RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 10:30a.m. Friday, police arrested 47-year-old Angela Washington of Junction City, in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Washington was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge in this matter was for theft by deception. Washington remains jailed on a $6,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726676455603.jpeg" alt="Angela Washington-photo from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Angela Washington-photo from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 10:30a.m. Friday, police arrested 47-year-old Angela Washington of Junction City, in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Washington was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charge in this matter was for theft by deception. Washington remains jailed on a $6,000 bond.

Junction City woman accused of theft by deception, skipping court

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/2024/10/1728915139097.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 14

<a href="https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/">Oral Health Kansas</a>&nbsp;is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ARPA 9817 Project grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Division of Health Care Finance (KDHE-DHCF). This funding will be used to improve access to oral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who receive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The grant also aims to reduce barriers caregivers encounter when supporting oral health care at home and to create a culture that values oral health as a part of overall health for Kansans of all ages, cultures and resources.

“We are pleased to receive this transformative funding that allows us to join forces with our partners to break down barriers and expand dental care access for people with disabilities across Kansas,” said Tanya Dorf Brunner, executive director of Oral Health Kansas. “This grant is a testament to our ongoing work and dedication to building a truly inclusive oral health system where everyone’s needs are met with dignity and care.”

Oral Health Kansas will work alongside several key partners to execute this initiative, including InterHab, the Kansas Dental Association, Families Together Inc., the Community Care Network of Kansas, Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, and many others.Key Activities of the Grant Project Include:&nbsp;

This grant builds on years of work, including the Dental Passport initiative, Project ECHO series, and advocacy for improved Medicaid dental coverage. The funding allows Oral Health Kansas and its partners to continue removing barriers to oral health care for individuals with disabilities and ensure a stronger support system for caregivers.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718892432266.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted<a href="https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/">Oral Health Kansas</a>&nbsp;is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ARPA 9817 Project grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Division of Health Care Finance (KDHE-DHCF). This funding will be used to improve access to oral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who receive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The grant also aims to reduce barriers caregivers encounter when supporting oral health care at home and to create a culture that values oral health as a part of overall health for Kansans of all ages, cultures and resources.“We are pleased to receive this transformative funding that allows us to join forces with our partners to break down barriers and expand dental care access for people with disabilities across Kansas,” said Tanya Dorf Brunner, executive director of Oral Health Kansas. “This grant is a testament to our ongoing work and dedication to building a truly inclusive oral health system where everyone’s needs are met with dignity and care.”Oral Health Kansas will work alongside several key partners to execute this initiative, including InterHab, the Kansas Dental Association, Families Together Inc., the Community Care Network of Kansas, Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, and many others.Key Activities of the Grant Project Include:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>Increasing Medicaid Dental Providers:A statewide media campaign, technical support, and education programs like Project ECHO will help dental offices enroll as Medicaid providers and build confidence in treating individuals with disabilities.</li><li>Expanding the Use of&nbsp;<a href="https://oralhealthkansas.org/DentalPassport.html">MyDental Care Passport</a>:Outreach to dental offices, IDD service providers, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities will promote the Dental Passport, which improves communication and care coordination.</li><li>Training Programs for Providers and Consumers:New educational videos on adaptive aids, provider training through Project Accessible Oral Health, and the expansion of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/OlderAdults_PeopleDisabilities_FeelingGood.html">Feeling Good About Your Smile</a>&nbsp;program will enhance oral health literacy and care for people with disabilities.</li>
 </ol>This grant builds on years of work, including the Dental Passport initiative, Project ECHO series, and advocacy for improved Medicaid dental coverage. The funding allows Oral Health Kansas and its partners to continue removing barriers to oral health care for individuals with disabilities and ensure a stronger support system for caregivers.

Oral Health Kansas awarded grant to enhance dental care for individuals with disabilities

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/2024/10/1728832515041.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 13

The Physical Activity Alliance, the nation’s largest national coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity, has released the 2024 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. 

The overall physical activity grade for children and youth remained low at D-, the same grade it received in 2022 when the last report was issued.

Bethany Forseth, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Kansas Medical Center and assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Training at KU School of Health Professions, led the fitness section of the report card.

“There is an abundance of research showing that physical activity is good for the health and development of children,” Forseth said. “I think this Report Card is important because it provides a quick and easy way to see how active children are in our society. This information can help inform advocacy and policy decisions at the national and local levels that will improve the health of our children.”

The 2024 Executive Summary and Full Report are provided here:&nbsp;<a href="https://paamovewithus.org/us-report-card-on-physical-activity-for-children-and-youth/">https://paamovewithus.org/us-report-card-on-physical-activity-for-children-and-youth/</a>The grade was derived from National Survey of Children’s Health and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data that showed:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Only 20% to 28% of 6- to 17-year-olds meet the 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.&nbsp;

The proportion of children who meet the physical activity guidelines has decreased slightly since 2016, when these data were first available.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

 The report card is made up of 11 indicators (or areas) that are graded, and Forseth led the Fitness Indicator. 

“What we typically observe in research is that higher levels of health-related fitness are associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases; in this section we'd hope to see that our children are fit. What we found is that most measures of health-related fitness are not captured in current surveillance efforts, and we don't know the current fitness levels of our youth,” Forseth said.

While fitness is difficult to measure with the current tools, it’s clear that physical activity remains far too low.

“Children’s physical activity is highly influenced by factors within our communities,” said Jordan Carlson, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and chair of the 2024 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. “Human bodies were designed to move and be active, but modern society has made life more sedentary. We need to re-engineer our environments and routines to build activity back in. This means providing more opportunities for children to be active that are safe and enjoyable. Policy makers and other community leaders can support children’s health by carefully considering the important role all sectors of society play in removing barriers to physical activity.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021 more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents had at least one chronic health condition such as asthma or obesity. In 2022, a report published in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly one in three adolescents now meet the criteria for prediabetes and the rate among 12- to 19-year-olds had more than doubled from 11% to 28% between 1999 and 2018.

“Improving the health of our young people will require parents, teachers, health professionals, community leaders and policy makers working together to change the systems and settings impacting youth health,” said Pam Watts, CAE, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://paamovewithus.org/">Physical Activity Alliance</a>&nbsp;and executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://nirsa.net/">NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation</a>. “As the nation’s largest coalition dedicated to making the active choice the easy choice, PAA is the home for the collaborations and coordinated effort needed to reverse these trends and improve our physical activity grade.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695999940626.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Physical Activity Alliance, the nation’s largest national coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity, has released the 2024 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The overall physical activity grade for children and youth remained low at D-, the same grade it received in 2022 when the last report was issued.Bethany Forseth, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Kansas Medical Center and assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science and Athletic Training at KU School of Health Professions, led the fitness section of the report card.“There is an abundance of research showing that physical activity is good for the health and development of children,” Forseth said. “I think this Report Card is important because it provides a quick and easy way to see how active children are in our society. This information can help inform advocacy and policy decisions at the national and local levels that will improve the health of our children.”The 2024 Executive Summary and Full Report are provided here:&nbsp;<a href="https://paamovewithus.org/us-report-card-on-physical-activity-for-children-and-youth/">https://paamovewithus.org/us-report-card-on-physical-activity-for-children-and-youth/</a>The grade was derived from National Survey of Children’s Health and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data that showed:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Only 20% to 28% of 6- to 17-year-olds meet the 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.&nbsp;The proportion of children who meet the physical activity guidelines has decreased slightly since 2016, when these data were first available.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The report card is made up of 11 indicators (or areas) that are graded, and Forseth led the Fitness Indicator. “What we typically observe in research is that higher levels of health-related fitness are associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases; in this section we'd hope to see that our children are fit. What we found is that most measures of health-related fitness are not captured in current surveillance efforts, and we don't know the current fitness levels of our youth,” Forseth said.While fitness is difficult to measure with the current tools, it’s clear that physical activity remains far too low.“Children’s physical activity is highly influenced by factors within our communities,” said Jordan Carlson, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and chair of the 2024 United States Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. “Human bodies were designed to move and be active, but modern society has made life more sedentary. We need to re-engineer our environments and routines to build activity back in. This means providing more opportunities for children to be active that are safe and enjoyable. Policy makers and other community leaders can support children’s health by carefully considering the important role all sectors of society play in removing barriers to physical activity.”According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2021 more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents had at least one chronic health condition such as asthma or obesity. In 2022, a report published in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly one in three adolescents now meet the criteria for prediabetes and the rate among 12- to 19-year-olds had more than doubled from 11% to 28% between 1999 and 2018.“Improving the health of our young people will require parents, teachers, health professionals, community leaders and policy makers working together to change the systems and settings impacting youth health,” said Pam Watts, CAE, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://paamovewithus.org/">Physical Activity Alliance</a>&nbsp;and executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://nirsa.net/">NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation</a>. “As the nation’s largest coalition dedicated to making the active choice the easy choice, PAA is the home for the collaborations and coordinated effort needed to reverse these trends and improve our physical activity grade.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Few children are getting activity needed for healthy lives report shows

The City of Manhattan said starting Monday, October 14, Hostetler Drive (the private road providing access to Walmart from the west) will be closed in phases to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for full removal and replacement of asphalt pavement by Walmart’s contractor.

The first phase (shown in red below) is from McCall Road south to the entrance to the American Legion parking lot and is expected to last for about 2 days. The second phase (shown in green below) is from the entrance to the American Legion parking lot south to Bluemont Avenue and is expected to last Oct. 16-19.(This phase also includes the Ace Hardware parking lot to the west, shown in cyan.)

The following week, starting Monday, October 21, asphalt replacement will move south east to Bluemont Avenue, starting with the section from Hostetler Drive east to the four-way stop intersection (shown in dark blue below), closed for 2 days. The final phase (shown in light blue below) is from the four-way stop intersection east to Hayes Drive and is expected to last Oct. 23-24.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The City of Manhattan said starting Monday, October 14, Hostetler Drive (the private road providing access to Walmart from the west) will be closed in phases to vehicular and pedestrian traffic for full removal and replacement of asphalt pavement by Walmart’s contractor.The first phase (shown in red below) is from McCall Road south to the entrance to the American Legion parking lot and is expected to last for about 2 days. The second phase (shown in green below) is from the entrance to the American Legion parking lot south to Bluemont Avenue and is expected to last Oct. 16-19.(This phase also includes the Ace Hardware parking lot to the west, shown in cyan.)The following week, starting Monday, October 21, asphalt replacement will move south east to Bluemont Avenue, starting with the section from Hostetler Drive east to the four-way stop intersection (shown in dark blue below), closed for 2 days. The final phase (shown in light blue below) is from the four-way stop intersection east to Hayes Drive and is expected to last Oct. 23-24.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728771830222.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Walmart access roads close Oct. 14 in stages for 2 weeks

TOPEKA — Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson has announced Kansas literacy rates continue to improve with fewer students scoring in Level 1 on the spring 2024 reading state assessments, marking a second straight year that number has decreased. &nbsp;

“This is good news as one of the state board of education’s goals is to move more Kansas students out of the lowest level of reading,” Watson said. “While the decrease in Level 1 reading results is slight, this is the second year in a row that measure has improved, which tells us we’re on the right track. We expect these results will continue to improve as more teachers transition to structured literacy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas State Board of Education invested $15 million in early literacy three years ago and committed an additional $10 million in 2024 to fund structured literacy training for Kansas teachers. Additionally, the board earlier this year approved a new licensure requirement for identified groups of educators requiring training in structured literacy or passing an exam measuring knowledge of structured literacy, beginning in 2028. &nbsp;

Structured literacy uses evidence-based science of reading principles that can be taught to all students, including those with dyslexia.&nbsp;

Watson’s announcement of the spring 2024 reading and math state assessment results coincided with his presentation of the Kansas State Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report during this week’s Kansas State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.&nbsp; The Kansas assessment student performances are scored using four levels:&nbsp;

Students in the third through eighth grades and 10th&nbsp;grade take the reading and math state assessments annually each spring. &nbsp;

The 2024 ELA assessment results show that 33.6% of all students assessed scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 33.2% in 2023 and 32.1% in 2022.&nbsp;

The 2024 ELA results show a decrease in the number of students scoring at Level 1 to 32.8%. That’s down from 32.9% in 2023 and 33.9% in 2022. &nbsp;

The 2024 math assessment results show 31.6% of all students scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 31.3% in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022. &nbsp;

The 2024 math assessment results also show 33.2% of students scored at Level 1, a slight increase from 33.1% in 2023 but down from 34.2% in 2022.&nbsp;

The State Board’s goal to move more students out of Level 1 in reading, along with the initiative to increase the number of Kansas educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS®, is gaining momentum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As of Oct. 2024, an estimated 3,242 educators (including early childhood and administrators) had completed LETRS®&nbsp;training and have post-test scores. Another 12,141 educators (including early childhood and administrators) are in the process of getting trained in LETRS®. The LETRS®&nbsp;training is free for all Kansas educators as a result of federal ESSER funds. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chronic absenteeism rates saw a three-year decline, going from 24.5% in 2022; 21.8% in 2023; and 19.7% in 2024. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the total number of days enrolled during the school year. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a lag indicator, the 2023 graduation rate declined by 1.2 percentage points to 88.1%, including a 1.3 percentage point decrease for students with disabilities. However, the graduation rate for English language learners (ELL) increased by 1 percentage point. (Graduation rates for 2024 won’t be available until later this year.)&nbsp;

While the graduation rate decreased slightly, the number of Kansas high school students participating in postsecondary courses has increased every year since 2021. The number of students concurrently enrolled, dual enrolled and those enrolled in the Excel in CTE courses at the college level in 2024 was 38,002, up from 35,785 in 2023; 33,519 in 2022; and 32,603 in 2021. The number of credit hours these students earned also increased over the same four-year period – 332,615 in 2024; 306,904 in 2023; 289,456 in 2022 and 285,402 in 2021. &nbsp;

TOPEKA — Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson has announced Kansas literacy rates continue to improve with fewer students scoring in Level 1 on the spring 2024 reading state assessments, marking a second straight year that number has decreased. &nbsp;“This is good news as one of the state board of education’s goals is to move more Kansas students out of the lowest level of reading,” Watson said. “While the decrease in Level 1 reading results is slight, this is the second year in a row that measure has improved, which tells us we’re on the right track. We expect these results will continue to improve as more teachers transition to structured literacy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas State Board of Education invested $15 million in early literacy three years ago and committed an additional $10 million in 2024 to fund structured literacy training for Kansas teachers. Additionally, the board earlier this year approved a new licensure requirement for identified groups of educators requiring training in structured literacy or passing an exam measuring knowledge of structured literacy, beginning in 2028. &nbsp;Structured literacy uses evidence-based science of reading principles that can be taught to all students, including those with dyslexia.&nbsp;Watson’s announcement of the spring 2024 reading and math state assessment results coincided with his presentation of the Kansas State Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report during this week’s Kansas State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.&nbsp; The Kansas assessment student performances are scored using four levels:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>A student at Level 1 shows a limited ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>A student at Level 2 shows a basic ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>A student at Level 3 shows an effective ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>A student at Level 4 shows an excellent ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Students in the third through eighth grades and 10th&nbsp;grade take the reading and math state assessments annually each spring. &nbsp;The 2024 ELA assessment results show that 33.6% of all students assessed scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 33.2% in 2023 and 32.1% in 2022.&nbsp;The 2024 ELA results show a decrease in the number of students scoring at Level 1 to 32.8%. That’s down from 32.9% in 2023 and 33.9% in 2022. &nbsp;The 2024 math assessment results show 31.6% of all students scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 31.3% in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022. &nbsp;The 2024 math assessment results also show 33.2% of students scored at Level 1, a slight increase from 33.1% in 2023 but down from 34.2% in 2022.&nbsp;The State Board’s goal to move more students out of Level 1 in reading, along with the initiative to increase the number of Kansas educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS®, is gaining momentum.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of Oct. 2024, an estimated 3,242 educators (including early childhood and administrators) had completed LETRS®&nbsp;training and have post-test scores. Another 12,141 educators (including early childhood and administrators) are in the process of getting trained in LETRS®. The LETRS®&nbsp;training is free for all Kansas educators as a result of federal ESSER funds. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Chronic absenteeism rates saw a three-year decline, going from 24.5% in 2022; 21.8% in 2023; and 19.7% in 2024. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the total number of days enrolled during the school year. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a lag indicator, the 2023 graduation rate declined by 1.2 percentage points to 88.1%, including a 1.3 percentage point decrease for students with disabilities. However, the graduation rate for English language learners (ELL) increased by 1 percentage point. (Graduation rates for 2024 won’t be available until later this year.)&nbsp;While the graduation rate decreased slightly, the number of Kansas high school students participating in postsecondary courses has increased every year since 2021. The number of students concurrently enrolled, dual enrolled and those enrolled in the Excel in CTE courses at the college level in 2024 was 38,002, up from 35,785 in 2023; 33,519 in 2022; and 32,603 in 2021. The number of credit hours these students earned also increased over the same four-year period – 332,615 in 2024; 306,904 in 2023; 289,456 in 2022 and 285,402 in 2021. &nbsp;

Kansas schools continue to improve student literacy

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/2024/10/1728745108888.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 12

This is s reminder that there is no school for all USD 383 students on Monday, October 14.

This is s reminder that there is no school for all USD 383 students on Monday, October 14.

USD 383 enrollment reminder

The City of Manhattan has announced that starting&nbsp;Monday, October 14, the right turn lane from Bluemont Avenue onto North Manhattan Avenue will be closed in front of Bluemont Hotel so the pedestrian crossing at the northeast corner of the intersection (in front of the hotel) can be fully replaced.

Right turns still will be possible at the intersection from the northmost eastbound lane.

In addition to&nbsp;closing the eastbound right turn lane on Bluemont, there will be a partial lane closure on northbound North Manhattan Avenue to just north of the intersection.

The pedestrian crossings for both North Manhattan Avenue (north of the intersection) and Bluemont Avenue (east of the intersection)&nbsp;that connect to this northeast corner will be closed, with detours available, for the duration of this work.

Please drive and walk safely in this area, follow signage and look out for City workers.

Expect light&nbsp;to moderate traffic and some delays on Bluemont Avenue and North Manhattan Avenue&nbsp;through this work period, especially for pedestrians crossing.

The estimate is about&nbsp;1-2 weeks&nbsp;to complete this work, depending on weather.

The City of Manhattan has announced that starting&nbsp;Monday, October 14, the right turn lane from Bluemont Avenue onto North Manhattan Avenue will be closed in front of Bluemont Hotel so the pedestrian crossing at the northeast corner of the intersection (in front of the hotel) can be fully replaced.Right turns still will be possible at the intersection from the northmost eastbound lane.In addition to&nbsp;closing the eastbound right turn lane on Bluemont, there will be a partial lane closure on northbound North Manhattan Avenue to just north of the intersection.The pedestrian crossings for both North Manhattan Avenue (north of the intersection) and Bluemont Avenue (east of the intersection)&nbsp;that connect to this northeast corner will be closed, with detours available, for the duration of this work.Please drive and walk safely in this area, follow signage and look out for City workers.Expect light&nbsp;to moderate traffic and some delays on Bluemont Avenue and North Manhattan Avenue&nbsp;through this work period, especially for pedestrians crossing.The estimate is about&nbsp;1-2 weeks&nbsp;to complete this work, depending on weather.

Bluemont Avenue turn lane closing for ped crossing work

( Groundbreaking for the Early Childhood Center )

The formal groundbreaking for a new 71,000 square foot Early Childhood Center for USD 475 was held Friday in Junction City. USD 475 leaders and Governor Laura Kelly participated in the ceremony, held on the site of the former Junction City High School.

Kelly noted that devoting resources to child development is the strongest a community can make for its future. "Access to childcare facilities is vital for workforce development and economic development."

USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston said, "Today is an investment in the future. He added, " The ECC will serve as the home for the little Blue Jays. Today marks the completion of discussions and start of construction."

This new facility will not only streamline USD 475’s educational resources but also provide enhanced evaluation space specifically designed for three and four-year-olds. This initiative underscores the school district’s commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our youngest learners, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

Young early childhood students also participated with singing during the ceremony. The cost of the new facility is estimated at $35 million.

edOct 11, 2024 3:14 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728677704945.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>( Groundbreaking for the Early Childhood Center )( Photos - USD 475 )The formal groundbreaking for a new 71,000 square foot Early Childhood Center for USD 475 was held Friday in Junction City. USD 475 leaders and Governor Laura Kelly participated in the ceremony, held on the site of the former Junction City High School.Kelly noted that devoting resources to child development is the strongest a community can make for its future. "Access to childcare facilities is vital for workforce development and economic development."USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston said, "Today is an investment in the future. He added, " The ECC will serve as the home for the little Blue Jays. Today marks the completion of discussions and start of construction."This new facility will not only streamline USD 475’s educational resources but also provide enhanced evaluation space specifically designed for three and four-year-olds. This initiative underscores the school district’s commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our youngest learners, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.Young early childhood students also participated with singing during the ceremony. The cost of the new facility is estimated at $35 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728678670897.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728678882504.jpeg" alt="Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 475 breaks ground for new Early Childhood Center

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

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, Jordan Zimmerman, 26, of Manhattan, improperly crossed five lanes of traffic on his bicycle near the intersection of McCall Road and Tuttle Creek Blvd. 

The bike and a 2106 Chevy Sonic driven by Barrett Stokes, 29, of Manhattan, collided. EMS transported Zimmerman to Via Christi for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional detils.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, Jordan Zimmerman, 26, of Manhattan, improperly crossed five lanes of traffic on his bicycle near the intersection of McCall Road and Tuttle Creek Blvd. The bike and a 2106 Chevy Sonic driven by Barrett Stokes, 29, of Manhattan, collided. EMS transported Zimmerman to Via Christi for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional detils.

Manhattan bicyclist hospitalized after crash with a car

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/2024/10/1728655325690.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 11

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and Fort Riley have renewed their landmark partnership, which was originally established in 2008 and marks the first institutional partnership of its kind in the nation. The collaboration has fostered a unique bond between K-State and the U.S. Army, particularly the renowned 1st Infantry Division and U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Riley.

President Richard Linton and 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Maj. Gen. Monté Rone renewed the partnership, and Linton and Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato signed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement in a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10. The occasion commemorated 16 years of collaboration initiated by Lt. Gen. Bob Durbin, former commanding general, and retired Lt. Col. Art DeGroat, K-State Colonel H. Duane Saunders executive director of military and veterans affairs, who shared a vision of enhancing military education and community engagement.

"As a land-grant university, our mission is to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of background," Linton said. "We are honored to renew our partnership with Fort Riley, as it not only enhances the educational experience for our students but also strengthens the vital connection between our military and the community. "This partnership is distinctive in the university's holistic approach to effectively serving military families and personnel through a wide array of resources and programs. 

K-State's commitment to meeting the needs of Fort Riley, as recognized on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools/">Military Friendly Schools list</a>, has received national recognition as the first institution in the nation to secure an Intergovernmental Support Agreement for Intellectual Talent Sharing with the U.S. Army. "Continuing our 16-year partnership with Kansas State University is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation," Rone said. "This annual renewal strengthens our resolve to provide unparalleled educational opportunities and resources for our soldiers while offering K-State students invaluable real-world experience and insights. Together, we ensure both our soldiers and students are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow."

K-State provides a sense of community to military-connected learners by providing professional development, wellness programs, transition assistance expertise, research opportunities and community leadership. As the partnership continues, both institutions will share feedback with local, state and federal military councils and various veterans affairs committees to ensure similar partnerships can be made across the country.

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and Fort Riley have renewed their landmark partnership, which was originally established in 2008 and marks the first institutional partnership of its kind in the nation. The collaboration has fostered a unique bond between K-State and the U.S. Army, particularly the renowned 1st Infantry Division and U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Riley.President Richard Linton and 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Maj. Gen. Monté Rone renewed the partnership, and Linton and Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato signed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement in a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10. The occasion commemorated 16 years of collaboration initiated by Lt. Gen. Bob Durbin, former commanding general, and retired Lt. Col. Art DeGroat, K-State Colonel H. Duane Saunders executive director of military and veterans affairs, who shared a vision of enhancing military education and community engagement."As a land-grant university, our mission is to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of background," Linton said. "We are honored to renew our partnership with Fort Riley, as it not only enhances the educational experience for our students but also strengthens the vital connection between our military and the community. "This partnership is distinctive in the university's holistic approach to effectively serving military families and personnel through a wide array of resources and programs. K-State's commitment to meeting the needs of Fort Riley, as recognized on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools/">Military Friendly Schools list</a>, has received national recognition as the first institution in the nation to secure an Intergovernmental Support Agreement for Intellectual Talent Sharing with the U.S. Army. "Continuing our 16-year partnership with Kansas State University is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation," Rone said. "This annual renewal strengthens our resolve to provide unparalleled educational opportunities and resources for our soldiers while offering K-State students invaluable real-world experience and insights. Together, we ensure both our soldiers and students are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow."K-State provides a sense of community to military-connected learners by providing professional development, wellness programs, transition assistance expertise, research opportunities and community leadership. As the partnership continues, both institutions will share feedback with local, state and federal military councils and various veterans affairs committees to ensure similar partnerships can be made across the country.

K-State and Fort Riley renew historic partnership

DICKINSON COUNTY—A small earthquake shook portions of central Kansas on just before 9:30a.m. Thursday.

The quake measured a magnitude 3.5, according to the&nbsp;U.S. Geological Survey and was centered approximately 3 and one half miles west of Woodbine.

The Dickinson County Sheriff's office said they received not calls about the quake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728652872808.png" alt="USGS image" />
 <figcaption>USGS image</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—A small earthquake shook portions of central Kansas on just before 9:30a.m. Thursday.The quake measured a magnitude 3.5, according to the&nbsp;U.S. Geological Survey and was centered approximately 3 and one half miles west of Woodbine.The Dickinson County Sheriff's office said they received not calls about the quake.

Small earthquake shook north central Kansas

There is an event by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsATAbus">Flint Hills&nbsp; ATA Bus</a>&nbsp;at the Douglass Community Center Annex at 901 Yuma Street, Manhattan. This is scheduled from 4 -7 p.m. on Oct. 22.

&nbsp;The Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency is developing a plan to improve transit for the communities they serve. Join us to give your input. This is for anyone off Facebook.

There is an event by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsATAbus">Flint Hills&nbsp; ATA Bus</a>&nbsp;at the Douglass Community Center Annex at 901 Yuma Street, Manhattan. This is scheduled from 4 -7 p.m. on Oct. 22.&nbsp;The Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency is developing a plan to improve transit for the communities they serve. Join us to give your input. This is for anyone off Facebook.

Public feedback meeting is scheduled for aTa Bus proposed improvements

Monster Myths is set for Saturday Oct. 12 at Milford State Park. The hours are 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

You must have a state park permit to enter. The cost is $5 for a state park daily permit. Features include costumed presenters dispelling some of nature's longstanding myths as you are guided down the trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monster Myths is set for Saturday Oct. 12 at Milford State Park. The hours are 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.You must have a state park permit to enter. The cost is $5 for a state park daily permit. Features include costumed presenters dispelling some of nature's longstanding myths as you are guided down the trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monster Myths event is scheduled Saturday night

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 900 block of Yuma Street, according to a media release.

Officers located a 23-year-old man from Manhattan who had been shot in the parking lot of the Douglass Activity Complex. The victim was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, where he was air-lifted to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary information indicates the shooter, a 26-year-old man, acted in self-defense. There is believed to be little to no relationship between the individuals involved, and this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.

This is an open and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Riley County police said Wednesday night that officers were on the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Yuma. One person had been shot and transported to Via Christi for treatment of their injuries. The public was urged to&nbsp; find alternate routes to avoid the 900 blocks of Yuma and Fort Riley Boulevard. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there was no current danger to the public.

If your child was participating in activities at the Douglas Center, follow the cones on the 900 block of Fort Riley Boulevard for pick-up.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 900 block of Yuma Street, according to a media release.Officers located a 23-year-old man from Manhattan who had been shot in the parking lot of the Douglass Activity Complex. The victim was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, where he was air-lifted to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.Preliminary information indicates the shooter, a 26-year-old man, acted in self-defense. There is believed to be little to no relationship between the individuals involved, and this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.This is an open and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.----------------Riley County police said Wednesday night that officers were on the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Yuma. One person had been shot and transported to Via Christi for treatment of their injuries. The public was urged to&nbsp; find alternate routes to avoid the 900 blocks of Yuma and Fort Riley Boulevard. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there was no current danger to the public.If your child was participating in activities at the Douglas Center, follow the cones on the 900 block of Fort Riley Boulevard for pick-up.&nbsp;

RCPD: Shooter in recreation center parking lot acted in self defense

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.

A 2009 Kawasaki Ninja driven by&nbsp;Kade Schulze, 29, of Manhattan, was traveling at the intersection of 12th and Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

An unknown vehicle struck the motorcycle. EMS transported Schulze to Via Christi for life threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.A 2009 Kawasaki Ninja driven by&nbsp;Kade Schulze, 29, of Manhattan, was traveling at the intersection of 12th and Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;An unknown vehicle struck the motorcycle. EMS transported Schulze to Via Christi for life threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man critically injured after hit-and-run crash

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas Reflector

With the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;

Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;

Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;

If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;

Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;

Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.

In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.

Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.

Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.

Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.

Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.

Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;

Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.

Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;

Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;

The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712114185032.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas ReflectorWith the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;<h2>Registering to vote</h2>Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;<h2>Mail-in, absentee and advance voting</h2><a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.<h2>Election Day voting</h2>Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.<h2>Who’s on your ballot</h2>Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.<h2>Voters’ rights</h2>Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Know these steps if you plan to vote in Kansas this election season

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/2024/10/1728569639995.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report Oct. 10

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721060745699.jpeg" alt="KHP Best Looking Trooper Vehicle 2024" />
 <figcaption>KHP Best Looking Trooper Vehicle 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.<h2>Tips to keep in mind:</h2>Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.Pass with extreme caution.Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.Be patient.Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.Pay attention.When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

Phase I of the levee improvement project has been completed in Manhattan. The reopening of the Linear Trial and and completion of the levee improvements were celebrated during a ribbon cutting on Wednesday.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said in today's world with hurricanes that the ability of a community&nbsp; to provide protection from natural occurrences is very important. He noted it matters a lot "for the citizens who live here but also our capability of encouraging and recruiting others to come and find Manhattan and Riley County a great place to live."

The project, which is a partnership between the City of Manhattan and the Corps of Engineers, will provide crucial flood risk reduction for the city through substantially enhanced reliability and structural integrity. Construction of Phase I began in the fall of 2021 and was completed this September. The total construction cost of the project, including a future Phase II, is $46.2 million, of which 65 percent was funded by USACE and 35 percent was funded by the City of Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728514826772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostPhase I of the levee improvement project has been completed in Manhattan. The reopening of the Linear Trial and and completion of the levee improvements were celebrated during a ribbon cutting on Wednesday.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said in today's world with hurricanes that the ability of a community&nbsp; to provide protection from natural occurrences is very important. He noted it matters a lot "for the citizens who live here but also our capability of encouraging and recruiting others to come and find Manhattan and Riley County a great place to live."The project, which is a partnership between the City of Manhattan and the Corps of Engineers, will provide crucial flood risk reduction for the city through substantially enhanced reliability and structural integrity. Construction of Phase I began in the fall of 2021 and was completed this September. The total construction cost of the project, including a future Phase II, is $46.2 million, of which 65 percent was funded by USACE and 35 percent was funded by the City of Manhattan.

Levee improvements - Linear Trail reopening celebrated

RILEY COUNTY—A fire that started in a vehicle caused considerable damage to a garage in Manhattan.

Just before— 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2017 Green Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media reelase.

Upon arrival, crews found a detached two-car garage with heavy smoke showing. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. The garage contained a 1996 Ford Bronco. 

The fire started in the Bronco and spread to the garage. The fire cause is accidental due to an undetermined failure in the engine compartment.&nbsp; 

Loss is estimated at $2500 to contents and $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as David and Angela Motley. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728509459507.png" alt="Photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—A fire that started in a vehicle caused considerable damage to a garage in Manhattan.Just before— 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2017 Green Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media reelase.Upon arrival, crews found a detached two-car garage with heavy smoke showing. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. The garage contained a 1996 Ford Bronco. The fire started in the Bronco and spread to the garage. The fire cause is accidental due to an undetermined failure in the engine compartment.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $2500 to contents and $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as David and Angela Motley. There were no injuries reported.

FIre in SUV spread to garage in Manhattan

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities.

The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.

On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;

Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.

Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as stormwater bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.&nbsp;Bill Fiander, AICPLecturer, Public Administration Department of Political Science Washburn University&nbsp;&nbsp;

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities. The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as stormwater bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.&nbsp;Bill Fiander, AICPLecturer, Public Administration Department of Political Science Washburn University&nbsp;&nbsp;

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