JMC associate professor dies, police discover body
Joye Gordon, associate professor of A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications, was found dead Monday morning.
According to KMAN, Riley County Police were called to the 11000 block of Rimrock Drive where they discovered Gordon’s body. The cause of death is undetermined, pending the completion of an autopsy and RCPD investigation; however, police do not suspect foul play.
Gordon was teaching two mass communication courses this semester: Research and Strategy (MC380) and Case Studies (MC382). Sarah Howe, academic adviser, emailed students around 10 a.m. that Gordon’s scheduled Wednesday class will be facilitated by Barb DeSanto, assistant professor.
If students have any questions or concerns, they are instructed to contact JMC faculty DeSantos, Steve Smethers or Birgit Wassmuth.
Konza Prairie hiking trails may close to public
Konza Prairie Biological Station officials say trails may soon be closed to the public, if the behavior of hikers doesn’t change.
The biological station is primarily a research facility located on private land and as such, there are rules that preserve the landscape, wildlife and ecological value of the site, as well as protect any ongoing research. According to a press release on K-State Today, these rules include the following:
- Remain on designated roads and trails at all times. Stay out of the water.
- Outside animals (dogs, horses, etc.) are not allowed on site.
- Trails are for hiking only. Any vehicles (bicycles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, etc.) are not permitted.
- No camping or overnight parking.
- Do not collect or remove any materials from the site (flowers, rocks, feathers, etc.).
- Smoking, or lighting any open flame, is strictly prohibited.
- Take home what you bring. There are no trash receptacles on the trail.
- The site is closed within one hour after sunset. Remaining vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
- K-State Police patrol the site. Call 785-532-6412 or use the Silent Witness website to report any suspicious activity.
John Briggs, director of the biological station, reports that these rules are not currently being followed by the public, according to the press release. If this continues, the public hiking trails will be closed.
