MANHATTAN, Kan. — Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year have until March 15, 2023, to elect and enroll a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.    

“The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs provide critical protection to many American farmers. As producers across the country deal with market volatility and natural disasters, these programs offer much-needed stability,” said Dennis McKinney, State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “I am encouraging producers to reach out to their county offices to learn about program eligibility and election options today, so that they can begin the enrollment process as soon as possible.”  

Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which are both commodity-by-commodity, or ARC-Individual, which covers the entire farm. Although election changes for 2023 are optional, producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Additionally, if a producer has a multi-year contract on their farm and makes an election change for 2023, they will need to sign a new contract.    

If producers do not submit an election by the March 15, 2023, deadline, the election remains the same as the 2022 election for commodities on the farm. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the commodity.     

In Kansas, producers have completed 74,828 contracts to date, representing 72% of the more than 104,000 expected contracts.  

Producers who do not complete enrollment by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2023 year and will not receive a payment if triggered.    

Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities:  barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.    

In partnership with USDA, two web-based decision tools are available to assist producers in making informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations:    

· <a href="https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2019/08/introducing-the-gardner-farmdoc-payment-calculator">Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator, a tool available through the University of Illinois allows producers to estimate payments for farms and counties for ARC-CO and PLC.</a>

· <a href="https://www.afpc.tamu.edu/">ARC and PLC Decision Tool, a tool available through Texas A&amp;M University that allows producers to estimate payments and yield updates and expected payments for 2023</a>.

Crop Insurance Considerations and Decision Deadline

ARC and PLC are part of a broader safety net provided by USDA, which also includes crop insurance and marketing assistance loans.  

Producers are reminded that ARC and PLC elections and enrollments can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products.  

Producers on farms with a PLC election have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) through their Approved Insurance Provider. However, producers on farms where ARC is the election are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres for that crop on that farm.   

Unlike SCO, the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is unaffected by an ARC election. Producers may add ECO regardless of the farm program election.  

Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan (STAX) on their planted cotton acres for that farm.    

Producers should contact their crop insurance agent to make certain that the election and enrollment made at FSA follows their intention to participate in STAX or SCO coverage. Producers have until March 15, 2023, to make the appropriate changes or cancel their ARC or PLC contract.   

For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit <a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index">the ARC and PLC webpage </a>or contact their local USDA Service Center.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663858459654.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. — Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year have until March 15, 2023, to elect and enroll a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.    “The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs provide critical protection to many American farmers. As producers across the country deal with market volatility and natural disasters, these programs offer much-needed stability,” said Dennis McKinney, State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “I am encouraging producers to reach out to their county offices to learn about program eligibility and election options today, so that they can begin the enrollment process as soon as possible.”  Producers can elect coverage and enroll in ARC-County or PLC, which are both commodity-by-commodity, or ARC-Individual, which covers the entire farm. Although election changes for 2023 are optional, producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Additionally, if a producer has a multi-year contract on their farm and makes an election change for 2023, they will need to sign a new contract.    If producers do not submit an election by the March 15, 2023, deadline, the election remains the same as the 2022 election for commodities on the farm. Farm owners cannot enroll in either program unless they have a share interest in the commodity.     In Kansas, producers have completed 74,828 contracts to date, representing 72% of the more than 104,000 expected contracts.  Producers who do not complete enrollment by the deadline will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2023 year and will not receive a payment if triggered.    Producers are eligible to enroll farms with base acres for the following commodities:  barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat.    Decision Tools In partnership with USDA, two web-based decision tools are available to assist producers in making informed, educated decisions using crop data specific to their respective farming operations:    · <a href="https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2019/08/introducing-the-gardner-farmdoc-payment-calculator">Gardner-farmdoc Payment Calculator, a tool available through the University of Illinois allows producers to estimate payments for farms and counties for ARC-CO and PLC.</a>   · <a href="https://www.afpc.tamu.edu/">ARC and PLC Decision Tool, a tool available through Texas A&amp;M University that allows producers to estimate payments and yield updates and expected payments for 2023</a>.   Crop Insurance Considerations and Decision Deadline ARC and PLC are part of a broader safety net provided by USDA, which also includes crop insurance and marketing assistance loans.  Producers are reminded that ARC and PLC elections and enrollments can impact eligibility for some crop insurance products.  Producers on farms with a PLC election have the option of purchasing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) through their Approved Insurance Provider. However, producers on farms where ARC is the election are ineligible for SCO on their planted acres for that crop on that farm.   Unlike SCO, the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) is unaffected by an ARC election. Producers may add ECO regardless of the farm program election.  Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the stacked income protection plan (STAX) on their planted cotton acres for that farm.    Producers should contact their crop insurance agent to make certain that the election and enrollment made at FSA follows their intention to participate in STAX or SCO coverage. Producers have until March 15, 2023, to make the appropriate changes or cancel their ARC or PLC contract.   More Information    For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit <a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index">the ARC and PLC webpage </a>or contact their local USDA Service Center.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;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;

March 15 is deadline for USDA’s key commodity safety net programs 

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - On Thursday, March 2nd at just before 3:00 p.m., officers with the Riley County Police Department arrested a 34-year-old Manhattan man in connection with a <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/05cf6117-fcf5-4aaa-81b0-938a7fcfd2b6">February 11th hit and run that injured a pedestrian.</a>

Kristopher Scott Mackey, 34 of Manhattan, was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony, intending to obstruct; Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case;&nbsp; and Failure to stop at accident; Result in great bodily harm.

On February 11th, RCPD officers were called to the 4700 block of Skyway Drive around 9:30 p.m. after a 30-year-old man was found on the side of the road with injuries consistent with being hit by a moving vehicle.

The victim was initially transported to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan and was later taken to Stormont Vail in Topeka for treatment of his injuries.

Mackey remains confined to the Riley County Jail in lieu of bond pending his first appearance in Riley County District Court.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - On Thursday, March 2nd at just before 3:00 p.m., officers with the Riley County Police Department arrested a 34-year-old Manhattan man in connection with a <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/05cf6117-fcf5-4aaa-81b0-938a7fcfd2b6">February 11th hit and run that injured a pedestrian.</a>Kristopher Scott Mackey, 34 of Manhattan, was arrested on requested charges of&nbsp;Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony, intending to obstruct; Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case;&nbsp; and Failure to stop at accident; Result in great bodily harm.On February 11th, RCPD officers were called to the 4700 block of Skyway Drive around 9:30 p.m. after a 30-year-old man was found on the side of the road with injuries consistent with being hit by a moving vehicle.The victim was initially transported to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan and was later taken to Stormont Vail in Topeka for treatment of his injuries.Mackey remains confined to the Riley County Jail in lieu of bond pending his first appearance in Riley County District Court.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRileyCountyPD%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0Wt4EitQAM72DNAc4KSvkXbnRKWbvgYuzysznkvExFjJ2224ijrUfsS7TRk8EnnmLl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="756" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

34 year old MHK man arrested for Feb. pedestrian hit & run

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;

TYLER RICHARD HEINEN, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv.; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

KRISTOPHER SCOTT MACKEY, 34, Manhattan, Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony, intending to obstruct; Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Failure to stop at accident; Result in great bodily harm; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

ANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750

TIA RENE SWARTHOUT, 41, Manhattan, Criminal Damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1,000; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $1,000

MICHAEL RAY WATT, 41, Manhattan, Criminal Threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Theft from building; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $6,000

ESTEVAN IZIK ROCHIN, 16, Ogden, Burglary; Non-dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; processed through NCK Juvenile Intake and released to a parent/guardian

SARAH ELIZABETH TEENER, 41, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 2/22/2023

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;TYLER RICHARD HEINEN, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv.; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750KRISTOPHER SCOTT MACKEY, 34, Manhattan, Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony, intending to obstruct; Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Failure to stop at accident; Result in great bodily harm; Remains confined to Riley County JailANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750TIA RENE SWARTHOUT, 41, Manhattan, Criminal Damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1,000; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $1,000MICHAEL RAY WATT, 41, Manhattan, Criminal Threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Theft from building; Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $6,000ESTEVAN IZIK ROCHIN, 16, Ogden, Burglary; Non-dwelling for felony, theft, sex; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; processed through NCK Juvenile Intake and released to a parent/guardianSARAH ELIZABETH TEENER, 41, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 2/22/2023

Riley County Arrest Report March 3

RILEY COUNTY - More than 60 elk from the herd on Fort Riley has been seen east of Keats near Anderson Avenue over the last couple weeks.

Video by a community member shows the herd as it's headed north towards Anderson Avenue.

Fort Riley's Environmental Division posted on Wednesday about an elk who decided to rest near the Ogden gate.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677792020384.jpeg" alt="More than 60 elk from Fort Riley seen east of Keats, photo courtesy Wayne Goff" />
 <figcaption>More than 60 elk from Fort Riley seen east of Keats, photo courtesy Wayne Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY - More than 60 elk from the herd on Fort Riley has been seen east of Keats near Anderson Avenue over the last couple weeks.Video by a community member shows the herd as it's headed north towards Anderson Avenue.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/i3XzCoi8-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Fort Riley Elk east of Keats" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Fort Riley's Environmental Division posted on Wednesday about an elk who decided to rest near the Ogden gate.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFortRileyEnvironmentalOffice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0B7TbDqoFZJUQ3MkJyJiXd5e5Zek6kfi2ELM8xZKoH7CRoHiM6WCVHwRt9jkAam5rl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="761" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Fort Riley elk herd spotted east of Keats, south of Anderson Ave.

MANHATTAN - 'Harvesters' food distribution for Friday, March 3rd at Westview Community Church has been cancelled.

The church is having a funeral service on Friday, which changes the availability of the parking lot and volunteers.

The next 'Harvesters' food distribution at Westview Community Church will be Friday, April 7th at 10:00 am.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - 'Harvesters' food distribution for Friday, March 3rd at Westview Community Church has been cancelled.The church is having a funeral service on Friday, which changes the availability of the parking lot and volunteers.The next 'Harvesters' food distribution at Westview Community Church will be Friday, April 7th at 10:00 am.

'Harvesters' food distribution at Westview Church canceled

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a teen in custody.

Just after 3a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property at Casey's General Store in the 300 block of Riley Ave. in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Someone had broken a window with a baseball bat, entered through the broken window, and stole approximately $250 worth of vaping pods. The damage to the window is worth approximately $500. 

Police responded to the call and quickly identified the suspect as Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden. 

Just after 6a.m. Wednesday, police arrested him on requested charges of burglary and criminal damage to property. Rochin will be processed through juvenile intake and released to a guardian.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have a teen in custody.Just after 3a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property at Casey's General Store in the 300 block of Riley Ave. in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Someone had broken a window with a baseball bat, entered through the broken window, and stole approximately $250 worth of vaping pods. The damage to the window is worth approximately $500. Police responded to the call and quickly identified the suspect as Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden. Just after 6a.m. Wednesday, police arrested him on requested charges of burglary and criminal damage to property. Rochin will be processed through juvenile intake and released to a guardian.

RCPD: Teen used baseball bat in convenience store burglary

EMILY MARIE COX, 21, Junction City, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500

BRIAN MITCHELL DAVENPORT, 39, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $250

JOSE ADRIAN BANUELOS HERNANDEZ, 25, Los Angeles, CA, Failure to appear x2; Bond $15,000

CHRYSTAL LYNN THEIS, 44, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $13,000

MARY EDELMIRE CURTIS, 61, Junction City, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Bond $6,000

DARREL LADEL SMITH, 41, Manhattan,&nbsp;Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Criminal possession of a weapon; convicted of person/drug felony; firearm used in crime; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; &lt; 3.5 grams; Distribute certain depressant; Dose &lt; 10 units; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt;100 grams; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute marijuana; &lt; 25 grams; Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin; Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Distribute certain depressant; Dose 10 - &lt; 100 units; Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; Bond $90,000

ANTONIO TERRELL HILL, 51, Ogden, Uniform criminal extradition act; deliver person in disobedience of 22-2710; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

TARON DION TRAYLOR, 20, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,500; released to custody of Junction City Police Department

DARRELL LEE STEVENS, 37, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $10,000

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;EMILY MARIE COX, 21, Junction City, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500BRIAN MITCHELL DAVENPORT, 39, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $250JOSE ADRIAN BANUELOS HERNANDEZ, 25, Los Angeles, CA, Failure to appear x2; Bond $15,000CHRYSTAL LYNN THEIS, 44, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $13,000MARY EDELMIRE CURTIS, 61, Junction City, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Bond $6,000DARREL LADEL SMITH, 41, Manhattan,&nbsp;Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Criminal possession of a weapon; convicted of person/drug felony; firearm used in crime; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; &lt; 3.5 grams; Distribute certain depressant; Dose &lt; 10 units; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 - &lt;100 grams; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute marijuana; &lt; 25 grams; Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin; Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Distribute certain depressant; Dose 10 - &lt; 100 units; Violate offender registration act; 1st conviction; person; Bond $90,000ANTONIO TERRELL HILL, 51, Ogden, Uniform criminal extradition act; deliver person in disobedience of 22-2710; Remains confined to Riley County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677765623048.jpeg" alt="Taron Dion Traylor, pics from Geary County&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Taron Dion Traylor, pics from Geary County&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TARON DION TRAYLOR, 20, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,500; released to custody of Junction City Police DepartmentDARRELL LEE STEVENS, 37, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $10,000

📷: Riley County Arrest Report March 2

RILEY COUNTY - Riley County Police Department posted to social media on Thursday morning, notifying the public that officers were enforcing the 'No Left Turn' from Walters Drive onto southbound Tuttle Creek Boulevard.

Officers were in the area until 9:00 am on Thursday morning, and will be back out enforcing the 'No Left Turn' from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

The intersection has been identified by RCPD as a problem area with a large risk for crashes.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - Riley County Police Department posted to social media on Thursday morning, notifying the public that officers were enforcing the 'No Left Turn' from Walters Drive onto southbound Tuttle Creek Boulevard.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2873.825395063241!2d-96.57960208480716!3d39.21622227952267!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bdd2006f97c18b%3A0x4ec06c19c6e7cf36!2sWalters%20Dr%20%26%20US-24%2C%20Manhattan%2C%20KS%2066502!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1677768209370!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Officers were in the area until 9:00 am on Thursday morning, and will be back out enforcing the 'No Left Turn' from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon.The intersection has been identified by RCPD as a problem area with a large risk for crashes.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FRileyCountyPD%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02A6V53BLnofN6Cj43iRGAJ8UwAsS67Wqyi6MnbjBwS5tqZ4HNvr7znV4WhY73EJBel&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="679" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

RCPD enforcing 'No Left Turn' at Walters Drive at TCB intersection

CLAY CENTER — Clay County Medical Center has announced&nbsp; it
 has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. 
Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual 
recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s 
rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital 
Performance INDEX.

“We are honored to be included in the Top 100 Critical Access  Hospital's within the United States,” said Austin Gillard, CEO of  CCMC.&nbsp; “It
 is a reflection of our  outstanding team members that are dedicated to 
providing exceptional care to  the communities we serve in North Central
 Kansas.”

                  Now in its 13th  year, the INDEX 
has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and  
objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly 
 available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems
 with  rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of 
rural health  across the country to measure and monitor performance 
across a variety of areas  impacting hospital operations and finance.

 “Across the nation,  top 100 rural providers 
continue to serve as a source of inspiration for  hospital leadership 
teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the  delivery of
 care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik,  National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677525217849.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseCLAY CENTER — Clay County Medical Center has announced&nbsp; it
 has been recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. 
Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual 
recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s 
rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital 
Performance INDEX. 
 “We are honored to be included in the Top 100 Critical Access Hospital's within the United States,” said Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC.&nbsp; “It
 is a reflection of our outstanding team members that are dedicated to 
providing exceptional care to the communities we serve in North Central
 Kansas.” Now in its 13th year, the INDEX 
has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and 
objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly 
 available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems
 with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of 
rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance 
across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance. “Across the nation, top 100 rural providers 
continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership 
teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of
 care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Clay Center hospital recognized as Top 100 Critical Access Hospital

TOPEKA — This week,&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly announced more than $2&nbsp;million in grant awards to&nbsp;improve how&nbsp;the&nbsp;state supports&nbsp;victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.&nbsp;

These grants are provided through the Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Act Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA). The&nbsp;grant&nbsp;program supports efforts&nbsp;to respond&nbsp;to crimes against women&nbsp;by&nbsp;developing,&nbsp;training, or expanding units&nbsp;of&nbsp;law enforcement&nbsp;officers, prosecutors, judges,&nbsp;and court personnel,&nbsp;specifically targeting crimes against women.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Among the agencies receiving funding are:

• Crisis Center, Junction City Domestic Violence Task Force,&nbsp;$52,530 • Crisis Center, Riley Co. Domestic Violence Task Force,&nbsp;$49,642

“We must do all we can to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;of domestic violence and sexual assault have the&nbsp;support and resources&nbsp;they need&nbsp;to&nbsp;navigate their traumatic experience and demand&nbsp;justice,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“This funding strengthens&nbsp;Kansas’ victim services and legal assistance programs&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance that mission&nbsp;and promote coordinated community responses&nbsp;for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.”&nbsp;

Funds from the Federal Sexual Assault Services Program assist programs in providing victims of sexual assault with crisis intervention and accompaniment and advocacy assistance through the medical and criminal justice processes. The funds also provide educational information to survivors of sexual assault.&nbsp;

Funds are available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.&nbsp;

Office of the GovernorTOPEKA — This week,&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly announced more than $2&nbsp;million in grant awards to&nbsp;improve how&nbsp;the&nbsp;state supports&nbsp;victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.&nbsp;These grants are provided through the Federal Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors Violence Against Women Act Formula Grant Program (S.T.O.P. VAWA). The&nbsp;grant&nbsp;program supports efforts&nbsp;to respond&nbsp;to crimes against women&nbsp;by&nbsp;developing,&nbsp;training, or expanding units&nbsp;of&nbsp;law enforcement&nbsp;officers, prosecutors, judges,&nbsp;and court personnel,&nbsp;specifically targeting crimes against women.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677516078857.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Among the agencies receiving funding are:• Crisis Center, Junction City Domestic Violence Task Force,&nbsp;$52,530 • Crisis Center, Riley Co. Domestic Violence Task Force,&nbsp;$49,642 “We must do all we can to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;survivors&nbsp;of domestic violence and sexual assault have the&nbsp;support and resources&nbsp;they need&nbsp;to&nbsp;navigate their traumatic experience and demand&nbsp;justice,” Kelly said.&nbsp;“This funding strengthens&nbsp;Kansas’ victim services and legal assistance programs&nbsp;to&nbsp;advance that mission&nbsp;and promote coordinated community responses&nbsp;for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rape, and stalking.”&nbsp;Funds from the Federal Sexual Assault Services Program assist programs in providing victims of sexual assault with crisis intervention and accompaniment and advocacy assistance through the medical and criminal justice processes. The funds also provide educational information to survivors of sexual assault.&nbsp;Funds are available through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.&nbsp;

Geary, Riley county agencies receive funds to support victims

By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays Post

MANHATTAN — Father Gale Hammerschmidt was a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in his hometown of Hays when the Academy Award-winning movie “Field of Dreams” was released in April of 1989.

Like most folks who have seen Field of Dreams, especially sports fans, Father Gale probably well remembers the movie’s thematic phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”

That reference was to building a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, which attracted ghosts of baseball legends to emerge from the cornfield to play ball.

Now a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Salina, Father Gale helped build a Catholic church in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills.

The new, spacious St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan offers much more room for Kansas State University students to worship, making Father Gale’s reward much greater than an Academy Award.

Father Gale, the chaplain at St. Isidore’s chapel on the K-State campus, would be the first to tell you that students were flocking to St. Isidore’s long before he even became a priest.

After graduating from TMP-Marian in 1990, Father Gale attended K-State and frequented St. Isidore’s as a college student. He graduated from KSU in 1995 and taught middle school history at Manhattan Catholic Schools for 10 years before entering the seminary.&nbsp;

Not long after being ordained a priest in 2012, Father Gale founded Prayer and Action, a summer service mission trip for teenagers, who serve local communities around the Salina Diocese. Other dioceses across the state have since adopted that ministry as well.

After serving in several capacities in the diocese for five years, Father Gale was assigned to St. Isidore’s in 2017, and a building committee was formed soon thereafter.

It had been a dream for many years to expand the space or build a new church at St. Isidore’s, which has long has been a beacon to students from near and far, including several from northwest Kansas.

“I chose K-State because of St. Isidore’s,” Jamie Kuhlman from Oakley said of the Catholic campus center where she attends daily Mass and a plethora of other activities.

“Our goal is to get to heaven,” added Kuhlman, co-president of St. Isidore’s student leadership team. “St. Isidore’s has meant so much to me through my college journey. I’m excited to see more students get involved and grow in their faith.”

Following is my story of the dedication of the new St. Isidore’s chapel earlier this year, which first appeared in the February issue of The Register, the newspaper for the Salina Diocese.

• &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp;

The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan, Kansas, began ringing at straight-up noon on a Saturday in late January, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.

Students, family and friends joined clergy and alumni scurrying around, making their way to the Alumni Center at Kansas State University, awaiting their cue to march across the street for a special, long-awaited ceremony.

Excitement was in the air on the unseasonably warm afternoon as 600-some people anticipated the dedication of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.

“Oohs” and “ahs” could be heard as people got closer and closer to the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets.

The crowd gathered on the front brick patio, and Bishop Jerry Vincke smiled as he stood near the front doors.

The bishop accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began.

The dedication ceremony part of the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with Holy Water, anointing the walls and the altar with Chrism oil, placing incense on the altar and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.

During the sacred anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto the altar, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.

Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.

“(Parents) bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the Church today,” he said.

Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once paused for several seconds before continuing on.

“I was humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”

One of those “right people” was Father Gale himself.

A Kansas State alum, Father Gale knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.

Less than five years later, the dream became reality.

After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or the student center.&nbsp;

Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the chapel. Eyes are drawn to the wooden vaulted ceiling. A stunning golden mosaic in the front of the marble altar from Italy draws them closer to the front of the church.

Stained glass windows of St. Isidore (the chapel’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student centers namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the chapel. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, standing over the front doors.

“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Gale said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”

“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the Church. This church is a gift to you.”

Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend Mass at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.

The new chapel will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.

Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full to capacity 40 years ago.

Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football tram from 1980-84, spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended KSU – and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.

“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”&nbsp;

Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.

“This project tugs at my heart like nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18- to 22-year olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”

After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.

“I’d say 99 percent of the students said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Gale said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”

Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.

“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”

“I know the&nbsp;choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”

One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.

Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677433586409.png" alt="Street lights illuminate the new St. Isidore's Catholic Church on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Photo by Carson Ackerman, a KSU student from Hays." />
 <figcaption>Street lights illuminate the new St. Isidore's Catholic Church on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. Photo by Carson Ackerman, a KSU student from Hays.</figcaption>
 </figure>By DIANE GASPER-O’BRIEN Special to Hays PostMANHATTAN — Father Gale Hammerschmidt was a junior at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School in his hometown of Hays when the Academy Award-winning movie “Field of Dreams” was released in April of 1989.Like most folks who have seen Field of Dreams, especially sports fans, Father Gale probably well remembers the movie’s thematic phrase, “If you build it, they will come.”That reference was to building a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, which attracted ghosts of baseball legends to emerge from the cornfield to play ball.Now a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Salina, Father Gale helped build a Catholic church in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills.The new, spacious St. Isidore’s church in Manhattan offers much more room for Kansas State University students to worship, making Father Gale’s reward much greater than an Academy Award.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350149148.png" alt="Father Gale was all smiles during the dedication weekend of St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Father Gale was all smiles during the dedication weekend of St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>Father Gale, the chaplain at St. Isidore’s chapel on the K-State campus, would be the first to tell you that students were flocking to St. Isidore’s long before he even became a priest.After graduating from TMP-Marian in 1990, Father Gale attended K-State and frequented St. Isidore’s as a college student. He graduated from KSU in 1995 and taught middle school history at Manhattan Catholic Schools for 10 years before entering the seminary.&nbsp;Not long after being ordained a priest in 2012, Father Gale founded Prayer and Action, a summer service mission trip for teenagers, who serve local communities around the Salina Diocese. Other dioceses across the state have since adopted that ministry as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350080193.png" alt="An inside view of the new St. Isidore's Church. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>An inside view of the new St. Isidore's Church. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>After serving in several capacities in the diocese for five years, Father Gale was assigned to St. Isidore’s in 2017, and a building committee was formed soon thereafter.It had been a dream for many years to expand the space or build a new church at St. Isidore’s, which has long has been a beacon to students from near and far, including several from northwest Kansas.“I chose K-State because of St. Isidore’s,” Jamie Kuhlman from Oakley said of the Catholic campus center where she attends daily Mass and a plethora of other activities.“Our goal is to get to heaven,” added Kuhlman, co-president of St. Isidore’s student leadership team. “St. Isidore’s has meant so much to me through my college journey. I’m excited to see more students get involved and grow in their faith.”Following is my story of the dedication of the new St. Isidore’s chapel earlier this year, which first appeared in the February issue of The Register, the newspaper for the Salina Diocese.• &nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp; •&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350224555.png" alt="St. Isidore's Church is a beacon on the KSU campus at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets in Manhattan. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>St. Isidore's Church is a beacon on the KSU campus at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets in Manhattan. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>The bells in the tower of a beautiful new church in Manhattan, Kansas, began ringing at straight-up noon on a Saturday in late January, signaling the start of a day of grand celebration.Students, family and friends joined clergy and alumni scurrying around, making their way to the Alumni Center at Kansas State University, awaiting their cue to march across the street for a special, long-awaited ceremony.Excitement was in the air on the unseasonably warm afternoon as 600-some people anticipated the dedication of the St. Isidore’s Catholic Church.“Oohs” and “ahs” could be heard as people got closer and closer to the 14,000-square-foot limestone church and student center at the corner of Anderson and Denison Streets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677353846753.png" alt="Avery Werth, a KSU student from Hays, visits with Bishop Gerald Vincke after the student Mass on dedication weekend for St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Avery Werth, a KSU student from Hays, visits with Bishop Gerald Vincke after the student Mass on dedication weekend for St. Isidore's. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>The crowd gathered on the front brick patio, and Bishop Jerry Vincke smiled as he stood near the front doors.The bishop accepted the keys to the church from the contractor, knocked on the door and walked inside. And the celebration began.The dedication ceremony part of the Mass included blessing the church and congregation with Holy Water, anointing the walls and the altar with Chrism oil, placing incense on the altar and lighting candles on the altar and all around the church.During the sacred anointing of the altar, the bishop poured oil onto the altar, then rubbed the oil into the marble top with his own hands.Bishop Vincke likened the ceremony to the baptism of a baby.“(Parents) bring a baby to the waters of baptism and are asked ‘What do you ask of God?’ One could say that we are baptizing the Church today,” he said.Father Gale Hammerschmidt, pastor at St. Isidore’s, could only shake his head after Mass while thanking everyone. Overcome with emotion, he once paused for several seconds before continuing on.“I was humbled by the hundreds and hundreds of people who have so appreciated this mission that we have been on,” he said. “I’m so grateful to God that he put the right people in the right place during this journey.”One of those “right people” was Father Gale himself.A Kansas State alum, Father Gale knew of the ongoing discussions about a new church. When he was assigned to serve as pastor at St. Isidore’s in 2017, he heard about it immediately. By the next year, he and the board had begun an ardent fundraising campaign that raised $11 million toward the $18 million project.Less than five years later, the dream became reality.After a new student center was built, the old church was demolished. During construction of the new chapel, Mass was held at the Alumni Center and/or the student center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350290188.png" alt="Father Gale Hammerschmidt anoints the walls of the church during the dedication Mass. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger " />
 <figcaption>Father Gale Hammerschmidt anoints the walls of the church during the dedication Mass. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger </figcaption>
 </figure>Now, visitors to St. Isidore’s are greeted by a large, ornate baptismal font as they enter the chapel. Eyes are drawn to the wooden vaulted ceiling. A stunning golden mosaic in the front of the marble altar from Italy draws them closer to the front of the church.Stained glass windows of St. Isidore (the chapel’s namesake) and St. Robert Bellarmine (the student centers namesake) were saved from the old chapel and are in plain view over the choir loft above the back of the chapel. Those windows also can be seen from the outside, standing over the front doors.“The Catholic Church is the world’s largest proponent of beauty, because one of God’s attributes is beauty,” Father Gale said. “If you design something beautiful, you are indeed honoring God.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350349536.png" alt="Bishop Gerald Vincke pours holy chrism oil on the new altar during the dedication Mass of St. Isidore's. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger" />
 <figcaption>Bishop Gerald Vincke pours holy chrism oil on the new altar during the dedication Mass of St. Isidore's. Photo by Jacob Bentzinger</figcaption>
 </figure>“As much as the building is beautiful, it’s even more beautiful today, because you are in it,” Bishop Vincke said, particularly addressing the students. “That’s why this church exists. You are Christ’s body, the Church. This church is a gift to you.”Either expanding St. Isidore’s or building a new church had been discussed for many years. More than 1,500 students attend Mass at St. Isidore’s on any given weekend. The old church held about 425 people, with 80 more seats in the library to watch Mass on video.The new chapel will seat 650, with additional chair seating for overflow.Stan Weber, who attended K-State in the early 1980s, said he remembers the church being full to capacity 40 years ago.Weber, who played quarterback for the Wildcat football tram from 1980-84, spent a lot of time at St. Isidore’s. He and his wife are both alumni of K-State, and all four of the couple’s children attended KSU – and St. Isidore’s. Weber, the long-time color analyst for K-State Sports Network, still frequents the church.“St. Isidore’s has always been a big part of our lives,” he said. “It’s a great place to be for young people making informed choices about their faith.”&nbsp;Dave Dreiling, one of the lead donors for the project, agreed.“This project tugs at my heart like nothing else,” Dreiling said. “These 18- to 22-year olds are making the decision on their own faith, not that of their parents. They are getting involved and developing their faith, and lot of them will be active parish members decades from now.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350400657.png" alt="St. Isidore's was packed for the first student Mass on dedication weekend. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>St. Isidore's was packed for the first student Mass on dedication weekend. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>After much planning and meeting with focus groups that included alumni and students, a Neo-Gothic traditional architecture was chosen for the design. All along the way, the architects took students’ suggestions seriously.“I’d say 99 percent of the students said they wanted the church to look like a church,” Father Gale said. “We weren’t going to do anything other than traditional.”Ridge Pinkston, a history major from Kingman, was a member of the building committee. He is particularly interested in architectural history and was instrumental in helping choose the traditional Neo-Gothic architecture theme for the new church.“It is really rewarding to help in the building of something beautiful like this,” Pinkston said, “something that will honestly change people’s lives.”“I know the&nbsp;choices I make as a student really center around St. Isidore’s,” said Grace Gorges from Clearwater, another student who served on the building committee. “It has had a big impact on my life and my own personal progression, just my life in general. This gives more students the chance to experience that.”One stakeholder in the project for many years who wasn’t present, Dr. Jack Peterson, was recognized at the dedication. Peterson was a former K-State professor and chair of the St. Isidore Foundation Board who led the charge for building a new church. He lost his battle with lung cancer last September and didn’t get to see the project to completion.Nonetheless, Peterson’s legend will no doubt live on for generations to come.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677350549492.png" alt="Stained glass windows of St. Isidore and St. Robert Bellarmine are visible over the beautiful choir loft. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative" />
 <figcaption>Stained glass windows of St. Isidore and St. Robert Bellarmine are visible over the beautiful choir loft. Photo by Clark Architects Collaborative</figcaption>
 </figure>

Western Kan. native key to bringing new chapel to K-State campus

MANHATTAN - The final four candidates for the City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director will participate in a public forum on Monday, March 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The City of Manhattan partnered with <a href="https://www.governmentresource.com/about-us">Strategic Government Resources</a>&nbsp;complete a nationwide search which narrowed the candidates down from 43 to the final 4.

Assistant Director Wyatt Thompson has been filling the position of director in the interim, following the retirement of former director, Eddie Estes in May of 2022.

Candidates will give opening remarks starting at 5:30 p.m. and then mingle with community members in an informal setting.

“We’re excited to introduce these qualified candidates and to receive input and feedback from the public prior to making our final selection,” said Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers, who will supervise the new director.

The candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are: Raymond Dunham, Matthew Enoch, Jeremy Rogers and Aaron Stewart. Short biographies of each candidate have been provided by the City of Manhattan, and can be <a href="https://cityofmhk.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2181&amp;fbclid=IwAR3AVwPXyVaWyTUkhX-b3eqSCuDJeu-3axmqpbbXJFo-Ojmlkn2nllrAYaY">found here.</a>

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - The final four candidates for the City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director will participate in a public forum on Monday, March 6 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.The City of Manhattan partnered with <a href="https://www.governmentresource.com/about-us">Strategic Government Resources</a>&nbsp;complete a nationwide search which narrowed the candidates down from 43 to the final 4.Assistant Director Wyatt Thompson has been filling the position of director in the interim, following the retirement of former director, Eddie Estes in May of 2022.Candidates will give opening remarks starting at 5:30 p.m. and then mingle with community members in an informal setting.“We’re excited to introduce these qualified candidates and to receive input and feedback from the public prior to making our final selection,” said Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers, who will supervise the new director.The candidates, in alphabetical order by last name are: Raymond Dunham, Matthew Enoch, Jeremy Rogers and Aaron Stewart. Short biographies of each candidate have been provided by the City of Manhattan, and can be <a href="https://cityofmhk.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2181&amp;fbclid=IwAR3AVwPXyVaWyTUkhX-b3eqSCuDJeu-3axmqpbbXJFo-Ojmlkn2nllrAYaY">found here.</a>

Meet & greet for MHK Parks & Rec Director candidates on 3/6

CASSIDY FAITH STOCKMAN, 28, Wamego, Failure to appear; remains confined to Riley County Jail

JOSEPH DOUGLAS KEEHN, 29, Havensville, Probation violation; Bond $80,000

BAILEY MARIE COLLIER, 20, Wichita, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000

JOANNA MARIE NOWAK, 30, St. George, Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 -&lt;100 grams; Distribute certain depressant; Dose 10 - &lt;100 units; Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin;&nbsp;Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Bond $25,000

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

ISAIAH JAMEL STEVENSON CLARK, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500

ODESSEY ODEIYONA JEWEL MOORE, 23, Manhattan, Probation violation; arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 2/12/2023

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;CASSIDY FAITH STOCKMAN, 28, Wamego, Failure to appear; remains confined to Riley County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677686643883.jpeg" alt="Joseph Douglas Keehn, picture from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Douglas Keehn, picture from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>JOSEPH DOUGLAS KEEHN, 29, Havensville, Probation violation; Bond $80,000BAILEY MARIE COLLIER, 20, Wichita, Failure to appear; Bond $3,000JOANNA MARIE NOWAK, 30, St. George, Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic, certain stimulant; 3.5 -&lt;100 grams; Distribute certain depressant; Dose 10 - &lt;100 units; Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin;&nbsp;Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; Bond $25,000ANDREW PAUL BRANDENBURG, 44, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Bond $500ISAIAH JAMEL STEVENSON CLARK, 22, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500ODESSEY ODEIYONA JEWEL MOORE, 23, Manhattan, Probation violation; arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 2/12/2023

📷: Riley County Arrest Report March 1

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating multiple reports of&nbsp;hoax shooting calls at schools across Kansas Wednesday.

Just after 8a.m., police in Manhattan received a single call  of an active shooter at Manhattan West Campus, 2100 Poyntz Avenue. Dispatchers quickly identified the call as a potential swatting call and dispatched the police department's School Resource Officer who immediately found the information from the call to be false, according to a social media report from the Riley County Police Department.

A short time later, police responded to a hoax call about an active shooter at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Street in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laurie McCabe.

Although, the School Resource Officer inside the school immediately identified this as a swatting incident, police responded swiftly and involved all available officers in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition, police received a single call of an active shooter at Highland Park High School,&nbsp;2424 SE California Ave, Topeka, according to a social media report from Topeka Police.

Officers responded, cleared the school and surrounding area and determined there was no threat to the students, staff or the school. Police is looking into the false report of an active shooter,

At around 9:15a.m. Wednesday, the Garden City Police Communications Center received a call of an active shooter at Garden City High School,&nbsp; 2720 Buffalo Wy Blvd. in Garden City. Local law enforcement responded accordingly and cleared the school and surrounding area. This was a false call.

Officers in Wichita also responded to report of an active shooter at North High School, 1437 N Rochester Street in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Police responded within minutes and quickly determined that the call was false.

There are no reports of injury at any of the schools as a result of the calls.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677682971206.png" alt="Police at Highland Park High School Wednesday-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at Highland Park High School Wednesday-photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating multiple reports of&nbsp;hoax shooting calls at schools across Kansas Wednesday.Just after 8a.m., police in Manhattan received a single call of an active shooter at Manhattan West Campus, 2100 Poyntz Avenue. Dispatchers quickly identified the call as a potential swatting call and dispatched the police department's School Resource Officer who immediately found the information from the call to be false, according to a social media report from the Riley County Police Department.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What happens when LKPD gets an active shooter call? The below video shows our response from the time the call came in, to when our SRO identified the call as a hoax. <a href="https://t.co/4hrcRHN7K0">pic.twitter.com/4hrcRHN7K0</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1631005752922980352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A short time later, police responded to a hoax call about an active shooter at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Street in Lawrence, according to police spokesperson Laurie McCabe.Although, the School Resource Officer inside the school immediately identified this as a swatting incident, police responded swiftly and involved all available officers in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, police received a single call of an active shooter at Highland Park High School,&nbsp;2424 SE California Ave, Topeka, according to a social media report from Topeka Police.Officers responded, cleared the school and surrounding area and determined there was no threat to the students, staff or the school. Police is looking into the false report of an active shooter,At around 9:15a.m. Wednesday, the Garden City Police Communications Center received a call of an active shooter at Garden City High School,&nbsp; 2720 Buffalo Wy Blvd. in Garden City. Local law enforcement responded accordingly and cleared the school and surrounding area. This was a false call.Officers in Wichita also responded to report of an active shooter at North High School, 1437 N Rochester Street in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. Police responded within minutes and quickly determined that the call was false.There are no reports of injury at any of the schools as a result of the calls.

🎥Hoax active shooter calls at school in Manhattan, across Kan.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection with a burglary.

Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 29-year-old Joseph Keehn of Havensville for his Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The warrant stems from a February 10, 2018, incident where Keehn reportedly pointed a gun at three victims while burglarizing a car. 

Keehn was originally arrested for two counts of aggravated assault and theft on February 11, 2018. Keehn remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $80,000. He has previous convictions for obstruction and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has been out of prison since December.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677686031146.png" alt="Keehn-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Keehn-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon in connection with a burglary.Just before 6p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 29-year-old Joseph Keehn of Havensville for his Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The warrant stems from a February 10, 2018, incident where Keehn reportedly pointed a gun at three victims while burglarizing a car. Keehn was originally arrested for two counts of aggravated assault and theft on February 11, 2018. Keehn remains confined in the Riley County Jail with a total bond of $80,000. He has previous convictions for obstruction and for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He has been out of prison since December.

RCPD: Kansas felon jailed for a 2018 burglary

Smoke Modeling Tool to be activated on Wednesday

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment reminds Kansans that March and April are the months 
when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within
 the Flint Hills. 

These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie
 ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from 
species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle.
 Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective 
in managing rangeland resources. 

Smoke from the burns can 
influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management
 techniques is vital to reduce air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMjcuNzIzNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NmaXJlLnNvbm9tYXRlY2hkYXRhLmNvbS92aWV3L3N1bW1hcnkvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.36ynKJgYtvzx9ebAf0MH7QUZGD6RKxdV_NEbutlpUa8/s/1305935158/br/155195289027-l" target="_blank">Kansas smoke modeling tool&nbsp;</a>on
 March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer 
models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the 
potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There 
are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills
 of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“This is the thirteenth year we
 have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire 
community,”&nbsp;said Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of 
Air. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize 
smoke modeling resources such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate 
potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large 
amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. 
Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy 
individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, 
coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory
 issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are 
more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

●Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.

●More vulnerable people should remain indoors.

●Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.

●Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

●Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.

For
 more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills 
Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling 
tool, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMjcuNzIzNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NmaXJlLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.bSqDT4mTP6n0OAqAyJRohNtYXtYpiPbQMr2Q4qDkEQY/s/1305935158/br/155195289027-l" target="_blank">http://ksfire.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677537285603.jpeg" alt="Prescribed burning in the Flint Hills. Photo courtesy Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management " />
 <figcaption>Prescribed burning in the Flint Hills. Photo courtesy Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Smoke Modeling Tool to be activated on Wednesday</h2>KDHETOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment reminds Kansans that March and April are the months 
when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned, especially within
 the Flint Hills. These burns help preserve the tallgrass prairie
 ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from 
species such as Eastern Red Cedar, and provide better forage for cattle.
 Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective 
in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can 
influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management
 techniques is vital to reduce air quality and health impacts.KDHE will activate the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMjcuNzIzNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NmaXJlLnNvbm9tYXRlY2hkYXRhLmNvbS92aWV3L3N1bW1hcnkvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.36ynKJgYtvzx9ebAf0MH7QUZGD6RKxdV_NEbutlpUa8/s/1305935158/br/155195289027-l" target="_blank">Kansas smoke modeling tool&nbsp;</a>on
 March 1, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer 
models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the 
potential contribution of smoke to downwind air quality problems. There 
are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills
 of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.“This is the thirteenth year we
 have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire 
community,”&nbsp;said Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of 
Air. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize 
smoke modeling resources such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate 
potential air quality impacts.”Prescribed burns release large 
amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ozone. 
Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy 
individuals. Common health problems include burning eyes, runny nose, 
coughing, and illnesses such as bronchitis. Individuals with respiratory
 issues, pre-existing heart or lung diseases, children and elderly are 
more vulnerable to experience symptoms.Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:●Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.●More vulnerable people should remain indoors.●Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.●Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.●Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.For
 more information about the burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills 
Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions, and the smoke modeling 
tool, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMjcuNzIzNjAzODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va3NmaXJlLm9yZz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.bSqDT4mTP6n0OAqAyJRohNtYXtYpiPbQMr2Q4qDkEQY/s/1305935158/br/155195289027-l" target="_blank">http://ksfire.org</a>.

Health advisory, safety tips issued for Flint Hills burning season

MANHATTAN — The 2022-2023 <a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a> presents "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium.

"R.E.S.P.E.C.T." is a tribute to the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha 
Franklin. Honoring the impassioned and transcendent music of one of 
America's most beloved singer-songwriters, the production journeys 
through Franklin's courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph. The 
performance features a live band, supreme vocalists and a night of music
 by one of the greatest artists of all time, including the songs 
"Natural Woman," "Think," "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me," "Chain of 
Fools" and "Respect."

Tickets are available online at <a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu">mccain.k-state.edu</a>
 or at the ticket office in the newly expanded McCain lobby from noon to
 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Tickets are also available by phone 
785-532-6428 during the same hours. Kids 17 and younger get 50% off the 
general price of admission.&nbsp;

For more information, email <a href="mailto:mccain@k-state.edu">mccain@k-state.edu</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677613688025.jpeg" alt=""R.E.S.P.E.C.T." comes to McCain Auditorium on Thursday, March 2, as part of the 2022-2023 McCain Performance Series. Tickets on sale now. " />
 <figcaption>"R.E.S.P.E.C.T." comes to McCain Auditorium on Thursday, March 2, as part of the 2022-2023 McCain Performance Series. Tickets on sale now. </figcaption>
 </figure>K-State NewsMANHATTAN — The 2022-2023 <a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a> presents "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 2, in Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium."R.E.S.P.E.C.T." is a tribute to the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha 
Franklin. Honoring the impassioned and transcendent music of one of 
America's most beloved singer-songwriters, the production journeys 
through Franklin's courageous life of love, tragedy and triumph. The 
performance features a live band, supreme vocalists and a night of music
 by one of the greatest artists of all time, including the songs 
"Natural Woman," "Think," "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me," "Chain of 
Fools" and "Respect."Tickets are available online at <a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu">mccain.k-state.edu</a>
 or at the ticket office in the newly expanded McCain lobby from noon to
 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Tickets are also available by phone 
785-532-6428 during the same hours. Kids 17 and younger get 50% off the 
general price of admission.&nbsp;For more information, email <a href="mailto:mccain@k-state.edu">mccain@k-state.edu</a>.

Aretha Franklin tribute performance set for Thursday at KSU

After a Tuesday and Wednesday with the thermometer topping out around 60, the National Weather Service in Topeka is forecasting a return of winter weather Thursday.

There is a 30 percent chance of a rain-snow mix Thursday morning, increasing to 80 percent by Thursday night.

A 20 mph northeast wind and 30 mph gusts will lead to cold, blustery conditions.

The snow-rain mix is expected to continue into Friday morning before skies clear.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677616027711.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After a Tuesday and Wednesday with the thermometer topping out around 60, the National Weather Service in Topeka is forecasting a return of winter weather Thursday.There is a 30 percent chance of a rain-snow mix Thursday morning, increasing to 80 percent by Thursday night.A 20 mph northeast wind and 30 mph gusts will lead to cold, blustery conditions.The snow-rain mix is expected to continue into Friday morning before skies clear.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A storm system will move east to northeast across the area Thursday into early Friday. Wintry precipitation is likely, with the greatest chances Thursday night. Monitor forecast updates as this system approaches. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ZsuJjD13T">pic.twitter.com/8ZsuJjD13T</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1630517729882181632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 
</div>

Enjoy the warm days ... winter making its return, NWS says

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;

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;JEAN CARLO RUIZ SILGADO, 33, Manhattan, Operate a MV w/o a valid license; transporting an open container; Bond $500LYLE A PHINNEY, 71, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Unknown circumstance; Bond $750TAYLOR CHRISTIAN MORRIS, 31, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $20,000NATHANIEL BROCK WILLIAMSON, 17, Manhattan, Sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of child &lt;18; arrested by Kansas Bureau of Investigation; remains confined to Riley County Jail