MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for aggravated assault.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ new governor has joined in increased calls to stop using state highway funding for other purposes.

photo KDOT

The state has spent more than $3.3 billion meant for highways on other areas of spending over the past 20 years. As a result, the state is currently delaying nearly two dozen projects to repair or expand highways.

Gov. Jeff Colyer told lawmakers last week that the state “must end the highway funding sweeps and build an effective plan that promotes economic development and strengthens our transportation network.”

Colyer didn’t offer a concrete proposal or timeline for ending the transfer of money from highways to other areas. But his spokeswoman said Friday that the governor is calling for a transportation task force to identify the best option.

Perry has previous convictions for Aggravated Incest, Violation of a Protection Order and Sexual exploitation of child; Employ child LT18 yoa to engage in sexually explicit conduct, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

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.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The 62nd annual K-State Rodeo will be Feb. 16-18 in Weber Arena on the Kansas State University campus.

This year’s event is expected to bring more than 10,000 fans into Weber Arena. About 450 contestants from 18 colleges and universities in the Central Plains Region will travel to Manhattan to compete.

“Those three days are a great time to watch some tough college rodeo competition and see a lot of good friends, whether you’re a K-State alumnus, supporter of the program or just a fan of the sport,” said K-State Rodeo Coach Casy Winn, currently in his third year with the program.

The 2018 rodeo schedule includes:

Friday, Feb. 16
7:30 p.m. — “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Night
Saturday, Feb. 17
1 p.m. — Children 12 and under are free with a donation of one canned good for the Flint Hills Breadbasket with the purchase of an adult ticket
4-6 p.m. — Rodeo Alumni & Friends Social at the Stanley Stout Center
6:45 p.m. — Miss Rodeo K-State Coronation
7:30 p.m. — Pack Weber with Purple Night
Sunday, Feb. 18
10 a.m. — Cowboy Church
1 p.m. — Military Appreciation Day and finals performance

Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door for adults; $8 in advance or $10 at the door for children, K-State students with ID, or military with ID; or $30 at the door for a weekend pass. Children 4 and under are free.

Pick up a ticket at any of the nine pre-sale ticket locations. The Manhattan locations are Orscheln’s, Tractor Supply, Yeehaw, Outpost Western Store and K-State Union Bookstore. Other locations are: Orscheln’s, Junction City, KS; R Bar B, Topeka, KS; Ray’s Apple Market, Clay Center, KS, and Vanderbilt’s, Wamego, KS.

With the eyes of the entire world on Pyeongchang, South Korea, nothing

Drew Purviance, Eagle Technology Solutions

makes for a better target for hackers and malicious attack groups.

The Olympic Committee has reported it has had several machines succumb to a new malware referred to as “Olympic Destroyer.” With the 2014 Sochi Olympics making about $53 million in revenue, the Olympics are a huge target for ransomware attacks. Money though isn’t always the motive, though. In this case, it appears the attackers just want to disrupt the games and show off their skills.

The Olympic Destroyer malware’s current goal is making devices totally unusable, achieving this by deleting files critical to allowing the operating system of the machines to run but, at the same time, using network devices to further its progression to other machines. This sophisticated malware is also stealing credentials from the machines it has infected. Olympic Destroyer contains two modules it uses to steal credentials — one of them steals the credentials from an internet browser and the other from the local machine’s administrator credentials.

You might have noticed on Feb. 9 that the official Winter Olympics’ website was down for the majority of the day — roughly 12 hours — which left attendees unable to print tickets to events. The malware was able to take down the website with the malicious attack, and it also brought down several television feeds. In January, researchers for various companies reported a Russian hacking group had been sending phishing emails with malicious attachments to South Korean organizations as well as groups that work with the Olympics.

Russia’s foreign ministry has denied any allegations and has said “no evidence would be presented to the world.” So far, investigators of the attacks have made no claims as to who has initiated this attack on the Winter Olympic Games.

At a time when the world is supposed to come together for the love of sports, there are still people out there with malicious intentions fixating on poisoning any happiness this world can get.

If you are concerned about Ransomware in your organization, contact ETS about employee training and ways to help educate your staff and have the necessary “safety nets” in place in the unfortunate event you experience a compromise

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.

REIGHEN KIMBERLY WISDOM, 22, Manhattan, arrested for DUI; 1ST CONVICTION; Bond $750

SPENCER ALLEN MCCONAGHY, 29, Manhattan, arrested for DUI; INCAPABLE OF SAFELY DRIVING – 1ST CONV;Bond $750

Burch has previous convictions for criminal threat, battery and Poss of Para w/intent to manuf,grow,etc 5+ plants, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

PAULINA FAY DAWSON, 57, Manhattan, arrested for BURGLARY;VEHICLE FOR FELONY,THEFT,SEX, THEFT OF PROP/SERVICES; <$1500; Bond No

ZACHERY RYAN BURCH, 29, Ogden, arrested for failure to appear; Bond $20,000

VIRGIL LEON KOPPENHEFFER JR, 37. Moulton, AL., arrested for failure to appear; Bond $750

NOAH JAMES DALLIER, 21, Manhattan, arrested for parole violation; Bond $5000

SARITA ROSE GARNER, 27, Manhattan, arrested for DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED; 1ST CONVICTION; Bond $750

CHARLES ELLIOTT HARRIS III, 32, Manhattan, arrested for alleged DOMESTIC BATTERY;RUDE PHYSICAL CONTACT; Bond $1500

BRYAN ROCH CAMACHO FERNANDEZ, 21, Manhattan, arrested for failure to appear; Bond $500

AILEEN CORTEZ, 15, Manhattan, arrested for LIQUOR;PURCHASE BY MINOR <18YRS ;UNK CONV; Juvenile Detention

CITATION REPORT

MANUEL TORRES SANCHEZ, 58, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT SETH CHILD & AMHERST IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE AND FOR NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON FEBRUARY 13, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:50 AM.

TRISTON JUDD, 21, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT STADEL RD & PILLSBURY DR IN MANHATTAN FOR INSURANCE;LIABILITY REQUIRED (43104AG1) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:38 PM.

JUSTIN NIELSEN, 21, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT N MANHATTAN AVE & THURSTON ST IN MANHATTAN FOR NO PROOF OF MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY (19-200) ON FEBRUARY 11, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY11:21 PM.

REYNOLDS GEORGE, 20, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2100 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:58 PM.

IAN NELSON, 39, LAS VEGAS, NV WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2800 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6 PM.

MEGAN PROLAGO, 24, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT ANDERSON & MID CAMPUS IN MANHATTAN FOR VEHICLE TAGS-EXPIRE/ILLEGBLE (19-198) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:40 PM.

JARROD GRIGGS, 34, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 900 BLK N 8TH ST IN MANHATTAN FOR FAILURE TO PERFORM DUTY (5-26) ON FEBRUARY 9, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY12:01 PM.

JACOB LATHRUM, 20, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2300 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:51 PM.

AUSTIN KOCH, 22, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2300 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:06 PM.

BENJAMIN RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, 28, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1200 BLK FORT RILEY BLVD IN MANHATTAN FOR NO DRIVERS LICENSE (19-192) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:04 PM.

BRANDON AMSDEN, 31, CLAY CENTER, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 9000 BLK CAVALRY RD IN LEONARDVILLE FOR MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS (08-1558) ON FEBRUARY 11, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:24 PM.

CORY CALKINS, 31, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 1100 BLK POYNTZ AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR NO DRIVERS LICENSE (19-192) ON FEBRUARY 11, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY10:41 PM.

SCOTT MCKENZIE, 27, LAWRENCE, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 800 BLK SUNSET AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR INATTENTIVE DRIVING (14-104) ON FEBRUARY 9, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:01 AM.

CATHY SCROGGS, 62,  MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT POYNTZ AVE & N 11TH ST IN MANHATTAN FOR DISOBEY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE (4-12) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 PM.

SAMUEL ANDERSON, 18, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2100 BLK ANDERSON AVE IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:29 AM.

JESSICA WILLIAMMEE, 25, WAKEFIELD, KS WAS CITED WHILE AT ANDERSON AVE & LEE ST IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:46 AM.

SARAH MAY, 27, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2100 BLK CLAFLIN RD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 PM.

ZACHARY CAFFEY, 18, MANHATTAN, KS WAS CITED WHILE IN THE 2600 BLK CLAFLIN RD IN MANHATTAN FOR SPEEDING (7-33) ON FEBRUARY 12, 2018 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:48 PM.

 

 

 

 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer has picked Tracey Mann to serve as the state’s next lieutenant governor.

The new Republican governor announced his appointment of the 41-year-old Mann during a Kansas Livestock Association dinner in Topeka. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at the Statehouse.

Mann is a commercial real estate broker and farmer from Salina. He said in a statement he’s “extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

Colyer was the state’s longest-serving lieutenant governor but became governor Jan. 31 when former GOP Gov. Sam Brownback stepped down to take an ambassador’s post.

Mann will be on the gubernatorial ticket when Colyer seeks a full, four-year term this year.

Manhattan, Kan. – The Flint Hills Discovery Center will offer two day trips to Emporia and Scenic Chase County this spring.  The Tallgrass Tour Bus guides guests on trips full of historical and cultural experiences.

Visitors will explore Emporia on Saturday, February 24 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Guests will visit the Historic Howe House and Welsh Farmstead.  Lunch will be enjoyed at Radius Brewing Company, known for its micro-brews and wood-fired pizzas.  After some downtown shopping, the trip will end its day at the William Allen White House.  Youth and Adult FHDC members are $22, and youth and adult non-members are $26. Price includes round trip travel and tour fees.  Lunch is not included in fee.

For guests wanting to explore the heart of the Flint Hills, the Scenic Chase County day trip will take them to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve on Saturday, May 5.  A guided tour of the Bison pastures and Spring Hill Ranch headquarters will be given along with a tour of the Chase County Courthouse.  Lunch will be eaten at Ad Astra, known regionally for its food.  Youth and adult FHDC Members are $18, and youth and adult non-members are $22. Price includes round trip travel and tour fees.  Lunch is not included in fee.

Youth under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.  Both trips require a moderate level of walking.

To learn more about or to pre-register for Tallgrass Tour Bus programs at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, visit www.flinthillsdiscovery.org, call 785-587-2726 or visit 315 S. 3rd St. in Manhattan.

By BRIAN GRIMMETT

If you’ve got solar panels on your roof, Westar Energy wants to create a surcharge on your power bill.

Westar Energy wants to add a special surcharge to the bills of customers who draw in their own solar power. The utility says that otherwise customers without solar panels will end up paying more.
PHOTO COURTESY CROMWELL SOLAR

The utility insists that if it doesn’t charge you extra, all of its other customers will get stuck with the tab of being ready with electricity when the sun lets you down.

Solar power enthusiasts want the Kansas Legislature to outlaw such charges, fees they say could stymie their industry’s growth.

The resulting conflict could determine the future of solar power in Kansas and how the cost of keeping the electrical grid working will be split among consumers in the state.

For the utility, offering electricity on demand to a home that pulls most of its power from solar rays is a money-losing proposition. So it’s asking the Kansas Corporation Commission for the go-ahead on a new charge to customers for the service of offering stand-by electricity.

The new charge would come on top of the cost per kilowatt hour and the standard service fees that show up on power bills for all utility customers. Westar estimatesthe new charge could increase the bill of a customer with solar panels by as much as 50 percent.

In an attempt to prevent that move, solar energy advocates have proposed a bill in the Kansas Legislature that would require utilities to charge all residential customers the same rate.

Aron Cromwell is the owner of one of the largest solar retailers in Kansas. On Monday, he told members of the Senate Utility Committee that without the bill, the industry won’t be able to grow.

“The utilities will establish new solar rates that are designed to remove the financial benefit from producing your own energy on your own property,” he said.

The solar industry in Kansas employs about 500 people and is relatively small when compared to neighboring states such as Colorado, which has about 6,000 workers in the field.

Westar says that without an additional charge, the vast majority of customers — those who don’t produce any of their own electricity — will end up subsidizing the cost of solar.

“What we want to ensure is that when customers do make that choice that they are paying their fare share of the cost of the electric grid,” said Westar vice president of regulated affairs, Jeff Martin.

He said the problem for the utility is that the amount of electricity any individual solar power user produces is unreliable — sometimes it’s more than they need, and sometimes it’s less. Regardless, he said Westar must be able to provide enough electricity to meet that customer’s needs at all times, even if the customer doesn’t end up using it.

Westar’s request is part of a larger rate change case before the Kansas Corporation Commission. The rate case also includes a request to increase the standard service fee for all customers by $4, increasing the monthly charge to $18.50 a month. The KCC will make a decision on whether to approve the new rates and rate structure in September.

Brian Grimmett is a reporter focusing on the environment and energy for the Kansas News Service. Follow him on Twitter @briangrimmett.

GEARY COUNTY – A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 11:30a.m. Wednesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Kenworth Dump truck driven by Jay A. Knitter, 56, Morganville, was northbound on U.S. 77 two miles west of Junction City.

As the vehicle was approaching Kansas 57, it lost air pressure as it traveled down a hill. That resulted in failed breaking.

The driver merged the truck into the right turn lane for K57 to avoid a dump truck making a left turn.

The driver could not negotiate the turn on to K57 due to speed and overturned.

Knitter was transported to Geary County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

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.

Garner from an October arrest for alleged Criminal Trespass in Geary County

STEPHEN GLEN GARNER, 29, Manhattan, AGG BATTERY;PHYSICAL CONTACT W/ WEAPON AGG ROBBERY; W/ DANGEROUS WEAPON, AGG BURGLARY;DWELLING FOR FEL,THEFT,SEX; Bond $25,000

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 5 a.m. Wednesday, police arrested Stephen Garner, 29, of Manhattan in the 500 block of Pierre Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department incident report.

Garner is being held on a bond of $25,000 bond for aggravated battery, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

Milford Lake algae bloom (Photo courtesy KDHE)

TOPEKA – The Kansas Water Office (KWO) was recently awarded $2.88 million through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to improve water quality conditions within the Milford Lake Watershed. Runoff from precipitation events is a source of nutrient loading contributing to aquatic conditions which promote formation of harmful algal blooms (HAB) within Milford Lake. Runoff also erodes soil which ends up in waterways and is transported downstream, eventually contributing to the sedimentation of the lake.

“We are elated the Kansas Water Office Milford Lake project was selected for funding and appreciate the support of the 28 contributing partners,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. “As this lake serves as a water source to many Kansas communities, this project exemplifies the potential for a comprehensive watershed approach and presents a tremendous opportunity to impact nutrient loading within the lake.”

Milford Lake supplies water to several utilities and cities who service nearly one million Kansans, more than one-third of the state’s population. The frequency of HABs over the years within the lake have created a heightened concern among lake stakeholders that blooms will adversely impact public water supplies and their ability to provide safe, potable water.

This project serves as one of the largest efforts undertaken within the Milford Lake Watershed to bring together partners to work with NRCS on implementation of conservation practices. The KWO is the lead partner with 28 other entities contributing to the project.

“The Kansas Natural Resources Conservation Service is delighted to be working with the Kansas Water Office to improve water quality in the Milford Lake Watershed. NRCS has dedicated conservationists that are ready to provide technical assistance and conservation planning to help producers identify conservation practices to address resource concerns in the watershed,” said Sheldon Hightower, Kansas NRCS Acting State Conservationist. “We have a great relationship with the Kansas Water Office and I appreciate their leadership in this project.”

The project will implement livestock and cropland-related conservation practices within the Milford Lake Watershed to decrease nutrient runoff and sediment.

“HABs have been a growing issue for our state dating back to at least 2010. In 2011, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment first listed Milford Lake as having a significantly large confirmed harmful blue-green algae bloom,” said Tracy Streeter, KWO Director. “Unfortunately HABs have been detected within Milford Lake every year since 2011 and we are pleased to receive this grant to help address this priority in our state.”

The partnership team consists of state agencies, public water suppliers, farm organizations, local units of government, university and state researchers, county conservation districts, agricultural groups, private businesses, and non-profit organizations.

This is not only an issue in Kansas but a growing nationwide problem. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is finding ways to help public water suppliers address this issue across the country.

“In recent years, Kansas has been a leader in bringing together all stakeholders to understand and find solutions for the unique challenges facing the state’s water supply,” said Mike Armstrong, Kansas Water Authority member and General Manager of WaterOne, an AWWA public water utility member serving 425,000 customers in the Johnson County area. “In eastern Kansas where we have an ample supply of source water, the challenge is protecting water quality. WaterOne is eager to work closely with agricultural interests as partners in addressing upstream factors that affect downstream quality.”

The project will also provide improvements such as improving fish and wildlife habitat, increasing soil health, testing of innovative phosphorus reduction technology, and helping ensure future agricultural productivity.

The following are the 28 partners contributing to the success of the project:

Acorns Resort; City of Lawrence; City of Olathe; City of Topeka; City of Wakefield; Clay County; Clay County Economic Development Group; EcoPractices (Sustainability Partners); Flagstop Resort & RV Park; Friends of the Kaw; WaterOne of Johnson County;  Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Kansas Biological Survey; Kansas Corn Growers Association; Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Farm Bureau; Kansas Forest Service; Kansas Soybean Commission; Kansas Water Office; National Sorghum Producers; Riley County Conservation District; Sustainable Environmental Consultants; The Nature Conservancy; Thunderbird Marina & RV Resort; Westar Energy.

For more information about the project visit www.kwo.ks.gov

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.

Jones has previous convictions for burglary, drugs and attempt to flee and elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

LARRY MAURICE JONES, 47, Manhattan, arrested for DISTRIBUTE OPIATES,OPIUM,STIMULANT POSS OPIATES,OPIUM,NARCOTIC. POSS OPIATES,OPIUM,NARCOTIC, DIST OR POSS W/INTENT TO DIST DRUG PARA USE/POSS PARA;INTO HUMAN BODY; Bond $40,000

CEDRIC DEVON DILLARD, 36, Manhattan, arrested for DUI; 2ND CONV; COMPETENT EVIDENCE OF BLOOD; Bond $1500

VLADISLAV ARKADEVICH DUBROVENSKI, 21, Overland Park, arrested for BATTERY CAMPUS LEO; PHYSICAL CONTACT CRIMINAL THREAT; CAUSE TERROR; Bond $5000

TAMI CAI CHAPMAN, 51, Ogden, arrested for DIST OPIATE/OPIUM/NARCOTIC; 1<10DU; Bond $5000

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an assault on a Riley County Police Department officer.

Just after 9:30a.m. Thursday, police filed a report for aggravated assault of LEO and battery in the 700 Block of Allen Road in Manhattan. The incident involved a juvenile male assault on patrol officer Sonia Gregoire, according to the police department activity report.

The RCPD released no additional details.

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges.

Barrow-photo Geary Co.

On Thursday, police stopped an eastbound vehicle on Interstate 70 just east of Humboldt Creek Road, according to Junction City Police.

Officers arrested Andrew Barrows, 37, and Michael Martin, 44, both from Colorado on suspicion of Possession of Marijuana With Intent, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.

There was also one allegation of Registration Violation against Barrows.

Martin-photo Geary Co.

They are being held in the Geary County Jail.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Secretary of State Kris Kobach is renewing a 14-year campaign to repeal a Kansas law granting in-state tuition rates to qualifying college students who aren’t U.S. citizens.

Kobach testified Thursday on behalf of a bill that would end the benefit offered to those who graduated from an accredited Kansas high school or earned a general equivalency degree and started the process of acquiring citizenship. Kansas’ in-state tuition is about a third of the out-of-state assessment.

Kobach tells the House Higher Education Budget Committee that state law perversely incentivizes immigrants living in Kansas illegally to attend college.

Bishops leading the Kansas Catholic Conference are asking the committee to have compassion for youth who would have tuition benefits taken from them.

The bill’s hearing will continue Monday.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Westar officials are warning customers that people claiming to be utility employees are calling and trying to force them to buy prepaid money cards.

Utility officials say if you get one of those calls, hang up and report it.

The company put out a statewide alert Friday saying scammers are threatening to turn off customer’s power unless they buy a prepaid money card and call back with the number on the card.

Spokeswoman Gina Penzig says the scammer then uses the card and calls another victim.

*SCAM ALERT* – We’re getting reports of scammers targeting businesses. They claim to be us and threaten disconnection unless a payment is made today. If you receive a call, notify law enforcement and at 800-383-1183. Learn how to spot a scammer: https://t.co/heATH3VpxH #SpotAScam pic.twitter.com/wuAEuOcc50

— Westar Energy (@WestarEnergy) February 16, 2018

Penzig says the callers sometimes target restaurants just before or during the lunch rush, when managers are busy and don’t want the power shut off.

She says Westar will never demand immediate payment or shut off power without multiple warnings.

TOPEKA – Business Appreciation Month will again be recognized statewide in June, serving as a tribute to Kansas businesses for their contributions to our state. The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for Business Appreciation Month awards, affording the opportunity for individuals and organizations to nominate Kansas businesses that grow jobs and support their local communities.

Robert North, Interim Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce, says, “Kansas businesses are the engines of economic growth. They better the quality of life in our state by creating jobs, investing in our communities and supporting local activities. In 2018, we are once again excited to honor the businesses in our state and invite you to join us by nominating the successful businesses in your community for the 2018 Kansas Business Appreciation Month Awards.”

The top nominees will be recognized at the Team Kansas awards banquet on June 5 at the DoubleTree hotel in Lawrence, and the winner will take home the 2018 Governor’s Award of Excellence, the highest award given to a business by the state.

Nominations will be accepted in four categories: manufacturing/distribution, retail, service and hospital/non-profit. Businesses can be nominated by an individual or organization, and nominators may submit multiple companies for consideration. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 30 at 5 p.m.

To submit an online nomination, please visit http://www.kansascommerce.gov/BAM.

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.