The Geary County Metropolitan Planning Commission has denied a request for a rezoning for a proposed new group home at 20th Street Circle on the north side of Junction City.	Zoning Administrator Troy Livingston said the rezoning would have been from planned development district to multi-family residential. "And then, had that actually gone forward he would have have gotten a conditional use permit on top of that."	The MPC recommended denial to the county commission, and the applicant, Carl Taylor, has now withdrawn the proposal. Fader said Taylor will try to find a different location.

MPC denies zoning request for proposed group home

High65°Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 60s. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

Monday weather forecast

The members of the Geary County Commission will meet with the area legislative delegation Monday at the County Office Building. The county commission will have a working lunch with the legislators at noon in the conference room and elected officials and department heads will meet with them at 1 p.m. in the county commission chambers.The meeting will come ahead of the 2020 session of the Kansas Legislature that begins in January.

County officials will meet with legislative delegation

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy photos. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964036009.jpeg"> Danielle Robinson, No proof of insurance, DUI-liquor / drugs, Accident with personal injury or death, Interference with LEO<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573963697037.jpeg"> Jaylen Mason, Aggravated battery, Arrested 11/13<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573963661965.jpeg"> Antwaan Williams, Uniform Criminal extradition act, Arrested 11/14<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964333453.jpeg"> Adam Sills, Bond violation, Failure to appear, Arrested 11/14<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964369381.jpeg"> Stephen Moreiko, Aggravated assault, Theft, Criminal damage to property, Arrested 11/14<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964413644.jpeg"> Lauren Ginesi, Failure to appear, Arrested 11/14<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964446979.jpeg"> John Cornish Jr. Probation violation, Arrested 11/14<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964479852.jpeg"> Dominque Cyphers, Probation violation, Arrested 11/14<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573964511459.jpeg"> Meilo Riumd, Probation violation ( 2 counts ), Arrested 11/15 ( Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable )Phillip Cordray, Criminal use of weapons, Arrested 11/13Evan Howie, Sexual battery, Arrested 11/13Janien Brown, Failure to appear, Arrested 11/13Angel Delgado-Gonzalez, Domestic battery, Arrested 11/13Jorge Rosario, Domestic battery, Arrested 11/13Cartavis Cheatham, Domestic battery, Arrested 11/13Hubert Gumbs, Driving while suspended, Improper driving on laned roadway, Arrested 11/14Manuel Robles Jr., Exceeding posted speed limit, Improper turn or approach, DUI-liquor, Arrested 11/14Troy Parmely, Transporting an open container, Improper driving on laned roadway, Driving under the influence of drugs/ alcohol, Arrested 11/14Michael French, Bond violation, Arrested 11/14William Watson, Cancelled / suspended / revoked driver's license, Arrested 11/14Jglay Dureng, DUI-liquor / drugs, Arrested 11/15 Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy Photos.

Geary County Thursday - Friday Booking Photos

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573962214642.jpeg">The Geary County Sheriff's Department and Junction City Fire Department have teamed up to form a new dive team.During a recent town hall meeting Sheriff Daniel Jackson explained that it will include paramedics, EMT's and deputies. This is a certified dive team that could respond to calls and emergencies at Milford Lake but at other locations across Kansas and a multistate area.The team has been training in recent weeks to obtain the necessary certification.

 New Dive Team will be unique in the region                     

REPUBLIC COUNTY — Two people died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Saturday in Republic County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Volvo semi driven by Douglas J. Watts, 28, Omaha, was northbound on U.S. 81 at the U.S. 36 junction just west of Bellville. The semi struck a 2004 Toyota Corolla driven by Steven A. Torres, 62, Bellville, that was westbound on U.S. 36 off ramp and had attempted to turn south onto U.S. 81. Torres and a passenger Sherry L. Torres, 62, Bellville, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home. Watts was not transported for treatment. All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Belleville man, woman dead after crash with a semi

Beginning Monday, Nov. 25 and continuing through Sunday, Dec. 1, the Geary County Sheriff's Department will join other police agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. 		A grant from KDOT will underwrite overtime enforcement efforts that specifically aim at removing impaired drivers from roads and ticketing vehicle occupants who are unrestrained or whose child passengers are unrestrained.	According to KDOT the day before Thanksgiving sees more impairment related crashes than any other day of the year. On average, across Kansas, three people are injured every day, and one person is killed every four days in alcohol / drug related crashes. Vehicle occupants in alcohol or other drug related crashes are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or other drugs were not a factor.	Also responsible for needless death and maiming is the failure by many teens and adults to simply buckle up themselves or to properly buckle up child passengers. Twice as many Kansans who die from a crash are unrestrained as are restrained.

Sheriff's Department will participate in safety campaign

Put the Hometown Holiday celebration on your December calendar for downtown Junction City. This annual event on Dec. 6 will include free carriage rides, hot cocoa bar, carolers, crafts and Santa Claus plus a performance by the ASTRA program.	Multiple groups and businesses in the downtown area will join together for the third annual Hometown Holiday celebration.

Hometown Holiday celebration will be held Dec. 6

The Junction City / Geary County United Way will be selling hot cocoa during the Christmas Parade on Nov. 29th. That information was provided by United Way Executive Director, Nichole Mader. "So people can come see us in the park for cocoa and candy canes and goodies. There's no fee attached. It's just donation based."	Set up will be at 5 p.m. and United Way will continue with that activity until the end of the parade.

United Way will sell hot cocoa during the Christmas Parade

Muddy Creek is the name of a new business at 716 North Washington Street in Junction City. The Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the business was held on Friday.	The co-owners are Missy Nason and Wayne Holub. 	Muddy Creek sells home furnishings, home decor, floral and gift items. The store hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Chamber of Commerce conducts ribbon cutting for new business

The Topeka High Trojans brought an end to the season for the Junction City Blue Jay football season Friday night. The Trojans defeated Junction City 35 to 14 in round 3 of the Class 6A post-season playoffs in Topeka. Trojans running back Ty Thomas rushed for 3 touchdowns in the win. The Blue Jays failed to capitalize on a pair of scoring opportunities inside the red zone and wound up on the short end of the score. Junction City finished the season 8 - 3. Topeka High advanced to the 6A semi-finals against Derby next Friday night. Derby defeated Manhattan 56 - 0 Friday.

JCHS 14, Topeka High 35, Class 6A State Football

There were three seats up for election on the Grandview Plaza City Council this month. Honey Grant has finished as the top vote getter with 22 votes. Three candidates have tied for the remaining two seats on the Council including Ronald Woods, George Edmonson and Gary Sacher with 6 votes apiece.According to County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke, the three-way tie will be broken by the drawing of lots at 10 a.m. Monday at the Geary County Commission meeting.The commission conducted the final canvass of the votes on Friday. All other election race outcomes remained the same. A total of 2,563 votes were cast on Nov. 5th in Geary County, or 16.82% of the registered voters.

There is a tie in the Grandview Plaza City Council race

The live burn training exercise at 1550 McFarland Road was completed on Thursday. A large vacant house was intentionally burned to give firefighters a training opportunity.	On Friday the site reflected some of the remnants of the blaze.	A local church has acquired the property with future plans to build a church and school at that location.

This the view of the site after a live burn training exercise at 1550 McFarland Road

Applications are now available for the 2019 Angel Tree Christmas Program conducted by the Salvation Army. Through the program Christmas gifts are provided for low-income and in-need families.	You can obtain an application at the United Way Office, the 12th Street Community Center, Dorothy Bramlage Public Library and the Junction City Church of the Nazarene. All applications must be returned to the United Way Office at 139 East 8th Street during their business hours. 	Help with your application and turn-in will also be available on Nov. 18th and 19th, Nov. 25th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Way Office. A final and last date of acceptance for emergency applications will be Nov. 30th from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.	For information call the United Way Office at ( 785-238-2117 ).

Applications are available for the 2019 Angel Tree Christmas Program

The Junction City Brigade had a championship season in 2019 as they captured their second consecutive Mid Plains League title. During the club's annual meeting Thursday evening team officials were presented with the Organization of the Year award for the league.	Board member Jeff Underhill provided numbers on the 2019 season. Attendance at games at Rathert Field totaled 4,721 and game day revenue was calculated at $29,935. Staff payroll payments totaled $22,472.	The total sales tax from purchases equaled $19,780. The Club spent $1,992 with a local insurance company and donations to service organizations totaled #2,536.	Four percent of those who attend Brigade games at Rathert Field come from more than 40 miles away. There were 189 overnight stays in the community and the total amount spent on lodging and items such as food was figured at $22,899. 	Total economic impact was calculated at $82,540. Factoring in multipliers the Brigade impact was $412,700.

Brigade named Mid Plains League Organization of the Year

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Due to road construction at the intersection of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and Kimball Avenue in east Manhattan, K-State football fans arriving for Saturday’s game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium are being advised to avoid potential traffic delays by using alternate routes to the stadium.&nbsp;The intersection is open, but northbound traffic on Tuttle Creek Boulevard is impacted as one of the two westbound turn lanes onto Kimball is closed. To avoid delays at the intersection, Manhattan city officials are recommending fans continue north on Tuttle Creek to Marlatt Avenue before exiting, then utilize either Denison Avenue or College Avenue to access the parking lots around the stadium.&nbsp;Dual eastbound right turn lanes are being added to help with traffic flow from eastbound Kimball onto Tuttle Creek Boulevard. The project, which also includes updating the traffic signals and crosswalks in the area to improve safety, has begun since the Wildcats’ last home game on October 26 against Oklahoma.&nbsp;K-State hosts West Virginia on Saturday in a 2:30 p.m., contest that airs on ESPN. All parking lots around Bill Snyder Family Stadium open at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, five hours prior to kickoff. Parking in the east and west lots of the stadium is reserved for members of the Ahearn Fund and requires a pass for entry.&nbsp;Paid parking for fans with disabilities is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the east and west stadium lots. To gain entry, guests must display a state-issued accessible license plate or hangtag and present a disability card along with a form of personal identification. All other general public parking is limited to grass parking in Lot 9 east of the stadium, in the paved lot of the Peters Recreation Center, near the Equine Center north and east of the fire station on Denison Avenue or in private satellite lots and parking areas on campus. General public parking fees are $20 for cars.&nbsp;Fans wishing to purchase tickets to the game against the Mountaineers can do so online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>, by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;——————RYAN LACKEYDirector of Football CommunicationsK-State AthleticsT&nbsp;785.532.7708 |&nbsp;C&nbsp;785.587.7865<a href="mailto:rlackey@kstatesports.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">rlackey@kstatesports.com</a><a href="http://k-statesports.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 138, 243);">kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;<img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&amp;ik=3fe30182ee&amp;attid=0.2&amp;permmsgid=msg-f:1650282139600398261&amp;th=16e6fadcc60da7b5&amp;view=fimg&amp;sz=s0-l75-ft&amp;attbid=ANGjdJ99rnWw0sEyRRTFZdPmtzjb1Nxsm5b_1xUiKRMxpllSKE4D8FDNs8vGo3G3iqQhEsW5bdzBPbTQklVW-f2wpk70bqoJ9ZVxfGjfgtcaGfI-q86BaHNM1o5cPMA&amp;disp=emb" alt="signature_1425212803" height="23" width="191">&nbsp;

Traffic delays expected at Tuttle Creek Boulevard / Kimball Avenue intersection on Saturday

The Geary County Sheriff's Department reported that Deputies responded to a pair of accidents in the five o'clock hour Thursday afternoon.	In one at 5:58 p.m. they went to U.S. 77, mile marker 167, for a single vehicle vs. deer accident. Mark Wendelken, Clay Center, was driving north on U.S. 77 when a deer entered the roadway. There was heavy front end damage to the vehicle and minor injuries were reported.	In the other adccident at 5:03 p.m. Deputies responded to the K-17 Bypass, mile marker 177, for a two vehicle non-injury accident. Wayne DeLong, Maple Hill, was driving his Chevrolet Cobalt and navigating a left turn onto I-70. Kevin Ascher, Milford, was driving his Toyota Camry onto the K-18 Bypass from Clarks Creek Road and his vehicle was hit from behind by the vehicle driven by DeLong. There were no injuries reported.

Deputies work two accidents in Geary County

<img src="https://newshub.eagleradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-15-at-5.26.46-AM-300x230.png" height="230" width="300"> Morgan photo <a href="https://eaglepost.netlify.com/dashboard/jc/posts/5dce8d23897d147ad4bb0dcb">Guadalupe County Adult Detention Center</a> RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating an alleged sex crime and have a suspect in custody. On Thursday, the Riley County Police Department reported deputies in Texas arrested 41-year-old Sean Morgan in New Braunfels, Texas on a Riley County District Court Warrant for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted rape, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual battery.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a $200,000 bond in Guadalupe County, Texas awaiting extradition, according to the RCPD and online jail records.

RCPD: Rape suspect arrested in Texas

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573767273682.jpeg">Firefighters focused their training efforts on a vacant house at 1550 McFarland Road on Thursday. They spent much of the day burning interior rooms before allowing the entire structure to burn at mid-afternoon.Firefighters from Junction City, Abilene , Fort Riley and Geary County participated in the exercise.Preparations for the fire began early Thursday morning and a portion of McFarland Road was closed to traffic during the exercise. Spectators were able to access the site to view the blaze Thursday afternoon.A gallery of photos from the exercise can be viewed at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/junctioncitypost/">JC Post Facebook page.</a>

Fire consumes house at 1550 McFarland Road as part of a live burn training exercise

<img src="https://www.hayspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Screen-Shot-2019-11-14-at-2.31.20-PM-300x285.png" height="285" width="300"> Google map[/caption] POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY— One person died in a fire at a home in Pottawatomie County Sunday, according to the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office. Just after 10:30p.m., fire crews responded to the home at 13910 Antelope Run Road in rural Westmoreland. The home had totally collapsed prior to the arrival of fire crews and deputies from the sheriff’s department. Fire crews found a victim dead in the home, according to the State Fire Marshal’s office. A positive identification of the victim will not be made until it is confirmed by autopsy. The Investigation Division of the Fire Marshal’s office has classified the cause of the fire as undetermined. Loss is estimated at $200,000. It is unknown if there were smoke detectors in the structure.

Fire Marshal: 1 dead after Pottawatomie Co. house fire

<h3><a href="http://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/2019/11/14/better-kansas-nov-14-2019/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Better Kansas – Nov. 14, 2019</a></h3>Welcome to&nbsp;Better Kansas, where every Thursday we shed light on events, resources and other information designed to make your life, businesses, communities and state better. This is a small glimpse of what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">K-State Research and Extension</a>&nbsp;across the state has to offer. Share on social media and&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">subscribe</a>! – Mary Lou Peter&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mlpeter@ksu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">mlpeter@ksu.edu</a><h3>Better Living, Better Communities</h3><a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/meal-with-friends.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ad7_X7FW-jp3G0Dx5D5pjKaAmYKlrdEvUkrSGutCTaAGJd1w5GEOHuf4FV5mEPuFbxyr4nOkUOwWt1fQOFEy0m05L02I0arh49PdGDvoFSUtW1aQwVUy2qGz_bAQxSTyAg=s0-d-e1-ft#https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/meal-with-friends-520x346.jpg"></a>IN CASE YOU CAN’T TELL BY ALL THE ADVERTISING, THANKSGIVING IS IN JUST TWO WEEKS!&nbsp;Whether you’re hosting a crowd or having a party of one, take a look at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/foodsafety/topics/holiday.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Food Safety for Holiday Meals</a>&nbsp;for all manner of tips and information to keep the good times on track. It’s really relevant information for any time of year. Maybe it’s just me, but I especially enjoyed: “Hotline Answers ‘Panic Button’ Food Safety Questions.” I wonder what percentage of first-time turkey cooks have accidentally left the bag of giblets in the turkey while cooking it? MANY of us, I think! It’s amazing how many things are hidden in the nooks and crannies of those birds!&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/grocery-shopping.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/_DiSaBzujO9O9krm9bdxtBjp1bl7ETnNW1JTndrsG0rHAxWutu1jArnAzlnJaUV2xmAPPynJeHgNSycKpFyptliL_QuYLHZC_EhARpI5T4sCm8pZmvVy-dhl-NTeu9fN=s0-d-e1-ft#https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/grocery-shopping-520x347.jpg"></a>WHILE WE’RE ON THE TOPIC OF FOOD,&nbsp;we should recognize that even in a state like Kansas where we grow so much food, there are plenty of people who don’t have enough to eat. About 11% of U.S. households are food insecure, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. It might be those children walking by on their way to the school bus. Or the elderly man in front of you at the store.&nbsp;<a href="http://soundlivingksu.libsyn.com/improving-food-security" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Listen in</a>&nbsp;to a Sound Living podcast on improving food security.&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/couple-smiling-at-each-other-1881091.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/ARKG2b63r2Vqr8e92WRc_44Q-PrpLZc0Gj9JyYGaB4Cbsw3YaHYlqUnH9ELNV5SmcH0URE3mB8H3cxGBH4yOum6IOUxr3pjluFKT8t7ocUjblfDSLs46yiNPU8nYL4V0c3xvwcvhuMc5XWN4ZWDxC_T4gko=s0-d-e1-ft#https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/couple-smiling-at-each-other-1881091-520x347.jpg"></a>THE YOUNGEST BABY BOOMERS ARE ABOUT 55 YEARS OLD; THE OLDEST IN THEIR 70s.&nbsp;That means a whole lot of people are retiring every day in this country. I know a few of those folks. Some say that after a few months, they didn’t know what to do with themselves, so they went back to work. Others say their blood pressure dropped and health improved. If you’re considering taking this big step, it sounds like a good idea to have a plan. A good conversation starter (even if that conversation is with yourself) is the factsheet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aging.k-state.edu/programs/managing_retirement/MF3426_Fact%20Sheet.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">So Now What? Tips for Managing Life after Retirement</a>. It goes through typical stages, starting with the “honeymoon” stage. You know … that’s where you catch up on sleep!<h3>Better Farming, Ranching and Gardening</h3><a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/roses-pink.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/fLKYWiwhGKChwjlNA-r3eP2KYPGIfxSXzE27uK4vBCHqD5HWqfYoxJ-HMiJxiun3miRbAhOMgDIRGBhQbiXJtMGj3lI3DXSZh459x2FWvaJeIR3HBK2SHOnt=s0-d-e1-ft#https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/roses-pink-520x280.jpg"></a>IF LIKE ME, YOU HAD GORGEOUS ROSES THAT PUT ON A SHOW ALL SEASON LONG,&nbsp;consider protecting them from the winter cold by mounding soil or compost around them. Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/2019/Nov12_45.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">more information</a>, plus a link to a video on winterizing roses. Other topics include the lowdown on an annual turfgrass conference, getting amaryllis to bloom for the holiday season, watering your landscape NOW (may have to get that hose out one more time), the nitty gritty on what you can do to improve garden soil now and more.&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/irrigation-crop-.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/JeY-0qi0pTNuFnMwmJBTR8CmGicQZ92MkdIhqHBLYnMY0F7g65qOXrLE4EfodIF0I44OP2ODw-ZF3GaRY2KWD9fNxVoWzOKiMafJthgl32UpmLklISZsaZNVfuwfB8UC=s0-d-e1-ft#https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/irrigation-crop--520x345.jpg"></a>ALMOST ALL LIVING THINGS NEED IT – WATER, THAT IS.&nbsp;A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/dig-deep-ksu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Dig Deep podcast</a>&nbsp;delves into basic facts about water in Kansas – where it comes from, where it goes, and conservation. The segment features Dan Devlin, a K-State professor who’s also the director of the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE). He sheds light on a new effort called the Irrigation Innovation Consortium that brings researchers from several universities together with private industry to come up with better ways to use this precious resource more efficiently.&nbsp;<a href="https://directory.libsyn.com/shows/view/id/dig-deep-ksu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Listen</a>&nbsp;in.<a href="https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/corn-closer-up.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/QoarWTCnCT1Mr7XSFkPdtMkHNUQRU2UNjRqlKt-JaIzhmsEuffe9UVBrxkfSDtujAUAreERoawfqdUHKVXxBRSmYy0AvBVbb7g93wOAa9X8wBIpBIGzL6VnB80g1_A=s0-d-e1-ft#https://blogs.k-state.edu/ksrenews/files/2019/11/corn-closer-up-520x345.jpg"></a>THE USDA REVISED ITS LATEST ESTIMATE ON HOW MUCH CORN U.S. GROWERS WILL PRODUCE THIS YEAR&nbsp;downward to 13.661 billion bushels – 118 million bushels less than what it predicted a month ago, largely owing to harvest delays. And that’s just a small portion of what’s in the U.S. Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates released Nov. 8. For a closer look at the numbers and what they mean, take a look at an&nbsp;<a href="http://agmanager.info/grain-marketing/grain-market-outlook-newsletter/analysis-usda-crop-production-and-world-agricultural" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">analysis of the data</a>. Ending stocks, stocks-to-use, supply-and-demand balances … it’s all in there. And it’s not just about corn. The nitty gritty on soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum is also put into perspective._For more resources and activities, contact the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/stateandareamaps.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">K-State Research and Extension office</a>&nbsp;in your area. Check out our other blogs and subscribe to our weekly emails here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/blogs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/blogs/</a>by Mary Lou Peter on November 14, 2019

Better Kansas - Nov. 14, 2019

Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a pair of accidents on Monday. 	Deputies responded to K-244 Highway for a single vehicle non-injury car vs. deer accident. Donald W. Manns, Junction City, while driving west on K-244 in a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado struck a deer. There was major damage to the vehicle. Manns was not injured.	Deputies also responded to U.S. 77, mile marker 158 for a single vehicle non-injury car vs. deer accident. Monica Jackson, Milford, while driving south on U.ZS. 77 in a 2012 Chevrolet Impala and struck a deer, causing minor damage. Jackson was not injured.

Sheriff's Department responds to pair of accidents

The Six Appeal Vocal Band will bring their high octane Ugly Sweater Party to the C. L. Hoover Opera House on Saturday, Dec. 7th. The concert will feature distinctive a cappella arrangements of traditional and original holiday music.

Six Appeal Ugly Sweater Party is scheduled Dec. 7th at the Opera House

The JC Breakfast Optimist Club has donated $200 to the Shop With A Cop program in Junction City. The money will be used when local law enforcement officers will take the children Christmas shopping at Walmart on Dec. 14th.	The children will be identified by their school's principal and / or staff as being in need of support.

JC Breakfast Optimists donate to Shop With A Cop

The Junction City Municipal Building will be the site of a Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 19th and 20th. The hours on the 19th will be 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the 20th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.	There will be a $5 Amazon E-Gift card donated by Suburban Propane to everyone who donates blood. Call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment.

Red Cross blood drive will be held in Junction City Nov. 19th and 20th

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569336839553.jpeg">Click&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jcpost.com/category/obituaries/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(39, 163, 209);">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners. JC Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families.

Recent obituaries

The fall production of the Junction City High School Drama Department will be "Penny for Your Thoughts." This will be a comedy in two acts by Scott Haan.	The show will performed at the Warren Settles Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday Nov. 22nd and 23rd.

"Penny for Your Thoughts is coming to JCHS

Geary County is preparing to decrease maintenance on some rural roads that do not see a lot of traffic.	Commissioner Charles Stimatze said the roads have been identified by public works officials, and a resolution has been adopted. "Nine roads in the county that our public works and GIS have identified that only one or two people live on it. So we're going to change them to a limited maintenance road, which means we'll keep maintaining them but not at a level that there's a lot of public on the road."	Roads on the list include Old Highway 40 and Crider Road intersection, north from Burley Hill Road, Hoffman Road, K-57 and Stahl Road, west from Clark's Creek Road ( south of John Moyer's ), north from Schmedemann Road, Ava Road and East 11th Street....the portion of 11th Street that was vacated beginning at the intersection of North Filley Street and East 11th street then proceeding east to the east line of the Railroad Addition to Junction City.

County will adjust maintenance on lightly traveled rural roads

Governor Laura Kelly has appointed the director of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City, Susan Moyer to the State Library of Kansas Board.Moyer has 40 years of library experience. She spent six years at the Texas State Capitol Legislative Reference Library, and five years at the University of Texas Library. Moyer has also served on the Junction City Board of Zoning Appeals and the Geary County Solid Waste Commission.Also appointed to the board by the governor were Rhoda MacLaughlin-Ramirez of Arkansas City, Leslie Weishaar of Topeka and Tom Taylor of Wichita.

Susan Moyer appointed to State Library Board

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A 22-year-old Texas woman who said she accidentally shot and killed her boyfriend has been sentenced to three years of probation.Gregoria Baez, of Stamford, Texas, was sentenced Tuesday for involuntary manslaughter. She was convicted in September in the death of 21-year-old Feliz Florez in Manhattan, who died in September 2018.Baez testified during her trial that she and Florez pointed guns at each other while they were joking around. She said she accidentally disengaged the grip safety and shot Florez.Before sentencing, Baez apologized and said she still loved Florez.But Jennifer Florez, Felix’s mother, said the family would get some comfort if Baez was sentenced to prison.Baez will serve her probation in Texas, where she moved after the shooting.

Woman sentenced in Manhattan boyfriend's shooting death

From the staff of JC Post on Wednesday, JC Post readers will notice a change to their local source for news and information.A website upgrade will be implemented, offering a more stable and secure experience for readers, as well as significantly boosting the speed of the site and offering an improved experience on mobile devices. The current website has been virtually unchanged since 2014.Technology has changed drastically in the past five-plus years, and we are evolving with it. We are confident this change will give us a stable, secure and fast platform for years to come.Some slight design changes will accompany the upgrade, but readers should expect to find the same local news, sports, information, weather and obituaries — with no paywall. Keeping our community connected is what we do. And JC Post is a big part of how we do it.As part of the upgrade, JC Post also will disable anonymous comments.Comments were a way to stimulate conversation in a day when people were much less comfortable attaching their opinions to their names. The vast majority of JC Post engagement with articles has migrated from our on-site commenting system to Facebook, which sparked the change. We hope nearly a decade of offering a forum for ideas and commentary to our readers helped create a more open environment in our community. Expect more changes in the coming months, as Eagle's development team is creating new native apps for mobile devices, as well as integrations for other platforms, including Alexa-enabled devices.Our goal is to deliver our content where readers and listeners are — whether that's commuting in your car, checking Post at work or on your phone from the porch, or wanting to get caught up while you're cooking dinner in the evening. Our goal is to keep you connected to the local information that matters to you. When the update is made, it could be as long as 24 hours before every device recognizes the change.Stories published prior to Wednesday will remain online at&nbsp;<a href="https://slack-redir.net/link?url=http%3A%2F%2Farchive.XXXXXpost.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); color: rgba(var(--sk_highlight,18,100,163),1);">archivejcpost.com</a>, which will be active by the end of the week.Eagle's development team can be contacted HERE.&nbsp;<a href="https://slack-redir.net/link?url=https%3A%2F%2Feagleradio.net%2Fservices%2Fweb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248); color: rgba(var(--sk_highlight,18,100,163),1);">https://eagleradio.net/services/web</a>Story ideas and feedback for the XXX Post staff can be sent (email email email).

From the staff of JC Post

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe new regional crisis center that is based at 1558 Hayes Drive in Manhattan and serves a 10-county region opened on Nov. 4th. It is a 24 hour, seven-day a week facility that has 23 employees ranging from a director and therapists to mental health technicians. Pawnee Mental Health Services Executive Director Robbin Cole told the members of the Geary County Commission on Tuesday that this is an outpatient facility service where people being treated spend the night. Admission is voluntary for patients, and they’re free to leave if they do not want to remain in the facility. Cole noted that if someone has committed a crime the crisis center is not an appropriate place for them and if they are arrested they will be put in jail. Also, if healthcare is required it is not an appropriate facility for the patient. There are seven patients in the center right now, and that has been a consistent number since the third day after the 11-bed facility&nbsp;opened.&nbsp;One patient was being taken to the center from Geary County Tuesday afternoon. Cole wanted to explain the value of&nbsp;the facility to the governing body. “What I’m finding out is that commissioners generally seem to understand what it’s value is. It’s a facility that can reduce the number of people who are in our hospital’s emergency room in a mental health crisis by providing an alternative to that hospital emergency room” Cole also added that because the center can intervene in people’s lives earlier rather than later it can reduce the number of people who commit a crime during an acute mental illness.

New regional crisis center is open for business

A record low temperature for Nov. 12th was set in Geary County on Tuesday morning. Extension Agent Chuck Otte said the Corps of Engineers had a low of 5 degrees above zero on Tuesday morning. That broke the record low of 10 for Nov. 12th that was set back in 1988.

Record low temperature was recorded on Tuesday

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573653639860.jpeg">Geary County Office Building, site of the Tuesday county commission meeting. By DEWEY TERRILLJC PostThe new regional crisis center that is based at 1558 Hayes Drive in Manhattan and serves a 10-county region opened on Nov. 4th. It is a 24 hour, seven-day a week facility that has 23 employees ranging from a director and therapists to mental health technicians. Pawnee Mental Health Services Executive Director Robbin Cole told the members of the Geary County Commission on Tuesday that this is an outpatient facility service where people being treated spend the night. Admission is voluntary for patients, and they’re free to leave if they do not want to remain in the facility. Cole noted that if someone has committed a crime the crisis center is not an appropriate place for them and if they are arrested they will be put in jail. Also, if healthcare is required it is not an appropriate facility for the patient. There are seven patients in the center right now, and that has been a consistent number since the third day after the 11-bed facility&nbsp;opened.&nbsp;One patient was being taken to the center from Geary County Tuesday afternoon. Cole wanted to explain the value of&nbsp;the facility to the governing body. “What I’m finding out is that commissioners generally seem to understand what it’s value is. It’s a facility that can reduce the number of people who are in our hospital’s emergency room in a mental health crisis by providing an alternative to that hospital emergency room” Cole also added that because the center can intervene in people’s lives earlier rather than later it can reduce the number of people who commit a crime during an acute mental illness.

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573582146390.png">Photo courtesy KSU Foundation MANHATTAN —&nbsp;The estate of Otis and Wanda Gilliland,&nbsp;Wellington, has given $1.6 million to Kansas State University, according to a media release from the university. This gift has established the Gilliland K-State Family Scholarship, which creates match opportunities for 50 scholarships in support of students in the university’s College of Business Administration. New gifts of $30,000 will be matched with $30,000 from the Gillilands’ gift. Also, $10,000 will go into an expendable scholarship fund, making $2,000 scholarships immediately available to students for up to five years. The remaining $50,000 will go into the endowment, ensuring future generations of Wildcats will receive scholarships as well. Both Otis and Wanda Gilliland graduated from Kansas State University. Otis Gilliland earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering in 1948 and a bachelor’s in business administration from the College of Business Administration in 1949. Wanda Gilliland earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design in 1949 from the College of Health and Human Sciences. Otis Gilliland worked as an engineer for Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita&nbsp;&nbsp;before his retirement in 1985. Wanda Gilliland died in 2013, and Otis Gilliland died in July 2019. “The scholarships made possible from the Gilliland family’s gift will have a profound impact on our student body,” said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley family dean of the College of Business Administration. “With these scholarships, we will attract more student leaders, further challenge high-achieving students, and fully engage those who desire our unique academic offerings and extracurricular experiences that make our business graduates so highly demanded by employers. Because these scholarships will be endowed, the Gillilands’ generosity toward the business college will be felt for generations.”

Wellington couple donates $1.6 million to Kansas State

During the week of Nov. 12 - 15, construction crews will prepare to shift traffic to the southbound lane of Henry Drive between the railroad bridge to the Kansas River bridge. Traffic will continue to be restricted to one lane through the work zone, controlled by a traffic signal. Reconstruction of the northbound lane will begin Nov. 18 and continue through February 2020.Once the first phase of the project, from the Kansas River to the railroad is completed, work will begin on phase two in late February, from the roundabout at Ray Rd. to the river bridge.Throughout the project, traffic will be limited to one lane through the work zone, controlled by a traffic signal. Fort Riley expects the Henry Drive project to be completed by July.Drivers should expect long delays and may want to consider alternate routes during this construction. Fort Riley urges all drivers to be alert, use caution, obey reduced speed limits and be prepared to slow down or stop. The Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 will remain open during this project.Construction updates will be posted on the official Fort Riley Facebook page and the Fort Riley website at https://home.army.mil/riley/.Kirk HutchinsonPublic Affairs SpecialistFort Riley Garrison Public Affairs Office&nbsp;During the week of Nov. 12 - 15, construction crews will prepare to shift traffic to the southbound lane of Henry Drive between the railroad bridge to the Kansas River bridge. Traffic will continue to be restricted to one lane through the work zone, controlled by a traffic signal. Reconstruction of the northbound lane will begin Nov. 18 and continue through February 2020. Once the first phase of the project, from the Kansas River to the railroad is completed, work will begin on phase two in late February, from the roundabout at Ray Rd. to the river bridge. Throughout the project, traffic will be limited to one lane through the work zone, controlled by a traffic signal. Fort Riley expects the Henry Drive project to be completed by July. Drivers should expect long delays and may want to consider alternate routes during this construction. Fort Riley urges all drivers to be alert, use caution, obey reduced speed limits and be prepared to slow down or stop. The Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 will remain open during this project. Construction updates will be posted on the official Fort Riley Facebook page and the Fort Riley website at https://home.army.mil/riley/. Kirk HutchinsonPublic Affairs SpecialistFort Riley Garrison Public Affairs Office&nbsp;

Fort Riley releases update on Henry Drive

<a href="http://www.jcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lawrence-whatley.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(39, 163, 209);"><img src="http://www.jcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/lawrence-whatley.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"></a>Presentation of Quilt of Valor to Lawrence Whatley ( left Center ) who is helping hold the quilt. Lawrence Whatley, Junction City, is the latest recipient of a Quilt of Valor. It was awarded to him at the American Legion Post 45 home Monday evening.Whatley served in the U.S. Army from 1954 until 1980, including service from 1969 to 1970 in Vietnam. He retired from military service in 1980 with the rank of E-8. Coordinator Donna Martinson said the Quilt of Valor awarded to Whatley is number 329 through the Central Flint Hills Quilt of Valor Project, which was begun in 2015, the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Contributions to support the project may be left at the Military Affairs Council Office at 222 West 6th Street. Checks should be made payable to the Quilt of Valor Foundation, with Central Flint Hills Area listed in the memo space. Quilt makers are also needed. Contact Donna Martinson for more information at 785-238-7303.

Quilt of Valor presented to Lawrence Whatley

SALINA&nbsp;– The Office of U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall will be holding its second of three Medicare tele-town halls this Wednesday, Nov. 13, to provide Medicare recipients an opportunity to speak directly with Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) officials about their Medicare plans and questions&nbsp;during the 2019 Open Enrollment Season.<blockquote> </blockquote><blockquote>“As both a doctor and from helping my parents navigate the complexities of Medicare, I know it can get overwhelming. Whether you’re a new enrollee or perhaps you’re looking to select a health plan that best fits your needs, we want to help provide the information you need,”&nbsp;Dr. Marshall said.</blockquote>All calls are free of charge and open to all current Medicare recipients in Kansas. CMS officials from the Kansas City office will answer calls and provide additional information about plans, costs&nbsp;and changes in coverage opportunities.The next Medicare tele-town hall calls will be held:Wednesday, Nov. 13:&nbsp;10 a.m. – 11 a.m. CSTThe call-in phone number for all three calls will be:Dial-in Number:877-229-8493PIN:116489Congressman Marshall encourages all Medicare recipients to take part in one of the upcoming calls and learn more about Medicare and their options during Open Enrollment season.

Congressman Marshall to hold second Medicare Tele-Town Hall

The Veterans Day observance took center stage in Manhattan on Monday. The day began with a veterans breakfast hosted by the American Legion Post 17, followed by the annual parade and a commemorative program at Peace Memorial Auditorium. Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. So the day is always recognized on Nov. 11th.The Flint Hills Veterans Coalition works in partnership with the Kansas State Army ROTC, Fort Riley, USO and other organizations on the parade. These are photos of the Veterans Day parade.

Manhattan celebrates Veterans Day with a parade

Marine Corps veteran, Daniel Jackson, referred to comments by Ronald Reagan during the Veterans Day observance in Junction City, noting that the former president said freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. Jackson spoke at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. ” We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same. ” Jackson said we live in the greatest nation. “We are the greatest nation on earth because of the incredible patriots such as yourselves, and those who have answered the call before you to defend our nation and our way of life.”Jackson, who is the current Geary County Sheriff, stated that we gather on Veterans Day to thank veterans and celebrate their gallantry in service. “But as veterans I think we would be remiss to not also use Veterans Day to invigorate our commitment to each other and to those who still fight their inner demons.”<a href="http://www.jcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/stage.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(39, 163, 209);"><img src="http://www.jcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/stage-300x225.jpg" height="225" width="300"></a>( Photo L-R ) Casaundra Baker, national anthem singer and Junction City High School JROTC who posted the colors. Jackson noted that 22 veterans per day commit suicide and thousands of veterans are homeless. ” Countless number of veterans have lost their families, their homes, their jobs, all because of the unhealed wounds of the mind and soul.” Jackson added as a nation we need to take better care of our veterans, veterans need to be politically active and urge lawmakers to do better by veterans, and even more importantly veterans need to engage with one another. “Every veteran knows a buddy who is or has struggled with the inner wounds. More and more programs are being developed by veterans for veterans to help with their needs. We need to seek out those programs and support them until there are no more veterans committing suicide or in need. ”&nbsp;

Veterans remembered during observance at the C. L. Hoover Opera House

<a href="https://www.hayspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WashburnTech7.jpg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.hayspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WashburnTech7.jpg" width="800" height="534"></a> Chris Neal / For the Kansas News Service By CELIA LLOPIS-JENSEN<a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/kansans-have-more-options-ever-2020-aca-marketplace-read-fine-print" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kansas News Service</a> TOPEKA — The <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2020 federal marketplace</a> for individual health insurance includes more options than ever for Kansas, and premiums for some of those plans are less expensive than 2019. But for the second year in a row, all of the plans will leave consumers footing the full bill for most out-of-network care. The silver lining: Two new insurance companies have jumped into Kansas this year, offering health plans in some of the state’s most populous counties. A third insurer that’s already active in Kansas City and its suburbs is expanding to 12 more southeast and central Kansas counties. Statewide, five insurers are offering 82 plans for 2020 — the most insurers since 2015 and the most plans since the marketplace launched in 2014. Though availability varies by county, it’s a significant change from this year (three insurers, 23 plans). Enrollment starts Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15 for insurance policies that start on Jan. 1. For Kansans with questions about all the options, dozens of trained counselors and navigators across the state offer free guidance on comparing plans and applying. “It is relatively easy to compare plans, but you still have to do a lot of legwork,” said University of Kansas professor Jean Hall, who directs the Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies. “I strongly recommend that people work with the navigators.” <blockquote>Check for federally designated counselors and navigators near you <a href="http://coverks.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Health-Insurance-Marketplaces/Downloads/2019-Navigator-Grant-Recipients.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;Search for the health insurance plans available in your county <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</blockquote> Pro tip from Hall: Sometimes online information from insurers about their networks is out of date, so consider calling to confirm whether specific health care providers are still included in a given plan. No PPOs in 2020 Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans have disappeared from the marketplace across Kansas and much of the country, according to Katherine Hempstead, a senior policy adviser at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in New Jersey. Kansas also mirrors the national trend with the addition of more insurers and plans this year. Hempstead describes companies as “bullish” right now. “They’re entering the market in more places and they’re offering more things,” she said. “There’s a lot of optimism.” But the lack of PPOs can be especially bad for people who need specialized care, Hall said. “If people have different types of chronic conditions,” she said, “one of their specialists may be in network but the other one may not be. And that can be a real problem.” In 2020, most plans are exclusive provider organization (EPO) options, but some Kansans can also pick from health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Unlike PPOs that often cost more and help with out-of-network bills, <a href="https://khn.org/news/hows-a-consumer-to-know-what-health-plan-is-best/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HMOs and EPOs</a> restrict coverage to their networks. Some networks include more doctors and specialists than others. HMO plans generally require customers to go through a primary care provider to access specialists. New options include some cheaper plans with small networks, as well as zero-deductible plans that make you pay more in cost-sharing, Hempstead said. The new insurers on this year’s market are Oscar Insurance Company and Cigna Health &amp; Life Insurance. They join Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, Ambetter (a.k.a. Centene subsidiary Sunflower State Health Plan) and Medica. Ambetter will expand to southeast and central Kansas. Premiums and income-based discounts Many Kansans will see lower rates in 2020. The benchmark silver plan for a 27-year-old is dropping $40 to an average premium of $412 in 2020, according to the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Data-Resources/QHP-Choice-Premiums.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services</a>. Ambetter rates in particular will drop more than 8% after the company <a href="https://www.kcur.org/post/health-insurers-have-give-back-14-billion-and-kansans-get-fattest-checks#stream/0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gave hefty rebates</a> this fall to customers who overpaid on 2018 premiums. Many people may not realize they qualify for discounts. Last year, more than 85% of people got income-based tax credits, <a href="https://www.khi.org/policy/article/19-32" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Kansas Health Institute* says</a>. With those, the institute pegs a net average premium at $76 a month. <blockquote><a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This federal tool checks whether you might qualify for tax credits and other help.</a></blockquote> Navigators and other ACA help Navigators, who help people choose plans, used to be more common, but the Trump administration cut most funding for them. Still, there are dozens of certified application counselors across the state that serve the same function without the navigator label. Healthcare.gov also operates a hotline (1-800-318-2596). Shannon Little-Haines, who oversees navigators at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, recommends people bring plenty of specifics to the conversation. “We generally ask that they bring a list of their medications, any specialists and doctors that they see,” she said. “Then we can compare the plans side-by-side.” *The Kansas Health Institute receives support from the Kansas Health Foundation, a funder of the Kansas News Service.Celia Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health and education for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Celia_LJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@Celia_LJ</a> or email her at celia@kcur.org. The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public Radio focused on the health and well-being of Kansans, their communities and civic life.

Kansans have more options than ever on ACA marketplace, but read the fine print

The Milford Lake outflow has been increased by the Corps of Engineers from 4,000 cubic feet per second to 5,000 cubic feet per second.The Corps said the current lake elevation is 1160.11 which is 15.71′ above normal pool.

Corps ups the outflow from Milford Lake

<a href="http://www.jcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MUSEUM-28.jpeg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(39, 163, 209);"><img src="http://www.jcpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/MUSEUM-28-300x225.jpeg" height="225" width="300"></a>The annual membership meeting for the Geary County Historical Society is Monday, Nov. 11. During that event there will be a membership booth at the annual meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.The speaker for the event will be Louise Hanson on “Tasting the Past: Exploring Kansas Food Memories,” which is about ethnic groups in Kansas who have used food to maintain connections to the past. The dinner which will include lasagna, costs $13. You can pay at the door or in advance. RSVP by Nov. 6 if you plan to attend.At the museum memories are preserved by not only collecting historic significant to people in the community, but also by preserving community resources like cookbooks, church histories and yearbooks, by supporting and collecting family history research and by collecting oral histories through out Memories at the Museum program.Photographer Javon George toured the Historical Museum this past week and produced a series of photos for JC Post.

Time to renew membership in the Geary County Historical Society 

1st Combat, 1st Infantry Division, will officially wrap up their Atlantic Resolve 2019 rotation with a redeployment ceremony and the uncasing of the brigade colors on Nov. 4 at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade was positioned across Europe in Germany, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Turkey and other European countries. Additionally, the brigade deployed the 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion to CENTCOM in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel.&nbsp; During the Atlantic Resolve mission the brigade supported 21 nations in nine major exercises across Europe. The brigade fle more than 12,000 hour, drove nearly 144,000 miles and transported approximately 8,000 people on Army aircraft including congressional delegations, senior U.S. military leaders, and top level officials from NATO allies and partners."Although the measurable impacts are great, the non-quantifiable impacts are even greater. The result is sustaining lasting peace and stability throughout Europe," said Col. Bryan Chivers, commander, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. " We want to say thank you to the soldiers and families of our formation. These missions are very important for making the world a safer place both at home and overseas. Without their sacrifices and support, we would not be able to accomplish our mission."1st Combat, 1st Infantry Division, will officially wrap up their Atlantic Resolve 2019 rotation with a redeployment ceremony and the uncasing of the brigade colors on Nov. 4 at 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade was positioned across Europe in Germany, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Turkey and other European countries. Additionally, the brigade deployed the 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion to CENTCOM in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel.&nbsp; During the Atlantic Resolve mission the brigade supported 21 nations in nine major exercises across Europe. The brigade fle more than 12,000 hour, drove nearly 144,000 miles and transported approximately 8,000 people on Army aircraft including congressional delegations, senior U.S. military leaders, and top level officials from NATO allies and partners."Although the measurable impacts are great, the non-quantifiable impacts are even greater. The result is sustaining lasting peace and stability throughout Europe," said Col. Bryan Chivers, commander, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. " We want to say thank you to the soldiers and families of our formation. These missions are very important for making the world a safer place both at home and overseas. Without their sacrifices and support, we would not be able to accomplish our mission."