TOPEKA — Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson has announced Kansas literacy rates continue to improve with fewer students scoring in Level 1 on the spring 2024 reading state assessments, marking a second straight year that number has decreased. &nbsp;

“This is good news as one of the state board of education’s goals is to move more Kansas students out of the lowest level of reading,” Watson said. “While the decrease in Level 1 reading results is slight, this is the second year in a row that measure has improved, which tells us we’re on the right track. We expect these results will continue to improve as more teachers transition to structured literacy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas State Board of Education invested $15 million in early literacy three years ago and committed an additional $10 million in 2024 to fund structured literacy training for Kansas teachers. Additionally, the board earlier this year approved a new licensure requirement for identified groups of educators requiring training in structured literacy or passing an exam measuring knowledge of structured literacy, beginning in 2028. &nbsp;

Structured literacy uses evidence-based science of reading principles that can be taught to all students, including those with dyslexia.&nbsp;

Watson’s announcement of the spring 2024 reading and math state assessment results coincided with his presentation of the Kansas State Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report during this week’s Kansas State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.&nbsp; The Kansas assessment student performances are scored using four levels:&nbsp;

Students in the third through eighth grades and 10th&nbsp;grade take the reading and math state assessments annually each spring. &nbsp;

The 2024 ELA assessment results show that 33.6% of all students assessed scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 33.2% in 2023 and 32.1% in 2022.&nbsp;

The 2024 ELA results show a decrease in the number of students scoring at Level 1 to 32.8%. That’s down from 32.9% in 2023 and 33.9% in 2022. &nbsp;

The 2024 math assessment results show 31.6% of all students scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 31.3% in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022. &nbsp;

The 2024 math assessment results also show 33.2% of students scored at Level 1, a slight increase from 33.1% in 2023 but down from 34.2% in 2022.&nbsp;

The State Board’s goal to move more students out of Level 1 in reading, along with the initiative to increase the number of Kansas educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS®, is gaining momentum.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As of Oct. 2024, an estimated 3,242 educators (including early childhood and administrators) had completed LETRS®&nbsp;training and have post-test scores. Another 12,141 educators (including early childhood and administrators) are in the process of getting trained in LETRS®. The LETRS®&nbsp;training is free for all Kansas educators as a result of federal ESSER funds. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Chronic absenteeism rates saw a three-year decline, going from 24.5% in 2022; 21.8% in 2023; and 19.7% in 2024. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the total number of days enrolled during the school year. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a lag indicator, the 2023 graduation rate declined by 1.2 percentage points to 88.1%, including a 1.3 percentage point decrease for students with disabilities. However, the graduation rate for English language learners (ELL) increased by 1 percentage point. (Graduation rates for 2024 won’t be available until later this year.)&nbsp;

While the graduation rate decreased slightly, the number of Kansas high school students participating in postsecondary courses has increased every year since 2021. The number of students concurrently enrolled, dual enrolled and those enrolled in the Excel in CTE courses at the college level in 2024 was 38,002, up from 35,785 in 2023; 33,519 in 2022; and 32,603 in 2021. The number of credit hours these students earned also increased over the same four-year period – 332,615 in 2024; 306,904 in 2023; 289,456 in 2022 and 285,402 in 2021. &nbsp;

TOPEKA — Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson has announced Kansas literacy rates continue to improve with fewer students scoring in Level 1 on the spring 2024 reading state assessments, marking a second straight year that number has decreased. &nbsp;“This is good news as one of the state board of education’s goals is to move more Kansas students out of the lowest level of reading,” Watson said. “While the decrease in Level 1 reading results is slight, this is the second year in a row that measure has improved, which tells us we’re on the right track. We expect these results will continue to improve as more teachers transition to structured literacy.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas State Board of Education invested $15 million in early literacy three years ago and committed an additional $10 million in 2024 to fund structured literacy training for Kansas teachers. Additionally, the board earlier this year approved a new licensure requirement for identified groups of educators requiring training in structured literacy or passing an exam measuring knowledge of structured literacy, beginning in 2028. &nbsp;Structured literacy uses evidence-based science of reading principles that can be taught to all students, including those with dyslexia.&nbsp;Watson’s announcement of the spring 2024 reading and math state assessment results coincided with his presentation of the Kansas State Department of Education’s 2023-24 annual report during this week’s Kansas State Board of Education’s monthly meeting.&nbsp; The Kansas assessment student performances are scored using four levels:&nbsp;<ol>
 <li>A student at Level 1 shows a limited ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>A student at Level 2 shows a basic ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>A student at Level 3 shows an effective ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>A student at Level 4 shows an excellent ability to understand and use the skills and knowledge needed for postsecondary readiness.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>Students in the third through eighth grades and 10th&nbsp;grade take the reading and math state assessments annually each spring. &nbsp;The 2024 ELA assessment results show that 33.6% of all students assessed scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 33.2% in 2023 and 32.1% in 2022.&nbsp;The 2024 ELA results show a decrease in the number of students scoring at Level 1 to 32.8%. That’s down from 32.9% in 2023 and 33.9% in 2022. &nbsp;The 2024 math assessment results show 31.6% of all students scored at Levels 3 and 4, an increase from 31.3% in 2023 and 29.4% in 2022. &nbsp;The 2024 math assessment results also show 33.2% of students scored at Level 1, a slight increase from 33.1% in 2023 but down from 34.2% in 2022.&nbsp;The State Board’s goal to move more students out of Level 1 in reading, along with the initiative to increase the number of Kansas educators trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS®, is gaining momentum.&nbsp;&nbsp;As of Oct. 2024, an estimated 3,242 educators (including early childhood and administrators) had completed LETRS®&nbsp;training and have post-test scores. Another 12,141 educators (including early childhood and administrators) are in the process of getting trained in LETRS®. The LETRS®&nbsp;training is free for all Kansas educators as a result of federal ESSER funds. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Chronic absenteeism rates saw a three-year decline, going from 24.5% in 2022; 21.8% in 2023; and 19.7% in 2024. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the total number of days enrolled during the school year. It includes both excused, unexcused, out-of-school suspensions and in-school suspensions that last more than one-half of the school day.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a lag indicator, the 2023 graduation rate declined by 1.2 percentage points to 88.1%, including a 1.3 percentage point decrease for students with disabilities. However, the graduation rate for English language learners (ELL) increased by 1 percentage point. (Graduation rates for 2024 won’t be available until later this year.)&nbsp;While the graduation rate decreased slightly, the number of Kansas high school students participating in postsecondary courses has increased every year since 2021. The number of students concurrently enrolled, dual enrolled and those enrolled in the Excel in CTE courses at the college level in 2024 was 38,002, up from 35,785 in 2023; 33,519 in 2022; and 32,603 in 2021. The number of credit hours these students earned also increased over the same four-year period – 332,615 in 2024; 306,904 in 2023; 289,456 in 2022 and 285,402 in 2021. &nbsp;

Kansas schools continue to improve student literacy

This is s reminder that there is no school for all USD 383 students on Monday, October 14.

This is s reminder that there is no school for all USD 383 students on Monday, October 14.

USD 383 enrollment reminder

The City of Manhattan has announced that starting&nbsp;Monday, October 14, the right turn lane from Bluemont Avenue onto North Manhattan Avenue will be closed in front of Bluemont Hotel so the pedestrian crossing at the northeast corner of the intersection (in front of the hotel) can be fully replaced.

Right turns still will be possible at the intersection from the northmost eastbound lane.

In addition to&nbsp;closing the eastbound right turn lane on Bluemont, there will be a partial lane closure on northbound North Manhattan Avenue to just north of the intersection.

The pedestrian crossings for both North Manhattan Avenue (north of the intersection) and Bluemont Avenue (east of the intersection)&nbsp;that connect to this northeast corner will be closed, with detours available, for the duration of this work.

Please drive and walk safely in this area, follow signage and look out for City workers.

Expect light&nbsp;to moderate traffic and some delays on Bluemont Avenue and North Manhattan Avenue&nbsp;through this work period, especially for pedestrians crossing.

The estimate is about&nbsp;1-2 weeks&nbsp;to complete this work, depending on weather.

The City of Manhattan has announced that starting&nbsp;Monday, October 14, the right turn lane from Bluemont Avenue onto North Manhattan Avenue will be closed in front of Bluemont Hotel so the pedestrian crossing at the northeast corner of the intersection (in front of the hotel) can be fully replaced.Right turns still will be possible at the intersection from the northmost eastbound lane.In addition to&nbsp;closing the eastbound right turn lane on Bluemont, there will be a partial lane closure on northbound North Manhattan Avenue to just north of the intersection.The pedestrian crossings for both North Manhattan Avenue (north of the intersection) and Bluemont Avenue (east of the intersection)&nbsp;that connect to this northeast corner will be closed, with detours available, for the duration of this work.Please drive and walk safely in this area, follow signage and look out for City workers.Expect light&nbsp;to moderate traffic and some delays on Bluemont Avenue and North Manhattan Avenue&nbsp;through this work period, especially for pedestrians crossing.The estimate is about&nbsp;1-2 weeks&nbsp;to complete this work, depending on weather.

Bluemont Avenue turn lane closing for ped crossing work

( Groundbreaking for the Early Childhood Center )

The formal groundbreaking for a new 71,000 square foot Early Childhood Center for USD 475 was held Friday in Junction City. USD 475 leaders and Governor Laura Kelly participated in the ceremony, held on the site of the former Junction City High School.

Kelly noted that devoting resources to child development is the strongest a community can make for its future. "Access to childcare facilities is vital for workforce development and economic development."

USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston said, "Today is an investment in the future. He added, " The ECC will serve as the home for the little Blue Jays. Today marks the completion of discussions and start of construction."

This new facility will not only streamline USD 475’s educational resources but also provide enhanced evaluation space specifically designed for three and four-year-olds. This initiative underscores the school district’s commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our youngest learners, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

Young early childhood students also participated with singing during the ceremony. The cost of the new facility is estimated at $35 million.

edOct 11, 2024 3:14 PM<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728677704945.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>( Groundbreaking for the Early Childhood Center )( Photos - USD 475 )The formal groundbreaking for a new 71,000 square foot Early Childhood Center for USD 475 was held Friday in Junction City. USD 475 leaders and Governor Laura Kelly participated in the ceremony, held on the site of the former Junction City High School.Kelly noted that devoting resources to child development is the strongest a community can make for its future. "Access to childcare facilities is vital for workforce development and economic development."USD 475 Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston said, "Today is an investment in the future. He added, " The ECC will serve as the home for the little Blue Jays. Today marks the completion of discussions and start of construction."This new facility will not only streamline USD 475’s educational resources but also provide enhanced evaluation space specifically designed for three and four-year-olds. This initiative underscores the school district’s commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for our youngest learners, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.Young early childhood students also participated with singing during the ceremony. The cost of the new facility is estimated at $35 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728678670897.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728678882504.jpeg" alt="Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

USD 475 breaks ground for new Early Childhood Center

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, Jordan Zimmerman, 26, of Manhattan, improperly crossed five lanes of traffic on his bicycle near the intersection of McCall Road and Tuttle Creek Blvd. 

The bike and a 2106 Chevy Sonic driven by Barrett Stokes, 29, of Manhattan, collided. EMS transported Zimmerman to Via Christi for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional detils.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, Jordan Zimmerman, 26, of Manhattan, improperly crossed five lanes of traffic on his bicycle near the intersection of McCall Road and Tuttle Creek Blvd. The bike and a 2106 Chevy Sonic driven by Barrett Stokes, 29, of Manhattan, collided. EMS transported Zimmerman to Via Christi for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional detils.

Manhattan bicyclist hospitalized after crash with a car

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and Fort Riley have renewed their landmark partnership, which was originally established in 2008 and marks the first institutional partnership of its kind in the nation. The collaboration has fostered a unique bond between K-State and the U.S. Army, particularly the renowned 1st Infantry Division and U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Riley.

President Richard Linton and 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Maj. Gen. Monté Rone renewed the partnership, and Linton and Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato signed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement in a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10. The occasion commemorated 16 years of collaboration initiated by Lt. Gen. Bob Durbin, former commanding general, and retired Lt. Col. Art DeGroat, K-State Colonel H. Duane Saunders executive director of military and veterans affairs, who shared a vision of enhancing military education and community engagement.

"As a land-grant university, our mission is to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of background," Linton said. "We are honored to renew our partnership with Fort Riley, as it not only enhances the educational experience for our students but also strengthens the vital connection between our military and the community. "This partnership is distinctive in the university's holistic approach to effectively serving military families and personnel through a wide array of resources and programs. 

K-State's commitment to meeting the needs of Fort Riley, as recognized on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools/">Military Friendly Schools list</a>, has received national recognition as the first institution in the nation to secure an Intergovernmental Support Agreement for Intellectual Talent Sharing with the U.S. Army. "Continuing our 16-year partnership with Kansas State University is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation," Rone said. "This annual renewal strengthens our resolve to provide unparalleled educational opportunities and resources for our soldiers while offering K-State students invaluable real-world experience and insights. Together, we ensure both our soldiers and students are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow."

K-State provides a sense of community to military-connected learners by providing professional development, wellness programs, transition assistance expertise, research opportunities and community leadership. As the partnership continues, both institutions will share feedback with local, state and federal military councils and various veterans affairs committees to ensure similar partnerships can be made across the country.

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and Fort Riley have renewed their landmark partnership, which was originally established in 2008 and marks the first institutional partnership of its kind in the nation. The collaboration has fostered a unique bond between K-State and the U.S. Army, particularly the renowned 1st Infantry Division and U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Riley.President Richard Linton and 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Maj. Gen. Monté Rone renewed the partnership, and Linton and Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato signed an Intergovernmental Support Agreement in a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 10. The occasion commemorated 16 years of collaboration initiated by Lt. Gen. Bob Durbin, former commanding general, and retired Lt. Col. Art DeGroat, K-State Colonel H. Duane Saunders executive director of military and veterans affairs, who shared a vision of enhancing military education and community engagement."As a land-grant university, our mission is to make education accessible to everyone, regardless of background," Linton said. "We are honored to renew our partnership with Fort Riley, as it not only enhances the educational experience for our students but also strengthens the vital connection between our military and the community. "This partnership is distinctive in the university's holistic approach to effectively serving military families and personnel through a wide array of resources and programs. K-State's commitment to meeting the needs of Fort Riley, as recognized on the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.militaryfriendly.com/schools/">Military Friendly Schools list</a>, has received national recognition as the first institution in the nation to secure an Intergovernmental Support Agreement for Intellectual Talent Sharing with the U.S. Army. "Continuing our 16-year partnership with Kansas State University is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation," Rone said. "This annual renewal strengthens our resolve to provide unparalleled educational opportunities and resources for our soldiers while offering K-State students invaluable real-world experience and insights. Together, we ensure both our soldiers and students are well-equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow."K-State provides a sense of community to military-connected learners by providing professional development, wellness programs, transition assistance expertise, research opportunities and community leadership. As the partnership continues, both institutions will share feedback with local, state and federal military councils and various veterans affairs committees to ensure similar partnerships can be made across the country.

K-State and Fort Riley renew historic partnership

DICKINSON COUNTY—A small earthquake shook portions of central Kansas on just before 9:30a.m. Thursday.

The quake measured a magnitude 3.5, according to the&nbsp;U.S. Geological Survey and was centered approximately 3 and one half miles west of Woodbine.

The Dickinson County Sheriff's office said they received not calls about the quake.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728652872808.png" alt="USGS image" />
 <figcaption>USGS image</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—A small earthquake shook portions of central Kansas on just before 9:30a.m. Thursday.The quake measured a magnitude 3.5, according to the&nbsp;U.S. Geological Survey and was centered approximately 3 and one half miles west of Woodbine.The Dickinson County Sheriff's office said they received not calls about the quake.

Small earthquake shook north central Kansas

There is an event by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsATAbus">Flint Hills&nbsp; ATA Bus</a>&nbsp;at the Douglass Community Center Annex at 901 Yuma Street, Manhattan. This is scheduled from 4 -7 p.m. on Oct. 22.

&nbsp;The Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency is developing a plan to improve transit for the communities they serve. Join us to give your input. This is for anyone off Facebook.

There is an event by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlintHillsATAbus">Flint Hills&nbsp; ATA Bus</a>&nbsp;at the Douglass Community Center Annex at 901 Yuma Street, Manhattan. This is scheduled from 4 -7 p.m. on Oct. 22.&nbsp;The Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency is developing a plan to improve transit for the communities they serve. Join us to give your input. This is for anyone off Facebook.

Public feedback meeting is scheduled for aTa Bus proposed improvements

Monster Myths is set for Saturday Oct. 12 at Milford State Park. The hours are 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

You must have a state park permit to enter. The cost is $5 for a state park daily permit. Features include costumed presenters dispelling some of nature's longstanding myths as you are guided down the trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monster Myths is set for Saturday Oct. 12 at Milford State Park. The hours are 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.You must have a state park permit to enter. The cost is $5 for a state park daily permit. Features include costumed presenters dispelling some of nature's longstanding myths as you are guided down the trail.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Monster Myths event is scheduled Saturday night

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 900 block of Yuma Street, according to a media release.

Officers located a 23-year-old man from Manhattan who had been shot in the parking lot of the Douglass Activity Complex. The victim was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, where he was air-lifted to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary information indicates the shooter, a 26-year-old man, acted in self-defense. There is believed to be little to no relationship between the individuals involved, and this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.

This is an open and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Riley County police said Wednesday night that officers were on the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Yuma. One person had been shot and transported to Via Christi for treatment of their injuries. The public was urged to&nbsp; find alternate routes to avoid the 900 blocks of Yuma and Fort Riley Boulevard. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there was no current danger to the public.

If your child was participating in activities at the Douglas Center, follow the cones on the 900 block of Fort Riley Boulevard for pick-up.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 900 block of Yuma Street, according to a media release.Officers located a 23-year-old man from Manhattan who had been shot in the parking lot of the Douglass Activity Complex. The victim was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, where he was air-lifted to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.Preliminary information indicates the shooter, a 26-year-old man, acted in self-defense. There is believed to be little to no relationship between the individuals involved, and this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.This is an open and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.----------------Riley County police said Wednesday night that officers were on the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Yuma. One person had been shot and transported to Via Christi for treatment of their injuries. The public was urged to&nbsp; find alternate routes to avoid the 900 blocks of Yuma and Fort Riley Boulevard. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there was no current danger to the public.If your child was participating in activities at the Douglas Center, follow the cones on the 900 block of Fort Riley Boulevard for pick-up.&nbsp;

RCPD: Shooter in recreation center parking lot acted in self defense

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.

A 2009 Kawasaki Ninja driven by&nbsp;Kade Schulze, 29, of Manhattan, was traveling at the intersection of 12th and Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

An unknown vehicle struck the motorcycle. EMS transported Schulze to Via Christi for life threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.A 2009 Kawasaki Ninja driven by&nbsp;Kade Schulze, 29, of Manhattan, was traveling at the intersection of 12th and Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;An unknown vehicle struck the motorcycle. EMS transported Schulze to Via Christi for life threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man critically injured after hit-and-run crash

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas Reflector

With the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;

Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;

Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;

If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;

Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;

Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.

In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.

Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.

Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.

Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.

Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.

Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;

Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.

Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;

Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;

The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712114185032.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas ReflectorWith the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;<h2>Registering to vote</h2>Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;<h2>Mail-in, absentee and advance voting</h2><a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.<h2>Election Day voting</h2>Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.<h2>Who’s on your ballot</h2>Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.<h2>Voters’ rights</h2>Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Know these steps if you plan to vote in Kansas this election season

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721060745699.jpeg" alt="KHP Best Looking Trooper Vehicle 2024" />
 <figcaption>KHP Best Looking Trooper Vehicle 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.<h2>Tips to keep in mind:</h2>Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.Pass with extreme caution.Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.Be patient.Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.Pay attention.When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

Phase I of the levee improvement project has been completed in Manhattan. The reopening of the Linear Trial and and completion of the levee improvements were celebrated during a ribbon cutting on Wednesday.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said in today's world with hurricanes that the ability of a community&nbsp; to provide protection from natural occurrences is very important. He noted it matters a lot "for the citizens who live here but also our capability of encouraging and recruiting others to come and find Manhattan and Riley County a great place to live."

The project, which is a partnership between the City of Manhattan and the Corps of Engineers, will provide crucial flood risk reduction for the city through substantially enhanced reliability and structural integrity. Construction of Phase I began in the fall of 2021 and was completed this September. The total construction cost of the project, including a future Phase II, is $46.2 million, of which 65 percent was funded by USACE and 35 percent was funded by the City of Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728514826772.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillLittle Apple PostPhase I of the levee improvement project has been completed in Manhattan. The reopening of the Linear Trial and and completion of the levee improvements were celebrated during a ribbon cutting on Wednesday.U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said in today's world with hurricanes that the ability of a community&nbsp; to provide protection from natural occurrences is very important. He noted it matters a lot "for the citizens who live here but also our capability of encouraging and recruiting others to come and find Manhattan and Riley County a great place to live."The project, which is a partnership between the City of Manhattan and the Corps of Engineers, will provide crucial flood risk reduction for the city through substantially enhanced reliability and structural integrity. Construction of Phase I began in the fall of 2021 and was completed this September. The total construction cost of the project, including a future Phase II, is $46.2 million, of which 65 percent was funded by USACE and 35 percent was funded by the City of Manhattan.

Levee improvements - Linear Trail reopening celebrated

RILEY COUNTY—A fire that started in a vehicle caused considerable damage to a garage in Manhattan.

Just before— 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2017 Green Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media reelase.

Upon arrival, crews found a detached two-car garage with heavy smoke showing. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. The garage contained a 1996 Ford Bronco. 

The fire started in the Bronco and spread to the garage. The fire cause is accidental due to an undetermined failure in the engine compartment.&nbsp; 

Loss is estimated at $2500 to contents and $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as David and Angela Motley. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728509459507.png" alt="Photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—A fire that started in a vehicle caused considerable damage to a garage in Manhattan.Just before— 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2017 Green Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media reelase.Upon arrival, crews found a detached two-car garage with heavy smoke showing. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. The garage contained a 1996 Ford Bronco. The fire started in the Bronco and spread to the garage. The fire cause is accidental due to an undetermined failure in the engine compartment.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $2500 to contents and $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as David and Angela Motley. There were no injuries reported.

FIre in SUV spread to garage in Manhattan

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities.

The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.

On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;

Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.

Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as stormwater bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.&nbsp;Bill Fiander, AICPLecturer, Public Administration Department of Political Science Washburn University&nbsp;&nbsp;

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities. The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as stormwater bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.&nbsp;Bill Fiander, AICPLecturer, Public Administration Department of Political Science Washburn University&nbsp;&nbsp;

Will Climate Migration be our new Dust Bowl?  

MANHATTAN — Following a competitive application process, 35 first-year students at Kansas State University have been selected as new members of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/activities/quest/">Quest Freshman Honorary</a>, a program facilitated by Blue Key Senior Honorary.Quest works to develop student leaders through mentorship, personal development and campus involvement.

Upon selection, members of Quest are paired with mentors from Blue Key. Under the leadership of Blue Key, Quest takes a behind-the-scenes look at everything that K-State has to offer, providing members with opportunities to tour K-State Athletics facilities, enjoy a meal at the university president's home and connect with student leaders across campus to give back through service opportunities in Manhattan. Quest provides freshman leaders with the tools necessary to give back to the K-State family.

The following undergraduate students are members of Quest for the 2024-2025 year:

Vivian Nguyen, physics and mathematics,&nbsp;Dodge City; Austin Carroll, general engineering,&nbsp;Ellis; Lyle Perrier, animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Eureka; Jory Ratzlaff, agricultural technology management,&nbsp;Galva; Sydney Heller, agribusiness,&nbsp;Hunter; Lorna Smith, communication sciences and disorders and leadership,&nbsp;Holton; Tyra McNeil, communication studies and leadership, pre-law track,&nbsp;Kansas City; Zach Jaworski, philosophy, economics and leadership,&nbsp;Leawood; Lola Edwards, biochemistry and Spanish,&nbsp;Louisburg; Drew Shirley, chemistry,&nbsp;Manhattan; Rose Latta, milling science, personal financial planning and leadership,&nbsp;Marysville.Mason Springer, agricultural economics, agronomy and animal science,&nbsp;Neodesha; Addison Henige, communication sciences and disorders,&nbsp;Olathe; Laura Wingert, psychology and agricultural communications,&nbsp;Ottawa; Amy Collins, elementary education and mathematics,&nbsp;Overland Park; Hayley Hines, nutrition and health, pre-nursing track,&nbsp;Parker; Layton Johnson, agricultural education and animal science,&nbsp;Phillipsburg; Sydney Gehl, nutritional sciences, pre-medicine track,&nbsp;St. George; Ian Dunn, agricultural economics, animal science and agronomy,&nbsp;St. John; Brinlie Stevens, nutritional sciences and gerontology, pre-medicine track,&nbsp;Scott City; Blake Higginbotham, electrical engineering, Parker Pavlik, marketing and leadership, and Lucy Roy, elementary education and leadership, all from&nbsp;Shawnee; Macee Lehr, chemical engineering, chemistry and leadership,&nbsp;Valley Center; and Elliot Casamento, finance,&nbsp;Wichita.From out of state: Molly Westbrook, criminology,&nbsp;Loveland, Colorado; Addie Hofer, kinesiology and integrative physiology,&nbsp;Parker, Colorado; Drew Mickey, animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Taylorville, Illinois; Carson Rudd, agricultural education and global food systems leadership,&nbsp;Flora, Indiana; Taylor Niemann, human development and family sciences and leadership,&nbsp;Waukee, Iowa; Riley Willis, business marketing, public relations and sales,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri; Abby Meyer, athletic training and rehabilitation sciences,&nbsp;Marthasville, Missouri; Ashlyn Simonson, environmental science and Spanish,&nbsp;Mullen, Nebraska; Jonathan Leath, biology,&nbsp;Moorestown, New Jersey; and Kylie Temple, agribusiness and global food systems leadership,&nbsp;Hermiston, Oregon.

&nbsp; K-State News and Communications Services

Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 </figure>MANHATTAN — Following a competitive application process, 35 first-year students at Kansas State University have been selected as new members of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/bluekey/activities/quest/">Quest Freshman Honorary</a>, a program facilitated by Blue Key Senior Honorary.Quest works to develop student leaders through mentorship, personal development and campus involvement. Upon selection, members of Quest are paired with mentors from Blue Key. Under the leadership of Blue Key, Quest takes a behind-the-scenes look at everything that K-State has to offer, providing members with opportunities to tour K-State Athletics facilities, enjoy a meal at the university president's home and connect with student leaders across campus to give back through service opportunities in Manhattan. Quest provides freshman leaders with the tools necessary to give back to the K-State family.The following undergraduate students are members of Quest for the 2024-2025 year:Vivian Nguyen, physics and mathematics,&nbsp;Dodge City; Austin Carroll, general engineering,&nbsp;Ellis; Lyle Perrier, animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Eureka; Jory Ratzlaff, agricultural technology management,&nbsp;Galva; Sydney Heller, agribusiness,&nbsp;Hunter; Lorna Smith, communication sciences and disorders and leadership,&nbsp;Holton; Tyra McNeil, communication studies and leadership, pre-law track,&nbsp;Kansas City; Zach Jaworski, philosophy, economics and leadership,&nbsp;Leawood; Lola Edwards, biochemistry and Spanish,&nbsp;Louisburg; Drew Shirley, chemistry,&nbsp;Manhattan; Rose Latta, milling science, personal financial planning and leadership,&nbsp;Marysville.Mason Springer, agricultural economics, agronomy and animal science,&nbsp;Neodesha; Addison Henige, communication sciences and disorders,&nbsp;Olathe; Laura Wingert, psychology and agricultural communications,&nbsp;Ottawa; Amy Collins, elementary education and mathematics,&nbsp;Overland Park; Hayley Hines, nutrition and health, pre-nursing track,&nbsp;Parker; Layton Johnson, agricultural education and animal science,&nbsp;Phillipsburg; Sydney Gehl, nutritional sciences, pre-medicine track,&nbsp;St. George; Ian Dunn, agricultural economics, animal science and agronomy,&nbsp;St. John; Brinlie Stevens, nutritional sciences and gerontology, pre-medicine track,&nbsp;Scott City; Blake Higginbotham, electrical engineering, Parker Pavlik, marketing and leadership, and Lucy Roy, elementary education and leadership, all from&nbsp;Shawnee; Macee Lehr, chemical engineering, chemistry and leadership,&nbsp;Valley Center; and Elliot Casamento, finance,&nbsp;Wichita.From out of state: Molly Westbrook, criminology,&nbsp;Loveland, Colorado; Addie Hofer, kinesiology and integrative physiology,&nbsp;Parker, Colorado; Drew Mickey, animal sciences and industry,&nbsp;Taylorville, Illinois; Carson Rudd, agricultural education and global food systems leadership,&nbsp;Flora, Indiana; Taylor Niemann, human development and family sciences and leadership,&nbsp;Waukee, Iowa; Riley Willis, business marketing, public relations and sales,&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri; Abby Meyer, athletic training and rehabilitation sciences,&nbsp;Marthasville, Missouri; Ashlyn Simonson, environmental science and Spanish,&nbsp;Mullen, Nebraska; Jonathan Leath, biology,&nbsp;Moorestown, New Jersey; and Kylie Temple, agribusiness and global food systems leadership,&nbsp;Hermiston, Oregon.&nbsp; K-State News and Communications ServicesDivision of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Freshman leaders at K-State selected for Quest Freshman Honorary

JOHNSON COUNTY —Members of the Olathe Fire Department welcomed home a portion of Kansas Task Force 1. The group, including three from Olathe helped in Florida and North Carolina after HurricaneHelene. Others in the group were from the Junction City Fire Department, the Kansas Fire Marshall's office and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. 

The Task Force left Kansas on September 24 from Olathe and Wichita. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received a request from Florida and the task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.

The team conducted search and rescue operations. Their objective was to Search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.&nbsp;

In accordance with the EMAC agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed for cost associated with the deployment.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Members of the Olathe Fire Department welcomed home a portion of Kansas Task Force 1. The group, including three from Olathe helped in Florida and North Carolina after HurricaneHelene. Others in the group were from the Junction City Fire Department, the Kansas Fire Marshall's office and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today we welcomed home part of KS Task Force 1. The group, including three of our own, helped in FL and NC after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneHelene?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurricaneHelene</a>. Others in the group were from the Junction City Fire Dept., <a href="https://twitter.com/ksfiremarshal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ksfiremarshal</a> and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. The TF left KS on Sept. 24. <a href="https://t.co/hm5UlbYptW">pic.twitter.com/hm5UlbYptW</a>&mdash; Olathe Fire Dept. (@OlatheFire) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlatheFire/status/1843810369573400818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Task Force left Kansas on September 24 from Olathe and Wichita. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received a request from Florida and the task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.The team conducted search and rescue operations. Their objective was to Search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.&nbsp;In accordance with the EMAC agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed for cost associated with the deployment.

Kansas Task Force returns from Florida after hurricane Helene

The Geary County Historical Society has received $2000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help the Black History Trail exhibit, which will be installed mid 2025. 

The exhibit will serve as a starting place for those interested in the work of the Black History Trail of Geary County, as well as a home to important Black stories, photos, and artifacts. The Geary County Historical Society has been a supporting organization for the Black History Trail of Geary County since the beginning and is excited to give a permanent home to some of the stories that the Trail has been working to gather.

The Historical Society will begin collecting stories, photos, and artifacts for this exhibit throughout the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. If you have stories, photos, or artifacts to share in the Black History Trail exhibit, reach out to Heather Hagedorn at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gearyhistory@gmail.com">gearyhistory@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-238-1666.

The Geary County Historical Society has received $2000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help the Black History Trail exhibit, which will be installed mid 2025. The exhibit will serve as a starting place for those interested in the work of the Black History Trail of Geary County, as well as a home to important Black stories, photos, and artifacts. The Geary County Historical Society has been a supporting organization for the Black History Trail of Geary County since the beginning and is excited to give a permanent home to some of the stories that the Trail has been working to gather.The Historical Society will begin collecting stories, photos, and artifacts for this exhibit throughout the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. If you have stories, photos, or artifacts to share in the Black History Trail exhibit, reach out to Heather Hagedorn at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gearyhistory@gmail.com">gearyhistory@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-238-1666.

Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant awarded to Geary County Historical Society

The City of Manhattan says completion of the Manhattan levee improvements and the re-opening of Linear Trail will be celebrated Wednesday.&nbsp;

Local, state, and federal officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of Phase I of the Manhattan levee project at 9:30 AM. The project, which is a partnership between the City of Manhattan and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usace.kcd?__cft__[0]=AZWQrVUnrgmDMM6UHjwT2W6TMk4GF6uMDMZ7HDaZ93OqAOuqvfqcnSnJzbR_TWEbTSG2waw7RwwibXoEtPRKipnijrX4vf0JBLGn9OscEOTQs5wT78xY1ApdWvevyDrlBUZfyZUf46QXASG09FeL5KEXdoQbZT1A6cm0zD-1pqjHB3WsTBDLYMZU5MoB4Yh9NWk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> (USACE), will provide crucial flood risk reduction for the city through substantially enhanced reliability and structural integrity.

Construction of Phase I began in the fall of 2021 and was completed this September. The total construction cost of the project, including a future Phase II, is $46.2 million, of which 65 percent was funded by USACE and 35 percent was funded by the City of Manhattan. The ceremony will be an opportunity for partners, stakeholders, and the public to celebrate the completion of this important milestone in the project.&nbsp;

The City of Manhattan says completion of the Manhattan levee improvements and the re-opening of Linear Trail will be celebrated Wednesday.&nbsp; Local, state, and federal officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of Phase I of the Manhattan levee project at 9:30 AM. The project, which is a partnership between the City of Manhattan and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/usace.kcd?__cft__[0]=AZWQrVUnrgmDMM6UHjwT2W6TMk4GF6uMDMZ7HDaZ93OqAOuqvfqcnSnJzbR_TWEbTSG2waw7RwwibXoEtPRKipnijrX4vf0JBLGn9OscEOTQs5wT78xY1ApdWvevyDrlBUZfyZUf46QXASG09FeL5KEXdoQbZT1A6cm0zD-1pqjHB3WsTBDLYMZU5MoB4Yh9NWk&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> (USACE), will provide crucial flood risk reduction for the city through substantially enhanced reliability and structural integrity.Construction of Phase I began in the fall of 2021 and was completed this September. The total construction cost of the project, including a future Phase II, is $46.2 million, of which 65 percent was funded by USACE and 35 percent was funded by the City of Manhattan. The ceremony will be an opportunity for partners, stakeholders, and the public to celebrate the completion of this important milestone in the project.&nbsp;

Completion of Phase I of Manhattan levee project

&nbsp;The Evergy Green Team will host&nbsp;rifle deer hunts for youths December 4 through December 15. Due to the supervised and educational nature of the hunts youths with little or no deer hunting experience are allowed to apply to participate. &nbsp;

Hunts will be conducted at&nbsp;Jeffrey Energy Center, 25905 Jeffrey Rd, St. Marys, KS&nbsp;during the early firearm deer season, December 4 through December 15. Youths aged 13 to 17 are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 25. Requests for applications should be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:GreenTeam@evergy.com">GreenTeam@evergy.com</a>.&nbsp;

All youth hunters must first attend a mandatory orientation session on November 16 at Jeffrey Energy Center.&nbsp;Organizers will instruct hunters on safety, deer biology and assist youths with sighting in rifles. Hunters will then be allowed to attend the youth deer hunts December 4 – 15.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Evergy Green Team will host&nbsp;rifle deer hunts for youths December 4 through December 15. Due to the supervised and educational nature of the hunts youths with little or no deer hunting experience are allowed to apply to participate. &nbsp;Hunts will be conducted at&nbsp;Jeffrey Energy Center, 25905 Jeffrey Rd, St. Marys, KS&nbsp;during the early firearm deer season, December 4 through December 15. Youths aged 13 to 17 are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 25. Requests for applications should be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:GreenTeam@evergy.com">GreenTeam@evergy.com</a>.&nbsp;All youth hunters must first attend a mandatory orientation session on November 16 at Jeffrey Energy Center.&nbsp;Organizers will instruct hunters on safety, deer biology and assist youths with sighting in rifles. Hunters will then be allowed to attend the youth deer hunts December 4 – 15.&nbsp;

 Evergy Green Team Invites Area Youths to Annual Deer Hunt 

Bringing university research and real clinical experiences together is the focus of a unique partnership between Stormont Vail Health and Kansas State University – with collaboration recently being&nbsp; highlighted a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0yxwp4JbPQ">video</a>.

The new video series called Next-Gen ‘Cats, highlight the work of K-State faculty, staff and students as they put the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan into action. The video about the Stormont Vail research collaboration shares information about the initiative that bases out of our Manhattan Campus, adjacent to K-State.

Carl Ade, Ph.D., Director, K-State Clinical Research Coordination Initiative, says in the video, “This opportunity is very unique, and I think it sets K-State apart from a lot of institutions, because it’s very uncommon for a state university like Kansas State University to partner with a private health care institution with the same mission of improving health care in the communities, advancing the education of students, and really strengthening both institutions.”

Bringing university research and real clinical experiences together is the focus of a unique partnership between Stormont Vail Health and Kansas State University – with collaboration recently being&nbsp; highlighted a new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0yxwp4JbPQ">video</a>.The new video series called Next-Gen ‘Cats, highlight the work of K-State faculty, staff and students as they put the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan into action. The video about the Stormont Vail research collaboration shares information about the initiative that bases out of our Manhattan Campus, adjacent to K-State.Carl Ade, Ph.D., Director, K-State Clinical Research Coordination Initiative, says in the video, “This opportunity is very unique, and I think it sets K-State apart from a lot of institutions, because it’s very uncommon for a state university like Kansas State University to partner with a private health care institution with the same mission of improving health care in the communities, advancing the education of students, and really strengthening both institutions.”

Stormont Vail Health and K-State Research Collaboration Highlighted

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest to speak at the Sports Arena as part of the Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series.

Tang is well-known for his interaction with the K-State student body in Manhattan.

"We build great relationships, not just with our players, but with the community," Tang said. "I just love the students, I've always had a passion for the students everywhere I've been. One of the things that attracted me to K-State, as an assistant, when we would play in Bramlage the students would tear up the newspaper and toss it in the air, I just thought that was the coolest thing. I'm so thankful they do it and I get to be on that side now."

Tang took over the K-State program in 2022 after 19 years as an assistant at Baylor University.&nbsp;

"The truth is that I didn't have other opportunities," Tang said. "I did explore other places and they all said no. Gene Taylor was the person dumb enough to say yes, or smart enough to say yes. I know as frustrating as it was for me, knowing that I could do the job given the opportunity, I firmly believe God blocked those doors, cause there were things I still needed to learn, there were experiences that I still needed to have, and in his perfect timing, he opened the right spot for me."

Tang is also well-known for his passion that he has for his players.

"I have this really good friend named Tim Maloney. Coach Maloney and I coached at Baylor together," Tang said. "He would always say 'Jerome, you teach basketball, but you coach people,' it's a teaching portion of things, I had this really great bible quiz coach growing up named Norma Schuler and she was just one of the most positive people that I've ever been around. It didn't matter how bad things were, Sister Schuler would have just the right words to say to make you feel better. I saw what she did for each of us individually and I thought man I'd love to have that kind of an impact. As a high school coach, I taught Bible and history at Heritage Christian Academy, so there is always a teaching portion to it, but I think you teach the material, but you're always coaching people."

Tang says Wichita State head men's basketball coach Paul Mills is a good friend of his and had a great quote.

"He said, 'hey Jerome, you know one of the definitions for coach it's a vehicle that takes people from one place to where they want to go, from where they're at to where they want to go,' I think that's a great illustration of what coaching is. We're taking them from where they're at to where they want to go. The course to get there, we have to help them understand and plan, cause everyone wants to do it in a straight line, and that's not always the case."

There are two simple solutions to how Tang always keeps an upbeat energy and passion around his team.

"We win, or we learn," Tang said. "There's always something when it happens, you can learn something from it. Our thing in recruiting is when one of my staff members calls and says 'hey this kid committed to another school,' I say God's got somebody better for us. God's faithfulness in my life allows me to know that if something doesn't go the way I want it to go, it's because he has something better in mind."

Tang is gearing up for his third season in the Little Apple, which the Wildcats will open their season on Oct. 29 with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State.

"I like our guys, we have talented kids, but they're kids," Tang said. "We're probably spending more time coaching maturity, teaching them how to be professionals, not pros, but professionals. How do they wake up every day, what do they do, every decision they make during the day, because every decision matters. If it was just basketball, they're talented, we're going to be pretty good."

When recruiting, Tang looks for student-athletes that smile.

"After you get past the talent, I like guys who smile," Tang said. "I've never seen a guy who frowned have a high motor. I dislike walking into a room, where you know somebody is going to have a frown on their face. They're going to suck the energy out the building, so if I talk to a guy for five minutes and I don't make him laugh, or he don't make me laugh, I move on. I like seeing them smile with their teammates, it says a lot about them."

Tang says the family aspect is important in his everyday life in Manhattan.

"We say if the only time you spend time together is on the basketball court at the office then you're really not a family," Tang said. "Every week we have family dinners, one week it's catered, one week it's potluck, so our wives cook, we don't do the wives cooking every week, cause as husbands we want them to not be mad at us. The guys come over to the house, and one of the things I say is we don't want them to only know where the bathrooms are, we want them to know where the knives and forks are, so they feel at home. There's nothing like having the guys over to the house, they're sitting in the living room, watching TV, eating and then one of them falls asleep, you know that they feel comfortable enough to fall asleep on your couch."

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang speaks Tuesday at the Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College.

Tang was selected as the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year after guiding the Wildcats to a 26-win season and its 13th trip to the Elite Eight in his inaugural season, recently completed his second season as the 25th head men's basketball coach at Kansas State.

Coach Tang is just third coach in the program's history to be selected National Coach of the Year, joining Fred "Tex" Winter (who presented a 2003 Dillon Lecture) in 1958 and Jack Hartman in 1980, while he is the fourth head coach from a Big 12 institution to earn the honor from the Naismith Trophy. He was a candidate for nearly every other National Coach of the Year honor in 2022-23, including finishing as the runner-up for The Associated Press award. In addition, he was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year, earning the honor from both the league coaches and the AP.

Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;

From poets, politicians and&nbsp;space scientists to American heroes, each is&nbsp;chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key to enlightenment” -&nbsp;to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.

All lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour.

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10. Students and school groups are admitted free of charge with a school ID. Tickets are available online (<a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a>) or&nbsp;at the Sports&nbsp;Arena on the day of the lecture.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728401778928.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest speaker as part of the Dillon Lecture Series. Tang spoke at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest speaker as part of the Dillon Lecture Series. Tang spoke at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest to speak at the Sports Arena as part of the Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series.Tang is well-known for his interaction with the K-State student body in Manhattan."We build great relationships, not just with our players, but with the community," Tang said. "I just love the students, I've always had a passion for the students everywhere I've been. One of the things that attracted me to K-State, as an assistant, when we would play in Bramlage the students would tear up the newspaper and toss it in the air, I just thought that was the coolest thing. I'm so thankful they do it and I get to be on that side now."Tang took over the K-State program in 2022 after 19 years as an assistant at Baylor University.&nbsp;"The truth is that I didn't have other opportunities," Tang said. "I did explore other places and they all said no. Gene Taylor was the person dumb enough to say yes, or smart enough to say yes. I know as frustrating as it was for me, knowing that I could do the job given the opportunity, I firmly believe God blocked those doors, cause there were things I still needed to learn, there were experiences that I still needed to have, and in his perfect timing, he opened the right spot for me."Tang is also well-known for his passion that he has for his players."I have this really good friend named Tim Maloney. Coach Maloney and I coached at Baylor together," Tang said. "He would always say 'Jerome, you teach basketball, but you coach people,' it's a teaching portion of things, I had this really great bible quiz coach growing up named Norma Schuler and she was just one of the most positive people that I've ever been around. It didn't matter how bad things were, Sister Schuler would have just the right words to say to make you feel better. I saw what she did for each of us individually and I thought man I'd love to have that kind of an impact. As a high school coach, I taught Bible and history at Heritage Christian Academy, so there is always a teaching portion to it, but I think you teach the material, but you're always coaching people."Tang says Wichita State head men's basketball coach Paul Mills is a good friend of his and had a great quote."He said, 'hey Jerome, you know one of the definitions for coach it's a vehicle that takes people from one place to where they want to go, from where they're at to where they want to go,' I think that's a great illustration of what coaching is. We're taking them from where they're at to where they want to go. The course to get there, we have to help them understand and plan, cause everyone wants to do it in a straight line, and that's not always the case."There are two simple solutions to how Tang always keeps an upbeat energy and passion around his team."We win, or we learn," Tang said. "There's always something when it happens, you can learn something from it. Our thing in recruiting is when one of my staff members calls and says 'hey this kid committed to another school,' I say God's got somebody better for us. God's faithfulness in my life allows me to know that if something doesn't go the way I want it to go, it's because he has something better in mind."Tang is gearing up for his third season in the Little Apple, which the Wildcats will open their season on Oct. 29 with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State."I like our guys, we have talented kids, but they're kids," Tang said. "We're probably spending more time coaching maturity, teaching them how to be professionals, not pros, but professionals. How do they wake up every day, what do they do, every decision they make during the day, because every decision matters. If it was just basketball, they're talented, we're going to be pretty good."When recruiting, Tang looks for student-athletes that smile."After you get past the talent, I like guys who smile," Tang said. "I've never seen a guy who frowned have a high motor. I dislike walking into a room, where you know somebody is going to have a frown on their face. They're going to suck the energy out the building, so if I talk to a guy for five minutes and I don't make him laugh, or he don't make me laugh, I move on. I like seeing them smile with their teammates, it says a lot about them."Tang says the family aspect is important in his everyday life in Manhattan."We say if the only time you spend time together is on the basketball court at the office then you're really not a family," Tang said. "Every week we have family dinners, one week it's catered, one week it's potluck, so our wives cook, we don't do the wives cooking every week, cause as husbands we want them to not be mad at us. The guys come over to the house, and one of the things I say is we don't want them to only know where the bathrooms are, we want them to know where the knives and forks are, so they feel at home. There's nothing like having the guys over to the house, they're sitting in the living room, watching TV, eating and then one of them falls asleep, you know that they feel comfortable enough to fall asleep on your couch."---------------HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang speaks Tuesday at the Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College.Tang was selected as the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year after guiding the Wildcats to a 26-win season and its 13th trip to the Elite Eight in his inaugural season, recently completed his second season as the 25th head men's basketball coach at Kansas State.Coach Tang is just third coach in the program's history to be selected National Coach of the Year, joining Fred "Tex" Winter (who presented a 2003 Dillon Lecture) in 1958 and Jack Hartman in 1980, while he is the fourth head coach from a Big 12 institution to earn the honor from the Naismith Trophy. He was a candidate for nearly every other National Coach of the Year honor in 2022-23, including finishing as the runner-up for The Associated Press award. In addition, he was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year, earning the honor from both the league coaches and the AP.Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;From poets, politicians and&nbsp;space scientists to American heroes, each is&nbsp;chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key to enlightenment” -&nbsp;to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.All lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour.TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10. Students and school groups are admitted free of charge with a school ID. Tickets are available online (<a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a>) or&nbsp;at the Sports&nbsp;Arena on the day of the lecture.&nbsp;

Coach Tang speaks on family and passion at Dillon Lecture Series

Fort Riley has announced that they will host a one-stop hiring fair beginning October 28 at Riley’s Conference Center. This multi-day event offers prospective job applicants the opportunity to apply for open positions on post and, if qualified, participate in interviews. Qualified applicants may receive job offers by the end of the week-long event.

This one-stop hiring event allows applicants to complete most of the hiring process in a condensed format. The first day will feature presentations about available positions, followed by opportunities to apply and be referred to the hiring agency, if qualified. Applicants who receive a tentative job offer will be asked to return on subsequent days to continue the hiring process.

Anyone without a Department of Defense (DOD) identification card can apply for a visitor pass online in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/">https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/</a>. Visitors can also visit the Visitor Control Center located near the Henry Gate, Exit 301 off I-70. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, please call (785) 239-2982.

Fort Riley has announced that they will host a one-stop hiring fair beginning October 28 at Riley’s Conference Center. This multi-day event offers prospective job applicants the opportunity to apply for open positions on post and, if qualified, participate in interviews. Qualified applicants may receive job offers by the end of the week-long event.This one-stop hiring event allows applicants to complete most of the hiring process in a condensed format. The first day will feature presentations about available positions, followed by opportunities to apply and be referred to the hiring agency, if qualified. Applicants who receive a tentative job offer will be asked to return on subsequent days to continue the hiring process.Anyone without a Department of Defense (DOD) identification card can apply for a visitor pass online in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/">https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/</a>. Visitors can also visit the Visitor Control Center located near the Henry Gate, Exit 301 off I-70. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, please call (785) 239-2982.

Fort Riley holding one-stop hiring fair

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dobDNgOSMGA?si=lCBhPu7U5MDOzuTO" 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;American Red Cross communication manager Logan Wright.