WASHINGTON – As educators gear up for the new school year, the IRS reminds schoolteachers that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses in 2024 remains at $300.&nbsp;

This deduction allows educators to offset the cost of supplies, materials and other classroom essentials, providing some financial relief for those who spend their own money to improve their students' learning experience.&nbsp;

Under federal law, this $300 cap is unchanged from 2023, continuing the adjustment for inflation that began in 2022 when the limit was raised from $250.&nbsp;

Who qualifies for educator expense deductions?

This deduction is available for teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who work at least 900 hours a school year in a school providing elementary or secondary education. Educators filing jointly can claim up to $600 if both spouses are eligible, but no more than $300 per person. Educators can claim this deduction even if they take the standard deduction, and both public and private school educators qualify.&nbsp;

Educators can claim deductions for out-of-pocket expenses on classroom items like books, supplies, equipment (including computers and software) and COVID-19 safety measures such as masks, disinfectants and air purifiers. They may also deduct costs for professional development courses relevant to their teaching, though it could be more advantageous to use other educational tax benefits like the lifetime learning credit (refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fforms-pubs%2Fabout-publication-970/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/qjIrg-ZbUxs4hjtWtFh9dz4XxiXKu6IKDBbur3fHaL8=367">Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education</a>, Chapter 3).&nbsp;

Expenses for homeschooling or nonathletic supplies for health or physical education are not eligible. The IRS recommends educators maintain detailed records, such as receipts and canceled checks, to substantiate their deductions.&nbsp;

Use E-file to claim educator expenses

For educators who have been granted a tax filing extension or qualify for a disaster extension, or for any other pertinent reason are still in the process of completing their 2023 tax return, the rules for claiming deductions remain consistent for the 2024 tax year. The filing extension deadline is Oct. 15, 2024. However, submitting a return before this date can aid in averting processing delays.&nbsp;

The IRS advises taxpayers to file electronically for a smoother process, whether they use tax software or a professional. Choose direct deposit for faster refunds. For more details, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fefile/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/TVHxAnJ2W1XArcwV7eTqrNBhz_Ca7Ols5TblKY6jDMY=367">E-file options to file your return</a>.&nbsp;

Individuals who owe taxes should consider using&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments%2Fdirect-pay/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/ST2BjQAvOmCGxqJrJ2i8M6q8Q9xlKBvKd4IhA2q3b7U=367">IRS Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;or other electronic payment options available at IRS’&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/t8Y3-cU8Z3Zl7ypoucLpkPQXbhP5ZOwKCwDjyI3tNqc=367">Make a payment</a>&nbsp;page for convenience.

IRSWASHINGTON – As educators gear up for the new school year, the IRS reminds schoolteachers that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses in 2024 remains at $300.&nbsp;This deduction allows educators to offset the cost of supplies, materials and other classroom essentials, providing some financial relief for those who spend their own money to improve their students' learning experience.&nbsp;Under federal law, this $300 cap is unchanged from 2023, continuing the adjustment for inflation that began in 2022 when the limit was raised from $250.&nbsp;Who qualifies for educator expense deductions?This deduction is available for teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who work at least 900 hours a school year in a school providing elementary or secondary education. Educators filing jointly can claim up to $600 if both spouses are eligible, but no more than $300 per person. Educators can claim this deduction even if they take the standard deduction, and both public and private school educators qualify.&nbsp;What's deductible?Educators can claim deductions for out-of-pocket expenses on classroom items like books, supplies, equipment (including computers and software) and COVID-19 safety measures such as masks, disinfectants and air purifiers. They may also deduct costs for professional development courses relevant to their teaching, though it could be more advantageous to use other educational tax benefits like the lifetime learning credit (refer to&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fforms-pubs%2Fabout-publication-970/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/qjIrg-ZbUxs4hjtWtFh9dz4XxiXKu6IKDBbur3fHaL8=367">Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education</a>, Chapter 3).&nbsp;Expenses for homeschooling or nonathletic supplies for health or physical education are not eligible. The IRS recommends educators maintain detailed records, such as receipts and canceled checks, to substantiate their deductions.&nbsp;Use E-file to claim educator expensesFor educators who have been granted a tax filing extension or qualify for a disaster extension, or for any other pertinent reason are still in the process of completing their 2023 tax return, the rules for claiming deductions remain consistent for the 2024 tax year. The filing extension deadline is Oct. 15, 2024. However, submitting a return before this date can aid in averting processing delays.&nbsp;The IRS advises taxpayers to file electronically for a smoother process, whether they use tax software or a professional. Choose direct deposit for faster refunds. For more details, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fefile/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/TVHxAnJ2W1XArcwV7eTqrNBhz_Ca7Ols5TblKY6jDMY=367">E-file options to file your return</a>.&nbsp;Individuals who owe taxes should consider using&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments%2Fdirect-pay/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/ST2BjQAvOmCGxqJrJ2i8M6q8Q9xlKBvKd4IhA2q3b7U=367">IRS Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;or other electronic payment options available at IRS’&nbsp;<a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fpayments/1/0100019175e9d5dc-38b01c64-fe1c-4429-8351-2eead3ec0d04-000000/t8Y3-cU8Z3Zl7ypoucLpkPQXbhP5ZOwKCwDjyI3tNqc=367">Make a payment</a>&nbsp;page for convenience.

IRS reminder for schoolteachers: Up to $300 in classroom expenses deductible for 2024 

According to the City of Manhattan starting&nbsp;Tuesday, September 3, the area around the intersection of Stratton Circle and Sunset Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic for repairs following an emergency water main break that occurred there earlier this month.

Through traffic will be diverted at Grandview Drive to the south and Anderson Avenue to the north, with only local traffic being allowed into this section.

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the plan is to begin the closure after school traffic has finished to the Manhattan High School campus on Tuesday morning, September 3.

This work is expected to continue through at least&nbsp;September 6, 2024.

Expect light to moderate traffic and some delays on Anderson Avenue, Fairchild Avenue/Terrace, Grandview Drive, Poyntz Avenue, Stratton Circle, and Sunset Avenue through this work period.

According to the City of Manhattan starting&nbsp;Tuesday, September 3, the area around the intersection of Stratton Circle and Sunset Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic for repairs following an emergency water main break that occurred there earlier this month.Through traffic will be diverted at Grandview Drive to the south and Anderson Avenue to the north, with only local traffic being allowed into this section.Due to the Labor Day holiday, the plan is to begin the closure after school traffic has finished to the Manhattan High School campus on Tuesday morning, September 3.This work is expected to continue through at least&nbsp;September 6, 2024.Expect light to moderate traffic and some delays on Anderson Avenue, Fairchild Avenue/Terrace, Grandview Drive, Poyntz Avenue, Stratton Circle, and Sunset Avenue through this work period.

Sunset Avenue to close for 1 week for Stratton repairs

The City of Manhattan has announced for those coming into Manhattan on&nbsp;Saturday, August 31&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=0f0aa1c17a&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Kansas State University</a>’s first home football game of the 2024 season, there are some traffic reminders:

The City of Manhattan has announced for those coming into Manhattan on&nbsp;Saturday, August 31&nbsp;for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=0f0aa1c17a&amp;e=8c33f27c6f">Kansas State University</a>’s first home football game of the 2024 season, there are some traffic reminders:<ul>
 <li>The biggest remaining disruption nearest to Bill Snyder Family Stadium is the ongoing closure of Denison Avenue south of Kimball Avenue.</li><li>Construction on Kimball Avenue has been&nbsp;completed&nbsp;and the roadway is open to east-west traffic at the Denison Avenue intersection. However, shipping delays related to the new traffic signal for the intersection will prevent Denison from reopening to left turns.Only “right-in” and “right-out” traffic is allowed for Denison from Kimball during the season.&nbsp;Through traffic on Kimball does not stop!Denison will remain closed south of Kimball to the intersection to Olympic Drive (Recreation Complex entrance) during the football season.Fans who normally utilize Denison to access parking lots along Kimball will need to use College or Manhattan avenues.Parking for Lot E4, VIP and the student tailgate area is accessible from Denison through Olympic Drive.</li><li>If you are coming into town on K-177, you should either use the off-ramp to access Tuttle Creek Boulevard or turn right onto 3rd Street to access downtown. 4th Street is closed north of Pierre Street for the rest of 2024.</li><li>Anderson Avenue from Seth Child Road to Wreath Avenue is under construction, a project that will last well into this fall. Traffic is one lane in both directions, so fans should expect delays in this area. </li><li>There is also a closure just north of there at the intersection of Dickens Avenue and Wreath Avenue. Gameday traffic should stay on Seth Child Road and avoid this area. Please follow all signage and drive safely!</li>
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Gameday traffic reminders

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/toeed9oN0ik?si=Pq2NXG8GGlbXhy_3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Judge Tommy Webb.

🎤Forward Ever: Judge Tommy Webb

Riley County KSU Research and Extension social media release

Did you know that Kansas has over 6.15 million cattle? That means cattle outnumber people in our state a little over 2:1. Kansas beef producers ranked 6th nationally in cattle populations, 3rd in hide production, and 1st in value of beef. One Kansas steer can produce up to 20 footballs and around 800 lbs of beef (steaks, burgers, kabobs, roasts ). 

There are hundreds of other byproducts in cattle production that we may inadvertently use when going too or from the K-State v UT Martin game Saturday (tires, adhesives, and some clothing items to name a few). 

One Cow-Calf pair may require 6-8 acres of Flint Hills Pasture for a 6-month grazing season. That means 4.5 to 6 football fields per cow-calf pair in the Flint Hills (more football fields per pair required the farther west you go). 

A 1200-1400lb cow can run approximately 25mph. This means that in terms of ground speed, a cow is slightly faster than our starting quarterback (although there is not a 40-yard time from a cow to solidify this).&nbsp; &nbsp;

Riley County KSU Research and Extension social media releaseDid you know that Kansas has over 6.15 million cattle? That means cattle outnumber people in our state a little over 2:1. Kansas beef producers ranked 6th nationally in cattle populations, 3rd in hide production, and 1st in value of beef. One Kansas steer can produce up to 20 footballs and around 800 lbs of beef (steaks, burgers, kabobs, roasts ). There are hundreds of other byproducts in cattle production that we may inadvertently use when going too or from the K-State v UT Martin game Saturday (tires, adhesives, and some clothing items to name a few). One Cow-Calf pair may require 6-8 acres of Flint Hills Pasture for a 6-month grazing season. That means 4.5 to 6 football fields per cow-calf pair in the Flint Hills (more football fields per pair required the farther west you go). A 1200-1400lb cow can run approximately 25mph. This means that in terms of ground speed, a cow is slightly faster than our starting quarterback (although there is not a 40-yard time from a cow to solidify this).&nbsp; &nbsp;

Riley County K-State Research and Extension provides numbers 

MANHATTAN, KAN.&nbsp;– In collaboration with the Aggieville Business Association (ABA) and the City of Manhattan, the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) will be implementing road restrictions in the Aggieville area on Friday and Saturday nights. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to enhance public safety during peak hours.

Starting tonight, RCPD will restrict traffic in certain areas of Aggieville from approximately 11:00 PM to 2:30 AM. These traffic restrictions are limited to Friday and Saturday nights. The affected streets include:

- 12th Street (North from Laramie and South from the alley between Moro and Bluemont)

- Moro Street (from Manhattan Avenue east through 11th Street)

Traffic will be able to traverse normally along Little Moro and south on Manhattan Avenue. Additionally, the alley between Moro and Laramie will remain open for east-west traffic. Laramie Street will remain completely open. Vehicles parked on Moro Street after the restrictions are in place may exit Aggieville by turning south on 12th Street or continuing out of Aggieville on Moro.

To better accommodate visitors and reduce traffic congestion, a designated "RIDE SHARE ONLY PARKING" area will be established in the 600 block of North Manhattan Avenue, directly in front of Chipotle. This area is intended to streamline ride-sharing operations and ensure safe pick-up and drop-off locations during the restricted hours.

Unloading Zone for Delivery Services

The existing unloading zone in the 1100 block of Laramie (west end on the north side of the street) will continue to be available. This area is encouraged as a parking location for Uber Eats and other delivery services, particularly late at night when the road restrictions are in effect.

RCPD will utilize marked patrol units at two key intersections: Moro/North Manhattan and on 12th Street at the alley between Moro and Laramie. The public should not be alarmed by the presence of patrol cars as they are part of the routine safety measures to ensure a smooth and secure environment for everyone in the Aggieville area.

In addition to road restrictions, the Handi-Corner parking lots will be closed in the evenings after businesses close. This decision is aimed at preventing potential traffic issues due to the road restrictions.

RCPD is committed to keeping the public informed and working closely with the ABA and the City of Manhattan. RCPD will continue to update the community through press releases and public announcements.

RCPD releaseMANHATTAN, KAN.&nbsp;– In collaboration with the Aggieville Business Association (ABA) and the City of Manhattan, the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) will be implementing road restrictions in the Aggieville area on Friday and Saturday nights. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to enhance public safety during peak hours.Aggieville Road RestrictionsStarting tonight, RCPD will restrict traffic in certain areas of Aggieville from approximately 11:00 PM to 2:30 AM. These traffic restrictions are limited to Friday and Saturday nights. The affected streets include:- 12th Street (North from Laramie and South from the alley between Moro and Bluemont)- Moro Street (from Manhattan Avenue east through 11th Street)Traffic will be able to traverse normally along Little Moro and south on Manhattan Avenue. Additionally, the alley between Moro and Laramie will remain open for east-west traffic. Laramie Street will remain completely open. Vehicles parked on Moro Street after the restrictions are in place may exit Aggieville by turning south on 12th Street or continuing out of Aggieville on Moro.New Ride Share Parking ZoneTo better accommodate visitors and reduce traffic congestion, a designated "RIDE SHARE ONLY PARKING" area will be established in the 600 block of North Manhattan Avenue, directly in front of Chipotle. This area is intended to streamline ride-sharing operations and ensure safe pick-up and drop-off locations during the restricted hours.Unloading Zone for Delivery ServicesThe existing unloading zone in the 1100 block of Laramie (west end on the north side of the street) will continue to be available. This area is encouraged as a parking location for Uber Eats and other delivery services, particularly late at night when the road restrictions are in effect.Increased Patrol PresenceRCPD will utilize marked patrol units at two key intersections: Moro/North Manhattan and on 12th Street at the alley between Moro and Laramie. The public should not be alarmed by the presence of patrol cars as they are part of the routine safety measures to ensure a smooth and secure environment for everyone in the Aggieville area.Handi-Corner Lot ClosuresIn addition to road restrictions, the Handi-Corner parking lots will be closed in the evenings after businesses close. This decision is aimed at preventing potential traffic issues due to the road restrictions.Public CommunicationRCPD is committed to keeping the public informed and working closely with the ABA and the City of Manhattan. RCPD will continue to update the community through press releases and public announcements.

Riley County Police Department to Implement Aggieville Road Restrictions for Enhanced Safety

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary and identity theft.

Just before 10a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of vehicular burglary in the 2800 block of Allison Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 45-year-old woman reported her car was broken into and her Chase Bank card was taken by an unknown subject. &nbsp;

The card was then used at Walmart in Topeka. Total loss associated with this report is approximately $3,000. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a burglary and identity theft.Just before 10a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of vehicular burglary in the 2800 block of Allison Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 45-year-old woman reported her car was broken into and her Chase Bank card was taken by an unknown subject. &nbsp;The card was then used at Walmart in Topeka. Total loss associated with this report is approximately $3,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Suspect charged $3,000 on credit card taken in burglary

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

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
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Riley County Arrest Report August 30

The Aggieville Business Association has announced that in conjunction with the Riley County Police Department there will be a closure of the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Moro Street to motor vehicle traffic beginning at 11 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights. The closures will last until about 3 a.m. the following mornings. A check with the Association made it clear this is what common consumption requirements would be like if implemented in the future.

North Manhattan Ave. and Laramie Street will remain open. Also, cars left earlier on Moro can still be picked up by their owners and driven out of the area.

Aggieville is expected to be extremely crowded during the impacted hours. Many people will be leaving the bars and and be on sidewalks, while some could be on Moro Street.

Since It could be difficult to find an Uber or Lift ride a&nbsp; place will be set up for that purpose at 606 North Manhattan Ave. in front of Chipolte Mexican Grill.. That is necessary because of the two-block closure on Moro.

The Aggieville Business Association has announced that in conjunction with the Riley County Police Department there will be a closure of the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Moro Street to motor vehicle traffic beginning at 11 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights. The closures will last until about 3 a.m. the following mornings. A check with the Association made it clear this is what common consumption requirements would be like if implemented in the future.North Manhattan Ave. and Laramie Street will remain open. Also, cars left earlier on Moro can still be picked up by their owners and driven out of the area.Aggieville is expected to be extremely crowded during the impacted hours. Many people will be leaving the bars and and be on sidewalks, while some could be on Moro Street.Since It could be difficult to find an Uber or Lift ride a&nbsp; place will be set up for that purpose at 606 North Manhattan Ave. in front of Chipolte Mexican Grill.. That is necessary because of the two-block closure on Moro.

Portion of Aggieville will be closed to vehicle traffic late Friday, Saturday nights

Congratulations to the USD 383 2024 Celebration of Service Winners!

--Misti Reid - Oliver Brown - Office Professional/Technology Employee of the Year

--Lauran Jackson - Transportation Employee of the Year

--Laurie Roland - EMS - Child Nutrition Employee of the Year

--Tiarra Harris - MHS - Maintenance/Custodial Employee of the Year

--Kay Schlotzhauer - Marlatt - Educational Support Employee of the Year

--Marlene Gomez  - Eugene Field - Bob Srack Excellence in Teaching

--Megan Montoya - Amanda Arnold - Bob Srack Excellence in Teaching

--Jackson Fike - EMS - Bob Srack Excellence in Teaching

--Terri Little - Occupational Therapist - Related Services Provider

--Marcia Schreiner - Substitute Teacher of the Year&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 383Congratulations to the USD 383 2024 Celebration of Service Winners!--Misti Reid - Oliver Brown - Office Professional/Technology Employee of the Year--Lauran Jackson - Transportation Employee of the Year--Laurie Roland - EMS - Child Nutrition Employee of the Year--Tiarra Harris - MHS - Maintenance/Custodial Employee of the Year--Kay Schlotzhauer - Marlatt - Educational Support Employee of the Year--Marlene Gomez - Eugene Field - Bob Srack Excellence in Teaching--Megan Montoya - Amanda Arnold - Bob Srack Excellence in Teaching--Jackson Fike - EMS - Bob Srack Excellence in Teaching--Terri Little - Occupational Therapist - Related Services Provider--Marcia Schreiner - Substitute Teacher of the Year&nbsp;&nbsp;

Celebration 0f service recipients

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
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Riley County Arrest Report August 29

I recently read the manuscript of a soon-to-be-published scholarly book looking at one of Kansas’s major cities. It was filled with sharp observations and smart ideas; when it’s published, I’ll buy copies of it for all my local representatives, in hopes that they’ll read it and learn something. But there’s one point in the manuscript that I can’t get out of my head.

When the author–who, like me, is not a Kansas native–arrived in the Sunflower state, they were struck by how the city they were moving to seemed to sprout out of the ground without warning. Flying into a Kansas airport, the book suggests, you look around, seeing nothing but farmland, and then suddenly a city is there, seemingly at random. The point being that Kansas’s urban areas--with Kansas City’s agglomeration of Overland Park and Olathe, Leavenworth and Lenexa, being the sole exception–are stand-alone entities, the product of geographic happenstance or boundary-line-drawing rooted decades, or even centuries, in the past.

Cities everywhere are both products and providers of connectivity; making connections and pursuing opportunities is why people congregate together, why businesses and investment capital flow to urban areas. So when you see a solitary city or town standing in an otherwise entirely rural space, there is the temptation to wonder how “real” a place it actually is.

Given that global trade and internet communication means that no city or town, no matter how small, is truly disconnected any longer, this kind of wondering is more a matter of perception than reality. Unless, of course, the perception becomes a self-imposed trap, and thus accidentally, or perhaps preemptively, sets the terms for the real-world decisions that follow.

That kind of self-referential trapping is not unusual in Kansas, I fear. There are positive aspects to it, of course; it can encourage people to focus on their local resources, adding to the culture of our state by supporting and celebrating the creativity that can be found in local places. But too often this dynamic takes a negative tone, whether it be a defiant pride in disconnection, or a hopelessness that dismisses new connections and possibilities before they’ve even been tried.

Look at Kansas politics through this frame, and you can see examples everywhere. State policies that could be easily adapted to Kansas’s population–like Medicaid expansion, legal medical marijuana, and more–face opposition from political interests that mostly offer a simple “it won’t work here” rather than any serious policy argument. Counties with farmers looking to bring in additional income and companies happy to pay them to install solar arrays face onerous regulations instead, because otherwise “people will complain.” Cities trying to manage their slow growth by establishing more reliable revenue streams, reconsidering the costs of an overbuilt infrastructure, free parking, and mill levies that haven’t been touched in decades, shy away from moving forward, fearing that Kansans are “too cheap” to ever pay for improving public goods.

Obviously such perceptions don’t explain everything about these disputes; political disagreements, backed by powerful partisan interests, are real, and simple boosterism won’t change that. But pushing back against the idea that certain things just “can’t happen in Kansas” is nonetheless important, I think, because that’s a perception rooted in an assumption based on Kansas’s spatiality, its supposed disconnectedness, and not on our common resources and will.

The fact that there are, and always have been, many throughout Kansas’s cities and towns willing to do that kind of pushing back is evidence enough that the political powers that be aren’t the whole story. That’s my hopeful perception, at least.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS

I recently read the manuscript of a soon-to-be-published scholarly book looking at one of Kansas’s major cities. It was filled with sharp observations and smart ideas; when it’s published, I’ll buy copies of it for all my local representatives, in hopes that they’ll read it and learn something. But there’s one point in the manuscript that I can’t get out of my head.When the author–who, like me, is not a Kansas native–arrived in the Sunflower state, they were struck by how the city they were moving to seemed to sprout out of the ground without warning. Flying into a Kansas airport, the book suggests, you look around, seeing nothing but farmland, and then suddenly a city is there, seemingly at random. The point being that Kansas’s urban areas--with Kansas City’s agglomeration of Overland Park and Olathe, Leavenworth and Lenexa, being the sole exception–are stand-alone entities, the product of geographic happenstance or boundary-line-drawing rooted decades, or even centuries, in the past.Cities everywhere are both products and providers of connectivity; making connections and pursuing opportunities is why people congregate together, why businesses and investment capital flow to urban areas. So when you see a solitary city or town standing in an otherwise entirely rural space, there is the temptation to wonder how “real” a place it actually is.Given that global trade and internet communication means that no city or town, no matter how small, is truly disconnected any longer, this kind of wondering is more a matter of perception than reality. Unless, of course, the perception becomes a self-imposed trap, and thus accidentally, or perhaps preemptively, sets the terms for the real-world decisions that follow.That kind of self-referential trapping is not unusual in Kansas, I fear. There are positive aspects to it, of course; it can encourage people to focus on their local resources, adding to the culture of our state by supporting and celebrating the creativity that can be found in local places. But too often this dynamic takes a negative tone, whether it be a defiant pride in disconnection, or a hopelessness that dismisses new connections and possibilities before they’ve even been tried.Look at Kansas politics through this frame, and you can see examples everywhere. State policies that could be easily adapted to Kansas’s population–like Medicaid expansion, legal medical marijuana, and more–face opposition from political interests that mostly offer a simple “it won’t work here” rather than any serious policy argument. Counties with farmers looking to bring in additional income and companies happy to pay them to install solar arrays face onerous regulations instead, because otherwise “people will complain.” Cities trying to manage their slow growth by establishing more reliable revenue streams, reconsidering the costs of an overbuilt infrastructure, free parking, and mill levies that haven’t been touched in decades, shy away from moving forward, fearing that Kansans are “too cheap” to ever pay for improving public goods.Obviously such perceptions don’t explain everything about these disputes; political disagreements, backed by powerful partisan interests, are real, and simple boosterism won’t change that. But pushing back against the idea that certain things just “can’t happen in Kansas” is nonetheless important, I think, because that’s a perception rooted in an assumption based on Kansas’s spatiality, its supposed disconnectedness, and not on our common resources and will.The fact that there are, and always have been, many throughout Kansas’s cities and towns willing to do that kind of pushing back is evidence enough that the political powers that be aren’t the whole story. That’s my hopeful perception, at least.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics at Friends University in Wichita, KS( Cover photo - Pixabay )

The Problem of Kansas’s Self-Perception

A traditional event kicking off fall and KSU football in Manhattan is scheduled Friday evening in downtown. Purple Power Play will run from 5 - 8:30 p.m. at the Blue Earth Plaza, 315 S. 3rd St. Admission will be free.

There will be live music, food trucks, inflatables, along with the Pride of Wildcat Land, Classy Cats, Cheerleaders, Coaches and Players from a variety of K-State teams.

Numerous performances are planned. They include:

It includes the marching band and cheer, Willie the Wildcat, Classy Cats, Coach Jerome Tang and players, women's basketball team, coach Van Malone.

Organizers of Purple Power Play will monitor the weather and parking on Friday. Watch social media for any announcements if they become necessary. Those would be on the Purple Power Play Facebook page.

By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostA traditional event kicking off fall and KSU football in Manhattan is scheduled Friday evening in downtown. Purple Power Play will run from 5 - 8:30 p.m. at the Blue Earth Plaza, 315 S. 3rd St. Admission will be free.There will be live music, food trucks, inflatables, along with the Pride of Wildcat Land, Classy Cats, Cheerleaders, Coaches and Players from a variety of K-State teams.Numerous performances are planned. They include:5p 6:30p--Lazy Wayne Band&nbsp;6:30 - 8:15 p.m.--Resonate A Capella&nbsp;--Washington Dance Studio--Manhattan High School Dazzling Blues--Bates Dance Studio8:30 p.m.K-State pep rallyIt includes the marching band and cheer, Willie the Wildcat, Classy Cats, Coach Jerome Tang and players, women's basketball team, coach Van Malone.Organizers of Purple Power Play will monitor the weather and parking on Friday. Watch social media for any announcements if they become necessary. Those would be on the Purple Power Play Facebook page.

Purple Power Play is planned in Manhattan on Friday

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, and many people have outdoor plans on the agenda to celebrate.

Whether you are celebrating with picnics or taking advantage of the long weekend for yardwork, Evergy reminds people to enjoy their outdoor plans safely, especially around electricity.

Here are steps to take to keep your family and friends safe this Labor Day weekend.

If you are celebrating near water, follow these steps when it comes to water and electricity.

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of summer, and many people have outdoor plans on the agenda to celebrate.Whether you are celebrating with picnics or taking advantage of the long weekend for yardwork, Evergy reminds people to enjoy their outdoor plans safely, especially around electricity.Here are steps to take to keep your family and friends safe this Labor Day weekend.<ul>
 <li>When hosting a party, keep guests away from power lines or electrical transformers near your home.</li><li>Stay clear of utility pad mounted electrical equipment, which serves underground lines and carries high voltages of electricity. Never touch, sit on or place objects on the equipment.</li><li>Use extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use. Inspect them for frays or other damage before using them.</li><li>When doing yardwork, call 811 before you dig to find&nbsp;out where power lines and other utilities are before you start any digging project.</li><li>Stay clear of downed power lines. Assume that any downed line is energized and stay at least 30 feet from them. Downed lines can be reported online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdeK3aTRys-2FquHGt-2FlZGhve2rO0m-2FO4FWslIRB-2FmzVYsQZ7mY_6n4-2BiDMUzpddSZX1Wt-2FWUJw49AQHSmsMB-2FCEltLGfW-2FgxXViF68B5RuuPoTByQpAbUylFj0p0kZpAbY3WvQgwDzUXB7D3Y-2BBPYx-2FG6ERHgNP24ff5rVEHYtaMUEcAv0-2FfyHW0sQOjplcb4cVQy7PrDy60E6Y3wK4HB7tgAR-2FBBhCZPszIDEOk5I4gBcGSOL4yYhLmGOflrxf9XiEKAJt7-2Fd2mvK51Wh2nBJpb8u16QCbt-2FHJ-2FiNRHGLz2-2F5YYPZkmDYVxxK2lgB-2F9-2FYmA76ds6XPWJEeJZaYZuzTBS-2BP6pAlQ-2FAXLzMFUGqAwzs87xMc-2Bk1J3YyIT1Pen-2B8OODup0skrEfG5HVqJLm0Owigj59k-3D">http://www.evergy.com/powerlinesafety</a>.</li>
 </ul>If you are celebrating near water, follow these steps when it comes to water and electricity.<ul>
 <li>Do not spray water on power lines and electrical equipment or structures. A stream of water hitting a power line can create a path for electricity.</li><li>Keep electrical devices away from water.</li><li>Never touch electrical devices when wet.</li><li>Install waterproof covers and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on your outdoor outlets.</li>
 </ul>

Evergy urges safety around electricity this Labor Day weekend 

Manhattan City offices and City Hall will be closed Monday for Labor Day.

According to a Manhattan social media post Offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Manhattan City offices and City Hall will be closed Monday for Labor Day.According to a Manhattan social media post Offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Labor Day closure for Manhattan City Hall

MHS Students, Families, Faculty and Staff

Manhattan USD 383 has announced that Wednesday night’s Football Scrimmage has been canceled.

Due to heat and weather over the past several days, the MHS Football Staff and MHS Athletic Director, Mike Marsh, have made the decision to cancel the Football scrimmage at Bishop stadium. They are rescheduling the Briggs Auto Attendance Car Giveaway at the opening home football game on Thursday, September 12th vs. Lawrence Free State. 

 The Briggs Auto Attendance Car Giveaway will occur prior to kickoff, at around 6:30 PM.&nbsp;

MHS Students, Families, Faculty and StaffManhattan USD 383 has announced that Wednesday night’s Football Scrimmage has been canceled.Due to heat and weather over the past several days, the MHS Football Staff and MHS Athletic Director, Mike Marsh, have made the decision to cancel the Football scrimmage at Bishop stadium. They are rescheduling the Briggs Auto Attendance Car Giveaway at the opening home football game on Thursday, September 12th vs. Lawrence Free State. The Briggs Auto Attendance Car Giveaway will occur prior to kickoff, at around 6:30 PM.&nbsp;

MHS Soup Scrimmage canceled

RILEY COUNTY -Law enforcement are investigating a motorcycle theft in Riley County.

Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, police filed a&nbsp;report of motor vehicle theft in the 1200 block of Bertrand, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 21-year-old man reported his black and yellow Honda motorcycle was taken by an unknown suspect in the overnight hours. Total loss associated with this report is approximately $2,000. 

RILEY COUNTY -Law enforcement are investigating a motorcycle theft in Riley County.Just before 5p.m. Tuesday, police filed a&nbsp;report of motor vehicle theft in the 1200 block of Bertrand, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 21-year-old man reported his black and yellow Honda motorcycle was taken by an unknown suspect in the overnight hours. Total loss associated with this report is approximately $2,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating reported motorcycle theft

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/2024/8/1724854272295.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report August 28

The University announced via social media that all members of the K-State and local community are invited to the 2024 State of Our University event. They will celebrate the people and achievements that are driving K-State forward as a next-generation land-grant university.

The University announced via social media that all members of the K-State and local community are invited to the 2024 State of Our University event. They will celebrate the people and achievements that are driving K-State forward as a next-generation land-grant university.

State of Our University

In Observance of Labor Day, all USD 383 District Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2.&nbsp; Students and staff return back on Tuesday, September 3.

In Observance of Labor Day, all USD 383 District Offices will be closed on Monday, September 2.&nbsp; Students and staff return back on Tuesday, September 3.

USD 383 Labor Day notice 

Riley County has provided details on how to register to vote. Register online at <a href="http://www.rileycountyks.gov/elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR098B6EvGpL4oaBWKcnb5OpQckEB5pYfKgiUXP64LtnRSAccO66hREwmeI_aem_YpAh-ZiMUKxPJrMWq56gAg" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/elections</a> or print the PDF form and deliver to us in person or by mail at: Riley County Elections Division 115 North 4th St. Manhattan, KS 66502

Remember, you can only vote in the county where you are registered. If you're living in Riley County temporarily (to attend college, etc.) you can register and vote here with your local address. If you prefer to vote in the county where you have a permanent address, register there, and request a mail-in ballot from that county instead.

To participate in the General Election on November 5, 2024, be sure to register by October 15.&nbsp;

Riley County has provided details on how to register to vote. Register online at <a href="http://www.rileycountyks.gov/elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR098B6EvGpL4oaBWKcnb5OpQckEB5pYfKgiUXP64LtnRSAccO66hREwmeI_aem_YpAh-ZiMUKxPJrMWq56gAg" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/elections</a> or print the PDF form and deliver to us in person or by mail at: Riley County Elections Division 115 North 4th St. Manhattan, KS 66502 Remember, you can only vote in the county where you are registered. If you're living in Riley County temporarily (to attend college, etc.) you can register and vote here with your local address. If you prefer to vote in the county where you have a permanent address, register there, and request a mail-in ballot from that county instead.To participate in the General Election on November 5, 2024, be sure to register by October 15.&nbsp;

How to register to vote in Riley County KS - 2024

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;As K-State puts the final touches on its preparation for the season opener against UT Martin on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, fans are alerted of the following construction projects in and around the Manhattan area that could affect travel plans.

I-70 at Junction City –&nbsp;The pavement replacement project between Exit 295 on the west and mile marker 300 on the east of Junction City will again impact football game traffic this season. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction and is head-to-head. Fans are to note that westbound exit ramps 296, 298 and 299 are closed. The speed limit is reduced in this area and delays are anticipated with heavy gameday traffic. Kansas Department of Transportation officials suggest that fans driving to Manhattan from the south or west who typically utilize I-70 through Junction City consider using an alternate route.

I-70 at McDowell Creek Road –&nbsp;In addition, beginning September 9 prior to the Arizona game on Friday, September 13, the exit at McDowell Creek Road will close as the bridge over I-70 is replaced. Traffic on I-70 in this area will be reduced to one lane through the work zone. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2025.

Kimball Avenue –&nbsp;Construction on Kimball Avenue has been completed and the roadway is open to east-west traffic at the Denison Avenue intersection. However, shipping delays related to the new traffic signal for the intersection will prevent Denison from reopening to left turns. Only “right-in” and “right-out” southbound traffic will be allowed initially for safety reasons and through traffic on Kimball will not stop.

Denison Avenue –&nbsp;Denison will remain closed south of Kimball to the intersection to Olympic Drive (Recreation Complex entrance) during the football season. Fans who normally utilize Denison to access parking lots along Kimball will need to use College or Manhattan avenues. Parking for Lot E4, VIP and the student tailgate area is accessible from Denison through Olympic Drive.

Anderson Avenue –&nbsp;Anderson Avenue from Seth Child Road to Wreath Avenue is under construction, a project that will last through the fall. Traffic is one lane in both directions, so fans are to expect delays in this area.

All parking lots around Bill Snyder Family Stadium open five hours prior to kickoff, which will be 1 p.m., this Saturday. As always, fans are encouraged to arrive early as pregame traffic could become congested.

A free shuttle sponsored by the K-State Union, Housing and Dining Services and K-State Campus Store is available to fans with free parking in the K-State Parking Garage. The shuttle begins two hours prior to kickoff from the south circle on M.L.K. Jr., Drive, between the K-State Parking Garage and the Union. Passengers will be dropped off near the Jardine Plaza Neighborhood. Return trips resume with five minutes remaining in the third quarter, and rides will continue until approximately one hour after the end of the game.

RYAN LACKEYMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;As K-State puts the final touches on its preparation for the season opener against UT Martin on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, fans are alerted of the following construction projects in and around the Manhattan area that could affect travel plans.I-70 at Junction City –&nbsp;The pavement replacement project between Exit 295 on the west and mile marker 300 on the east of Junction City will again impact football game traffic this season. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction and is head-to-head. Fans are to note that westbound exit ramps 296, 298 and 299 are closed. The speed limit is reduced in this area and delays are anticipated with heavy gameday traffic. Kansas Department of Transportation officials suggest that fans driving to Manhattan from the south or west who typically utilize I-70 through Junction City consider using an alternate route.I-70 at McDowell Creek Road –&nbsp;In addition, beginning September 9 prior to the Arizona game on Friday, September 13, the exit at McDowell Creek Road will close as the bridge over I-70 is replaced. Traffic on I-70 in this area will be reduced to one lane through the work zone. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2025.Kimball Avenue –&nbsp;Construction on Kimball Avenue has been completed and the roadway is open to east-west traffic at the Denison Avenue intersection. However, shipping delays related to the new traffic signal for the intersection will prevent Denison from reopening to left turns. Only “right-in” and “right-out” southbound traffic will be allowed initially for safety reasons and through traffic on Kimball will not stop.Denison Avenue –&nbsp;Denison will remain closed south of Kimball to the intersection to Olympic Drive (Recreation Complex entrance) during the football season. Fans who normally utilize Denison to access parking lots along Kimball will need to use College or Manhattan avenues. Parking for Lot E4, VIP and the student tailgate area is accessible from Denison through Olympic Drive.Anderson Avenue –&nbsp;Anderson Avenue from Seth Child Road to Wreath Avenue is under construction, a project that will last through the fall. Traffic is one lane in both directions, so fans are to expect delays in this area.All parking lots around Bill Snyder Family Stadium open five hours prior to kickoff, which will be 1 p.m., this Saturday. As always, fans are encouraged to arrive early as pregame traffic could become congested.A free shuttle sponsored by the K-State Union, Housing and Dining Services and K-State Campus Store is available to fans with free parking in the K-State Parking Garage. The shuttle begins two hours prior to kickoff from the south circle on M.L.K. Jr., Drive, between the K-State Parking Garage and the Union. Passengers will be dropped off near the Jardine Plaza Neighborhood. Return trips resume with five minutes remaining in the third quarter, and rides will continue until approximately one hour after the end of the game.– k-statesports.com –

K-State Fans Advised of On-Going Road Construction

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, just before 4:30p.m. Monday police arrested 27-year-old Trevor Smith of Conway Springs in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road. 

 Smith was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear.  The original charges in this matter are for distribution of opiates/opium/narcotics/stimulants, distribution of marijuana, distribution of cannabinoids, and distribution of a controlled substance within a controlled facility. 

Smith remains jailed on a $16,000 bond. He has a previous drug distribution conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724768417857.png" alt="Smith. has a previous drug distribution conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Smith. has a previous drug distribution conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, just before 4:30p.m. Monday police arrested 27-year-old Trevor Smith of Conway Springs in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road. Smith was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charges in this matter are for distribution of opiates/opium/narcotics/stimulants, distribution of marijuana, distribution of cannabinoids, and distribution of a controlled substance within a controlled facility. Smith remains jailed on a $16,000 bond. He has a previous drug distribution conviction, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

Kansas felon accused of selling drugs skipped court apearance

K-State health expert says routines can help youth manage stress

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

There is, for sure, a lot of excitement associated with the beginning of another school year.

But Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says parents should also be aware that their teenager may at the same time be coping with anxiety and stress.

“The way that middle school and high school students do school today is different from what I did many years ago, when it meant only that we were going to school physically,” Johannes said.

Listen to an interview by Jeff Wichman with Elaine Johannes on the weekly radio podcast, Sound Living

Today, she said, “many of our students have remote learning part of the day – maybe at home, but maybe even at school. And then some have a dual enrollment in which they are taking college courses, perhaps at the high school, maybe remotely, or they’re driving to a nearby college campus.”

Factor in friendships, academics, sports, extra-curricular activities, a side job (for some) and more, and the onset of school is not always an easy transition for teenagers.

“When we think about back-to-school as one generalized topic,” Johannes said, “there are a lot of things that can create anxiety and stress.”

To help their teenager adjust, Johannes suggests parents establish a solid foundation at home, including a routine of sleep, a healthy diet and appropriate physical activity.

“Another part of that foundation is practice,” Johannes said. “Practice getting up, getting to school on time, getting on the Internet. The basics of success – which includes good physical and mental health – can be helped through routine, consistency and communication.”

When picking up children from school, parents may also want to avoid bombarding them with questions that reflect achievement, such as test scores or how fast they ran the mile in gym class.

“Those are things that can create more stress, too,” Johannes said.

“As parents, we should be wise with our inquiry; it could be that the child has had to answer questions all day. They don’t want to say anything more. But maybe during the evening there is time for inquiry when parents can listen to their child’s response without judging it or putting an achievement indicator on it.”

Johannes pointed to a line of research known as mattering, which she says “aims to help young people know that they matter in our lives; they matter more than a test score or getting an assignment in.”

When asking youth about their school day, Johannes suggests asking open-ended questions, such as:

“You know, we're talking about young people whose brains are not yet fully formed,” Johannes said. “So we want to give them time to develop, and we want there to be kind of a rocky development, because that young person is testing who they are, and they may not figure that out for quite a while.”

“As parents,” she adds, “we watch, we wait and we support and we figure out if our child has a talent or interest, or they change their interests because of development. So there's a bunch of back and forth between children and parents, and we don't want to push too quickly to have the young person locked in to who they are.”

A longer discussion with Johannes is available on the weekly radio program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/radio-network/sound-living.html">Sound Living</a>, produced by K-State Research and Extension. More information on healthy living is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.

<h2>K-State health expert says routines can help youth manage stress</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724767751087.jpeg" alt="Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says parents should be aware that their teenager may be coping with back-to-school anxiety and stress. Photo Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says parents should be aware that their teenager may be coping with back-to-school anxiety and stress. Photo Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES </a>K-State Research and Extension news serviceThere is, for sure, a lot of excitement associated with the beginning of another school year.But Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says parents should also be aware that their teenager may at the same time be coping with anxiety and stress.“The way that middle school and high school students do school today is different from what I did many years ago, when it meant only that we were going to school physically,” Johannes said.<div><iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/32711412/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/512888/" height="90" width="100%" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></div>Listen to an interview by Jeff Wichman with Elaine Johannes on the weekly radio podcast, Sound LivingToday, she said, “many of our students have remote learning part of the day – maybe at home, but maybe even at school. And then some have a dual enrollment in which they are taking college courses, perhaps at the high school, maybe remotely, or they’re driving to a nearby college campus.”Factor in friendships, academics, sports, extra-curricular activities, a side job (for some) and more, and the onset of school is not always an easy transition for teenagers.“When we think about back-to-school as one generalized topic,” Johannes said, “there are a lot of things that can create anxiety and stress.”To help their teenager adjust, Johannes suggests parents establish a solid foundation at home, including a routine of sleep, a healthy diet and appropriate physical activity.“Another part of that foundation is practice,” Johannes said. “Practice getting up, getting to school on time, getting on the Internet. The basics of success – which includes good physical and mental health – can be helped through routine, consistency and communication.”When picking up children from school, parents may also want to avoid bombarding them with questions that reflect achievement, such as test scores or how fast they ran the mile in gym class.“Those are things that can create more stress, too,” Johannes said.“As parents, we should be wise with our inquiry; it could be that the child has had to answer questions all day. They don’t want to say anything more. But maybe during the evening there is time for inquiry when parents can listen to their child’s response without judging it or putting an achievement indicator on it.”Johannes pointed to a line of research known as mattering, which she says “aims to help young people know that they matter in our lives; they matter more than a test score or getting an assignment in.”When asking youth about their school day, Johannes suggests asking open-ended questions, such as:What did you learn?What did you try that was different?“You know, we're talking about young people whose brains are not yet fully formed,” Johannes said. “So we want to give them time to develop, and we want there to be kind of a rocky development, because that young person is testing who they are, and they may not figure that out for quite a while.”“As parents,” she adds, “we watch, we wait and we support and we figure out if our child has a talent or interest, or they change their interests because of development. So there's a bunch of back and forth between children and parents, and we don't want to push too quickly to have the young person locked in to who they are.”A longer discussion with Johannes is available on the weekly radio program,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/radio-network/sound-living.html">Sound Living</a>, produced by K-State Research and Extension. More information on healthy living is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.

KSRE: As school begins, students may face new anxiety

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/2024/8/1724768023289.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

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