By MICHELLE GEERING K-State News

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University has bestowed the highest faculty title of <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/about/faculty/udp/">university distinguished professor</a> upon five professors. The 2023 recipients of the lifetime honor are <a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/directory/faculty_directory/featherstone/">Allen Featherstone</a>, professor and department head of agricultural economics; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/jumpponen/">Ari Jumpponen</a>, professor of biology; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/about/people/faculty/jli/">Jun Li</a>, professor of chemistry; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/nippert/">Jesse Nippert</a>, professor of biology; and <a href="https://ece.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/scoglio/">Caterina Scoglio</a>, professor of electrical and computer engineering. "Drs.
 Featherstone, Jumpponen, Li, Nippert and Scoglio are all 
internationally recognized researchers in their fields who have 
distinguished themselves as teachers and mentors," said Chuck Taber, 
executive vice president and university provost. "These faculty members 
are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service and will 
continue to support Kansas State University's strategic plan to become a
 next-generation land-grant university."

University distinguished professors are appointed following a 
universitywide nomination and evaluation process conducted by the 
provost. The five faculty members receive a personalized plaque and 
medallion at the university's fall 2023 commencement ceremonies.

Featherstone is globally recognized as a leading expert in the field 
of agricultural finance and agriculture production economics. His 
research includes some of the most impactful areas in agricultural 
economics, including the influences of taxes on farmland, the 
probability of agricultural loan default and loan loss severity, 
groundwater allocation in irrigated crop production, management of corn 
yields and interactions of weather and soils.

Awarded more than $7.1 million in research funding, Featherstone has 
published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, including the 
flagship American Journal of Agricultural Economics of the Agricultural 
and Applied Economics Association, the Journal of Econometrics, and the 
Review of Economics and Statistics, among other leading journals. His 
work has been reported in leading national publications and outlets. His
 agricultural policy and land-value work was cited by then-Secretary of 
Agriculture Dan Glickman and then-President Clinton as rationale for 
farm program support to agriculture.

An internationally recognized conference speaker and presenter, 
Featherstone has been honored by many professional organizations, 
including numerous honors from the Agricultural Finance and Management 
Section, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association; the 2003 
Distinguished Faculty Award and the 1999 Outstanding Research Award from
 the K-State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta; the Phi Kappa Phi Scholar 
Award; and the Gold Quill Award for Outstanding Journal article, Journal
 of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. In 2005, he 
received K-State's Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty award. 
Featherstone is active on university and college committees and has 
served on leading industry advisory boards and as a research journal 
associate editor.

Instrumental in the development of the university's innovative Master
 of Agribusiness program, Featherstone has been the director of the 
program since its inception in 1997. Featherstone earned a bachelor's 
degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master's and
 doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University.

A fungal ecology researcher, Jumpponen pioneered the use of 
high-throughput sequencing for the dissection, characterization and 
analyses of fungal communities in plant and soil samples. Currently, his
 research focuses on the effects of fire on soil and soil-dwelling 
organisms, which is important to understand as wildfire risks increase.

Jumpponen has received $4.6 million in total research funding, 
including funds from National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of
 Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. He has also 
been recognized as being among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by 
Stanford University.

The results of Jumpponen's work have been published in 140 
peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than a dozen book chapters 
with inclusion in the journals Nature, Science, Global Change Biology, 
Ecological Monographs, New Phytologist, Soil Biology, and Biochemistry 
and Molecular Ecology. He has also provided ad hoc manuscript reviews 
for more than 60 scientific journals and has served as an editorial 
board member for Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Axios Reviews 
and Mycorrhiza. Jumpponen also provides scientific consulting services 
for the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Centre 
for Resource and Environmental Studies in Australia and within the 
private sector.

Academically, Jumpponen has advised or co-advised 14 graduate 
students and nearly 50 undergraduates since he joined K-State in 2000. 
From 2011-2016, he served as principal investigator of a National 
Science Foundation-funded grant for an undergraduate training program, 
URM: Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in Ecological Genomics. He 
received the 2022 Division of Biology Outstanding Graduate Faculty 
Award.

Jumpponen holds professional memberships in the North American 
Truffling Society, the Mycological Society of America and the Ecological
 Society of America. He earned a master's degree from the University of 
Eastern Finland, formerly called the University of Joensuu, and a 
doctorate from Oregon State University.

Li is a highly accomplished nanomaterials and nanotechnology expert 
known for developing novel electrochemical protease sensors for cancer 
diagnosis and hybrid materials built on nanotubes for lithium-ion 
batteries or electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Li's current research 
focuses on energy conversion and storage, biosensor development, and 
nanomaterial growth and composite materials synthesis.

Since joining K-State in 2007, Li has been awarded $8.35 million in 
research funding from industry, non-profit foundations and federal 
funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the 
National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Li averages more than seven 
publications annually and throughout his career has produced 148 
peer-reviewed journal articles, 25 conference papers, 23 book chapters 
and one co-edited book. Li also holds 13 U.S. patents, one Japanese 
patent, two international Protected Cooperation Treaty applications and 
one protected international World Intellectual Property Organization 
patent.

Li teaches undergraduate chemistry courses and two interdisciplinary 
graduate nanotechnology classes that he developed. At K-state, he has 
served as an advisor for 19 graduate students, five postdoctoral fellows
 and eight visiting scholars while also supervising undergraduate 
students working in his lab. In 2018, Li was recognized for his 
excellence in the classroom with the Professorial Performance Award and 
the Segebrecht Award. He has been named a 2022 International Association
 of Advanced Materials fellow, 2021 Royal Society of Chemistry fellow 
and 2019 National Academy of Inventors fellow. Additional professional 
honors include the 2005 Nano 50 Innovator Award and the NASA Ames Honor 
Award in 2005.

Li has served on numerous department and university committees and is
 active professionally as senior editor for the journal of IEEE 
Transactions on Nanotechnology. He also serves on the editorial advisory
 board for 11 professional journals, helps to organize industry 
conferences and workshops and has participated in 55 review panels for 
federal funding agencies.

Before joining K-State, Li worked at the NASA Ames Research Center, 
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, and Molecular Imaging 
Co. Li earned his undergraduate degree from Wuhan University and his 
master's and doctorate degrees from Princeton University.

Nippert is a transformative leader and researcher of grassland and 
savanna ecology, grass-to-tree ecological dynamics and response to 
climate change. His multifaceted research challenges long-held ideas of 
water use and drought survival in grasses, and it provides insights into
 the mechanisms underpinning competition for water between grasses and 
woody vegetation. He is also internationally recognized as an expert in 
the use of stable isotopes in ecological studies.

With nearly $23 million in research funding, Nippert's research has 
resulted in 110 publications in peer-reviewed journals, including 
Science, Nature Climate Change, Proceedings of the National Academy of 
Science, Ecology, Global Change Biology, Annals of Botany and Plant 
Ecology. Nippert is the principal investigator for the National Science 
Foundation-funded Long-Term Ecological Research program at the Konza 
Prairie Biological Station. Additionally, his research in South Africa 
on lowveld savanna ecology is funded by the National Science Foundation 
and the South African Environmental Observatory Network.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Nippert secured funding from the 
National Science Foundation in 2016 to develop a national training 
program — Phys-Fest — to provide immersive workshops for plant ecology 
graduate and postdoctoral researchers about eco-physiological methods, 
instrumentation and science communication. Nippert was also instrumental
 in developing an interdisciplinary environmental sciences degree 
program that launched in fall 2021. He has served as a major advisor for
 one postdoctoral scholar, 15 graduate students and 16 undergraduate 
researchers.

Nippert has been recognized for his professional excellence with the 
H. Henley Haymaker Teaching Excellence Award, the William L Stamey 
Teaching Award, the Karen Ann Griffith Research Award, K-State's Biology
 Graduate Student Association's Outstanding Faculty Award and a Big 12 
Faculty Fellowship. He has also been an invited presenter and panelist 
at the AAAS Frontiers of Science.

Nippert has an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, a 
master's degree from the University of Idaho and a doctorate from 
Colorado State University. Prior to returning to K-State as a faculty 
member in 2007, Nippert held post-doctoral fellowships at the University
 of Kansas and the Kansas Geological Survey.

Scoglio is a high-impact expert in the field of network science and 
contact-network models for epidemic spreading. Her research team 
developed a generalized epidemic modeling software tool, which has been 
widely adopted by other researchers and applied to simulating the spread
 of many infectious diseases. Scoglio and her research group produced 
accurate predictions of the spread of COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China, and
 the 2019 Ebola cases in in Uganda.

Scoglio has been awarded more than $15.5 million in research funding,
 including funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department 
of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. Her research has led 
to 114 journal publications, 74 conference publications, six book 
chapters and 49 invited talks.

Along with her transformative research, Scoglio is a proficient and 
dedicated educator and mentor to graduate students, and she serves as a 
role model to others in her profession. She has been an advisor to 42 
graduate students. Scoglio's robust mentoring is also substantiated by 
many of her students being selected for outstanding graduate student 
awards in the electrical and computer engineering departments.

Scoglio earned her doctorate in engineering from Sapienza University 
of Rome. She joined K-State in 2005 and was named the LeRoy and Aileen 
Pasley Professor in 2016. K-State has recognized Scoglio's work with 
several honors, including the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation 
Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, the Engineering Distinguished 
Researcher Award, the Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Award, the role 
of Steve Hsu Keystone research faculty scholar, the Professional 
Performance Award and the Research Proposal Teamwork Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682273280452.png" alt="Kansas State University has honored five professors with the prestigious lifetime title of university distinguished professor. From left: Allen Featherstone, professor and department head of agricultural economics; Ari Jumpponen, professor of biology; Jun Li, professor of chemistry; Jesse Nippert, professor of biology; and Caterina Scoglio, professor of electrical and computer engineering." />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University has honored five professors with the prestigious lifetime title of university distinguished professor. From left: Allen Featherstone, professor and department head of agricultural economics; Ari Jumpponen, professor of biology; Jun Li, professor of chemistry; Jesse Nippert, professor of biology; and Caterina Scoglio, professor of electrical and computer engineering.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE GEERING K-State NewsMANHATTAN — Kansas State University has bestowed the highest faculty title of <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/about/faculty/udp/">university distinguished professor</a> upon five professors. The 2023 recipients of the lifetime honor are <a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/directory/faculty_directory/featherstone/">Allen Featherstone</a>, professor and department head of agricultural economics; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/jumpponen/">Ari Jumpponen</a>, professor of biology; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/chem/about/people/faculty/jli/">Jun Li</a>, professor of chemistry; <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/biology/about/people/faculty/nippert/">Jesse Nippert</a>, professor of biology; and <a href="https://ece.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/scoglio/">Caterina Scoglio</a>, professor of electrical and computer engineering. "Drs.
 Featherstone, Jumpponen, Li, Nippert and Scoglio are all 
internationally recognized researchers in their fields who have 
distinguished themselves as teachers and mentors," said Chuck Taber, 
executive vice president and university provost. "These faculty members 
are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service and will 
continue to support Kansas State University's strategic plan to become a
 next-generation land-grant university."University distinguished professors are appointed following a 
universitywide nomination and evaluation process conducted by the 
provost. The five faculty members receive a personalized plaque and 
medallion at the university's fall 2023 commencement ceremonies.Featherstone is globally recognized as a leading expert in the field 
of agricultural finance and agriculture production economics. His 
research includes some of the most impactful areas in agricultural 
economics, including the influences of taxes on farmland, the 
probability of agricultural loan default and loan loss severity, 
groundwater allocation in irrigated crop production, management of corn 
yields and interactions of weather and soils.Awarded more than $7.1 million in research funding, Featherstone has 
published more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, including the 
flagship American Journal of Agricultural Economics of the Agricultural 
and Applied Economics Association, the Journal of Econometrics, and the 
Review of Economics and Statistics, among other leading journals. His 
work has been reported in leading national publications and outlets. His
 agricultural policy and land-value work was cited by then-Secretary of 
Agriculture Dan Glickman and then-President Clinton as rationale for 
farm program support to agriculture.An internationally recognized conference speaker and presenter, 
Featherstone has been honored by many professional organizations, 
including numerous honors from the Agricultural Finance and Management 
Section, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association; the 2003 
Distinguished Faculty Award and the 1999 Outstanding Research Award from
 the K-State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta; the Phi Kappa Phi Scholar 
Award; and the Gold Quill Award for Outstanding Journal article, Journal
 of American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. In 2005, he 
received K-State's Commerce Bank Distinguished Graduate Faculty award. 
Featherstone is active on university and college committees and has 
served on leading industry advisory boards and as a research journal 
associate editor.Instrumental in the development of the university's innovative Master
 of Agribusiness program, Featherstone has been the director of the 
program since its inception in 1997. Featherstone earned a bachelor's 
degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and his master's and
 doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University.A fungal ecology researcher, Jumpponen pioneered the use of 
high-throughput sequencing for the dissection, characterization and 
analyses of fungal communities in plant and soil samples. Currently, his
 research focuses on the effects of fire on soil and soil-dwelling 
organisms, which is important to understand as wildfire risks increase.Jumpponen has received $4.6 million in total research funding, 
including funds from National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of
 Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. He has also 
been recognized as being among the top 2% of researchers worldwide by 
Stanford University.The results of Jumpponen's work have been published in 140 
peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than a dozen book chapters 
with inclusion in the journals Nature, Science, Global Change Biology, 
Ecological Monographs, New Phytologist, Soil Biology, and Biochemistry 
and Molecular Ecology. He has also provided ad hoc manuscript reviews 
for more than 60 scientific journals and has served as an editorial 
board member for Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Axios Reviews 
and Mycorrhiza. Jumpponen also provides scientific consulting services 
for the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Centre 
for Resource and Environmental Studies in Australia and within the 
private sector.Academically, Jumpponen has advised or co-advised 14 graduate 
students and nearly 50 undergraduates since he joined K-State in 2000. 
From 2011-2016, he served as principal investigator of a National 
Science Foundation-funded grant for an undergraduate training program, 
URM: Undergraduate Research and Mentoring in Ecological Genomics. He 
received the 2022 Division of Biology Outstanding Graduate Faculty 
Award.Jumpponen holds professional memberships in the North American 
Truffling Society, the Mycological Society of America and the Ecological
 Society of America. He earned a master's degree from the University of 
Eastern Finland, formerly called the University of Joensuu, and a 
doctorate from Oregon State University.Li is a highly accomplished nanomaterials and nanotechnology expert 
known for developing novel electrochemical protease sensors for cancer 
diagnosis and hybrid materials built on nanotubes for lithium-ion 
batteries or electrocatalysts in fuel cells. Li's current research 
focuses on energy conversion and storage, biosensor development, and 
nanomaterial growth and composite materials synthesis.Since joining K-State in 2007, Li has been awarded $8.35 million in 
research funding from industry, non-profit foundations and federal 
funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the 
National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Li averages more than seven 
publications annually and throughout his career has produced 148 
peer-reviewed journal articles, 25 conference papers, 23 book chapters 
and one co-edited book. Li also holds 13 U.S. patents, one Japanese 
patent, two international Protected Cooperation Treaty applications and 
one protected international World Intellectual Property Organization 
patent.Li teaches undergraduate chemistry courses and two interdisciplinary 
graduate nanotechnology classes that he developed. At K-state, he has 
served as an advisor for 19 graduate students, five postdoctoral fellows
 and eight visiting scholars while also supervising undergraduate 
students working in his lab. In 2018, Li was recognized for his 
excellence in the classroom with the Professorial Performance Award and 
the Segebrecht Award. He has been named a 2022 International Association
 of Advanced Materials fellow, 2021 Royal Society of Chemistry fellow 
and 2019 National Academy of Inventors fellow. Additional professional 
honors include the 2005 Nano 50 Innovator Award and the NASA Ames Honor 
Award in 2005.Li has served on numerous department and university committees and is
 active professionally as senior editor for the journal of IEEE 
Transactions on Nanotechnology. He also serves on the editorial advisory
 board for 11 professional journals, helps to organize industry 
conferences and workshops and has participated in 55 review panels for 
federal funding agencies.Before joining K-State, Li worked at the NASA Ames Research Center, 
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, and Molecular Imaging 
Co. Li earned his undergraduate degree from Wuhan University and his 
master's and doctorate degrees from Princeton University.Nippert is a transformative leader and researcher of grassland and 
savanna ecology, grass-to-tree ecological dynamics and response to 
climate change. His multifaceted research challenges long-held ideas of 
water use and drought survival in grasses, and it provides insights into
 the mechanisms underpinning competition for water between grasses and 
woody vegetation. He is also internationally recognized as an expert in 
the use of stable isotopes in ecological studies.With nearly $23 million in research funding, Nippert's research has 
resulted in 110 publications in peer-reviewed journals, including 
Science, Nature Climate Change, Proceedings of the National Academy of 
Science, Ecology, Global Change Biology, Annals of Botany and Plant 
Ecology. Nippert is the principal investigator for the National Science 
Foundation-funded Long-Term Ecological Research program at the Konza 
Prairie Biological Station. Additionally, his research in South Africa 
on lowveld savanna ecology is funded by the National Science Foundation 
and the South African Environmental Observatory Network.A dedicated educator and mentor, Nippert secured funding from the 
National Science Foundation in 2016 to develop a national training 
program — Phys-Fest — to provide immersive workshops for plant ecology 
graduate and postdoctoral researchers about eco-physiological methods, 
instrumentation and science communication. Nippert was also instrumental
 in developing an interdisciplinary environmental sciences degree 
program that launched in fall 2021. He has served as a major advisor for
 one postdoctoral scholar, 15 graduate students and 16 undergraduate 
researchers.Nippert has been recognized for his professional excellence with the 
H. Henley Haymaker Teaching Excellence Award, the William L Stamey 
Teaching Award, the Karen Ann Griffith Research Award, K-State's Biology
 Graduate Student Association's Outstanding Faculty Award and a Big 12 
Faculty Fellowship. He has also been an invited presenter and panelist 
at the AAAS Frontiers of Science.Nippert has an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, a 
master's degree from the University of Idaho and a doctorate from 
Colorado State University. Prior to returning to K-State as a faculty 
member in 2007, Nippert held post-doctoral fellowships at the University
 of Kansas and the Kansas Geological Survey.Scoglio is a high-impact expert in the field of network science and 
contact-network models for epidemic spreading. Her research team 
developed a generalized epidemic modeling software tool, which has been 
widely adopted by other researchers and applied to simulating the spread
 of many infectious diseases. Scoglio and her research group produced 
accurate predictions of the spread of COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China, and
 the 2019 Ebola cases in in Uganda.Scoglio has been awarded more than $15.5 million in research funding,
 including funds from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department 
of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. Her research has led 
to 114 journal publications, 74 conference publications, six book 
chapters and 49 invited talks.Along with her transformative research, Scoglio is a proficient and 
dedicated educator and mentor to graduate students, and she serves as a 
role model to others in her profession. She has been an advisor to 42 
graduate students. Scoglio's robust mentoring is also substantiated by 
many of her students being selected for outstanding graduate student 
awards in the electrical and computer engineering departments.Scoglio earned her doctorate in engineering from Sapienza University 
of Rome. She joined K-State in 2005 and was named the LeRoy and Aileen 
Pasley Professor in 2016. K-State has recognized Scoglio's work with 
several honors, including the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation 
Distinguished Graduate Faculty Award, the Engineering Distinguished 
Researcher Award, the Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Award, the role 
of Steve Hsu Keystone research faculty scholar, the Professional 
Performance Award and the Research Proposal Teamwork Award.

K-State names newest university distinguished professors

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,200 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,900 over the month, while government increased by 700.

The Riley County jobless rate remained steady at 2.9 percent in March. Most counties in northeast Kansas saw a slight drop in the rate. Geary County reported 4.5 percent in February and 4.3 percent in March. Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County also saw a similar decrease.

Since March 2022 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 37,100. This change is due to an increase of 33,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.

The April 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682438906291.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in March. This is unchanged from 2.9% in February and an increase from 2.4% in March 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 2,200 from February. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,900 over the month, while government increased by 700.The Riley County jobless rate remained steady at 2.9 percent in March. Most counties in northeast Kansas saw a slight drop in the rate. Geary County reported 4.5 percent in February and 4.3 percent in March. Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County also saw a similar decrease.Since March 2022 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 37,100. This change is due to an increase of 33,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,900 government jobs.The April 2023 Labor Report will be released on Friday, May 19.

Jobless numbers steady in Riley County

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau &nbsp; Land is the foundation of agriculture, whether it’s the fertile, deep soils along river bottoms that nourish row crops or the rolling hills of grass waiting to be eaten by livestock. Everything a farmer or rancher does begins with the land. In Kansas, many farmers and ranchers have inherited at least a portion of their land from a family member and they have a strong desire to pass it on to the next generation. Tending the ground isn’t just an homage to their heritage, it’s also an equity stake in the future. It’s quite an honor to follow in the family footsteps, especially when those treads go back a century or more. But it’s also a burden to be the owner and caretaker of the family legacy. The expectations aren’t just preserving the land. Instead, the charge is to steadily improve it and leave it in a better condition. It’s almost a sacred oath landowners adhere to. Owning land is a long-term investment, and today’s farmers and ranchers use the latest research and implement the best practices to get the most out of their land while preserving its productive capacity for the future. They also understand at some point the technology they employ now will be as out of date as the moldboard plow and flood irrigation are today. They’ll implement incremental changes and seek out new ways to work the soil to benefit their bottom line and ensure a stronger foundation for the succeeding generation. Private property rights are crucial for farmers and ranchers to know they’ll benefit from all the work they put in to growing the safest, most wholesome food in the world. Owning land means having the privilege of deciding its best use. Thankfully, the government can’t prescribe crop rotations, order a rancher to only raise a specific breed of cattle or pass legislation that every barn needs to be painted red. At its core, private property is about more than just owning land – it's about having the freedom to create, innovate and invest in the future knowing you’ll reap the fruits of your own labor. Appeals to the common good are nice, but self-interest is more powerful at aligning individual incentives to benefit society at large. Farming and ranching are businesses, but their success or failure is not measured by quarter or fiscal year. The real scoreboard is every successive generation that can find new ways to make an old vocation better. Their ancestors instinctively understood land was not a short-term investment. Over the long haul, it’s a store of both value and values. Tending the soil and caring for livestock are required down payments for the reward of leaving a legacy. Stewardship is a way of life, and it all begins with the land. &nbsp; "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574694551876.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau &nbsp; Land is the foundation of agriculture, whether it’s the fertile, deep soils along river bottoms that nourish row crops or the rolling hills of grass waiting to be eaten by livestock. Everything a farmer or rancher does begins with the land. In Kansas, many farmers and ranchers have inherited at least a portion of their land from a family member and they have a strong desire to pass it on to the next generation. Tending the ground isn’t just an homage to their heritage, it’s also an equity stake in the future. It’s quite an honor to follow in the family footsteps, especially when those treads go back a century or more. But it’s also a burden to be the owner and caretaker of the family legacy. The expectations aren’t just preserving the land. Instead, the charge is to steadily improve it and leave it in a better condition. It’s almost a sacred oath landowners adhere to. Owning land is a long-term investment, and today’s farmers and ranchers use the latest research and implement the best practices to get the most out of their land while preserving its productive capacity for the future. They also understand at some point the technology they employ now will be as out of date as the moldboard plow and flood irrigation are today. They’ll implement incremental changes and seek out new ways to work the soil to benefit their bottom line and ensure a stronger foundation for the succeeding generation. Private property rights are crucial for farmers and ranchers to know they’ll benefit from all the work they put in to growing the safest, most wholesome food in the world. Owning land means having the privilege of deciding its best use. Thankfully, the government can’t prescribe crop rotations, order a rancher to only raise a specific breed of cattle or pass legislation that every barn needs to be painted red. At its core, private property is about more than just owning land – it's about having the freedom to create, innovate and invest in the future knowing you’ll reap the fruits of your own labor. Appeals to the common good are nice, but self-interest is more powerful at aligning individual incentives to benefit society at large. Farming and ranching are businesses, but their success or failure is not measured by quarter or fiscal year. The real scoreboard is every successive generation that can find new ways to make an old vocation better. Their ancestors instinctively understood land was not a short-term investment. Over the long haul, it’s a store of both value and values. Tending the soil and caring for livestock are required down payments for the reward of leaving a legacy. Stewardship is a way of life, and it all begins with the land. &nbsp; "Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Life and land

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;

BRANDON CHARLES MALLON, 24, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $4,000

GREGORY LARKINS JR, 46, St. Louis, MO, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000

JORDAN ERIC KIMBROUGH, 30, Clay Center, Failure to appear x3; Bond $10,500

CAMERON FRANCIS FISHER, 31, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $208; Released to custody of Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office

CHASITY LEANNE TRIPLETT, 41, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750

JAIANN ANTOIONETTE DESTINA, 34, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Bond $1,000

JOSHUA ALAN CLAY FARRIS, 32, Wichita, Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction; Bond $3,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;BRANDON CHARLES MALLON, 24, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/family member or dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $4,000GREGORY LARKINS JR, 46, St. Louis, MO, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000JORDAN ERIC KIMBROUGH, 30, Clay Center, Failure to appear x3; Bond $10,500CAMERON FRANCIS FISHER, 31, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $208; Released to custody of Pottawatomie County Sheriff's OfficeCHASITY LEANNE TRIPLETT, 41, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750JAIANN ANTOIONETTE DESTINA, 34, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Bond $1,000JOSHUA ALAN CLAY FARRIS, 32, Wichita, Driving while suspended; 3rd or subsequent conviction; Bond $3,000

Riley County Arrest Report April 25

By MALORIE SOUGEY K-State News

MANHATTAN — K-State senior Jeremy Kamman will spend 
the summer researching computational materials physics in Germany with 
the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD,
 through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or <a href="https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/">RISE Germany</a>.

Kamman, senior in physics and international studies with minors in 
classics and exploration and environmental geophysics, Antioch, 
Illinois, will conduct research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in 
Germany with DAAD RISE mentor Mike Bruckhoff, theoretical physicist at 
the University of Duisburg-Essen.

"I look forward to expanding my academic horizons while immersing 
myself in a new culture," said Kamman. "I am grateful to the DAAD RISE 
Germany program for granting me this opportunity and look forward to 
meeting my mentor. This summer is sure to fuel both my intellectual and 
cultural growth, and I am excited for the lifelong connections and 
mentorships that I will make."

Sara Luly, faculty director of the University Honors Program, said, 
"This award is a testament to Jeremy's dedication to academics, his 
intellectual curiosity and his willingness to challenge himself inside 
and outside the classroom."&nbsp;

At K-State, Kamman conducts research with Loren Greenman, associate 
professor of physics, for the project "Computational Molecular Dynamics 
for Thiophenone." Kamman utilizes the National Energy Research 
Scientific Computing Center's supercomputer, Cori, to run quantum 
calculations on the thiophenone molecule.

Kamman said the goal of his research is to learn more about the 
process of molecular fragmentation to hopefully be able to predict and 
control molecular reactions.

"I am extremely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Loren Greenman, who has 
been pivotal in my development as a physicist throughout my college 
career," said Kamman. "Without his mentorship and guidance, I would not 
be where I currently am."&nbsp;

Kamman said he is also thankful for Joanne Bader, who was his first 
mentor and physics teacher at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois.&nbsp;

"I am sad that she is not able to celebrate this accomplishment with 
me, but I strive to continue her legacy in my accomplishments and 
research."

In addition to his research with Greenman, Kamman also works with 
Eleanor Sayre, professor of physics, and Brandi Lohman, instructor and 
director of undergraduate labs, on a project analyzing the state of the 
undergraduate physics community. The goal of the project is to examine 
the policies currently in place within the physics department and their 
impacts on the student population to better inform policy creation in 
the future.

He has served in several leadership roles in student organizations at
 K-State, including president of the Kansas State University Physics 
Club, senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the university's 
Student Governing Association and president of the Honors House. He is 
also an Eagle Scout.

Kamman was named the 2023 Senator of the Year by K-State's Student 
Governing Association. Other recognitions include the James R. Macdonald
 Scholarship, the Sunflower State Award and the National Science 
Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant.

Jeremy Kamman is the son of Sue and Doug Kamman of Antioch, Illinois.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682273158382.png" alt="Jeremy Kamman, K-State senior in physics and international studies, will research computational material physics in Germany this summer with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD, through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or RISE Germany." />
 <figcaption>Jeremy Kamman, K-State senior in physics and international studies, will research computational material physics in Germany this summer with the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD, through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or RISE Germany.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MALORIE SOUGEY K-State NewsMANHATTAN — K-State senior Jeremy Kamman will spend 
the summer researching computational materials physics in Germany with 
the support of the German Academic Exchange Service, also known as DAAD,
 through its Research Internships in Science and Engineering, or <a href="https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/">RISE Germany</a>.Kamman, senior in physics and international studies with minors in 
classics and exploration and environmental geophysics, Antioch, 
Illinois, will conduct research at the University of Duisburg-Essen in 
Germany with DAAD RISE mentor Mike Bruckhoff, theoretical physicist at 
the University of Duisburg-Essen."I look forward to expanding my academic horizons while immersing 
myself in a new culture," said Kamman. "I am grateful to the DAAD RISE 
Germany program for granting me this opportunity and look forward to 
meeting my mentor. This summer is sure to fuel both my intellectual and 
cultural growth, and I am excited for the lifelong connections and 
mentorships that I will make."Sara Luly, faculty director of the University Honors Program, said, 
"This award is a testament to Jeremy's dedication to academics, his 
intellectual curiosity and his willingness to challenge himself inside 
and outside the classroom."&nbsp;At K-State, Kamman conducts research with Loren Greenman, associate 
professor of physics, for the project "Computational Molecular Dynamics 
for Thiophenone." Kamman utilizes the National Energy Research 
Scientific Computing Center's supercomputer, Cori, to run quantum 
calculations on the thiophenone molecule.Kamman said the goal of his research is to learn more about the 
process of molecular fragmentation to hopefully be able to predict and 
control molecular reactions."I am extremely grateful to my mentor, Dr. Loren Greenman, who has 
been pivotal in my development as a physicist throughout my college 
career," said Kamman. "Without his mentorship and guidance, I would not 
be where I currently am."&nbsp;Kamman said he is also thankful for Joanne Bader, who was his first 
mentor and physics teacher at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, Illinois.&nbsp;"I am sad that she is not able to celebrate this accomplishment with 
me, but I strive to continue her legacy in my accomplishments and 
research."In addition to his research with Greenman, Kamman also works with 
Eleanor Sayre, professor of physics, and Brandi Lohman, instructor and 
director of undergraduate labs, on a project analyzing the state of the 
undergraduate physics community. The goal of the project is to examine 
the policies currently in place within the physics department and their 
impacts on the student population to better inform policy creation in 
the future.He has served in several leadership roles in student organizations at
 K-State, including president of the Kansas State University Physics 
Club, senator for the College of Arts and Sciences in the university's 
Student Governing Association and president of the Honors House. He is 
also an Eagle Scout.Kamman was named the 2023 Senator of the Year by K-State's Student 
Governing Association. Other recognitions include the James R. Macdonald
 Scholarship, the Sunflower State Award and the National Science 
Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant.Jeremy Kamman is the son of Sue and Doug Kamman of Antioch, Illinois.

K-State student to study physics in Germany through prestigious internship

RILEY COUNTY -&nbsp;Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD#1) responded to several out-of-control fires over the weekend. Greener vegetation and recent rains helped make it possible for firefighters to extinguish the blazes quickly and prevent damage to structures, despite gusty winds.

One utility task vehicle (UTV) was destroyed in a seven-acre burn north of Manhattan, and another, unpermitted burn resulted in a citation for the property owner. RCFD#1 also responded to a mutual aid call from Wabaunsee County, assisting briefly with a fire that spread to corn stubble. The fire in Wabaunsee County was also quickly extinguished.

“The primary reason fires get out of control is that individuals do not have the necessary experience, manpower, or equipment on hand to properly control their fire,” said Fire Chief Russel Stukey.&nbsp; “RCPD issued one citation to a property owner this weekend for violation of the Riley County Burn Resolution.”

Riley County regulations require a valid burn permit and notification to Riley County Police Department before outdoor burning begins. Burning may only be conducted when weather conditions allow. Permit holders are also required to have adequate equipment and manpower to conduct the burn safely.

“If you plan a controlled burn, part of the preparation process is to look at the weather forecast several days out,” said Stukey. “If you do not have a lot of experience with controlled burning, find experienced people to help you plan your burn and ensure that you have adequate resources on hand such as water tanks, pumps, and vehicles to transport the equipment. Once equipped properly, permit holders must call the Burn Line at 785-565-6216 prior to lighting a fire.”

For more information about burn permits or to apply to serve as a volunteer with Riley County Fire District #1, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/217/Fire-District-1" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/217/Fire-District-1</a>&nbsp;or call 785-537-6333 during business hours.

Sign up for emergency notifications, including burn condition notices, at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/917/Emergency-Notifications" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/917/Emergency-Notifications</a>

*Photos courtesy of Riley County Fire District #1

From Riley County&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682362648007.jpeg" alt="RCFD firetruck sunset" />
 <figcaption>RCFD firetruck sunset</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY -&nbsp;Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD#1) responded to several out-of-control fires over the weekend. Greener vegetation and recent rains helped make it possible for firefighters to extinguish the blazes quickly and prevent damage to structures, despite gusty winds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682362599926.jpeg" alt="RCFD volunteer and firetruck" />
 <figcaption>RCFD volunteer and firetruck</figcaption>
 </figure>One utility task vehicle (UTV) was destroyed in a seven-acre burn north of Manhattan, and another, unpermitted burn resulted in a citation for the property owner. RCFD#1 also responded to a mutual aid call from Wabaunsee County, assisting briefly with a fire that spread to corn stubble. The fire in Wabaunsee County was also quickly extinguished.“The primary reason fires get out of control is that individuals do not have the necessary experience, manpower, or equipment on hand to properly control their fire,” said Fire Chief Russel Stukey.&nbsp; “RCPD issued one citation to a property owner this weekend for violation of the Riley County Burn Resolution.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682362627772.jpeg" alt="RCFD hose connection" />
 <figcaption>RCFD hose connection</figcaption>
 </figure>Riley County regulations require a valid burn permit and notification to Riley County Police Department before outdoor burning begins. Burning may only be conducted when weather conditions allow. Permit holders are also required to have adequate equipment and manpower to conduct the burn safely.“If you plan a controlled burn, part of the preparation process is to look at the weather forecast several days out,” said Stukey. “If you do not have a lot of experience with controlled burning, find experienced people to help you plan your burn and ensure that you have adequate resources on hand such as water tanks, pumps, and vehicles to transport the equipment. Once equipped properly, permit holders must call the Burn Line at 785-565-6216 prior to lighting a fire.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682362815425.jpeg" alt="RCFD firetruck" />
 <figcaption>RCFD firetruck</figcaption>
 </figure>For more information about burn permits or to apply to serve as a volunteer with Riley County Fire District #1, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/217/Fire-District-1" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/217/Fire-District-1</a>&nbsp;or call 785-537-6333 during business hours.Sign up for emergency notifications, including burn condition notices, at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/917/Emergency-Notifications" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/917/Emergency-Notifications</a>*Photos courtesy of Riley County Fire District #1

Riley Co. volunteer firefighters responded to several fires over weekend

A wet week is in store for the Flint Hills through the week, the National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting.

There is a chance of rain every day through Saturday, beginning with a 20 percent chance of rain Monday night, then again Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night.

After a partly cloudy Thursday, precipitation in expected to return Thursday night and throughout the day Friday.

High temperatures this week will be in the low- to mid-60s, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682366103217.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A wet week is in store for the Flint Hills through the week, the National Weather Service in Topeka is predicting.There is a chance of rain every day through Saturday, beginning with a 20 percent chance of rain Monday night, then again Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday night.After a partly cloudy Thursday, precipitation in expected to return Thursday night and throughout the day Friday.High temperatures this week will be in the low- to mid-60s, with overnight lows in the mid-40s.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Periods of rain will move across the region beginning later this afternoon/evening and lasting into Wednesday Night. Thunderstorms are not expected, keeping overall rainfall amounts on the low end. <a href="https://t.co/jlK3SSmLDo">pic.twitter.com/jlK3SSmLDo</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1650428433426694145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>

NWS: Chance of rain every day through Saturday

The Geary County Republican Central Committee is seeking an individual to fill the unexpired term of Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke, who recently announced her retirement effective Friday.

Interested individuals must be registered Republicans, according to Central Committee chairperson Kathy Tremont, and can contact her <a href="mailto:ktremont1958@gmail.com">via email</a>.

Due to statutory time constraints, the deadline is Wednesday, according to Tremont.

JC PostThe Geary County Republican Central Committee is seeking an individual to fill the unexpired term of Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke, who recently announced her retirement effective Friday.Interested individuals must be registered Republicans, according to Central Committee chairperson Kathy Tremont, and can contact her <a href="mailto:ktremont1958@gmail.com">via email</a>. Due to statutory time constraints, the deadline is Wednesday, according to Tremont.

GOP seeking replacement for Geary County clerk

MANHATTAN -&nbsp;The Kansas Science Festival is on a mission to co-create STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) experiences that spark excitement and curiosity in learners of all ages. 

“Science is part of all our lives whether we realize it or not. We hope to show science is not only occurring at academic institutions, but instead something the entire community participates in,” says Hannah VanLaanen, a medical writer based in Manhattan who serves as Treasurer of the Kansas Science Festival. “Most importantly though, we hope all who join the activities will have fun.”

The Kansas Science Festival is a street festival in Downtown Manhattan on Saturday, April 29 from 11 am to 4 pm. In comparison to last year’s inaugural event, which attracted over 800 visitors, the upcoming festival has vastly expanded, showcasing a broader array of activities.

STEAM practitioners from across the state will share what they think about and do on a daily basis through fun activities suitable for families and learners of all ages.

There will be over 140 presenters in 50 booths spread across Poyntz Ave, the County Plaza, and the Manhattan Public Library. Among other things, visitors will be able to explore a model of a Mars rover, examine hydrogels and bakery science, learn about animal tracks and cancer research, or build and take home their own microscope.The event is rounded out with music inspired by the prairies from Kaw Creek and poetry written on the spot using STEAM-related prompts from the audience. During the event, Poyntz Avenue will be closed between 3rd and 5th Streets to assure the safety of all participants and provide ample space for playing and exploring.

This year, the Kansas Science Festival also includes the Dopamine Dash, an “Amazing Race”-style event that will test your physical and mental endurance. In this family-friendly race, individual participants or teams will run or walk a 2.5-mile course from downtown Manhattan around City Park and back. While this is a timed event, it’s not just about covering the distance the fastest—participants will have to complete science puzzles along the way. The race start is at 9:30 am and participants can register through the following website: <a href="https://scienceks.org/dopamine-dash/">https://scienceks.org/dopamine-dash/</a>

“We have only been able to organize such a wide array of events thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations that make up our communities”, says Michi Tobler, President of the Kansas Science Festival. “I am particularly grateful for the many STEAM practitioners that are taking the time to showcase the amazing diversity of ways Kansans learn and know about the world around us, and for the event sponsors that have contributed resources to make these events possible.”

The BioKansas Innovation Festival and Evergy are the presenting sponsors of this year’s Kansas Science Festival. A number of other sponsors and community partners—including Downtown Manhattan, the Manhattan Public Library, and Sunset Zoo—have helped to make the 2023 events a reality.

For more information or to contribute to this year's festival, visit us at <a href="https://scienceks.org">https://scienceks.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682353570431.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From Kansas Science FestivalMANHATTAN -&nbsp;The Kansas Science Festival is on a mission to co-create STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) experiences that spark excitement and curiosity in learners of all ages. “Science is part of all our lives whether we realize it or not. We hope to show science is not only occurring at academic institutions, but instead something the entire community participates in,” says Hannah VanLaanen, a medical writer based in Manhattan who serves as Treasurer of the Kansas Science Festival. “Most importantly though, we hope all who join the activities will have fun.”The Kansas Science Festival is a street festival in Downtown Manhattan on Saturday, April 29 from 11 am to 4 pm. In comparison to last year’s inaugural event, which attracted over 800 visitors, the upcoming festival has vastly expanded, showcasing a broader array of activities.STEAM practitioners from across the state will share what they think about and do on a daily basis through fun activities suitable for families and learners of all ages.There will be over 140 presenters in 50 booths spread across Poyntz Ave, the County Plaza, and the Manhattan Public Library. Among other things, visitors will be able to explore a model of a Mars rover, examine hydrogels and bakery science, learn about animal tracks and cancer research, or build and take home their own microscope.The event is rounded out with music inspired by the prairies from Kaw Creek and poetry written on the spot using STEAM-related prompts from the audience. During the event, Poyntz Avenue will be closed between 3rd and 5th Streets to assure the safety of all participants and provide ample space for playing and exploring.This year, the Kansas Science Festival also includes the Dopamine Dash, an “Amazing Race”-style event that will test your physical and mental endurance. In this family-friendly race, individual participants or teams will run or walk a 2.5-mile course from downtown Manhattan around City Park and back. While this is a timed event, it’s not just about covering the distance the fastest—participants will have to complete science puzzles along the way. The race start is at 9:30 am and participants can register through the following website: <a href="https://scienceks.org/dopamine-dash/">https://scienceks.org/dopamine-dash/</a>“We have only been able to organize such a wide array of events thanks to the generous support of the people and organizations that make up our communities”, says Michi Tobler, President of the Kansas Science Festival. “I am particularly grateful for the many STEAM practitioners that are taking the time to showcase the amazing diversity of ways Kansans learn and know about the world around us, and for the event sponsors that have contributed resources to make these events possible.”The BioKansas Innovation Festival and Evergy are the presenting sponsors of this year’s Kansas Science Festival. A number of other sponsors and community partners—including Downtown Manhattan, the Manhattan Public Library, and Sunset Zoo—have helped to make the 2023 events a reality.For more information or to contribute to this year's festival, visit us at <a href="https://scienceks.org">https://scienceks.org</a>.

Kansas Science Festival returns to Downtown MHK on April 29

MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.

On Friday, the Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted the Herington Police Department with a drug investigation. During the investigation, K9 Kimber alerted to the presence of an illegal substance during a drug scan of the suspect vehicle. 

A Deputy located methamphetamine as a result of the probable cause search.&nbsp; The deputy arrested 65-year-old Anthony Sjodahl, of Herington, on a requested charges that included possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In February of 2020, deputies arrested him on similar allegations. He has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581688828208.jpeg" alt="Sjodahl has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept of Corrections- He is being held in Dickinson Co., according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Sjodahl has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept of Corrections- He is being held in Dickinson Co., according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a drug bust.On Friday, the Morris County Sheriff's Office assisted the Herington Police Department with a drug investigation. During the investigation, K9 Kimber alerted to the presence of an illegal substance during a drug scan of the suspect vehicle. A Deputy located methamphetamine as a result of the probable cause search.&nbsp; The deputy arrested 65-year-old Anthony Sjodahl, of Herington, on a requested charges that included possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.In February of 2020, deputies arrested him on similar allegations. He has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Sheriff: Kan. felon accused of selling methamphetamine 

ROBERT TAYLOR JORDAN GIBBONS, 33, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order; Bond $20,000

CAESAR RAY LEONARD BROWN, 31, Manhattan, Driving under the influence; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; w/in 3hrs; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $3,000

WILLIAM MICHAEL COTT, 54, Everest, Failure to appear x2; 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;ROBERT TAYLOR JORDAN GIBBONS, 33, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order; Bond $20,000CAESAR RAY LEONARD BROWN, 31, Manhattan, Driving under the influence; 3rd conv in 10 yrs; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; w/in 3hrs; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $3,000WILLIAM MICHAEL COTT, 54, Everest, Failure to appear x2; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.

Riley County Arrest Report April 24

RILEY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Riley County.

A 2015 Jeep Cherokee driven by Patrick Stewart, 36, of Lost Springs was traveling near the intersection of N. Seth Child Road and Amherst Avenue in Manhattan. The Jeep and a 2006 Honda CRV driven by Bokhui Sifdol, 70, of Manhattan collided. The impact caused the CRV to leave the roadway and end up in the parking lot of Rock Hills Church. 

EMS transported Stewart and a passenger of the CRV, Raymond Sifdol, 84, Manhattan, to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.

RILEY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Riley County.A 2015 Jeep Cherokee driven by Patrick Stewart, 36, of Lost Springs was traveling near the intersection of N. Seth Child Road and Amherst Avenue in Manhattan. The Jeep and a 2006 Honda CRV driven by Bokhui Sifdol, 70, of Manhattan collided. The impact caused the CRV to leave the roadway and end up in the parking lot of Rock Hills Church. EMS transported Stewart and a passenger of the CRV, Raymond Sifdol, 84, Manhattan, to Via Christi for treatment of minor injuries.The RCPD released no additional details.

2 hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash in Manhattan

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss is watching closely to try to figure out what the end of the debt ceiling process will be, but right now, no one knows.

"Come June, you're going to see some knees start to wobble," Goss said. "Something has got to be done. It's unacceptable for it to be getting that close to breaching that number, $31.4 trillion is now the debt limit. We've already moved beyond that. We just need the Congress and the President to move on this and move in a positive direction and do something about it. That may mean cutting spending, which I support, as well."

Where can they cut? Goss has a couple of ideas.

"Let me give you one item I think should be cut," Goss said. "That's the CHIPS Act. $280 billion going away, given to big corporations to support development of chips in the U.S. In my judgment, that's ill spent. That's not good spending. That should not have been done. It should be pulled back. That's $280 billion. Also, $113 billion to Ukraine to support continuing war in Russia, without a call for any sort of negotiations? I'm hoping for negotiations. I don't see any movement in that direction. I'm sure I'll get some disagreement on both of those items, but there you are talking about almost half a trillion dollars."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-biden-republicans-congress-ca106e88f2ad6ca1f2df8d2b27c15758">House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled a debt ceiling increase of $1.5 trillion on April 19, but wants it paired with spending cuts. President Biden has yet to agree to negotiate on the debt ceiling. A floor vote on McCarthy's proposal is expected later in the week.</a>

<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;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620071466817.jpeg" alt="Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD" />
 <figcaption>Creighton Professor Ernie Goss PhD</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss is watching closely to try to figure out what the end of the debt ceiling process will be, but right now, no one knows."Come June, you're going to see some knees start to wobble," Goss said. "Something has got to be done. It's unacceptable for it to be getting that close to breaching that number, $31.4 trillion is now the debt limit. We've already moved beyond that. We just need the Congress and the President to move on this and move in a positive direction and do something about it. That may mean cutting spending, which I support, as well."Where can they cut? Goss has a couple of ideas."Let me give you one item I think should be cut," Goss said. "That's the CHIPS Act. $280 billion going away, given to big corporations to support development of chips in the U.S. In my judgment, that's ill spent. That's not good spending. That should not have been done. It should be pulled back. That's $280 billion. Also, $113 billion to Ukraine to support continuing war in Russia, without a call for any sort of negotiations? I'm hoping for negotiations. I don't see any movement in that direction. I'm sure I'll get some disagreement on both of those items, but there you are talking about almost half a trillion dollars."<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-biden-republicans-congress-ca106e88f2ad6ca1f2df8d2b27c15758">House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled a debt ceiling increase of $1.5 trillion on April 19, but wants it paired with spending cuts. President Biden has yet to agree to negotiate on the debt ceiling. A floor vote on McCarthy's proposal is expected later in the week.</a><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;&nbsp;

Goss: Debt ceiling process still unclear, cuts also needed

TRACE WEISS, 16, Manhattan, Possession of marijuana; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

THEODORE EDWARD AYON JR, 41, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $7,500

SHOMANI GILLIAM, 26, St. Joseph, MO, Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $500

MAURICE ROGER COLEMAN, 39, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Condition of pre-trial orders; 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;TRACE WEISS, 16, Manhattan, Possession of marijuana; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile IntakeTHEODORE EDWARD AYON JR, 41, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $7,500SHOMANI GILLIAM, 26, St. Joseph, MO, Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $500MAURICE ROGER COLEMAN, 39, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Condition of pre-trial orders; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report April 23

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly last week signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMzAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.ABO0Kyu-qRSfQZXDXeReOxx9DGGIibw2iAF07Qk6lQg/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">Senate Substitute for HB 2302</a>, a bipartisan bill that increases funding for the State Water Plan, including two funds for grants for water-related infrastructure projects.

In 2022, Governor Kelly fully funded the State Water Plan for the first time since 2008. This bill represents a significant increase in funding for water, adding $18 million on top of the annual $8 million for the State Water Plan and $17 million for the two grant funds. In total, the bill designates an additional $35 million in funding to protect essential water resources. The bill includes that it is legislative intent to continue this funding through 2027.

“We must protect the water that has powered our booming farming economy for generations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to make progress on this pressing crisis, investing a historic level of resources into major water storage projects.”

The bill also appropriates $52 million to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, funding that was included in the Governor’s budget released in January, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

“Water is one of our most vital natural resources and has been taken for granted far too long. &nbsp;Senate Substitute for HB 2302 is an effort to more fully fund the Kansas Water Office to address water quantity and water quality,"&nbsp;Representative Jim Minnix said. “This will benefit all Kansans -- rural, urban, Republican, Democrats, younger, and older. The Kansas House Water Committee has worked diligently with many stakeholders to put these policies and long-term funding plans together for future Kansans.”

Governor Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMjc5LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.snf8Hqnt3pHzcsjunQM7LVcJGihTJ3V7Wtq05XekjA8/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">House Bill 2279</a>, a bipartisan bill that requires Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts to submit annual reports to the Kansas Legislature with updated water conservation and stabilization plans to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The reports to the Legislature will outline expenditures for water conservation efforts and stabilization of agricultural consumption. A Groundwater Management District oversees the management of groundwater resources, conservation, and use in five regions of the state with significant aquifer storage and use.

“With the historic level of funding in HB 2302 and the commitment to conservation in HB 2279, these bills will provide the state tools it desperately needs to address our water crisis,”&nbsp;Representative Lindsay Vaughn, Kansas House District 22, said.&nbsp;“Together, we are committed to ensuring access to this crucial resource for communities large and small, and for the future generations of Kansas.”

Office of the GovernorTOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly last week signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMzAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.ABO0Kyu-qRSfQZXDXeReOxx9DGGIibw2iAF07Qk6lQg/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">Senate Substitute for HB 2302</a>, a bipartisan bill that increases funding for the State Water Plan, including two funds for grants for water-related infrastructure projects.In 2022, Governor Kelly fully funded the State Water Plan for the first time since 2008. This bill represents a significant increase in funding for water, adding $18 million on top of the annual $8 million for the State Water Plan and $17 million for the two grant funds. In total, the bill designates an additional $35 million in funding to protect essential water resources. The bill includes that it is legislative intent to continue this funding through 2027.“We must protect the water that has powered our booming farming economy for generations,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to make progress on this pressing crisis, investing a historic level of resources into major water storage projects.”The bill also appropriates $52 million to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, funding that was included in the Governor’s budget released in January, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.“Water is one of our most vital natural resources and has been taken for granted far too long. &nbsp;Senate Substitute for HB 2302 is an effort to more fully fund the Kansas Water Office to address water quantity and water quality,"&nbsp;Representative Jim Minnix said. “This will benefit all Kansans -- rural, urban, Republican, Democrats, younger, and older. The Kansas House Water Committee has worked diligently with many stakeholders to put these policies and long-term funding plans together for future Kansans.”Governor Kelly also signed&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMjc5LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjAuNzU0OTQzNjEifQ.snf8Hqnt3pHzcsjunQM7LVcJGihTJ3V7Wtq05XekjA8/s/1303183450/br/160143783904-l">House Bill 2279</a>, a bipartisan bill that requires Kansas’ five Groundwater Management Districts to submit annual reports to the Kansas Legislature with updated water conservation and stabilization plans to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.The reports to the Legislature will outline expenditures for water conservation efforts and stabilization of agricultural consumption. A Groundwater Management District oversees the management of groundwater resources, conservation, and use in five regions of the state with significant aquifer storage and use.“With the historic level of funding in HB 2302 and the commitment to conservation in HB 2279, these bills will provide the state tools it desperately needs to address our water crisis,”&nbsp;Representative Lindsay Vaughn, Kansas House District 22, said.&nbsp;“Together, we are committed to ensuring access to this crucial resource for communities large and small, and for the future generations of Kansas.”

$35M water resources bill included Lake Milford debt payoff

In 2019, the Governors of Kansas and Missouri both committed to a truce, pausing the pointless, destructive tax border war.&nbsp; Prior to that, KC-area companies would regularly leverage millions
 of dollars from their respective states in order to move just a few miles across the state line.&nbsp; Waddell and Reed received $62 million to move from Kansas to Missouri, while AMC Theaters got over $21 million to move from Missouri to Kansas.&nbsp; Neither move
 took the respective companies out of the KC area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The result of this nonsense was millions of dollars lost to state services, most notably public schools, all for companies to relocate–not create–jobs.&nbsp; State money was in the mix, too—it was
 not just a Kansas City issue. The choice is then whether to cut essential services like schools and infrastructure, or make up the revenue by raising taxes on individuals and small businesses that do not have powerful, well-connected lobbyists.&nbsp; No jobs are
 created in this process, except of course for lawyers and lobbyists.

This is absurd.&nbsp; Fortunately, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson agree.&nbsp; In 2019, they agreed to a tax break truce, and it is holding.&nbsp; The Missouri General Assembly
 also passed legislation codifying it, but only if the Kansas Legislature would pass similar legislation within two years, which they did not.&nbsp; Kelly and Parson have each been re-elected since, but to make this commitment more binding once their terms are up,
 the two legislatures need to renew their own deal.&nbsp; This time, the Kansas Legislature needs to reciprocate.

To be clear, both states are still gung ho about tax breaks such as the massive “APEX” deal that lured a Panasonic electric-vehicle battery factory to Desoto. However, since 2019 there have
 been no massive tax packages dangled before existing KC employers to move a few blocks or a few miles.&nbsp; Yet unfinished business remains.&nbsp; Not only do the legislatures need to make the deal permanent, there is yet another issue that they need to address: a
 lack of tax reciprocity.

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers live in Kansas and work in Missouri, and vice-versa.&nbsp; Each one is required to file and pay taxes in both states.&nbsp; Each state offers residents a credit for
 taxes paid to other states, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone.&nbsp; By contrast, Ohio has had a tax reciprocity agreement with all states which it borders for decades.&nbsp; Most notably, this includes the Cincinnati area, a substantial portion of which
 lies in Kentucky.&nbsp; Under those agreements, one pays taxes to the state where one lives, not where one works.&nbsp; A single state tax return is filed, and that is the end of it.&nbsp; If there are any complications, the other state need only check the taxpayer’s state
 of legal residency.&nbsp; Kansas could also do this with Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Opportunities are being lost and time wasted because of the baffling complexity of filing two tax returns and negotiating each state’s complicated process of taking a credit for the taxes paid
 to other states.&nbsp; It also incentivizes many people with otherwise-simple tax status to rely on paid tax preparers, wasting money.&nbsp; But for the border issue, these taxpayers could easily complete the forms on their own.

This should not be an ideological or partisan issue.&nbsp; The Kansas Legislature needs to renew the tax truce legislation and pass tax reciprocity–the sooner, the better.

Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639601062071.jpeg" alt="Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University." />
 <figcaption>Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2019, the Governors of Kansas and Missouri both committed to a truce, pausing the pointless, destructive tax border war.&nbsp; Prior to that, KC-area companies would regularly leverage millions
 of dollars from their respective states in order to move just a few miles across the state line.&nbsp; Waddell and Reed received $62 million to move from Kansas to Missouri, while AMC Theaters got over $21 million to move from Missouri to Kansas.&nbsp; Neither move
 took the respective companies out of the KC area.&nbsp;&nbsp;The result of this nonsense was millions of dollars lost to state services, most notably public schools, all for companies to relocate–not create–jobs.&nbsp; State money was in the mix, too—it was
 not just a Kansas City issue. The choice is then whether to cut essential services like schools and infrastructure, or make up the revenue by raising taxes on individuals and small businesses that do not have powerful, well-connected lobbyists.&nbsp; No jobs are
 created in this process, except of course for lawyers and lobbyists.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is absurd.&nbsp; Fortunately, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson agree.&nbsp; In 2019, they agreed to a tax break truce, and it is holding.&nbsp; The Missouri General Assembly
 also passed legislation codifying it, but only if the Kansas Legislature would pass similar legislation within two years, which they did not.&nbsp; Kelly and Parson have each been re-elected since, but to make this commitment more binding once their terms are up,
 the two legislatures need to renew their own deal.&nbsp; This time, the Kansas Legislature needs to reciprocate.To be clear, both states are still gung ho about tax breaks such as the massive “APEX” deal that lured a Panasonic electric-vehicle battery factory to Desoto. However, since 2019 there have
 been no massive tax packages dangled before existing KC employers to move a few blocks or a few miles.&nbsp; Yet unfinished business remains.&nbsp; Not only do the legislatures need to make the deal permanent, there is yet another issue that they need to address: a
 lack of tax reciprocity.Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers live in Kansas and work in Missouri, and vice-versa.&nbsp; Each one is required to file and pay taxes in both states.&nbsp; Each state offers residents a credit for
 taxes paid to other states, but the process is cumbersome and error-prone.&nbsp; By contrast, Ohio has had a tax reciprocity agreement with all states which it borders for decades.&nbsp; Most notably, this includes the Cincinnati area, a substantial portion of which
 lies in Kentucky.&nbsp; Under those agreements, one pays taxes to the state where one lives, not where one works.&nbsp; A single state tax return is filed, and that is the end of it.&nbsp; If there are any complications, the other state need only check the taxpayer’s state
 of legal residency.&nbsp; Kansas could also do this with Colorado, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opportunities are being lost and time wasted because of the baffling complexity of filing two tax returns and negotiating each state’s complicated process of taking a credit for the taxes paid
 to other states.&nbsp; It also incentivizes many people with otherwise-simple tax status to rely on paid tax preparers, wasting money.&nbsp; But for the border issue, these taxpayers could easily complete the forms on their own.This should not be an ideological or partisan issue.&nbsp; The Kansas Legislature needs to renew the tax truce legislation and pass tax reciprocity–the sooner, the better.Michael Smith is a professor at Emporia State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: Tax truce is holding, but it’s time to finish the job

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

GOVE COUNTY, Kan. — The prairie was still asleep when I drug my blurry-eyed self and camera gear out of a van onto a pasture in Gove County.

Our instructions indicated we should follow the stacks of cow pies to the lek, mating grounds for prairie chickens, usually used year after year.

We quickly set up our pop-up blinds and settled into the darkness, waiting and listening as the cold, dry Kansas wind slapped our faces.&nbsp;

"You will hear them before you see them," our guide whispered as he zipped us in.

Then through the darkness, you could hear warbles and then bloop, bloop, bloop of the lesser prairie chickens and finally the booooma of a greater prairie chicken.

I participated in the <a href="https://www.audubonofkansas.org/grousetours">Kansas Audubon Society</a>'s Lek Trek weekend April 13 to 16, which was based in Hays.

Although greater prairie chickens can be found from Texas to southern Canada, northwestern Kansas is the only place in the world where greater and lesser prairie chickens occur in the same place.&nbsp;

Lesser prairie chickens have a much smaller range that includes parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico — the majority of that range is in western Kansas.

Last weekend, more than 140 birders from across the nation came to Kansas, with Hays as their base, to see prairie chickens during their mating season.&nbsp;

In addition to the males inflating sacks on either side of their throats to make their signature booms, prairie chickens are also known for their distinct (and in my view, comical) mating dances.

The males shoot up feathers located on the back of their necks called&nbsp;pinnae. Those feathers stick up above their heads like horns. They stick their tail feathers up in the air, wiggle their butts and quickly stomp their feet. It looks like a combo between a 2-year-old throwing a temper tantrum and grandma trying to do the chicken dance.&nbsp;

Although you're supposed to be dead silent in those blinds, it's hard not to giggle just a little at the whole sight.

As more birds join the lek, fights erupt. Two males will face off in the middle of the lek, staring at each other. Sometimes they just walk away. Other times one will fly up and pounce on the other bird.&nbsp;

The females, who are much less showy, which is common in the bird world, mingle with the males appearing uninterested and unamused.

Even after all the girls have left the lek for the morning, a few males tend to hang out, too tired to spar anymore.&nbsp;

Observing prairie chickens from a blind gets you the best views of the birds and the best glimpses of their natural behaviors.

At times, birds were no more than 10 feet from our blinds and could be easily seen without scopes or binoculars.&nbsp;

The downside is that you have to be in those blinds before the first light and must stay in the blinds without a bathroom break until after 9 a.m. in our case when the birds for no apparent reason all flushed at once. We met to load vans to head toward our leks at 3:30 a.m.

Even last Friday when the high was 80, it was cold on that hilltop in Gove County, even with three layers of clothes and gloves. A birder from San Fransisco who went out on one of the blind tours Saturday morning when the high was only in the 50s said it was the coldest he had ever been.

They haven't been here when the wind chills were 50 below.

Prairie chickens were once ubiquitous on the prairie. Early settlers hunted them for food. However, their numbers have been in decline for decades.

Prairie chickens need large open areas of grassland to sustain their populations and perform their signature mating dances. They don't like anything that is taller than they are. This includes trees, power poles, windmills and oil derricks.&nbsp;

Some researchers have proffered the prairie chickens avoid these natural and manmade structures because they have historically been used by birds of prey for perches.

You likely have heard lesser prairie chickens mentioned in the news recently. The federal government has listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened, which is not sitting too well with some energy companies and local landowners.

Prairie chickens thrive on cattle pastures. Grazing keeps cover at the needed heights for the prairie chickens through their life cycles. They need some short grass, some medium cover and some thicker cover.&nbsp;

One of these said landowners stopped our van on the way out of the pasture Friday morning and started chit-chatting about the chickens.

He said he too had prairie chickens on his property, but he said he was concerned about the limits the listing would place on property rights.

The landowner said he isn't bothered by the prairie chickens or the researchers and visitors who come to see them.&nbsp;

However, he said he wants to be able to manage his cattle and land without interference from the feds in D.C. 

The farmer's concerns did not fall on deaf ears. We've had a farm in our family for several generations. It's hard work, and farmers are often left with small profits and big debts.

So why go through all this trouble to save this one goofy little bird?&nbsp;

Jackie Augustine, organizer of the Prairie Chicken Festival and an expert on the birds, said simply they're cute.

More importantly, they are a sign of healthy prairie habitat.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/727ddb20-ced5-4d23-9090-aeb6cfda8a9e">She also argued voluntary measures have been in place for years, but the prairie chicken populations have yet to stabilize.</a>

Commerce doesn't have to be given up entirely for conservation.

Augustine said cattle ranchers can still run cattle on their land, and the listing doesn't completely restrict oil and energy production in this region. It encourages it to be done in areas that won't destroy leks.

Birders are a passionate group. They have what they call life lists, which include every bird they have seen in their lifetimes. Some birders travel internationally to add to those life lists.

The Prairie Chicken Festival attendees, most of whom were from out of state, paid hundreds of dollars in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/audubonofkansas">Audubon</a> fees alone, not to mention food, gas, lodging and entertainment to watch these birds.

Coming to a compromise between maintaining property owner rights and implementing conservation tactics that will preserve the lesser prairie chicken is where we need to be, but that's not where politics are going.

Unfortunately, parties in the prairie chicken debate have taken to their corners for a fight. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f995f9e-3403-4556-b353-c968c3e5e924">Last week, the Kansas Attorney General sued President Biden in an attempt to have the lesser prairie chicken delisted from the threatened species list.</a>

This weekend was my third time observing prairie chickens in the wild. They never cease to amaze me. They always make me smile. Their boom ... boom ... boom ... makes me feel more in rhythm.&nbsp;

They don't understand land deeds or lawsuits. They are just doing what prairie chickens do.

Those who know me, know I am not a morning person. I don't know anyone who is a 3 a.m. morning person. However, as I emerged from our little prairie cocoons Friday morning on lek, I had a huge smile on my face. The hike, no bathroom, the early wakeup, and the cold were worth it.

However, as the birds flushed and disappeared into the gray morning Friday, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I wondered what was next for my feathered friends.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681935383708.jpeg" alt="Prairie chickens thrive on land that is being grazed by cattle because the cattle help maintain vegetation at varying densities, which is ideal for the life cycle of the birds. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Prairie chickens thrive on land that is being grazed by cattle because the cattle help maintain vegetation at varying densities, which is ideal for the life cycle of the birds. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostGOVE COUNTY, Kan. — The prairie was still asleep when I drug my blurry-eyed self and camera gear out of a van onto a pasture in Gove County.Our instructions indicated we should follow the stacks of cow pies to the lek, mating grounds for prairie chickens, usually used year after year.We quickly set up our pop-up blinds and settled into the darkness, waiting and listening as the cold, dry Kansas wind slapped our faces.&nbsp;"You will hear them before you see them," our guide whispered as he zipped us in.Then through the darkness, you could hear warbles and then bloop, bloop, bloop of the lesser prairie chickens and finally the booooma of a greater prairie chicken.I participated in the <a href="https://www.audubonofkansas.org/grousetours">Kansas Audubon Society</a>'s Lek Trek weekend April 13 to 16, which was based in Hays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681935690526.jpeg" alt="The greater prairie chicken on the left, inflates its air sacs, as the lesser prairie chicken does the same on the right. Greater prairie chickens tend to be bigger and have an orange air sac. The lesser prairie chickens are smaller and have a red air sac. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The greater prairie chicken on the left, inflates its air sacs, as the lesser prairie chicken does the same on the right. Greater prairie chickens tend to be bigger and have an orange air sac. The lesser prairie chickens are smaller and have a red air sac. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although greater prairie chickens can be found from Texas to southern Canada, northwestern Kansas is the only place in the world where greater and lesser prairie chickens occur in the same place.&nbsp;Lesser prairie chickens have a much smaller range that includes parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico — the majority of that range is in western Kansas.Last weekend, more than 140 birders from across the nation came to Kansas, with Hays as their base, to see prairie chickens during their mating season.&nbsp;In addition to the males inflating sacks on either side of their throats to make their signature booms, prairie chickens are also known for their distinct (and in my view, comical) mating dances.The males shoot up feathers located on the back of their necks called&nbsp;pinnae. Those feathers stick up above their heads like horns. They stick their tail feathers up in the air, wiggle their butts and quickly stomp their feet. It looks like a combo between a 2-year-old throwing a temper tantrum and grandma trying to do the chicken dance.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681935984841.jpeg" alt="Male lesser prairie chickens square off on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Male lesser prairie chickens square off on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Although you're supposed to be dead silent in those blinds, it's hard not to giggle just a little at the whole sight.As more birds join the lek, fights erupt. Two males will face off in the middle of the lek, staring at each other. Sometimes they just walk away. Other times one will fly up and pounce on the other bird.&nbsp;The females, who are much less showy, which is common in the bird world, mingle with the males appearing uninterested and unamused.Even after all the girls have left the lek for the morning, a few males tend to hang out, too tired to spar anymore.&nbsp;Observing prairie chickens from a blind gets you the best views of the birds and the best glimpses of their natural behaviors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936081724.jpeg" alt="A male lesser prairie chicken, right, tries to woo a female lesser prairie chicken, left. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A male lesser prairie chicken, right, tries to woo a female lesser prairie chicken, left. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>At times, birds were no more than 10 feet from our blinds and could be easily seen without scopes or binoculars.&nbsp;The downside is that you have to be in those blinds before the first light and must stay in the blinds without a bathroom break until after 9 a.m. in our case when the birds for no apparent reason all flushed at once. We met to load vans to head toward our leks at 3:30 a.m.Even last Friday when the high was 80, it was cold on that hilltop in Gove County, even with three layers of clothes and gloves. A birder from San Fransisco who went out on one of the blind tours Saturday morning when the high was only in the 50s said it was the coldest he had ever been.They haven't been here when the wind chills were 50 below.Prairie chickens were once ubiquitous on the prairie. Early settlers hunted them for food. However, their numbers have been in decline for decades.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936235390.jpeg" alt="A prairie chicken tries to pounce on a rival male as they fight for mates on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A prairie chicken tries to pounce on a rival male as they fight for mates on a lek in Gove County. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Prairie chickens need large open areas of grassland to sustain their populations and perform their signature mating dances. They don't like anything that is taller than they are. This includes trees, power poles, windmills and oil derricks.&nbsp;Some researchers have proffered the prairie chickens avoid these natural and manmade structures because they have historically been used by birds of prey for perches.You likely have heard lesser prairie chickens mentioned in the news recently. The federal government has listed the lesser prairie chicken as threatened, which is not sitting too well with some energy companies and local landowners.Prairie chickens thrive on cattle pastures. Grazing keeps cover at the needed heights for the prairie chickens through their life cycles. They need some short grass, some medium cover and some thicker cover.&nbsp;One of these said landowners stopped our van on the way out of the pasture Friday morning and started chit-chatting about the chickens.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936388982.jpeg" alt="An overview of the prairie chicken lek as dawn slowly breaks over the prairie. A male lesser prairie chicken, center, can be seen here with several females. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>An overview of the prairie chicken lek as dawn slowly breaks over the prairie. A male lesser prairie chicken, center, can be seen here with several females. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>He said he too had prairie chickens on his property, but he said he was concerned about the limits the listing would place on property rights.The landowner said he isn't bothered by the prairie chickens or the researchers and visitors who come to see them.&nbsp;However, he said he wants to be able to manage his cattle and land without interference from the feds in D.C. The farmer's concerns did not fall on deaf ears. We've had a farm in our family for several generations. It's hard work, and farmers are often left with small profits and big debts.So why go through all this trouble to save this one goofy little bird?&nbsp;Jackie Augustine, organizer of the Prairie Chicken Festival and an expert on the birds, said simply they're cute.More importantly, they are a sign of healthy prairie habitat.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936745789.jpeg" alt="Lesser prairie chickens have been listed as threatened by the federal government, but the state of Kansas is fighting that designation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lesser prairie chickens have been listed as threatened by the federal government, but the state of Kansas is fighting that designation. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/727ddb20-ced5-4d23-9090-aeb6cfda8a9e">She also argued voluntary measures have been in place for years, but the prairie chicken populations have yet to stabilize.</a>Commerce doesn't have to be given up entirely for conservation.Augustine said cattle ranchers can still run cattle on their land, and the listing doesn't completely restrict oil and energy production in this region. It encourages it to be done in areas that won't destroy leks.Birders are a passionate group. They have what they call life lists, which include every bird they have seen in their lifetimes. Some birders travel internationally to add to those life lists.The Prairie Chicken Festival attendees, most of whom were from out of state, paid hundreds of dollars in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/audubonofkansas">Audubon</a> fees alone, not to mention food, gas, lodging and entertainment to watch these birds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936920208.jpeg" alt="Most of the prairie chicken leks in Kansas are on private land. This one was marked by cow pie piles. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Most of the prairie chicken leks in Kansas are on private land. This one was marked by cow pie piles. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Coming to a compromise between maintaining property owner rights and implementing conservation tactics that will preserve the lesser prairie chicken is where we need to be, but that's not where politics are going.Unfortunately, parties in the prairie chicken debate have taken to their corners for a fight. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/1f995f9e-3403-4556-b353-c968c3e5e924">Last week, the Kansas Attorney General sued President Biden in an attempt to have the lesser prairie chicken delisted from the threatened species list.</a>This weekend was my third time observing prairie chickens in the wild. They never cease to amaze me. They always make me smile. Their boom ... boom ... boom ... makes me feel more in rhythm.&nbsp;They don't understand land deeds or lawsuits. They are just doing what prairie chickens do.Those who know me, know I am not a morning person. I don't know anyone who is a 3 a.m. morning person. However, as I emerged from our little prairie cocoons Friday morning on lek, I had a huge smile on my face. The hike, no bathroom, the early wakeup, and the cold were worth it.However, as the birds flushed and disappeared into the gray morning Friday, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I wondered what was next for my feathered friends.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936568023.jpeg" alt="Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney standing outside of her blind in the late morning after her prairie chicken viewing tour. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Post reporter Cristina Janney standing outside of her blind in the late morning after her prairie chicken viewing tour. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 Reporter experiences Kansas prairie chickens first hand

BROOKE A NJAA, 26, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv.; incapable of safely driving; Bond $750

PARTHENIA ANANEA PRATHER, 40, Randolph, Failure to appear;&nbsp;

MAURICE ROGER COLEMAN, 39, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $5,000

SHAWN PAUL SAMUELSON, 22, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $15,000

JOANNA MARIE NOWAK, 30, St. George, Violation of Court Order; Failure to appear; Bond $75,000

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL TROY, 34, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Bond $25,000

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;BROOKE A NJAA, 26, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alc; 1st conv.; incapable of safely driving; Bond $750PARTHENIA ANANEA PRATHER, 40, Randolph, Failure to appear;&nbsp;MAURICE ROGER COLEMAN, 39, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $5,000SHAWN PAUL SAMUELSON, 22, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $15,000JOANNA MARIE NOWAK, 30, St. George, Violation of Court Order; Failure to appear; Bond $75,000CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL TROY, 34, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Bond $25,000

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