TOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;Active military, veterans, and one guest are invited to watch Kansas student-athletes participating in playoff football this week at no charge. For the second year, the Kansas State High School Activities Association is pleased to provide complimentary admission to all Sectional Championship football games to be played on November 14th and 15th.

Any active military or veteran and one guest will be admitted free of charge, simply by showing their driver’s license, which has a seal indicating the person is a veteran and signifying service. If the individual has not renewed their license in the last couple of years, a veteran ID card or any proof of identification is acceptable.

“This is the second year that we have done this for our those that have served or are serving and we hope to continue this for many years to come,” said Bill Faflick. “We can never fully repay the sacrifice made by those who protect our country and our freedom but we need to recognize them, and say ‘thank you.’”

Sectional football may take place either Thursday or Friday based on facility availability. Host schools may also honor veterans/active military in other ways on gameday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731346072898.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. –&nbsp;Active military, veterans, and one guest are invited to watch Kansas student-athletes participating in playoff football this week at no charge. For the second year, the Kansas State High School Activities Association is pleased to provide complimentary admission to all Sectional Championship football games to be played on November 14th and 15th.Any active military or veteran and one guest will be admitted free of charge, simply by showing their driver’s license, which has a seal indicating the person is a veteran and signifying service. If the individual has not renewed their license in the last couple of years, a veteran ID card or any proof of identification is acceptable.“This is the second year that we have done this for our those that have served or are serving and we hope to continue this for many years to come,” said Bill Faflick. “We can never fully repay the sacrifice made by those who protect our country and our freedom but we need to recognize them, and say ‘thank you.’”Sectional football may take place either Thursday or Friday based on facility availability. Host schools may also honor veterans/active military in other ways on gameday.

KSHSAA to Honor Veterans and Active Military with Free Admission to Sectional Football Games

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that the game time and television designation for Kansas State’s final home game of the year – a November 23 matchup against Cincinnati – has been held for a six-day pick and will be announced this weekend.

The Senior Day contest will be the first and only time this season the Wildcats will host games in consecutive weeks. It will be the seventh all-time meeting between K-State and UC as the Bearcats hold a 4-2 advantage, but the Wildcats have won each of the last two games – a 23-21 victory in Cincinnati in 1995 and a 35-0 win at home in 1996.

The Wildcats host Arizona State this Saturday in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN. Tickets to the game against the Sun Devils are down to standing-room only, while the game against Cincinnati are down to scattered singles. Tickets for each of the final two home games can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and its television partners announced Monday that the game time and television designation for Kansas State’s final home game of the year – a November 23 matchup against Cincinnati – has been held for a six-day pick and will be announced this weekend.The Senior Day contest will be the first and only time this season the Wildcats will host games in consecutive weeks. It will be the seventh all-time meeting between K-State and UC as the Bearcats hold a 4-2 advantage, but the Wildcats have won each of the last two games – a 23-21 victory in Cincinnati in 1995 and a 35-0 win at home in 1996.The Wildcats host Arizona State this Saturday in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN. Tickets to the game against the Sun Devils are down to standing-room only, while the game against Cincinnati are down to scattered singles. Tickets for each of the final two home games can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

Game Time for K-State's Final Home Game to Be Announced This Weekend

MANHATTAN— A view of the Veterans Day Parade in Manhattan.The parade is sponsored by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition.

<figure>
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 </figure>MANHATTAN— A view of the Veterans Day Parade in Manhattan.The parade is sponsored by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition.<figure>
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Veterans Day Parade in Manhattan

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

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
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Riley County Arrest Report November 11

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731264311121.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report November 10

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas households lower energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Under the program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, Kansas is set to receive $105.6 million to lower energy costs for low to moderate income households.

The KCC has partnered with HORNE, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist the agency with the program design, application development, and implementation process. As a part of the program planning process, the KCC is scheduling&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fevents%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/abpiF_-2jo81Mz5qVaNYp-nGffzOJ4jmBb8ejETYSfI=378">engagement sessions</a>&nbsp;with stakeholders (Kansas utility companies, contractors, other State agencies, and the community) to ensure the Home Rebates program is tailored to meet the Sunflower state’s needs.

For Kansans to be able to access the rebates, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must approve the program design and grant applications, which are due by January 31, 2025. Rebate funding is expected to be accessible to Kansas households in 2025 following the application submission and DOE approval.

In the meantime, Kansans can visit the<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fkansas-home-rebates%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/AGeUGcKh3EYdF-BDz8hMTA11qIQxNuUR7VVWD1EFSnA=378">&nbsp;KCC website</a>&nbsp;for information on how to participate in the engagement sessions, learn more about the Home Rebates program, track the status, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578754176087.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas households lower energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Under the program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, Kansas is set to receive $105.6 million to lower energy costs for low to moderate income households.The KCC has partnered with HORNE, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist the agency with the program design, application development, and implementation process. As a part of the program planning process, the KCC is scheduling&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fevents%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/abpiF_-2jo81Mz5qVaNYp-nGffzOJ4jmBb8ejETYSfI=378">engagement sessions</a>&nbsp;with stakeholders (Kansas utility companies, contractors, other State agencies, and the community) to ensure the Home Rebates program is tailored to meet the Sunflower state’s needs.For Kansans to be able to access the rebates, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) must approve the program design and grant applications, which are due by January 31, 2025. Rebate funding is expected to be accessible to Kansas households in 2025 following the application submission and DOE approval.In the meantime, Kansans can visit the<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fkansas-energy-office%2Fkansas-home-rebates%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010193025ce0ad-82f4eabc-1e0e-4c3e-9d97-7fcee032231d-000000/AGeUGcKh3EYdF-BDz8hMTA11qIQxNuUR7VVWD1EFSnA=378">&nbsp;KCC website</a>&nbsp;for information on how to participate in the engagement sessions, learn more about the Home Rebates program, track the status, and find answers to frequently asked questions.

 KCC is laying the groundwork to make Home Rebates available in Kansas and wants your input 

Veterans Helping Veterans will be the theme for the annual Veterans day parade in Manhattan on Monday. 

The parade sponsored by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition is set for 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

It will begin at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot and follow a route to City Hall on Poyntz Avenue.

The rest of the schedule includes a Veterans Breakfast from 7-9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 17, 114 McCall Road and a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at Peace Memorial Auditorium at City Hall.

Veterans Helping Veterans will be the theme for the annual Veterans day parade in Manhattan on Monday. The parade sponsored by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition is set for 9:30 a.m. on Monday.It will begin at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot and follow a route to City Hall on Poyntz Avenue.The rest of the schedule includes a Veterans Breakfast from 7-9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 17, 114 McCall Road and a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at Peace Memorial Auditorium at City Hall.

Veterans Day activities are set for Monday

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731165063454.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report November 9

Westbound Interstate has reopened at Goodland, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

&nbsp;Interstate 70 reopened Saturday morning between Oakley and Goodland, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Westbound lanes remain closed at Goodland. Parking/accommodations may be limited in NWKS. Motorists are advised to postpone travel or use alternative routes. Stay updated at <a href="https://t.co/PMwufxHbcT" target="_blank">http://kandrive.gov</a>. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KnowBeforeYouGo?src=hashtag_click">#KnowBeforeYouGo</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hashtag_click">#kswx</a>

------------- Westbound Interstate 70 Now Closed at Oakley, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Accommodations and parking are becoming very limited in northwest Kansas. Motorists advised to postpone westbound travel or seek alternative routes. Stay updated at <a href="https://t.co/f1Av4pGLhW" target="_blank">http://KanDrive.gov</a>. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KnowBeforeYouGo?src=hashtag_click">#KnowBeforeYouGo</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hashtag_click">#kswx</a>

Westbound Interstate has reopened at Goodland, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.-----------&nbsp;Interstate 70 reopened Saturday morning between Oakley and Goodland, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Westbound lanes remain closed at Goodland. Parking/accommodations may be limited in NWKS. Motorists are advised to postpone travel or use alternative routes. Stay updated at <a href="https://t.co/PMwufxHbcT" target="_blank">http://kandrive.gov</a>. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KnowBeforeYouGo?src=hashtag_click">#KnowBeforeYouGo</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hashtag_click">#kswx</a> ------------- Westbound Interstate 70 Now Closed at Oakley, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.Accommodations and parking are becoming very limited in northwest Kansas. Motorists advised to postpone westbound travel or seek alternative routes. Stay updated at <a href="https://t.co/f1Av4pGLhW" target="_blank">http://KanDrive.gov</a>. <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/KnowBeforeYouGo?src=hashtag_click">#KnowBeforeYouGo</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hashtag_click">#kswx</a>

KDOT: Westbound  I-70 now open at Goodland

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with entrepreneur Kris Munsch.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L_j7J8c_66g?si=kAHfEv8jxgGZL6_b" 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 entrepreneur Kris Munsch.

🎤Forward Ever: Entrepreneur Kris Munsch

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a robbery in Riley County and have recovered the vehicle.

Just after 12:30a.m. Friday, officers filed a report of robbery in the 1400 block of Collins Lane, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 71-year-old woman reported a known suspect stole a 2025 Toyota Camry, cell phone and a SCCY handgun from her.&nbsp; Just after 9a.m. Friday police reported they located the vehicle in Blue Rapids.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a robbery in Riley County and have recovered the vehicle.Just after 12:30a.m. Friday, officers filed a report of robbery in the 1400 block of Collins Lane, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 71-year-old woman reported a known suspect stole a 2025 Toyota Camry, cell phone and a SCCY handgun from her.&nbsp; Just after 9a.m. Friday police reported they located the vehicle in Blue Rapids.

Police recover vehicle taken in robbery

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just before 11:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated burglary and criminal destruction of property in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;WalMart reported a known suspect threw a rock through a window and stole an unknown quantity of shotgun shells.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.&nbsp;Just before 11:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated burglary and criminal destruction of property in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;WalMart reported a known suspect threw a rock through a window and stole an unknown quantity of shotgun shells.

RCPD: Suspect stole shotgun shells from retailer

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1731078234776.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report November 8

The&nbsp;Flint&nbsp;Hills&nbsp;Discovery&nbsp;Center&nbsp;(FHDC) opens its newest temporary exhibit on Saturday, November 16.Stepping into the Prairie&nbsp;is&nbsp;a custom-built interactive exhibit that recreates the sights and sounds of the tallgrass prairie through the use of immersive video technology.&nbsp;Envisioned as a “digital field guide” to the&nbsp;Flint&nbsp;Hills, this educational experience&nbsp;cycles through the four prairie seasons in just 10 minutes, highlighting the plants and animals along the way.

Stepping into the Prairie is open during regular hours from November 16, 2024, through May 18, 2025. Regular admission rates apply.

by Deanna LikesThe&nbsp;Flint&nbsp;Hills&nbsp;Discovery&nbsp;Center&nbsp;(FHDC) opens its newest temporary exhibit on Saturday, November 16.Stepping into the Prairie&nbsp;is&nbsp;a custom-built interactive exhibit that recreates the sights and sounds of the tallgrass prairie through the use of immersive video technology.&nbsp;Envisioned as a “digital field guide” to the&nbsp;Flint&nbsp;Hills, this educational experience&nbsp;cycles through the four prairie seasons in just 10 minutes, highlighting the plants and animals along the way.Guests will:<ul>
 <li>Interact with a tallgrass prairie ecosystem that evolves through four seasons and day/night cycles</li><li>Run, jump, and wave their arms as&nbsp;plants and animals react to their gestures and movements</li><li>Hop across a digital field as they watch a prairie fire emerge from every footstep</li><li>Leap onto an animal track and watch that animal scurry out of the grass and across the prairie</li><li>Design their own prairie creatures in the "Paint the Prairie" interactive.</li>
 </ul>Stepping into the Prairie is open during regular hours from November 16, 2024, through May 18, 2025. Regular admission rates apply.

Stepping into the Prairie Exhibit at The Flint Hills Discovery Center 

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

A Suzuki 400 driven by Jackson Ross of Manhattan rear-ended a GMC Acadia driven by Lacey Farney Manhattan at the corner of College Heights Road and Goodnow Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported Ross to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Thursday in Riley County.A Suzuki 400 driven by Jackson Ross of Manhattan rear-ended a GMC Acadia driven by Lacey Farney Manhattan at the corner of College Heights Road and Goodnow Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported Ross to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man hospitalized after rear-end accident

Tje Army says effective Nov. 12 the IACH Appointment Line at Fort Riley will adjust its opening hours to 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This change moves the opening time from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., while closing hours remain unchanged.

The shift in hours is designed to better align with the finalization of same-day appointment availability. Each morning, IACH providers’ schedules are reviewed to confirm the latest openings, ensuring that patients can access accurate information about available appointment times when calling in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tje Army says effective Nov. 12 the IACH Appointment Line at Fort Riley will adjust its opening hours to 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This change moves the opening time from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., while closing hours remain unchanged.The shift in hours is designed to better align with the finalization of same-day appointment availability. Each morning, IACH providers’ schedules are reviewed to confirm the latest openings, ensuring that patients can access accurate information about available appointment times when calling in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Change in Appointment Line Hours at IACH

&nbsp; A Riley County Commission proclamation for this year's "Operation Green Light" was signed this week.

The Riley County Courthouse was among the places lit up green.

&nbsp; A Riley County Commission proclamation for this year's "Operation Green Light" was signed this week.The Riley County Courthouse was among the places lit up green.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730945338112.jpeg" alt="( Photo - Riley County )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - Riley County )</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp;

Operation Green Light

USD 383 has announced that the Manhattan High School Choir, Band, and Orchestra students competed in the  KMEA North Central District Honor Band, Choir, and Orchestra audition process. 

These are blind auditions that are scored based on performance alone. Then each faction will select the best auditions for placement in the Honor Ensembles. 

 Here are the results for MHS:-18 selected for the Honor Band-32 selected for the Honor Mixed Choir-9 selected for the Honor Treble Choir-26 selected for the Honor Orchestra. These selected music students will now participate in the NCKMEA Mini-Convention in December.  They are also eligible to audition for their respective State Honor Ensembles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 383 has announced that the Manhattan High School Choir, Band, and Orchestra students competed in the KMEA North Central District Honor Band, Choir, and Orchestra audition process. These are blind auditions that are scored based on performance alone. Then each faction will select the best auditions for placement in the Honor Ensembles. Here are the results for MHS:-18 selected for the Honor Band-32 selected for the Honor Mixed Choir-9 selected for the Honor Treble Choir-26 selected for the Honor Orchestra. These selected music students will now participate in the NCKMEA Mini-Convention in December. They are also eligible to audition for their respective State Honor Ensembles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan High School music accomplishments

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she granted clemency to seven individuals by commuting the sentences of two incarcerated individuals and granting pardons to five individuals, all of whom show strong signs of rehabilitation, according to a statement from the governor's office.

The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society. In cases where a disproportionally harsh sentence is imposed or a miscarriage of justice exists, commutation can be a tool to ensure reasonable action and a fairer sentence. In extraordinary cases where the criminal justice system failed to account for mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime throughout the legal process, including sentencing, commutations can give a second chance to individuals experiencing incomprehensible circumstances at the time of their offense.”

Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the commutations and pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society following release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below is list of individuals receiving commutations and pardons:

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.doc.ks.gov%252Fprb%26data=05%257C02%257CAna.Nixon%2540ks.gov%257C54a18c945bc94c7cef9908dcccec3705%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638610562106760595%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=TVFfLmVj0zBjEC2hlG41qZasLpFnoRvUlC0EsfsqVKM%253D%26reserved=0/1/01010193039881ea-45df8950-42c0-4dec-b909-0a69dd90e820-000000/EQD3pxK56IRd9nkMPcKCzxcRt8HakRbBbdI_y-W9EXs=378">https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730986375858.png" alt="Holle was serving time after convictions for Murder in the 2nd Degree,&nbsp;Aggravated abandonment of a child and abuse of a child, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Holle was serving time after convictions for Murder in the 2nd Degree,&nbsp;Aggravated abandonment of a child and abuse of a child, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she granted clemency to seven individuals by commuting the sentences of two incarcerated individuals and granting pardons to five individuals, all of whom show strong signs of rehabilitation, according to a statement from the governor's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730986943406.png" alt="Durham was serving time for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Durham was serving time for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>The decision to grant the commutations and pardons was made following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.“Granting commutations and pardons is not something I take lightly,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “By vetting numerous applications through a careful and thorough process, it was determined that these individuals have demonstrated their commitment to making amends and positively contributing to society. In cases where a disproportionally harsh sentence is imposed or a miscarriage of justice exists, commutation can be a tool to ensure reasonable action and a fairer sentence. In extraordinary cases where the criminal justice system failed to account for mitigating factors surrounding an individual’s alleged crime throughout the legal process, including sentencing, commutations can give a second chance to individuals experiencing incomprehensible circumstances at the time of their offense.”Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the commutations and pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society following release.Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency. Below is list of individuals receiving commutations and pardons:Jose Arellano,&nbsp;pardonDeshaun Durham,&nbsp;commutationStephen Gontz,&nbsp;pardonJeffrey Gronewaller,&nbsp;pardonLauren Holle, commutation &nbsp;James Valentine,&nbsp;pardonScottie Way, pardonReview of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.doc.ks.gov%252Fprb%26data=05%257C02%257CAna.Nixon%2540ks.gov%257C54a18c945bc94c7cef9908dcccec3705%257Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%257C0%257C0%257C638610562106760595%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=TVFfLmVj0zBjEC2hlG41qZasLpFnoRvUlC0EsfsqVKM%253D%26reserved=0/1/01010193039881ea-45df8950-42c0-4dec-b909-0a69dd90e820-000000/EQD3pxK56IRd9nkMPcKCzxcRt8HakRbBbdI_y-W9EXs=378">https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb</a>

Gov. commutes sentence of Manhattan man in prison on drug charge

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.

A 2009 Honda Accord driven by Javier Rascon Ruiz, 30, of Manhattan, was eastbound in the 2200 Block of Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The car suddenly veered left crossing traffic and struck a wall.&nbsp; EMS transported Ruiz&nbsp; to Ascension Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 5p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.A 2009 Honda Accord driven by Javier Rascon Ruiz, 30, of Manhattan, was eastbound in the 2200 Block of Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The car suddenly veered left crossing traffic and struck a wall.&nbsp; EMS transported Ruiz&nbsp; to Ascension Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Manhattan man injured after car strikes a wall

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/04/advocates-of-imperiled-lesser-prairie-chicken-say-market-incentives-key-to-expanding-habitat/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Grassland bird listed as threatened in Kansas, endangered on southern Great Plains

TOPEKA — Entrepreneur and conservationist Wayne Walker says the business of saving the lesser prairie chicken in Kansas required wider commitment to paying market rates to landowners dedicated to improving grassland habitat for the vulnerable birds.

He said companies involved in energy production within regions favored by the prairie chicken often had good intentions in terms of addressing the need for biological diversity and addressing climate change concerns. But, he said, too many balked at paying the true cost of a landowner setting aside large tracts for benefit of the colorful, reclusive prairie chicken.

Walker, owner of Common Ground Capital and CEO of LPC Conservation, said on Kansas Reflector’s podcast that programs designed to aid the lesser prairie chicken tended to fall short because they didn’t pay farmers or ranchers enough to justify multigenerational shifts in land use.

“You can’t keep asking the ranchers to be good conservationists for free. That’s essentially what we’ve done to date&nbsp;and … is why we have lost so much prairie and this bird’s in trouble,” Walker said.

“Our financial system is designed to make a profit&nbsp;and conservation historically has been kept out of that model,” he said. “Until a rancher can make a profit conserving prairie because of the prairie chicken or some other ecosystem service —&nbsp;just like he can make money selling his wind rights or his solar rights&nbsp;or his mineral rights or his development rights —&nbsp;it’s not going to turn around.”

In 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service controversially<a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-11/lesser-prairie-chicken-listed-under-endangered-species-act" target="_blank">&nbsp;listed two distinct population segments of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act due to</a>&nbsp;habitat loss and fragmentation of grassland areas.

In the northern region, including western Kansas, southeastern Colorado, western Oklahoma and the northeast Texas panhandle, the lesser prairie-chicken was listed as threatened. The southern range of the lesser prairie-chicken in eastern New Mexico and the southwest Texas panhandle was listed as endangered due to the threat of extinction.

The decision of federal regulators enraged members of the Kansas congressional delegation who denounced the listing as an overreach damaging to the state’s agriculture and energy sectors.

U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican serving the 1st District that includes much of the bird’s habitat in Kansas, said the listing amounted to a “proxy war on American agriculture and energy sectors that are vital to our economy.”

He said the federal government should get out of the way of farmers, ranchers and landowners, who he described as the “original conservationists.”

Years of brawling among energy companies, environmentalists, elected officials and federal regulators led to the listing and fueled the inevitable flurry of lawsuits.

Mike Smith, who works with LPC Conservation projects in five states, said the population of lesser prairie chicken had dropped to perhaps 25,000. In certain years, due to good rainfall, there might be a temporary surge in the population. Drought has the opposite impact on the birds.

The long-term spiral, despite a hodgepodge of voluntary programs and initiatives, justified intervention with the federal Endangered Species Act, Smith said.

He said mandates from the federal government could prompt greater environmental awareness to deterioration of bird habitat and raise the profile of approaches anchored to business principles.

“The Endangered Species Act provides a cudgel, and, you know, keeps everybody honest, but the outsourcing of conservation work to the states and then having state rangers or state wildlife managers in the land business has not worked,” Smith said. “They don’t know how to cobble together the last of the best properties&nbsp;in order to make … these easements, which is what Wayne (Walker) has done in his conservation banking business.”

Walker said collaboration could work if there was sufficient financial incentive for property owners to redirect land resources in a way that also benefitted the bird.

“The&nbsp;old conservation models&nbsp;have done some good things, but overall we’re losing, right?” Walker said. “It just became clear to me … we had to bring some business acumen to it.”

Common Ground Capital works to identify landowners with property that possessed ecological and biological features that could be restored and preserved through a system of conservation banking. Property owners enter into long term protective land easements that serve interests of prairie chickens in exchange for a prescribed revenue stream. It would be ideal to build strongholds for the kesser prairie chicken with 25,000 to 50,000 acres each, Walker said.

When the varied interests come together, companies with a large imprint on the environment — energy companies, for example — purchase conservation credits to position themselves as more clean and green. Wind and solar industries have taken to conservation banking more than oil and gas interests.

“We approach it like a developer would approach building a housing development. You know, location, location.&nbsp;Where are the birds? Where are there ranchers there that are willing to talk to us about this arrangement. And then, of course, with the Fish and Wildlife Service, there are standards we have to meet,” Walker said.

Listing of the bird as threatened and endangered ought to build momentum for conservation banking. Common Ground Capital, and companies like it, would profit by bringing the diverse interests together.

“I really don’t want to be apologizing for that. I mean, people have&nbsp;accused me&nbsp;of trying to get rich off the prairie chicken,” Walker said. “Look, if it’s a get-rich-quick scheme, it is the worst one in history&nbsp;because we do this for 12 years, and we still aren’t quite in the black yet.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675290627669.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/04/advocates-of-imperiled-lesser-prairie-chicken-say-market-incentives-key-to-expanding-habitat/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Grassland bird listed as threatened in Kansas, endangered on southern Great Plains</h2>TOPEKA — Entrepreneur and conservationist Wayne Walker says the business of saving the lesser prairie chicken in Kansas required wider commitment to paying market rates to landowners dedicated to improving grassland habitat for the vulnerable birds.He said companies involved in energy production within regions favored by the prairie chicken often had good intentions in terms of addressing the need for biological diversity and addressing climate change concerns. But, he said, too many balked at paying the true cost of a landowner setting aside large tracts for benefit of the colorful, reclusive prairie chicken.Walker, owner of Common Ground Capital and CEO of LPC Conservation, said on Kansas Reflector’s podcast that programs designed to aid the lesser prairie chicken tended to fall short because they didn’t pay farmers or ranchers enough to justify multigenerational shifts in land use.“You can’t keep asking the ranchers to be good conservationists for free. That’s essentially what we’ve done to date&nbsp;and … is why we have lost so much prairie and this bird’s in trouble,” Walker said.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1948272083&color=ff5500"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/2024-11-04-podcast" title="Open-market forces could shape a better future for the lesser prairie chicken" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Open-market forces could shape a better future for the lesser prairie chicken</a></div></div>“Our financial system is designed to make a profit&nbsp;and conservation historically has been kept out of that model,” he said. “Until a rancher can make a profit conserving prairie because of the prairie chicken or some other ecosystem service —&nbsp;just like he can make money selling his wind rights or his solar rights&nbsp;or his mineral rights or his development rights —&nbsp;it’s not going to turn around.”In 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service controversially<a href="https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2022-11/lesser-prairie-chicken-listed-under-endangered-species-act" target="_blank">&nbsp;listed two distinct population segments of the lesser prairie chicken under the Endangered Species Act due to</a>&nbsp;habitat loss and fragmentation of grassland areas.In the northern region, including western Kansas, southeastern Colorado, western Oklahoma and the northeast Texas panhandle, the lesser prairie-chicken was listed as threatened. The southern range of the lesser prairie-chicken in eastern New Mexico and the southwest Texas panhandle was listed as endangered due to the threat of extinction.The decision of federal regulators enraged members of the Kansas congressional delegation who denounced the listing as an overreach damaging to the state’s agriculture and energy sectors.U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, a Republican serving the 1st District that includes much of the bird’s habitat in Kansas, said the listing amounted to a “proxy war on American agriculture and energy sectors that are vital to our economy.”He said the federal government should get out of the way of farmers, ranchers and landowners, who he described as the “original conservationists.”<h2>More than a cudgel</h2>Years of brawling among energy companies, environmentalists, elected officials and federal regulators led to the listing and fueled the inevitable flurry of lawsuits.Mike Smith, who works with LPC Conservation projects in five states, said the population of lesser prairie chicken had dropped to perhaps 25,000. In certain years, due to good rainfall, there might be a temporary surge in the population. Drought has the opposite impact on the birds.The long-term spiral, despite a hodgepodge of voluntary programs and initiatives, justified intervention with the federal Endangered Species Act, Smith said.He said mandates from the federal government could prompt greater environmental awareness to deterioration of bird habitat and raise the profile of approaches anchored to business principles.“The Endangered Species Act provides a cudgel, and, you know, keeps everybody honest, but the outsourcing of conservation work to the states and then having state rangers or state wildlife managers in the land business has not worked,” Smith said. “They don’t know how to cobble together the last of the best properties&nbsp;in order to make … these easements, which is what Wayne (Walker) has done in his conservation banking business.”Walker said collaboration could work if there was sufficient financial incentive for property owners to redirect land resources in a way that also benefitted the bird.“The&nbsp;old conservation models&nbsp;have done some good things, but overall we’re losing, right?” Walker said. “It just became clear to me … we had to bring some business acumen to it.”<h2>It’s a business</h2>Common Ground Capital works to identify landowners with property that possessed ecological and biological features that could be restored and preserved through a system of conservation banking. Property owners enter into long term protective land easements that serve interests of prairie chickens in exchange for a prescribed revenue stream. It would be ideal to build strongholds for the kesser prairie chicken with 25,000 to 50,000 acres each, Walker said.When the varied interests come together, companies with a large imprint on the environment — energy companies, for example — purchase conservation credits to position themselves as more clean and green. Wind and solar industries have taken to conservation banking more than oil and gas interests.“We approach it like a developer would approach building a housing development. You know, location, location.&nbsp;Where are the birds? Where are there ranchers there that are willing to talk to us about this arrangement. And then, of course, with the Fish and Wildlife Service, there are standards we have to meet,” Walker said.Listing of the bird as threatened and endangered ought to build momentum for conservation banking. Common Ground Capital, and companies like it, would profit by bringing the diverse interests together.“I really don’t want to be apologizing for that. I mean, people have&nbsp;accused me&nbsp;of trying to get rich off the prairie chicken,” Walker said. “Look, if it’s a get-rich-quick scheme, it is the worst one in history&nbsp;because we do this for 12 years, and we still aren’t quite in the black yet.”

Advocates of imperiled lesser prairie chicken say market incentives key to expanding habitat

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730991923085.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report November 7

FORT RILEY, Kansas - The 1st Infantry Division conducted a street renaming ceremony to commemorate the heroic actions of Capt. Larry L. Taylor, a veteran of the First Division awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War, on Fort Riley, Nov. 1, 2024.

The ceremony to commemorate Taylor’s heroism during the Vietnam War took place at the corner where the formerly named Smoky Hill Road and Marshall Drive meet on post.

“This is a tremendous honor for a tremendous pilot,” said Sgt. (Ret.) Dave Hill, a veteran of the 1st Infantry Division, rescued by Taylor in the Vietnam War. “As long as we remember him in events like this, Larry is still here.”

The newly named Taylor Road is another reminder of the 1st Infantry Division’s dedication to honoring the legacy of Soldiers of the Big Red One.

On June 18, 1968, at approximately 9 p.m., a horn sounded, and the pilots raced to get their helicopters enroute to a rice paddy near a village south of Ap Go Cong, Bình Dương Province of the Republic of Vietnam. After learning that the coordinates led to a four-man long-range reconnaissance patrol team whom the enemy had outnumbered and surrounded, Taylor had to think fast. He told his co-pilot to fire his last bullets along the east side of the patrol group then go back to base. Taylor used the helicopter’s lights to conceal the patrol group as they fled for safety.

Flying into the enemy, in his helicopter designed for two, he rescued four additional people on its landing gear - a feat never attempted before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730939532104.jpeg" alt="( Photos -Fort Riley )" />
 <figcaption>( Photos -Fort Riley )</figcaption>
 </figure>Fort Riley Public Affairs Office releaseFORT RILEY, Kansas - The 1st Infantry Division conducted a street renaming ceremony to commemorate the heroic actions of Capt. Larry L. Taylor, a veteran of the First Division awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War, on Fort Riley, Nov. 1, 2024.The ceremony to commemorate Taylor’s heroism during the Vietnam War took place at the corner where the formerly named Smoky Hill Road and Marshall Drive meet on post.“This is a tremendous honor for a tremendous pilot,” said Sgt. (Ret.) Dave Hill, a veteran of the 1st Infantry Division, rescued by Taylor in the Vietnam War. “As long as we remember him in events like this, Larry is still here.”The newly named Taylor Road is another reminder of the 1st Infantry Division’s dedication to honoring the legacy of Soldiers of the Big Red One.On June 18, 1968, at approximately 9 p.m., a horn sounded, and the pilots raced to get their helicopters enroute to a rice paddy near a village south of Ap Go Cong, Bình Dương Province of the Republic of Vietnam. After learning that the coordinates led to a four-man long-range reconnaissance patrol team whom the enemy had outnumbered and surrounded, Taylor had to think fast. He told his co-pilot to fire his last bullets along the east side of the patrol group then go back to base. Taylor used the helicopter’s lights to conceal the patrol group as they fled for safety.Flying into the enemy, in his helicopter designed for two, he rescued four additional people on its landing gear - a feat never attempted before.

Taylor Road Commemorates Vietnam Veteran

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a death that occurred at the Northeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City, according to a media release from the agency.

The KBI was contacted on Tuesday to investigate the death of a 17-year-old boy from Dodge City. The teen had been at the detention facility since early August as a result of a child in need of care case. KBI agents responded to the facility to investigate.

By statute, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in the custody of Kansas jails and prisons, and juveniles in state, county, or city custody, unless the person who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.

The investigation indicates that personnel found the 17-year-old unresponsive around 6:50 a.m., and began life-saving measures. Geary County EMS responded and continued resuscitation efforts during transport to a local hospital. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel around 7:40 a.m. An autopsy is scheduled. The investigation is ongoing.

GEARY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a death that occurred at the Northeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Junction City, according to a media release from the agency.The KBI was contacted on Tuesday to investigate the death of a 17-year-old boy from Dodge City. The teen had been at the detention facility since early August as a result of a child in need of care case. KBI agents responded to the facility to investigate.By statute, the KBI investigates the deaths of prisoners in the custody of Kansas jails and prisons, and juveniles in state, county, or city custody, unless the person who dies is being regularly attended by a physician, or the death is ruled natural by autopsy.The investigation indicates that personnel found the 17-year-old unresponsive around 6:50 a.m., and began life-saving measures. Geary County EMS responded and continued resuscitation efforts during transport to a local hospital. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel around 7:40 a.m. An autopsy is scheduled. The investigation is ongoing.

KBI: Teen in custody of Regional Juvenile Detention Center dies

Fort Riley’s Hiring and Education Fair will take place Thursday, Nov. 7, at Riley’s Community Center, 446 Seitz Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend and open to all active duty Soldiers, family members, veterans, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, and community members.

The event will feature schools from around the United States, regional and local employers, KANSASWORKS, education counselors, financial aid advisors, Transition Assistance Program counselors and many other organizations. More than 75 exhibitors will be on-site.

For more information contact Fort Riley Education Services at 785-239-6481 or the Transition Assistance Program at 785-239-2193.

Visitors to Fort Riley who don’t have a Department of Defense identification card can apply for a pass online. Go to home.army.mil/riley and click on the Accessing Fort Riley link. Visitors can also apply for a pass at the visitor control center near the Henry gate, Exit 301 off I-70. You can learn more about access to Fort Riley by calling 785-239-2982.

Fort Riley’s Hiring and Education Fair will take place Thursday, Nov. 7, at Riley’s Community Center, 446 Seitz Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to attend and open to all active duty Soldiers, family members, veterans, retirees, Department of Defense civilians, and community members.The event will feature schools from around the United States, regional and local employers, KANSASWORKS, education counselors, financial aid advisors, Transition Assistance Program counselors and many other organizations. More than 75 exhibitors will be on-site.For more information contact Fort Riley Education Services at 785-239-6481 or the Transition Assistance Program at 785-239-2193.Visitors to Fort Riley who don’t have a Department of Defense identification card can apply for a pass online. Go to home.army.mil/riley and click on the Accessing Fort Riley link. Visitors can also apply for a pass at the visitor control center near the Henry gate, Exit 301 off I-70. You can learn more about access to Fort Riley by calling 785-239-2982.

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