TOPEKA, Kan. — According to a social media post from Kansas State Rep. Paul Waggoner, the Republican tax package is due on the floor this week at the statehouse. 

An advocate for small businesses in Topeka, Dan Murray with NFIB's Kansas chapter, talked to Hutch Post earlier this week about the importance of tax relief to small business owners.

"We know that property taxes are the most reviled of the taxes that we have," Murray said. "Certainly, we'd love to see some of that taken care of. The Governor, in her tax proposal, calls for what the state can do, in terms of property tax reform. We do collect 20 mills for school funding. The first $40,000 of that is exempt, so the first $40,000 of valuations for residential properties are exempt. Her proposal calls for up to the first $100,000 to be exempt. I think that's something we could embrace and look towards. Most small business owners file at the individual level."

Waggoner said the proposal includes

a 5.25% flat rate on all income.  The current proposal does address property tax relief (through raising to $80,000 from $40,000 the property value threshold) and ending the food sales tax on June 30th. This would be over $500 million in tax relief, as proposed.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629113022641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostTOPEKA, Kan. — According to a social media post from Kansas State Rep. Paul Waggoner, the Republican tax package is due on the floor this week at the statehouse. An advocate for small businesses in Topeka, Dan Murray with NFIB's Kansas chapter, talked to Hutch Post earlier this week about the importance of tax relief to small business owners."We know that property taxes are the most reviled of the taxes that we have," Murray said. "Certainly, we'd love to see some of that taken care of. The Governor, in her tax proposal, calls for what the state can do, in terms of property tax reform. We do collect 20 mills for school funding. The first $40,000 of that is exempt, so the first $40,000 of valuations for residential properties are exempt. Her proposal calls for up to the first $100,000 to be exempt. I think that's something we could embrace and look towards. Most small business owners file at the individual level."Waggoner said the proposal includes

a 5.25% flat rate on all income. The current proposal does address property tax relief (through raising to $80,000 from $40,000 the property value threshold) and ending the food sales tax on June 30th. This would be over $500 million in tax relief, as proposed.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Republican tax package on floor this week

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

BILLY DON HILL, 69, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

MARIO RODRIQUEZ HILLIARD, 41, Oakland, TN, Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsquent conviction; Bond $1,500

ELI JOSEPH SMITH, 20, St. George, Probation Violation; Bond $5,000

FERNANDO JOSE GARCIA VELASQUEZ, 32, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

CURTIS JAMES COLLEY, JR, 39, Grandview Plaza, Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt;450 grams; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin; Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h); Bond $10,000

GRACE ELIZABETH DUTCH, 20, Manhattan, Aggravated battery; DUI causing great bodily harm/disfigurement; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $15,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;BILLY DON HILL, 69, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750MARIO RODRIQUEZ HILLIARD, 41, Oakland, TN, Driving while suspended; 2nd or subsquent conviction; Bond $1,500ELI JOSEPH SMITH, 20, St. George, Probation Violation; Bond $5,000FERNANDO JOSE GARCIA VELASQUEZ, 32, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000CURTIS JAMES COLLEY, JR, 39, Grandview Plaza, Distribute marijuana; 25 - &lt;450 grams; Possession of para w/intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin; Dosage 10 - &lt; 100 units; Possession of substance in KSA 65-4105(h); Bond $10,000GRACE ELIZABETH DUTCH, 20, Manhattan, Aggravated battery; DUI causing great bodily harm/disfigurement; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $15,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 17

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged theft in Manhattan.

Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft in the 8200 block of South Port Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 72-year-old man reported an unknown suspect stole his wallet he had accidentally left behind on a counter. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $800. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a>Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged theft in Manhattan.Just before 4p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for theft in the 8200 block of South Port Drive in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 72-year-old man reported an unknown suspect stole his wallet he had accidentally left behind on a counter. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $800. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a>Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000

RCPD: Man lost $800 when his wallet was stolen

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.

Just before noon Tuesday, police arrested 39-year-old Curtis Colley, Jr., of Grandview Plaza in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Colley was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for distribution of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with the intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance, distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin, and possession. Colley remains jailed on a bond of $10,000.

He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated burglary, aggravated intimidation of a witness, and for drugs and for arranging sale/purchase using communication facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705506527696.png" alt="Colley-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Colley-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.Just before noon Tuesday, police arrested 39-year-old Curtis Colley, Jr., of Grandview Plaza in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Colley was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for distribution of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia with the intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate a controlled substance, distribution of opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin, and possession. Colley remains jailed on a bond of $10,000.He has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated burglary, aggravated intimidation of a witness, and for drugs and for arranging sale/purchase using communication facility, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

RCPD: Kansas felon accused of selling marijuana

MANHATTAN— K-State has been experiencing a disruption to certain network systems, including VPN, K-State Today emails, and videos on Canvas, or Mediasite, according to a statement from the university.

Upon detection, university IT took immediate steps to investigate the disruption, isolating the areas of concern. The university confirmed Tuesday evening that these disruptions are the result of a recent cybersecurity incident.

The impacted systems were taken offline and will remain offline for the immediate future as the investigation continues. This will also include select shared drives and printers, as well as university listservs.&nbsp;

"Our top priority is to address this issue promptly and efficiently, as we understand the importance of maintaining business and academic continuity during this time. We will keep you informed as the investigation continues to ensure your engagement with the university is uninterrupted."

"Please rest assured that we are dedicating significant resources to bring involved systems back online quickly and safely. Additionally, we have engaged third-party IT forensic experts to assist us in the ongoing investigation efforts."

"During this time, it is critical that we all remain diligent and follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/it/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-awareness/">cybersecurity best practices and trainings</a>. If you notice anything suspicious as you engage with university technology, students should reach out to the IT help desk. Faculty and staff should reach out to their departmental IT points of contact."&nbsp;

"University leaders are arranging meetings with departmental contacts around business processes and operations that may be impacted to ensure continuity. If you have any questions, please refer those to your Dean or Vice President."

"Interim Provost Mercer has issued guidance to academic deans to share with their department heads and faculty regarding academic continuity, including sharing alternative&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tlc/teaching_resources/video_resources.html">video resources</a>&nbsp;given the disruption to Mediasite. "

The university will continue to communications at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/update">k-state.edu/update</a>. The university will not be able to share information that could compromise that investigation.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN— K-State has been experiencing a disruption to certain network systems, including VPN, K-State Today emails, and videos on Canvas, or Mediasite, according to a statement from the university.Upon detection, university IT took immediate steps to investigate the disruption, isolating the areas of concern. The university confirmed Tuesday evening that these disruptions are the result of a recent cybersecurity incident.The impacted systems were taken offline and will remain offline for the immediate future as the investigation continues. This will also include select shared drives and printers, as well as university listservs.&nbsp;"Our top priority is to address this issue promptly and efficiently, as we understand the importance of maintaining business and academic continuity during this time. We will keep you informed as the investigation continues to ensure your engagement with the university is uninterrupted.""Please rest assured that we are dedicating significant resources to bring involved systems back online quickly and safely. Additionally, we have engaged third-party IT forensic experts to assist us in the ongoing investigation efforts." "During this time, it is critical that we all remain diligent and follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/it/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-awareness/">cybersecurity best practices and trainings</a>. If you notice anything suspicious as you engage with university technology, students should reach out to the IT help desk. Faculty and staff should reach out to their departmental IT points of contact."&nbsp;"University leaders are arranging meetings with departmental contacts around business processes and operations that may be impacted to ensure continuity. If you have any questions, please refer those to your Dean or Vice President.""Interim Provost Mercer has issued guidance to academic deans to share with their department heads and faculty regarding academic continuity, including sharing alternative&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tlc/teaching_resources/video_resources.html">video resources</a>&nbsp;given the disruption to Mediasite. "The university will continue to communications at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/update">k-state.edu/update</a>. The university will not be able to share information that could compromise that investigation.&nbsp;

Kansas State University working to correct cybersecurity incident

MANHATTAN —The Manhattan fire department shared some good news Tuesday. According to a social media report from the fire department, "Thanks to Kansas State University Police Department for being a good sport."

"Huge shoutout to the true superheroes of the night, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/manhattanfiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZUfWQuN2Vq7z23eLgk8vwqiC8EC4gShbhtKXp0j-JN8dLVDR3MtE53e_w9MOXLem2w2EvIr3Zch3zNW3hghsRClcJYQmDy1nNTlmGd2mTRbA03PFkxfQBOZPmU-1a9D0tce0vlmYaBf6mThE5yAtVxbatLCf8khoLE3nnkXDKs7Ll1ktwVxzxbJoYTdPxbUJYI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Manhattan Fire Department</a>," The Kansas State University Police wrote on their social media page.

"Ensuring the scene's safety, our second responders stepped in for assistance.&nbsp;They helped in rescuing Sgt. Sheaves, who got stuck in the Police Department elevator.

The rescue occurred Sunday, when Manhattan Fire Department crews responded to an elevator malfunction at the Hoeflin Stone House&nbsp; 1701 N. Manhattan Avenue, home to the university police department.&nbsp;

There were no injuries reported. The elevator is getting necessary repairs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705426984438.png" alt="Photos Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photos Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —The Manhattan fire department shared some good news Tuesday. According to a social media report from the fire department, "Thanks to Kansas State University Police Department for being a good sport.""Huge shoutout to the true superheroes of the night, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/manhattanfiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZUfWQuN2Vq7z23eLgk8vwqiC8EC4gShbhtKXp0j-JN8dLVDR3MtE53e_w9MOXLem2w2EvIr3Zch3zNW3hghsRClcJYQmDy1nNTlmGd2mTRbA03PFkxfQBOZPmU-1a9D0tce0vlmYaBf6mThE5yAtVxbatLCf8khoLE3nnkXDKs7Ll1ktwVxzxbJoYTdPxbUJYI&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Manhattan Fire Department</a>," The Kansas State University Police wrote on their social media page.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705426942329.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Ensuring the scene's safety, our second responders stepped in for assistance.&nbsp;They helped in rescuing Sgt. Sheaves, who got stuck in the Police Department elevator.The rescue occurred Sunday, when Manhattan Fire Department crews responded to an elevator malfunction at the Hoeflin Stone House&nbsp; 1701 N. Manhattan Avenue, home to the university police department.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported. The elevator is getting necessary repairs.

Firefighters rescue K-State Police Sgt. trapped in elevator

CODY GARRISON WHITMORE, 21, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $6,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;CODY GARRISON WHITMORE, 21, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $6,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 16

GEARY COUNTY—A Junction City man was injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Tuesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Sterling snow plow driven by Joshua D. Resto, 41, Junction City,&nbsp;&nbsp;was plowing the roadway in300 block of K244 spur on half mile south of Kansas 57.&nbsp;

The rear tires started to slide on the snow and into the ditch and the vehicle rolled over.

EMS transported Resto to Via Christi Manhattan. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY—A Junction City man was injured in an accident just before 1:30a.m. Tuesday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Sterling snow plow driven by Joshua D. Resto, 41, Junction City,&nbsp;&nbsp;was plowing the roadway in300 block of K244 spur on half mile south of Kansas 57.&nbsp;The rear tires started to slide on the snow and into the ditch and the vehicle rolled over.EMS transported Resto to Via Christi Manhattan. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Junction City man hospitalized after snow plow overturns

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Neil&nbsp;Schuckman, 72, Scott City, was northbound on Kansas 99 seven and one half miles south of Alma. 

While traveling around a left curve, the car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a 4-foot tall limestone rock fence wall and came to rest partially&nbsp; in the east ditch.&nbsp;

&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Schuckman and a passenger Laura&nbsp;Schuckman, 75, Scott City, to Stormont Vail in Topeka. They were both properly restrained, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just before 8:30a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by Neil&nbsp;Schuckman, 72, Scott City, was northbound on Kansas 99 seven and one half miles south of Alma. While traveling around a left curve, the car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a 4-foot tall limestone rock fence wall and came to rest partially&nbsp; in the east ditch.&nbsp;&nbsp;EMS transported&nbsp;Schuckman and a passenger Laura&nbsp;Schuckman, 75, Scott City, to Stormont Vail in Topeka. They were both properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Two hospitalized after car strikes limestone fence

CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for January 16th, 2024

Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Manhattan sites CLOSED

Flint Hills ATA Bus - K-State Campus Routes - WILL NOT RUN

Kansas State University-CLASSES CANCELLED

Konza Prairie Community Health Centers(Chapman, Junction City &amp; Manhattan) - DELAYED opening at 10:00 am, appointments before 10am will be rescheduled&nbsp;

Manhattan Area Technical College - DELAYED opening 10:00 am

Manhattan Public Library - DELAYED opening at 10:00 am

Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Jan 21 due to forecasted winter weather

*This list will be updated as information is released or submitted to Little Apple Post.

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705350690032.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for January 16th, 2024TUESDAY, JANUARY 16:Boys &amp; Girls Club of Manhattan - Manhattan sites CLOSEDCats' Cupboard - CLOSEDFlint Hills ATA Bus - K-State Campus Routes - WILL NOT RUNGeary County Senior Center - CLOSEDGeary County Transfer Station - CLOSEDKansas State University-CLASSES CANCELLEDKonza Prairie Community Health Centers(Chapman, Junction City &amp; Manhattan) - DELAYED opening at 10:00 am, appointments before 10am will be rescheduled&nbsp;Manhattan Area Technical College - DELAYED opening 10:00 amManhattan Public Library - DELAYED opening at 10:00 amRiley County Transfer Station - CLOSEDSunset Zoo - CLOSED until Jan 21 due to forecasted winter weatherUSD 321 Kaw Valley - CLOSEDUSD 323 Rock Creek - CLOSEDUSD 329 Wabaunsee - CLOSEDUSD 378 Riley County and RCCC - CLOSEDUSD 383 Manhattan Ogden - CLOSEDUSD 473 Chapman - CLOSEDUSD 475 Geary County Schools - CLOSED*This list will be updated as information is released or submitted to Little Apple Post.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

CLOSINGS/DELAYS: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - At 12:45pm on Monday, January 15th, 2024, the Riley County Police Department entered the Emergency Accident Reporting Phase(EARP).

More information about EARP can be found in this social media post by RCPD:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705347708932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - At 12:45pm on Monday, January 15th, 2024, the Riley County Police Department entered the Emergency Accident Reporting Phase(EARP).More information about EARP can be found in this social media post by RCPD:<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Riley County Police Department has activated the Emergency Accident Reporting Phase or EARP. When EARP is in effect, motorists do not need to report crashes immediately as long as they meet all of the criteria in the image linked. <a href="https://t.co/OIsJmSGu3E">pic.twitter.com/OIsJmSGu3E</a>&mdash; RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RileyCountyPD/status/1746966791761391702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

RCPD enters Emergency Accident Reporting Phase(EARP) 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704473185375.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAFNZG6JFHwv1__L4XHnCYzTmxLDDTlanDEYNhtOoXJGTPhw/viewform?embedded=true" width="640" height="990" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading…</iframe></div>

Submit school, business & organization closing/delay information here

RILEY COUNTY - The Riley County Transfer Station will close at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 15th and will remain closed through Tuesday, January 16th due to the extreme cold.

The Transfer Station plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 17th, if weather allows.

Public Works Assistant Director and Assistant County Engineer, Evan McMillan, has been contacting trash haulers to notify them of the closure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705341102479.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - The Riley County Transfer Station will close at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 15th and will remain closed through Tuesday, January 16th due to the extreme cold.The Transfer Station plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 17th, if weather allows.Public Works Assistant Director and Assistant County Engineer, Evan McMillan, has been contacting trash haulers to notify them of the closure.

Riley County Transfer Station closing due to extreme cold

CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for January 15th, 2024

B &amp; L Trash Service - NO ROUTES due to frigid temps, credit will be given to customers on those routes

Combative Sports Center - Monday evening and Tuesday morning classes - CANCELLED

Finn's Neighborhood Pub - CLOSING at 7:00pm

Geary County Transfer Station CLOSED Monday afternoon and Tuesday

Healthy Together Senior Community Meal - NO MEALS due to weather

Howie's Trash Service Routes - DELAYS due to Transfer Station closures&nbsp;

Junction City 1st United Methodist- Hope Al-Anon - NO MEETING

Manhattan Brewing Company - CLOSED for annual deep clean and maintenance

Manhattan Senior Center - CLOSED - MLK Jr. Day Observance

Riley County Transfer Station - CLOSING at 2:00 pm MONDAY and ALL DAY TUESDAY due to extreme cold.

USD 378 Riley County Girls Basketball practice CANCELLED

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705337242143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for January 15th, 2024MONDAY, JANUARY 15:B &amp; L Trash Service - NO ROUTES due to frigid temps, credit will be given to customers on those routesCombative Sports Center - Monday evening and Tuesday morning classes - CANCELLEDCouncil Grove Public Library - CLOSEDFinn's Neighborhood Pub - CLOSING at 7:00pmGeary County Transfer Station CLOSED Monday afternoon and TuesdayHealthy Together Senior Community Meal - NO MEALS due to weatherHowie's Trash Service Routes - DELAYS due to Transfer Station closures&nbsp;Junction City 1st United Methodist- Hope Al-Anon - NO MEETINGManhattan Brewing Company - CLOSED for annual deep clean and maintenanceManhattan Senior Center - CLOSED - MLK Jr. Day ObservanceRiley County Transfer Station - CLOSING at 2:00 pm MONDAY and ALL DAY TUESDAY due to extreme cold.Sunset Zoo - CLOSEDUSD 378 Riley County Girls Basketball practice CANCELLED*This list will be updated as information is released or submitted to Little Apple Post.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

CLOSINGS/CANCELLATIONS - Monday, Jan. 15th

ELIJAH TEE MCLEROY, 22, Junction City, Failure to appear

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;ELIJAH TEE MCLEROY, 22, Junction City, Failure to appear

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 15

NATHAN AKEEM WILKINSON, 38, Junction City, Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force; Bond $250,000

JUAN FELIPE RUBIO-MORALES, 32, Manhattan, Criminal discharge of firearm; Public road/public right of way/railroad; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Criminal use of weapons; Illegal alien possess firearm; Bond $5,000

RICARDO VASQUEZ ALVARADO, 23, Manhattan, Criminal discharfe of firearm; Public road/public right of way/railroad; Unlawful discharage of firearm in city limits; Criminal use of weapons; Illegal alien possess firearm; Bond $5,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;NATHAN AKEEM WILKINSON, 38, Junction City, Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force; Bond $250,000JUAN FELIPE RUBIO-MORALES, 32, Manhattan, Criminal discharge of firearm; Public road/public right of way/railroad; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Criminal use of weapons; Illegal alien possess firearm; Bond $5,000RICARDO VASQUEZ ALVARADO, 23, Manhattan, Criminal discharfe of firearm; Public road/public right of way/railroad; Unlawful discharage of firearm in city limits; Criminal use of weapons; Illegal alien possess firearm; Bond $5,000

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 14

JOSE RODOLFO VALASQUEZ DIMAS, 36, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv. blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

MANUEL I GOMEZ II, 31, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

VANESSA LASHAWN THOMAS, 47, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Probation Violation x2; Bond $6,000

JOHN ERIC HURLEY, 37, Junction City, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Kansas Highway Patrol in Clay County on 1/6/2024

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;JOSE RODOLFO VALASQUEZ DIMAS, 36, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv. blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750MANUEL I GOMEZ II, 31, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000VANESSA LASHAWN THOMAS, 47, Manhattan, Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner; Probation Violation x2; Bond $6,000JOHN ERIC HURLEY, 37, Junction City, Failure to appear; Arrested and released on bond by Kansas Highway Patrol in Clay County on 1/6/2024

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 13

CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for January 13th and 14th, 2024

Bargin Bin MHK - CLOSED Bountiful Bins(Riley) - CLOSED Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan - CLOSED Eclectic Charm, LLC - CLOSED Manhattan Public Library - Read with Dogs event - CANCELLED Midwest Dream Car Collection - CLOSED Riley County Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection at Howie's - CANCELLED Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Tuesday Varsity Truck - CLOSED Vintage Round Up - CLOSED

Bargin Bin MHK - CLOSED Episcopal Church of the Covenant(314 North Adams, Junction City) - NO SUNDAY SERVICES Highland Baptist Church - NO SUNDAY SERVICES Junction City 1st United Methodist Church - NO SUNDAY SERVICES Zion UCC(1811 McFarland, Junction City) - NO SUNDAY SERVICES

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705080581192.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for January 13th and 14th, 2024SATURDAY, JANUARY 13th:Bargin Bin MHK - CLOSED Bountiful Bins(Riley) - CLOSED Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan - CLOSED Eclectic Charm, LLC - CLOSED Manhattan Public Library - Read with Dogs event - CANCELLED Midwest Dream Car Collection - CLOSED Riley County Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection at Howie's - CANCELLED Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Tuesday Varsity Truck - CLOSED Vintage Round Up - CLOSEDSUNDAY, JANUARY 14th:Bargin Bin MHK - CLOSED Episcopal Church of the Covenant(314 North Adams, Junction City) - NO SUNDAY SERVICES Highland Baptist Church - NO SUNDAY SERVICES Junction City 1st United Methodist Church - NO SUNDAY SERVICES Zion UCC(1811 McFarland, Junction City) - NO SUNDAY SERVICES*This list will be updated as information is released or submitted to Little Apple Post.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

WEEKEND CLOSINGS: Jan. 13th & 14th, 2024

BENJAMIN IRA JAMES LEWIS, 41, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Bond $1,000

ISAIAH PATRIC CHRISTOPHER MYERS, 29, Topeka, Failure to appear x2; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 12/31/2023

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;BENJAMIN IRA JAMES LEWIS, 41, Manhattan, Probation Violation, Bond $1,000ISAIAH PATRIC CHRISTOPHER MYERS, 29, Topeka, Failure to appear x2; Arrested and released on bond by Shawnee County Sheriff's Office on 12/31/2023

Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 12

CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Friday, January 12th*

Brown's Shoe Fit Manhattan - CLOSING EARLY at 1:00 pm City of Manhattan Ice Rink - CLOSED City of Manhattan Rec Centers - Anthony &amp; Eisenhower - CLOSING at 7:00 pm; Douglass Activity Center - CLOSING at 6:00 pm Cloud County CC - Concordia and Geary County campuses - CLOSED Common Table Meal - CANCELLED Fraternal Order of Eagles 2468(Manhattan) - BINGO CANCELLED Geary County Offices - CLOSING at 2:00 pm Geary County Senior Center - CLOSED Live Well Geary County - NO MEALS ON MONDAY, will resume January 22nd Pacheco Beef Shop - CLOSED Pearce-Keller Post No. 17- The American Legion - Game Night - CANCELLED, club still open St. George City Hall - CLOSING at 3:00 pm Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Tuesday USD 108 Washington County- CLOSED USD 224 Clifton-Clyde - CLOSED USD 333 Concordia - CLOSED USD 378 Riley County - CLOSED due to blowing snow, redrifting and low visibility. RCCC also closed. USD 379 Clay County - CLOSED USD 384 Blue Valley-Randolph - CLOSED USD 417 Morris County - CLOSED USD 473 Chapman - CLOSED USD 475 Geary County - CLOSING at 1:30pm. ALL ATHLETIC and AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CANCELLED USD 481 Rural Vista - CLOSED USD 487 Herington. - CLOSED Varsity Truck - CLOSED

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705009306770.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOSINGS and DELAYS reported for Friday, January 12th*Brown's Shoe Fit Manhattan - CLOSING EARLY at 1:00 pm City of Manhattan Ice Rink - CLOSED City of Manhattan Rec Centers - Anthony &amp; Eisenhower - CLOSING at 7:00 pm; Douglass Activity Center - CLOSING at 6:00 pm Cloud County CC - Concordia and Geary County campuses - CLOSED Common Table Meal - CANCELLED Fraternal Order of Eagles 2468(Manhattan) - BINGO CANCELLED Geary County Offices - CLOSING at 2:00 pm Geary County Senior Center - CLOSED Live Well Geary County - NO MEALS ON MONDAY, will resume January 22nd Pacheco Beef Shop - CLOSED Pearce-Keller Post No. 17- The American Legion - Game Night - CANCELLED, club still open St. George City Hall - CLOSING at 3:00 pm Sunset Zoo - CLOSED until Tuesday USD 108 Washington County- CLOSED USD 224 Clifton-Clyde - CLOSED USD 333 Concordia - CLOSED USD 378 Riley County - CLOSED due to blowing snow, redrifting and low visibility. RCCC also closed. USD 379 Clay County - CLOSED USD 384 Blue Valley-Randolph - CLOSED USD 417 Morris County - CLOSED USD 473 Chapman - CLOSED USD 475 Geary County - CLOSING at 1:30pm. ALL ATHLETIC and AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES CANCELLED USD 481 Rural Vista - CLOSED USD 487 Herington. - CLOSED Varsity Truck - CLOSED*This list will be updated as information is released or submitted to Little Apple Post.<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/218b3bab-a265-466c-8167-589f5a2b7e14">Closing and delay information can be submitted here</a>.

UPDATE: Closings/Delays for Friday, Jan 12th

Stay indoors when possible and heat your home safely

&nbsp;A winter storm will blow through the region starting late Thursday, bringing freezing temperatures and subzero wind chills that will persist for several days.

The American Red Cross serving Kansas and Oklahoma&nbsp;urges families to take several steps to deal with the cold and heat their homes safely. As with any potential emergency:

“The safest place to be during a winter storm is indoors, and we encourage people to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, especially if older adults and babies are involved,” said Shelly Webb, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region.

PLAN TO STAY WARM&nbsp;Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, and bring your pets inside. Follow these tips to stay safe if you need to go outside:

HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY&nbsp;Overall, home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year — and home fire responses are 30% higher during cold months than warmer times of year.

“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” Webb said. “But, there are steps people can take to avoid having this happen to them.&nbsp;Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

HOW TO SAFELY HEAT YOUR HOME&nbsp;According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are most often responsible for home heating fires. Follow these tips on how to safely heat your home:

PREVENT HOME FIRE TRAGEDIES&nbsp;To help protect your family year-round, test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late.

IF YOU NEED HELP&nbsp;If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbSEB1yYF5kXzlN-2FZgqLHeLS8IJC-2BB99tiXP4W4kr5K676kcpn73o7zE9XvMKCf0BQ-3D-3DToXd_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BldppdMx-2FuaAGxc2uC3R9HastYXNz9-2FjgvgycW25VF4Kl1En72fk1b4s0B4ov9tQrOjUcrpI1GuxRo2buJc91wPSPqP5fGa-2BDG7Wj31NzIUB3CJ7MtSXHNzpYVntJTyII8crnyGCNtGdeHbCOXOzPhQ-3D">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for help.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR-2BZ4-2Fiwq42Ttnjp-2FND3x4KZR1wV_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BlIwbnGhZzHLvz9eDZjyYz4PGyV5zxGS9mDXdCWroCGFUzpIWazGN8-2F8mnqB-2BspmO25U0FSroF2LYfF5PoMTE4eAu0Opv096mwZqIy-2FE3ZH5odgmdjsZGAC9gwcyqvmkmlTNCCq00rmLMeT6dyGT5ko-3D">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbSEB1yYF5kXzlN-2FZgqLHeILn3iXR3b-2F1ZMW-2FbpT1vi6fxFkZqILiRyVUc-2BdHMc-2B9MoBaBPnnpHle-2FLYeRRJhX5t9mB2tij-2FSVR3mo1Asnbkpo0TZuPnCn8WMbDRBYoOw7OlwfrwyjuqCgJdFFMvvms-3DIwZu_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BnrN8Joot3f8EMvStjrKftsC7IiURoNgvX9yPed1h-2Fjv6w6E29A8vD5ucugLEeNZp-2FgwWTgdSrCOhzCgtaAbzOR22Pb8VedsuABbqzxnYxeBhG307W4vd3E4l4Muz1e-2FYcr-2BdJyNW9MMN97Q3qobM00-3D">escape plan</a>&nbsp;to practice with your family. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies.&nbsp;Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector.&nbsp;Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR-2BnhGpJFvOLzDF2abERlvDHXV5IgDLutGVK3Bc-2BUmXa0Q-3D-3DwcqO_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BvpRVLJmeTP230F5yAZ4KyR96pfgoGjDI36natdIz-2FW9FIKG0lmL9KrASAUhcnGwYa-2B-2BMswGMHu23TcASl4QUooCZLhXb-2FjhUHmAYgrU-2FUeF0BZb7-2FS1okll-2FhxjBR4SoX-2F70xeYebkbgZpoDQXpTso-3D">redcross.org/apps.</a>

American Red Cross<h2>Stay indoors when possible and heat your home safely</h2>&nbsp;A winter storm will blow through the region starting late Thursday, bringing freezing temperatures and subzero wind chills that will persist for several days.The American Red Cross serving Kansas and Oklahoma&nbsp;urges families to take several steps to deal with the cold and heat their homes safely. As with any potential emergency:<ol>
 <li>Get a kit.&nbsp;Gather food, water and medicine for every member of your household, including pets. Stores may be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.</li><li>Make a plan.&nbsp;Know where you will go if your power is out or if your home becomes too cold.</li><li>Stay informed.&nbsp;Sign up for free emergency alerts, follow local weather and news, and download the free&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR8cGFRKXyJbM1vK9CAowRNVLNqO_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2Bpf-2BDmN3FLbPCRBIT93Mv8a78OutLEIkAY5mzzEYoN3HhGUy470qMLAKNTglJdssVuG83C8Y-2FAmSBeY6HV2yjf-2Byr9benaoreCTeMgR-2B1jWx-2FgyTUzDRt7vHYoJ44FvVaGr6eEPp6jfDMga8LAJ0Xj8-3D">Red Cross Emergency app</a>.</li>
 </ol>“The safest place to be during a winter storm is indoors, and we encourage people to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, especially if older adults and babies are involved,” said Shelly Webb, Regional Disaster Officer for the Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region.PLAN TO STAY WARM&nbsp;Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, and bring your pets inside. Follow these tips to stay safe if you need to go outside:<ul>
 <li>Dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk of frostbite. Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.</li><li>Drink plenty of warm fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.</li><li>Avoid travel if you can.</li><li>Use ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.</li><li>Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. If you or someone you are with is shaking uncontrollably, getting extremely tired, turning very pale or getting numb fingers, toes, ears or nose — get out of the cold immediately.</li>
 </ul>HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY&nbsp;Overall, home fires account for most of the 60,000-plus disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year — and home fire responses are 30% higher during cold months than warmer times of year.“Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in this country,” Webb said. “But, there are steps people can take to avoid having this happen to them.&nbsp;Help keep your family safe by providing at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your two-minute home fire escape plan.”&nbsp;&nbsp;HOW TO SAFELY HEAT YOUR HOME&nbsp;According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are most often responsible for home heating fires. Follow these tips on how to safely heat your home:<ul>
 <li>If you must use a space heater, never leave it unattended. Place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes.</li><li>Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets&nbsp;— never into an extension cord. Turn the space heater off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.&nbsp;</li><li>Keep children, pets and anything that can burn at least three feet&nbsp;away from heating equipment.&nbsp;</li><li>Never use a cooking range&nbsp;or oven&nbsp;to heat your home.</li><li>Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.</li><li>Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves inspected annually&nbsp;by a professional and cleaned if necessary.</li>
 </ul>PREVENT HOME FIRE TRAGEDIES&nbsp;To help protect your family year-round, test your smoke alarms monthly and practice your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to get out of a burning home before it’s too late.IF YOU NEED HELP&nbsp;If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbSEB1yYF5kXzlN-2FZgqLHeLS8IJC-2BB99tiXP4W4kr5K676kcpn73o7zE9XvMKCf0BQ-3D-3DToXd_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BldppdMx-2FuaAGxc2uC3R9HastYXNz9-2FjgvgycW25VF4Kl1En72fk1b4s0B4ov9tQrOjUcrpI1GuxRo2buJc91wPSPqP5fGa-2BDG7Wj31NzIUB3CJ7MtSXHNzpYVntJTyII8crnyGCNtGdeHbCOXOzPhQ-3D">local Red Cross</a>&nbsp;for help.Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR-2BZ4-2Fiwq42Ttnjp-2FND3x4KZR1wV_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BlIwbnGhZzHLvz9eDZjyYz4PGyV5zxGS9mDXdCWroCGFUzpIWazGN8-2F8mnqB-2BspmO25U0FSroF2LYfF5PoMTE4eAu0Opv096mwZqIy-2FE3ZH5odgmdjsZGAC9gwcyqvmkmlTNCCq00rmLMeT6dyGT5ko-3D">redcross.org/fire</a>&nbsp;for more information, including an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUbSEB1yYF5kXzlN-2FZgqLHeILn3iXR3b-2F1ZMW-2FbpT1vi6fxFkZqILiRyVUc-2BdHMc-2B9MoBaBPnnpHle-2FLYeRRJhX5t9mB2tij-2FSVR3mo1Asnbkpo0TZuPnCn8WMbDRBYoOw7OlwfrwyjuqCgJdFFMvvms-3DIwZu_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BnrN8Joot3f8EMvStjrKftsC7IiURoNgvX9yPed1h-2Fjv6w6E29A8vD5ucugLEeNZp-2FgwWTgdSrCOhzCgtaAbzOR22Pb8VedsuABbqzxnYxeBhG307W4vd3E4l4Muz1e-2FYcr-2BdJyNW9MMN97Q3qobM00-3D">escape plan</a>&nbsp;to practice with your family. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies.&nbsp;Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector.&nbsp;Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TeZUXWpUv-2B6TCY38pVLo9geTRvg6gONCxWCfsFRiiR-2BnhGpJFvOLzDF2abERlvDHXV5IgDLutGVK3Bc-2BUmXa0Q-3D-3DwcqO_Q14NuxFof-2FlSOp3J3UZ6h3JsMwrH0FQP9CbYhwp0E-2Fi6k9-2FY7KIUQQIAJ9nTnr7S67jx-2FpLkk7LCz-2FvWQPef3JNh7xNUiSr7CmOagB6uAucmJuQjfa0fWiBID0IOylyNM2f-2FSzCoLfCvUDLYsiQlrczwZnHwz0LjuBOKQV5SiTaMHb6JD3l9iwo6yLpWSLJjWi2sI5bDFPl-2FEISG6Pj4-2BvpRVLJmeTP230F5yAZ4KyR96pfgoGjDI36natdIz-2FW9FIKG0lmL9KrASAUhcnGwYa-2B-2BMswGMHu23TcASl4QUooCZLhXb-2FjhUHmAYgrU-2FUeF0BZb7-2FS1okll-2FhxjBR4SoX-2F70xeYebkbgZpoDQXpTso-3D">redcross.org/apps.</a>

Bitter cold coming ─ Red Cross has tips to stay safe

RILEY COUNTY - Starting Friday, January 12 through at least Tuesday, January 16th, the National Weather Service has forecasted extreme cold temperatures for Riley County and the surrounding areas.

Additional snow accumulation, along with strong winds are expected. The wind chill could be as low 30 degrees below zero, creating hazardous conditions for both people and animals.

"Have at least one good means of communication, cell phone, if not two or three, have plenty of blankets and some food in your vehicle, a full tank of gas and plenty of cold weather gear, gloves, hats, coats and proper footwear to in case you do have trouble, that you can stay warm for an extended amount of time." Russel Stukey, Riley County Emergency Management Director says.

Staying safe during the extreme cold is one of major concerns, including advance preparations to hopefully prevent pipes from freezing during the frigid temperatures.

"If you have some pipes that you know are prone to freeze, you know, let them drip, don't have them shut off all the way. Find out where those the air is infiltrating into the home or the building and seal up those holes, whether it's with, you know, spray expanding foam or bales of hay or plastic or whatever means you need to do to keep that wind from infiltrating into the structure and then be extra cautious when using generators or alternate heat sources, especially ones that are gas burning because they can cause fumes and carbon monoxide. And that's obviously very dangerous. If you're using a generator, you want to make sure it's outside of the house, away from any air intakes and avoid that motor exhaust from getting into the house and causing problems and be extra cautious of those alternate heating devices, whether they're gas or electric operated because they're not in the in your house normally." Stukey says.

If there becomes a large-scale emergency, such as a widespread power or natural gas outage, Riley County Emergency Management officials will coordinate with area agencies to open a group shelter, if needed, at that time.

There are multiple day time warming shelters located in Manhattan, <a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22758/RILEY-COUNTY-LOCATIONS-FOR-HEAT-COLD-RELIEF">information about those can be found here.</a>

There are two overnight warming shelters available in Manhattan. One is the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, which does have an occupancy limit, as well, as eligibility requirements.

The other overnight warming shelter is the Center of Hope Ministry at Vineyard Community Church, which is located at 2400 Casement Road. This shelter is open all winter when temperatures overnight are below 36 degrees. Shelter is available here from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/HlIEARLZ-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Frozen Riley County" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - Starting Friday, January 12 through at least Tuesday, January 16th, the National Weather Service has forecasted extreme cold temperatures for Riley County and the surrounding areas.Additional snow accumulation, along with strong winds are expected. The wind chill could be as low 30 degrees below zero, creating hazardous conditions for both people and animals."Have at least one good means of communication, cell phone, if not two or three, have plenty of blankets and some food in your vehicle, a full tank of gas and plenty of cold weather gear, gloves, hats, coats and proper footwear to in case you do have trouble, that you can stay warm for an extended amount of time." Russel Stukey, Riley County Emergency Management Director says.Staying safe during the extreme cold is one of major concerns, including advance preparations to hopefully prevent pipes from freezing during the frigid temperatures."If you have some pipes that you know are prone to freeze, you know, let them drip, don't have them shut off all the way. Find out where those the air is infiltrating into the home or the building and seal up those holes, whether it's with, you know, spray expanding foam or bales of hay or plastic or whatever means you need to do to keep that wind from infiltrating into the structure and then be extra cautious when using generators or alternate heat sources, especially ones that are gas burning because they can cause fumes and carbon monoxide. And that's obviously very dangerous. If you're using a generator, you want to make sure it's outside of the house, away from any air intakes and avoid that motor exhaust from getting into the house and causing problems and be extra cautious of those alternate heating devices, whether they're gas or electric operated because they're not in the in your house normally." Stukey says.If there becomes a large-scale emergency, such as a widespread power or natural gas outage, Riley County Emergency Management officials will coordinate with area agencies to open a group shelter, if needed, at that time.There are multiple day time warming shelters located in Manhattan, <a href="https://www.rileycountyks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22758/RILEY-COUNTY-LOCATIONS-FOR-HEAT-COLD-RELIEF">information about those can be found here.</a>There are two overnight warming shelters available in Manhattan. One is the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, which does have an occupancy limit, as well, as eligibility requirements.The other overnight warming shelter is the Center of Hope Ministry at Vineyard Community Church, which is located at 2400 Casement Road. This shelter is open all winter when temperatures overnight are below 36 degrees. Shelter is available here from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.

🎥: Riley Co. EM advises residents to prepare for frigid temps, more snow

DENNIS JOSEPH SUNNEBERG, 63, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08&gt;; Bond $1,500

MICHAEL WALTER JONES, 54, Manhattan, Failure to appear;&nbsp;

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;DENNIS JOSEPH SUNNEBERG, 63, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 2nd conviction; blood/breath .08&gt;; Bond $1,500<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668098012964.jpeg" alt="Michael Walter Jones., pictures from KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Michael Walter Jones., pictures from KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MICHAEL WALTER JONES, 54, Manhattan, Failure to appear;&nbsp;

📷: Riley County Arrest Report Jan. 11

By WILL BAUER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2023-12-22/u-s-trade-deficit-agriculture-exports-imports-record-high">Harvest Public Media&nbsp;</a>

The United States has imported $20 billion more in agricultural products than it exported — putting the sector on pace to run a record deficit. A look at what’s behind the numbers.

For the third time in five years, agricultural trade in the United States will be at a deficit — when a country imports more than it exports.

As of November, the U.S. imported $20 billion more in agricultural products than it exported in 2023, which would set a record for biggest deficit in a calendar year in nearly a century if the trend continues through the last month of the year.

For some farmers, this year’s big deficit is a sign that trade has taken a hit and other countries may be out trading the U.S. However, some economists argue there are logical explanations behind what has created such an eye-popping deficit — including rising imports, a strong American dollar and basic supply and demand.

“Trade deficits aren’t something we should be inherently worried about,” said Bill Ridley, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who studies international trade.

Over the last five years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/foreign-agricultural-trade-of-the-united-states-fatus/u-s-agricultural-trade-data-update/" target="_blank">agricultural exports</a>&nbsp;have climbed from $141 billion in 2019 to nearly $196 billion in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In both 2020 and 2021, agricultural trade was at a surplus, or the opposite of a deficit, where exports exceed imports.

In the 2023 calendar year, the U.S. has reported exporting $143 billion and importing $163 billion. At this time last year, the country had exported about $18 billion more.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/foreign-agricultural-trade-of-the-united-states-fatus/u-s-agricultural-trade-data-update/" target="_blank">Data for the remainder of the year</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to be published Jan. 11.

“The U.S. is very much still the breadbasket to the world,” said Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, the government agency responsible for promoting trade. “We're growing things and successfully exporting them around the globe. So there's certainly a lot more to it than what might meet the eye initially.”

To the farmers who grow some of the most profitable exports — soybeans, corn and wheat — the deficit is concerning and something many watch closely.

Chris Otten, a fourth generation grower who owns roughly 1,400 acres in southwest Illinois, said farmers would like to see the deficit turn into a surplus.

“That’d be ideal for us,” Otten said. “I don’t know if that’ll ever happen, but that is ideal for us to get back to where we’re exporting as much as we possibly can.”

During a year like this, when export totals have also dropped, farmers are naturally prepared to weather the current economic conditions, Otten said. However, the politics of trade are frustrating to him.

Examples include when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/06/china-agriculture-us-economy.html" target="_blank">China pulled out of buying</a>&nbsp;U.S. agricultural products in 2019 or how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-us-gm-corn-trade-dispute-5b3127bff468f48592d1bbe80e1b1fac" target="_blank">Mexico announced this year it intends to ban genetically modified corn</a>. The political nature of those disputes cost farmers, he said.

“I contend our food source shouldn't be a political game,” Otten said.

In his eyes, one remedy would be striking trade deals with other countries around the world to establish more avenues to sell American products.

For Otten and other farmers, checking a small box — called the commodity checkoff program — is a good place to start. Those provide small funds to certain commodity groups that could help advocate for expanded trade opportunities.

To Ridley, the Illinois professor, analyzing all agricultural trade markets in one lump can be misleading. While all share similarities, looking at individual commodities paints a more accurate picture, he said.

For example, exports of soybeans, the most profitable commodity, have been robust this year, Ridley said. Through October, Americans exported $21.38 billion worth of soybeans this year. In 2022, a record year, that figure stood at $23.81 billion during the same time frame.

Corn exports also remain high. This year, $11.1 billion worth of corn has been sold and shipped abroad, according to USDA data. At the same time last year, the U.S. exported $16.5 billion.

Economists have a variety of answers as to why agricultural imports will far outpace exports in 2023. Simply put, Ridley said, it boils down to one thing: more imports.

“It seems to be purely and almost entirely a story about imports rising,” Ridley said. “And, of course, the more you import, holding your exports mostly constant, that's going to shrink your trade surplus or create a trade deficit.”

Through November, the U.S. had imported $163 billion worth of agricultural products. That figure stood at $166 billion at the same time in 2022.

The strength of the American dollar also plays a factor with the deficit, said Tanner Ehmke, an economist with CoBank, one of the biggest lenders to rural America.

"A strong dollar makes our exports non-competitive overseas, and it makes imports more competitive,” Ehmke said. “Our stronger dollar gives us more purchasing power. Therefore, we can afford to bring in more imports.”

Also, Americans are now using some products domestically that they used to export, Ehmke said. Namely,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/agriculture/101223-us-shifts-to-net-soybean-oil-importer-on-biofuel-boom-foreign-agricultural-service#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20FAS%2C%20increased,out%20of%20global%20export%20market." target="_blank">renewable diesel demand</a>&nbsp;has grown so much that the U.S. is keeping vast amounts of soybean oil home. To compensate for this, Americans are now importing more canola oil, largely from Canada, to fill that demand.

As the U.S. exports trickled downward,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-corn-soy-exporters-continue-battling-huge-brazilian-supplies-2023-10-06/" target="_blank">Brazil</a>&nbsp;continues to have record years. They’re becoming especially competitive with American farmers when it comes to corn, soybeans, cotton and rice, Ehmke said.

Russia is yet another country that’s had a record crop in 2023. Pair that with the value of their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2023/1010" target="_blank">currency collapsing</a>, the agriculture exports from Russia are ample and cheap, Ehmke said.

“There's a lot of events that are coalescing here,” Ehmke said.

Not only are economic dynamics changing abroad, they are also changing domestically, said Tait Berg, a southern Minnesota farmer who also works at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

“The U.S. consumer, we want a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, and we can’t grow that year round here,” Berg said.

Through October, the U.S. imported $79 billion worth of fruits and vegetables. At the same time in 2022, that figure stood at nearly $76 billion.

In Berg’s eyes, this is the global market meeting its demand. The market responded similarly in 2020 when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2020/04/15/flour-yeast-sales-rise-people-bake-bread-quarantine/" target="_blank">demand for flour grew like crazy</a>. Many people baked more while they worked from home.

“Hopefully, we're growing global trade, and that's kind of part of the deal,” Berg said. “That's what we want.”

Economists expect that agriculture trade may eventually swing in the other direction and could be in surplus again. If and exactly when are harder questions to answer.

During the next fiscal year, USDA forecasters anticipate the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=108031" target="_blank">deficit could widen</a>. Exports are projected to total $169.5 billion. Imports will tally $200 billion — leaving the deficit standing around $30.5 billion.

For farmers, they say they will wait to see what happens. As always, they’ll need to be financially prepared for whatever weather they get or whatever the markets dictate.

“These forecasts and projections always change,” Berg said. “And that’s just something that we’re all a part of as producers. We need to keep our ducks in a row.”

<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/will-bauer" target="_blank">Will Bauer</a>&nbsp;is St. Louis Public Radio's Metro East reporter. This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/174d4ae/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1500x1000+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbc%2F5c%2F663ac7304703990f28ae32e5cda2%2F12222023-tr-harvestagexports-7.png" alt="Jason Imel, a deck hand with Cargill, Inc., blows excess soybeans off the top of a river barge and closes the barge’s loading lids on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Cargill, Inc.’s facility in East St. Louis, Illinois. For the third time in five years, the U.S. will import more agricultural products than it exports. However, this year’s deficit is tracking to be around $20 billion, far more than last year’s $2 billion deficit.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio" />
 <figcaption>Jason Imel, a deck hand with Cargill, Inc., blows excess soybeans off the top of a river barge and closes the barge’s loading lids on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Cargill, Inc.’s facility in East St. Louis, Illinois. For the third time in five years, the U.S. will import more agricultural products than it exports. However, this year’s deficit is tracking to be around $20 billion, far more than last year’s $2 billion deficit.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio</figcaption>
 </figure> By WILL BAUER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2023-12-22/u-s-trade-deficit-agriculture-exports-imports-record-high">Harvest Public Media&nbsp;</a><h2>The United States has imported $20 billion more in agricultural products than it exported — putting the sector on pace to run a record deficit. A look at what’s behind the numbers.</h2>For the third time in five years, agricultural trade in the United States will be at a deficit — when a country imports more than it exports.As of November, the U.S. imported $20 billion more in agricultural products than it exported in 2023, which would set a record for biggest deficit in a calendar year in nearly a century if the trend continues through the last month of the year.For some farmers, this year’s big deficit is a sign that trade has taken a hit and other countries may be out trading the U.S. However, some economists argue there are logical explanations behind what has created such an eye-popping deficit — including rising imports, a strong American dollar and basic supply and demand.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9941387/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe4%2F0c%2F18a64ece4859bac70abff5f8de71%2F12222023-tr-harvestagexports-2.JPG" alt="A river barge is loaded with soybeans on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Cargill, Inc.'s facility in East St. Louis, Illinois. While major commodity crop exports such as corn and soybeans remain high, U.S. imports far outpaced exports in 2023.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A river barge is loaded with soybeans on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Cargill, Inc.'s facility in East St. Louis, Illinois. While major commodity crop exports such as corn and soybeans remain high, U.S. imports far outpaced exports in 2023.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“Trade deficits aren’t something we should be inherently worried about,” said Bill Ridley, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who studies international trade.Over the last five years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/foreign-agricultural-trade-of-the-united-states-fatus/u-s-agricultural-trade-data-update/" target="_blank">agricultural exports</a>&nbsp;have climbed from $141 billion in 2019 to nearly $196 billion in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In both 2020 and 2021, agricultural trade was at a surplus, or the opposite of a deficit, where exports exceed imports.In the 2023 calendar year, the U.S. has reported exporting $143 billion and importing $163 billion. At this time last year, the country had exported about $18 billion more.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/foreign-agricultural-trade-of-the-united-states-fatus/u-s-agricultural-trade-data-update/" target="_blank">Data for the remainder of the year</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to be published Jan. 11.“The U.S. is very much still the breadbasket to the world,” said Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, the government agency responsible for promoting trade. “We're growing things and successfully exporting them around the globe. So there's certainly a lot more to it than what might meet the eye initially.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704846572125.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To the farmers who grow some of the most profitable exports — soybeans, corn and wheat — the deficit is concerning and something many watch closely.Chris Otten, a fourth generation grower who owns roughly 1,400 acres in southwest Illinois, said farmers would like to see the deficit turn into a surplus.“That’d be ideal for us,” Otten said. “I don’t know if that’ll ever happen, but that is ideal for us to get back to where we’re exporting as much as we possibly can.”During a year like this, when export totals have also dropped, farmers are naturally prepared to weather the current economic conditions, Otten said. However, the politics of trade are frustrating to him.Examples include when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/06/china-agriculture-us-economy.html" target="_blank">China pulled out of buying</a>&nbsp;U.S. agricultural products in 2019 or how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mexico-us-gm-corn-trade-dispute-5b3127bff468f48592d1bbe80e1b1fac" target="_blank">Mexico announced this year it intends to ban genetically modified corn</a>. The political nature of those disputes cost farmers, he said.“I contend our food source shouldn't be a political game,” Otten said.In his eyes, one remedy would be striking trade deals with other countries around the world to establish more avenues to sell American products.For Otten and other farmers, checking a small box — called the commodity checkoff program — is a good place to start. Those provide small funds to certain commodity groups that could help advocate for expanded trade opportunities.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ee8fae9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1500x1000+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fec%2F0b%2F414dd9554f5bb498bd80377634c7%2F12182023-tr-harvestagexports-14.JPG" alt="&nbsp;Chris Otten checks the moisture levels of his corn crop, stored in bins while they wait to be sold, on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at his farm outside St. Libory, Illinois. Otten said he's concerned about the ag trade deficit and hopes the Biden administration is focused on finding new trade partners.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/Lance Lillibridge" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Chris Otten checks the moisture levels of his corn crop, stored in bins while they wait to be sold, on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at his farm outside St. Libory, Illinois. Otten said he's concerned about the ag trade deficit and hopes the Biden administration is focused on finding new trade partners.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/Lance Lillibridge</figcaption>
 </figure>To Ridley, the Illinois professor, analyzing all agricultural trade markets in one lump can be misleading. While all share similarities, looking at individual commodities paints a more accurate picture, he said.For example, exports of soybeans, the most profitable commodity, have been robust this year, Ridley said. Through October, Americans exported $21.38 billion worth of soybeans this year. In 2022, a record year, that figure stood at $23.81 billion during the same time frame.Corn exports also remain high. This year, $11.1 billion worth of corn has been sold and shipped abroad, according to USDA data. At the same time last year, the U.S. exported $16.5 billion.The causes of the deficitEconomists have a variety of answers as to why agricultural imports will far outpace exports in 2023. Simply put, Ridley said, it boils down to one thing: more imports.“It seems to be purely and almost entirely a story about imports rising,” Ridley said. “And, of course, the more you import, holding your exports mostly constant, that's going to shrink your trade surplus or create a trade deficit.”Through November, the U.S. had imported $163 billion worth of agricultural products. That figure stood at $166 billion at the same time in 2022.The strength of the American dollar also plays a factor with the deficit, said Tanner Ehmke, an economist with CoBank, one of the biggest lenders to rural America.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4d06e6b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1500x1000+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff3%2Fc4%2F15b2b9954a06a9d31cbc33531ae0%2F12222023-tr-harvestagexports-1.JPG" alt="&nbsp;Corn is dropped out of a transport truck and into a collection pit on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Cargill, Inc.’s facility in East St. Louis, Illinois. The U.S. exported $11.1 billion worth of corn through November, according to USDA data, compared with $16.5 billion at the same point in 2022.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Corn is dropped out of a transport truck and into a collection pit on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at Cargill, Inc.’s facility in East St. Louis, Illinois. The U.S. exported $11.1 billion worth of corn through November, according to USDA data, compared with $16.5 billion at the same point in 2022.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio</figcaption>
 </figure>"A strong dollar makes our exports non-competitive overseas, and it makes imports more competitive,” Ehmke said. “Our stronger dollar gives us more purchasing power. Therefore, we can afford to bring in more imports.”Also, Americans are now using some products domestically that they used to export, Ehmke said. Namely,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/latest-news/agriculture/101223-us-shifts-to-net-soybean-oil-importer-on-biofuel-boom-foreign-agricultural-service#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20FAS%2C%20increased,out%20of%20global%20export%20market." target="_blank">renewable diesel demand</a>&nbsp;has grown so much that the U.S. is keeping vast amounts of soybean oil home. To compensate for this, Americans are now importing more canola oil, largely from Canada, to fill that demand.As the U.S. exports trickled downward,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-corn-soy-exporters-continue-battling-huge-brazilian-supplies-2023-10-06/" target="_blank">Brazil</a>&nbsp;continues to have record years. They’re becoming especially competitive with American farmers when it comes to corn, soybeans, cotton and rice, Ehmke said.Russia is yet another country that’s had a record crop in 2023. Pair that with the value of their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dallasfed.org/research/economics/2023/1010" target="_blank">currency collapsing</a>, the agriculture exports from Russia are ample and cheap, Ehmke said.“There's a lot of events that are coalescing here,” Ehmke said.Not only are economic dynamics changing abroad, they are also changing domestically, said Tait Berg, a southern Minnesota farmer who also works at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.“The U.S. consumer, we want a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, and we can’t grow that year round here,” Berg said.Through October, the U.S. imported $79 billion worth of fruits and vegetables. At the same time in 2022, that figure stood at nearly $76 billion.<figure>
 <img src="https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9c73ab7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1500x1000+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F35%2Ff9%2F88b7c94c410fab69af86a46b32c5%2F12182023-tr-harvestagexports-3.JPG" alt="Chris Otten holds some of his harvested corn crop at his farm outside St. Libory, Illinois.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio" />
 <figcaption>Chris Otten holds some of his harvested corn crop at his farm outside St. Libory, Illinois.&nbsp;Tristen Rouse/St. Louis Public Radio</figcaption>
 </figure>In Berg’s eyes, this is the global market meeting its demand. The market responded similarly in 2020 when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2020/04/15/flour-yeast-sales-rise-people-bake-bread-quarantine/" target="_blank">demand for flour grew like crazy</a>. Many people baked more while they worked from home.“Hopefully, we're growing global trade, and that's kind of part of the deal,” Berg said. “That's what we want.”Economists expect that agriculture trade may eventually swing in the other direction and could be in surplus again. If and exactly when are harder questions to answer.During the next fiscal year, USDA forecasters anticipate the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/pub-details/?pubid=108031" target="_blank">deficit could widen</a>. Exports are projected to total $169.5 billion. Imports will tally $200 billion — leaving the deficit standing around $30.5 billion.For farmers, they say they will wait to see what happens. As always, they’ll need to be financially prepared for whatever weather they get or whatever the markets dictate.“These forecasts and projections always change,” Berg said. “And that’s just something that we’re all a part of as producers. We need to keep our ducks in a row.”<a href="https://www.stlpr.org/will-bauer" target="_blank">Will Bauer</a>&nbsp;is St. Louis Public Radio's Metro East reporter. This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media</a>, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

U.S. agricultural trade deficit could reach record highs for 2023. Is there cause for concern?

ZACHARY TAYLOR WHITE EAGLE, 17, Manhattan, Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm;&nbsp;

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;ZACHARY TAYLOR WHITE EAGLE, 17, Manhattan, Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm;&nbsp;

Local