Guidance from the Secretary of Defense: "Identity Months Dead at DoD"

Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department's warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.

Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, including National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Service members and civilians remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.

Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos. We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738441185526.png" alt="Sailors decorate for Pride Month aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham in the Atlantic Ocean, June 16, 2022.- Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Theoplis Stewart II" />
 <figcaption>Sailors decorate for Pride Month aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham in the Atlantic Ocean, June 16, 2022.- Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Theoplis Stewart II</figcaption>
 </figure>U.S. Department of DefenseGuidance from the Secretary of Defense: "Identity Months Dead at DoD"Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the Department's warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months, including National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month. Service members and civilians remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738441330356.png" alt="Air Force Airman 1st Class Ysabella Paris participates in a cardboard boat race during a Pride Month observance event at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., June 9, 2023. The base hosted several events throughout the month of June to celebrate and honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members. Photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Katelynn Jackson" />
 <figcaption>Air Force Airman 1st Class Ysabella Paris participates in a cardboard boat race during a Pride Month observance event at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., June 9, 2023. The base hosted several events throughout the month of June to celebrate and honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members. Photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Katelynn Jackson</figcaption>
 </figure>Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos. We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.

New Defense Secretary cancels all identity months in the U.S. military 

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.

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738548269870.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report February 2

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral&nbsp;Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/119th-FARM-Act732.pdf">Click here to read the bill</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/119th-FARM-Act732.pdf">The FARM Act&nbsp;</a>will permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies, a move to prevent improper foreign interference and disruption to the U.S. agriculture industry.

“Food Security is National Security, it's high time that we start recognizing this before it is too late,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The Secretary of Agriculture needs a seat at the table to help the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States vet foreign agricultural investments like land. This committee currently does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry, the FARM Act changes that.”

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,”&nbsp;said Senator Tuberville.&nbsp;“These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.”

“Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,”&nbsp;said Senator John Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”

Two previous AG secretaries under Democrat administrations have expressed support for making the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent member of CFIUS. U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13) reintroduced the bipartisan, companion legislation in the House of Representatives.&nbsp;

“America’s agricultural industry is no exception to the increasing national security threats our country faces,”&nbsp;said Rep. Jackson.&nbsp;“Biden’s failed leadership allowed unchecked foreign influence, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party, to interfere with and attempt to control our food supply chain. Representing Texas’s top agricultural-producing district, I am committed to ensuring our nation’s food production remains free from foreign manipulation. This is why I am proud to reintroduce the FARM Act, putting America first and ensuring that our agricultural industry remains robust, secure, and free from foreign interference. Thank you to Senator Tuberville for leading companion legislation in the Senate, and we hope this bipartisan legislation, which is crucial to our food security, will move forward quickly to President Trump’s desk.”&nbsp;

Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate AG Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.

According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.

CFIUS is authorized to oversee and review foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses as it relates to national security. Currently, the Committee does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.&nbsp;

Specifically, the&nbsp;FARM Act&nbsp;would:

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral&nbsp;Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/119th-FARM-Act732.pdf">Click here to read the bill</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/119th-FARM-Act732.pdf">The FARM Act&nbsp;</a>will permanently add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process of foreign investment and acquisition of American companies, a move to prevent improper foreign interference and disruption to the U.S. agriculture industry.“Food Security is National Security, it's high time that we start recognizing this before it is too late,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“The Secretary of Agriculture needs a seat at the table to help the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States vet foreign agricultural investments like land. This committee currently does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry, the FARM Act changes that.”“Over the last decade, we’ve seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries,”&nbsp;said Senator Tuberville.&nbsp;“These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for American families.”“Pennsylvania is home to about 50,000 farms and the farmers who power them already face enough challenges to stay competitive. They shouldn’t also have to compete with foreign adversaries buying up American farmland,”&nbsp;said Senator John Fetterman. “America’s farms are critical infrastructure, and CFIUS exists to protect our critical infrastructure from foreign threats. So, adding the Secretary of Agriculture is just plain common sense. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: foreign adversaries have no business owning American farmland. This bill makes that clear and I’m proud to partner with my colleague to get it done.”Two previous AG secretaries under Democrat administrations have expressed support for making the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent member of CFIUS. U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13) reintroduced the bipartisan, companion legislation in the House of Representatives.&nbsp;“America’s agricultural industry is no exception to the increasing national security threats our country faces,”&nbsp;said Rep. Jackson.&nbsp;“Biden’s failed leadership allowed unchecked foreign influence, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party, to interfere with and attempt to control our food supply chain. Representing Texas’s top agricultural-producing district, I am committed to ensuring our nation’s food production remains free from foreign manipulation. This is why I am proud to reintroduce the FARM Act, putting America first and ensuring that our agricultural industry remains robust, secure, and free from foreign interference. Thank you to Senator Tuberville for leading companion legislation in the Senate, and we hope this bipartisan legislation, which is crucial to our food security, will move forward quickly to President Trump’s desk.”&nbsp;BACKGROUND:Over the past few years, the United States has experienced a rapid increase in foreign investment in the agricultural sector, particularly from China. Growing foreign investment in agriculture and other essential industries, like health care and energy, threaten our country’s national security. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate AG Committee, Senator Tuberville has been sounding the alarm about foreign ownership of American farmland and other elements of our food supply chain.According to USDA data from December 2023, foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land. This represents an increase of over 1.5 million acres in one calendar year. Foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increased modestly from 2012 to 2017 at an average increase of 0.6 million acres per year. However, since 2017, this number skyrocketed to an annual average of 2.6 million acres annually. Additionally, between 2010 and 2021, entities or individuals from China increased their ownership of U.S. agricultural land more than twentyfold, from 13,720 acres to 383,935 acres. Alabama has the fourth-highest amount of foreign-owned agricultural land in the United States, with 2.2 million acres, most of which is forestland.CFIUS is authorized to oversee and review foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses as it relates to national security. Currently, the Committee does not directly consider the needs of the agriculture industry when reviewing foreign investment and ownership in domestic businesses.&nbsp;Specifically, the&nbsp;FARM Act&nbsp;would:<ul>
 <li>add the Secretary of Agriculture as a member to CFIUS;</li><li>protect the U.S. agriculture industry from foreign control through transactions, mergers, acquisitions, or agreements; designate agricultural supply chains as critical infrastructure and critical technologies,</li><li>and require a report to Congress on current and potential foreign investments in the U.S. agricultural industry from USDA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO)</li>
 </ul>

Kansas U.S. Senator and colleagues Introduce the FARM Act

Junction City police responded to the 900 block of Kramer Court early Saturday afternoon . They reported that a 22 year old Junction City man, Carron D. Carter, was found suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled later this week.

According to Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell, authorities responded to the scene at 12:48 p.m. Police conducted an investigation and arrested Jonathan M. Lee, 27, Fort Riley on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. Lee was taken to the Geary County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

This was an isolated incident and Odell confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Junction City Police Department thanked the Geary County Sheriff’s Office (GESO), Fort Riley Police Department, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for their assistance in this investigation.

This remains an active investigation, and no further details are available at this time. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 785-762-8477 (TIPS).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738460887904.png" alt="Lee-photo Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Lee-photo Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City police responded to the 900 block of Kramer Court early Saturday afternoon . They reported that a 22 year old Junction City man, Carron D. Carter, was found suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy is scheduled later this week.According to Assistant Junction City Police Chief Cory Odell, authorities responded to the scene at 12:48 p.m. Police conducted an investigation and arrested Jonathan M. Lee, 27, Fort Riley on a requested charge of First Degree Murder. Lee was taken to the Geary County Detention Center where he is being held without bond.This was an isolated incident and Odell confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.The Junction City Police Department thanked the Geary County Sheriff’s Office (GESO), Fort Riley Police Department, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) for their assistance in this investigation.This remains an active investigation, and no further details are available at this time. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Junction City Police Department at 785-762-5912 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 785-762-8477 (TIPS).

Police confirm a shooting occurred in Junction City

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738428969033.png" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1738428986535.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report February 1

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Friday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a westbound train in the&nbsp;100 Block of North 1st Street in Saint Marys struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp; 45-year-old Virginia Marie Enockson of St. Marys. She was standing on the tracks facing southbound at the time of the incident.

Enockson was pronounced dead at the scene and was later transported to&nbsp; Piper Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Friday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a westbound train in the&nbsp;100 Block of North 1st Street in Saint Marys struck a pedestrian identified as&nbsp; 45-year-old Virginia Marie Enockson of St. Marys. She was standing on the tracks facing southbound at the time of the incident.Enockson was pronounced dead at the scene and was later transported to&nbsp; Piper Funeral Home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas woman dies after struck by a train

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Independent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.

Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.

Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."

Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.

The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.

However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.

Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark.

"They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.

Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.

Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday.

"[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."

He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail.

"The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.

The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.

She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.

That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug.

"When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.

Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.

Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open.

"In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."

There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said.

"The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.

Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.

Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;

Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots.

"You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.

Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.

An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.

Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications.

"If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.

Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;

Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.

The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.

Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers.

"We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."

He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."

The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.

It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies.

"It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."

Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue.

"Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be.

"I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."

Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients.

"We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."

The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5

"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.

Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb.5 

Anderson Barber Chase Chautauqua ClayCoffey Decatur Dickinson Doniphan Edwards Elk Ellsworth Gove Graham Grant Gray Greenwood Harper Hodgeman Jewell Kingman Kiowa Lane Pawnee Lincoln Logan Marion Meade Mitchell Montgomery Morris Nemaha Ness Norton Osage Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Rawlins Republic Rice Rooks Rush Russell Sheridan Smith Stafford Stanton Trego Washington Wichita Woodson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738267698272.jpg" alt="Photo courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostIndependent pharmacies across Kansas will close on Wednesday, Feb.5, for a day of advocacy to raise awareness of what they call unfair business practices by pharmacy benefit managers.Sloane Freeman, president of the Kansas Pharmacists Association, said the "Close for a Cause" event is meant to show customers what life would be like without independent pharmacies in Kansas.Pharmacists and their employees will also gather in Topeka that day to lobby for legislation the association is introducing to level the playing field for independent pharmacies.As of Wednesday, Jan. 26, 96 pharmacies in 55 counties have pledged to participate in "Close for a Cause."Freeman is an owner of a group of pharmacies in Kansas, one of which is in Hill City.The benefit pharmacy manager system arose in the 1990s to control insurance companies' costs.However, since then, the benefit pharmacy managers have become part of vertical integration that also includes the ownership of insurance companies and pharmacies.Three pharmacy benefit managers control about 85% of the market and rank in the top 20 companies in the U.S. They include Cigna, United Healthcare and CVS/Caremark."They are charging your insurance plan one cost, reimbursing the pharmacy another cost and then they're keeping everything in the middle," Freeman said.Freeman said these companies require insured people to use the benefits manager's pharmacies or offer significant discounts as incentives.Fred Schertz, pharmacist with Midwest Family Health of Russell, will be participating in lobbying efforts in Topeka on Feb. 5. Midwest Family Health will be closed Wednesday."[Mail-order pharmacies] not only drive revenue out of the state of Kansas and out of our local economy," he said, "but also it is a patient care thing. Patients are forced to fill out of state."He said he sees patients who must fill prescriptions out of town or by mail."The patients that it really hurts are the ones who don't have the modes of transportation where they can make it to Hays every day to pick up medication,"&nbsp;Schertz said.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/20_0317.htm">Many scholarly articles have been written on the importance of community pharmacies in local health outcomes, including a&nbsp;July 23, 2020, article shared by the Centers for Disease Control that discusses the role of local pharmacies in dealing with COVID-19.</a>&nbsp;It also touched on chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.The pharmacy benefit managers reimburse their pharmacies at a much higher rate than independent pharmacies, Freeman said.She said independent pharmacies might be reimbursed 1 cent for the drug and $1 for filling the prescription, but the National Community Pharmacy of Association estimates it costs about $13.85 per prescription for an independent pharmacy to fill a prescription and break even.That includes overhead costs like the container, label, lights and employees, but that doesn't include the cost of the drug."When we're not being paid for the drug or any of our employees, we're operating in the red," Freeman said.Ten Kansas pharmacies closed within the last year, and Freeman said more will close if reforms are not implemented soon.Two pharmacies in Russell recently merged to stay open."In certain pharmacies, up to one in every three prescriptions, they're getting paid below cost,"&nbsp;Schertz said. "That's not taking into account overhead to run it."There is an appeal system for reimbursements, but appeals are always denied, Freeman said."The [pharmacy benefits managers] don't have to play by any rules because there are no rules," Freeman said.Freeman said the most important aspect of this debate is patient access to medications in a timely manner.Independent pharmacies deliver to people who can't leave their homes. Pharmacists are available to answer questions in person and provide other special services, such as bubble packs.&nbsp;Freeman said her pharmacies have even gone to people's homes to give flu shots."You won't find that in a mail-order pharmacy or in a chain pharmacy that is 60 to 75 miles away," she said.Mail-order and chain pharmacies won't be able to handle the volume if more independent pharmacies close, Freeman said.An independent pharmacy in Garden City closed, and the remaining pharmacies are swamped. Freeman said people are waiting up to five days to get prescriptions filled.Mail service in rural Kansas is a barrier for patients who are being required to use mail-order pharmacies.&nbsp;Schertz said patients are seeing delays in receiving their medications."If something gets hung up half a state away with critical medications, it's not just a package from Amazon. It's lifesaving medication that can be held up," he said.Climate control is also a concern. Temperature differences can harm medication efficacy, so pharmacies must maintain their medications at consistent temperatures.&nbsp;Medication that comes through the mail may be sitting in a mail van or on a dock for hours to days in more than 100-degree temperatures or temperatures well below freezing, Freeman said.<h2>The bill</h2>The&nbsp;Kansas Pharmacists Association's bill would set a floor for the reimbursement rate to all pharamcies, Freeman said.Paul Schiferl, pharmacist in Colby, said he did not think the bill would increase prices for consumers."We think that the pharmacies should be trued up," he said. ... "What we believe is that it will put everyone to the middle on a fair playing field."He added, "You can't make a pharmacy run on a $2 dispensing fee."The bill also encourages transparency. Employers and the state could see where their money goes for drug costs.It would also reform the audit system. Freeman said the pharmacy benefit managers perform what she called "predatory audits" of independent pharmacies."It's common sense things," Freeman said. "We just want to level the playing field a little bit more instead of the three [pharmacy benefits managers] running us over and trying to close us."Freeman said she and the other pharmacists did not want to close even for one day, but they need Kansans to understand the importance of this issue."Patients need to understand they may not have a pharmacy," she said. "Until people understand and feel the issue on themselves, they aren't going to fully understand what the impact could be."I can sit here and say until I'm blue in the face, 'If you don't have a pharmacy, you're not going to be able to get your medications.' But until you actually live in that world for a day, it's hard to comprehend."Schiferl said he also did not want to close. He wants to serve his patients."We also want to have this visual representation. We believe our patients want us in their communities," he said, "and we're hoping that when they can see what this would be like if we were closed all of the time, they will want to support this and reach out to their legislators as well and [tell them] how important it is to have a community pharmacy in their town."The pharmacies encourage their patients to contact local legislators to support the legislation. The independent pharmacies are also organizing letter-writing campaigns and will be taking letters written by patients to Topeka on Feb. 5"Having the patient voice is what we really hope to have to help the legislators understand more," Freeman said.Counties that will have pharmacies closed for "Closing for a Cause" on Feb.5 Anderson Barber Chase Chautauqua ClayCoffey Decatur Dickinson Doniphan Edwards Elk Ellsworth Gove Graham Grant Gray Greenwood Harper Hodgeman Jewell Kingman Kiowa Lane Pawnee Lincoln Logan Marion Meade Mitchell Montgomery Morris Nemaha Ness Norton Osage Ottawa Pawnee Phillips Pottawatomie Rawlins Republic Rice Rooks Rush Russell Sheridan Smith Stafford Stanton Trego Washington Wichita Woodson

Local pharmacies closings across Kan. for advocacy day; learn why, see where

RILEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Friday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp;Haleana J.&nbsp;Simmons, 19, Assaria, was westbound on U.S. 24 one half mile east of Blue River Hills Road.

The driver attempted to pass an eastbound 2016 Chevy Equinox driven by Rachel M.&nbsp;Harmison, 23,&nbsp;Leonardville in the eastbound lane.&nbsp; The car struck the SUV in the front drivers side.

After impact the SUV overturned and came to rest in the south ditch. The Ford then struck a westbound 1996 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;Meyer, Brady Q.&nbsp;Meyer of Linn, Kansas.

EMS transported Simmons to Wesley Medical Center and Harmison to Via Christi in Manhattan. Myer was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

RILEY COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Friday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Ford Taurus driven by&nbsp;Haleana J.&nbsp;Simmons, 19, Assaria, was westbound on U.S. 24 one half mile east of Blue River Hills Road.The driver attempted to pass an eastbound 2016 Chevy Equinox driven by Rachel M.&nbsp;Harmison, 23,&nbsp;Leonardville in the eastbound lane.&nbsp; The car struck the SUV in the front drivers side.After impact the SUV overturned and came to rest in the south ditch. The Ford then struck a westbound 1996 Peterbilt semi driven by&nbsp;Meyer, Brady Q.&nbsp;Meyer of Linn, Kansas.EMS transported Simmons to Wesley Medical Center and Harmison to Via Christi in Manhattan. Myer was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

2 hospitalized after 3-vehicle Riley County crash

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a residence in Dickinson County.

On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant in relation to a narcotics investigation, at a residence in the 200 Block of West 6th Street in Chapman, according to a media release from the sheriff.

The Chapman Police Department and Junction City Police Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant. While conducting the search warrant, deputies located Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia and firearms.

As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 40-year-old James Angelo Demaroney III of Milford and booked him into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon and Defacing Identification Marks on Firearm.&nbsp; He has four previous drug convictions in Geary County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738352660216.png" alt="Demaroney photo Dickinson County" />
 <figcaption>Demaroney photo Dickinson County</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after a drug bust at a residence in Dickinson County.On Thursday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant in relation to a narcotics investigation, at a residence in the 200 Block of West 6th Street in Chapman, according to a media release from the sheriff.The Chapman Police Department and Junction City Police Department assisted in the execution of the search warrant. While conducting the search warrant, deputies located Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia and firearms.As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 40-year-old James Angelo Demaroney III of Milford and booked him into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on requested charges Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Criminal Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon and Defacing Identification Marks on Firearm.&nbsp; He has four previous drug convictions in Geary County, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Milford man with previous drug conviction accused of selling meth

There has been a blank petition filed to recall Jeff Underhill from office as a Junction City Commissioner.

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert said that the blank petition states the grounds for recall and is being provided to the County Attorney, Krista Blaisdell to determine if the grounds are valid and align with legal statute. The grounds alleged on the petition include misconduct while in office, revoking of insurance license due to fraud and deception.&nbsp;The County Attorney has five business days to make that determination.

&nbsp; If the grounds are deemed appropriate, the Recall Committee can then start to circulate the petition to gather signatures. The Recall Committee includes Stephen Capizzi, Samuel Arias and Tom Remily.

The committee needs 390 valid signatures of registered voters who reside within Junction City limits. They have 90 days to return the petition to the Election Office. That Office then has 30 days to validate the signatures.&nbsp;

If the petition is valid, a special election would be held with one question on the ballot. "Do you want to recall Jeff Underhill from the office of Junction City Commissioner" select yes or no.

Underhill was recently elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as the mayor of Junction City for the coming year. He has not yet commented on the recall petition development.

By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostThere has been a blank petition filed to recall Jeff Underhill from office as a Junction City Commissioner.Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert said that the blank petition states the grounds for recall and is being provided to the County Attorney, Krista Blaisdell to determine if the grounds are valid and align with legal statute. The grounds alleged on the petition include misconduct while in office, revoking of insurance license due to fraud and deception.&nbsp;The County Attorney has five business days to make that determination.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738342307378.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jeff Underhill ( City of Junction City )&nbsp; If the grounds are deemed appropriate, the Recall Committee can then start to circulate the petition to gather signatures. The Recall Committee includes Stephen Capizzi, Samuel Arias and Tom Remily.The committee needs 390 valid signatures of registered voters who reside within Junction City limits. They have 90 days to return the petition to the Election Office. That Office then has 30 days to validate the signatures.&nbsp;If the petition is valid, a special election would be held with one question on the ballot. "Do you want to recall Jeff Underhill from the office of Junction City Commissioner" select yes or no.Underhill was recently elected by his fellow commissioners to serve as the mayor of Junction City for the coming year. He has not yet commented on the recall petition development.

A recall peititon has been filed in Junction City

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an investigation at a CBD business in Manhattan.

On Thursday, the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant at CBD American Shaman, in the 700 block of N. 11th Street in Manhattan, according to a media release. The warrant was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of products containing THC levels exceeding the legal limit under the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act.

Just after 10a.m. police arrested Donald Ince, 46, of Manhattan, on requested charges that include of three counts of distribution of marijuana (less than 25 grams) and one count of failure to appear. His total bond was set at $15,060. He is no longer in custody.

Understanding the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act

In recent months, RCPD has encountered numerous cases where individuals were cited for possession of marijuana after purchasing what they believed to be legal CBD products from local businesses, including CBD American Shaman. Many of these individuals expressed confusion, as they believed the products they purchased were legal under Kansas law. To clarify, the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901) defines industrial hemp as any part of the cannabis plant containing a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Any product derived from industrial hemp must also adhere to this 0.3% THC limit. Products exceeding this threshold are classified as marijuana under Kansas law and are considered a controlled substance, making their distribution and possession illegal.

1. THC Limits Matter: Any product containing more than 0.3% THC is considered marijuana under Kansas law, regardless of where it is purchased.

2. Know the Source: Consumers should ensure that the CBD products they purchase are compliant with Kansas law and contain no more than 0.3% THC.

3. Business Responsibility: Businesses selling CBD or hemp products must verify that their products meet the legal THC threshold. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges and harm to consumers who may unknowingly purchase illegal substances. RCPD encourages all businesses to thoroughly review the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act and ensure compliance with state laws.

4. Certain Products Are Explicitly Prohibited: K.S.A. 2-3908 outlines six (6) hemp products that are explicitly prohibited from being manufactured, marketed, sold, or distributed in Kansas. These include cigarettes, cigars, smokeless materials, teas, and liquids or gases for vaporizing devices that contain industrial hemp. Additionally, any hemp product intended for human or animal consumption that contains ingredients prohibited under the Kansas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Commercial Feeding Stuffs Act is unlawful. Businesses must ensure their products comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

Additionally, under the same Kansas law, it is unlawful to market, sell, or distribute certain hemp products—including industrial hemp buds, ground hemp floral or leaf material, and hemp extracts with a delta-9 THC concentration exceeding 0.3%—to anyone not registered as a hemp processor under K.S.A. 2-3907 or licensed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture under a commercial plan (K.S.A. 2-3906) or research program (K.S.A. 2-3902). Transportation of these products between licensed hemp producers and processors is permitted without additional licensing, subject to state fire marshal regulations. Violations are punishable as a class A nonperson misdemeanor for a first offense and a severity level 9 nonperson felony for subsequent offenses. Exceptions allow for research by state educational institutions and the production, use, or sale of hemp products not prohibited by state or federal law. This provision supplements the Kansas Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq.)

We urge consumers to be vigilant when purchasing CBD products and to seek out reputable sources that adhere to legal standards. For more information on the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act, please visit the Kansas Legislature’s website or contact the Riley County Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738339454153.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with an investigation at a CBD business in Manhattan.On Thursday, the Riley County Police Department executed a search warrant at CBD American Shaman, in the 700 block of N. 11th Street in Manhattan, according to a media release. The warrant was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of products containing THC levels exceeding the legal limit under the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act.Just after 10a.m. police arrested Donald Ince, 46, of Manhattan, on requested charges that include of three counts of distribution of marijuana (less than 25 grams) and one count of failure to appear. His total bond was set at $15,060. He is no longer in custody.Understanding the Kansas Industrial Hemp ActIn recent months, RCPD has encountered numerous cases where individuals were cited for possession of marijuana after purchasing what they believed to be legal CBD products from local businesses, including CBD American Shaman. Many of these individuals expressed confusion, as they believed the products they purchased were legal under Kansas law. To clarify, the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901) defines industrial hemp as any part of the cannabis plant containing a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Any product derived from industrial hemp must also adhere to this 0.3% THC limit. Products exceeding this threshold are classified as marijuana under Kansas law and are considered a controlled substance, making their distribution and possession illegal.Key Points for Consumers and Businesses:1. THC Limits Matter: Any product containing more than 0.3% THC is considered marijuana under Kansas law, regardless of where it is purchased.2. Know the Source: Consumers should ensure that the CBD products they purchase are compliant with Kansas law and contain no more than 0.3% THC.3. Business Responsibility: Businesses selling CBD or hemp products must verify that their products meet the legal THC threshold. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges and harm to consumers who may unknowingly purchase illegal substances. RCPD encourages all businesses to thoroughly review the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act and ensure compliance with state laws.4. Certain Products Are Explicitly Prohibited: K.S.A. 2-3908 outlines six (6) hemp products that are explicitly prohibited from being manufactured, marketed, sold, or distributed in Kansas. These include cigarettes, cigars, smokeless materials, teas, and liquids or gases for vaporizing devices that contain industrial hemp. Additionally, any hemp product intended for human or animal consumption that contains ingredients prohibited under the Kansas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or the Commercial Feeding Stuffs Act is unlawful. Businesses must ensure their products comply with these regulations to avoid legal consequences.Additionally, under the same Kansas law, it is unlawful to market, sell, or distribute certain hemp products—including industrial hemp buds, ground hemp floral or leaf material, and hemp extracts with a delta-9 THC concentration exceeding 0.3%—to anyone not registered as a hemp processor under K.S.A. 2-3907 or licensed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture under a commercial plan (K.S.A. 2-3906) or research program (K.S.A. 2-3902). Transportation of these products between licensed hemp producers and processors is permitted without additional licensing, subject to state fire marshal regulations. Violations are punishable as a class A nonperson misdemeanor for a first offense and a severity level 9 nonperson felony for subsequent offenses. Exceptions allow for research by state educational institutions and the production, use, or sale of hemp products not prohibited by state or federal law. This provision supplements the Kansas Commercial Industrial Hemp Act (K.S.A. 2-3901 et seq.)We urge consumers to be vigilant when purchasing CBD products and to seek out reputable sources that adhere to legal standards. For more information on the Kansas Industrial Hemp Act, please visit the Kansas Legislature’s website or contact the Riley County Police Department.

Police make arrest at CBD business in Manhattan

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/">College of Business Administration</a>&nbsp;recently awarded $8,400 in scholarship money to 20 students who competed in the 2024 Phillips 66 Business Ethics Case Competition.The competition was organized by the college's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/management/business-ethics/">Business Ethics Education Initiative</a>&nbsp;and sponsored by Phillips 66.

Students were challenged to examine a real-world ethical dilemma and were responsible for analyzing the situation, applying appropriate ethical and strategic management principles, and developing a viable set of practical recommendations. After faculty members in the management department evaluated the initial written analyses, five teams were selected to compete in the final round, where they presented their analyses and recommendations to a panel of judges.

Most creative presentation: Blake Schimmel, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Lawrence; Sam Wright, senior in professional strategic selling,&nbsp;Leawood; Josh Pell, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Olathe; and Amber Dixon, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Wichita.

Best ethical analysis: Jordan Irby, senior in investment management,&nbsp;Junction City; Landyn Luttrell, senior in finance,&nbsp;Shawnee; Ryane Bieker, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation,&nbsp;Valley Center; and Mitchael Casement, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Wichita.

Best strategic analysis — recommendations and implementation plan: Kara Stephan, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Lenexa; Shaina Krainbill, master's student in accounting,&nbsp;Topeka; Abby Colburn, senior in finance,&nbsp;Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Izzy Pinske, master's student in accounting,&nbsp;Maple Plain, Minnesota.Honorable mentions:•

Team One — Cade Miller, senior in accounting,&nbsp;Hutchinson; Reese Althouse, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Leawood; Drew Pracht, senior in finance,&nbsp;Wichita; and Korinn Haertling, senior in operations and supply chain management,&nbsp;Saint Joseph, Missouri.•

Team Two — Chet Thornton, senior in accounting,&nbsp;Leawood; Peter Janssen, senior in finance,&nbsp;Shawnee; Selena Zapote, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Wichita, and Kate Hermelink, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Parkville, Missouri.Learn more about experiential learning opportunities in business on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba-kstate.university-tour.com/welcome/experiential-learning">College of Business Administration website</a>.

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/">College of Business Administration</a>&nbsp;recently awarded $8,400 in scholarship money to 20 students who competed in the 2024 Phillips 66 Business Ethics Case Competition.The competition was organized by the college's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/management/business-ethics/">Business Ethics Education Initiative</a>&nbsp;and sponsored by Phillips 66.Students were challenged to examine a real-world ethical dilemma and were responsible for analyzing the situation, applying appropriate ethical and strategic management principles, and developing a viable set of practical recommendations. After faculty members in the management department evaluated the initial written analyses, five teams were selected to compete in the final round, where they presented their analyses and recommendations to a panel of judges.Most creative presentation: Blake Schimmel, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Lawrence; Sam Wright, senior in professional strategic selling,&nbsp;Leawood; Josh Pell, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Olathe; and Amber Dixon, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Wichita.Best ethical analysis: Jordan Irby, senior in investment management,&nbsp;Junction City; Landyn Luttrell, senior in finance,&nbsp;Shawnee; Ryane Bieker, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation,&nbsp;Valley Center; and Mitchael Casement, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Wichita.Best strategic analysis — recommendations and implementation plan: Kara Stephan, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Lenexa; Shaina Krainbill, master's student in accounting,&nbsp;Topeka; Abby Colburn, senior in finance,&nbsp;Highlands Ranch, Colorado; and Izzy Pinske, master's student in accounting,&nbsp;Maple Plain, Minnesota.Honorable mentions:• Team One — Cade Miller, senior in accounting,&nbsp;Hutchinson; Reese Althouse, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Leawood; Drew Pracht, senior in finance,&nbsp;Wichita; and Korinn Haertling, senior in operations and supply chain management,&nbsp;Saint Joseph, Missouri.•Team Two — Chet Thornton, senior in accounting,&nbsp;Leawood; Peter Janssen, senior in finance,&nbsp;Shawnee; Selena Zapote, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Wichita, and Kate Hermelink, senior in marketing,&nbsp;Parkville, Missouri.Learn more about experiential learning opportunities in business on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba-kstate.university-tour.com/welcome/experiential-learning">College of Business Administration website</a>.

Phillips 66 Business Ethics Case Competition awards $8,400 

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738336332569.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report January 31

TOPEKA, Kan. - Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in warehouse, transportation and wholesale trade occupations to take part in February’s Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5.

“Kansas is a central hub for these essential occupations and companies in these industries are actively looking to fill vital roles,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This month’s job fair is the perfect opportunity for professionals interested in pursuing new opportunities — and there are plenty of options to choose from across Kansas.”

The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview with participating companies.

The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2Fbb3a1da9-b5ff-493d-9c68-836269f65fcc%2Fkansasworks-warehouse,-transportation,-and-wholesale-trade-virtual-job-fair-february-5,-2025/1/01010194b3a7e64a-7357b5bb-c762-4068-80e8-88cde435bf56-000000/oQTtjXou9z-CD3Tiuzm6RLCaV8PaSIeQQlTmosKxzVw=390">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581613096219.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>State of Kansas&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. - Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in warehouse, transportation and wholesale trade occupations to take part in February’s Job Fair, hosted by&nbsp;KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 5.“Kansas is a central hub for these essential occupations and companies in these industries are actively looking to fill vital roles,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This month’s job fair is the perfect opportunity for professionals interested in pursuing new opportunities — and there are plenty of options to choose from across Kansas.”The virtual job fair allows anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview with participating companies.The virtual job fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fapp.premiervirtual.com%2Fevents%2Fbb3a1da9-b5ff-493d-9c68-836269f65fcc%2Fkansasworks-warehouse,-transportation,-and-wholesale-trade-virtual-job-fair-february-5,-2025/1/01010194b3a7e64a-7357b5bb-c762-4068-80e8-88cde435bf56-000000/oQTtjXou9z-CD3Tiuzm6RLCaV8PaSIeQQlTmosKxzVw=390">here</a>.

Virtual job fair to highlight warehouse, transportation and wholesale trade careers 

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/kavahn-mansouri">KAVAHN MANSOURI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-28/home-prices-midwest-rents-kansas-city-housing-real-estate">KCUR</a>

As the cost to buy a home continues to rise in the Midwest, real estate experts say the regional rental market offers affordable housing options and biding your time before buying may be the smart move in 2025.

This could be the year of the renter as interest rates, rising housing prices and inflation continue to challenge prospective homeowners.

While homeowner hopefuls may have to wait for a house in their price range, renters in the Midwest live in a region with the lowest rent in the U.S., which may sustain as the market fluctuates. This line? The federal government considers 12 states as "<a href="https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/midwest.htm" target="_blank">the Midwest</a>."

Across the board, rental prices have ticked up, but according to Realtor.com, the Midwest still boasts the cheapest median rent at $1,450 a month. The median rent in the South is roughly $1,600 a month, while renters in the West pay roughly $1,950 and renters in the Northeast pay $2,450.

According to Realtor.com’s data, Kansas City had the highest rate of rent growth in Midwestern cities, at 3.1% in December. St. Louis saw a 1.3% increase in rent during the same period.

In December, at the state level, Nebraska saw the highest rate of growth in rent prices in the Midwest, at 10.8%, while Missouri saw rent growth of 6%.

Regardless of rates creeping up, however, the region is still relatively affordable.

“The Midwest is more affordable for renters than the other regions of the country, which probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise,” said Joel Berner, a senior economist with Realtor.com.

He added that the overall rate of rent increases in the region recently stalled and even fell by 1.4% in December.

“We’ve kind of reached a sort of a balance point where those prices have stopped increasing and they’ve stopped increasing at a place that’s lower than the national median,” Berner said.

Daryl Fairweather,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/author/darylfairweather/" target="_blank">chief economist at Redfin.com,</a>&nbsp;said the Midwest is the hottest housing market in the country.

“Everywhere else got really expensive during the pandemic, including the South, and now the Midwest is one of the only affordable regions left,” Fairweather said. “People are starting to realize that and buy homes there.”

According to a recent report from Redfin.com,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/blog/kansas-city-mo-neighborhoods/" target="_blank">Kansas City and St. Louis ranked in the top 15 U.S. metros with the highest increase in home prices&nbsp;</a>between December 2023 and December 2024.

Kansas City saw home prices rise by 9% from 2023-2024 while St. Louis saw home prices rise by 8.5% from 2023 to 2024. That’s compared to a 6.3% increase in the median home price nationwide.

That same report noted that, collectively, home values in the Midwest are rising at a rate higher than in any other region in the country.

Berner said renters might currently have the upper hand on prospective buyers due to the housing market in the Midwest. The general affordability of rent makes for a good environment to save for a house, he added.

“In a lot of places right now, renting is easier to do,” Berner said. “If you can find a place like an affordable Midwestern market to live for a couple years, save up some cash and have a larger down payment when you do want to buy a home, that’s going to be really effective in this high mortgage rate environment.”

Record low interest and mortgage rates during the pandemic, combined with affordable housing in the Midwest, created a housing “craze” in the region. Berner said the Midwest is rebounding from that era, which makes for difficult terrain for homebuyers.

“The Midwest is picking up because of how affordable it is, and so that’s kind of a double-edged sword,” he said. “It’s affordable, so people want to buy it — and that drives prices up — and then it’s not affordable again.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/" target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>, the median age of first-time home buyers increased nationally from 35 to 38 in 2024. Berner said that’s a troubling sign for young first-time homebuyers.

The main factor driving that jump in age, Berner said, is a mixture of high interest rates and difficulty financing their purchases.

“First-time home buyers who don’t have equity built up in a previous home to sell and then transfer into their new purchase are having to finance large portions of their home purchase,” Berner said.

Prospective buyers aren’t out of luck, however. According to Realtor.com data, housing inventory is trending toward pre-pandemic levels.

“That’s going to give buyers more options and more leverage to be able to go and make a purchase,” Berner said.

David Nall, a St. Louis realtor with&nbsp;<a href="https://garciaproperties.com/view-agents/agents/dave-nall" target="_blank">Garcia Properties</a>, said people who hope to buy a home should study the market and know what they’re looking for so they can strike when the right home becomes available.

“If something comes on that fits their criteria and it really excites them, it’s probably going to excite a lot of other buyers as well,” Nall said.

Nall said prospective buyers can take steps to make a competitive offer if they have the financing, including waiving contingencies on the sale, offering a larger deposit or being flexible on a closing date.

Renting while saving for that down payment could be helpful for some house hunters in the meantime.

“There are lots of nuances, in my opinion, to crafting a competitive offer,” he said. “It’s not just the price and it’s not just the closing date.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/midwest-newsroom" target="_blank">Midwest Newsroom</a>&nbsp;is an investigative and enterprise journalism collaboration that includes Iowa Public Radio, KCUR, Nebraska Public Media, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738169785077.png" alt="A sign advertises apartments for rent at the corner of Leado Avenue and 30th Street on Jan. 24, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Experts told The Midwest Newsroom that it might be wiser to rent than buy in 2025. Photo by&nbsp;Nicole Grundmeier/&nbsp;The Midwest Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertises apartments for rent at the corner of Leado Avenue and 30th Street on Jan. 24, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Experts told The Midwest Newsroom that it might be wiser to rent than buy in 2025. Photo by&nbsp;Nicole Grundmeier/&nbsp;The Midwest Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/kavahn-mansouri">KAVAHN MANSOURI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-28/home-prices-midwest-rents-kansas-city-housing-real-estate">KCUR</a><h2>As the cost to buy a home continues to rise in the Midwest, real estate experts say the regional rental market offers affordable housing options and biding your time before buying may be the smart move in 2025.</h2>This could be the year of the renter as interest rates, rising housing prices and inflation continue to challenge prospective homeowners.While homeowner hopefuls may have to wait for a house in their price range, renters in the Midwest live in a region with the lowest rent in the U.S., which may sustain as the market fluctuates. This line? The federal government considers 12 states as "<a href="https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/midwest.htm" target="_blank">the Midwest</a>."Across the board, rental prices have ticked up, but according to Realtor.com, the Midwest still boasts the cheapest median rent at $1,450 a month. The median rent in the South is roughly $1,600 a month, while renters in the West pay roughly $1,950 and renters in the Northeast pay $2,450.According to Realtor.com’s data, Kansas City had the highest rate of rent growth in Midwestern cities, at 3.1% in December. St. Louis saw a 1.3% increase in rent during the same period.In December, at the state level, Nebraska saw the highest rate of growth in rent prices in the Midwest, at 10.8%, while Missouri saw rent growth of 6%.Regardless of rates creeping up, however, the region is still relatively affordable.“The Midwest is more affordable for renters than the other regions of the country, which probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise,” said Joel Berner, a senior economist with Realtor.com.He added that the overall rate of rent increases in the region recently stalled and even fell by 1.4% in December.“We’ve kind of reached a sort of a balance point where those prices have stopped increasing and they’ve stopped increasing at a place that’s lower than the national median,” Berner said.<h2>Saving by renting</h2>Daryl Fairweather,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/author/darylfairweather/" target="_blank">chief economist at Redfin.com,</a>&nbsp;said the Midwest is the hottest housing market in the country.“Everywhere else got really expensive during the pandemic, including the South, and now the Midwest is one of the only affordable regions left,” Fairweather said. “People are starting to realize that and buy homes there.”According to a recent report from Redfin.com,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redfin.com/blog/kansas-city-mo-neighborhoods/" target="_blank">Kansas City and St. Louis ranked in the top 15 U.S. metros with the highest increase in home prices&nbsp;</a>between December 2023 and December 2024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1738170067677.png" alt="A sign advertises a house for sale on Lenox Place in St. Louis on Jan. 27, 2025. Photo by Holly Edgell/The Midwest Newsroom" />
 <figcaption>A sign advertises a house for sale on Lenox Place in St. Louis on Jan. 27, 2025. Photo by Holly Edgell/The Midwest Newsroom</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City saw home prices rise by 9% from 2023-2024 while St. Louis saw home prices rise by 8.5% from 2023 to 2024. That’s compared to a 6.3% increase in the median home price nationwide.That same report noted that, collectively, home values in the Midwest are rising at a rate higher than in any other region in the country.Berner said renters might currently have the upper hand on prospective buyers due to the housing market in the Midwest. The general affordability of rent makes for a good environment to save for a house, he added.“In a lot of places right now, renting is easier to do,” Berner said. “If you can find a place like an affordable Midwestern market to live for a couple years, save up some cash and have a larger down payment when you do want to buy a home, that’s going to be really effective in this high mortgage rate environment.”Record low interest and mortgage rates during the pandemic, combined with affordable housing in the Midwest, created a housing “craze” in the region. Berner said the Midwest is rebounding from that era, which makes for difficult terrain for homebuyers.“The Midwest is picking up because of how affordable it is, and so that’s kind of a double-edged sword,” he said. “It’s affordable, so people want to buy it — and that drives prices up — and then it’s not affordable again.According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/" target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>, the median age of first-time home buyers increased nationally from 35 to 38 in 2024. Berner said that’s a troubling sign for young first-time homebuyers.The main factor driving that jump in age, Berner said, is a mixture of high interest rates and difficulty financing their purchases.“First-time home buyers who don’t have equity built up in a previous home to sell and then transfer into their new purchase are having to finance large portions of their home purchase,” Berner said.<h2>Rent now, buy later</h2>Prospective buyers aren’t out of luck, however. According to Realtor.com data, housing inventory is trending toward pre-pandemic levels.“That’s going to give buyers more options and more leverage to be able to go and make a purchase,” Berner said.David Nall, a St. Louis realtor with&nbsp;<a href="https://garciaproperties.com/view-agents/agents/dave-nall" target="_blank">Garcia Properties</a>, said people who hope to buy a home should study the market and know what they’re looking for so they can strike when the right home becomes available.“If something comes on that fits their criteria and it really excites them, it’s probably going to excite a lot of other buyers as well,” Nall said.Nall said prospective buyers can take steps to make a competitive offer if they have the financing, including waiving contingencies on the sale, offering a larger deposit or being flexible on a closing date.Renting while saving for that down payment could be helpful for some house hunters in the meantime.“There are lots of nuances, in my opinion, to crafting a competitive offer,” he said. “It’s not just the price and it’s not just the closing date.”The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/midwest-newsroom" target="_blank">Midwest Newsroom</a>&nbsp;is an investigative and enterprise journalism collaboration that includes Iowa Public Radio, KCUR, Nebraska Public Media, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR.

Hoping to buy a home in the Midwest? Renting might be better option for now

RILEY COUNTY —A Riley County man was hospitalized and later arrested after a Wednesday afternoon crash.

Just after 5p.m., Rontavius Banks, 28, Ogden, lost control of a vehicle&nbsp;due to unsafe speed for road conditions in the 700 block of Wildcat Creek Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

EMS transported Banks to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Banks was later arrested for driving while suspended.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —A Riley County man was hospitalized and later arrested after a Wednesday afternoon crash.Just after 5p.m., Rontavius Banks, 28, Ogden, lost control of a vehicle&nbsp;due to unsafe speed for road conditions in the 700 block of Wildcat Creek Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;EMS transported Banks to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Banks was later arrested for driving while suspended.&nbsp;

Riley County man arrested after crash

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.<figure>
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Riley County Arrest Report January 30

&nbsp;Riley County police say Clayson Joyce, 22, of Manhattan was arrested on Tuesday at approximately 8:25 PM in the 400 block of N Main Street in Riley, Kansas.

The arrest is connected to a shooting that occurred on December 1, 2024, at approximately 5:47 a.m. in the 1800 block of Claflin Road. During the incident, three people sustained gunshot injuries.

Riley County Police Department’s (RCPD) License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras played a critical role in identifying Joyce’s vehicle, which was linked to the shooting. Officers located and apprehended Joyce without incident during the arrest.

Joyce was arrested on the probable cause offenses of twelve (12) counts of attempted murder in the 1st degree, two (2) counts of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling, criminal damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in city limits.

Total bond was set at&nbsp;$2,000,000. Joyce is currently confined at the Riley County Jail.

This is an ongoing investigation and police said that they will release additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information can contact the RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

&nbsp;Riley County police say Clayson Joyce, 22, of Manhattan was arrested on Tuesday at approximately 8:25 PM in the 400 block of N Main Street in Riley, Kansas.The arrest is connected to a shooting that occurred on December 1, 2024, at approximately 5:47 a.m. in the 1800 block of Claflin Road. During the incident, three people sustained gunshot injuries.Riley County Police Department’s (RCPD) License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras played a critical role in identifying Joyce’s vehicle, which was linked to the shooting. Officers located and apprehended Joyce without incident during the arrest.Joyce was arrested on the probable cause offenses of twelve (12) counts of attempted murder in the 1st degree, two (2) counts of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied dwelling, criminal damage to property, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in city limits.Total bond was set at&nbsp;$2,000,000. Joyce is currently confined at the Riley County Jail.This is an ongoing investigation and police said that they will release additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information can contact the RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD reports an arrest in connection with a shooting 

Manhattan, Kan. – January 29, 2025 – INTRUST Bank has welcomed Tony Parker as Market President for Manhattan and Junction City. Parker brings more than 17 years of banking experience, with an extensive background in commercial and agricultural lending.

“I have great confidence in Tony’s leadership and ability to connect with our customers and continue the great work that has been established in Manhattan and Junction City by our team,” said Kurt Fischer, Regional Market President.&nbsp;

A longtime Manhattan resident, Parker is familiar with the unique financial needs of the individuals, families, and businesses across the area and is passionate about creating long-term relationships and connections within the community.

“I’m energized by helping others,” Parker said. “I treasure the relationships that I’m able to build with customers and other associates. My goal is to ensure we’re doing everything we can to support our customers through both easy and challenging times.&nbsp;

Parker is a Kansas State University graduate. He is a member of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, serves as a trustee for the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and is on the Council of Education for Manhattan Catholic Schools.&nbsp;

Manhattan, Kan. – January 29, 2025 – INTRUST Bank has welcomed Tony Parker as Market President for Manhattan and Junction City. Parker brings more than 17 years of banking experience, with an extensive background in commercial and agricultural lending.“I have great confidence in Tony’s leadership and ability to connect with our customers and continue the great work that has been established in Manhattan and Junction City by our team,” said Kurt Fischer, Regional Market President.&nbsp;A longtime Manhattan resident, Parker is familiar with the unique financial needs of the individuals, families, and businesses across the area and is passionate about creating long-term relationships and connections within the community.“I’m energized by helping others,” Parker said. “I treasure the relationships that I’m able to build with customers and other associates. My goal is to ensure we’re doing everything we can to support our customers through both easy and challenging times.&nbsp;Parker is a Kansas State University graduate. He is a member of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, serves as a trustee for the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and is on the Council of Education for Manhattan Catholic Schools.&nbsp;

Parker Joins INTRUST Bank as Market President

Fresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.

Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property. In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s food tax horse (Axe The Tax) and their income tax horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.

Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. The State totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.

Fresh off citizen vitriol for rising property taxes during their 2024 campaigns, a fortified Republican super-majority Kansas Legislature began loading their prized horses into the starting gate of this year’s Property Tax Derby.Kansas GOP leaders eye this as the final jewel in the coveted Tax Cut Triple Crown – sales, income, and property. In previous sessions, they successfully bet on both Governor Kelly’s food tax horse (Axe The Tax) and their income tax horse (Trickle Down) sired from the Brownback stud farm.Elected jockeys have three levers at their disposal to determine the pace of property taxes in the derby. The State totally controls the first lever (assessments) and oversees county appraisals for the second lever (property values) which are really at the mercy of market forces. The most powerful lever (mill levy) is nearly all in the grip of local government.Property taxes fund 60%-100% of local government budgets, but less than 1% of state government. Property tax revenue is the lifeblood for local services such as schools, police, roads, parks, transit, libraries, etc. with some hemorrhaging. Conversely, they mean virtually nothing to the State budget.With that in mind, let’s handicap three GOP entrants while Democrats snooze in the barn.· “Cap The Tax” (SCR 1603) – Senate Taxation Farms first entry is a Constitutional Amendment capping taxable property values at 3% annually thus artificially controlling property value – not the free market. This well-intentioned concept has all sorts of unintended consequences. Said cap is lifted for home sales and improvements causing vastly different taxable values on the same block while discouraging mobility and investment for an even tighter housing market. Local budgets get squeezed by inflation over 3% but still could effectively make themselves whole by pulling their prodigious mill levy lever. Ultimately, voters must approve if it gets that far. Given the House killed a 4% cap last year, this horse may get stuck on the rail again.· “Building Biscuit” (SB 35) - Senate Taxation Farms’ second entry would repeal the State’s paltry 1.5 mill levy that goes towards deferred maintenance of state buildings. This is the most local government-friendly entry because it does not jeopardize local revenue. Building maintenance would shift to the State’s general fund made up of income and sales tax. Without a dedicated mill levy, universities are rightfully nervous their proverbial can could be kicked down the road. Homeowners would save a whopping $22 annually on a $200K house. This horse has the best legs for a stretch run but little return for wagers.· “School Levy Sugar” (HB 2011) – The entry from House Taxation Stables has a similar profile to Building Biscuit. Instead of building maintenance, 1.5 mills are wiped from the State’s 20 mills for local schools. Relief for homeowners is just as paltry. Ostensibly, local schools would be made whole through the State’s sales and income taxes. But it puts their can on the line instead of universities. Without Supreme Court oversight for a school funding case, this horse is drifting a little wide at the turn.If these don’t excite everybody, look for late entries like last year’s prized thoroughbred – exempting residential value from the State’s 20 mill school levy, expanding the homestead exemption, OR the ultimate horse trade – Medicaid expansion.To paraphrase the State’s highest-paid employee (Bill Self), don’t worry about the mules, keep loading the wagon and don’t crash local services.---Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.