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.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A new government report shows the number of Kansas farms and the amount of agricultural land did not change last year in Kansas.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Friday that Kansas had 59,600 farms in 2017, same as the year earlier.

But the report also shows that the state had 200 fewer farms having $100,000 or less in agricultural sales, while the number of operations with more than $100,000 in sales grew by 200 farms.

The agency says Kansas had 45.9 million acres in farms and ranches. That is unchanged from the previous year. Also unchanged is the size of the average operation at 770 acres.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Prisons in Kansas face a crisis in hiring staff because of poor pay. A former governor called a state hospital for the mentally ill “a pit.” Highway projects are delayed because state funding keeps getting diverted to other priorities.

But an ongoing lawsuit has forced state legislators to be preoccupied with finding money for public schools ahead of those other pressing issues. And lawmakers are starting to resent that.

“It’s like the schools are the grain truck. Instead of sharing the grain, they just keep raising the sides on the bed and keeping it all for themselves,” said state Sen. Ty Masterson, a conservative Wichita-area Republican. “They’ve been able to keep themselves at the front of the line for a long time.”

Legislators increased income taxes last year to help balance the budget and put some of the extra money they raised into schools. Most want to avoid the political poison of another big tax increase this year, but if they do that and put schools first, they worry that other, long-suffering agencies and programs could keep suffering.

Educators are well aware of the backlash but contend schools and state agencies are living with the consequences of past state income tax cuts championed by former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Those tax policies received renewed national attention as Congress approved federal income tax cuts late last year.

Even after Kansas lawmakers reversed most of the Brownback-inspired state tax cuts last year, budget problems remained and awaited new GOP Gov. Jeff Colyer after Brownback resigned last month to take an ambassador’s post.

“You can’t blame schools,” said Mark Desetti, a lobbyist for the state’s largest teachers union. “You can lament it all you want, but it’s a problem of your own making.”

Kansas spends more than $4 billion a year — more than half of its general revenues — on its public schools. But the state Supreme Court ruled in October that even with a funding increase approved last year, it’s not sufficient under the state constitution.

The state has been in and out of lawsuits over education funding for decades, and the current one was filed in 2010 by four school districts. The Supreme Court has issued five rulings in the past four years requiring new spending on public schools.

In its last ruling in October, the court did not set a specific spending target but hinted that it could be $650 million more a year.

Top Republican leaders signaled that they want to avoid such a big increase in spending on schools by commissioning an outside academic study of education costs in hopes of generating a lower figure that lawmakers could defend in court. The study is due in mid-March, and work on school funding legislation is stalled until it’s done.

“Maybe we say, ‘We’ve got to live within our means,'” said Senate budget committee Chairwoman Carolyn McGinn, a moderate Wichita-area Republican. “Maybe we need to reassess the direction we’re going.”

House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a conservative Kansas City-area Republican, said lawmakers are right to expect to squeeze other parts of state government if they increase spending on schools.

“That is the math of it,” he said. “There’s only so much taxpayer money.”

Even moderate Republicans receptive to higher spending on schools are pushing to broaden the budget discussion, suggesting that extra spending on social services helps ensure that young children start school ready to learn.

Other lawmakers see public safety as a bigger priority after disturbances at multiple prisons last year. Corrections Secretary Joe Norwood told one panel this week that pay remains a problem even after a pay raise for uniformed officers last year — and if he could find enough workers, budget constraints require him to leave nearly 10 percent of all positions unfilled anyway.

“We can’t gut those other functions of government just to meet the demands of one sector,” said House Majority Leader Don Hineman, a moderate Republican from western Kansas.

But public schools have something other recipients of state dollars do not: A provision in the Kansas Constitution requiring legislators to “make suitable provision” for funding them.

“They are going to be first in line,” said Democratic state Rep. Tom Sawyer, of Wichita.

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.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 10p.m. Saturday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Ford Edge driven by Stephanie Lugenia, Silfer, 65, Frankfort, was southbound on Kansas 13 just south of Carnahan Creek.

The vehicle exited off the roadway to the right, overturned once, landed on the roof and came to rest in the culvert approximately 30 feet off the roadway.

Slifer was found deceased at the scene. She was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

By LAURA ZIEGLER

Since its inception over a decade ago, the Department of Homeland Security has had authority over the $1.25 billion National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, or NBAF, under construction on the campus of Kansas State University.

Diseases that pose a threat to livestock will be studied at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility under construction in Manhattan, Kan.
HARVEST PUBLIC MEDIA

The 2019 federal budget released this week proposes transferring authority over the facility to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The transfer wouldn’t happen until the facility operational, scheduled for 2022. But officials say the USDA will work closely with DHS long before the lab opens.

“USDA would begin (staffing) up the operations of NBAF by learning how to operate the facility during the commissioning process, purchasing equipment and hiring employees,” DHS spokesman John Verrico said in an email.

NBAF is to replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center in the Long Island Sound.  For over half a century, the lab was operated by USDA for the study of foreign animal diseases. It was the only place in the country with a large-animal bio-containment facility capable of studying live foot-and-mouth disease virus, which is highly contagious among cattle and sheep. The labs at NBAF will expand research on foot-and-mouth and have the capacity to do experiments on large numbers of livestock at one time.

In 2002, with the passage of the Homeland Security Act, authority of the lab at Plum Island was transferred to the newly- formed DHS.

Lawmakers and some officials are saying it’s too early to know the impact of placing the Plum Island’s replacement back under the oversight of USDA.

U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, whose district includes NBAF, sits on the House Agriculture and Science and Technology committees. He said he’s focused on making sure the facility is built on schedule and has adequate funding.

“While the proposal to move operational control to USDA is new, we have always expected USDA to play a major role in the research underway at the facility,” Marshall said in an email.

But one scientist who’s been intimately involved with biosecurity research says it’s a mistake to move the Level 4 bio-containment lab away from Homeland Security.

Daniel Gerstein oversaw operations at Plum Island while it was under DHS. He says Homeland Security and agriculture officials had a strong working relationship — even developing the first licensed foot-and-mouth vaccine.

But prioritizing homeland security in animal disease research may be more important today than ever, he says.

“If you had some sort of deliberate attack, you’d certainly want to have your Department of Homeland Security involved.”

Laura Ziegler is a community engagement reporter and producer with KUCR a partner in the Kansas News Service. Reach her via Twitter @laurazig 

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.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY —A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 11p.m. Monday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford F150 driven by Donald D. Ebert, 51, Louisville, was westbound on U.S. 24 near Camp Creek Road.

The driver lost control of the vehicle on the icy bridge and collided head-on with a 2004 Old Alero driven by Sarah Helen Salinas, 38, St. Marys.

Salinas was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Stewart Funeral Home.

Ebert and a passenger Corina M. Roudybush, 50, Clay Center, were transported to the hospital in Topeka.

Salinas was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

————-

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal head on crash that occurred just after 11p.m. Monday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle was westbound on U24 near Camp Creek Road. The driver lost control of the vehicle on the icy bridge and collided head-on with an eastbound vehicle.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

MANHATTAN — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, police filed a report for aggravated burglary at a home in the 900 block of Moro Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Activity report.

An unknown suspect took a dog from the residence.

The total loss associated with this case is approximately $50.00. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers are no longer discussing a proposal to end in-state tuition for undocumented students.

Rep. Jones

After two days of testimony, a House committee on Monday did not act on a bill to end in-state tuition for undocumented graduates. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Kevin Jones of Wellsville, said he would not try to advance the bill.

Kansas law currently allows students who have lived in the state since they were young and who graduated from a state high school to pay in-state tuition, which is much lower than out-state tuition.

The Kansas Association of School Boards opposed repeal of the current tuition law.

Supporters of the repeal argue undocumented students are breaking immigration laws and shouldn’t be allowed to pay less than American citizens.

RILEY COUNTY- One person was injured in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

A Toyota Rav4 driven by Patience Knight, 36, Manhattan, struck a Chevy Venture driven by Jennifer Stirnaman, 34, Manhattan, at the intersection of McCall and Tuttle Creek Blvd. in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department incident report.

Stirnman was transported to Via Christi for treatment. Police issued Knight a citation for driving too fast for road conditions.

Dotson has previous convictions for drugs and theft, 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.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is
  forecast to transition to mainly freezing drizzle and freezing
  rain by the late morning. Additional ice accumulations of 1 to 2
  tenths of an inch are possible. New snow and sleet amounts
  should be less than a half inch.

Wintry precip is expected to continue thru the day. Many roadways across the area are SLICK and DANGEROUS, travel is not encouraged! Areas SE of the KS Turnpike are expected to see a transition to non-freezing precip this afternoon as temps warm above freezing. #kswx pic.twitter.com/Z8IREBJA9I
— NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) February 22, 2018
  

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is necessary...drive with extreme caution. reduce
driving speeds...leave plenty of room between you and the motorist
ahead of you...and allow for extra time to reach your destination.
avoid sudden braking or acceleration...and be especially cautious
on hills or when making turns.

Today Areas of freezing drizzle before noon, then freezing rain likely, mainly after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 32. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch possible.

Timeline of precipitation throughout the day today. [Thursday, February 22nd, 2018] #kswx pic.twitter.com/51gdllxYGk

— NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) February 22, 2018

Tonight Drizzle or freezing drizzle before 10pm, then patchy freezing drizzle between 10pm and 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 27. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

FridayPartly sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.

Friday NightA chance of freezing drizzle after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

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.

Sylvester Calvert has a previous drug conviction in Riley County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections

SYLVESTER CALVERT JR, 30, Manhattan, arrested for DIST OPIATE, OPIUM, NARCOTIC; <3.5GM DIST OPIATE, OPIUM, NARCOTIC; <3.5GM; Bond $50,000

WABAUNSEE COUNTY  — One person was injured in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Nissan Maxima driven by Rico Jamel Wilcox, 30, Lawrence was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Ranch Road.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median and clipped a westbound 2012 Toyota Yaris driven by Catherine Christine Smart, 25, Alma, and then struck a 2008 Freightliner semi head-on.

Wilcox was transported to the hospital in Topeka.

Smart and the semi driver Nicholas Vincent Schrader, 26, Topeka, were not injured.

All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Flint Hills Discovery Center

Manhattan, Kan. – The Flint Hills Discovery Center will offer programs for preschool-aged children this spring.

For children three to five years of age, Preschoolers in the Flint Hills provides an hour of learning and play.  On select Tuesdays from 10:30-11:30 AM, children engage in sessions including a story time, snack and themed craft or activity.  Pre-registration is required.  This program is $7 dollars for FHDC members and $9 for non-members.  This program will take place on the following dates:

March 6 – Rainforest Safari

April 3 – Water Wonders

April 17 – Tree Treasures

For youth aged two to six years, Tallgrass Tales is a unique program offered on the first Friday of the month at 10:30 AM in the Discovery Center’s atrium.  Children listen to a story and then participate in a simple activity designed to connect to the theme of the book.  This program is free and registration is not required.  This program will take place on the following dates:

March 2 – “What Do You Do With a Tail Like This?” by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

April 6 – “I See Spring” by Charles Ghigna

May 4 – “What’s Up?” by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom

June 1 – “The Lorax” by Dr. Suess

Next Level Elite Track Club

MANHATTAN, KS – Fourteen youth athletes from Next Level Elite (NLE) Track Club traveled to Pittsburg, KS, over the past President’s Day weekend to compete in the YES (Youth Enduro Sports) National Indoor Track Meet. These young athletes from the Manhattan area were from 2^nd grade to high school. Collectively, they earned 39 medals to bring home to our community. Of these medals, 18 were gold.

Israel Cameron, a second grader who attends Northview Elementary School in Manhattan, and the youngest member of NLE to participate in this national meet stated that, “I’m very proud of myself.” Isreal earned three medals in this meet.

Muna Lee, a 7 time NCAA champion, 12 time SEC champion, 20 time All-American, handed out medals at the YES National Indoor Track meet and acknowledged Next Level Elite on her Instagram post with two of the teams youth athletes, by stating “Great job this weekend! Keep chasing your Olympic dreams.” Muna Lee represented the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The youth who participated from across the United States ranged in age from eight to eighteen years old. Ja’Marcus Vornes’s, a 4^th grader at Northview Elementary, is working toward his fourth trip to the Junior Olympics this year. He placed first in the 400m, 800m and the 4×400 relay at the YES National Indoor Track Meet. Before this meet he stated that, “My last goal is to get on the podium”, which he did three times in this meet and for the gold each time. James Dunnigan Jr. is also a 4^th grader at Northview Elementary stated that his goal is  “to have fun and make my family proud.” James also took home three gold medals in the 60m, 200m and 4×400 relay.

The goal of these young athletes is to participate in the AAU Junior Olympics this summer in Des Moines, Iowa. Next Level Elite sent eight young athletes to the Junior Olympics last year and is on track to send at least that many this year as well.

Freezing drizzle will continue through the evening hours. Ending by midnight. #kswx pic.twitter.com/zTTQUx7C2X

— NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) February 22, 2018

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill restoring a small business tax break has advanced in the Kansas Senate despite concerns that the money may be needed to fund public schools.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the measure received first-round approval Wednesday.

It would allow individual tax filers who run their own businesses to deduct the costs incurred when placing certain tangible property and computer software into service. It was repealed as part of the 2012 tax overhaul that eliminated all taxes on income derived from those people’s business operations. When lawmakers reversed that tax policy last year, the deduction wasn’t restored.

School funding uncertainty kept some senators from supporting it. The Revenue Department estimates the tax break would cost $21 million in the upcoming fiscal year, and about $10 million each year after that.