By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

Crews are currently&nbsp;completing the outer skin of the Aggieville Parking Garage,&nbsp;tacking up heavy duty scaffolding as they&nbsp;work on the exterior facia&nbsp;and decorative brickwork. 

Cooperative weather has helped the project stay on time and budget. City Project Coordinator Ken Hays provided updates on the construction, and said the facility is expected to open on schedule&nbsp;in early spring of 2022.&nbsp;

Plans call for about 450 stalls in the Aggieville Parking Garage.&nbsp;

“Parking has always been an issue,” Hays said. “This will greatly improve access.”&nbsp;

With work&nbsp;progressing nicely&nbsp;on the current phase,&nbsp;several projects over the next five years&nbsp;will smooth transportation and commercial activity in the city. The next phase is to work on North&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;Avenue&nbsp;from the park south to&nbsp;Bluemont&nbsp;Avenue. The foundation for the Aggieville Parking Garage was poured&nbsp;late&nbsp;last winter.&nbsp;

The mass of the&nbsp;parking&nbsp;structure’s interior&nbsp;is all but complete&nbsp;save the rough electrical for lighting.&nbsp;The side of the structure facing North Manhattan and Laramie Streets will have storefront on the lower level, so&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;said&nbsp;finishing&nbsp;the&nbsp;interior&nbsp;for future tenants&nbsp;in&nbsp;those areas is still progressing.&nbsp;

According to Hays, the structural integrity and stabilization&nbsp;of the old buildings surrounding the new parking garage&nbsp;has been engineered into the design.&nbsp;

"We’ve had good luck with how this project as&nbsp;progressed,” Hays said. "It’s been a really smooth process."

The City Commission is studying future options, but at this time there are no plans in place to charge for parking in the new structure.&nbsp;

The parking garage will obviously make access in and out of Aggieville and the surrounding areas far easier&nbsp;for&nbsp;drivers and&nbsp;pedestrians, but it also makes the space far more&nbsp;appeaing&nbsp;to potential business.&nbsp;

“The potential economic impact is huge,”&nbsp;said Vivienne Uccello, Manhattan public information officer,&nbsp;“because it opens up&nbsp;traffic in the&nbsp;area&nbsp;so&nbsp;more visitors&nbsp;can come to the local businesses.&nbsp;

"A lot of the project’s goals are to make businesses want to locate here.”&nbsp;

The economic aspect of the new garage is one part of the City’s multifaceted strategy for the district.&nbsp;Uccello&nbsp;also&nbsp;pointed out the&nbsp;potential&nbsp;$40 million&nbsp;Fuze&nbsp;multi-use&nbsp;development just around the corner on 12th&nbsp;and Laramie&nbsp;- city-owned lots that administrators rezoned to accommodate&nbsp;development and generate&nbsp;economic activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“That development wouldn’t be possible without everyone having some place to park,” Uccello said. “It’s shifting some land use and making the&nbsp;best use of the space by going vertical with the garage.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;Crews are currently&nbsp;completing the outer skin of the Aggieville Parking Garage,&nbsp;tacking up heavy duty scaffolding as they&nbsp;work on the exterior facia&nbsp;and decorative brickwork. Cooperative weather has helped the project stay on time and budget. City Project Coordinator Ken Hays provided updates on the construction, and said the facility is expected to open on schedule&nbsp;in early spring of 2022.&nbsp;Plans call for about 450 stalls in the Aggieville Parking Garage.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634776887245-thumbnail.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“Parking has always been an issue,” Hays said. “This will greatly improve access.”&nbsp;With work&nbsp;progressing nicely&nbsp;on the current phase,&nbsp;several projects over the next five years&nbsp;will smooth transportation and commercial activity in the city. The next phase is to work on North&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;Avenue&nbsp;from the park south to&nbsp;Bluemont&nbsp;Avenue. The foundation for the Aggieville Parking Garage was poured&nbsp;late&nbsp;last winter.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634776797523-thumbnail.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The mass of the&nbsp;parking&nbsp;structure’s interior&nbsp;is all but complete&nbsp;save the rough electrical for lighting.&nbsp;The side of the structure facing North Manhattan and Laramie Streets will have storefront on the lower level, so&nbsp;Hays&nbsp;said&nbsp;finishing&nbsp;the&nbsp;interior&nbsp;for future tenants&nbsp;in&nbsp;those areas is still progressing.&nbsp;According to Hays, the structural integrity and stabilization&nbsp;of the old buildings surrounding the new parking garage&nbsp;has been engineered into the design.&nbsp;"We’ve had good luck with how this project as&nbsp;progressed,” Hays said. "It’s been a really smooth process."The City Commission is studying future options, but at this time there are no plans in place to charge for parking in the new structure.&nbsp;The parking garage will obviously make access in and out of Aggieville and the surrounding areas far easier&nbsp;for&nbsp;drivers and&nbsp;pedestrians, but it also makes the space far more&nbsp;appeaing&nbsp;to potential business.&nbsp;“The potential economic impact is huge,”&nbsp;said Vivienne Uccello, Manhattan public information officer,&nbsp;“because it opens up&nbsp;traffic in the&nbsp;area&nbsp;so&nbsp;more visitors&nbsp;can come to the local businesses.&nbsp;"A lot of the project’s goals are to make businesses want to locate here.”&nbsp;The economic aspect of the new garage is one part of the City’s multifaceted strategy for the district.&nbsp;Uccello&nbsp;also&nbsp;pointed out the&nbsp;potential&nbsp;$40 million&nbsp;Fuze&nbsp;multi-use&nbsp;development just around the corner on 12th&nbsp;and Laramie&nbsp;- city-owned lots that administrators rezoned to accommodate&nbsp;development and generate&nbsp;economic activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That development wouldn’t be possible without everyone having some place to park,” Uccello said. “It’s shifting some land use and making the&nbsp;best use of the space by going vertical with the garage.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Aggieville parking garage on schedule

Governor Laura Kelly today honored minority- and woman-owned businesses and others who help them achieve success as part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.XiCvBWCulT7_QFoAhKRhiWI_aYsIrURzOT1U5-zm0P8/s/1372079104/br/114319368024-l" target="_blank">MED</a>) Week.

“I am impressed by the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our state’s minority- and women-owned companies honored today,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“When women and minority-owned businesses succeed, everyone succeeds: our economy, our communities, and our state. This week and every week, my administration will search for opportunities to&nbsp;support&nbsp;them&nbsp;reaching&nbsp;their full potential.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.xSqNDzXHtbE28vuZ50u17_hdhBXy3r1Z_NRcN-R1X8U/s/1372079104/br/114319368024-l" target="_blank">Office of Minority and Women Business Development</a>&nbsp;hosted its 36th&nbsp;Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.&nbsp;

Today, minority- and woman-owned businesses have a major economic impact that translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.

“MED Week is a time to spotlight so many outstanding achievements in Kansas, and also showcase the resources available to Kansans who are already in business, or considering a new venture,”&nbsp;Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “It’s important that we recognize these efforts during MED Week and every week.”

Companies being recognized during the MED Week celebration include:

Construction Firm Universal Construction Company, Inc. Kansas City

Manufacturing Firm Thimesch Enterprises, LLC dba BEPC Wichita

Professional Service Firm LimeLight Marketing Pittsburg

Retail Firm Reese’s Enterprises, Inc. Ulysses

Service Industry Firm Onyx Salon, Spa and Wellness Cafe Topeka

Supplier/Distributor Firm N’Credibly Sweet, LLC Andover

Construction Firm Blue Bear, Inc. Shawnee

Manufacturing Firm Natural Choice Company St. Mary’s

Professional Service Firm CJD Consulting Solutions, LLC Junction City

Retail Firm Reliant Apparel, LLC Topeka

Service Industry Firm Maze Freight Solutions, Inc. Overland Park&nbsp;

Supplier/Distributor Firm Mid Star Lab, Inc. Tonganoxie

Young Entrepreneur Nelson McConnell Nelson’s Flavorades, LLC Kansas City

Minority Business Advocate Sheila Ellis-Glasper SEG Media Collective, LLC Manhattan

Women Business Advocate Sheri Berger Here To There Consulting Shawnee

Corporation of the Year Kiewit Energy Group Lenexa

Governor Laura Kelly today honored minority- and woman-owned businesses and others who help them achieve success as part of Kansas Minority Enterprise Development (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.XiCvBWCulT7_QFoAhKRhiWI_aYsIrURzOT1U5-zm0P8/s/1372079104/br/114319368024-l" target="_blank">MED</a>) Week.“I am impressed by the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our state’s minority- and women-owned companies honored today,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“When women and minority-owned businesses succeed, everyone succeeds: our economy, our communities, and our state. This week and every week, my administration will search for opportunities to&nbsp;support&nbsp;them&nbsp;reaching&nbsp;their full potential.”The Kansas Department of Commerce’s&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.xSqNDzXHtbE28vuZ50u17_hdhBXy3r1Z_NRcN-R1X8U/s/1372079104/br/114319368024-l" target="_blank">Office of Minority and Women Business Development</a>&nbsp;hosted its 36th&nbsp;Annual Minority and Women Business Awards Luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.&nbsp;Today, minority- and woman-owned businesses have a major economic impact that translates into the creation and maintenance of jobs. These jobs not only sustain the individual worker, but contribute to the economic security of their families, the economic vitality of their communities and of the nation.“MED Week is a time to spotlight so many outstanding achievements in Kansas, and also showcase the resources available to Kansans who are already in business, or considering a new venture,”&nbsp;Office of Minority and Women Business Development Director Rhonda Harris said. “It’s important that we recognize these efforts during MED Week and every week.”Companies being recognized during the MED Week celebration include:Woman-Owned BusinessesConstruction Firm Universal Construction Company, Inc. Kansas CityManufacturing Firm Thimesch Enterprises, LLC dba BEPC WichitaProfessional Service Firm LimeLight Marketing PittsburgRetail Firm Reese’s Enterprises, Inc. UlyssesService Industry Firm Onyx Salon, Spa and Wellness Cafe TopekaSupplier/Distributor Firm N’Credibly Sweet, LLC AndoverMinority-Owned BusinessesConstruction Firm Blue Bear, Inc. ShawneeManufacturing Firm Natural Choice Company St. Mary’sProfessional Service Firm CJD Consulting Solutions, LLC Junction CityRetail Firm Reliant Apparel, LLC TopekaService Industry Firm Maze Freight Solutions, Inc. Overland Park&nbsp;Supplier/Distributor Firm Mid Star Lab, Inc. TonganoxieYoung Entrepreneur Nelson McConnell Nelson’s Flavorades, LLC Kansas CityMinority Business Advocate Sheila Ellis-Glasper SEG Media Collective, LLC ManhattanWomen Business Advocate Sheri Berger Here To There Consulting ShawneeCorporation of the Year Kiewit Energy Group Lenexa

Governor Honors Kansas Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses

Konza Prairie Community Health Center has earned recognition as a 2021 Health Center Quality Leader, ranking among the top 10% of community health centers in the nation for best overall clinical performance. Konza also received the Quality Badge for Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT), awarded to clinics who optimize HIT services that advance telehealth, patient engagement, interoperability, and collection of social determinants of health to increase access to care and advance quality of care.

“To be recognized as a quality leader is truly a credit to our hard-working Konza staff,” stated Lee Wolf, Konza CEO. “Our team has worked through an incredibly challenging time, continuing to deliver the high-quality, personalized care that our patients deserve. At the end of the day, we hope to build better health for the community at large and play a role in making us all a more healthy and vibrant community together.”

Each year, Konza’s community health centers in Junction City and Manhattan provide care to more than 13,000 patients from ten counties. Konza Prairie Community Health Center is part of a nationwide network of 1,400 community health centers which serve nearly 29 million patients across the country.

“Our goal at Konza is to provide high quality, comprehensive care to patients of all ages,” said Dr. Megan Seidl, Konza Medical Director. “At our Junction City clinic we provide access to multiple services – medical, dental, behavioral health, plus lab and pharmacy under the same roof. Which makes it easier and more convenient for patients, improves access to health resources, and helps improve health in the community overall.”

Konza Prairie Community Health Center has earned recognition as a 2021 Health Center Quality Leader, ranking among the top 10% of community health centers in the nation for best overall clinical performance. Konza also received the Quality Badge for Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT), awarded to clinics who optimize HIT services that advance telehealth, patient engagement, interoperability, and collection of social determinants of health to increase access to care and advance quality of care.“To be recognized as a quality leader is truly a credit to our hard-working Konza staff,” stated Lee Wolf, Konza CEO. “Our team has worked through an incredibly challenging time, continuing to deliver the high-quality, personalized care that our patients deserve. At the end of the day, we hope to build better health for the community at large and play a role in making us all a more healthy and vibrant community together.”Each year, Konza’s community health centers in Junction City and Manhattan provide care to more than 13,000 patients from ten counties. Konza Prairie Community Health Center is part of a nationwide network of 1,400 community health centers which serve nearly 29 million patients across the country.“Our goal at Konza is to provide high quality, comprehensive care to patients of all ages,” said Dr. Megan Seidl, Konza Medical Director. “At our Junction City clinic we provide access to multiple services – medical, dental, behavioral health, plus lab and pharmacy under the same roof. Which makes it easier and more convenient for patients, improves access to health resources, and helps improve health in the community overall.”

Konza earns national recognition for quality and technology

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran has announced the members of his 2021 Service Academy Selection Board. That panel will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies.

From Manhattan members of&nbsp; the selection board include Leslie Alford, owner of Destiny Real Estate and a retired Army Lt. Col, plus Riley County Police Director Dennis Butler.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran has announced the members of his 2021 Service Academy Selection Board. That panel will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies.From Manhattan members of&nbsp; the selection board include Leslie Alford, owner of Destiny Real Estate and a retired Army Lt. Col, plus Riley County Police Director Dennis Butler.

Sen. Moran announces members of Service Academy Selection Board

Sunset Zoo in Manhattan will host their annual family trick-or- treating event, SPOOKtacular, on Friday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SPOOKtacular provides a way for families in the region to enjoy safe trick-or-treating while experiencing the wonders and adventures provided by the zoo. A change to the event this year will involve the Zoo selling timed tickets in two-hour time increments to manage the large crowds that annually attend SPOOKtacular. Each time slot will allow 500 guests per session.

There will more than 15 trick-or-treat stations throughout the zoo's exhibits, plus pumping bowling, local entertainment, a food truck and other surprises. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=15e0487dad&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">SunsetZoo.com/SPOOKtacular</a>&nbsp;or at the Sunset Zoo ticket booth open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Community members ae encouraged&nbsp; to pre-purchase tickets to avoid long lines the day of the event. Tickets are regular admission pricing of $5.50 for an adult ( ages 12+ and $3.50 for children ( ages 3-12 ), ages 2 and under are free.

Sunset Zoo in Manhattan will host their annual family trick-or- treating event, SPOOKtacular, on Friday, Oct. 22 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.SPOOKtacular provides a way for families in the region to enjoy safe trick-or-treating while experiencing the wonders and adventures provided by the zoo. A change to the event this year will involve the Zoo selling timed tickets in two-hour time increments to manage the large crowds that annually attend SPOOKtacular. Each time slot will allow 500 guests per session.There will more than 15 trick-or-treat stations throughout the zoo's exhibits, plus pumping bowling, local entertainment, a food truck and other surprises. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=15e0487dad&amp;e=8c33f27c6f" target="_blank">SunsetZoo.com/SPOOKtacular</a>&nbsp;or at the Sunset Zoo ticket booth open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Community members ae encouraged&nbsp; to pre-purchase tickets to avoid long lines the day of the event. Tickets are regular admission pricing of $5.50 for an adult ( ages 12+ and $3.50 for children ( ages 3-12 ), ages 2 and under are free.

Sunset Zoo Spooktacular Trick or Treat event to have fun for the entire family

On October 19, Blueville Nursery at 4539 Anderson in Manhattan reported someone cut off and stole the catalytic converter from a 2009 Ford F350 truck. The estimated loss in this theft is $700. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

On October 19, Blueville Nursery at 4539 Anderson in Manhattan reported someone cut off and stole the catalytic converter from a 2009 Ford F350 truck. The estimated loss in this theft is $700. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634745977393-thumbnail.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

(Under)car jacking at Blueville Nursery

The following is a summary of arrests by the Riley County Police Department&nbsp;for October&nbsp;20, 2021&nbsp;as of 9 a.m.&nbsp;Individuals are&nbsp;presumed innocent until proven guilty.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

HOWARD ALEXANDER HORTON III,&nbsp;34,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Failure to appear. Bond&nbsp;$2,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

OCTAVIOUS ANDREW BROWN,&nbsp;23,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship;2nd/5&nbsp;yrs.&nbsp;Bond $2,000&nbsp;&nbsp;

In&nbsp;March of 2021, Brown was arrested&nbsp;for theft of property, theft by deception, criminal use of a financial card, attempted theft by deception and attempted criminal use of a financial card.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brown also has&nbsp;Riley County drug&nbsp;charges&nbsp;from October of 2019.&nbsp;

SETH JARED JONES,&nbsp;29,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Failure to appear.&nbsp;Bond $500&nbsp;&nbsp;

MATTHEW SLOAN SPOONER,&nbsp;36,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Aggravated arson,&nbsp;Substantial risk to great bodily harm&nbsp;(2x);&nbsp;Criminal use of explosives,&nbsp;Possess&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;explosives to commit crime&nbsp;(2x)&nbsp;

ROBBIE ALLEN GIPSON,&nbsp;38,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Failure to appear&nbsp;&nbsp;

The following is a summary of arrests by the Riley County Police Department&nbsp;for October&nbsp;20, 2021&nbsp;as of 9 a.m.&nbsp;Individuals are&nbsp;presumed innocent until proven guilty.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HOWARD ALEXANDER HORTON III,&nbsp;34,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Failure to appear. Bond&nbsp;$2,000&nbsp;&nbsp;OCTAVIOUS ANDREW BROWN,&nbsp;23,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/dating relationship;2nd/5&nbsp;yrs.&nbsp;Bond $2,000&nbsp;&nbsp;In&nbsp;March of 2021, Brown was arrested&nbsp;for theft of property, theft by deception, criminal use of a financial card, attempted theft by deception and attempted criminal use of a financial card.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brown also has&nbsp;Riley County drug&nbsp;charges&nbsp;from October of 2019.&nbsp;SETH JARED JONES,&nbsp;29,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Failure to appear.&nbsp;Bond $500&nbsp;&nbsp;MATTHEW SLOAN SPOONER,&nbsp;36,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Aggravated arson,&nbsp;Substantial risk to great bodily harm&nbsp;(2x);&nbsp;Criminal use of explosives,&nbsp;Possess&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;explosives to commit crime&nbsp;(2x)&nbsp;ROBBIE ALLEN GIPSON,&nbsp;38,&nbsp;MANHATTAN&nbsp;Failure to appear&nbsp;&nbsp;

Arrest Report for Oct 20, 2021

Kansas State University continues to track and evaluate COVID-19 data in the community. Every week, the university updates&nbsp;an online&nbsp;dashboard&nbsp;that&nbsp;tracks COVID-19 data in university-connected communities.&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;xxx&nbsp;on the Manhattan campus&nbsp;211 students have been cleared&nbsp;from quarantine, and 286&nbsp;have been cleared from&nbsp;isolatio. There are&nbsp;currently&nbsp;11&nbsp;students in quarantine,&nbsp;while 13&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in total isolation&nbsp;

On-campus testing data is reported by&nbsp;Lafene&nbsp;Health Center on the Manhattan campus. Cumulative data accounts for all tests performed through the center including students, faculty, staff.&nbsp;

The updated online dashboard can be found at www.k-state.edu/covid-19/communities/&nbsp;

--&nbsp;Little Apple Post Staff Report&nbsp;compiled with information&nbsp;from KSU&nbsp;Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State University continues to track and evaluate COVID-19 data in the community. Every week, the university updates&nbsp;an online&nbsp;dashboard&nbsp;that&nbsp;tracks COVID-19 data in university-connected communities.&nbsp;According to the&nbsp;xxx&nbsp;on the Manhattan campus&nbsp;211 students have been cleared&nbsp;from quarantine, and 286&nbsp;have been cleared from&nbsp;isolatio. There are&nbsp;currently&nbsp;11&nbsp;students in quarantine,&nbsp;while 13&nbsp;remain&nbsp;in total isolation&nbsp;On-campus testing data is reported by&nbsp;Lafene&nbsp;Health Center on the Manhattan campus. Cumulative data accounts for all tests performed through the center including students, faculty, staff.&nbsp;The updated online dashboard can be found at www.k-state.edu/covid-19/communities/&nbsp;--&nbsp;Little Apple Post Staff Report&nbsp;compiled with information&nbsp;from KSU&nbsp;Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;

Updates on COVID-19 in K-State communities 

Members of a committee working on a sports complex proposal in Geary County are getting closer to making their ideas public. 

Committee member Adam Wilkey noted that there are a lot of great ideas, and much conceptual work has been completed, "A lot of work on numbers and dollars have been kind of put together. We're looking to be able to put together a presentation for not only our county commission, but also our community. Lay out the work that we've done and then hopefully move forward. "

The topic received discussion at the monthly Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau Advisory Committee meeting.

Members of a committee working on a sports complex proposal in Geary County are getting closer to making their ideas public. Committee member Adam Wilkey noted that there are a lot of great ideas, and much conceptual work has been completed, "A lot of work on numbers and dollars have been kind of put together. We're looking to be able to put together a presentation for not only our county commission, but also our community. Lay out the work that we've done and then hopefully move forward. "The topic received discussion at the monthly Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau Advisory Committee meeting.

Committee is close to making a sports complex presentation

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

At its regularly scheduled meeting October 19, the Manhattan City Commission&nbsp;unanimously&nbsp;approved&nbsp;a measure that is expected to bring more than a dozen good jobs to Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The incentive package&nbsp;for multifamily housing development&nbsp;group&nbsp;The Prime Company contains $381,485 from various state programs and tax exemptions, and $65,000, or $5,000 per job, from the City.&nbsp;

In&nbsp;discussions over&nbsp;the second&nbsp;and final&nbsp;consideration&nbsp;of an economic development agreement with Prime,&nbsp;Jason Hilgers, deputy city manager, told commissioners that Prime&nbsp;has pledged to bring a minimum of 13 jobs to the area&nbsp;over the next&nbsp;eight&nbsp;years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We gave them 10 years,” Hilgers said, “they said they could do it in eight, so we will look to track those.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The&nbsp;City&nbsp;anticipates Prime investing over $1.3 million in&nbsp;a&nbsp;new facility and&nbsp;relocation costs.&nbsp;

Prime intends to locate&nbsp;its headquarters&nbsp;at&nbsp;3804&nbsp;Vanesta Drive&nbsp;in northwest Manhattan, in a facility projected to cost $894,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan Mayor Wynn Butler noted that the public is often reticent to fund economic development simply based on a number of jobs being created.&nbsp;He said&nbsp;that Prime&nbsp;projects&nbsp;the jobs it is bringing to the area pay an average of $71,000 per year.&nbsp;

“People worry about us bringing in companies that pay less than a living wage,” Butler said,&nbsp;“but this fits our economic development strategy and is an excellent use of those funds.”&nbsp;

Commissioner Linda Morse&nbsp;insisted that&nbsp;administrators clarify&nbsp;that the wage levels and&nbsp;carefully track&nbsp;actual job&nbsp;creation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We will&nbsp;look at each job created and make sure&nbsp;the wage is where they anticipated,” Hilgers responded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prime is a Kansas&nbsp;business&nbsp;that has proven success well beyond the state and region.&nbsp;According to Hilger, providing the&nbsp;incentive&nbsp;package&nbsp;to Prime aligns&nbsp;perfectly&nbsp;with&nbsp;the City’s economic development strategies and goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The company&nbsp;was&nbsp;founded in 2005, “and really went national from there,” Hilgers said.&nbsp;“This is a homegrown company doing business nationally.&nbsp;

Hilgers assured that Prime will not be receiving money for pie-in-the-sky promises.&nbsp;The incentives from the City will not be paid up front in a lump sum. The agreement states that Prime will receive&nbsp;a payment of&nbsp;$5,000 for each job created in&nbsp;a&nbsp;given&nbsp;year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The project is expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;talent back to Manhattan, as the company plans to&nbsp;already&nbsp;relocate&nbsp;a handful of highly skilled employees to the city.&nbsp;

Incentive&nbsp;funding&nbsp;for this development endeavor&nbsp;comes from the 2012 Renewal-Economic Development Fund.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;At its regularly scheduled meeting October 19, the Manhattan City Commission&nbsp;unanimously&nbsp;approved&nbsp;a measure that is expected to bring more than a dozen good jobs to Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;The incentive package&nbsp;for multifamily housing development&nbsp;group&nbsp;The Prime Company contains $381,485 from various state programs and tax exemptions, and $65,000, or $5,000 per job, from the City.&nbsp;In&nbsp;discussions over&nbsp;the second&nbsp;and final&nbsp;consideration&nbsp;of an economic development agreement with Prime,&nbsp;Jason Hilgers, deputy city manager, told commissioners that Prime&nbsp;has pledged to bring a minimum of 13 jobs to the area&nbsp;over the next&nbsp;eight&nbsp;years.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We gave them 10 years,” Hilgers said, “they said they could do it in eight, so we will look to track those.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;City&nbsp;anticipates Prime investing over $1.3 million in&nbsp;a&nbsp;new facility and&nbsp;relocation costs.&nbsp;Prime intends to locate&nbsp;its headquarters&nbsp;at&nbsp;3804&nbsp;Vanesta Drive&nbsp;in northwest Manhattan, in a facility projected to cost $894,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhattan Mayor Wynn Butler noted that the public is often reticent to fund economic development simply based on a number of jobs being created.&nbsp;He said&nbsp;that Prime&nbsp;projects&nbsp;the jobs it is bringing to the area pay an average of $71,000 per year.&nbsp;“People worry about us bringing in companies that pay less than a living wage,” Butler said,&nbsp;“but this fits our economic development strategy and is an excellent use of those funds.”&nbsp;Commissioner Linda Morse&nbsp;insisted that&nbsp;administrators clarify&nbsp;that the wage levels and&nbsp;carefully track&nbsp;actual job&nbsp;creation.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We will&nbsp;look at each job created and make sure&nbsp;the wage is where they anticipated,” Hilgers responded.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prime is a Kansas&nbsp;business&nbsp;that has proven success well beyond the state and region.&nbsp;According to Hilger, providing the&nbsp;incentive&nbsp;package&nbsp;to Prime aligns&nbsp;perfectly&nbsp;with&nbsp;the City’s economic development strategies and goals.&nbsp;&nbsp;The company&nbsp;was&nbsp;founded in 2005, “and really went national from there,” Hilgers said.&nbsp;“This is a homegrown company doing business nationally.&nbsp;Hilgers assured that Prime will not be receiving money for pie-in-the-sky promises.&nbsp;The incentives from the City will not be paid up front in a lump sum. The agreement states that Prime will receive&nbsp;a payment of&nbsp;$5,000 for each job created in&nbsp;a&nbsp;given&nbsp;year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The project is expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;bring&nbsp;talent back to Manhattan, as the company plans to&nbsp;already&nbsp;relocate&nbsp;a handful of highly skilled employees to the city.&nbsp;Incentive&nbsp;funding&nbsp;for this development endeavor&nbsp;comes from the 2012 Renewal-Economic Development Fund.&nbsp;

Commission approves incentive package for Prime Company

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Aggieville’s advisory board held their quarterly meeting -- discussing district fees and new businesses.

The Aggieville Business Improvement District Advisory board has decided to send notices to businesses within the district with past-due fees.

The board also gave an update on the progress of a new parking garage -- which will provide parking space for new businesses once its completed.

“We’ve got about seven new businesses, and which, really, we’re now up over like 106 businesses in Aggieville, so it’s a great number for us.” Aggieville Business Association Executive Director Dennis Cook says.

By WIBW TVMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Aggieville’s advisory board held their quarterly meeting -- discussing district fees and new businesses.The Aggieville Business Improvement District Advisory board has decided to send notices to businesses within the district with past-due fees.The board also gave an update on the progress of a new parking garage -- which will provide parking space for new businesses once its completed.“We’ve got about seven new businesses, and which, really, we’re now up over like 106 businesses in Aggieville, so it’s a great number for us.” Aggieville Business Association Executive Director Dennis Cook says.

Fees and new businesses were on the agenda

Manhattan FD offers free car seat checks

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTguNDc1MTQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYXR0ZWxsZS5vcmcvbmV3c3Jvb20vcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMtZGV0YWlsL2hlYWx0aC1hbmQtaHVtYW4tc2VydmljZXMtYXdhcmRzLWJhdHRlbGxlLWNvbnRyYWN0LXRvLWRlcGxveS1jb3ZpZC0xOS10ZXN0aW5nLWluLW1pZC13ZXN0LXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.4KOHQyV7iLbPcH5nIfXtl-pKbolpOSDk-o1lrgeeIiQ/s/1305943094/br/114113187345-l" target="_blank">Battelle</a>, a leader in the field of science and technology, to provide rapid self-delivered COVID-19 testing to all licensed child care providers in Kansas.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTguNDc1MTQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYXR0ZWxsZS5vcmcvbmV3c3Jvb20vcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMtZGV0YWlsL2hlYWx0aC1hbmQtaHVtYW4tc2VydmljZXMtYXdhcmRzLWJhdHRlbGxlLWNvbnRyYWN0LXRvLWRlcGxveS1jb3ZpZC0xOS10ZXN0aW5nLWluLW1pZC13ZXN0LXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.dbNB4q8JE-eY94bZj_ifonke9usFxiFUs7Si11N9R4k/s/1305943094/br/114113187345-l" target="_blank">Battelle</a>&nbsp;has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manage the logistics of administering COVID-19 tests for millions of Americans in 16 states through the Midwest Expanded Testing Coordination Hub.&nbsp;

“Until vaccines are approved for our kids, testing is one of the best tools we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and child care centers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Child care providers have done excellent work throughout the pandemic to keep our children safe. With this extra assistance, our providers can ensure Kansas families maintain access to safe, quality child care.”

KDHE recognizes how important it is to provide access to easy, reliable, and rapid testing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and control outbreaks. Testing in child care settings helps identify individuals who have the virus but do not have symptoms and who may be contagious. This testing can support organizations with maintaining normal operations and keeping children, staff, visitors, and volunteers safe.

“Child care providers across the state have continued to provide this vital service to Kansans,” said&nbsp;Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “We are excited to partner with Battelle to provide another tool for child care providers to use. Through COVID-19 testing, positive cases will be identified earlier to reduce the amount of spread of this virus.”

Outreach for the Midwest Coordination Center is ramping up this month. Battelle has an extensive team on board ready to assist organizations who serve children in group settings to administer the complete testing process from registering and collecting samples to receiving the results. Saliva testing is now available for children as young as 3 years old, and nasal swab testing is available for children as young as 5 years old, both with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for results. Testing supplies, shipping, and technical assistance are available at no charge.

These services are also available to other congregate settings in Kansas such as schools, organizations that provide group services for children, homeless shelters, group homes, or detention centers.

For more information about the Midwest Coordination Center and the testing program overview, please visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.cPL-HTKLEH8myTijhpVNDaPg9BaAZrTR1v6BsuX-ufs/s/1305943094/br/114113187345-l" target="_blank">www.testedandprotected.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1565126482594.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is partnering with&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTguNDc1MTQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYXR0ZWxsZS5vcmcvbmV3c3Jvb20vcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMtZGV0YWlsL2hlYWx0aC1hbmQtaHVtYW4tc2VydmljZXMtYXdhcmRzLWJhdHRlbGxlLWNvbnRyYWN0LXRvLWRlcGxveS1jb3ZpZC0xOS10ZXN0aW5nLWluLW1pZC13ZXN0LXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.4KOHQyV7iLbPcH5nIfXtl-pKbolpOSDk-o1lrgeeIiQ/s/1305943094/br/114113187345-l" target="_blank">Battelle</a>, a leader in the field of science and technology, to provide rapid self-delivered COVID-19 testing to all licensed child care providers in Kansas.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEwMTguNDc1MTQzMjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5iYXR0ZWxsZS5vcmcvbmV3c3Jvb20vcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMvcHJlc3MtcmVsZWFzZXMtZGV0YWlsL2hlYWx0aC1hbmQtaHVtYW4tc2VydmljZXMtYXdhcmRzLWJhdHRlbGxlLWNvbnRyYWN0LXRvLWRlcGxveS1jb3ZpZC0xOS10ZXN0aW5nLWluLW1pZC13ZXN0LXN0YXRlcz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.dbNB4q8JE-eY94bZj_ifonke9usFxiFUs7Si11N9R4k/s/1305943094/br/114113187345-l" target="_blank">Battelle</a>&nbsp;has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manage the logistics of administering COVID-19 tests for millions of Americans in 16 states through the Midwest Expanded Testing Coordination Hub.&nbsp;“Until vaccines are approved for our kids, testing is one of the best tools we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and child care centers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Child care providers have done excellent work throughout the pandemic to keep our children safe. With this extra assistance, our providers can ensure Kansas families maintain access to safe, quality child care.”KDHE recognizes how important it is to provide access to easy, reliable, and rapid testing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and control outbreaks. Testing in child care settings helps identify individuals who have the virus but do not have symptoms and who may be contagious. This testing can support organizations with maintaining normal operations and keeping children, staff, visitors, and volunteers safe.“Child care providers across the state have continued to provide this vital service to Kansans,” said&nbsp;Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “We are excited to partner with Battelle to provide another tool for child care providers to use. Through COVID-19 testing, positive cases will be identified earlier to reduce the amount of spread of this virus.”Outreach for the Midwest Coordination Center is ramping up this month. Battelle has an extensive team on board ready to assist organizations who serve children in group settings to administer the complete testing process from registering and collecting samples to receiving the results. Saliva testing is now available for children as young as 3 years old, and nasal swab testing is available for children as young as 5 years old, both with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for results. Testing supplies, shipping, and technical assistance are available at no charge.These services are also available to other congregate settings in Kansas such as schools, organizations that provide group services for children, homeless shelters, group homes, or detention centers.For more information about the Midwest Coordination Center and the testing program overview, please visit the website at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.cPL-HTKLEH8myTijhpVNDaPg9BaAZrTR1v6BsuX-ufs/s/1305943094/br/114113187345-l" target="_blank">www.testedandprotected.org</a>.

COVID-19 testing available to Kansas child care providers

The Manhattan Afghan Resettlement Team is proud to support the&nbsp;Afghan refugee resettlement in Manhattan&nbsp;with a grant to furnish the new neighbors' homes with furniture, appliances and home goods, but they need the community's help. Please consider supporting the furniture drive at the ReStore so that they can furnish these homes.

If you have gently used furniture, bedroom sets (no mattresses), or appliances that you can donate, please take them to the ReStore Wed - Sat, 10-4, or call&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=habitat+restore+phone+number&amp;oq=habitat+restore+phone+number&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30.13072j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">(785) 317-9334</a>&nbsp;to schedule a pickup. When donating, please designate your items for MART consideration.

The Manhattan Afghan Resettlement Team is proud to support the&nbsp;Afghan refugee resettlement in Manhattan&nbsp;with a grant to furnish the new neighbors' homes with furniture, appliances and home goods, but they need the community's help. Please consider supporting the furniture drive at the ReStore so that they can furnish these homes.If you have gently used furniture, bedroom sets (no mattresses), or appliances that you can donate, please take them to the ReStore Wed - Sat, 10-4, or call&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=habitat+restore+phone+number&amp;oq=habitat+restore+phone+number&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30.13072j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">(785) 317-9334</a>&nbsp;to schedule a pickup. When donating, please designate your items for MART consideration.

Afghan Refugee Resettlement

Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Country Stampede.&nbsp; Having been rained on 24 of the last 25 years, the music festival will now be held a few weeks later in the summer on July 14-16, 2022, inside Heartland Motorsports Park.

Stampede officials said that moving the event into the permanent facility in Topeka this past summer meant hard surface set up for many vendors, motorhomes, and the hospitality village, but weather on the traditional June dates still caused delays and challenges for all involved. &nbsp;With input from spectators, sponsors, and artists seeking drier weather, the music festival has been moved to mid-July.

More than a dozen participating artists will be revealed during the month of October, with Country Music singer and songwriter, Jake Owen, the first to be announced for next year’s Country Stampede.&nbsp; Owen, who will be the Friday headliner, recently released a new single “Best Thing Since Backroads,” and earlier this year celebrated his ninth Number One hit with “Made for You”, which spent two weeks on the top of Country radio charts in May.

Beyond three-days of great music performances, fans will enjoy new entertainment on the Main Stage between artists, as well as an expanded festival grounds with more sponsor displays, midway vendors, and food and beverage outlets.&nbsp; Having the event inside Heartland Motorsports Park also provides more amenities for campers and daily spectators including permanent restrooms, shower facilities, and a VIP entertainment venue.&nbsp; Camping areas at the facility have also been expanded, with options ranging from tent camping to motorhome spots with electrical hook-ups.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Spectators can purchase tickets and camping now to take advantage of early discount prices and availability. &nbsp;General Admission tickets, Reserved Seating, VIP accommodations, and Camping are now on sale at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.countrystampede.com/" target="_blank">www.CountryStampede.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Country Stampede.&nbsp; Having been rained on 24 of the last 25 years, the music festival will now be held a few weeks later in the summer on July 14-16, 2022, inside Heartland Motorsports Park.Stampede officials said that moving the event into the permanent facility in Topeka this past summer meant hard surface set up for many vendors, motorhomes, and the hospitality village, but weather on the traditional June dates still caused delays and challenges for all involved. &nbsp;With input from spectators, sponsors, and artists seeking drier weather, the music festival has been moved to mid-July.More than a dozen participating artists will be revealed during the month of October, with Country Music singer and songwriter, Jake Owen, the first to be announced for next year’s Country Stampede.&nbsp; Owen, who will be the Friday headliner, recently released a new single “Best Thing Since Backroads,” and earlier this year celebrated his ninth Number One hit with “Made for You”, which spent two weeks on the top of Country radio charts in May.Beyond three-days of great music performances, fans will enjoy new entertainment on the Main Stage between artists, as well as an expanded festival grounds with more sponsor displays, midway vendors, and food and beverage outlets.&nbsp; Having the event inside Heartland Motorsports Park also provides more amenities for campers and daily spectators including permanent restrooms, shower facilities, and a VIP entertainment venue.&nbsp; Camping areas at the facility have also been expanded, with options ranging from tent camping to motorhome spots with electrical hook-ups.&nbsp; &nbsp;Spectators can purchase tickets and camping now to take advantage of early discount prices and availability. &nbsp;General Admission tickets, Reserved Seating, VIP accommodations, and Camping are now on sale at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.countrystampede.com/" target="_blank">www.CountryStampede.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Country Stampede Announces New Date and New Artists for 2022 Music Festival

Manhattan Man Arrested for Two Counts of Aggravated Arson&nbsp;

Matthew Spooner, 36, of Manhattan&nbsp;has been arrested in connection to two arson fires in Aggieville yesterday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He is currently being held in the Riley County Jail in lieu of bond.&nbsp;

On October 18, 2021, around 1:30 p.m., the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched for what was believed to be an electrical fire in the 1200 block of Moro St.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During MFD’s response, fire investigators indicated the fire appeared to be an arson set with a device commonly known as a Molotov cocktail. The device had been thrown into the patio of O’Malley’s Alley&nbsp;at 1210 Moro Street.&nbsp;RCPD officers responded to the location. No injuries were reported. One employee was working and no customers were at the restaurant at the time.&nbsp;

Spooner&nbsp;was quickly identified as the suspect and a search for him began.&nbsp;According to RCPD public information officer Aaron Wintermote, officers&nbsp;received a description from a witness who saw a suspect leaving the area near O’Malley’s. They&nbsp;also&nbsp;obtained security camera footage from surrounding buildings&nbsp;to verify their target.&nbsp;

While officers were looking for Spooner, the Riley County Communications Center received an additional call around 7:45 p.m. for a fire also set with a Molotov cocktail in the 1100 block of Laramie St.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MFD and RCPD responded to the scene where a witness said they had observed Spooner set the fire and leave the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RCPD&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kansas State University Police&nbsp;officers&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;and identified&nbsp;Spooner in the Aggieville area a short time later. He was transported to RCPD for questioning and later arrested for two counts of aggravated arson and two counts of criminal use of explosives.&nbsp; Damage from both incidents totals about $600.

Until about a week ago,&nbsp;Spooner was&nbsp;a research assistant in the Biology Department&nbsp;of Kansas State University. His LinkedIn account lists Biology Division Storeroom Manager as his occupation. Six days ago K-State posted a job opening for Biology Storeroom Manager.

Manhattan Man Arrested for Two Counts of Aggravated Arson&nbsp;Matthew Spooner, 36, of Manhattan&nbsp;has been arrested in connection to two arson fires in Aggieville yesterday.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is currently being held in the Riley County Jail in lieu of bond.&nbsp;On October 18, 2021, around 1:30 p.m., the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched for what was believed to be an electrical fire in the 1200 block of Moro St.&nbsp;&nbsp;During MFD’s response, fire investigators indicated the fire appeared to be an arson set with a device commonly known as a Molotov cocktail. The device had been thrown into the patio of O’Malley’s Alley&nbsp;at 1210 Moro Street.&nbsp;RCPD officers responded to the location. No injuries were reported. One employee was working and no customers were at the restaurant at the time.&nbsp;Spooner&nbsp;was quickly identified as the suspect and a search for him began.&nbsp;According to RCPD public information officer Aaron Wintermote, officers&nbsp;received a description from a witness who saw a suspect leaving the area near O’Malley’s. They&nbsp;also&nbsp;obtained security camera footage from surrounding buildings&nbsp;to verify their target.&nbsp;While officers were looking for Spooner, the Riley County Communications Center received an additional call around 7:45 p.m. for a fire also set with a Molotov cocktail in the 1100 block of Laramie St.&nbsp;&nbsp;MFD and RCPD responded to the scene where a witness said they had observed Spooner set the fire and leave the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;RCPD&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kansas State University Police&nbsp;officers&nbsp;spotted&nbsp;and identified&nbsp;Spooner in the Aggieville area a short time later. He was transported to RCPD for questioning and later arrested for two counts of aggravated arson and two counts of criminal use of explosives.&nbsp; Damage from both incidents totals about $600.Until about a week ago,&nbsp;Spooner was&nbsp;a research assistant in the Biology Department&nbsp;of Kansas State University. His LinkedIn account lists Biology Division Storeroom Manager as his occupation. Six days ago K-State posted a job opening for Biology Storeroom Manager.

UPDATE: Aggieville arsonist former KSU research assistant

All fifth graders in USD 383&nbsp;are&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;to compete in the Manhattan Optimist Club's&nbsp;2021 Hoop, Holler ‘n Shoot free throw contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shootouts are starting now&nbsp;at district elementary schools, running&nbsp;through&nbsp;November 5.&nbsp;School champions will move on to shoot semi-final and final rounds&nbsp;at halftime of upcoming K-State basketball games at Bramlage&nbsp;Coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There are boys’ and girls’ divisions and prizes include&nbsp;McDonalds&nbsp;coupons, ribbons and plaques. The classroom for each boy and girl finals winner will receive $100.&nbsp;

All fifth graders in USD 383&nbsp;are&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;to compete in the Manhattan Optimist Club's&nbsp;2021 Hoop, Holler ‘n Shoot free throw contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634669441100-thumbnail.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Shootouts are starting now&nbsp;at district elementary schools, running&nbsp;through&nbsp;November 5.&nbsp;School champions will move on to shoot semi-final and final rounds&nbsp;at halftime of upcoming K-State basketball games at Bramlage&nbsp;Coliseum.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are boys’ and girls’ divisions and prizes include&nbsp;McDonalds&nbsp;coupons, ribbons and plaques. The classroom for each boy and girl finals winner will receive $100.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634669441100-thumbnail.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

2021 Hoop, Holler 'n Shoot

Nathan Hein, a doctoral student in agronomy, was chosen as an Encompass scholars fellow by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America&nbsp;and&nbsp;Soil Science Society of America Encompass Scholars Committee.

The fellow award was highly competitive, with more than 50 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars applying for consideration and only eight fellowships awarded. Hein's nomination stood out because of his leadership skills and commitment to promoting and expanding diversity, equity and inclusion.

As a fellow, Hein will attend the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2021 annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in November and present his research on the effects of high nighttime temperature stress on grain yield and quality in wheat and corn. While at the annual meeting, he will attend the Graduate Student Leadership Conference, Science Policy Lunch and connect with an industry mentor who will aid in his professional development over the course of the next year. Hein will also be awarded a position at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2022 Congressional Visits Day and travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increases agricultural research funding to members of congress.

"It's an excellent opportunity for Nathan to broaden his portfolio and to get involved in agricultural policy and decision-making circles," said Krishna Jagadish, professor of agronomy.&nbsp;"This will help him in developing into an active advocate for garnering additional support to ag research."

"Nathan is a rising star and a prime example of a young talent we need in our discipline, who excel in science, is willing to learn policy and eventually translate science and policy into practice," said Raj Khosla, head of the agronomy department. "His Encompass Fellowship will provide him the necessary tools and platforms to accomplish his goals."

Hein is a third-year doctoral student under the direction of advisor Jagadish in the agronomy department. He is an active member of the Crop Ecophysiology Lab in both research and outreach efforts. Hein leads the outreach program for the Crop Ecophysiology Lab and believes that outreach is a worthwhile and necessary component to any lab. Hein's studies focus on the effects of high night-time temperature stress during grain-filling on both yield and quality in wheat and corn.

Nathan Hein, a doctoral student in agronomy, was chosen as an Encompass scholars fellow by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America&nbsp;and&nbsp;Soil Science Society of America Encompass Scholars Committee.The fellow award was highly competitive, with more than 50 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars applying for consideration and only eight fellowships awarded. Hein's nomination stood out because of his leadership skills and commitment to promoting and expanding diversity, equity and inclusion.As a fellow, Hein will attend the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2021 annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in November and present his research on the effects of high nighttime temperature stress on grain yield and quality in wheat and corn. While at the annual meeting, he will attend the Graduate Student Leadership Conference, Science Policy Lunch and connect with an industry mentor who will aid in his professional development over the course of the next year. Hein will also be awarded a position at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2022 Congressional Visits Day and travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for increases agricultural research funding to members of congress."It's an excellent opportunity for Nathan to broaden his portfolio and to get involved in agricultural policy and decision-making circles," said Krishna Jagadish, professor of agronomy.&nbsp;"This will help him in developing into an active advocate for garnering additional support to ag research.""Nathan is a rising star and a prime example of a young talent we need in our discipline, who excel in science, is willing to learn policy and eventually translate science and policy into practice," said Raj Khosla, head of the agronomy department. "His Encompass Fellowship will provide him the necessary tools and platforms to accomplish his goals."Hein is a third-year doctoral student under the direction of advisor Jagadish in the agronomy department. He is an active member of the Crop Ecophysiology Lab in both research and outreach efforts. Hein leads the outreach program for the Crop Ecophysiology Lab and believes that outreach is a worthwhile and necessary component to any lab. Hein's studies focus on the effects of high night-time temperature stress during grain-filling on both yield and quality in wheat and corn.--from K-State Today

Agronomy graduate student awarded Encompass fellowship

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — A year off from the Farm Food Tour allowed the event to transform to a more immersive experience for its participants. Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) partnered with Kansas Soybean Commission to make this the seventh #FarmFoodTour. Six online influencers embarked Oct. 5 on a three-day tour across Kansas that this year included longer, individualized visits to learn from farmers. Participants split into groups of two and spent an afternoon on farms to experience corn and soybean harvest in northeast Kansas before continuing across the state. &nbsp; “Sharing the diversity of Kansas agriculture with online influencers is the heart of the Farm Food Tour,” Sheridan Wimmer, KFB assistant director of communications, says. “There’s no better people to learn about agriculture from than farmers and ranchers. When the Farm Food Tour participants get to put a face to the people growing their food, it makes a positive impact on their trust of the American food system.” Participant Ariel Johnston says, “I am most excited to share with my followers about the women in agriculture that we met. We had the opportunity to meet three female farmers doing their part to get food to our table and I think that was really neat seeing them challenge the norm.” She believes sharing the story of the farms she visited will garner trust between consumers and where their food comes from.&nbsp; In addition to the three northeast Kansas farms, tour stops included Juniper Hills Farm, Rezac Land and Livestock, Hildebrand Farms Dairy, Tiffany Cattle Company and Leffler Farms. Johnston says being able to ask direct&nbsp;questions to these farmers about hormones and antibiotic use in livestock was beneficial because those are the types of questions she gets from her clients most often.&nbsp; Wimmer says the focus of the program is connecting influencers with farmers to showcase how food is grown with care, and pre and post surveys from attendees show these tours make a difference. “We see marked changes in participants concerns from before and after the tour. They feel more knowledgeable and get a better understanding of how animals and crops are raised on family farms.” Participants use the hashtag #farmfoodtour throughout the three-day experience and write blog posts about their experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — A year off from the Farm Food Tour allowed the event to transform to a more immersive experience for its participants. Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) partnered with Kansas Soybean Commission to make this the seventh #FarmFoodTour. Six online influencers embarked Oct. 5 on a three-day tour across Kansas that this year included longer, individualized visits to learn from farmers. Participants split into groups of two and spent an afternoon on farms to experience corn and soybean harvest in northeast Kansas before continuing across the state. &nbsp; “Sharing the diversity of Kansas agriculture with online influencers is the heart of the Farm Food Tour,” Sheridan Wimmer, KFB assistant director of communications, says. “There’s no better people to learn about agriculture from than farmers and ranchers. When the Farm Food Tour participants get to put a face to the people growing their food, it makes a positive impact on their trust of the American food system.” Participant Ariel Johnston says, “I am most excited to share with my followers about the women in agriculture that we met. We had the opportunity to meet three female farmers doing their part to get food to our table and I think that was really neat seeing them challenge the norm.” She believes sharing the story of the farms she visited will garner trust between consumers and where their food comes from.&nbsp; In addition to the three northeast Kansas farms, tour stops included Juniper Hills Farm, Rezac Land and Livestock, Hildebrand Farms Dairy, Tiffany Cattle Company and Leffler Farms. Johnston says being able to ask direct&nbsp;questions to these farmers about hormones and antibiotic use in livestock was beneficial because those are the types of questions she gets from her clients most often.&nbsp; Wimmer says the focus of the program is connecting influencers with farmers to showcase how food is grown with care, and pre and post surveys from attendees show these tours make a difference. “We see marked changes in participants concerns from before and after the tour. They feel more knowledgeable and get a better understanding of how animals and crops are raised on family farms.” Participants use the hashtag #farmfoodtour throughout the three-day experience and write blog posts about their experiences.&nbsp;&nbsp;News from Kansas Farm Bureau

FarmFoodTour connects influencers with farmers

Beginning Nov. 1 the PX Pharmacy at Fort Riley will be closed for renovations and will be rescheduled for reopening in the spring of next year. Modifications to the facility will ensure that the pharmacy team can continue filling prescriptions safely for the coming years.

The Army said Wednesday is the last day to call in refills for PX Pharmacy. Oct. 29 will be the last day to pick up at the PX Pharmacy. After that date all refills will be sent to the main hospital pharmacy for pick up.

To pick up refill prescriptions at your convenience, use the ScriptCenter kiosk located across the hospital chapel available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Activate refills by calling (785) 239-7427 and selecting “ScriptCenter kiosk” as pickup. Take your prescription number and military ID card the first time picking up.

Beginning Nov. 1 the PX Pharmacy at Fort Riley will be closed for renovations and will be rescheduled for reopening in the spring of next year. Modifications to the facility will ensure that the pharmacy team can continue filling prescriptions safely for the coming years.The Army said Wednesday is the last day to call in refills for PX Pharmacy. Oct. 29 will be the last day to pick up at the PX Pharmacy. After that date all refills will be sent to the main hospital pharmacy for pick up.To pick up refill prescriptions at your convenience, use the ScriptCenter kiosk located across the hospital chapel available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Activate refills by calling (785) 239-7427 and selecting “ScriptCenter kiosk” as pickup. Take your prescription number and military ID card the first time picking up.

PX Pharmacy will be closed for renovations

The following is a summary of arrests by the Riley County Police Department&nbsp;for October 19, 2021&nbsp;as of 9 a.m.&nbsp;Individuals are&nbsp;presumed innocent until proven guilty.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

SERGIO ANTONIO ESTRADA MORENO. 32, MANHATTAN Probation Violation,&nbsp;Bond $3,500&nbsp;

The following is a summary of arrests by the Riley County Police Department&nbsp;for October 19, 2021&nbsp;as of 9 a.m.&nbsp;Individuals are&nbsp;presumed innocent until proven guilty.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SERGIO ANTONIO ESTRADA MORENO. 32, MANHATTAN Probation Violation,&nbsp;Bond $3,500&nbsp;

Arrest Report for Oct. 19, 2021

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is recognizing the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine&nbsp;for its commitment to diversity and inclusion with&nbsp;its 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence (HEED) in Diversity Award.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The school&nbsp;is one of only six veterinary&nbsp;colleges&nbsp;nationally to receive the&nbsp;annual&nbsp;honor and is the only health-related school in Kansas to be recognized.&nbsp;&nbsp;

INSIGHT Into Diversity is the nation's oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The College of Veterinary Medicine will be featured in the December 2021 issue of the magazine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first time the College of Veterinary Medicine has earned the&nbsp;Health Professions HEED Award&nbsp;— a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities&nbsp;demonstrating&nbsp;outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.&nbsp; &nbsp; "[The]&nbsp;award represents recognition of significant collegewide initiatives in cultural transformation," said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.&nbsp;"The award is also a reminder of our responsibility to continue to strengthen and grow in our efforts to provide a welcoming environment for all.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are committed to preparing the leaders of tomorrow to carry the values of diversity, equity and inclusion to their future destinations.”&nbsp;

The magazine selected K-State because of the veterinary college's efforts to identify and incorporate opportunities for growth in diversity, equity and inclusion.&nbsp; &nbsp; Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to complete a variety of training through the Diversity and Resilience Institute of El Paso and the Purdue Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. The college also offers the&nbsp;Warrington College of Business&nbsp;Scholarship to recognize students demonstrating commitment to bringing diverse people together and serving disadvantaged populations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is recognizing the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine&nbsp;for its commitment to diversity and inclusion with&nbsp;its 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence (HEED) in Diversity Award.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The school&nbsp;is one of only six veterinary&nbsp;colleges&nbsp;nationally to receive the&nbsp;annual&nbsp;honor and is the only health-related school in Kansas to be recognized.&nbsp;&nbsp;INSIGHT Into Diversity is the nation's oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The College of Veterinary Medicine will be featured in the December 2021 issue of the magazine.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is the first time the College of Veterinary Medicine has earned the&nbsp;Health Professions HEED Award&nbsp;— a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities&nbsp;demonstrating&nbsp;outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.&nbsp; &nbsp; "[The]&nbsp;award represents recognition of significant collegewide initiatives in cultural transformation," said Bonnie Rush, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.&nbsp;"The award is also a reminder of our responsibility to continue to strengthen and grow in our efforts to provide a welcoming environment for all.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are committed to preparing the leaders of tomorrow to carry the values of diversity, equity and inclusion to their future destinations.”&nbsp;The magazine selected K-State because of the veterinary college's efforts to identify and incorporate opportunities for growth in diversity, equity and inclusion.&nbsp; &nbsp; Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to complete a variety of training through the Diversity and Resilience Institute of El Paso and the Purdue Certificate for Diversity and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine. The college also offers the&nbsp;Warrington College of Business&nbsp;Scholarship to recognize students demonstrating commitment to bringing diverse people together and serving disadvantaged populations.&nbsp; &nbsp;

KSU VetMed receives Excellence in Diversity Award 

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

At a time when the rates of crime and violence are skyrocketing around the country, the Law Board learned Monday that Riley County is seeing&nbsp;improved crime&nbsp;rates.&nbsp;

Sergeant Nate Boeckman informed board members of better local crime numbers from the new Kansas Bureau of Investigation crime index.&nbsp;

Boeckman&nbsp;told the Board&nbsp;that&nbsp;the 2020&nbsp;violent crime rate in Riley County&nbsp;decreased&nbsp;by&nbsp;nearly 19 percent&nbsp;over 2019, and property crime fell by 5.1 percent over that period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The overall crime rate in Riley County fell by just over seven percent.&nbsp;The murder rate did increase – from one homicide in 2019 to three in 2020.&nbsp;

RCPD Director Dennis Butler&nbsp;said that last year&nbsp;the country&nbsp;saw the largest violent crime increases in the history of U.S. crime statistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We weren’t able&nbsp;to escape that trend,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Board member Linda&nbsp;Morse&nbsp;said&nbsp;it is obvious the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;was a source of chaos.&nbsp;“Covid had a very unsettling effect on our whole society,” she said.&nbsp;

Boeckman said that despite the higher homicide rate, Riley County is below the state average&nbsp;for&nbsp;every&nbsp;crime category.&nbsp;

The complete 2020 KBI Kansas Crime Index is available at https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/docs/pdf/2020%20Crime%20Index.pdf.&nbsp;

In other business, Morse&nbsp;acknowledged public&nbsp;complaints regarding the Board’s approval of&nbsp;two percent&nbsp;raises&nbsp;for RCPD personnel&nbsp;in the 2022 budget.&nbsp;

Due to COVID uncertainty, the Law Board did not approve COLA raises for the 2021 budget.&nbsp;

In defending the salary increases,&nbsp;Morse&nbsp;pointed out that the increased pay does not match&nbsp;steadily rising&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;or ballooning housing costs.&nbsp;

She&nbsp;noted&nbsp;sharp increases in housing&nbsp;prices&nbsp;and skyrocketing inflation&nbsp;that&nbsp;the Kansas City Star&nbsp;claims will&nbsp;drive&nbsp;home&nbsp;prices for the&nbsp;area an&nbsp;expected 9.2&nbsp;percent&nbsp;higher in just a year.&nbsp;The national inflation rate over the last year is&nbsp;5.4&nbsp;percent&nbsp;

She then noted that the&nbsp;RCPD cost-of-living&nbsp;adjustment (COLA) has historically&nbsp;been just 1.65 percent.&nbsp;

“That’s a big difference,”&nbsp;she&nbsp;said. “I think we did our best to look into the crystal ball for 2022. It may not be enough but at least we had the courage to do&nbsp;it.”&nbsp;

The approved&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;budget is $22.98 million&nbsp;-&nbsp;an increase of 3.57&nbsp;percent&nbsp;over 2021.&nbsp;The&nbsp;funding&nbsp;allows&nbsp;the department&nbsp;to&nbsp;increase the base salary to include merit raises, adequate cost of living adjustments, two administrative technician positions,&nbsp;a jail cook and security screener. The funds will also allow for a slight bump in the operational training budget and&nbsp;an additional liability insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Captain&nbsp;Brad&nbsp;Jaeger&nbsp;updated&nbsp;the Board&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;credit card payment options for records&nbsp;services.&nbsp;The department’s previous system was all but archaic.&nbsp;Until only recently,&nbsp;the only payment options were cash, check or money order.&nbsp;People needing to pay fines or processing fees were unable to make a payment online or over the phone.&nbsp;

The department now utilizes a&nbsp;Square&nbsp;account to process card payments&nbsp;for things like fingerprint fees&nbsp;and document acquisition.&nbsp;

Jaeger&nbsp;pointed out that the RCPD is&nbsp;simply “catching up with the times”&nbsp;by adding the service.&nbsp;He&nbsp;also&nbsp;told the Board&nbsp;that the merchant fees charged to RCPD for processing card transactions&nbsp;are&nbsp;nominal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Butler&nbsp;said that the impetus for&nbsp;enhancement&nbsp;measures like the new payment systems comes from the&nbsp;staff&nbsp;doing the actual work in their areas. He said that it is the&nbsp;front-line&nbsp;staff&nbsp;who see the needs and flesh out the details about how to&nbsp;increase efficiency and&nbsp;better&nbsp;serve the public.&nbsp;

“We’re always looking for opportunities to provide better services to our citizens,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officer Rachel Pate&nbsp;from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 17&nbsp;updated the board on launching the Cops and Kids program.&nbsp;She&nbsp;said donations for the initiative are already coming in, with the program set to start in early December.&nbsp;

Pate also expressed the desire of the FOP to again be a part of the search and hiring process for a new director.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;At a time when the rates of crime and violence are skyrocketing around the country, the Law Board learned Monday that Riley County is seeing&nbsp;improved crime&nbsp;rates.&nbsp;Sergeant Nate Boeckman informed board members of better local crime numbers from the new Kansas Bureau of Investigation crime index.&nbsp;Boeckman&nbsp;told the Board&nbsp;that&nbsp;the 2020&nbsp;violent crime rate in Riley County&nbsp;decreased&nbsp;by&nbsp;nearly 19 percent&nbsp;over 2019, and property crime fell by 5.1 percent over that period.&nbsp;&nbsp;The overall crime rate in Riley County fell by just over seven percent.&nbsp;The murder rate did increase – from one homicide in 2019 to three in 2020.&nbsp;RCPD Director Dennis Butler&nbsp;said that last year&nbsp;the country&nbsp;saw the largest violent crime increases in the history of U.S. crime statistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We weren’t able&nbsp;to escape that trend,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Board member Linda&nbsp;Morse&nbsp;said&nbsp;it is obvious the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;was a source of chaos.&nbsp;“Covid had a very unsettling effect on our whole society,” she said.&nbsp;Boeckman said that despite the higher homicide rate, Riley County is below the state average&nbsp;for&nbsp;every&nbsp;crime category.&nbsp;The complete 2020 KBI Kansas Crime Index is available at https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/docs/pdf/2020%20Crime%20Index.pdf.&nbsp;In other business, Morse&nbsp;acknowledged public&nbsp;complaints regarding the Board’s approval of&nbsp;two percent&nbsp;raises&nbsp;for RCPD personnel&nbsp;in the 2022 budget.&nbsp;Due to COVID uncertainty, the Law Board did not approve COLA raises for the 2021 budget.&nbsp;In defending the salary increases,&nbsp;Morse&nbsp;pointed out that the increased pay does not match&nbsp;steadily rising&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;or ballooning housing costs.&nbsp;She&nbsp;noted&nbsp;sharp increases in housing&nbsp;prices&nbsp;and skyrocketing inflation&nbsp;that&nbsp;the Kansas City Star&nbsp;claims will&nbsp;drive&nbsp;home&nbsp;prices for the&nbsp;area an&nbsp;expected 9.2&nbsp;percent&nbsp;higher in just a year.&nbsp;The national inflation rate over the last year is&nbsp;5.4&nbsp;percent&nbsp;She then noted that the&nbsp;RCPD cost-of-living&nbsp;adjustment (COLA) has historically&nbsp;been just 1.65 percent.&nbsp;“That’s a big difference,”&nbsp;she&nbsp;said. “I think we did our best to look into the crystal ball for 2022. It may not be enough but at least we had the courage to do&nbsp;it.”&nbsp;The approved&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;budget is $22.98 million&nbsp;-&nbsp;an increase of 3.57&nbsp;percent&nbsp;over 2021.&nbsp;The&nbsp;funding&nbsp;allows&nbsp;the department&nbsp;to&nbsp;increase the base salary to include merit raises, adequate cost of living adjustments, two administrative technician positions,&nbsp;a jail cook and security screener. The funds will also allow for a slight bump in the operational training budget and&nbsp;an additional liability insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Captain&nbsp;Brad&nbsp;Jaeger&nbsp;updated&nbsp;the Board&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;credit card payment options for records&nbsp;services.&nbsp;The department’s previous system was all but archaic.&nbsp;Until only recently,&nbsp;the only payment options were cash, check or money order.&nbsp;People needing to pay fines or processing fees were unable to make a payment online or over the phone.&nbsp;The department now utilizes a&nbsp;Square&nbsp;account to process card payments&nbsp;for things like fingerprint fees&nbsp;and document acquisition.&nbsp;Jaeger&nbsp;pointed out that the RCPD is&nbsp;simply “catching up with the times”&nbsp;by adding the service.&nbsp;He&nbsp;also&nbsp;told the Board&nbsp;that the merchant fees charged to RCPD for processing card transactions&nbsp;are&nbsp;nominal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Butler&nbsp;said that the impetus for&nbsp;enhancement&nbsp;measures like the new payment systems comes from the&nbsp;staff&nbsp;doing the actual work in their areas. He said that it is the&nbsp;front-line&nbsp;staff&nbsp;who see the needs and flesh out the details about how to&nbsp;increase efficiency and&nbsp;better&nbsp;serve the public.&nbsp;“We’re always looking for opportunities to provide better services to our citizens,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officer Rachel Pate&nbsp;from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 17&nbsp;updated the board on launching the Cops and Kids program.&nbsp;She&nbsp;said donations for the initiative are already coming in, with the program set to start in early December.&nbsp;Pate also expressed the desire of the FOP to again be a part of the search and hiring process for a new director.&nbsp;

Crime rate decline, service improvements detailed to Law Board

Dementia Friendly Manhattan, a new initiative of the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Rockin' K meeting room at 1880 Kimball Ave. The focus of the effort is to make Manhattan a more dementia-friendly place to live. Attendees can also join virtually on Zoom if they are unable to attend in person.

Special guest Susan McFadden, PhD, and author of Dementia-Friendly Communities; Why We Need Them and How We Can Create Them, will speak about the importance of supporting people with dementia and their caregivers and how to implement a dementia friendly community.&nbsp;

Dementia Friendly Manhattan, a new initiative of the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition, kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Rockin' K meeting room at 1880 Kimball Ave. The focus of the effort is to make Manhattan a more dementia-friendly place to live. Attendees can also join virtually on Zoom if they are unable to attend in person.Special guest Susan McFadden, PhD, and author of Dementia-Friendly Communities; Why We Need Them and How We Can Create Them, will speak about the importance of supporting people with dementia and their caregivers and how to implement a dementia friendly community.&nbsp;Dementia friendly communities are places where community members strive to support those living with dementia and their care partners and empower them to remain living independently for as long as possible.Dementia Friendly Manhattan Community Coordinator Anna Biggins, said that the kick-off event on Oct. 24 "is only the beginning of our efforts to effectively and compassionately meet the needs of the people in our community who are experiencing the impacts of dementia."Dementia Friendly Manhattan's Oct. 24 kick-off event and initial organizing efforts are paid for by a grant from the Memorial Hospital Association. To RSVP for the event, visit Flint Hills Wellness Coalition on Facebook or send an email to&nbsp; fhwcdementiafriendly@gmail.com

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