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

Just before noon Friday, officers filed a report for theft in the 2300 block of Stagg Hill Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Briggs Auto reported a known suspect took money from the company safe. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,600.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged theft in Manhattan.Just before noon Friday, officers filed a report for theft in the 2300 block of Stagg Hill Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Briggs Auto reported a known suspect took money from the company safe. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,600.&nbsp;

RCPD: Suspect took $2,600 from car dealer's safe

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;

GEORGSHUA NIEVES CORTES, 31, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Vehicle liability insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle; Bond $750

AMY SUE LACLAIR, 53, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08&gt;; Ignition interlock device; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $3,000

CRISTIAN ORTIZ MARTINEZ, 21, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $3,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;GEORGSHUA NIEVES CORTES, 31, Manhattan, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Vehicle liability insurance; Knowingly drive uninsured vehicle; Bond $750AMY SUE LACLAIR, 53, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08&gt;; Ignition interlock device; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $3,000CRISTIAN ORTIZ MARTINEZ, 21, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $3,000

Riley County Arrest Report December 4

WASHINGTON — Following feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals and payment processors and to reduce taxpayer confusion, the Internal Revenue Service released&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcHViL2lycy1kcm9wL24tMjMtNzQucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTEyMS44NTk4NDI5MSJ9.iFaXl103Kd3wmKVB12VLd6G3eRAN9V6pf2QbZ_1cFFM/s/1558083055/br/231381918050-l" target="_blank">Notice 2023-74</a>&nbsp;announcing a delay of the new $600 Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third-party settlement organizations for calendar year 2023.

As the IRS continues to work to implement the new law, the agency will treat 2023 as an additional transition year. This will reduce the potential confusion caused by the distribution of an estimated 44 million Forms 1099-K sent to many taxpayers who wouldn’t expect one and may not have a tax obligation. 

As a result, reporting will not be required unless the taxpayer receives over $20,000 and has more than 200 transactions in 2023.Given the complexity of the new provision, the large number of individual taxpayers affected and the need for stakeholders to have certainty with enough lead time, the IRS is planning for a threshold of $5,000 for tax year 2024 as part of a phase-in to implement the $600 reporting threshold enacted under the American Rescue Plan.

Following feedback from the tax community, the IRS is also looking to make updates to the Form 1040 and related schedules for 2024 that would make the reporting process easier for taxpayers. Changes to the Form 1040 series – the core tax form for more than 150 million taxpayers – are complex and take time; delaying changes to tax year 2024 allows for additional feedback.

“We spent many months gathering feedback from third-party groups and others, and it became increasingly clear we need additional time to effectively implement the new reporting requirements,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taking this phased-in approach is the right thing to do for the purposes of tax administration, and it prevents unnecessary confusion as we continue to look at changes to the Form 1040. It’s clear that an additional delay for tax year 2023 will avoid problems for taxpayers, tax professionals and others in this area.”

The American Rescue Plan required third party settlement organizations, which include popular payment apps and online marketplaces, to report payments of more than $600 for the sale of goods and services on a Form 1099-K starting in 2022. These forms would go to the IRS and to taxpayers and would help taxpayers fill out their tax returns. Previously, the reporting requirement applied only to the sale of goods and services involving more than 200 transactions per year totaling over $20,000.

The IRS temporarily delayed the new requirement last year.

Reporting requirements do not apply to personal transactions such as birthday or holiday gifts, sharing the cost of a car ride or meal, or paying a family member or another for a household bill. These payments are not taxable and should not be reported on Form 1099-K.

However, the casual sale of goods and services, including selling used personal items like clothing, furniture and other household items for a loss, could generate a Form 1099-K for many people, even if the seller has no tax liability from those sales.

This complexity in distinguishing between these types of transactions factored into the IRS decision to delay the reporting requirements an additional year and to plan for a threshold of $5,000 for 2024 in order to phase in implementation. The IRS invites feedback on the threshold of $5,000 for tax year 2024 and other elements of the reporting requirement, including how best to focus reporting on taxable transactions.

“The IRS will use this additional time to continue carefully crafting a way forward to minimize burden,” Werfel said. “We want to make this as easy as possible for taxpayers. We will work to make the new reporting requirements easier for them, and we’ll work closely with third-party groups, tax professionals and others to find the smoothest path to ensure compliance with the law. This is consistent with our Strategic Operating Plan. The IRS is focused on meeting taxpayers where they are and helping them get it right the first time.”

Expanded information reporting, which will occur as the result of the change in thresholds for Form 1099-K, is important because it increases tax compliance and can reduce burden on taxpayers seeking to follow the law. The IRS believes that expansion must be managed carefully to help ensure that Forms 1099-K are issued only to taxpayers who should receive them. In addition, it's important that taxpayers understand what to do as a result of this reporting, and that tax professionals and software providers have the information they need to assist taxpayers.

The IRS will continue to provide information on IRS.gov/1099K<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvMTA5OUsiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMTIxLjg1OTg0MjkxIn0.pk6Xbqr1zSqkwkGpv1OKqjsuUbaxhk8J5HXYtPIrV6o/s/1558083055/br/231381918050-l" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/1099K</a>.

IRSWASHINGTON — Following feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals and payment processors and to reduce taxpayer confusion, the Internal Revenue Service released&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcHViL2lycy1kcm9wL24tMjMtNzQucGRmIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTEyMS44NTk4NDI5MSJ9.iFaXl103Kd3wmKVB12VLd6G3eRAN9V6pf2QbZ_1cFFM/s/1558083055/br/231381918050-l" target="_blank">Notice 2023-74</a>&nbsp;announcing a delay of the new $600 Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third-party settlement organizations for calendar year 2023.As the IRS continues to work to implement the new law, the agency will treat 2023 as an additional transition year. This will reduce the potential confusion caused by the distribution of an estimated 44 million Forms 1099-K sent to many taxpayers who wouldn’t expect one and may not have a tax obligation. As a result, reporting will not be required unless the taxpayer receives over $20,000 and has more than 200 transactions in 2023.Given the complexity of the new provision, the large number of individual taxpayers affected and the need for stakeholders to have certainty with enough lead time, the IRS is planning for a threshold of $5,000 for tax year 2024 as part of a phase-in to implement the $600 reporting threshold enacted under the American Rescue Plan.Following feedback from the tax community, the IRS is also looking to make updates to the Form 1040 and related schedules for 2024 that would make the reporting process easier for taxpayers. Changes to the Form 1040 series – the core tax form for more than 150 million taxpayers – are complex and take time; delaying changes to tax year 2024 allows for additional feedback.“We spent many months gathering feedback from third-party groups and others, and it became increasingly clear we need additional time to effectively implement the new reporting requirements,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taking this phased-in approach is the right thing to do for the purposes of tax administration, and it prevents unnecessary confusion as we continue to look at changes to the Form 1040. It’s clear that an additional delay for tax year 2023 will avoid problems for taxpayers, tax professionals and others in this area.”The American Rescue Plan required third party settlement organizations, which include popular payment apps and online marketplaces, to report payments of more than $600 for the sale of goods and services on a Form 1099-K starting in 2022. These forms would go to the IRS and to taxpayers and would help taxpayers fill out their tax returns. Previously, the reporting requirement applied only to the sale of goods and services involving more than 200 transactions per year totaling over $20,000.The IRS temporarily delayed the new requirement last year.Reporting requirements do not apply to personal transactions such as birthday or holiday gifts, sharing the cost of a car ride or meal, or paying a family member or another for a household bill. These payments are not taxable and should not be reported on Form 1099-K.However, the casual sale of goods and services, including selling used personal items like clothing, furniture and other household items for a loss, could generate a Form 1099-K for many people, even if the seller has no tax liability from those sales.This complexity in distinguishing between these types of transactions factored into the IRS decision to delay the reporting requirements an additional year and to plan for a threshold of $5,000 for 2024 in order to phase in implementation. The IRS invites feedback on the threshold of $5,000 for tax year 2024 and other elements of the reporting requirement, including how best to focus reporting on taxable transactions.“The IRS will use this additional time to continue carefully crafting a way forward to minimize burden,” Werfel said. “We want to make this as easy as possible for taxpayers. We will work to make the new reporting requirements easier for them, and we’ll work closely with third-party groups, tax professionals and others to find the smoothest path to ensure compliance with the law. This is consistent with our Strategic Operating Plan. The IRS is focused on meeting taxpayers where they are and helping them get it right the first time.”Expanded information reporting, which will occur as the result of the change in thresholds for Form 1099-K, is important because it increases tax compliance and can reduce burden on taxpayers seeking to follow the law. The IRS believes that expansion must be managed carefully to help ensure that Forms 1099-K are issued only to taxpayers who should receive them. In addition, it's important that taxpayers understand what to do as a result of this reporting, and that tax professionals and software providers have the information they need to assist taxpayers.The IRS will continue to provide information on IRS.gov/1099K<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvMTA5OUsiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMTIxLjg1OTg0MjkxIn0.pk6Xbqr1zSqkwkGpv1OKqjsuUbaxhk8J5HXYtPIrV6o/s/1558083055/br/231381918050-l" target="_blank">https://www.irs.gov/1099K</a>.

IRS announces delay in income reporting for platform such as Facebook

AUSTIN LEE GAUZE, 22, Ogden, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $3,000

MICHAEL DONRE MOSES, 21, Manhattan, Parole violation; Bond $1,000

DALTON JAMES AMARO, 33, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Bond $2,000

MICHAEL WALTER JONES, 54, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $20,000

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;AUSTIN LEE GAUZE, 22, Ogden, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $3,000MICHAEL DONRE MOSES, 21, Manhattan, Parole violation; Bond $1,000DALTON JAMES AMARO, 33, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Bond $2,000MICHAEL WALTER JONES, 54, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $20,000

Riley County Police Department December 3

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wants work to continue on a long-term solution for farmers, even though a stopgap measure has been passed.

"We've got to remember why we do farm bills in the first place and why they are five years," Mann said. "They are five years to provide some certainty for producers. Long enough to be certain, but short enough that it can be opened up and looked at to reflect the times. If you look at farming conditions, specifically input costs today versus 2018, when the current farm bill was passed, you know things are dramatically different. That's why five years is the appropriate length."

What Mann wants to make sure doesn't happen is a constant line of stopgap measures, as has happened often with the federal budget as a whole.

"I've been very frustrated with how slow this process has been," Mann said. "It has been extended for one year. The current farm bill now expires Sept. 30 of next year. Just because it got extended a couple weeks ago, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be working on and pushing hard for a five year bill. That's exactly what I've been doing."

Further, it is important that the farm bill, which has traditionally been a bipartisan piece of legislation, doesn't get bogged down in even year electoral politics.

"If you delay too far, then we get into the election, then into the lame duck period," Mann said. "There's no reason we just don't get this thing done right now. That's what we've been jumping up and down, telling everybody who will listen why that's the case and it's full steam ahead."

Agricultural groups across the political spectrum are urging that a new five-year bill be worked on in early 2024.

<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/2021/8/1628092856057.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wants work to continue on a long-term solution for farmers, even though a stopgap measure has been passed."We've got to remember why we do farm bills in the first place and why they are five years," Mann said. "They are five years to provide some certainty for producers. Long enough to be certain, but short enough that it can be opened up and looked at to reflect the times. If you look at farming conditions, specifically input costs today versus 2018, when the current farm bill was passed, you know things are dramatically different. That's why five years is the appropriate length."What Mann wants to make sure doesn't happen is a constant line of stopgap measures, as has happened often with the federal budget as a whole."I've been very frustrated with how slow this process has been," Mann said. "It has been extended for one year. The current farm bill now expires Sept. 30 of next year. Just because it got extended a couple weeks ago, doesn't mean that we shouldn't be working on and pushing hard for a five year bill. That's exactly what I've been doing."Further, it is important that the farm bill, which has traditionally been a bipartisan piece of legislation, doesn't get bogged down in even year electoral politics."If you delay too far, then we get into the election, then into the lame duck period," Mann said. "There's no reason we just don't get this thing done right now. That's what we've been jumping up and down, telling everybody who will listen why that's the case and it's full steam ahead."Agricultural groups across the political spectrum are urging that a new five-year bill be worked on in early 2024.<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;

Mann continuing to advocate for five-year farm bill

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - On July 27th the owners of the Dusty Bookshelf announced they were facing possible change to their business model, and possible closure.

On November 30th, The Dusty Bookshelf posted to social media, they are staying in their current location at the corner of North Manhattan Avenue and Moro Street.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On July 27th the owners of the Dusty Bookshelf announced they were facing possible change to their business model, and possible closure.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D753113353480615%26set%3Da.509832807808672%26type%3D3&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="645" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>On November 30th, The Dusty Bookshelf posted to social media, they are staying in their current location at the corner of North Manhattan Avenue and Moro Street.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthedustybookshelfmhk%2Fvideos%2F316058274672204%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>

'Dusty Bookshelf' to remain in current building in Aggieville

SAQUAN DAJOUIR MILTON, 27, Fort Riley, Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Bond $750

CHARLES KENT KILLINGSWORTH, 20,&nbsp;Westmoreland,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Possession of stolen property; Value less than $1,500; Bond $750

GERALD WILLAIM HARTMAN III, 22, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs; 1st conv; Bond $1,500

SIA LING, 33, Kansas City, KS, Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 2nd conv; incapable of driving; Bond $1,500

GARY KEITH BOUCK, JR, 50, Manhattan, Probation violation x2; Bond $10,000

MARQUEZ ANTONIO STATON, 35, Manhattan, DUI; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving; Bond $4,000

BRANDON LLOYD WELTY, 25, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500

ANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500

MICHAEL EDWARD SMITH, 50, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000

REGINA RENEE SMITH, 44, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1500

JOHNATHON LEE GLUKOWSKY, 15, Ogden, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting angry manner; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

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;SAQUAN DAJOUIR MILTON, 27, Fort Riley, Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv; incapable of safely driving; Bond $750CHARLES KENT KILLINGSWORTH, 20,&nbsp;Westmoreland,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Possession of stolen property; Value less than $1,500; Bond $750GERALD WILLAIM HARTMAN III, 22, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs; 1st conv; Bond $1,500SIA LING, 33, Kansas City, KS, Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 2nd conv; incapable of driving; Bond $1,500GARY KEITH BOUCK, JR, 50, Manhattan, Probation violation x2; Bond $10,000MARQUEZ ANTONIO STATON, 35, Manhattan, DUI; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; incapable of safe driving; Bond $4,000BRANDON LLOYD WELTY, 25, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500ANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500MICHAEL EDWARD SMITH, 50, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000REGINA RENEE SMITH, 44, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1500JOHNATHON LEE GLUKOWSKY, 15, Ogden, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting angry manner; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

Riley County Arrest Report December 2nd

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the drive=by killing of a trophy buck in Riley County.

Just after 10:30a.m. November 24, someone shot a buck a few miles south of Zendale in Southern Riley County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Game Wardens.

The buck was shot with a rifle through the hind end and died. A local farmer was feeding&nbsp; cattle, and only a few yards away, out ran the deer. At that same time, a white Chevy truck was driving south down the road and fired one shot from the passenger side of the truck, striking the deer. 

The farmer was walking in the pasture near the cattle and witnessed the shot, first assuming it was towards them, which was only ~100 yds from the roadway, according to game wardens.

The truck then sped off. The farmer provided law enforcement with a partial tag and vehicle description.

If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact Warden Jedlicka at (785) 256-3614 or Lieutenant Gehrt at (785) 256-1199. Hopefully, with the information provided, officers can track down a suspect(s). 

Unfortunately, a first-time youth archery hunter has been hunting this trophy relentlessly and was devastated to see the warrior fall this way. The meat was salvaged and did not go to waste.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701458740248.png" alt="Photo Kansas Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the drive=by killing of a trophy buck in Riley County.Just after 10:30a.m. November 24, someone shot a buck a few miles south of Zendale in Southern Riley County, according to a social media report from the Kansas Game Wardens.The buck was shot with a rifle through the hind end and died. A local farmer was feeding&nbsp; cattle, and only a few yards away, out ran the deer. At that same time, a white Chevy truck was driving south down the road and fired one shot from the passenger side of the truck, striking the deer. The farmer was walking in the pasture near the cattle and witnessed the shot, first assuming it was towards them, which was only ~100 yds from the roadway, according to game wardens.The truck then sped off. The farmer provided law enforcement with a partial tag and vehicle description.If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact Warden Jedlicka at (785) 256-3614 or Lieutenant Gehrt at (785) 256-1199. Hopefully, with the information provided, officers can track down a suspect(s). Unfortunately, a first-time youth archery hunter has been hunting this trophy relentlessly and was devastated to see the warrior fall this way. The meat was salvaged and did not go to waste.&nbsp;

Suspect wanted: Trophy buck shot in Riley Co. drive-by

MANHATTAN - The 22nd annual Manhattan Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade was livestreamed on Little Apple Post at 5:30pm on Friday, December 1st. Click below to watch the replay.

Thanks to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Finnspubmhk">Finn's Neighborhood Pub</a>&nbsp;for sponsoring the livestream of the parade and providing a space to set-up our gear.

The parade route starts at 3rd Street and Poyntz Avenue and heads west down Poyntz to 11th Street.&nbsp;

At 11th Street the parade heads north to Moro, where entrants will head west down Moro to North Manhattan Avenue, where the parade will head south to City Park to finish.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701452468631.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - The 22nd annual Manhattan Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade was livestreamed on Little Apple Post at 5:30pm on Friday, December 1st. Click below to watch the replay.Thanks to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Finnspubmhk">Finn's Neighborhood Pub</a>&nbsp;for sponsoring the livestream of the parade and providing a space to set-up our gear.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9b6C53B54uc?si=AFr-KhDXzSMdm806" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The parade route starts at 3rd Street and Poyntz Avenue and heads west down Poyntz to 11th Street.&nbsp;At 11th Street the parade heads north to Moro, where entrants will head west down Moro to North Manhattan Avenue, where the parade will head south to City Park to finish.

🎥 WATCH replay: MHK's Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade starts at 5:30pm

ZACHARY JACE ROBERTS, 18, Hays, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500

CHASE ROBERT RAUCH, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08 &gt;; Bond $1,500

TRAVIS SCOTT LAYNE, 35, Manhattan,&nbsp;Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; x12; Bond $50,000

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;ZACHARY JACE ROBERTS, 18, Hays, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500CHASE ROBERT RAUCH, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08 &gt;; Bond $1,500TRAVIS SCOTT LAYNE, 35, Manhattan,&nbsp;Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; x12; Bond $50,000

Riley County Arrest Report December 1

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and alleged criminal damage to property.

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 2900 block of Stagg Hill Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation reported an unknown suspect damaged a screen and glass on an exterior window and then stole a 2021 Polaris 570 4x4 ranger, 4 Dewalt tools, and a MIG Welder. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $21,259. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and alleged criminal damage to property.Just after 3p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 2900 block of Stagg Hill Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation reported an unknown suspect damaged a screen and glass on an exterior window and then stole a 2021 Polaris 570 4x4 ranger, 4 Dewalt tools, and a MIG Welder. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $21,259. 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.&nbsp;

Manhattan Parks and Rec reports $21,000 burglary

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will see nearly 1,300 candidates for graduation this fall at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/" target="_blank">commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;set for Friday, Dec. 8, in Manhattan and Salina and Saturday, Dec. 9, in Manhattan. Candidates from both the summer 2023 and fall 2023 semesters will be recognized. Ceremony information, including parking, accommodations and a live webcast of the Manhattan campus ceremonies, will be available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/" target="_blank">K-State graduation website.</a>

<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/" target="_blank"></a>This fall's undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be the first to feature purple caps and gowns. Approximately 900 bachelor's degrees, 350 master's degrees and 50 doctorates will be awarded this fall. Nearly 40 students will be earning multiple degrees. The graduates-to-be also include 377 students who are earning their degrees through a K-State Online program. These graduates are being recognized at the&nbsp;<a href="https://online.k-state.edu/student-support/virtual-commencement/" target="_blank">K-State Online virtual commencement site.</a>

<a href="https://online.k-state.edu/student-support/virtual-commencement/" target="_blank"></a>The following is the schedule and speakers for ceremonies on Dec. 8,

--Graduate School, 1 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Regent Neelima Parasker will represent the Kansas Board of Regents at the ceremony. K-State Provost Charles Taber will be the speaker.•

--K-State Salina, 7 p.m., Student Life Center, Salina. Timothy Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, will be the speaker. Rogers has worked in airport and industrial center management for more than 30 years.

--The Air Force ROTC Detachment 270 will also hold a commissioning ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. The commissioning officer and speaker will be Lt. Col. Brian Witthoeft, commander of Detachment 270.

The following is the schedule and speakers for ceremonies on Dec. 9:•

--College of Arts and Sciences, 8:30 a.m., Bramlage Coliseum. The speaker will be Ann Tiao, assistant dean for student services in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Tiao is chair of K-State's College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Advisory Council.•

--College of Education, 10 a.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Cindy Couchman, superintendent of Buhler USD 313, will be the speaker. Couchman is a veteran math teacher and 2014 inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.•

--College of Business Administration, 11:30 a.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Zane Burke, CEO of Quantum Health, will be the speaker. Burke's career has spanned several leadership roles in digital health and health care technology organizations, including president of Cerner Corporation.•

--College of Agriculture, 1 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Aleksan Shanoyan, associate professor of agricultural economics, will be the speaker. Shanoyan has led research across several food industries, with a recent focus on beef and biofuel supply chains, agri-food systems resilience, pet food economics and big data applications in agriculture.&nbsp;

--College of Health and Human Sciences, 2:30 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Jamie Ball, a pediatrician at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri, will be the speaker. Ball is a 2021 recipient of the K-State Alumni Association's Distinguished Young Alumni award.•

--Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, 4 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Vicki Scharnhorst, a vice president in the Tetra Tech Resilient Sustainable Infrastructure Group, will be the speaker. Scharnhorst has led large water resource projects, valued at more than $3.7 billion, in the private sector and at the federal, state and municipal levels.&nbsp;

By Rafael GarciaMANHATTAN — Kansas State University will see nearly 1,300 candidates for graduation this fall at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/" target="_blank">commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;set for Friday, Dec. 8, in Manhattan and Salina and Saturday, Dec. 9, in Manhattan. Candidates from both the summer 2023 and fall 2023 semesters will be recognized. Ceremony information, including parking, accommodations and a live webcast of the Manhattan campus ceremonies, will be available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/" target="_blank">K-State graduation website.</a><a href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/" target="_blank"></a>This fall's undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be the first to feature purple caps and gowns. Approximately 900 bachelor's degrees, 350 master's degrees and 50 doctorates will be awarded this fall. Nearly 40 students will be earning multiple degrees. The graduates-to-be also include 377 students who are earning their degrees through a K-State Online program. These graduates are being recognized at the&nbsp;<a href="https://online.k-state.edu/student-support/virtual-commencement/" target="_blank">K-State Online virtual commencement site.</a><a href="https://online.k-state.edu/student-support/virtual-commencement/" target="_blank"></a>The following is the schedule and speakers for ceremonies on Dec. 8,--Graduate School, 1 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Regent Neelima Parasker will represent the Kansas Board of Regents at the ceremony. K-State Provost Charles Taber will be the speaker.•--K-State Salina, 7 p.m., Student Life Center, Salina. Timothy Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, will be the speaker. Rogers has worked in airport and industrial center management for more than 30 years.--The Air Force ROTC Detachment 270 will also hold a commissioning ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. The commissioning officer and speaker will be Lt. Col. Brian Witthoeft, commander of Detachment 270.The following is the schedule and speakers for ceremonies on Dec. 9:•--College of Arts and Sciences, 8:30 a.m., Bramlage Coliseum. The speaker will be Ann Tiao, assistant dean for student services in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Tiao is chair of K-State's College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Advisory Council.•--College of Education, 10 a.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Cindy Couchman, superintendent of Buhler USD 313, will be the speaker. Couchman is a veteran math teacher and 2014 inductee into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.•--College of Business Administration, 11:30 a.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Zane Burke, CEO of Quantum Health, will be the speaker. Burke's career has spanned several leadership roles in digital health and health care technology organizations, including president of Cerner Corporation.•--College of Agriculture, 1 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Aleksan Shanoyan, associate professor of agricultural economics, will be the speaker. Shanoyan has led research across several food industries, with a recent focus on beef and biofuel supply chains, agri-food systems resilience, pet food economics and big data applications in agriculture.&nbsp;--College of Health and Human Sciences, 2:30 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Jamie Ball, a pediatrician at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri, will be the speaker. Ball is a 2021 recipient of the K-State Alumni Association's Distinguished Young Alumni award.•--Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, 4 p.m., Bramlage Coliseum. Vicki Scharnhorst, a vice president in the Tetra Tech Resilient Sustainable Infrastructure Group, will be the speaker. Scharnhorst has led large water resource projects, valued at more than $3.7 billion, in the private sector and at the federal, state and municipal levels.&nbsp;

K-State commencement ceremonies to recognize summer, fall 2023 degree candidates

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary from a home in Manhattan.

Just before 8a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 2500 block of Stagg Hill Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. 

A 66-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect took a Glock 9MM from their residence. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $950.&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.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary from a home in Manhattan.Just before 8a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 2500 block of Stagg Hill Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 66-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect took a Glock 9MM from their residence. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $950.&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.

RCPD: Suspect took firearm from Manhattan home

UPDATE: At just after 2:30 pm on Thursday, November 30th, RCPD posted to social media that 15-year-old Mycaria has been located safe.

MANHATTAN - On Thursday, November 30th, the Riley County Police Department posted to social media that&nbsp;15-year-old Mycaria was reported missing.

Mycaria was last seen around 8:30 pm on Wednesday in the 700 block of Allen Road.

Mycaria is 5'5", weighs 120 pounds and has medium-length brown hair and brown eyes.&nbsp;

If you have any information on where Mycaria may be, contact 911 or RCPD at (785) 537-2112.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostUPDATE: At just after 2:30 pm on Thursday, November 30th, RCPD posted to social media that 15-year-old Mycaria has been located safe.*photo removed for privacyMANHATTAN - On Thursday, November 30th, the Riley County Police Department posted to social media that&nbsp;15-year-old Mycaria was reported missing.Mycaria was last seen around 8:30 pm on Wednesday in the 700 block of Allen Road.Mycaria is 5'5", weighs 120 pounds and has medium-length brown hair and brown eyes.&nbsp;If you have any information on where Mycaria may be, contact 911 or RCPD at (785) 537-2112.

UPDATE: 15-year-old found safe after RCPD asked for public's help

KHP personnel assisted 1,117 motorists over the holiday reporting period

The Kansas Highway Patrol is releasing its Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Activity Report. The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 26.

The Kansas Highway Patrol worked one fatal crash over the holiday reporting period. The fatal crash occurred in Jefferson County. Preliminary crash log information can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search.do">https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search.do</a>.

Information in the table is compared to the data from both 2021 and 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373950313.png" alt="Reporting period for 2023 ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Table courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Reporting period for 2023 ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Table courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKHP personnel assisted 1,117 motorists over the holiday reporting periodThe Kansas Highway Patrol is releasing its Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Activity Report. The reporting period for the holiday ran from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 26.The Kansas Highway Patrol worked one fatal crash over the holiday reporting period. The fatal crash occurred in Jefferson County. Preliminary crash log information can be found here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search.do">https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/search.do</a>.Information in the table is compared to the data from both 2021 and 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701373990545.png" alt="Reporting period for 2023 ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Table courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Reporting period for 2023 ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Table courtesy Kansas Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>

Kansas Highway Patrol 2023 reports Thanksgiving holiday activity

DEBORAH LYNNE COBLER, 34 Manhattan, Aggravated assault of LEO; Use of deadly weapon; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $20,000

AMANDA DAWN DEFULVIO, 32, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

FERNANDO JOSE GARCIA VELASQUEZ, 31, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

ROBERT BRANDON OLP, 18, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000 x2; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

ZACHARY AARON FRANKLIN, 29, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $500

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;DEBORAH LYNNE COBLER, 34 Manhattan, Aggravated assault of LEO; Use of deadly weapon; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $20,000AMANDA DAWN DEFULVIO, 32, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County JailFERNANDO JOSE GARCIA VELASQUEZ, 31, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Remains confined to Riley County JailROBERT BRANDON OLP, 18, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000 x2; Remains confined to Riley County JailZACHARY AARON FRANKLIN, 29, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $500

Riley County Arrest Report November 30

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam.

Just before 2;30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for theft by deception in the 2400 block of Players Circle in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 73-year-old man reported an unknown suspect scammed him out of money over the phone and on the computer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $900. 

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

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam.Just before 2;30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for theft by deception in the 2400 block of Players Circle in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 73-year-old man reported an unknown suspect scammed him out of money over the phone and on the computer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $900. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Man lost $900 in alleged phone, computer scam

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen for alleged sex crimes.

Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for indecent liberties with a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 15-year-old girl is reported as the victim and a known 16-year-old as the suspect. Due to the nature of the crime, police released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a teen for alleged sex crimes.Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report for indecent liberties with a child in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 15-year-old girl is reported as the victim and a known 16-year-old as the suspect. Due to the nature of the crime, police released no additional details.

16-year-old accused of sex crime in Manhattan

DOUGLAS ELDEN PARKER, 68, Manhattan,&nbsp;Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; 2nd or subs x6; Violate protection order; Stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking per KSA 631a05, 631a06 x 6; Bond $5,000

CHARLES CLIFTON KENDRICK, 39, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Bond $13,065

SOLOMON EMMANUEL MOMOLU JR, 23, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

ASIA RENAE DIAMOND STALLINGS, 23, Manhattan, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member dating relationship; Bond $5,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;DOUGLAS ELDEN PARKER, 68, Manhattan,&nbsp;Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; 2nd or subs x6; Violate protection order; Stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking per KSA 631a05, 631a06 x 6; Bond $5,000CHARLES CLIFTON KENDRICK, 39, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Bond $13,065SOLOMON EMMANUEL MOMOLU JR, 23, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000ASIA RENAE DIAMOND STALLINGS, 23, Manhattan, Aggravated domestic battery; choke in rude manner; family member dating relationship; Bond $5,000

Riley County Arrest Report November 29

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two alleged instances of retail theft in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Just before 4:30p.m. officers filed a report for theft in the 100 block of Manhattan Town Center, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; JC Pennys reported two unknown suspects took multiple items from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,175.&nbsp;

Just before 8:30p.m., Ulta Beauty reported that 5 unknown female suspects took multiple fragrance items from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $5,000.&nbsp;

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

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two alleged instances of retail theft in Manhattan on Tuesday.Just before 4:30p.m. officers filed a report for theft in the 100 block of Manhattan Town Center, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; JC Pennys reported two unknown suspects took multiple items from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,175.&nbsp;Just before 8:30p.m., Ulta Beauty reported that 5 unknown female suspects took multiple fragrance items from the store. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $5,000.&nbsp;Anyone with information on these crimes can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: 2 thefts from stores in Manhattan Town Center

MANHATTAN - On November 6th, Chris Culbertson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, appointed <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/heather-woods.html">Heather Woods</a>, associate professor in the <a href="http://√">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communications</a> as the Interim Director for the school.

In 2017, Woods joined the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communications and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in communications and technology.

Woods has served as the associate director of the graduate programs and research for the school.&nbsp;

Woods received her doctorate at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, her master's degree at Baylor University and her bachelor's degree at Kansas State University. Before joining the faculty at K-State, she served as an outreach and assessment coordinator at Project Vox, an open-access Mellon Foundation-funded digital humanities archive housed at Duke University. She also served as a teaching and learning fellow at UNC's Center for Faculty Excellence and a scholar in Duke University's Ph.D. Lab in Digital Knowledge.

"We thank Dr. Woods for being willing to lead the department while we search for a permanent director," Culbertson said. "I am confident, given her background and experience, that she will provide the leadership needed for the school during the interim."

A search for a permanent director is underway.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701190550220.png" alt="Woods, picture from KSU" />
 <figcaption>Woods, picture from KSU</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On November 6th, Chris Culbertson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, appointed <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media-communication/about/faculty/heather-woods.html">Heather Woods</a>, associate professor in the <a href="http://√">A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communications</a> as the Interim Director for the school.In 2017, Woods joined the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communications and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in communications and technology.Woods has served as the associate director of the graduate programs and research for the school.&nbsp;Woods received her doctorate at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, her master's degree at Baylor University and her bachelor's degree at Kansas State University. Before joining the faculty at K-State, she served as an outreach and assessment coordinator at Project Vox, an open-access Mellon Foundation-funded digital humanities archive housed at Duke University. She also served as a teaching and learning fellow at UNC's Center for Faculty Excellence and a scholar in Duke University's Ph.D. Lab in Digital Knowledge."We thank Dr. Woods for being willing to lead the department while we search for a permanent director," Culbertson said. "I am confident, given her background and experience, that she will provide the leadership needed for the school during the interim."A search for a permanent director is underway.

Interim Director appointed for A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication

MANHATTAN - Researchers at Kansas State University are part of a team that has been awarded a National Science Foundation(NSF) grant of $2 million to develop technology to boost the safety of prescribed burning.

Prescribed burning is used to intentionally set vegetation on fire to manage the land and natural resources and offers a variety of benefits.

Benefits include replenishing soil nutrients, increasing forage production for livestock and decreasing invasive plant overgrowth.

Prescribed burns also reduce the risk and impact from uncontrolled wildfires while removing built-up vegetation.

The aptly named project, "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2306603" target="_blank">Smart and Safe Prescribed Burning for Rangeland and Wildland Urban Interface Communities</a>," connects research in social sciences and engineering to develop innovatice technology to support safer burning practices.

K-State researchers involved in the project are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geography/about/people/faculty/joslin.html" target="_blank">Audrey Joslin</a>, associate professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geography/" target="_blank">geography and geospatial sciences</a>&nbsp;in the College of Arts and Sciences;&nbsp;<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/people/faculty/liu/" target="_blank">Zifei Liu</a>, assistant professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">biological and agricultural engineering</a>&nbsp;in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/fick-walter/" target="_blank">Walter Fick</a>, professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">agronomy</a>&nbsp;and extension rangeland management specialist in the College of Agriculture.

Researchers are collaborating with landowners and members of the Eastern Kansas and Gyp Hills Prescribed Burn Associations in the areas of Medicine Lodge and Paola and are also doing outreach with schools in the area.&nbsp;

"I hope my research will aid the user-friendliness of the technology we develop so that it meets the needs of communities engaging in prescribed burning," Joslin said.

Other institutions involved in the project are Georgia State University, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri. Their portion of the project is focused on fire behavior, grassland fuel mapping and hot-spot detection.

"Our long-term goal is to make prescribed burning safer so that land managers in Kansas and beyond will feel capable and comfortable enough to make more use of that beneficial strategy," Joslin said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701187322155.jpeg" alt="K-State assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering, Zifei Liu, at a prescribed burn event. photo courtesy Kansas State University" />
 <figcaption>K-State assistant professor of biological and agricultural engineering, Zifei Liu, at a prescribed burn event. photo courtesy Kansas State University</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - Researchers at Kansas State University are part of a team that has been awarded a National Science Foundation(NSF) grant of $2 million to develop technology to boost the safety of prescribed burning.Prescribed burning is used to intentionally set vegetation on fire to manage the land and natural resources and offers a variety of benefits.Benefits include replenishing soil nutrients, increasing forage production for livestock and decreasing invasive plant overgrowth.Prescribed burns also reduce the risk and impact from uncontrolled wildfires while removing built-up vegetation.The aptly named project, "<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2306603" target="_blank">Smart and Safe Prescribed Burning for Rangeland and Wildland Urban Interface Communities</a>," connects research in social sciences and engineering to develop innovatice technology to support safer burning practices.K-State researchers involved in the project are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geography/about/people/faculty/joslin.html" target="_blank">Audrey Joslin</a>, associate professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/geography/" target="_blank">geography and geospatial sciences</a>&nbsp;in the College of Arts and Sciences;&nbsp;<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/people/faculty/liu/" target="_blank">Zifei Liu</a>, assistant professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://bae.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">biological and agricultural engineering</a>&nbsp;in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/fick-walter/" target="_blank">Walter Fick</a>, professor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agronomy.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">agronomy</a>&nbsp;and extension rangeland management specialist in the College of Agriculture.Researchers are collaborating with landowners and members of the Eastern Kansas and Gyp Hills Prescribed Burn Associations in the areas of Medicine Lodge and Paola and are also doing outreach with schools in the area.&nbsp;"I hope my research will aid the user-friendliness of the technology we develop so that it meets the needs of communities engaging in prescribed burning," Joslin said.Other institutions involved in the project are Georgia State University, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri. Their portion of the project is focused on fire behavior, grassland fuel mapping and hot-spot detection."Our long-term goal is to make prescribed burning safer so that land managers in Kansas and beyond will feel capable and comfortable enough to make more use of that beneficial strategy," Joslin said.

K-State Researchers Boost Prescribed Burning Safety with NSF Grant

MANHATTAN - City Manager, Ron Fehr, has announced he will retire in mid-April of 2024.&nbsp;

Fehr was the City of Manhattan's eighth City Manager.

Fehr will retire with 24 years as City Manager, and more than 42 years working for the City of Manhattan in some capacity.

“If you would have forecasted that I would spend my entire professional career with the City of Manhattan, I would have chuckled and said, ‘Not likely.’ However, Manhattan really grew on me and ultimately my family also,” Fehr said, adding, “The Little Apple is a great place, and it has been an honor to serve this community and the City of Manhattan organization all these years as we look forward to our next chapter.”

Fehr was appointed City Manager on April 17, 2000, and has played a huge role in shaping the City's growth and development.

“Ron Fehr has been an invaluable asset to our community,” said Mayor Mark Hatesohl. “His leadership, vision, and commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on Manhattan.”

Fehr's career with the City of Manhattan started in the Parks and Recreation Department as it was being formed in January 1982. He was hired on as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor and served as Park Superintendent, and spent six years as an Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation while achieving his master's degree in public administration(MPA) from Kansas State University in December 1990.

In December 1992, Fehr was promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager.

Fehr has served in multiple positions including Acting Zoo&nbsp;Director, Acting Director of Human Resources, and Acting Director of Utilities (twice).

In 1995, Fehr assumed the role of Acting City Manager, and again in just before being permanently appointed to the position in April 2000.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in serving as City Manager for Manhattan and to be surrounded by exceptional leadership teams, a talented and caring workforce, thoughtful elected officials, and intergovernmental partners, with motivated community and business leaders working together to make Manhattan and the Flint Hills region a better place to live, learn, work, and play,” Fehr said.

Upon its reorganization in January 2024, the City Commission will be tasked with conducting a search for a new permanent City Manager to build upon Fehr’s leadership and continue the City’s trajectory of success.

On January 2, following the recent November election, new city commissioners Susan Adamchak, Karen McCulloh, and Peter Oppelt; returning Commissioner John Matta; and current Mayor Pro Tem Wynn Butler will work with Fehr and City administration to consider the process to select his replacement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701191060394.png" alt="Ron Fehr, photo from City of Manhattan" />
 <figcaption>Ron Fehr, photo from City of Manhattan</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - City Manager, Ron Fehr, has announced he will retire in mid-April of 2024.&nbsp;Fehr was the City of Manhattan's eighth City Manager.Fehr will retire with 24 years as City Manager, and more than 42 years working for the City of Manhattan in some capacity.“If you would have forecasted that I would spend my entire professional career with the City of Manhattan, I would have chuckled and said, ‘Not likely.’ However, Manhattan really grew on me and ultimately my family also,” Fehr said, adding, “The Little Apple is a great place, and it has been an honor to serve this community and the City of Manhattan organization all these years as we look forward to our next chapter.”Fehr was appointed City Manager on April 17, 2000, and has played a huge role in shaping the City's growth and development.“Ron Fehr has been an invaluable asset to our community,” said Mayor Mark Hatesohl. “His leadership, vision, and commitment to public service have left an indelible mark on Manhattan.”Fehr's career with the City of Manhattan started in the Parks and Recreation Department as it was being formed in January 1982. He was hired on as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor and served as Park Superintendent, and spent six years as an Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation while achieving his master's degree in public administration(MPA) from Kansas State University in December 1990.In December 1992, Fehr was promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager.Fehr has served in multiple positions including Acting Zoo&nbsp;Director, Acting Director of Human Resources, and Acting Director of Utilities (twice).In 1995, Fehr assumed the role of Acting City Manager, and again in just before being permanently appointed to the position in April 2000.“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in serving as City Manager for Manhattan and to be surrounded by exceptional leadership teams, a talented and caring workforce, thoughtful elected officials, and intergovernmental partners, with motivated community and business leaders working together to make Manhattan and the Flint Hills region a better place to live, learn, work, and play,” Fehr said.Upon its reorganization in January 2024, the City Commission will be tasked with conducting a search for a new permanent City Manager to build upon Fehr’s leadership and continue the City’s trajectory of success.On January 2, following the recent November election, new city commissioners Susan Adamchak, Karen McCulloh, and Peter Oppelt; returning Commissioner John Matta; and current Mayor Pro Tem Wynn Butler will work with Fehr and City administration to consider the process to select his replacement.

Ron Fehr announces retirement planned for mid-April 2024

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property at a school in Manhattan,.

Just after 1:30p.m. Monday, police filed a report for criminal damage to property and trespass at Bluemont Elementary School, 714 Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan.

 An unknown suspect trespassed into the school and broke a window screen and blinds. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $700. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://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.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701184739293.png" alt="Google image" />
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 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property at a school in Manhattan,.Just after 1:30p.m. Monday, police filed a report for criminal damage to property and trespass at Bluemont Elementary School, 714 Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan. An unknown suspect trespassed into the school and broke a window screen and blinds. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $700. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspects broke into school, broke window screen, blinds

DONNITHAN MAURICE JONES, 30, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000

CALEB DUWAYNE OREBAUGH, 25, Wilsey, Criminal Restraint; Bond $5,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;DONNITHAN MAURICE JONES, 30, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000CALEB DUWAYNE OREBAUGH, 25, Wilsey, Criminal Restraint; Bond $5,000

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