HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann believes the long term farm bill is going to get delayed again.

"That's what it's looking like," Mann said. "I'll tell you, I could not be more disappointed or frustrated. I've been to the floor of the House over 30 times urging other members of Congress to get serious about getting a five year Farm Bill done to lock in certainty for our producers. It looks like this is being made to punt yet again. Very frustrating. Not what I want."

The continuing resolution on discretionary spending needs to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks, but the farm bill will not be a part of that work.

"President Trump and his team are involved in the conversation because they're going to be impacted by however long this gets pushed into next year," Mann said. "It looks like the consensus or their desire is end of March, but we will see, those conversations are ongoing. Then really, you know, the question becomes, what is the plan for President Trump's first 100 days? What order does he want to tackle the many, many things to do to get this country back on track? How does government funding fit into that? All those things we'll take into consideration."

With Republican control of both houses and the presidency in January, there should be a change in emphasis next year.

"The election had consequences," Mann said. "The American people loud and clear, they said they want Donald Trump to be the President of the United States, and they are tired of business as usual in Washington. We need to get the train back on the track, so to speak. Republicans flipped the Senate. So 100 senators, that's a 53-47 vote margin in the House. Similar margins we've had, but with three folks from the House that have joined the administration, we'll have a one vote margin, looks like the first 100 days or so of the Congress."

It is important though, that both Ag committees will have Republicans with the gavel as a long term farm bill is worked out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732122267723.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy Office of Rep. Tracey Mann" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy Office of Rep. Tracey Mann</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann believes the long term farm bill is going to get delayed again."That's what it's looking like," Mann said. "I'll tell you, I could not be more disappointed or frustrated. I've been to the floor of the House over 30 times urging other members of Congress to get serious about getting a five year Farm Bill done to lock in certainty for our producers. It looks like this is being made to punt yet again. Very frustrating. Not what I want."The continuing resolution on discretionary spending needs to be dealt with in the next couple of weeks, but the farm bill will not be a part of that work."President Trump and his team are involved in the conversation because they're going to be impacted by however long this gets pushed into next year," Mann said. "It looks like the consensus or their desire is end of March, but we will see, those conversations are ongoing. Then really, you know, the question becomes, what is the plan for President Trump's first 100 days? What order does he want to tackle the many, many things to do to get this country back on track? How does government funding fit into that? All those things we'll take into consideration."With Republican control of both houses and the presidency in January, there should be a change in emphasis next year."The election had consequences," Mann said. "The American people loud and clear, they said they want Donald Trump to be the President of the United States, and they are tired of business as usual in Washington. We need to get the train back on the track, so to speak. Republicans flipped the Senate. So 100 senators, that's a 53-47 vote margin in the House. Similar margins we've had, but with three folks from the House that have joined the administration, we'll have a one vote margin, looks like the first 100 days or so of the Congress."It is important though, that both Ag committees will have Republicans with the gavel as a long term farm bill is worked out.

Mann says farm bill will wait for new Congress

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/2024/12/1733584914809.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Riley County Arrest Report December 6</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733584893513.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report December 7

Manhattan, Kan. — Dec. 6, 2024 — A partnership led by Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, the Manhattan Community Health Foundation and local healthcare providers has opened the Dispensary of Hope. This is an initiative to improve public health by providing free medication to low-income, uninsured individuals.

A ribbon-cutting and blessing of the facility will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, at 1:30 p.m. at 222 North 6th Street, Manhattan, Kan. The event is open to the public.

"We are grateful for the support of the Manhattan Community Health Foundation and local healthcare providers for their generous support in bringing this valuable resource to our community," said Bob Copple, president of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "This pharmacy will make a real difference in the lives of many people in our community who struggle to afford their medications."

The Dispensary of Hope provides access to a wide range of no-cost medications to uninsured individuals who make less than three times the federal poverty level. All patients who meet eligibility requirements and have a valid prescription are welcome to use the pharmacy without the need for a referral.

Rick Hernandez, director of the Manhattan Free Clinic, said, "The Dispensary of Hope has already proven to be an asset for our patients here at the Manhattan Free Clinic. We look forward to our partnership with them and watching our community benet from their amazing service and the significant cost savings they provide."

Danielle Hallgren, CEO of Konza Prairie Community Health Center, said, "This partnership recognizes the need for integrated healthcare services in our community. No one organization can meet that need entirely."

Manhattan, Kan. — Dec. 6, 2024 — A partnership led by Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, the Manhattan Community Health Foundation and local healthcare providers has opened the Dispensary of Hope. This is an initiative to improve public health by providing free medication to low-income, uninsured individuals.A ribbon-cutting and blessing of the facility will be held on Monday, Dec. 9, at 1:30 p.m. at 222 North 6th Street, Manhattan, Kan. The event is open to the public."We are grateful for the support of the Manhattan Community Health Foundation and local healthcare providers for their generous support in bringing this valuable resource to our community," said Bob Copple, president of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. "This pharmacy will make a real difference in the lives of many people in our community who struggle to afford their medications."The Dispensary of Hope provides access to a wide range of no-cost medications to uninsured individuals who make less than three times the federal poverty level. All patients who meet eligibility requirements and have a valid prescription are welcome to use the pharmacy without the need for a referral.Rick Hernandez, director of the Manhattan Free Clinic, said, "The Dispensary of Hope has already proven to be an asset for our patients here at the Manhattan Free Clinic. We look forward to our partnership with them and watching our community benet from their amazing service and the significant cost savings they provide."Danielle Hallgren, CEO of Konza Prairie Community Health Center, said, "This partnership recognizes the need for integrated healthcare services in our community. No one organization can meet that need entirely."

Local Healthcare Partnership Opens Dispensary of Hope in Manhattan

&nbsp;Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills WILL host its annual 5K event with an extra special 10-Year Birthday Celebration on Sunday, December 8 at the K-State Office Park. This event is more than a race—it's a celebration of empowerment, inspiration, and community, showcasing the strength and determination of girls in the community.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls in 3rd to 8th grade. The 10-week program combines fun running games with dynamic discussions to teach life skills, foster confidence, build friendships, and inspire community service. The season culminates in a celebratory 5K event where participants and their supporters come together to honor their achievements and amplify each other’s Star Power.

This year’s event is open to the public, with all proceeds benefiting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills. The route will take participants on a down-and-back course from Denison to Marlatt Avenue. Last season’s 5K brought together over 500 participants, including program participants, families, friends, and community members.

The registration cost will be $30 for adults, $15 for children 14 and under. It will include Include an event shirt and a custom 10-Year Birthday Medal.

&nbsp;Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills WILL host its annual 5K event with an extra special 10-Year Birthday Celebration on Sunday, December 8 at the K-State Office Park. This event is more than a race—it's a celebration of empowerment, inspiration, and community, showcasing the strength and determination of girls in the community.Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls in 3rd to 8th grade. The 10-week program combines fun running games with dynamic discussions to teach life skills, foster confidence, build friendships, and inspire community service. The season culminates in a celebratory 5K event where participants and their supporters come together to honor their achievements and amplify each other’s Star Power.This year’s event is open to the public, with all proceeds benefiting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills. The route will take participants on a down-and-back course from Denison to Marlatt Avenue. Last season’s 5K brought together over 500 participants, including program participants, families, friends, and community members.The registration cost will be $30 for adults, $15 for children 14 and under. It will include Include an event shirt and a custom 10-Year Birthday Medal.

Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills Celebrates 10-Year Birthday 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Deshaun Durham walked out of the Hutchinson Correctional Facility on Friday morning with a big smile on his face. The 24-year-old from Manhattan was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly after serving over 2.5 years behind bars.

"It's a surreal moment," Durham said. "It kind of feels like an out-of-body experience, feels like a dream, sometimes I've got to pinch myself to make sure its real."

Durham was sentenced in June of 2021 to 92 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 2.4 pounds of cannabis. The courts will typically give probation for people with no criminal history, which is why it was rare that Durham was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison.

"He should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years," Barry Grissom, Durham's attorney, said. "When you think about it, it's a waste of taxpayer dollars. The amount of money that we spend in investigation, interdiction, arrest, prosecution and incarceration is money that could be better spent by law enforcement keeping us safe in our homes, as opposed to running a prohibition."

Durham expressed extreme gratitude to Donte West with the Last Prisoner Project, as well as Grissom, as both played integral parts in helping get his sentence reduced.

"It's good to have faith in people out there, working on you and making sure the right things happen," Durham said. "It's just nice knowing you can sleep better at night, knowing you've got people in place that are really devoted and motivated to getting you home."

Although Durham is grateful to be granted clemency, he was surprised that it happened.

"I was surprised, because it's something a lot of people do in the prison system and very few get it," Durham said. "When I got the news I got it, it was hard not to tear up a little bit, because it's just something that's so rare."

&nbsp;Durham was 20 at the time of the crime and says he has learned a lot from being incarcerated.

"I learned my lesson and now we're here, just ready to look forward and open a new chapter in my life," Durham said. "It's kind of taught me that prison isn't a place that I belong and it's not a place that anyone who gets caught with marijuana, something that is legal in a majority of the United States, deserves to be at. There is definitely some real tough characters in prison, and this place can change you for the worse."&nbsp;

Durham's mother, Brandi Davis, was also there to witness her son walking off the property after being released.

"When he called me from sentencing two and a half years ago and told me he got eight years, I was floored," Davis said. "I never imagined that he would get eight years, I thought he was joking. He asked me how he was going to do eight years in prison, I promised him two and a half years ago that I would do everything in my power to get him home. Luckily, I had people like Last Prisoner Project and Donte and Barry that absolutely supported him in every way and fought like hell to get him home. There really are no words. Deshaun hasn't been home for two and a half years. When I was decorating the house for Christmas, I thought about how Deshaun was going to be in all of our celebrations and he's going to be in the pictures this year."&nbsp;

The final night in the cell of the prison for Durham was one he was looking forward to.

"It was definitely hard to sleep, but it was kind of easy knowing it was going to be my last night sleeping in a prison bunk," Durham said. "I actually woke up about 3:30 in the morning and started getting ready and everything, making sure it wasn't a dream still, because it all feels so surreal."

Durham walked out of the prison with a Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirt on, hoping to get to the Sunday Night Football game against the Chargers in two days.

"That was definitely one of my first ideas, I'm trying to go to the game," Durham said with a smile on his face. "I watch every game, I don't tend to miss a game often, so I'm hoping to make it to the game on Sunday."

&nbsp;Gov. Kelly overturned the Prison Review Board's rejection of Durham's clemency application on Nov. 6.

"We were very very fortunate that we have an amazing governor for our state," Grissom said. "Governor Kelly exercised an immense amount of courage and wisdom to reduce this young man's sentence in light of what he said, is going on around the country, when you compare that to what's happening in Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, he should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years."

Durham is looking forward to turning his life around outside of the prison walls.

"I'm definitely interested in trying to help other people that are in prison for crimes like mine," Durham. "So no one else ends up like I did, without the support from everybody else around me, I would have had to have done my full eight-year sentence."

Durham hopes to attend welding school and start a family in the near future.

The Last Prisoner Project is a 501(c)(3) non profit that was founded in 2019 and works towards helping incarcerated cannabis offenders.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733500940631.jpeg" alt="(L to R) Donte West (Exoneree), Brandi Davis (Deshaun Durham's mother), Deshaun Durham, Barry Grissom (attorney) all exit the Hutchinson Correctional Facility following the release of Durham, who was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>(L to R) Donte West (Exoneree), Brandi Davis (Deshaun Durham's mother), Deshaun Durham, Barry Grissom (attorney) all exit the Hutchinson Correctional Facility following the release of Durham, who was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Deshaun Durham walked out of the Hutchinson Correctional Facility on Friday morning with a big smile on his face. The 24-year-old from Manhattan was granted clemency by Gov. Laura Kelly after serving over 2.5 years behind bars."It's a surreal moment," Durham said. "It kind of feels like an out-of-body experience, feels like a dream, sometimes I've got to pinch myself to make sure its real."Durham was sentenced in June of 2021 to 92 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 2.4 pounds of cannabis. The courts will typically give probation for people with no criminal history, which is why it was rare that Durham was sentenced to nearly eight years in prison."He should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years," Barry Grissom, Durham's attorney, said. "When you think about it, it's a waste of taxpayer dollars. The amount of money that we spend in investigation, interdiction, arrest, prosecution and incarceration is money that could be better spent by law enforcement keeping us safe in our homes, as opposed to running a prohibition."Durham expressed extreme gratitude to Donte West with the Last Prisoner Project, as well as Grissom, as both played integral parts in helping get his sentence reduced."It's good to have faith in people out there, working on you and making sure the right things happen," Durham said. "It's just nice knowing you can sleep better at night, knowing you've got people in place that are really devoted and motivated to getting you home."Although Durham is grateful to be granted clemency, he was surprised that it happened."I was surprised, because it's something a lot of people do in the prison system and very few get it," Durham said. "When I got the news I got it, it was hard not to tear up a little bit, because it's just something that's so rare."&nbsp;Durham was 20 at the time of the crime and says he has learned a lot from being incarcerated."I learned my lesson and now we're here, just ready to look forward and open a new chapter in my life," Durham said. "It's kind of taught me that prison isn't a place that I belong and it's not a place that anyone who gets caught with marijuana, something that is legal in a majority of the United States, deserves to be at. There is definitely some real tough characters in prison, and this place can change you for the worse."&nbsp;Durham's mother, Brandi Davis, was also there to witness her son walking off the property after being released."When he called me from sentencing two and a half years ago and told me he got eight years, I was floored," Davis said. "I never imagined that he would get eight years, I thought he was joking. He asked me how he was going to do eight years in prison, I promised him two and a half years ago that I would do everything in my power to get him home. Luckily, I had people like Last Prisoner Project and Donte and Barry that absolutely supported him in every way and fought like hell to get him home. There really are no words. Deshaun hasn't been home for two and a half years. When I was decorating the house for Christmas, I thought about how Deshaun was going to be in all of our celebrations and he's going to be in the pictures this year."&nbsp;The final night in the cell of the prison for Durham was one he was looking forward to."It was definitely hard to sleep, but it was kind of easy knowing it was going to be my last night sleeping in a prison bunk," Durham said. "I actually woke up about 3:30 in the morning and started getting ready and everything, making sure it wasn't a dream still, because it all feels so surreal."Durham walked out of the prison with a Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirt on, hoping to get to the Sunday Night Football game against the Chargers in two days."That was definitely one of my first ideas, I'm trying to go to the game," Durham said with a smile on his face. "I watch every game, I don't tend to miss a game often, so I'm hoping to make it to the game on Sunday."&nbsp;Gov. Kelly overturned the Prison Review Board's rejection of Durham's clemency application on Nov. 6."We were very very fortunate that we have an amazing governor for our state," Grissom said. "Governor Kelly exercised an immense amount of courage and wisdom to reduce this young man's sentence in light of what he said, is going on around the country, when you compare that to what's happening in Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, he should not have been sent to prison for 2.4 pounds of marijuana for nine years."Durham is looking forward to turning his life around outside of the prison walls."I'm definitely interested in trying to help other people that are in prison for crimes like mine," Durham. "So no one else ends up like I did, without the support from everybody else around me, I would have had to have done my full eight-year sentence."Durham hopes to attend welding school and start a family in the near future.The Last Prisoner Project is a 501(c)(3) non profit that was founded in 2019 and works towards helping incarcerated cannabis offenders.&nbsp;

Manhattan man free from prison following action by Governor

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary in Manhattan. Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of burglary and criminal destruction of property in the 700 block of Moro Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 54-year-old woman and 41-year old woman and Evergy reported the women's apartment had been broken into. Cash was taken and there was damage to the door jam and Evergy property. 

Total loss associated with this report exceeds $1,000.

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

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary in Manhattan. Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of burglary and criminal destruction of property in the 700 block of Moro Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 54-year-old woman and 41-year old woman and Evergy reported the women's apartment had been broken into. Cash was taken and there was damage to the door jam and Evergy property. Total loss associated with this report exceeds $1,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating burglary at women's apartment

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/2024/12/1733497638482.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report December 6

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fee Insurance Group is excited to announce the opening of its fifth location in Kansas, expanding into the Manhattan area. The new office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave, Suite 185, will enhance the company's ability to provide personalized and experienced insurance solutions to families, businesses, and communities across the region. To celebrate this expansion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 3:30 p.m.

President Bob Fee expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion: “Opening our Manhattan office is a testament to our commitment to Kansas communities. We’re excited to expand our reach and continue providing the high level of service that our clients expect from us, guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, leadership, and relationships.”

CEO Allen Fee added, “We are thrilled to grow across the state with our new office in Manhattan. Our already strong relationship with several key businesses in the area, most notably Steel and Pipe Supply, makes this expansion even more meaningful. We’re eager to bring our client-focused approach and passion for service to this vibrant community.”

Leading the growth in Manhattan is Lee Modesitt, who brings his strong leadership and a commitment to delivering an elevated client experience. As a longstanding Manhattan resident, Lee is excited to bring Fee’s 140-year legacy of excellence and relationships to the local community.

The Manhattan office marks a key step in Fee Insurance Group’s continued growth, as the company remains committed to remaining privately owned and perpetuating to another generation focused on its clients and communities.

For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.feeinsurancegroup.com/" target="_blank">www.feeinsurancegroup.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the Manhattan office at 785- 340-3500.

Fee Insurance GroupMANHATTAN, Kan. — Fee Insurance Group is excited to announce the opening of its fifth location in Kansas, expanding into the Manhattan area. The new office, located at 555 Poyntz Ave, Suite 185, will enhance the company's ability to provide personalized and experienced insurance solutions to families, businesses, and communities across the region. To celebrate this expansion, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at 3:30 p.m.President Bob Fee expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion: “Opening our Manhattan office is a testament to our commitment to Kansas communities. We’re excited to expand our reach and continue providing the high level of service that our clients expect from us, guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, leadership, and relationships.”CEO Allen Fee added, “We are thrilled to grow across the state with our new office in Manhattan. Our already strong relationship with several key businesses in the area, most notably Steel and Pipe Supply, makes this expansion even more meaningful. We’re eager to bring our client-focused approach and passion for service to this vibrant community.”Leading the growth in Manhattan is Lee Modesitt, who brings his strong leadership and a commitment to delivering an elevated client experience. As a longstanding Manhattan resident, Lee is excited to bring Fee’s 140-year legacy of excellence and relationships to the local community.The Manhattan office marks a key step in Fee Insurance Group’s continued growth, as the company remains committed to remaining privately owned and perpetuating to another generation focused on its clients and communities.For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.feeinsurancegroup.com/" target="_blank">www.feeinsurancegroup.com</a>&nbsp;or contact the Manhattan office at 785- 340-3500.

Fee Insurance Group plans Manhattan ribbon cutting

All railroad crossing arms are back up and working.

The Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System says the railroad crossing intersection is closed at Highway 99 and Lincoln Ave in Wamego. The intersection will be closed until further notice. Alternate routes are Ash Street and Balderson Blvd.

UPDATE:All railroad crossing arms are back up and working.---Lincoln street in Wamego is now open.----The Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System says the railroad crossing intersection is closed at Highway 99 and Lincoln Ave in Wamego. The intersection will be closed until further notice. Alternate routes are Ash Street and Balderson Blvd.I

Railroad crossing notice

Each day on his drive to K-State’s football stadium, Coach Bill Snyder remembered driving past the agricultural research plots. That stadium now bears his name - as does a new wheat variety developed by K-State’s wheat breeding program. For the 2024 year-end giving season, everyone can be a part of launching the KS Bill Snyder variety and supporting wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign by the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF).&nbsp;

“The people here are very special, and what you do is meaningful,” Snyder said during a KWCRF event last spring. “When I came here in 1989, I learned that Kansas State people are truly special. They asked, ‘What can we do for you?’ That’s the Kansas State farmer way.”

The KWCRF supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.

“The goal in the end is to increase the profitability of Kansas wheat farmers,” said Tammy McClellan, KWCRF manager of donor relations. “And probably that's one of the reasons I love this work the most because I'm married to a Kansas wheat farmer, and I am a Kansas wheat farmer.”

“My father-in-law was on the Kansas Wheat Commission when they made their first vote to start putting funding into research. So, it's a nice family tradition to be involved in research.”&nbsp;

This giving season, the KWCRF is accepting gifts to the Legendary Greats – KS Bill Snyder &amp; Kansas Wheat Campaign. Donors will be helping promote wheat research during the 2025 fall football season as the variety KS Bill Snyder is introduced to the public. Donors to the campaign will be recognized with other donors in a display inside the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, located directly across from the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium.&nbsp;

KS Bill Snyder — the wheat variety — was the result of the long-running breeding program at the K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays, led by Dr. Guorong Zhang, K-State wheat breeder, and his team. KS Bill Snyder is a medium-maturity and medium-short height variety that was the top-performing variety in the Southern Regional Performance Nursery in 2022. KS Bill Snyder has a solid disease package with good-to-intermediate resistance of stripe, leaf and stem rust, along with moderate resistance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (Wsm2 gene) and intermediate resistance to Triticum mosaic virus. It is also resistant to soilborne mosaic virus, allowing it to move into central Kansas, where it has shown decent yield potential. KS Bill Snyder, along with its very high yield potential, also has good drought tolerance, high tillering capacity, excellent straw strength and good quality.

Releasing a new variety like KS Bill Snyder is the result of years of work, requiring maintaining research greenhouses, keeping research equipment top-notch and supporting the teamwork between wheat breeders, professors and their research teams. This long, complicated work makes each release a true celebration, which is one reason why individual donors like Stephen Graham and his wife Sherry choose to donate to the KWCRF.&nbsp;

“You got to remember that this doesn't happen overnight; it takes many years of work and investment to make new varieties happen,” said Graham, who is a former assistant to the Dean of Agriculture for the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University and administrator for the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1981 through 1995. “But at the same time, it’s fun to watch it evolve, watch us learn how our wheat is used. It’s a long game, but you help support this work that benefits our state so much.”&nbsp;

Donors can contribute in various ways, including cash donations, grain or stock gifts, legacy gifts through estate planning, and Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts. This flexibility allows everyone to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Donors can even specify what specific research areas their contributions will support, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and in line with donor goals.&nbsp;

“I appreciate walking in every morning, coming to work and seeing the variety and diversity of those donors,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “It shows you the passion for Kansas wheat and wheat research from different segments of the industry.”&nbsp;

Just as Coach Snyder transformed the Wildcats’ football program, the variety in his name embodies the relentless, disciplined pursuit of excellence by researchers and producers. By supporting the KWCRF, you too can contribute to supporting the future of Kansas wheat farming for generations to come.&nbsp;

Learn more about the Legendary Greats campaign or how to give to the KWCRF at fieldsforward.org or listen to a full conversation with McClellan and Graham in the most recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast at wheatsonyourmind.com.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas WheatEach day on his drive to K-State’s football stadium, Coach Bill Snyder remembered driving past the agricultural research plots. That stadium now bears his name - as does a new wheat variety developed by K-State’s wheat breeding program. For the 2024 year-end giving season, everyone can be a part of launching the KS Bill Snyder variety and supporting wheat research as part of the Legendary Greats giving campaign by the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation (KWCRF).&nbsp;“The people here are very special, and what you do is meaningful,” Snyder said during a KWCRF event last spring. “When I came here in 1989, I learned that Kansas State people are truly special. They asked, ‘What can we do for you?’ That’s the Kansas State farmer way.”The KWCRF supports wheat research above and beyond the dollars contributed by Kansas farmers through the checkoff by providing a mechanism for donors to give meaningfully to the future of wheat production. The foundation attracts a wide range of donors, from individuals with deep family ties to wheat production to global supporters. Established in 2012, the foundation has grown to more than $6 million in assets, highlighting the critical need for public-private partnerships in wheat research. Gifts to the KWCRF are used exclusively for wheat research and are tax-deductible.“The goal in the end is to increase the profitability of Kansas wheat farmers,” said Tammy McClellan, KWCRF manager of donor relations. “And probably that's one of the reasons I love this work the most because I'm married to a Kansas wheat farmer, and I am a Kansas wheat farmer.”“My father-in-law was on the Kansas Wheat Commission when they made their first vote to start putting funding into research. So, it's a nice family tradition to be involved in research.”&nbsp;This giving season, the KWCRF is accepting gifts to the Legendary Greats – KS Bill Snyder &amp; Kansas Wheat Campaign. Donors will be helping promote wheat research during the 2025 fall football season as the variety KS Bill Snyder is introduced to the public. Donors to the campaign will be recognized with other donors in a display inside the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, located directly across from the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium.&nbsp;KS Bill Snyder — the wheat variety — was the result of the long-running breeding program at the K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays, led by Dr. Guorong Zhang, K-State wheat breeder, and his team. KS Bill Snyder is a medium-maturity and medium-short height variety that was the top-performing variety in the Southern Regional Performance Nursery in 2022. KS Bill Snyder has a solid disease package with good-to-intermediate resistance of stripe, leaf and stem rust, along with moderate resistance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (Wsm2 gene) and intermediate resistance to Triticum mosaic virus. It is also resistant to soilborne mosaic virus, allowing it to move into central Kansas, where it has shown decent yield potential. KS Bill Snyder, along with its very high yield potential, also has good drought tolerance, high tillering capacity, excellent straw strength and good quality.Releasing a new variety like KS Bill Snyder is the result of years of work, requiring maintaining research greenhouses, keeping research equipment top-notch and supporting the teamwork between wheat breeders, professors and their research teams. This long, complicated work makes each release a true celebration, which is one reason why individual donors like Stephen Graham and his wife Sherry choose to donate to the KWCRF.&nbsp;“You got to remember that this doesn't happen overnight; it takes many years of work and investment to make new varieties happen,” said Graham, who is a former assistant to the Dean of Agriculture for the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University and administrator for the Kansas Wheat Commission in 1981 through 1995. “But at the same time, it’s fun to watch it evolve, watch us learn how our wheat is used. It’s a long game, but you help support this work that benefits our state so much.”&nbsp;Donors can contribute in various ways, including cash donations, grain or stock gifts, legacy gifts through estate planning, and Required Minimum Distributions from retirement accounts. This flexibility allows everyone to participate, regardless of financial circumstances. Donors can even specify what specific research areas their contributions will support, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and in line with donor goals.&nbsp;“I appreciate walking in every morning, coming to work and seeing the variety and diversity of those donors,” said Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. “It shows you the passion for Kansas wheat and wheat research from different segments of the industry.”&nbsp;Just as Coach Snyder transformed the Wildcats’ football program, the variety in his name embodies the relentless, disciplined pursuit of excellence by researchers and producers. By supporting the KWCRF, you too can contribute to supporting the future of Kansas wheat farming for generations to come.&nbsp;Learn more about the Legendary Greats campaign or how to give to the KWCRF at fieldsforward.org or listen to a full conversation with McClellan and Graham in the most recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast at wheatsonyourmind.com.&nbsp;

Wheat Scoop: Join the Legendary Greats Campaign by giving to the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation

The Fort Riley Army Substance Abuse Program hosted their annual 3D Awareness Month Operation Santa Claus Sober Ruck March on Wednesday. 

The Army said despite the cold temps and early morning start time, over 600 soldiers, family members and civilians rucked through one of three courses which included 1.5, 3.2 and 8 mile options. Hundreds of toys were collected and delivered Thursday at Operation Santa Claus headquarters.&nbsp;

The Fort Riley Army Substance Abuse Program hosted their annual 3D Awareness Month Operation Santa Claus Sober Ruck March on Wednesday. The Army said despite the cold temps and early morning start time, over 600 soldiers, family members and civilians rucked through one of three courses which included 1.5, 3.2 and 8 mile options. Hundreds of toys were collected and delivered Thursday at Operation Santa Claus headquarters.&nbsp;

Toys are collected for Operation Santa Claus

Creekside at Fall Color Farms near Riley has received a $25,000 Kansas Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism for a new building.

Creekside at Fall Color Farms supplies more than 12,000 trees each year and is developing a new branch of agritourism. Beginning in the fall of 2026 the farm will have a completed orchard where different varieties of apples will be available for U-Pick. Kids activities will also be offered during the fall ranging from a barrel train to a tire mountain. Tree fields will be available for customers to walk through. The farm will pair with local schools to offer educational field trips.

There will be a new 40 x 70 building which will serve as a fresh produce market from mud-June until October. There will be a sales floor, kitchen and service-bar. They will be able to offer wood-fired pizzas on select weekends from Spring until Fall as well as craft-beer and cocktails for of-age customers. Thee will also be non-alcoholic slushes and ciders.

By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostCreekside at Fall Color Farms near Riley has received a $25,000 Kansas Attraction Development grant from Kansas Tourism for a new building.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733436558432.jpeg" alt="Bridgette Jobe Kansas Director of Tourism, Marcia Rozell Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Greg McKinley&nbsp; Riley County&nbsp; Commission, Rose Howe, Scott Howe, Miah Howe Fall Color Farms, Darci Pottroff Mayor City of Riley." />
 <figcaption>Bridgette Jobe Kansas Director of Tourism, Marcia Rozell Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Greg McKinley&nbsp; Riley County&nbsp; Commission, Rose Howe, Scott Howe, Miah Howe Fall Color Farms, Darci Pottroff Mayor City of Riley.</figcaption>
 </figure>Creekside at Fall Color Farms supplies more than 12,000 trees each year and is developing a new branch of agritourism. Beginning in the fall of 2026 the farm will have a completed orchard where different varieties of apples will be available for U-Pick. Kids activities will also be offered during the fall ranging from a barrel train to a tire mountain. Tree fields will be available for customers to walk through. The farm will pair with local schools to offer educational field trips.There will be a new 40 x 70 building which will serve as a fresh produce market from mud-June until October. There will be a sales floor, kitchen and service-bar. They will be able to offer wood-fired pizzas on select weekends from Spring until Fall as well as craft-beer and cocktails for of-age customers. Thee will also be non-alcoholic slushes and ciders.&nbsp;

State awards grant to Creekside at Fall Color Farms

Konza Prairie Community Health Center in Manhattan is located in the former Ray's Apple Market building on 6th Street. That followed a move from the Riley County Health Department.

According to CEO Dani Hallgren 30% of the Konza workforce is in Manhattan and the move allowed them to move from 2,500 square feet to just under 10,000 square feet of space. They doubled medical and dental providers and in January will add behavioral health services.

The move has allowed more space to be freed up at the Konza facility in Junction City since some patients have been traveling from Manhattan to Junction City.

Konza Prairie Community Health Center in Manhattan is located in the former Ray's Apple Market building on 6th Street. That followed a move from the Riley County Health Department.According to CEO Dani Hallgren 30% of the Konza workforce is in Manhattan and the move allowed them to move from 2,500 square feet to just under 10,000 square feet of space. They doubled medical and dental providers and in January will add behavioral health services.The move has allowed more space to be freed up at the Konza facility in Junction City since some patients have been traveling from Manhattan to Junction City.

Konza Prairie Community Health Center operates a Manhattan facility

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Riley County.

On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report of fraud/theft by deception in the 300 block of Riley Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Casey's General Store reported an unknown man and woman used a "cash card" to obtain merchandise and lottery tickets but the card was fraudulent. 

Total loss associated with this report is $2,100. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged fraud in Riley County.On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report of fraud/theft by deception in the 300 block of Riley Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Casey's General Store reported an unknown man and woman used a "cash card" to obtain merchandise and lottery tickets but the card was fraudulent. Total loss associated with this report is $2,100. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspects used fraudulent cash card to buy lottery tickets

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/2024/12/1733412057893.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report December 5

You can cut your own Christmas tree to decorate your home for FREE!

Manhattan Parks &amp; Rec will host their 10th annual Red Cedar Holiday Harvest on Saturday, December 7 from 8:30 - 11 AM at the Warner Memorial Park in Manhattan.

This family-friendly event is FREE for everyone! They are partnering with Britt’s Farm for this community event, and will be offering a hayrack ride to and from the trees and have assorted goods for sale.

Bring a handsaw; no chainsaws allowed. Parks and Rec staff and Manhattan Fire Department will be on hand to assist if needed.

For more info email mhkprd@cityofmhk.com or call 785-587-2754.

Tree recycling will be available through January 31 at Longs Park. Please remove all ornaments and decorations before recycling.

You can cut your own Christmas tree to decorate your home for FREE!Manhattan Parks &amp; Rec will host their 10th annual Red Cedar Holiday Harvest on Saturday, December 7 from 8:30 - 11 AM at the Warner Memorial Park in Manhattan.This family-friendly event is FREE for everyone! They are partnering with Britt’s Farm for this community event, and will be offering a hayrack ride to and from the trees and have assorted goods for sale.Bring a handsaw; no chainsaws allowed. Parks and Rec staff and Manhattan Fire Department will be on hand to assist if needed.For more info email mhkprd@cityofmhk.com or call 785-587-2754.Tree recycling will be available through January 31 at Longs Park. Please remove all ornaments and decorations before recycling.

Red Cedar Holiday Harvest

On the morning of his federal trial this week for raping and terrorizing vulnerable Black women in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods he patrolled for 35 years, ex-cop Roger Golubski&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/kansas-detective-roger-golubski-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU4.IynZ.E1v2SUhHPHiE&amp;smid=url-share">fatally shot himself</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/overlooked">story</a>, much like last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5073947/kansas-marion-county-record-newspaper-raid-police-chief-charged">Marion police newsroom raid</a>, is another national black eye for law enforcement in Kansas abusing the public’s trust. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel coined the phrase “policing by consent” with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policing-by-consent/definition-of-policing-by-consent">nine principles</a>&nbsp;for democratic policing while establishing London’s first police force. In a nutshell, we consent to the idea of trusting some members of the community to exercise powers required to keep the peace on behalf of the community. In return, we willingly pledge our cooperation.

Police do not serve the state like an occupying army. They serve the people.&nbsp;This philosophy is foundational in most American police academies. At its core are accountability, transparency, and social ties. When these break, we break.&nbsp;Years of racial disparities for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx">wrongful convictions</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/">incarcerations</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/696355#:~:text=In%20the%20century%20since%20the,2015;%20Reppetto%2C%202012).">excessive force</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/">lethal shootings</a>&nbsp;culminated in the fateful spring of 2020 when George Floyd became a tragic household name. Anti-police riots spawned a “back the blue” counter movement.&nbsp;People on both sides did not consent to what they were seeing.As a result, many bipartisan reforms took place from DC to statehouses and city halls to regain the consent of the public – bans on neck restraints and no-knock warrants, body-cam proliferation,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4003">de-escalation training</a>, critical response teams with mental health professionals,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.akronohio.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/citizens_police_oversight_board.php">civilian oversight boards</a>, and ramped-up community policing.&nbsp;

None of these have necessarily proven to be blanket panaceas. Amidst local success stories,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/fatal-police-shootings-unreported/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template">fatal police shootings</a>&nbsp;have risen along with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/?utm_campaign=launch&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_term=mapping%20police%20violence&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoiCFvckTQymuYnbmzZFMlEI3YElA&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28Ik5TnM_C-tX1_YaXZGpGDGqPLEubcB34Uev_gPl1wxtIGpghE-5nTRoCIMAQAvD_BwE">police killings</a>.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/study-of-fatal-and-nonfatal-shootings-by-police-reveals-racial-disparities-dispatch-risks">Better data</a>&nbsp;on police incidents are shared but lack enough standardization to drive dependable policy making. Meanwhile, another proven reform – women in policing – careens into politically charged climates because of DEI implications and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">questioning women in combat</a>.&nbsp;Part of the debate revolves around the national&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30X30</a>&nbsp;initiative. 30X30 has sparked awareness on the benefits of women in policing with a goal of increasing representation from 20% to 30% for recruits by 2030. Wichita, Overland Park, and Salina have joined over 200 localities in taking this pledge. However, Topeka’s incoming police chief recently endorsed 30X30 amidst&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/14/topeka-police-chief-finalist-wants-more-female-officers-gop-objects/76220824007/">GOP pushback on quotas for women</a>.

Given policing’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf">staffing crisis</a>, local leaders would be remiss not to make a bigger play for half of the state’s population. After 2020,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://klcjournal.com/wichitas-police-shortage/">Wichita</a>&nbsp;was 14% below authorized full-strength,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/18/police-chief-union-disagree-on-whether-topeka-police-staffing-crisis/69569929007/">Topeka</a>&nbsp;13%, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2022/03/15/police-vacancies-142647/">Overland Park</a>&nbsp;11%. Also,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/what-works/">research</a>&nbsp;shows women police are less apt to use excessive force, perceived as more honest and compassionate, named in fewer complaints/lawsuits and hold strong&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">communication skills</a>&nbsp;- an advantage for a job considered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">90 percent social work</a>&nbsp;today.Nationally, 14% of sworn officers are female. Kansas is only 12% with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://policedata.org/report/ks">use of force incidents climbing</a>.

Two jurisdictions with falling use of force incidents include Junction City and Leavenworth. Curiously, they have two of the highest female officer rates at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_law.shtml">27%</a>&nbsp;after hitting single digits in 2003. By contrast, the Kansas Highway Patrol added just three female officers since 2003 and currently sit at 6%.Moving towards a 30% female recruit goal aligns with a representative bureaucracy ideal where credibility, fairness, trust, and performance are heightened as civil servant composition reflects the population composition they serve.&nbsp;Will our consent be more about climbing 5-foot walls or breaking glass walls?For the police are us. And we are the police.&nbsp;

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.

Bill Fiander, AICP Lecturer, Public Administration&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the morning of his federal trial this week for raping and terrorizing vulnerable Black women in the Kansas City, Kansas neighborhoods he patrolled for 35 years, ex-cop Roger Golubski&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/us/kansas-detective-roger-golubski-dead.html?unlocked_article_code=1.eU4.IynZ.E1v2SUhHPHiE&amp;smid=url-share">fatally shot himself</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;His&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kcur.org/overlooked">story</a>, much like last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5073947/kansas-marion-county-record-newspaper-raid-police-chief-charged">Marion police newsroom raid</a>, is another national black eye for law enforcement in Kansas abusing the public’s trust. In 1829, Sir Robert Peel coined the phrase “policing by consent” with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policing-by-consent/definition-of-policing-by-consent">nine principles</a>&nbsp;for democratic policing while establishing London’s first police force. In a nutshell, we consent to the idea of trusting some members of the community to exercise powers required to keep the peace on behalf of the community. In return, we willingly pledge our cooperation. Police do not serve the state like an occupying army. They serve the people.&nbsp;This philosophy is foundational in most American police academies. At its core are accountability, transparency, and social ties. When these break, we break.&nbsp;Years of racial disparities for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/graphs.aspx">wrongful convictions</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/one-in-five-ending-racial-inequity-in-incarceration/">incarcerations</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/696355#:~:text=In%20the%20century%20since%20the,2015;%20Reppetto%2C%202012).">excessive force</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1123070/police-shootings-rate-ethnicity-us/">lethal shootings</a>&nbsp;culminated in the fateful spring of 2020 when George Floyd became a tragic household name. Anti-police riots spawned a “back the blue” counter movement.&nbsp;People on both sides did not consent to what they were seeing.As a result, many bipartisan reforms took place from DC to statehouses and city halls to regain the consent of the public – bans on neck restraints and no-knock warrants, body-cam proliferation,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4003">de-escalation training</a>, critical response teams with mental health professionals,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.akronohio.gov/government/boards_and_commissions/citizens_police_oversight_board.php">civilian oversight boards</a>, and ramped-up community policing.&nbsp;None of these have necessarily proven to be blanket panaceas. Amidst local success stories,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/fatal-police-shootings-unreported/?itid=lk_inline_enhanced-template">fatal police shootings</a>&nbsp;have risen along with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/?utm_campaign=launch&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=ad&amp;utm_term=mapping%20police%20violence&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAoiCFvckTQymuYnbmzZFMlEI3YElA&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28Ik5TnM_C-tX1_YaXZGpGDGqPLEubcB34Uev_gPl1wxtIGpghE-5nTRoCIMAQAvD_BwE">police killings</a>.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/study-of-fatal-and-nonfatal-shootings-by-police-reveals-racial-disparities-dispatch-risks">Better data</a>&nbsp;on police incidents are shared but lack enough standardization to drive dependable policy making. Meanwhile, another proven reform – women in policing – careens into politically charged climates because of DEI implications and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/military-women-defense-hegseth-combat-916d50a7b465ccfea1aeb13bb91064b3">questioning women in combat</a>.&nbsp;Part of the debate revolves around the national&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30X30</a>&nbsp;initiative. 30X30 has sparked awareness on the benefits of women in policing with a goal of increasing representation from 20% to 30% for recruits by 2030. Wichita, Overland Park, and Salina have joined over 200 localities in taking this pledge. However, Topeka’s incoming police chief recently endorsed 30X30 amidst&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2024/11/14/topeka-police-chief-finalist-wants-more-female-officers-gop-objects/76220824007/">GOP pushback on quotas for women</a>.Given policing’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf">staffing crisis</a>, local leaders would be remiss not to make a bigger play for half of the state’s population. After 2020,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://klcjournal.com/wichitas-police-shortage/">Wichita</a>&nbsp;was 14% below authorized full-strength,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2022/10/18/police-chief-union-disagree-on-whether-topeka-police-staffing-crisis/69569929007/">Topeka</a>&nbsp;13%, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2022/03/15/police-vacancies-142647/">Overland Park</a>&nbsp;11%. Also,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://30x30initiative.org/what-works/">research</a>&nbsp;shows women police are less apt to use excessive force, perceived as more honest and compassionate, named in fewer complaints/lawsuits and hold strong&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">communication skills</a>&nbsp;- an advantage for a job considered&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.governing.com/magazine/a-nationwide-effort-to-put-more-women-on-the-force">90 percent social work</a>&nbsp;today.Nationally, 14% of sworn officers are female. Kansas is only 12% with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://policedata.org/report/ks">use of force incidents climbing</a>. Two jurisdictions with falling use of force incidents include Junction City and Leavenworth. Curiously, they have two of the highest female officer rates at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_law.shtml">27%</a>&nbsp;after hitting single digits in 2003. By contrast, the Kansas Highway Patrol added just three female officers since 2003 and currently sit at 6%.Moving towards a 30% female recruit goal aligns with a representative bureaucracy ideal where credibility, fairness, trust, and performance are heightened as civil servant composition reflects the population composition they serve.&nbsp;Will our consent be more about climbing 5-foot walls or breaking glass walls?For the police are us. And we are the police.&nbsp;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.Bill Fiander, AICP Lecturer, Public Administration&nbsp;&nbsp;Department of Political Science

Breaking the Glass Wall: Women in Policing

HUTCHINSON, KAN. –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Chancellor Copenhaver, 33, died Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Copenhaver was found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday morning. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Copenhaver was serving a 121-month sentence for convictions of attempted second-degree murder, attempted kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, and stalking in Riley County, Kansas.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733343953732.png" alt="Copenhaver-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Copenhaver-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, KAN. –&nbsp;Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) resident Chancellor Copenhaver, 33, died Wednesday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. Copenhaver was found unresponsive in his cell Wednesday morning. Staff began life-saving measures immediately and continued after emergency medical services arrived but were unsuccessful. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Copenhaver was serving a 121-month sentence for convictions of attempted second-degree murder, attempted kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, and stalking in Riley County, Kansas.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Inmate serving time for crimes in Riley Co. found dead in his cell

The recent Festival of Lights served as one of the kickoffs to the holiday season in Manhattan.

The Festival of Lights was held at the Blue Earth Plaza in downtown manhattan.

The recent Festival of Lights served as one of the kickoffs to the holiday season in Manhattan.<figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733360418380.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>The Festival of Lights was held at the Blue Earth Plaza in downtown manhattan.

Festival of Lights are a holiday highlight

RILEY COUNTY—A man was injured in an accidental shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of discharging a firearm in the 2500 Block of Farm Bureau Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 19-year-old man shot himself in the foot.&nbsp; He was transported to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—A man was injured in an accidental shooting in Manhattan.Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of discharging a firearm in the 2500 Block of Farm Bureau Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 19-year-old man shot himself in the foot.&nbsp; He was transported to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

RCPD: Man hospitalized after accidental shooting

RILEY COUNTY —Police recovered a vehicle stolen on Tuesday in Manhattan.

Just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday, a 23-year-old man reported his Mazda 6 was stolen during the morning hours from the 3300 block of Musil Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Just after 11:30p.m. the vehicle was recovered.

RILEY COUNTY —Police recovered a vehicle stolen on Tuesday in Manhattan.Just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday, a 23-year-old man reported his Mazda 6 was stolen during the morning hours from the 3300 block of Musil Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Just after 11:30p.m. the vehicle was recovered.

RCPD: Car stolen in Manhattan recovered

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 December 4

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dillons is celebrating the 12 Merry Days of Deals event. From December 4 through December 15, customers can clip a new hot digital deal each day for redemption by December 17. 

“12 Merry Days of deals are just days away and we can’t wait to surprise customers each day with a new way to save big this holiday season,” said Sheila Regehr, corporate affairs manager at Dillons. “We hope customers have fun discovering daily offers to help them save during the busiest time of the year.”

During 12 Merry Days, Dillons is revealing a hot new deal every day. Each daily offer will be available to clip for one day only at <a href="http://dillons.com">dillons.com</a> or the Dillons app and can be redeemed through December 17. Offers may be redeemed up to five times each in a single transaction.

Customers can look forward to a surprise deal every Merry Day from December 4 through December 15 on products across the store, including items such as goods for holiday hosting, seasonal merchandise, fresh and more! Check back each day for a hot deal.

Visit the Dillons app or website each day from December 4-15.

Clip the featured digital coupon each day; only one coupon will be available each day for 12 days to download.

In store, customers must enter their Rewards Card number at checkout to ensure the deal is applied to their purchase.

Redeem all participating digital coupons by December 17.

Deals can be redeemed in-store or through Dillons Pickup and Delivery, offering the same products at the same low prices no matter how customers shop.  

In addition to 12 Merry Days of savings, customers can also look forward to a Dashing Deal for the holidays in celebration of National Cookie Day. Now through December 10, customers can receive free Bakery Fresh Hot Cocoa Cookies (2 count) with the purchase of any 12 count Bakery Fresh Cookies with their loyalty card. No coupon required, offer valid with loyalty card through December 10.

For everyday savings, visit <a href="http://dillons.com">dillons.com</a> or the Dillons app, offering more than $600 in savings available weekly in digital coupons. With more than 30,000 mouthwatering possibilities, customers are a swipe away from inspiration to reality. Dillons is worth it every time.

Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® eligible cardmembers may now redeem a free one-year, next-day Boost membership or cardholders who are current annual Boost members may receive a free one-year extension of their next-day Boost membership. To learn more and redeem this Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® cardmember offer visit the Boost Membership Benefits page.  

The creditor and issuer of the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.

<figure>
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 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>DillonsHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dillons is celebrating the 12 Merry Days of Deals event. From December 4 through December 15, customers can clip a new hot digital deal each day for redemption by December 17. “12 Merry Days of deals are just days away and we can’t wait to surprise customers each day with a new way to save big this holiday season,” said Sheila Regehr, corporate affairs manager at Dillons. “We hope customers have fun discovering daily offers to help them save during the busiest time of the year.”During 12 Merry Days, Dillons is revealing a hot new deal every day. Each daily offer will be available to clip for one day only at <a href="http://dillons.com">dillons.com</a> or the Dillons app and can be redeemed through December 17. Offers may be redeemed up to five times each in a single transaction.Customers can look forward to a surprise deal every Merry Day from December 4 through December 15 on products across the store, including items such as goods for holiday hosting, seasonal merchandise, fresh and more! Check back each day for a hot deal.How to participate: Visit the Dillons app or website each day from December 4-15.Log into digital account.Clip the featured digital coupon each day; only one coupon will be available each day for 12 days to download.In store, customers must enter their Rewards Card number at checkout to ensure the deal is applied to their purchase.Redeem all participating digital coupons by December 17.Deals can be redeemed in-store or through Dillons Pickup and Delivery, offering the same products at the same low prices no matter how customers shop. In addition to 12 Merry Days of savings, customers can also look forward to a Dashing Deal for the holidays in celebration of National Cookie Day. Now through December 10, customers can receive free Bakery Fresh Hot Cocoa Cookies (2 count) with the purchase of any 12 count Bakery Fresh Cookies with their loyalty card. No coupon required, offer valid with loyalty card through December 10.For everyday savings, visit <a href="http://dillons.com">dillons.com</a> or the Dillons app, offering more than $600 in savings available weekly in digital coupons. With more than 30,000 mouthwatering possibilities, customers are a swipe away from inspiration to reality. Dillons is worth it every time.Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® eligible cardmembers may now redeem a free one-year, next-day Boost membership or cardholders who are current annual Boost members may receive a free one-year extension of their next-day Boost membership. To learn more and redeem this Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard® cardmember offer visit the Boost Membership Benefits page. The creditor and issuer of the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated.

Special Dillons digital event starts Wednesday

Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Eisenhower Presidential Library will offer a series of mini-teacher workshops to area educators. The first of these two-hour workshops will take place on January 15 at the Eisenhower Presidential Library&nbsp;building at 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene.&nbsp;This event is free for teachers and they will receive a&nbsp;professional development&nbsp;certificate of attendance.&nbsp;A grab and go snack will also be provided.

This is the first in a series of four workshops offered in 2025. Registration is required and can be completed on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XtqLdrb4Ei6MJrswi576oA3B832SDV7ZTRNpcHi76IGIWjCyNiX4mzSVubiC7ZOulu0oXyhz_UyuxsDwpkn8CbxUTZBCXiTIy8V-C-jv_UIIQ6g9u1Z9La65LHpMVeb5-o382FRNDWVujLv7jXb56zLG2uanJsMc6ksVu8oX18YNS2JFQGT9AUBDxF6NUoScji9Xm2kfL0tH1gRQTFXz05lS8KUyuYpwsarbKYgFNyY=&amp;c=JUFKVHtdUbitpOBhONTRkBy2IfQ1b7f3OFwtOQeWqA1dwsDbD19LoQ==&amp;ch=3JJJhQRu1YrdRPqGFKOHFDsiABo5jLH3XwpRuKc-p_8KnX-M31cSrA==">Ike's Professional Learning Community</a>&nbsp;webpage.&nbsp;Full program details can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XtqLdrb4Ei6MJrswi576oA3B832SDV7ZTRNpcHi76IGIWjCyNiX4mxfUyEcpnJnf_ajGZDU8y-EoSO0D7vWlaPg7ZqKok-ELouUxq0q2oXYU6Ou-2eclbQNwMOrD8I0Pe3Ru2Cj14PVvxUV6D8mSZ-4g3_gQoQQll-JZ9JwVngM=&amp;c=JUFKVHtdUbitpOBhONTRkBy2IfQ1b7f3OFwtOQeWqA1dwsDbD19LoQ==&amp;ch=3JJJhQRu1YrdRPqGFKOHFDsiABo5jLH3XwpRuKc-p_8KnX-M31cSrA==">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;-&nbsp;The Eisenhower Presidential Library will offer a series of mini-teacher workshops to area educators. The first of these two-hour workshops will take place on January 15 at the Eisenhower Presidential Library&nbsp;building at 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene.&nbsp;This event is free for teachers and they will receive a&nbsp;professional development&nbsp;certificate of attendance.&nbsp;A grab and go snack will also be provided.This is the first in a series of four workshops offered in 2025. Registration is required and can be completed on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XtqLdrb4Ei6MJrswi576oA3B832SDV7ZTRNpcHi76IGIWjCyNiX4mzSVubiC7ZOulu0oXyhz_UyuxsDwpkn8CbxUTZBCXiTIy8V-C-jv_UIIQ6g9u1Z9La65LHpMVeb5-o382FRNDWVujLv7jXb56zLG2uanJsMc6ksVu8oX18YNS2JFQGT9AUBDxF6NUoScji9Xm2kfL0tH1gRQTFXz05lS8KUyuYpwsarbKYgFNyY=&amp;c=JUFKVHtdUbitpOBhONTRkBy2IfQ1b7f3OFwtOQeWqA1dwsDbD19LoQ==&amp;ch=3JJJhQRu1YrdRPqGFKOHFDsiABo5jLH3XwpRuKc-p_8KnX-M31cSrA==">Ike's Professional Learning Community</a>&nbsp;webpage.&nbsp;Full program details can be found at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XtqLdrb4Ei6MJrswi576oA3B832SDV7ZTRNpcHi76IGIWjCyNiX4mxfUyEcpnJnf_ajGZDU8y-EoSO0D7vWlaPg7ZqKok-ELouUxq0q2oXYU6Ou-2eclbQNwMOrD8I0Pe3Ru2Cj14PVvxUV6D8mSZ-4g3_gQoQQll-JZ9JwVngM=&amp;c=JUFKVHtdUbitpOBhONTRkBy2IfQ1b7f3OFwtOQeWqA1dwsDbD19LoQ==&amp;ch=3JJJhQRu1YrdRPqGFKOHFDsiABo5jLH3XwpRuKc-p_8KnX-M31cSrA==">eisenhowerlibrary.gov</a>.

Mini-teacher workshops are scheduled at the Eisenhower Presidential Library

Riley County police will support Tip-A-Cop benefitting Special Olympics Kansas. They will be at Texas Roadhouse from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th. All donations will go to help the 4,200 Special Olympics Kansas athletes during their upcoming sports season.

Riley County police will support Tip-A-Cop benefitting Special Olympics Kansas. They will be at Texas Roadhouse from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4th. All donations will go to help the 4,200 Special Olympics Kansas athletes during their upcoming sports season.