Police Department arrested&nbsp;Matthew Paul Wesley Miller and Sonya Simone Monae Lark Williams in connection with the April 2023 death of their one-year-old daughter, Ziya Miller.

Officers with the Junction City Police Department responded to a call for a child not breathing in April of 2023, and upon arrival at the scene, they found 1-year-old Ziya Miller had passed away in Manhattan, but had been transported to Junction City by Miller before being reported.

Following the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ziya's death, both parents have been charged with first-degree murder, among other charges.

Matthew Paul Wesley Miller, 24, of Junction City, has been arrested with requested charges of Murder&nbsp;in the first degree, aggravated endangering a child, and distribution of opiates. Miller is confined to the Riley County Jail and is being held on a total bond of $1,250,000.

Sonya Simone Monae Lark Williams, 26, of Ogden,&nbsp; has been arrested with requested charges of Murder in the first degree and aggravated endangering a child. Williams is confined to the Riley County Jail and is being held on a total bond of $1,100,000.

Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings, no further details will be disclosed by RCPD at this time. All further information regarding this matter will be disseminated, if at all, by the County Attorney’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693405710074.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - On Thursday, March 7th, 2024, officers with the Riley County Police Department arrested&nbsp;Matthew Paul Wesley Miller and Sonya Simone Monae Lark Williams in connection with the April 2023 death of their one-year-old daughter, Ziya Miller.Officers with the Junction City Police Department responded to a call for a child not breathing in April of 2023, and upon arrival at the scene, they found 1-year-old Ziya Miller had passed away in Manhattan, but had been transported to Junction City by Miller before being reported.Following the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ziya's death, both parents have been charged with first-degree murder, among other charges.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709918899353.jpeg" alt="Matthew Paul Wesley Miller, photo from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Paul Wesley Miller, photo from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>Matthew Paul Wesley Miller, 24, of Junction City, has been arrested with requested charges of Murder&nbsp;in the first degree, aggravated endangering a child, and distribution of opiates. Miller is confined to the Riley County Jail and is being held on a total bond of $1,250,000.Sonya Simone Monae Lark Williams, 26, of Ogden,&nbsp; has been arrested with requested charges of Murder in the first degree and aggravated endangering a child. Williams is confined to the Riley County Jail and is being held on a total bond of $1,100,000.Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation and to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings, no further details will be disclosed by RCPD at this time. All further information regarding this matter will be disseminated, if at all, by the County Attorney’s office.

Parents arrested in connection with April 2023 death of their 1-year-old daughter

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two new cases of alleged theft in Riley County.

Just after noon Thursday, officers filed a report of theft and criminal use of financial card in the 2800 block of Allison Ave. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 72-year-old woman reported that her credit card was stolen and then used without her permission at several businesses in town. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $4,668.26.&nbsp;

Just before 4:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of theft in the 300 block of Thurston Street in Manhattan. A 60-year-old woman reported that a check was used without her permission to withdraw cash. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $5,121.00&nbsp;

Anyone with information on these cases can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. &nbsp;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 two new cases of alleged theft in Riley County.Just after noon Thursday, officers filed a report of theft and criminal use of financial card in the 2800 block of Allison Ave. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 72-year-old woman reported that her credit card was stolen and then used without her permission at several businesses in town. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $4,668.26.&nbsp;Just before 4:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of theft in the 300 block of Thurston Street in Manhattan. A 60-year-old woman reported that a check was used without her permission to withdraw cash. The estimated total loss associated with this case is $5,121.00&nbsp;Anyone with information on these cases can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. &nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating 2 new cases of alleged ID theft

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;

JAHIEM JAVIER MACK, 20, Fort Riley, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

TIFFANY DAWN RYALS, 32, Manhattan, Battery on LEO; Bodily harm to corrections/court services officer on duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact w/corrections/court services officers on duty; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $25,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

MATTHEW PAUL WESLEY MILLER, 24, Junction City, Murder in the 1st degree; in the commission of a felony; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulant; Unknown quantity; Bond $1,250,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

SONYA SIMONE MONAE LARRK WILLIAMS, 26, Ogden, Murder in the 1st degree; in the commission of a felony; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Bond $1,100,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

TUCKER JOHN CURRIE, 38, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking per KSA 631a05, 631a06; Bond $5,000

TERRON ANTHONY MAPLES JR, 22, Kansas City, MO, Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Shoplifting; Bond $8,000

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;JAHIEM JAVIER MACK, 20, Fort Riley, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750TIFFANY DAWN RYALS, 32, Manhattan, Battery on LEO; Bodily harm to corrections/court services officer on duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact w/corrections/court services officers on duty; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $25,000; Remains confined to Riley County JailMATTHEW PAUL WESLEY MILLER, 24, Junction City, Murder in the 1st degree; in the commission of a felony; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Distribute opiates, opium, narcotics or stimulant; Unknown quantity; Bond $1,250,000; Remains confined to Riley County JailSONYA SIMONE MONAE LARRK WILLIAMS, 26, Ogden, Murder in the 1st degree; in the commission of a felony; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Bond $1,100,000; Remains confined to Riley County JailTUCKER JOHN CURRIE, 38, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking per KSA 631a05, 631a06; Bond $5,000TERRON ANTHONY MAPLES JR, 22, Kansas City, MO, Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; Shoplifting; Bond $8,000

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 8

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a prisoner for alleged battery on a jail deputy.

Just after 4:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property at the Riley County Jail, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 37-year-old female RCPD Corrections Officer reported a 32-year-old female inmate attempted to strangle the corrections officer. 

Tiffany Ryals of Manhattan is accused of aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property. She was issued a $25,000 bond for these charge and remains confined in the Riley County Jail.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a prisoner for alleged battery on a jail deputy.Just after 4:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property at the Riley County Jail, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 37-year-old female RCPD Corrections Officer reported a 32-year-old female inmate attempted to strangle the corrections officer. Tiffany Ryals of Manhattan is accused of aggravated battery on LEO, battery on LEO, and criminal destruction of property. She was issued a $25,000 bond for these charge and remains confined in the Riley County Jail.

Prisoner attempted to strangle Riley County jail deputy 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University President Richard Linton and Connected 'Cats Students visited Reno County this week. This is the second year of regional&nbsp; community visits for the college. More specifically, t<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">he K-State 105.</a>

"K-State 105 is about taking the advantage of the networks we have and the relationships that we have with the extension and every single county and community in the state," Linton said. "And it's about business development, it's about economic growth and its about job creation and it's also about how do we build partnerships to able to make it attractive for industry and companies to want to build more in Kansas or want to come to Kansas to be able to build out their businesses."&nbsp;

Linton also emphasized the importance of visiting Kansas&nbsp; due to Kansas State's status as a land grant university. <a href="https://www.aplu.org/about-us/history-of-aplu/what-is-a-land-grant-university/">A land grant university</a> has been designated by its state's legislature or Congress to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 or the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.&nbsp; The purpose of the Morrill Act is to teach tactics of a practical education which include agriculture, military tactics and mechanical arts.&nbsp;

<a href="https://k-state.com/about/kstatehistory.php#:~:text=On%20July%202%2C%201862%2C%20President,colleges%20in%20eligible%20U.S.%20territories.">Kansas State</a> became the first operational school created under the Morrill Act on Feb. 16 of 1863.

"The next generation land grant university is about really how can we create a land grant university as if we were doing it from scratch," Linton said. "Taking into account what we have done over the last 160 years, but thinking forward about what's going to be important for communities in the future."

The Connected 'Cats students for the Reno County tour were senior animal science and industry major Taylor Hedrick&nbsp; and senior biology student Kyser Meninger. Hedrick is a graduate of Pretty Prairie High School and Meninger graduated from Hutchinson High School.&nbsp; Hedrick and Meninger made a visit to StartUp Hutch on Tuesday, March 5. Linton joined the students on Tuesday, March 6 at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.&nbsp;

Linton said he learned about Hutch Correctional's master gardening program. More specifically, the program is called Garden for Good. Inmates are taught by Reno County Extension Master Gardener volunteers from K-State Research Extension office.

Linton said his visit to Hutchinson Correctional is one of the most inspiring visits he's had in the last two years of K-State 105. He said the master gardening program is more than just learning how to teach and be successful in gardening. It's about teaching life skills.

&nbsp;"I had an opportunity at the end of the program to be able to say I've now been to all 105 counties and communities and I don't know of a program that's more life changing than what I saw today," Linton said.&nbsp;

The community visit ended with an open forum on Wednesday, March 6 at the Kansas Cosmosphere where Hedrick and Meninger got to share about the impact Kansas State has had on their education and personal life. Hedrick and Meninger also had the opportunity to present the Connected Cats Spirit Award. The award recognizes teachers who made a positive impact on their lives. The recipients of the spirit award receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Hedrick chose to present Jon Johnson, Social Studies teacher at Pretty Prairie with the Connected Cats Spirit Award.&nbsp; Hedrick, whose dad is the principal at Pretty Prairie High School, said it was special to go back. Hedrick said Johnson plans to retire from teaching this year.&nbsp;

"So to be able to give back, to a teacher who had a big impact on me and encouraged me to go to K-State when none of my other classmates were going to a big four-year university," Hedrick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meninger chose to present the Connected Cats Spirit Award to Judy Goetz, an English teacher at Hutchinson High School.&nbsp;

"I picked her because I was a senior when COVID hit, so school had been canceled and she just did a really amazing job at trying to keep the students and her connected," Meninger said. "She reached out. Told us all what we needed to do homework wise. How to graduate on time still so she just really did an amazing job at that."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State also visited Jackson County and the surrounding region in February of this year. After their visit to Reno County this week, they traveled to Seward County and held an community open forum on Wednesday, March 6 in the evening.&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709831107000.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University President Richard Linton talking to a crowd of community members and Kansas State faculty at the Kansas Cosmosphere on Wednesday, March 6. Linton made a visit to Reno County for&nbsp; the college's second annual series of&nbsp; regional community visits. Photo by Emmie Boese. " />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University President Richard Linton talking to a crowd of community members and Kansas State faculty at the Kansas Cosmosphere on Wednesday, March 6. Linton made a visit to Reno County for&nbsp; the college's second annual series of&nbsp; regional community visits. Photo by Emmie Boese. </figcaption>
 </figure>EMMIE BOESE&nbsp; Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University President Richard Linton and Connected 'Cats Students visited Reno County this week. This is the second year of regional&nbsp; community visits for the college. More specifically, t<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">he K-State 105.</a>"K-State 105 is about taking the advantage of the networks we have and the relationships that we have with the extension and every single county and community in the state," Linton said. "And it's about business development, it's about economic growth and its about job creation and it's also about how do we build partnerships to able to make it attractive for industry and companies to want to build more in Kansas or want to come to Kansas to be able to build out their businesses."&nbsp;Linton also emphasized the importance of visiting Kansas&nbsp; due to Kansas State's status as a land grant university. <a href="https://www.aplu.org/about-us/history-of-aplu/what-is-a-land-grant-university/">A land grant university</a> has been designated by its state's legislature or Congress to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 or the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994.&nbsp; The purpose of the Morrill Act is to teach tactics of a practical education which include agriculture, military tactics and mechanical arts.&nbsp;<a href="https://k-state.com/about/kstatehistory.php#:~:text=On%20July%202%2C%201862%2C%20President,colleges%20in%20eligible%20U.S.%20territories.">Kansas State</a> became the first operational school created under the Morrill Act on Feb. 16 of 1863."The next generation land grant university is about really how can we create a land grant university as if we were doing it from scratch," Linton said. "Taking into account what we have done over the last 160 years, but thinking forward about what's going to be important for communities in the future."The Connected 'Cats students for the Reno County tour were senior animal science and industry major Taylor Hedrick&nbsp; and senior biology student Kyser Meninger. Hedrick is a graduate of Pretty Prairie High School and Meninger graduated from Hutchinson High School.&nbsp; Hedrick and Meninger made a visit to StartUp Hutch on Tuesday, March 5. Linton joined the students on Tuesday, March 6 at Hutchinson Correctional Facility.&nbsp;Linton said he learned about Hutch Correctional's master gardening program. More specifically, the program is called Garden for Good. Inmates are taught by Reno County Extension Master Gardener volunteers from K-State Research Extension office. Linton said his visit to Hutchinson Correctional is one of the most inspiring visits he's had in the last two years of K-State 105. He said the master gardening program is more than just learning how to teach and be successful in gardening. It's about teaching life skills.&nbsp;"I had an opportunity at the end of the program to be able to say I've now been to all 105 counties and communities and I don't know of a program that's more life changing than what I saw today," Linton said.&nbsp;The community visit ended with an open forum on Wednesday, March 6 at the Kansas Cosmosphere where Hedrick and Meninger got to share about the impact Kansas State has had on their education and personal life. Hedrick and Meninger also had the opportunity to present the Connected Cats Spirit Award. The award recognizes teachers who made a positive impact on their lives. The recipients of the spirit award receive a $1,000 scholarship.Hedrick chose to present Jon Johnson, Social Studies teacher at Pretty Prairie with the Connected Cats Spirit Award.&nbsp; Hedrick, whose dad is the principal at Pretty Prairie High School, said it was special to go back. Hedrick said Johnson plans to retire from teaching this year.&nbsp;"So to be able to give back, to a teacher who had a big impact on me and encouraged me to go to K-State when none of my other classmates were going to a big four-year university," Hedrick said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meninger chose to present the Connected Cats Spirit Award to Judy Goetz, an English teacher at Hutchinson High School.&nbsp;"I picked her because I was a senior when COVID hit, so school had been canceled and she just did a really amazing job at trying to keep the students and her connected," Meninger said. "She reached out. Told us all what we needed to do homework wise. How to graduate on time still so she just really did an amazing job at that."&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State also visited Jackson County and the surrounding region in February of this year. After their visit to Reno County this week, they traveled to Seward County and held an community open forum on Wednesday, March 6 in the evening.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State University president visits Reno County

CHARLA SUE ALBRIGHT, 43, Wamego, Parole Violation; Bond $750

DANIEL JAMES FOX, 53, Leavenworth, Probation Violation, Bond $2,000

AUSTON LEE KORSZENIEWSKI, 26, Manhattan, Probation Violation x3; Bond $150,000

ROJELIO MARTINEZ ESTRADA, 53, Manhattan, Extradition of imprisoned person; Remains confined to the Riley County Jail

ALVIN RAMON LOVE, 41, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 03/05/2024

PHILIP GOVERNOR LOCKLEAR, 34, Junction City, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 03/01/2024

ANTHONY MICHAEL LEE ISHMAN, 23, Topeka, Fail to comply w/diversion; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 02/24/2024

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;CHARLA SUE ALBRIGHT, 43, Wamego, Parole Violation; Bond $750DANIEL JAMES FOX, 53, Leavenworth, Probation Violation, Bond $2,000AUSTON LEE KORSZENIEWSKI, 26, Manhattan, Probation Violation x3; Bond $150,000ROJELIO MARTINEZ ESTRADA, 53, Manhattan, Extradition of imprisoned person; Remains confined to the Riley County JailALVIN RAMON LOVE, 41, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 03/05/2024PHILIP GOVERNOR LOCKLEAR, 34, Junction City, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 03/01/2024ANTHONY MICHAEL LEE ISHMAN, 23, Topeka, Fail to comply w/diversion; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 02/24/2024

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 7

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

Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 26-year-old Autson Korszeniewski of Manhattan, in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Korszeniewski was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for an alleged probation violation. The original charges in this matter was identity theft, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, flee and elude, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft. Korszeniewski is being held on a bond of $150,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged fraud.Just after 3p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 26-year-old Autson Korszeniewski of Manhattan, in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Korszeniewski was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for an alleged probation violation. The original charges in this matter was identity theft, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, flee and elude, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft. Korszeniewski is being held on a bond of $150,000.

RCPD: ID theft suspect held on a $150,000 bond

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted suspect on new allegations.

Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 56-year-old Robert Stanley, 56, of New Albany, Iowa, in the 100 block of Courthouse Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Stanley was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge was for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Stanley was issued a total bond of $50,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted suspect on new allegations.Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 56-year-old Robert Stanley, 56, of New Albany, Iowa, in the 100 block of Courthouse Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Stanley was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge was for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Stanley was issued a total bond of $50,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

Aggravated assault suspect jailed for skipping court

RICKY DION DUNKLIN, 29, Ogden, Violation of Court Order;

JACOB LEVI ROBB, 26, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Condition of release after conviction; Bond $2,000

KYRA DAWN MOLDEN, 21, Woodbine, Aggravated robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon; Bond $50,000

MOLLY ELIZABETH MEEKS, 35, Topeka, Probation Violation, Bond $8,000

KRISTEN MARIE CENTLIVRE, 45, Ogden, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia. into human body; Failure to appear; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Bond $1,500

ERICK LAMONT SMITH, 58, Ogden, Failure to appear x2; Bond $4,000

ROBERT MARCEL STANLEY, 56, New Albany, IA, Failure to appear; Bond $50,000

ALFREDO LEE PEREZ III, 28, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

BRANNEN LATRELL TURNER, 45, Junction City, Attempted murder in the 2nd degree; Intentional; Aggravated battery; Knowingly us weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death; Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Bond $500,000; 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;RICKY DION DUNKLIN, 29, Ogden, Violation of Court Order;JACOB LEVI ROBB, 26, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Condition of release after conviction; Bond $2,000KYRA DAWN MOLDEN, 21, Woodbine, Aggravated robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon; Bond $50,000MOLLY ELIZABETH MEEKS, 35, Topeka, Probation Violation, Bond $8,000KRISTEN MARIE CENTLIVRE, 45, Ogden, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia. into human body; Failure to appear; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Bond $1,500ERICK LAMONT SMITH, 58, Ogden, Failure to appear x2; Bond $4,000ROBERT MARCEL STANLEY, 56, New Albany, IA, Failure to appear; Bond $50,000ALFREDO LEE PEREZ III, 28, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000BRANNEN LATRELL TURNER, 45, Junction City, Attempted murder in the 2nd degree; Intentional; Aggravated battery; Knowingly us weapon cause grt body harm/disfigure/death; Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Bond $500,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 6

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a stabbing have reported an arrest.

Just after 6:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 45-year-old Henry Lee Morgan of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated battery- knowingly using physical contact in an angry/rude manner with a weapon, according to a media release.

Earlier Friday, officers responded to a call for service in the 200 block of N. 9th in Manhattan. Once on the scene officers found a 34-year-old man had been stabbed. &nbsp;The victim was transported to Via Christie via EMS and was later transferred to a larger hospital for more acute care.&nbsp;

Morgan is being held on a bond of $100,000.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a stabbing have reported an arrest.Just after 6:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 45-year-old Henry Lee Morgan of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated battery- knowingly using physical contact in an angry/rude manner with a weapon, according to a media release.Earlier Friday, officers responded to a call for service in the 200 block of N. 9th in Manhattan. Once on the scene officers found a 34-year-old man had been stabbed. &nbsp;The victim was transported to Via Christie via EMS and was later transferred to a larger hospital for more acute care.&nbsp;Morgan is being held on a bond of $100,000.&nbsp;

Manhattan man accused in stabbing

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

WICHITA - The Wichita Police Department arrested a 45-year-old man, on Monday evening, in connection with the Sunday afternoon shooting in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department, Brannan Turner was taken into custody around 10:00 pm.

WPD utilized license plate reader technology to assist in the arrest of Turner. Using this technology, WPD was able to narrow down the area Turner was located within, allowing them to make a quick apprehension.

Turner will face multiple requested charges, including&nbsp;attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and felony flee and attempt to elude.

Turner's bond is set at $500,000 and he is currently confined to the Riley County Jail.

The Riley County Police Department would like to thank the Wichita Police Department for their apprehension of the subject.&nbsp; Further, we want to thank them for the cooperation and professionalism they showed in coordinating the transfer of custody of the subject.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostWICHITA - The Wichita Police Department arrested a 45-year-old man, on Monday evening, in connection with the Sunday afternoon shooting in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department, Brannan Turner was taken into custody around 10:00 pm.WPD utilized license plate reader technology to assist in the arrest of Turner. Using this technology, WPD was able to narrow down the area Turner was located within, allowing them to make a quick apprehension.Turner will face multiple requested charges, including&nbsp;attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and felony flee and attempt to elude.Turner's bond is set at $500,000 and he is currently confined to the Riley County Jail.The Riley County Police Department would like to thank the Wichita Police Department for their apprehension of the subject.&nbsp; Further, we want to thank them for the cooperation and professionalism they showed in coordinating the transfer of custody of the subject.

ARREST MADE: Suspect arrested in connection with Sunday Shooting

TOPEKA–The 2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion will take place at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Wednesday, March 6. Kansans from all over the state are invited to attend.&nbsp;

Governor Laura Kelly will be the headline speaker at the rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. Attendance is open to anyone, and attendees are also encouraged to meet with their elected representatives while at the Statehouse. Attendees are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-rally/">RSVP on the Alliance website</a>&nbsp;to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

Free buses will be available to take people to the Statehouse, with one&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-kc-rally-bus/">bus coming from Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and another from&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-wichita-rally-bus/">Wichita, with stops in North Newton and Emporia</a>. Those interested in riding the bus should reserve their spot online or by calling (785) 861-7891. Space is limited.

The Kansas House has not held a public hearing on KanCare expansion since 2017; the Kansas Senate since 2020. Legislative leaders have said that they will hold public hearings in both Chambers this year, though no dates have yet been announced.

<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A poll released by the Sunflower Foundation last week&nbsp;</a>confirmed that a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, including 78% of informed voters and 83% of small business owners.

For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website at <a href="http://ExpandKanCare.com">ExpandKanCare.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672834016116.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA–The 2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion will take place at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka on Wednesday, March 6. Kansans from all over the state are invited to attend.&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly will be the headline speaker at the rally, which will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse. Attendance is open to anyone, and attendees are also encouraged to meet with their elected representatives while at the Statehouse. Attendees are encouraged to&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-rally/">RSVP on the Alliance website</a>&nbsp;to stay up-to-date with the latest information.Free buses will be available to take people to the Statehouse, with one&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-kc-rally-bus/">bus coming from Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and another from&nbsp;<a href="https://expandkancare.com/event/2024-wichita-rally-bus/">Wichita, with stops in North Newton and Emporia</a>. Those interested in riding the bus should reserve their spot online or by calling (785) 861-7891. Space is limited.The Kansas House has not held a public hearing on KanCare expansion since 2017; the Kansas Senate since 2020. Legislative leaders have said that they will hold public hearings in both Chambers this year, though no dates have yet been announced.<a href="https://sunflowerfoundation.org/statewide-poll-on-medicaid-expansion/">A poll released by the Sunflower Foundation last week&nbsp;</a>confirmed that a majority of Kansans support Medicaid expansion, including 78% of informed voters and 83% of small business owners.For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website at <a href="http://ExpandKanCare.com">ExpandKanCare.com</a>.&nbsp;

2024 Rally for Medicaid Expansion set for March 6 at Kansas Statehouse 

ESU, PSU and FHSU make bold pitch for special $3 million bailouts

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House’s budget committee delivered bipartisan condemnation Monday of unusual $3 million payouts to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University intended to stabilize campus operating budgets during a period of enrollment decline and rising costs.

The funding request, which had been previously rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly, was submitted by the Kansas Board of Regents’ three smaller-sized universities. Those campus leaders were emboldened by the 2023 Legislature’s decision to write ESU an extraordinary $9 million check amid a nearly 20% enrollment drop over five years. ESU had been in the spotlight for using a COVID-19-era emergency policy to jettison tenured faculty, slash core academic programs and impose a new business “model” of higher education.

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, proposed a budget amendment during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to delete the $3 million gratuities to ESU, FHSU and PSU. Landwehr’s motion failed along with a more modest “parachute” amendment from Rep. Henry Helgerson, a Wichita Democrat. He wanted to link $1.5 million payments to the three universities to a demand that administrators outline a plan for what was to be accomplished with the cash.

“We plugged a hole with Emporia State last year,” said Landwehr, referring to the $9 million presented to ESU. “Now, we’re back because all the others are like, ‘Hey, if Emporia State can get this, then we should get something too to help right-size us or stabilize us.’ It’s a slippery slope.”

Helgerson’s blunt inquiry: “How long do we subsidize them?”

Rep. Steven Howe, the Salina Republican who chaired the House’s Higher Education Budget Committee, said the state’s six public universities were working to find a balance between academic offerings, student enrollment and workplace demands. He said the state invested heavily over the generations to create quality public universities, but those institutions needed time to hit reorganizational targets.

“I would hate to just pull out the rug, per se, and not give them the fighting chance,” Howe said. “We have good leadership amongst our institutions and I feel like they’re willing to make the difficult decisions ahead.”

The House Appropriations Committee decided to leave in place — for now — another $9 million installment of the subsidy to ESU. The committee also — for now — chose not to derail the $3 million supplemental payments to ESU, FHSU and PSU.

The budget committee postponed until end of the 2024 legislative session a recommendation to devote $15 million for renovation of a FHSU building to accommodate more nursing students. Questions were raised about whether student demand for Kansas nursing degrees warranted the project.

The budget blueprint for higher education, which will continue to take shape Tuesday in the appropriations committee, included $75 million in state support for the University of Kansas Medical Center’s plan to build a cancer research and treatment building. The half-billion-dollar project on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, Kansas, previously received a $100 million private donation and $43 million in federal funding.

In addition, the committee voted to delete ESU’s request for $4.6 million to pay off an “internal” university loan made in 2015 for residence hall construction. In 2018, ESU issued bonds for more housing projects. The steep decline in student enrollment and shrinking demand for on-campus housing meant the loan obligation couldn’t be repaid unless housing rates were increased to unreasonable levels.

Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said it didn’t make sense ESU expected state taxpayers to pay a price for the university’s mistakes in the student housing market at the same time ESU asked the Legislature to approve $10.2 million in new bonds for energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.

His ire was directed at ESU’s assumption the Legislature would let the university dump bad debt on taxpayers.

“I found it somewhat hypocritical,” Waymaster said. “If this is an internal loan, why are we paying it off with state general fund? It’s a valid question. Why are we paying it off with state general fund dollars?”

In September 2022, the Kansas Board of Regents approved ESU’s “model” for restructuring the university and delivering stability to the university’s budget. The authority was relied upon by President Ken Hush when dismissing 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. The university gutted English, journalism, history and debate programs, but expanded from four academic schools to seven schools and invested in programs in nursing, computer science, art, music and cybersecurity.

The policy used by ESU to initiate the transformation didn’t speak to the necessity of multimillion-dollar bailouts by the Republican-controlled Legislature and the state’s Democratic governor. At conclusion of the 2023 session, however, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, lauded the Legislature’s decision to earmark $9 million for ESU. He said management changes at ESU were “the way forward for all higher education institutions in our state.”

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, challenged the $3 million handouts to ESU, PSU and FHSU.

“I just don’t know that it’s our responsibility to stabilize these universities,” he said. “We like to have conversations around here, but sometimes we don’t like to have the really hard conversations that exist. Nobody wants to make the hard decisions to say, ‘Well, we have X amount of universities and maybe we need one less because of declining population.'”

He said there was no motivation for government-funded entities to find the sweet spot in terms of budgeting, because the system allowed each to simply demand more from taxpayers.

Landwehr, who unsuccessfully sought deletion of the $3 million tips, said she was perplexed that the $9 million earmark last year for ESU didn’t appear to have made a difference. Originally, ESU said it would need $9 million infusions of cash in three consecutive years.

“You can’t keep cherry picking different universities on what we’re going to come in and do special things for,” Landwehrs said.

The supplemental earmarks of $3 million, or at least half that amount, had defenders on both sides of the aisle during the House committee debate on higher education spending.

Rep. Ken Rahjes, a Republican from Agra, said regional universities had plans for working through budget challenges even if the full scope of those strategies weren’t presented to the House Higher Education Budget Committee chaired by Howe.

“Did they write it in Crayon? Did they print it out for us? There was a plan.” Rahjes said. “I trust the system. I trust the process. I trust my chairman.”

Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence said larger universities, such as Kansas State University or University of Kansas, had substantial budgets and more wiggle room to reimagine themselves when money got tight. Ballard, currently the longest-serving House member, said she recalled a time when the Legislature provided nearly half of state university budgets, but that measure had fallen to about one-fourth.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but whenever we don’t like something or we can’t understand it, we just pull the funding,” Ballard said.

Rep. Bill Sutton, R-Gardner, said he found it somewhat amusing House legislators were castigating universities for not preparing for difficulties consistent with the anticipated decline in the college-age population.

He asked peers on the House committee whether the Legislature prepared for disruption of COVID-19, which he referred to as a flu, by setting aside significant cash reserves.

“We did not and we gladly accepted … $34 billion from the federal government to bail us out because we didn’t have a rainy-day fund,” Sutton said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651763578.jpeg" alt="Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, failed to interest the House Appropriations Committee in a motion to slice in half the unusual $3 million budget bailout payments to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University due to declining enrollments. Despite the committee vote, there were strong reservations among Republicans to appropriate state tax dollars to "stabilize" these university budgets. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Henry Helgerson, D-Wichita, failed to interest the House Appropriations Committee in a motion to slice in half the unusual $3 million budget bailout payments to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University due to declining enrollments. Despite the committee vote, there were strong reservations among Republicans to appropriate state tax dollars to "stabilize" these university budgets. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>ESU, PSU and FHSU make bold pitch for special $3 million bailouts</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/sparks-fly-when-kansas-house-budget-panel-explores-detail-of-university-budget-requests/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House’s budget committee delivered bipartisan condemnation Monday of unusual $3 million payouts to Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University and Pittsburg State University intended to stabilize campus operating budgets during a period of enrollment decline and rising costs.The funding request, which had been previously rejected by Gov. Laura Kelly, was submitted by the Kansas Board of Regents’ three smaller-sized universities. Those campus leaders were emboldened by the 2023 Legislature’s decision to write ESU an extraordinary $9 million check amid a nearly 20% enrollment drop over five years. ESU had been in the spotlight for using a COVID-19-era emergency policy to jettison tenured faculty, slash core academic programs and impose a new business “model” of higher education.Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican, proposed a budget amendment during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to delete the $3 million gratuities to ESU, FHSU and PSU. Landwehr’s motion failed along with a more modest “parachute” amendment from Rep. Henry Helgerson, a Wichita Democrat. He wanted to link $1.5 million payments to the three universities to a demand that administrators outline a plan for what was to be accomplished with the cash.“We plugged a hole with Emporia State last year,” said Landwehr, referring to the $9 million presented to ESU. “Now, we’re back because all the others are like, ‘Hey, if Emporia State can get this, then we should get something too to help right-size us or stabilize us.’ It’s a slippery slope.”Helgerson’s blunt inquiry: “How long do we subsidize them?”Rep. Steven Howe, the Salina Republican who chaired the House’s Higher Education Budget Committee, said the state’s six public universities were working to find a balance between academic offerings, student enrollment and workplace demands. He said the state invested heavily over the generations to create quality public universities, but those institutions needed time to hit reorganizational targets.“I would hate to just pull out the rug, per se, and not give them the fighting chance,” Howe said. “We have good leadership amongst our institutions and I feel like they’re willing to make the difficult decisions ahead.”The House Appropriations Committee decided to leave in place — for now — another $9 million installment of the subsidy to ESU. The committee also — for now — chose not to derail the $3 million supplemental payments to ESU, FHSU and PSU.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651878192.jpeg" alt="Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, proposed the House Appropriations Committee drop $3 million payments to three public universities struggling with enrollment declines. She argued the bailouts set a bad precedent and would lead to an avalanche of university demands for more tax dollars. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, proposed the House Appropriations Committee drop $3 million payments to three public universities struggling with enrollment declines. She argued the bailouts set a bad precedent and would lead to an avalanche of university demands for more tax dollars. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Somewhat hypocritical’</h2>The budget committee postponed until end of the 2024 legislative session a recommendation to devote $15 million for renovation of a FHSU building to accommodate more nursing students. Questions were raised about whether student demand for Kansas nursing degrees warranted the project.The budget blueprint for higher education, which will continue to take shape Tuesday in the appropriations committee, included $75 million in state support for the University of Kansas Medical Center’s plan to build a cancer research and treatment building. The half-billion-dollar project on the KUMC campus in Kansas City, Kansas, previously received a $100 million private donation and $43 million in federal funding.In addition, the committee voted to delete ESU’s request for $4.6 million to pay off an “internal” university loan made in 2015 for residence hall construction. In 2018, ESU issued bonds for more housing projects. The steep decline in student enrollment and shrinking demand for on-campus housing meant the loan obligation couldn’t be repaid unless housing rates were increased to unreasonable levels.Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said it didn’t make sense ESU expected state taxpayers to pay a price for the university’s mistakes in the student housing market at the same time ESU asked the Legislature to approve $10.2 million in new bonds for energy efficiency projects in campus buildings.His ire was directed at ESU’s assumption the Legislature would let the university dump bad debt on taxpayers.“I found it somewhat hypocritical,” Waymaster said. “If this is an internal loan, why are we paying it off with state general fund? It’s a valid question. Why are we paying it off with state general fund dollars?”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709651958239.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be improper for taxpayers to pay off a $5 million “internal” loan by Emporia State University for student housing construction. ESU requested financial relief amid an enrollment collapse. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, a Bunker Hill Republican who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said it would be improper for taxpayers to pay off a $5 million “internal” loan by Emporia State University for student housing construction. ESU requested financial relief amid an enrollment collapse. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The ESU bubble</h2>In September 2022, the Kansas Board of Regents approved ESU’s “model” for restructuring the university and delivering stability to the university’s budget. The authority was relied upon by President Ken Hush when dismissing 30 tenured or tenure-track faculty. The university gutted English, journalism, history and debate programs, but expanded from four academic schools to seven schools and invested in programs in nursing, computer science, art, music and cybersecurity.The policy used by ESU to initiate the transformation didn’t speak to the necessity of multimillion-dollar bailouts by the Republican-controlled Legislature and the state’s Democratic governor. At conclusion of the 2023 session, however, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, lauded the Legislature’s decision to earmark $9 million for ESU. He said management changes at ESU were “the way forward for all higher education institutions in our state.”Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, challenged the $3 million handouts to ESU, PSU and FHSU.“I just don’t know that it’s our responsibility to stabilize these universities,” he said. “We like to have conversations around here, but sometimes we don’t like to have the really hard conversations that exist. Nobody wants to make the hard decisions to say, ‘Well, we have X amount of universities and maybe we need one less because of declining population.'”He said there was no motivation for government-funded entities to find the sweet spot in terms of budgeting, because the system allowed each to simply demand more from taxpayers.Landwehr, who unsuccessfully sought deletion of the $3 million tips, said she was perplexed that the $9 million earmark last year for ESU didn’t appear to have made a difference. Originally, ESU said it would need $9 million infusions of cash in three consecutive years.“You can’t keep cherry picking different universities on what we’re going to come in and do special things for,” Landwehrs said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709652057990.jpeg" alt="Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said the state’s three smaller public universities might need supplemental funding because those campuses had less wiggle room to adjust expenditures when money got tight. She said FHSU, ESU and PSU were significant pieces of local economies. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, said the state’s three smaller public universities might need supplemental funding because those campuses had less wiggle room to adjust expenditures when money got tight. She said FHSU, ESU and PSU were significant pieces of local economies. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Crayons, and the amused</h2>The supplemental earmarks of $3 million, or at least half that amount, had defenders on both sides of the aisle during the House committee debate on higher education spending.Rep. Ken Rahjes, a Republican from Agra, said regional universities had plans for working through budget challenges even if the full scope of those strategies weren’t presented to the House Higher Education Budget Committee chaired by Howe.“Did they write it in Crayon? Did they print it out for us? There was a plan.” Rahjes said. “I trust the system. I trust the process. I trust my chairman.”Democratic Rep. Barbara Ballard of Lawrence said larger universities, such as Kansas State University or University of Kansas, had substantial budgets and more wiggle room to reimagine themselves when money got tight. Ballard, currently the longest-serving House member, said she recalled a time when the Legislature provided nearly half of state university budgets, but that measure had fallen to about one-fourth.“I don’t know what the answer is, but whenever we don’t like something or we can’t understand it, we just pull the funding,” Ballard said.Rep. Bill Sutton, R-Gardner, said he found it somewhat amusing House legislators were castigating universities for not preparing for difficulties consistent with the anticipated decline in the college-age population.He asked peers on the House committee whether the Legislature prepared for disruption of COVID-19, which he referred to as a flu, by setting aside significant cash reserves.“We did not and we gladly accepted … $34 billion from the federal government to bail us out because we didn’t have a rainy-day fund,” Sutton said.

Sparks fly when Kansas House budget panel explores detail of university budget requests, including from FHSU

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Riley County.

Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1200 block of Green-Randolph Road in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 39-year-old man reported an unknown suspect damaged his 2003 John Deere Model 7810 tractor by plugging a coolant line to the air cooler with a rifle shell casing.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property in Riley County.Just before 2:30p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1200 block of Green-Randolph Road in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 39-year-old man reported an unknown suspect damaged his 2003 John Deere Model 7810 tractor by plugging a coolant line to the air cooler with a rifle shell casing.

RCPD investigating criminal damage to $32K farm tractor

LUIS MIGUEL GONZALES CALLEJA, 21, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $4,000

SARAH EDITH DRAKE, 33, Wichita, Failure to appear; Bond $10,000

AMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Failure to appear x2; Bond $3,000

BRIAN JAMES DROGE, 43, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order, Bond $50,000

MICHAEL DUANE WESTGATE, 44, Manhattan, Failure to appear; 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;LUIS MIGUEL GONZALES CALLEJA, 21, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $4,000SARAH EDITH DRAKE, 33, Wichita, Failure to appear; Bond $10,000AMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Failure to appear x2; Bond $3,000BRIAN JAMES DROGE, 43, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order, Bond $50,000MICHAEL DUANE WESTGATE, 44, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 5

TOPEKA, KAN. –A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas couple with fraudulently obtaining disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, James Bradford, 47, and Equanda Bradford, 45, of Junction City are charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public money, property, or records.

James Bradford, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Equanda are accused of providing false and fraudulent information to the VA, about his caregiver needs and her caregiving functions resulting in the receipt of $172,426 in disability compensation to which they were not entitled.

The Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General and the General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. –A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas couple with fraudulently obtaining disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, James Bradford, 47, and Equanda Bradford, 45, of Junction City are charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of theft of public money, property, or records.James Bradford, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Equanda are accused of providing false and fraudulent information to the VA, about his caregiver needs and her caregiving functions resulting in the receipt of $172,426 in disability compensation to which they were not entitled.The Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General and the General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

Junction City couple accused of stealing $172K in VA benefits

The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation Friday announced the 40 Kansans chosen for&nbsp;2024 Leadership Kansas&nbsp;class.

As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state.

"Since 1979, LK&nbsp;has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state.&nbsp;LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight month journey learning more about our great state."

Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2024 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2024 class.&nbsp;The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;

The 2024 program runs April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.&nbsp;

"Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,"&nbsp;said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16).&nbsp;"Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."

Leadership KansasThe Kansas Chamber and Kansas Chamber Education Foundation Friday announced the 40 Kansans chosen for&nbsp;2024 Leadership Kansas&nbsp;class.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709639011961.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the country, Leadership Kansas, or LK, is focused on developing and motivating Kansas leaders from across the state."Since 1979, LK&nbsp;has fostered greater awareness and understanding of statewide economic, business, and political issues among the leaders of our state.&nbsp;LK alumni have gone on to key leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels," said Kansas Chamber President &amp; CEO Alan Cobb (LK '21). "The Chamber and Foundation are excited to welcome the newest class and wish them the best during their eight month journey learning more about our great state."Leadership Kansas received more than 500 nominations for the 2024 program. After a thorough&nbsp;and thoughtful application and selection process, the selection committee made of LK alumni chose 40 individuals for the 2024 class.&nbsp;The committee makes every effort to ensure the class reflects the state in regard to geographic, ethnic, occupational, and gender diversity.&nbsp;The 2024 program runs April to November and includes visits to Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lenexa, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp;The class will interact with a variety of experts and community leaders through three-day educational training sessions. The diverse discussion topics include business, education, agriculture, public policy, societal health, economic development, and government.&nbsp;"Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,"&nbsp;said LK Executive Director Aaron Miller (LK '16).&nbsp;"Participants meet many of Kansas’ distinguished business and government leaders and become stronger leaders, better prepared to contribute to their communities and our state."

Area residents included in 2024 Leadership Kansas class

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital in Manhattan.

Just before 2p.m. Sunday, the Riley County Communications Center received several 911 calls reporting shots fired in the 1400 block of Flint Hills Place in Manhattan, according to a media release.

Riley County Police Officers and an officer from the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene and found a male victim, age 53, with two gunshot wounds, one to the right arm and the other to the right leg.

The victim was transported via ambulance to Via Christi and was later transferred to a larger hospital.&nbsp;

Officers were able to set up a perimeter and canvas the area for the suspect. The neighborhood was cleared of police activity around 7:17 PM. The suspect remains at large but we do not believe him to be a threat to the community at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. &nbsp; Crime stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital in Manhattan.Just before 2p.m. Sunday, the Riley County Communications Center received several 911 calls reporting shots fired in the 1400 block of Flint Hills Place in Manhattan, according to a media release.Riley County Police Officers and an officer from the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene and found a male victim, age 53, with two gunshot wounds, one to the right arm and the other to the right leg.The victim was transported via ambulance to Via Christi and was later transferred to a larger hospital.&nbsp;Officers were able to set up a perimeter and canvas the area for the suspect. The neighborhood was cleared of police activity around 7:17 PM. The suspect remains at large but we do not believe him to be a threat to the community at this time.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. &nbsp; Crime stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD looking for suspect in shooting that sent man to hospital

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged use of fake cash in Manhattan.

Just before 4p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of theft and counterfeit currency in the 800 block of Commons Place in Manhattan. Target&nbsp; reported counterfeit currency was used to purchase approximately $700 worth of merchandise.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656555299680.png" alt="Example of counterfeit cash. Not the bills used in Manhattan" />
 <figcaption>Example of counterfeit cash. Not the bills used in Manhattan</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged use of fake cash in Manhattan.Just before 4p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of theft and counterfeit currency in the 800 block of Commons Place in Manhattan. Target&nbsp; reported counterfeit currency was used to purchase approximately $700 worth of merchandise.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

$700 purchase with counterfeit cash at Manhattan retailer

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged battery in Manhattan.

Just after 7:30p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery in the 900 block of Bertrand Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A

 20-year-old male reported he was struck in the face with a glass bottle by an unknown male suspect. &nbsp;

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. &nbsp;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 battery in Manhattan.Just after 7:30p.m. Saturday, officers filed a report for aggravated battery in the 900 block of Bertrand Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 20-year-old male reported he was struck in the face with a glass bottle by an unknown male suspect. &nbsp;Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. &nbsp;Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect struck man in the face with glass bottle

JACKSON DAVID HUBLER DAYTON, 28, Manhattan; $3,000 bond

LEVERTIS LEE HORNE, 33, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; $350 Bond

NEVAEH ANIYAH GOODRIDGE ZELLOUS, 16, Manhattan,&nbsp;Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose, misdemeanor warrant service or execution and Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Juvenile

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;JACKSON DAVID HUBLER DAYTON, 28, Manhattan; $3,000 bondLEVERTIS LEE HORNE, 33, Manhattan, Failure to Appear; $350 BondNEVAEH ANIYAH GOODRIDGE ZELLOUS, 16, Manhattan,&nbsp;Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose, misdemeanor warrant service or execution and Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Juvenile

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 4

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned by prescribed fire, especially within the Flint Hills.

Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc2ZpcmUuc29ub21hdGVjaGRhdGEuY29tL3ZpZXcvc3VtbWFyeS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyOC45MDk1NzE2MSJ9.b-LOEMzQZRwEqTbTgsJKZYP6ykOPQr5_3QCjZeTu_UI/s/1305913623/br/237860248838-l">Kansas smoke modeling tool</a>&nbsp;in early March, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“We are entering the 14th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646151679691.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management " />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management </figcaption>
 </figure>KDHETOPEKA –&nbsp;Kansas Department of Health and Environment reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned by prescribed fire, especially within the Flint Hills.Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts.KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9rc2ZpcmUuc29ub21hdGVjaGRhdGEuY29tL3ZpZXcvc3VtbWFyeS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyOC45MDk1NzE2MSJ9.b-LOEMzQZRwEqTbTgsJKZYP6ykOPQr5_3QCjZeTu_UI/s/1305913623/br/237860248838-l">Kansas smoke modeling tool</a>&nbsp;in early March, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.“We are entering the 14th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:<ul>
 <li>Healthy people limiting or avoiding strenuous outdoor</li><li>Vulnerable people should remain</li><li>Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air</li><li>Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of</li><li>Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe</li>
 </ul>For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NmaXJlLm9yZy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyOC45MDk1NzE2MSJ9.7UVhKYDXbMOHiR5atHpAN9Wk4hjpngSN6BuB8bGfg9s/s/1305913623/br/237860248838-l">The Kansas Flint Hill Smoke Management Website.</a>

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