Eagle Media announced several key promotions and leadership updates within the Eagle team. These changes reflect the company's commitment to employee ownership and operational excellence in serving&nbsp; communities and customers.

Shannon Wiederholt – Chief Financial Officer &amp; VP of Corporate Operations

Shannon Wiederholt has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) while also continuing the role of Vice President of Corporate Operations. Shannon has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership within our accounting team and has been instrumental in overseeing Eagle’s budgeting processes.

In her new role, Shannon will help guide our employee ownership processes, audits, and valuation. She will also oversee our radio/media operations in St Joseph and Maryville, Missouri. Heading into her 15th year with Eagle, Shannon is also a member of the Eagle Board of Directors. She resides in Shawnee, Kansas, with her husband Brandon and their three children.

Olivia Hasenauer – Regional Vice President of Nebraska Media Group

Olivia Hasenauer has been promoted to Regional Vice President of Nebraska Media Group. While continuing her current responsibilities, Olivia will now take on broader leadership roles, contributing to the strategic direction and vision of the company.

Since joining Eagle in 2011, Olivia has played a pivotal role in driving growth across our media markets and spearheading company-wide sales initiatives. A passionate advocate for employee ownership, Olivia lives in Hemingford, Nebraska, with her husband Neil and their two children.

Todd Lynd – Associate Director, Eagle Board of Directors

Todd Lynd, Market Manager for Eagle Media of Hays, will join the Eagle Board of Directors as an Associate Director starting this January. Under Todd’s leadership, Hays Media has become the flagship group of Eagle, showcasing top-performing radio stations and the award-winning Hays Post.

With over 25 years of leadership and a dedication to our 100/0 commitment to success, Todd’s market-level experience will be a valuable addition to the Board. Todd and his wife Chrisi live in Hays, Kansas.

Speed Marriott – New Ventures Group &amp; Training Leadership

Speed Marriott will transition away from a full-time position to focus on supporting Bryan Marriott, President of P1 Learning, in expanding Eagle’s New Ventures Group. P1 Learning is a leading training and educational platform offering innovative programs such as P1 Plus, Rising Above, and the 10 Minute Trainer Network.

Eagle’s Mid America Production division will be restructured and merged into P1 to create high-quality training video production. Speed will continue contributing to Eagle through his involvement in Flight Plan Marketing sessions across our markets. A current member of the Eagle Board of Directors, Speed lives in Shawnee, Kansas, with his wife Cathy.

Matt Althouse - Regional Vice President of Kansas Media Group

Earlier this month, it was announced the Matt Althouse was promoted to Vice President of Kansas Media Group. Matt will oversee Eagle’s Kansas Media operations along with his current leadership role in Hutchinson. Kansas Broadcasters picked Matt for their “Rising Star Award” in 2023 reflecting his success at Eagle Media.

Althouse is looking forward to this new role at Eagle, “As Employee Owners, our commitment is to continually enhance and refine how we deliver news, sports, and entertainment that matters to our communities”.

Matt has two children, and they reside in Hutchinson Kansas.

Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman is excited to make these announcements, “These promotions reflect Eagle’s ongoing commitment to nurturing leadership, fostering growth with employee ownership, and providing the best for our customers and communities.”

Eagle Media announced several key promotions and leadership updates within the Eagle team. These changes reflect the company's commitment to employee ownership and operational excellence in serving&nbsp; communities and customers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736543074917.png" alt="Shannon Wiederholt " />
 <figcaption>Shannon Wiederholt </figcaption>
 </figure>Shannon Wiederholt – Chief Financial Officer &amp; VP of Corporate OperationsShannon Wiederholt has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) while also continuing the role of Vice President of Corporate Operations. Shannon has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership within our accounting team and has been instrumental in overseeing Eagle’s budgeting processes.In her new role, Shannon will help guide our employee ownership processes, audits, and valuation. She will also oversee our radio/media operations in St Joseph and Maryville, Missouri. Heading into her 15th year with Eagle, Shannon is also a member of the Eagle Board of Directors. She resides in Shawnee, Kansas, with her husband Brandon and their three children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736543148352.png" alt="Olivia Hasenauer" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Hasenauer</figcaption>
 </figure>Olivia Hasenauer – Regional Vice President of Nebraska Media GroupOlivia Hasenauer has been promoted to Regional Vice President of Nebraska Media Group. While continuing her current responsibilities, Olivia will now take on broader leadership roles, contributing to the strategic direction and vision of the company.Since joining Eagle in 2011, Olivia has played a pivotal role in driving growth across our media markets and spearheading company-wide sales initiatives. A passionate advocate for employee ownership, Olivia lives in Hemingford, Nebraska, with her husband Neil and their two children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736543188701.png" alt="Todd Lynd" />
 <figcaption>Todd Lynd</figcaption>
 </figure>Todd Lynd – Associate Director, Eagle Board of DirectorsTodd Lynd, Market Manager for Eagle Media of Hays, will join the Eagle Board of Directors as an Associate Director starting this January. Under Todd’s leadership, Hays Media has become the flagship group of Eagle, showcasing top-performing radio stations and the award-winning Hays Post.With over 25 years of leadership and a dedication to our 100/0 commitment to success, Todd’s market-level experience will be a valuable addition to the Board. Todd and his wife Chrisi live in Hays, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736543217551.png" alt="Speed Marriott " />
 <figcaption>Speed Marriott </figcaption>
 </figure>Speed Marriott – New Ventures Group &amp; Training LeadershipSpeed Marriott will transition away from a full-time position to focus on supporting Bryan Marriott, President of P1 Learning, in expanding Eagle’s New Ventures Group. P1 Learning is a leading training and educational platform offering innovative programs such as P1 Plus, Rising Above, and the 10 Minute Trainer Network.Eagle’s Mid America Production division will be restructured and merged into P1 to create high-quality training video production. Speed will continue contributing to Eagle through his involvement in Flight Plan Marketing sessions across our markets. A current member of the Eagle Board of Directors, Speed lives in Shawnee, Kansas, with his wife Cathy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736543278016.png" alt="Matt Althouse " />
 <figcaption>Matt Althouse </figcaption>
 </figure>Matt Althouse - Regional Vice President of Kansas Media GroupEarlier this month, it was announced the Matt Althouse was promoted to Vice President of Kansas Media Group. Matt will oversee Eagle’s Kansas Media operations along with his current leadership role in Hutchinson. Kansas Broadcasters picked Matt for their “Rising Star Award” in 2023 reflecting his success at Eagle Media.Althouse is looking forward to this new role at Eagle, “As Employee Owners, our commitment is to continually enhance and refine how we deliver news, sports, and entertainment that matters to our communities”.Matt has two children, and they reside in Hutchinson Kansas.Eagle Chairman Gary Shorman is excited to make these announcements, “These promotions reflect Eagle’s ongoing commitment to nurturing leadership, fostering growth with employee ownership, and providing the best for our customers and communities.”

Eagle Media announces key promotions to leadership team

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;The K-State Alumni Association has promoted three staff members.

Andrea Bryant Gladin ’02, who held the title of assistant vice president for alumni programs, has been promoted to vice president of alumni engagement. She started with the Association in 2003. Gladin oversees all aspects of the programs department, including alumni events, student programming and constituent activities. She directs the Wabash CannonBall Kansas City gala and is the primary liaison for the Association with university colleges and special interest organizations. In addition to these duties, Gladin will now oversee the management of the K-State Alumni Center facility.

Terin Walters ’05, who held the title of assistant vice president of development and communications, has been named vice president of marketing and communications. She started with the Association in 2006. Walters oversees the annual fundraising and communications initiatives for the Association. She also directs the Traveling Wildcats program, bowl activities and the alumni Legacy Scholarship Program. In addition to these duties, Walters will now oversee the department of data management.

Megan Reichenberger ’11, who held the title of associate director of membership and marketing, has been named senior director of membership and corporate relations. She started with the Association in 2013, and after departing in 2016, returned in 2020. Reichenberger directs the Association's membership program and marketing initiatives. She also coordinates the Association's affinity business partnerships, corporate sponsorships, K-State license plate marketing, external advertising and oversees merchandise sales. In addition to her duties, Reichenberger will now join the Alumni Association’s leadership team.

“Andrea, Terin and Megan are great assets to our team,” said Adam Walker ’04, ’09, Alumni Association president and CEO. "Their collective expertise, dedication and experience strengthens the Association’s ability to reach, connect and serve the K-State community."

By Tim SchragMANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;The K-State Alumni Association has promoted three staff members.Andrea Bryant Gladin ’02, who held the title of assistant vice president for alumni programs, has been promoted to vice president of alumni engagement. She started with the Association in 2003. Gladin oversees all aspects of the programs department, including alumni events, student programming and constituent activities. She directs the Wabash CannonBall Kansas City gala and is the primary liaison for the Association with university colleges and special interest organizations. In addition to these duties, Gladin will now oversee the management of the K-State Alumni Center facility.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736535557906.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Terin Walters ’05, who held the title of assistant vice president of development and communications, has been named vice president of marketing and communications. She started with the Association in 2006. Walters oversees the annual fundraising and communications initiatives for the Association. She also directs the Traveling Wildcats program, bowl activities and the alumni Legacy Scholarship Program. In addition to these duties, Walters will now oversee the department of data management.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736535583850.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Megan Reichenberger ’11, who held the title of associate director of membership and marketing, has been named senior director of membership and corporate relations. She started with the Association in 2013, and after departing in 2016, returned in 2020. Reichenberger directs the Association's membership program and marketing initiatives. She also coordinates the Association's affinity business partnerships, corporate sponsorships, K-State license plate marketing, external advertising and oversees merchandise sales. In addition to her duties, Reichenberger will now join the Alumni Association’s leadership team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736535645465.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>“Andrea, Terin and Megan are great assets to our team,” said Adam Walker ’04, ’09, Alumni Association president and CEO. "Their collective expertise, dedication and experience strengthens the Association’s ability to reach, connect and serve the K-State community."

Promotions are announced for K-State Alumni Association

MANHATTAN — The Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Foundation for Agriculture is now accepting applications for 2025 scholarship awards.

“Supporting education is one of the core missions of the Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture,” says KFB President Joe Newland. “We are so proud to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture as they continue their education at institutions across the state.”

The program offers up to 47 scholarships at universities, community and technical colleges in Kansas for students who demonstrate a commitment to agriculture, leadership and community involvement. To apply, students or their parents must have an active Kansas Farm Bureau membership.

Detailed guidelines and the application form are available at www.kfb.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 1.

The KFB Foundation for Agriculture has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships over the past decade to ensure the continued growth and success of the agricultural industry.

For additional information about the scholarships, contact Shannon Martin at 620-886-1703 or <a href="mailto:martins@kfb.org">martins@kfb.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — The Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Foundation for Agriculture is now accepting applications for 2025 scholarship awards.“Supporting education is one of the core missions of the Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture,” says KFB President Joe Newland. “We are so proud to support the next generation of leaders in agriculture as they continue their education at institutions across the state.”The program offers up to 47 scholarships at universities, community and technical colleges in Kansas for students who demonstrate a commitment to agriculture, leadership and community involvement. To apply, students or their parents must have an active Kansas Farm Bureau membership.Detailed guidelines and the application form are available at www.kfb.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 1.The KFB Foundation for Agriculture has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships over the past decade to ensure the continued growth and success of the agricultural industry.For additional information about the scholarships, contact Shannon Martin at 620-886-1703 or <a href="mailto:martins@kfb.org">martins@kfb.org</a>.

Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation accepting scholarship applications

--USD 383 will be on a two-hour delay Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

--Geary USD 475 schools will be closed on Friday.&nbsp;

--USD 473 Chapman schools will be canceled Friday

--USD 383 will be on a two-hour delay Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;--Geary USD 475 schools will be closed on Friday.&nbsp;--USD 329 Wabaunsee will be closed.--USD 481 Rural Vista will be closed--USD 473 Chapman schools will be canceled Friday--USD 435 Abilene will be closed Friday

Postponements and cancellations for Friday

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Junction City woman on multiple allegations after an arrest in Manhattan.

Just after 4p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 24-year-old Anastasia Kenyon, 24, of Junction City, in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Kenyon was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charges in this matter are making false information, theft by deception value less than $1,500.

She is being held on a $20,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736373380812.jpeg" alt="Anastasia Kenyon" />
 <figcaption>Anastasia Kenyon</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Junction City woman on multiple allegations after an arrest in Manhattan.Just after 4p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 24-year-old Anastasia Kenyon, 24, of Junction City, in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Kenyon was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for failure to appear. The original charges in this matter are making false information, theft by deception value less than $1,500.She is being held on a $20,000 bond.&nbsp;

Junction City woman accused of ID theft skipped court

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.

Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.

“The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program.”

Entering its 23rd&nbsp;filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/zi4Nriy0VyWHJqLFKKwjhwckS8oaxq70HcDH6r5tlAM=387">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.

Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.

Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.

Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.

Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible

IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they’re eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fuse-the-eitc-assistant/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/Jpap18ccRBKlTFBhKtBpmb0PM7_lezuSsK89sLhTRNc=387">EITC Assistant</a>, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.

The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2F/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/E2PBT0FAi6uBlDRM2lW4FwgWENpyhlVsbtIMvue9ZqA=387">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.

How to find the right IRS Free File product

Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.

No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.

For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:

For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.

IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/3/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/TZv2WFhXo7WL3BjvbvSdXyUsr3TEM6ezuCnJdAqFPYA=387">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software is now available for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month.Starting January 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Millions of taxpayers nationwide can access free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting IRS.gov.“The IRS remains committed to its partnership with Free File Inc. to ensure taxpayers have free and secure options for filing their taxes electronically,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Taxpayers have multiple filing choices, including trusted tax professionals, tax software, Free File, Direct File or free preparation services through IRS partners. Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns. This program continues to be a valuable resource for eligible individuals looking to file their taxes for free through this unique program.”Entering its 23rd&nbsp;filing season, IRS Free File is just one of many free options available to taxpayers for filing their tax returns, whether online or in person. This service is made possible through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. (formerly the Free File Alliance). As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these free tools, taxpayers must start from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/zi4Nriy0VyWHJqLFKKwjhwckS8oaxq70HcDH6r5tlAM=387">IRS Free File</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies offer a similar option.Taxpayers with an AGI above $84,000 can use the Free File Fillable Forms (FFFF) starting January 27. These electronic versions of IRS paper forms are ideal for individuals who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS instructions and publications.<h2>Understanding IRS Free File</h2>Each IRS Free File trusted partner establishes its own eligibility criteria based on age, income, state residency and military status.Taxpayers with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024 can find an IRS Free File product; some providers include free state tax return preparation and filing. All partners offer active-duty military personnel with an AGI of $84,000 or less in 2024, free tax preparation and filing using IRS Free File.<h2>Use IRS Free File to claim valuable tax credits if eligible</h2>IRS Free File offers a simple, no-cost way for taxpayers to claim the full amount of tax benefits for which they’re eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and other valuable credits. The EITC is available to qualified taxpayers with earned income under $66,819. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Fcredits-deductions%2Findividuals%2Fearned-income-tax-credit%2Fuse-the-eitc-assistant/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/Jpap18ccRBKlTFBhKtBpmb0PM7_lezuSsK89sLhTRNc=387">EITC Assistant</a>, available in English and seven other languages, can help taxpayers determine if they qualify.The EITC is just one of several refundable tax credits related to family and dependent care that individuals without a filing requirement may still be eligible to claim. Refundable tax credits allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if they owe no tax, or refundable credits can reduce the amount of tax owed, potentially leading to a refund. For more details on the EITC and other tax credits, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eitc.irs.gov%2F/1/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/E2PBT0FAi6uBlDRM2lW4FwgWENpyhlVsbtIMvue9ZqA=387">Earned Income Tax Credit</a>.<h2>How to find the right IRS Free File product</h2>Taxpayers are responsible for determining their eligibility for a free federal tax return from the list of trusted partners.<ol>
 <li>Go to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/2/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/XykcqQgx2Ig7fi0POacV-c_M-SLvFp3se4F80GFujjo=387">IRS.gov/freefile</a>,</li><li>Click on Explore Free Guided Tax Software button. Then select the Find a Trusted Partner tool for help in finding the right product, or</li><li>Use the Browse All Trusted Partners tool to review each offer,</li><li>Select the desired product, and</li><li>Follow the links to the trusted partner's website to begin their tax return.</li>
 </ol>No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smart phone or tablet.<h2>IRS Free File participants</h2>For 2025, the following trusted partners are participating in IRS Free File:<ul>
 <li>1040Now</li><li>Drake (1040.com)</li><li>ezTaxReturn.com</li><li>FileYourTaxes.com</li><li>On-Line Taxes</li><li>TaxAct</li><li>TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA)</li><li>TaxSlayer</li>
 </ul>For 2025, ezTaxReturn.com will provide an IRS Free File product in Spanish.IRS Free File helps taxpayers save money and file their taxes quickly and easily. For more information or to get started on a tax return today, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.irs.gov%2Ffiling%2Firs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free/3/0100019442eeb298-2f6ecb1e-4ac9-4bfb-802c-15a77fd59972-000000/TZv2WFhXo7WL3BjvbvSdXyUsr3TEM6ezuCnJdAqFPYA=387">IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free</a>.

IRS free file now open: free tax filing service available to millions

KSU has announced that all K-State campuses will return to normal operations on Jan. 8. All intersession classes, online and in person, will be held online only on Jan. 8 and 10. Instructors will contact students with any special instructions. 

Employees unable to report to work should contact their direct supervisors for guidance. Flexibility from supervisors is encouraged.  Some parking lots may not be open. The parking garage will be available at no charge until Jan. 12 to aid crews in clearing parking lots. 

Please note that parking in reserved stalls or "Future Student Parking" is still prohibited; however, the remainder of the garage is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KSU has announced that all K-State campuses will return to normal operations on Jan. 8. All intersession classes, online and in person, will be held online only on Jan. 8 and 10. Instructors will contact students with any special instructions. Employees unable to report to work should contact their direct supervisors for guidance. Flexibility from supervisors is encouraged. Some parking lots may not be open. The parking garage will be available at no charge until Jan. 12 to aid crews in clearing parking lots. Please note that parking in reserved stalls or "Future Student Parking" is still prohibited; however, the remainder of the garage is available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State campuses will return to normal operations on Thursday

The City of Manhattan posted via social media that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/publicworks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVCfrm9UqQPJ7EvcHTYC86qO9QAR0eSJDwMzqX9hxnDsWXgt-cCta-qyBkWwFU7pRtH3eEPjCY3rqt3DaAnmGJ_fBOZ73wtkdsosEiqo7s0f89Eylbc00mNV-ZPYZ75JpJGRxm-RAGfMsdUz4k9ep301C7BKMQJLyrylhNYtWjoEtvOL7rc8eeIkJPY_ZyVp4s&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#PublicWorks</a> crews completed an initial pass through all residential neighborhoods with snow plows Tuesday night. If you think your street may have been missed as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, please call (785) 587-4540 or use our Report It app at <a href="https://cityofmhk.com/2347/Report-It?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2L1TYEqhk_bfv9l29mhnnLc2M8r1TU4LGWWcSp6OkPjnzplEZcyDI3WJc_aem_cGyIivRFo4zjduw2ZaQd_w" target="_blank">https://cityofmhk.com/2347/Report-It</a>.

Early Wednesday morning, crews doubled back and began treating primary routes with brine solution to accelerate melting with slightly warmer temperatures expected as we get closer to the weekend. They have already finished Poyntz, Fort Riley Boulevard, Kimball, Anderson/Bluemont, Aggieville, and McCall Road Wednesday and will work to finish the rest of the primaries by late Wednesday night. They also will be working to push snow piles closer to curbs and clearing snow where abandoned vehicles may have prevented initial plowing. 

Please continue to use caution when driving and slow down, especially near snow plows. Overnight, crews will focus on several cul-de-sacs that had significant snow drifts as well as clearing snow piles from key intersections. They will then work to treat residential neighborhoods with brine as well to help with melting.

Sometime in the next few days, the City will wind down 24-hour operations and return to normal working hours, but rest assured they are not done with storm response! Final cleanup will continue for some time, especially in residential areas where large snow piles may need to be removed with heavy equipment over the next week or so.&nbsp;

The City of Manhattan posted via social media that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/publicworks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVCfrm9UqQPJ7EvcHTYC86qO9QAR0eSJDwMzqX9hxnDsWXgt-cCta-qyBkWwFU7pRtH3eEPjCY3rqt3DaAnmGJ_fBOZ73wtkdsosEiqo7s0f89Eylbc00mNV-ZPYZ75JpJGRxm-RAGfMsdUz4k9ep301C7BKMQJLyrylhNYtWjoEtvOL7rc8eeIkJPY_ZyVp4s&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#PublicWorks</a> crews completed an initial pass through all residential neighborhoods with snow plows Tuesday night. If you think your street may have been missed as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, please call (785) 587-4540 or use our Report It app at <a href="https://cityofmhk.com/2347/Report-It?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2L1TYEqhk_bfv9l29mhnnLc2M8r1TU4LGWWcSp6OkPjnzplEZcyDI3WJc_aem_cGyIivRFo4zjduw2ZaQd_w" target="_blank">https://cityofmhk.com/2347/Report-It</a>.Early Wednesday morning, crews doubled back and began treating primary routes with brine solution to accelerate melting with slightly warmer temperatures expected as we get closer to the weekend. They have already finished Poyntz, Fort Riley Boulevard, Kimball, Anderson/Bluemont, Aggieville, and McCall Road Wednesday and will work to finish the rest of the primaries by late Wednesday night. They also will be working to push snow piles closer to curbs and clearing snow where abandoned vehicles may have prevented initial plowing. Please continue to use caution when driving and slow down, especially near snow plows. Overnight, crews will focus on several cul-de-sacs that had significant snow drifts as well as clearing snow piles from key intersections. They will then work to treat residential neighborhoods with brine as well to help with melting.Sometime in the next few days, the City will wind down 24-hour operations and return to normal working hours, but rest assured they are not done with storm response! Final cleanup will continue for some time, especially in residential areas where large snow piles may need to be removed with heavy equipment over the next week or so.&nbsp;

Manhattan Public Works crews work in residential neighborhoods

--Manhattan - Ogden will operate on a two-hour delay

--Geary USD 475 school is cancelled along with all activities and athletics. The Mary Devin Center Larry Dixon Center will be open at 9 a.m.

--USD 320 Wamego schools will be closed Thursday

--USD 378 Riley County delayed Thursday 2 hours

--USD 384 Blue Valley delayed Thursday 2 hours

--USD 487 Herington delayed Thursday 2 hours

--USD 435 Abilene will operate on a two-hour delay Thursday

--USD 329 Wabaunsee will operate on a two-hour delay. Buses will be run on main roads only.

---- St. Francis Xavier School in Junction City will run a 2 hour delay Thursday, January 9th. Doors will open at 9:50 am and school will begin at 10:20 am.

--Manhattan - Ogden will operate on a two-hour delay--Geary USD 475 school is cancelled along with all activities and athletics. The Mary Devin Center Larry Dixon Center will be open at 9 a.m.--USD 320 Wamego schools will be closed Thursday--USD 378 Riley County delayed Thursday 2 hours--USD 384 Blue Valley delayed Thursday 2 hours--USD 487 Herington delayed Thursday 2 hours--USD 435 Abilene will operate on a two-hour delay Thursday--USD 329 Wabaunsee will operate on a two-hour delay. Buses will be run on main roads only.---- St. Francis Xavier School in Junction City will run a 2 hour delay Thursday, January 9th. Doors will open at 9:50 am and school will begin at 10:20 am.--Chapman USD 473 schools cancelled.

Postponements and cancellations for Thursday Jan. 9

Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 will have school Thursday, but will be on a 2 hour delay.

Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 will have school Thursday, but will be on a 2 hour delay.The District stated:<ol>
 <li>School begins 2 hours later than normal.</li><li>Middle and high schools: School day begins at 9:40 a.m. (instead of 7:40 a.m.)</li><li>Elementary schools: School day begins at 10:45 a.m. (instead of 8:45 a.m.)</li><li>Early Learning: Morning session will be canceled. Afternoon session will continue as normal. If students are there for full day sessions, the start time will be 10:40 a.m.</li><li>No breakfast will be served.</li><li>Boys and Girls Club will not be open for before school care at elementary school sites.</li><li>Lunch will be served.</li><li>Bus routes will begin 2 hours later than normal.</li>
 </ol>

Two-hour late start Thursday for Manhattan-Ogden USD 383

Thursday, January 9 has been designated a National Day of Mourning out of respect for the passing of former President James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. 

The 1st Infantry Division has announced that government offices will be closed and services on Fort Riley will be limited. Parker Access Control Point will be closed.12th Street commercial access will remain open. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision?__cft__[0]=AZU6EXuU6A7_fOBUED9RDT7WMXT337oC1nE4-LUkK5zu18TriU4lFLzLQ0rysVcr5wsuFpUeH24pPqNLhk95R4GkWkEo6AgynRW0DHvn2lU2MXtA51oH3icynbtFMIe4xIYN2gtI_xEwijmii80zXpJQAnNc3vfMG7BSpge_VnMgjn4vI5nTl2hHHeffC7LQOJg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">1st Infantry Division</a>

Thursday, January 9 has been designated a National Day of Mourning out of respect for the passing of former President James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. The 1st Infantry Division has announced that government offices will be closed and services on Fort Riley will be limited. Parker Access Control Point will be closed.12th Street commercial access will remain open. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision?__cft__[0]=AZU6EXuU6A7_fOBUED9RDT7WMXT337oC1nE4-LUkK5zu18TriU4lFLzLQ0rysVcr5wsuFpUeH24pPqNLhk95R4GkWkEo6AgynRW0DHvn2lU2MXtA51oH3icynbtFMIe4xIYN2gtI_xEwijmii80zXpJQAnNc3vfMG7BSpge_VnMgjn4vI5nTl2hHHeffC7LQOJg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">1st Infantry Division</a>

Fort Riley will observe the National Day of Mourning

i-70 westbound reopened at Carlson Road west of Topeka

The Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened all westbound lanes of I-70 at Carlson Road west of Topeka.

The area had previously been closed due to a crash involving a semitruck early Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

For the latest on road closures and conditions visit kandrive.gov or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed westbound I-70 at Carlson Road west of Topeka due to a crash involving a semi-truck early Wednesday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Westbound traffic is being detoured at Carlson Road. Drivers can exit at Carlson Road and follow U.S. 24 to K-99 in Wamego. The closure and detour are expected to remain in place for several hours while crews work to clear the crash and treat the icy roadway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736356096917.png" alt="Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wabaunsee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:i-70 westbound reopened at Carlson Road west of TopekaThe Kansas Department of Transportation has reopened all westbound lanes of I-70 at Carlson Road west of Topeka.The area had previously been closed due to a crash involving a semitruck early Wednesday morning.&nbsp;For the latest on road closures and conditions visit kandrive.gov or call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas.---The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed westbound I-70 at Carlson Road west of Topeka due to a crash involving a semi-truck early Wednesday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Westbound traffic is being detoured at Carlson Road. Drivers can exit at Carlson Road and follow U.S. 24 to K-99 in Wamego. The closure and detour are expected to remain in place for several hours while crews work to clear the crash and treat the icy roadway.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I-70 westbound closed at Carlson Road west of Topeka due to semi crash

Manhattan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/publicworks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVYp9qmluwo5JZjgGVVzfcYZrUs1mBxTDkQYe-Ow6TqxPeXRjTPvI09ZGQEWOeJSRL9CF6dgOqnb4BgkkxvuKz7bT-qohQ78e64wZSvMDU80ouaJ-w-vqlO8glAo2SQEFZuRe4JKecRrUsFKTGBDINq2kJJq876yQOzQL9cTtmsJIXTsKK2OltaCMdKtY8N1O9fW45YRPiKUBPLAh-Qxmu3Dnei5XnQueYrE6wB-jfOiQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#PublicWorks</a> crews have cleared an initial path through the city's residential streets.Hopefully having open streets allows for additional snow removal around your house or neighborhood to continue. Our plows should not be adding any additional snow onto the sidewalks going forward.

&nbsp;As of Tuesday night the City of Manhattan said roughly 40% of residential areas in town have been plowed. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/publicworks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">PublicWorks</a> crews are still working in the Amherst/Miller Park and Grand Mere/Colbert Hills areas, but they are both about 75% completed.

The following City facilities plan to reopen to the public on Wednesday, January 8 (normal hours unless otherwise noted):• City Hall (Customer Service desk)• <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flinthillsdiscovery?__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Flint Hills Discovery Center</a>• Anthony and Eisenhower Recreation Centers• <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DouglassCenterMHK?__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Douglass Activity Center</a>• Risk Reduction (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/manhattanfiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Manhattan Fire Department</a> HQ Fire Station)&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPDATE:Manhattan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/publicworks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVYp9qmluwo5JZjgGVVzfcYZrUs1mBxTDkQYe-Ow6TqxPeXRjTPvI09ZGQEWOeJSRL9CF6dgOqnb4BgkkxvuKz7bT-qohQ78e64wZSvMDU80ouaJ-w-vqlO8glAo2SQEFZuRe4JKecRrUsFKTGBDINq2kJJq876yQOzQL9cTtmsJIXTsKK2OltaCMdKtY8N1O9fW45YRPiKUBPLAh-Qxmu3Dnei5XnQueYrE6wB-jfOiQ&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#PublicWorks</a> crews have cleared an initial path through the city's residential streets.Hopefully having open streets allows for additional snow removal around your house or neighborhood to continue. Our plows should not be adding any additional snow onto the sidewalks going forward.---&nbsp;As of Tuesday night the City of Manhattan said roughly 40% of residential areas in town have been plowed. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/publicworks?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">PublicWorks</a> crews are still working in the Amherst/Miller Park and Grand Mere/Colbert Hills areas, but they are both about 75% completed. The following City facilities plan to reopen to the public on Wednesday, January 8 (normal hours unless otherwise noted):• City Hall (Customer Service desk)• <a href="https://www.facebook.com/flinthillsdiscovery?__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Flint Hills Discovery Center</a>• Anthony and Eisenhower Recreation Centers• <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DouglassCenterMHK?__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Douglass Activity Center</a>• Risk Reduction (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/manhattanfiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZVgrGnj4XNjqG3tR1Z_OrTiVkMTqqKI5w17yJQLkz89PH7G2FxXUIf5fMBwK0e_TnVv5NoS7jeG3kEclnOS247CUhcLwuB1HCjo7nNrkfhKqw__cY7SucR0ywzl15kzdMI4XTDbjXfQb3-Lkdowtpk4r7cxd7J6jx3Ab3HnZ7MR8hPYxqQtBxtgeY9i0c2MDHU&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Manhattan Fire Department</a> HQ Fire Station)&nbsp;&nbsp;

City works to reopen roads and facilities

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

A vehicle driven by 32-year-old Roxanne Brown was traveling on Tuttle Creek Boulevard at mile marker 306, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. She lost control of the vehicle on the ice.

EMS transported her to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details including the type of vehicle, hometown of the driver and if she was wearing a seat belt.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Tuesday in Riley County.A vehicle driven by 32-year-old Roxanne Brown was traveling on Tuttle Creek Boulevard at mile marker 306, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. She lost control of the vehicle on the ice.EMS transported her to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details including the type of vehicle, hometown of the driver and if she was wearing a seat belt.

Woman hospitalized after Riley County crash on the ice

By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/03/kansas-lawmakers-could-consider-medical-marijuana-in-2025/">The Beacon</a>

Kansas lawmakers are likely going to act on medical marijuana in the 2025 session. Maybe.&nbsp;

Medical marijuana is becoming a perennial debate in Topeka, and it’s annually unclear how likely it is for a bill to pass.&nbsp;

“I have sat through, I don’t know, three interim committee meetings,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, at an interim committee on medical marijuana. “We keep rehashing this information. We keep hearing the same debunked theories over and over.”

That was in October. Holscher made a motion for the committee to support the passage of medical marijuana. The committee — made up of Senate and House members, Republicans and Democrats — rejected that motion.&nbsp;

“I just feel like we keep circling here by doing interim committees and never really moving forward on the issue,” Holscher said in October.&nbsp;

Instead, they made a motion to schedule another meeting in January to again debate medical marijuana.&nbsp;

That would imply that medical marijuana is of interest to lawmakers in 2025. But Kansas legislators have debated medical cannabis during the session or in a special committee in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Yet weed is still illegal.&nbsp;

What has the Legislature already done?&nbsp;

The Kansas House first approved a medical marijuana plan in 2021. It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://klrd.gov/publications/medical-marijuana/#:~:text=Legislation%20that%20would%20legalize%20medical,out%20of%20the%20Kansas%20House.&amp;text=Medical%20Use.">historic vote</a>.&nbsp;

It was the first time the chamber ever gave medical marijuana a floor vote, and it passed 79-42. Republicans and Democrats had mostly come together on an issue to pass it and send the proposal to the Senate.&nbsp;

It’s the Senate where all the issues remain.&nbsp;

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, wants a limited program to avoid the pitfalls other states have seen.&nbsp;

“I have consistently maintained that this is a serious topic,”<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/15/medical-weed-could-be-coming-to-kansas-why-has-it-failed-before/">&nbsp;Masterson previously told The Beacon</a>, “which requires due diligence to determine if a better model is possible that achieves the goal of delivering real medicine while avoiding the myriad problems those other states have experienced.”&nbsp;

Take Oklahoma, for example. The state passed its medical marijuana program through a ballot initiative. It was the public who approved the measure and brought medical weed to the state. That meant lawmakers have been passing laws to regulate the industry on the fly.&nbsp;

Some conservatives say Oklahoma has an industry so unregulated that it has essentially become a recreational weed program with a thriving black market. Masterson has no desire for Kansas to go down that path.&nbsp;

Lawmakers did have a medical marijuana proposal in 2024, but the program was so strict that it scared away longtime advocates.&nbsp;

Support doesn’t fall along partisan lines.&nbsp;

It mostly does, but a swatch of Republicans support a medical marijuana proposal. There is also a chunk of lawmakers unsure about the idea.&nbsp;

Last session, the medical marijuana bill was stalling out. So a group of senators tried to force a vote on the issue. They needed 24 out of 40 senators to bring the bill up for a vote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240426102652_311430/">They got 12</a>. Of the 12 senators, 10 were Democrats and two were Republicans. Both those Republicans didn’t run for reelection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conservatives generally oppose the bill. Republicans control the House and Senate, and Republican leadership could likely pass a medical cannabis bill whenever it desires. Yet the idea has stalled.&nbsp;

Law enforcement is also wary of medical marijuana.&nbsp;

“You drive by Blackwell, Oklahoma, and you get hit with that odor,” Kechi Chief of Police Braden Moore told lawmakers in October. “That’s a quality of life thing. … I don’t want that in my home state, too.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736267264686.png" alt="Kansas lawmakers might take another crack at legalizing medical marijuana. The state Senate has been the roadblock to passage for years. File photo/The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers might take another crack at legalizing medical marijuana. The state Senate has been the roadblock to passage for years. File photo/The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/author/blaise-mesa/">BLAISE MESA</a> <a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/01/03/kansas-lawmakers-could-consider-medical-marijuana-in-2025/">The Beacon</a>Kansas lawmakers are likely going to act on medical marijuana in the 2025 session. Maybe.&nbsp;Medical marijuana is becoming a perennial debate in Topeka, and it’s annually unclear how likely it is for a bill to pass.&nbsp;“I have sat through, I don’t know, three interim committee meetings,” said Sen. Cindy Holscher, an Overland Park Democrat, at an interim committee on medical marijuana. “We keep rehashing this information. We keep hearing the same debunked theories over and over.”That was in October. Holscher made a motion for the committee to support the passage of medical marijuana. The committee — made up of Senate and House members, Republicans and Democrats — rejected that motion.&nbsp;“I just feel like we keep circling here by doing interim committees and never really moving forward on the issue,” Holscher said in October.&nbsp;Instead, they made a motion to schedule another meeting in January to again debate medical marijuana.&nbsp;That would imply that medical marijuana is of interest to lawmakers in 2025. But Kansas legislators have debated medical cannabis during the session or in a special committee in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Yet weed is still illegal.&nbsp;<h2>What has the Legislature already done?&nbsp;</h2>The Kansas House first approved a medical marijuana plan in 2021. It was a&nbsp;<a href="https://klrd.gov/publications/medical-marijuana/#:~:text=Legislation%20that%20would%20legalize%20medical,out%20of%20the%20Kansas%20House.&amp;text=Medical%20Use.">historic vote</a>.&nbsp;It was the first time the chamber ever gave medical marijuana a floor vote, and it passed 79-42. Republicans and Democrats had mostly come together on an issue to pass it and send the proposal to the Senate.&nbsp;It’s the Senate where all the issues remain.&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, wants a limited program to avoid the pitfalls other states have seen.&nbsp;“I have consistently maintained that this is a serious topic,”<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2024/03/15/medical-weed-could-be-coming-to-kansas-why-has-it-failed-before/">&nbsp;Masterson previously told The Beacon</a>, “which requires due diligence to determine if a better model is possible that achieves the goal of delivering real medicine while avoiding the myriad problems those other states have experienced.”&nbsp;Take Oklahoma, for example. The state passed its medical marijuana program through a ballot initiative. It was the public who approved the measure and brought medical weed to the state. That meant lawmakers have been passing laws to regulate the industry on the fly.&nbsp;Some conservatives say Oklahoma has an industry so unregulated that it has essentially become a recreational weed program with a thriving black market. Masterson has no desire for Kansas to go down that path.&nbsp;Lawmakers did have a medical marijuana proposal in 2024, but the program was so strict that it scared away longtime advocates.&nbsp;<h2>Who supports the proposal?&nbsp;</h2>Support doesn’t fall along partisan lines.&nbsp;It mostly does, but a swatch of Republicans support a medical marijuana proposal. There is also a chunk of lawmakers unsure about the idea.&nbsp;Last session, the medical marijuana bill was stalling out. So a group of senators tried to force a vote on the issue. They needed 24 out of 40 senators to bring the bill up for a vote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240426102652_311430/">They got 12</a>. Of the 12 senators, 10 were Democrats and two were Republicans. Both those Republicans didn’t run for reelection.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Who opposes the proposal?&nbsp;</h2>Conservatives generally oppose the bill. Republicans control the House and Senate, and Republican leadership could likely pass a medical cannabis bill whenever it desires. Yet the idea has stalled.&nbsp;Law enforcement is also wary of medical marijuana.&nbsp;“You drive by Blackwell, Oklahoma, and you get hit with that odor,” Kechi Chief of Police Braden Moore told lawmakers in October. “That’s a quality of life thing. … I don’t want that in my home state, too.”

Kansas lawmakers consider medical weed again. Is the fifth time the charm?

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/frank-morris">FRANK MORRIS</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-06/mass-deportations-could-cripple-kansas-meat-economy-it-would-be-a-ghost-town">KCUR</a>

The price of beef is at all-time highs, but a major policy initiative of the incoming Trump Administration could drive them higher. In an industry that's already strapped for workers, mass deportations could put some ranchers and feedlots out of business.

Raising cattle is tough. Nearly every day, Kansas ranchers and feedlot operators have to wrestle with drought, disease or blizzards. But the biggest problem is labor — the industry is chronically short-handed. That is especially true in southwest Kansas.

“If the immigrants weren't there to help out, there wouldn't be an operation functional in any of those places,” said Micheal Feltman, an immigration attorney in Cimarron, Kansas, just west of Dodge City.

Feltman helps the feedlots and mega dairy farms near there find workers. He said people funneling into southwest Kansas, from at least 40 countries, are the lifeblood of the beef industry and the regional economy.

Close to half the people who process meat in the U.S. were born someplace else, and immigrants do much of the work feeding and tending animals. Most of these workers are here legally, but a significant percentage aren’t, and documented immigrants often support close family members living with them illegally.

That’s why President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of a sweeping crackdown on immigration, sealing the border, and deporting 11 million people have many people in the meat industry worried.

Mass deportations would trigger a cascade of hardships across the chronically short-staffed meat industry, Feltman said. Processing plants would slow down, causing meat shortages that economists worry would drive consumer prices to record highs. Farmers would find themselves with more livestock than they could sell or care for, and the value of their animals would plummet.

“If every immigrant … over the last 20 years disappeared immediately, it would be a ghost town,” Feltman said. “I don't know how the businesses would survive.”

For one recent Haitian immigrant, who said she was afraid to divulge her name because she fled hunger and horrific violence at home, the stakes seem like life and death. The woman and her 4-year-old daughter made their way to Garden City three months ago. They’re here on temporary humanitarian parole. That gives her two years to apply for asylum.

She’s still waiting to be granted a work permit, but said she’d be willing to do any kind of labor, including the dangerous, uncomfortable, smelly jobs at the Tyson packing plant on the outskirts of town. Through an interpreter, she said she’s following the letter of the law to stay in the U.S., and has an appointment for a screening that should clear the way for her work visa, and financial independence.

“It will bring me a lot of joy,” she said. “Because I have a kid to take care of, I have myself, and if I could invest in the country, it would bring me a lot of joy.”

Given Trump’s rhetoric during the election and since, she now fears she’ll be sent back to the violent chaos in Haiti instead of joining a workforce that badly needs her.

“It’s not safe. The gangs are killing people,” she said.

Despite hefty pay hikes for meat processing workers in recent years, the industry cannot hire people fast enough. In places like southwest Kansas, employers say there aren’t nearly enough native-born people willing to show up reliably and do the hard, dirty work necessary in the meat industry.

The complicated immigration system doesn’t allow in enough legal immigrants to make up the difference, so some companies turn to undocumented workers to get by.

University of Arkansas economist Jada Thompson said mass deportations would exacerbate the problem, sending shockwaves up and down the meat supply chain. For one thing, deporting meat-packing workers would slow down the plants, triggering shortages.

“I think we're going to see higher prices (for) the retail (customer),” said Thompson.

But farmers wouldn’t see any gains from soaring retail prices, she said, because there would be too many animals in the system for the meat processors to use, a glut building daily as more pigs and cows mature.

“I think you'll end up eventually seeing lower prices (for) farmers,” said Thompson, “because it will eventually be oversupply because, effectively, they just can't harvest that many animals.”

Thompson said the same thing happened a few years ago, but it wasn’t an immigration crackdown causing the labor shortage — it was the COVID pandemic.

“And what happened in that supply chain?” Thompson asked. “It backed it up. Prices went up. All of a sudden, you had people with pigs and cows that could not go to market because there was nowhere for them to be slaughtered.”

Those animals still had to be fed, and they still needed space to live in, but nobody wanted to buy them for meat, meaning farmers were spending extra money every day to keep more pigs and cows alive. Eventually, some farmers had to cut their losses, shoot their livestock and bury it. Everybody loses.

Kansas State University economist Glynn Tonsor said losses like those would spread broadly through southwest Kansas towns that depend on big feedlots, dairies and packing houses.

“They very often are one of the largest employers and local tax generators, so there's relevant implications for funding of schools, funding of libraries, funding of anything you want to talk about that's publicly funded in local areas,” said Tonsor.

It’s not clear yet how Trump administration deportations will work, if they happen at all, but Kansas Livestock Association CEO Matt Teagarden hopes they move slowly, and that they somehow shield the immigrant-dependent meat industry.

Teagarden said he believes border security should be tightened, but he’d like the system of granting work visas streamlined, not shackled. It’s either import people or import food.

“One of the alternatives is our food production goes overseas or moves outside the country,” said Teagarden. “If we don't have an adequate workforce, can't produce the food that we all want each day, each week, each month, that food production will go elsewhere.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736268185597.png" alt="Nearly half the people processing meat in the United States were born in another country, and the industry struggles consistently to find enough labor. U.S. Government Accountability Office/Wikipedia" />
 <figcaption>Nearly half the people processing meat in the United States were born in another country, and the industry struggles consistently to find enough labor. U.S. Government Accountability Office/Wikipedia</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/people/frank-morris">FRANK MORRIS</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-06/mass-deportations-could-cripple-kansas-meat-economy-it-would-be-a-ghost-town">KCUR</a><h2>The price of beef is at all-time highs, but a major policy initiative of the incoming Trump Administration could drive them higher. In an industry that's already strapped for workers, mass deportations could put some ranchers and feedlots out of business.</h2>Raising cattle is tough. Nearly every day, Kansas ranchers and feedlot operators have to wrestle with drought, disease or blizzards. But the biggest problem is labor — the industry is chronically short-handed. That is especially true in southwest Kansas.“If the immigrants weren't there to help out, there wouldn't be an operation functional in any of those places,” said Micheal Feltman, an immigration attorney in Cimarron, Kansas, just west of Dodge City.Feltman helps the feedlots and mega dairy farms near there find workers. He said people funneling into southwest Kansas, from at least 40 countries, are the lifeblood of the beef industry and the regional economy.Close to half the people who process meat in the U.S. were born someplace else, and immigrants do much of the work feeding and tending animals. Most of these workers are here legally, but a significant percentage aren’t, and documented immigrants often support close family members living with them illegally.That’s why President-elect Donald Trump’s promises of a sweeping crackdown on immigration, sealing the border, and deporting 11 million people have many people in the meat industry worried.Mass deportations would trigger a cascade of hardships across the chronically short-staffed meat industry, Feltman said. Processing plants would slow down, causing meat shortages that economists worry would drive consumer prices to record highs. Farmers would find themselves with more livestock than they could sell or care for, and the value of their animals would plummet.“If every immigrant … over the last 20 years disappeared immediately, it would be a ghost town,” Feltman said. “I don't know how the businesses would survive.”<h2>The beef industry runs on imported labor</h2>For one recent Haitian immigrant, who said she was afraid to divulge her name because she fled hunger and horrific violence at home, the stakes seem like life and death. The woman and her 4-year-old daughter made their way to Garden City three months ago. They’re here on temporary humanitarian parole. That gives her two years to apply for asylum.She’s still waiting to be granted a work permit, but said she’d be willing to do any kind of labor, including the dangerous, uncomfortable, smelly jobs at the Tyson packing plant on the outskirts of town. Through an interpreter, she said she’s following the letter of the law to stay in the U.S., and has an appointment for a screening that should clear the way for her work visa, and financial independence.“It will bring me a lot of joy,” she said. “Because I have a kid to take care of, I have myself, and if I could invest in the country, it would bring me a lot of joy.”Given Trump’s rhetoric during the election and since, she now fears she’ll be sent back to the violent chaos in Haiti instead of joining a workforce that badly needs her.“It’s not safe. The gangs are killing people,” she said.Despite hefty pay hikes for meat processing workers in recent years, the industry cannot hire people fast enough. In places like southwest Kansas, employers say there aren’t nearly enough native-born people willing to show up reliably and do the hard, dirty work necessary in the meat industry.The complicated immigration system doesn’t allow in enough legal immigrants to make up the difference, so some companies turn to undocumented workers to get by.University of Arkansas economist Jada Thompson said mass deportations would exacerbate the problem, sending shockwaves up and down the meat supply chain. For one thing, deporting meat-packing workers would slow down the plants, triggering shortages.“I think we're going to see higher prices (for) the retail (customer),” said Thompson.But farmers wouldn’t see any gains from soaring retail prices, she said, because there would be too many animals in the system for the meat processors to use, a glut building daily as more pigs and cows mature.“I think you'll end up eventually seeing lower prices (for) farmers,” said Thompson, “because it will eventually be oversupply because, effectively, they just can't harvest that many animals.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/1/1736267973702.png" alt="Feedlots increasingly turn to immigrants, legal or otherwise, willing to do the hard, often uncomfortable work of caring for large animals. File photo/KCUR" />
 <figcaption>Feedlots increasingly turn to immigrants, legal or otherwise, willing to do the hard, often uncomfortable work of caring for large animals. File photo/KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>Thompson said the same thing happened a few years ago, but it wasn’t an immigration crackdown causing the labor shortage — it was the COVID pandemic.“And what happened in that supply chain?” Thompson asked. “It backed it up. Prices went up. All of a sudden, you had people with pigs and cows that could not go to market because there was nowhere for them to be slaughtered.”Those animals still had to be fed, and they still needed space to live in, but nobody wanted to buy them for meat, meaning farmers were spending extra money every day to keep more pigs and cows alive. Eventually, some farmers had to cut their losses, shoot their livestock and bury it. Everybody loses.Kansas State University economist Glynn Tonsor said losses like those would spread broadly through southwest Kansas towns that depend on big feedlots, dairies and packing houses.“They very often are one of the largest employers and local tax generators, so there's relevant implications for funding of schools, funding of libraries, funding of anything you want to talk about that's publicly funded in local areas,” said Tonsor.It’s not clear yet how Trump administration deportations will work, if they happen at all, but Kansas Livestock Association CEO Matt Teagarden hopes they move slowly, and that they somehow shield the immigrant-dependent meat industry.Teagarden said he believes border security should be tightened, but he’d like the system of granting work visas streamlined, not shackled. It’s either import people or import food.“One of the alternatives is our food production goes overseas or moves outside the country,” said Teagarden. “If we don't have an adequate workforce, can't produce the food that we all want each day, each week, each month, that food production will go elsewhere.”

Mass deportations could endanger Kansas’ meat economy: ‘It would be a ghost town’

KSU said all&nbsp;K-State campuses will return to normal operations on Jan. 8. All intersession classes, online and in person,&nbsp;will be held online only on Jan. 8 and 10. Instructors will contact students with any special instructions.&nbsp;More information is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/update">k-state.edu/update</a>.

KSU said all&nbsp;K-State campuses will return to normal operations on Jan. 8. All intersession classes, online and in person,&nbsp;will be held online only on Jan. 8 and 10. Instructors will contact students with any special instructions.&nbsp;More information is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/update">k-state.edu/update</a>.

K-State returns to normal operations on Wednesday

Konza Prairie Community Health Center clinics (Junction City &amp; Manhattan) will open for patient care on Wednesday, January 8 at Noon.

Please be patient, since they will be operating with a limited number of staff who are able to make it to the clinics. &nbsp;

Please be safe – give yourself extra time to arrive safely. If you cannot make it to your appointment,&nbsp;please contact your care team after the clinic opens&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mycw93.ecwcloud.com/portal12468/jsp/100mp/login_otp.jsp">patient portal</a>&nbsp;to reschedule your appointment.&nbsp;

If you had an in-person appointment scheduled for January 6, January 7, or January 8 before Noon:&nbsp; They are working to reschedule all affected patients in a timely manner.

Your care team will reach out to reschedule your appointment. &nbsp;

Konza Prairie Community Health Center clinics (Junction City &amp; Manhattan) will open for patient care on Wednesday, January 8 at Noon.Please be patient, since they will be operating with a limited number of staff who are able to make it to the clinics. &nbsp;Please be safe – give yourself extra time to arrive safely. If you cannot make it to your appointment,&nbsp;please contact your care team after the clinic opens&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mycw93.ecwcloud.com/portal12468/jsp/100mp/login_otp.jsp">patient portal</a>&nbsp;to reschedule your appointment.&nbsp;If you had an in-person appointment scheduled for January 6, January 7, or January 8 before Noon:&nbsp; They are working to reschedule all affected patients in a timely manner.Your care team will reach out to reschedule your appointment. &nbsp;

Konza Prairie Community Health Center Wednesday details

The Army said Fort Riley will operate with a 9 a.m. start time on Jan. 8. Military personnel and civilian employees can verify report times with supervisors.

Irwin Army Community Hospital will resume normal operations. Patients with scheduled appointments may reschedule as needed by calling 785-239-3627. Dental clinics will also resume normal operations.

Child Development Centers and the school-age center will open at 8 a.m. In addition to the Henry, Ogden, and Grant access control points, the 12th Steet and Parker gates will reopen.

The Army said Fort Riley will operate with a 9 a.m. start time on Jan. 8. Military personnel and civilian employees can verify report times with supervisors.Irwin Army Community Hospital will resume normal operations. Patients with scheduled appointments may reschedule as needed by calling 785-239-3627. Dental clinics will also resume normal operations.Child Development Centers and the school-age center will open at 8 a.m. In addition to the Henry, Ogden, and Grant access control points, the 12th Steet and Parker gates will reopen.

Fort Riley Adjusts Work Schedules for Wednesday

--Fort Riley will operate with a 9 a.m. start time on Jan. 8. Military personnel and civilian employees can verify report times with supervisors.

Irwin Army Community Hospital will resume normal operations.&nbsp; Dental clinics will also resume normal operations.

Child Development Centers and the school-age center will open at 8 a.m.

--Konza Prairie Community Health Center clinics (Junction City &amp; Manhattan) will open for patient care on Wednesday, January 8 at Noon.

&nbsp;-- USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools are closed on Wednesday.

-- Manhattan Catholic School will be closed on Wednesday.

--Abilene USD 435 will be closed Wednesday

-- St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Junction City is closed for Wednesday.

--Chapman USD 473 schools cancelled for Wednesday.

--USD 38 Blue Valley school cancelled for Wednesday

--Fort Riley will operate with a 9 a.m. start time on Jan. 8. Military personnel and civilian employees can verify report times with supervisors.Irwin Army Community Hospital will resume normal operations.&nbsp; Dental clinics will also resume normal operations.Child Development Centers and the school-age center will open at 8 a.m.--Konza Prairie Community Health Center clinics (Junction City &amp; Manhattan) will open for patient care on Wednesday, January 8 at Noon.--Flint Hills aTa Bus closed Wednesday&nbsp;-- USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools are closed on Wednesday.-- Manhattan Catholic School will be closed on Wednesday.--Geary USD 475 schools will be closed.--USD 320 Wamego closed--Flint Hills Christian School closed--USD 378 Riley County closed--Abilene USD 435 will be closed Wednesday-- St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Junction City is closed for Wednesday.--Chapman USD 473 schools cancelled for Wednesday.--USD 329 Wabaunsee schools closed--USD 323 Rock Creek closed Wednesday--USD 38 Blue Valley school cancelled for Wednesday--USD 481 closed Wednesday

Postponements and cancellations for Wednesday Jan. 8

Manhattan crews continue snow removal work in all five neighborhood cleanup zones and represents a cross-section of the entire community, including but not limited to Highland Ridge, 3rd Street north, Northview, Dix Addition, and the Ward districts. Contractors will be helping to clear alleys and alley approaches in areas once snow plows have finished.

Residents should be aware that plowing on their streets could put snow back in areas they have already cleared. The City apologized for any inconvenience, but our priority must be getting all public streets reopened to through traffic. If possible, please remove vehicles from the street prior to snow plows’ arrival.

They ask that homeowners and business owners assist in this effort by not pushing their snow back onto the street out of their driveways or parking lots after clearing occurs in their areas.

Manhattan crews continue snow removal work in all five neighborhood cleanup zones and represents a cross-section of the entire community, including but not limited to Highland Ridge, 3rd Street north, Northview, Dix Addition, and the Ward districts. Contractors will be helping to clear alleys and alley approaches in areas once snow plows have finished.Residents should be aware that plowing on their streets could put snow back in areas they have already cleared. The City apologized for any inconvenience, but our priority must be getting all public streets reopened to through traffic. If possible, please remove vehicles from the street prior to snow plows’ arrival.They ask that homeowners and business owners assist in this effort by not pushing their snow back onto the street out of their driveways or parking lots after clearing occurs in their areas.

City of Manhattan snow removal efforts proceed

The City of Manhattan has announced that the City Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday night has been canceled and any business on the agenda will be advanced to a special meeting on January 14.

The City of Manhattan has announced that the City Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday night has been canceled and any business on the agenda will be advanced to a special meeting on January 14.

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