Kansas State Wildcat fans across the state will be getting the latest in Wildcat Football photos and pre-game news.

For the past two years readers of the Manhattan Free Press have enjoyed on-the-spot game photos and a look at the next K-State opponent.

On Monday the Manhattan Free Press e-mailed 121 daily and weekly newspapers in Kansas an offered to send photos and pre-game stories at no cost. The response has been outstanding. Seven daily and fifteen weekly newspapers have signed to receive the photos and stories by the internet.

Here is what Free Press Publisher Jon Brake told the newspapers: "Kansas State Football fans are in all parts of the state. This should be a great season for the cats. Each week during football season the Manhattan Free Press will be sending three to five football photos to any newspaper in Kansas that will return this e-mail."

The letter went on to say: "You can use the photos anyway you wish. Photos to go with your story of the game, stand alone photos, feature pages or use them for filler. We only ask that you give the Manhattan Free Press and the photographer credit."

The idea is to help Kansas State fans to enjoy their local paper. Brake said, "I have worked as managing editor for both weekly and daily newspapers that did not have the staff or time to cover K-State. I would have used this type of service if I had been given the chance."

The new service will not cost the Free Press because the photos and stories will be used in the Free Press.

By Wednesday night the total circulation was 69,527. Brake said he hoped the count would reach 100,000 before the first game on Sept. 8.

Sports Editor Ben Brake said: "I think it is pretty exciting to reach so many K-State fans across the state that have similar interests and are anxious to see what the Wildcats will do during the 2001 season."

Here is what one Publisher of a daily paper said: "We would like to be added to your e-mail list for K-State football photos and stories. Thank you for taking the time to think of smaller newspapers in Kansas."