Flint Hills Volunteer Center will host the 9/11 Day of Remembrance on September 8th from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Manhattan City Park. “This year, our goal is to honor and respect those who serve and protect through a day of service” said Lori Bishop, Executive Director.

In 2002, family members of those killed and injured on 9/11 joined with first responders and others to create “9/11 Day” to annually and forever encourage all Americans to remember and pay tribute on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks through acts of service, including volunteerism, and to keep Americans’ promise to “Never Forget.”

On September 8th, local first responders will be inside the Wefald Pavilion to give away 400 pairs of shoes to elementary school children in grades K-5.&nbsp;

Fort Riley will have a static display consisting of EOD bomb robot, suit, MP displays such as military working dogs, patrol car, and soldiers with equipment. Riley County Police Department, Manhattan Fire Department, KSU Police, RCFD #1 and Emergency Management and&nbsp; EMS will participate.

The Riley County Police Department will host a picnic inside the Pavilion at 5:00 pm that is free and open to the public for the first 250 guests.

Special thanks to our hosts and sponsors: Flint Hills Volunteer Center, Kansas Volunteer Commission, Volunteer Kansas, Flint Hills Veterans Coalition, Briggs Auto, Manhattan Military Relations, Parker Hannifin, Bank of the Flint Hills, Armed Forces Community Foundation, Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, and Chase Life Chiropractic.

By Lori BishopFlint Hills Volunteer CenterFlint Hills Volunteer Center will host the 9/11 Day of Remembrance on September 8th from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at the Manhattan City Park. “This year, our goal is to honor and respect those who serve and protect through a day of service” said Lori Bishop, Executive Director.In 2002, family members of those killed and injured on 9/11 joined with first responders and others to create “9/11 Day” to annually and forever encourage all Americans to remember and pay tribute on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks through acts of service, including volunteerism, and to keep Americans’ promise to “Never Forget.”On September 8th, local first responders will be inside the Wefald Pavilion to give away 400 pairs of shoes to elementary school children in grades K-5.&nbsp;Fort Riley will have a static display consisting of EOD bomb robot, suit, MP displays such as military working dogs, patrol car, and soldiers with equipment. Riley County Police Department, Manhattan Fire Department, KSU Police, RCFD #1 and Emergency Management and&nbsp; EMS will participate.The Riley County Police Department will host a picnic inside the Pavilion at 5:00 pm that is free and open to the public for the first 250 guests.Special thanks to our hosts and sponsors: Flint Hills Volunteer Center, Kansas Volunteer Commission, Volunteer Kansas, Flint Hills Veterans Coalition, Briggs Auto, Manhattan Military Relations, Parker Hannifin, Bank of the Flint Hills, Armed Forces Community Foundation, Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, and Chase Life Chiropractic.

9/11 Day of Remembrance

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery involving a pair of scissors.

Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday,&nbsp; police filed a report of aggravated battery in the 2100 block of Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County&nbsp; Police Department activity re port.&nbsp;

Two men, ages 73 and 41, reported they were battered with a pair of scissors by a juvenile. &nbsp;The victims were treated for their injuries on-site and did not require transport to the hospital.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged aggravated battery involving a pair of scissors.Just after 1:30p.m. Thursday,&nbsp; police filed a report of aggravated battery in the 2100 block of Poyntz Avenue, according to the Riley County&nbsp; Police Department activity re port.&nbsp;Two men, ages 73 and 41, reported they were battered with a pair of scissors by a juvenile. &nbsp;The victims were treated for their injuries on-site and did not require transport to the hospital.Police released no additional details.

RCPD investigating juvenile's scissors attack on 2 adults

Riley County Police Director Brian Peete has informed the county commission that Pare One crimes in July were about 11% below the five-year average. Year to date they are down 21.5% from that average.&nbsp;

Violent crimes showed a decrease of 10% in July and about 12% year to date per the five-year period. There were 12 aggravated batteries and four aggravated assaults.

Property crimes were down about 11% and year to date 23.1% below the five-year average. Twelve burglaries and 11 larcenies from motor vehicles were reported along with nine auto thefts and two arson incidents.

Peete noted that there was a recent rash of auto thefts, and the Riley County Police Department and there are significant leads. Authorities hope to resolve those cases in the next few weeks. DUI cases were up slightly.&nbsp;

Motor vehicle accidents increased above the five-year average.

By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostRiley County Police Director Brian Peete has informed the county commission that Pare One crimes in July were about 11% below the five-year average. Year to date they are down 21.5% from that average.&nbsp;Violent crimes showed a decrease of 10% in July and about 12% year to date per the five-year period. There were 12 aggravated batteries and four aggravated assaults.Property crimes were down about 11% and year to date 23.1% below the five-year average. Twelve burglaries and 11 larcenies from motor vehicles were reported along with nine auto thefts and two arson incidents.Peete noted that there was a recent rash of auto thefts, and the Riley County Police Department and there are significant leads. Authorities hope to resolve those cases in the next few weeks. DUI cases were up slightly.&nbsp;Motor vehicle accidents increased above the five-year average.( Cover photo - Pixabay )

Part One crimes show decrease in Riley County

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a vehicle driven by Dalton Stover, 27, Chapman, struck a 23-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk at the intersection of S. Manhattan Avenue and Poyntz. 

EMS transported the&nbsp; man to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD cited Stover for failure to yield the right of way.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Thursday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a vehicle driven by Dalton Stover, 27, Chapman, struck a 23-year-old pedestrian in a crosswalk at the intersection of S. Manhattan Avenue and Poyntz. EMS transported the&nbsp; man to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD cited Stover for failure to yield the right of way.

RCPD: Vehicle struck pedestrian in crosswalk

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Friday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) announced the opening of his 2024 military service academy nomination applications. Rep. Mann invites students from the Big First District who wish to pursue an education at one of the U.S. military service academies to complete and submit their applications ahead of the September 27 deadline.

“It is an honor to nominate brave young Americans from the Big First District to our U.S. service academies,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann. “Each year, I am inspired by our applicants’ willingness to answer the call to service. Their patriotism and sense of duty make me believe that our brightest days are yet to come.”

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to the following U.S. service academies:

Receiving a nomination from a Congressional office is the first step in the process of attending a service academy. A nomination does not guarantee admission. If an individual receives a nomination from a congressional office, they must next receive an appointment from the service academy.

If you, or a student you know, would like more information about attending one of the U.S. service academies, or have questions about the application process, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Hk2yDqGmlTsLHoBzpM-ddXVV7f-QkOx4wZP0Ik1Arq6bd5iFFbuScfmnGcbf6aqwAuOM-T0tIIO2WYVv65MV7wwRYAERidzASS55iDpTfYGt5geqow9wp9e1zsCJB58tI2sPc42kwpRaLW3Ut-SVDTc3Y48ivZN65yjUugUywkpgvhgTVICuHEV2iS8DqaQP&amp;c=ZTzH6GqpHCG7BMqnIQjx4vAqKCFb6346-uIwtMGhEk43PSMN4y0W3g==&amp;ch=sRKTJqlq_IAnE8bfuPEj9LotHyvzt8EwBHzZ8tEhoDsgppIJNbRLpQ==" target="_blank">Mann.House.Gov/services/military-academy-nominations</a>&nbsp;for more details on the nomination process, or contact Rep. Mann's office at (785) 370-7277.

The deadline to submit all application materials is&nbsp;September 27, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. CT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. — Friday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) announced the opening of his 2024 military service academy nomination applications. Rep. Mann invites students from the Big First District who wish to pursue an education at one of the U.S. military service academies to complete and submit their applications ahead of the September 27 deadline.“It is an honor to nominate brave young Americans from the Big First District to our U.S. service academies,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann. “Each year, I am inspired by our applicants’ willingness to answer the call to service. Their patriotism and sense of duty make me believe that our brightest days are yet to come.”Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to the following U.S. service academies:<ul>
 <li>U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY</li><li>U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD</li><li>U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO</li><li>U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY</li>
 </ul>Receiving a nomination from a Congressional office is the first step in the process of attending a service academy. A nomination does not guarantee admission. If an individual receives a nomination from a congressional office, they must next receive an appointment from the service academy.If you, or a student you know, would like more information about attending one of the U.S. service academies, or have questions about the application process, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Hk2yDqGmlTsLHoBzpM-ddXVV7f-QkOx4wZP0Ik1Arq6bd5iFFbuScfmnGcbf6aqwAuOM-T0tIIO2WYVv65MV7wwRYAERidzASS55iDpTfYGt5geqow9wp9e1zsCJB58tI2sPc42kwpRaLW3Ut-SVDTc3Y48ivZN65yjUugUywkpgvhgTVICuHEV2iS8DqaQP&amp;c=ZTzH6GqpHCG7BMqnIQjx4vAqKCFb6346-uIwtMGhEk43PSMN4y0W3g==&amp;ch=sRKTJqlq_IAnE8bfuPEj9LotHyvzt8EwBHzZ8tEhoDsgppIJNbRLpQ==" target="_blank">Mann.House.Gov/services/military-academy-nominations</a>&nbsp;for more details on the nomination process, or contact Rep. Mann's office at (785) 370-7277.The deadline to submit all application materials is&nbsp;September 27, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. CT.

Mann opening service academy nomination process

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

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723817146585.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Riley County Arrest Report August 16

Long, long ago in a land far, far away, bread wheat came into existence. Researchers are still unlocking the secrets of the wild relatives of that ancient wheat to improve modern-day varieties - and a collection of seeds housed on Kimball Avenue in Manhattan is key to this work.&nbsp;

Bikram Gill and John Raupp with K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center sat down with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, on a recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast to share wheat’s origin story and how the collection continues to provide valuable genetic resources for modern wheat breeding programs.&nbsp;

To understand this potential, one must go way back to the origin of wheat as a species in the Fertile Crescent - where the crop helped start human civilization more than 10,000 years ago. At that time, wheat did not yet exist. It would take two major evolutionary events that mixed three different grass species to make the first bread wheat genome.&nbsp;

The first stop on this timeline was the merger of two wild ancestors that resulted in the eventual creation of wild emmer wheat (genome formula AB).&nbsp;

“As a species in nature, nature produced bread wheat around half a million years ago,” Gill said. “Two grasses, they happened to have fun. They hybridized - and that produced bread wheat.”&nbsp;

The second stop on the timeline came more than 10,000 years ago when that wild emmer wheat was combined with an ancient goatgrass (genome formula D). That genetic mix resulted in the first crop cultivated by humankind.&nbsp;

“In some farmer’s field, some goat grass hybridized with emmer wheat, which originated in Syria,” Gill said. “And that farmer was smart enough, he selected that plant. And that’s our bread wheat.”&nbsp;

From there, Mother Nature kept mixing in wild wheat relatives to this new bread wheat - and farmers selected the most successful versions to plant again.&nbsp;

“After wheat originated, these wild wheats kept cross-hybridizing with domesticated wheat,” Gill said. “There were no breeders, but nature was doing breeding for the first 10,000 years. They were cross-pollinating and farmers were selecting new types out of that.”&nbsp;

This origin story is important because it explains why the wheat genome is so complex. Wheat is a hexaploid, meaning it has six sets of seven chromosomes. Most genes in wheat exist in three copies - one each from those A, B and D genomes. As a result, there are 16 billion DNA letters in the wheat genome - the human genome has three billion letters - meaning you could type out the genetic code of wheat in 12-point font and the type will go around the world.&nbsp;

This triplication and redundancy make wheat very hard to genetically analyze.&nbsp;

“It’s essentially three different genomes coexisting in one,” Gill said. “It’s like three married people living in one house. Each can be independent, so that causes the problem. How do you sleep in one room without messing it up? Wheat is a very elegant genetic system.”&nbsp;

While hard to pick through, that complexity also makes wheat a more durable crop.&nbsp;

“This is called genetic buffering,” Gill said. “It’s almost like there are three soldiers or three genes. So, one goes out, the second one is there. The second goes out, the third one is there. Wheat can tolerate the extremes of environment because of this buffering caused by the redundancy of the genes.”&nbsp;

With this understanding of the origin and complexity of wheat - how does that relate to wheat breeding programs? Fast forward to 1979 when Gill did a postdoctoral fellowship at K-State and was first exposed to the genetic stocks used to map genes and breed wheat. He took that experience with him to his second postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California-Riverside, where he was blown away by the genetic diversity of a collection of wild weeds.&nbsp;

Gill started to form a vision of a resource that would combine the two - a collection of wild wheat relatives with unlocked genetic potential and a wheat breeding program that could replicate Mother Nature’s process of pulling in traits to make better varieties for farmers to plant.&nbsp;

In 1980, Gill wrote a grant and flew on a small plane to Hutchinson, the then-headquarters of the Kansas Wheat Commission to pitch his idea.&nbsp;

“They had never funded K-State until then,” Gill said. “I presented my vision - we want to establish the Wheat Genetics Resource Center because that’s where we’re going next. A yield bump is going to come from this because of that genetic diversity. Nobody knew what wild wheats were in the Great Plains at that time. I said I know that this is where the next big evolution is.”&nbsp;

Backed by approval from K-State’s wheat breeder at the time, the commissioners agreed to provide the seed money. Gill gathered an initial collection of 500 genetic lines, including seeds from collections in Japan, Israel, Russia and other countries. He immediately dove into early projects identifying Hessian fly resistance and leaf rust resistance in lines of Aegilops tauschii (Tausch's goatgrass), which was relatively easy to cross into wheat.&nbsp;

“We are just doing what happened in nature,” Gill said. “That’s how bread wheat arose, so we are essentially repeating the same process except we’re doing it in the lab.”&nbsp;

Raupp has served as the curator of the Wheat Genetics Resource Center since August 1980. He noted the collection is up to about 4,200 lines, ranging from Aegilops tauschii which grows anywhere from Turkey to western China to one species that is only found in the Sinai peninsula of Egypt and a little bit into Israel.&nbsp;

It’s his job to maintain the stocks of this genetic material, making sure scientists and breeders have access to the seeds they need to complete projects. That doesn’t mean these seeds only sit in a gigantic refrigerator. To maintain their integrity, the seeds must be planted, grown either in a greenhouse or an outdoor plot and often hand-harvested to replenish seeds before they are no longer viable.&nbsp;

“While they’re easy to grow, they require a lot of time to clean and maintain,” Raupp said. “My biggest job is just maintaining the collection so we have enough seed on hand to provide the researchers so that they can do their work.”

Today, Raupp noted he annually fulfills about 100 different requests for those seeds from researchers in neighboring states to those in countries on the other side of the planet. Aided by modern research techniques like genetic sequencing and CRISPR, these researchers continue to unlock more of that ancient genetic potential to improve the wheat varieties of tomorrow - from sawfly resistance to higher protein content to how root morphologies aid drought resistance.&nbsp;

“It’s been a gold mine,” Harries said. “You go treasure hunting in this collection that you’ve created here. A lot of the traits that we have for stripe rust, leaf rust and viral traits all come from those wild wheat relatives. And that work is far from over.”&nbsp;

Learn more about wheat’s origin story and K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center by listening to the full “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast episode at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JuOekSeJQqvEsujwaZSZNxLe0ZyeBIEgstQoJpvLmFuUXIi29D2C02uDZ499BedEw7UHcLBpWTLslTbhkJdw5X3g96NAyiBolKzO5SNJTvA95NJFULCjpFVGT9lR8dAbhKRaBUBHKt52n3u7DvwBXuGjC4KCcJoj&amp;c=_vSML-JiDS3UeUXxIsJZG3AAvstNyFEni-W1wV9-9geQdUQVesCckA==&amp;ch=WLRsVm7FG9bLo0mk_PgAAcaCK9pwJOgM6DkI2ypFg5Rwy25VpvmPHA==" target="_blank">WheatsOnYourMind.com</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655426692793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatLong, long ago in a land far, far away, bread wheat came into existence. Researchers are still unlocking the secrets of the wild relatives of that ancient wheat to improve modern-day varieties - and a collection of seeds housed on Kimball Avenue in Manhattan is key to this work.&nbsp;Bikram Gill and John Raupp with K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center sat down with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, on a recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast to share wheat’s origin story and how the collection continues to provide valuable genetic resources for modern wheat breeding programs.&nbsp;To understand this potential, one must go way back to the origin of wheat as a species in the Fertile Crescent - where the crop helped start human civilization more than 10,000 years ago. At that time, wheat did not yet exist. It would take two major evolutionary events that mixed three different grass species to make the first bread wheat genome.&nbsp;The first stop on this timeline was the merger of two wild ancestors that resulted in the eventual creation of wild emmer wheat (genome formula AB).&nbsp;“As a species in nature, nature produced bread wheat around half a million years ago,” Gill said. “Two grasses, they happened to have fun. They hybridized - and that produced bread wheat.”&nbsp;The second stop on the timeline came more than 10,000 years ago when that wild emmer wheat was combined with an ancient goatgrass (genome formula D). That genetic mix resulted in the first crop cultivated by humankind.&nbsp;“In some farmer’s field, some goat grass hybridized with emmer wheat, which originated in Syria,” Gill said. “And that farmer was smart enough, he selected that plant. And that’s our bread wheat.”&nbsp;From there, Mother Nature kept mixing in wild wheat relatives to this new bread wheat - and farmers selected the most successful versions to plant again.&nbsp;“After wheat originated, these wild wheats kept cross-hybridizing with domesticated wheat,” Gill said. “There were no breeders, but nature was doing breeding for the first 10,000 years. They were cross-pollinating and farmers were selecting new types out of that.”&nbsp;This origin story is important because it explains why the wheat genome is so complex. Wheat is a hexaploid, meaning it has six sets of seven chromosomes. Most genes in wheat exist in three copies - one each from those A, B and D genomes. As a result, there are 16 billion DNA letters in the wheat genome - the human genome has three billion letters - meaning you could type out the genetic code of wheat in 12-point font and the type will go around the world.&nbsp;This triplication and redundancy make wheat very hard to genetically analyze.&nbsp;“It’s essentially three different genomes coexisting in one,” Gill said. “It’s like three married people living in one house. Each can be independent, so that causes the problem. How do you sleep in one room without messing it up? Wheat is a very elegant genetic system.”&nbsp;While hard to pick through, that complexity also makes wheat a more durable crop.&nbsp;“This is called genetic buffering,” Gill said. “It’s almost like there are three soldiers or three genes. So, one goes out, the second one is there. The second goes out, the third one is there. Wheat can tolerate the extremes of environment because of this buffering caused by the redundancy of the genes.”&nbsp;With this understanding of the origin and complexity of wheat - how does that relate to wheat breeding programs? Fast forward to 1979 when Gill did a postdoctoral fellowship at K-State and was first exposed to the genetic stocks used to map genes and breed wheat. He took that experience with him to his second postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California-Riverside, where he was blown away by the genetic diversity of a collection of wild weeds.&nbsp;Gill started to form a vision of a resource that would combine the two - a collection of wild wheat relatives with unlocked genetic potential and a wheat breeding program that could replicate Mother Nature’s process of pulling in traits to make better varieties for farmers to plant.&nbsp;In 1980, Gill wrote a grant and flew on a small plane to Hutchinson, the then-headquarters of the Kansas Wheat Commission to pitch his idea.&nbsp;“They had never funded K-State until then,” Gill said. “I presented my vision - we want to establish the Wheat Genetics Resource Center because that’s where we’re going next. A yield bump is going to come from this because of that genetic diversity. Nobody knew what wild wheats were in the Great Plains at that time. I said I know that this is where the next big evolution is.”&nbsp;Backed by approval from K-State’s wheat breeder at the time, the commissioners agreed to provide the seed money. Gill gathered an initial collection of 500 genetic lines, including seeds from collections in Japan, Israel, Russia and other countries. He immediately dove into early projects identifying Hessian fly resistance and leaf rust resistance in lines of Aegilops tauschii (Tausch's goatgrass), which was relatively easy to cross into wheat.&nbsp;“We are just doing what happened in nature,” Gill said. “That’s how bread wheat arose, so we are essentially repeating the same process except we’re doing it in the lab.”&nbsp;Raupp has served as the curator of the Wheat Genetics Resource Center since August 1980. He noted the collection is up to about 4,200 lines, ranging from Aegilops tauschii which grows anywhere from Turkey to western China to one species that is only found in the Sinai peninsula of Egypt and a little bit into Israel.&nbsp;It’s his job to maintain the stocks of this genetic material, making sure scientists and breeders have access to the seeds they need to complete projects. That doesn’t mean these seeds only sit in a gigantic refrigerator. To maintain their integrity, the seeds must be planted, grown either in a greenhouse or an outdoor plot and often hand-harvested to replenish seeds before they are no longer viable.&nbsp;“While they’re easy to grow, they require a lot of time to clean and maintain,” Raupp said. “My biggest job is just maintaining the collection so we have enough seed on hand to provide the researchers so that they can do their work.”Today, Raupp noted he annually fulfills about 100 different requests for those seeds from researchers in neighboring states to those in countries on the other side of the planet. Aided by modern research techniques like genetic sequencing and CRISPR, these researchers continue to unlock more of that ancient genetic potential to improve the wheat varieties of tomorrow - from sawfly resistance to higher protein content to how root morphologies aid drought resistance.&nbsp;“It’s been a gold mine,” Harries said. “You go treasure hunting in this collection that you’ve created here. A lot of the traits that we have for stripe rust, leaf rust and viral traits all come from those wild wheat relatives. And that work is far from over.”&nbsp;Learn more about wheat’s origin story and K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center by listening to the full “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast episode at&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JuOekSeJQqvEsujwaZSZNxLe0ZyeBIEgstQoJpvLmFuUXIi29D2C02uDZ499BedEw7UHcLBpWTLslTbhkJdw5X3g96NAyiBolKzO5SNJTvA95NJFULCjpFVGT9lR8dAbhKRaBUBHKt52n3u7DvwBXuGjC4KCcJoj&amp;c=_vSML-JiDS3UeUXxIsJZG3AAvstNyFEni-W1wV9-9geQdUQVesCckA==&amp;ch=WLRsVm7FG9bLo0mk_PgAAcaCK9pwJOgM6DkI2ypFg5Rwy25VpvmPHA==" target="_blank">WheatsOnYourMind.com</a>.&nbsp;

Wheat Scoop: Wheat's origin story

The Riley County Historical Museum has announced the retirement of long time Curator of Archives and Library, Linda Glasgow. She has worked for the Riley County Historical Museum for 32 years, and has recently announced her official retirement for this fall, October 1. 

Linda, we thank you for your service to the County and we are grateful for all of your contributions toward the recording and preservation of our community history."

The public can attend her retirement celebration on Friday, September 20 from 1-3pm on the grounds of the Goodnow House/Museum.&nbsp;

The Riley County Historical Museum has announced the retirement of long time Curator of Archives and Library, Linda Glasgow. She has worked for the Riley County Historical Museum for 32 years, and has recently announced her official retirement for this fall, October 1. Linda, we thank you for your service to the County and we are grateful for all of your contributions toward the recording and preservation of our community history."The public can attend her retirement celebration on Friday, September 20 from 1-3pm on the grounds of the Goodnow House/Museum.&nbsp;

Historical Society Curator of Archives and Library will retire

Authorities report that some clever criminals are trying to impersonate the EPA with fraudulent EPA Notice of Violation letters. The letters even include the EPA logo. Please note, official government organizations typically use a .gov domain, like <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fepa.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1JyInc76svI5M0LdEp3Sl8QSyf4VeEMhxyszqfOXjOPtW98AX2DMy7mPQ_aem_tbKVsDrFqKyM_8QyaQMwLg&amp;h=AT2J0JsV2dXme0KXaXyxP91rH78UDit6Eg2XlUYMdc1VWfQbxB5s_tr5fn-RwURoXdlAlRx2QiR4Y0x8OrlFmVXzusZc-Te9uYdLinGIlie0feg0buWVcpHhjMDRFv2BWmNy-jKWRbSHhKmSUqxi&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3FyoiNhJEQZ6N3vGwysQ7YNzEXNDrx2oWjzi06m1nA9UWdahCEyhP62zY42E_OHvQSRZJ1lfzGyyZ2XY4lZWEGH5zCUzh9gOtzqdmAGcKF8qRmhxJ-2lxcjWLAfydSxoPGOOYvZmZiI0LfggQZg8so7TGsuure6uEaS2VDqAxUdbWvKGeIDNRLHvT-jH_-xfFTTaysz1BZGntz6QnxpkHPOaL3h3QfYGcr" target="_blank">epa.gov</a> and <a href="http://rileycountyks.gov/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1B-D_P9354AYCkAQHr6r58dcYx1Qm1vp7gPapcH2Mrt56r0gUjX0Z0DIM_aem_IG24q4iCCi-BeOssSndmCA" target="_blank">rileycountyks.gov.</a> The .gov domains are only available to U.S. government organizations. If you receive a violation notice, you are encouraged to contact the EPA directly to verify authenticity.

The notice was listed on social media via Riley County.

You can report fraud involving the EPA by calling ( 888 ) 546-8740.

Authorities report that some clever criminals are trying to impersonate the EPA with fraudulent EPA Notice of Violation letters. The letters even include the EPA logo. Please note, official government organizations typically use a .gov domain, like <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fepa.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1JyInc76svI5M0LdEp3Sl8QSyf4VeEMhxyszqfOXjOPtW98AX2DMy7mPQ_aem_tbKVsDrFqKyM_8QyaQMwLg&amp;h=AT2J0JsV2dXme0KXaXyxP91rH78UDit6Eg2XlUYMdc1VWfQbxB5s_tr5fn-RwURoXdlAlRx2QiR4Y0x8OrlFmVXzusZc-Te9uYdLinGIlie0feg0buWVcpHhjMDRFv2BWmNy-jKWRbSHhKmSUqxi&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3FyoiNhJEQZ6N3vGwysQ7YNzEXNDrx2oWjzi06m1nA9UWdahCEyhP62zY42E_OHvQSRZJ1lfzGyyZ2XY4lZWEGH5zCUzh9gOtzqdmAGcKF8qRmhxJ-2lxcjWLAfydSxoPGOOYvZmZiI0LfggQZg8so7TGsuure6uEaS2VDqAxUdbWvKGeIDNRLHvT-jH_-xfFTTaysz1BZGntz6QnxpkHPOaL3h3QfYGcr" target="_blank">epa.gov</a> and <a href="http://rileycountyks.gov/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1B-D_P9354AYCkAQHr6r58dcYx1Qm1vp7gPapcH2Mrt56r0gUjX0Z0DIM_aem_IG24q4iCCi-BeOssSndmCA" target="_blank">rileycountyks.gov.</a> The .gov domains are only available to U.S. government organizations. If you receive a violation notice, you are encouraged to contact the EPA directly to verify authenticity.The notice was listed on social media via Riley County.You can report fraud involving the EPA by calling ( 888 ) 546-8740.

Fraud alert

Susan Nelson, clinical professor at Kansas State University's Veterinary Health Center, encourages pet owners to recognize the signs of heatstroke in pets and know what to do to prevent it from becoming a problem

With high temperatures scorching much of the country, Nelson is reminding pet owners that dogs, with that layer of fur, are susceptible to the heat. As the summer heat index rises, the risk for dehydrated and overheated dogs does the same. Nelson said it's important to recognize the signs of heatstroke in your pet and know what you can do to prevent it from becoming a problem.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when temperatures outside range from 80 to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172 degrees. That means it's best to leave pets at home when running errands, Nelson said. "Even with the windows cracked, we should never leave our pets in a vehicle unattended," Nelson said. "For what might seem like a short trip into the bank, it can end up being fatal for our pets. "To prevent heatstroke in your pets, Nelson said to keep in mind the time of day you take them outside for walks or runs. She recommends taking them out in the cooler morning or later evening hours. "Even if they have never had a problem with heat before, watch for signs of lagging behind, thick saliva and dark mucus membranes," Nelson said. These are all indications your dog might be starting to get heat stress.

"The following are some of the symptoms Nelson said to watch for when trying to detect heatstroke in your dog:• Body temperature above 103 degrees.• Excessive or vigorous panting.• Dark red, blue or purple gums.• Thick saliva and excessive drooling.• Dizziness or disorientation.• Restlessness or appearing distressed.• Rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat.• Vomiting or urinating blood, or traces of blood in bowel movements.• Seizures and muscle tremors.• Lying down and unwilling or unable to get up.• Collapse or loss of consciousness where the animal cannot be awakened.

If you think your dog is starting to become overheated, move it to a shaded area and offer cool water to drink until the dog has cooled down, Nelson said. If your dog is showing signs of more advanced heat stress, wet it down with cool water — not ice water — and place the dog in front of a fan. If its condition does not change, run the air conditioning in your car and get the dog to a veterinarian for further treatment immediately, as every second counts, she said.&nbsp;

KSU releaseTake care of your pets in the heat!Susan Nelson, clinical professor at Kansas State University's Veterinary Health Center, encourages pet owners to recognize the signs of heatstroke in pets and know what to do to prevent it from becoming a problemWith high temperatures scorching much of the country, Nelson is reminding pet owners that dogs, with that layer of fur, are susceptible to the heat. As the summer heat index rises, the risk for dehydrated and overheated dogs does the same. Nelson said it's important to recognize the signs of heatstroke in your pet and know what you can do to prevent it from becoming a problem.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when temperatures outside range from 80 to 100 degrees, the temperature inside a car parked in direct sunlight can quickly climb to between 130 to 172 degrees. That means it's best to leave pets at home when running errands, Nelson said. "Even with the windows cracked, we should never leave our pets in a vehicle unattended," Nelson said. "For what might seem like a short trip into the bank, it can end up being fatal for our pets. "To prevent heatstroke in your pets, Nelson said to keep in mind the time of day you take them outside for walks or runs. She recommends taking them out in the cooler morning or later evening hours. "Even if they have never had a problem with heat before, watch for signs of lagging behind, thick saliva and dark mucus membranes," Nelson said. These are all indications your dog might be starting to get heat stress."The following are some of the symptoms Nelson said to watch for when trying to detect heatstroke in your dog:• Body temperature above 103 degrees.• Excessive or vigorous panting.• Dark red, blue or purple gums.• Thick saliva and excessive drooling.• Dizziness or disorientation.• Restlessness or appearing distressed.• Rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat.• Vomiting or urinating blood, or traces of blood in bowel movements.• Seizures and muscle tremors.• Lying down and unwilling or unable to get up.• Collapse or loss of consciousness where the animal cannot be awakened.If you think your dog is starting to become overheated, move it to a shaded area and offer cool water to drink until the dog has cooled down, Nelson said. If your dog is showing signs of more advanced heat stress, wet it down with cool water — not ice water — and place the dog in front of a fan. If its condition does not change, run the air conditioning in your car and get the dog to a veterinarian for further treatment immediately, as every second counts, she said.&nbsp;

Care for your pets

Fort Riley reminds that the 6th annual Bow Slinger 3-D archery tournament Aug. 17, is open to the public. The course features 30 three-dimensional targets, including “Bigfoot of the Flint Hills.” Archers of all ages are invited to compete in any of seven different categories. There will not be a separate category for youth.

Registration is open at riley.armymwr.com. Competitors can also sign up at Fort Riley’s Outdoor Adventure Park, 5202 Normandy Drive. The cost ranges from $40 to $50, depending on the category. The top shooters in each category will win cash prizes. Archers must bring their own equipment. Registration fees increase $15 after Aug. 1. Pre-registration is required.

Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. the day of the tournament, with a mandatory shooter’s meeting at

8:30 and the tournament start at 9 a.m. The Belay Cafe will be open to purchase food from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants who do not have a DOD-ID card, but do have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, can apply in advance for a visitor’s pass online at https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley. Applying at least two days in advance is recommended. Visitors can apply for a pass in person at the Fort Riley Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 off I-70. Pick up your visitor pass by Aug. 16, as the visitor control center opens at 8 a.m. on weekends

Fort Riley reminds that the 6th annual Bow Slinger 3-D archery tournament Aug. 17, is open to the public. The course features 30 three-dimensional targets, including “Bigfoot of the Flint Hills.” Archers of all ages are invited to compete in any of seven different categories. There will not be a separate category for youth.Registration is open at riley.armymwr.com. Competitors can also sign up at Fort Riley’s Outdoor Adventure Park, 5202 Normandy Drive. The cost ranges from $40 to $50, depending on the category. The top shooters in each category will win cash prizes. Archers must bring their own equipment. Registration fees increase $15 after Aug. 1. Pre-registration is required.Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. the day of the tournament, with a mandatory shooter’s meeting at8:30 and the tournament start at 9 a.m. The Belay Cafe will be open to purchase food from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Participants who do not have a DOD-ID card, but do have a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, can apply in advance for a visitor’s pass online at https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley. Applying at least two days in advance is recommended. Visitors can apply for a pass in person at the Fort Riley Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 off I-70. Pick up your visitor pass by Aug. 16, as the visitor control center opens at 8 a.m. on weekends

Bow Slinger 3-D Archery Tournament will be held Saturday

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged crime involving a gun in Manhattan.

Just after 10p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; officers filed a report of aggravated assault at the corner of Bluemont Avenue and 9th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old reported an unknown suspect brandished a gun toward them then fled on 10th Street in a black SUV.

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 an alleged crime involving a gun in Manhattan.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday,&nbsp; officers filed a report of aggravated assault at the corner of Bluemont Avenue and 9th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 16-year-old and a 19-year-old reported an unknown suspect brandished a gun toward them then fled on 10th Street in a black SUV. 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 pulled gun on teens in Manhattan

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723730623160.png" alt="" />
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Riley County Arrest Report August 15

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp; — Interim City Manager Jason Hilgers announced today that Kevin Niles, who currently serves as Utilities Director for the City of Odessa, Texas, has been hired as Manhattan’s new Director of Public Utilities, with an anticipated start date of September 3, 2024.

Niles will oversee the recently reconstructed Public Utilities Department, which provides essential services for Manhattan and surrounding infrastructure.

“We welcome Kevin to the team and look forward to his leadership and oversight in delivering essential water and wastewater services to the community,” Hilgers said. “Kevin will join several experienced and highly valued personnel in our new Public Utilities Department.”

Niles has more than 10 years of experience in utility management. In Odessa, he is responsible for leading a department that operates five divisions, including a laboratory, water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collections, and administration. He manages a $35 million budget and leads a team comprising 70 full-time staff.

His prior experience includes three years as the district manager for Stratmoor Hills Water and Sanitation District; six years as general water resources manager for Pueblo County, Colorado, for the Arkansas Groundwater Users’ Association; and one year as Parks and Open Space Director for the Cherokee Metropolitan District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, the Director of Public Utilities is responsible for leading, planning, and managing all activities and operations of the department and its six divisions, and oversees a team of 61 full-time employees. Public Utilities manages 30 million gallons of water per day, 11 million gallons of waste per day, 5,400 manholes, 280 miles of water mains, 260 miles of sanitary sewer lines, 26 lift stations, 20 underground wells, six water towers, and six booster stations.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp; — Interim City Manager Jason Hilgers announced today that Kevin Niles, who currently serves as Utilities Director for the City of Odessa, Texas, has been hired as Manhattan’s new Director of Public Utilities, with an anticipated start date of September 3, 2024.Niles will oversee the recently reconstructed Public Utilities Department, which provides essential services for Manhattan and surrounding infrastructure.“We welcome Kevin to the team and look forward to his leadership and oversight in delivering essential water and wastewater services to the community,” Hilgers said. “Kevin will join several experienced and highly valued personnel in our new Public Utilities Department.”Niles has more than 10 years of experience in utility management. In Odessa, he is responsible for leading a department that operates five divisions, including a laboratory, water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collections, and administration. He manages a $35 million budget and leads a team comprising 70 full-time staff.His prior experience includes three years as the district manager for Stratmoor Hills Water and Sanitation District; six years as general water resources manager for Pueblo County, Colorado, for the Arkansas Groundwater Users’ Association; and one year as Parks and Open Space Director for the Cherokee Metropolitan District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, the Director of Public Utilities is responsible for leading, planning, and managing all activities and operations of the department and its six divisions, and oversees a team of 61 full-time employees. Public Utilities manages 30 million gallons of water per day, 11 million gallons of waste per day, 5,400 manholes, 280 miles of water mains, 260 miles of sanitary sewer lines, 26 lift stations, 20 underground wells, six water towers, and six booster stations.

Kevin Niles named Director of Public Utilities for City of Manhattan

Riley County Public Works has announced that a culvert replacement project on Ober Road is scheduled to begin Monday, August 26. It is located about 4/10ths of a mile west of the Ober Rd. / Droll Rd. intersection.

Ober Rd. will be closed to through traffic during construction from the intersection of Ober Rd./Droll Rd. west to the intersection of Ober Rd. / North Fork Rd.

The project is expected to be completed by Friday, August 30.

By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostRiley County Public Works has announced that a culvert replacement project on Ober Road is scheduled to begin Monday, August 26. It is located about 4/10ths of a mile west of the Ober Rd. / Droll Rd. intersection.Ober Rd. will be closed to through traffic during construction from the intersection of Ober Rd./Droll Rd. west to the intersection of Ober Rd. / North Fork Rd.The project is expected to be completed by Friday, August 30.

Culvert replacement project is scheduled

WalletHub has ranked Manhattan Area Technical College the #1 two-year college in the nation by WalletHub.

The WalletHub rankings are based on key performance indicators including educational outcomes, cost and financing, plus career outcomes.&nbsp;

"We are honored to receive this top ranking," said Manhattan Tech President Dr. Genandt. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for success."

Manhattan Tech continues to offer programs that meet the needs of today's job market, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a prosperous career.

WalletHub has ranked Manhattan Area Technical College the #1 two-year college in the nation by WalletHub.The WalletHub rankings are based on key performance indicators including educational outcomes, cost and financing, plus career outcomes.&nbsp;"We are honored to receive this top ranking," said Manhattan Tech President Dr. Genandt. "This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for success."Manhattan Tech continues to offer programs that meet the needs of today's job market, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a prosperous career.

WalletHub ranks Manhattan Area Technical College #1

&nbsp; As part of the annual reappraisal process mandated by the State of Kansas, the Riley County Appraisers office is conducting a survey of multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties. Income and expense questionnaires will be mailed this Thursday, August 15th to Riley County properties in those categories. “We are studying trends in the local real estate market regarding rent prices, occupancy, and operating expenses, and we respectfully request participation from property owners,” explained Riley County Appraiser Anna Burson. 

The information we gather will be used to calibrate our valuation models. It’s important to note the responses will not be used to value the specific properties providing information. ”The response information will be used in conjunction with data on other properties of similar use to find typical rents, occupancy, and expenses for the particular use type, such as retail, industrial, and multi-family structures. 

All survey responses will remain confidential in accordance with Kansas Law and standards of professional appraisal practice.&nbsp;

The forms are also available on the Riley County website www.rileycountyks.gov&nbsp;in the Appraiser section. The completed questionnaire and/or additional documentation is due no later than September 2, 2024, and can be returned by email, fax, mail, or dropped off in person at the Appraiser’s Office in Manhattan.

By Vivienne LeyvaPIO / Riley County&nbsp; As part of the annual reappraisal process mandated by the State of Kansas, the Riley County Appraisers office is conducting a survey of multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties. Income and expense questionnaires will be mailed this Thursday, August 15th to Riley County properties in those categories. “We are studying trends in the local real estate market regarding rent prices, occupancy, and operating expenses, and we respectfully request participation from property owners,” explained Riley County Appraiser Anna Burson. The information we gather will be used to calibrate our valuation models. It’s important to note the responses will not be used to value the specific properties providing information. ”The response information will be used in conjunction with data on other properties of similar use to find typical rents, occupancy, and expenses for the particular use type, such as retail, industrial, and multi-family structures. All survey responses will remain confidential in accordance with Kansas Law and standards of professional appraisal practice.&nbsp;The forms are also available on the Riley County website www.rileycountyks.gov&nbsp;in the Appraiser section. The completed questionnaire and/or additional documentation is due no later than September 2, 2024, and can be returned by email, fax, mail, or dropped off in person at the Appraiser’s Office in Manhattan.

Income and Expense Questionnaires Mailing This Week

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Riverchase Mobile Home Park public water supply system located in Riley County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;

The advisory took effect on Augst 13, 2024, and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a power outage causing pumping failure resulting in low pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

KDHE releaseThe Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Riverchase Mobile Home Park public water supply system located in Riley County.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.</li><li>Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.</li><li>If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.</li><li>Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.</li><li>Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.</li>
 </ul>The advisory took effect on Augst 13, 2024, and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a power outage causing pumping failure resulting in low pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.&nbsp;

Boil water advisory in effect for Riverchase Mobile Home Park

By Melissa Kirkwood, Marketing / Development Officer

(Manhattan, Kan. - Wednesday, August 14, 2024) -&nbsp;It’s a girl! Sunset Zoo announced that red panda parents, Loofah and Simone, gave birth to a cub on July 14th. Staff made the difficult decision to hand-rear the cub after Simone did not show proper maternal care. Now under the close monitoring of zookeeper staff, the cub is thriving.

“The first 30 days of a red panda cub's life are critical, and our staff are tending to the cub's needs around the clock to ensure the best care possible,” said Head Keeper, Caitlin Kenney. “The good news is, this little girl is a fighter. She has&nbsp;already overcome several obstacles and she continues to grow and flourish.”

“A huge thank you to our zookeeper staff and veterinary team for their exceptional dedication to nurturing our red panda cub, which we have named Sunisa, Suni for short” says Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker. “Suni reminds us of the important role Sunset Zoo plays in conservation. Protecting endangered species like the red panda is essential for maintaining biodiversity and educating our community about the importance of wildlife preservation.”

Zookeeper staff chose the name Suni as an ode to Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee. In Cambodian, Sunisa means “freedom” and in Thai means “beautiful, or good night.” It’s particularly fitting with Simone as her mother’s name. Cub Suni also has a fun middle name, Floofah, to fit with her father Loofah and uncle Doofah.

Suni is currently behind the scenes and not viewable to the public at this time.

Red pandas, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, are classified as “endangered” by the IUCN Red List, meaning they are at significant risk for extinction in their native ranges in the near future. With wild populations decreasing and their native habitat facing increasing threats, including deforestation and climate change, the red pandas found at Sunset Zoo and at accredited institutions around the world serve as a genetic safety net against possible extinction in the wild.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723649658767.jpeg" alt="Sunisa (Suni for short).&nbsp; ( Photo - Sunset Zoo )" />
 <figcaption>Sunisa (Suni for short).&nbsp; ( Photo - Sunset Zoo )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Melissa Kirkwood, Marketing / Development OfficerSunset Zoo(Manhattan, Kan. - Wednesday, August 14, 2024) -&nbsp;It’s a girl! Sunset Zoo announced that red panda parents, Loofah and Simone, gave birth to a cub on July 14th. Staff made the difficult decision to hand-rear the cub after Simone did not show proper maternal care. Now under the close monitoring of zookeeper staff, the cub is thriving.“The first 30 days of a red panda cub's life are critical, and our staff are tending to the cub's needs around the clock to ensure the best care possible,” said Head Keeper, Caitlin Kenney. “The good news is, this little girl is a fighter. She has&nbsp;already overcome several obstacles and she continues to grow and flourish.”“A huge thank you to our zookeeper staff and veterinary team for their exceptional dedication to nurturing our red panda cub, which we have named Sunisa, Suni for short” says Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker. “Suni reminds us of the important role Sunset Zoo plays in conservation. Protecting endangered species like the red panda is essential for maintaining biodiversity and educating our community about the importance of wildlife preservation.”Zookeeper staff chose the name Suni as an ode to Olympic gymnast Sunisa Lee. In Cambodian, Sunisa means “freedom” and in Thai means “beautiful, or good night.” It’s particularly fitting with Simone as her mother’s name. Cub Suni also has a fun middle name, Floofah, to fit with her father Loofah and uncle Doofah.Suni is currently behind the scenes and not viewable to the public at this time.Red pandas, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, are classified as “endangered” by the IUCN Red List, meaning they are at significant risk for extinction in their native ranges in the near future. With wild populations decreasing and their native habitat facing increasing threats, including deforestation and climate change, the red pandas found at Sunset Zoo and at accredited institutions around the world serve as a genetic safety net against possible extinction in the wild.

Endangered Red Panda Cub Born at Sunset Zoo

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

Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 300 block of Stockdale Drive in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The City of Randolph reported an unknown suspect posed as a consulting group and defrauded the City. 

Total loss associated with this report is $40,000. 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 alleged fraud in Riley County.Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of fraud in the 300 block of Stockdale Drive in Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The City of Randolph reported an unknown suspect posed as a consulting group and defrauded the City. Total loss associated with this report is $40,000. 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: City of Randolph lost $40,000 in alleged fraud scheme

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 14

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas says don't drive distracted, especially while kids are figuring out their new school routine.

"You need to have your your total focus on the road, obviously, with kids walking to school, biking to school, buses out and about," Steward said. "It's essential for drivers to stay focused on the road and be extra cautious. So put your phone down. Don't be looking at your phone while you're heading to take your kids to school or headed into the school zone."

On the way home is when kids really aren't paying attention.

"Nearly one fifth of traffic fatalities of children below the age of 15 or school age pedestrians are killed between the hours of three and four p.m. than any other time of day," Steward said. "So that just reiterates the importance of staying focused, not only that after school period, but also before school."

In addition, slow down in school zones, so that if something does happen, everyone is safer.

"Triple A Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted some research and found that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling twenty five miles per hour is nearly two thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle going thirty five miles an hour," Steward said. "That 10 mile an hour reduction can can play a huge difference for somebody who happens to be struck by a vehicle."

Give yourself extra time to get where you are going for the first couple of weeks, so that new drivers and parents new to the school buildings can find their way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723558396693.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas says don't drive distracted, especially while kids are figuring out their new school routine."You need to have your your total focus on the road, obviously, with kids walking to school, biking to school, buses out and about," Steward said. "It's essential for drivers to stay focused on the road and be extra cautious. So put your phone down. Don't be looking at your phone while you're heading to take your kids to school or headed into the school zone."On the way home is when kids really aren't paying attention."Nearly one fifth of traffic fatalities of children below the age of 15 or school age pedestrians are killed between the hours of three and four p.m. than any other time of day," Steward said. "So that just reiterates the importance of staying focused, not only that after school period, but also before school."In addition, slow down in school zones, so that if something does happen, everyone is safer."Triple A Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted some research and found that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling twenty five miles per hour is nearly two thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle going thirty five miles an hour," Steward said. "That 10 mile an hour reduction can can play a huge difference for somebody who happens to be struck by a vehicle."Give yourself extra time to get where you are going for the first couple of weeks, so that new drivers and parents new to the school buildings can find their way.

Focus key while driving in school zones

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — Virologists in Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;will lead a new round of pioneering research about Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, and related bat coronaviruses with pandemic potential.

Kyeong-Ok "KC" Chang, professor of virology, and Yunjeong Kim, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, are continuing a research collaboration begun in 2018 with William C. Groutas, a medicinal chemist at Wichita State University, and Stanley Perlman, a virologist at the University of Iowa. Their project, "Small Molecule Protease Inhibitors against MERS-CoV and Coronaviruses of Pandemic Potential," has been approved for a five-year, $3.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

"MERS coronavirus emerged suddenly in 2012 as the cause of severe respiratory illness in humans," Chang said. "Despite the high mortality rate and the significant potential for a public health emergency, there are no FDA-approved vaccines or antiviral drugs for MERS. Consequently, there is an urgent and unmet need for the development of small-molecule drugs to control MERS coronavirus infection."

Chang said their work has found a promising compound that can help serve as a launching pad for the development of orally bioavailable MERS-CoV-specific antivirals. The funding will also allow for the recruitment of personnel at K-State and Wichita State and help retain existing team members who were recruited with the original grant in 2018.

Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723576496798.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By Joe Montgomery&nbsp; MANHATTAN — Virologists in Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>&nbsp;will lead a new round of pioneering research about Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, and related bat coronaviruses with pandemic potential.Kyeong-Ok "KC" Chang, professor of virology, and Yunjeong Kim, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, are continuing a research collaboration begun in 2018 with William C. Groutas, a medicinal chemist at Wichita State University, and Stanley Perlman, a virologist at the University of Iowa. Their project, "Small Molecule Protease Inhibitors against MERS-CoV and Coronaviruses of Pandemic Potential," has been approved for a five-year, $3.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases"MERS coronavirus emerged suddenly in 2012 as the cause of severe respiratory illness in humans," Chang said. "Despite the high mortality rate and the significant potential for a public health emergency, there are no FDA-approved vaccines or antiviral drugs for MERS. Consequently, there is an urgent and unmet need for the development of small-molecule drugs to control MERS coronavirus infection."Chang said their work has found a promising compound that can help serve as a launching pad for the development of orally bioavailable MERS-CoV-specific antivirals. The funding will also allow for the recruitment of personnel at K-State and Wichita State and help retain existing team members who were recruited with the original grant in 2018.Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;

K-State researchers continue battling MERS and related bat coronaviruses of pandemic potential

Pawnee Mental Health has added Lauri Goheen, LMSW, to their team as a new mental health therapist.

Goheen holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas and was also part of the Integrated Health Scholars Program. She completed her internship at Salina Family Health Care as a behavioral intern, gaining experience in integrating mental and physical health care.

As a licensed master social worker, she is equipped to treat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, and childhood emotional and behavioral disorders.

<a></a>In her new role at Pawnee Mental Health, Goheen will provide therapy to individuals and families, develop treatment plans, and work closely with the Pawnee team to support the mental health needs of the community. She will also lead several new initiatives to expand outreach and support services.

Goheen is passionate about making a positive impact in the mental health field. Her dedication to continuous learning and client care makes her an excellent fit for Pawnee Mental Health. She is committed to providing empathetic and effective treatment to her clients.

We are thrilled to welcome Lauri to our team,” said Myra Pfeifer, Mental Health Supervisor. “Her passion for helping others and her dedication to continuous learning make her a valuable addition. We are confident that her expertise and compassionate approach will greatly benefit our clients.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723575689822.jpeg" alt="Lauri Goheen" />
 <figcaption>Lauri Goheen</figcaption>
 </figure>By Diane Hinrichs - ToburenPawnee Mental Health has added Lauri Goheen, LMSW, to their team as a new mental health therapist.Goheen holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas and was also part of the Integrated Health Scholars Program. She completed her internship at Salina Family Health Care as a behavioral intern, gaining experience in integrating mental and physical health care.As a licensed master social worker, she is equipped to treat various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, grief, and childhood emotional and behavioral disorders.<a></a>In her new role at Pawnee Mental Health, Goheen will provide therapy to individuals and families, develop treatment plans, and work closely with the Pawnee team to support the mental health needs of the community. She will also lead several new initiatives to expand outreach and support services.Goheen is passionate about making a positive impact in the mental health field. Her dedication to continuous learning and client care makes her an excellent fit for Pawnee Mental Health. She is committed to providing empathetic and effective treatment to her clients.We are thrilled to welcome Lauri to our team,” said Myra Pfeifer, Mental Health Supervisor. “Her passion for helping others and her dedication to continuous learning make her a valuable addition. We are confident that her expertise and compassionate approach will greatly benefit our clients.”

Pawnee Mental Health Welcomes Lauri Goheen, Mental Health Therapist   

The K-State Kickoff will begin Thursday on the Manhattan campus. Students can connect with the incoming class, attend social events and learn about KSU traditions.

Check out some of the marquee events already planned!

--K-State Kickoff Welcome Thur. Aug. 15, 7:00 PM

--Required Academic College Session Fri. Aug. 16, 9:30 AM

--Academic Resource Fair Fri. Aug. 16, 1:30 PM Required

--Chalk and Talk Fri. Aug. 16 2:00 PM Optional

--Walk Your Class Schedule Fri. Aug. 16 4:00 PM

--K-State First Semester Start Up Fri. Aug. 16, 4:00 PM Optional

--Transfer Student Social Fri. Aug. 16, 5:30 PM Optional

--Late Night at the Union Fri. Aug. 16 7:00 PM

--K-State Amazing Race Sat. Aug. 17 9:00 AM Required

--Pancake Feed Sat. Aug. 17 9:00 PM Required

--Purple Pursuit Sat. Aug. 17 9:30 PM Optional

--Walk Your Class Schedule Sun. Aug 18, 10:00 AM Optional

--Convocation and Pep Rally at Bramlage Coliseum*Meal Provided&nbsp; Sun. Aug 18, 5:00 PM Required

The fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 19

KSU releaseThe K-State Kickoff will begin Thursday on the Manhattan campus. Students can connect with the incoming class, attend social events and learn about KSU traditions.<ul>
 <li>According to Undergraduate Admission all students will be assigned a small group lead by a Welcome Ambassador to help them navigate the K-State Kickoff weekend. These small groups provide opportunities to make friends and build a support network. Don't worry, there will be plenty of time to connect with students outside of your small group. </li>
 </ul>Check out some of the marquee events already planned!--K-State Kickoff Welcome Thur. Aug. 15, 7:00 PM--Required Academic College Session Fri. Aug. 16, 9:30 AM--Academic Resource Fair Fri. Aug. 16, 1:30 PM Required--Chalk and Talk Fri. Aug. 16 2:00 PM Optional--Walk Your Class Schedule Fri. Aug. 16 4:00 PM--K-State First Semester Start Up Fri. Aug. 16, 4:00 PM Optional--Transfer Student Social Fri. Aug. 16, 5:30 PM Optional--Late Night at the Union Fri. Aug. 16 7:00 PM--K-State Amazing Race Sat. Aug. 17 9:00 AM Required--Pancake Feed Sat. Aug. 17 9:00 PM Required--Purple Pursuit Sat. Aug. 17 9:30 PM Optional--Walk Your Class Schedule Sun. Aug 18, 10:00 AM Optional--Convocation and Pep Rally at Bramlage Coliseum*Meal Provided&nbsp; Sun. Aug 18, 5:00 PM RequiredThe fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 19

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