U.S. House voted to expand child tax credit but isn’t considering increase for dependent care

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kelciemoseley-morris/">KELCIE MOSELEY-MORRIS</a>

The U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/child-tax-credit-expanded-business-tax-breaks-get-new-life-bill-passed-us-house">voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Wednesday evening to assist low-income families through an expansion of the child tax credit and the bill now awaits approval in the Senate.

But some organizations are also highlighting a separate tax credit for child and dependent care, which they say is not providing adequate assistance to families and providers amid rising costs.

The National Association of Tax Professionals supports expansion of the child and dependent care credit, said Tom O’Saben, the organization’s director of tax content and government relations. As it is, the credit has not kept up with inflation, he said, and Congress is currently not discussing its expansion alongside the child tax credit.

It’s easy to confuse the two credits, but advocacy groups such as the First Five Years Fund say it’s important to know the difference and understand why both are needed to help families. The child tax credit is meant to support families with the costs of raising a child, and it is commonly used to assist with everyday expenses.

The child and dependent care tax credit is meant to offset the cost of child care for working families, and only the cost of formal child or dependent care qualifies, not informal arrangements for care with family members or others.

“More and more people are having the discussion of, is it worth it to me to work outside the home when I’ve got to pay $25,000 in child care?” O’Saben said. Some clients he sees as a tax professional are paying as much as $35,000 per year for two children.

Right now, his only recommendation to help those clients is to take advantage of pre-tax flex spending accounts through their employers if they have them, but those are capped at $5,000 per year, so it can only provide a fraction of what many families need.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://institute.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/bank-of-america-institute/economic-insights/rising-childcare-costs.pdf">report from Bank of America</a>&nbsp;in October showed the average child care payment per household has increased 30% since 2019, with families earning between $100,000 and $250,000 experiencing the largest increase. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://blog.dol.gov/2023/01/24/new-childcare-data-shows-prices-are-untenable-for-families">January 2023</a>&nbsp;report from the U.S. Department of Labor also called monthly prices across the country for child care “untenable” and said counties with more expensive child care prices had lower rates of maternal employment.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child care costs have increased 214% since 1990, while the average family income has risen 143%.

Expansion bill with bipartisan authors has not received a hearing in Congress

Congress temporarily increased the child care tax credit through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. It was the first time the credit had been adjusted since 2001, during former President George W. Bush’s administration. Instead of $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children, the credit increased to $8,000 and $16,000, respectively, for qualifying expenses. The amount of the credit varies based on the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.

During that time, the credit was also refundable, so a taxpayer could claim the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">&nbsp;full credit</a>&nbsp;even if it exceeded the amount of taxes owed to the federal government and receive the remainder as a refund.

“It was coming to be more in line with reality, but it lasted for one year,” O’Saben said. “If I was to bet on this back at the end of 2021, I would’ve bet that Congress would’ve extended that provision, because it was so family positive.”

But Congress couldn’t reach a deal to extend either the child care credit or the general child tax credit, and only one is up for expansion now, if it clears the Senate.

There is a bill that has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4571?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.4571%22%5D%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=1">introduced in Congress</a>&nbsp;to address the expansion of the child care credit, sponsored by Democrat Rep. Salud Carbajal of California and Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon. It was introduced in July, but has not received a hearing. A group of 85 child care providers and employers and business leaders from states across the country also<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Expand-and-Align-Child-Care-Tax-Credits_September-12-2023.pdf">&nbsp;sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to members of the Senate Committee on Finance and House Ways and Means expressing their support for expansion of the child care credit. The states included Kansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Texas, Utah and Ohio, among others.

State and local government must step in too, advocacy group says

Michael Cassidy, director of policy reform and advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, told States Newsroom both credits are important, but it may take time to reach both goals, and it will require more than just federal investment.

Some states have made efforts to continue the same level of assistance that the federal government provided through the pandemic, such as Minnesota, where Democratic Gov. Tim Walz approved a $1.3 billion package to assist child care providers with wage enhancements and allow more families to qualify for financial assistance with costs. But in other states, such as<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/04/texas-legislature-child-care-budget/">&nbsp;Texas</a>, $2.3 billion in federal aid went unused, and in<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/24/a-78-million-boost-to-missouris-child-care-subsidy-will-reach-providers-next-month/">&nbsp;Missouri</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://lailluminator.com/2023/07/11/even-with-historic-state-investment-louisianas-early-childhood-education-funding-will-plummet/">&nbsp;Louisiana</a>, the amounts budgeted from federal aid didn’t make significant inroads in helping providers and families.

“The pandemic and our recovery out of it have revealed the huge challenges we have in this country regarding child care. I think everybody saw that,” Cassidy said. “It’s a policy thicket that has vexed this country for decades … so transitioning from this faltering child care system to a functioning one is going to take some investment at the state, local and national levels.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677254811992.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>U.S. House voted to expand child tax credit but isn’t considering increase for dependent care</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kelciemoseley-morris/">KELCIE MOSELEY-MORRIS</a>The U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/child-tax-credit-expanded-business-tax-breaks-get-new-life-bill-passed-us-house">voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Wednesday evening to assist low-income families through an expansion of the child tax credit and the bill now awaits approval in the Senate.But some organizations are also highlighting a separate tax credit for child and dependent care, which they say is not providing adequate assistance to families and providers amid rising costs.The National Association of Tax Professionals supports expansion of the child and dependent care credit, said Tom O’Saben, the organization’s director of tax content and government relations. As it is, the credit has not kept up with inflation, he said, and Congress is currently not discussing its expansion alongside the child tax credit.It’s easy to confuse the two credits, but advocacy groups such as the First Five Years Fund say it’s important to know the difference and understand why both are needed to help families. The child tax credit is meant to support families with the costs of raising a child, and it is commonly used to assist with everyday expenses.The child and dependent care tax credit is meant to offset the cost of child care for working families, and only the cost of formal child or dependent care qualifies, not informal arrangements for care with family members or others.“More and more people are having the discussion of, is it worth it to me to work outside the home when I’ve got to pay $25,000 in child care?” O’Saben said. Some clients he sees as a tax professional are paying as much as $35,000 per year for two children.Right now, his only recommendation to help those clients is to take advantage of pre-tax flex spending accounts through their employers if they have them, but those are capped at $5,000 per year, so it can only provide a fraction of what many families need.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://institute.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/bank-of-america-institute/economic-insights/rising-childcare-costs.pdf">report from Bank of America</a>&nbsp;in October showed the average child care payment per household has increased 30% since 2019, with families earning between $100,000 and $250,000 experiencing the largest increase. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://blog.dol.gov/2023/01/24/new-childcare-data-shows-prices-are-untenable-for-families">January 2023</a>&nbsp;report from the U.S. Department of Labor also called monthly prices across the country for child care “untenable” and said counties with more expensive child care prices had lower rates of maternal employment.According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child care costs have increased 214% since 1990, while the average family income has risen 143%.<h2>Expansion bill with bipartisan authors has not received a hearing in Congress</h2>Congress temporarily increased the child care tax credit through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. It was the first time the credit had been adjusted since 2001, during former President George W. Bush’s administration. Instead of $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children, the credit increased to $8,000 and $16,000, respectively, for qualifying expenses. The amount of the credit varies based on the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.During that time, the credit was also refundable, so a taxpayer could claim the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">&nbsp;full credit</a>&nbsp;even if it exceeded the amount of taxes owed to the federal government and receive the remainder as a refund.“It was coming to be more in line with reality, but it lasted for one year,” O’Saben said. “If I was to bet on this back at the end of 2021, I would’ve bet that Congress would’ve extended that provision, because it was so family positive.”But Congress couldn’t reach a deal to extend either the child care credit or the general child tax credit, and only one is up for expansion now, if it clears the Senate.There is a bill that has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4571?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.4571%22%5D%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=1">introduced in Congress</a>&nbsp;to address the expansion of the child care credit, sponsored by Democrat Rep. Salud Carbajal of California and Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon. It was introduced in July, but has not received a hearing. A group of 85 child care providers and employers and business leaders from states across the country also<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Expand-and-Align-Child-Care-Tax-Credits_September-12-2023.pdf">&nbsp;sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to members of the Senate Committee on Finance and House Ways and Means expressing their support for expansion of the child care credit. The states included Kansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Texas, Utah and Ohio, among others.<h2>State and local government must step in too, advocacy group says</h2>Michael Cassidy, director of policy reform and advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, told States Newsroom both credits are important, but it may take time to reach both goals, and it will require more than just federal investment.Some states have made efforts to continue the same level of assistance that the federal government provided through the pandemic, such as Minnesota, where Democratic Gov. Tim Walz approved a $1.3 billion package to assist child care providers with wage enhancements and allow more families to qualify for financial assistance with costs. But in other states, such as<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/04/texas-legislature-child-care-budget/">&nbsp;Texas</a>, $2.3 billion in federal aid went unused, and in<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/24/a-78-million-boost-to-missouris-child-care-subsidy-will-reach-providers-next-month/">&nbsp;Missouri</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://lailluminator.com/2023/07/11/even-with-historic-state-investment-louisianas-early-childhood-education-funding-will-plummet/">&nbsp;Louisiana</a>, the amounts budgeted from federal aid didn’t make significant inroads in helping providers and families.“The pandemic and our recovery out of it have revealed the huge challenges we have in this country regarding child care. I think everybody saw that,” Cassidy said. “It’s a policy thicket that has vexed this country for decades … so transitioning from this faltering child care system to a functioning one is going to take some investment at the state, local and national levels.”

Child care costs far outpace wages, but dependent care tax credit stuck at 2001 rate

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;

CHARLES MARX HYMAN, 32, Ft. Riley, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

JUSTIN ALAN BROWN, 34, Manhattan, Theft of prop/serv; mail&lt;$1500 from 3 separate locations within 72 hours as part of the same act; Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Bond $5,000

SCOTT ALAN OHLDE, 77, Clay Center, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Duty of driver to give information; Bond $3,000

MICHAEL LEE WILLIAMSEN, 27, Manhattan, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Attempted possession of firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Bond $25,000

LANDEN RILEY BEARCE, 21, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Theft from building; Bond $53,000

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;CHARLES MARX HYMAN, 32, Ft. Riley, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750JUSTIN ALAN BROWN, 34, Manhattan, Theft of prop/serv; mail&lt;$1500 from 3 separate locations within 72 hours as part of the same act; Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Bond $5,000SCOTT ALAN OHLDE, 77, Clay Center, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Duty of driver to give information; Bond $3,000MICHAEL LEE WILLIAMSEN, 27, Manhattan, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Attempted possession of firearm while under influence of alcohol or drugs; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt;18; Bond $25,000LANDEN RILEY BEARCE, 21, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Theft from building; Bond $53,000

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 4

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you have a high school senior, things are going really slowly in terms of getting what you need to know how much college is going to cost.&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Education announced Jan. 30 that&nbsp;it won't be sending students' FAFSA data to schools until the first half of March. Previously, it had said it would start sending that data in late January.

Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall is calling on the Biden Administration to work harder to solve the problem of delays in processing.

"The universities are not receiving the information, colleges are not receiving these financial applications. I think only 20% of the students have been able to complete it," Marshall said. "I want to jump to the quick of this. Less than 20% of the people in the federal government in D.C. are back in the office right now."

Marshall believes that federal workers should be back in the office all across D.C.

"I just don't think the productivity from home is nearly as good as it is when people get in the office," Marshall said. "It's been a farce and the executive branch is letting them get away with it. They don't even assess it. They won't tell us what the real number is, but we do know that only about 20% of the offices across D.C. are now occupied."

Marshall joined three other Senators on Friday to call on the Department of Education to explain how it is going to get FAFSA information to schools and potential students on time.

<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/2024/2/1706980536155.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you have a high school senior, things are going really slowly in terms of getting what you need to know how much college is going to cost.&nbsp;The U.S. Department of Education announced Jan. 30 that&nbsp;it won't be sending students' FAFSA data to schools until the first half of March. Previously, it had said it would start sending that data in late January.Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall is calling on the Biden Administration to work harder to solve the problem of delays in processing."The universities are not receiving the information, colleges are not receiving these financial applications. I think only 20% of the students have been able to complete it," Marshall said. "I want to jump to the quick of this. Less than 20% of the people in the federal government in D.C. are back in the office right now."Marshall believes that federal workers should be back in the office all across D.C."I just don't think the productivity from home is nearly as good as it is when people get in the office," Marshall said. "It's been a farce and the executive branch is letting them get away with it. They don't even assess it. They won't tell us what the real number is, but we do know that only about 20% of the offices across D.C. are now occupied."Marshall joined three other Senators on Friday to call on the Department of Education to explain how it is going to get FAFSA information to schools and potential students on time.<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;

Marshall: FAFSA data slowdown indicative of bigger issue

MANHATTAN — For nearly a century, the&nbsp;<a href="https://8f5087e9-e55b-404f-b592-7518ce9efc44.filesusr.com/ugd/122775_0306d0855ebb4029ae693ff00df99bfc.pdf">Memorial School Building</a>&nbsp;had been the pride of Hill City and one of the finest in western Kansas, serving originally as a high school and then as Longfellow Middle School, until its closure in 2009.

But thanks to efforts of two&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>&nbsp;partners — the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwkeici.org/" target="_blank">Innovation Center</a>&nbsp;in northwest Kansas and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/" target="_blank">Technology Development Institute</a>, or TDI, at Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;— the building could soon see new life as a centerpiece of the town.

In support of the rural housing initiative being championed in northwest Kansas by the Innovation Center, TDI deployed its NavVis VLX digital scanning system to create a 'digital twin' of the shuttered school building.

Older buildings often lack detailed plans, and traditional methods of creating new plans often require on-site work that can take multiple days to measure and create new drawings by hand, said Bret Lanz, commercialization director for TDI. It's a costly and time-consuming process in any setting, but in rural communities, organizations often struggle to find the equipment and time to create this kind of documentation.

With the NavVis system, though, TDI was able to scan the entire facility, which included both the interior and exterior of the building, in four hours.

The scanning system is similar to the cameras that create Google's Street View. This process results in digital files that contain both images and dimensional measurements that can then be used to create a 3D model of the scanned building that is accurate to 5 millimeters.These digital models are typically referred to as "digital twins."

"We have a number of interested parties in this particular building," said Randy Speaker, Innovation Center regional housing specialist. "But getting them out here to document the building and start working on plans has been difficult. By working with TDI, we can create the digital twin and send those files directly to a large number of developers to kickstart the process and get things moving forward.

"The goal of TDI's digital scanning program is to lower the barriers rural communities face in repurposing older, unused buildings to create new residences and address any housing shortages, Speaker said. Creating the digital twins is the first step in redevelopment, and K-State is helping lead the way by using cutting-edge technology to meet that demand in rural communities."

Through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>&nbsp;initiative we have been able to expand our partnerships and uses for our technology to assist rural communities in ways that we had not previously imagined," Lanz said. "By creating digital twin models of these buildings, we are enabling a larger number of developers to evaluate these opportunities with the ultimate goal of creating additional housing in these rural areas.

"This project was completed in support of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>&nbsp;initiative with the assistance of the K-State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/">Technology Development Institute</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers">U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center</a>. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.&nbsp;

K-State 105 is Kansas State University's answer to the call for a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution for Kansas. The initiative leverages the statewide K-State Research and Extension network to deliver the full breadth of the university's collective knowledge and solution-driven innovation to every Kansan, right where they live and work. Additionally, K-State 105 forges the connections and partnerships that create access to additional expertise within other state institutions and agencies, nonprofits and corporations — all part of an effort to build additional capacities and strengths in each of the 105 counties in the state. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">k-state.edu/105</a>.

Serving 26&nbsp;counties in rural northwest Kansas, the Innovation Center is a private foundation that provides economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in the region. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://nwkeici.org/">nwkeici.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706983851475.png" alt="Jacob Picolet, senior engineer with the Technology Development Institute at Kansas State University, uses a shoulder-mounted NavVis VLX digital scanning system to image the interior of the Memorial School Building in Hill City." />
 <figcaption>Jacob Picolet, senior engineer with the Technology Development Institute at Kansas State University, uses a shoulder-mounted NavVis VLX digital scanning system to image the interior of the Memorial School Building in Hill City.</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Bret LanzMANHATTAN — For nearly a century, the&nbsp;<a href="https://8f5087e9-e55b-404f-b592-7518ce9efc44.filesusr.com/ugd/122775_0306d0855ebb4029ae693ff00df99bfc.pdf">Memorial School Building</a>&nbsp;had been the pride of Hill City and one of the finest in western Kansas, serving originally as a high school and then as Longfellow Middle School, until its closure in 2009.But thanks to efforts of two&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>&nbsp;partners — the&nbsp;<a href="https://nwkeici.org/" target="_blank">Innovation Center</a>&nbsp;in northwest Kansas and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/" target="_blank">Technology Development Institute</a>, or TDI, at Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;— the building could soon see new life as a centerpiece of the town.In support of the rural housing initiative being championed in northwest Kansas by the Innovation Center, TDI deployed its NavVis VLX digital scanning system to create a 'digital twin' of the shuttered school building.Older buildings often lack detailed plans, and traditional methods of creating new plans often require on-site work that can take multiple days to measure and create new drawings by hand, said Bret Lanz, commercialization director for TDI. It's a costly and time-consuming process in any setting, but in rural communities, organizations often struggle to find the equipment and time to create this kind of documentation.With the NavVis system, though, TDI was able to scan the entire facility, which included both the interior and exterior of the building, in four hours.The scanning system is similar to the cameras that create Google's Street View. This process results in digital files that contain both images and dimensional measurements that can then be used to create a 3D model of the scanned building that is accurate to 5 millimeters.These digital models are typically referred to as "digital twins.""We have a number of interested parties in this particular building," said Randy Speaker, Innovation Center regional housing specialist. "But getting them out here to document the building and start working on plans has been difficult. By working with TDI, we can create the digital twin and send those files directly to a large number of developers to kickstart the process and get things moving forward."The goal of TDI's digital scanning program is to lower the barriers rural communities face in repurposing older, unused buildings to create new residences and address any housing shortages, Speaker said. Creating the digital twins is the first step in redevelopment, and K-State is helping lead the way by using cutting-edge technology to meet that demand in rural communities."Through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>&nbsp;initiative we have been able to expand our partnerships and uses for our technology to assist rural communities in ways that we had not previously imagined," Lanz said. "By creating digital twin models of these buildings, we are enabling a larger number of developers to evaluate these opportunities with the ultimate goal of creating additional housing in these rural areas."This project was completed in support of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>&nbsp;initiative with the assistance of the K-State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/">Technology Development Institute</a>, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers">U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center</a>. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.&nbsp;K-State 105 is Kansas State University's answer to the call for a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution for Kansas. The initiative leverages the statewide K-State Research and Extension network to deliver the full breadth of the university's collective knowledge and solution-driven innovation to every Kansan, right where they live and work. Additionally, K-State 105 forges the connections and partnerships that create access to additional expertise within other state institutions and agencies, nonprofits and corporations — all part of an effort to build additional capacities and strengths in each of the 105 counties in the state. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">k-state.edu/105</a>.Serving 26&nbsp;counties in rural northwest Kansas, the Innovation Center is a private foundation that provides economic and entrepreneurial assistance to businesses in the region. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://nwkeici.org/">nwkeici.org.</a>

K-State's Technology Development Institute makes a digital twin of a rural Kansas school

AKIRA NICOLE CRIDGE, 20, Manhattan, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Bond $5,000

AUSTIN JAMES PLATT, 32, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

CORNELIUS LEE SISSON 39, LaCrosse, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Harass by telecom device; Phone call with intent to abuse/threaten/harass; Stalking; Misd unknown circumstance; Arrested and released on bond by Rush County Sheriff's Office on 2/1/2024

VICTOR CORTEZ ARMSTRONG THARP, 29, Lawrence; Aggravated sexual battery; Force or fear; Rape; Circumstance unknown; Arrested and released on bond by Douglas County Sheriff's Office on 1/18/2024

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;AKIRA NICOLE CRIDGE, 20, Manhattan, Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Bond $5,000AUSTIN JAMES PLATT, 32, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750CORNELIUS LEE SISSON 39, LaCrosse, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Harass by telecom device; Phone call with intent to abuse/threaten/harass; Stalking; Misd unknown circumstance; Arrested and released on bond by Rush County Sheriff's Office on 2/1/2024VICTOR CORTEZ ARMSTRONG THARP, 29, Lawrence; Aggravated sexual battery; Force or fear; Rape; Circumstance unknown; Arrested and released on bond by Douglas County Sheriff's Office on 1/18/2024

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 3

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad President and General Manager Ross Boelling.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-soXIXjtDs?si=N0_49O7NxWvAx4iW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad President and General Manager Ross Boelling.

🎤Forward Ever: A&SV Railroad president Ross Boelling

MANHATTAN - Earlier this week the Manhattan Fire Department took advantage of the nice weather and the ice on local park ponds to train their crews in ice and icy water rescue techniques.

"Every year we come out during the winter, when the ice is about the right thickness, when it's totally frozen solid. People probably won't fall through. It's in that kind of middle ground that somebody could feel safe going out on the ice away-ways and then they hit a weak spot and fall through." says Capt. Greg Van De Creek of the Manhattan Fire Department.

Fire crews practiced putting on ice suits and crawling across the ice, as well as swimming out into the icy water to practice rescue techniques.

"We have an ice suit that we wear out that you go in there, you don't feel any of the cold. We have rope systems that we have to get familiar with rigging up to pull the people back in. And we also have drones that we can fly out to the people and drop a lifejacket down to them and talk to them through a speaker. For sure. Somebody is coming." says Van De Creek, "It's good that we all practice it, but we also have several new guys that have never been in an ice suit before. So it takes a little bit of trusting that suit and knowing that, you know, it's going to keep you afloat, it's going to keep you dry. And then also going out, we did a few scenarios where the patient was kind of combative. They might not know what they're doing or they're panicky and they're trying to crawl on top of that rescuer. So we try to make it as realistic as we can for those rescues. It's not something we have to do very often, but we always say that those low frequency calls are usually the most high risk calls that we go on. So we don't do them a lot. But when we do, it's very dangerous. So this training is very important."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706885725538.jpeg" alt="MFD ice rescue training, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>MFD ice rescue training, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - Earlier this week the Manhattan Fire Department took advantage of the nice weather and the ice on local park ponds to train their crews in ice and icy water rescue techniques."Every year we come out during the winter, when the ice is about the right thickness, when it's totally frozen solid. People probably won't fall through. It's in that kind of middle ground that somebody could feel safe going out on the ice away-ways and then they hit a weak spot and fall through." says Capt. Greg Van De Creek of the Manhattan Fire Department.Fire crews practiced putting on ice suits and crawling across the ice, as well as swimming out into the icy water to practice rescue techniques."We have an ice suit that we wear out that you go in there, you don't feel any of the cold. We have rope systems that we have to get familiar with rigging up to pull the people back in. And we also have drones that we can fly out to the people and drop a lifejacket down to them and talk to them through a speaker. For sure. Somebody is coming." says Van De Creek, "It's good that we all practice it, but we also have several new guys that have never been in an ice suit before. So it takes a little bit of trusting that suit and knowing that, you know, it's going to keep you afloat, it's going to keep you dry. And then also going out, we did a few scenarios where the patient was kind of combative. They might not know what they're doing or they're panicky and they're trying to crawl on top of that rescuer. So we try to make it as realistic as we can for those rescues. It's not something we have to do very often, but we always say that those low frequency calls are usually the most high risk calls that we go on. So we don't do them a lot. But when we do, it's very dangerous. So this training is very important."<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/yBPQNgky-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Mfd Ice Rescue Training" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>

🎥: MFD trains for icy water rescues at MHK park

SARAYAH MONAE SMITH, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000

CHARLES RAY NEWMAN, 70, Ogden, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Vehicles; Unlawful acts: e.g. registration; Bond $1,500

ISAIAH JAROD TOWSON, 21, Manhattan, 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;SARAYAH MONAE SMITH, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000CHARLES RAY NEWMAN, 70, Ogden, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Vehicles; Unlawful acts: e.g. registration; Bond $1,500ISAIAH JAROD TOWSON, 21, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 2

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

Just after 10p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft by deception in the 1500 block of Oxford Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect claimed to be a government agency used deception to defraud her.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,100 Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a>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 after 10p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft by deception in the 1500 block of Oxford Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect claimed to be a government agency used deception to defraud her. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,100 Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a>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: Woman lost $1,100 to alleged scam

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Shawnee Counthy.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011&nbsp;Hyundai driven by Courtney S.&nbsp;Raab, 26, Junction City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just&nbsp; east of Southwest Valencia Road.

The car left the roadway to the left and the driver overcorrected to the right. The car then left the roadway to the right, rolled and came to rest on its roof on the north side of the highway.

EMS transported Raab to a Topeka hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Shawnee Counthy.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011&nbsp;Hyundai driven by Courtney S.&nbsp;Raab, 26, Junction City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just&nbsp; east of Southwest Valencia Road.The car left the roadway to the left and the driver overcorrected to the right. The car then left the roadway to the right, rolled and came to rest on its roof on the north side of the highway.EMS transported Raab to a Topeka hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Junction City woman hospitalized after rollover accident

KENDRA JAYLEE COLERICK, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv.; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 yrs; 1st conviction; Bond $750

AMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Criminal trespass, Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Bond $500

SAMANTHA JANE HARRIS, 38, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

JASON LEE MICHAEL WINKELMAN, 51, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000

BRIELLE ROSE CULBERTSON, 20, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $300

NATHANIEL JAMES NELSON WHIGHTSIL, 29, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $1,000

DENNIS ALBERT ROBINSON, 33, St. Marys, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on 1/25/24

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;KENDRA JAYLEE COLERICK, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv.; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 yrs; 1st conviction; Bond $750<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660229286246.jpeg" alt="Amy Jean Roth, picture from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Amy Jean Roth, picture from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>AMY JEAN ROTH, 38, Paxico, Criminal trespass, Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Bond $500SAMANTHA JANE HARRIS, 38, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Remains confined to Riley County JailJASON LEE MICHAEL WINKELMAN, 51, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000BRIELLE ROSE CULBERTSON, 20, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $300NATHANIEL JAMES NELSON WHIGHTSIL, 29, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $1,000DENNIS ALBERT ROBINSON, 33, St. Marys, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on 1/25/24

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 1

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

ST. GEORGE - On Wednesday afternoon, just after 4:30 pm, fire crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Maple in St. George for the report of a residence on fire.

When crews arrived on the scene they found a mobile home with flames and smoke coming from the residence. Crews were able to get the fire under control within 30-45 minutes of the call to 911.&nbsp;

No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The home is a total loss.

Firefighters from Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire District #1, Louisville Fire Department and Wamego Fire Department responded to the fire.

Pottawatomie County EMS, St. George Police officers and Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office also responded to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706800029157.jpeg" alt="picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostST. GEORGE - On Wednesday afternoon, just after 4:30 pm, fire crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Maple in St. George for the report of a residence on fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706800464579.jpeg" alt="St George Fire, picture by Drew Kuchera" />
 <figcaption>St George Fire, picture by Drew Kuchera</figcaption>
 </figure>When crews arrived on the scene they found a mobile home with flames and smoke coming from the residence. Crews were able to get the fire under control within 30-45 minutes of the call to 911.&nbsp;No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The home is a total loss.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706800664915.jpeg" alt="St. George fire, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>St. George fire, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters from Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire District #1, Louisville Fire Department and Wamego Fire Department responded to the fire.Pottawatomie County EMS, St. George Police officers and Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office also responded to the incident.

St. George residence complete loss following Wednesday fire

NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON,Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is commemorating National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1 with reminders for Kansans of how they can check to see if they have money they've forgotten about that is with his office.

"That's where we interact with most of our citizens," Johnson said. "A lot of the other things are intra-offices in the state government. If you go to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/">https://kansascash.ks.gov/</a>, the first icon on the&nbsp;State Treasurer's site is Search&nbsp;Unclaimed Property. Clicking on that icon will bring you to a search field, where you can put in last name, first name. If your name is as common as&nbsp;Steven Johnson, you will want to put in a city or a ZIP Code or something to narrow it a little bit. That, then will do a search to see if we are holding any property in your name."

"For something to be unclaimed, to get disconnected and not make it all the way through, there could be something like a change in name," Johnson said. "Searching maiden names are great. It could be a change in address, where a utility deposit didn't make it back to a student who moved from home to school and then again, those types of things. If you have a minute to search your name and then a few other family members, one in seven people have unclaimed property in Kansas."

It is always free to search and file claims for property through Johnson's office.

"When you see your name pop up, there's a little orange button that says, Claim," Johnson said. "You click on Claim and that will lead you into the claim process. If it's for yourself, you just click on owner and it's pretty simple."

If you're having trouble navigating the website, you can still call (785) 296-4165.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683385661997.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON,Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is commemorating National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1 with reminders for Kansans of how they can check to see if they have money they've forgotten about that is with his office."That's where we interact with most of our citizens," Johnson said. "A lot of the other things are intra-offices in the state government. If you go to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/">https://kansascash.ks.gov/</a>, the first icon on the&nbsp;State Treasurer's site is Search&nbsp;Unclaimed Property. Clicking on that icon will bring you to a search field, where you can put in last name, first name. If your name is as common as&nbsp;Steven Johnson, you will want to put in a city or a ZIP Code or something to narrow it a little bit. That, then will do a search to see if we are holding any property in your name."Unclaimed property is a common problem."For something to be unclaimed, to get disconnected and not make it all the way through, there could be something like a change in name," Johnson said. "Searching maiden names are great. It could be a change in address, where a utility deposit didn't make it back to a student who moved from home to school and then again, those types of things. If you have a minute to search your name and then a few other family members, one in seven people have unclaimed property in Kansas."It is always free to search and file claims for property through Johnson's office."When you see your name pop up, there's a little orange button that says, Claim," Johnson said. "You click on Claim and that will lead you into the claim process. If it's for yourself, you just click on owner and it's pretty simple."If you're having trouble navigating the website, you can still call (785) 296-4165.

National Unclaimed Property Day is good day to double check

The KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2024 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Employers can register for this upcoming event at <a href="https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/dngwnx">https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/dngwnx</a> by selecting “Organization” and it will take you to the registration page where you will click on “Register for Event."

The Virtual Statewide job fair will be split up into five workforce areas and eleven sub-categories.  When you register, PLEASE select ONLY the areas of the state that your company/business has jobs in.

There is no charge to participate, but an Employer account on <a href="http://www.kansasworks.com">www.kansasworks.com</a> is required.

A video explaining how to register for those new to the platform can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsTpw84Epmc">here</a>.

  Additional training with new enhancements is available within your booth after you have logged on.

The next Virtual Statewide Job Fair will be held April 24, 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706733681262.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2024 beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Employers can register for this upcoming event at <a href="https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/dngwnx">https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/dngwnx</a> by selecting “Organization” and it will take you to the registration page where you will click on “Register for Event."The Virtual Statewide job fair will be split up into five workforce areas and eleven sub-categories. When you register, PLEASE select ONLY the areas of the state that your company/business has jobs in.There is no charge to participate, but an Employer account on <a href="http://www.kansasworks.com">www.kansasworks.com</a> is required.A video explaining how to register for those new to the platform can be found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsTpw84Epmc">here</a>. Additional training with new enhancements is available within your booth after you have logged on.The next Virtual Statewide Job Fair will be held April 24, 2024.

KANSASWORKS virtual statewide job fair scheduled for Feb. 21

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged robbery have taken two suspects into custody.

Early Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting a robbery. A 29-year-old man reported two men brandished a weapon and stole a backpack from him containing various items. Within the day, detectives were able to identify the suspects, execute a search warrant and make arrests.

Just after 5p.m., police arrested Brandon Welty, 25, and Joseph Bauer, 19 both of Manhattan in the 400 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan.

Welty was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery and probation violation. Bauer was arrested on a requested charge of aggravated robbery, failure to appear, and probation violation.

Welty was issued total bond of $90,000 and Bauer was issued a total bond of $82,000. Both suspects remain confined in the Riley County Jail. Welty has previous convictions for possession of marijuana and attempted obstruction, according to the Kansas Department of Corections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706723210839.png" alt="Welty-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Welty-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged robbery have taken two suspects into custody.Early Tuesday, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting a robbery. A 29-year-old man reported two men brandished a weapon and stole a backpack from him containing various items. Within the day, detectives were able to identify the suspects, execute a search warrant and make arrests.Just after 5p.m., police arrested Brandon Welty, 25, and Joseph Bauer, 19 both of Manhattan in the 400 block of Leavenworth Street in Manhattan.Welty was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery and probation violation. Bauer was arrested on a requested charge of aggravated robbery, failure to appear, and probation violation.Welty was issued total bond of $90,000 and Bauer was issued a total bond of $82,000. Both suspects remain confined in the Riley County Jail. Welty has previous convictions for possession of marijuana and attempted obstruction, according to the Kansas Department of Corections.

 Kan. felon accused of aggravated robbery in Manhattan

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

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of motor vehicle theft in the 2600 block of Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

 Rock Hills Church reported an unknown suspect stole the church's 2003 GMC Sierra. 

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 motor vehicle theft in Riley County.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of motor vehicle theft in the 2600 block of Farm Bureau Road, Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; Rock Hills Church reported an unknown suspect stole the church's 2003 GMC Sierra. 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: Church pickup reported stolen

MAKIA SHEIKANIYAH HARRIS, 34, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $15,000

JOSEPH DONALD BAUER JR, 19, Manhattan, Aggravated robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon; Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Bond $82,000

BRANDON LLOYD WELTY, 25, Manhattan, Aggravated robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon; Probation violation; Bond $90,000

JAMIE LEE RAY, 29, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Bond $2,000

MIKA DANIELLE NALKER, 21, Herington, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Bond $2,000

TREVON FREDRICK JOE HALL 24, Topeka, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Topeka Police Department on 12/17/2023

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;MAKIA SHEIKANIYAH HARRIS, 34, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $15,000JOSEPH DONALD BAUER JR, 19, Manhattan, Aggravated robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon; Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Bond $82,000BRANDON LLOYD WELTY, 25, Manhattan, Aggravated robbery; Armed w/dangerous weapon; Probation violation; Bond $90,000JAMIE LEE RAY, 29, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Bond $2,000MIKA DANIELLE NALKER, 21, Herington, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Bond $2,000TREVON FREDRICK JOE HALL 24, Topeka, Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Topeka Police Department on 12/17/2023

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 31

Kstate CREDIT UNION has announced that Enterprise Credit Union in Enterprise, KS, has merged with kstate CREDIT UNION. The unified entity will operate under a single brand and continue to serve over ten thousand members. With this merger, kstate CREDIT UNION will have membership eligibility to serve residents in a ten-county area in Kansas.

1. Enhance services for more members: The merger allows for the integration of complimentary products and services, offering members an expanded range of financial solutions tailored to meet their evolving needs.

2. Increased geographic reach: The combined entity will have an extended geographic footprint, enabling them to serve more people. The eligibility for membership includes these Kansas Counties: Cloud, Clay, Dickinson, Saline, Morris, Geary, Riley, McPherson, Ottawa &amp; Pottawatomie.

3. Innovative financial technology for more Kansas counties: This merger allows for the combined entity to have access to modern technical tools to help more individuals receive the financial services they need. This includes a versatile and user-friendly mobile app, remote deposit capture, online and responsive lending solutions, and a host of expanded online services.

*press release from kstate Credit Union

Kstate CREDIT UNION has announced that Enterprise Credit Union in Enterprise, KS, has merged with kstate CREDIT UNION. The unified entity will operate under a single brand and continue to serve over ten thousand members. With this merger, kstate CREDIT UNION will have membership eligibility to serve residents in a ten-county area in Kansas.Highlights of the Merger:1. Enhance services for more members: The merger allows for the integration of complimentary products and services, offering members an expanded range of financial solutions tailored to meet their evolving needs.2. Increased geographic reach: The combined entity will have an extended geographic footprint, enabling them to serve more people. The eligibility for membership includes these Kansas Counties: Cloud, Clay, Dickinson, Saline, Morris, Geary, Riley, McPherson, Ottawa &amp; Pottawatomie.3. Innovative financial technology for more Kansas counties: This merger allows for the combined entity to have access to modern technical tools to help more individuals receive the financial services they need. This includes a versatile and user-friendly mobile app, remote deposit capture, online and responsive lending solutions, and a host of expanded online services.*press release from kstate Credit Union

Kstate CREDIT UNION announces merger with Enterprise Credit Union in Enterprise, KS

BRIAN JAMES DROGE, 43, Manhattan, Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Theft of property or services; Value $1,400 to $25,000; Theft from building; Bond $8,000

GERRY WAYNE PHILLIPS II, 32, Manhattan, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Reckless driving; Bond $4,000

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;BRIAN JAMES DROGE, 43, Manhattan, Burglary; Dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Theft of property or services; Value $1,400 to $25,000; Theft from building; Bond $8,000GERRY WAYNE PHILLIPS II, 32, Manhattan, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Reckless driving; Bond $4,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 30

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Manhattan.

A 2004 Saturn Ion driven by Erica Arnold, 21, of Wamego crashed with a 2014 Dodge Journey driven by Robert Bellinder, 61, of St. George&nbsp;in the 300 block of E. Poyntz in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported Bellinder to Ascension Via Christi for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Arnold was issued a citation for improper right turn.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30a.m. Monday in Manhattan.A 2004 Saturn Ion driven by Erica Arnold, 21, of Wamego crashed with a 2014 Dodge Journey driven by Robert Bellinder, 61, of St. George&nbsp;in the 300 block of E. Poyntz in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported Bellinder to Ascension Via Christi for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Arnold was issued a citation for improper right turn.

Kansas man injured after 2-vehicle crash in Manhattan

Kansas Department of Transportation

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation’s I-70 asphalt improvement project in Gove County received the 2023 Sheldon G. Hayes Award – the top paving award from the National Asphalt Pavement Association.

The award was presented this week to the project’s contractor, APAC Kansas, Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson, at the NAPA annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

“This award acknowledges what we Kansans have always known; Kansas contractors are second to none,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp; “It is the result of exceptional collaboration between Kansas-based industry partners and KDOT who completed the I-70 project with a high degree of skill and attention to detail.”

The Gove County project covered just over 9 miles of I-70 starting 4 miles east of Park and ending at the Trego County line. Nearly 76,000 tons of asphalt was used on the driving lanes and shoulders.

The winner and finalists are determined through a two-year evaluation process. To be eligible, projects must use more than 50,000 tons of asphalt and be selected for a NAPA Quality in Construction Award the previous year. Qualifying projects are then evaluated for smoothness and inspected in person by an independent pavement consultant.

This award is named for a founder of NAPA and the association’s first chairman. It has been presented annually since 1971.

Kansas Department of TransportationTOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Transportation’s I-70 asphalt improvement project in Gove County received the 2023 Sheldon G. Hayes Award – the top paving award from the National Asphalt Pavement Association.The award was presented this week to the project’s contractor, APAC Kansas, Inc., Shears Division, of Hutchinson, at the NAPA annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.“This award acknowledges what we Kansans have always known; Kansas contractors are second to none,” said Calvin Reed, Secretary of Transportation.&nbsp; “It is the result of exceptional collaboration between Kansas-based industry partners and KDOT who completed the I-70 project with a high degree of skill and attention to detail.”The Gove County project covered just over 9 miles of I-70 starting 4 miles east of Park and ending at the Trego County line. Nearly 76,000 tons of asphalt was used on the driving lanes and shoulders.The winner and finalists are determined through a two-year evaluation process. To be eligible, projects must use more than 50,000 tons of asphalt and be selected for a NAPA Quality in Construction Award the previous year. Qualifying projects are then evaluated for smoothness and inspected in person by an independent pavement consultant.This award is named for a founder of NAPA and the association’s first chairman. It has been presented annually since 1971.

APAC Kansas Shears Division wins national paving award

As the Ogallala Aquifer dwindles, rural towns try to keep their sole water source

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kevinhardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

This story, the first in an occasional series about water challenges facing the American heartland, is a partnership between Stateline and the Kansas Reflector.

MOSCOW, Kan. — Brownie Wilson pulls off a remote dirt road right through a steep ditch and onto a farmer’s field.

He hops out of his white Silverado pickup, mud covering nearly all of it except the Kansas Geological Survey logo stuck on the side with electrical tape. Dry cornstalks crunch under his work boots as he makes his way to a decommissioned irrigation well.

He unspools a steel highway tape measure a few feet at a time and feeds it into the well until gravity takes over. He keeps a thumb on it to control the speed.

How much of the tape comes out wet lets him calculate how much water has been lost here.

Wilson crisscrosses western Kansas every January to measure wells and track the rapid decline of the Ogallala Aquifer,&nbsp;which contains&nbsp;the nation’s largest underground store of fresh water.

Last year, some wells had dropped 10 feet or more because of the severe 2022 drought. But this year, they stayed about the same or dropped a couple feet. Some of these wells have dropped more than 100 feet since Wilson started working for the agency in 2001, he said.

“Some of our issues looking forward look gargantuan,” Wilson said. “But I do think we can peck away at it and make some headway.”

The Ogallala Aquifer,&nbsp;the underground rock and sediment formation that&nbsp;spans eight states from South Dakota to the Texas panhandle, is the only reliable water source for some parts of the region. But for decades, states have allowed farmers to overpump groundwater to irrigate corn and other crops that would otherwise struggle on the arid High Plains.

Now, the disappearing water is threatening more than just agriculture. Rural communities are facing dire futures where water is no longer a certainty. Across the Ogallala, small towns and cities built around agriculture are facing a twisted threat: The very industry that made their communities might just eradicate them.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly acknowledges some communities are just a generation away from running out of water. But she said there’s still time to act.

“If they do nothing, I think they’re going to suffer the consequences,” Kelly said in an interview.

Today, the aquifer supports 20 percent of the nation’s wheat, corn, cotton and cattle production and represents 30 percent of all water used for irrigation&nbsp;in the United States.

Depletion is forcing aquifer-dependent communities across the region to dig deeper wells, purchase expensive water rights from farmers, build pipelines and recycle their water supplies in new ways to save every drop possible.

Since the mid-20th century, when large-scale irrigation began,&nbsp;water&nbsp;levels in the stretches of the Ogallala&nbsp;underlying Kansas have dropped an average 28.2 feet farther below the surface, far worse than the eight-state average of 16.8 feet.

Water levels in&nbsp;Texas,&nbsp;where the Ogallala&nbsp;runs under the state’s panhandle, have&nbsp;dropped 44 feet.&nbsp;New Mexico has seen a 19.1-foot decline.

In&nbsp;Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming, the&nbsp;water level has declined less than&nbsp;the eight-state average, while&nbsp;in&nbsp;South Dakota it has risen.

While the Ogallala Aquifer presents distinct circumstances, tensions over groundwater are growing across the country, said climate scientist and author Peter Gleick, who founded the Pacific Institute, a global water think tank.

“You’re not alone,” Gleick told Kansas irrigators and policymakers at the Governor’s Conference on Water, held in November in Manhattan, Kan.&nbsp;“A lot of the issues that you’re dealing with in Kansas, they’re dealing with in Arizona, and the Colorado [River] basin.”

Without drastic measures, some communities may not survive.

“I think, without a doubt, we will see some communities dry up,” Gleick said in an interview. “We’ve seen that historically, where communities outgrow a natural resource or lose a natural resource and people have to move to abandon their homes.”

When Micheal Shannon got his start in local government over 40 years ago, water supplies were not top of mind.

“We’re running out of water,” said Shannon, the interim city manager in Guymon, Okla. “We’re pumping our maximum. And the water levels keep coming down.”

The largest city in the Oklahoma Panhandle, Guymon relies on 18 wells to draw water from the Ogallala. But dropping water levels have forced the city of about 13,000 to explore new wells outside of town.

The city has already committed some $4.5 million to study and drill new wells, but there’s no guarantee the wells will produce a reliable water supply.

“There’s always that what if,” he said. “There could not be any water.”

The city’s largest water user and employer is a massive pork plant that slaughters and processes more than 20,000 hogs per day. The plant has voluntarily reduced water usage by nearly half during times of shortened supply.

Shannon said the city, industry and agricultural producers must work together.

“We all still want to be here the next 35, 40 years,” he said. “We know farmers are going to have to produce ag products. And the citizens of Guymon are going to have to have water.”

More than 200 miles away, several New Mexico communities are banking on more drastic measures.

A new pipeline, expected to cost more than $800 million, will bring water from the Canadian River’s Ute Reservoir to four municipalities and Cannon Air Force Base.

“This is our future, no doubt about it,” said Orlando Ortega, administrator of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority. “Without this project, none of these communities could exist for very long.”

<h2>As the Ogallala Aquifer dwindles, rural towns try to keep their sole water source</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706560795592.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Brownie Wilson kneels next to a decommissioned irrigation well outside Moscow, Kan., as part of the Kansas Geological Survey’s efforts to measure the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer. Groundwater has been declining for decades because of irrigation in the eight states that rely on the aquifer. (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Brownie Wilson kneels next to a decommissioned irrigation well outside Moscow, Kan., as part of the Kansas Geological Survey’s efforts to measure the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer. Groundwater has been declining for decades because of irrigation in the eight states that rely on the aquifer. (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/allison-kite/">ALLISON KITE</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kevinhardy/">KEVIN HARDY</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>This story, the first in an occasional series about water challenges facing the American heartland, is a partnership between Stateline and the Kansas Reflector.MOSCOW, Kan. — Brownie Wilson pulls off a remote dirt road right through a steep ditch and onto a farmer’s field.He hops out of his white Silverado pickup, mud covering nearly all of it except the Kansas Geological Survey logo stuck on the side with electrical tape. Dry cornstalks crunch under his work boots as he makes his way to a decommissioned irrigation well.He unspools a steel highway tape measure a few feet at a time and feeds it into the well until gravity takes over. He keeps a thumb on it to control the speed.How much of the tape comes out wet lets him calculate how much water has been lost here.Wilson crisscrosses western Kansas every January to measure wells and track the rapid decline of the Ogallala Aquifer,&nbsp;which contains&nbsp;the nation’s largest underground store of fresh water.Last year, some wells had dropped 10 feet or more because of the severe 2022 drought. But this year, they stayed about the same or dropped a couple feet. Some of these wells have dropped more than 100 feet since Wilson started working for the agency in 2001, he said.“Some of our issues looking forward look gargantuan,” Wilson said. “But I do think we can peck away at it and make some headway.”The Ogallala Aquifer,&nbsp;the underground rock and sediment formation that&nbsp;spans eight states from South Dakota to the Texas panhandle, is the only reliable water source for some parts of the region. But for decades, states have allowed farmers to overpump groundwater to irrigate corn and other crops that would otherwise struggle on the arid High Plains.Now, the disappearing water is threatening more than just agriculture. Rural communities are facing dire futures where water is no longer a certainty. Across the Ogallala, small towns and cities built around agriculture are facing a twisted threat: The very industry that made their communities might just eradicate them.Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly acknowledges some communities are just a generation away from running out of water. But she said there’s still time to act.“If they do nothing, I think they’re going to suffer the consequences,” Kelly said in an interview.Today, the aquifer supports 20 percent of the nation’s wheat, corn, cotton and cattle production and represents 30 percent of all water used for irrigation&nbsp;in the United States.Depletion is forcing aquifer-dependent communities across the region to dig deeper wells, purchase expensive water rights from farmers, build pipelines and recycle their water supplies in new ways to save every drop possible.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706560868265.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Since the mid-20th century, when large-scale irrigation began,&nbsp;water&nbsp;levels in the stretches of the Ogallala&nbsp;underlying Kansas have dropped an average 28.2 feet farther below the surface, far worse than the eight-state average of 16.8 feet.Water levels in&nbsp;Texas,&nbsp;where the Ogallala&nbsp;runs under the state’s panhandle, have&nbsp;dropped 44 feet.&nbsp;New Mexico has seen a 19.1-foot decline.In&nbsp;Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming, the&nbsp;water level has declined less than&nbsp;the eight-state average, while&nbsp;in&nbsp;South Dakota it has risen.While the Ogallala Aquifer presents distinct circumstances, tensions over groundwater are growing across the country, said climate scientist and author Peter Gleick, who founded the Pacific Institute, a global water think tank.“You’re not alone,” Gleick told Kansas irrigators and policymakers at the Governor’s Conference on Water, held in November in Manhattan, Kan.&nbsp;“A lot of the issues that you’re dealing with in Kansas, they’re dealing with in Arizona, and the Colorado [River] basin.”Without drastic measures, some communities may not survive.“I think, without a doubt, we will see some communities dry up,” Gleick said in an interview. “We’ve seen that historically, where communities outgrow a natural resource or lose a natural resource and people have to move to abandon their homes.”<h2>‘We’re running out of water’</h2>When Micheal Shannon got his start in local government over 40 years ago, water supplies were not top of mind.Those days are gone.“We’re running out of water,” said Shannon, the interim city manager in Guymon, Okla. “We’re pumping our maximum. And the water levels keep coming down.”The largest city in the Oklahoma Panhandle, Guymon relies on 18 wells to draw water from the Ogallala. But dropping water levels have forced the city of about 13,000 to explore new wells outside of town.The city has already committed some $4.5 million to study and drill new wells, but there’s no guarantee the wells will produce a reliable water supply.“There’s always that what if,” he said. “There could not be any water.”The city’s largest water user and employer is a massive pork plant that slaughters and processes more than 20,000 hogs per day. The plant has voluntarily reduced water usage by nearly half during times of shortened supply.Shannon said the city, industry and agricultural producers must work together.“We all still want to be here the next 35, 40 years,” he said. “We know farmers are going to have to produce ag products. And the citizens of Guymon are going to have to have water.”More than 200 miles away, several New Mexico communities are banking on more drastic measures.A new pipeline, expected to cost more than $800 million, will bring water from the Canadian River’s Ute Reservoir to four municipalities and Cannon Air Force Base.“This is our future, no doubt about it,” said Orlando Ortega, administrator of the Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority. “Without this project, none of these communities could exist for very long.”The pipeline is being funded largely by the federal government, though four participating communities have been paying dues to the water authority for years. Officials aim to have the pipeline operational by the end of the decade.Even so, communities will still need to get more aggressive about conserving water, said Michael Morris, who leads the water authority board and is mayor of Clovis, one of its member communities.Morris is active in agricultural efforts to decrease pumping — such as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ogalwc.org/">conservation programs</a>&nbsp;in the region that pay producers to stop pumping. And the city is working to expand water recycling efforts.But he said the situation is even more dire than locals realize. Few know how close Clovis has come to seeing its water demand outpace the underground supply.“So is there another option?” he said. “No.”<h2>Decades of state inaction</h2>In Kansas, the Ogallala Aquifer supplies 70 percent to 80 percent of the water residents use each day. But for decades, the state’s regulation of water benefited its largest user and its largest industry: agriculture.The once-abundant water allowed farmers to grow cheap cattle feed, attracting the feedlots, and increasingly, dairy farms, that dot southwest Kansas.But that feed is cheap, partly because — aside from the fuel costs associated with running a well — the water is free.A report commissioned by the Kansas Legislature in 1955 warned of a future without it.“Ground-water mining is a serious problem,” the report says.After the grave 1955 warning, however, the state legislature only made it easier to pump the water, according to Burke Griggs, a water law professor at Washburn University in Topeka.Griggs, formerly a water lawyer for the state, criticized Kansas lawmakers’ decadeslong posture that depletion would best be solved locally. He said it is a stance held by every governor since the 1980s.“They want it to be voluntary. And they want it to be cooperative. They want to have local-based solutions,” Griggs said. “These are the catchwords you hear. None of them have achieved much.”Kelly follows the same line. The second-term governor recently signed a law mandating more reporting and planning from groundwater management districts and created a new subcabinet to coordinate water issues across agencies. But she hasn’t wavered from her position that water conservation efforts are most effective when they are voluntary.“Things are more likely to work out in the long run and succeed if there is local buy-in, and local commitment and the idea is generated locally — rather than the state wielding that heavy hammer,” Kelly said.But even some farmers want the state to step in, water policy watchers say.“Many families who are trying to make a living from farming, and who would like to keep farming on their own land, are just waiting for the state to step in and help them fix this. Most people agree that we need fair, enforceable and transparent rules to get this turned around,” said&nbsp;Lucas&nbsp;Bessire, a professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma who grew up in southwest Kansas.<h2>Voluntary efforts in action</h2>For the first time since their father dug an irrigation well in the dusty sandhills of southwest Kansas more than 50 years ago, Gina and Marc Gigot’s farm isn’t growing corn.The sibling farmers are trying to preserve the precious water below their land outside Garden City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706560914560.jpeg" alt="Gina and Marc Gigot stand in front of a center pivot irrigation system on their farm outside of Garden City, Kansas. The farm has historically been among the largest water users in Kansas, but it has cut usage in recent years as part of voluntary conservation measures aimed at slowing the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer. (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)" />
 <figcaption>Gina and Marc Gigot stand in front of a center pivot irrigation system on their farm outside of Garden City, Kansas. The farm has historically been among the largest water users in Kansas, but it has cut usage in recent years as part of voluntary conservation measures aimed at slowing the decline of the Ogallala Aquifer. (Kevin Hardy/Stateline)</figcaption>
 </figure>For decades,&nbsp;the Gigot family has benefited from drawing groundwater to the surface to grow bright green circles of crops where the sandy soil is otherwise so dusty it might blow away.As Marc’s pickup bumps along the farm’s private roads, he and Gina point to the electric systems and water pipes laid by their father. Some of the massive center pivot systems use the same parts he installed 50 years ago.To extend the life of the aquifer, the siblings are opting for&nbsp;fewer water-intensive crops and grazing cattle. The farm has historically been among Kansas’ largest water users, irrigating 9,000 acres, but they’ve cut their usage in recent years and committed to another 10 years of voluntary water conservation.In exchange, they get more flexibility in how they use the water. As long as they hit their five-year goal, they can pump more water in drought years.Beyond that, they’re partnering with Garden City, the largest city in southwest Kansas and a major agricultural hub. Garden City’s municipal water wells sit right next door to the Gigot farm, which can directly impact the city’s ability to supply drinking water.To keep more water underground, Garden City will soon divert treated wastewater to the Gigot farm — rather than continuing to dump it into the bone-dry bed of the Arkansas River. That will allow the farm to turn off some wells.“It’s not really a situation where either the city gets what they need or the irrigators get what they need. It is way more symbiotic,” said Fred Jones, who oversees Garden City’s water.In northwest Kansas, a group of farmers voluntarily cut their water usage by 20 percent through a five-year conservation program with the state. They switched from corn to wheat or grain sorghum and used irrigation more strategically. Farmers in the area exceeded their goal and cut use, on average, 23.1 percent over the initial five-year period and slowed the decline of the aquifer from 2 feet per year to less than half a foot.Still, the Gigots said the state must force other producers to cut back.Even Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland said he’s fearful that voluntary efforts aren’t enough.Newland, a former Kansas Republican legislator, offered an amendment in 2022 that effectively sank a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">massive bill</a>&nbsp;designed to make the aquifer a higher priority in state government, impose more requirements on local groundwater officials, and give communities a greater voice in decisions over water.In Kansas, the agricultural industry, led in part by Newland,&nbsp;has largely pushed back against aggressive water restrictions, instead calling for voluntary conservation measures. But Newland worries that those voluntary measures haven’t saved enough water, which could&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;push the state to hand down strict mandates.“I’m always hopeful and prayerful that people realize just how important it is that we’re doing this on a voluntary basis and not ever have to go through a mandatory situation,” he said. “But that’s going to be determined in the near future how this works, because, as I said, we don’t have decades to fix this problem.”<h2>Kansas towns take the lead</h2>Few places evoke the Old West like Dodge City, where Wyatt Earp patrolled the lawless streets rife with gambling, saloons and shootouts.Today, the city proudly displays remnants of those days at the Boot Hill Museum, which contains a reproduction of the legendary Long Branch Saloon and an Old West photo booth for visitors.But the former frontier outpost has embraced some of the state’s most progressive water strategies.“We were recycling before recycling was cool,” said City Manager Nick Hernandez, who highlighted water reuse efforts that began in the 1980s.Effluent from one of the city’s wastewater treatment plants keeps a golf course green. Another plant sends about 1.8 billion gallons of treated wastewater to irrigate 3,000 acres of crops at a nearby farm, reducing the need for aquifer pumping.Another project aims to directly recharge the aquifer with treated wastewater. That will not only help protect the city’s quantity of water, but also prevent contamination from agricultural runoff like nitrates by keeping the hydraulic pressure up in city wells, he said.That project is expected to cost $60 million. Dodge City, home to about 28,000 people,&nbsp;is seeking federal and state assistance for the effort. But even without grants, Hernandez said that would prove cheaper than buying water rights and digging new wells.All those projects are building toward treating the city’s sewage directly into drinkable water — still&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://stateline.org/2023/12/12/from-flush-to-faucet-more-places-look-to-turn-sewage-into-tap-water/">an emerging idea in most parts of the country.</a>&nbsp;That would allow the city to decrease demand on groundwater by continually reusing its water.“We all have a concern about the stability of the aquifer because that’s our lifeline,” said Ray Slattery, the city’s director of engineering services. “But I feel very good about where the city is, and what we’ve done in the past to conserve. We knew it was important and so we took steps way before it became a problem.”Communities such as Dodge City offer a glimpse into the future of municipal water supplies in the region, said state Rep. Jim Minnix, a Republican who represents part of western Kansas and leads the House Water Committee.Minnix,&nbsp;who raises cattle and farms both dryland and irrigated crops, said cities and farms alike must adapt. Cities need to continue embracing water recycling efforts, reduce lawn watering and encourage more efficient appliances. Farmers, he said, should embrace new technologies such as more efficient irrigation systems and drought-resistant crops.“You’d be amazed at the water quantity that’s actually being saved out there from what had been done 40, 50 years ago,” he said. “As a farmer myself, I know a lot of little things add up to something that’s really worthwhile. And to maintain our aquifer and our economy out here is absolutely worthwhile.”But the way Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office, sees it, change is coming to both agricultural and municipal water users one way or another.“If we don’t adapt to different behaviors, it will run dry,” she said.&nbsp;“And that will cause the economic devastation that everyone fears with restrictions.”

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