K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee says food safety&nbsp;needs to be&nbsp;part of summer parties, especially when those get-togethers involve grilling food outdoors.

Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says food safety&nbsp;needs to be&nbsp;part of summer parties, especially when those get-togethers involve grilling food outdoors.

“To start with,”&nbsp;she said,&nbsp;“wash your hands.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;the No. 1 step before you start handling any food, and then&nbsp;wash them again&nbsp;after&nbsp;you’ve&nbsp;handled any&nbsp;kind of&nbsp;raw meat.”

Much like&nbsp;cooking food indoors, home chefs need to keep a food thermometer close at hand, Blakeslee said. For meat, there are three temperatures that consumers should store&nbsp;to&nbsp;memory:

⦁ 145&nbsp;degrees Fahrenheit for steaks, roasts, chops, fish and other whole cuts of meat.

⦁ 160 F for ground meat, including beef, pork and lamb.

Those temperatures include&nbsp;products that&nbsp;are smoked, cooked on a grill or indoors. The recommended temperatures relate to the internal temperature of the meat.&nbsp;

“Without a food thermometer,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;very subjective”&nbsp;as to whether the meat&nbsp;is&nbsp;cooked&nbsp;properly, Blakeslee said.&nbsp;Judging doneness by color or pressing the meat with your finger&nbsp;are&nbsp;also subjective, she noted.

To&nbsp;more accurately measure for doneness, insert the&nbsp;tip of the thermometer&nbsp;into the center of the meat.&nbsp;With a digital thermometer, the&nbsp;temperature sensor is normally in the tip, so&nbsp;those&nbsp;can be inserted into the top of the meat product.

“But the ideal way to do it – like with a hamburger – is to insert it from the side,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“That is the best way to reach the center of the product.”

A thermometer with a dial display is another option.&nbsp;

“If you look on the stem of a dial face thermometer, there should be a dimple, about halfway up the stem. Insert this type of thermometer into the food so that the little dimple gets into the meat product&nbsp;to get&nbsp;an accurate measurement,"&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;

Keep meat cold until&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;ready to use&nbsp;it

Resist the temptation to let meat sit on a counter for long&nbsp;periods of time.&nbsp;“You could let it warm up a little bit (before cooking) – about 30 minutes. But please refrain from letting it sit out for hours. That invites any bacteria&nbsp;that could be&nbsp;on the meat to start growing, and cooking may not destroy all of the bacteria.”

Freeze meat that&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;be used&nbsp;soon after you buy it

If planning an event, consider buying meat 2-3 days before cooking it. Otherwise, Blakeslee said,&nbsp;“you need to freeze it.”

Frozen meat&nbsp;is best thawed&nbsp;in the refrigerator, not on a countertop.&nbsp;“Plan&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;for thawing,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“The amount of thawing time&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;need depends on the size of your meat product.”

Steaks can typically be thawed&nbsp;in a refrigerator in 24 hours. A brisket might take 3-4&nbsp;days

Keep hot foods hot and cold foods&nbsp;cold

Side dishes are usually cold foods; keep them in a refrigerator until&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;ready to serve them. Ice chests are handy for chilling side dishes. Cold foods should be kept at 40 F or lower, while&nbsp;hot foods should be&nbsp;kept&nbsp;at 140 F or higher.

Store food and eat leftovers&nbsp;promptly

Store food within 1-2 hours of serving them. Foods should be divided into shallow containers and placed in the refrigerator.&nbsp;

“Today’s&nbsp;refrigerators are very efficient, so you do not need to set them on the counter until they cool,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.

Leftovers should be eaten&nbsp;within 3-4&nbsp;days,&nbsp;otherwise&nbsp;transferred to the freezer for later use.&nbsp;“We all need to work better at reducing food waste,”&nbsp;she&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“One way to do that is managing leftovers. Leftovers are great; they make an easy lunch or quick supper, or you can re-purpose them into a completely different meal.”

Blakeslee said mayonnaise often gets a bad rap for being a food safety concern, but the&nbsp;popular&nbsp;dressing is high in acid and can fend for itself.

“Mayonnaise is not the problem,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“It’s&nbsp;what you mix into the mayonnaise&nbsp;that&nbsp;can be the problem.&nbsp;Cooked&nbsp;potatoes,&nbsp;hard boiled&nbsp;eggs…those are the ingredients that need refrigeration to reduce food safety risks.j

“The mayonnaise is just holding the mixture together and adds flavor,”&nbsp;she adds.&nbsp;“So, give mayonnaise a break.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;how you handle the rest of the ingredients in the potato salad that&nbsp;really&nbsp;matters.”

Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices in Kansas.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716304523390.png" alt="Ground meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, measured with a food thermometer, said K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ground meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, measured with a food thermometer, said K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research Extension&nbsp;K-State food scientist Karen Blakeslee says food safety&nbsp;needs to be&nbsp;part of summer parties, especially when those get-togethers involve grilling food outdoors.Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says food safety&nbsp;needs to be&nbsp;part of summer parties, especially when those get-togethers involve grilling food outdoors.“To start with,”&nbsp;she said,&nbsp;“wash your hands.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;the No. 1 step before you start handling any food, and then&nbsp;wash them again&nbsp;after&nbsp;you’ve&nbsp;handled any&nbsp;kind of&nbsp;raw meat.”Much like&nbsp;cooking food indoors, home chefs need to keep a food thermometer close at hand, Blakeslee said. For meat, there are three temperatures that consumers should store&nbsp;to&nbsp;memory:⦁ 145&nbsp;degrees Fahrenheit for steaks, roasts, chops, fish and other whole cuts of meat.⦁ 160 F for ground meat, including beef, pork and lamb.⦁ 165 F for all types of poultryThose temperatures include&nbsp;products that&nbsp;are smoked, cooked on a grill or indoors. The recommended temperatures relate to the internal temperature of the meat.&nbsp;“Without a food thermometer,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;very subjective”&nbsp;as to whether the meat&nbsp;is&nbsp;cooked&nbsp;properly, Blakeslee said.&nbsp;Judging doneness by color or pressing the meat with your finger&nbsp;are&nbsp;also subjective, she noted.To&nbsp;more accurately measure for doneness, insert the&nbsp;tip of the thermometer&nbsp;into the center of the meat.&nbsp;With a digital thermometer, the&nbsp;temperature sensor is normally in the tip, so&nbsp;those&nbsp;can be inserted into the top of the meat product.“But the ideal way to do it – like with a hamburger – is to insert it from the side,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“That is the best way to reach the center of the product.”A thermometer with a dial display is another option.&nbsp;“If you look on the stem of a dial face thermometer, there should be a dimple, about halfway up the stem. Insert this type of thermometer into the food so that the little dimple gets into the meat product&nbsp;to get&nbsp;an accurate measurement,"&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;<h2>Some food safety tips Blakeslee offers:</h2>Keep meat cold until&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;ready to use&nbsp;itResist the temptation to let meat sit on a counter for long&nbsp;periods of time.&nbsp;“You could let it warm up a little bit (before cooking) – about 30 minutes. But please refrain from letting it sit out for hours. That invites any bacteria&nbsp;that could be&nbsp;on the meat to start growing, and cooking may not destroy all of the bacteria.”Freeze meat that&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;be used&nbsp;soon after you buy itIf planning an event, consider buying meat 2-3 days before cooking it. Otherwise, Blakeslee said,&nbsp;“you need to freeze it.”Frozen meat&nbsp;is best thawed&nbsp;in the refrigerator, not on a countertop.&nbsp;“Plan&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;for thawing,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“The amount of thawing time&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;need depends on the size of your meat product.”Steaks can typically be thawed&nbsp;in a refrigerator in 24 hours. A brisket might take 3-4&nbsp;daysKeep hot foods hot and cold foods&nbsp;coldSide dishes are usually cold foods; keep them in a refrigerator until&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;ready to serve them. Ice chests are handy for chilling side dishes. Cold foods should be kept at 40 F or lower, while&nbsp;hot foods should be&nbsp;kept&nbsp;at 140 F or higher.Store food and eat leftovers&nbsp;promptlyStore food within 1-2 hours of serving them. Foods should be divided into shallow containers and placed in the refrigerator.&nbsp;“Today’s&nbsp;refrigerators are very efficient, so you do not need to set them on the counter until they cool,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.Leftovers should be eaten&nbsp;within 3-4&nbsp;days,&nbsp;otherwise&nbsp;transferred to the freezer for later use.&nbsp;“We all need to work better at reducing food waste,”&nbsp;she&nbsp;said.&nbsp;“One way to do that is managing leftovers. Leftovers are great; they make an easy lunch or quick supper, or you can re-purpose them into a completely different meal.”‘Give Mayo a Break’Blakeslee said mayonnaise often gets a bad rap for being a food safety concern, but the&nbsp;popular&nbsp;dressing is high in acid and can fend for itself.“Mayonnaise is not the problem,”&nbsp;Blakeslee said.&nbsp;“It’s&nbsp;what you mix into the mayonnaise&nbsp;that&nbsp;can be the problem.&nbsp;Cooked&nbsp;potatoes,&nbsp;hard boiled&nbsp;eggs…those are the ingredients that need refrigeration to reduce food safety risks.j“The mayonnaise is just holding the mixture together and adds flavor,”&nbsp;she adds.&nbsp;“So, give mayonnaise a break.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;how you handle the rest of the ingredients in the potato salad that&nbsp;really&nbsp;matters.”Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices in Kansas.</a>

Grillin' and Chillin'? Remember food safety, says K-State expert

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;

MEGAN MARIE UNDERWOOD, 30, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

JADA JEAN EDMOND, 16, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

RYAN TIMOTHY INGLETT, 38, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $1,000

JAYDEN JAQUESE TUCKER, 14, Manhattan, Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

LANDEN RILEY BEARCE, 21, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $158

ANDREW BRADLEY DEPUY, 27, 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;MEGAN MARIE UNDERWOOD, 30, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750JADA JEAN EDMOND, 16, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeRYAN TIMOTHY INGLETT, 38, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $1,000JAYDEN JAQUESE TUCKER, 14, Manhattan, Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeLANDEN RILEY BEARCE, 21, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $158ANDREW BRADLEY DEPUY, 27, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report May 21

MANHATTAN — They all came for different reasons and from different sources of inspiration, but the end goal was the same — to help people with broken noses, bacterial infections and any other number of medical maladies.As the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/academics/pa/">physician assistant studies program</a>&nbsp;finishes 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages."Our first cohort set the standard for the program," said Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob, director of the program and a physician assistant herself. "They helped us learn how to best teach students and prepare them for jobs as physician assistants."

K-State's physician assistant graduates are trained to meet common medical needs

K-State's physician assistant program began as a concept several years ago when the university saw a statewide need for more health care providers.Out of Kansas' 105 counties, more than 60 are medically underserved under the state's standard for primary medical care, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1525/List-of-Governor-Designated-Medically-Underserved-Areas-PDF">the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's latest&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1525/List-of-Governor-Designated-Medically-Underserved-Areas-PDF">&nbsp;.</a>A physician assistant studies program was identified as a way to develop medical providers who may not have the advanced knowledge of physicians but would still undergo intense medical training to complete most tasks while still being under the supervision of a fully credentialed physician.Think someone who could help "relieve, but not replace, the doctor role, especially as there's always been physician shortages," said Amy Fitzgerald, academic director for the program and a physician assistant."We're trained in the common," Fitzgerald said. "That's not to say we're not trained in the uncommon, but our goal — and that of most other PA programs — is to train broadly and teach responses to those common injuries and illnesses you'll run into."

K-State's physician assistant studies program started in January 2022 as a 27-month graduate-level program in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>, split between 12 months of deep classroom education — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every single weekday — and 15 months of clinical experience at various sites around the region.Even in the classroom learning portion of their training, the students had the chance to receive hands-on experience with trauma patient simulators in mock exam rooms and virtual 3D anatomical dissection tables.Many physician assistants work in family practice environments, but some may further specialize by pursuing careers in fields such as interventional radiology, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery, among others.Besides the medical training, then, the K-State physician assistant program's instructors focused on teaching students to approach their jobs with professionalism and empathy for their patients, said Ferdinand-Jacob."It's easy to teach the science, because that is often either right or wrong," Ferdinand-Jacob said. "It can be difficult to teach the compassion and care needed to excel as a PA, but this cohort has really developed and grown in those skills these past 27 months."Tavi Garcia, a physician assistant student from a small farm town in&nbsp;Jalisco, Mexico, said he appreciated the smaller class sizes and one-on-one opportunities he had with professors.It's learning he'll take with him as he prepares to work at a health center in rural Idaho after passing his national boards."Through the program, I learned how to really work well with patients and recognize what I could do to help them medically," Garcia said. "I also really loved the focus we had on working with underserved populations, especially here in Kansas."

More health care provider relief is in the K-State pipeline

Now that the initial cohort of physician assistant students has graduated, a second cohort of 40 students is completing clinicals, while the third cohort of 44 students — the program's target size going forward — started classroom instruction in January.While the first cohort has completed their education, the 35 students are preparing to take their national certification exams in the coming weeks. That certification will allow them to obtain their medical licenses in whichever state or jurisdiction they hope to practice in.At any rate, many of the graduates already have jobs lined up contingent on their certification, Fitzgerald said. The initial goal in recruiting students to the program was to get at least 20% from Kansas, since they would be more likely to remain in the state.The program is up to about 50% now, though, and even out-of-state students are seeing opportunities in the Sunflower State.

"Our approach, initially, was thinking that most students would have to be from Kansas to want to stay in Kansas," Fitzgerald said. "But that hasn't necessarily turned out to be true, and many of our students are thinking that maybe they too could stay and work in communities around the state."Taylor Niermeier, a physician assistant student from Gove who graduated this spring, plans to return to northwest Kansas, where she has a tentative job with a local health care provider.Niermeier said she is proud to have helped set a standard for the physician assistant program as a member of its inaugural cohort."As a class, we were able to help change and mold the program to fit the needs of students," she said. "We worked with faculty to make this program successful, and we were able to make an impact by bettering the profession and helping it grow."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716299783845.png" alt="Michael Loree, left, and Grayson Bingham practice their examination skills on "Hal Jr.," an advanced patient simulator. The K-State physician assistant program also has adult and infant-sized patient simulators that allow students to practice various medical skills, including airway management, IV placement and trauma treatment, among others. " />
 <figcaption>Michael Loree, left, and Grayson Bingham practice their examination skills on "Hal Jr.," an advanced patient simulator. The K-State physician assistant program also has adult and infant-sized patient simulators that allow students to practice various medical skills, including airway management, IV placement and trauma treatment, among others. </figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Rafael GarciaMANHATTAN — They all came for different reasons and from different sources of inspiration, but the end goal was the same — to help people with broken noses, bacterial infections and any other number of medical maladies.As the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/academics/pa/">physician assistant studies program</a>&nbsp;finishes 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages."Our first cohort set the standard for the program," said Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob, director of the program and a physician assistant herself. "They helped us learn how to best teach students and prepare them for jobs as physician assistants."<h2>K-State's physician assistant graduates are trained to meet common medical needs</h2>K-State's physician assistant program began as a concept several years ago when the university saw a statewide need for more health care providers.Out of Kansas' 105 counties, more than 60 are medically underserved under the state's standard for primary medical care, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1525/List-of-Governor-Designated-Medically-Underserved-Areas-PDF">the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's latest&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1525/List-of-Governor-Designated-Medically-Underserved-Areas-PDF">&nbsp;.</a>A physician assistant studies program was identified as a way to develop medical providers who may not have the advanced knowledge of physicians but would still undergo intense medical training to complete most tasks while still being under the supervision of a fully credentialed physician.Think someone who could help "relieve, but not replace, the doctor role, especially as there's always been physician shortages," said Amy Fitzgerald, academic director for the program and a physician assistant."We're trained in the common," Fitzgerald said. "That's not to say we're not trained in the uncommon, but our goal — and that of most other PA programs — is to train broadly and teach responses to those common injuries and illnesses you'll run into."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716299869416.png" alt="Alexa Tkachuck, a member of the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University's physician assistant studies program, reviews anatomy using the vertical Anatomage table. The interactive anatomical dissection table allows students to simulate and examine various types of health issues on virtual bodies. " />
 <figcaption>Alexa Tkachuck, a member of the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University's physician assistant studies program, reviews anatomy using the vertical Anatomage table. The interactive anatomical dissection table allows students to simulate and examine various types of health issues on virtual bodies. </figcaption>
 </figure>K-State's physician assistant studies program started in January 2022 as a 27-month graduate-level program in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>, split between 12 months of deep classroom education — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every single weekday — and 15 months of clinical experience at various sites around the region.Even in the classroom learning portion of their training, the students had the chance to receive hands-on experience with trauma patient simulators in mock exam rooms and virtual 3D anatomical dissection tables.Many physician assistants work in family practice environments, but some may further specialize by pursuing careers in fields such as interventional radiology, cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery, among others.Besides the medical training, then, the K-State physician assistant program's instructors focused on teaching students to approach their jobs with professionalism and empathy for their patients, said Ferdinand-Jacob."It's easy to teach the science, because that is often either right or wrong," Ferdinand-Jacob said. "It can be difficult to teach the compassion and care needed to excel as a PA, but this cohort has really developed and grown in those skills these past 27 months."Tavi Garcia, a physician assistant student from a small farm town in&nbsp;Jalisco, Mexico, said he appreciated the smaller class sizes and one-on-one opportunities he had with professors.It's learning he'll take with him as he prepares to work at a health center in rural Idaho after passing his national boards."Through the program, I learned how to really work well with patients and recognize what I could do to help them medically," Garcia said. "I also really loved the focus we had on working with underserved populations, especially here in Kansas."<h2>More health care provider relief is in the K-State pipeline</h2>Now that the initial cohort of physician assistant students has graduated, a second cohort of 40 students is completing clinicals, while the third cohort of 44 students — the program's target size going forward — started classroom instruction in January.While the first cohort has completed their education, the 35 students are preparing to take their national certification exams in the coming weeks. That certification will allow them to obtain their medical licenses in whichever state or jurisdiction they hope to practice in.At any rate, many of the graduates already have jobs lined up contingent on their certification, Fitzgerald said. The initial goal in recruiting students to the program was to get at least 20% from Kansas, since they would be more likely to remain in the state.The program is up to about 50% now, though, and even out-of-state students are seeing opportunities in the Sunflower State.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716299906302.png" alt="Taylor Niemeier, a member of the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University's physician assistant studies program, practices examination skills on Swathi Punreddy, another member of the cohort. Students learn about and practice hands-on examination skills during the first 12 months of the 27-month program. " />
 <figcaption>Taylor Niemeier, a member of the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University's physician assistant studies program, practices examination skills on Swathi Punreddy, another member of the cohort. Students learn about and practice hands-on examination skills during the first 12 months of the 27-month program. </figcaption>
 </figure>"Our approach, initially, was thinking that most students would have to be from Kansas to want to stay in Kansas," Fitzgerald said. "But that hasn't necessarily turned out to be true, and many of our students are thinking that maybe they too could stay and work in communities around the state."Taylor Niermeier, a physician assistant student from Gove who graduated this spring, plans to return to northwest Kansas, where she has a tentative job with a local health care provider.Niermeier said she is proud to have helped set a standard for the physician assistant program as a member of its inaugural cohort."As a class, we were able to help change and mold the program to fit the needs of students," she said. "We worked with faculty to make this program successful, and we were able to make an impact by bettering the profession and helping it grow."

Kansas needs health care providers. KSU's first physician assistant cohort is stepping up

CLAY COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Clay County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Omar Meza Martinez, 23, Wichita, was&nbsp; northbound on Kansas 15 just south of 25th Road.

The vehicle entered the east ditch, rolled once and came to rest on its wheels. EMS transported Martinez to Salina Regional Health Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

CLAY COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Clay County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Freightliner semi driven by Omar Meza Martinez, 23, Wichita, was&nbsp; northbound on Kansas 15 just south of 25th Road.The vehicle entered the east ditch, rolled once and came to rest on its wheels. EMS transported Martinez to Salina Regional Health Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after semi rolls

TREVOR MCKINZIE SMITH, 26, Conway Springs,&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt;100 grams; Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams; Distribute substance in 65-4105(h); Dose 10 - &lt; 100 units; Distribute substance in 65-4105(h); Dose 10 - &lt; 100 units; Distribute substance in KSA 65-4105(h); &lt; 3.5 grams; Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation; Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation; Bond $8,000

MATTHEW KENNETH DE ANGELIS, 35, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

ANGELO NATHANAEL GARCIA, 22, Fort Riley, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;TREVOR MCKINZIE SMITH, 26, Conway Springs,&nbsp;Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt;100 grams; Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt; 450 grams; Distribute substance in 65-4105(h); Dose 10 - &lt; 100 units; Distribute substance in 65-4105(h); Dose 10 - &lt; 100 units; Distribute substance in KSA 65-4105(h); &lt; 3.5 grams; Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation; Use communication facility; In the commission of a felony drug violation; Bond $8,000MATTHEW KENNETH DE ANGELIS, 35, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County JailANGELO NATHANAEL GARCIA, 22, Fort Riley, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

Riley County Arrest Report May 20

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

Just after 12a.m. Saturday, police arrested 38-year-old Brandon Colson of Manhattan in the 1000 block of Laramie Street, according to the RIleyi County Police Department activity report.

Colson was arrested on requested charges of abuse of a child. 

 Total bond was set at $100,000. Colson was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;Colson has previous convictions for burglary, forgery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716215407983.png" alt="Colson has previous convictions for burglary, forgery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Colson has previous convictions for burglary, forgery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a weekend arrest.Just after 12a.m. Saturday, police arrested 38-year-old Brandon Colson of Manhattan in the 1000 block of Laramie Street, according to the RIleyi County Police Department activity report.Colson was arrested on requested charges of abuse of a child. Total bond was set at $100,000. Colson was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;Colson has previous convictions for burglary, forgery and aggravated escape from custody, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Manhattan man accused of child abuse 

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

Just before 4p.m. Sunday, police arrested 26-year-old Trevor Smith of Conway Springs, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Smith was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 8 counts of sale/distribution of a controlled substance. Smith remains jail on a bond of $8,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;He has a previous conviction for drug distribution,&nbsp; possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716214505277.png" alt="Smith-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.Just before 4p.m. Sunday, police arrested 26-year-old Trevor Smith of Conway Springs, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Smith was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 8 counts of sale/distribution of a controlled substance. Smith remains jail on a bond of $8,000.&nbsp; &nbsp;He has a previous conviction for drug distribution,&nbsp; possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

RCPD reports arrest of alleged drug dealer

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after another alleged DUI arrest.

Just after 4:30p.m. on Saturday, police arrested 39-year-old Russell Harmon in the 400 block of 3rd Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. &nbsp;Harmon was arrested on the probable cause offense of driving under the influence- 4th or subsequent conviction.&nbsp;

On May 5, the RCPD reported Harmon's arrest on similar allegations.

Harmon remains jailed on a $5,000 bond.&nbsp;  In 2014, the Kansas Department of Corrections reported Harmon was in their custody for Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - 3rd or subsequent conviction, for a conviction in Wabaunsee County.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after another alleged DUI arrest.Just after 4:30p.m. on Saturday, police arrested 39-year-old Russell Harmon in the 400 block of 3rd Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. &nbsp;Harmon was arrested on the probable cause offense of driving under the influence- 4th or subsequent conviction.&nbsp;On May 5, the RCPD reported Harmon's arrest on similar allegations.Harmon remains jailed on a $5,000 bond.&nbsp; In 2014, the Kansas Department of Corrections reported Harmon was in their custody for Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs - 3rd or subsequent conviction, for a conviction in Wabaunsee County.

Manhattan man accused of DUI for 2nd time this month

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For a ninth straight month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral, according to the May survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

"The farm sector is, I won't call it struggling, but it's moving sideways to down," said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss. "Look no further than John Deere that came out with their announced income, which was not good. Farm equipment sales are down, this is the first time since 2020 that we've had a pullback in farm land prices. If you look at cash rents, they were almost flat from three or four years ago."

Part of the challenge in surveying bankers to find out about farmers right now, is that bankers are having their own problems.

"I would argue that they get some of their own banking sector issues connected to the farm sector," Goss said. "That obviously has a strong connection, but it's not everything. Bank deposits were down. Those who deposit money in the banks are moving money around to get higher returns. That puts pressure on the bank. It's another indicator. We saw interest rates, they're much higher, what they charge for operating loans. Also, farm land sale financing, that was still high. Interest rates are causing some difficulties for the farm sector and the banking sector."

Goss also believes that the overall numbers being provided on economic conditions in some respects just aren't something you can count on.

"The BLS that does the monthly survey of hiring and employment, they're getting it wrong," Goss said. "Those numbers are just not reliable coming out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How do you know? They do a quarterly estimate, which revises the monthly estimate. The quarterly estimate has 95% of the companies across America. The monthly survey includes 1% of the businesses across America. That 1% sample, I would argue, is quite unreliable. We may in fact determine later on, that we are in a recession right now."

The National Bureau of Economic Research won't put out a number until late summer.

<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/2020/7/1595014550898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For a ninth straight month, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral, according to the May survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy."The farm sector is, I won't call it struggling, but it's moving sideways to down," said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss. "Look no further than John Deere that came out with their announced income, which was not good. Farm equipment sales are down, this is the first time since 2020 that we've had a pullback in farm land prices. If you look at cash rents, they were almost flat from three or four years ago."Part of the challenge in surveying bankers to find out about farmers right now, is that bankers are having their own problems."I would argue that they get some of their own banking sector issues connected to the farm sector," Goss said. "That obviously has a strong connection, but it's not everything. Bank deposits were down. Those who deposit money in the banks are moving money around to get higher returns. That puts pressure on the bank. It's another indicator. We saw interest rates, they're much higher, what they charge for operating loans. Also, farm land sale financing, that was still high. Interest rates are causing some difficulties for the farm sector and the banking sector."Goss also believes that the overall numbers being provided on economic conditions in some respects just aren't something you can count on."The BLS that does the monthly survey of hiring and employment, they're getting it wrong," Goss said. "Those numbers are just not reliable coming out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How do you know? They do a quarterly estimate, which revises the monthly estimate. The quarterly estimate has 95% of the companies across America. The monthly survey includes 1% of the businesses across America. That 1% sample, I would argue, is quite unreliable. We may in fact determine later on, that we are in a recession right now."The National Bureau of Economic Research won't put out a number until late summer.<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;

Goss: Farm sector 'sideways to down'

ZACHARY DEWAYNE TILTON, 36, Ogden, Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction; Bond $500

HORASHIO ANTOINE PRITCHETT, 44, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $5,000

MARCUS EDWARD WASHINGTON, 40, Topeka, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

ANGELO NATHANAEL GARCIA, 22, Fort Riley, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $750

ALLYSON FRANCINE GANN, 37, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500

JACOB JEREMY MENDENHALL, 45, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

EVA MARIE CLEARY, 19, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction; Bond $3,000

RUSSELL CHANCE HARMON, 39, Manhattan, Driving under the influence; 4th or subsequent; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; w/in 3 hrs; Bond $5,000

HARLEY CAPRI CARLSON, 26, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

DONNITHAN MAURICE JONES, 31, Dodge City, Failure to appear; Bond $500

DAVID NIRUN TUNYANONT, 24, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $2,000

BRANDON WAYNE COLSON, 38, Manhattan, Abuse of a child; Knowingly torture or cruelly beat/strike/kickbeat child under 6yrs old; Bond $100,000

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;Arrest Report from May 18:ZACHARY DEWAYNE TILTON, 36, Ogden, Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction; Bond $500HORASHIO ANTOINE PRITCHETT, 44, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $5,000MARCUS EDWARD WASHINGTON, 40, Topeka, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County JailArrest Report from May 19:ANGELO NATHANAEL GARCIA, 22, Fort Riley, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $750ALLYSON FRANCINE GANN, 37, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500JACOB JEREMY MENDENHALL, 45, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000EVA MARIE CLEARY, 19, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsequent conviction; Bond $3,000RUSSELL CHANCE HARMON, 39, Manhattan, Driving under the influence; 4th or subsequent; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; w/in 3 hrs; Bond $5,000HARLEY CAPRI CARLSON, 26, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000DONNITHAN MAURICE JONES, 31, Dodge City, Failure to appear; Bond $500DAVID NIRUN TUNYANONT, 24, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $2,000BRANDON WAYNE COLSON, 38, Manhattan, Abuse of a child; Knowingly torture or cruelly beat/strike/kickbeat child under 6yrs old; Bond $100,000

Riley County Arrest Report May 18/19

&nbsp;This week,&nbsp; Wabaunsee County Emergency Management contacted the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Emergency Response and Investigations Division to assist in the investigation of an exhibit that may have had deteriorating artifacts located inside the&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Historical Society and Museum, 227 Missouri Avenue in Alma, according to a media release from the State Fire Marshal.

A strategic plan was put in place with all responding agencies to investigate, assess and safely remove the materials from the museum and then proper disposal of the items.

Deteriorating chemicals can be dangerous if not handled properly. The OSFM commended the&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Historical Society and Museum and Marci Spaw, museum director, for handling this incident in a way that kept everyone safe. The museum is back open for business.

Responding agencies included the following Topeka Police Bomb Squad; Topeka Fire HazMat;&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Sheriff’s department;&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Emergency Management;&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Fire District No. 6; FBI Joint Terrorism Task force with fire personnel from KC Metro; an ATF rep from KC Metro; and the Emergency Response Division/HazMat and Investigation’s Division from the OSFM.

&nbsp;This week,&nbsp; Wabaunsee County Emergency Management contacted the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Emergency Response and Investigations Division to assist in the investigation of an exhibit that may have had deteriorating artifacts located inside the&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Historical Society and Museum, 227 Missouri Avenue in Alma, according to a media release from the State Fire Marshal.A strategic plan was put in place with all responding agencies to investigate, assess and safely remove the materials from the museum and then proper disposal of the items.Deteriorating chemicals can be dangerous if not handled properly. The OSFM commended the&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Historical Society and Museum and Marci Spaw, museum director, for handling this incident in a way that kept everyone safe. The museum is back open for business.Responding agencies included the following Topeka Police Bomb Squad; Topeka Fire HazMat;&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Sheriff’s department;&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Emergency Management;&nbsp;Wabaunsee&nbsp;County Fire District No. 6; FBI Joint Terrorism Task force with fire personnel from KC Metro; an ATF rep from KC Metro; and the Emergency Response Division/HazMat and Investigation’s Division from the OSFM.

Bomb disposal units clear dangerous materials from Wabaunsee Co. museum

TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Labor.

“The Kansas unemployment rate for April was 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has maintained an unemployment rate below 3.0% since October 2021.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March.

The unemployment rate in Riley County is down from 2.7 percent in March to 2..5&nbsp; percent in April. The rate in Geary County also dropped from from 4.1 to 3.7&nbsp; percent. The rate in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties also saw a decline.

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.

“Kansas continued to add jobs in April, with total nonfarm job estimates increasing by 2,000 jobs over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The state has experienced significant job growth over the past three months, with average monthly gains of 4,900 jobs.”

Since April 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,500 government jobs.

<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for complete</a> Kansas labor market information for April

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715954877089.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.8% in April. This is an increase from 2.7% in March and an increase from 2.7% in April 2023, according to a statement from the Kansas Department of Labor.“The Kansas unemployment rate for April was 2.8%,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The state has maintained an unemployment rate below 3.0% since October 2021.”Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,000 from March.The unemployment rate in Riley County is down from 2.7 percent in March to 2..5&nbsp; percent in April. The rate in Geary County also dropped from from 4.1 to 3.7&nbsp; percent. The rate in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties also saw a decline.Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,700 over the month, while government increased by 300.“Kansas continued to add jobs in April, with total nonfarm job estimates increasing by 2,000 jobs over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The state has experienced significant job growth over the past three months, with average monthly gains of 4,900 jobs.”Since April 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 23,000. This change is due to an increase of 17,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,500 government jobs.<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for complete</a> Kansas labor market information for April

Jobless rate in Riley Co. and across the region continues to decline

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - USD 383 Manhattan Ogden Schools has announced the new principal for Oliver Brown Elementary School is Amber Cook.

Since 2021, Cook served as the Early Childhood Center Principal in USD 475 Geary County Schools.

From 2016-2021, she was a 5th grade and 3rd grade classroom teacher in the Gardner Edgerton School District.&nbsp;

Cook has also been the Title 1 Elementary teacher/Intervention Coordinator for Lawrence Public Schools in 2015-2016.

In 2007, Cook began her career in education as a classroom teacher in Lawrence.

She received her Bachelor of Arts&nbsp;in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.

“I am honored and excited to join the Oliver Brown Elementary School community,” states Cook. “I am committed to building upon the school's achievements and fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and valued, alongside their parents and families as our partners in education.” 

“We are excited for Mrs. Amber Cook to join our team as the Principal of Oliver Brown Elementary School,” states Superintendent Eric Reid. “She possesses the skill set needed to advance Oliver Brown toward its full potential. We are looking forward to supporting her in making the most of this leadership opportunity to benefit students, families, and staff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715980865058.jpeg" alt="Amber Cook, photo courtesy USD 383" />
 <figcaption>Amber Cook, photo courtesy USD 383</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - USD 383 Manhattan Ogden Schools has announced the new principal for Oliver Brown Elementary School is Amber Cook.Since 2021, Cook served as the Early Childhood Center Principal in USD 475 Geary County Schools.From 2016-2021, she was a 5th grade and 3rd grade classroom teacher in the Gardner Edgerton School District.&nbsp;Cook has also been the Title 1 Elementary teacher/Intervention Coordinator for Lawrence Public Schools in 2015-2016.In 2007, Cook began her career in education as a classroom teacher in Lawrence.She received her Bachelor of Arts&nbsp;in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and a Master of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.“I am honored and excited to join the Oliver Brown Elementary School community,” states Cook. “I am committed to building upon the school's achievements and fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and valued, alongside their parents and families as our partners in education.” “We are excited for Mrs. Amber Cook to join our team as the Principal of Oliver Brown Elementary School,” states Superintendent Eric Reid. “She possesses the skill set needed to advance Oliver Brown toward its full potential. We are looking forward to supporting her in making the most of this leadership opportunity to benefit students, families, and staff.”Cook officially begins her role in July.

USD 383 announces newly hired principal for Oliver Brown Elementary

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_QapUV_xYo?si=MR_64btnWHxJsyzR" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

🎤Forward Ever: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall

OGDEN - On Thursday May 16, around 8:15 pm, crews from Riley County Fire District #1 were paged out to Ogden on the report of a vehicle fire.

When crews arrived on the 100 block of 8th Street, they found 2 vehicles on fire and the fire had spread to a neighboring mobile home.

Twenty-four fire personnel and volunteers responded to the fire with 6 fire apparatus to extinguish the fire.

Both vehicles are a total loss and the mobile home received minor damage. Total damage for the incident is $82,000.

Both RCPD and the Kansas Fire Marshal are investigating the fire.&nbsp;

Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated arson and arson in connection with the fire, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 57-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man reported a known suspect pour gas onto a vehicle and set it on fire.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers. Using <a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a> 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/2024/5/1715961023964.jpeg" alt="photo courtesy of Riley County Fire District #1" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy of Riley County Fire District #1</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostOGDEN - On Thursday May 16, around 8:15 pm, crews from Riley County Fire District #1 were paged out to Ogden on the report of a vehicle fire.When crews arrived on the 100 block of 8th Street, they found 2 vehicles on fire and the fire had spread to a neighboring mobile home.Twenty-four fire personnel and volunteers responded to the fire with 6 fire apparatus to extinguish the fire.Both vehicles are a total loss and the mobile home received minor damage. Total damage for the incident is $82,000.No injuries were reported.Both RCPD and the Kansas Fire Marshal are investigating the fire.&nbsp;Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated arson and arson in connection with the fire, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 57-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man reported a known suspect pour gas onto a vehicle and set it on fire.Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers. Using <a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a> allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD, Kansas Fire Marshal investigating alleged arson in Ogden

The annual Run for the Wall event is this weekend in Junction City.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is year 34 of official rides for Run for the Wall, and they have made an annual stop in Junction City for over 20 years.&nbsp;

Bonnie Templeton, Assistant Director of the Junction City Committee for Run for the Wall, said more than 300 riders&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;on Sunday evening and that over 300 flags will be handed out. "We anticipate the riders to arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 on Sunday afternoon," Templeton said. "We would like everyone to be in Heritage Park no later than 5:00 p.m. to pick up flags."&nbsp;

The riders will come off I-70 and make their way down Washington, where there will then be a ceremony in Heritage Park.&nbsp;68th District House of Representative Nate Butler will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony.&nbsp;

Following the ceremony and event,&nbsp;the riders will be provided&nbsp;with dinner at the Eagles, and on Monday morning, before departure, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will provide a breakfast.&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe annual Run for the Wall event is this weekend in Junction City.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is year 34 of official rides for Run for the Wall, and they have made an annual stop in Junction City for over 20 years.&nbsp;Bonnie Templeton, Assistant Director of the Junction City Committee for Run for the Wall, said more than 300 riders&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;on Sunday evening and that over 300 flags will be handed out. "We anticipate the riders to arrive between 5:30 and 5:45 on Sunday afternoon," Templeton said. "We would like everyone to be in Heritage Park no later than 5:00 p.m. to pick up flags."&nbsp;The riders will come off I-70 and make their way down Washington, where there will then be a ceremony in Heritage Park.&nbsp;68th District House of Representative Nate Butler will be the keynote speaker at the ceremony.&nbsp;Following the ceremony and event,&nbsp;the riders will be provided&nbsp;with dinner at the Eagles, and on Monday morning, before departure, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will provide a breakfast.&nbsp;

Run for the Wall is this Sunday in Junction City

MANHATTAN - On Thursday morning, just before 3:00 am, an officer with the Riley County Police Department attempted to initiate a traffic stop, when the driver of the vehicle fled the area.

The vehicle was initially being stopped for an issue with the license plate/tag.

The officer pursued the vehicle from a distance, following the taillights, the officer located the empty vehicle in the 1300 block of N. 11th Street.

Officers then searched the route taken by the vehicle, and located a black backpack in the roadway. The backpack contained identification, along with substances that tested positive for methamphetamines as well as other substances suspected to be Fentanyl.

Just after 3:00 am, a stolen vehicle report was called in to the Riley County Dispatch Center, reporting the same vehicle involved in the flee and elude had been stolen.

Michael Curtis Skillern-Lewis reported his vehicle had been stolen.&nbsp;

Skillern-Lewis' identification was located within the black backpack found by officers containing illegal substances.

RCPD officers <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/e65b0940-eca4-4e22-baca-34b5f84c9a62">arrested Skillern-Lewis</a> on&nbsp;probable cause offenses of distribution of heroin/certain substances &gt; 100 grams, flee or attempt to elude, distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/ certain stimulant 100 grams - &lt; 1 kilogram, and distribute/ possess with the intent to distribute/manufacture.

Total bond was set at $85,000. Skillern-Lewis remains confined to the Riley County Jail at the time of the release on Friday, May 17th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671032449246.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Thursday morning, just before 3:00 am, an officer with the Riley County Police Department attempted to initiate a traffic stop, when the driver of the vehicle fled the area.The vehicle was initially being stopped for an issue with the license plate/tag.The officer pursued the vehicle from a distance, following the taillights, the officer located the empty vehicle in the 1300 block of N. 11th Street.Officers then searched the route taken by the vehicle, and located a black backpack in the roadway. The backpack contained identification, along with substances that tested positive for methamphetamines as well as other substances suspected to be Fentanyl.Just after 3:00 am, a stolen vehicle report was called in to the Riley County Dispatch Center, reporting the same vehicle involved in the flee and elude had been stolen.Michael Curtis Skillern-Lewis reported his vehicle had been stolen.&nbsp;Skillern-Lewis' identification was located within the black backpack found by officers containing illegal substances.RCPD officers <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/e65b0940-eca4-4e22-baca-34b5f84c9a62">arrested Skillern-Lewis</a> on&nbsp;probable cause offenses of distribution of heroin/certain substances &gt; 100 grams, flee or attempt to elude, distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/ certain stimulant 100 grams - &lt; 1 kilogram, and distribute/ possess with the intent to distribute/manufacture.Total bond was set at $85,000. Skillern-Lewis remains confined to the Riley County Jail at the time of the release on Friday, May 17th.

RCPD: MHK man arrested following chase early Thursday morning

JAYLYNN ALLANAH HORTON, 28, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $2,000

DESTINEE FAITHE HYMAN, 27, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

BILLY ED HOOD III, 48, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

ADRAIN LAMBERT, 45, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000

ALICIA RAE DUGAN, 32, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; 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;JAYLYNN ALLANAH HORTON, 28, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $2,000DESTINEE FAITHE HYMAN, 27, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000BILLY ED HOOD III, 48, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000ADRAIN LAMBERT, 45, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000ALICIA RAE DUGAN, 32, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report May 17

The 2024 Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour across Kansas wrapped up on May 16. During the three days of wheat scouting, tour participants traveled six routes from Manhattan to Colby to Wichita and back to Manhattan. This year's tour hosted 70 people from 19 U.S. states in 18 vehicles while traveling across the state. Of those participants, 50 people had never been on the tour before.

The three-day average yield for the fields that were calculated was 46.5 bushels per acre. While an estimated 7.5 million acres of wheat were planted in the fall, the Kansas wheat crop varies in condition based on amount of moisture received. What Mother Nature has in store for the wheat crop still remains to be seen, but the tour captures a moment in time for the yield potential for fields across the state.

The official tour projection for total production of wheat to be harvested in Kansas is 290.4 million bushels. This number is the average of estimated predictions from tour participants who gathered information from 449 fields across the state. Based on May 1 conditions, NASS predicted the crop to be slightly lower at 267.9 million bushels, with a yield of 38 bushels per acre.

These fields are still two to four weeks from harvest. A lot can happen during that time to affect final yields and production.

Dr. Romulo Lollato, K-State Wheat and Forages Extension Specialist, reminded tour participants that the yield number is based on the potential that the crop has as of now, if things go well from now until harvest.

“It’s where we could get,” he said. If Kansas gets cool and wet weather during grain fill, it has the potential to reach that yield. However, there are still many things that could go wrong before that wheat makes it into the bin. He said he believes the 46.5 yield is on the high end.

“Variability is the name of the game this year,” Lollato said, recapping what tour participants saw this year: freeze damage, drought stress and stripe rust coming on after it was too late to spray fungicide.

The tour is sponsored by the Wheat Quality Council, which is a coordinated effort by breeders, producers and processors to improve wheat and flour quality. Dave Green, executive director of the WQC, said there are several goals of the tour. The first is for participants to make connections within the wheat industry. Another is to “describe the wheat as well as we can at the current point in time, not knowing what will happen over the next few weeks.” A third goal is to highlight the agriculture industry.

<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;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>MARSHA BOSWELL Kansas WheatThe 2024 Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour across Kansas wrapped up on May 16. During the three days of wheat scouting, tour participants traveled six routes from Manhattan to Colby to Wichita and back to Manhattan. This year's tour hosted 70 people from 19 U.S. states in 18 vehicles while traveling across the state. Of those participants, 50 people had never been on the tour before.The three-day average yield for the fields that were calculated was 46.5 bushels per acre. While an estimated 7.5 million acres of wheat were planted in the fall, the Kansas wheat crop varies in condition based on amount of moisture received. What Mother Nature has in store for the wheat crop still remains to be seen, but the tour captures a moment in time for the yield potential for fields across the state.The official tour projection for total production of wheat to be harvested in Kansas is 290.4 million bushels. This number is the average of estimated predictions from tour participants who gathered information from 449 fields across the state. Based on May 1 conditions, NASS predicted the crop to be slightly lower at 267.9 million bushels, with a yield of 38 bushels per acre.These fields are still two to four weeks from harvest. A lot can happen during that time to affect final yields and production.Dr. Romulo Lollato, K-State Wheat and Forages Extension Specialist, reminded tour participants that the yield number is based on the potential that the crop has as of now, if things go well from now until harvest.“It’s where we could get,” he said. If Kansas gets cool and wet weather during grain fill, it has the potential to reach that yield. However, there are still many things that could go wrong before that wheat makes it into the bin. He said he believes the 46.5 yield is on the high end.“Variability is the name of the game this year,” Lollato said, recapping what tour participants saw this year: freeze damage, drought stress and stripe rust coming on after it was too late to spray fungicide.The tour is sponsored by the Wheat Quality Council, which is a coordinated effort by breeders, producers and processors to improve wheat and flour quality. Dave Green, executive director of the WQC, said there are several goals of the tour. The first is for participants to make connections within the wheat industry. Another is to “describe the wheat as well as we can at the current point in time, not knowing what will happen over the next few weeks.” A third goal is to highlight the agriculture industry.<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;

Wheat Tour 2024, Day 3 Final Report

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Harvest Public Media</a> By Grant Winterer

Planting is well underway across the Midwest, but farmers are still grappling with dry conditions that led to lower than normal corn yields last fall. It’s the third year of a near historic drought for parts of the Corn Belt.

Mark Mueller’s farm in Bremer County, Iowa, sat within a pocket of extreme drought in the northeast part of the state until a rainy April lifted the area into severe drought.

The fourth generation farmer says last year’s crop was below expectations, and even with recent rains, they're still behind.

Mueller typically plants two-thirds corn and one-third soybeans across his fields. This year, because of the drought, he’s scaling back his corn crop and splitting it closer to 50-50 ratio with his soybeans.

“It’s not quite Corn Belt-wide like it was during the Dust Bowl days,” he says, “but it could also develop into a Dust Bowl-type thing. All it has to do is quit raining tomorrow, and we’ll be dry within a month.”

Planting is well underway across the Midwest and Great Plains, and farmers in several regions are making similar adjustments, as much of the Corn Belt enters a third year of drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant areas of Kansas and Iowa are in severe drought, while portions of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin are also affected.

Dennis Todey, director of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, said the area’s been parched for a historically long time.

“We would probably have to go back to some period in the 1950s or even some in the 1930s to compare with what we’ve seen in the way of longevity and precipitation deficit we’re dealing with,” he said.

The dry conditions have extended from Todey’s home base in Ames, Iowa, to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to as far south as the Ozarks, with a few wet pockets further east in Illinois and Indiana.

Todey says with less precipitation over the past few years, groundwater for corn could be a problem this season, as well.

“Because of the lack of rainfall over a longer period, deeper soil moisture profiles are dry,” he says. “Groundwater is being limited in some areas.”

In Wisconsin, officials said resilient groundwater reservoirs helped bring in better than expected yield last fall, despite dry conditions. But Sam Bibby, a crop educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension, said they can’t rely on that this year.

“If we ended up in a situation like we did last year during the summer, it would certainly be a lot worse than last year just because we are lower on that subsoil moisture,” he said.

The dry conditions are having impacts on livestock producers, as well.

In southeast Missouri, first-generation rancher August Horstmann says they weren’t able to raise their own hay, because of the dry weather. That led him to a tough decision.

“We were buying $108 hay,” he said. “You can only buy so much of that to get by, so we actually destocked 50% of our cow herd last year.”

To lower his feed costs, Horstmann is currently converting entire grazing fields back to native grasses to help keep subsoil moisture and his livestock’s food sources stable. He said so far it’s been a huge success.

“Our planted cover crops haven’t done very well at all,” Horstmann said. “But the native grasses – the old prairies that were here – performed really well in the drought we’ve had.”

Those changes helped Horstmann feel more confident, despite the dry conditions, and he recently bought 80 head of cattle.

“It looks like this is going to be one of our better grazing seasons, and it’s still very dry,” he said.

But in Iowa, where it’s been even drier, state extension field agronomist Terry Basol says they’ll be even more dependent on rainfall this year as the soil has mostly dried out.

And he said there’s a lot of catching up to do.

“Our 30-year average is roughly 30 inches of rain,” he said, “and last year, that total was 13-point-8.”

Despite 4 inches of rain in April, this year’s totals are still about 3 inches short of that. Basol’s concerned about conditions but trusts in the ingenuity of regional producers to make it through the dry spell.

“You have to have some hope, sometimes I call it faith, to get everybody through,” he said. “Growers are resilient, they’ll make it through.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/">Harvest Public Media</a> By Grant Winterer<h2>Planting is well underway across the Midwest, but farmers are still grappling with dry conditions that led to lower than normal corn yields last fall. It’s the third year of a near historic drought for parts of the Corn Belt.</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888165005.png" alt="Mark Mueller looks over a field he’s set aside to return to native wetland in order to better conserve and filter water. The fourth-generation farmer in Bremer County, Iowa, is dealing with dry conditions for a third year.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mueller looks over a field he’s set aside to return to native wetland in order to better conserve and filter water. The fourth-generation farmer in Bremer County, Iowa, is dealing with dry conditions for a third year.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Mark Mueller’s farm in Bremer County, Iowa, sat within a pocket of extreme drought in the northeast part of the state until a rainy April lifted the area into severe drought.The fourth generation farmer says last year’s crop was below expectations, and even with recent rains, they're still behind.Mueller typically plants two-thirds corn and one-third soybeans across his fields. This year, because of the drought, he’s scaling back his corn crop and splitting it closer to 50-50 ratio with his soybeans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888427753.png" alt="Mark Mueller stands in front of one of his tractors. A district director at the Iowa Corn Growers Association, he's planning to plant less corn this year because of the drought.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mueller stands in front of one of his tractors. A district director at the Iowa Corn Growers Association, he's planning to plant less corn this year because of the drought.&nbsp;Grant Winterer/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>“It’s not quite Corn Belt-wide like it was during the Dust Bowl days,” he says, “but it could also develop into a Dust Bowl-type thing. All it has to do is quit raining tomorrow, and we’ll be dry within a month.”Planting is well underway across the Midwest and Great Plains, and farmers in several regions are making similar adjustments, as much of the Corn Belt enters a third year of drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows significant areas of Kansas and Iowa are in severe drought, while portions of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin are also affected.Dennis Todey, director of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, said the area’s been parched for a historically long time.“We would probably have to go back to some period in the 1950s or even some in the 1930s to compare with what we’ve seen in the way of longevity and precipitation deficit we’re dealing with,” he said.The dry conditions have extended from Todey’s home base in Ames, Iowa, to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to as far south as the Ozarks, with a few wet pockets further east in Illinois and Indiana.Todey says with less precipitation over the past few years, groundwater for corn could be a problem this season, as well.“Because of the lack of rainfall over a longer period, deeper soil moisture profiles are dry,” he says. “Groundwater is being limited in some areas.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888535322.png" alt="U.S. drought map as of May 7" />
 <figcaption>U.S. drought map as of May 7</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888596985.png" alt="The Kansas drought map with Ellis County highlighted as released Thursday. As of this morning Hays was about 3 inches below average precipitation year to date." />
 <figcaption>The Kansas drought map with Ellis County highlighted as released Thursday. As of this morning Hays was about 3 inches below average precipitation year to date.</figcaption>
 </figure>In Wisconsin, officials said resilient groundwater reservoirs helped bring in better than expected yield last fall, despite dry conditions. But Sam Bibby, a crop educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension, said they can’t rely on that this year.“If we ended up in a situation like we did last year during the summer, it would certainly be a lot worse than last year just because we are lower on that subsoil moisture,” he said.The dry conditions are having impacts on livestock producers, as well.In southeast Missouri, first-generation rancher August Horstmann says they weren’t able to raise their own hay, because of the dry weather. That led him to a tough decision.“We were buying $108 hay,” he said. “You can only buy so much of that to get by, so we actually destocked 50% of our cow herd last year.”To lower his feed costs, Horstmann is currently converting entire grazing fields back to native grasses to help keep subsoil moisture and his livestock’s food sources stable. He said so far it’s been a huge success.“Our planted cover crops haven’t done very well at all,” Horstmann said. “But the native grasses – the old prairies that were here – performed really well in the drought we’ve had.”Those changes helped Horstmann feel more confident, despite the dry conditions, and he recently bought 80 head of cattle.“It looks like this is going to be one of our better grazing seasons, and it’s still very dry,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715888277973.png" alt="Cattle graze on August Horstmann's southeast Missouri farm. He sold off half of his herd when he was unable to grow hay due to drought conditions. But Horstmann is now raising native grasses and recently bought 80 head of cattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided By August Horstmann" />
 <figcaption>Cattle graze on August Horstmann's southeast Missouri farm. He sold off half of his herd when he was unable to grow hay due to drought conditions. But Horstmann is now raising native grasses and recently bought 80 head of cattle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided By August Horstmann</figcaption>
 </figure>But in Iowa, where it’s been even drier, state extension field agronomist Terry Basol says they’ll be even more dependent on rainfall this year as the soil has mostly dried out.And he said there’s a lot of catching up to do.“Our 30-year average is roughly 30 inches of rain,” he said, “and last year, that total was 13-point-8.”Despite 4 inches of rain in April, this year’s totals are still about 3 inches short of that. Basol’s concerned about conditions but trusts in the ingenuity of regional producers to make it through the dry spell.“You have to have some hope, sometimes I call it faith, to get everybody through,” he said. “Growers are resilient, they’ll make it through.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

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