KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) – A 21-year-old Topeka, Kansas, man who has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he plotted to bomb an Army installation in support of the Islamic State group wants to change his plea.

John T. Booker Jr. filed a motion Wednesday in Topeka, asking for a change-of-plea hearing. A judge has scheduled that for Jan. 12.

A message left Thursday with Booker’s public defender, Kirk Redmond, wasn’t immediately returned.

Booker is charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, attempting to use an explosive device and attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group.

Court documents show Booker was arrested in April while trying to arm what he thought was a 1,000-pound bomb inside a van near Fort Riley, about an hour west of Topeka.

Junction City police have reported they are investigating two residential burglaries that were reported Wednesday afternoon.

One occurred at 422 West 14th Street and thesecond at 418 West 14th Street, Apartment A.

According to the National Weather Service of Topeka, highs will slowly warm through the weekend. Expect Mostly clear skies and dry conditions through Sunday Afternoon. There could be an isolated rain shower Sunday evening ahead of a weak cold front.

Today: Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy in the evening then clearing. Lows around 19. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Sunny. Highs in the lower 40s. West winds 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. Northwest winds up to 5 mph shifting to the east after midnight.

Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the lower 50s. South winds 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night: Not as cool. Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.

Sunday: Breezy. Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows around 30.

Monday: Cooler…sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows around 30.

Tuesday: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s.

Wednesday: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 40s.

K-State News and Communication Services Kansas State University administrators reflect on the career of Bob Krause   MANHATTAN — Kansas State University administrators expressed sadness and condolences on the death of Bob Krause, the former longtime vice president for institutional advancement. He died Wednesday after battling cancer. Krause was 70 years old. “Our condolences to Marty, his three daughters and the Vanier family on the loss of Bob Krause,” said Kirk Schulz, university president. “Bob was instrumental in helping K-State strategically grow in many ways over his tenure as a longtime university administrator. The Biosecurity Research Institute, NBAF, Colbert Hills Golf Course, the leadership studies program and Salina and Olathe campuses are examples of his impact. He was a wonderfully successful university ambassador to our alumni and community.” Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, called Krause a tireless worker for the university. “Bob was simply one of the brightest, politically savvy and most genuine individuals I will ever have the opportunity to work alongside,” Bosco said. “He was an incredibly tireless and passionate advocate for the school we both love. He made people better and made K-State a better place. I will miss him dearly. In his many years at the university, there was little Bob did not impact, from scholarships to construction to expanding the university’s brand thoughout the state and the world.” Amy Button Renz, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association, remembered Krause as a champion of the alumni association. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Bob Krause, who was truly a champion for our alumni association programming efforts and for the entire university,” Renz said. “Bob served more than 22 years as vice president for institutional advancement, and he was vital to elevating K-State to new heights. Most memorable is the personal connections he made with prospective students and their families, which in turn positively impacted enrollment at a crucial time in our history. Bill Snyder, K-State football coach, called Krause a true friend. “Bob truly cared about people as K-Staters do,” Snyder said. “He was a dear friend of this university, the community and my family. He truly cared and worked diligently for the betterment of all. Bob and Marty together have contributed to enhance our football program, Kansas State and Manhattan in a very positive, caring and unselfish manner. He will be greatly missed.” Jon Wefald, former Kansas State University president, praised Krause for his many contributions to the university. “I am very sad and heartbroken that my longtime and dear friend, Bob Krause, has died,” Wefald said. “Bob and I worked together for 35 years: at Southwest State University in Minnesota from 1977 to 1982, at the Minnesota Chancellor’s office from 1982 to 1986 and, of course, at K-State from 1986 to 2009. Bob Krause was an extraordinary leader for me at all three schools. “In reflecting about the great job Bob Krause did for K-State and me over 23 years, I think back to a number of positive attributes. His work ethic was legendary. He had an uncanny ability to solve problems. He was a team player. He had incredible passion and loyalty. He had a tremendous sense of humor. Whether it was the job of increasing our enrollment at Kansas State, supporting the football program and Bill Snyder, figuring out ways to enhance our athletic complex for all sports, or working closely with our students, Bob Krause was, in my mind, a Most Valuable Player for K-State during my 23 years as K-State’s president.” Krause had more than 35 years of experience in key executive leadership positions in higher education at the college, comprehensive university, and multiuniversity system levels. The last 23 years of his professional career, he served as vice president for institutional advancement at Kansas State University, and as athletic director during his last year. More than any single individual, Krause recognized the benefit of strong, working relationships between K-State and nearby community systems leading to mutually beneficial economic enhancement. He personified the notion of “town and gown,” building and nurturing relationships with community, regional and state leaders on efforts that helped fulfill the vision and mission of K-State, the community of Manhattan and the state of Kansas. Krause served on multiple boards, including the board and executive committee of the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp., the board and executive committee of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and was executive chair of the board of directors of the National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization. Since retiring in 2009, Krause remained active in consulting with private for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He served as chair of the board of directors of NutriJoy Inc., and was on the board of directors of the Soaring with Eagles Foundation and the Mercy Community Health Foundation. He is co-founder of the Snyder Leadership Legacy Fellows at Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership Studies.

 

MANHATTAN- Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating a scam that involves a fraudulent caller who threatens family members and demands money.

According to reports the caller will say that they
have taken a family member hostage and that you must send money for their release.

In one instance, background noise was also produced that made it appear that the family member was present and may be in immediate distress. I

n another instance it appears that the scammers may have temporarily occupied the family member’s telephone so that the victim would be unable to contact them.

The caller also says that the family member may be harmed if the money is not paid.

The caller next asks the potential victim to electronically pay a ransom.

Community members should know that this scam has been
reported several times in the Manhattan and Riley County area. Officers are investigating these incidents and are working to stop this activity.

Anytime that a person receives a call and is asked in any way to send money you should immediately be suspicious.

Please call Police (call 911 if it is an emergency) to report any suspicious calls.

Walters-Morgan Construction, Inc. of Manhattan has been awarded the construction contract for phase one of the wastewater treatment plant improvements.

The City received three bids for the project and Walters-Morgan was the only one to come in under the engineers estimate of $8,700,000; their bid was $8,644,276. The other two bids came in $500,000 and $800,000 over HDR’s estimate.

Phase I of the project will include improvements to the east and southwest wastewater treatment plants that are considered high priority improvements.

The project will be financed through a loan from the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. That loan will then be paid off using the revenue from yearly wastewater utility rate increases through 2024.

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel reported Tuesday night traffic is working well around the new Walmart neighborhood market on the west side of town, but some No U-turn signs are needed.

Dinkel stated, “I’m confident that we don’t have any traffic problems at Walmart if people follow the law.  Way back in driver’s ed we were told not to cross the double yellow line unless you’re pulling in the driveway. But we’re having people do that doing U-turns and everything else. We’ll have to look at law enforcement and everything else”

Dinkel noted traffic numbers have worked out well.

The new store opened in November. Prior to its opening local officials were concerned about traffic congestion near the site, but traffic control design measures were implemented to help deal with that situation.

Fort Riley and community leaders continue to discuss the size of the housing inventory on post and how it affects the community, including property managers and real estate investors.

Junction City Mayor Mick McCallister provided an update, saying he has talked about the issue with Major General Wayne Grigsby Jr. and Garrison Commander Colonel Andrew Cole. “They are formulating a communications plan, and they are going to ask the communities to be part of their planning charrette to make sure that we understand what issues there are with the stationing numbers at Fort Riley.”

McCallister added it’s not known if those numbers will go up or down. “And it looks like in the future those numbers may be squeezed a little bit if sequestration continues.”

McCallister said the conversation is ongoing. He is hopeful a resolution can be reached on the numbers promised by the Army originally to the community, and where they are today.

 

 

 

Operation Santa Claus is needing help.

According to the Fort Riley Facebook page the effort to provide needy children with Christmas presents, needs girls toys. Donations of new, unwrapped toys in the $15-$20 price range for children ages infant to 18 will be accepted through January, with exceptions of weekends, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Toy donation boxes are located throughout the region including: