WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.

College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.

America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.

College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.

Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.

Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.

At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.

He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.

“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”

In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.

Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.

Feds bypass colleges to move against students

In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.

Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.

“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.

At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.

Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.

Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.

“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”

Database checks turn up students in jeopardy

At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.

One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.

Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.

Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.

But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.

Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.

Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.

“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”

There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.

“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, is requesting a meeting with the State Department, alarmed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">the Trump administration’s widening crackdown</a>&nbsp;will persuade sought-after foreign students to stay away from the United States.College officials say the new, harsher tactics and vague justifications being used to push some students out of the country will have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">much broader consequences</a>.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.-------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A crackdown on foreign students is alarming colleges, who say the Trump administration is using new tactics and vague justifications to push some students out of the country.College officials worry the new approach will keep foreigners from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-admissions-international-student-enrollment-trump-fd8b6b8f298629bbcc7339568b1c76f3">wanting to study</a>&nbsp;in the U.S.Students stripped of their entry visas are receiving orders from the Department of Homeland Security to leave the country immediately — a break from past practice that often permitted them to stay and complete their studies.Some students have been targeted over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-foreign-students-campus-gaza-protests-deportation-9e2d4abc1c158454da1f68c01062c9ef">pro-Palestinian activism</a>&nbsp;or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government.At Minnesota State University in Mankato, President Edward Inch told the campus Wednesday that visas had been revoked for five international students for unclear reasons.He said school officials learned about the revocations when they ran a status check in a database of international students after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-minnesota-graduate-student-detained-ice-f71f517521a2567c795343092ef4e0b2">detention of a Turkish student</a>&nbsp;at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The State Department said the detention was related to a drunken driving conviction.“These are troubling times, and this situation is unlike any we have navigated before,” Inch wrote in a letter to campus.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;campaigned on a promise to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, and federal agents started by detaining Columbia graduate student&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944">Mahmoud Khalil</a>, a green-card-holder and Palestinian activist who was prominent in protests at Columbia last year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week students are being targeted for involvement in protests along with others tied to “potential criminal activity.”In the past two weeks, the government apparently has widened its crackdown. Officials from colleges around the country have discovered international students have had their entry visas revoked and, in many cases, their legal residency status terminated by authorities without notice — including students at Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas and the University of Colorado.Some of the students are working to leave the country on their own, but students at Tufts and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campus-protests-immigration-alireza-doroudi-alabama-ae498838deb04b22864ef485a71bac27">University of Alabama</a>&nbsp;have been detained by immigration authorities — in the Tufts case, even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rumeysa-ozturk-deportation-tufts-massachusetts-student-1dd330bef8fb44b05f9818c0020728a0">before the university knew</a>&nbsp;the student’s legal status had changed.<h2>Feds bypass colleges to move against students</h2>In this new wave of enforcement, school officials say the federal government is quietly deleting foreigners’ student records instead of going through colleges, as was done in the past.Students are being ordered to leave the country with a suddenness that universities have rarely seen, said Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.In the past, when international students have had entry visas revoked, they generally have been allowed to keep legal residency status. They could stay in the country to study, but would need to renew their visa if they left the U.S. and wanted to return. Now, increasing numbers of students are having their legal status terminated, exposing them to the risk of being arrested.“None of this is regular practice,” Feldblum said.At North Carolina State University, two students from Saudi Arabia left the U.S. after learning their legal status as students was terminated, the university said. N.C. State said it will work with the students to complete their semester from outside the country.Philip Vasto, who lived with one of the students, said his roommate, in graduate school for engineering management, was apolitical and did not attend protests against the war in Gaza. When the government told his roommate his student status had been terminated, it did not give a reason, Vasto said.Since returning to Saudi Arabia, Vasto said his former roommate’s top concern is getting into another university.“He’s made his peace with it,” he said. “He doesn’t want to allow it to steal his peace any further.”<h2>Database checks turn up students in jeopardy</h2>At the University of Texas at Austin, staff checking a federal database discovered two people on student visas had their permission to be in the U.S. terminated, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be identified for fear of retaliation.One of the people, from India, had their legal status terminated April 3. The federal system indicated the person had been identified in a criminal records check “and/or has had their visa revoked.” The other person, from Lebanon, had their legal status terminated March 28 due to a criminal records check, according to the federal database.Both people were graduates remaining in the U.S. on student visas, using an option allowing people to gain professional experience after completing coursework. Both were employed full time and apparently had not violated requirements for pursuing work experience, the person familiar with the situation said.Some students have had visas revoked by the State Department under an obscure law barring noncitizens whose presence could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Trump invoked the law in a January order demanding action against campus antisemitism.But some students targeted in recent weeks have had no clear link to political activism. Some have been ordered to leave over misdemeanor crimes or traffic infractions, Feldblum said. In some cases, students were targeted for infractions that had been previously reported to the government.Some of the alleged infractions would not have drawn scrutiny in the past and will likely be a test of students’ First Amendment rights as cases work their way through court, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.“In some ways, what the administration is doing is really retroactive,” she said. “Rather than saying, ‘This is going to be the standard that we’re applying going forward,’ they’re going back and vetting students based on past expressions or past behavior.”The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities is requesting a meeting with the State Department over the issue. It’s unclear whether more visas are being revoked than usual, but officials fear a chilling effect on international exchange.Many of the association’s members have recently seen at least one student have their visas revoked, said Bernie Burrola, a vice president at the group. With little information from the government, colleges have been interviewing students or searching social media for a connection to political activism.“The universities can’t seem to find anything that seems to be related to Gaza or social media posts or protests,” Burrola said. “Some of these are sponsored students by foreign governments, where they specifically are very hesitant to get involved in protests.”There’s no clear thread indicating which students are being targeted, but some have been from the Middle East and China, he said.America’s universities have long been seen as a top destination for the world’s brightest minds — and they’ve brought important tuition revenue and research breakthroughs to U.S. colleges. But international students also have other options, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators.“We should not take for granted that that’s just the way things are and will always be,” she said.<h2>___</h2>

College officials worry crackdown tactics will turn foreign students away

GEARY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 International semi driven by Marque E&nbsp;Benard, 24, Ridgeland, Mississippi, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Henry Drive in an active work zone and down to one lane in each direction. The semi struck a 2024 Toyota Highlander driven by Jeffrey A. Tanner, 64, Manhattan, who had&nbsp;swerved to avoid an animal crossing the road.

EMS transported Benard to&nbsp;Stormont Vail in Junction City. Tanner was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9p.m. Friday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 International semi driven by Marque E&nbsp;Benard, 24, Ridgeland, Mississippi, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Henry Drive in an active work zone and down to one lane in each direction. The semi struck a 2024 Toyota Highlander driven by Jeffrey A. Tanner, 64, Manhattan, who had&nbsp;swerved to avoid an animal crossing the road.EMS transported Benard to&nbsp;Stormont Vail in Junction City. Tanner was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Manhattan man avoids injury after I-70 construction zone crash

The City of Manhattan announced that the city commission has approved the purchase of new software,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=45cdca2f9c&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Oracle Permitting and Licensing</a>&nbsp;(OPAL). Over the next year, City staff will work with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=28cc9d2284&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Oracle</a>&nbsp;and the development community to design and implement an online system that will support residential and commercial developments with an intuitive online portal and application process. These processes will guide applicants through permit requirements or obtaining licenses.

The system will be designed to automate approval workflows and the scheduling of inspections in order to keep projects moving. Customers will have real-time access to status of developments, from pre-applications to plan review and the issuance of a building permit. This solution will help streamline development review and processing permits, licensing, inspections, and code enforcement. City staff anticipates the system to go live in the summer of&nbsp;2026.

The City of Manhattan announced that the city commission has approved the purchase of new software,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=45cdca2f9c&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Oracle Permitting and Licensing</a>&nbsp;(OPAL). Over the next year, City staff will work with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=28cc9d2284&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Oracle</a>&nbsp;and the development community to design and implement an online system that will support residential and commercial developments with an intuitive online portal and application process. These processes will guide applicants through permit requirements or obtaining licenses.The system will be designed to automate approval workflows and the scheduling of inspections in order to keep projects moving. Customers will have real-time access to status of developments, from pre-applications to plan review and the issuance of a building permit. This solution will help streamline development review and processing permits, licensing, inspections, and code enforcement. City staff anticipates the system to go live in the summer of&nbsp;2026.

 City Commission approves new software for licensing and permitting

The Aggieville Showdown is scheduled Friday and Saturday

&nbsp;The Grand Drives LLC event includes a full slate of activities on Saturday April 5th starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Riley County Fairgrounds where exhibitors will compete for the opportunity to show their market prospect cattle or breeding heifers in the streets of the Aggieville Business District.&nbsp;

The Grand Drive in the 'Ville is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. While in Aggieville, exhibitors will be awarded cash prizes, and the public can experience live music, a fashion show and shopping.

There is also a cattle show with showmanship competition at 6 p.m. Friday at the Riley County fairgrounds.

Cattle Show at Riley County Fairgrounds at 9:30AM&nbsp;​

​​​​Grand Drive at Aggieville Business District at 6:30PM Saturday.

The Aggieville Showdown is scheduled Friday and Saturday&nbsp;The Grand Drives LLC event includes a full slate of activities on Saturday April 5th starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Riley County Fairgrounds where exhibitors will compete for the opportunity to show their market prospect cattle or breeding heifers in the streets of the Aggieville Business District.&nbsp;The Grand Drive in the 'Ville is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. While in Aggieville, exhibitors will be awarded cash prizes, and the public can experience live music, a fashion show and shopping.There is also a cattle show with showmanship competition at 6 p.m. Friday at the Riley County fairgrounds.This is the 5th year for the eventSaturday, April 5, 2025Cattle Show at Riley County Fairgrounds at 9:30AM&nbsp;​<ul>
 <li>Ring A: Breeding Heifer Show, 9:30 AM (approx.)</li><li>Ring B: Market Beef Show, 10:00 AM (approx.)</li>
 </ul>​​​​Grand Drive at Aggieville Business District at 6:30PM Saturday.

Aggieville Showdown is this weekend

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a>&nbsp;will feature the Paul Taylor Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Kansas State University’s McCain Auditorium.Dancemaker Paul Taylor, who died in 2018, first showcased his choreography with five other dancers in New York on May 30, 1954.&nbsp; The company has appeared in over 600 cities across 66 countries, featuring significant tours and performances in North and South America, the Far East, Africa, Middle East, Eastern, Western and Northern Europe.

Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">mccain.k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Tickets are also available by phone at 785-532-6428 during the same hours. Tickets for youth 17 and younger are half price for this show. Discounted tickets to this show are also available for K-State faculty and staff, individuals 62 and older, and members of the military. Original IDs will be required to obtain discounts — third-party, photocopied or web-based IDs are not accepted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743785007528.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Division of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">McCain Performance Series</a>&nbsp;will feature the Paul Taylor Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Kansas State University’s McCain Auditorium.Dancemaker Paul Taylor, who died in 2018, first showcased his choreography with five other dancers in New York on May 30, 1954.&nbsp; The company has appeared in over 600 cities across 66 countries, featuring significant tours and performances in North and South America, the Far East, Africa, Middle East, Eastern, Western and Northern Europe.Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/">mccain.k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Tickets are also available by phone at 785-532-6428 during the same hours. Tickets for youth 17 and younger are half price for this show. Discounted tickets to this show are also available for K-State faculty and staff, individuals 62 and older, and members of the military. Original IDs will be required to obtain discounts — third-party, photocopied or web-based IDs are not accepted.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company graces the stage at McCain Auditorium

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman discusses the Rock the Plains music festival with organizer Richard Jones.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Rock the Pains" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?from=embed&i=cd8dd-186582c-pb&square=1&share=1&download=1&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&rtl=0&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
Podbean Player
 </div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman discusses the Rock the Plains music festival with organizer Richard Jones.

🎤 Forward Ever: Rock the Plains

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting have arrested a Kansas teen.

On Thursday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree Jr, of Topeka on a warrant on requested&nbsp;charges that include two counts of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, Criminal Use of Weapons, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, and three counts of Criminal Damage to Property, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;Tyree was already confined at the time of arrest for a previously released&nbsp;robbery arrest. &nbsp;This arrest stems from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=591">shooting</a>&nbsp; that took place on November 30th.&nbsp; Tyree is being held on a $750,000 bond, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating a shooting have arrested a Kansas teen.On Thursday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree Jr, of Topeka on a warrant on requested&nbsp;charges that include two counts of Attempted Murder in the 1st degree, Criminal Use of Weapons, Criminal Discharge of a Firearm, and three counts of Criminal Damage to Property, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;Tyree was already confined at the time of arrest for a previously released&nbsp;robbery arrest. &nbsp;This arrest stems from a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/civicalerts.aspx?aid=591">shooting</a>&nbsp; that took place on November 30th.&nbsp; Tyree is being held on a $750,000 bond, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.

Attempted murder: 17-year-old jailed in Manhattan

On April 3rd, the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force announced 100 Kansas schools that have been named recipients of the 2024 Challenge Awards. Herington Elementary was named a 2024 recipient. The Challenge Awards recognize schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments of students based on the Kansas Assessment Program results in math and reading, especially those students of ethnic minority group and who qualify for free and reduced-priced meals.

"Herington Elementary School is so proud to be named a 2024 Challenge Award recipient! Our talented students and staff work hard day in and day out. This recognition is another reflection of the commitment from our students, staff, and stakeholders to the educational priorities the USD 487 board of education and district leadership have established. Herington Elementary School was honored to be named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School previously this year and to now be recognized as a 2024 Challenge Award recipient is the icing on the cake. Great job and go Railers," said Dr. Nicholas Morgan, Principal, Herington Elementary School

On April 3rd, the Confidence in Kansas Public Education Task Force announced 100 Kansas schools that have been named recipients of the 2024 Challenge Awards. Herington Elementary was named a 2024 recipient. The Challenge Awards recognize schools for outstanding achievement and uncommon accomplishments of students based on the Kansas Assessment Program results in math and reading, especially those students of ethnic minority group and who qualify for free and reduced-priced meals."Herington Elementary School is so proud to be named a 2024 Challenge Award recipient! Our talented students and staff work hard day in and day out. This recognition is another reflection of the commitment from our students, staff, and stakeholders to the educational priorities the USD 487 board of education and district leadership have established. Herington Elementary School was honored to be named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School previously this year and to now be recognized as a 2024 Challenge Award recipient is the icing on the cake. Great job and go Railers," said Dr. Nicholas Morgan, Principal, Herington Elementary School

Herington Elementary School is Named a 2024 Challenge Award Recipient

The Geary County Commission has supported the expenditure of $4,000 to rebuild the Butterfly House at the Milford nature Cemter. It collapsed during the snow last winter.

CVB funds will be utilized for the project.

The facility is considered a tourism education resource.

The Geary County Commission has supported the expenditure of $4,000 to rebuild the Butterfly House at the Milford nature Cemter. It collapsed during the snow last winter.CVB funds will be utilized for the project.The facility is considered a tourism education resource.

Geary County supports rebuilding the Butterfly House

A portion of U.S. 24 near Manhattan is scheduled to close next week, as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s roundabout projects at the K-113 and K-13 junctions.

In this phase of the project, U.S. 24 between the two junctions will be closed to through traffic beginning on or around Monday, April 7, until December, conditions permitting.

Local access to properties in the closure area will be made from the west, at the U.S. 24/K-113 junction. The local access point will switch this summer to the east end of the project, at U.S. 24 and K-13. Notice will be given prior to the change.

Access to/from South Dam Road will remain open. The median crossing at Bent Tree Drive will also reopen for left-turning movements from U.S. 24.

<a>A shoo-fly detour is being constructed at the U.S. 24/K-113 junction that will be used to freely carry traffic around the work area. Until its completion, an advisory speed of 15 mph will be posted for eastbound traffic turning south onto K-113.</a>

There will be a 12-foot width restriction and reduced speed limit of 25 mph in the work zones on U.S. 24, K-113 and K-13.&nbsp;

During the closure, motorists can utilize the signed detour on K-113, K-18 and U.S. 24, or use alternate routes that are not marked.

A portion of U.S. 24 near Manhattan is scheduled to close next week, as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s roundabout projects at the K-113 and K-13 junctions.In this phase of the project, U.S. 24 between the two junctions will be closed to through traffic beginning on or around Monday, April 7, until December, conditions permitting.Local access to properties in the closure area will be made from the west, at the U.S. 24/K-113 junction. The local access point will switch this summer to the east end of the project, at U.S. 24 and K-13. Notice will be given prior to the change.Access to/from South Dam Road will remain open. The median crossing at Bent Tree Drive will also reopen for left-turning movements from U.S. 24.<a>A shoo-fly detour is being constructed at the U.S. 24/K-113 junction that will be used to freely carry traffic around the work area. Until its completion, an advisory speed of 15 mph will be posted for eastbound traffic turning south onto K-113.</a>There will be a 12-foot width restriction and reduced speed limit of 25 mph in the work zones on U.S. 24, K-113 and K-13.&nbsp;During the closure, motorists can utilize the signed detour on K-113, K-18 and U.S. 24, or use alternate routes that are not marked.

Closure on U.S. 24 in Manhattan scheduled to begin

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam in Riley County.

On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report for Fraud/Theft by Deception, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A male reported being contacted by an individual posing as an FBI agent.  The victim was instructed to deposit money into a crypto currency ATM. The victim lost $7,000, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam in Riley County.On Wednesday, police&nbsp;filed a report for Fraud/Theft by Deception, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A male reported being contacted by an individual posing as an FBI agent. The victim was instructed to deposit money into a crypto currency ATM. The victim lost $7,000, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

RCPD: Man lost $7,000 in alleged crypto currency scam

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University continues to bring educational access to all with the popular&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/">All-University Open House</a>&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, on the Manhattan campus.This K-State tradition allows future learners and community members to get an insider's look at academic programs, campus life and student organizations. All ages are welcome, and there are no fees to attend.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/events/events-list/">Events</a>&nbsp;at Open House are organized into four tracks — Admitted students, prospective students, kids in kindergarten-eighth grade, and Manhattan and K-State community members — giving guests a personalized lineup of experiences.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apply2.ksu.edu/register/?id=dfae8747-338a-497f-987f-e976f58dc2a6&amp;_gl=1*290u0v*_gcl_au*NDUwMjc2ODA2LjE3MzgwMDU0Mjc.*_ga*MTg2ODc4NjcuMTczMDIxODU3OQ..*_ga_LN1LMYMEK9*MTc0MzQyNzk3NC4zMzEuMS4xNzQzNDMyMzU1LjMyLjAuMTM5NzI3NDQ3Ng..">Register in advance</a>&nbsp;to receive tailored Open House information.

Open House offers attendees a mix of hands-on activities and learning, live entertainment, projects, displays, food and demonstrations. Admission information with guided walking tours of campus and on-campus housing options are available at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The K-State Student Union is the hub for Open House, where guests can find numerous booths, activities, and food and drink options. There are also multiple&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/about/food-drink.html">food and drink options</a>&nbsp;on campus, including some unique offerings by student organizations or academic units.The College of Arts and Sciences will feature many displays and interactive activities throughout campus, including a chemistry magic show and tours of microbiology and human body labs. Don't miss the College of Agriculture's Little American Royal Showmanship Contest or its live bugs and critter petting zoo.

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering invites visitors to take part in hands-on activities and explore student organization inventions. The College of Architecture, Planning &amp; Design's events include BOXhattan, which offers visitors a chance to try their hand at city planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Visit Justin Hall to explore the College of Health and Human Sciences, where guests can learn more about the human body and eco-friendly fashion, play Pricing for Plinko, and explore the pathway to nursing program and the physician assistant program.

At the College of Education, participate in the hands-on STEM Explorers event and play in the game lab. While visiting the College of Business Administration, visitors can take a business trip scavenger hunt to create, market and sell an idea. Take a stroll to the College of Veterinary Medicine complex to see a variety of exhibits and activities. Visitors of all ages can learn about pet first aid, diagnosing sick patients, and the skills and equipment used to care for animals of all sizes.A complete&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/events/events-list/">list of K-State Open House events is available online</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743689504570.jpeg" alt="( Photo - K-State )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - K-State )</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By Carson ByersDivision of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — Kansas State University continues to bring educational access to all with the popular&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/">All-University Open House</a>&nbsp;from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, on the Manhattan campus.This K-State tradition allows future learners and community members to get an insider's look at academic programs, campus life and student organizations. All ages are welcome, and there are no fees to attend.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/events/events-list/">Events</a>&nbsp;at Open House are organized into four tracks — Admitted students, prospective students, kids in kindergarten-eighth grade, and Manhattan and K-State community members — giving guests a personalized lineup of experiences.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apply2.ksu.edu/register/?id=dfae8747-338a-497f-987f-e976f58dc2a6&amp;_gl=1*290u0v*_gcl_au*NDUwMjc2ODA2LjE3MzgwMDU0Mjc.*_ga*MTg2ODc4NjcuMTczMDIxODU3OQ..*_ga_LN1LMYMEK9*MTc0MzQyNzk3NC4zMzEuMS4xNzQzNDMyMzU1LjMyLjAuMTM5NzI3NDQ3Ng..">Register in advance</a>&nbsp;to receive tailored Open House information.Open House offers attendees a mix of hands-on activities and learning, live entertainment, projects, displays, food and demonstrations. Admission information with guided walking tours of campus and on-campus housing options are available at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.The K-State Student Union is the hub for Open House, where guests can find numerous booths, activities, and food and drink options. There are also multiple&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/about/food-drink.html">food and drink options</a>&nbsp;on campus, including some unique offerings by student organizations or academic units.The College of Arts and Sciences will feature many displays and interactive activities throughout campus, including a chemistry magic show and tours of microbiology and human body labs. Don't miss the College of Agriculture's Little American Royal Showmanship Contest or its live bugs and critter petting zoo.The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering invites visitors to take part in hands-on activities and explore student organization inventions. The College of Architecture, Planning &amp; Design's events include BOXhattan, which offers visitors a chance to try their hand at city planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Visit Justin Hall to explore the College of Health and Human Sciences, where guests can learn more about the human body and eco-friendly fashion, play Pricing for Plinko, and explore the pathway to nursing program and the physician assistant program.At the College of Education, participate in the hands-on STEM Explorers event and play in the game lab. While visiting the College of Business Administration, visitors can take a business trip scavenger hunt to create, market and sell an idea. Take a stroll to the College of Veterinary Medicine complex to see a variety of exhibits and activities. Visitors of all ages can learn about pet first aid, diagnosing sick patients, and the skills and equipment used to care for animals of all sizes.A complete&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/events/events-list/">list of K-State Open House events is available online</a>.

Attend All-University Open House to experience all things K-State 

Manhattan City Commissioners have voted to move a proposed economic development application for PTMW Inc. to a second consideration on April 15.

The project was outlined before the commission Tuesday. The company is based in Topeka and wants to expand into Manhattan with a 112,500 square foot facility and eventually include up 146 jobs. The median wage was projected at $22 an hour.

The company does manufacturing and welding with plans to fabricate skids or steel structures. PTMW would make a nearly $14 million investment in building and equipment. There would be a 10-year lease with a possible 10-year 100 percent property tax abatment.

The proposal includes building a partnership with Manhattan Area Technical College for welders.&nbsp;

Production would begin in the third quarter of this year and ramp&nbsp; up in 2026.

Manhattan City Commissioners have voted to move a proposed economic development application for PTMW Inc. to a second consideration on April 15.The project was outlined before the commission Tuesday. The company is based in Topeka and wants to expand into Manhattan with a 112,500 square foot facility and eventually include up 146 jobs. The median wage was projected at $22 an hour.The company does manufacturing and welding with plans to fabricate skids or steel structures. PTMW would make a nearly $14 million investment in building and equipment. There would be a 10-year lease with a possible 10-year 100 percent property tax abatment.The proposal includes building a partnership with Manhattan Area Technical College for welders.&nbsp;Production would begin in the third quarter of this year and ramp&nbsp; up in 2026.

City Commission moves economic development application forward

A&nbsp; plaque listing the names of 50 Pottawatomie County Veterans will be unveiled Monday, April 14. The names on the plaque are of honorably discharged men and women that reside or have resided in Pottawatomie County, and served in any branch of the U.S. Military after December 31, 1946.

The Veterans Memorial is located at the northwest corner of Main Street and 2nd Street, on the County Courthouse lawn, in Westmoreland, Kansas. Names continue to be collected and the form to request a name be added to the plaque is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pottcounty.org/Veterans">https://www.pottcounty.org/Veterans</a>.

Pottawatomie County Communications manager Becky Ryan said that challenge coins honoring our veterans are available at the County Treasurer's Office for $10.00. Proceeds help pay for the upkeep of the memorial.

Names of veterans that served before December 31, 1946 are displayed in the County Office Building, 207 North 1st Street, in Westmoreland.

This will be the second plaque installation in just over a year. A&nbsp;plaque was also installed in March of 2024.

A&nbsp; plaque listing the names of 50 Pottawatomie County Veterans will be unveiled Monday, April 14. The names on the plaque are of honorably discharged men and women that reside or have resided in Pottawatomie County, and served in any branch of the U.S. Military after December 31, 1946.The Veterans Memorial is located at the northwest corner of Main Street and 2nd Street, on the County Courthouse lawn, in Westmoreland, Kansas. Names continue to be collected and the form to request a name be added to the plaque is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pottcounty.org/Veterans">https://www.pottcounty.org/Veterans</a>.Pottawatomie County Communications manager Becky Ryan said that challenge coins honoring our veterans are available at the County Treasurer's Office for $10.00. Proceeds help pay for the upkeep of the memorial.Names of veterans that served before December 31, 1946 are displayed in the County Office Building, 207 North 1st Street, in Westmoreland.This will be the second plaque installation in just over a year. A&nbsp;plaque was also installed in March of 2024.

Veterans Memorial Plaque Reveal in Westmoreland, Monday, April 14

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged identity theft and have made an arrest.

Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for forgery, attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug and identity theft in the 500 block of 3rd Pl in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity re port,

&nbsp;A 30-year-old woman and a 50-year-old woman were reported a 35-year-old woman used the victim’s information to attempt to obtain a prescription drug. 

Marijke Torres, 35, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug, forgery and 3 counts of identity theft. Torres was issued a total bond of $14,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating alleged identity theft and have made an arrest.Just before 3:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for forgery, attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug and identity theft in the 500 block of 3rd Pl in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity re port,&nbsp;A 30-year-old woman and a 50-year-old woman were reported a 35-year-old woman used the victim’s information to attempt to obtain a prescription drug. Marijke Torres, 35, of Manhattan was arrested on requested charges of attempted unlawful obtaining a prescription drug, forgery and 3 counts of identity theft. Torres was issued a total bond of $14,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan woman accused of forgery, ID theft

Kansas Avenue is closed west of the town of Riley due to flooding damages. Use alternate routes of travel. The notice was posted on the Everbridge alert system.

Kansas Avenue is closed west of the town of Riley due to flooding damages. Use alternate routes of travel. The notice was posted on the Everbridge alert system.

Flooding notice 

MANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksufoundation.org/">Kansas State University Foundation</a>&nbsp;has been named one of the nation's top workplaces following a survey of more than 42,000 organizations.The 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures.

Selections are based on employee feedback gathered through a confidential, third-party survey from workforce development company Energage LLC. The survey measures an organization's overall employee experience, including employees' opinions on feeling respected and supported, able to grow, and empowered to voice opinions."We work hard to make the KSU Foundation a place where all employees can bring their authentic selves each day and seize frequent opportunities to succeed," said Christie Horton, associate vice president of talent, culture and human resources. "

After first earning a Great Plains Region Top Workplace honor, this nationwide USA Today award really speaks to what a fantastic career choice the KSU Foundation is."KSU Foundation employees rate their employer highly in several key satisfaction markers, with 88% of respondents saying they can bring their best selves to work, 80% feeling empowered to make decisions about their work, 80% saying their managers are good coaches and mentors, and 80% reporting close relationships with coworkers."

By Alison RogersDivision of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ksufoundation.org/">Kansas State University Foundation</a>&nbsp;has been named one of the nation's top workplaces following a survey of more than 42,000 organizations.The 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. Selections are based on employee feedback gathered through a confidential, third-party survey from workforce development company Energage LLC. The survey measures an organization's overall employee experience, including employees' opinions on feeling respected and supported, able to grow, and empowered to voice opinions."We work hard to make the KSU Foundation a place where all employees can bring their authentic selves each day and seize frequent opportunities to succeed," said Christie Horton, associate vice president of talent, culture and human resources. "After first earning a Great Plains Region Top Workplace honor, this nationwide USA Today award really speaks to what a fantastic career choice the KSU Foundation is."KSU Foundation employees rate their employer highly in several key satisfaction markers, with 88% of respondents saying they can bring their best selves to work, 80% feeling empowered to make decisions about their work, 80% saying their managers are good coaches and mentors, and 80% reporting close relationships with coworkers."

 KSU Foundation earns USA Today Top Workplaces award  

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR CENTRAL DICKINSON...
SOUTHWESTERN GEARY...SOUTHERN RILEY AND NORTHWESTERN MORRIS COUNTIES
WILL EXPIRE AT 200 AM CDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 AM CDT for east central
Kansas.&nbsp;

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING FOR NORTHWESTERN GEARY, SOUTHEASTERN CLAY AND WEST CENTRAL
RILEY COUNTIES...

At 1249 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 5 and 6 inches of rain
have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are
possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
         highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
         drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Wakefield, Riley and Milford.

Central Dickinson County in central Kansas...

Southwestern Geary County in east central Kansas...

Southern Riley County in northeastern Kansas...

Northwestern Morris County in east central Kansas...

* At 132 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles northwest

The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

  North central Dickinson County in central Kansas...

  Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas...

  Northwestern Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas...

  Southern Clay County in north central Kansas...

  South central Marshall County in northeastern Kansas...

* At 1114 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles west of  Wakefield, moving northeast at 55 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

Northwestern Dickinson County in central Kansas...

Southeastern Ottawa County in north central Kansas...

* At 1025 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near New Cambria, moving northeast at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado and ping pong ball size hail.

SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. At 1020 PM, storm spotters reported a tornado west of Salina.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.

&nbsp;The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Central Riley County in northeastern Kansas...
  Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas...

* Until 1115 PM CDT.

* 

At 1024 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Tuttle Creek
  Lake, moving northeast at 40 mph.

  HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.



  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
           damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
           wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Onaga, Olsburg, Wheaton, Blaine, Havensville, Westmoreland, Tuttle
  Creek Lake, and far northwest Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN GEARY AND SOUTHEASTERN CLAY
COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 1000 PM CDT...

The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. 

However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 AM CDT for
central, north central, northeastern and east central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Emergency sirens are sounding in Milford Township and the City of Milford. Junction City is not affected at this time.

&nbsp;The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northeastern Dickinson County in central Kansas...
  Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas...
  Southeastern Clay County in north central Kansas...

* Until 1000 PM CDT.

* 

At 926 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located 4 miles northeast of Talmage, moving east at 40 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter.



  SOURCE...Weather spotters reported funnel cloud. At 920 PM an
           emergency manager reported a funnel cloud 6 miles west of
           Talmage.



  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree
           damage is likely.

* Locations impacted include...
  Wakefield, Milford Lake, Milford.

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 930 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN DICKINSON COUNTY...



At 921 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Manchester, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and two inch hail.

SOURCE...Weather spotters reported a funnel cloud. At 920 PM an
         emergency manager reported a funnel cloud 6 miles west of
         Talmage.



IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is
         likely.

Locations impacted include...
Manchester.&nbsp;

UPDATE:...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR CENTRAL DICKINSON...
SOUTHWESTERN GEARY...SOUTHERN RILEY AND NORTHWESTERN MORRIS COUNTIES
WILL EXPIRE AT 200 AM CDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 AM CDT for east central
Kansas.&nbsp;---...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 AM CDT EARLY THIS
MORNING FOR NORTHWESTERN GEARY, SOUTHEASTERN CLAY AND WEST CENTRAL
RILEY COUNTIES...

At 1249 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 5 and 6 inches of rain
have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are
possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected
to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
 highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor
 drainage and low-lying areas.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
 Wakefield, Riley and Milford.--* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...Central Dickinson County in central Kansas...Southwestern Geary County in east central Kansas...Southern Riley County in northeastern Kansas...Northwestern Morris County in east central Kansas...* Until 200 AM CDT.* At 132 AM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles northwestof Hope, moving northeast at 55 mph.HAZARD...Quarter size hail.-----The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... North central Dickinson County in central Kansas... Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas... Riley County in northeastern Kansas... Northwestern Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas... Southern Clay County in north central Kansas... South central Marshall County in northeastern Kansas...* Until midnight CDT.* At 1114 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles west of Wakefield, moving northeast at 55 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.---The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a* Tornado Warning for...Northwestern Dickinson County in central Kansas...Southeastern Ottawa County in north central Kansas...* Until 1100 PM CDT.* At 1025 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near New Cambria, moving northeast at 45 mph.HAZARD...Damaging tornado and ping pong ball size hail.SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado. At 1020 PM, storm spotters reported a tornado west of Salina.IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.---&nbsp;The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
 Central Riley County in northeastern Kansas...
 Pottawatomie County in northeastern Kansas...

* Until 1115 PM CDT.

* At 1024 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Tuttle Creek
 Lake, moving northeast at 40 mph.

 HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

 SOURCE...Radar indicated.

 IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
 damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect
 wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
 Onaga, Olsburg, Wheaton, Blaine, Havensville, Westmoreland, Tuttle
 Creek Lake, and far northwest Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;----&nbsp;...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN GEARY AND SOUTHEASTERN CLAY
COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 1000 PM CDT...

The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 AM CDT for
central, north central, northeastern and east central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;--Emergency sirens are sounding in Milford Township and the City of Milford. Junction City is not affected at this time.&nbsp;The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
 Northeastern Dickinson County in central Kansas...
 Northwestern Geary County in east central Kansas...
 Southeastern Clay County in north central Kansas...

* Until 1000 PM CDT.

* At 926 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
 was located 4 miles northeast of Talmage, moving east at 40 mph.

 HAZARD...Tornado and hail up to two inches in diameter.

 SOURCE...Weather spotters reported funnel cloud. At 920 PM an
 emergency manager reported a funnel cloud 6 miles west of
 Talmage.

 IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
 shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
 Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
 damage is likely.

* Locations impacted include...
 Wakefield, Milford Lake, Milford.----...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 930 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN DICKINSON COUNTY...

At 921 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Manchester, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado and two inch hail.

SOURCE...Weather spotters reported a funnel cloud. At 920 PM an
 emergency manager reported a funnel cloud 6 miles west of
 Talmage.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
 shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
 to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
 likely.

Locations impacted include...
Manchester.&nbsp;

Storm warnings Tuesday night  - Wednesday morning

There is a ban on controlled burning in Riley County on Tuesday due to weather conditions. Emergency Management officials issued the ban.

There is a ban on controlled burning in Riley County on Tuesday due to weather conditions. Emergency Management officials issued the ban.

Controlled burnings are prohibited in Riley County on Tuesday

&nbsp; (Manhattan, Kan., April 1, 2025) —&nbsp;The Manhattan Fire Department will start its annual fire hydrant maintenance program this week. Crews will be flowing and painting fire hydrants throughout the City from now until late fall.The fire hydrants are flowed yearly to ensure proper operation and to flush out the water lines. 

If you notice yellow- or rust-colored water in your home after crews have flowed fire hydrants in your area, run water in a bathtub or shower for a few minutes or until the water runs clear. If the water does not clear up, contact the City of Manhattan Customer Service Office at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="tel:7855872480">(785) 587-2480</a>&nbsp;or the Manhattan Fire Department at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="tel:7855874502">(785) 587-4502</a>.

Use caution when you are in the area where crews are flowing fire hydrants. Water flowing from the fire hydrants may be at a pressure and volume high enough to cause damage to vehicles if they are driven through the flowing water. Children should be instructed not to play in or ride bicycles through the flowing water.&nbsp; If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Manhattan Fire Department at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="tel:7855874502">(785) 587-4502</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; (Manhattan, Kan., April 1, 2025) —&nbsp;The Manhattan Fire Department will start its annual fire hydrant maintenance program this week. Crews will be flowing and painting fire hydrants throughout the City from now until late fall.The fire hydrants are flowed yearly to ensure proper operation and to flush out the water lines. If you notice yellow- or rust-colored water in your home after crews have flowed fire hydrants in your area, run water in a bathtub or shower for a few minutes or until the water runs clear. If the water does not clear up, contact the City of Manhattan Customer Service Office at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="tel:7855872480">(785) 587-2480</a>&nbsp;or the Manhattan Fire Department at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="tel:7855874502">(785) 587-4502</a>.Use caution when you are in the area where crews are flowing fire hydrants. Water flowing from the fire hydrants may be at a pressure and volume high enough to cause damage to vehicles if they are driven through the flowing water. Children should be instructed not to play in or ride bicycles through the flowing water.&nbsp; If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Manhattan Fire Department at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="tel:7855874502">(785) 587-4502</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manhattan Fire Department to Begin Hydrant Flowing

By Andrew Lawson Public Information Officer City of Manhattan

&nbsp;Spring is here, so it’s time for Manhattan’s annual Spring Cleanup Week! From&nbsp;Monday, April 7&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday, April 11, City crews will collect properly bagged and stacked yard waste, tree limbs, and branches from residential neighborhoods.

City crews will follow an assigned schedule (see map below) and pass through each area&nbsp;once&nbsp;to pick up properly prepared yard waste. No construction debris, household trash, or other materials will be collected.

Residents should follow these simple steps to ensure their items are picked up:

City crews will not enter private property. Property owners are responsible for moving leaves and bagged vegetation to their curbs.

In addition to the City haul-off effort, participating trash providers —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=c25bcd2425&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Average Joe’s</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=bcca3e0d5c&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">B&amp;L</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=228d873c4b&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Garibay</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=0aef1af242&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Howie’s</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=3b6c7ceae0&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Pick Pink</a>&nbsp;— will collect trash and debris on&nbsp;regular pickup days&nbsp;for their customers only. If you don’t have service with these providers, you are responsible for your own trash disposal.

As depicted in the schedule map, the cleanup areas and dates are as follow:

By Andrew Lawson Public Information Officer City of Manhattan&nbsp;Spring is here, so it’s time for Manhattan’s annual Spring Cleanup Week! From&nbsp;Monday, April 7&nbsp;through&nbsp;Friday, April 11, City crews will collect properly bagged and stacked yard waste, tree limbs, and branches from residential neighborhoods.City crews will follow an assigned schedule (see map below) and pass through each area&nbsp;once&nbsp;to pick up properly prepared yard waste. No construction debris, household trash, or other materials will be collected.Residents should follow these simple steps to ensure their items are picked up:<ul>
 <li>Bag Yard Waste Properly:&nbsp;Use paper yard waste bags (available at local retailers) for grass clippings and leaves.&nbsp;Plastic bags and containers will not be picked up!</li><li>Separate Piles for Limbs and Branches:&nbsp;Place them&nbsp;next to the curb&nbsp;for easy pickup by hand or with equipment, with limbs and brush parallel to the curb.&nbsp;Do not&nbsp;put them in the street or too far back in the yard. Mixed piles that are not properly separated will&nbsp;not&nbsp;be collected.</li><li>Keep Piles Loose:&nbsp;Stack branches in a loose pile (no rope or twine).&nbsp;Scrap lumber or foreign objects will not be accepted.&nbsp;(Participating contractors may pick up scrap lumber on regular trash pickup days.)</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Have Items Ready on Pickup Day:&nbsp;Check the cleanup map below to know what day crews will be in your area. Have all items to the curb before&nbsp;7 a.m.&nbsp;on that day.&nbsp;Crews will not return for missed pickups.</li>
 </ul>City crews will not enter private property. Property owners are responsible for moving leaves and bagged vegetation to their curbs.In addition to the City haul-off effort, participating trash providers —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=c25bcd2425&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Average Joe’s</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=bcca3e0d5c&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">B&amp;L</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=228d873c4b&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Garibay</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=0aef1af242&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Howie’s</a>, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=3b6c7ceae0&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Pick Pink</a>&nbsp;— will collect trash and debris on&nbsp;regular pickup days&nbsp;for their customers only. If you don’t have service with these providers, you are responsible for your own trash disposal.Items Not Accepted for Pickup:<ul>
 <li>Major household appliances</li><li>Tires and batteries</li><li>Concrete, rock, or construction/demolition debris</li><li>Household hazardous waste (paint, thinners, lubricants, pesticides, etc.) — Take these instead to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=dd1e63fadb&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Riley County Noxious Weed Department</a>, located at&nbsp;6245 Tuttle Creek Blvd.</li>
 </ul>As depicted in the schedule map, the cleanup areas and dates are as follow:<ul>
 <li>Monday, April 7&nbsp;— areas south of Anderson and west of Westwood</li><li>Tuesday, April 8&nbsp;— areas north of Anderson and west of Seth Child</li><li>Wednesday, April 9&nbsp;— all areas north of Anderson Avenue, between Seth Child Road and North Manhattan Avenue</li><li>Thursday, April 10&nbsp;— all areas north of Ratone/Ehlers, east of North Manhattan Avenue and Tuttle Creek Boulevard</li><li>Friday, April 11&nbsp;— all areas south of Anderson Avenue, between Westwood and North Manhattan Avenue, and all areas southeast of North Manhattan Avenue and Ratone/Ehlers.</li>
 </ul><figure>
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Spring Cleanup Week 2025 set for April 7-11

There are not any plans right now to open the Trooper Gate entrance to Fort Riley. That was one recent message from Maj. Gen. Monte Rone to a Military Affairs Breakfast audience in Junction City.

With troop deployments ahead there is a lack of manpower to put at the gate, which is located just north of Junction City. There are also safety concerns associated with the nearby bridge.

With the Trooper Gate entrance closed trafffic is rerouted to the Grant Ave. entrance to Fort Riley.&nbsp;

There are not any plans right now to open the Trooper Gate entrance to Fort Riley. That was one recent message from Maj. Gen. Monte Rone to a Military Affairs Breakfast audience in Junction City.With troop deployments ahead there is a lack of manpower to put at the gate, which is located just north of Junction City. There are also safety concerns associated with the nearby bridge.With the Trooper Gate entrance closed trafffic is rerouted to the Grant Ave. entrance to Fort Riley.&nbsp;

Expect Trooper Gate to remain closed

<a>On Monday, April 7, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin bridge repair work on K-82 over Cane Creek, located 1.0 mile east of K-15 in Clay County.</a>

<a>During construction, dependent on where the contractor is actively working, one side of Osage Road will be temporarily closed while traffic on K-82 is reduced to one 12-foot lane in each direction with the shoulders closed.</a>

<a>On Monday, April 7, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin bridge repair work on K-82 over Cane Creek, located 1.0 mile east of K-15 in Clay County.</a><a>During construction, dependent on where the contractor is actively working, one side of Osage Road will be temporarily closed while traffic on K-82 is reduced to one 12-foot lane in each direction with the shoulders closed.</a>

K-82 bridge repair to begin April 7 in Clay County

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has announced that they will host a Professional Development Day on April 8 at the Manhattan Conference Center. This daylong event welcomes professionals from any industry and experience level to network and hear from speakers. 

Attendees can choose from 20 breakout sessions across five focus areas: small business &amp; entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, early career, and community.

MHK Professional Development Day is sponsored by the K-State Leadership Seminar and supported by K-State Human Resources.

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has announced that they will host a Professional Development Day on April 8 at the Manhattan Conference Center. This daylong event welcomes professionals from any industry and experience level to network and hear from speakers. Attendees can choose from 20 breakout sessions across five focus areas: small business &amp; entrepreneurship, leadership, technology, early career, and community.MHK Professional Development Day is sponsored by the K-State Leadership Seminar and supported by K-State Human Resources.

Professional Development Day is scheduled April 8

USD 383 has announced that Kindergarten Open House is set for Thursday April 3 from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.. The event begins with a presentation about kindergarten, followed by a chance to see the school and meet staff. Call Transportation at 785-587-2190 to see which school you are zoned to attend.&nbsp;

Bring a birth certificate or equivalent, immunization records if complete and a health assessment / physical if complete.

USD 383 has announced that Kindergarten Open House is set for Thursday April 3 from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.. The event begins with a presentation about kindergarten, followed by a chance to see the school and meet staff. Call Transportation at 785-587-2190 to see which school you are zoned to attend.&nbsp;Bring a birth certificate or equivalent, immunization records if complete and a health assessment / physical if complete.