Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson-

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east central

Kansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas.

Thunderstorms are possible today through Monday night with a total of two to five inches of rainfall accumulation possible. Some minor concerns for river and flash flooding exist mainly for east-central

Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson-This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Kansas, east centralKansas, north central Kansas and northeast Kansas.Thunderstorms are possible today through Monday night with a total of two to five inches of rainfall accumulation possible. Some minor concerns for river and flash flooding exist mainly for east-central

There is a continued wet forecast

TOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced that USDA is awarding $1.48 million in grants to Kansas business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels. The grants to four Kansas businesses will expand clean energy availability and build economic benefits while combatting climate change.

“Biofuels made here in Kansas are helping to lower costs for Kansas families, strengthen our energy independence, and create new income streams for farmers,” Davis said.

Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement which includes projects in 17 other states. The details of Kansas projects are:

· A $475,000 grant will help install eleven E15 dispensers and eleven E85 dispensers at three fueling stations owned by Jump Start Stores Inc. in Wichita, Augusta, and Abilene. This project is expected to increase ethanol sales by 878,400 gallons per year.

· A $285,000 grant will help install two E15 dispensers, two E85 dispensers and one ethanol storage tank for Dara's LLC at a fueling station in Manhattan. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 343,098 gallons per year.

· A $37,500 grant will help install one E15 dispenser for The Randall Farmers Cooperative Union fueling station located in Randall. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 291,880 gallons per year.

· A $683,250 grant will help install 12 E15 dispensers, 12 E85 dispensers, seven B20 dispensers, one ethanol storage tank and one biodiesel storage tank for WWWW Inc. at a fueling station in Colby. This project is expected to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 3,815,401 gallons per year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730318930589.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>USDATOPEKA – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced that USDA is awarding $1.48 million in grants to Kansas business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels. The grants to four Kansas businesses will expand clean energy availability and build economic benefits while combatting climate change.“Biofuels made here in Kansas are helping to lower costs for Kansas families, strengthen our energy independence, and create new income streams for farmers,” Davis said.Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement which includes projects in 17 other states. The details of Kansas projects are:· A $475,000 grant will help install eleven E15 dispensers and eleven E85 dispensers at three fueling stations owned by Jump Start Stores Inc. in Wichita, Augusta, and Abilene. This project is expected to increase ethanol sales by 878,400 gallons per year.· A $285,000 grant will help install two E15 dispensers, two E85 dispensers and one ethanol storage tank for Dara's LLC at a fueling station in Manhattan. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 343,098 gallons per year.· A $37,500 grant will help install one E15 dispenser for The Randall Farmers Cooperative Union fueling station located in Randall. This project is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 291,880 gallons per year.· A $683,250 grant will help install 12 E15 dispensers, 12 E85 dispensers, seven B20 dispensers, one ethanol storage tank and one biodiesel storage tank for WWWW Inc. at a fueling station in Colby. This project is expected to increase the amount of biofuel sold by 3,815,401 gallons per year.

USDA Rural Development announces $1.48 million to increase access to clean, affordable domestic biofuels

A Riley County social media post provided advance voting details.

Advance voting is available in Riley County on Saturday, and Monday. All polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th. Each voter must show photo identification before receiving a ballot. Before you go to the polls, check your polling location and review your sample ballot on the Kansas Secretary of State’s Voter View website at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR10_rLEuskPdxqKmAs-m4HochI40wicsahwjiAP769UUdGqzNn3uvvRGrw_aem_lx9nMR4yY2wb8FLxsk5ufg" target="_blank">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView</a>

<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR10_rLEuskPdxqKmAs-m4HochI40wicsahwjiAP769UUdGqzNn3uvvRGrw_aem_lx9nMR4yY2wb8FLxsk5ufg" target="_blank"></a>ADVANCE VOTING SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS:

--Riley County Office Building, 110 Courthouse Plaza - 2nd Floor  on Friday, November 1 • 7:30 am – Noon 

--On Saturday, November 2 • 8:00 am – Noon&nbsp; FINAL DAY: 

--Monday, November 4 • 7:30 am – Noon

Kansas State University Student Union- 2nd Floor, Bluemont Room FINAL DAY: Monday, November 4 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon

A Riley County social media post provided advance voting details.Advance voting is available in Riley County on Saturday, and Monday. All polling locations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th. Each voter must show photo identification before receiving a ballot. Before you go to the polls, check your polling location and review your sample ballot on the Kansas Secretary of State’s Voter View website at <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR10_rLEuskPdxqKmAs-m4HochI40wicsahwjiAP769UUdGqzNn3uvvRGrw_aem_lx9nMR4yY2wb8FLxsk5ufg" target="_blank">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView</a><a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR10_rLEuskPdxqKmAs-m4HochI40wicsahwjiAP769UUdGqzNn3uvvRGrw_aem_lx9nMR4yY2wb8FLxsk5ufg" target="_blank"></a>ADVANCE VOTING SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS:--Riley County Office Building, 110 Courthouse Plaza - 2nd Floor on Friday, November 1 • 7:30 am – Noon --On Saturday, November 2 • 8:00 am – Noon&nbsp; FINAL DAY: --Monday, November 4 • 7:30 am – NoonKansas State University Student Union- 2nd Floor, Bluemont Room FINAL DAY: Monday, November 4 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Advance voting update

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_L_A5J6JQhA?si=mnNNqSfyc9mW5J9n" 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&nbsp;Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson.

🎤Forward Ever: Nuclear missile silo turned Airbnb owner Matthew Fulkerson

The ribbon cutting ceremony for Operation Santa Claus will be held at Santa’s Fort Riley workshop, 5306 Reese on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley leaders will participate.

<a>Through Operation Santa Claus, Fort Riley and surrounding communities assist local active duty junior enlisted service members by providing gifts for their children. Each child in the family will receive two toys and a stocking, and the family will receive a game or puzzle. Operation Santa Claus is in its 40th year of providing gifts to military children. In 2023 Operation Santa Claus served 756 Soldiers and their families, providing 3,672 toys to 1,836 military kids.</a>

By Dewey TerrillThe ribbon cutting ceremony for Operation Santa Claus will be held at Santa’s Fort Riley workshop, 5306 Reese on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley leaders will participate.<a>Through Operation Santa Claus, Fort Riley and surrounding communities assist local active duty junior enlisted service members by providing gifts for their children. Each child in the family will receive two toys and a stocking, and the family will receive a game or puzzle. Operation Santa Claus is in its 40th year of providing gifts to military children. In 2023 Operation Santa Claus served 756 Soldiers and their families, providing 3,672 toys to 1,836 military kids.</a>

Operation Santa Claus Ribbon Cutting Tuesday

&nbsp; (Riley County, KS – November 1, 2024) Starting Monday, November 4, several Riley County departments in downtown Manhattan will begin new customer service hours following a successful trial period which started in July. The permanent hours, approved by the Riley County Commissioners, aim to enhance convenience for residents while maintaining efficient use of resources.

The updated hours apply to departments located at the Riley County Office Building (RCOB), 110 Courthouse Plaza, and the Courthouse Plaza East (CPE) building, 115 N. 4th Street. Customer service hours for these departments will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

During non-service hours, the RCOB and CPE buildings will remain locked; however, employees and some customers may still be present inside the buildings. This practice will continue as before, ensuring security while allowing ongoing internal operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Other departments will continue their current customer service schedules:

The Register of Deeds office, located in the Riley County Office Building at 110 Courthouse Plaza, will retain its previous customer service hours, remaining open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Customers who want to visit the office on Friday afternoons should call the Register of Deeds at 785-537-6340 to arrange building access. This contact information is also displayed on the front entrance for convenience.



By Vivienne LeyvaRiley County Public Information Officer&nbsp; (Riley County, KS – November 1, 2024) Starting Monday, November 4, several Riley County departments in downtown Manhattan will begin new customer service hours following a successful trial period which started in July. The permanent hours, approved by the Riley County Commissioners, aim to enhance convenience for residents while maintaining efficient use of resources.The updated hours apply to departments located at the Riley County Office Building (RCOB), 110 Courthouse Plaza, and the Courthouse Plaza East (CPE) building, 115 N. 4th Street. Customer service hours for these departments will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.During non-service hours, the RCOB and CPE buildings will remain locked; however, employees and some customers may still be present inside the buildings. This practice will continue as before, ensuring security while allowing ongoing internal operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Departments with new hours include:</h2><ul>
 <li>Appraiser</li><li>Community Corrections</li><li>County Clerk and Elections</li><li>County Counselor and Administrative Services</li><li>Emergency Management and Riley County Fire District #1 Administration</li><li>Human Resources</li><li>Information Technology/Geographic Information Systems (IT/GIS)</li><li>Planning and Development/Environmental Health</li><li>Riley County K-State Extension</li><li>Treasurer &amp; Motor Vehicle</li>
 </ul><h2>Other departments will continue their current customer service schedules:</h2><ul>
 <li>District Courts, Court Clerk, and County Attorney (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>Emergency Medical Service Administration (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>Health Department&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=523f5bba7e&amp;e=fd06d17886">(see website)</a></li><li>Historical Museum&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3254ebdc98&amp;e=fd06d17886">(see website)</a></li><li>Household Hazardous Waste/Noxious Weeds (Mon-Fri, 7:30-4)</li><li>Public Works (Mon-Fri, 8-5)</li><li>Register of Deeds (Mon-Fri, 8-5, call their office at 785-537-6340 for access Friday afternoons)</li><li>Transfer Station (Mon-Sat, 7-5)</li><li>Emergency responders, including EMS, Fire District #1, and Emergency Management, will continue 24/7 operations</li>
 </ul>The Register of Deeds office, located in the Riley County Office Building at 110 Courthouse Plaza, will retain its previous customer service hours, remaining open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Customers who want to visit the office on Friday afternoons should call the Register of Deeds at 785-537-6340 to arrange building access. This contact information is also displayed on the front entrance for convenience.

Riley County Updates Customer Service Hours for Some Departments

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — More Kansas State University students now have the opportunity to develop their leadership and career success skills through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/scholar-programs/rise-up/">Rise Up Scholars Program</a>, which has been expanded to include 94 students from two colleges. The program originated in the College of Business Administration and is directed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/about/faculty-staff/directory/Law-DelRosso-Olivia.html">Olivia Law-DelRosso</a>, assistant dean and instructor in the business college. It will now include students from the College of Arts and Sciences, led by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/about/dean-office/choma.html">Kimathi Choma</a>, assistant dean.

The Rise Up Scholars Program is designed for goal-oriented and inclusion-driven future leaders. The program uses a system modeled after business performance reviews to coach scholars to achieve their goals through personalized success coaching, accountability measures, corporate trips, mentorship and inclusive leadership training."I am thrilled with the growth of Rise Up," said Law Del-Rosso. "It shows the dedication of K-State students to achieving their goals and gaining inclusive leadership skills.&nbsp;

 In their freshman year, scholars work with peer mentors&nbsp;who&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;campus resources,&nbsp;teach habits of successful college students and foster accountability&nbsp;for class performance. Scholars learn tools to excel academically, gain exposure to career possibilities and begin networking with Rise Up Partners. During their sophomore year, scholars complete a "mini" internship, which&nbsp;provides them&nbsp;with&nbsp;exposure to career experience&nbsp;and prepares&nbsp;them&nbsp;to&nbsp;be outstanding&nbsp;internship&nbsp;candidates&nbsp;as&nbsp;juniors. The&nbsp;students&nbsp;work with an executive mentor to develop and work toward career goals.&nbsp;They&nbsp;also&nbsp;travel outside of Manhattan to tour businesses, honing their professional skills and expanding their career horizons.

For the final two years of the program, scholars collaborate with career coaches to set goals, participate in mock interviews, revise their resumes, and strategically prepare for applying to internships and jobs. As seniors, they undertake a yearlong project focused on making an impact in an area they are passionate about. Current projects include initiatives to support middle school students who desire to be the first in their families&nbsp;to attend college,&nbsp;to&nbsp;provide resources for underrepresented students in finance, and&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise autism awareness. With these tools, 100% of fully engaged scholars in the program have secured internships and full-time job offers within three months of graduation, Law-DelRosso said.

&nbsp; &nbsp; Last summer, scholars interned or began full-time careers at Barkley, Boys and Girls Club of America, ConocoPhillips, Deloitte, Dairy Farmers of America, Edward Jones, EY, Hormel Foods, Imperial PFS, K-State NIL, Athletics, Koch, KPMG, PWC, Spring Venture Group and the U.S. Arm."

The newest Rise Up Scholars include: Jacqueline Castro, junior in accounting,&nbsp;Dodge City; Irving Carrera, junior transfer student in accounting, Wilfredo Escobar-Camacho, junior in accounting, and Nallely Hinojos, senior in entrepreneurship, all from&nbsp;Garden City; Valeria Almanza-Chavez, junior in management,&nbsp;Goodland; Mikynzie Jaidyn Tatro, freshman in chemistry,&nbsp;Junction City; Victoria Netherland, sophomore in marketing,&nbsp;Kansas City; Fertayjia Kendrex-Reed, freshman in biology,&nbsp;Lawrence; Yamileth Choate, sophomore in marketing,&nbsp;Maize.From&nbsp;Manhattan: Nicholas Alexander Gomez, junior in accounting; Laly Hernandez, sophomore in management information systems; Gregory Pickrom, freshman in human resources; Lee Rhyan, senior in accounting; McKayla Clark Snodgrass, freshman in biology; and Maria Velazco, sophomore in communication studies.Isys Haynes, freshman in theater, and Trenton Rogers, sophomore in accounting, both from&nbsp;Olathe.From out of state: Kyndal Jackson, freshman in psychology,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri; Joy Williams, freshman in psychology, and Mariah Wilkes, freshman in biology, both from&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri; Yanis Patel, freshman in management,&nbsp;Lewistown, Pennsylvania; and Braulio Escalona, sophomore in finance,&nbsp;Fort Worth, Texas.From out of the country: Kartikya Yadav, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;Janakpur, Nepal; and Moussa Gacko, freshman in biology,&nbsp;Dakar, Senegal.For more information about the program, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/scholar-programs/rise-up/">Rise Up Scholars Program website</a>. The next application window is May 2025-September 2025.

&nbsp; MANHATTAN — More Kansas State University students now have the opportunity to develop their leadership and career success skills through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/scholar-programs/rise-up/">Rise Up Scholars Program</a>, which has been expanded to include 94 students from two colleges. The program originated in the College of Business Administration and is directed by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/about/faculty-staff/directory/Law-DelRosso-Olivia.html">Olivia Law-DelRosso</a>, assistant dean and instructor in the business college. It will now include students from the College of Arts and Sciences, led by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://artsci.k-state.edu/about/dean-office/choma.html">Kimathi Choma</a>, assistant dean.The Rise Up Scholars Program is designed for goal-oriented and inclusion-driven future leaders. The program uses a system modeled after business performance reviews to coach scholars to achieve their goals through personalized success coaching, accountability measures, corporate trips, mentorship and inclusive leadership training."I am thrilled with the growth of Rise Up," said Law Del-Rosso. "It shows the dedication of K-State students to achieving their goals and gaining inclusive leadership skills.&nbsp; In their freshman year, scholars work with peer mentors&nbsp;who&nbsp;introduce&nbsp;campus resources,&nbsp;teach habits of successful college students and foster accountability&nbsp;for class performance. Scholars learn tools to excel academically, gain exposure to career possibilities and begin networking with Rise Up Partners. During their sophomore year, scholars complete a "mini" internship, which&nbsp;provides them&nbsp;with&nbsp;exposure to career experience&nbsp;and prepares&nbsp;them&nbsp;to&nbsp;be outstanding&nbsp;internship&nbsp;candidates&nbsp;as&nbsp;juniors. The&nbsp;students&nbsp;work with an executive mentor to develop and work toward career goals.&nbsp;They&nbsp;also&nbsp;travel outside of Manhattan to tour businesses, honing their professional skills and expanding their career horizons.For the final two years of the program, scholars collaborate with career coaches to set goals, participate in mock interviews, revise their resumes, and strategically prepare for applying to internships and jobs. As seniors, they undertake a yearlong project focused on making an impact in an area they are passionate about. Current projects include initiatives to support middle school students who desire to be the first in their families&nbsp;to attend college,&nbsp;to&nbsp;provide resources for underrepresented students in finance, and&nbsp;to&nbsp;raise autism awareness. With these tools, 100% of fully engaged scholars in the program have secured internships and full-time job offers within three months of graduation, Law-DelRosso said.&nbsp; &nbsp; Last summer, scholars interned or began full-time careers at Barkley, Boys and Girls Club of America, ConocoPhillips, Deloitte, Dairy Farmers of America, Edward Jones, EY, Hormel Foods, Imperial PFS, K-State NIL, Athletics, Koch, KPMG, PWC, Spring Venture Group and the U.S. Arm."The newest Rise Up Scholars include: Jacqueline Castro, junior in accounting,&nbsp;Dodge City; Irving Carrera, junior transfer student in accounting, Wilfredo Escobar-Camacho, junior in accounting, and Nallely Hinojos, senior in entrepreneurship, all from&nbsp;Garden City; Valeria Almanza-Chavez, junior in management,&nbsp;Goodland; Mikynzie Jaidyn Tatro, freshman in chemistry,&nbsp;Junction City; Victoria Netherland, sophomore in marketing,&nbsp;Kansas City; Fertayjia Kendrex-Reed, freshman in biology,&nbsp;Lawrence; Yamileth Choate, sophomore in marketing,&nbsp;Maize.From&nbsp;Manhattan: Nicholas Alexander Gomez, junior in accounting; Laly Hernandez, sophomore in management information systems; Gregory Pickrom, freshman in human resources; Lee Rhyan, senior in accounting; McKayla Clark Snodgrass, freshman in biology; and Maria Velazco, sophomore in communication studies.Isys Haynes, freshman in theater, and Trenton Rogers, sophomore in accounting, both from&nbsp;Olathe.From out of state: Kyndal Jackson, freshman in psychology,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri; Joy Williams, freshman in psychology, and Mariah Wilkes, freshman in biology, both from&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri; Yanis Patel, freshman in management,&nbsp;Lewistown, Pennsylvania; and Braulio Escalona, sophomore in finance,&nbsp;Fort Worth, Texas.From out of the country: Kartikya Yadav, sophomore in biology,&nbsp;Janakpur, Nepal; and Moussa Gacko, freshman in biology,&nbsp;Dakar, Senegal.For more information about the program, visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/scholar-programs/rise-up/">Rise Up Scholars Program website</a>. The next application window is May 2025-September 2025.

K-State Rise Up student scholar program expands, supporting more students in leadership and career success development

(JUNCTION CITY, Kan., Nov. 1, 2024) – Stormont Vail Health welcomes Dr. Daniel Regier, a general surgery specialist, to the Flint Hills Campus General Surgery Department. Dr. Regier will provide whole patient care, including surgery, at the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus Surgery Center, 1102 St. Marys Rd., Junction City.

Dr. Regier, originally from Nebraska, has a deep connection to the Midwest and a lifelong commitment to serving others. His inspiration comes from his mother, a nurse, and his grandmother, a missionary.

"I enjoy helping others. And I can do that through the gifts I've been given," said Dr. Regier. "That includes helping them with surgery and as well as emotionally and mentally when it comes to making tough decisions - not only about their loved ones, but about their own health."

Dr. Regier pursued his pre-med studies at Chadron State College and earned his medical degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

"The best part of my work is creating relationships with patients and having a continued dialogue with them. I discuss not only their medical needs but also their lifestyle, how things are going, and their hobbies and interests. I create a true relationship that allows me to treat them better and increase trust," he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1730472026935.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>(JUNCTION CITY, Kan., Nov. 1, 2024) – Stormont Vail Health welcomes Dr. Daniel Regier, a general surgery specialist, to the Flint Hills Campus General Surgery Department. Dr. Regier will provide whole patient care, including surgery, at the Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus Surgery Center, 1102 St. Marys Rd., Junction City.Dr. Regier, originally from Nebraska, has a deep connection to the Midwest and a lifelong commitment to serving others. His inspiration comes from his mother, a nurse, and his grandmother, a missionary."I enjoy helping others. And I can do that through the gifts I've been given," said Dr. Regier. "That includes helping them with surgery and as well as emotionally and mentally when it comes to making tough decisions - not only about their loved ones, but about their own health."Dr. Regier pursued his pre-med studies at Chadron State College and earned his medical degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at the West Virginia University School of Medicine."The best part of my work is creating relationships with patients and having a continued dialogue with them. I discuss not only their medical needs but also their lifestyle, how things are going, and their hobbies and interests. I create a true relationship that allows me to treat them better and increase trust," he said.

Stormont Vail Health Welcomes Daniel Regier, M.D., to the Flint Hills Campus General Surgery Department

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Daylight Saving Time disappearing Sunday, it's important that drivers are ready for the change in their environment.

"What gets me most is how early it gets dark. We'll be seeing sunset around 5:30 p.m. instead of 6:30 or 6:45, said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's the biggest change, I think, that gets most people, especially if they're driving home, that first Monday after the time change. So it's really important to pay attention to that. Make sure that you have your headlights on as it starts to get dark. Don't wait till after dark."

This can also cause your body's sleep patterns to be different in an adjustment period.

"With drowsy driving, make sure that you're getting plenty of extra sleep," Steward said. "We do get that extra hour,supposedly, of sleep. Then look for ways to travel at times of the day that you're normally awake. That can help with drowsy driving. Avoid heavy foods and avoid medications that can cause drowsiness or impairment."

Drivers know that drowsy driving is a problem, but some of them still do it.

"Data shows that most motorists identify drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous," Steward said. "Yet, despite those high rates of perceived danger, the people we surveyed, about 17 percent of drivers admitted to having driven while so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open. Additional AAA Foundation research showed that drivers who have slept less than five hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. And then drivers who missed one or two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk of a crash."

Foundation research says more than half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730391624717.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy AAA Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy AAA Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — With Daylight Saving Time disappearing Sunday, it's important that drivers are ready for the change in their environment."What gets me most is how early it gets dark. We'll be seeing sunset around 5:30 p.m. instead of 6:30 or 6:45, said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "That's the biggest change, I think, that gets most people, especially if they're driving home, that first Monday after the time change. So it's really important to pay attention to that. Make sure that you have your headlights on as it starts to get dark. Don't wait till after dark."This can also cause your body's sleep patterns to be different in an adjustment period."With drowsy driving, make sure that you're getting plenty of extra sleep," Steward said. "We do get that extra hour,supposedly, of sleep. Then look for ways to travel at times of the day that you're normally awake. That can help with drowsy driving. Avoid heavy foods and avoid medications that can cause drowsiness or impairment."Drivers know that drowsy driving is a problem, but some of them still do it."Data shows that most motorists identify drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous," Steward said. "Yet, despite those high rates of perceived danger, the people we surveyed, about 17 percent of drivers admitted to having driven while so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open. Additional AAA Foundation research showed that drivers who have slept less than five hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. And then drivers who missed one or two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk of a crash."Foundation research says more than half of drivers involved in fatigue-related crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving and darkness both risks of time change

MANHATTAN, KS – October 31, 2024 – Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan announced it has acquired the assets of K+STAT Urgent Care and will take over its operations on Friday, November 1, 2024.

K+STAT will open at noon on November 1 in order to complete technology and operational transfers.

Bob Copple, President of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, said, “This acquisition is critical to Via Christi’s commitment to expanding healthcare options in Manhattan and keeping care close to home for those in the community.”

For 15 years, K+STAT has been a trusted urgent care provider in Manhattan. K+STAT is staffed with family practice physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners with many years of emergency and urgent care experience. All of K+STAT’s current staff were offered the opportunity of continued employment with Via Christi.

Dr. Douglas Hinkin, physician with K+STAT, said, “We are excited to join our urgent care practice with Via Christi Manhattan and to embrace its commitment to deliver compassionate, personalized care to all —close to home, right here in our community. Our patients can expect to continue to receive the same high-standard, primary care-based medicine we have provided the community for 15 years.”

K+STAT will still operate under its current name and at its current location as an urgent care facility of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Its website and digital properties will be folded into the Via Christi Manhattan website when the purchase is complete.

MANHATTAN, KS – October 31, 2024 – Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan announced it has acquired the assets of K+STAT Urgent Care and will take over its operations on Friday, November 1, 2024.K+STAT will open at noon on November 1 in order to complete technology and operational transfers.Bob Copple, President of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan, said, “This acquisition is critical to Via Christi’s commitment to expanding healthcare options in Manhattan and keeping care close to home for those in the community.”For 15 years, K+STAT has been a trusted urgent care provider in Manhattan. K+STAT is staffed with family practice physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners with many years of emergency and urgent care experience. All of K+STAT’s current staff were offered the opportunity of continued employment with Via Christi.Dr. Douglas Hinkin, physician with K+STAT, said, “We are excited to join our urgent care practice with Via Christi Manhattan and to embrace its commitment to deliver compassionate, personalized care to all —close to home, right here in our community. Our patients can expect to continue to receive the same high-standard, primary care-based medicine we have provided the community for 15 years.”K+STAT will still operate under its current name and at its current location as an urgent care facility of Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. Its website and digital properties will be folded into the Via Christi Manhattan website when the purchase is complete.

Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan Acquires K+STAT Urgent Care

The Army plans a street renaming ceremony in honor of Capt. Larry Taylor, Medal of Honor recipient on Friday at&nbsp;Smoky Hill Rd. and Marshall Dr.at Marshall Army Airfield. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.

Col. Matthew J. Hardman, 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding Officer – Maneuver,&nbsp; will host the ceremony to rename Smoky Hill Road to Taylor Street in honor of Capt. Larry Taylor, 1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor recipient.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Taylor, who had originally received a Silver Star for his actions in Vietnan on June 18, 1968, while serving as a Bell AH1-G Cobra attack helicopter pilot in the 1st Infantry Division.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor passed away on Jan. 28, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730403032669.jpeg" alt="( Photo - 1st Infantry Division )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - 1st Infantry Division )</figcaption>
 </figure>The Army plans a street renaming ceremony in honor of Capt. Larry Taylor, Medal of Honor recipient on Friday at&nbsp;Smoky Hill Rd. and Marshall Dr.at Marshall Army Airfield. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.Col. Matthew J. Hardman, 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding Officer – Maneuver,&nbsp; will host the ceremony to rename Smoky Hill Road to Taylor Street in honor of Capt. Larry Taylor, 1st Infantry Division Medal of Honor recipient.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to Taylor, who had originally received a Silver Star for his actions in Vietnan on June 18, 1968, while serving as a Bell AH1-G Cobra attack helicopter pilot in the 1st Infantry Division.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Taylor passed away on Jan. 28, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

   Taylor Street to be named for Medal of Honor recipient

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is continuing community visits across the state and will spend&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/community-visits/fall-2024-visit/">Nov. 13-20 visiting several counties in central Kansas</a>: Saline, Lincoln, Mitchell, Ellis and Barton counties.

K-State's commitment to integrating engagement across all it does is central to the university's mission as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">next-generation land-grant university</a>. The continuation of the community visits shows the university's commitment to prioritizing engagement and driving partnerships that address real-world challenges — whether through educational outreach, innovative research or service programs that benefit the people and industries of Kansas.

"University engagement is about listening, creating and leading together," said Tim Steffensmeier, assistant vice president and director of engagement and outreach. "K-State is dedicated to sharing knowledge, expertise and resources to elevate communities, industries and lives across Kansas.

"The keystone events for the November community visit will focus on several initiatives and areas of the university, including:&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/">K-State Salina</a>&nbsp;and its efforts to enhance workforce development initiatives.&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>, which is building economic prosperity through projects such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://allthingskansas.k-state.edu/">All Things Kansas</a>&nbsp;data mapping platform and water resiliency projects such as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/projects/know-your-water.html">Know Your Water</a>.&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.engext.ksu.edu/">Engineering Extension</a>, which provides technical assistance on pollution prevention, radon and energy.&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/">K-State Research and Extension</a>&nbsp;and its commitment to the health and wellness of Kansas communities.

Community visit events are free and open to all Kansans, including community members, leaders and industry partners.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/community-visits/fall-2024-visit/">View a full schedule and register for events that are part of the November community visit.</a>The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits/">K-State community visit initiative</a>&nbsp;focuses on the people of Kansas and their communities. K-State is visiting multiple communities throughout the year to celebrate innovation and outreach opportunities.&nbsp;

By Jennifer TidballDivision of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — Kansas State University is continuing community visits across the state and will spend&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/community-visits/fall-2024-visit/">Nov. 13-20 visiting several counties in central Kansas</a>: Saline, Lincoln, Mitchell, Ellis and Barton counties.K-State's commitment to integrating engagement across all it does is central to the university's mission as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/">next-generation land-grant university</a>. The continuation of the community visits shows the university's commitment to prioritizing engagement and driving partnerships that address real-world challenges — whether through educational outreach, innovative research or service programs that benefit the people and industries of Kansas."University engagement is about listening, creating and leading together," said Tim Steffensmeier, assistant vice president and director of engagement and outreach. "K-State is dedicated to sharing knowledge, expertise and resources to elevate communities, industries and lives across Kansas."The keystone events for the November community visit will focus on several initiatives and areas of the university, including:&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/">K-State Salina</a>&nbsp;and its efforts to enhance workforce development initiatives.&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/">K-State 105</a>, which is building economic prosperity through projects such as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://allthingskansas.k-state.edu/">All Things Kansas</a>&nbsp;data mapping platform and water resiliency projects such as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/105/projects/know-your-water.html">Know Your Water</a>.&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.engext.ksu.edu/">Engineering Extension</a>, which provides technical assistance on pollution prevention, radon and energy.&nbsp; •&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/">K-State Research and Extension</a>&nbsp;and its commitment to the health and wellness of Kansas communities.Community visit events are free and open to all Kansans, including community members, leaders and industry partners.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/engagement/community-visits/fall-2024-visit/">View a full schedule and register for events that are part of the November community visit.</a>The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits/">K-State community visit initiative</a>&nbsp;focuses on the people of Kansas and their communities. K-State is visiting multiple communities throughout the year to celebrate innovation and outreach opportunities.&nbsp;

K-State travels to several central Kansas counties for November community visit

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, begins&nbsp;Friday and will remain in effect through March 31.

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer's service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer's natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer's responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fabout-us%2Fjurisdiction%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010192e2ceca1a-4e2a0a20-849f-4bf7-8fbb-98059d003a45-000000/KldCfOVT0yh8TEhOLmGKIrRZh9UYLw_1Rd4WhghZIl4=377" target="_blank">KCC's jurisdiction</a>, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinkprotect.cudasvc.com%2Furl%3Fa=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%252Fconsumer-information%252Fcold-weather-rule%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26c=E%252C1%252CEFhPWc-npJHC7SLIDM6OMuVKUr3wX9Xg4C-2l1zFp6i2MFyzNb_qLElkJQELZugDIrGtLQMT5BD4XlfbuOEOM56KVuryQVxL6SMnhGA16QG8r25Q%26typo=1%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010192e2ceca1a-4e2a0a20-849f-4bf7-8fbb-98059d003a45-000000/dOnZmDlluMn3-5BlPuud3cCOw_0YugiTFQ8MIXxmOHk=377" target="_blank">Commission’s website</a>. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC's Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667254099961.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Corporation CommissionHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, begins&nbsp;Friday and will remain in effect through March 31.While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer's service when the local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer's natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer's responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%2Fabout-us%2Fjurisdiction%3Futm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010192e2ceca1a-4e2a0a20-849f-4bf7-8fbb-98059d003a45-000000/KldCfOVT0yh8TEhOLmGKIrRZh9UYLw_1Rd4WhghZIl4=377" target="_blank">KCC's jurisdiction</a>, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flinkprotect.cudasvc.com%2Furl%3Fa=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.kcc.ks.gov%252Fconsumer-information%252Fcold-weather-rule%253Futm_medium%253Demail%2526utm_source%253Dgovdelivery%26c=E%252C1%252CEFhPWc-npJHC7SLIDM6OMuVKUr3wX9Xg4C-2l1zFp6i2MFyzNb_qLElkJQELZugDIrGtLQMT5BD4XlfbuOEOM56KVuryQVxL6SMnhGA16QG8r25Q%26typo=1%26utm_medium=email%26utm_source=govdelivery/1/01010192e2ceca1a-4e2a0a20-849f-4bf7-8fbb-98059d003a45-000000/dOnZmDlluMn3-5BlPuud3cCOw_0YugiTFQ8MIXxmOHk=377" target="_blank">Commission’s website</a>. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC's Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027 or 785-271-3140.

Cold Weather Rule starts Friday

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission has received a report that an individual claiming to be working with the KCC is calling utility customers and offering a 30% discount on their electric bills. Based on what has been reported, the caller asks about Medicare or Medicaid eligibility, then asks for a credit card so the refund can be applied.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission has received a report that an individual claiming to be working with the KCC is calling utility customers and offering a 30% discount on their electric bills. Based on what has been reported, the caller asks about Medicare or Medicaid eligibility, then asks for a credit card so the refund can be applied.

KCC issues scam warning

USD 383 has announced that Whitney George and Jamie Schnee were selected as the district nominees for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Whitney George is at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School while Jamie Schnee is at Manhattan High School.

USD 383 has announced that Whitney George and Jamie Schnee were selected as the district nominees for the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year. Whitney George is at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School while Jamie Schnee is at Manhattan High School.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730327839990.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 383 Teacher of the Year nominees

Election Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.

Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.

Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.

As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.

An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.

Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.

Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.

As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.

Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.

First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.

Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.

Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.

The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.

In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.

Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.

This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!

These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.

Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!

Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.

Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also be

returned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.

______________________________________________________________________

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

Alexandra MiddlewoodElection Day is right around the corner. Even for non-political scientists it’s the most important day of the year. It’s the day when Kansans get to put democracy into practice and choose their elected officials.Thanks to the efforts of IKE Lab at Wichita State University to make Kansas voter registration and election data available to the public, it’s fairly easy to track early voting data.Early voting began 15 days before Election Day on October 21.As of October 30, 163,634 mail ballots had been sent out statewide, and 97,634 had been returned. Of those, 43,533 were returned by Democrats, 39,460 by Republicans, and 14,140 by unaffiliated voters.An additional 294,081 Kansans have voted early in-person — 157,567 Republicans, 93,314 Democrats, and 41,220 unaffiliated voters.Kansans are turning out to early vote in droves, particularly voters in the state’s largest counties.Typically, high levels of early voting means it’s going to be a high turnout election overall.As for who is going to win…? I’m a political scientist, not a forecaster, but we do have new public opinion data to give us some insight.Kansas Speaks, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, surveyed Kansans in mid-October.First, Laura Kelly remains the most popular elected official in the state with a 46.4% satisfaction rating. While not on the ballot, her continued popularity does signal hope for other moderate Democrats running for office this year who have taken a leaf out of her middle-of-the-road playbook.Second, only 29% of Kansans are satisfied with the Kansas Legislature. While Republicans are all but guaranteed to maintain the majority in both houses, Democrats are working hard to break the supermajority by flipping at least 3 seats in the Senate and 2 in the House. The legislature’s low approval rating may potentially help Democrats flip these seats.Third, among likely voters who answered the survey, 48% said they plan to vote for Donald Trump while 43% said they plan to vote for Kamala Harris — a 5 point difference. Among all registered voters, there’s a 10 point difference.The actual vote is likely going to be somewhere in between.In 2020, Trump won Kansas by over 14 points and Republicans have carried the state in 19 of the last 20 presidential elections. I don’t think these polling results mean Kansas is a swing state. But they may indicate that Kansas is becoming less conservative.Harris is polling slightly higher than Biden’s 2020 vote count, and any increase in the margins could bode well for Democrats in tight races at the state and county levels.This is a good reminder that while 2024 is a “presidential” election year, there’s so much more on the ballot than just the president. Don’t forget to also vote in down-ballot races like US Congress; Kansas House, Senate, and Board of Education; and various judicial and county races!These elections impact your everyday life much more than the race for president.Make sure you get out and vote!Need voting information?Check out the Kansas Secretary of State’s website, including your specific voting information on the VoterView page. VoterView shows your polling location and hours, sample ballot, and much more!Check with your county election office for early voting hours and locations. All early in-person voting ends on Monday, November 4 at noon.Mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your county election office by the close of business on Friday, November 8. Mail ballots can also bereturned in-person to a polling location, ballot drop box, or county election office on or before Election Day.______________________________________________________________________Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is an associate professor and chair of the Political Science Department at Wichita State University.

Election Preview from a Political Scientist

Don't forget to "fall back" an hour early Sunday morning, November 3.&nbsp; This is also a time to get the batteries changed in your smoke detectors and other alarms plus the batteries in your flashlight or emergency kit.

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday.Don't forget to "fall back" an hour early Sunday morning, November 3.&nbsp; This is also a time to get the batteries changed in your smoke detectors and other alarms plus the batteries in your flashlight or emergency kit.Set your clocks back one hour.

Prepare for Daylight Savings Time

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 400 block of Walters Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.

&nbsp;It was reported a 53-year-old man identified as Marcus Washington of Manhattan stabbed a 39-year-old victim with a knife. The victim is being treated for his injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.

Police arrested Washington on requested charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.

Police also arrested 41-year-old Alvin Love of and 26-year-old Nichole Cochrun both Manhattan on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and obstructing apprehension of prosecution in connection with the stabbing, according to the RCPD. Both are being held on separate $10,000 bonds.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery in the 400 block of Walters Dr in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Wednesday.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 400 block of Walters Drive in Manhattan, according to a media release.&nbsp;It was reported a 53-year-old man identified as Marcus Washington of Manhattan stabbed a 39-year-old victim with a knife. The victim is being treated for his injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.Police arrested Washington on requested charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery. He is being held on a bond of $250,000.Police also arrested 41-year-old Alvin Love of and 26-year-old Nichole Cochrun both Manhattan on requested charges of interference with law enforcement and obstructing apprehension of prosecution in connection with the stabbing, according to the RCPD. Both are being held on separate $10,000 bonds.---------------RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement are investigating an alleged attempted murder in Manhattan.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery in the 400 block of Walters Dr in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Wednesday.

Police: 3 in custody after violent knife attack in Manhattan

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.

Just before 5p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; Riley County Police arrested 29-year-old Damion Huff of Overland Park on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. 

Huff was issued no bond and remains confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report.&nbsp; On Monday, he was jailed in Johnson County for on a requested charge that included interference with a law enforcement officer, according to online jail records.&nbsp; On Oct. 6, he was jailed in Johnson County for alleged battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp; April he was jailed for alleged domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is scheduled to make a court appearance in Johnson County Wednesday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730302699866.png" alt="Huff photo from an arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Huff photo from an arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an arrest.Just before 5p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp; Riley County Police arrested 29-year-old Damion Huff of Overland Park on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation. Huff was issued no bond and remains confined in the Riley County Jail at the time of this report.&nbsp; On Monday, he was jailed in Johnson County for on a requested charge that included interference with a law enforcement officer, according to online jail records.&nbsp; On Oct. 6, he was jailed in Johnson County for alleged battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp; April he was jailed for alleged domestic violence.&nbsp;&nbsp;He is scheduled to make a court appearance in Johnson County Wednesday, according to online jail records.

Kansas man with a history of violent crime jailed in Riley County

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

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southeastern Dickinson County in central Kansas...
  Southeastern Geary County in east central Kansas...
  Morris County in east central Kansas...

* Until 430 PM CDT.

* 

At 402 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles north of
  Burdick, moving northeast at 50 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* 

Locations impacted include...
  Herington, Council Grove, White City, Dwight, Wilsey, Parkerville,
  Latimer, Council Grove Lake, and Burdick.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The National Weather Service said that thunderstorms will develop along a cold front as it moves southeast across the area today.

● The potential hazards with the storms include damaging winds, a few tornadoes, and hail.

● Storms will occur throughout the morning across north-central KS before moving east during the afternoon, and are expected to exit east central KS by 10-11 pm. The greatest severe threat is expected to be between 4 and 10 pm over northeast and east central KS.

Confidence in thunderstorms is high today. Damaging winds are the most likely hazard. But there may be enough ingredients for a strong tornado or two. The risk for tornadoes is a low probability / high impact setup in that it’s not ideal, but there are enough ingredients to be on alert.

● The tornado threat, particularly for any strong tornado, will be highest with any discrete or embedded supercells.

○ The main uncertainty with this is if the cold front will help reduce this potential by undercutting storms

● A brief tornado or two will also be possible within the larger scale line of storms, but at a lower potential than with any supercell.

The National Weather Service provided more storm forecast information for Wednesday.

Severe thunderstorms are possible mainly late this afternoon through this evening. Large hail, damaging wind, and a few tornadoes are all possible.

The National Weather Service has issued a prediction for severe weather on Wednesday. 

You can expect windy conditions with gusts around 50 mph Tuesday night as well.

For Wednesday thunderstorms will develop along a cold front as it moves southeast across the area. The severe weather threat continues to increase, with damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes all possible.

The severe threat will generally last from 1-10 PM, peaking at 5-9 pm in northeast and east-central Ks..

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

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
 Southeastern Dickinson County in central Kansas...
 Southeastern Geary County in east central Kansas...
 Morris County in east central Kansas...

* Until 430 PM CDT.

* At 402 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 5 miles north of
 Burdick, moving northeast at 50 mph.

 HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

 SOURCE...Radar indicated.

 IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
 Herington, Council Grove, White City, Dwight, Wilsey, Parkerville,
 Latimer, Council Grove Lake, and Burdick.&nbsp;&nbsp;---The National Weather Service said that thunderstorms will develop along a cold front as it moves southeast across the area today.● The potential hazards with the storms include damaging winds, a few tornadoes, and hail.● Storms will occur throughout the morning across north-central KS before moving east during the afternoon, and are expected to exit east central KS by 10-11 pm. The greatest severe threat is expected to be between 4 and 10 pm over northeast and east central KS.Confidence in thunderstorms is high today. Damaging winds are the most likely hazard. But there may be enough ingredients for a strong tornado or two. The risk for tornadoes is a low probability / high impact setup in that it’s not ideal, but there are enough ingredients to be on alert.● The tornado threat, particularly for any strong tornado, will be highest with any discrete or embedded supercells.○ The main uncertainty with this is if the cold front will help reduce this potential by undercutting storms● A brief tornado or two will also be possible within the larger scale line of storms, but at a lower potential than with any supercell.The National Weather Service provided more storm forecast information for Wednesday.Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson-Today and tonight.Severe thunderstorms are possible mainly late this afternoon through this evening. Large hail, damaging wind, and a few tornadoes are all possible.---The National Weather Service has issued a prediction for severe weather on Wednesday. You can expect windy conditions with gusts around 50 mph Tuesday night as well.For Wednesday thunderstorms will develop along a cold front as it moves southeast across the area. The severe weather threat continues to increase, with damaging winds, hail, and a few tornadoes all possible.The severe threat will generally last from 1-10 PM, peaking at 5-9 pm in northeast and east-central Ks..

Severe weather update

There will be trick or treating at Manhattan Town Center on Thursday.

According to a social media post by Town Center, Businesses will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters from 4-6pb at their entrances. This is a free community event and no tickets are needed.

There will be trick or treating at Manhattan Town Center on Thursday.According to a social media post by Town Center, Businesses will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters from 4-6pb at their entrances. This is a free community event and no tickets are needed.

Town Center will host trick or treating

(Riley County, KS - October 29, 2024) Riley County voters have more opportunities to cast their ballots early with longer polling hours this week. The Riley County Office Building will be open for advance voting from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through Thursday, October 31st, giving voters more flexibility to vote at their convenience.

 See the full schedule for both polling places below. As of close of business on Monday, October 28, 2024, a total of 7,763 voters in Riley County have cast their ballots, either in person or by mail.&nbsp;

By Vivienne Leyva&nbsp;Riley County PIO(Riley County, KS - October 29, 2024) Riley County voters have more opportunities to cast their ballots early with longer polling hours this week. The Riley County Office Building will be open for advance voting from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through Thursday, October 31st, giving voters more flexibility to vote at their convenience. See the full schedule for both polling places below. As of close of business on Monday, October 28, 2024, a total of 7,763 voters in Riley County have cast their ballots, either in person or by mail.&nbsp;

Advance Voting Continues This Week with Extended Hours

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two cases of alleged domestic violence in Manhattan.

Just after 2a.m. Monday. officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint and criminal deprivation of property in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 35-year-old woman reported a 32-year-old man hit her causing significant injury, restrained her and withheld property from her. &nbsp;Kaleb Murphy, 32, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, criminal restraint, domestic battery, and criminal deprivation of property. Murphy is being held on a $10,000 bond.

Just before 11p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft in Manhattan, according to&nbsp; the Riley County Police Department Activity Report.

 A 36-year-old woman reported a 39-year-old man violated a protection order, battered her, and took her property by force. &nbsp;Evan Lied, 39, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft. Lied is being held on a $20,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two cases of alleged domestic violence in Manhattan.Just after 2a.m. Monday. officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, criminal restraint and criminal deprivation of property in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 35-year-old woman reported a 32-year-old man hit her causing significant injury, restrained her and withheld property from her. &nbsp;Kaleb Murphy, 32, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, criminal restraint, domestic battery, and criminal deprivation of property. Murphy is being held on a $10,000 bond.Just before 11p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft in Manhattan, according to&nbsp; the Riley County Police Department Activity Report. A 36-year-old woman reported a 39-year-old man violated a protection order, battered her, and took her property by force. &nbsp;Evan Lied, 39, was arrested for aggravated domestic battery, robbery, violation of a protection order, and theft. Lied is being held on a $20,000 bond.

2 jailed in separate violent attacks on women in Manhattan

The FTC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/lyft_complaint.pdf">is taking action</a>&nbsp;against rideshare operator Lyft for making deceptive earnings claims about how much money drivers could expect to make per hour and how much they could earn in special incentives.

Lyft has agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/lyft_proposed_order.pdf">a proposed settlement</a>&nbsp;that would require its claims about drivers’ pay to be based on typical earnings. In addition, Lyft has agreed to back up with evidence any claims it makes about drivers’ pay, clearly notify drivers about the terms of its “earnings guarantee” offers, and pay a $2.1 million civil penalty.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit and proposed settlement upon notification and referral from the FTC.

“It is illegal to lure workers with misleading claims about how much they will earn on the job,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC will keep using all its tools to hold businesses accountable when they violate the law and exploit American workers.”

The complaint against Lyft alleges that as demand for rideshare services increased in 2021 and 2022, Lyft made numerous false and misleading claims in its advertising and marketing about how much money consumers could make if they chose to drive for Lyft.

Ads for Lyft advertised that drivers around the country could make specific hourly amounts. For example, potential drivers in Atlanta were offered up to $33 an hour, potential drivers in Portland were offered $41 an hour and potential drivers in Los Angeles were offered up to $43 an hour. Lyft failed to disclose that these amounts did not represent the income an average driver could expect to earn, but instead were based on the earnings of the top one-fifth of drivers. The complaint notes that these figures overinflated the actual earnings achieved by most drivers by as much as 30%.

In addition, the complaint notes that the hourly earnings claims Lyft made in its ads included tips paid by passengers, even though many drivers would assume any tips they received would be in addition to an hourly pay figure.

In its advertisements, Lyft also tried to entice drivers by touting “earnings guarantees,” which supposedly guaranteed that drivers would be paid a set amount if they completed a specific number of rides in a certain time. For example, one guarantee promised drivers they would make $975 if they completed 45 rides in a weekend. But these guarantees did not clearly disclose that drivers were only paid the difference between what they actually earned, and Lyft’s advertised guaranteed amount. Drivers complained to the company in large numbers that they believed the amount Lyft guaranteed would be paid as a bonus on top of whatever pay they received for completing the assigned number of rides.

One driver complained to the FTC that: “…This [is] unacceptable and not fair. . . . [Lyft] is misleading their drivers. [Lyft] should pay their driver[s] as stated, it shows I completed the task. As the driver, I expected to be paid for the service I rendered.”

The court complaint notes that Lyft continued to make these deceptive earnings claims even after receiving the FTC’s Notice of Penalty Offenses that put the company on notice that deceptive earnings claims were unlawful.

In addition to requiring the company to pay a $2.1 million civil penalty, the proposed settlement also will prohibit Lyft from making any earnings claim unless they have meaningful evidence to back that claim up. In addition, Lyft will be prohibited from making any claims about hourly earnings that include tips as part of the stated hourly amount. The settlement will also require Lyft to clearly disclose to drivers that, under its earnings guarantees, drivers will receive only the difference between their regular earnings and the guaranteed amount. The settlement also requires Lyft to provide notice to its drivers about the settlement.

Today’s action is part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect workers in the gig economy. In 2021, the FTC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/02/amazon-pay-617-million-settle-ftc-charges-it-withheld-some-customer-tips-amazon-flex-drivers">reached a settlement with Amazon</a>&nbsp;returning more than $60 million to Amazon Flex drivers whose tips were illegally withheld. In 2022, the FTC took action against HomeAdvisor for misleading service providers, and the following year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-order-requires-homeadvisor-pay-72-million-stop-deceptively-marketing-its-leads-home-improvement">obtained an order</a>&nbsp;barring false claims and providing millions in redress. This year, the FTC challenged deceptive earnings claims and other unlawful practices by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/07/ftc-takes-action-against-gig-work-company-arise-virtual-solutions-deceiving-consumers-about-pay">Arise</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-takes-action-against-carecom-deceiving-caregivers-about-wages-availability-jobs-its-site">Care.com</a>, securing conduct relief and more than $15 million for affected workers. The FTC has detailed how its authorities apply in the gig economy in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-crack-down-companies-taking-advantage-gig-workers">Policy Statement on Enforcement Related to Gig Work</a>. &nbsp;

The Commission vote to authorize the staff to refer the complaint to the DOJ and to approve the proposed consent decree was 3-2, with Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew Ferguson dissenting. Chair Lina M. Khan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-chair-lina-m-khan-joined-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-commissioner-alvaro-m-bedoya-lyft-inc">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;joined by Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro M. Bedoya. Commissioner Holyoak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/dissenting-statement-commissioner-melissa-holyoak-matter-lyft-inc">issued a statement</a>. Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-commissioner-andrew-n-ferguson-concurring-part-dissenting-part-matter-lyft-inc">issued a statement</a>. The DOJ filed the complaint and proposed consent decree upon notification and referral from the Commission in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

NOTE:&nbsp;The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Consent decrees have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The staff attorneys on this matter were Evan Rose and Abdiel T. Lewis of the FTC’s Western Region San Francisco.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. &nbsp;The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected/social-media">FTC on social media</a>, read&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts">consumer alerts</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog">business blog</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected">sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Federal Trade CommissionThe FTC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/lyft_complaint.pdf">is taking action</a>&nbsp;against rideshare operator Lyft for making deceptive earnings claims about how much money drivers could expect to make per hour and how much they could earn in special incentives.Lyft has agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/lyft_proposed_order.pdf">a proposed settlement</a>&nbsp;that would require its claims about drivers’ pay to be based on typical earnings. In addition, Lyft has agreed to back up with evidence any claims it makes about drivers’ pay, clearly notify drivers about the terms of its “earnings guarantee” offers, and pay a $2.1 million civil penalty.The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit and proposed settlement upon notification and referral from the FTC.“It is illegal to lure workers with misleading claims about how much they will earn on the job,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “The FTC will keep using all its tools to hold businesses accountable when they violate the law and exploit American workers.”The complaint against Lyft alleges that as demand for rideshare services increased in 2021 and 2022, Lyft made numerous false and misleading claims in its advertising and marketing about how much money consumers could make if they chose to drive for Lyft.Ads for Lyft advertised that drivers around the country could make specific hourly amounts. For example, potential drivers in Atlanta were offered up to $33 an hour, potential drivers in Portland were offered $41 an hour and potential drivers in Los Angeles were offered up to $43 an hour. Lyft failed to disclose that these amounts did not represent the income an average driver could expect to earn, but instead were based on the earnings of the top one-fifth of drivers. The complaint notes that these figures overinflated the actual earnings achieved by most drivers by as much as 30%.In addition, the complaint notes that the hourly earnings claims Lyft made in its ads included tips paid by passengers, even though many drivers would assume any tips they received would be in addition to an hourly pay figure.In its advertisements, Lyft also tried to entice drivers by touting “earnings guarantees,” which supposedly guaranteed that drivers would be paid a set amount if they completed a specific number of rides in a certain time. For example, one guarantee promised drivers they would make $975 if they completed 45 rides in a weekend. But these guarantees did not clearly disclose that drivers were only paid the difference between what they actually earned, and Lyft’s advertised guaranteed amount. Drivers complained to the company in large numbers that they believed the amount Lyft guaranteed would be paid as a bonus on top of whatever pay they received for completing the assigned number of rides.One driver complained to the FTC that: “…This [is] unacceptable and not fair. . . . [Lyft] is misleading their drivers. [Lyft] should pay their driver[s] as stated, it shows I completed the task. As the driver, I expected to be paid for the service I rendered.”The court complaint notes that Lyft continued to make these deceptive earnings claims even after receiving the FTC’s Notice of Penalty Offenses that put the company on notice that deceptive earnings claims were unlawful.In addition to requiring the company to pay a $2.1 million civil penalty, the proposed settlement also will prohibit Lyft from making any earnings claim unless they have meaningful evidence to back that claim up. In addition, Lyft will be prohibited from making any claims about hourly earnings that include tips as part of the stated hourly amount. The settlement will also require Lyft to clearly disclose to drivers that, under its earnings guarantees, drivers will receive only the difference between their regular earnings and the guaranteed amount. The settlement also requires Lyft to provide notice to its drivers about the settlement.Today’s action is part of the FTC’s ongoing efforts to protect workers in the gig economy. In 2021, the FTC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/02/amazon-pay-617-million-settle-ftc-charges-it-withheld-some-customer-tips-amazon-flex-drivers">reached a settlement with Amazon</a>&nbsp;returning more than $60 million to Amazon Flex drivers whose tips were illegally withheld. In 2022, the FTC took action against HomeAdvisor for misleading service providers, and the following year&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/01/ftc-order-requires-homeadvisor-pay-72-million-stop-deceptively-marketing-its-leads-home-improvement">obtained an order</a>&nbsp;barring false claims and providing millions in redress. This year, the FTC challenged deceptive earnings claims and other unlawful practices by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/07/ftc-takes-action-against-gig-work-company-arise-virtual-solutions-deceiving-consumers-about-pay">Arise</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-takes-action-against-carecom-deceiving-caregivers-about-wages-availability-jobs-its-site">Care.com</a>, securing conduct relief and more than $15 million for affected workers. The FTC has detailed how its authorities apply in the gig economy in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/09/ftc-crack-down-companies-taking-advantage-gig-workers">Policy Statement on Enforcement Related to Gig Work</a>. &nbsp;The Commission vote to authorize the staff to refer the complaint to the DOJ and to approve the proposed consent decree was 3-2, with Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Andrew Ferguson dissenting. Chair Lina M. Khan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-chair-lina-m-khan-joined-commissioner-rebecca-kelly-slaughter-commissioner-alvaro-m-bedoya-lyft-inc">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;joined by Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro M. Bedoya. Commissioner Holyoak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/dissenting-statement-commissioner-melissa-holyoak-matter-lyft-inc">issued a statement</a>. Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/public-statements/statement-commissioner-andrew-n-ferguson-concurring-part-dissenting-part-matter-lyft-inc">issued a statement</a>. The DOJ filed the complaint and proposed consent decree upon notification and referral from the Commission in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.NOTE:&nbsp;The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Consent decrees have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.The staff attorneys on this matter were Evan Rose and Abdiel T. Lewis of the FTC’s Western Region San Francisco.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. &nbsp;The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/">consumer.ftc.gov</a>, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>. Follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected/social-media">FTC on social media</a>, read&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts">consumer alerts</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog">business blog</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/stay-connected">sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts</a>.

FTC takes action to stop Lyft from deceiving drivers with misleading earnings claims

Riley County Clerk Rich Vargo informed members of the County Commission Monday that as of last Saturday 6,690 people have participated in Advance In-Person voting. It continues until noon on Monday, Nov. 4. Tuesday, Oct. 29 is the last day for a ballot to be sent to you by mail.

Advance In-Person voting can be done at 110 Courthouse Plaza and in the Bluemont Room at the K-State Student Union.

Riley County Clerk Rich Vargo informed members of the County Commission Monday that as of last Saturday 6,690 people have participated in Advance In-Person voting. It continues until noon on Monday, Nov. 4. Tuesday, Oct. 29 is the last day for a ballot to be sent to you by mail.Advance In-Person voting can be done at 110 Courthouse Plaza and in the Bluemont Room at the K-State Student Union.The upcoming election is Nov. 5.

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