TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.3% in September. This is unchanged from 3.3% in August and an increase from 2.6% in September 2023.

“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 3.3% in September,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The labor force participation rate was also unchanged over the month at 66.2%, significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 62.7%.”

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,700 from August. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 800 over the month, mwhile government increased by 1,900.

The unemployment rate in Riley County dropped from 3.8 percent in August to 3.1 percent in September.&nbsp; The jobless rate is also down significantly in Geary, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties. The rate in Dickinson County fell from 6 percent in August to 3.1 percent.

Since September 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,200. This change is due to an increase of 16,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,700 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729267594543.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.3% in September. This is unchanged from 3.3% in August and an increase from 2.6% in September 2023.“The Kansas unemployment rate held steady at 3.3% in September,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The labor force participation rate was also unchanged over the month at 66.2%, significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 62.7%.”Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,700 from August. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 800 over the month, mwhile government increased by 1,900.The unemployment rate in Riley County dropped from 3.8 percent in August to 3.1 percent in September.&nbsp; The jobless rate is also down significantly in Geary, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties. The rate in Dickinson County fell from 6 percent in August to 3.1 percent.Since September 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 19,200. This change is due to an increase of 16,500 private sector jobs and an increase of 2,700 government jobs.

Jobless rate is down in Riley County and across the region

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

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729347425571.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 19

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Office of the State Fire Marshall&nbsp;Public Information Manager&nbsp;Lance Feyh about hurricane relief efforts.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ka8IJ-jhn2g?si=lDrxR15HO4YQn4ZK" 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 Office of the State Fire Marshall&nbsp;Public Information Manager&nbsp;Lance Feyh about hurricane relief efforts.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas Fire Marshall spokesman Lance Feyh

RILEY COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Manhattan.

Just before noon Friday, crews were dispatched to a house fire at 4517 Lamonte Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found a two-story house with heavy fire showing from the rear. The fire was contained within 30 minutes. The house is a two-story split-level home with a basement. Loss is estimated at $125,000 to contents and $300,000 to the structure. There were no injuries reported.

The owners are listed as Nathan and Shanna Legleiter of the same address. The fire's cause is under investigation at this time.

Riley County Fire District #1 provided a mobile air unit to fill air bottles at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729288256852.png" alt="photos Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>photos Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Manhattan.Just before noon Friday, crews were dispatched to a house fire at 4517 Lamonte Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729288428452.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First arriving crews found a two-story house with heavy fire showing from the rear. The fire was contained within 30 minutes. The house is a two-story split-level home with a basement. Loss is estimated at $125,000 to contents and $300,000 to the structure. There were no injuries reported.The owners are listed as Nathan and Shanna Legleiter of the same address. The fire's cause is under investigation at this time.Riley County Fire District #1 provided a mobile air unit to fill air bottles at the scene.

Thousands of dollars in damage after fire at home in Manhattan

Flint Hills Discovery Center will celebrate the Kansas state mammal, the American bison from&nbsp;10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 2&nbsp;for&nbsp;&nbsp;

All activities are included with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=3626f8dff3&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Flint Hills Discovery Center</a>&nbsp;admission:

Flint Hills Discovery Center will celebrate the Kansas state mammal, the American bison from&nbsp;10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 2&nbsp;for&nbsp;&nbsp;All activities are included with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=3626f8dff3&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Flint Hills Discovery Center</a>&nbsp;admission:<ul>
 <li>Explore their bison box to learn about this animal as you see and feel a full-sized bison robe and skull.</li><li>Learn how Plains Indians turned the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=c3f16b5d49&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">American bison</a>&nbsp;into dozens of tools, objects, and articles of clothing.</li><li>Listen to bison stories, make a bison craft, and get creative with bison coloring pages.</li>
 </ul>

Flint Hills Discovery Center’s National Bison Day is Nov. 2

Authorities continued Saturday to gather information related to the big grass wildfire that occurred on Friday in Geary County. According to Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges they were still interviewing people. He expects to release more information on the fire on Monday.

Fire ripped across hundreds of acres of grassland in Geary County on Friday. Authorities responded to the fire that was first reported about 2:30 p.m. and was not brought under control for several hours.&nbsp;

"We worked together," was a comment by Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges after numerous agencies responded to the scene near West Skiddy Road approximately eight miles south-southwest of Junction City. One cow was lost but there were no injuries to people. Numerous large hay bales burned.

Precautionary measures were taken to protect property.

Along with Geary County rural firefighters other agencies that sent firefighters to help included Junction City, Grandview Plaza, the Kansas Forest Service, Riley County, Herington, White City, Hutchinson, Fort Riley and Dickinson County.

There were about 30 people at any one time working on putting out the blaze. The cause of the fire, which occurred on a windy day, has not yet been determined.

Mutual aid is being provided by multiple agencies as a massive grass wildfire continues that started about eight miles south of Junction City. Protective measures have been taken to safeguard homes.

Participating agencies range from Junction City and Fort Riley to Riley County and the Kansas Forest Service plus others.

Rural firefighters were working Friday afternoon to respond to a major grass wildfire in southeast Geary County. The number of acres burned have not yet been determined.&nbsp;

The location of the blaze is about 7.9 miles south of Junction City near Skiddy Road and U.S. 77 Highway.

Mutual aid assistance has been brought in to help Geary County firefighters.

By Dewey TerrillUPDATE:Authorities continued Saturday to gather information related to the big grass wildfire that occurred on Friday in Geary County. According to Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges they were still interviewing people. He expects to release more information on the fire on Monday.---Fire ripped across hundreds of acres of grassland in Geary County on Friday. Authorities responded to the fire that was first reported about 2:30 p.m. and was not brought under control for several hours.&nbsp;"We worked together," was a comment by Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges after numerous agencies responded to the scene near West Skiddy Road approximately eight miles south-southwest of Junction City. One cow was lost but there were no injuries to people. Numerous large hay bales burned.Precautionary measures were taken to protect property.Along with Geary County rural firefighters other agencies that sent firefighters to help included Junction City, Grandview Plaza, the Kansas Forest Service, Riley County, Herington, White City, Hutchinson, Fort Riley and Dickinson County.There were about 30 people at any one time working on putting out the blaze. The cause of the fire, which occurred on a windy day, has not yet been determined.---Mutual aid is being provided by multiple agencies as a massive grass wildfire continues that started about eight miles south of Junction City. Protective measures have been taken to safeguard homes.Participating agencies range from Junction City and Fort Riley to Riley County and the Kansas Forest Service plus others.---Rural firefighters were working Friday afternoon to respond to a major grass wildfire in southeast Geary County. The number of acres burned have not yet been determined.&nbsp;The location of the blaze is about 7.9 miles south of Junction City near Skiddy Road and U.S. 77 Highway.Mutual aid assistance has been brought in to help Geary County firefighters.

Firefighters respond to a major grass wildfire

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Maj. Gen. Monté L. Rone, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, will host a ceremony to rename Smoky Hill Road to Taylor Street in honor of Capt. Larry Taylor, 1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor recipient.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Taylor, who had originally received a Silver Star for his actions in Vietnam on June 18, 1968, while serving as a Bell AH1-G Cobra attack helicopter pilot in the 1st Infantry Division.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor passed away on Jan. 28, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; SPC. Dawson Smith of the 19th Public Affairs Detachment wrote in a story that Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division mourned the loss of U.S. Army Capt. Larry L. Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient and a veteran of the 1st Inf. Div., at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Feb. 7, 2024.“Larry Taylor fought so we could live quiet, protected and safe lives,” said Dave Hill, a veteran of the 1st Inf. Div. “Where do we get such men?” Military service had always been highly-valued in the Taylor family; his great-great-grandfather, father and uncles all served in the military.&nbsp; &nbsp;urging everyone in the Big Red One to strive for excellence and carry forth his legacy.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Maj. Gen. Monté L. Rone, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, will host a ceremony to rename Smoky Hill Road to Taylor Street in honor of Capt. Larry Taylor, 1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor recipient.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Taylor, who had originally received a Silver Star for his actions in Vietnam on June 18, 1968, while serving as a Bell AH1-G Cobra attack helicopter pilot in the 1st Infantry Division.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor passed away on Jan. 28, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; SPC. Dawson Smith of the 19th Public Affairs Detachment wrote in a story that Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division mourned the loss of U.S. Army Capt. Larry L. Taylor, a Medal of Honor recipient and a veteran of the 1st Inf. Div., at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Feb. 7, 2024.“Larry Taylor fought so we could live quiet, protected and safe lives,” said Dave Hill, a veteran of the 1st Inf. Div. “Where do we get such men?” Military service had always been highly-valued in the Taylor family; his great-great-grandfather, father and uncles all served in the military.&nbsp; &nbsp;urging everyone in the Big Red One to strive for excellence and carry forth his legacy.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Another Fort Riley Street to be Renamed for a Medal of Honor Recipient

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasenergyprogram.org/">Kansas Energy Program</a>&nbsp;has received more than $600,000 in grant funding from the Kansas Corporation Commission to help Kansans achieve energy efficiency. The Kansas Energy Program, or KEP, will use the funding for a one-year project that includes offering free energy assessments for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, conducting technical reviews of documents produced for the Kansas Facility Conservation Improvement Program, providing energy education to the public and Kansas K-12 schools through STEM activities, presentations and workshops, and providing technical assistance on grant applications for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP.

"This program allows us to assist with implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects by Kansas agricultural producers and rural small businesses," said David Carter, director of K-State Engineering Extension. "These projects will result in reduced consumption of natural resources, reduced operational costs for the producer and business, and increased economic viability for rural Kansas businesses. 

"With funds from this award, KEP will produce a variety of educational materials emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency to complement what Kansas utilities are already producing and fill any identified gaps. The grant also supplies funds for the program to continue hosting the Kansas KidWind regional and statewide competitions for K-12 school districts while also providing Energy Star benchmarking for school district-owned buildings.

funds are available to small businesses in rural areas, or those with a population of 50,000 or less. Agricultural producers can be in rural or non-rural areas. Carter said funds from successful REAP grant applications can be used for such renewable energy systems as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar and more. Funds also are available to install energy-efficient heating, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows, and more.

By Grant GuggisbergDivision of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kansasenergyprogram.org/">Kansas Energy Program</a>&nbsp;has received more than $600,000 in grant funding from the Kansas Corporation Commission to help Kansans achieve energy efficiency. The Kansas Energy Program, or KEP, will use the funding for a one-year project that includes offering free energy assessments for agricultural producers and rural small businesses, conducting technical reviews of documents produced for the Kansas Facility Conservation Improvement Program, providing energy education to the public and Kansas K-12 schools through STEM activities, presentations and workshops, and providing technical assistance on grant applications for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP."This program allows us to assist with implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects by Kansas agricultural producers and rural small businesses," said David Carter, director of K-State Engineering Extension. "These projects will result in reduced consumption of natural resources, reduced operational costs for the producer and business, and increased economic viability for rural Kansas businesses. "With funds from this award, KEP will produce a variety of educational materials emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency to complement what Kansas utilities are already producing and fill any identified gaps. The grant also supplies funds for the program to continue hosting the Kansas KidWind regional and statewide competitions for K-12 school districts while also providing Energy Star benchmarking for school district-owned buildings.funds are available to small businesses in rural areas, or those with a population of 50,000 or less. Agricultural producers can be in rural or non-rural areas. Carter said funds from successful REAP grant applications can be used for such renewable energy systems as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, wind, solar and more. Funds also are available to install energy-efficient heating, insulation, lighting, cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows, and more.

Kansas Energy Program receives grant to help implement energy efficiency projects in Kansas

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/2024/10/1729260859407.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 18

Late last month, work was completed to replace the shingles and flat roof at the Douglass Center Annex. Both were past their useful life — the shingles were last replaced in 1993 and the flat roof in 2001. This led to numerous leaks that caused the Annex to be closed temporarily to the public.

The City has announced that staff selected a diamond pattern shingle that mimics the style of shingle that was on the building at least as early as 1944.

The photo at the top above shows the roof as it appeared in 1976.Because the City selected this historic shingle type, it qualified for a Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credit from the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office. The City can sell these historic tax credits to recoup some of its investment (approximately 25% of the project cost) in the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729207757976.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729207776039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Late last month, work was completed to replace the shingles and flat roof at the Douglass Center Annex. Both were past their useful life — the shingles were last replaced in 1993 and the flat roof in 2001. This led to numerous leaks that caused the Annex to be closed temporarily to the public.The City has announced that staff selected a diamond pattern shingle that mimics the style of shingle that was on the building at least as early as 1944.The photo at the top above shows the roof as it appeared in 1976.Because the City selected this historic shingle type, it qualified for a Kansas Rehabilitation Tax Credit from the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office. The City can sell these historic tax credits to recoup some of its investment (approximately 25% of the project cost) in the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Annex roof replaced with historic shingles

Downtown Manhattan and Downtown MHK Art will host the Third Thursday event from 5 to 8 p.m.

They're wrapping up the season’s final Third Thursday with Big Air and big energy! Big Air in The Little Apple returns for thelast street festival of the season, featuring an air guitar showdown hosted by Nordic Thunder! The activity begins at 5:30 PM in front of Finn's Neighborhood Pub!

 It’s free to enter and everyone’s welcome!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Downtown Manhattan and Downtown MHK Art will host the Third Thursday event from 5 to 8 p.m.They're wrapping up the season’s final Third Thursday with Big Air and big energy! Big Air in The Little Apple returns for thelast street festival of the season, featuring an air guitar showdown hosted by Nordic Thunder! The activity begins at 5:30 PM in front of Finn's Neighborhood Pub! It’s free to enter and everyone’s welcome!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Street Party on Third Thursday

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans lambasted a Manhattan-area Democratic candidate who used a racial slur in a 2020 Facebook post that detailed the candidate’s feelings about an outburst she witnessed.

Kim Zito, a Democrat running for House District 67, posted to Facebook, “F**K YOU N*****S!!!!” preceded by a middle finger emoji on Nov. 9, 2020. The post continues, “I write that because I want you to see that. That’s what we heard yday (sic) while we were cheering for our new President and our first female VP.”

Republicans called on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to rescind her endorsement of Zito in a Wednesday news release, and called the post a “shocking and racially charged rant.”

Zito said in a statement Republicans were attempting to distract voters from concerns with her opponent, Angel Roeser.

In the 2020 post, which has been deleted, Zito explained she was illustrating the “level of hate being hurled at people of color and anyone supporting the end of the” Trump administration. She pleaded with friends and family to “stand up against the violence of fellow human beings.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Black Republican Council brought the post to the attention of the Kansas House Republican Campaign Committee on Tuesday, according to the news release. Joseph Elmore, chairman of the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council and member of the state council’s executive board, called on Democrats to “unequivocally disavow and divest themselves.”

“Exposure of Kim Zito’s racism is painful to see and, in my view, disqualifies her for service as a lawmaker,” Elmore said in the news release. “Racist words and racial slurs are hurtful and hateful to our Community.”

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, echoed Elmore’s condemnation.

Zito responded by accusing Roeser of being dishonest about her level of education and where she stands on abortion rights.

“The Kansas Republican Party has a fundamentally flawed candidate who has a broken relationship with the truth,” Zito said. “The Republicans are trying to distract the voters of Manhattan from the fact their candidate lies about her voting history and lies about whether she graduated from K-State, which is an insult to hard-working Kansans.”

Roeser, who doesn’t have a college degree, identified herself as a Kansas State University graduate in postcards produced by her campaign.

The first-time candidate said in a statement for this story she didn’t have “any ill intent to withhold information” about obtaining a college degree. She acknowledged it was a mistake to lie about her education.

“Kim Zito has yet to take responsibility for the offensive, insulting and downright hostile comments she has made about races of people, groups of worshipers and individuals in our community,” Roeser said. “Her partisan rhetoric and personal attacks won’t serve Manhattan well and will most definitely ensure we don’t have a seat at the table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193641491.png" alt="Kim Zito, a Manhattan Democrat, says Republicans are complaining about her four-year-old social media post to draw attention away from her opponent, who lied about being a Kansas State University graduate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kim Zito, a Manhattan Democrat, says Republicans are complaining about her four-year-old social media post to draw attention away from her opponent, who lied about being a Kansas State University graduate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Republicans lambasted a Manhattan-area Democratic candidate who used a racial slur in a 2020 Facebook post that detailed the candidate’s feelings about an outburst she witnessed.Kim Zito, a Democrat running for House District 67, posted to Facebook, “F**K YOU N*****S!!!!” preceded by a middle finger emoji on Nov. 9, 2020. The post continues, “I write that because I want you to see that. That’s what we heard yday (sic) while we were cheering for our new President and our first female VP.”Republicans called on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to rescind her endorsement of Zito in a Wednesday news release, and called the post a “shocking and racially charged rant.”Zito said in a statement Republicans were attempting to distract voters from concerns with her opponent, Angel Roeser.In the 2020 post, which has been deleted, Zito explained she was illustrating the “level of hate being hurled at people of color and anyone supporting the end of the” Trump administration. She pleaded with friends and family to “stand up against the violence of fellow human beings.”&nbsp;The Kansas Black Republican Council brought the post to the attention of the Kansas House Republican Campaign Committee on Tuesday, according to the news release. Joseph Elmore, chairman of the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council and member of the state council’s executive board, called on Democrats to “unequivocally disavow and divest themselves.”“Exposure of Kim Zito’s racism is painful to see and, in my view, disqualifies her for service as a lawmaker,” Elmore said in the news release. “Racist words and racial slurs are hurtful and hateful to our Community.”House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, echoed Elmore’s condemnation.Zito responded by accusing Roeser of being dishonest about her level of education and where she stands on abortion rights.“The Kansas Republican Party has a fundamentally flawed candidate who has a broken relationship with the truth,” Zito said. “The Republicans are trying to distract the voters of Manhattan from the fact their candidate lies about her voting history and lies about whether she graduated from K-State, which is an insult to hard-working Kansans.”Roeser, who doesn’t have a college degree, identified herself as a Kansas State University graduate in postcards produced by her campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193490172.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The first-time candidate said in a statement for this story she didn’t have “any ill intent to withhold information” about obtaining a college degree. She acknowledged it was a mistake to lie about her education.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729193550023.png" alt="More of the Zito Facebook post from Nov. 2020" />
 <figcaption>More of the Zito Facebook post from Nov. 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>“Kim Zito has yet to take responsibility for the offensive, insulting and downright hostile comments she has made about races of people, groups of worshipers and individuals in our community,” Roeser said. “Her partisan rhetoric and personal attacks won’t serve Manhattan well and will most definitely ensure we don’t have a seat at the table.”

Kansas Republicans condemn Democrat’s use of racial slur in 2020 social media post, omit context

Pawnee Mental Health has announced the successful completion of the first year of its Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In less than a year, the program has trained 1,042 community members, significantly impacting the community through various mental health initiatives aimed at fostering a more informed and resilient population.

This achievement comes through the organization’s efforts in providing essential training programs, including Mental Health First Aid, Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), De-Escalation and Self-Care. The participation numbers highlight the community’s strong commitment to mental health awareness:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729178451626.jpeg" alt="Training team" />
 <figcaption>Training team</figcaption>
 </figure>Pawnee Mental Health has announced the successful completion of the first year of its Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In less than a year, the program has trained 1,042 community members, significantly impacting the community through various mental health initiatives aimed at fostering a more informed and resilient population.This achievement comes through the organization’s efforts in providing essential training programs, including Mental Health First Aid, Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), De-Escalation and Self-Care. The participation numbers highlight the community’s strong commitment to mental health awareness:

Pawnee Mental Health Completes First Year of Mental Health Awareness Training Grant

Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;- The public is invited to join the&nbsp;October Lunch &amp; Learn program on Thursday, October 24, at 12 p.m. noon at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The hybrid program will be held in the Library building indoor courtyard and online via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OWTBYgvwJ3FUU-w7iTsFWe_TCVjb5h5Ue7dgHXvpTks3Qo79bpOO3ptm1-beBwLrlg99IQbAQ_VicH16ZK4lV2k-HEzq2fdqYBQhl3wpmVX2dqHDOnORtjBWUUnnfFL6i8TD46eNbhfSjtMy5EB92hDAPBEV5l1POq9PZ_mOlUGm8zqsPgnJ6w==&amp;c=SJ94Dj5QkQXxQt8TfB9Z4V7yYx_TJHAMj4BEqNo8jufn7e6Ozo_EEg==&amp;ch=MYpkg0tyoqE2V0ZdrWJRzT4XhcIdxA1t3Io6KXuCMWIftNlbHIQ1Cg==">YouTube Livestream</a>. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Guest Speaker, Dr. Sarah Robey, will virtually discuss Ike's famous "Atoms for Peace" speech. In December 1953, President Eisenhower spoke before the United Nations to unveil his vision for a peaceful nuclear future. This speech, known as the Atoms for Peace speech, pledged that the United States would commit its “entire heart and mind to finding the way by which the miraculous inventiveness of man shall not be dedicated to his death, but consecrated to his life.” Atoms for Peace led to a series of changes in nuclear policy and diplomacy, but what did it all mean to everyday Americans? This program will examine the historical context for Atoms for Peace and explore its impact on American life.

Dr. Sarah Robey is the Associate Professor of History and Director of the University Honors Program at Idaho State University.&nbsp;

The 2024 Waging Peace program series is made possible courtesy of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OWTBYgvwJ3FUU-w7iTsFWe_TCVjb5h5Ue7dgHXvpTks3Qo79bpOO3olbTP7OuaHdo-CcGgRBC3lwTmpMVFqcyqC-6QDlKAbHn0CxxaL2Hp2zaK9x0RhGrRNb2RQoNuE228olRhOngOXXveCF37DWkNYE_8cUZXLyM3ETMZHPtk4=&amp;c=SJ94Dj5QkQXxQt8TfB9Z4V7yYx_TJHAMj4BEqNo8jufn7e6Ozo_EEg==&amp;ch=MYpkg0tyoqE2V0ZdrWJRzT4XhcIdxA1t3Io6KXuCMWIftNlbHIQ1Cg==">Eisenhower Foundation</a>&nbsp;with generous support from the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.

Abilene, Kan.&nbsp;- The public is invited to join the&nbsp;October Lunch &amp; Learn program on Thursday, October 24, at 12 p.m. noon at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The hybrid program will be held in the Library building indoor courtyard and online via&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OWTBYgvwJ3FUU-w7iTsFWe_TCVjb5h5Ue7dgHXvpTks3Qo79bpOO3ptm1-beBwLrlg99IQbAQ_VicH16ZK4lV2k-HEzq2fdqYBQhl3wpmVX2dqHDOnORtjBWUUnnfFL6i8TD46eNbhfSjtMy5EB92hDAPBEV5l1POq9PZ_mOlUGm8zqsPgnJ6w==&amp;c=SJ94Dj5QkQXxQt8TfB9Z4V7yYx_TJHAMj4BEqNo8jufn7e6Ozo_EEg==&amp;ch=MYpkg0tyoqE2V0ZdrWJRzT4XhcIdxA1t3Io6KXuCMWIftNlbHIQ1Cg==">YouTube Livestream</a>. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis.Guest Speaker, Dr. Sarah Robey, will virtually discuss Ike's famous "Atoms for Peace" speech. In December 1953, President Eisenhower spoke before the United Nations to unveil his vision for a peaceful nuclear future. This speech, known as the Atoms for Peace speech, pledged that the United States would commit its “entire heart and mind to finding the way by which the miraculous inventiveness of man shall not be dedicated to his death, but consecrated to his life.” Atoms for Peace led to a series of changes in nuclear policy and diplomacy, but what did it all mean to everyday Americans? This program will examine the historical context for Atoms for Peace and explore its impact on American life.Dr. Sarah Robey is the Associate Professor of History and Director of the University Honors Program at Idaho State University.&nbsp;The 2024 Waging Peace program series is made possible courtesy of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://hcmbltcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OWTBYgvwJ3FUU-w7iTsFWe_TCVjb5h5Ue7dgHXvpTks3Qo79bpOO3olbTP7OuaHdo-CcGgRBC3lwTmpMVFqcyqC-6QDlKAbHn0CxxaL2Hp2zaK9x0RhGrRNb2RQoNuE228olRhOngOXXveCF37DWkNYE_8cUZXLyM3ETMZHPtk4=&amp;c=SJ94Dj5QkQXxQt8TfB9Z4V7yYx_TJHAMj4BEqNo8jufn7e6Ozo_EEg==&amp;ch=MYpkg0tyoqE2V0ZdrWJRzT4XhcIdxA1t3Io6KXuCMWIftNlbHIQ1Cg==">Eisenhower Foundation</a>&nbsp;with generous support from the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.

Atoms for Peace and the American Public ﻿ Lunch & Learn Series

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged theft by deception in Manhattan.

Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of theft by deception and making false information in the 1100 block of Vattier Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 31-year-old man when&nbsp; reported a known subject fraudulently issued a lease to the victim and secured a deposit from him falsely. Total loss associated with this report is $1,500.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged theft by deception in Manhattan.Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of theft by deception and making false information in the 1100 block of Vattier Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 31-year-old man when&nbsp; reported a known subject fraudulently issued a lease to the victim and secured a deposit from him falsely. Total loss associated with this report is $1,500.

RCPD investigating case of alleged $1,500 fraud

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/2024/10/1729174273302.png" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729174331798.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 17

The mission of Visit Manhattan is to expand the local economy by attracting visitors. City commissioners received a third quarter update Tuesday night from the Director of Visit Manhattan, Marcia Rozelle.

Thirteen hotels combined reported 65% occupancy for the quarter. A total of 21.3 million was collected including $1.6 million in transient guest tax revenues. Estimated economic impact of 2024 sporting events totaled $931,000.

Future meetings and sports will have an estimated economic impact of $15.9 million. More sporting events were booked in the third quarter including all K-State home football games. Other highlights for third quarter sports included the Konza 25K and 10K races at the Konza Prairie plus Catfish Chasers at Tuttle Creek Lake.

The Manhattan Visitors Guide is produced in house, saving design costs.&nbsp;

On Sept. 6 the inaugural Tourism Impact Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Minority and Women Business Development was accepted. A Manhappiness marketing campaign received attention.&nbsp;

The mission of Visit Manhattan is to expand the local economy by attracting visitors. City commissioners received a third quarter update Tuesday night from the Director of Visit Manhattan, Marcia Rozelle.Thirteen hotels combined reported 65% occupancy for the quarter. A total of 21.3 million was collected including $1.6 million in transient guest tax revenues. Estimated economic impact of 2024 sporting events totaled $931,000.Future meetings and sports will have an estimated economic impact of $15.9 million. More sporting events were booked in the third quarter including all K-State home football games. Other highlights for third quarter sports included the Konza 25K and 10K races at the Konza Prairie plus Catfish Chasers at Tuttle Creek Lake.The Manhattan Visitors Guide is produced in house, saving design costs.&nbsp;On Sept. 6 the inaugural Tourism Impact Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Office of Minority and Women Business Development was accepted. A Manhappiness marketing campaign received attention.&nbsp;

Visit Manhattan delivers third quarter update

The RCHS will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00PM at Manhattan's Public Library Auditorium, 629 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan Kansas. The Society Board will hold a brief business meeting with an annual report and election of new officers for 2025, kick-off of their new strategic plan, followed by a presentation by Professor Ray Yunk and his students.

The Marlatt Homestead, home of one of the Bluemont College founders, is the featured topic at the annual meeting of the Riley County Historical Society in November.

Made of local limestone in prairie vernacular style, the home is considered one of the oldest standing stone house in Riley County. Davies Wilson, a surveyor and land speculator, built the home around 1856. Washington Marlatt purchased the property in 1858.

Presenters for the historical highlight will be Professor Ray Yunk, professor in Kansas State University's GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science, and several students who are working on the project. Yunk assembled an interdisciplinary undergraduate research team to assess and provide preservation advice for the home, barn and site.

The RCHS will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00PM at Manhattan's Public Library Auditorium, 629 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan Kansas. The Society Board will hold a brief business meeting with an annual report and election of new officers for 2025, kick-off of their new strategic plan, followed by a presentation by Professor Ray Yunk and his students.The Marlatt Homestead, home of one of the Bluemont College founders, is the featured topic at the annual meeting of the Riley County Historical Society in November.Made of local limestone in prairie vernacular style, the home is considered one of the oldest standing stone house in Riley County. Davies Wilson, a surveyor and land speculator, built the home around 1856. Washington Marlatt purchased the property in 1858.Presenters for the historical highlight will be Professor Ray Yunk, professor in Kansas State University's GE Johnson Department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science, and several students who are working on the project. Yunk assembled an interdisciplinary undergraduate research team to assess and provide preservation advice for the home, barn and site.

Riley County Historical Society schedules annual meeting

These are some of the activities around Manhattan:

--From USD 383 the Manhattan High School Big Blue Marching Band and Blues Dance Team received a Superior rating at the recent Central States Marching Festival last night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium&nbsp;&nbsp;

--From the Manhattan City Commission meeting this week:

--New City Manager Danielle Dulin attended her first city commission meeting Tuesday night.

--There will be a Sunset Cemetery tour this Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. until noon.

--There will be an ATA Bus Citizen meeting at the Douglass Center.

--The opening for the public on the new Art and Light Museum will be Nov. 8.

These are some of the activities around Manhattan:--From USD 383 the Manhattan High School Big Blue Marching Band and Blues Dance Team received a Superior rating at the recent Central States Marching Festival last night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium&nbsp;&nbsp;--From the Manhattan City Commission meeting this week:--New City Manager Danielle Dulin attended her first city commission meeting Tuesday night.--There will be a Sunset Cemetery tour this Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. until noon.--There will be an ATA Bus Citizen meeting at the Douglass Center.--The opening for the public on the new Art and Light Museum will be Nov. 8.

Manhattan news notes

Submitted for Insight Kansas by Michael A. Smith

This year’s presidential campaign has featured shocking statements and dramatic moments, including two assassination attempts. More recently, former President Trump made alarming comments about “enemies within” that hint at the use of military force against his political opponents, while Vice President Harris is struggling with a reticence among men of color to vote for her. Despite all this, the election itself may come down to a far more traditional, pocketbook issue.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/2024-election-and-the-economy-survey/?tpt=a">new Bankrate survey</a>&nbsp;shows that 41% of Americans are concerned about inflation.&nbsp; More generally,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx">Gallup</a>&nbsp;finds that the economy is the top issue this year, with 52% of voters calling it “extremely important.”&nbsp;

Inflation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2023/08/25/the-rise-and-fall-of-inflation-during-the-early-2020s#:~:text=Economists%20suggested%20both%20supply%20and,and%20higher%20over%20this%20period.&amp;text=See%2C%20for%20example%2C%20the%20San,and%20continued%20acceleration%20in%20inflation.">surged after the covid pandemic</a>&nbsp;due a variety of factors including clogged supply chains, worker shortages, and pent-up consumer demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/federal-spending-was-responsible-2022-spike-inflation-research-shows">One study by MIT researchers</a>&nbsp;found that federal spending was the biggest driver.&nbsp; This included stimulus checks and support for state governments. That spending also had positive effects, likely averting a recession and possibly even a depression.&nbsp; After their spike, inflation rates today are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/latest-inflation-statistics/?tpt=a">back down to 2.4% annually,</a>&nbsp;a level last seen in February 2021.&nbsp; Most economists attribute this control primarily to the Federal Reserve’s policy of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/inflation-101/why-does-the-fed-care-start">raising interest rates</a>.&nbsp; So, why are voters still upset?

First is the fact that controlling interest rates does not return prices to pre-inflationary levels.&nbsp; Instead, Fed policy has slowed the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, causing them to stabilize at a point that is 21.4% more expensive than before February 2020.&nbsp; The last time Americans experienced high inflation was in the 1970s. Many older Americans have forgotten, while many younger Americans were not around to experience it.&nbsp; Should the Fed keep going and fight inflation even harder– perhaps even starting a cycle of deflation?&nbsp; If they did, the result could be traumatic.&nbsp; When the Fed finally&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-inflation">brought inflation to heel in the early 1980s</a>, interest rates were far higher than they are now, unemployment was in the double digits, and the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iowapbs.org/iowapathways/mypath/2422/farm-crisis-1980s">&nbsp;farm economy was absolutely devastated</a>.&nbsp; By contrast,<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000024">&nbsp;today’s unemployment rates</a>&nbsp;are historically low.

Americans are also, specifically concerned about housing.&nbsp; Post-pandemic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/us-house-prices-are-forecast-to-rise-more-than-4-percent-next-year">demand for housing is surging</a>, but supply is not keeping up. Loosening up building restrictions and zoning codes seem like good answers, but the American system of government throws up a roadblock:&nbsp; state laws– including here in Kansas– delegate most of these regulations to local governments, creating a patchwork of codes and zoning laws that builders and rehabbers must navigate in order to create and rehabilitate more housing.&nbsp; The recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/10/05/prairie-village-housing-timeline-214778/">rejection of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Prairie Village</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lenexa-city-council-votes-down-controversial-proposal-for-homeless-shelter-in-city">denial of rezoning for a homeless shelter in Lenexa</a>, are both examples of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) politics that keeps housing choices limited.&nbsp; In addition, when developers do move in, they often prefer to build upscale apartments or large, single-family units in exclusive neighborhoods where the profit margin is greatest, doing little to relieve the shortage of&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;homes.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrant-construction-workers-in-the-united-states/">current anti-immigration political climate also contributes to the problem</a>&nbsp;by threatening to limit the number of workers in the construction industry.&nbsp; If Trump is elected and proceeds with plans for mass deportations, the problem will only worsen.&nbsp; Of course, immigrants need homes, too, but research shows that they contribute far more to&nbsp;lowering&nbsp;the cost of housing by working in construction, than they contribute to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-debate-immigration-housing-prices-real-estate-federal-reserve/#:~:text=Still%2C%20there%20is%20some%20evidence,but%20although%20a%20small%20one.">raising it through increased demand.</a>&nbsp;

Inflation is a tough problem.&nbsp; Prices are not going back to pre-pandemic levels–the cost of doing so is simply too high.&nbsp; Popular policies like exclusive NIMBY zoning and anti-immigration legislation make the problem worse.&nbsp; Having been confronted with high inflation for the first time since the early 1980s, Americans are now re-learning what to do–and what not to do–in response.&nbsp;

Submitted for Insight Kansas by Michael A. SmithOctober 16, 2024This year’s presidential campaign has featured shocking statements and dramatic moments, including two assassination attempts. More recently, former President Trump made alarming comments about “enemies within” that hint at the use of military force against his political opponents, while Vice President Harris is struggling with a reticence among men of color to vote for her. Despite all this, the election itself may come down to a far more traditional, pocketbook issue.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/2024-election-and-the-economy-survey/?tpt=a">new Bankrate survey</a>&nbsp;shows that 41% of Americans are concerned about inflation.&nbsp; More generally,&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/651719/economy-important-issue-2024-presidential-vote.aspx">Gallup</a>&nbsp;finds that the economy is the top issue this year, with 52% of voters calling it “extremely important.”&nbsp;Inflation&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/page-one-economics/2023/08/25/the-rise-and-fall-of-inflation-during-the-early-2020s#:~:text=Economists%20suggested%20both%20supply%20and,and%20higher%20over%20this%20period.&amp;text=See%2C%20for%20example%2C%20the%20San,and%20continued%20acceleration%20in%20inflation.">surged after the covid pandemic</a>&nbsp;due a variety of factors including clogged supply chains, worker shortages, and pent-up consumer demand.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/federal-spending-was-responsible-2022-spike-inflation-research-shows">One study by MIT researchers</a>&nbsp;found that federal spending was the biggest driver.&nbsp; This included stimulus checks and support for state governments. That spending also had positive effects, likely averting a recession and possibly even a depression.&nbsp; After their spike, inflation rates today are&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/latest-inflation-statistics/?tpt=a">back down to 2.4% annually,</a>&nbsp;a level last seen in February 2021.&nbsp; Most economists attribute this control primarily to the Federal Reserve’s policy of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.clevelandfed.org/center-for-inflation-research/inflation-101/why-does-the-fed-care-start">raising interest rates</a>.&nbsp; So, why are voters still upset?First is the fact that controlling interest rates does not return prices to pre-inflationary levels.&nbsp; Instead, Fed policy has slowed the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, causing them to stabilize at a point that is 21.4% more expensive than before February 2020.&nbsp; The last time Americans experienced high inflation was in the 1970s. Many older Americans have forgotten, while many younger Americans were not around to experience it.&nbsp; Should the Fed keep going and fight inflation even harder– perhaps even starting a cycle of deflation?&nbsp; If they did, the result could be traumatic.&nbsp; When the Fed finally&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/great-inflation">brought inflation to heel in the early 1980s</a>, interest rates were far higher than they are now, unemployment was in the double digits, and the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.iowapbs.org/iowapathways/mypath/2422/farm-crisis-1980s">&nbsp;farm economy was absolutely devastated</a>.&nbsp; By contrast,<a target="_blank" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LNS14000024">&nbsp;today’s unemployment rates</a>&nbsp;are historically low.Americans are also, specifically concerned about housing.&nbsp; Post-pandemic&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/insights/articles/us-house-prices-are-forecast-to-rise-more-than-4-percent-next-year">demand for housing is surging</a>, but supply is not keeping up. Loosening up building restrictions and zoning codes seem like good answers, but the American system of government throws up a roadblock:&nbsp; state laws– including here in Kansas– delegate most of these regulations to local governments, creating a patchwork of codes and zoning laws that builders and rehabbers must navigate in order to create and rehabilitate more housing.&nbsp; The recent&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://johnsoncountypost.com/2023/10/05/prairie-village-housing-timeline-214778/">rejection of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Prairie Village</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/lenexa-city-council-votes-down-controversial-proposal-for-homeless-shelter-in-city">denial of rezoning for a homeless shelter in Lenexa</a>, are both examples of the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) politics that keeps housing choices limited.&nbsp; In addition, when developers do move in, they often prefer to build upscale apartments or large, single-family units in exclusive neighborhoods where the profit margin is greatest, doing little to relieve the shortage of&nbsp;affordable&nbsp;homes.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://immigrationforum.org/article/immigrant-construction-workers-in-the-united-states/">current anti-immigration political climate also contributes to the problem</a>&nbsp;by threatening to limit the number of workers in the construction industry.&nbsp; If Trump is elected and proceeds with plans for mass deportations, the problem will only worsen.&nbsp; Of course, immigrants need homes, too, but research shows that they contribute far more to&nbsp;lowering&nbsp;the cost of housing by working in construction, than they contribute to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-debate-immigration-housing-prices-real-estate-federal-reserve/#:~:text=Still%2C%20there%20is%20some%20evidence,but%20although%20a%20small%20one.">raising it through increased demand.</a>&nbsp;Inflation is a tough problem.&nbsp; Prices are not going back to pre-pandemic levels–the cost of doing so is simply too high.&nbsp; Popular policies like exclusive NIMBY zoning and anti-immigration legislation make the problem worse.&nbsp; Having been confronted with high inflation for the first time since the early 1980s, Americans are now re-learning what to do–and what not to do–in response.&nbsp;

What is Really Going On With Inflation?

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/2024/10/1729087505008.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 16

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Some of Kansas’ largest cities are struggling to gain full returns on tax increment financing districts meant to help bolster development activity and property values, a recent state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslpa.gov/audit-report-library/estimating-the-economic-impacts-of-tax-increment-financing-districts/" target="_blank">audit</a>&nbsp;found.

<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/tif/" target="_blank">TIF districts</a>, as they are called, are intended to fund real estate projects that otherwise wouldn’t exist. The idea is that the development will increase property values in the designated district, resulting in higher property tax collections that are used to pay off the bonds that financed the project.

State auditors surveyed six TIF districts from Kansas’ largest cities and found that half did not recover their costs in a timely manner. Most experienced construction delays and recorded increased crime rates after development finished. At least one city calculated its TIF collection incorrectly.

Auditors presented their findings to legislators at an Oct. 7 committee hearing. Most of the districts surveyed saw benefits, but whether those benefits were worth the investment is subjective, the audit found.

Two cities, Wichita and Topeka, aren’t likely to recover the costs of three projects through TIF revenue by the end of the districts’ lifetimes.

In Topeka, the general fund is covering an estimated 40% of the city costs associated with the College Hill TIF project, the audit found. In Wichita, two projects have experienced construction delays and the projects haven’t generated as much TIF revenue as anticipated. One of those projects, the Douglas and Hillside TIF district, was $1.8 million behind on debt service payments as of 2022, but the city said the debt will be fully financed by 2027, according to the audit. The other project, the Ken Mar TIF district, was $420,000 behind on payments as of 2022 and developers have been tied up in litigation with the city.

“If a city cannot pay off debt obligations on time, then its overall cost from the TIF project may increase as it accrues additional interest,” according to the audit. “The use of other city funds to help cover shortfalls may leave less funding for other purposes.”

Lawmakers expressed frustrations with the lack of comprehensive statewide data measuring the success of economic initiatives and said they’d like to see the Kansas Department of Commerce take up the task to enhance transparency. State law doesn’t currently have any data collection or goal requirements for TIF districts, the audit found.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Republican who represents parts of Johnson and Wyandotte counties, said he’s in favor of a database that includes a measurement of the burden TIF districts impose on taxpayers to help in local government decision-making.

“It would be nice if we asked the commerce department to include this so when we’re looking at our various communities it becomes much easier for our budget people to see what kind of burden we’re putting on the taxpayers,” Thompson said.

Stan Longhofer, a Wichita State University professor and finance director for the&nbsp;<a href="https://realestate.wichita.edu/" target="_blank">WSU Center for Real Estate</a>, said TIF districts work well when a locale, a neighborhood or a piece of property is in decline or on the verge of decline.

When property values in an area are stagnated or flat, and a developer can’t make a project viable, TIF fills the gaps. Longhofer believes redevelopment projects are the most appropriate contenders for TIF districts, but redevelopment isn’t a requirement under Kansas’ TIF statute.

“If it’s a green field development, it shouldn’t be a TIF,” he said.

The nature of TIF districts and their “but for” standard, which refers to the idea that a development wouldn’t occur but for incentives, made it difficult for auditors to gauge the full success of the districts surveyed. It’s difficult to know for certain whether property values surrounding a TIF district increased because of the district or because of other factors, Longhofer said.

“It relies almost entirely on what-ifs,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729002086557.jpeg" alt="Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, wants the Kansas Department of Commerce to track the success of economic initiatives like tax increment financing districts to evaluate the full burden on taxpayers. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, wants the Kansas Department of Commerce to track the success of economic initiatives like tax increment financing districts to evaluate the full burden on taxpayers. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Some of Kansas’ largest cities are struggling to gain full returns on tax increment financing districts meant to help bolster development activity and property values, a recent state&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslpa.gov/audit-report-library/estimating-the-economic-impacts-of-tax-increment-financing-districts/" target="_blank">audit</a>&nbsp;found.<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/taxes-and-financing/tif/" target="_blank">TIF districts</a>, as they are called, are intended to fund real estate projects that otherwise wouldn’t exist. The idea is that the development will increase property values in the designated district, resulting in higher property tax collections that are used to pay off the bonds that financed the project.State auditors surveyed six TIF districts from Kansas’ largest cities and found that half did not recover their costs in a timely manner. Most experienced construction delays and recorded increased crime rates after development finished. At least one city calculated its TIF collection incorrectly.<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/1934986616&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/2024-10-14-podcast" title="Kansas legislators question effectiveness of TIF districts" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Kansas legislators question effectiveness of TIF districts</a></div></div>Auditors presented their findings to legislators at an Oct. 7 committee hearing. Most of the districts surveyed saw benefits, but whether those benefits were worth the investment is subjective, the audit found.Two cities, Wichita and Topeka, aren’t likely to recover the costs of three projects through TIF revenue by the end of the districts’ lifetimes.In Topeka, the general fund is covering an estimated 40% of the city costs associated with the College Hill TIF project, the audit found. In Wichita, two projects have experienced construction delays and the projects haven’t generated as much TIF revenue as anticipated. One of those projects, the Douglas and Hillside TIF district, was $1.8 million behind on debt service payments as of 2022, but the city said the debt will be fully financed by 2027, according to the audit. The other project, the Ken Mar TIF district, was $420,000 behind on payments as of 2022 and developers have been tied up in litigation with the city.“If a city cannot pay off debt obligations on time, then its overall cost from the TIF project may increase as it accrues additional interest,” according to the audit. “The use of other city funds to help cover shortfalls may leave less funding for other purposes.”Lawmakers expressed frustrations with the lack of comprehensive statewide data measuring the success of economic initiatives and said they’d like to see the Kansas Department of Commerce take up the task to enhance transparency. State law doesn’t currently have any data collection or goal requirements for TIF districts, the audit found.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Republican who represents parts of Johnson and Wyandotte counties, said he’s in favor of a database that includes a measurement of the burden TIF districts impose on taxpayers to help in local government decision-making.“It would be nice if we asked the commerce department to include this so when we’re looking at our various communities it becomes much easier for our budget people to see what kind of burden we’re putting on the taxpayers,” Thompson said.Stan Longhofer, a Wichita State University professor and finance director for the&nbsp;<a href="https://realestate.wichita.edu/" target="_blank">WSU Center for Real Estate</a>, said TIF districts work well when a locale, a neighborhood or a piece of property is in decline or on the verge of decline.When property values in an area are stagnated or flat, and a developer can’t make a project viable, TIF fills the gaps. Longhofer believes redevelopment projects are the most appropriate contenders for TIF districts, but redevelopment isn’t a requirement under Kansas’ TIF statute.“If it’s a green field development, it shouldn’t be a TIF,” he said.The nature of TIF districts and their “but for” standard, which refers to the idea that a development wouldn’t occur but for incentives, made it difficult for auditors to gauge the full success of the districts surveyed. It’s difficult to know for certain whether property values surrounding a TIF district increased because of the district or because of other factors, Longhofer said.“It relies almost entirely on what-ifs,” he said.

Audit of Kansas TIF districts reveals delays in returns, increased crime rates

The annual Veterans Day Parade by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition is set for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 in Manhattan. City Commissioners received an update Tuesday night for what was described as the largest Veterans Day Parade in Kansas.

It will begin at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot and follow a route to City Hall on Poyntz Ave.&nbsp; The theme will be Veterans Helping Veterans.

Preceding the parade will be a Veterans Breakfast from 7-9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 17, 114 McCall Road. The breakfast for veterans will be free and there will be a small charge for others.

Following the parade there will be a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at Peace Memorial Auditorium at City Hall. Capt. ( Ret.) Mike Riley will be he keynote speaker.

The annual Veterans Day Parade by the Flint Hills Veterans Coalition is set for 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 in Manhattan. City Commissioners received an update Tuesday night for what was described as the largest Veterans Day Parade in Kansas.It will begin at the Manhattan Town Center parking lot and follow a route to City Hall on Poyntz Ave.&nbsp; The theme will be Veterans Helping Veterans.Preceding the parade will be a Veterans Breakfast from 7-9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 17, 114 McCall Road. The breakfast for veterans will be free and there will be a small charge for others.Following the parade there will be a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at Peace Memorial Auditorium at City Hall. Capt. ( Ret.) Mike Riley will be he keynote speaker.

Schedule is set for the Veterans Day Parade

The Army said that&nbsp;Fort Riley’s annual military retiree appreciation day, featuring information of interest to military retirees regarding benefits, health care, education and employment is scheduled Saturday. The Fort Riley Public Health Department will provide immunizations and booster shots for influenza, shingles, pneumonia, and tetanus.

The event will be held at&nbsp;Riley’s Community Center, 446 Seitz Dr. from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; Immunizations begin at 10 a.m.

&nbsp;Military retirees of all services and their spouses or surviving spouses are invited.

The Army said that&nbsp;Fort Riley’s annual military retiree appreciation day, featuring information of interest to military retirees regarding benefits, health care, education and employment is scheduled Saturday. The Fort Riley Public Health Department will provide immunizations and booster shots for influenza, shingles, pneumonia, and tetanus.The event will be held at&nbsp;Riley’s Community Center, 446 Seitz Dr. from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; Immunizations begin at 10 a.m.&nbsp;Military retirees of all services and their spouses or surviving spouses are invited.

Military Retiree Appreciation Day is scheduled

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAID A FIRE WEATHER WATCH WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS FOR Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Ottawa counties.

&nbsp;South/southwest winds sustained between 20-30 mph with
  gusts to 40 mph&nbsp; are forecast. Humidity will be 20-25 percent Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
  Outdoor burning is not recommended.&nbsp;

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAID A FIRE WEATHER WATCH WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
THURSDAY EVENING FOR GUSTY WINDS, LOW HUMIDITY AND DRY FUELS FOR Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Ottawa counties.&nbsp;South/southwest winds sustained between 20-30 mph with
 gusts to 40 mph&nbsp; are forecast. Humidity will be 20-25 percent Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.
 Outdoor burning is not recommended.&nbsp;

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