Kansas lawmakers are set to receive a substantial pay raise next year. Some say that's key to recruiting more young and working class people to run for office.

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/daniel-caudill">Daniel Caudill</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://ksnewsservice.org/" target="_blank">ksnewsservice</a>

At just 35 years old, Democratic Rep. Rui Xu is in his sixth session as a Kansas lawmaker. While it’s a role he’s happy to serve in, it does come with costs.

For example, instead of staying in Topeka during the session like many lawmakers, he drives two hours each day to and from his district in Johnson County. It’s so he can be home with his wife and a young daughter.

“I love this job. I think I’m pretty good at it,” Xu said, “but I don’t love it to the extent that it’s worth missing five-sevenths of my daughter’s life.”

Extra travel and time away from family are just a couple of the challenges that come with being a Kansas lawmaker, and they’re some of the motives behind a recent push to give legislators a substantial pay raise.

Currently, rank-and-file Kansas legislators make about $30,000 per year. That includes both a salary and a per diem, which covers daily expenses. Starting next year, that will nearly double to $58,000 – at the suggestion of an independent commission on lawmaker pay.

Legislators created the panel to study their pay and make a recommendation, partly to make it look less like they were giving themselves a raise.

Proponents of the raise, like Republican Rep. Tory Marie Blew, said the current pay often prevents average, working-aged people from running for the Legislature, especially younger people and those with a more modest income.

“Paying somebody not even $100 a day, you’re not going to have a true citizen legislature because only those independently wealthy can do it,” Blew said.

Blew is another one of the youngest members of the Kansas House. Now in her seventh year as a lawmaker, she was elected at just 23 years old.

To help make ends meet, she works another 20-hour job from Friday to Sunday back home in Great Bend. She said some other lawmakers work remote jobs during the session.

“It’s not uncommon to leave the capitol at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and see that there’s people in their offices working up here still,” Blew said.

Blew is expecting her first child soon and has a vested interest in making the job more attractive to people her age.

She’s also spearheading an effort to develop a child care center at the Statehouse, not just for lawmakers but also state employees.

Blew said people at different stages of their lives can bring different perspectives.

“I want to make sure that we do have younger folks who are up here and bringing in that knowledge,” Blew said.

But not all lawmakers support the raise. Some argue being in the Legislature should be more about a passion for service than the money.

Republican Senator Rob Olson tried on the Senate floor to convince his colleagues to reject the raise entirely. He later pushed a much smaller pay increase as an alternative.

“This is not a place where you should get rich,” Olson said. “What you’ll have is senators and House members that will be here for a long period of time.”

The salary currently rests just below&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/KS/INC910222#INC910222" target="_blank">the median income in Kansas</a>&nbsp;but will be securely above it after the raise. It will also be about $15,000 higher than the average state lawmaker’s compensation in the United States.

But raising lawmaker pay doesn’t always have the intended result.

Nicholas Carnes is a political scientist at Duke University who specializes in public policy. He co-authored a 2016 study that found higher pay doesn’t necessarily translate to more economic diversity in state legislatures.

Carnes said there are often bigger barriers to winning a seat. That could be a lack of time or knowledge, or simply raising the money it takes to run a campaign.

“If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, you can’t reduce your hours at work to run a campaign and still make ends meet,” he said.

But Carnes still believes improving legislator pay is worthwhile. He said research shows better pay can have other benefits, like encouraging lawmakers to put in more effort and take the job more seriously.

“You don’t want to cheap out on the people who make choices that affect you and everyone around you in your state,” he said.

Daniel Caudill reports on the Kansas Statehouse and government for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at dcaudill@ku.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711725325142.png" alt="Democratic Rep. Rui Xu and his family hold a goat at a Kansas City Chiefs event prior to the Super Bowl. Left to right: Xu, daughter Astra and wife Kearsha." />
 <figcaption>Democratic Rep. Rui Xu and his family hold a goat at a Kansas City Chiefs event prior to the Super Bowl. Left to right: Xu, daughter Astra and wife Kearsha.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas lawmakers are set to receive a substantial pay raise next year. Some say that's key to recruiting more young and working class people to run for office.</h2>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansaspublicradio.org/people/daniel-caudill">Daniel Caudill</a>&nbsp;<a href="http://ksnewsservice.org/" target="_blank">ksnewsservice</a>At just 35 years old, Democratic Rep. Rui Xu is in his sixth session as a Kansas lawmaker. While it’s a role he’s happy to serve in, it does come with costs.For example, instead of staying in Topeka during the session like many lawmakers, he drives two hours each day to and from his district in Johnson County. It’s so he can be home with his wife and a young daughter.“I love this job. I think I’m pretty good at it,” Xu said, “but I don’t love it to the extent that it’s worth missing five-sevenths of my daughter’s life.”Extra travel and time away from family are just a couple of the challenges that come with being a Kansas lawmaker, and they’re some of the motives behind a recent push to give legislators a substantial pay raise.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711725265363.png" alt="Rep. Rui Xu-photo Kansas Legislature" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Rui Xu-photo Kansas Legislature</figcaption>
 </figure>Currently, rank-and-file Kansas legislators make about $30,000 per year. That includes both a salary and a per diem, which covers daily expenses. Starting next year, that will nearly double to $58,000 – at the suggestion of an independent commission on lawmaker pay.Legislators created the panel to study their pay and make a recommendation, partly to make it look less like they were giving themselves a raise.Proponents of the raise, like Republican Rep. Tory Marie Blew, said the current pay often prevents average, working-aged people from running for the Legislature, especially younger people and those with a more modest income.“Paying somebody not even $100 a day, you’re not going to have a true citizen legislature because only those independently wealthy can do it,” Blew said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711725198885.png" alt="Rep. Tory Marie Blew-photo Kansas Legislature" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Tory Marie Blew-photo Kansas Legislature</figcaption>
 </figure>Blew is another one of the youngest members of the Kansas House. Now in her seventh year as a lawmaker, she was elected at just 23 years old.To help make ends meet, she works another 20-hour job from Friday to Sunday back home in Great Bend. She said some other lawmakers work remote jobs during the session.“It’s not uncommon to leave the capitol at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and see that there’s people in their offices working up here still,” Blew said.Blew is expecting her first child soon and has a vested interest in making the job more attractive to people her age.She’s also spearheading an effort to develop a child care center at the Statehouse, not just for lawmakers but also state employees.Blew said people at different stages of their lives can bring different perspectives.“I want to make sure that we do have younger folks who are up here and bringing in that knowledge,” Blew said.But not all lawmakers support the raise. Some argue being in the Legislature should be more about a passion for service than the money.Republican Senator Rob Olson tried on the Senate floor to convince his colleagues to reject the raise entirely. He later pushed a much smaller pay increase as an alternative.“This is not a place where you should get rich,” Olson said. “What you’ll have is senators and House members that will be here for a long period of time.”The salary currently rests just below&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/KS/INC910222#INC910222" target="_blank">the median income in Kansas</a>&nbsp;but will be securely above it after the raise. It will also be about $15,000 higher than the average state lawmaker’s compensation in the United States.But raising lawmaker pay doesn’t always have the intended result.Nicholas Carnes is a political scientist at Duke University who specializes in public policy. He co-authored a 2016 study that found higher pay doesn’t necessarily translate to more economic diversity in state legislatures.Carnes said there are often bigger barriers to winning a seat. That could be a lack of time or knowledge, or simply raising the money it takes to run a campaign.“If you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, you can’t reduce your hours at work to run a campaign and still make ends meet,” he said.But Carnes still believes improving legislator pay is worthwhile. He said research shows better pay can have other benefits, like encouraging lawmakers to put in more effort and take the job more seriously.“You don’t want to cheap out on the people who make choices that affect you and everyone around you in your state,” he said.Daniel Caudill reports on the Kansas Statehouse and government for Kansas Public Radio and the Kansas News Service. You can email him at dcaudill@ku.edu.

Want more young Kansans to run for office? A coming pay raise might help

GEARY COUNTY —Police in Junction City reported their ongoing investigations into fentanyl distribution have led to significant breakthroughs, according to a media release.

 JCPD Officers and Detectives have seized more than 2,300 fentanyl-laced pills, known as "Dirty 30s," along with 3 kilograms of pure fentanyl. This seizure has removed the equivalent of approximately 1.5 million potential lethal doses of fentanyl from the streets, considering both the pills and the pure fentanyl seized. 

Police said multiple arrests have been made. They are reminding the public about the dangers of synthetic opioids, echoing the message of the DEA's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/onepillcankill?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXvTsYqLSYre7DtDnPah5jcGStrgUeB9wsg0PCyosFaFBEphle4mIHm32SIkeyC1CzpDXC8Un7l353ZYHmiKtBpWlbSGSW4MS1qnq5R_bQv6EhfNmqWWDeysEohdKxNnsMVMmITXqBLMSM8owuqkN3otmoFletqXdXoFKOHzFXl6ZpKMHfXnpe8cv4_7xgWpwU&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#OnePillCanKill</a> campaign. This campaign highlights the alarming rise in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, a substance up to 50 times more potent than heroin. Just a tiny amount can be deadly.

The DEA warned that counterfeit pills, often made to look like prescription medications, are flooding communities. These pills are easily accessible and pose a significant risk, especially to young people who might be unaware of their lethal potential. Only consume medication that you receive from your doctor or pharmacy.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711889635481.png" alt="Photo Junction City Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Junction City Police</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Police in Junction City reported their ongoing investigations into fentanyl distribution have led to significant breakthroughs, according to a media release. JCPD Officers and Detectives have seized more than 2,300 fentanyl-laced pills, known as "Dirty 30s," along with 3 kilograms of pure fentanyl. This seizure has removed the equivalent of approximately 1.5 million potential lethal doses of fentanyl from the streets, considering both the pills and the pure fentanyl seized. Police said multiple arrests have been made. They are reminding the public about the dangers of synthetic opioids, echoing the message of the DEA's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/onepillcankill?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZXvTsYqLSYre7DtDnPah5jcGStrgUeB9wsg0PCyosFaFBEphle4mIHm32SIkeyC1CzpDXC8Un7l353ZYHmiKtBpWlbSGSW4MS1qnq5R_bQv6EhfNmqWWDeysEohdKxNnsMVMmITXqBLMSM8owuqkN3otmoFletqXdXoFKOHzFXl6ZpKMHfXnpe8cv4_7xgWpwU&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#OnePillCanKill</a> campaign. This campaign highlights the alarming rise in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, a substance up to 50 times more potent than heroin. Just a tiny amount can be deadly. The DEA warned that counterfeit pills, often made to look like prescription medications, are flooding communities. These pills are easily accessible and pose a significant risk, especially to young people who might be unaware of their lethal potential. Only consume medication that you receive from your doctor or pharmacy.&nbsp;

Police seize 2,300 fentanyl laced pills in Junction City

WASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service has kicked off the annual Dirty Dozen list with a warning for taxpayers to be aware of evolving phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive taxpayer information.&nbsp;

With taxpayers continuing to be bombarded by email and text scams, the IRS and the Security Summit partners warned individuals and businesses to remain vigilant against these attacks. Fraudsters and identity thieves attempt to trick the recipient into clicking a suspicious link, filling out personal and financial information or downloading a malware file onto their computer.&nbsp;

"Scammers are relentless in their attempts to obtain sensitive financial and personal information, and impersonating the IRS remains a favorite tactic,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “People can be anxious to get the latest information about their refund or other tax issues, so scammers frequently try using the IRS as a way to trick people. The IRS urges people to be extra cautious about unsolicited messages and avoid clicking any links in an unsolicited email or text if they are uncertain.”&nbsp;

Started in 2002, the IRS' annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">Dirty Dozen campaign</a>&nbsp;lists 12 scams and schemes that put taxpayers, businesses and the tax professional community at risk of losing money, personal information, data and more. While the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes.&nbsp;

As a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit" target="_blank">Security Summit</a>, the IRS has worked with state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry for nine years to cooperatively implement a variety of internal security measures to protect taxpayers. The collaborative effort by the Summit partners also has focused on educating taxpayers about scams and fraudulent schemes throughout the year, which can lead to tax-related identity theft. Through initiatives like the Dirty Dozen and the Security Summit program, the IRS strives to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from cyber criminals and deceptive activities that seek to extract information and money.&nbsp;

Phish or smish: Don’t take the bait&nbsp;

The IRS continues to see a barrage of email and text scams targeting taxpayers and others. These schemes frequently peak during tax season but they continue throughout the year. Taxpayers face a wide variety of these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scamsconsumer-alerts" target="_blank">scams and schemes</a>. And tax professionals, payroll providers and human resource departments remain favorite targets of email and text scams since they have sensitive personal and financial information. One common example remains the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-security-summit-partners-warn-of-surge-in-new-client-scams-aimed-at-tax-pros-as-2024-filing-season-approaches" target="_blank">“new client” scam</a>&nbsp;that can target tax pros and others.&nbsp;

That means taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and state tax agencies. These messages arrive in the form of unsolicited texts or emails to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft. There are two main types:&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phishing:&nbsp;An email sent by fraudsters claiming to come from the IRS. The email lures the victims into the scam with a variety of ruses such as enticing victims with a phony tax refund or threatening them with false legal or criminal charges for tax fraud.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smishing:&nbsp;A text or smartphone SMS message where scammers often use alarming language such as, "Your account has now been put on hold," or "Unusual Activity Report," with a bogus "Solutions" link to restore the recipient's account. Unexpected tax refunds are another potential lure for scam artists.&nbsp;

Never click on any unsolicited communication claiming to be the IRS as it may surreptitiously load malware. It may also be a way for malicious hackers to load ransomware that keeps the legitimate user from accessing their system and files.&nbsp;

In some cases, phishing emails may appear to come from a legitimate sender or organization that has had their email account credentials stolen. Setting up two-factor or multi-factor authentication with their email provider can reduce the risk of individuals having their email account compromised.&nbsp;

Posing as a trusted organization, friend or family member remains a common way to target individuals and tax preparers for various scams. Individuals should verify the identity of the sender by using another communication method, for instance, calling a number they independently know to be accurate, not the number provided in the email or text.&nbsp;

The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail and will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.&nbsp;

Individuals should never respond to tax-related phishing or smishing or click on the URL link. Instead, report all unsolicited email - including the full email headers - claiming to be from the IRS or an IRS-related function to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. If someone experienced any monetary losses due to an IRS-related scam incident, they should report it to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/" target="_blank">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ic3.gov/" target="_blank">Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)</a>.&nbsp;

If a taxpayer receives an&nbsp;email&nbsp;claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance or lottery.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't reply.&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect the computer or mobile phone.&nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't click on any links. If a taxpayer inadvertently clicked on links in a suspicious email or website and entered confidential information, visit the IRS’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central" target="_blank">identity protection</a>&nbsp;page.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Send the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/how-to-forward-the-header-of-a-phishing-email" target="_blank">full email headers</a>&nbsp;or forward the email as-is to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. Don't forward screenshots or scanned images of emails because this removes valuable information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Delete the original email.&nbsp;

If a taxpayer receives a&nbsp;text&nbsp;claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance or lottery.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't reply.&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect the computer or mobile phone.&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't click on any links. If a taxpayer clicked on links in a suspicious SMS and entered confidential information, they should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central" target="_blank">Identity Theft Central</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Report the message to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages" target="_blank">7726</a>&nbsp;(SPAM).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Include both the Caller ID and the message body in an email and send to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. Copy the Caller ID from the message by pressing and holding on the body of the text message, then select Copy, paste into the email. If the taxpayer is unable to copy the Caller ID or message body, forward a screenshot of the message.&nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Delete the original text.&nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;For more information see the IRS video on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAKqrUNf-0" target="_blank">fake IRS-related text messages</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing" target="_blank">Report Phishing and Online Scams&nbsp;</a>page&nbsp;at IRS.gov provides complete details. The Federal Communications Commission's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security" target="_blank">Smartphone Security Checker</a>&nbsp;is a useful tool against mobile security threats.&nbsp;

As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort regarding tax schemes and unscrupulous tax return preparers, the IRS urges individuals to report those who promote abusive tax practices and tax preparers who intentionally file incorrect returns.&nbsp;

To report a tax scheme or a dishonest tax return preparer individuals should send a completed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14242.pdf" target="_blank">Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers</a>,&nbsp;(along with any supporting materials) via mail or fax to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.&nbsp;

Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center&nbsp; Stop MS5040&nbsp; 24000 Avila Road&nbsp; Laguna Niguel, California 92677 3405&nbsp;

Taxpayers and tax professionals can also submit this information to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/compliance/whistleblower-office" target="_blank">IRS Whistleblower Office</a>, where they may be eligible for a reward. For details, refer to the sections on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/abusive-tax-schemes-and-abusive-tax-return-preparers-irs-lead-development-center" target="_blank">Abusive Tax Schemes and Abusive Tax Return Preparers</a>.&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing" target="_blank">Reporting Phishing and Online Scams</a>&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAKqrUNf-0" target="_blank">Here's How to Avoid IRS Text Message Scams</a>&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central" target="_blank">Identity Theft Central</a>&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security" target="_blank">Smartphone Security Checker</a>&nbsp;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission:&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages" target="_blank">How to recognize and report spam text messages</a>&nbsp;

IRSWASHINGTON —The Internal Revenue Service has kicked off the annual Dirty Dozen list with a warning for taxpayers to be aware of evolving phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive taxpayer information.&nbsp;With taxpayers continuing to be bombarded by email and text scams, the IRS and the Security Summit partners warned individuals and businesses to remain vigilant against these attacks. Fraudsters and identity thieves attempt to trick the recipient into clicking a suspicious link, filling out personal and financial information or downloading a malware file onto their computer.&nbsp;"Scammers are relentless in their attempts to obtain sensitive financial and personal information, and impersonating the IRS remains a favorite tactic,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “People can be anxious to get the latest information about their refund or other tax issues, so scammers frequently try using the IRS as a way to trick people. The IRS urges people to be extra cautious about unsolicited messages and avoid clicking any links in an unsolicited email or text if they are uncertain.”&nbsp;Started in 2002, the IRS' annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">Dirty Dozen campaign</a>&nbsp;lists 12 scams and schemes that put taxpayers, businesses and the tax professional community at risk of losing money, personal information, data and more. While the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes.&nbsp;As a member of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit" target="_blank">Security Summit</a>, the IRS has worked with state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry for nine years to cooperatively implement a variety of internal security measures to protect taxpayers. The collaborative effort by the Summit partners also has focused on educating taxpayers about scams and fraudulent schemes throughout the year, which can lead to tax-related identity theft. Through initiatives like the Dirty Dozen and the Security Summit program, the IRS strives to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from cyber criminals and deceptive activities that seek to extract information and money.&nbsp;<h2>Phish or smish: Don’t take the bait&nbsp;</h2>The IRS continues to see a barrage of email and text scams targeting taxpayers and others. These schemes frequently peak during tax season but they continue throughout the year. Taxpayers face a wide variety of these&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scamsconsumer-alerts" target="_blank">scams and schemes</a>. And tax professionals, payroll providers and human resource departments remain favorite targets of email and text scams since they have sensitive personal and financial information. One common example remains the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-security-summit-partners-warn-of-surge-in-new-client-scams-aimed-at-tax-pros-as-2024-filing-season-approaches" target="_blank">“new client” scam</a>&nbsp;that can target tax pros and others.&nbsp;That means taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and state tax agencies. These messages arrive in the form of unsolicited texts or emails to lure unsuspecting victims to provide valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft. There are two main types:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Phishing:&nbsp;An email sent by fraudsters claiming to come from the IRS. The email lures the victims into the scam with a variety of ruses such as enticing victims with a phony tax refund or threatening them with false legal or criminal charges for tax fraud.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Smishing:&nbsp;A text or smartphone SMS message where scammers often use alarming language such as, "Your account has now been put on hold," or "Unusual Activity Report," with a bogus "Solutions" link to restore the recipient's account. Unexpected tax refunds are another potential lure for scam artists.&nbsp;Never click on any unsolicited communication claiming to be the IRS as it may surreptitiously load malware. It may also be a way for malicious hackers to load ransomware that keeps the legitimate user from accessing their system and files.&nbsp;In some cases, phishing emails may appear to come from a legitimate sender or organization that has had their email account credentials stolen. Setting up two-factor or multi-factor authentication with their email provider can reduce the risk of individuals having their email account compromised.&nbsp;Posing as a trusted organization, friend or family member remains a common way to target individuals and tax preparers for various scams. Individuals should verify the identity of the sender by using another communication method, for instance, calling a number they independently know to be accurate, not the number provided in the email or text.&nbsp;The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail and will never initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text or social media regarding a bill or tax refund.&nbsp;<h2>What to do&nbsp;</h2>Individuals should never respond to tax-related phishing or smishing or click on the URL link. Instead, report all unsolicited email - including the full email headers - claiming to be from the IRS or an IRS-related function to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. If someone experienced any monetary losses due to an IRS-related scam incident, they should report it to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/" target="_blank">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" target="_blank">Federal Trade Commission</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ic3.gov/" target="_blank">Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)</a>.&nbsp;If a taxpayer receives an&nbsp;email&nbsp;claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance or lottery.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't reply.&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect the computer or mobile phone.&nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't click on any links. If a taxpayer inadvertently clicked on links in a suspicious email or website and entered confidential information, visit the IRS’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central" target="_blank">identity protection</a>&nbsp;page.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Send the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/how-to-forward-the-header-of-a-phishing-email" target="_blank">full email headers</a>&nbsp;or forward the email as-is to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. Don't forward screenshots or scanned images of emails because this removes valuable information.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Delete the original email.&nbsp; If a taxpayer receives a&nbsp;text&nbsp;claiming to be from the IRS that contains a request for personal information, taxes associated with a large investment, inheritance or lottery.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Don't reply.&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't open any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect the computer or mobile phone.&nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Don't click on any links. If a taxpayer clicked on links in a suspicious SMS and entered confidential information, they should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central" target="_blank">Identity Theft Central</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Report the message to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages" target="_blank">7726</a>&nbsp;(SPAM).&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Include both the Caller ID and the message body in an email and send to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov" target="_blank">phishing@irs.gov</a>. Copy the Caller ID from the message by pressing and holding on the body of the text message, then select Copy, paste into the email. If the taxpayer is unable to copy the Caller ID or message body, forward a screenshot of the message.&nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Delete the original text.&nbsp; &nbsp; ·&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;For more information see the IRS video on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAKqrUNf-0" target="_blank">fake IRS-related text messages</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing" target="_blank">Report Phishing and Online Scams&nbsp;</a>page&nbsp;at IRS.gov provides complete details. The Federal Communications Commission's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security" target="_blank">Smartphone Security Checker</a>&nbsp;is a useful tool against mobile security threats.&nbsp;<h2>Report fraud&nbsp;</h2>As part of the Dirty Dozen awareness effort regarding tax schemes and unscrupulous tax return preparers, the IRS urges individuals to report those who promote abusive tax practices and tax preparers who intentionally file incorrect returns.&nbsp;To report a tax scheme or a dishonest tax return preparer individuals should send a completed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14242.pdf" target="_blank">Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers</a>,&nbsp;(along with any supporting materials) via mail or fax to the IRS Lead Development Center in the Office of Promoter Investigations.&nbsp;Mail:&nbsp;Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center&nbsp; Stop MS5040&nbsp; 24000 Avila Road&nbsp; Laguna Niguel, California 92677 3405&nbsp; &nbsp;Fax:&nbsp;<a href="file:///C:/Users/232nb/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/PRMA85ES/877-%20477-%209135" target="_blank">877-477-9135</a>Taxpayers and tax professionals can also submit this information to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/compliance/whistleblower-office" target="_blank">IRS Whistleblower Office</a>, where they may be eligible for a reward. For details, refer to the sections on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/abusive-tax-schemes-and-abusive-tax-return-preparers-irs-lead-development-center" target="_blank">Abusive Tax Schemes and Abusive Tax Return Preparers</a>.&nbsp;More information:&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing" target="_blank">Reporting Phishing and Online Scams</a>&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAKqrUNf-0" target="_blank">Here's How to Avoid IRS Text Message Scams</a>&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central" target="_blank">Identity Theft Central</a>&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security" target="_blank">Smartphone Security Checker</a>&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Trade Commission:&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages" target="_blank">How to recognize and report spam text messages</a>&nbsp;

IRS kicks off annual Dirty Dozen with warning about phishing, smishing scams

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with new Barton Community College President Marcus Garstecki.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eWEFnvTX8pw?si=nBsAhPwpTGtLnc8V" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with new Barton Community College President Marcus Garstecki.

🎤Forward Ever: New Barton Community College President Marcus Garstecki

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are looking for the owner of swords left on Interstate 70 in Geary County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, on Friday, KHP Lieutenant Baquero discovered two Black and Gold Katana Type Samurai Swords just east of the Milford Lake Road exit on easbound Interstate 70.

Along with these swords, there was a third item found, which the KHP believe is helpful in determining the rightful owner.  After thorough investigation with local authorities, the KHP confirmed these items are not connected to any ongoing investigations. They’re now in KHP possession as Found Property, located at the KHP central evidence facility near Salina. 

 If you believe these swords belong to you, please contact the KHP directly by calling KHP dispatch at 785-827-4437.&nbsp; To ensure rightful ownership, The KHP kindly ask you to describe the third item associated with the swords. Your help is important in reuniting these items with their rightful owner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711815174098.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are looking for the owner of swords left on Interstate 70 in Geary County.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, on Friday, KHP Lieutenant Baquero discovered two Black and Gold Katana Type Samurai Swords just east of the Milford Lake Road exit on easbound Interstate 70.Along with these swords, there was a third item found, which the KHP believe is helpful in determining the rightful owner. After thorough investigation with local authorities, the KHP confirmed these items are not connected to any ongoing investigations. They’re now in KHP possession as Found Property, located at the KHP central evidence facility near Salina. If you believe these swords belong to you, please contact the KHP directly by calling KHP dispatch at 785-827-4437.&nbsp; To ensure rightful ownership, The KHP kindly ask you to describe the third item associated with the swords. Your help is important in reuniting these items with their rightful owner.

KHP: Samurai swords found on side of Interstate 70

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

JEFFREY WAYNE BRUMMETT, 60, Manhattan, Driving under the infl of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv/competent evidence of blood/breath .08+; Bond $750

JAMICHAEL AHMAD STAHAN, 22, Junction City, Probation Violation; Bond $8,000

ANDREW STEPHEN GOOLSBY, 36, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order; Bond $453

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;JEFFREY WAYNE BRUMMETT, 60, Manhattan, Driving under the infl of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv/competent evidence of blood/breath .08+; Bond $750JAMICHAEL AHMAD STAHAN, 22, Junction City, Probation Violation; Bond $8,000ANDREW STEPHEN GOOLSBY, 36, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order; Bond $453

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 30

TOPEKA - On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol advise travelers to plan ahead as traffic is expected to increase.

“Remember that the shoulders of highways and interstates are for emergencies only,” said KHP Capt. Candice Breshears. “Finding a safe and secure location to view the eclipse is a must for all travelers to make it to their destinations safely.”

Travelers should be patient, avoid distractions and practice safe driving habits.

“Pay attention to the roadway, not the sky,” said KDOT Director of Safety Troy Whitworth. “Be on the lookout for other drivers who may be distracted. Traffic will most likely be heavy before, during and after the event in the locations where the eclipse can be viewed. So, plan your travel accordingly.”

Kansas is not in the direct viewing area of the total solar eclipse. It will begin in Mexico and enter the U.S. in Texas, and parts of 14 additional states will experience the total solar eclipse as it travels northeast across the country. Then it will enter Canada.

According to the National Weather Service, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit is towards its minimum distance from Earth, making the moon appear larger than the sun. This allows the moon to completely obscure the sun, and a shadow is cast on the Earth’s surface.

Use specialized eye protection to view the sun during this time. Check the weather and plan accordingly – make sure to dress properly and be prepared for potential weather incidents when driving long distances. For information on Kansas road conditions, go to &nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua2FuZHJpdmUuZ292P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjguOTI0OTY0MTEifQ.Jib258zM8CYhisHvj7qp7eQTeZMR3X3svNicZicjC9c/s/1410649012/br/239736434006-l">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711649650082.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA - On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol advise travelers to plan ahead as traffic is expected to increase.“Remember that the shoulders of highways and interstates are for emergencies only,” said KHP Capt. Candice Breshears. “Finding a safe and secure location to view the eclipse is a must for all travelers to make it to their destinations safely.”Travelers should be patient, avoid distractions and practice safe driving habits.“Pay attention to the roadway, not the sky,” said KDOT Director of Safety Troy Whitworth. “Be on the lookout for other drivers who may be distracted. Traffic will most likely be heavy before, during and after the event in the locations where the eclipse can be viewed. So, plan your travel accordingly.”Kansas is not in the direct viewing area of the total solar eclipse. It will begin in Mexico and enter the U.S. in Texas, and parts of 14 additional states will experience the total solar eclipse as it travels northeast across the country. Then it will enter Canada.According to the National Weather Service, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit is towards its minimum distance from Earth, making the moon appear larger than the sun. This allows the moon to completely obscure the sun, and a shadow is cast on the Earth’s surface.Use specialized eye protection to view the sun during this time. Check the weather and plan accordingly – make sure to dress properly and be prepared for potential weather incidents when driving long distances. For information on Kansas road conditions, go to &nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua2FuZHJpdmUuZ292P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAzMjguOTI0OTY0MTEifQ.Jib258zM8CYhisHvj7qp7eQTeZMR3X3svNicZicjC9c/s/1410649012/br/239736434006-l">www.kandrive.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 5-1-1.

Total solar eclipse to cross North America on April 8

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - On Thursday, April 18th, the City of Manhattan will host a retirement reception for outgoing City Manager, Ron Fehr from 3:00 to 5:00pm.

The reception will be held in the City Commission Room at City Hall and the public is invited to attend.

There will be a brief social time from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm, with formal remarks and a program highlighting Fehr's 42-year career with the City of Manhattan starting at 3:45 pm.

According to a news release from the City of Manhattan, Fehr began his career with the City of Manhattan in January 1982 in the newly formed Parks and Recreation Department as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor. While in Parks and Recreation, he served as a Park Superintendent and six years as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.

He was promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager in December 1992.

Throughout his tenure, Fehr served in various capacities, including as Acting Zoo Director, Acting Director of Human Resources, and Acting Director of Utilities (twice). He assumed the role of Acting City Manager in 1995 and again just before his permanent appointment in April 2000.

Upon Fehr’s retirement, the City Commission has appointed Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers to serve as Interim City Manager until a new city manager is hired and begins work.

A search for Manhattan’s next City Manager is under way to build upon Fehr’s leadership and continue the City’s trajectory of success.

The City Commission and its recruiting partners at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b160269933&amp;e=3f6ba80c0e" target="_blank">SGR</a>&nbsp;have been working with stakeholders to gather insight into the profile development for our next City Manager. SGR representatives were on site last week in Manhattan to meet with city commissioners, staff, and multiple other individuals and groups throughout the community. SGR is compiling this feedback and aims to present a draft job profile for the City Commission to consider sometime in April.

Following approval of the job profile, SGR will open the application period and begin the recruitment process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711658259281.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Thursday, April 18th, the City of Manhattan will host a retirement reception for outgoing City Manager, Ron Fehr from 3:00 to 5:00pm.The reception will be held in the City Commission Room at City Hall and the public is invited to attend.There will be a brief social time from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm, with formal remarks and a program highlighting Fehr's 42-year career with the City of Manhattan starting at 3:45 pm.According to a news release from the City of Manhattan, Fehr began his career with the City of Manhattan in January 1982 in the newly formed Parks and Recreation Department as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor. While in Parks and Recreation, he served as a Park Superintendent and six years as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.He was promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager in December 1992.Throughout his tenure, Fehr served in various capacities, including as Acting Zoo Director, Acting Director of Human Resources, and Acting Director of Utilities (twice). He assumed the role of Acting City Manager in 1995 and again just before his permanent appointment in April 2000.Upon Fehr’s retirement, the City Commission has appointed Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers to serve as Interim City Manager until a new city manager is hired and begins work.A search for Manhattan’s next City Manager is under way to build upon Fehr’s leadership and continue the City’s trajectory of success.The City Commission and its recruiting partners at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b160269933&amp;e=3f6ba80c0e" target="_blank">SGR</a>&nbsp;have been working with stakeholders to gather insight into the profile development for our next City Manager. SGR representatives were on site last week in Manhattan to meet with city commissioners, staff, and multiple other individuals and groups throughout the community. SGR is compiling this feedback and aims to present a draft job profile for the City Commission to consider sometime in April.Following approval of the job profile, SGR will open the application period and begin the recruitment process.

Retirement reception planned for City Manager, Ron Fehr

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has enrolled 2,762 Kansas Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 39.32% more than&nbsp;it enrolled the previous year. Nationally, VA&nbsp;enrolled 401,006 Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 30% more than the&nbsp;307,831 it enrolled the previous year. This is the most yearly enrollees in at least five years at VA, and nearly a 50% increase over pandemic-level enrollment in 2020.

This historic enrollment has been made possible by the PACT Act, which has allowed VA to&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expand VA health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">benefits</a>&nbsp;to millions of Veterans. VA is also conducting the most aggressive outreach campaign in its history, including hosting over 2,600 events since the passage of the PACT Act, launching a $16+ million&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-advertising-campaign-to-encourage-new-veterans-to-sign-up-for-health-care-and-benefits/#:~:text=Press%20Room-,VA%20launches%20advertising%20campaign%20to%20encourage%20new%20Veterans%20to,for%20health%20care%20and%20benefits&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20Today%2C%20the%20Department%20of,and%20benefits%20they've%20earned." target="_blank">advertising campaign,</a>&nbsp;using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jonstewart/status/1765076636263944374?s=20" target="_blank">public service announcements</a>, and – for the first time ever – sending text messages to Veterans encouraging them to enroll in VA health care. VA is continuing these aggressive outreach efforts throughout 2024, with more than 550 in-person events already scheduled for this year.

Enrolling Veterans in health care is a top priority for VA and the Biden-Harris Administration because VA has proven to be the best care in America for Veterans.&nbsp;Veterans who receive VA health care have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-outperform-non-va-facilities-cms-ratings/" target="_blank">overall quality ratings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/nationwide-patient-survey-shows-va-hospitals-outperform-non-va-hospitals/" target="_blank">patient satisfaction ratings</a>. Additionally, VA health care is often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/" target="_blank">more affordable</a>&nbsp;than non-VA health care for Veterans. In total,&nbsp;VA is currently delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history, setting&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">an all-time record for health care appointments provided in 2023</a>.

<a>“We want&nbsp;every&nbsp;eligible Veteran to enroll in VA health care for one simple reason: Veterans who come to VA are proven to have better health outcomes – and pay less – than Veterans who don’t,” said&nbsp;VA Secretary Denis McDonough.&nbsp;“That’s why we’ve spent the past year meeting Veterans where they are – hosting thousands of events, sending millions of texts, advertising on every corner, and much more – to get them to come to VA. This aggressive outreach campaign has led more Veterans to enroll in VA care than during any year in at least a decade, and we’re not slowing down now.”&nbsp;</a>

“VA is the best, most affordable care in America for Veterans, so we want all eligible Veterans to enroll today,” said&nbsp;VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “Our clinicians know Veterans – they often are Veterans – and they know exactly how to help. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply, and once you’re in, you have access for life.”

VA recently&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expanded health care eligibility</a>&nbsp;for millions of Veterans nationwide, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. As of March 5th,&nbsp;all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military and meet certain requirements became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.&nbsp;This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. VA also&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/all-wwii-veterans-are-now-eligible-for-no-cost-va-health-care-and-nursing-home-services/" target="_blank">recently expanded health care to all World War II Veterans</a>.

VA is able to serve these new enrollees, in part, due to last year’s record hiring in VA’s Veterans Health Administration.&nbsp;Last year, we exceeded&nbsp;our hiring goals in the Veterans Health Administration – growing at the fastest rate in 15 years and bringing in more than 61,000 new hires – to prepare for an increase in VA health care enrollment among Veterans under the PACT Act. In total, VHA now has more employees than ever before in our history, and VA’s retention efforts also led to a 20% decrease in turnover rate among VHA employees from 2022 to 2023.

Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively reach out to Veterans to encourage them to come to VA. VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">learn more about VA</a>&nbsp;and apply for their world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction" target="_blank">health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction" target="_blank">earned benefits</a>&nbsp;today.

For more information about VA care, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/" target="_blank">VA’s health care website</a>. For more information about the impact of the PACT Act, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://department.va.gov/pactdata/" target="_blank">VA’s PACT Act dashboard.</a>

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650578121737.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Department of Veterans AffairsWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has enrolled 2,762 Kansas Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 39.32% more than&nbsp;it enrolled the previous year. Nationally, VA&nbsp;enrolled 401,006 Veterans in VA health care over the past 365 days – 30% more than the&nbsp;307,831 it enrolled the previous year. This is the most yearly enrollees in at least five years at VA, and nearly a 50% increase over pandemic-level enrollment in 2020.This historic enrollment has been made possible by the PACT Act, which has allowed VA to&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expand VA health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">benefits</a>&nbsp;to millions of Veterans. VA is also conducting the most aggressive outreach campaign in its history, including hosting over 2,600 events since the passage of the PACT Act, launching a $16+ million&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-launches-advertising-campaign-to-encourage-new-veterans-to-sign-up-for-health-care-and-benefits/#:~:text=Press%20Room-,VA%20launches%20advertising%20campaign%20to%20encourage%20new%20Veterans%20to,for%20health%20care%20and%20benefits&amp;text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20Today%2C%20the%20Department%20of,and%20benefits%20they've%20earned." target="_blank">advertising campaign,</a>&nbsp;using&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/jonstewart/status/1765076636263944374?s=20" target="_blank">public service announcements</a>, and – for the first time ever – sending text messages to Veterans encouraging them to enroll in VA health care. VA is continuing these aggressive outreach efforts throughout 2024, with more than 550 in-person events already scheduled for this year.Enrolling Veterans in health care is a top priority for VA and the Biden-Harris Administration because VA has proven to be the best care in America for Veterans.&nbsp;Veterans who receive VA health care have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-outperform-non-va-facilities-cms-ratings/" target="_blank">overall quality ratings</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/nationwide-patient-survey-shows-va-hospitals-outperform-non-va-hospitals/" target="_blank">patient satisfaction ratings</a>. Additionally, VA health care is often&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/copay-rates/" target="_blank">more affordable</a>&nbsp;than non-VA health care for Veterans. In total,&nbsp;VA is currently delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in our nation’s history, setting&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/https:/news.va.gov/press-room/va-all-time-record-care-benefits-veterans-fy-2023/" target="_blank">an all-time record for health care appointments provided in 2023</a>.<a>“We want&nbsp;every&nbsp;eligible Veteran to enroll in VA health care for one simple reason: Veterans who come to VA are proven to have better health outcomes – and pay less – than Veterans who don’t,” said&nbsp;VA Secretary Denis McDonough.&nbsp;“That’s why we’ve spent the past year meeting Veterans where they are – hosting thousands of events, sending millions of texts, advertising on every corner, and much more – to get them to come to VA. This aggressive outreach campaign has led more Veterans to enroll in VA care than during any year in at least a decade, and we’re not slowing down now.”&nbsp;</a>“VA is the best, most affordable care in America for Veterans, so we want all eligible Veterans to enroll today,” said&nbsp;VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “Our clinicians know Veterans – they often are Veterans – and they know exactly how to help. Even if you don’t need this care today, you might need it tomorrow, or the next day, or 30 years from now. It’s quick and easy to apply, and once you’re in, you have access for life.”VA recently&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/veteran-toxins-hazards-serving-eligible-va/" target="_blank">expanded health care eligibility</a>&nbsp;for millions of Veterans nationwide, years earlier than called for by the PACT Act. As of March 5th,&nbsp;all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military and meet certain requirements became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.&nbsp;This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. VA also&nbsp;<a href="https://news.va.gov/press-room/all-wwii-veterans-are-now-eligible-for-no-cost-va-health-care-and-nursing-home-services/" target="_blank">recently expanded health care to all World War II Veterans</a>.VA is able to serve these new enrollees, in part, due to last year’s record hiring in VA’s Veterans Health Administration.&nbsp;Last year, we exceeded&nbsp;our hiring goals in the Veterans Health Administration – growing at the fastest rate in 15 years and bringing in more than 61,000 new hires – to prepare for an increase in VA health care enrollment among Veterans under the PACT Act. In total, VHA now has more employees than ever before in our history, and VA’s retention efforts also led to a 20% decrease in turnover rate among VHA employees from 2022 to 2023.Moving forward, VA will continue to aggressively reach out to Veterans to encourage them to come to VA. VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/" target="_blank">learn more about VA</a>&nbsp;and apply for their world-class&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/introduction" target="_blank">health care</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/disability/file-disability-claim-form-21-526ez/introduction" target="_blank">earned benefits</a>&nbsp;today.For more information about VA care, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/" target="_blank">VA’s health care website</a>. For more information about the impact of the PACT Act, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://department.va.gov/pactdata/" target="_blank">VA’s PACT Act dashboard.</a><a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

PACT Act has resulted in more Kansans in VA health care

WESLEY DARELL COOK, 24, Manhattan, endangering a child; Bond $2,000

IAN WAYNE JOHNSON, 19, Wakefield, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

TYLER SCOTT BOLAND, 24, Abilene, Possession of marijuana; Bond $750

TIMOTHY JOHN STELLMACHER, 33, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Extended stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking order; Released to custody of Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office

KERON DAVON COLBERT, 29, Topeka, Failure to appear; Remains confined to the Riley County Jail

WENDELL LILTON PARRISH, 41, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order; Bond $15,000; Remains confined to the Riley County Jail

TYLER DEAN WILSON, 34, Ogden, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Bond $7,500

STARO MICKY, 50, Wichita, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption;&nbsp;Arrested and released on bond by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office on 3/27/2024.

BROCK ALLEN AMARO, 27, Topeka, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 3/18/2024.

SHELBY JOAN LONGSTAFF, 28, Topeka, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Saline County Sheriff's Office on 3/17/2024.

MICHYA ANTONAE GREEN, 22, Topeka, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 3/12/2024.

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;WESLEY DARELL COOK, 24, Manhattan, endangering a child; Bond $2,000IAN WAYNE JOHNSON, 19, Wakefield, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750TYLER SCOTT BOLAND, 24, Abilene, Possession of marijuana; Bond $750TIMOTHY JOHN STELLMACHER, 33, Manhattan, Violate protection order; Extended stalking/sexual assault/human trafficking order; Released to custody of Pottawatomie County Sheriff's OfficeKERON DAVON COLBERT, 29, Topeka, Failure to appear; Remains confined to the Riley County JailWENDELL LILTON PARRISH, 41, Manhattan, Violation of Court Order; Bond $15,000; Remains confined to the Riley County JailTYLER DEAN WILSON, 34, Ogden, Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Bond $7,500STARO MICKY, 50, Wichita, Aggravated battery; Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption;&nbsp;Arrested and released on bond by Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office on 3/27/2024.BROCK ALLEN AMARO, 27, Topeka, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 3/18/2024.SHELBY JOAN LONGSTAFF, 28, Topeka, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Saline County Sheriff's Office on 3/17/2024.MICHYA ANTONAE GREEN, 22, Topeka, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 3/12/2024.

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 29

RILEY COUNTY —A Kansas man with a long history of crime is under investigation on new allegaions.

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police arrested 41-year-old Wendell Parrish, of Manhattan in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

He was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for violation of a court order. The original charges in this matter are for battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and battery.

Parrish has been listed as a registered offender since August of 2013 for drug convictions in Riley County, according to the offender registry. He also has previous convictions for battery, domestic battery and violation of the offender registration, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He also was discipled over a dozen times while in prison, according to the department of corrections.

 &nbsp;Parrish was issued a total bond of $15,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711721499359.png" alt="Parrish-photo Kansas Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Parrish-photo Kansas Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A Kansas man with a long history of crime is under investigation on new allegaions.Just after 3p.m. Thursday, police arrested 41-year-old Wendell Parrish, of Manhattan in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.He was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for violation of a court order. The original charges in this matter are for battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and battery.Parrish has been listed as a registered offender since August of 2013 for drug convictions in Riley County, according to the offender registry. He also has previous convictions for battery, domestic battery and violation of the offender registration, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. He also was discipled over a dozen times while in prison, according to the department of corrections. &nbsp;Parrish was issued a total bond of $15,000 and was confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

Registered offender jailed for alleged battery on officer in Riley Co.

submitted by K-State Office of Military and Veterans Affairs

This month, Kansas State University accepted an invitation to join the National Council on Military Transition to Education, or CMTE. The CMTE is a consortium composed of select institutions of higher learning with a mission to provide recommendations to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding policies and practices related to military service members and veterans in higher education.

The primary focus of the CMTE is to enhance the early engagement of service members participating in postsecondary education. The council also strives to facilitate research aimed at improving their experiences during the transition to and through higher education, whether serving in the military or as veterans.

"Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a daunting life event for our service members, and even more so when facing the challenges of entering academia," said Art DeGroat, executive director of K-State's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Both distinguished Army veterans, DeGroat and Dustin Meritt, professor and chair of the College of Education Military Initiatives, have been appointed to represent K-State for this significant project.

"Joining this council highlights our outreach with the military-connected community and affiliates us at a high level with likeminded institutions," Meritt said. "We look forward to this opportunity and stand ready to share and grow alongside our university in the field of veteran transition to education."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711643115780.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>submitted by K-State Office of Military and Veterans AffairsMANHATTAN -&nbsp;This month, Kansas State University accepted an invitation to join the National Council on Military Transition to Education, or CMTE. The CMTE is a consortium composed of select institutions of higher learning with a mission to provide recommendations to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regarding policies and practices related to military service members and veterans in higher education.The primary focus of the CMTE is to enhance the early engagement of service members participating in postsecondary education. The council also strives to facilitate research aimed at improving their experiences during the transition to and through higher education, whether serving in the military or as veterans."Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a daunting life event for our service members, and even more so when facing the challenges of entering academia," said Art DeGroat, executive director of K-State's Office of Military and Veterans Affairs.Both distinguished Army veterans, DeGroat and Dustin Meritt, professor and chair of the College of Education Military Initiatives, have been appointed to represent K-State for this significant project."Joining this council highlights our outreach with the military-connected community and affiliates us at a high level with likeminded institutions," Meritt said. "We look forward to this opportunity and stand ready to share and grow alongside our university in the field of veteran transition to education."

K-State accepts invite to National Council on Military Transition to Education

OGDEN - Residents in the city of Ogden are being asked to complete a Water System Service Line questionnaire following recently issued regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).&nbsp;

The regulations from the EPA require all Public Water Supply(PWS) systems to identify all materials used to construct both the water service side AND the private(customer) side of the water service line system.

Residents are asked to complete the questionnaire by May 1st, 2024. Renters who do not know the answers to the questions can submit the questionnaire by listing the landlord information and a contact phone number for them.

Additional information about the Lead and Copper Rule and identifying lead pipes and plumbing can be found on the <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/547/Lead-Copper-Rule">KDHE website</a>&nbsp;or on the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule">EPA website</a>.

If you have questions or need assistance completing the questionnaire, contact the City of Ogden offices at 785-539-0311.

<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FGx7qKdYi6fsoNmSD7%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3a7UgXsQ4kaQAZvBQycI11k42sHYpZLV08i9hQE-wY7nHDsB4zWY-mHNo_aem_AUJgmQ0761MvLOHYQTSiJ_gXEUwVldCdY1tTsC4ZD0hfohwuItsTEgq9Hidj1qU0D5UG3E3UbVW7oIeXoE2nxdGP&amp;h=AT1U_hOBn0lnd09De69V37UJz8D-AAGmS4f---FU1WyKr00nQvNcII_ViJxCIPMGUwrBfvdg6keu61EwREY0_CCUpMr7rgl01Bhv_4N7kk0m3HFUADcuzheKjJq1gboDdTvLAOE&amp;__tn__=R]-R&amp;c[0]=AT1RB5Hevs5B6yz8QknsXSLtOr2hLpQOXoHoOwZdUncBvRfMwhmPh3HV997IrSbI1U2Bw3DOO65pk9Fv9lfbs6qTRLLxXJNF3fPsUCx4AIqX8pkC1BX9r_5cKiVwUdsJ_soDmpd7x1yUaHOPW9U-joH5UQRaKaVEipGPl9EpRLrkJLMJjyMoSGk4NhaSFW7uZ9-nLUOpDUbw">CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY/QUESTIONNAIRE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711639858154.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostOGDEN - Residents in the city of Ogden are being asked to complete a Water System Service Line questionnaire following recently issued regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA).&nbsp;The regulations from the EPA require all Public Water Supply(PWS) systems to identify all materials used to construct both the water service side AND the private(customer) side of the water service line system.Residents are asked to complete the questionnaire by May 1st, 2024. Renters who do not know the answers to the questions can submit the questionnaire by listing the landlord information and a contact phone number for them.Additional information about the Lead and Copper Rule and identifying lead pipes and plumbing can be found on the <a href="https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/547/Lead-Copper-Rule">KDHE website</a>&nbsp;or on the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/lead-and-copper-rule">EPA website</a>.If you have questions or need assistance completing the questionnaire, contact the City of Ogden offices at 785-539-0311.<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.gle%2FGx7qKdYi6fsoNmSD7%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3a7UgXsQ4kaQAZvBQycI11k42sHYpZLV08i9hQE-wY7nHDsB4zWY-mHNo_aem_AUJgmQ0761MvLOHYQTSiJ_gXEUwVldCdY1tTsC4ZD0hfohwuItsTEgq9Hidj1qU0D5UG3E3UbVW7oIeXoE2nxdGP&amp;h=AT1U_hOBn0lnd09De69V37UJz8D-AAGmS4f---FU1WyKr00nQvNcII_ViJxCIPMGUwrBfvdg6keu61EwREY0_CCUpMr7rgl01Bhv_4N7kk0m3HFUADcuzheKjJq1gboDdTvLAOE&amp;__tn__=R]-R&amp;c[0]=AT1RB5Hevs5B6yz8QknsXSLtOr2hLpQOXoHoOwZdUncBvRfMwhmPh3HV997IrSbI1U2Bw3DOO65pk9Fv9lfbs6qTRLLxXJNF3fPsUCx4AIqX8pkC1BX9r_5cKiVwUdsJ_soDmpd7x1yUaHOPW9U-joH5UQRaKaVEipGPl9EpRLrkJLMJjyMoSGk4NhaSFW7uZ9-nLUOpDUbw">CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY/QUESTIONNAIRE</a>

Ogden residents asked to complete Water System Service Line survey

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage to property in Manhattan.

Just before 2p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of criminal damage to property in the 1800 block of College Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Via Christi reported a 32-year-old male patient in the Emergency Department damaged a hospital bed, chair, and window. 

 Total loss is estimated to be $5,100. Donovan Nash of Manhattan was arrested in conjunction with this report.  His total bond was set at $4,000 and he was confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage to property in Manhattan.Just before 2p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of criminal damage to property in the 1800 block of College Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Via Christi reported a 32-year-old male patient in the Emergency Department damaged a hospital bed, chair, and window. Total loss is estimated to be $5,100. Donovan Nash of Manhattan was arrested in conjunction with this report. His total bond was set at $4,000 and he was confined at the time of this report.

Manhattan man accused of damaging hospital bed, chair and window

DEBBIE LEE JENSEN, 61, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Bond $968

RYAN CHARLES KELLY, 31, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Bond $1,000

CHRISTINA COLLEEN HURLEY, 42, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $8,000

DONOVAN JACOB NASH, 32, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $4,000

NICHOLAS EDWARD MCHENRY, 36, Manhattan, Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $7,500

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;DEBBIE LEE JENSEN, 61, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Probation Violation; Bond $968RYAN CHARLES KELLY, 31, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Bond $1,000CHRISTINA COLLEEN HURLEY, 42, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $8,000DONOVAN JACOB NASH, 32, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $4,000NICHOLAS EDWARD MCHENRY, 36, Manhattan, Possession of controlled substance; unknown substance; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $7,500

Riley County Arrest Report Mar. 28

RILEY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Manhattan.

A 2005 Toyota Sienna driven by Annalese Zawodny-Benlon, 47, of Shawnee, Kansas, collided with a 2013 Ford F150 driven by Luke Farrell, 16, of Manhattan&nbsp; at the corner of S. 5th Street and Pierre Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report

Both Farrell and a passenger in Sienna were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Zawodny-Benlon was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Manhattan.A 2005 Toyota Sienna driven by Annalese Zawodny-Benlon, 47, of Shawnee, Kansas, collided with a 2013 Ford F150 driven by Luke Farrell, 16, of Manhattan&nbsp; at the corner of S. 5th Street and Pierre Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity reportBoth Farrell and a passenger in Sienna were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Zawodny-Benlon was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, according to the RCPD.

16-year-old driver and passenger injured in van, pickup crash

MANHATTAN —Eighteen Kansas State University students were recently selected to serve as College of Education Ambassadors, a group of approximately 50 students who promote and serve the college.

College of Education Ambassadors also promote the education field and serve as resources to prospective and newly admitted students.

They are responsible for participating in several programs to recruit students to K-State, including the daily campus visits program, Future Teachers Visit Day and other various recruitment programs.

"The college is fortunate to have a bunch of enthusiastic, innovative and proactive students who are deeply devoted to their institution and the education profession," said Marcus Kidd, College of Education Ambassadors advisor and assistant director for enrollment management and institutional partnerships for the college. "We look forward to working with them to help recruit future education professionals."

The following students were selected:Natalie Robinson, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Auburn; Sophie Pray, sophomore in elementary education from&nbsp;Augusta; Madison Lortscher, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Bern; Shelby Starbuck, freshman in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Fredonia; Marika Peterson, sophomore in secondary education-English, from&nbsp;Lindsborg; Nash Downie, sophomore in secondary education-social studies, from&nbsp;Manhattan; Natalie Burg, freshman in secondary education-English/journalism, from&nbsp;Olathe; Margot McClain, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Overland Park; Hayley Keller, junior in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Palco; Isaac French, sophomore in secondary education-social studies, and Elena Herbel, sophomore in elementary education-open option, both from&nbsp;Salina;Emily Miser, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Strong City; and Nadiya Al-Murrani, sophomore in secondary education-biology, and Amelia Lotspeich, sophomore in elementary education-open option, both from&nbsp;Topeka.

SubmittedMANHATTAN —Eighteen Kansas State University students were recently selected to serve as College of Education Ambassadors, a group of approximately 50 students who promote and serve the college.College of Education Ambassadors also promote the education field and serve as resources to prospective and newly admitted students.They are responsible for participating in several programs to recruit students to K-State, including the daily campus visits program, Future Teachers Visit Day and other various recruitment programs."The college is fortunate to have a bunch of enthusiastic, innovative and proactive students who are deeply devoted to their institution and the education profession," said Marcus Kidd, College of Education Ambassadors advisor and assistant director for enrollment management and institutional partnerships for the college. "We look forward to working with them to help recruit future education professionals."The following students were selected:Natalie Robinson, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Auburn; Sophie Pray, sophomore in elementary education from&nbsp;Augusta; Madison Lortscher, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Bern; Shelby Starbuck, freshman in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Fredonia; Marika Peterson, sophomore in secondary education-English, from&nbsp;Lindsborg; Nash Downie, sophomore in secondary education-social studies, from&nbsp;Manhattan; Natalie Burg, freshman in secondary education-English/journalism, from&nbsp;Olathe; Margot McClain, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Overland Park; Hayley Keller, junior in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Palco; Isaac French, sophomore in secondary education-social studies, and Elena Herbel, sophomore in elementary education-open option, both from&nbsp;Salina;Emily Miser, sophomore in elementary education-open option, from&nbsp;Strong City; and Nadiya Al-Murrani, sophomore in secondary education-biology, and Amelia Lotspeich, sophomore in elementary education-open option, both from&nbsp;Topeka.

18 K-State students selected to serve as College of Education Ambassadors

<a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES </a>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is a common joke in Kansas – and many parts of the country – that goes something like this: If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a few minutes.

Kansas State University meteorologist Chip Redmond agrees that weather in Kansas can change pretty quickly, so it’s important to know what to do in any situation in order to remain safe.

“It starts with preparedness,” said Redmond, who is also manager of the Kansas Mesonet. “We all should have a plan, including such things as just knowing how you get your weather alerts. You may get those from a weather radio or other sources, such as news media. And then, you need to talk with your family.”

“Practicing and having a plan saves lives,” Redmond said. “That is especially true in rural areas where appropriate shelter may be many miles away, a scenario many Kansans may be in.”

Redmond said having a “Go” bag -- something you can quickly grab and take to a shelter -- is important for most weather emergencies. The bag should include such items as medicines, extra clothes, radio, food, water and even something to keep kids entertained.

The best place to wait out severe weather “is always the lowest, central location in the home,” Redmond said. “If you only have a first floor – and not a basement – the ideal spot is a centrally located hallway or bathroom. Stay away from windows.”

If caught outside, “don’t go under trees during thunderstorms and don’t try to out-run tornadoes in your car,” Redmond said.

“A ditch, believe it or not, is a really safe place to go if you’re outside. Get down in the ditch; debris will typically blow over you. If you’re in a place without a ditch, get down on the ground as low as you can so you don’t have things hitting you. Just be aware if water is rising rapidly.”

For specific weather emergencies, Redmond shared additional tips:

● Get inside ● Avoid porches and overhangs.

“You can still get hit by lightning in those areas,” Redmond said.&nbsp; 

● Stay away from windows ● Stay off electronics that are hooked into a wall, including computer and cell phone ● Stay out of the shower, or other water sources.

“You don’t want to be operating anything that can carry electricity, whether it’s water or wire,” Redmond said. “If there’s a lightning strike away from your house, it’s going to travel through that highly conductive source.”

On average, Kansas has 95 tornadoes per year. There has been as few as 17 tornadoes reported in 2020 and 190 in 2008.

“This is tornado alley for a reason,” Redmond said. “We need to be prepared and be knowledgeable about what to do when a tornado warning is issued.”

The peak time for tornadoes in Kansas is April through June, often referred to as tornado season. But Redmond said tornadoes can occur any time of year and are solely dependent on atmospheric conditions – spring provides a classic clash of southern winds with Gulf moisture meeting north winds with colder, drier air from the Arctic areas. That is a recipe for strong storm systems supportive of highly sheared and unstable environments ideal for tornado development.

A basement or lower level of the house – away from windows -- is always the safest spot to wait out a tornado warning.

Redmond said Kansas gets approximately 600 wind damage reports annually. High winds – defined as those over 55 miles per hour – create problems not only by downing trees, but by making driving conditions and visibility more difficult.

As with tornadoes, the safest place during a wind storm is inside in a central location, away from windows.

In an average year, there are more than 1,000 reports of hail in Kansas. Severe hail is defined as 1 inch or more in diameter. “That seems fairly small until they’re coming at you at a high rate of speed from the sky,” Redmond said.

One inch hail can cause injury, damage to cars and even damage house siding and roofs.

“And it can threaten your life,” Redmond said. “If you get hit with multiple hail stones at 1 inch diameter, you’re going to know it. And if you get hit in the wrong place, it can kill you.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708958843251.jpeg" alt="lightning KSRE" />
 <figcaption>lightning KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES </a>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a common joke in Kansas – and many parts of the country – that goes something like this: If you don’t like the weather right now, just wait a few minutes.Kansas State University meteorologist Chip Redmond agrees that weather in Kansas can change pretty quickly, so it’s important to know what to do in any situation in order to remain safe.“It starts with preparedness,” said Redmond, who is also manager of the Kansas Mesonet. “We all should have a plan, including such things as just knowing how you get your weather alerts. You may get those from a weather radio or other sources, such as news media. And then, you need to talk with your family.”<div><iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/30080013/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/512888/" height="90" width="100%" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></div>“Practicing and having a plan saves lives,” Redmond said. “That is especially true in rural areas where appropriate shelter may be many miles away, a scenario many Kansans may be in.”Redmond said having a “Go” bag -- something you can quickly grab and take to a shelter -- is important for most weather emergencies. The bag should include such items as medicines, extra clothes, radio, food, water and even something to keep kids entertained.The best place to wait out severe weather “is always the lowest, central location in the home,” Redmond said. “If you only have a first floor – and not a basement – the ideal spot is a centrally located hallway or bathroom. Stay away from windows.”If caught outside, “don’t go under trees during thunderstorms and don’t try to out-run tornadoes in your car,” Redmond said.“A ditch, believe it or not, is a really safe place to go if you’re outside. Get down in the ditch; debris will typically blow over you. If you’re in a place without a ditch, get down on the ground as low as you can so you don’t have things hitting you. Just be aware if water is rising rapidly.”For specific weather emergencies, Redmond shared additional tips:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708958843251.jpeg" alt="lightning KSRE" />
 <figcaption>lightning KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Lightning</h2>● Get inside ● Avoid porches and overhangs. “You can still get hit by lightning in those areas,” Redmond said.&nbsp; ● Stay away from windows ● Stay off electronics that are hooked into a wall, including computer and cell phone ● Stay out of the shower, or other water sources.“You don’t want to be operating anything that can carry electricity, whether it’s water or wire,” Redmond said. “If there’s a lightning strike away from your house, it’s going to travel through that highly conductive source.”<h2>Tornado</h2>On average, Kansas has 95 tornadoes per year. There has been as few as 17 tornadoes reported in 2020 and 190 in 2008.“This is tornado alley for a reason,” Redmond said. “We need to be prepared and be knowledgeable about what to do when a tornado warning is issued.”The peak time for tornadoes in Kansas is April through June, often referred to as tornado season. But Redmond said tornadoes can occur any time of year and are solely dependent on atmospheric conditions – spring provides a classic clash of southern winds with Gulf moisture meeting north winds with colder, drier air from the Arctic areas. That is a recipe for strong storm systems supportive of highly sheared and unstable environments ideal for tornado development.A basement or lower level of the house – away from windows -- is always the safest spot to wait out a tornado warning.<h2>High winds</h2>Redmond said Kansas gets approximately 600 wind damage reports annually. High winds – defined as those over 55 miles per hour – create problems not only by downing trees, but by making driving conditions and visibility more difficult.As with tornadoes, the safest place during a wind storm is inside in a central location, away from windows.<h2>Hail</h2>In an average year, there are more than 1,000 reports of hail in Kansas. Severe hail is defined as 1 inch or more in diameter. “That seems fairly small until they’re coming at you at a high rate of speed from the sky,” Redmond said.One inch hail can cause injury, damage to cars and even damage house siding and roofs.“And it can threaten your life,” Redmond said. “If you get hit with multiple hail stones at 1 inch diameter, you’re going to know it. And if you get hit in the wrong place, it can kill you.”<h2>Flooding</h2>It’s much easier to prepare for flooding while at home, Redmond said. “All you really need to know is your proximity to a flood plain,” he said. “To determine your risk, know the low-lying areas and where water runs.”Away from home – and especially when driving – the risks due to flooding are much greater. On the road, the best advice is “turn around, don’t drown,” according to Redmond.“When you see water over the road, and it may look crossable, water can move at high rates of speed,” he said. “Six inches of water can move a car effectively.”In addition, the road under the water may not be intact and could damage or disable your vehicle, he said.More information about staying safe during many weather emergencies is available online from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a>.