<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/368b65d1-260a-44ad-a8f0-6fd579344cba">By NICK GOSNELL</a> Hutch Post

According to KASB analysis, across the state of Kansas in the 2022-2023 school year, districts spent $382 million of funds that could have gone to general education on special education to backfill for funding not provided by state and federal officials. According to Leah Fliter with KASB, there is work on the House side to comply with the formula...but not spend any more money.

"The House K-12 Education Budget Committee has been having some discussions and having some hearings on bills," Fliter said. "That committee seems to be focusing on its own bill. They haven't bundled it all together yet, but the bill that they spent a lot of time on in committee was a bill that basically just tried to rewrite the current special education formula."

There is a little more hope for more money on the Senate side.

"They stripped out a line item for special education funding for fiscal year 2025," Fliter said. "They said they want to look at that again at omnibus, when they come back in April, after they hear consensus revenue estimate updates. What we have right now is, I think, the possibility on the Senate side, of some significant funding next year."

The special education statute is separate from the overall school finance formula, which the Kansas Supreme Court has said is funded constitutionally to the point that they dismissed the Gannon case earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709169247158.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/368b65d1-260a-44ad-a8f0-6fd579344cba">By NICK GOSNELL</a> Hutch PostAccording to KASB analysis, across the state of Kansas in the 2022-2023 school year, districts spent $382 million of funds that could have gone to general education on special education to backfill for funding not provided by state and federal officials. According to Leah Fliter with KASB, there is work on the House side to comply with the formula...but not spend any more money."The House K-12 Education Budget Committee has been having some discussions and having some hearings on bills," Fliter said. "That committee seems to be focusing on its own bill. They haven't bundled it all together yet, but the bill that they spent a lot of time on in committee was a bill that basically just tried to rewrite the current special education formula."There is a little more hope for more money on the Senate side."They stripped out a line item for special education funding for fiscal year 2025," Fliter said. "They said they want to look at that again at omnibus, when they come back in April, after they hear consensus revenue estimate updates. What we have right now is, I think, the possibility on the Senate side, of some significant funding next year."The special education statute is separate from the overall school finance formula, which the Kansas Supreme Court has said is funded constitutionally to the point that they dismissed the Gannon case earlier this year.

KASB gives update on special ed funding

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - The Flint Hills Discovery Center hired a full-time Education Specialist, Kodi Smith.

Smith will plan, develop and implement educational programs for all ages.&nbsp;

The Education Specialist will promote excellent guest experiences and help the FHDC meet goals and the overall mission of the facility.

This position also assists the Curator of Education, as well as collaborating with the Education Supervisor or event and exhibit development, including leading school groups, the Konza Prairie hikes, and education programs.

Smith has been with FHDC since 2021 as a seasonal educator.

“I am really excited to be able to interact with the public in this unique setting", says Smith. "I love seeing people's eyes light up when they experience the awe of the Flints Hills in person.”

Smith graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Natural Resources and a Minor in Geography.

“I am thrilled to welcome Kodi as a full-time member of the Flint Hills Discovery Center education team", says Sally Dreher, FHDC Curator of Education. "Kodi brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the Flint Hills region and years of experience in educational programming. By adding an Education Specialist to the FHDC team, we will continue to expand our opportunities for all to learn about and explore the Flint Hills.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709154006570.png" alt="FHDC Education Specialist, Kodi Smith" />
 <figcaption>FHDC Education Specialist, Kodi Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - The Flint Hills Discovery Center hired a full-time Education Specialist, Kodi Smith.Smith will plan, develop and implement educational programs for all ages.&nbsp;The Education Specialist will promote excellent guest experiences and help the FHDC meet goals and the overall mission of the facility.This position also assists the Curator of Education, as well as collaborating with the Education Supervisor or event and exhibit development, including leading school groups, the Konza Prairie hikes, and education programs.Smith has been with FHDC since 2021 as a seasonal educator.“I am really excited to be able to interact with the public in this unique setting", says Smith. "I love seeing people's eyes light up when they experience the awe of the Flints Hills in person.”Smith graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Natural Resources and a Minor in Geography.“I am thrilled to welcome Kodi as a full-time member of the Flint Hills Discovery Center education team", says Sally Dreher, FHDC Curator of Education. "Kodi brings with her a wealth of knowledge about the Flint Hills region and years of experience in educational programming. By adding an Education Specialist to the FHDC team, we will continue to expand our opportunities for all to learn about and explore the Flint Hills.”

Education Specialist hired at Flint Hills Discovery Center

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;

MICHAEL JOSEPH RAGUSA, 30 Manhattan, Violate Protection Order; Abuse order per KSA 63105, 63106, 63107 x4; Bond $1,000.

TIFFANI RACHEL ARMSTRONG, 24 Topeka, Probation Violation; Failure to appear; Bond $5,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.

JOSE MIGUEL FUENTES TRINIDAD, 28 Manhattan, Kidnapping; In flight or the commission of any crime; Criminal deprivation of property; Circumstance unknown; All Other Larceny; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Aggravated kidnapping; Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Bond $100,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;MICHAEL JOSEPH RAGUSA, 30 Manhattan, Violate Protection Order; Abuse order per KSA 63105, 63106, 63107 x4; Bond $1,000.TIFFANI RACHEL ARMSTRONG, 24 Topeka, Probation Violation; Failure to appear; Bond $5,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.JOSE MIGUEL FUENTES TRINIDAD, 28 Manhattan, Kidnapping; In flight or the commission of any crime; Criminal deprivation of property; Circumstance unknown; All Other Larceny; Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Aggravated kidnapping; Aggravated burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Bond $100,000; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 28

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

Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 28-year-old Jose Trinidad of Manhattan in the 100 block of Courthouse Plaza in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Trinidad was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant on requested charges of kidnapping, criminal deprivation of property, domestic battery, criminal threat x 2, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated burglary. &nbsp;

Trinidad is in custody on a total bond of $100,000, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations.Just before 1:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 28-year-old Jose Trinidad of Manhattan in the 100 block of Courthouse Plaza in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Trinidad was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant on requested charges of kidnapping, criminal deprivation of property, domestic battery, criminal threat x 2, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated burglary. &nbsp;Trinidad is in custody on a total bond of $100,000, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan man accused of violent kidnapping, domestic battery

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A&nbsp; Junction City man accused in the deadly drive-by killing of his girlfriend made his first court appearance Tuesday.

Dennis Alcox, 38, was charged with 1st degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.

Investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested&nbsp; Alcox in Junction City.&nbsp;He remains jailed in Sedgwick County on a bond&nbsp; one-point-five million dollars, according to the district attorney's office.

Alcox was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery at the time of the murder.&nbsp; There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This was the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708700312678.png" alt="Alcox-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Alcox-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A&nbsp; Junction City man accused in the deadly drive-by killing of his girlfriend made his first court appearance Tuesday.Dennis Alcox, 38, was charged with 1st degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.Investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested&nbsp; Alcox in Junction City.&nbsp;He remains jailed in Sedgwick County on a bond&nbsp; one-point-five million dollars, according to the district attorney's office.Alcox was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery at the time of the murder.&nbsp; There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

Junction City man accused in murder of girlfriend makes court appearance

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple allegations after a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 24, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 77 and M Avenue, according to a media release.

Sheriff's K9 Kimber conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and indicated to the oder of narcotics emitting from within the car.

After a probably cause search of the car, the deputy arrested 31-year-old Ryan C. Kelly of Manhattan on requested charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.&nbsp; He is being held in Chase County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709052966635.png" alt="Kelly is being held in Chase County" />
 <figcaption>Kelly is being held in Chase County</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan man on multiple allegations after a weekend traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. Feb. 24, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla for a traffic violation on U.S. Highway 77 and M Avenue, according to a media release.Sheriff's K9 Kimber conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and indicated to the oder of narcotics emitting from within the car.After a probably cause search of the car, the deputy arrested 31-year-old Ryan C. Kelly of Manhattan on requested charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.&nbsp; He is being held in Chase County.

Manhattan man jailed after sheriff's K9 alerts to drugs in car

By RICK HELLMAN KU News Service

&nbsp;Mahbub Rashid sees cities differently than most people. And you might say the dean of the University of Kansas School of Architecture &amp; Design ought to do that.

But Rashid has taken&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2017/03/13/new-book-analyzes-cities-geometry">spatial analysis</a>&nbsp;of urban development to the cutting edge of technology — and this view of small-town Kansas suggests to him that much more can be done to promote the health of people who live there.

Rashid’s new book,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12573/built-environment-and-population-health-small-town-america">“Built Environment and Population Health in Small-Town America: Learning from Small Cities of Kansas”</a>&nbsp;(Johns Hopkins University Press), looks at how lifestyle behaviors and health indicators are associated with spatial planning and design factors in 36 small Kansas cities with populations between 2,500 and 49,999.

Rashid measured the&nbsp;size and density of each city, its distance from a large city, its daytime population change and the average commuting time of its residents – and he found that all these factors seem to affect how population health is associated with the built environment there.

“A daily two-hour commute is not only a long time in the&nbsp;car, but it also decreases the time one has available to spend with family and friends by that amount,” Rashid said.

Increasing distance from large cities increases isolation — something that has become a reality in small towns with the loss of 20th&nbsp;century transportation options like bus and train service.

“In essence, the&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;between population health and built environment seems to depend on how rural you are,” Rashid said. “And we should develop our design and planning guidelines for small cities with that in mind.

“Having more grocery stores, a better food network or more sidewalks are all desirable to improve population health in small towns, but there may be other ways to accomplish the same ends. For instance, if we are able to reduce&nbsp;commute time to the nearby big city&nbsp;through better public transportation systems, then probably lifestyle will change for the better. People might use parks more, and, as a result, their health and relationships with others might improve.”

Rashid said he sympathized with the various headwinds confronting small-city planners and designers.

“These people are in a bind,” he said. “For reasons beyond their control, they can do very little to keep critical-access-care hospitals, which are often the economic engine of these small cities, from closing down. They can also do very little to get the transportation services these cities need. There is even a resistance, in some cases, to the external government funding that they need to accomplish anything at all. So you see a vicious cycle of decline in the built environment and population health here in these small cities.”

And yet the book cites a few success stories.

Rashid writes that for Baldwin City, rebuffing a big-box store helped save local merchants, preserve the vitality of its downtown and perhaps even some&nbsp;walkability that contributes to public health. And leaders of Montezuma, he said, “found the balance between the development of wind turbines and their economic interest.”

Rashid is a pioneer in studying population health in relation to the built environments of small cities. He said he hoped the book would offer support to those who care about the health of residents in small cities nationwide.

Rashid said that leaders of small cities should partner regionally to achieve critical mass and take public health into account in all their development decisions.

“Small towns studied in the book are not big enough to have a planner’s office,” Rashid said. “They may have one person who works as a liaison between the city government and the regional bodies. ... So they will need to be a jack of all trades. They need a good understanding of the politics of the place and how to do public relations while applying appropriate planning tools for improving population health.

“A traditional urban-planning mindset may not work for small-town planning and design. And for this, we will need a planning education relevant to small towns.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709049646482.jpeg" alt="This map shows the 36 small Kansas cities featured in "Built Environment and Population Health in Small-Town America." Credit: Mahbub Rashid, author." />
 <figcaption>This map shows the 36 small Kansas cities featured in "Built Environment and Population Health in Small-Town America." Credit: Mahbub Rashid, author.</figcaption>
 </figure>By RICK HELLMAN KU News Service&nbsp;Mahbub Rashid sees cities differently than most people. And you might say the dean of the University of Kansas School of Architecture &amp; Design ought to do that.But Rashid has taken&nbsp;<a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2017/03/13/new-book-analyzes-cities-geometry">spatial analysis</a>&nbsp;of urban development to the cutting edge of technology — and this view of small-town Kansas suggests to him that much more can be done to promote the health of people who live there.Rashid’s new book,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12573/built-environment-and-population-health-small-town-america">“Built Environment and Population Health in Small-Town America: Learning from Small Cities of Kansas”</a>&nbsp;(Johns Hopkins University Press), looks at how lifestyle behaviors and health indicators are associated with spatial planning and design factors in 36 small Kansas cities with populations between 2,500 and 49,999.Rashid measured the&nbsp;size and density of each city, its distance from a large city, its daytime population change and the average commuting time of its residents – and he found that all these factors seem to affect how population health is associated with the built environment there.“A daily two-hour commute is not only a long time in the&nbsp;car, but it also decreases the time one has available to spend with family and friends by that amount,” Rashid said.Increasing distance from large cities increases isolation — something that has become a reality in small towns with the loss of 20th&nbsp;century transportation options like bus and train service.“In essence, the&nbsp;relationship&nbsp;between population health and built environment seems to depend on how rural you are,” Rashid said. “And we should develop our design and planning guidelines for small cities with that in mind.“Having more grocery stores, a better food network or more sidewalks are all desirable to improve population health in small towns, but there may be other ways to accomplish the same ends. For instance, if we are able to reduce&nbsp;commute time to the nearby big city&nbsp;through better public transportation systems, then probably lifestyle will change for the better. People might use parks more, and, as a result, their health and relationships with others might improve.”Rashid said he sympathized with the various headwinds confronting small-city planners and designers.“These people are in a bind,” he said. “For reasons beyond their control, they can do very little to keep critical-access-care hospitals, which are often the economic engine of these small cities, from closing down. They can also do very little to get the transportation services these cities need. There is even a resistance, in some cases, to the external government funding that they need to accomplish anything at all. So you see a vicious cycle of decline in the built environment and population health here in these small cities.”And yet the book cites a few success stories.Rashid writes that for Baldwin City, rebuffing a big-box store helped save local merchants, preserve the vitality of its downtown and perhaps even some&nbsp;walkability that contributes to public health. And leaders of Montezuma, he said, “found the balance between the development of wind turbines and their economic interest.”Rashid is a pioneer in studying population health in relation to the built environments of small cities. He said he hoped the book would offer support to those who care about the health of residents in small cities nationwide.Rashid said that leaders of small cities should partner regionally to achieve critical mass and take public health into account in all their development decisions.“Small towns studied in the book are not big enough to have a planner’s office,” Rashid said. “They may have one person who works as a liaison between the city government and the regional bodies. ... So they will need to be a jack of all trades. They need a good understanding of the politics of the place and how to do public relations while applying appropriate planning tools for improving population health.“A traditional urban-planning mindset may not work for small-town planning and design. And for this, we will need a planning education relevant to small towns.”

Lessons in population health from small-city Kansas

BRITTANY LA SHAE ECCLES, 36, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $2,000

HOLLY RAY EHLINGER, 47, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $208

ADAM JOSEPH COOK, 33, Salina, Failure to appear; Bond $500

NOEL PASILIAO CUA TAI, 23, Fort Riley, Endangerment; Recklessly expose danger of great bodily harm or death; Reckless driving; Maximum speed limits; Bond $1,000

JADE SHANTE GRIFFIN, 20, Wichita, Theft of property of services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Arrested and released on bond by Wichita Police Department on 2/19/2024

GERRY WAYNE PHILLIPS II, 32, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on 2/17/2024

BRITTNEY LATRICE BEARD, 20, Wichita, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Arrested and released on bond by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office on 2/14/2024

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;BRITTANY LA SHAE ECCLES, 36, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Bond $2,000HOLLY RAY EHLINGER, 47, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $208ADAM JOSEPH COOK, 33, Salina, Failure to appear; Bond $500NOEL PASILIAO CUA TAI, 23, Fort Riley, Endangerment; Recklessly expose danger of great bodily harm or death; Reckless driving; Maximum speed limits; Bond $1,000JADE SHANTE GRIFFIN, 20, Wichita, Theft of property of services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Arrested and released on bond by Wichita Police Department on 2/19/2024GERRY WAYNE PHILLIPS II, 32, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on 2/17/2024BRITTNEY LATRICE BEARD, 20, Wichita, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Arrested and released on bond by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office on 2/14/2024

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 27

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

Just before 1:30p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for forgery and theft by deception in the 700 block of Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity re port.

&nbsp;Flint Hills Beverage and a 38-year-old man reported an unknown suspect fraudulently wrote and cashed checks at numerous banks in the area. 

The total loss associated with this case is approximately $10,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged forgery and theft in Manhattan.Just before 1:30p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for forgery and theft by deception in the 700 block of Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity re port.&nbsp;Flint Hills Beverage and a 38-year-old man reported an unknown suspect fraudulently wrote and cashed checks at numerous banks in the area. The total loss associated with this case is approximately $10,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect wrote, cashed fake checks at banks in the area

Ever spend hours (and hours) inputting complicated financial information online only have it deleted? It’s frustrating enough when it’s due to a technical glitch, but&nbsp;<a href="https://edit.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/02/ftc-takes-action-against-tax-prep-company-hr-block-wiping-consumers-data-deceptively-marketing-free">according to an FTC complaint against tax preparer H&amp;R Block</a>, wiping out consumers’ already keyed-in tax data was an intentional sales tactic the company used to pressure people to pay for pricier products. Read on to learn more about H&amp;R Block’s conduct that the FTC alleges is, well, taxing – and deceptive and unfair – to consumers.

According to an administrative complaint that will be available soon&nbsp;<a href="https://edit.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/hr-block">on the FTC website</a>, H&amp;R Block has used an extensive TV and online campaign to deceptively market its services as “free” – as in “nada. . . zip. . . zilch” – when the services weren’t free for most filers. While ads said the “free” offer applied to “simple returns,” the FTC alleges H&amp;R Block made it difficult for consumers to figure out whether their returns qualified as “simple.” What’s more, the FTC says the company frequently changed its own definition of “simple.” The complaint cites examples of the confusion and frustration caused by the company’s allegedly deceptive claims.

But it’s how H&amp;R Block allegedly coerced people to pay for services they didn’t need that merits particular attention. According to the complaint, throughout the online filing process, the company upsold pricier services without a clear breakdown of what they would cost. But when consumers decided to downgrade to a more affordable H&amp;R Block product, the FTC says the company had some aggravating – and unfair – surprises for them. First, they couldn’t downgrade without communicating directly with H&amp;R Block’s customer service department. Second, after people had spent substantial time inputting their tax information and then decided to downgrade to a less expensive H&amp;R Block filing product, the FTC says the company presented them with an unfair choice: pay for a more expensive product they didn’t want or need or H&amp;R Block would wipe out nearly all of their already typed-in tax information and make them start from scratch.

And let’s be clear. The FTC alleges this wasn’t a system glitch. It was an intentional sales tactic to create a disincentive for consumers who wanted a more affordable option. The complaint charges that H&amp;R Block retained the data for consumers who upgraded, but deleted the data for those who downgraded, forcing many consumers to choose between overpaying or losing all the information they had already entered.

Count I of the complaint challenges H&amp;R Block’s policy of making consumers who want to downgrade communicate with its customer service department – an often time-consuming hoop the company didn’t require upgrading customers to jump through. Count II alleges that H&amp;R Block’s tactic of requiring consumers either to pay for more expensive products they didn’t need or to have their data wiped out after hours of effort was an unfair practice, in violation of the FTC Act. Count III alleges that the company’s “free” filing claims are deceptive.

Even at this early stage, this is an important case for advertisers to follow.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708975908202.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>Federal Trade CommissionEver spend hours (and hours) inputting complicated financial information online only have it deleted? It’s frustrating enough when it’s due to a technical glitch, but&nbsp;<a href="https://edit.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/02/ftc-takes-action-against-tax-prep-company-hr-block-wiping-consumers-data-deceptively-marketing-free">according to an FTC complaint against tax preparer H&amp;R Block</a>, wiping out consumers’ already keyed-in tax data was an intentional sales tactic the company used to pressure people to pay for pricier products. Read on to learn more about H&amp;R Block’s conduct that the FTC alleges is, well, taxing – and deceptive and unfair – to consumers.According to an administrative complaint that will be available soon&nbsp;<a href="https://edit.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/hr-block">on the FTC website</a>, H&amp;R Block has used an extensive TV and online campaign to deceptively market its services as “free” – as in “nada. . . zip. . . zilch” – when the services weren’t free for most filers. While ads said the “free” offer applied to “simple returns,” the FTC alleges H&amp;R Block made it difficult for consumers to figure out whether their returns qualified as “simple.” What’s more, the FTC says the company frequently changed its own definition of “simple.” The complaint cites examples of the confusion and frustration caused by the company’s allegedly deceptive claims.But it’s how H&amp;R Block allegedly coerced people to pay for services they didn’t need that merits particular attention. According to the complaint, throughout the online filing process, the company upsold pricier services without a clear breakdown of what they would cost. But when consumers decided to downgrade to a more affordable H&amp;R Block product, the FTC says the company had some aggravating – and unfair – surprises for them. First, they couldn’t downgrade without communicating directly with H&amp;R Block’s customer service department. Second, after people had spent substantial time inputting their tax information and then decided to downgrade to a less expensive H&amp;R Block filing product, the FTC says the company presented them with an unfair choice: pay for a more expensive product they didn’t want or need or H&amp;R Block would wipe out nearly all of their already typed-in tax information and make them start from scratch.And let’s be clear. The FTC alleges this wasn’t a system glitch. It was an intentional sales tactic to create a disincentive for consumers who wanted a more affordable option. The complaint charges that H&amp;R Block retained the data for consumers who upgraded, but deleted the data for those who downgraded, forcing many consumers to choose between overpaying or losing all the information they had already entered.Count I of the complaint challenges H&amp;R Block’s policy of making consumers who want to downgrade communicate with its customer service department – an often time-consuming hoop the company didn’t require upgrading customers to jump through. Count II alleges that H&amp;R Block’s tactic of requiring consumers either to pay for more expensive products they didn’t need or to have their data wiped out after hours of effort was an unfair practice, in violation of the FTC Act. Count III alleges that the company’s “free” filing claims are deceptive.Even at this early stage, this is an important case for advertisers to follow.

H&R Block wiped out the tax data of consumers trying to choose a more affordable option, FTC alleges

BRYAN ANTHONY MOSLEY, 32, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment; Bond $750

JOSEPH RAY UNRUH, 34, Wamego, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

JACOB ANDREW NORMAN, 37, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

LOGAN JAMES BROWN, 15, Ogden, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement; 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;BRYAN ANTHONY MOSLEY, 32, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Fighting words or noisy conduct to cause resentment; Bond $750JOSEPH RAY UNRUH, 34, Wamego, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750JACOB ANDREW NORMAN, 37, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750LOGAN JAMES BROWN, 15, Ogden, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 26

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

On Saturday,&nbsp; officers filed a report for identity theft in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown subject used her social security number to obtain a credit card. The total loss associated with this report is $26,247.71. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stopper</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 alleged identity theft in Manhattan.On Saturday,&nbsp; officers filed a report for identity theft in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown subject used her social security number to obtain a credit card. The total loss associated with this report is $26,247.71. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stopper</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000

RCPD: Woman lost $26,000 in credit card fraud

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Riley County teen on child sex crime allegations.

Just before 7p.m. on Friday, police arrested 16-year-old Skylor Wilson of Ogden, on a Riley County District Court warrant on four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, 2 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of indecent solicitation of a child, 2 counts of lewd and lascivious – exposing sex organs to another, and criminal threat, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

In July he was jailed on a requested charge of Criminal damage to property, according to the RCPD.

Wilson is being held on a&nbsp; $75,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Riley County teen on child sex crime allegations.Just before 7p.m. on Friday, police arrested 16-year-old Skylor Wilson of Ogden, on a Riley County District Court warrant on four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, 2 counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, 2 counts of indecent solicitation of a child, 2 counts of lewd and lascivious – exposing sex organs to another, and criminal threat, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.In July he was jailed on a requested charge of Criminal damage to property, according to the RCPD.Wilson is being held on a&nbsp; $75,000 bond.

Riley County teen accused of child sex crimes

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach explained why he has introduced a bill to allow for a different method of execution in Kansas in death penalty cases.

"Right now, Kansas has the death penalty on the books, but we don't have a means of actually achieving the execution of an inmate, when the time comes and all of the appeals have been exhausted," Kobach said. "My point to the legislators was, the state of Kansas is lying to the people of Kansas if it says we can carry out the death penalty right now."

The law as it sits now only allows for execution by lethal injection. The companies that made those drugs before don't want to do it now.

"Over the last few years, lethal injection has become very difficult, because the pharmaceutical companies, like Pfizer, have said, we're not going to allow our chemicals to be used in the death penalty, because they politically oppose it," Kobach said. "The European Union countries have said, we're not going to allow the chemicals to be exported to the United States for use in the death penalty. It's become very difficult to obtain them. Indeed, in South Carolina recently, they had to postpone two executions, because they still couldn't obtain the drugs."

The method being contemplated by the proposed legislation is&nbsp;nitrogen hypoxia. <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/alabama-man-shook-violently-on-gurney-during-first-ever-nitrogen-gas-execution/ar-BB1hhPTe">The AP reported that</a> the latest person executed by this method, Alabama convicted murderer&nbsp;Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was killed by that state Jan. 25, convulsed in seizurelike spasms for at least two minutes of the 22-minute execution. Kansas has not executed anyone since 1965, even though the death penalty has been on the books again in Kansas since 1994.

"It doesn't really raise the issue, are we going to have the death penalty or not," Kobach said. "It's, if we're going to have the death penalty, let's be ready. We do have a couple cases that could be ready for execution to be carried out within the next year or two."

It is theoretically possible, if the bill made it out of committee and onto the floor, that the larger question of the death penalty could be raised by an amendment being made to the bill, as opening up the overall topic would likely be germane, depending on the ruling of those legislative bodies.

<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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708797997373.jpeg" alt="Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach explained why he has introduced a bill to allow for a different method of execution in Kansas in death penalty cases."Right now, Kansas has the death penalty on the books, but we don't have a means of actually achieving the execution of an inmate, when the time comes and all of the appeals have been exhausted," Kobach said. "My point to the legislators was, the state of Kansas is lying to the people of Kansas if it says we can carry out the death penalty right now."The law as it sits now only allows for execution by lethal injection. The companies that made those drugs before don't want to do it now."Over the last few years, lethal injection has become very difficult, because the pharmaceutical companies, like Pfizer, have said, we're not going to allow our chemicals to be used in the death penalty, because they politically oppose it," Kobach said. "The European Union countries have said, we're not going to allow the chemicals to be exported to the United States for use in the death penalty. It's become very difficult to obtain them. Indeed, in South Carolina recently, they had to postpone two executions, because they still couldn't obtain the drugs."The method being contemplated by the proposed legislation is&nbsp;nitrogen hypoxia. <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/alabama-man-shook-violently-on-gurney-during-first-ever-nitrogen-gas-execution/ar-BB1hhPTe">The AP reported that</a> the latest person executed by this method, Alabama convicted murderer&nbsp;Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was killed by that state Jan. 25, convulsed in seizurelike spasms for at least two minutes of the 22-minute execution. Kansas has not executed anyone since 1965, even though the death penalty has been on the books again in Kansas since 1994."It doesn't really raise the issue, are we going to have the death penalty or not," Kobach said. "It's, if we're going to have the death penalty, let's be ready. We do have a couple cases that could be ready for execution to be carried out within the next year or two."It is theoretically possible, if the bill made it out of committee and onto the floor, that the larger question of the death penalty could be raised by an amendment being made to the bill, as opening up the overall topic would likely be germane, depending on the ruling of those legislative bodies.<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;&nbsp;

AG explains death penalty method legislation

ESTEVAN IZIK ROCHIN, 17, Ogden, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 yrs; 1st conviction;&nbsp;

APHRODITE TOWNES, 25, Junction City, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Criminal restraint; 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;ESTEVAN IZIK ROCHIN, 17, Ogden, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 yrs; 1st conviction;&nbsp;APHRODITE TOWNES, 25, Junction City, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Criminal restraint; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 25

Funding Will Bring High-Speed Internet, Clean Drinking Water and Modern Infrastructure to Rural Kansans

TOPEKA–U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is funding nine Kansas infrastructure projects. This $22.4 million investment will provide reliable high-speed internet access, clean water, and sanitary wastewater systems for rural communities.

“High-speed internet and reliable infrastructure make it possible for rural Kansans to live and work in the communities they love,” Davis said.

High-Speed Internet Under the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, USDA is providing $997,000 to help Kansas Department of Commerce deliver technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities. This funding will also develop and expand broadband cooperatives in rural areas.

· A $997,000 grant will help promote the expansion of high-speed internet in Rawlins, Kiowa, Gove, Kearny, Wilson and Linn counties. Kansas Department of Commerce will use funding to provide technical assistance to some of the most rural and distressed energy communities in Kansas. Specifically, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will facilitate pre-engineering design and cost studies to determine broadband buildout costs and current barriers to deployment. KOBD, with Rural Utility Service staff, will then partner with local governments to understand and analyze the results of these studies, develop mitigation strategies, and identify next steps for effective broadband deployment, including use of federal and state funding sources.

Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Through its Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, Rural Development is also providing $21.4 million to help rural Kansas communities provide clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems.

· A $1,725,000 loan will help complete improvements to the sewer collection system for the City of Wakefield. The project will upgrade the wastewater treatment system and construct a non-discharging lagoon with irrigation.

· A $2,284,000 loan and a $921,000 grant will help complete rehabilitation work on the water and wastewater systems for the City of Burden. The project includes repairing approximately 15,000 linear feet of existing collection lines and upgrading approximately 22,250 linear feet of main and service lines. Previous Rural Development funding of $30,000 for a Pre-Development Planning Grant was made in 2021.

· A $1,205,000 loan and a $1,127,000 grant will help construct a new non-discharging lagoon facility for the City of Hanston. Rural Development previously awarded a $20,177 Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provided $400,000 in Principle Forgiveness on this project.

· A $2,925,000 loan will help refurbish the wastewater collection system for the City of Valley Falls. The project will include pipe repairs, pipe replacement, heavy pipe cleaning and manhole repairs and replacement.

· A $35,000 loan and a $1,126,000 grant will help complete the rehabilitation of the City of Vermillion's water distribution system. The project will install approximately 6,500 feet of distribution piping, including new fire hydrants, valves and other equipment.

· A $5,819,000 loan will help construct a new 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank and a new ion exchange nitrate removal treatment plant for the City of Belle Plaine. The project will also replace the water distribution system, the telemetry systems and automated meter reading system.

· A $1,772,000 loan will help complete repairs to the Fall River dam, upgrade the Little Bear elevated storage tank, expand the distribution system and provide sewer extension to the hospital in Neodesha. The city received prior funding from Rural Development in the form of a grant and two loans as follows: a grant of $492,000 awarded in 2021, two loans of $998,000 and $7,000,000 awarded in 2018.

· A $795,000 loan and a $1,691,000 grant will help Little Blue Natural Resources District develop a new water source for the rural water system. The project will consist of developing two municipal wells, purchasing a generator, installing 16.2 miles of transmission main, a booster pump station, installing a 50,000-gallon ground level storage tank, installing 400 meters, software, and a control system.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1562944742118.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Funding Will Bring High-Speed Internet, Clean Drinking Water and Modern Infrastructure to Rural Kansans</h2>SubmittedTOPEKA–U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is funding nine Kansas infrastructure projects. This $22.4 million investment will provide reliable high-speed internet access, clean water, and sanitary wastewater systems for rural communities.“High-speed internet and reliable infrastructure make it possible for rural Kansans to live and work in the communities they love,” Davis said.High-Speed Internet Under the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, USDA is providing $997,000 to help Kansas Department of Commerce deliver technical assistance to expand high-speed internet access for people in rural and Tribal communities. This funding will also develop and expand broadband cooperatives in rural areas.The details of this project are:· A $997,000 grant will help promote the expansion of high-speed internet in Rawlins, Kiowa, Gove, Kearny, Wilson and Linn counties. Kansas Department of Commerce will use funding to provide technical assistance to some of the most rural and distressed energy communities in Kansas. Specifically, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will facilitate pre-engineering design and cost studies to determine broadband buildout costs and current barriers to deployment. KOBD, with Rural Utility Service staff, will then partner with local governments to understand and analyze the results of these studies, develop mitigation strategies, and identify next steps for effective broadband deployment, including use of federal and state funding sources.Rural Water and Wastewater InfrastructureThrough its Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, Rural Development is also providing $21.4 million to help rural Kansas communities provide clean drinking water and sanitary wastewater systems.The details of these projects are:· A $1,725,000 loan will help complete improvements to the sewer collection system for the City of Wakefield. The project will upgrade the wastewater treatment system and construct a non-discharging lagoon with irrigation.· A $2,284,000 loan and a $921,000 grant will help complete rehabilitation work on the water and wastewater systems for the City of Burden. The project includes repairing approximately 15,000 linear feet of existing collection lines and upgrading approximately 22,250 linear feet of main and service lines. Previous Rural Development funding of $30,000 for a Pre-Development Planning Grant was made in 2021.· A $1,205,000 loan and a $1,127,000 grant will help construct a new non-discharging lagoon facility for the City of Hanston. Rural Development previously awarded a $20,177 Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provided $400,000 in Principle Forgiveness on this project.· A $2,925,000 loan will help refurbish the wastewater collection system for the City of Valley Falls. The project will include pipe repairs, pipe replacement, heavy pipe cleaning and manhole repairs and replacement.· A $35,000 loan and a $1,126,000 grant will help complete the rehabilitation of the City of Vermillion's water distribution system. The project will install approximately 6,500 feet of distribution piping, including new fire hydrants, valves and other equipment.· A $5,819,000 loan will help construct a new 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank and a new ion exchange nitrate removal treatment plant for the City of Belle Plaine. The project will also replace the water distribution system, the telemetry systems and automated meter reading system.· A $1,772,000 loan will help complete repairs to the Fall River dam, upgrade the Little Bear elevated storage tank, expand the distribution system and provide sewer extension to the hospital in Neodesha. The city received prior funding from Rural Development in the form of a grant and two loans as follows: a grant of $492,000 awarded in 2021, two loans of $998,000 and $7,000,000 awarded in 2018.· A $795,000 loan and a $1,691,000 grant will help Little Blue Natural Resources District develop a new water source for the rural water system. The project will consist of developing two municipal wells, purchasing a generator, installing 16.2 miles of transmission main, a booster pump station, installing a 50,000-gallon ground level storage tank, installing 400 meters, software, and a control system.USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America.USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA announces $22.4 Million for rural infrastructure projects

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan Murray with NFIB-Kansas was not pleased that Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of the flat tax bill passed by the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature was sustained.

"It's unfortunate that the House was not able to muster the votes," Murray said. "We were not very optimistic that it would achieve the votes on the Senate side. Nonetheless, back to the drawing board. We think that Kansas small business owners need and deserve a tax break. We're sitting on $3 billion or more in reserves."

Murray does see a path forward this session, though.

"I hope, on behalf of our members, that the legislature finds a way to get there with the governor," Murray said. "I think that probably, the governor's proposal, which she put forward, which includes many of the elements that the Republican legislature has championed, if there's an addition of some reductions in income tax rates, there might be a path forward to get something done still, yet this year."

The importance of lowering the rate is amplified by the way taxes work for the majority of small business owners.

"Most small business owners, 75%, are filing at the individual level," Murray said. "Reductions in the individual income tax directly benefits small business owners, which means they can redirect those savings back to their employees through higher wages and benefits. They can redirect those savings to capital improvements in their businesses."

The turnaround deadline for bills in non-exempt committees to pass one chamber or be dead for the session was Friday, but tax policy takes place in exempt committees, so for that purpose, turnaround just allows for more focus on that type of issue in the session's final weeks.

<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;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dan Murray with NFIB-Kansas was not pleased that Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of the flat tax bill passed by the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature was sustained."It's unfortunate that the House was not able to muster the votes," Murray said. "We were not very optimistic that it would achieve the votes on the Senate side. Nonetheless, back to the drawing board. We think that Kansas small business owners need and deserve a tax break. We're sitting on $3 billion or more in reserves."Murray does see a path forward this session, though."I hope, on behalf of our members, that the legislature finds a way to get there with the governor," Murray said. "I think that probably, the governor's proposal, which she put forward, which includes many of the elements that the Republican legislature has championed, if there's an addition of some reductions in income tax rates, there might be a path forward to get something done still, yet this year."The importance of lowering the rate is amplified by the way taxes work for the majority of small business owners."Most small business owners, 75%, are filing at the individual level," Murray said. "Reductions in the individual income tax directly benefits small business owners, which means they can redirect those savings back to their employees through higher wages and benefits. They can redirect those savings to capital improvements in their businesses."The turnaround deadline for bills in non-exempt committees to pass one chamber or be dead for the session was Friday, but tax policy takes place in exempt committees, so for that purpose, turnaround just allows for more focus on that type of issue in the session's final weeks.<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;

Murray: Possible 'path forward' despite flat-tax veto

LINDSEY MICHELLE BLACK, 28, Ogden, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

ANDREW DOUGLAS MCCREADY, 40, Manhattan, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation, or disruption; Remains confined to the Riley County Jail

TAYLOR BROOKE MCATEE, 25, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

ROBERT JOSEPH ROBLES, 48, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

ELIZABETH BROOKE LEIPPLY, 20, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $330

JAKEEM JUDE LAGUERRE, 21, Junction City, Failure to apear; Bond $500

TEVIN MICHAEL ANTHONY, 32, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750

SKYLOR JOSEPH WILSON, 16, Ogden,&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Offender &lt;18 cause child &lt;14 to fondle x4; Aggravated criminal sodomy; Unknown circumstance x2; Indecent solicitation of a child; Unknown circumstance x2; Lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;16 x2; Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance; Bond $75,000

DANASIA EBONY QUIROGA MACOUZET, 20, Fort Riley, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500

VERLIN LANCE EATON, 51, St. Joseph, MO, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750

CARWYNNE CANTERO, 45, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000; Bond $2,000

ANASTASIA DAWN KENYON, 24, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $10,000

EMILY E HERRING, 15, Ogden, Distribute or possess w/intent to distribute marijuana w/in 1000' of school &lt;25 grams; 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;LINDSEY MICHELLE BLACK, 28, Ogden, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000ANDREW DOUGLAS MCCREADY, 40, Manhattan, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation, or disruption; Remains confined to the Riley County JailTAYLOR BROOKE MCATEE, 25, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750ROBERT JOSEPH ROBLES, 48, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000ELIZABETH BROOKE LEIPPLY, 20, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $330JAKEEM JUDE LAGUERRE, 21, Junction City, Failure to apear; Bond $500TEVIN MICHAEL ANTHONY, 32, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750SKYLOR JOSEPH WILSON, 16, Ogden,&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Offender &lt;18 cause child &lt;14 to fondle x4; Aggravated criminal sodomy; Unknown circumstance x2; Indecent solicitation of a child; Unknown circumstance x2; Lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;16 x2; Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance; Bond $75,000DANASIA EBONY QUIROGA MACOUZET, 20, Fort Riley, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500VERLIN LANCE EATON, 51, St. Joseph, MO, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750CARWYNNE CANTERO, 45, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000; Bond $2,000ANASTASIA DAWN KENYON, 24, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $10,000EMILY E HERRING, 15, Ogden, Distribute or possess w/intent to distribute marijuana w/in 1000' of school &lt;25 grams; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 24

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann told Hutch Post this week that a long-term Farm Bill is not close to being done.

"We've got quite a ways to go," Mann said. "We know it currently expires Sept. 30. We know that food and nutrition programs and crop insurance is mandatory spending, so that will stay in place no matter what. We also know that there's a strong desire, certainly on my part and folks on the Ag committee to get this Farm Bill done, locked an in play, so we can move forward."

The vast majority of the Farm Bill is nutrition programs, though and urban congress members may not care one way or the other when it gets done as long as those programs are funded.&nbsp;

"Farm Bills need to be long enough to provide some certainty, but short enough that they can be looked at and adjust and change with the times. A five year Farm Bill is an appropriate length. It's time for a five year Farm Bill to give our producers some certainty."

Work in the House is actually a little bit ahead of the Senate when it comes to the Farm Bill, but once both sides have their position, they will have to come to an agreement on the legislation, so it's likely that it will at least push the September deadline, if not need an additional extension.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann told Hutch Post this week that a long-term Farm Bill is not close to being done."We've got quite a ways to go," Mann said. "We know it currently expires Sept. 30. We know that food and nutrition programs and crop insurance is mandatory spending, so that will stay in place no matter what. We also know that there's a strong desire, certainly on my part and folks on the Ag committee to get this Farm Bill done, locked an in play, so we can move forward."The vast majority of the Farm Bill is nutrition programs, though and urban congress members may not care one way or the other when it gets done as long as those programs are funded.&nbsp;"Farm Bills need to be long enough to provide some certainty, but short enough that they can be looked at and adjust and change with the times. A five year Farm Bill is an appropriate length. It's time for a five year Farm Bill to give our producers some certainty."Work in the House is actually a little bit ahead of the Senate when it comes to the Farm Bill, but once both sides have their position, they will have to come to an agreement on the legislation, so it's likely that it will at least push the September deadline, if not need an additional extension.<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;&nbsp;

Mann says farm bill still far off

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Joe Cheray is well aware that clergy members aren’t required to report child abuse.

She remembers going to her priest as a child, asking for his help when she was being sexually abused.&nbsp;Cheray said he did nothing.

“Had I known back then clergy were not mandated reporters of abuse, I would’ve just went to law enforcement and the Department for Children and Families. I wouldn’t have even said anything to my church at all,” Cheray said.

Cheray, who advocates with other survivors of child sex abuse every week in the entrance of the Statehouse, is asking that ministers and clergy be required to report cases like hers.

Earlier this month, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and senior pastor at First Congregational Church, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2300/">House Bill 2300</a>,&nbsp;which would add ordained ministers of religion to the mandated reporters list, with an exception for penitential communication, such as confession.

“People wonder why that isn’t the case already, and frankly, as a pastor, I do too,” Schlingensiepen said.

The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.

DCF estimated implementation of the bill would result in increased reporting to the Kansas Protection Report Center, which oversees abuse reports. The change could result in an increase of $74,569 in expenditures from the State General Fund for an additional staff position to deal with the workload.

Four previous attempts to get clergy added to the list of mandated reporters failed in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/26/kansas-democrat-introduces-senate-bill-making-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-suspected-abuse/">led the charge</a>&nbsp;during the last legislative session following the release of a four-year investigation of Catholic clergy abuse by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI report found at least 188 church members suspected of committing offenses ranging from indecent liberties with a child to rape.

Schlingensiepen said he didn’t have a lot of optimism that the bill would be implemented this session, because of lawmaker preoccupation with other issues, such as the flat tax. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/">Republican-led effort to override</a>&nbsp;Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto and pass a universal 5.25 percent income tax rate failed earlier this week.

“I feel like they don’t have any appetite to put more on their plates, but that said, I think hopefully it’ll be back again next session, and we’ll try this again, this time with multiple sponsors on both sides of the aisle,” Schlingensiepen said. “We already have very broad support.”

For now, Cheray will keep advocating for broader protections for survivors of sexual assault.

“I do this for the kid in me that didn’t know,” Cheray said. “And I do this for all of the other survivors and victims now and in the future so that there is one more protection point for them to hopefully get some help."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708705095823.jpeg" alt="Joe Cheray campaigns for House Bill 2300 at the entrance of the Statehouse in Topeka. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Joe Cheray campaigns for House Bill 2300 at the entrance of the Statehouse in Topeka. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —&nbsp;Joe Cheray is well aware that clergy members aren’t required to report child abuse.She remembers going to her priest as a child, asking for his help when she was being sexually abused.&nbsp;Cheray said he did nothing.“Had I known back then clergy were not mandated reporters of abuse, I would’ve just went to law enforcement and the Department for Children and Families. I wouldn’t have even said anything to my church at all,” Cheray said.Cheray, who advocates with other survivors of child sex abuse every week in the entrance of the Statehouse, is asking that ministers and clergy be required to report cases like hers.Earlier this month, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and senior pastor at First Congregational Church, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2300/">House Bill 2300</a>,&nbsp;which would add ordained ministers of religion to the mandated reporters list, with an exception for penitential communication, such as confession.“People wonder why that isn’t the case already, and frankly, as a pastor, I do too,” Schlingensiepen said.The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.DCF estimated implementation of the bill would result in increased reporting to the Kansas Protection Report Center, which oversees abuse reports. The change could result in an increase of $74,569 in expenditures from the State General Fund for an additional staff position to deal with the workload.Four previous attempts to get clergy added to the list of mandated reporters failed in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/26/kansas-democrat-introduces-senate-bill-making-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-suspected-abuse/">led the charge</a>&nbsp;during the last legislative session following the release of a four-year investigation of Catholic clergy abuse by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI report found at least 188 church members suspected of committing offenses ranging from indecent liberties with a child to rape.Schlingensiepen said he didn’t have a lot of optimism that the bill would be implemented this session, because of lawmaker preoccupation with other issues, such as the flat tax. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/">Republican-led effort to override</a>&nbsp;Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto and pass a universal 5.25 percent income tax rate failed earlier this week.“I feel like they don’t have any appetite to put more on their plates, but that said, I think hopefully it’ll be back again next session, and we’ll try this again, this time with multiple sponsors on both sides of the aisle,” Schlingensiepen said. “We already have very broad support.”For now, Cheray will keep advocating for broader protections for survivors of sexual assault.“I do this for the kid in me that didn’t know,” Cheray said. “And I do this for all of the other survivors and victims now and in the future so that there is one more protection point for them to hopefully get some help."

Survivor of child sex abuse urges Kansas lawmakers to mandate clergy reporting

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting in Manhattan.

Just after 3:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for unlawful discharge of a firearm and possession of stolen property report in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 20-year-old man was reported as both the victim and offender. He accidentally shot himself.&nbsp; EMS transported him Via Christi for treatment of his injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Friday.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting in Manhattan.Just after 3:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for unlawful discharge of a firearm and possession of stolen property report in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 20-year-old man was reported as both the victim and offender. He accidentally shot himself.&nbsp; EMS transported him Via Christi for treatment of his injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Friday.

RCPD: Man with stolen property accidentally shot himself

ARTHUR JOSEPH MICKEY JR, 35, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $5,000

JONATHAN LEWIS LEMUEL VALENTINE, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $1,000

CARLOS STEVEN RODRIGUEZ, 24, Manhattan, Uniform extradition act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.

GEORGE ANTWON MASOLI, 29, Manhattan, Failure to comply w/diversion; Bond $750

NEILSON EUGENE DORSEY, 37, Manhattan, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Bond $1,500

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;ARTHUR JOSEPH MICKEY JR, 35, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $5,000JONATHAN LEWIS LEMUEL VALENTINE, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $1,000CARLOS STEVEN RODRIGUEZ, 24, Manhattan, Uniform extradition act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.GEORGE ANTWON MASOLI, 29, Manhattan, Failure to comply w/diversion; Bond $750NEILSON EUGENE DORSEY, 37, Manhattan, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Bond $1,500

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 23

MANHATTAN - On Wednesday afternoon, WTC announced they will be investing $50 million dollars into expanding their fiber network to all residents within Manhattan city limits in the next 36 months.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708640450794.jpeg" alt="WTC MHK expansion map" />
 <figcaption>WTC MHK expansion map</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Wednesday afternoon, WTC announced they will be investing $50 million dollars into expanding their fiber network to all residents within Manhattan city limits in the next 36 months.WTC which provides Fiber-to-the-Premise(FTTP) technology will expand it's fiber to all residents and households in Manhattan after spending the last several years connecting to many of the businesses.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/GucLc2CD-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Wtc $50m" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>“Fiber connectivity for a community changes everything” stated Jeff Wick, CEO of WTC. “Fiber broadband is not just about faster Internet speeds, it builds a foundation of innovation, community development and economic growth,” he added.This expansion will continue to improve educational opportunities, enable remote work environments and advance access to healthcare services and continue to grow economic development in Manhattan.“Investing in fiber isn’t just a technological upgrade but a strategic investment in the economic well-being and overall development of our community,” stated Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive ripple effects of such an initiative will contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and economically vibrant society.”For more information on the project and to see when WTC will be available in your neighborhood, visit <a href="https://wtcks.com/residential/pages/397/manhattan">WTCKS.com/MHK</a>.WTC is headquartered in Wamego (KS) and provides a full line of Voice, Internet, and Video services to residential, governmental, educational, and commercial clients. For more information about WTC, please visit www.wtcks.com or call 785-456-1000.

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