TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc group to advise the court on creating criminal mediation rules. The 12-member group is created by Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansascourts.org/l/ubH1rWJo7-g4kZkl2rKF5n7at8YX7y7RIxNYGsSEL4A">Administrative Order 2025-CM-011</a>&nbsp;signed by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.“In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in voluntary mediation as a method of resolving criminal cases outside of the traditional court process,” Luckert said. “In criminal cases, mediation could contribute to early case resolution, helping the criminal justice system operate more efficiently.

Statewide rules will help ensure standardized processes across jurisdictions and clarify when criminal mediation should or should not be used. ”What is criminal mediation? Criminal mediation is when an impartial third party meets with prosecutors, defendants, and defense attorneys to help resolve a pending criminal case before trial. The process is confidential and voluntary, and the third party is often a retired judge who has no decision-making authority in the case. Luckert said successful criminal mediation can give the person who has been charged an unbiased appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. It can also make the law understandable, strengthening confidence in the judicial system. “Criminal mediators typically have real world experience with the criminal process, including applying complex sentencing guidelines,” Luckert said. “This knowledge makes them ideally suited to explaining the possible sentences to litigants.”

About the group The Ad Hoc Criminal Mediation Advisory Group will study best practices on criminal mediation and existing local rules in Kansas and in other states. The group will then help the Office of Judicial Administration draft statewide criminal mediation rules. The group is composed of district judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, retired district judges, and a representative from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The group will be supported by Amanda Jacobsen, director of dispute resolution with the Office of Judicial Administration. Group members are:

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc group to advise the court on creating criminal mediation rules. The 12-member group is created by Supreme Court&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansascourts.org/l/ubH1rWJo7-g4kZkl2rKF5n7at8YX7y7RIxNYGsSEL4A">Administrative Order 2025-CM-011</a>&nbsp;signed by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.“In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in voluntary mediation as a method of resolving criminal cases outside of the traditional court process,” Luckert said. “In criminal cases, mediation could contribute to early case resolution, helping the criminal justice system operate more efficiently. Statewide rules will help ensure standardized processes across jurisdictions and clarify when criminal mediation should or should not be used. ”What is criminal mediation? Criminal mediation is when an impartial third party meets with prosecutors, defendants, and defense attorneys to help resolve a pending criminal case before trial. The process is confidential and voluntary, and the third party is often a retired judge who has no decision-making authority in the case. Luckert said successful criminal mediation can give the person who has been charged an unbiased appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of their case. It can also make the law understandable, strengthening confidence in the judicial system. “Criminal mediators typically have real world experience with the criminal process, including applying complex sentencing guidelines,” Luckert said. “This knowledge makes them ideally suited to explaining the possible sentences to litigants.”About the group The Ad Hoc Criminal Mediation Advisory Group will study best practices on criminal mediation and existing local rules in Kansas and in other states. The group will then help the Office of Judicial Administration draft statewide criminal mediation rules. The group is composed of district judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, retired district judges, and a representative from the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The group will be supported by Amanda Jacobsen, director of dispute resolution with the Office of Judicial Administration. Group members are:<ul>
 <li>Chief Judge Taylor Wine, 4th Judicial District</li><li>Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, 18th Judicial District</li><li>District Judge Kendra Lewison, 21st Judicial District</li><li>Kevin Moriarty, retired district judge, 10th Judicial District</li><li>Mike Powers, retired district judge, 8th Judicial District</li><li>Tiffanie Askew, victim rights coordinator, Kansas Attorney General's Office</li><li>Marc Bennett, district attorney, Sedgwick County</li><li>Hatem Chahine, defense attorney, Douglas County</li><li>Michael Kagay, district attorney, Shawnee County</li><li>Charles Lindberg, defense attorney, Minneapolis</li><li>Michelle Neis, deputy public defender, 3rd Judicial District Public Defender Office</li><li>Kimberly Rodebaugh, senior assistant district attorney, Reno County</li>
 </ul>

Kan. Supreme Court creates ad hoc advisory group on criminal mediation

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two instances of gun violence in Manhattan.

Just after 11:30p.m. Friday, officers filed a report of criminal discharge of a firearm in the 1300 block of Laramie Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Officers reported hearing a noise similar to that of a gunshot and upon investigation located evidence of a round being fired by an unknown subject in the parking garage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of an unlawful discharge of a firearm in the 400 block of S. Manhattan Avenue. 

&nbsp;A victim reported two bullet holes were located in the ceiling of an Air BNB. &nbsp;Anyone with information on these crimes 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 two instances of gun violence in Manhattan.Just after 11:30p.m. Friday, officers filed a report of criminal discharge of a firearm in the 1300 block of Laramie Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Officers reported hearing a noise similar to that of a gunshot and upon investigation located evidence of a round being fired by an unknown subject in the parking garage.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just before 2:30a.m. Sunday, officers filed a report of an unlawful discharge of a firearm in the 400 block of S. Manhattan Avenue. &nbsp;A victim reported two bullet holes were located in the ceiling of an Air BNB. &nbsp;Anyone with information on these crimes 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 weekend gun violence in Manhattan

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/2025/1/1737990233206.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report January 27

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.

Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.

The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star tick, a common variety in brushy and more heavily wooded parts of Kansas. Brenes said in a statement that she surveyed other Kansas extension agents and found there was a lack of available information about alpha-gal syndrome, and that the agents wanted more details to share within their communities.

K-State entomologist Yoonseong Park said studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath and swollen lips and throat.

Park said tick activity picks up during spring months in Kansas, and every patient who develops the red meat allergy has a different level of sensitivity to it, like other allergies. In any case of possible alpha-gal syndrome, patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor immediately.

Michael Chao, K-State meat scientist, said a recent report from the Yale School of Medicine shows that the levels of antibodies which cause the reaction decline over time, giving some people the chance to consume red meat and related products again.

Chao uses mice in his research to test the reaction of various meat products, such as hot dogs and jerky. He said his hope is to use the data he gathers to help people reintroduce red meat into their diet “when they’re ready for it.”

Brenes and her colleagues are offering a survey to residents across all 105 Kansas counties as part of their effort to collect more information about alpha-gal syndrome. Brenes said those who participate in the survey may receive a financial incentive.

The survey and more information about alpha-gal syndrome can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/ags/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;and through local extension offices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737977963996.png" alt="The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. (Kansas State University Research and Extension.)" />
 <figcaption>The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. (Kansas State University Research and Extension.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star tick, a common variety in brushy and more heavily wooded parts of Kansas. Brenes said in a statement that she surveyed other Kansas extension agents and found there was a lack of available information about alpha-gal syndrome, and that the agents wanted more details to share within their communities.K-State entomologist Yoonseong Park said studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat. Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome include hives, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, drops in blood pressure, shortness of breath and swollen lips and throat.Park said tick activity picks up during spring months in Kansas, and every patient who develops the red meat allergy has a different level of sensitivity to it, like other allergies. In any case of possible alpha-gal syndrome, patients are encouraged to talk with their doctor immediately.Michael Chao, K-State meat scientist, said a recent report from the Yale School of Medicine shows that the levels of antibodies which cause the reaction decline over time, giving some people the chance to consume red meat and related products again.Chao uses mice in his research to test the reaction of various meat products, such as hot dogs and jerky. He said his hope is to use the data he gathers to help people reintroduce red meat into their diet “when they’re ready for it.”Brenes and her colleagues are offering a survey to residents across all 105 Kansas counties as part of their effort to collect more information about alpha-gal syndrome. Brenes said those who participate in the survey may receive a financial incentive.The survey and more information about alpha-gal syndrome can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://entomology.k-state.edu/ags/" target="_blank">online</a>&nbsp;and through local extension offices.

K-State researchers say red meat allergy from tick bites is becoming more common

GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.

NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.

The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”

At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.

The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.

“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.

Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.

In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.

Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.

Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737927645951.png" alt=" NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)" />
 <figcaption> NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn speaks at the inaugural Standing in the Gap summit in August 2023 in Dodge City. Vaughn and her staff are preparing for the next rural mental health summit, slated for April 9 in Kiowa. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector.)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>GARDEN CITY — Kansas mental health experts want rural residents to be aware of available resources as they work to enhance mental health services across more of the state.NAMI Kansas executive director Sherrie Vaughn said she and her staff are preparing for a rural mental health summit on April 9 in Kiowa, a community of about 900 people in south-central Kansas, to bring the conversation about mental health care to more rural and frontier areas.The summit is a continuation of the nonprofit agency’s Standing in the Gap series that began&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/28/kansas-mental-health-experts-discuss-gaps-in-services-for-farmers-and-ranchers-at-inaugural-summit/">in 2023 in Dodge City</a>. NAMI Kansas southwest steering committee chairwoman Itzel Moya said the initial event and four subsequent sessions have been “a great way for rural and frontier communities to bring light to mental health topics and resources.”At that initial event, mental health experts and agricultural producers shared stories about their own mental health struggles and vocalized a need for more widespread mental health care services, particularly in the western half of the state.The April 9 event is set to take place at the Kiowa Community Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;<a href="https://namikansas.org/get-involved/nami-kansas-events/sitg/" target="_blank">Registration is required</a>. The event will focus on how local faith leaders and church members can “stand in the gap” as links to mental health care for their communities, Vaughn said.“Standing in the Gap presentations help to equip our local community leaders and members to start the conversation, learn about mental health conditions and statistical information, access its local resources, and seek solutions and opportunities to serve each other well,” Vaughn said.Religious officials are often the first person to respond to a mental health crisis because of the lack of mental health care providers across the state, and because of preexisting trusting relationships formed within the community. At another Standing in the Gap event in November in Plainville, NAMI Kansas volunteer Tara Gwynn said Kansas has an average of one mental health care provider for every 450 residents.In areas like Plainville, which is in Rooks County in north-central Kansas, Gwynn said the figure is closer to one provider per 4,000 people. But smaller communities often have multiple churches, all of which can have mental health information and support pamphlets available in view of their congregations.Officials with the Kansas Department of Agriculture also are attempting to close the mental health care gap by partnering with Kansas Corn to offer the Kansas Ag Stress program. Created in 2019, the program website features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasagstress.org/ag-aware-providers-in-kansas" target="_blank">a list of mental health care providers</a>&nbsp;who offer telehealth services or specialize in mental health needs related to the ag industry.Additionally, Kansas Farm Bureau has the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfb.org/Article/Mental-Health-Resources" target="_blank">Rural Minds Matter</a>&nbsp;program that includes training materials, links to mental health support guides, and the Advocate of the Year awards that were created in 2024. The inaugural Advocate of the Year award winner was Fort Hays State University professor and therapist Will Stutterheim. The first Young Advocate of the Year award recipient was Destiny Johnson, a pre-K through 12th-grade social worker for Stafford Unified School District 349.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate agricultural producers have a higher suicide rate than other professions. The CDC report, published in 2020 with data sourced in 2016, found that men who worked in agriculture were at a greater risk, with a ratio of 43 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. Statewide, the suicide rate for men is 19 per 100,000 people. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, more than 500 Kansans died by suicide in 2023.

Kansas mental health professionals prepare listening session while working to enhance services

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/2025/1/1737927928101.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report January 26

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are reporting more fake cash circulating in Kansas.

On multiple occasions this week, individuals have attempted to pass fake $100 bills at Abilene businesses, according to a social media report from police.

The bills are not counterfeit but rather movie prop money. Please consider taking time to educate your employees on spotting these types of bills, and do not hesitate to contact the Abilene Police Department if you believe you have received one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737832903693.png" alt="Photo Abilene Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Abilene Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement are reporting more fake cash circulating in Kansas.On multiple occasions this week, individuals have attempted to pass fake $100 bills at Abilene businesses, according to a social media report from police.The bills are not counterfeit but rather movie prop money. Please consider taking time to educate your employees on spotting these types of bills, and do not hesitate to contact the Abilene Police Department if you believe you have received one.

Police report more fake movie money in Kansas

&nbsp;Soldiers from Kansas are being deployed to help secure the U.S. southern border.

Fort Riley issued a statement on Saturday.

1st Infantry Division to deploy Soldiers to southern border

The 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley will deploy approximately 200 Soldiers to the southern border to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the United States as directed by the President. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored and the 977th Military Police Company will augment the 2,500 forces already at the border supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.

 U.S. Northern Command&nbsp; announced elements of the following units have been activated as part of USNORTHCOM’s mission to bolster security at the United States southern border:

These approximately 1,500 active-duty personnel from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps are deploying to the southern border to augment the approximately 2,500 service members already deployed supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, released the following statement after the announcement that Kansas troops from Fort Riley will be deployed to the southern border:

“My heart is with Kansas families and loved ones as soldiers from Fort Riley are sent to protect and secure our borders. Kansans and Americans across the country extend our deepest gratitude to them for keeping us safe. Under the previous administration, over 2 million known illegal alien gotaways entered our country – something that should have never happened, and compromised our national security.&nbsp;

President Trump is determined to stop the dangerous flow of fentanyl, cartels, and unvetted illegal immigrants coming into the United States and will protect our homeland.&nbsp;

The exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate personnel and as additional forces are tasked to deploy once planning efforts are finalized.&nbsp;Specific units will be announced as soon as more information is made available.&nbsp;These military forces will support enhanced detection and monitoring efforts and repair and emplace physical barriers.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737830991463.png" alt="Photo by Pfc. Kanneth Barnet, 19th Public Affairs Detachment" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pfc. Kanneth Barnet, 19th Public Affairs Detachment</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Soldiers from Kansas are being deployed to help secure the U.S. southern border.--Fort Riley issued a statement on Saturday.1st Infantry Division to deploy Soldiers to southern borderThe 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley will deploy approximately 200 Soldiers to the southern border to protect and defend the territorial integrity of the United States as directed by the President. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the 41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored and the 977th Military Police Company will augment the 2,500 forces already at the border supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.-- U.S. Northern Command&nbsp; announced elements of the following units have been activated as part of USNORTHCOM’s mission to bolster security at the United States southern border:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737839008559.png" alt="Photo U.S. Northern Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Northern Command</figcaption>
 </figure>From the U.S. Army:<ul>
 <li>977th Military Police Company, Fort Riley, Kansas</li><li>41st Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Riley, Kansas</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Headquarters, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Cavazos, Texas</li><li>Headquarters, 720th Military Police Battalion, Fort Cavazos, Texas</li><li>401st Military Police Company, Fort Cavazos, Texas</li><li>202nd Military Police Company, Fort Bliss, Texas</li><li>Headquarters, 716th Military Police Battalion, Fort Campbell, Kentucky</li><li>23rd Military Police Company, Fort Drum, New York</li><li>549th Military Police Company, Fort Stewart, Georgia</li><li>530th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Stewart, Georgia</li><li>569th Combat Engineer Company-Armored, Fort Carson, Colorado</li><li>Headquarters, 759th Military Police Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado</li><li>66th Military Police Company, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington</li>
 </ul>From the U.S. Marine Corps:<ul>
 <li>Detachment from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st&nbsp;Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California</li><li>Detachment from 7th Engineering Support Battalion, 1st&nbsp;Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California</li>
 </ul>These approximately 1,500 active-duty personnel from the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps are deploying to the southern border to augment the approximately 2,500 service members already deployed supporting Customs and Border Protection’s southern border mission.&nbsp;On Saturday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, released the following statement after the announcement that Kansas troops from Fort Riley will be deployed to the southern border:“My heart is with Kansas families and loved ones as soldiers from Fort Riley are sent to protect and secure our borders. Kansans and Americans across the country extend our deepest gratitude to them for keeping us safe. Under the previous administration, over 2 million known illegal alien gotaways entered our country – something that should have never happened, and compromised our national security.&nbsp;President Trump is determined to stop the dangerous flow of fentanyl, cartels, and unvetted illegal immigrants coming into the United States and will protect our homeland.&nbsp;The exact number of personnel will fluctuate as units rotate personnel and as additional forces are tasked to deploy once planning efforts are finalized.&nbsp;Specific units will be announced as soon as more information is made available.&nbsp;These military forces will support enhanced detection and monitoring efforts and repair and emplace physical barriers.&nbsp;

Soldiers from Fort Riley deployed to help secure the border

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award, a program recognizing the outstanding teaching skills of new educators.&nbsp;

The 32 educators chosen for this prestigious award will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference&nbsp;on Feb. 21, in Topeka.

The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each of the state’s four regions that correspond to the state’s U.S. congressional districts.

Recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.

The 2025 Kansas Horizon Award recipients are as follows:

Denise Acosta, Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475

Jasmine Colle, Hillsboro Middle/High School, Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh USD 410

Jason Dester, Topeka West High School, Topeka USD 501

Brennen Feeback, Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott USD 234

Makayla Gray, Burlington Elementary School, Burlington USD 244

Michael Lager, Junction City High School, Geary County USD 475

Alyssa Larson, Gray Hawk Elementary School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458

Trenton Lowry, North Lawn Elementary School, Neodesha USD 461

Dalton Kraus, Victoria Elementary School, Victoria USD 432

Emma Lidstrom, Coronado Elementary School, Salina USD 305

Anglie Linden, Lyons Middle School, Lyons USD 405

Jessyka Mikkelson, Southeast of Saline Elementary School, Southeast of Saline USD 306

Rylie Sanders, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313

Sarah Schlottman, Abilene High School, Abilene USD 435

Kiley Seidl, Haven Grade School, Haven USD 312

Brayden Smith, Hays High School, Hays USD 489

Sarah Alas, Delaware Ridge Elementary School, Bonner Springs USD 204

Ryleigh Diskin, Ray Marsh Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512

Marie Jones, Scarborough Elementary School, Olathe USD 233

Brock LaPlante, Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill USD 230

Tara Mulcahy, Broadmoor Elementary School, Louisburg USD 416

Steve Murray, Olathe West High School, Olathe USD 233

Allaire Pigg, Turner High School, Turner USD 202

Eric Reece, Central Heights Middle School, Central Heights USD 288

Viridiana Arias, Maize South High School, Maize USD 266

Lexie Bullinger, Robert M. Martin Elementary School, Andover USD 385

Joshua Isaacs, West Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262

Tyler Kohlman, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Goddard USD 265

Matt Miller, Truesdell Middle School, Wichita USD 259

Anna Patton, Augusta Middle School, Augusta USD 402

Hannah Reynolds, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265

SubmittedThe Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award, a program recognizing the outstanding teaching skills of new educators.&nbsp;The 32 educators chosen for this prestigious award will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference&nbsp;on Feb. 21, in Topeka.The Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award. To be eligible, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each of the state’s four regions that correspond to the state’s U.S. congressional districts.Recipients of the 2025 Kansas Horizon Award were notified of their selection by Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson.The 2025 Kansas Horizon Award recipients are as follows:Region 2Denise Acosta, Spring Valley Elementary School, Geary County USD 475Jasmine Colle, Hillsboro Middle/High School, Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh USD 410Jason Dester, Topeka West High School, Topeka USD 501Brennen Feeback, Fort Scott High School, Fort Scott USD 234Makayla Gray, Burlington Elementary School, Burlington USD 244Michael Lager, Junction City High School, Geary County USD 475Alyssa Larson, Gray Hawk Elementary School, Basehor-Linwood USD 458Trenton Lowry, North Lawn Elementary School, Neodesha USD 461Region 1Dalton Kraus, Victoria Elementary School, Victoria USD 432Emma Lidstrom, Coronado Elementary School, Salina USD 305Anglie Linden, Lyons Middle School, Lyons USD 405Jessyka Mikkelson, Southeast of Saline Elementary School, Southeast of Saline USD 306Rylie Sanders, Buhler High School, Buhler USD 313Sarah Schlottman, Abilene High School, Abilene USD 435Kiley Seidl, Haven Grade School, Haven USD 312Brayden Smith, Hays High School, Hays USD 489Region 3Sarah Alas, Delaware Ridge Elementary School, Bonner Springs USD 204Ryleigh Diskin, Ray Marsh Elementary School, Shawnee Mission USD 512Marie Jones, Scarborough Elementary School, Olathe USD 233Brock LaPlante, Spring Hill High School, Spring Hill USD 230Tara Mulcahy, Broadmoor Elementary School, Louisburg USD 416Steve Murray, Olathe West High School, Olathe USD 233Allaire Pigg, Turner High School, Turner USD 202Eric Reece, Central Heights Middle School, Central Heights USD 288Region 4Viridiana Arias, Maize South High School, Maize USD 266Lexie Bullinger, Robert M. Martin Elementary School, Andover USD 385Joshua Isaacs, West Elementary School, Valley Center USD 262Tyler Kohlman, Amelia Earhart Elementary School, Goddard USD 265Matt Miller, Truesdell Middle School, Wichita USD 259Anna Patton, Augusta Middle School, Augusta USD 402Hannah Reynolds, Eisenhower High School, Goddard USD 265

Local educators honored in 2025 Kansas Horizon Award program

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/2025/1/1737818457676.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report January 25

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the arrest of Junction City Commissioner Alovence "Al"Gordon on a requested charge of Domestic Battery. 

Junction City police were called to the 1700 block of Clover Drive just before 5 p.m. Thursday and the Geary County Sheriff's Department was called into investigate the incident. Also arrested at the same location on a requested charge of Domestic Battery was Corieyonna Trice.

The Sheriff's Department confirmed both are free on bond.

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has confirmed the arrest of Junction City Commissioner Alovence "Al"Gordon on a requested charge of Domestic Battery. Junction City police were called to the 1700 block of Clover Drive just before 5 p.m. Thursday and the Geary County Sheriff's Department was called into investigate the incident. Also arrested at the same location on a requested charge of Domestic Battery was Corieyonna Trice.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737757141297.jpeg" alt="Alovencce "Al " Gordon" />
 <figcaption>Alovencce "Al " Gordon</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737757177729.jpeg" alt="Corrieyonna Trice" />
 <figcaption>Corrieyonna Trice</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff's Department confirmed both are free on bond.

Authorities confirm the arrest of a Junction City Commissioner

DICKINSON COUNTY—Sheriff's deputies are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

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 2500 Block of Nicholson Road in Chapman, according to a media release.

While conducting the search warrant, deputies located THC edible products, Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, and firearms.

As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 34-year-old Emma Gomez and booked her into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on the following requested charges that include Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Unlawful Manufacturing of Controlled Substance, Aggravated Endangering a Child, Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia within 1,000 feet of a school, Criminal Possession of weapons, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737740268993.png" alt="Gomez-photo Dickinson County." />
 <figcaption>Gomez-photo Dickinson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Sheriff's deputies are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.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 2500 Block of Nicholson Road in Chapman, according to a media release.While conducting the search warrant, deputies located THC edible products, Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, and firearms.As a result of the investigation, Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 34-year-old Emma Gomez and booked her into the Dickinson County Detention Facility on the following requested charges that include Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, Possession with the Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, Unlawful Manufacturing of Controlled Substance, Aggravated Endangering a Child, Possession with Intent to Distribute Drug Paraphernalia within 1,000 feet of a school, Criminal Possession of weapons, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp

Sheriff: Kansas woman accused of selling meth, marijuana

Upcoming future leaders were honored during a 20 under 40 reception in Manhattan Thursday evening. The event was held at the Museum of Art and Light.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737740414605.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Upcoming future leaders were honored during a 20 under 40 reception in Manhattan Thursday evening. The event was held at the Museum of Art and Light.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737740589013.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

20 under 40 are honored

Riley COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a Lincoln MKZ driven by Eugene Fells, 85, of Herrington struck a Mazda Tribute driven by Carrie Baker, 50, of Manhattan at the corner of S. 10th Street and Fort Riley Boulevard.&nbsp;&nbsp;

EMS transported Baker to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Fells was issued a citation for failure to yield at a red light, according to the RCPD.

Riley COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a Lincoln MKZ driven by Eugene Fells, 85, of Herrington struck a Mazda Tribute driven by Carrie Baker, 50, of Manhattan at the corner of S. 10th Street and Fort Riley Boulevard.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported Baker to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Fells was issued a citation for failure to yield at a red light, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan woman hospitalized after 2-vehicle 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>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737731075570.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737731054519.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report January 24

By ANDREW RAYO FTC If it’s not scammers spamming your phone with texts or filling up your inbox with emails, it’s your mailbox crammed with ads and other mail you didn’t ask for. The junk messages and mail might seem endless, but there are some ways to help scale it back.

Scammers send phishing texts and emails that look legitimate to trick you into giving them personal or financial information. Legitimate companies might send mail that you just don’t want things like magazines, catalogs, or prescreened offers of credit and insurance. While these aren’t necessarily scams, they can pile up quickly.

To help cut down on spam texts and emails, use filters. Check if your mobile phone has options to filter and block texts from unknown senders. Some call-blocking apps can also help block unwanted messages. Many popular email providers (like Gmail or Yahoo Mail) have strong <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages">spam filters</a> turned on by default. If any spam gets into your inbox, mark it as spam or junk. You can also <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-unwanted-emails-texts-phone-calls">unsubscribe from unwanted emails</a>. Getting fewer unwanted emails helps you avoid clicking on links that can lead to phishing attacks. Additionally, report unwanted messages, as they often lead to scams. Use your phone’s report junk option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.

To help cut down on junk mail, <a href="https://dmachoice.thedma.org/">register with the Direct Marketing Association</a> to decide what types of mail you do and donâ€™t want from marketers. You can also <a href="https://www.optoutprescreen.com/">opt out of getting prescreened credit and insurance offers</a> in the mail. You can choose to opt out for five years or permanently.

Learn more about how to get fewer spam texts, emails, and junk mail. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732645350652.jpeg" alt="FTC SCAM" />
 <figcaption>FTC SCAM</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDREW RAYO FTC If it’s not scammers spamming your phone with texts or filling up your inbox with emails, it’s your mailbox crammed with ads and other mail you didn’t ask for. The junk messages and mail might seem endless, but there are some ways to help scale it back.Scammers send phishing texts and emails that look legitimate to trick you into giving them personal or financial information. Legitimate companies might send mail that you just don’t want things like magazines, catalogs, or prescreened offers of credit and insurance. While these aren’t necessarily scams, they can pile up quickly.To help cut down on spam texts and emails, use filters. Check if your mobile phone has options to filter and block texts from unknown senders. Some call-blocking apps can also help block unwanted messages. Many popular email providers (like Gmail or Yahoo Mail) have strong <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages">spam filters</a> turned on by default. If any spam gets into your inbox, mark it as spam or junk. You can also <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-unwanted-emails-texts-phone-calls">unsubscribe from unwanted emails</a>. Getting fewer unwanted emails helps you avoid clicking on links that can lead to phishing attacks. Additionally, report unwanted messages, as they often lead to scams. Use your phone’s report junk option or forward unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM) and unwanted emails to your email provider.To help cut down on junk mail, <a href="https://dmachoice.thedma.org/">register with the Direct Marketing Association</a> to decide what types of mail you do and donâ€™t want from marketers. You can also <a href="https://www.optoutprescreen.com/">opt out of getting prescreened credit and insurance offers</a> in the mail. You can choose to opt out for five years or permanently.Learn more about how to get fewer spam texts, emails, and junk mail. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.

FTC: Dealing with spam texts, emails, and junk mail

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — Forty-four Kansas State University students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;have received research awards for the spring 2025 semester. Award recipients conduct faculty-mentored research projects and receive $1,000 scholarships from the college.

These paid research experiences help students deepen their expertise, connect academics to real life, and prepare for careers and graduate school. The awards are offered in fall, spring and summer with deadlines of May 1, Nov. 1 and March 1, respectively. Undergraduate students enrolled in any of the college’s nearly 50 majors and secondary majors are eligible to apply.

The spring 2025 awardees' majors include chemistry, biology, psychology, social transformation studies, theatre and more, and they are studying such varied topics as cancer therapeutics, protein purification, personality disorders, food deserts, safe body movement and music event marketing. "Our college is committed to providing research opportunities for all Arts and Sciences students, and we offer this financial support to make such experiences more possible for them," said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college.

The following students received College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awards for spring 2025:

Megan Bogard, sophomore in finance and dance and the human experience,&nbsp;Bel Aire, mentored by Julie Pentz, professor of dance; Cierra Bookless, senior in biology, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology, and Lidia Lopez Vazquez, senior in human health biology, mentored by Brad Olson, associate professor of biology, both from&nbsp;Dodge City; Allison Ricker, sophomore in fisheries, wildlife, conservation, and environmental biology,&nbsp;Ellinwood, mentored by Loretta Johnson, professor of biology; Erin Frenk, senior in the accelerated chemistry and Master of Business Administration program,&nbsp;Fredonia, mentored by Takashi Ito, professor of chemistry; Kieran Boeger, junior in psychology and dance and the human experience,&nbsp;Gypsum, mentored by Kate Digby, associate professor of dance; Gabby Reid, senior in theatre,&nbsp;Hutchinson, mentored by Melissa Neville, senior professor of practice in theatre; Sydney Smith, senior in music education,&nbsp;Hiawatha, mentored by Steven Maxwell, professor of music; Alyssa Probst, senior in medical biochemistry,&nbsp;Lawrence, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry.

From&nbsp;Manhattan: Ayianna Bailey, junior in medical microbiology and medical laboratory science, mentored by Vanessa Ante, assistant professor of biology; Camille Carrier, senior in microbiology, mentored by Pankaj Baral, associate professor of biology; Michael Kohler, senior in studio arts, mentored by Jason Scuilla, professor of art; Andrea Miller, senior in biochemistry, mentored by David Meekins, instructor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Charis Mourn, sophomore in kinesiology and dance and the human experience, mentored by Julie Pentz, professor of dance; Joseph Pondillo, senior in political science and social transformation studies, mentored by Lisa Tatonetti, professor of English; Bernice Poulter, senior in theatre, mentored by Melissa Neville, senior professor of practice in theatre; Aspen Tallent, junior in music education, mentored by Ruth Gurgel, associate professor of music; Brinna Wellington, senior in history and anthropology, mentored by Lauren Ritterbush, professor of anthropology; and Jordan Willbrant, senior in psychology, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences. Bryttan Adams, senior in medical microbiology,&nbsp;

Newton, mentored by Sonny Lee, associate professor of biology; Chase Wassom, sophomore in instrumental music education,&nbsp;Olathe, mentored by Steven Maxwell, professor of music. From&nbsp;Overland Park: Alayna Baron, sophomore in mathematics and computer science, mentored by David Auckly, professor of mathematics; Payton Henderson, junior in biology and integrated health systems, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; Bre Ledbetter, junior in music education, mentored by Ruth Gurgel, associate professor of music; Cole Mueller, senior in computer engineering and classical studies, mentored by Allie Pohler, teaching assistant professor of modern languages; and William Wedman, sophomore in microbiology, mentored by Sonny Lee, associate professor of biology. Brett McLeland, junior in chemistry,

&nbsp;Pretty Prairie, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry; Mara Aberle, senior in English,&nbsp;Sabetha, mentored by Allie Pohler, teaching assistant professor of modern languages, and Wendy Matlock, professor of English.From&nbsp;

Salina: Maya Daily, senior in chemical science, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry; Ethan Summervill, junior in psychology, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences; Jacob Sweet, senior in social sciences, mentored by Allie Pohler, teaching assistant professor of modern languages; and Taz Zeigler, junior in medical microbiology, mentored by Vanessa Ante, assistant professor of biology.

&nbsp; Sydney Barge, sophomore in studio art,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Nancy Morrow, associate professor of art; Gloria Gibler, senior in biology, mentored by Alice Boyle, professor of biology, and Adrienne Pamatmat, senior in biology, mentored by Vanessa Ante, assistant professor of biology, both from&nbsp;Wichita; and Layne McAfee, senior in studio fine arts,&nbsp;Winchester, mentored by Kevin Bernstein and Nancy Morrow, associate professors of art.

From out of state: Belle Hall, senior in psychology,&nbsp;Monument, Colorado, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences; Nat McPherson, senior in social sciences and social transformation studies,&nbsp;Mount Prospect, Illinois, mentored by Mary Kohn, director of the Chapman Center for Rural Studies; Ashley Landau, senior in conservation biology,&nbsp;St. Charles, Illinois, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences; Ryann Patterson, senior in biology,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri, mentored by Loretta Johnson, professor of biology; Laura Armbruster, junior in visual communication design and Spanish,&nbsp;Wildwood, Missouri, mentored by Julie Pentz, professor of dance; and Darcy Thompson, senior in medical microbiology,&nbsp;Cypress, Texas, mentored by Sonny Lee, associate professor of biology.

From out of the country: Dakota Boyles, senior in history and political science,&nbsp;Niangua, American Samoa, mentored by Mary Kohn, director of the Chapman Center for Rural Studies; and Ishika Thakur, junior in chemical engineering,&nbsp;Bihar, India, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — Forty-four Kansas State University students in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/">College of Arts and Sciences</a>&nbsp;have received research awards for the spring 2025 semester. Award recipients conduct faculty-mentored research projects and receive $1,000 scholarships from the college.These paid research experiences help students deepen their expertise, connect academics to real life, and prepare for careers and graduate school. The awards are offered in fall, spring and summer with deadlines of May 1, Nov. 1 and March 1, respectively. Undergraduate students enrolled in any of the college’s nearly 50 majors and secondary majors are eligible to apply.The spring 2025 awardees' majors include chemistry, biology, psychology, social transformation studies, theatre and more, and they are studying such varied topics as cancer therapeutics, protein purification, personality disorders, food deserts, safe body movement and music event marketing. "Our college is committed to providing research opportunities for all Arts and Sciences students, and we offer this financial support to make such experiences more possible for them," said Chris Culbertson, dean of the college.The following students received College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Awards for spring 2025:Megan Bogard, sophomore in finance and dance and the human experience,&nbsp;Bel Aire, mentored by Julie Pentz, professor of dance; Cierra Bookless, senior in biology, mentored by Jocelyn McDonald, associate professor of biology, and Lidia Lopez Vazquez, senior in human health biology, mentored by Brad Olson, associate professor of biology, both from&nbsp;Dodge City; Allison Ricker, sophomore in fisheries, wildlife, conservation, and environmental biology,&nbsp;Ellinwood, mentored by Loretta Johnson, professor of biology; Erin Frenk, senior in the accelerated chemistry and Master of Business Administration program,&nbsp;Fredonia, mentored by Takashi Ito, professor of chemistry; Kieran Boeger, junior in psychology and dance and the human experience,&nbsp;Gypsum, mentored by Kate Digby, associate professor of dance; Gabby Reid, senior in theatre,&nbsp;Hutchinson, mentored by Melissa Neville, senior professor of practice in theatre; Sydney Smith, senior in music education,&nbsp;Hiawatha, mentored by Steven Maxwell, professor of music; Alyssa Probst, senior in medical biochemistry,&nbsp;Lawrence, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry.From&nbsp;Manhattan: Ayianna Bailey, junior in medical microbiology and medical laboratory science, mentored by Vanessa Ante, assistant professor of biology; Camille Carrier, senior in microbiology, mentored by Pankaj Baral, associate professor of biology; Michael Kohler, senior in studio arts, mentored by Jason Scuilla, professor of art; Andrea Miller, senior in biochemistry, mentored by David Meekins, instructor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics; Charis Mourn, sophomore in kinesiology and dance and the human experience, mentored by Julie Pentz, professor of dance; Joseph Pondillo, senior in political science and social transformation studies, mentored by Lisa Tatonetti, professor of English; Bernice Poulter, senior in theatre, mentored by Melissa Neville, senior professor of practice in theatre; Aspen Tallent, junior in music education, mentored by Ruth Gurgel, associate professor of music; Brinna Wellington, senior in history and anthropology, mentored by Lauren Ritterbush, professor of anthropology; and Jordan Willbrant, senior in psychology, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences. Bryttan Adams, senior in medical microbiology,&nbsp;Newton, mentored by Sonny Lee, associate professor of biology; Chase Wassom, sophomore in instrumental music education,&nbsp;Olathe, mentored by Steven Maxwell, professor of music. From&nbsp;Overland Park: Alayna Baron, sophomore in mathematics and computer science, mentored by David Auckly, professor of mathematics; Payton Henderson, junior in biology and integrated health systems, mentored by Katsura Asano, professor of biology; Bre Ledbetter, junior in music education, mentored by Ruth Gurgel, associate professor of music; Cole Mueller, senior in computer engineering and classical studies, mentored by Allie Pohler, teaching assistant professor of modern languages; and William Wedman, sophomore in microbiology, mentored by Sonny Lee, associate professor of biology. Brett McLeland, junior in chemistry,&nbsp;Pretty Prairie, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry; Mara Aberle, senior in English,&nbsp;Sabetha, mentored by Allie Pohler, teaching assistant professor of modern languages, and Wendy Matlock, professor of English.From&nbsp;Salina: Maya Daily, senior in chemical science, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry; Ethan Summervill, junior in psychology, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences; Jacob Sweet, senior in social sciences, mentored by Allie Pohler, teaching assistant professor of modern languages; and Taz Zeigler, junior in medical microbiology, mentored by Vanessa Ante, assistant professor of biology.&nbsp; Sydney Barge, sophomore in studio art,&nbsp;Shawnee, mentored by Nancy Morrow, associate professor of art; Gloria Gibler, senior in biology, mentored by Alice Boyle, professor of biology, and Adrienne Pamatmat, senior in biology, mentored by Vanessa Ante, assistant professor of biology, both from&nbsp;Wichita; and Layne McAfee, senior in studio fine arts,&nbsp;Winchester, mentored by Kevin Bernstein and Nancy Morrow, associate professors of art.From out of state: Belle Hall, senior in psychology,&nbsp;Monument, Colorado, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences; Nat McPherson, senior in social sciences and social transformation studies,&nbsp;Mount Prospect, Illinois, mentored by Mary Kohn, director of the Chapman Center for Rural Studies; Ashley Landau, senior in conservation biology,&nbsp;St. Charles, Illinois, mentored by Maria Diehl, assistant professor of psychological sciences; Ryann Patterson, senior in biology,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri, mentored by Loretta Johnson, professor of biology; Laura Armbruster, junior in visual communication design and Spanish,&nbsp;Wildwood, Missouri, mentored by Julie Pentz, professor of dance; and Darcy Thompson, senior in medical microbiology,&nbsp;Cypress, Texas, mentored by Sonny Lee, associate professor of biology.From out of the country: Dakota Boyles, senior in history and political science,&nbsp;Niangua, American Samoa, mentored by Mary Kohn, director of the Chapman Center for Rural Studies; and Ishika Thakur, junior in chemical engineering,&nbsp;Bihar, India, mentored by Patricia Calvo, assistant professor of chemistry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

College of Arts and Sciences students receive research awards

A proposed hotel and parking garage at 12th and Laramie near Aggieville took a step forward this week. This is a change from an earlier office building proposal that never occurred.

There was approval of an amendment for a 105 room hotel and parking garage on a vacant site.&nbsp; industrial revenue bonds can also be issued to gain a sales tax exemption on construction materials.

There was public input during the city commission meeting.

Expressing support was Dennis Cook with the Aggieville Business Association. "What we want in Aggieville. This brings a lot of people in. There people are shopping, dining, they're going to utilize Aggieville a lot more than anything we could possibly put down there."

Others expressing support included Mark Bachamp, Gavin Schmidt and Jason Smith with the Chamber of Commerce.

There was strong opposition. Amber Starling noted that this is a tale of two smooth talkers and a commission that has subsidized them. She argued that the developer has repeatedly over promised and under delivered. "They constantly change the plans, the renderings and the story.

Gywn Riffel said the developer on this hotel project is not experienced in commercial real estate development, Midtown failed to fulfill its responsibilities in an initial 2022 project and proposed 2023 first amendment. He asked the city to pause the process.

Commissioner Susan Adamchak then questioned Riffel on a separate topic about an empty lot he owns at Bluemont and 12th Street. Riffel stated that he is working on a project. Adamhak noted the proposed hotel developer on the 12th and Laramie project had brought something forward and asked where Riffel had been the last six months. That was followed by statements from a member of the public Katie Smith. She told Adamchak that the commissioner's comments were "incredibly uncalled for," which was followed by applause in the meeting. To the commission Smith said if they voted yes they're telling the developer "this city is easy to bully."

Adamchak noted that she thought people had been complaining of an empty lot for a year or two, and called for approval of the project. The hotel would bring in property and sales tax revenue and if the developer missed deadlines that were set they would be responsible for $2.3 million dollars.

The commission approved two motions, one for a development agreement with Midtown Land Company for Midtown Phase I site at 12th and Laramie, and the other for a resolution issuing $20 million to realize a sales tax exemption on construction materials.rs.

A proposed hotel and parking garage at 12th and Laramie near Aggieville took a step forward this week. This is a change from an earlier office building proposal that never occurred.There was approval of an amendment for a 105 room hotel and parking garage on a vacant site.&nbsp; industrial revenue bonds can also be issued to gain a sales tax exemption on construction materials.There was public input during the city commission meeting.Expressing support was Dennis Cook with the Aggieville Business Association. "What we want in Aggieville. This brings a lot of people in. There people are shopping, dining, they're going to utilize Aggieville a lot more than anything we could possibly put down there."Others expressing support included Mark Bachamp, Gavin Schmidt and Jason Smith with the Chamber of Commerce.There was strong opposition. Amber Starling noted that this is a tale of two smooth talkers and a commission that has subsidized them. She argued that the developer has repeatedly over promised and under delivered. "They constantly change the plans, the renderings and the story.Gywn Riffel said the developer on this hotel project is not experienced in commercial real estate development, Midtown failed to fulfill its responsibilities in an initial 2022 project and proposed 2023 first amendment. He asked the city to pause the process.Commissioner Susan Adamchak then questioned Riffel on a separate topic about an empty lot he owns at Bluemont and 12th Street. Riffel stated that he is working on a project. Adamhak noted the proposed hotel developer on the 12th and Laramie project had brought something forward and asked where Riffel had been the last six months. That was followed by statements from a member of the public Katie Smith. She told Adamchak that the commissioner's comments were "incredibly uncalled for," which was followed by applause in the meeting. To the commission Smith said if they voted yes they're telling the developer "this city is easy to bully."Adamchak noted that she thought people had been complaining of an empty lot for a year or two, and called for approval of the project. The hotel would bring in property and sales tax revenue and if the developer missed deadlines that were set they would be responsible for $2.3 million dollars.The commission approved two motions, one for a development agreement with Midtown Land Company for Midtown Phase I site at 12th and Laramie, and the other for a resolution issuing $20 million to realize a sales tax exemption on construction materials.rs.

Proposed development gets city okay

Fort Riley had a direct economic impact of more than two billion dollars in 2024. Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato provided the numbers for the Post during a Military Affairs Council Breakfast in Junction City.

The total economic impact was calculated at $2,047, 159, 088. Using a multiplier the impact totaled ,503, 79, 994. Payroll equaled $1,312, 233, 352, education $2, 053,31 and veteran expenditures $346,099,761. There were 4,758 Fort Riley affiliated families living in the surrounding communities. breaking that number down 1,375 lived in Geary County and 931 in Riley County.

There were 13,500 troops assigned to the installation. Right now much&nbsp; of the 1st Infantry Division is participating in a National Training Center rotation. The total Fort Riley connected population was figured at 59, 389.

The team effort with area communities was stressed.

Other notes included the mention that the Society of the 1st Division reunion this year will be in Oak Brook, Illinois. 

The Quilt of Valor program needs quilter volunteers. Contact Donna Martinson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737729764328.jpeg" alt="Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillFort Riley had a direct economic impact of more than two billion dollars in 2024. Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato provided the numbers for the Post during a Military Affairs Council Breakfast in Junction City.The total economic impact was calculated at $2,047, 159, 088. Using a multiplier the impact totaled ,503, 79, 994. Payroll equaled $1,312, 233, 352, education $2, 053,31 and veteran expenditures $346,099,761. There were 4,758 Fort Riley affiliated families living in the surrounding communities. breaking that number down 1,375 lived in Geary County and 931 in Riley County.There were 13,500 troops assigned to the installation. Right now much&nbsp; of the 1st Infantry Division is participating in a National Training Center rotation. The total Fort Riley connected population was figured at 59, 389.The team effort with area communities was stressed.Other notes included the mention that the Society of the 1st Division reunion this year will be in Oak Brook, Illinois. The Quilt of Valor program needs quilter volunteers. Contact Donna Martinson.Other&nbsp;

Fort Riley makes a major economic impact

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.

You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.

A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.

The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.

The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.

The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.

“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”

There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.

“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.

The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.

“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.

The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.

“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.

Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.

“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”

Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.

“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”

Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.

“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565489017.png" alt="A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A HyVee grocery store in Columbia, Missouri, is sharing information with shoppers about the impacts of recent bird flu cases on the egg supply. Egg prices across the country have soared in recent weeks because of losses caused by the virus. Photo by&nbsp; Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> Harvest Public Media<h2>Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.</h2>You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.A dozen large, Grade A eggs cost an average of $4.15 in the U.S. last month – a nearly 37% increase from the year before – according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf" target="_blank">data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>. That’s a much larger jump than the 2.5% increase of overall food prices.The last time that average price was above $4 was&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">two years ago</a>, when the cost for a dozen eggs spiked to a record $4.82.The egg industry has been impacted by a surge of bird flu cases in recent weeks. More than 13 million egg-laying hens died in December due to the virus – the most of any month last year –&nbsp;<a href="https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/g445cd121/6395z2696/sj13bz31x/LDP-M-367.pdf" target="_blank">according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>. And another 3.3 million died in early January.The losses are a big factor in higher egg prices, said Jada Thompson, a poultry economist at the University of Arkansas who researches how diseases impact markets.“One of the hard parts is there's this regional concentration of production,” Thompson said. “And so when a disease is going through and hitting farms in that area, it's gonna affect multiple farms, and that's gonna affect the supply of eggs – and that supply then will affect our prices.”There are also other factors that impact prices, such as the typical uptick in demand for eggs during the holiday season and costs for inputs like feed and labor, Thompson said.“All of those things are going to be coupled together, and then you add this very strong reduction of egg supply, and it's going to drive prices up and down,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1737565779992.png" alt="&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a>" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Chart:&nbsp;Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public MediaSource:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://data.bls.gov/dataViewer/view/timeseries/APU0200708111;jsessionid=885E1E8D976CC87DAEF37097559DF675">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>Created with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.datawrapper.de/_/cI5I6" target="_blank">Datawrapper</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Highly pathogenic avian influenza has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/data-map-commercial.html" target="_blank">more than 130 million birds</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. since it first emerged in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.Bird flu appeared in dairy cattle for the first time last year, and has infected&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/mammals.html" target="_blank">more than 900 cows</a>&nbsp;since last spring. More than 60 humans have also contracted the virus, mostly from working directly with sick animals on poultry or dairy farms. Most of the symptoms have been mild, and the health risk for humans is currently low,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html" target="_blank">according to the CDC</a>.The virus is spreading to flocks as migratory birds fly south for the winter, said Yuko Sato, a poultry extension veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. But the new strain in cows makes the situation different from previous years.“Instead of just migratory birds being a potential source of the infection, now we also have to worry about potential interactions with infected dairy herds that could potentially transmit the virus to domestic poultry,” she said.The virus has an extremely high fatality rate in birds, Sato said. Many birds die within a day or two — so when bird flu is confirmed on a farm, it affects the entire flock.“Essentially, all of the birds that's on that site will be depopulated, meaning they'll all be put down, in order to control the virus and to make sure it's contained in one area to not spread to other premises,” Sato said.Outbreaks are particularly hitting the middle of the U.S. hard, because there are a lot of large egg producers, Thompson said. Iowa, Ohio and Indiana produce the highest volume of eggs in the country,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Poultry/eggmap.php" target="_blank">according to the USDA</a>.“The disease specifically has stuck around in the Midwest,” Thompson said. “And part of that is a bit of climate, a bit where wild bird migratory patterns have gone through. And so they've been disproportionately affected.”Producers will be hatching more chicks to make up for the losses, Thompson said. But it’s difficult to know for sure how bad the disease will be, and it’s expensive to keep too many birds.“Everybody's trying to find the best solution to mitigate disease impacts and maintain profitability,” Thompson said. “Because if egg prices are high, we don't buy as many eggs ... they still need to sell their egg, so this is an issue for both producers and consumers.”Thompson expects egg prices will fall again as there are fewer bird flu cases and the egg supply recovers. But more outbreaks of the virus could push prices back up.“We'll have to keep an eye on how many outbreaks there are and where those are happening,” she said.This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.&nbsp;

Egg prices soaring again; here’s why, what to expect

Kansas State Department of Education

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) on Thursday issued a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security directive issued Tuesday, Jan. 21, to rescind previously issued guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that limit law enforcement in or near “sensitive” areas, which include schools and churches.&nbsp;

The Kansas State Department of Education is aware of concerns raised because of the recent announcement that certain policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have changed.&nbsp;Specifically, the federal government revoked the directive issued in 2021 that limited conducting immigration enforcement actions in or near protected areas such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, except in specific limited circumstances.&nbsp;Tuesday’s action did not change the law, nor did it increase the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s authority.&nbsp;To that end, we remind school personnel that their ultimate responsibility is the education and protection of all students.&nbsp;All students have a constitutionally protected right to receive an education.&nbsp;Schools are advised to continue to follow the law and abide by their board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds. KSDE wishes to assure school personnel, parents, and the students of Kansas that we will not share any student data without a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order.

At this time, we believe the best thing schools can provide to their respective communities is an assurance that they will continue to comply with all state and federal laws protecting student information and student safety.&nbsp;We also suggest schools update emergency contact information for all families.

Kansas State Department of EducationTOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) on Thursday issued a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security directive issued Tuesday, Jan. 21, to rescind previously issued guidelines for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that limit law enforcement in or near “sensitive” areas, which include schools and churches.&nbsp;The Kansas State Department of Education is aware of concerns raised because of the recent announcement that certain policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have changed.&nbsp;Specifically, the federal government revoked the directive issued in 2021 that limited conducting immigration enforcement actions in or near protected areas such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship, except in specific limited circumstances.&nbsp;Tuesday’s action did not change the law, nor did it increase the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s authority.&nbsp;To that end, we remind school personnel that their ultimate responsibility is the education and protection of all students.&nbsp;All students have a constitutionally protected right to receive an education.&nbsp;Schools are advised to continue to follow the law and abide by their board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds. KSDE wishes to assure school personnel, parents, and the students of Kansas that we will not share any student data without a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order.At this time, we believe the best thing schools can provide to their respective communities is an assurance that they will continue to comply with all state and federal laws protecting student information and student safety.&nbsp;We also suggest schools update emergency contact information for all families.KSDE recommendations:<ul>
 <li>Schools should ensure emergency contact information is updated for all families.</li><li>Ensure all school personnel follow the district’s board-approved policies regarding investigations and/or arrests on school grounds.</li><li>Schools should issue a reminder that no student information can be shared without parental consent or a warrant, subpoena, or other lawfully issued court order.</li>
 </ul>

Kansas Dept. of Education statement on immigration raids

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (KS), Jerry Moran (KS), James Lankford (OK), and Markwayne Mullin (OK) introduced legislation to delist the Lesser Prairie Chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. First District Representative Tracey Mann introduced the House companion legislation.&nbsp;

“In listing the lesser prairie-chicken, the Biden Administration prioritized the interests of radical environmentalists over rural America. Kansas and surrounding states have contributed millions of public and private dollars to conservation efforts that are committed to preserving the lesser prairie-chicken,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;

“This work resulted in increasing the population of the bird well before the unnecessary and heavy-handed decision to list it. Fortunately, with this bill, we can undo the burdensome government micromanagement of agriculture and industry in western Kansas and celebrate the voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts.”

“Listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species is disruptive to Kansas farmers and ranchers and harmful to rural communities,”&nbsp;said Moran. 

“We need more rain, not regulations, to protect the future of this bird. I will continue to work with local communities to bolster voluntary solutions to protect the habitat of the lesser prairie chicken without placing unnecessary burdens on landowners in Kansas.”

“America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are the original conservationists of the land,”&nbsp;said Mann.

"For more than a decade, farmers, ranchers, private landowners, agricultural and energy producers have enacted voluntary conservation efforts to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken’s population. Despite these efforts increasing the population by more than 15,000, President Biden’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ignored the facts and decided that the federal government is better equipped to manage these populations than local citizens. 

"This bill is the first step in rolling back burdensome regulations from the previous administration that handcuffed Americans. I look forward to working with President Trump and the DOGE Caucus to roll back these senseless regulations and to get our country back on track," Mann said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681936081724.jpeg" alt="Lesser prairie chickens in northwest Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Lesser prairie chickens in northwest Kansas. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Office of Sen. MarshallWashington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (KS), Jerry Moran (KS), James Lankford (OK), and Markwayne Mullin (OK) introduced legislation to delist the Lesser Prairie Chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. First District Representative Tracey Mann introduced the House companion legislation.&nbsp;“In listing the lesser prairie-chicken, the Biden Administration prioritized the interests of radical environmentalists over rural America. Kansas and surrounding states have contributed millions of public and private dollars to conservation efforts that are committed to preserving the lesser prairie-chicken,”&nbsp;said Marshall.&nbsp;“This work resulted in increasing the population of the bird well before the unnecessary and heavy-handed decision to list it. Fortunately, with this bill, we can undo the burdensome government micromanagement of agriculture and industry in western Kansas and celebrate the voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts.”“Listing the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened or endangered species is disruptive to Kansas farmers and ranchers and harmful to rural communities,”&nbsp;said Moran. “We need more rain, not regulations, to protect the future of this bird. I will continue to work with local communities to bolster voluntary solutions to protect the habitat of the lesser prairie chicken without placing unnecessary burdens on landowners in Kansas.”“America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are the original conservationists of the land,”&nbsp;said Mann."For more than a decade, farmers, ranchers, private landowners, agricultural and energy producers have enacted voluntary conservation efforts to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken’s population. Despite these efforts increasing the population by more than 15,000, President Biden’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ignored the facts and decided that the federal government is better equipped to manage these populations than local citizens. "This bill is the first step in rolling back burdensome regulations from the previous administration that handcuffed Americans. I look forward to working with President Trump and the DOGE Caucus to roll back these senseless regulations and to get our country back on track," Mann said.Background:&nbsp;In 2023, Senators Marshall, Moran, Lankford, and Mullin&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-lankford-mullin-lead-the-charge-to-strike-down-biden-lesser-prairie-chicken-listing/">led</a>&nbsp;the charge to strike down the Biden Administration’s listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) as part of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The measure passed both the Senate and the House before then-President Biden&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-marshall-releases-statement-on-bidens-veto-of-the-lesser-prairie-chicken-cra/">vetoed</a>&nbsp;the resolution. This bill will de-list the LPC as endangered or threatened under the ESA and prohibit future re-listing efforts.