CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged burglary and asking the public for help identifying suspects.

On Friday, police received a report of an aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in the 700 block of Liberty Street. in Clay Center, according to a media release. The suspects fled before officers arrived. They are described as&nbsp;two black males between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. They 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 and&nbsp; had shoulder-length dreadlocks.

One suspect was wearing an orange hoodie, camouflaged pants, one black shoe and one white shoe.

The other suspect was wearing a white or light gray zip-up jacket with a hood, blue jeans with two medium-sized holes on both pant legs and black shoes. He also had some of the ends of his dreadlocks dyed white. 

No weapons were reported to have been used.&nbsp; Anyone has knowledge or knows the identity of either suspect, please notify the Clay Center Police Department at 785-632-2121, and do not contact either of the suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691322563658.png" alt="Security camera image Clay Center Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Clay Center Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged burglary and asking the public for help identifying suspects.On Friday, police received a report of an aggravated burglary and attempted robbery in the 700 block of Liberty Street. in Clay Center, according to a media release. The suspects fled before officers arrived. They are described as&nbsp;two black males between the ages of 15 and 20 years old. They 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 and&nbsp; had shoulder-length dreadlocks.One suspect was wearing an orange hoodie, camouflaged pants, one black shoe and one white shoe.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691323645822.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The other suspect was wearing a white or light gray zip-up jacket with a hood, blue jeans with two medium-sized holes on both pant legs and black shoes. He also had some of the ends of his dreadlocks dyed white. No weapons were reported to have been used.&nbsp; Anyone has knowledge or knows the identity of either suspect, please notify the Clay Center Police Department at 785-632-2121, and do not contact either of the suspects.

Police ask for help to ID burglary suspects in Clay Center

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

MATTHEW ESTEBAN HERNANDEZ, 29, Junction City, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath; .08 or &gt;; Bond $1,500

DAVID DANIEL DEJESUS ROMAN, 26, Manhattan, Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $500

DONALD WAYNE JUAREZ, 39, Manhattan, Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; Violate protection order; Abuse order per KSA 63105,63106,63107; Bond $8,000

TRE GHEN DA REALIS JACKSON, 19, Manhattan, Criminal carry of weapon; Concealed pistol/firearm on land/abode/business; Bond $500

TIMOTHY AUSTIN TERRILL SMITH, 37, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Driving while a habitual violator; 2nd conviction; Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Bond $2,000

THEODORE THOMAS, 67, Junction City, Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs; 1st conv.; Bond $750

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;MATTHEW ESTEBAN HERNANDEZ, 29, Junction City, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath; .08 or &gt;; Bond $1,500DAVID DANIEL DEJESUS ROMAN, 26, Manhattan, Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $500DONALD WAYNE JUAREZ, 39, Manhattan, Stalking; After served a protection order prohibiting contact; Violate protection order; Abuse order per KSA 63105,63106,63107; Bond $8,000TRE GHEN DA REALIS JACKSON, 19, Manhattan, Criminal carry of weapon; Concealed pistol/firearm on land/abode/business; Bond $500TIMOTHY AUSTIN TERRILL SMITH, 37, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Driving while a habitual violator; 2nd conviction; Vehicles; Operate vehicle without registration or w/expired tag; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Bond $2,000THEODORE THOMAS, 67, Junction City, Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs; 1st conv.; Bond $750

Riley County Arrest Report August 5

WICHITA — While there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, there is urgency. Most Veterans and survivors who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/" target="_blank">apply</a>&nbsp;for benefits or submit an “<a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/" target="_blank">Intent to File</a>” by August 9, if granted, will have their benefits backdated to August 10th of last year – the day President Biden signed the PACT Act into law.

According to VA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp" target="_blank">National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics</a>, there are roughly 186,000 Veterans living in the state of Kansas. Currently, 52,080 Veterans are receiving service-connected compensation from the federal government, leaving 134,000 who may be eligible for similar benefits.

"Along with outreach assets from the Eastern Kansas VA Health Care System, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and our state-level partners from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs (KCVAO), we have trekked across Kansas educating Veterans and survivors on potential eligibility for new health care and benefits,” said Michael Payne, CEO and Medical Center Director of Wichita’s Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. “The time for Veterans to act is now, and we will not rest until every one of them gets what they’ve earned.”

The economic impact of service-connected compensation cannot be understated.

“Our statistics indicate yearly compensation brings an estimated $1.05 billion into the state of Kansas,” said Donna Meyer-Hickel, Director of VBA’s Wichita Regional Office.

VA encourages all eligible Veterans and survivors to apply for their earned PACT Act-related health care and benefits now. 

Veterans and survivors can apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/" target="_blank">VA.gov/PACT</a>, by calling 1-800-MYVA411, or by visiting their nearest VA facility. In Hutchinson, the closest place to sign up is the VA Outpatient Clinic at 1625 East 30th Avenue, across from Scooters Coffee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608820708708.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Department of Veterans AffairsWICHITA — While there is no deadline to apply for PACT Act-related benefits, there is urgency. Most Veterans and survivors who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/" target="_blank">apply</a>&nbsp;for benefits or submit an “<a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/your-intent-to-file-a-va-claim/" target="_blank">Intent to File</a>” by August 9, if granted, will have their benefits backdated to August 10th of last year – the day President Biden signed the PACT Act into law.According to VA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/vetdata/veteran_population.asp" target="_blank">National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics</a>, there are roughly 186,000 Veterans living in the state of Kansas. Currently, 52,080 Veterans are receiving service-connected compensation from the federal government, leaving 134,000 who may be eligible for similar benefits."Along with outreach assets from the Eastern Kansas VA Health Care System, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and our state-level partners from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs (KCVAO), we have trekked across Kansas educating Veterans and survivors on potential eligibility for new health care and benefits,” said Michael Payne, CEO and Medical Center Director of Wichita’s Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. “The time for Veterans to act is now, and we will not rest until every one of them gets what they’ve earned.”The economic impact of service-connected compensation cannot be understated.“Our statistics indicate yearly compensation brings an estimated $1.05 billion into the state of Kansas,” said Donna Meyer-Hickel, Director of VBA’s Wichita Regional Office.VA encourages all eligible Veterans and survivors to apply for their earned PACT Act-related health care and benefits now. Veterans and survivors can apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/" target="_blank">VA.gov/PACT</a>, by calling 1-800-MYVA411, or by visiting their nearest VA facility. In Hutchinson, the closest place to sign up is the VA Outpatient Clinic at 1625 East 30th Avenue, across from Scooters Coffee.

PACT Act retroactive date looms

MANHATTAN - On Friday, August 4, 2023, the Bayer Construction crews working on the new roundabout at Grand Mere Parkway and Kimball Avenue will move forward to Phase 2 of the project.

Phase 2 includes reopening the intersection to traffic, with the use of new temporary fly-through routes.

The fly-through route allows traffic from Grand Mere to access Kimball Avenue using a temporary intersection controlled by a stop sign.

Phase 2 will be in place through late-2023.&nbsp;

City of Manhattan says heavy traffic and delays should be expected on Kimball Avenue, Anderson Avenue and Hudson Drive, especially on K-State football gamedays this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691182526291.png" alt="GrandMere Roundabout fly-through map" />
 <figcaption>GrandMere Roundabout fly-through map</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN - On Friday, August 4, 2023, the Bayer Construction crews working on the new roundabout at Grand Mere Parkway and Kimball Avenue will move forward to Phase 2 of the project.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1726.1417631252596!2d-96.63860272595255!3d39.201555972148356!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1691184628451!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Phase 2 includes reopening the intersection to traffic, with the use of new temporary fly-through routes.The fly-through route allows traffic from Grand Mere to access Kimball Avenue using a temporary intersection controlled by a stop sign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691182526291.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Phase 2 will be in place through late-2023.&nbsp;City of Manhattan says heavy traffic and delays should be expected on Kimball Avenue, Anderson Avenue and Hudson Drive, especially on K-State football gamedays this fall.

UPDATE: Roundabout project moves to Phase 2 w/fly-through

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks

KANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vVXBjb21pbmctQXJjaGl2ZWQtTWVldGluZy1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9QaXR0c2J1cmctUGl0dHNidXJnLVN0YXRlLUJpY2tuZWxsLUNlbnRlci1WSVAtUm9vbS1BdWd1c3QtMTctMjAyMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.h1BVC3x377W4vZ8_aIYn8iW_Ikv1ZW5D7h9HTXBhgn0/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">August 17, 2023</a>, will mark the fifth of seven public meetings to be held by Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners this year. Serving as the regulatory body for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Commission is a seven-member, non-partisan board, with each member serving a staggered four-year term. Advising the Secretary on planning and policy issues regarding administration of KDWP, the Commission is also responsible for voting on nearly all regulation changes recommended by Department staff.

Here's an overview of items voted on by Commissioners in 2023, listed by hearing date:

All Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meetings are accessible and open to the public, and time is always set aside for public comment on non-agenda items.

The next Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting will once again be held in a hybrid format and take place on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vVXBjb21pbmctQXJjaGl2ZWQtTWVldGluZy1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9QaXR0c2J1cmctUGl0dHNidXJnLVN0YXRlLUJpY2tuZWxsLUNlbnRlci1WSVAtUm9vbS1BdWd1c3QtMTctMjAyMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.l4Q_GYIkKiozJoOvZsrMOiUKp7tMyGh0UjJm-42YsVc/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">August 17, 2023</a>, at Pittsburg State University’s Bicknell Center, VIP Room, 1711 S Homer St., Pittsburg.

During the public hearing portion of the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vVXBjb21pbmctQXJjaGl2ZWQtTWVldGluZy1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9QaXR0c2J1cmctUGl0dHNidXJnLVN0YXRlLUJpY2tuZWxsLUNlbnRlci1WSVAtUm9vbS1BdWd1c3QtMTctMjAyMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ._jOi-Hlgch5nDSWcKb5evcCf2FwIErjhF4xOuWrmGyo/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">August 17 meeting</a>, Commissioners will vote on the following:

The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in person or virtually via Zoom; Virtual participants may access login instructions&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODA0LjgwNjg1MTUxIn0.eigRmLa43aa33pncjwlZvcINV69_aON1_vaBgx1xw4o/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;or watch live video/audio stream of the meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vV2F0Y2gtTWVldGluZ3MtSGVyZSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.14mx6YNZb02OWCCpcNh4VRlrWJ_3tMDx9niSPeuY6dA/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702.

Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and ParksKANSAS CITY, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vVXBjb21pbmctQXJjaGl2ZWQtTWVldGluZy1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9QaXR0c2J1cmctUGl0dHNidXJnLVN0YXRlLUJpY2tuZWxsLUNlbnRlci1WSVAtUm9vbS1BdWd1c3QtMTctMjAyMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.h1BVC3x377W4vZ8_aIYn8iW_Ikv1ZW5D7h9HTXBhgn0/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">August 17, 2023</a>, will mark the fifth of seven public meetings to be held by Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioners this year. Serving as the regulatory body for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Commission is a seven-member, non-partisan board, with each member serving a staggered four-year term. Advising the Secretary on planning and policy issues regarding administration of KDWP, the Commission is also responsible for voting on nearly all regulation changes recommended by Department staff.Here's an overview of items voted on by Commissioners in 2023, listed by hearing date:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvMi0yNy0yMy1LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb25lcnMtdG8tTWVldC1vbi1NYXJjaC05LWluLVRvcGVrYS9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb25lcnMtdG8tTWVldC1vbi1NYXJjaC05LWluLVRvcGVrYSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.K_IvEidbX5C0ioJnwzOfe2vcs_yKVswzCiqkM6t8crI/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">Consecutive Camping Days Allowed on Public Lands</a>&nbsp;(KAR 115-8-9)Hearing: March 9, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDStaff recommendations to reduce the number of consecutive camping days allowed at state fishing lakes and wildlife areas from 14 to seven days was approved. The change does not affect state parks. And managers at state fishing lakes and wildlife areas still have the discretion to post their campgrounds or issue a permit allowing 14-day camping, if warranted.</li><li>Hearing: March 9, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>Staff recommendations to reduce the number of consecutive camping days allowed at state fishing lakes and wildlife areas from 14 to seven days was approved. The change does not affect state parks. And managers at state fishing lakes and wildlife areas still have the discretion to post their campgrounds or issue a permit allowing 14-day camping, if warranted.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvMi0yNy0yMy1LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb25lcnMtdG8tTWVldC1vbi1NYXJjaC05LWluLVRvcGVrYS9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb25lcnMtdG8tTWVldC1vbi1NYXJjaC05LWluLVRvcGVrYSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.CNl3v_6ZNUmDykjeeZKnJ_FlppnHOjg5SIz03bpqSUU/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">Trail, Game Camera Use on Public Lands</a>&nbsp;(KAR 115-8-25)Hearing: March 9, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDStaff recommendations to implement a new regulation prohibiting the use of trail or game cameras on department lands and Walk-in Hunting Access/iWIHA properties was approved. The new regulation does not apply to mapping systems and programs. For the purposes of the regulation, the definition of a trail or game camera is any remote motion-activated or infrared camera where the shutter is activated via sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or the self-timer built into the camera.</li><li>Hearing: March 9, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>Staff recommendations to implement a new regulation prohibiting the use of trail or game cameras on department lands and Walk-in Hunting Access/iWIHA properties was approved. The new regulation does not apply to mapping systems and programs. For the purposes of the regulation, the definition of a trail or game camera is any remote motion-activated or infrared camera where the shutter is activated via sound triggers, proximity sensation, radio transmitters, or the self-timer built into the camera.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNC0xMy0yMy1LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tdG8tVm90ZS1vbi1UdXJrZXktV2F0ZXJmb3dsLVNlYXNvbnMtYW5kLUJhZy1MaW1pdHMvS2Fuc2FzLVdpbGRsaWZlLWFuZC1QYXJrcy1Db21taXNzaW9uLXRvLVZvdGUtb24tVHVya2V5LVdhdGVyZm93bC1TZWFzb25zLWFuZC1CYWctTGltaXRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwNC44MDY4NTE1MSJ9.wAP8LfFebDJvI8mE04GuJcnDDFfDjObVJ6s-Hv-p1xE/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">Fall Turkey Season</a>&nbsp;(KAR 115-25-5)Hearing: April 27, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDThe number of fall turkey hunters statewide has decreased substantially since 2015, at a rate of approximately 20 percent per year. In 2019, the statewide fall turkey season dates were reduced from October 1 through January 31 to October 1 through November 10, beginning in fall 2020. The estimated annual statewide fall harvest is less than 500 birds. While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys – especially when hens are harvested. For these reasons, staff recommended suspending the fall season statewide, beginning with the 2023 season; Commissioners approved.</li><li>Hearing: April 27, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>The number of fall turkey hunters statewide has decreased substantially since 2015, at a rate of approximately 20 percent per year. In 2019, the statewide fall turkey season dates were reduced from October 1 through January 31 to October 1 through November 10, beginning in fall 2020. The estimated annual statewide fall harvest is less than 500 birds. While this is a small proportion of the statewide population, fall harvest is an additive source of mortality for turkeys – especially when hens are harvested. For these reasons, staff recommended suspending the fall season statewide, beginning with the 2023 season; Commissioners approved.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNC0xMy0yMy1LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tdG8tVm90ZS1vbi1UdXJrZXktV2F0ZXJmb3dsLVNlYXNvbnMtYW5kLUJhZy1MaW1pdHMvS2Fuc2FzLVdpbGRsaWZlLWFuZC1QYXJrcy1Db21taXNzaW9uLXRvLVZvdGUtb24tVHVya2V5LVdhdGVyZm93bC1TZWFzb25zLWFuZC1CYWctTGltaXRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwNC44MDY4NTE1MSJ9.OtuOlfV3maBQKxX-OakCJ3I0F2c7z78LZV-N8q-Qiv8/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">Spring Turkey Season</a>&nbsp;(KAR 115-25-6)Hearing: April 27, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDTo reduce the overall turkey harvest, staff recommended reducing bag limits in Unit 1 (northwest) and Unit 2 (northcentral) from two birds to one bird. To reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest, staff recommended reducing nonresident hunting participation by 25 percent in each unit by utilizing a draw system. And to ensure residents in Unit 4 have the utmost opportunity to successfully apply for Unit 4 permits, staff recommended that Unit 4 permits not be valid in adjacent units. All recommendations were approved by the Commission.</li><li>Hearing: April 27, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>To reduce the overall turkey harvest, staff recommended reducing bag limits in Unit 1 (northwest) and Unit 2 (northcentral) from two birds to one bird. To reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest, staff recommended reducing nonresident hunting participation by 25 percent in each unit by utilizing a draw system. And to ensure residents in Unit 4 have the utmost opportunity to successfully apply for Unit 4 permits, staff recommended that Unit 4 permits not be valid in adjacent units. All recommendations were approved by the Commission.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNC0xMy0yMy1LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tdG8tVm90ZS1vbi1UdXJrZXktV2F0ZXJmb3dsLVNlYXNvbnMtYW5kLUJhZy1MaW1pdHMvS2Fuc2FzLVdpbGRsaWZlLWFuZC1QYXJrcy1Db21taXNzaW9uLXRvLVZvdGUtb24tVHVya2V5LVdhdGVyZm93bC1TZWFzb25zLWFuZC1CYWctTGltaXRzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwNC44MDY4NTE1MSJ9.jcbG3JzNVBqF4o79zNbChdPsHRn_GfbTx6DdiO19WDQ/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">2023-2024 Waterfowl Seasons</a>Hearing: April 27, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDStaff recommendations were approved as presented by Commissioners. To view a complete list of 2023-2024 waterfowl season dates, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGVuLXRvLUh1bnQiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODA0LjgwNjg1MTUxIn0.BrMY-gw_Bc_5VoXmTNi7mnLXTjfdefO30ew-F-wYynM/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt</a>.</li><li>Hearing: April 27, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>Staff recommendations were approved as presented by Commissioners. To view a complete list of 2023-2024 waterfowl season dates, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9XaGVuLXRvLUh1bnQiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODA0LjgwNjg1MTUxIn0.BrMY-gw_Bc_5VoXmTNi7mnLXTjfdefO30ew-F-wYynM/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt</a>.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNy03LTIzLUthbnNhcy1XaWxkbGlmZS1hbmQtUGFya3MtQ29tbWlzc2lvbi1BcHByb3Zlcy1Mb3R0ZXJ5LURyYXctZm9yLU5vbi1yZXNpZGVudC1UdXJrZXktUGVybWl0cy9LYW5zYXMtV2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLVBhcmtzLUNvbW1pc3Npb24tQXBwcm92ZXMtTG90dGVyeS1EcmF3LWZvci1Ob24tcmVzaWRlbnQtVHVya2V5LVBlcm1pdHMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODA0LjgwNjg1MTUxIn0.dPB5T7153qICQkGWQnjxxoqduX6wAg7S1OQiBQhLjsw/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">Lottery Draw for Nonresident Turkey Permits</a>&nbsp;(KAR 115-4-11)Hearing: June 22, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDCommissioners have approved staff recommendations to initiate a lottery draw system for distribution of non-resident turkey permits beginning in 2024. The recommendation was introduced as part of a larger strategy by staff to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in response to declining populations nationwide. Beginning in early January, an application period will open for non-resident turkey hunters to apply for a specific hunt unit (Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6). Similar to Kansas’ lottery draw for non-resident deer permits, any leftover non-resident turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.</li><li>Hearing: June 22, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>Commissioners have approved staff recommendations to initiate a lottery draw system for distribution of non-resident turkey permits beginning in 2024. The recommendation was introduced as part of a larger strategy by staff to reduce overall hunting pressure and turkey harvest in response to declining populations nationwide. Beginning in early January, an application period will open for non-resident turkey hunters to apply for a specific hunt unit (Units 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6). Similar to Kansas’ lottery draw for non-resident deer permits, any leftover non-resident turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL05ld3MvV2Vla2x5LU5ld3MvNy0zLTIzLUthbnNhcy1EZXBhcnRtZW50LW9mLVdpbGRsaWZlLWFuZC1QYXJrcy10by1FeHBsb3JlLUlzc3Vlcy1TdXJyb3VuZGluZy1CYWl0aW5nLVdpbGRsaWZlL0thbnNhcy1EZXBhcnRtZW50LW9mLVdpbGRsaWZlLWFuZC1QYXJrcy10by1FeHBsb3JlLUlzc3Vlcy1TdXJyb3VuZGluZy1CYWl0aW5nLVdpbGRsaWZlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgwNC44MDY4NTE1MSJ9.mYPWf0ASY8ZkPI8hmt-XY0jfjGM2PpX5-B16l7xevX0/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">Baiting Wildlife on Public Lands</a>&nbsp;(KAR 115-8-23)Hearing: June 22, 2023Final Vote: APPROVEDCommissioners approved staff recommendations to amend the pre-existing regulation, KAR 115-8-23, established in 2012, that prohibits baiting on Department Lands and Waters. The June 22, 2023, amendment added language stating baiting would be prohibited for “all activities” on public lands, not just for hunting (as the regulation was originally written). Baiting wildlife remains a legal activity on all private lands in Kansas. Though staff intend to make baiting wildlife a regular discussion item at future Commission meetings, no additional regulation recommendations are planned at this time. The Department will instead host several townhall-style meetings – in addition to Commission meetings – to solicit statewide input on this complex issue.</li><li>Hearing: June 22, 2023</li><li>Final Vote: APPROVED</li><li>Commissioners approved staff recommendations to amend the pre-existing regulation, KAR 115-8-23, established in 2012, that prohibits baiting on Department Lands and Waters. The June 22, 2023, amendment added language stating baiting would be prohibited for “all activities” on public lands, not just for hunting (as the regulation was originally written). Baiting wildlife remains a legal activity on all private lands in Kansas. Though staff intend to make baiting wildlife a regular discussion item at future Commission meetings, no additional regulation recommendations are planned at this time. The Department will instead host several townhall-style meetings – in addition to Commission meetings – to solicit statewide input on this complex issue.</li>
 </ul>All Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meetings are accessible and open to the public, and time is always set aside for public comment on non-agenda items.The next Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting will once again be held in a hybrid format and take place on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vVXBjb21pbmctQXJjaGl2ZWQtTWVldGluZy1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9QaXR0c2J1cmctUGl0dHNidXJnLVN0YXRlLUJpY2tuZWxsLUNlbnRlci1WSVAtUm9vbS1BdWd1c3QtMTctMjAyMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.l4Q_GYIkKiozJoOvZsrMOiUKp7tMyGh0UjJm-42YsVc/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">August 17, 2023</a>, at Pittsburg State University’s Bicknell Center, VIP Room, 1711 S Homer St., Pittsburg.During the public hearing portion of the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vVXBjb21pbmctQXJjaGl2ZWQtTWVldGluZy1JbmZvcm1hdGlvbi9QaXR0c2J1cmctUGl0dHNidXJnLVN0YXRlLUJpY2tuZWxsLUNlbnRlci1WSVAtUm9vbS1BdWd1c3QtMTctMjAyMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ._jOi-Hlgch5nDSWcKb5evcCf2FwIErjhF4xOuWrmGyo/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">August 17 meeting</a>, Commissioners will vote on the following:<ul>
 <li>2023-2024 Antelope, Elk and Deer Season Dates</li><li>Kansas’ Prohibited Aquatic Species List</li><li>Kansas’ Aquatic Nuisance Species Designated Waters</li><li>Select Length and Creel Limits for Fishing</li><li>Kansas’ Eligible Paddlefish Snagging Locations</li>
 </ul>The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in person or virtually via Zoom; Virtual participants may access login instructions&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwODA0LjgwNjg1MTUxIn0.eigRmLa43aa33pncjwlZvcINV69_aON1_vaBgx1xw4o/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;or watch live video/audio stream of the meeting&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vS0RXUC1JbmZvL0NvbW1pc3Npb24vV2F0Y2gtTWVldGluZ3MtSGVyZSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MDQuODA2ODUxNTEifQ.14mx6YNZb02OWCCpcNh4VRlrWJ_3tMDx9niSPeuY6dA/s/1419840138/br/223755236116-l" target="_blank">HERE</a>.An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Commission secretary at (620) 672-0702.

Update on Kan. Wildlife and Parks Commission Activities, Upcoming Meeting  

SARAH EDITH DRAKE, 33, Wichita, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony intending to obstruct; Bond $10,000

AUSTIN REED SHERWIN, 28, Junction City, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Bond $10,000

KELLI ILENE STOCKTON, 26, Manhattan, Computer unlawful acts; False representation with damage &lt;$100,000 x8; Theft by deception; $1,500 or less from 3 businesses in 72 hours; Bond $6,000

TYRELL DEMOND HARPER, 26, Manhattan, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Violate protection order; Condition of pre-trial orders; 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;SARAH EDITH DRAKE, 33, Wichita, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Interference with LEO; Falsely report a felony intending to obstruct; Bond $10,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691160778384.jpeg" alt="Austin Reed Sherwin, picture from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Austin Reed Sherwin, picture from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN REED SHERWIN, 28, Junction City, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Bond $10,000KELLI ILENE STOCKTON, 26, Manhattan, Computer unlawful acts; False representation with damage &lt;$100,000 x8; Theft by deception; $1,500 or less from 3 businesses in 72 hours; Bond $6,000TYRELL DEMOND HARPER, 26, Manhattan, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Violate protection order; Condition of pre-trial orders; Bond $3,000

📷: Riley County Arrest Report August 4

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

Just before 9a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for fraud in Manhattan after a 32-year-old victim when she reported an unknown suspect hacked into her American Airlines account and stole 63,600 miles, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,416.

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

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged fraud in Manhattan.Just before 9a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for fraud in Manhattan after a 32-year-old victim when she reported an unknown suspect hacked into her American Airlines account and stole 63,600 miles, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,416. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Woman reports airline account hacked

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at Manhattan High School.

Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 2100 block of Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Manhattan High School West reported an unknown suspect broke into the school through the roof and damaged the ceiling. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,500. 

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

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at Manhattan High School.Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 2100 block of Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Manhattan High School West reported an unknown suspect broke into the school through the roof and damaged the ceiling. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,500. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Burglary, criminal damage at Manhattan High School

David Boles has been named the executive director for flight operations at&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus.</a> As the executive director, Boles will oversee all flight-related activities and strategic planning for the department. He will serve as the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, chief flight instructor and will be responsible for the safety and quality of all K-State flight training.&nbsp; Boles has more than 40 years of aviation experience, including 30 years of experience in the education of airline pilots under several federal and international authorities: the FAA, the Civil Aviation Authority-UK, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the General Civil Aviation Authority-UAE and the Department of Civil Aviation-Thailand. Before coming to K-State, Boles was the department head of an aviation program in the Colorado community college district. He also worked for 20 years with Lufthansa as an instructor and manager of the Ab-Initio pilot training program and served as the director of training in the Middle East, educating future Afghanistan military pilots. As the aviation industry has continued to change rapidly and significantly in recent years, Boles sees an opportunity for K-State Salina to be at the forefront of the industry. "Requirements for airline pilots have changed overnight, and K-State Salina has recognized this opportunity early," said Boles. "We are on an exciting path to become a key player in this quickly changing world of pilot education. My goal is to help mentor, educate and spotlight the students, flight instructors, dispatchers, line workers and mechanics during this transition. In my over 40 years in aviation, this is the most excited I have been." K-State Salina educates students in aviation-related associate and bachelor's degrees, including the world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/professional-pilot/">professional pilot degree</a>&nbsp;that has helped create pilots for more than 50 years and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/aviation-maintenance/">aviation maintenance management degree</a>&nbsp;that trains aircraft mechanics. Both programs are FAA-certified, meaning students are receiving elite training while completing their ratings quickly and moving on to their careers. "David's wealth of aviation experience and knowledge makes him the ideal fit to help lead our campus to becoming a world-aerospace leader," said Alysia Starke, K-State Salina CEO and dean. "We serve many sectors within the aerospace industry and are working closely to identify the most significant needs. With our new strategic plan as our guiding light, we are prepared to help fulfill those industry needs and challenges." Boles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691067618698.jpeg" alt="David Boles" />
 <figcaption>David Boles</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SalinaDavid Boles has been named the executive director for flight operations at&nbsp;<a href="http://salina.ksu.edu/">Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus.</a> As the executive director, Boles will oversee all flight-related activities and strategic planning for the department. He will serve as the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, chief flight instructor and will be responsible for the safety and quality of all K-State flight training.&nbsp; Boles has more than 40 years of aviation experience, including 30 years of experience in the education of airline pilots under several federal and international authorities: the FAA, the Civil Aviation Authority-UK, the European Aviation Safety Agency, the General Civil Aviation Authority-UAE and the Department of Civil Aviation-Thailand. Before coming to K-State, Boles was the department head of an aviation program in the Colorado community college district. He also worked for 20 years with Lufthansa as an instructor and manager of the Ab-Initio pilot training program and served as the director of training in the Middle East, educating future Afghanistan military pilots. As the aviation industry has continued to change rapidly and significantly in recent years, Boles sees an opportunity for K-State Salina to be at the forefront of the industry. "Requirements for airline pilots have changed overnight, and K-State Salina has recognized this opportunity early," said Boles. "We are on an exciting path to become a key player in this quickly changing world of pilot education. My goal is to help mentor, educate and spotlight the students, flight instructors, dispatchers, line workers and mechanics during this transition. In my over 40 years in aviation, this is the most excited I have been." K-State Salina educates students in aviation-related associate and bachelor's degrees, including the world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/professional-pilot/">professional pilot degree</a>&nbsp;that has helped create pilots for more than 50 years and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/degree-options/aviation-maintenance/">aviation maintenance management degree</a>&nbsp;that trains aircraft mechanics. Both programs are FAA-certified, meaning students are receiving elite training while completing their ratings quickly and moving on to their careers. "David's wealth of aviation experience and knowledge makes him the ideal fit to help lead our campus to becoming a world-aerospace leader," said Alysia Starke, K-State Salina CEO and dean. "We serve many sectors within the aerospace industry and are working closely to identify the most significant needs. With our new strategic plan as our guiding light, we are prepared to help fulfill those industry needs and challenges." Boles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Boles named executive director of flight operation for K-State Salina

Tia Cole, a Kansas State University senior from Inman, Kansas studying organizational management with minors in leadership and entrepreneurship, was part of a team that received a Best Team Award in the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://x-culture.org/">X-Culture Case Competition</a>.

Students work in international virtual teams with peers from around the world for the competition, solving real-life problems presented by real-life companies. After passing a readiness test, students are assigned to a team of five to seven students from a minimum of three different countries, with some teams having representation from five or more countries. Cole's team members were from Italy, Switzerland, India and Ghana.

Teams select a business challenge from an approved list and then work collaboratively for seven weeks to develop a business plan for their client. Each plan is judged by a small group of international business experts, composed mainly of international business professors and coaches from around the world.

For the competition, more than 5,000 students worked on 1,289 virtual teams. Only 12 received a Best Team Award designation. As a participant on one of the best teams, Cole is invited to the 2024 X-Culture Global Business Week. Though the venue hasn't been announced yet, previous locations for the global business week include Poland, Italy, Canada and Singapore.

Cole participated in the competition as part of the International Management class taught by Marne Arthaud-Day, associate professor of management.

"X-Culture is a chance for students to improve their cultural intelligence by meeting and working with peers from other countries," said Arthaud-Day. "Students learn to navigate time zones, language differences and technology platforms. Even if they don't have plans to live or work abroad, X-Culture provides them with an opportunity to develop the skills needed to work successfully on global virtual teams, an increasingly common feature of the business environment."

The X-Culture project launched in 2010. Since that time, nearly 90,000 students from 115 countries and 701 universities have participated, and 16,846 international teams have been formed. Notable corporate partners include Mercedes-Benz, Louis Vuitton and Home Depot.

K-State first participated in X-Culture in 2014 and has participated each year since 2016. K-State students who have placed are:

•2015: Allison Tanner •2017: Ewerton Garcia Ferraz •2017: Chris Nettey •2019: Grace Truelove •2021: Janie Failor •2021: Kole McCorkendale •2022: Kendall Rau

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691071844567.jpeg" alt="Tia Cole, K-State College of Business photo" />
 <figcaption>Tia Cole, K-State College of Business photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by Ruthie GergeniTia Cole, a Kansas State University senior from Inman, Kansas studying organizational management with minors in leadership and entrepreneurship, was part of a team that received a Best Team Award in the recent&nbsp;<a href="https://x-culture.org/">X-Culture Case Competition</a>.Students work in international virtual teams with peers from around the world for the competition, solving real-life problems presented by real-life companies. After passing a readiness test, students are assigned to a team of five to seven students from a minimum of three different countries, with some teams having representation from five or more countries. Cole's team members were from Italy, Switzerland, India and Ghana.Teams select a business challenge from an approved list and then work collaboratively for seven weeks to develop a business plan for their client. Each plan is judged by a small group of international business experts, composed mainly of international business professors and coaches from around the world.For the competition, more than 5,000 students worked on 1,289 virtual teams. Only 12 received a Best Team Award designation. As a participant on one of the best teams, Cole is invited to the 2024 X-Culture Global Business Week. Though the venue hasn't been announced yet, previous locations for the global business week include Poland, Italy, Canada and Singapore.Cole participated in the competition as part of the International Management class taught by Marne Arthaud-Day, associate professor of management."X-Culture is a chance for students to improve their cultural intelligence by meeting and working with peers from other countries," said Arthaud-Day. "Students learn to navigate time zones, language differences and technology platforms. Even if they don't have plans to live or work abroad, X-Culture provides them with an opportunity to develop the skills needed to work successfully on global virtual teams, an increasingly common feature of the business environment."The X-Culture project launched in 2010. Since that time, nearly 90,000 students from 115 countries and 701 universities have participated, and 16,846 international teams have been formed. Notable corporate partners include Mercedes-Benz, Louis Vuitton and Home Depot.K-State first participated in X-Culture in 2014 and has participated each year since 2016. K-State students who have placed are:•2015: Allison Tanner •2017: Ewerton Garcia Ferraz •2017: Chris Nettey •2019: Grace Truelove •2021: Janie Failor •2021: Kole McCorkendale •2022: Kendall Rau

K-State Business Administration student recognized in international competition

SAMANTHA JANE HARRIS, 37, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

CORNEAL ARNEZ JOHNSON, 34, Manhattan, Sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of child &lt;18 x4; Bond $50,000

JOSEPH DONALD BAUER JR, 18, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $500

JOHN DAVID BEE, 41, Abilene, Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance; Bond $500

LACHAYLA MONET DOTSON, 24, Failure to appear; Bond $4,000

LAQUINTA RAE BROWN, 34, Junction City, Violate protection order; Stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking per KSA 631a05, 631a06; Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threaten/harass; Bond $3,000

ARRON JAMES FLOWER, 40, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Unknown circumstance; Bond $3,000

BRYCE ANTHONY BAKER, 34, Lincoln, NE, Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Arrested and released on bond by the Clay County Sheriff's Office on 07/31/2023

CAITLYN CHEYANNE HATCHER, 24, Junction City, Parole Violation, Arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 07/23/2023

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;SAMANTHA JANE HARRIS, 37, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000CORNEAL ARNEZ JOHNSON, 34, Manhattan, Sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of child &lt;18 x4; Bond $50,000JOSEPH DONALD BAUER JR, 18, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $500JOHN DAVID BEE, 41, Abilene, Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance; Bond $500LACHAYLA MONET DOTSON, 24, Failure to appear; Bond $4,000LAQUINTA RAE BROWN, 34, Junction City, Violate protection order; Stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking per KSA 631a05, 631a06; Harass by telecom device; Transmit comment/image/text to abuse/threaten/harass; Bond $3,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667230419986.jpeg" alt="Arron James Flower, pictures from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Arron James Flower, pictures from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>ARRON JAMES FLOWER, 40, Manhattan, Disorderly conduct; Unknown circumstance; Bond $3,000BRYCE ANTHONY BAKER, 34, Lincoln, NE, Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny; Arrested and released on bond by the Clay County Sheriff's Office on 07/31/2023CAITLYN CHEYANNE HATCHER, 24, Junction City, Parole Violation, Arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 07/23/2023

📷: Riley County Arrest Report August 3

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — First District Congressman Tracey Mann is back in Kansas doing town halls this week, but with less than two months left in the federal fiscal year, he said work is continuing on the federal budget.

"Republicans won a majority in the House," Mann said. "When that happened, some new rules went into effect for the House. All 12 appropriations bills have to come forward individually. The last 10 to 15 years, they have come together, collectively, this huge massive funding bill called an omnibus, omni meaning many. All 12 bills have to come out individually, which provides more scrutiny. That's how the process should work. I'm all for that. One of those has come out so far. Last week, we voted on the appropriations bill that funds our military construction and our veterans."

Will they all get done before an extension would have to be made? That remains to be seen.&nbsp;

"The other eleven have to get handled here in September," Mann said. "Time is ticking. There is time to do it, but we're going to have to hit the ground running come September."

This year is also the reauthorization year for the Farm Bill, so that is also due by September 30.

"We've done a lot of listening sessions, a lot of hearings, a lot of work to get the text right," Mann said. "The final text of the House version will come out late this month or early next. Then, when Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, it looks like it will be taken up right away by the House Ag Committee, is what the current schedule is. The same thing has to happen in the Senate. That's where it sits right now."

Mann's annual listening tour to all 60 counties in the Big First wrapped up Thursday.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — First District Congressman Tracey Mann is back in Kansas doing town halls this week, but with less than two months left in the federal fiscal year, he said work is continuing on the federal budget."Republicans won a majority in the House," Mann said. "When that happened, some new rules went into effect for the House. All 12 appropriations bills have to come forward individually. The last 10 to 15 years, they have come together, collectively, this huge massive funding bill called an omnibus, omni meaning many. All 12 bills have to come out individually, which provides more scrutiny. That's how the process should work. I'm all for that. One of those has come out so far. Last week, we voted on the appropriations bill that funds our military construction and our veterans."Will they all get done before an extension would have to be made? That remains to be seen.&nbsp;"The other eleven have to get handled here in September," Mann said. "Time is ticking. There is time to do it, but we're going to have to hit the ground running come September."This year is also the reauthorization year for the Farm Bill, so that is also due by September 30."We've done a lot of listening sessions, a lot of hearings, a lot of work to get the text right," Mann said. "The final text of the House version will come out late this month or early next. Then, when Congress reconvenes after Labor Day, it looks like it will be taken up right away by the House Ag Committee, is what the current schedule is. The same thing has to happen in the Senate. That's where it sits right now."Mann's annual listening tour to all 60 counties in the Big First wrapped up Thursday.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mann: House getting back to regular order on budget process

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child sex crimes and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 34-year-old Corneal Johnson of Manhattan in the 400 block of Fremont Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Johnson was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 4 counts of sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of a child &lt;18. The crime was originally reported to RCPD on April 27, 2023. Johnson was issued a total bond of $50,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child sex crimes and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 34-year-old Corneal Johnson of Manhattan in the 400 block of Fremont Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Johnson was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 4 counts of sexual exploitation of a child; possess media of a child &lt;18. The crime was originally reported to RCPD on April 27, 2023. Johnson was issued a total bond of $50,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

Manhattan man jailed for alleged child sex crimes

Milford Lake flooding in 2019 caused damage problems. The topic arose Wednesday evening during a discussion between Milford Mayor Brad Roether and the Corps of Engineers. "Erosion at our city dock. 2019 just killed us." Silt has taken its toll.

Roether noted that federal funds are being sought to save the City boat ramp. He is hopeful assistance on the project can be obtained from the Corps.

Local community members in attendance at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center, heard from Corps officials on the need to upgrade the water control manual for the lake. Corps personnel are making a series of presentations on the manuals for different reservoirs in the Kansas City district.

A variety of topics ranging from lake downstream releases and water management to functions of the lake were covered during the session Wednesday. The next meeting is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday night in Manhattan on Tuttle Creek Reservoir.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostMilford Lake flooding in 2019 caused damage problems. The topic arose Wednesday evening during a discussion between Milford Mayor Brad Roether and the Corps of Engineers. "Erosion at our city dock. 2019 just killed us." Silt has taken its toll.Roether noted that federal funds are being sought to save the City boat ramp. He is hopeful assistance on the project can be obtained from the Corps.Local community members in attendance at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center, heard from Corps officials on the need to upgrade the water control manual for the lake. Corps personnel are making a series of presentations on the manuals for different reservoirs in the Kansas City district.A variety of topics ranging from lake downstream releases and water management to functions of the lake were covered during the session Wednesday. The next meeting is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday night in Manhattan on Tuttle Creek Reservoir.

Milford Lake issues receive Corps attention

FORT RILEY - Earlier this summer, Fort Riley said goodbye to Col. Richard Ikena and welcomed Col. Jeffrey Pickler during a change of command ceremony at Cavalry Parade Field.

Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley hosted the change of command ceremony.

Col. Richard Ikena relinquished his command of DIVARTY, a position he held since June 2021. Ikena took over as the commander of the Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Col. Jeffrey Pickler takes over for Col. Ikena as the DIVARTY commander. Pickler most recently completed a War College Fellowship at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies where he served as the Marshall Center Chief of Staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691435203943.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FORT RILEY - Earlier this summer, Fort Riley said goodbye to Col. Richard Ikena and welcomed Col. Jeffrey Pickler during a change of command ceremony at Cavalry Parade Field.Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley hosted the change of command ceremony.Col. Richard Ikena relinquished his command of DIVARTY, a position he held since June 2021. Ikena took over as the commander of the Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.<div><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/xVVNgNsP-Kjb0luCJ.html" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Divarty Says Goodbye To Ikena" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Col. Jeffrey Pickler takes over for Col. Ikena as the DIVARTY commander. Pickler most recently completed a War College Fellowship at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies where he served as the Marshall Center Chief of Staff.<div><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/x45Vb89v-Kjb0luCJ.html" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Divarty Welcomes Pickler" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Fort Riley welcomes Col. Pickler, says goodbye to Col. Ikena

RILEY - On Wednesday, August 2nd, just after midnight, the City of Riley Fire Department and the Riley County Fire District #1 volunteers were called out to the 300 block of North Broadway in Riley, Kansas for the report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival crews found the two-story home with flames and smoke visible.&nbsp;

Twenty-five firefighters with 13 fire apparatus responded to the scene along with the Riley County Police Department and Riley County Emergency Medical Services.

According to the Riley County FD#1, two adults and one dog were inside the home at the time of the fire.

One adult escaped without injury, the other one was injured while escaping an upstairs bedroom. Unfortunately the family dog perished in the fire.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A damage estimate is not yet available.

&nbsp; “It appears the fire started on the front porch and quickly spread to other areas of the home,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Fire Chief Doug Russell. “We want to thank all the volunteers&nbsp;for their hard work to extinguish this fire. We have a dedicated crew&nbsp;who give their time to support the community, and we are extremely fortunate to have their support.” To learn more about Riley County Fire District #1 or apply to become a volunteer firefighter, visit<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f9a37d40f3&amp;e=3dbcd2089f" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.rileycountyks.gov/fire</a>&nbsp;or call 785-537-6333 during business hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690988395682.jpeg" alt="House damaged by fire in Riley, KS, photo from Kevin Bellamy" />
 <figcaption>House damaged by fire in Riley, KS, photo from Kevin Bellamy</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY - On Wednesday, August 2nd, just after midnight, the City of Riley Fire Department and the Riley County Fire District #1 volunteers were called out to the 300 block of North Broadway in Riley, Kansas for the report of a structure fire.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3710.5462476199577!2d-96.82765682360142!3d39.30113342278065!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bdb9f1f0aa940f%3A0x931992beae47e0d7!2s300%20N%20Broadway%20St%2C%20Riley%2C%20KS%2066531!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1690988768087!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Upon arrival crews found the two-story home with flames and smoke visible.&nbsp;Twenty-five firefighters with 13 fire apparatus responded to the scene along with the Riley County Police Department and Riley County Emergency Medical Services.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690988656716.jpeg" alt="House damaged by fire in Riley, KS, photo from Kevin Bellamy" />
 <figcaption>House damaged by fire in Riley, KS, photo from Kevin Bellamy</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Riley County FD#1, two adults and one dog were inside the home at the time of the fire.One adult escaped without injury, the other one was injured while escaping an upstairs bedroom. Unfortunately the family dog perished in the fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690989590722.jpeg" alt="House damaged by fire in Riley, KS,&nbsp;photo from Kevin Bellamy" />
 <figcaption>House damaged by fire in Riley, KS,&nbsp;photo from Kevin Bellamy</figcaption>
 </figure>The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A damage estimate is not yet available.&nbsp; “It appears the fire started on the front porch and quickly spread to other areas of the home,” said RCFD#1 Deputy Fire Chief Doug Russell. “We want to thank all the volunteers&nbsp;for their hard work to extinguish this fire. We have a dedicated crew&nbsp;who give their time to support the community, and we are extremely fortunate to have their support.” To learn more about Riley County Fire District #1 or apply to become a volunteer firefighter, visit<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f9a37d40f3&amp;e=3dbcd2089f" target="_blank">&nbsp;www.rileycountyks.gov/fire</a>&nbsp;or call 785-537-6333 during business hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fire damages house in Riley

JACQUES LASHAWN TOLIVER JR, 18, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $100

CHRISTOPHER DANIEL ALBERTSON, 39, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Criminal restraint; Bond $12,000

KELLI ILENE STOCKTON, 26, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant x2; Failure to appear; Probation Violation x2; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; 2 or more per prior convictions; Possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h); Bond $16,750

KELSEY MICHELLE ROOKSTOOL, 26, Junction City, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000

VICTOR ANDREW SCHMIDT, 29, Spearville, Aggravated Sexual battery; Force or fear; Bond $100,000

WILLIAM JOSEPH CORREIA, 40, Manhattan, Probation Violation; 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;JACQUES LASHAWN TOLIVER JR, 18, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $100<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690987256249.jpeg" alt="Christopher Daniel Albertson, picture from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Daniel Albertson, picture from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>CHRISTOPHER DANIEL ALBERTSON, 39, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Criminal restraint; Bond $12,000KELLI ILENE STOCKTON, 26, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant x2; Failure to appear; Probation Violation x2; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana; 2 or more per prior convictions; Possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h); Bond $16,750KELSEY MICHELLE ROOKSTOOL, 26, Junction City, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690987336258.jpeg" alt="Victor Andrew Schmidt, picture from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Victor Andrew Schmidt, picture from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>VICTOR ANDREW SCHMIDT, 29, Spearville, Aggravated Sexual battery; Force or fear; Bond $100,000<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673455840374.jpeg" alt="William Joseph Correia, pictures from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>William Joseph Correia, pictures from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WILLIAM JOSEPH CORREIA, 40, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

📷: Riley County Arrest Report August 2

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged fraud.

Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft/fraud in the 1600 block of Fishermans Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A 57-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect opened an account in her name for a loan with a bank in October of 2020. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,774. &nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged fraud.Just before 3p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft/fraud in the 1600 block of Fishermans Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A 57-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect opened an account in her name for a loan with a bank in October of 2020. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,774. &nbsp;Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect took out bank loan in victim's name

RILEY COUNTY —Victor Schmidt, 29, of Spearville, Kansas was arrested while at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center after being extradited from Pennsylvania on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated sexual battery; force or fear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

On May 25, Schmidt was booked into the&nbsp;Centre County Correctional Facility in&nbsp;Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, according to online jail records.

The original case was reported in November 2022. Schmidt remains jailed on a total bond of $100,000, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Victor Schmidt, 29, of Spearville, Kansas was arrested while at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center after being extradited from Pennsylvania on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated sexual battery; force or fear, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.On May 25, Schmidt was booked into the&nbsp;Centre County Correctional Facility in&nbsp;Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, according to online jail records.The original case was reported in November 2022. Schmidt remains jailed on a total bond of $100,000, according to the RCPD.

Sexual battery suspect extradited from Pennsylvania

BROWN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1130a.m. Tuesday in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Tanner J..&nbsp; Shobney, 30, Saint Marys, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of U.S. 75.

The semi crossed the center line and struck a 2007&nbsp; Kenworth semi that was legally parked on the shoulder of the highway. The driver&nbsp;Matthew D. Cairns, 47, Batesville, Indiana, was standing outside the vehicle when the accident occurred.

EMS transported Cairns and&nbsp; Shobney to the Sabetha hospital. Shobney was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

BROWN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 1130a.m. Tuesday in Brown County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Tanner J..&nbsp; Shobney, 30, Saint Marys, was westbound on U.S. 36 just west of U.S. 75.The semi crossed the center line and struck a 2007&nbsp; Kenworth semi that was legally parked on the shoulder of the highway. The driver&nbsp;Matthew D. Cairns, 47, Batesville, Indiana, was standing outside the vehicle when the accident occurred.EMS transported Cairns and&nbsp; Shobney to the Sabetha hospital. Shobney was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Saint Marys man hospitalized after 2-vehicle semi crash

GEARY COUNTY—Firefighters and many others in Geary County are mourning the death of&nbsp; CSM (retired) James B.  (Jim) Mitchell who died last week at his residence from injuries in a lawn mower accident, according to a social media report from the Geary County Rural Fire Department.

  Jim was a 23-plus year active volunteer with the Geary County Rural Fire Station and was assigned to Station 10 that covered the west side of Milford lake to include Laurel Canyon.

In addition to responding on fire calls, Jim took pride and joy in making sure that Station 10 was clean and that Truck 110 was ready to respond on fire calls.

He was proud when earlier this month, there was an Open House at the new Station 10 and he was able to help show the station and the fire units off.

Visitation will be held on Thursday August 3rd from 5-7pm at the  Johnson Funeral Home located at 203 N. Washington in Junction City. 

 Graveside services along with the Last Call will be on Friday at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery located east of Ogden, Kansas at 10.Friends of Geary County Rural Fire is one of the organizations for memorials.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to be given to The Greater Geary Community Foundation for the South Junction City Kiwanis Club, 922 Sunrise Hill Drive, Junction City, Kansas 66441 or to Friends of Geary County Rural Fire Department, 236 E. 8th Street, Junction City, Kansas 66441 Jim was born on October 25, 1939, in Harlan County, Kentucky the son of Charles Mitchell and Ruby Johnson. Jim served in the United States Army from 1956 until his retirement in 1986. During his thirty years of service, he served three tours in Korea, two tours in both Vietnam and Germany, and a total of nine years at Fort Riley with the 1st Infantry Division. Following his retirement from military service, Jim continued his career as a civil servant for seventeen years at Fort Riley. He was an active member of the South Junction City Kiwanis Club since 1986 and served as the President, Lt. Governor, and Master Instructor of the Kansas Kiwanis District. Jim was a volunteer member of the Geary County Rural Fire Department for over twenty three years.

He was also a member of the following organizations: Fort Riley Retirement Council, Kansas Armed Forces E-9 Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) where served as past president, life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Post #45 in Junction City, Kansas. On October 2, 1990, he married Wally Gob in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Wally, of Junction City, Kansas; daughter, Kelly Mitchell of Copperas Cove, Texas; son, Patrick Miramontez and his wife Jane of Lenexa, Kansas; son, Mario Miramontez of Chapman, Kansas; six granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son James B. Mitchell, Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690490009902.jpeg" alt="CSM(Ret) James B 'Jim' Mitchell, photo courtesy Geary Co Fire" />
 <figcaption>CSM(Ret) James B 'Jim' Mitchell, photo courtesy Geary Co Fire</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY—Firefighters and many others in Geary County are mourning the death of&nbsp; CSM (retired) James B. (Jim) Mitchell who died last week at his residence from injuries in a lawn mower accident, according to a social media report from the Geary County Rural Fire Department. Jim was a 23-plus year active volunteer with the Geary County Rural Fire Station and was assigned to Station 10 that covered the west side of Milford lake to include Laurel Canyon.In addition to responding on fire calls, Jim took pride and joy in making sure that Station 10 was clean and that Truck 110 was ready to respond on fire calls.He was proud when earlier this month, there was an Open House at the new Station 10 and he was able to help show the station and the fire units off.Visitation will be held on Thursday August 3rd from 5-7pm at the Johnson Funeral Home located at 203 N. Washington in Junction City. Graveside services along with the Last Call will be on Friday at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery located east of Ogden, Kansas at 10.Friends of Geary County Rural Fire is one of the organizations for memorials.&nbsp;&nbsp;Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to be given to The Greater Geary Community Foundation for the South Junction City Kiwanis Club, 922 Sunrise Hill Drive, Junction City, Kansas 66441 or to Friends of Geary County Rural Fire Department, 236 E. 8th Street, Junction City, Kansas 66441 Jim was born on October 25, 1939, in Harlan County, Kentucky the son of Charles Mitchell and Ruby Johnson. Jim served in the United States Army from 1956 until his retirement in 1986. During his thirty years of service, he served three tours in Korea, two tours in both Vietnam and Germany, and a total of nine years at Fort Riley with the 1st Infantry Division. Following his retirement from military service, Jim continued his career as a civil servant for seventeen years at Fort Riley. He was an active member of the South Junction City Kiwanis Club since 1986 and served as the President, Lt. Governor, and Master Instructor of the Kansas Kiwanis District. Jim was a volunteer member of the Geary County Rural Fire Department for over twenty three years.He was also a member of the following organizations: Fort Riley Retirement Council, Kansas Armed Forces E-9 Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) where served as past president, life member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion Post #45 in Junction City, Kansas. On October 2, 1990, he married Wally Gob in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Wally, of Junction City, Kansas; daughter, Kelly Mitchell of Copperas Cove, Texas; son, Patrick Miramontez and his wife Jane of Lenexa, Kansas; son, Mario Miramontez of Chapman, Kansas; six granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son James B. Mitchell, Jr.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Volunteer firefighter in Geary Co. dies in lawnmower accident

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Last week, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019EsEXgLSypynVgIoQ_wbEwoeNEG2vkAeXp3dEapZzMCdrLnyIveqnvnKBbXJjwVnoLDnPbe_M4opVFpBAJdi-BL7BwgB_JVRtQqyw0qIqZ9Xis42LOUhr3Gq3Alp-l1ZUdaqtJli1Q1sA27PiA51XGia4ztGgjLT7H70rIJWjlgtJ2H16yGoeod8TKdo68e8lLtzGQF3Vvhk-IM_q-Q4Z7z26TQ8smQMDsw6CgjkGlpCHxUXCvUbz80dseakNd97kieL6evWTImwg_6GEdBgRQWf4efCDOl4URD4mgZ0D2s=&amp;c=C7Pq2wO2qTEFPFMwezyYdzjTcyj_Bp-YKUXKOh7EoC128ei9EKanQg==&amp;ch=HdrEwYfNVGPEpKFiE5Frhd2NssBmP06WSMNZEAG2IIQ1pwY02zlGwA==" target="_blank">H.R. 4956, the Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act</a>, in response to President Biden’s overreaching, unconstitutional Waters of the U.S. rule.

“Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers know their operations far better than the federal government does,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann. “They deserve a seat at the table when policies impacting their livelihoods are up for discussion. This legislation would establish a farmer-led advisory committee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bring together real-world experience, share insight into how rules like President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rule negatively impacts agriculture, and offer solutions to eliminate unnecessary red-tape hindering agricultural productivity. I am proud to represent farmers and ranchers in the Big First District, remain committed to hearing their concerns, and am thankful to introduce this legislation alongside Representative Yakym.”

“Hoosier farmers make some of the best product anywhere in the world, but all too often they have had to contend with heavy-handed federal overreach from the Biden Administration,”&nbsp;said Rep. Yakym. “Nowhere has this been clearer than with this Administration’s overzealous enforcement of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Our commonsense legislation is an important way to fight back against federal overreach and support America’s farmers and ag producers by giving them a seat at the table when it comes to policy decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods. I am proud to work with Representative Mann on this legislation that will help ensure our farmers can continue to feed&nbsp;our nation and the rest of the world.”

This legislation establishes an advisory committee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, comprised of farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, trade association representatives, and representatives from state departments of agriculture. The committee will examine:

● The impact of rules like the Waters of the U.S. rule on production agriculture. ● Cases where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided conflicting rulings for the same or similarly situated tracts of land.

 ● The impact of overreaching regulations on&nbsp;food supply chains. 

● Solutions for a clearer Waters of the U.S. rule, including exemptions for those involved in production agriculture

Rep. Mann proudly serves on the House Agriculture Committee and is the Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. The Big First is home to 60,000 farms and ranches, is the third-largest agriculture production district in the country, and Kansas agricultural producers sell $10 billion worth of livestock, dairy, poultry, and products like beef, milk, and eggs every year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690912187206.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann newsletter cover image.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann newsletter cover image.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– Last week, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Rudy Yakym (IN-02) introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019EsEXgLSypynVgIoQ_wbEwoeNEG2vkAeXp3dEapZzMCdrLnyIveqnvnKBbXJjwVnoLDnPbe_M4opVFpBAJdi-BL7BwgB_JVRtQqyw0qIqZ9Xis42LOUhr3Gq3Alp-l1ZUdaqtJli1Q1sA27PiA51XGia4ztGgjLT7H70rIJWjlgtJ2H16yGoeod8TKdo68e8lLtzGQF3Vvhk-IM_q-Q4Z7z26TQ8smQMDsw6CgjkGlpCHxUXCvUbz80dseakNd97kieL6evWTImwg_6GEdBgRQWf4efCDOl4URD4mgZ0D2s=&amp;c=C7Pq2wO2qTEFPFMwezyYdzjTcyj_Bp-YKUXKOh7EoC128ei9EKanQg==&amp;ch=HdrEwYfNVGPEpKFiE5Frhd2NssBmP06WSMNZEAG2IIQ1pwY02zlGwA==" target="_blank">H.R. 4956, the Farmer-Informed WOTUS Act</a>, in response to President Biden’s overreaching, unconstitutional Waters of the U.S. rule.“Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers know their operations far better than the federal government does,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann. “They deserve a seat at the table when policies impacting their livelihoods are up for discussion. This legislation would establish a farmer-led advisory committee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to bring together real-world experience, share insight into how rules like President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rule negatively impacts agriculture, and offer solutions to eliminate unnecessary red-tape hindering agricultural productivity. I am proud to represent farmers and ranchers in the Big First District, remain committed to hearing their concerns, and am thankful to introduce this legislation alongside Representative Yakym.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611836622184.jpeg" alt="Rep-Tracey-Mann-KS01 Official Photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep-Tracey-Mann-KS01 Official Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“Hoosier farmers make some of the best product anywhere in the world, but all too often they have had to contend with heavy-handed federal overreach from the Biden Administration,”&nbsp;said Rep. Yakym. “Nowhere has this been clearer than with this Administration’s overzealous enforcement of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Our commonsense legislation is an important way to fight back against federal overreach and support America’s farmers and ag producers by giving them a seat at the table when it comes to policy decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods. I am proud to work with Representative Mann on this legislation that will help ensure our farmers can continue to feed&nbsp;our nation and the rest of the world.”This legislation establishes an advisory committee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, comprised of farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, trade association representatives, and representatives from state departments of agriculture. The committee will examine:● The impact of rules like the Waters of the U.S. rule on production agriculture. ● Cases where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided conflicting rulings for the same or similarly situated tracts of land. ● The impact of overreaching regulations on&nbsp;food supply chains. ● Solutions for a clearer Waters of the U.S. rule, including exemptions for those involved in production agricultureRep. Mann proudly serves on the House Agriculture Committee and is the Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. The Big First is home to 60,000 farms and ranches, is the third-largest agriculture production district in the country, and Kansas agricultural producers sell $10 billion worth of livestock, dairy, poultry, and products like beef, milk, and eggs every year.

Rep. Mann protects agricultural producers from 'unconstitutional overreach'

CLARENCE EDWARD KNIGHT, 71, Wamego, Probation Violation x2; arrested on two Pottawatomie County warrants while confined to the Riley County Jail

MARCUS LAMAR GRANT, 40, Milford, Failure to appear; released to custody of Geary County Detention Center

**per request of RCPD, the arrest of a juvenile has been removed due to&nbsp;domestic-related safety and security issues.

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;CLARENCE EDWARD KNIGHT, 71, Wamego, Probation Violation x2; arrested on two Pottawatomie County warrants while confined to the Riley County Jail<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690900702230.jpeg" alt="Marcus Lamar Grant, picture from Geary County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Lamar Grant, picture from Geary County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>MARCUS LAMAR GRANT, 40, Milford, Failure to appear; released to custody of Geary County Detention Center**per request of RCPD, the arrest of a juvenile has been removed due to&nbsp;domestic-related safety and security issues.

Riley County Arrest Report August 1

By PAT MELGARES K-State News Service

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;A Kansas State University agricultural economist has been selected to lead a five-year project to develop decision-making tools and improve communication on the economic impacts of animal disease, ultimately improving the health of those animals. Dustin Pendell, a professor in K-State's&nbsp;department of&nbsp;agricultural&nbsp;economics, was named head of the&nbsp;Americas region of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-offer/expertise-network/collaborating-centres/" target="_blank">Collaborating Center for the Economics of Animal Health</a>. The project is supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woah.org/en/home/" target="_blank">World Organisation for Animal Health</a>, or WOAH,&nbsp;which has headquarters in Paris, France. WOAH&nbsp;—&nbsp;similar in purpose to that of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>, which preserves and promotes human health&nbsp;—&nbsp;approved the creation of the center during its 90th General Assembly in late May. WOAH has 183 member countries, 33 of which are in the Americas region. "Our thought process is that we can start to work together across these 33 countries in the Americas region to develop a set of consistent methods and tools that everyone can use to estimate the economic impacts of animal health,"&nbsp;Pendell said.&nbsp;"Then&nbsp;we can take that knowledge that we generate and disseminate that information back to the decision-makers, whether that be animal health officials, producers or anybody throughout the supply chain, so they can make better management decisions." The Collaborating Center for the Economics of Animal Health-Americas centers its operations at K-State's Manhattan campus, though there are no physical buildings representing the group. It will involve partners at the University of Sao Paulo,&nbsp;University of Brasilia,&nbsp;Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Washington State University. The center will focus its effort on animal health related to terrestrial livestock&nbsp;—&nbsp;animals that live primarily on land&nbsp;—&nbsp;and aquaculture. "As an economist, I will focus my work in that area, but this&nbsp;center is much more than economics,"&nbsp;Pendell said.&nbsp;"It will take multiple disciplines, such as veterinarians, economists, epidemiologists, engineers and more, to make this a success." Pendell said he anticipates the&nbsp;center's work will build upon recent global efforts such as the Global Burden of Animal Diseases,&nbsp;or&nbsp;GBADs,&nbsp;and Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases,&nbsp;a joint effort of WOAH and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. "The GBADs team has been working together for the past five years or so,&nbsp;during which time we've been developing methods on how we estimate the burden of animal health,"&nbsp;Pendell said. Pendell said knowing the burden of animal diseases across the world will not only assist governments and animal health officials invest appropriately in combatting those diseases but will help everyone across the livestock and meat supply chain. "My hope is that we can provide decision-makers with the information such that they will be better able to optimally allocate their limited resources,"&nbsp;he said. Pendell said his vision for the CCEAH-Americas is rooted in&nbsp;K-State's&nbsp;land-grant mission. "As an agricultural economist at a land-grant university, my job is to provide unbiased research to our stakeholders, such that they can make a better-informed decisions," he said. "We want business management decisions to be based on more than just a gut feeling. My vision for this center incorporates the land-grant philosophy and gets the research into the hands of the stakeholders, both here at home and around the world."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643991102978.jpeg" alt="Photo by Unsplash" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Unsplash</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAT MELGARES K-State News Service MANHATTAN —&nbsp;A Kansas State University agricultural economist has been selected to lead a five-year project to develop decision-making tools and improve communication on the economic impacts of animal disease, ultimately improving the health of those animals. Dustin Pendell, a professor in K-State's&nbsp;department of&nbsp;agricultural&nbsp;economics, was named head of the&nbsp;Americas region of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-offer/expertise-network/collaborating-centres/" target="_blank">Collaborating Center for the Economics of Animal Health</a>. The project is supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woah.org/en/home/" target="_blank">World Organisation for Animal Health</a>, or WOAH,&nbsp;which has headquarters in Paris, France. WOAH&nbsp;—&nbsp;similar in purpose to that of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a>, which preserves and promotes human health&nbsp;—&nbsp;approved the creation of the center during its 90th General Assembly in late May. WOAH has 183 member countries, 33 of which are in the Americas region. "Our thought process is that we can start to work together across these 33 countries in the Americas region to develop a set of consistent methods and tools that everyone can use to estimate the economic impacts of animal health,"&nbsp;Pendell said.&nbsp;"Then&nbsp;we can take that knowledge that we generate and disseminate that information back to the decision-makers, whether that be animal health officials, producers or anybody throughout the supply chain, so they can make better management decisions." The Collaborating Center for the Economics of Animal Health-Americas centers its operations at K-State's Manhattan campus, though there are no physical buildings representing the group. It will involve partners at the University of Sao Paulo,&nbsp;University of Brasilia,&nbsp;Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Washington State University. The center will focus its effort on animal health related to terrestrial livestock&nbsp;—&nbsp;animals that live primarily on land&nbsp;—&nbsp;and aquaculture. "As an economist, I will focus my work in that area, but this&nbsp;center is much more than economics,"&nbsp;Pendell said.&nbsp;"It will take multiple disciplines, such as veterinarians, economists, epidemiologists, engineers and more, to make this a success." Pendell said he anticipates the&nbsp;center's work will build upon recent global efforts such as the Global Burden of Animal Diseases,&nbsp;or&nbsp;GBADs,&nbsp;and Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases,&nbsp;a joint effort of WOAH and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. "The GBADs team has been working together for the past five years or so,&nbsp;during which time we've been developing methods on how we estimate the burden of animal health,"&nbsp;Pendell said. Pendell said knowing the burden of animal diseases across the world will not only assist governments and animal health officials invest appropriately in combatting those diseases but will help everyone across the livestock and meat supply chain. "My hope is that we can provide decision-makers with the information such that they will be better able to optimally allocate their limited resources,"&nbsp;he said. Pendell said his vision for the CCEAH-Americas is rooted in&nbsp;K-State's&nbsp;land-grant mission. "As an agricultural economist at a land-grant university, my job is to provide unbiased research to our stakeholders, such that they can make a better-informed decisions," he said. "We want business management decisions to be based on more than just a gut feeling. My vision for this center incorporates the land-grant philosophy and gets the research into the hands of the stakeholders, both here at home and around the world."&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State chosen to lead global animal health effort

This is day 16, the final day of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

The Kansas wheat harvest is finally drawing to a close with 95 percent of wheat harvest complete, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its crop progress report for the week ending July 30, 2023. That is still well behind last year’s 100 percent completion at this time and the five-year average of nearly 99 percent.

Ahead of the weekend, the last remaining farmers in the harvest field were cutting down toward the Oklahoma border, primarily so they could report numbers to crop insurance, according to Lawson Hemberger, MKC senior location manager of rail terminals who is based out of the Sumner County Terminal in Milan. Hemberger oversees both of MKC’s current terminal elevators as well as the one under construction near Sterling. The terminal in Milan covers Sumner County, southwest of Wichita, and into neighboring Harper and Cowley counties.

The terminal took in its first loads of wheat around June 8. While that makes the length of harvest very long in total, Hemberger noted the majority of acres were harvested by the Fourth of July. The area caught five to six inches of rain that week, forcing farmers out of the field and starting a cycle of every-other-day rain delays, increasing weed pressure and falling test weights.

“This is definitely the first year I’ve seen a wheat harvest go darn near two months long,” he said.

Hemberger noted the area was pretty decent on moisture compared to other areas of Kansas as the wheat came out of dormancy. The wheat was up and looking pretty average, but then the area went all the way to early May before finally catching rain.

Hemberger estimated abandonment ranged from 10 to 15 percent. Some of those planted acres were abandoned before harvest so farmers could plant a second crop, others were zeroed out during harvest when some producers could send the combine down and back once in the field and not even fill up a coffee can.

He noted he was holding his breath when the rains arrived — calling it the do-or-die moment — but the wheat was at the exact right stage to fill the kernels that it put on. Test weights were excellent during the first few weeks of harvest, right at 60 to 60.5 pounds per bushel.

Yields were widespread from five bushels per acre — primarily where crop insurance would not release acres ahead of harvest — up to 48 bushels per acre. For the early part of harvest ahead of the holiday, Hemberger estimated most farmers averaged about 20 bushels per acre.

Protein was exceptional — even higher than last year’s drought-stressed crop — with Hemberger estimating 80 percent of wheat coming in was at 13 percent protein or higher. He noted for wheat report readers that the protein levels are mostly locked in once the wheat matures, meaning the protein values do not drop significantly like test weight.

The Sumner County Terminal has four different pits, allowing MKC to set up a really good segregation plan. Hemberger explained that most of the time they have four to five protein breaks — so trying to separate every percentage point (10 percent, 11 percent, etc.). This year, the crop came in so much higher with protein content that they had to adjust that segregation plan every other day to continue separating the highest protein wheat. He noted they are putting higher protein wheat — 14 and higher — into long-term storage, stashing it away for another time when good protein wheat may not be as readily available as this year’s crop.

Hemberger reported the most consistently reported top wheat variety this year was AgriPro’s Bob Dole, which was developed by K-State. He noted producers also highlighted Larry, also developed at K-State, and Paradise from Polansky Seed, as varieties that performed well in the area this year.

After the big rains around July 4, however, the rain kept coming. As a result, damage has substantially increased on those tail-end acres and test weights dropped off and at the end of harvest were down to 56 to 57 pounds per bushel. Weeds were a whole other debacle as producers struggled to control late-season emergence options in order to harvest. Crop insurance ended up zeroing out some fields due to crabgrass that came in after pigweed was sprayed.

Even with the frustrating end of harvest, Hemberger reported this year’s harvest was better than expected.

“We figured we got about 60 to 65 percent compared to a normal year,” Hemberger said. “Looking back at where we were going into May, we didn’t think we would have a crop at all.”

Despite the challenges the rain caused for the wheat, the ample moisture means the fall crops are looking really good, even with the long period of triple-digit weather that is threatening the crop at a critical growth period. Hemberger noted a rain at the end of last week of 1.5 to 3 inches could not have come at a better time.

Now the challenge is to turn house quickly at the terminal to make space for those fall crops. Most of the wheat will be sent to local mills. The MKC terminal does have two train loaders, but with such a short crop, there is not a strong export market out of Kansas this year. Still, he noted they will load a few trains that were contracted back this spring.

Overall, this wheat harvest will be one for the record books, although not in the way that producers would prefer, according to Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. As of its last estimate, USDA predicted Kansas wheat production will total 208 million bushels on 6.5 million acres, the smallest crop since 1966.

Breaking down that overall number, however, average yields for 2023 are currently estimated at 32 bushels per acre compared to 19.5 bushels per acre in 1966. That gain is directly attributable to the improvement in available wheat genetics, recommended farming practices and decades of on-farm knowledge.

“What shouldn’t be lost in everything that’s going on is the gains that have been made through genetics to try and keep a disaster from being more of a disaster,” Gilpin said. “The 2023 wheat crop had more than its share of twists and turns, but overall, we’ve come a long way. Every year is a little bit different, but 2023 is probably going to be one of those years that does stand out for a long time on charts, and not just due to the overall challenges this crop faced. Combined with the market volatility and unprecedented geopolitical events — everything that is occurring simultaneously within the wheat market right now is pretty incredible.”

Learn more about Gilpin’s perspectives on this year’s harvest, supply-and-demand factors across wheat classes, end-use quality, international market influences and more in the latest episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IWM8VLBC0qICfIjJkUmKTJa95zUxiq6RWEMfAaMhOKUOsF8WGVfvOWcrlc5SP7ZpcQxXI137SA99AhfBowPXtFt2XQ1r_nkRNTFRSbtAgPyNFLxxh8qAGyZWWCc-Ha5fAmD-TQHAEpiwY0wSMJof9A==&amp;c=VdgotDc_FxtE1DYsBGeQS8KQrvDxRU2upxoCbBSLKDGbI5FU5_t_cQ==&amp;ch=tENeIJUPUyKWq1YYKDxnXbfuacqjeUmEmW3qNNHLrGnPpbA23E13VQ==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.

The 2023 Harvest Reports were brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690890009072.png" alt="Final Wheat Harvest Report" />
 <figcaption>Final Wheat Harvest Report</figcaption>
 </figure> By JULIA DEBESKansas WheatThis is day 16, the final day of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.The Kansas wheat harvest is finally drawing to a close with 95 percent of wheat harvest complete, according to the official statistics provided by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in its crop progress report for the week ending July 30, 2023. That is still well behind last year’s 100 percent completion at this time and the five-year average of nearly 99 percent.Ahead of the weekend, the last remaining farmers in the harvest field were cutting down toward the Oklahoma border, primarily so they could report numbers to crop insurance, according to Lawson Hemberger, MKC senior location manager of rail terminals who is based out of the Sumner County Terminal in Milan. Hemberger oversees both of MKC’s current terminal elevators as well as the one under construction near Sterling. The terminal in Milan covers Sumner County, southwest of Wichita, and into neighboring Harper and Cowley counties.The terminal took in its first loads of wheat around June 8. While that makes the length of harvest very long in total, Hemberger noted the majority of acres were harvested by the Fourth of July. The area caught five to six inches of rain that week, forcing farmers out of the field and starting a cycle of every-other-day rain delays, increasing weed pressure and falling test weights.“This is definitely the first year I’ve seen a wheat harvest go darn near two months long,” he said.Hemberger noted the area was pretty decent on moisture compared to other areas of Kansas as the wheat came out of dormancy. The wheat was up and looking pretty average, but then the area went all the way to early May before finally catching rain.Hemberger estimated abandonment ranged from 10 to 15 percent. Some of those planted acres were abandoned before harvest so farmers could plant a second crop, others were zeroed out during harvest when some producers could send the combine down and back once in the field and not even fill up a coffee can.He noted he was holding his breath when the rains arrived — calling it the do-or-die moment — but the wheat was at the exact right stage to fill the kernels that it put on. Test weights were excellent during the first few weeks of harvest, right at 60 to 60.5 pounds per bushel.Yields were widespread from five bushels per acre — primarily where crop insurance would not release acres ahead of harvest — up to 48 bushels per acre. For the early part of harvest ahead of the holiday, Hemberger estimated most farmers averaged about 20 bushels per acre.Protein was exceptional — even higher than last year’s drought-stressed crop — with Hemberger estimating 80 percent of wheat coming in was at 13 percent protein or higher. He noted for wheat report readers that the protein levels are mostly locked in once the wheat matures, meaning the protein values do not drop significantly like test weight.The Sumner County Terminal has four different pits, allowing MKC to set up a really good segregation plan. Hemberger explained that most of the time they have four to five protein breaks — so trying to separate every percentage point (10 percent, 11 percent, etc.). This year, the crop came in so much higher with protein content that they had to adjust that segregation plan every other day to continue separating the highest protein wheat. He noted they are putting higher protein wheat — 14 and higher — into long-term storage, stashing it away for another time when good protein wheat may not be as readily available as this year’s crop.Hemberger reported the most consistently reported top wheat variety this year was AgriPro’s Bob Dole, which was developed by K-State. He noted producers also highlighted Larry, also developed at K-State, and Paradise from Polansky Seed, as varieties that performed well in the area this year.After the big rains around July 4, however, the rain kept coming. As a result, damage has substantially increased on those tail-end acres and test weights dropped off and at the end of harvest were down to 56 to 57 pounds per bushel. Weeds were a whole other debacle as producers struggled to control late-season emergence options in order to harvest. Crop insurance ended up zeroing out some fields due to crabgrass that came in after pigweed was sprayed.Even with the frustrating end of harvest, Hemberger reported this year’s harvest was better than expected.“We figured we got about 60 to 65 percent compared to a normal year,” Hemberger said. “Looking back at where we were going into May, we didn’t think we would have a crop at all.”Despite the challenges the rain caused for the wheat, the ample moisture means the fall crops are looking really good, even with the long period of triple-digit weather that is threatening the crop at a critical growth period. Hemberger noted a rain at the end of last week of 1.5 to 3 inches could not have come at a better time.Now the challenge is to turn house quickly at the terminal to make space for those fall crops. Most of the wheat will be sent to local mills. The MKC terminal does have two train loaders, but with such a short crop, there is not a strong export market out of Kansas this year. Still, he noted they will load a few trains that were contracted back this spring.Overall, this wheat harvest will be one for the record books, although not in the way that producers would prefer, according to Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. As of its last estimate, USDA predicted Kansas wheat production will total 208 million bushels on 6.5 million acres, the smallest crop since 1966.Breaking down that overall number, however, average yields for 2023 are currently estimated at 32 bushels per acre compared to 19.5 bushels per acre in 1966. That gain is directly attributable to the improvement in available wheat genetics, recommended farming practices and decades of on-farm knowledge.“What shouldn’t be lost in everything that’s going on is the gains that have been made through genetics to try and keep a disaster from being more of a disaster,” Gilpin said. “The 2023 wheat crop had more than its share of twists and turns, but overall, we’ve come a long way. Every year is a little bit different, but 2023 is probably going to be one of those years that does stand out for a long time on charts, and not just due to the overall challenges this crop faced. Combined with the market volatility and unprecedented geopolitical events — everything that is occurring simultaneously within the wheat market right now is pretty incredible.”Learn more about Gilpin’s perspectives on this year’s harvest, supply-and-demand factors across wheat classes, end-use quality, international market influences and more in the latest episode of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast at&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IWM8VLBC0qICfIjJkUmKTJa95zUxiq6RWEMfAaMhOKUOsF8WGVfvOWcrlc5SP7ZpcQxXI137SA99AhfBowPXtFt2XQ1r_nkRNTFRSbtAgPyNFLxxh8qAGyZWWCc-Ha5fAmD-TQHAEpiwY0wSMJof9A==&amp;c=VdgotDc_FxtE1DYsBGeQS8KQrvDxRU2upxoCbBSLKDGbI5FU5_t_cQ==&amp;ch=tENeIJUPUyKWq1YYKDxnXbfuacqjeUmEmW3qNNHLrGnPpbA23E13VQ==" target="_blank">wheatsonyourmind.com</a>.The 2023 Harvest Reports were brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.