TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.

The unemployment rate in Riley County is up from 2.5 percent in April to 3 percent in May. The rate in Geary County is also up from from 3.7 to 4.3&nbsp; &nbsp;percent. The rate in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties is also up slightly.

Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.

“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”

Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.

<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718981035315.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. – Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 2.9% in May. This is an increase from 2.8% in April and an increase from 2.6% in May 2023, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 100 from April.The unemployment rate in Riley County is up from 2.5 percent in April to 3 percent in May. The rate in Geary County is also up from from 3.7 to 4.3&nbsp; &nbsp;percent. The rate in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties is also up slightly.Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 300 over the month, while government increased by 400.“Preliminary estimates for May indicate little change over the month,” said labor economist, Emilie Doerksen. “Total nonfarm job estimates increased by 100, the unemployment rate edged up to 2.9%, and the labor force participation rate held steady at 66.1%.”Since May 2023 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 24,000. This change is due to an increase of 18,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 5,300 government jobs.<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/vosnet/gsipub/documentView.aspx?enc=O+qpCkhjA+v3dzYVbAEMjQ==">Click here for the</a>&nbsp;complete Kansas labor market information for May.

Jobless rate up in Riley County, across the region

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

ST. GEORGE - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Rampage-Academy/100085141899345/">Rampage Academy</a> opened off Highway 24 at Legion Lane in St. George, after owners, Travis Kraft and Ben Meyer realized youth athletes needed more options for indoor practice and training facilities.

Travis and Ben sat down to talk about <a href="https://www.rampage-academy.com/">Rampage Academy</a> and what they offer, the full interview can be heard here:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718998564982.jpeg" alt="picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostST. GEORGE - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Rampage-Academy/100085141899345/">Rampage Academy</a> opened off Highway 24 at Legion Lane in St. George, after owners, Travis Kraft and Ben Meyer realized youth athletes needed more options for indoor practice and training facilities.Travis and Ben sat down to talk about <a href="https://www.rampage-academy.com/">Rampage Academy</a> and what they offer, the full interview can be heard here:<div><iframe title="Rampage Academy at St. George" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=k642d-164aad1-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><figure>
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 <figcaption>picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718999377572.jpeg" alt="picture by Becky Goff" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718999538546.jpeg" alt="picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
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Rampage Academy providing space to improve the whole athlete

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Specialist Sara Bloom.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-x4jb-pMEsg?si=50OqA7MYOln789SV" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Specialist Sara Bloom.

🎤Forward Ever: KS Dept. of Commerce Employee of the Year Sara Bloom

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.&nbsp;

BRAXTON THOMAS UTTER, 20, Tulsa, OK, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 yrs; unknown conviction; Display/possess fictitious/revoked/suspended driver's license; Bond $500

RADSA ESONI HERBERT, 32, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $500

NICOLES LEE NELSON, 21, Westmoreland, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Operate MV w/o proper classification of license; Reckless driving; Bond $3,000

SHANIQUA MONIQUE SHANKS, 33, Junction City; Failure to appear; Bond $750

AARON WAYNE WINTERMAN, 37, Westmoreland, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on 6/12/2024

JESSICA ANN SCISM, 40, Junction City, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 6/8/2024

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.&nbsp;BRAXTON THOMAS UTTER, 20, Tulsa, OK, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 yrs; unknown conviction; Display/possess fictitious/revoked/suspended driver's license; Bond $500RADSA ESONI HERBERT, 32, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Bond $500NICOLES LEE NELSON, 21, Westmoreland, Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Operate MV w/o proper classification of license; Reckless driving; Bond $3,000SHANIQUA MONIQUE SHANKS, 33, Junction City; Failure to appear; Bond $750AARON WAYNE WINTERMAN, 37, Westmoreland, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office on 6/12/2024JESSICA ANN SCISM, 40, Junction City, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 6/8/2024

Riley County Arrest Report June 21

Join Catie and Becky as they talk to Hannah Pease owner of Little Batch Company and Parkside Station and learn all about pastries, baked goods, breakfast, lunch AND DINNER!!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718971839796.jpeg" alt="Becky and Catie with Hannah Pease from Little Batch Co/Parkside Station" />
 <figcaption>Becky and Catie with Hannah Pease from Little Batch Co/Parkside Station</figcaption>
 </figure>Join Catie and Becky as they talk to Hannah Pease owner of Little Batch Company and Parkside Station and learn all about pastries, baked goods, breakfast, lunch AND DINNER!!<div><iframe title="Episode 22 - A Batch Full of Fresh Pastries" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=3gt79-164a3c4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2baf9e" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎙: Little Apple Bites: A Batch Full of Fresh Pastries

This is day 6 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

With widespread rains shutting down much of the hard red winter wheat areas this week, parts of eastern Kansas were still able to make progress on harvest. Today’s report focuses on soft red winter (SRW) wheat, which makes up only about five percent of Kansas’ wheat production. SRW wheat is typically lower in protein than hard red winter (HRW) wheat and tends to have higher yields.

In some areas of the state, like parts of northeast Kansas and far southeastern Kansas, SRW wheat is planted because the climate is more suitable for it than HRW, which makes up the majority of the state's wheat acreage.&nbsp;

Jay Armstrong is one of those producers in northeastern Kansas who plants SRW. He was one of the few in the state who was happy with last year’s harvest, and he expects this year’s crop to be even better. After starting harvest eight days ahead of normal, he anticipates an average yield of 80 to 100 bushels per acre, a little above average for his operation. He did apply fungicide to his wheat crop, noting if he had not sprayed, he would be a lot more worried about head scab this year, especially for wheat planted after corn.&nbsp;

“Good weather in March helped,” he said. “There’s usually too much rain that comes through our area in March, but this year, the rain stayed off.”&nbsp;

Armstrong is hoping the rain continues to stay away through harvest, but he reiterated that the rains can come as much as they like for the rest of the summer, particularly to benefit double-cropped soybeans. An earlier start of harvest meant he will get those soybeans in the ground sooner, adding he also cuts his wheat at 15 to 16 percent to give the double-crop extra time to flourish.&nbsp;

SRW grain marketing is different than for HRW. Armstrong explained he only has two months to market his SRW wheat and get it to buyers in Kansas City. He reported there is currently a 70-cent basis this year, compared to around 20-cent basis last year.&nbsp;

One county to the south of Armstrong, Alex Noll has high hopes for his wheat crop this year. This is his second year adding wheat into the rotation for his operation near Winchester in Jefferson County, which he said has worked out in his favor.&nbsp;

SRW wheat is a good fit for his location in the state compared to HRW with more resiliency for the local climate and environment. Noll expects to average more than 100 bushels per acre with fields planted to AgriMAXX 513, all of which will be delivered to the Kansas City market. He did not report much variability in fields and plans to double-crop fields to soybeans after finishing harvest.&nbsp;

He is new to planting wheat, so doesn’t have a baseline for a “normal” year, but he is expected to apply the management lessons he has learned from growing corn and adapting them to a new crop.&nbsp;

“I find it easier to learn something if you have no previous knowledge about it,” Noll said. “It makes me more open-minded to learn and try something new, compared to something I have done before, where I can get attached to those ways and may be more hesitant to change it.”

The other dominant geography for SRW wheat in Kansas is in the southeastern corner of the state. Along the border with Missouri, harvest in Crawford County started around June 7, according to Russ Smith, general manager of the McCune location of CoMark Equity. He reported the location has taken in close to 500,000 bushels of SRW wheat. He anticipates growers will finish up in the next week and the elevator will have between 600,000 and 700,000 bushels in the bin.&nbsp;

Test weights are averaging 58 to 60 pounds per bushel with yields above 100 bushels per acre. Early on, the elevator detected traces of fusarium head blight (FHB).&nbsp;

“Quality doesn’t seem to be as good as last year’s exceptional Kansas SRW crop,” Smith said. “We got so much rain in our area during grain fill, the wheat really took a toll during that critical point of growth.”

Two counties west and on the border with Oklahoma, Richard Felts farms near Coffeyville and Liberty in Montgomery County. Rains also hit hard there, but he said his SRW crop has been resilient and able to withstand hail that accompanied the moisture.&nbsp;

Felts reported the wheat came on fast early in the growing season but did not maintain that rapid pace as it matured like he thought it would. He double top-dressed his wheat in February and feels strongly about this year’s return on investment for applying fungicide. He expects average yields will fall between 75 and 106 bushels per acre with average test weights of 57 to 58 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;

“We seemed to hit things at the right times this year,” Felts said. “The window was short, but we got things to fall in place in our favor.”&nbsp;

Felts double-crops all of his wheat back to soybeans, noting a new soybean crushing plant in the area will add incentives for even more planted acres for the fall crop, Felts said he understands the importance of keeping wheat in his rotation, particularly the additional conservation benefits of planting wheat like anchoring critical topsoil.&nbsp;

“It’s an excellent crop to conserve the soil and land, while also having economic incentives, but also hold the soil in place in the wintertime,” he said.

Strong breezy weather with a return to warmer temperatures is drying up the fields that received rainfall earlier in this week. While appreciating a short break in the summertime sprint, Kansas producers are anxious to get back in the combine cab and continue cutting this year’s wheat crop. Watch for the official crop progress report and updates from the field in the next edition of the Kansas wheat harvest report, scheduled for Monday, June 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wheatharvest24&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live">wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansaswheat">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kswheat">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KansasWheat">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718930218343.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThis is day 6 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.With widespread rains shutting down much of the hard red winter wheat areas this week, parts of eastern Kansas were still able to make progress on harvest. Today’s report focuses on soft red winter (SRW) wheat, which makes up only about five percent of Kansas’ wheat production. SRW wheat is typically lower in protein than hard red winter (HRW) wheat and tends to have higher yields.In some areas of the state, like parts of northeast Kansas and far southeastern Kansas, SRW wheat is planted because the climate is more suitable for it than HRW, which makes up the majority of the state's wheat acreage.&nbsp;Jay Armstrong is one of those producers in northeastern Kansas who plants SRW. He was one of the few in the state who was happy with last year’s harvest, and he expects this year’s crop to be even better. After starting harvest eight days ahead of normal, he anticipates an average yield of 80 to 100 bushels per acre, a little above average for his operation. He did apply fungicide to his wheat crop, noting if he had not sprayed, he would be a lot more worried about head scab this year, especially for wheat planted after corn.&nbsp;“Good weather in March helped,” he said. “There’s usually too much rain that comes through our area in March, but this year, the rain stayed off.”&nbsp;Armstrong is hoping the rain continues to stay away through harvest, but he reiterated that the rains can come as much as they like for the rest of the summer, particularly to benefit double-cropped soybeans. An earlier start of harvest meant he will get those soybeans in the ground sooner, adding he also cuts his wheat at 15 to 16 percent to give the double-crop extra time to flourish.&nbsp;SRW grain marketing is different than for HRW. Armstrong explained he only has two months to market his SRW wheat and get it to buyers in Kansas City. He reported there is currently a 70-cent basis this year, compared to around 20-cent basis last year.&nbsp;One county to the south of Armstrong, Alex Noll has high hopes for his wheat crop this year. This is his second year adding wheat into the rotation for his operation near Winchester in Jefferson County, which he said has worked out in his favor.&nbsp;SRW wheat is a good fit for his location in the state compared to HRW with more resiliency for the local climate and environment. Noll expects to average more than 100 bushels per acre with fields planted to AgriMAXX 513, all of which will be delivered to the Kansas City market. He did not report much variability in fields and plans to double-crop fields to soybeans after finishing harvest.&nbsp;He is new to planting wheat, so doesn’t have a baseline for a “normal” year, but he is expected to apply the management lessons he has learned from growing corn and adapting them to a new crop.&nbsp;“I find it easier to learn something if you have no previous knowledge about it,” Noll said. “It makes me more open-minded to learn and try something new, compared to something I have done before, where I can get attached to those ways and may be more hesitant to change it.”The other dominant geography for SRW wheat in Kansas is in the southeastern corner of the state. Along the border with Missouri, harvest in Crawford County started around June 7, according to Russ Smith, general manager of the McCune location of CoMark Equity. He reported the location has taken in close to 500,000 bushels of SRW wheat. He anticipates growers will finish up in the next week and the elevator will have between 600,000 and 700,000 bushels in the bin.&nbsp;Test weights are averaging 58 to 60 pounds per bushel with yields above 100 bushels per acre. Early on, the elevator detected traces of fusarium head blight (FHB).&nbsp;“Quality doesn’t seem to be as good as last year’s exceptional Kansas SRW crop,” Smith said. “We got so much rain in our area during grain fill, the wheat really took a toll during that critical point of growth.”Two counties west and on the border with Oklahoma, Richard Felts farms near Coffeyville and Liberty in Montgomery County. Rains also hit hard there, but he said his SRW crop has been resilient and able to withstand hail that accompanied the moisture.&nbsp;Felts reported the wheat came on fast early in the growing season but did not maintain that rapid pace as it matured like he thought it would. He double top-dressed his wheat in February and feels strongly about this year’s return on investment for applying fungicide. He expects average yields will fall between 75 and 106 bushels per acre with average test weights of 57 to 58 pounds per bushel.&nbsp;“We seemed to hit things at the right times this year,” Felts said. “The window was short, but we got things to fall in place in our favor.”&nbsp;Felts double-crops all of his wheat back to soybeans, noting a new soybean crushing plant in the area will add incentives for even more planted acres for the fall crop, Felts said he understands the importance of keeping wheat in his rotation, particularly the additional conservation benefits of planting wheat like anchoring critical topsoil.&nbsp;“It’s an excellent crop to conserve the soil and land, while also having economic incentives, but also hold the soil in place in the wintertime,” he said.Strong breezy weather with a return to warmer temperatures is drying up the fields that received rainfall earlier in this week. While appreciating a short break in the summertime sprint, Kansas producers are anxious to get back in the combine cab and continue cutting this year’s wheat crop. Watch for the official crop progress report and updates from the field in the next edition of the Kansas wheat harvest report, scheduled for Monday, June 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wheatharvest24&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live">wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansaswheat">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kswheat">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KansasWheat">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the HutchPost mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily HutchPost email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Day 6, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report, SRW edition

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Fort Hays State leads surge at 5.2%; followed by a 5% increase at KU

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to raise tuition and fees an average of 3.9% for full-time, in-state undergraduate students at the five state public universities requesting revenue enhancements from that source.

Members of the Board of Regents defended the increases by touting a report showing the result would be that raises to tuition and fees for resident undergraduates in the university system ranged from 4.4% to 22.2% since 2020. The national consumer price index, known as CPI-U, went up 22.5% from 2020 to 2024. The Higher Education Price Index, issued by Commonfund Institute, grew 15.7% over those years.

“We’re all aware of the need to keep higher education affordable, but also understand the pressure that inflationary factors are placing on every enterprise, including higher education,” said Blake Benson, a Board of Regents member from Pittsburg.

The Board of Regents released a document indicating overall state university tuition and fee increases for undergraduate in-state students over a five-year period, including the 2025 adjustments, would average 11.8%. Decisions of the Board of Regents pushed up tuition and fees through those years by 10% at University of Kansas, 7.5% at Kansas State University, 22.2% at Wichita State University, 4.4% at Emporia State University, 14.5% at Pittsburg State University and 12.4% at Fort Hays State University.

Wint Winter, a Lawrence member of the Board of Regents, said his support for the latest tuition and fee changes was influenced by action of the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to expand student financial aid from $24 million annually to $97 million annually since 2021.

He said the six state universities also reduced operating costs during the past five years by $219 million and eliminated the equivalent of 675 full-time job positions.

“This is one of the most important and powerful decisions that this board has to make,” Winter said. “If you want to talk about net student financial load, I think the regents institutions, the governor and the Legislature have done a great job in the last five years in holding tuition down much below inflation.”

The average 3.9% adjustment this fall in state university tuition and fees reflected increases at five of the six state universities. Emporia State settled on a 3.4% reduction in tuition and fees attained by diminishing student fees and holding tuition flat.

In May, ESU administrators put forward a plan to raise tuition by 4%. That idea was dropped to zero before the Board of Regents convened for its June meeting. If ESU’s reduction in the combined tuition and fees figure was included in statistics covering all six universities, the average increase in tuition and fees at the universities would be 2.7%.

Enrollment at ESU spiraled the past couple years as administrators dismissed tenured faculty, realigned course offerings and sought to “right-size” the university in exchange for special funding from the Legislature. An extraordinary $9 million earmark that inflated state funding to ESU last year was renewed because the governor declined to veto for a second time during the 2024 legislative session a Republican-driven provision appropriating the $9 million in this year’s state spending bill.

Here are the per semester, full-time undergraduate tuition and fee rates for 2024-2025 and what those changes mean compared last year’s rates: KU, $6,141, up $291 or 5%; KSU, $5,610, up $139 or 2.5%; WSU, $4,841, up $180 or 3.9%; PSU, $4,200, up $122 or 3%; ESU, $3,547, down $125 or 3.4%; FHSU, $2,964, up $147 or 5.2%.

Nonresident undergraduate tuition and fees — there are a variety of programs to waive the out-of-state premium — were increased at the same five universities and reduced at ESU by 1.6% to $7,704.

Undergraduate students from other states attending KU would pay $15,306 per semester this fall, which would be a $600 increase of 4.1%. K-State intends to charge $14,283 for nonresident undergraduate students, an amount $375 or 2.7% greater than last fall. Here are the other figures: WSU, $9,994, up $374 or 3.9%; PSU, $9,872, up $122 or 1.3%; and FHSU, $8,888, up $482 or 5.7%.

The Board of Regents adopted comparable increases for graduate students that was sought by the universities and unanimously approved by the board’s fiscal affairs subcommittee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718919593168.png" alt=" The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to increase student tuition and fees at Kansas Board of Regents universities. Richard Linton, president at Kansas State University, received permission to hike tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students by 2.5%, or $139 per semester, to $5,610. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Board of Regents’ YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> The Kansas Board of Regents agreed to increase student tuition and fees at Kansas Board of Regents universities. Richard Linton, president at Kansas State University, received permission to hike tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students by 2.5%, or $139 per semester, to $5,610. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Board of Regents’ YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Fort Hays State leads surge at 5.2%; followed by a 5% increase at KU</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously voted Thursday to raise tuition and fees an average of 3.9% for full-time, in-state undergraduate students at the five state public universities requesting revenue enhancements from that source.Members of the Board of Regents defended the increases by touting a report showing the result would be that raises to tuition and fees for resident undergraduates in the university system ranged from 4.4% to 22.2% since 2020. The national consumer price index, known as CPI-U, went up 22.5% from 2020 to 2024. The Higher Education Price Index, issued by Commonfund Institute, grew 15.7% over those years.“We’re all aware of the need to keep higher education affordable, but also understand the pressure that inflationary factors are placing on every enterprise, including higher education,” said Blake Benson, a Board of Regents member from Pittsburg.The Board of Regents released a document indicating overall state university tuition and fee increases for undergraduate in-state students over a five-year period, including the 2025 adjustments, would average 11.8%. Decisions of the Board of Regents pushed up tuition and fees through those years by 10% at University of Kansas, 7.5% at Kansas State University, 22.2% at Wichita State University, 4.4% at Emporia State University, 14.5% at Pittsburg State University and 12.4% at Fort Hays State University.Wint Winter, a Lawrence member of the Board of Regents, said his support for the latest tuition and fee changes was influenced by action of the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly to expand student financial aid from $24 million annually to $97 million annually since 2021.He said the six state universities also reduced operating costs during the past five years by $219 million and eliminated the equivalent of 675 full-time job positions.“This is one of the most important and powerful decisions that this board has to make,” Winter said. “If you want to talk about net student financial load, I think the regents institutions, the governor and the Legislature have done a great job in the last five years in holding tuition down much below inflation.”The average 3.9% adjustment this fall in state university tuition and fees reflected increases at five of the six state universities. Emporia State settled on a 3.4% reduction in tuition and fees attained by diminishing student fees and holding tuition flat.In May, ESU administrators put forward a plan to raise tuition by 4%. That idea was dropped to zero before the Board of Regents convened for its June meeting. If ESU’s reduction in the combined tuition and fees figure was included in statistics covering all six universities, the average increase in tuition and fees at the universities would be 2.7%.Enrollment at ESU spiraled the past couple years as administrators dismissed tenured faculty, realigned course offerings and sought to “right-size” the university in exchange for special funding from the Legislature. An extraordinary $9 million earmark that inflated state funding to ESU last year was renewed because the governor declined to veto for a second time during the 2024 legislative session a Republican-driven provision appropriating the $9 million in this year’s state spending bill.Here are the per semester, full-time undergraduate tuition and fee rates for 2024-2025 and what those changes mean compared last year’s rates: KU, $6,141, up $291 or 5%; KSU, $5,610, up $139 or 2.5%; WSU, $4,841, up $180 or 3.9%; PSU, $4,200, up $122 or 3%; ESU, $3,547, down $125 or 3.4%; FHSU, $2,964, up $147 or 5.2%.Nonresident undergraduate tuition and fees — there are a variety of programs to waive the out-of-state premium — were increased at the same five universities and reduced at ESU by 1.6% to $7,704.Undergraduate students from other states attending KU would pay $15,306 per semester this fall, which would be a $600 increase of 4.1%. K-State intends to charge $14,283 for nonresident undergraduate students, an amount $375 or 2.7% greater than last fall. Here are the other figures: WSU, $9,994, up $374 or 3.9%; PSU, $9,872, up $122 or 1.3%; and FHSU, $8,888, up $482 or 5.7%.The Board of Regents adopted comparable increases for graduate students that was sought by the universities and unanimously approved by the board’s fiscal affairs subcommittee.

Kan. Regents adopt average 3.9% tuition, fee hike for in-state, undergraduates

CODY ALLEN BARNES, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

JAMES EARL CAMPBELL JR, 40, Denver, CO, Distribute marijuana &lt;25 grams; Bond $5,000

ANTHONY MICHAEL KING, 30, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal deprivation of property; Bond $4,000

DAELA ANNE PEREZ, 33, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

JONATHAN VANCE AKRIDGE, 56, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500

ELIJAH ALLEN LEWIS, 17, Manhattan, Criminal restraint; Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; 1st conviction; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

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.&nbsp;CODY ALLEN BARNES, 20, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750JAMES EARL CAMPBELL JR, 40, Denver, CO, Distribute marijuana &lt;25 grams; Bond $5,000ANTHONY MICHAEL KING, 30, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal deprivation of property; Bond $4,000DAELA ANNE PEREZ, 33, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000JONATHAN VANCE AKRIDGE, 56, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500ELIJAH ALLEN LEWIS, 17, Manhattan, Criminal restraint; Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor &lt;18 yrs; 1st conviction; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

Riley County Arrest Report June 20

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.

Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of burglary in&nbsp; the 1000 block of South Manhattan Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The Manhattan Kennel Club&nbsp; reported the lock was cut off of a storage shed and the course lure machine was taken. 

Total estimated loss is valued at $1,500. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://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 authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.Just before 8:30p.m. Wednesday, officers filed a report of burglary in&nbsp; the 1000 block of South Manhattan Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The Manhattan Kennel Club&nbsp; reported the lock was cut off of a storage shed and the course lure machine was taken. Total estimated loss is valued at $1,500. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating burglary in Manhattan

K-State Research and Extension news service

While they may be a more common pest in garbage, raccoons also target the home garden. Ever-so-clever, it seems as though racoons harvest sweet corn right before it is to be picked.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says fencing may be the best way to prevent raccoons from stealing the year’s harvest.

To install electric fencing, use two or more wires, the first about five inches above the ground and the second four inches above the first (or nine inches above ground). Raccoons must not be able to crawl under, go between or go over the wires without being shocked.

Fence posts and insulators used for electric fences work well for this application.

“It is much easier to use the woven electric wire with strands of wire embedded than to use a solid metal wire. The woven wire is easier to bend around corners and to roll up when done for the year,” Domenghini said.

Domenghini suggests using battery operated fencing rather than plug-ins.

“Start the charger before the corn is close to being ripe. Once raccoons get a taste of the corn, they are more difficult to discourage,” Domenghini said.

She encourages weed control around the wire to prevent them from intercepting the voltage.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/42c272c9-264b-4518-95cd-9b37f9bf3c0a">SFD launches lifesaving Safe Haven Baby Box initiative</a>

Kennel fencing can also be an alternative protection from raccoons.

“Make sure that the panels are tied together well enough that raccoons can’t squeeze through corners,” Domenghini said.

A covering over the top may be needed if the raccoons figure out how to climb the panels.

Welded garden fence can work well for this.

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as submit their garden and yard-related questions, by sending email to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Cdom@ksu.edu">Cdom@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718831025726.jpeg" alt="Protecting sweet corn from raccoons. K-State horticulture expert shares tips for raccoon control. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Protecting sweet corn from raccoons. K-State horticulture expert shares tips for raccoon control. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension news serviceWhile they may be a more common pest in garbage, raccoons also target the home garden. Ever-so-clever, it seems as though racoons harvest sweet corn right before it is to be picked.Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says fencing may be the best way to prevent raccoons from stealing the year’s harvest.Electric FencingTo install electric fencing, use two or more wires, the first about five inches above the ground and the second four inches above the first (or nine inches above ground). Raccoons must not be able to crawl under, go between or go over the wires without being shocked.Fence posts and insulators used for electric fences work well for this application.“It is much easier to use the woven electric wire with strands of wire embedded than to use a solid metal wire. The woven wire is easier to bend around corners and to roll up when done for the year,” Domenghini said.Domenghini suggests using battery operated fencing rather than plug-ins.“Start the charger before the corn is close to being ripe. Once raccoons get a taste of the corn, they are more difficult to discourage,” Domenghini said.She encourages weed control around the wire to prevent them from intercepting the voltage.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/42c272c9-264b-4518-95cd-9b37f9bf3c0a">SFD launches lifesaving Safe Haven Baby Box initiative</a>Kennel FencingKennel fencing can also be an alternative protection from raccoons.“Make sure that the panels are tied together well enough that raccoons can’t squeeze through corners,” Domenghini said.A covering over the top may be needed if the raccoons figure out how to climb the panels.Welded garden fence can work well for this.Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html">Horticulture Newsletter</a>&nbsp;with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as submit their garden and yard-related questions, by sending email to Domenghini at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Cdom@ksu.edu">Cdom@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local K-State Research and Extension office</a>.

Raccoons eating your sweet corn? K-State horticulturist shares control tips

WAMEGO - The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office and Wamego Police Department executed a search warrant on Tuesday, June 18th, in the 1000 block of 10th Street in Wamego.

Following an investigation into illegal activity in the Wamego area, the search warrant was issued.

During the search of the residence, law enforcement found marijuana, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms.

The following individuals were arrested as a result of the search:

Michael Llamas, 42,  of Wamego. Arrested for Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana within 1000’ of a school, Possession of depressants, Possession of opiates, opium or narcotic drugs, Possession of drug paraphernalia, felony, No drug tax stamp, Criminal use of weapons and Child endangerment.

Tara Couture, 41, of Wamego. Arrested for Possession with intent to

distribute Methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana within 1000’ of a school, Possession of depressants, Possession of opiates, opium or narcotic drugs, Possession of drug paraphernalia, felony, No drug tax stamp, Criminal use of weapons and Child endangerment.

Michael Grant, 41, of Wamego. Arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and Child endangerment.

Brandy Mahkuk, 41, of Wamego. Arrested for Child endangerment.

All four remain confined to the Pottawatomie County Jail and are awaiting bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718808122562.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostWAMEGO - The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office and Wamego Police Department executed a search warrant on Tuesday, June 18th, in the 1000 block of 10th Street in Wamego.Following an investigation into illegal activity in the Wamego area, the search warrant was issued.During the search of the residence, law enforcement found marijuana, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and firearms.The following individuals were arrested as a result of the search:Michael Llamas, 42, of Wamego. Arrested for Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana within 1000’ of a school, Possession of depressants, Possession of opiates, opium or narcotic drugs, Possession of drug paraphernalia, felony, No drug tax stamp, Criminal use of weapons and Child endangerment.Tara Couture, 41, of Wamego. Arrested for Possession with intent todistribute Methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana within 1000’ of a school, Possession of depressants, Possession of opiates, opium or narcotic drugs, Possession of drug paraphernalia, felony, No drug tax stamp, Criminal use of weapons and Child endangerment.Michael Grant, 41, of Wamego. Arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and Child endangerment.Brandy Mahkuk, 41, of Wamego. Arrested for Child endangerment.All four remain confined to the Pottawatomie County Jail and are awaiting bond.

Four arrested in Wamego after illegal activity investigation

DESHUN TIMBREON JACKSON, 23, Manhattan, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Maximum speed limits; Bond $1,000

DONMEL DAVON GLOVER, 33, Manhattan, Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny;&nbsp;

BRITTANY DIANE CONARD, 26, Ogden, Violate protection order; Condition of extended pre-trial orders; Aggravated burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex; Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Bond $15,000

TJ GRANT, 35, Ogden, Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Failure to appear x2; Aggravated burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex; Violate protection order; Condition of extended pre-trial orders; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $45,000

EION DEELEY LARIOS, 22, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $4,000

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.&nbsp;DESHUN TIMBREON JACKSON, 23, Manhattan, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Maximum speed limits; Bond $1,000DONMEL DAVON GLOVER, 33, Manhattan, Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, theft, domestic violence or sexually motivated crime; Theft of property or services; Value $1,500 to $25,000; All Other Larceny;&nbsp;BRITTANY DIANE CONARD, 26, Ogden, Violate protection order; Condition of extended pre-trial orders; Aggravated burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex; Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Bond $15,000TJ GRANT, 35, Ogden, Criminal trespass; Property as posted per KSA 32-1013; Failure to appear x2; Aggravated burglary; Locked dwelling for felony, theft, domestic violence or sex; Violate protection order; Condition of extended pre-trial orders; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $45,000EION DEELEY LARIOS, 22, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $4,000

Riley County Arrest Report June 19

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dave Trabert with the Kansas Policy Institute acknowledges the work the legislature did in the special session Tuesday, but there is more that could have been done.

"It cuts it to two rates, it increases, there's an amount of, it's called a deduction exemption, but basically it exempts the first $9,000 for single filers and $18,000 family from being taxed," Trabert said.&nbsp; "That's how you prevent people that were in the bottom bracket from having a tax increase. Everybody gets a tax cut, it's not a great big tax cut, it's not what the economy needed, but it's better than nothing. It also exempts social security income from taxation, and there is a small property tax benefit in that instead of about $42,000 being exempt from the 20 mills, it goes up to $75,000."

Trabert said this kind of tax cut doesn't really do much to help the broader economy.

"Kansas is in its fifth straight decade of economic stagnation," Trabert said. "We keep falling farther and farther behind the nation in job growth and economic activity. And just to put that in perspective, if we had kept up with the national average of job growth since 1979, we'd have about 450,000 more jobs here today. It's a big difference trailing this national average and we keep getting worse. So it's not just taxes, but taxes are a big piece. What we need to do, the legislature, is look at the reasons why we are so uncompetitive, and that's going to come down to three main things. It's taxes, it's utility rates, and it's regulatory issues. You have to start removing those negatives in order to stop the transition."

One area that the state is struggling with right now is property taxes going up. It happens generally with valuation increases. There is a way to fix that, but it wasn't addressed Tuesday.

"In 2023, the Senate passed a constitutional amendment provision that would limit the annual valuation increase to 4%, and that needs to be done," Trabert said. "There was a hearing yesterday in the Senate, or on Monday rather, but they wouldn't take a floor vote, and the House wouldn't touch it. I don't know why, because it is something that taxpayers really need, and we have to keep coming back and pushing for that."

There is an election cycle for both the House and Senate before they return in January, so it remains to be seen what the makeup of the 2025 legislature will be and whether any further tax reductions can happen.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605625550931.png" alt="Dave Trabert, CEO of the Kansas Policy Institute- Photo Courtesy Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Dave Trabert, CEO of the Kansas Policy Institute- Photo Courtesy Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Dave Trabert with the Kansas Policy Institute acknowledges the work the legislature did in the special session Tuesday, but there is more that could have been done."It cuts it to two rates, it increases, there's an amount of, it's called a deduction exemption, but basically it exempts the first $9,000 for single filers and $18,000 family from being taxed," Trabert said.&nbsp; "That's how you prevent people that were in the bottom bracket from having a tax increase. Everybody gets a tax cut, it's not a great big tax cut, it's not what the economy needed, but it's better than nothing. It also exempts social security income from taxation, and there is a small property tax benefit in that instead of about $42,000 being exempt from the 20 mills, it goes up to $75,000."Trabert said this kind of tax cut doesn't really do much to help the broader economy."Kansas is in its fifth straight decade of economic stagnation," Trabert said. "We keep falling farther and farther behind the nation in job growth and economic activity. And just to put that in perspective, if we had kept up with the national average of job growth since 1979, we'd have about 450,000 more jobs here today. It's a big difference trailing this national average and we keep getting worse. So it's not just taxes, but taxes are a big piece. What we need to do, the legislature, is look at the reasons why we are so uncompetitive, and that's going to come down to three main things. It's taxes, it's utility rates, and it's regulatory issues. You have to start removing those negatives in order to stop the transition."One area that the state is struggling with right now is property taxes going up. It happens generally with valuation increases. There is a way to fix that, but it wasn't addressed Tuesday."In 2023, the Senate passed a constitutional amendment provision that would limit the annual valuation increase to 4%, and that needs to be done," Trabert said. "There was a hearing yesterday in the Senate, or on Monday rather, but they wouldn't take a floor vote, and the House wouldn't touch it. I don't know why, because it is something that taxpayers really need, and we have to keep coming back and pushing for that."There is an election cycle for both the House and Senate before they return in January, so it remains to be seen what the makeup of the 2025 legislature will be and whether any further tax reductions can happen.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trabert: Tax bill 'better than nothing'

JASPER COUNTY —A Geary County man was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Monday in Jasper County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Expedition driven by William W. Miller, 46, Pawnee, was northbound on Interstate 49 two and one half miles north of Carthage.

The Ford rear-ended the towed unit of a 2018 Ram 3500 driven by Christina A. Morgan, 43, Hico, Texas. After impact the Ford traveled off the road and struck a fence.

EMS transported Miller, Morgan and a passenger in the Ram Brian C. Adams, 25, 25, Hico, Texas, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin.&nbsp; Miller was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

JASPER COUNTY —A Geary County man was injured in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Monday in Jasper County, Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Expedition driven by William W. Miller, 46, Pawnee, was northbound on Interstate 49 two and one half miles north of Carthage.The Ford rear-ended the towed unit of a 2018 Ram 3500 driven by Christina A. Morgan, 43, Hico, Texas. After impact the Ford traveled off the road and struck a fence.EMS transported Miller, Morgan and a passenger in the Ram Brian C. Adams, 25, 25, Hico, Texas, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin.&nbsp; Miller was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Geary Co. man hospitalized after rear-end crash

This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Kansas wheat producers can’t seem to catch a break in the weather, kicking up swirling, dust clouds as they raced to cut wheat ahead of heavy thunderstorms and hail on Tuesday, June 18. Harvest is now progressing into areas of south central Kansas that missed the rains which benefited producers in other parts of the state — a reminder that not all are feeling a sense of recovery this season.&nbsp;

Moisture in the air had combines running slower on Tuesday near Larned, but the day before the Pawnee County Coop Association took in about 100,000 bushels, according to Kim Barnes, interim general manager. This year’s wheat crop suffered — hit by drought and Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. As a result, yields are down at 15 to 40 bushels per acre, test weights are averaging 56 pounds per bushel and quality is lacking.&nbsp;

This is his 55th wheat harvest and Barnes said he has seen it all. This harvest is the fourth in a row to suffer from prolonged drought conditions — not breaking out of drought status for more than three days in a row for all that time.&nbsp;

“Out of the 55 years, this is the next to the lowest year,” he said. “I’ve never seen production this bad than the last couple of years.”&nbsp;

Last year, the coop took in 450,000 bushels, and as of Monday, June 17, Barnes reported the company has only taken in 341,000 bushels so far. While it’s on track to be more than last year, it’s a far cry from the coop’s high of 4 million bushels in 2016.&nbsp;

“We were hoping that we would see a million bushels this year, but now we’re just hoping we had more than last year,” he said.&nbsp;

Adding insult to injury, the wheat market has lost $1 per bushel compared to two or three weeks ago and early export demand was gobbled up by the Texas wheat crop. Even after starting 10 days early, Barnes noted producers will be cutting until the end of June, especially those who have to take extra time to control aggressive cinch bugs driven out of harvest fields into newly planted milo fields.&nbsp;

In eastern Kansas, Jesse Muller is having more harvest luck with a better crop in Montgomery County compared to the last few years. The operation planted solely WestBred varieties this year and Muller reported yields are averaging 40 to 70 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 62 pounds per bushel. He takes all of his wheat to the elevator in Liberty, which takes both hard and soft wheat.

“Compared to last year, everyone is seeing better than expected yields with quality staying steady,” Muller said. “Part of it comes from having a drier fall and a wet spring.”

For the entire county, Muller noted his neighbors have had some loss from both some freeze damage over the winter and hail damage from storms that rolled in the first part of June.

Harvest came later than anticipated, not due to a delay in ripening, but due to rains that kept them out of the fields. With the added moisture, Muller and his neighbors are fighting more weeds the later they stay in the fields.

Muller went through the Kansas Wheat Leadership Program in 2023, which gave him appreciation of the time it takes to get wheat genetics to the farmers’ fields.

“It’s crazy to think about the time it takes from an initial cross to getting planted in farmers’ fields and harvested,” Muller said. “The leadership program opened my eyes to everything within the industry that I can take home and can put into perspective on my operation and be thankful for what they are doing up there.”

Harvest is about halfway complete for Knopf Farms near Gypsum in Saline County after starting cutting on June 11. While there wasn’t much spring moisture, yields are better than expected, according to Justin Knopf, who said the cool, nighttime temperatures in May helped offset that lack of rainfall.

Yields are averaging 45 to 60 bushels per acre, but are wide-ranging from the 30s to 80s, depending on moisture and hail damage. He reported they are seeing good grain quality with test weights ranging from 59 to 62 pounds per bushel, but decreasing as harvest progresses. Excellent varieties include KS Providence, SY Monument and Rock Star.

While the farm will see “typical” yield averages, this is far from an average year with far more variability, due to the lack of spring rains, hail damage, freeze impacts and variety maturity. Knopf noted he was glad he applied fungicide at flag leaf because it was holding the stripe rust at bay.

Wheat harvest also started about 10 days early in McPherson County, where grower Derek Sawyer spoke with Slade Wiley with the Kansas Ag Network from the field on Tuesday, June 18. It could have been earlier, but the first good rain since January hit right when harvest should have started.&nbsp;

“It’s kind of ironic that we’re fighting mud when the yields are really depressed by drought,” Sawyer told the broadcaster. “But that’s the way it goes here.”

Now that he’s in the combine cab, Sawyer expects to finish up harvest by the end of the week — if there are no more rain delays. Overall, the crop appears to be of good quality with test weights hanging in about 60 pounds per bushel.

“The quality of the crop looks excellent; the yields are better than we expected,” he noted. “It’s a nice surprise to get out here and get some wheat rolling in the bin that we didn’t expect.”

Breaking down the harvest results further, however, reveals a spotty, variable crop within individual fields. Sawyer noted that going from 60-bushel wheat down to 10-bushel wheat within a single step, for no obvious rhyme or reason, is giving combine operators extra headaches as they work to set their machines and keep their headers clean.&nbsp;

Sawyer added that he’s reflecting on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Turkey Red wheat in Kansas — noting that there’s no way the wheat of yesterday would have endured and made this year’s yields without the aid of the wheat breeding pipeline improving on Turkey Red’s foundation.&nbsp;

“You realize in years like this the impact of the research and the improvements we have done year after year,” he said. “There needs to be a lot of credit for the scientists and the breeders of wheat in Kansas because this year’s weather conditions shouldn’t have given us the yield that we’re getting.”

Rain delays will keep most of the state out of the field for the next couple of days. Stay tuned for a special edition of the Kansas Wheat harvest report focused on soft wheat production on Thursday.

The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wheatharvest24&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansaswheat" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kswheat" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KansasWheat" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718787978535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES Kansas WheatThis is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Kansas wheat producers can’t seem to catch a break in the weather, kicking up swirling, dust clouds as they raced to cut wheat ahead of heavy thunderstorms and hail on Tuesday, June 18. Harvest is now progressing into areas of south central Kansas that missed the rains which benefited producers in other parts of the state — a reminder that not all are feeling a sense of recovery this season.&nbsp;Moisture in the air had combines running slower on Tuesday near Larned, but the day before the Pawnee County Coop Association took in about 100,000 bushels, according to Kim Barnes, interim general manager. This year’s wheat crop suffered — hit by drought and Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. As a result, yields are down at 15 to 40 bushels per acre, test weights are averaging 56 pounds per bushel and quality is lacking.&nbsp;This is his 55th wheat harvest and Barnes said he has seen it all. This harvest is the fourth in a row to suffer from prolonged drought conditions — not breaking out of drought status for more than three days in a row for all that time.&nbsp;“Out of the 55 years, this is the next to the lowest year,” he said. “I’ve never seen production this bad than the last couple of years.”&nbsp;Last year, the coop took in 450,000 bushels, and as of Monday, June 17, Barnes reported the company has only taken in 341,000 bushels so far. While it’s on track to be more than last year, it’s a far cry from the coop’s high of 4 million bushels in 2016.&nbsp;“We were hoping that we would see a million bushels this year, but now we’re just hoping we had more than last year,” he said.&nbsp;Adding insult to injury, the wheat market has lost $1 per bushel compared to two or three weeks ago and early export demand was gobbled up by the Texas wheat crop. Even after starting 10 days early, Barnes noted producers will be cutting until the end of June, especially those who have to take extra time to control aggressive cinch bugs driven out of harvest fields into newly planted milo fields.&nbsp;In eastern Kansas, Jesse Muller is having more harvest luck with a better crop in Montgomery County compared to the last few years. The operation planted solely WestBred varieties this year and Muller reported yields are averaging 40 to 70 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 62 pounds per bushel. He takes all of his wheat to the elevator in Liberty, which takes both hard and soft wheat.“Compared to last year, everyone is seeing better than expected yields with quality staying steady,” Muller said. “Part of it comes from having a drier fall and a wet spring.”For the entire county, Muller noted his neighbors have had some loss from both some freeze damage over the winter and hail damage from storms that rolled in the first part of June.Harvest came later than anticipated, not due to a delay in ripening, but due to rains that kept them out of the fields. With the added moisture, Muller and his neighbors are fighting more weeds the later they stay in the fields.Muller went through the Kansas Wheat Leadership Program in 2023, which gave him appreciation of the time it takes to get wheat genetics to the farmers’ fields.“It’s crazy to think about the time it takes from an initial cross to getting planted in farmers’ fields and harvested,” Muller said. “The leadership program opened my eyes to everything within the industry that I can take home and can put into perspective on my operation and be thankful for what they are doing up there.”Harvest is about halfway complete for Knopf Farms near Gypsum in Saline County after starting cutting on June 11. While there wasn’t much spring moisture, yields are better than expected, according to Justin Knopf, who said the cool, nighttime temperatures in May helped offset that lack of rainfall.Yields are averaging 45 to 60 bushels per acre, but are wide-ranging from the 30s to 80s, depending on moisture and hail damage. He reported they are seeing good grain quality with test weights ranging from 59 to 62 pounds per bushel, but decreasing as harvest progresses. Excellent varieties include KS Providence, SY Monument and Rock Star.While the farm will see “typical” yield averages, this is far from an average year with far more variability, due to the lack of spring rains, hail damage, freeze impacts and variety maturity. Knopf noted he was glad he applied fungicide at flag leaf because it was holding the stripe rust at bay.Wheat harvest also started about 10 days early in McPherson County, where grower Derek Sawyer spoke with Slade Wiley with the Kansas Ag Network from the field on Tuesday, June 18. It could have been earlier, but the first good rain since January hit right when harvest should have started.&nbsp;“It’s kind of ironic that we’re fighting mud when the yields are really depressed by drought,” Sawyer told the broadcaster. “But that’s the way it goes here.”Now that he’s in the combine cab, Sawyer expects to finish up harvest by the end of the week — if there are no more rain delays. Overall, the crop appears to be of good quality with test weights hanging in about 60 pounds per bushel.“The quality of the crop looks excellent; the yields are better than we expected,” he noted. “It’s a nice surprise to get out here and get some wheat rolling in the bin that we didn’t expect.”Breaking down the harvest results further, however, reveals a spotty, variable crop within individual fields. Sawyer noted that going from 60-bushel wheat down to 10-bushel wheat within a single step, for no obvious rhyme or reason, is giving combine operators extra headaches as they work to set their machines and keep their headers clean.&nbsp;Sawyer added that he’s reflecting on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Turkey Red wheat in Kansas — noting that there’s no way the wheat of yesterday would have endured and made this year’s yields without the aid of the wheat breeding pipeline improving on Turkey Red’s foundation.&nbsp;“You realize in years like this the impact of the research and the improvements we have done year after year,” he said. “There needs to be a lot of credit for the scientists and the breeders of wheat in Kansas because this year’s weather conditions shouldn’t have given us the yield that we’re getting.”Rain delays will keep most of the state out of the field for the next couple of days. Stay tuned for a special edition of the Kansas Wheat harvest report focused on soft wheat production on Thursday.The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wheatharvest24&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansaswheat" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kswheat" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KansasWheat" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Day 5, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report 2024

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY - Effective July 1st, 2024, due to Kansas Senate Bill 384, Riley County will have the authority to address nuisances on properties in the unincorporated areas of Riley County and bill the property owners for the cost of the work to remove the nuisances.

Knowingly allowing conditions which endanger public health, safety and welfare is a property nuisance. Examples of nuisances includes: storage of abandoned vehicles, broken furniture, discarded refrigerators or other hazardous materials.

Typically, nuisances reports are initiated by neighbor complaints. When complaints are received, the Riley County Planning &amp;&nbsp;Development/Environmental Health starts with a visual inspection of the property before contacting the property owner of any issues that are considered to be a nuisance or is in violation of zoning ordinances.

County staff will not enter property during the inspection, the notice of violation will be sent to property owner with detailed information about the nuisance.

Prior to the passage of this bill, the county had limited recourse if the property owner refused to comply.

"Enforcement in the past was challenging and problematic for both the property owners and the county. There wasn’t a clear-cut or simple way to request a court order for property cleanup, no matter how long the problem had been going on or how significant the impact was on the community," explained Amanda Webb, Director of Planning &amp; Development/Environmental Health.

After July 1st, Riley County can hire a contractor to remove the nuisance and then bill the property owner for the removal costs.&nbsp;

“Most people comply after one or two letters. Unfortunately, there have been instances where a property owner refused to comply even after a court order. Now, with this new tool, we can mitigate unsafe conditions more effectively. We will use it sparingly and judiciously,” Webb stated.

If you see unsafe conditions or nuisances that could harm the health of Riley County residents, please notify Environmental Health by calling 785-537-6332.For more information about SB384, visit the Kansas Legislature website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4f93d940fc&amp;e=3dbcd2089f" target="_blank">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb384/</a>Several rules and regulations will govern the abatement process, and it will not apply to any agricultural-related activities or items. This new process is intended to ensure compliance, but not interfere with any approved activities on any land within Riley County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726130281.jpeg" alt="picture from Riley County" />
 <figcaption>picture from Riley County</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post&nbsp;RILEY COUNTY - Effective July 1st, 2024, due to Kansas Senate Bill 384, Riley County will have the authority to address nuisances on properties in the unincorporated areas of Riley County and bill the property owners for the cost of the work to remove the nuisances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726286576.jpeg" alt="picture from Riley County" />
 <figcaption>picture from Riley County</figcaption>
 </figure>Knowingly allowing conditions which endanger public health, safety and welfare is a property nuisance. Examples of nuisances includes: storage of abandoned vehicles, broken furniture, discarded refrigerators or other hazardous materials.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726490155.jpeg" alt="picture from Riley County" />
 <figcaption>picture from Riley County</figcaption>
 </figure>Typically, nuisances reports are initiated by neighbor complaints. When complaints are received, the Riley County Planning &amp;&nbsp;Development/Environmental Health starts with a visual inspection of the property before contacting the property owner of any issues that are considered to be a nuisance or is in violation of zoning ordinances.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718726548917.jpeg" alt="picture from Riley County" />
 <figcaption>picture from Riley County</figcaption>
 </figure>County staff will not enter property during the inspection, the notice of violation will be sent to property owner with detailed information about the nuisance.Prior to the passage of this bill, the county had limited recourse if the property owner refused to comply."Enforcement in the past was challenging and problematic for both the property owners and the county. There wasn’t a clear-cut or simple way to request a court order for property cleanup, no matter how long the problem had been going on or how significant the impact was on the community," explained Amanda Webb, Director of Planning &amp; Development/Environmental Health.After July 1st, Riley County can hire a contractor to remove the nuisance and then bill the property owner for the removal costs.&nbsp;“Most people comply after one or two letters. Unfortunately, there have been instances where a property owner refused to comply even after a court order. Now, with this new tool, we can mitigate unsafe conditions more effectively. We will use it sparingly and judiciously,” Webb stated.If you see unsafe conditions or nuisances that could harm the health of Riley County residents, please notify Environmental Health by calling 785-537-6332.For more information about SB384, visit the Kansas Legislature website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=4f93d940fc&amp;e=3dbcd2089f" target="_blank">https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb384/</a>Several rules and regulations will govern the abatement process, and it will not apply to any agricultural-related activities or items. This new process is intended to ensure compliance, but not interfere with any approved activities on any land within Riley County.

New Nuisance Abatement Law effective July 1st in Riley County

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - At the June 27th Riley County Commission meeting, County Commissioners approved a four-month trial of new customer service hours.

Some Riley County government offices will start operating on a new schedule as of July 1, 2024 through November 1, 2024.

Customer service hours will be posted online and at the entrances of the buildings. Starting July 1st, customer service hours for the following departments will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays, exterior doors will be closed to the public at noon on Fridays.

Employees will work a minimum of 40 hours each week.

There are many departments that will continue to operate on their current schedules. Those include:

"This change will allow customers the convenience of accessing some services before their own workday, without any additional costs to the taxpayer. In addition, County offices can continue operating with lean staffing while allowing employees more flexibility,” explained County Treasurer Shilo Heger.&nbsp;

“Riley County is committed to providing excellent customer service while maintaining a positive work environment. By retaining experienced staff, reducing turnover, and responding to employee needs, we strengthen the organization and provide the best value and service for our taxpayers,” added Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward.&nbsp;

*Please note: The Elections office will relocate to the Courthouse Plaza East building at 115 North 4th Street in July. All other offices adopting the new customer service hours are located at 110 Courthouse Plaza.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718722031600.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - At the June 27th Riley County Commission meeting, County Commissioners approved a four-month trial of new customer service hours.Some Riley County government offices will start operating on a new schedule as of July 1, 2024 through November 1, 2024.Customer service hours will be posted online and at the entrances of the buildings. Starting July 1st, customer service hours for the following departments will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays, exterior doors will be closed to the public at noon on Fridays.<ul>
 <li>Appraiser</li><li>County Clerk and *Elections</li><li>Treasurer and Motor Vehicles</li><li>Planning and Development/Environmental Health</li><li>Register of Deeds (available by appointment Friday afternoons)</li><li>Riley County K-State Extension (available by appointment Friday afternoons)</li>
 </ul>Employees will work a minimum of 40 hours each week.There are many departments that will continue to operate on their current schedules. Those include:<ul>
 <li>Community Corrections (Mon-Fri, 8-5 and by appointment to clients for drug testing until 6:00 PM)</li><li>County Attorney (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>County Counselor (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>District Court (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>Health Department (see website)</li><li>Historical Museum (see website)</li><li>Noxious Weed/Household Hazardous Waste (Mon-Fri, 7:30-4)</li><li>Public Works (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>Transfer Station (Mon-Sat, 7-5)</li><li>Emergency responders including Emergency Medical Services, Rural Fire District #1, and Emergency Management will continue to operate 24/7/365</li>
 </ul>"This change will allow customers the convenience of accessing some services before their own workday, without any additional costs to the taxpayer. In addition, County offices can continue operating with lean staffing while allowing employees more flexibility,” explained County Treasurer Shilo Heger.&nbsp;“Riley County is committed to providing excellent customer service while maintaining a positive work environment. By retaining experienced staff, reducing turnover, and responding to employee needs, we strengthen the organization and provide the best value and service for our taxpayers,” added Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward.&nbsp;*Please note: The Elections office will relocate to the Courthouse Plaza East building at 115 North 4th Street in July. All other offices adopting the new customer service hours are located at 110 Courthouse Plaza.

Updated Hours for select Riley County Offices

CHRISTINA COLLEEN HURLEY, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

RASHAWN MAURICE WASHINGTON, 17, Ogden, Violation of Court Order; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

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.&nbsp;CHRISTINA COLLEEN HURLEY, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000RASHAWN MAURICE WASHINGTON, 17, Ogden, Violation of Court Order; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

Riley County Arrest Report June 18

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a report of aggravated burglary and violation of a court order, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The incident occurred just after 12:15a.m. Tuesday, in the 200 block of 5th Street in Manhattan. 

A 67-year-old man and a 21-year-old man reported a woman known to the them attempted to enter their residence.

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 authorities are investigating a report of aggravated burglary and violation of a court order, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The incident occurred just after 12:15a.m. Tuesday, in the 200 block of 5th Street in Manhattan. A 67-year-old man and a 21-year-old man reported a woman known to the them attempted to enter their residence.Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD investigating report of home burglary in Manhattan

After decades of local inaction, Kansas lawmakers are pushing for big changes in irrigation.

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