Vocalist and band leader Helen Welch performed in Superstar: The Songs, The Stories, The Carpenters at the C. L. Hoover Opera House Saturday night.

There was a good turnout for the show, which featured songs originally done by Richard and Karen Carpenter.

Vocalist and band leader Helen Welch performed in Superstar: The Songs, The Stories, The Carpenters at the C. L. Hoover Opera House Saturday night.There was a good turnout for the show, which featured songs originally done by Richard and Karen Carpenter.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582511449642.jpeg" alt="" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582511515897.jpeg" alt="superstar two.jpg" />
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Music of the Carpenters featured in Superstar show

High 45°	Cooler. Rain in the morning, then chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

High 45°	Cooler. Rain in the morning, then chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

Rain is in the forecast for Monday

MANHATTAN —A 22-year-old man is confined in the Riley County Jail after a 3-month criminal investigation and 2 active grass fires in rural Riley County on Friday night.

Samuel Gilbert, a Riley County volunteer firefighter, was arrested on two counts of Arson, according to a media release from the RCPD.&nbsp; He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.

Gilbert was taken into custody around 11:55 p.m. Friday near a pasture fire at the intersection of Alert Road and Sherman Road. The other fire reported that night was on land near Fairview Church Road and Calvary Road.&nbsp;

In November 2019, the Riley County Fire Department requested assistance from the RCPD to investigate a series of suspicious grass fires occurring in northern Riley County. &nbsp;Following analysis of the past fire response, a criminal investigation was initiated and led by Patrol Officers assigned to the North County.

&nbsp;If you have any information on these crimes, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572454008797.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —A 22-year-old man is confined in the Riley County Jail after a 3-month criminal investigation and 2 active grass fires in rural Riley County on Friday night.Samuel Gilbert, a Riley County volunteer firefighter, was arrested on two counts of Arson, according to a media release from the RCPD.&nbsp; He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.Gilbert was taken into custody around 11:55 p.m. Friday near a pasture fire at the intersection of Alert Road and Sherman Road. The other fire reported that night was on land near Fairview Church Road and Calvary Road.&nbsp;In November 2019, the Riley County Fire Department requested assistance from the RCPD to investigate a series of suspicious grass fires occurring in northern Riley County. &nbsp;Following analysis of the past fire response, a criminal investigation was initiated and led by Patrol Officers assigned to the North County.&nbsp;If you have any information on these crimes, please contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

Riley County volunteer firefighter arrested for alleged arson

Nine Junction City Blue Jay wrestlers have qualified for the Class 6A State Wrestling Tournament that is scheduled next Friday and Saturday in Park City, near Wichita. According to Blue Jay Athletics Twitter the wrestlers and their weight classes include:

Zane Thornton went 5-1 to finish third in the 132 pound weight class at Regionals. Fourth place finishes were turned in by Zach Putrusky at 106 pounds, Patrick Foxworth at 120 and Cameron Beasley at 138 pounds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582433914958.png" alt="blue jay.png" />
 <figcaption>blue jay.png</figcaption>
 </figure>Nine Junction City Blue Jay wrestlers have qualified for the Class 6A State Wrestling Tournament that is scheduled next Friday and Saturday in Park City, near Wichita. According to Blue Jay Athletics Twitter the wrestlers and their weight classes include:106- Zach Putrusky120- Patrick Foxworth 126- Ashton Schreiner132- Zane Thornton 138- Cameron Beasley152- CJ Neuman170- James Hancock182- Chris Owens195- Isaiah ZinkanZane Thornton went 5-1 to finish third in the 132 pound weight class at Regionals. Fourth place finishes were turned in by Zach Putrusky at 106 pounds, Patrick Foxworth at 120 and Cameron Beasley at 138 pounds.

Nine Blue Jay wrestlers will advance to state

Fort Riley officials said via social media on Saturday that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded their boil water advisory. All Fort Riley residents may resume normal water usage.

The boil water advisory was first placed into effect on Thursday following a water main break.&nbsp; Designated areas of the Post were impacted. Water access was restored on Friday, and again, the boil water advisory was lifted on Saturday.

UPDATE:Fort Riley officials said via social media on Saturday that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded their boil water advisory. All Fort Riley residents may resume normal water usage.The boil water advisory was first placed into effect on Thursday following a water main break.&nbsp; Designated areas of the Post were impacted. Water access was restored on Friday, and again, the boil water advisory was lifted on Saturday.

Boil Water Advisory at Fort Riley has been rescinded

K-State Athletics has announced that groundbreaking has occurred on the South Endzone project at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Fans at the K-State - Texas basketball game Saturday had an opportunity to view the groundbreaking via the video board in Bramlage Coliseum.

The Athletics Department has now raised $75.7 million of the $105 million Building Champions capital initiative announced last fall through donations from members of the Ahearn Fund and Wildcat Nation. The initiative also includes the construction of a new volleyball arena, Olympic performance training center and a new football indoor facility and outdoor practice field. A total of 83 gifts have been made toward the capital initiative.

According to K-State Athletics, the south end zone project at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, which is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2021 football season at a total cost of $52 million, will include a new club / suite / loge premium seating area, expanded Legends Room event space and upgraded restrooms and concessions on the south concourse. The project will also extend the northwest and northeast entrances to Bramlage Coliseum by 17.5 feet - adding nearly 4,500 square feet of additional concourse space inside Bramlage.

During construction of the South End Zone project, the southwest and southeast corner bleacher seating areas will be removed, while the northeast and northwest entrances to Bramlage Coliseum will be impacted and the Legends Room area will be closed for the 2020-2021 basketball season. There will be two new video boards in the southwest and and southeast corners of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

K-State Athletics has announced that groundbreaking has occurred on the South Endzone project at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Fans at the K-State - Texas basketball game Saturday had an opportunity to view the groundbreaking via the video board in Bramlage Coliseum.The Athletics Department has now raised $75.7 million of the $105 million Building Champions capital initiative announced last fall through donations from members of the Ahearn Fund and Wildcat Nation. The initiative also includes the construction of a new volleyball arena, Olympic performance training center and a new football indoor facility and outdoor practice field. A total of 83 gifts have been made toward the capital initiative.According to K-State Athletics, the south end zone project at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, which is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2021 football season at a total cost of $52 million, will include a new club / suite / loge premium seating area, expanded Legends Room event space and upgraded restrooms and concessions on the south concourse. The project will also extend the northwest and northeast entrances to Bramlage Coliseum by 17.5 feet - adding nearly 4,500 square feet of additional concourse space inside Bramlage.During construction of the South End Zone project, the southwest and southeast corner bleacher seating areas will be removed, while the northeast and northwest entrances to Bramlage Coliseum will be impacted and the Legends Room area will be closed for the 2020-2021 basketball season. There will be two new video boards in the southwest and and southeast corners of Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Groundbreaking occurs on latest K-State facility master plan project

Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year and the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year awards were presented at the annual Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce banquet Friday evening.

The 2019 Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year honor goes to Ward and Brenda Morgan. They have worked to help revitalize downtown with the creation of the Green Apple Bike Program and most recently opened Manhattan's newest attraction, the Midwest Dream Car Collection. Last year they set up a donor advised fund at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for $17 million.

Ward and Brenda Morgan are the 53rd recipients of the Citizen of the Year award and the first to receive the honor as a couple.

Lisa Sisley was selected the 2019 C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year recipient. Her long service to the Chamber's Business Advocacy Committee and its predecessor, the Public Affairs Committee, are the basis for the award selection. Sisley has been instrumental in helping shape the Chamber's public policies over the past 10 years, and as chair of this committee she helped lead efforts to transition between the two committee formats. She has played a key role in writing the Chamber's legislative policy document over much of the last decade, and has been a facilitator of civil discussions among groups of people with sometimes differing viewpoints.

Most recently Sisley has been a leader in advocating for the city's economic development funds and other positions the Chamber has taken on public issues. She is the 31st recipient of the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582430742261.jpeg" alt="Ward and Brenda Morgan" />
 <figcaption>Ward and Brenda Morgan</figcaption>
 </figure>Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year and the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year awards were presented at the annual Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce banquet Friday evening.The 2019 Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year honor goes to Ward and Brenda Morgan. They have worked to help revitalize downtown with the creation of the Green Apple Bike Program and most recently opened Manhattan's newest attraction, the Midwest Dream Car Collection. Last year they set up a donor advised fund at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for $17 million.Ward and Brenda Morgan are the 53rd recipients of the Citizen of the Year award and the first to receive the honor as a couple.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582430677755.jpeg" alt="Lisa Sisley" />
 <figcaption>Lisa Sisley</figcaption>
 </figure>Lisa Sisley was selected the 2019 C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year recipient. Her long service to the Chamber's Business Advocacy Committee and its predecessor, the Public Affairs Committee, are the basis for the award selection. Sisley has been instrumental in helping shape the Chamber's public policies over the past 10 years, and as chair of this committee she helped lead efforts to transition between the two committee formats. She has played a key role in writing the Chamber's legislative policy document over much of the last decade, and has been a facilitator of civil discussions among groups of people with sometimes differing viewpoints.Most recently Sisley has been a leader in advocating for the city's economic development funds and other positions the Chamber has taken on public issues. She is the 31st recipient of the C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year award.

Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce presents annual awards

The Open Door Homeless Shelter, Junction City - Geary County United Way and Food Pantry of Geary County will jointly host a chili feed on March 14 at the Open Door.

According to Open Door Executive Director Mickey Davies the hours for the chili feed will be 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost for a meal will be $5. Proceeds raised will be split between the three organizations.

The Open Door Homeless Shelter, Junction City - Geary County United Way and Food Pantry of Geary County will jointly host a chili feed on March 14 at the Open Door.According to Open Door Executive Director Mickey Davies the hours for the chili feed will be 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost for a meal will be $5. Proceeds raised will be split between the three organizations.

Chili feed fundraiser planned at the Open Door

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Soldiers returned to Ft. Riley this past October from a deployment to Poland. Sergeant First Class Zachary Ballard said once they occupied their location in Trezvien, Poland they were able to experience the culture of food, customs and how the Polish view Americans.&nbsp;

Ballard said the Soldiers accomplished a lot including a culminating event involving a 10-day field exercise. "In a five month span we able to accomplish what would take approximately one year of training."

Environmental considerations with weather were a challenge for the troops during their deployment.

Living arrangements included the use of twelve 100-man tents for a two-to three month period followed by the use of 'Alaska' tents that housed twelve Soldiers.

1st Lieutenant Trevor Prindle served as a platoon leader for a rifle platoon. "My role is to design training and empower my NCO's to carry out that training." Prindle arrived in Poland in June after the deployment had begun. He credited the U.S. training for being well organized.&nbsp; "We have a set of rules that we follow within regulations and doctrine that we live by when it comes to training. " He noted that the Polish training structure seemed very minimal.

The troops from Fort Riley also spent time at at military base in Germany.

Prindle and Ballard briefed a Society of the 1st Infantry Division Fort Riley chapter meeting audience&nbsp; about the recent deployment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582390442429.jpeg" alt="1st Combat Brigade Team representatives including 1st. Lieutenant Trevor Prindle ( left ) and Sergeant 1st Class Zachary Ballard ( right ) posing with Society of the 1st Infantry Division Chapter Director Phyllis Fitzgerald," />
 <figcaption>1st Combat Brigade Team representatives including 1st. Lieutenant Trevor Prindle ( left ) and Sergeant 1st Class Zachary Ballard ( right ) posing with Society of the 1st Infantry Division Chapter Director Phyllis Fitzgerald,</figcaption>
 </figure>1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Soldiers returned to Ft. Riley this past October from a deployment to Poland. Sergeant First Class Zachary Ballard said once they occupied their location in Trezvien, Poland they were able to experience the culture of food, customs and how the Polish view Americans.&nbsp;Ballard said the Soldiers accomplished a lot including a culminating event involving a 10-day field exercise. "In a five month span we able to accomplish what would take approximately one year of training."Environmental considerations with weather were a challenge for the troops during their deployment.Living arrangements included the use of twelve 100-man tents for a two-to three month period followed by the use of 'Alaska' tents that housed twelve Soldiers.1st Lieutenant Trevor Prindle served as a platoon leader for a rifle platoon. "My role is to design training and empower my NCO's to carry out that training." Prindle arrived in Poland in June after the deployment had begun. He credited the U.S. training for being well organized.&nbsp; "We have a set of rules that we follow within regulations and doctrine that we live by when it comes to training. " He noted that the Polish training structure seemed very minimal.The troops from Fort Riley also spent time at at military base in Germany.Prindle and Ballard briefed a Society of the 1st Infantry Division Fort Riley chapter meeting audience&nbsp; about the recent deployment.

Troops provide briefing for Society of 1st Infantry Division Fort Riley chapter members

There will be a joint Junction City / Geary County / USD 475 meeting at the C. L. Hoover Opera House on Monday at 5 p.m.

Topics on the agenda include an update on progress of the new Junction City High School project by USD 475, an update on City projects including those related to the new high school project, and a Geary Community Hospital report by Geary County.

There will be a joint Junction City / Geary County / USD 475 meeting at the C. L. Hoover Opera House on Monday at 5 p.m.Topics on the agenda include an update on progress of the new Junction City High School project by USD 475, an update on City projects including those related to the new high school project, and a Geary Community Hospital report by Geary County.

Joint meeting of city-county-school district leaders is scheduled Monday

MANHATTAN — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire on Friday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

The small fire inside a cooler at the stadium was quickly contained. Estimated $10,000 in damage to food, according to a social media report from the Manhattan Fire Department. They reported no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582377140213.png" alt="Photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire on Friday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.The small fire inside a cooler at the stadium was quickly contained. Estimated $10,000 in damage to food, according to a social media report from the Manhattan Fire Department. They reported no injuries.

Small fire at Bill Snyder Family stadium

The Junction City Blue Jay boys Class 4A State Championship basketball team was honored Friday night at the Shenk Gym. There was a reception for them at the school and some members of the program in 1970 were recognized at halftime of the boys basketball game against Topeka West.

The team went 19-5 and defeated Coffeyville in the state championship game.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582348561239.jpeg" alt="Members of the JCHS 1970 Class 4A state championship team" />
 <figcaption>Members of the JCHS 1970 Class 4A state championship team</figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Blue Jay boys Class 4A State Championship basketball team was honored Friday night at the Shenk Gym. There was a reception for them at the school and some members of the program in 1970 were recognized at halftime of the boys basketball game against Topeka West.The team went 19-5 and defeated Coffeyville in the state championship game.&nbsp;

State championship basketball team honored

Samantha Adams has been named the 2020 Senior Queen of Courts and Qua'Vez Humphreys the 2020 Senior King of Courts at Junction City High School.

The two senior class students were honored Friday night during the Winter Homecoming ceremonies at JCHS.

Samantha Adams has been named the 2020 Senior Queen of Courts and Qua'Vez Humphreys the 2020 Senior King of Courts at Junction City High School.The two senior class students were honored Friday night during the Winter Homecoming ceremonies at JCHS.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582348169253.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Savannah Adams and Qua'Vez Humphreys" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Savannah Adams and Qua'Vez Humphreys</figcaption>
 </figure>

Winter Homecoming royalty crowned at JCHS

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">McCain Auditorium</a>&nbsp;will offer seats in the first rows of the orchestra section for $20 — plus a facility fee and taxes — for the Monday, Feb. 24, performance of the&nbsp;Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical&nbsp;"RENT."&nbsp;The tickets will go on sale at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 — 90 minutes before the 7:30 p.m. show.

The&nbsp;$20&nbsp;tickets — plus facility fee and taxes — are limited to two tickets per person and must be purchased in person at the box office.The tradition of offering these tickets began in 1996 in New York when "RENT" moved to Broadway after a sold-out run in a small downtown theatre. The producers of the show are committed to continuing the tradition of offering these orchestra seats in each city the show will play.

For general ticket information, call the McCain box office at 785-532-6428 from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rentontour.net/" target="_blank">RentOnTour.net</a>&nbsp;for more information on the show.

Division of Communications and Marketing



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582323408341.jpeg" alt="Photo - K-State" />
 <figcaption>Photo - K-State</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">McCain Auditorium</a>&nbsp;will offer seats in the first rows of the orchestra section for $20 — plus a facility fee and taxes — for the Monday, Feb. 24, performance of the&nbsp;Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical&nbsp;"RENT."&nbsp;The tickets will go on sale at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 — 90 minutes before the 7:30 p.m. show.The&nbsp;$20&nbsp;tickets — plus facility fee and taxes — are limited to two tickets per person and must be purchased in person at the box office.The tradition of offering these tickets began in 1996 in New York when "RENT" moved to Broadway after a sold-out run in a small downtown theatre. The producers of the show are committed to continuing the tradition of offering these orchestra seats in each city the show will play.For general ticket information, call the McCain box office at 785-532-6428 from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rentontour.net/" target="_blank">RentOnTour.net</a>&nbsp;for more information on the show.K-State News and Communications ServicesDivision of Communications and Marketing

Limited $20 orchestra seats available for 'Rent' 20th Anniversary Tour 90 minutes before show Feb. 24 McCain

Junction City High School Performing Arts will present Disney's The Little Mermaid March 5, 6 and 7 in the Settles Auditorium at JCHS.

The show will begin at 7 p.m. each evening.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through a cast member or by contacting JCHS Performing Arts at 717-4263 or JodieRiche@usd475.org.

Junction City High School Performing Arts will present Disney's The Little Mermaid March 5, 6 and 7 in the Settles Auditorium at JCHS.The show will begin at 7 p.m. each evening.Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through a cast member or by contacting JCHS Performing Arts at 717-4263 or JodieRiche@usd475.org.

The Little Mermaid opens March 5 at JCHS

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.

Bonds have been posted. Photos unavailable.

Amanda Fink, Bond violation, Arrested 2/20

Abad Ruiz, Violation of protection order, Arrested 2/20

Dondre Kimberly, Driving while suspended, Defective tail lamp on motor vehicle, Outside warrant ( 2 counts ), Arrested 2/21

Jesse Holden, Driving while license cancelled - suspended - revoked, Possession of stolen property; felony, Possession of stolen property; misdemeanor, Vehicle liability insurance required, Arrested 2/21

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582315981679.jpeg" alt="Erick Washington, Probation violation, Failure to appear, Arrested 2/20" />
 <figcaption>Erick Washington, Probation violation, Failure to appear, Arrested 2/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316043918.jpeg" alt="Ralph Vest, Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice, Arrested 2/20" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Vest, Duty of governor to arrest person charged who has fled from justice, Arrested 2/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316124574.jpeg" alt="Gerome Smith, Probation violation, Arrested 2/20" />
 <figcaption>Gerome Smith, Probation violation, Arrested 2/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316171109.jpeg" alt="Gary Carlton, Possession of marijuana, Use-possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Maximum speed limits, Operate vehicle without registration, Arrested 2/20" />
 <figcaption>Gary Carlton, Possession of marijuana, Use-possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Maximum speed limits, Operate vehicle without registration, Arrested 2/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316236517.jpeg" alt="Angel Pagan, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Transporting open container alcohol, Arrested 2/21" />
 <figcaption>Angel Pagan, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Transporting open container alcohol, Arrested 2/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582316300181.jpeg" alt="Hannah Mckinley, Possession of marijuana, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Transporting open container alcohol, Arrested 2/21" />
 <figcaption>Hannah Mckinley, Possession of marijuana, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Transporting open container alcohol, Arrested 2/21</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos unavailable.Amanda Fink, Bond violation, Arrested 2/20Abad Ruiz, Violation of protection order, Arrested 2/20Dondre Kimberly, Driving while suspended, Defective tail lamp on motor vehicle, Outside warrant ( 2 counts ), Arrested 2/21Jesse Holden, Driving while license cancelled - suspended - revoked, Possession of stolen property; felony, Possession of stolen property; misdemeanor, Vehicle liability insurance required, Arrested 2/21Recent 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 Friday Booking Photos

Bingo Night at the Museum will be held Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Geary County Historical Museum.

There will be a chili dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo at 6:30 p.m. More than 50 prizes will be available to winners in the Bingo competition ranging from gift certificates to La Fiesta, Cracker Barrel, to a free oil change, auto toolkit and roadside emergency kit.

Funds raised will support the operations of the museum.

Bingo Night at the Museum will be held Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Geary County Historical Museum.There will be a chili dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Bingo at 6:30 p.m. More than 50 prizes will be available to winners in the Bingo competition ranging from gift certificates to La Fiesta, Cracker Barrel, to a free oil change, auto toolkit and roadside emergency kit.Funds raised will support the operations of the museum.

Fundraiser planned for Geary County Historical Society

RILEY COUNTY —Over $3,000 worth of tools and construction equipment was stolen from Habitat ReStore - Manhattan, at their home build at 514 Pilsbury Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department.&nbsp;

If you have any information, please contact us at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (78) 539-7777. <a href="https://t.co/kS6uj6gaO3?amp=1" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2SMp6VA</a>

RILEY COUNTY —Over $3,000 worth of tools and construction equipment was stolen from Habitat ReStore - Manhattan, at their home build at 514 Pilsbury Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department.&nbsp;If you have any information, please contact us at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (78) 539-7777. <a href="https://t.co/kS6uj6gaO3?amp=1" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2SMp6VA</a>

RCPD: $3,000 in tools, equipment stolen from Habitat ReStore

The 1970 boys Class 4A State Championship basketball team from Junction City High School will be honored at JCHS Friday night.

There will be a reception for team members at 6 p.m. in the high school library and then the team will be recognized during halftime of the boys basketball game against Topeka West. The reception is open to the public.

Team members in uniform for the Blue Jays during the state tournament were: Ron Anderson, Steve Brown, Bob Burney, Les Chaves, Allan Hart, Steve Heldstab, Lanard Reid, Steve Self, Doug Stark, Fred Starks, Mike Stithem, and Steve Wensel. The head coach was Ralph Rindt and he was assisted by Bob Smalley and Bill Hill.

Winter homecoming activities are also planned Friday night at JCHS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582300382487.jpeg" alt="Class 4A State Championship Trophy" />
 <figcaption>Class 4A State Championship Trophy</figcaption>
 </figure>The 1970 boys Class 4A State Championship basketball team from Junction City High School will be honored at JCHS Friday night.There will be a reception for team members at 6 p.m. in the high school library and then the team will be recognized during halftime of the boys basketball game against Topeka West. The reception is open to the public.Team members in uniform for the Blue Jays during the state tournament were: Ron Anderson, Steve Brown, Bob Burney, Les Chaves, Allan Hart, Steve Heldstab, Lanard Reid, Steve Self, Doug Stark, Fred Starks, Mike Stithem, and Steve Wensel. The head coach was Ralph Rindt and he was assisted by Bob Smalley and Bill Hill.Winter homecoming activities are also planned Friday night at JCHS.

State championship basketball team to be honored

Gregory Fontenot will discuss his book "Loss and Redemption at St. Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge" during the next Lunch and Learn at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. The program will be at noon on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the Visitors Center Auditorium.

Fontenot closes a gap in the record of the Battle of the Bulge by recounting the exploits of the 7th Armored Division in a way that no other study has done. Most accounts of the Battle of the Bulge give short-shrift to the interval during which the German forward progress stopped and the American counterattack began. This narrative centers on the 7th Armored Division for the entire length of the campaign, in so doing reconsidering the story of the whole battle through the lens of a single division and accounting for the reconstitution of the Division while in combat.

Fontenot is a retired U.S. Army colonel who is currently a consultant on threat emulation for Army experimentation and a working historian.

Gregory Fontenot will discuss his book "Loss and Redemption at St. Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge" during the next Lunch and Learn at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. The program will be at noon on Thursday, Feb. 27 in the Visitors Center Auditorium.Fontenot closes a gap in the record of the Battle of the Bulge by recounting the exploits of the 7th Armored Division in a way that no other study has done. Most accounts of the Battle of the Bulge give short-shrift to the interval during which the German forward progress stopped and the American counterattack began. This narrative centers on the 7th Armored Division for the entire length of the campaign, in so doing reconsidering the story of the whole battle through the lens of a single division and accounting for the reconstitution of the Division while in combat.Fontenot is a retired U.S. Army colonel who is currently a consultant on threat emulation for Army experimentation and a working historian.

Lunch and Learn resumes Feb. 27

<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

Three days of telephone calling by volunteers to local business persons has produced a substantial increase in membership for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce. There are a total of 102 either new or upgraded memberships. A total of $23,650 was raised.

Ashley King was the top individual seller with 14 memberships. "I was a chair and I got some captains underneath me and then those captains got some groups and we came together and just helped grow our membership."

Jeff Underhill was the second highest seller with 12 members. When the Chamber Memberhip event began there were already approximately 340 members in the Chamber.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582251182729.jpeg" alt="Ashley King - Top Seller" />
 <figcaption>Ashley King - Top Seller</figcaption>
 </figure>Three days of telephone calling by volunteers to local business persons has produced a substantial increase in membership for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce. There are a total of 102 either new or upgraded memberships. A total of $23,650 was raised.Ashley King was the top individual seller with 14 memberships. "I was a chair and I got some captains underneath me and then those captains got some groups and we came together and just helped grow our membership."Jeff Underhill was the second highest seller with 12 members. When the Chamber Memberhip event began there were already approximately 340 members in the Chamber.T

Chamber volunteers reel in more than 100 new or upgraded memberships

USD 475 has announced that due to the boil water advisory issued by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment for Fort Riley, all schools on post will be closed Friday.

That includes Fort Riley Middle School, Fort Riley Elementary School, Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary and Ware Elementary. This also includes all before and after school programs, as well as Early Childhood classes.

The Fort Riley Public Affairs Office also confirmed that the 1st Infantry Division Child Development Center, Warren East Child Development Center, Custer Hill Teen/Youth Center and School Age Center, and Parent Central announced their closure for Friday, Feb. 21.

USD 475 has announced that due to the boil water advisory issued by the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment for Fort Riley, all schools on post will be closed Friday.That includes Fort Riley Middle School, Fort Riley Elementary School, Morris Hill Elementary, Seitz Elementary and Ware Elementary. This also includes all before and after school programs, as well as Early Childhood classes.The Fort Riley Public Affairs Office also confirmed that the 1st Infantry Division Child Development Center, Warren East Child Development Center, Custer Hill Teen/Youth Center and School Age Center, and Parent Central announced their closure for Friday, Feb. 21.

Fort Riley schools will be closed on Friday

ABILENE -- The Dickinson County Sheriff has issued a warning to all residents and businesses in the county concerning counterfeit money.

According to information provided by Sheriff Gareth Hoffman, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office currently is working several cases in which counterfeit bills have been passed.

Hoffman urged people to be cautious when accepting cash.&nbsp;

"The current money that the Sheriff's Office has collected is clearly counterfeit and easily identified when taking just a bit of time to look at it and feel it," Hoffman wrote. "Should anyone come into possession of this money, please report it to law enforcement."

"The Sheriff's Office expects to file charges on several locals in the near future, but warns that there could very well be more of this counterfeit cash floating around," Hoffman noted.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e4d933065b5d31438496e15">Kansas felon tried to use counterfeit cash at the sheriff's office</a>

ABILENE -- The Dickinson County Sheriff has issued a warning to all residents and businesses in the county concerning counterfeit money.According to information provided by Sheriff Gareth Hoffman, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office currently is working several cases in which counterfeit bills have been passed.Hoffman urged people to be cautious when accepting cash.&nbsp;"The current money that the Sheriff's Office has collected is clearly counterfeit and easily identified when taking just a bit of time to look at it and feel it," Hoffman wrote. "Should anyone come into possession of this money, please report it to law enforcement.""The Sheriff's Office expects to file charges on several locals in the near future, but warns that there could very well be more of this counterfeit cash floating around," Hoffman noted.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5e4d933065b5d31438496e15">Kansas felon tried to use counterfeit cash at the sheriff's office</a>

Dickinson County Sheriff warns of counterfeit cash

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has updated their Boil Water Advisory, limiting it to the selected areas at Fort Riley listed below:

- Warner Peterson and Ellis Heights on-post housing communities

- 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team barracks complexes 7001, 7002, 7003, 7081

- Offices and facilities in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team footprint,

including but not limited to 1ABCT HQ, Devil Den dining facility, Craig

Fitness Center, Sparetime Interactive Entertainment, Army Community Service

Annex, Kapaun Chapel, Battalion Headquarters, Motor Pools, Company Operation

Facilities, First Division Dental Clinic, USO, Burger King, 24 Hour

Shopette, Post Exchange Furniture Store, Warren East Child Development

Center, Eyster Pool, Youth Center, CYS Headquarters

- The Adventure Park, Fire Station 1, Post Office, Shopette, Banks, Library,

Telephone Exchange, Jefferson Elementary School, Fort Riley Middle School,

The attached map shows impacted homes and facilities.

The Director of Public Affairs for the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office Steve Elmstrom said due to the water main break, some residents in the Ellis Heights and Warner Peterson neighborhoods, as well as some barracks and facilities in the 1ABCT footprint, may be experiencing water outages. Maintenance teams are currently working on required repairs to the system.

Bottled water will be available to those who have lost water access entirely at the Warner Peterson and Ellis Heights Community Centers for residents of affected communities and at the Devil's Den dining facility for 1ABCT

Soldiers. Residents can use their community center key FOBs to access bottled water at the community center distribution points. This advisory resulted from a break in the water-main during construction

work. Water pressure is being restored to impacted neighborhoods, however, the loss of pressure in the water main due to the break caused water pressure fluctuation, which then caused the release of mineral buildup into the line and possible discoloration of tap water.

Officials also recommended that any home or facility experiencing discolored water take the same precautionary methods listed below.

Fort Riley Utility Services is conducting testing of water samples from affected areas. The boil order will be canceled once water has been tested and verified safe for consumption.

Until the boil advisory is lifted, residents of the affected Fort Riley neighborhoods should take these steps:

- Boil water for one minute prior to drinking, brushing teeth, or using in food preparation, or use bottled water.

- Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.

- Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

- Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.

Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

- If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

The 1st Infantry Division Child Development Center, Warren East Child Development Center, Custer Hill Teen/Youth Center and School Age Center, and Parent Central announced their closure for Friday, Feb. 21.



In cooperation with Fort Riley officials, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a Boil Water Advisory Thursday afternoon for drinking and cooking water for Fort Riley Utility Services' water treatment facility, servicing Fort Riley.

For more details, see below and attached. See updates at

<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley" target="_blank">https://home.army.mil/riley</a>

In cooperation with Fort Riley officials, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a Boil Water Advisory Thursday afternoon for drinking and cooking water for Fort Riley Utility Services' water treatment facility, servicing Fort Riley.

The Director of Public Affairs for the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office, Steve Elmstrom said this advisory resulted from a break in a water-main during construction work. Water pressure is being restored to impacted neighborhoods, however, the loss of pressure in the water main due to the break caused water pressure fluctuation, which then caused the release of mineral buildup into the line and possible discoloration of tap water.

Until the boil advisory is lifted, residents of these Fort Riley neighborhoods should take these steps:

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Boil water for one minute prior to drinking, brushing teeth, or using in food preparation, or use bottled water.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled.

Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

Due to a the water main break, some residents in the Ellis Heights and Warner Peterson neighborhoods may be experiencing water outages. Maintenance

teams are currently working on required repairs to the system. Bottled water will be available at the Warner Peterson Community Center for residents of affected communities and at the Devil's Den dining facility for 1ABCT Soldiers.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for FRUSI Water Treatment Plant FKA Fort Riley located in Geary County. A check with Post officials indicated the general Custer Hill area could be impacted.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on February 20, 2020 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to a main break. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

UPDATE:The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has updated their Boil Water Advisory, limiting it to the selected areas at Fort Riley listed below:- Warner Peterson and Ellis Heights on-post housing communities- 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team barracks complexes 7001, 7002, 7003, 7081- Offices and facilities in the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team footprint,including but not limited to 1ABCT HQ, Devil Den dining facility, CraigFitness Center, Sparetime Interactive Entertainment, Army Community ServiceAnnex, Kapaun Chapel, Battalion Headquarters, Motor Pools, Company OperationFacilities, First Division Dental Clinic, USO, Burger King, 24 HourShopette, Post Exchange Furniture Store, Warren East Child DevelopmentCenter, Eyster Pool, Youth Center, CYS Headquarters- The Adventure Park, Fire Station 1, Post Office, Shopette, Banks, Library,Telephone Exchange, Jefferson Elementary School, Fort Riley Middle School,Morris Hill ElementaryThe attached map shows impacted homes and facilities.The Director of Public Affairs for the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office Steve Elmstrom said due to the water main break, some residents in the Ellis Heights and Warner Peterson neighborhoods, as well as some barracks and facilities in the 1ABCT footprint, may be experiencing water outages. Maintenance teams are currently working on required repairs to the system.Bottled water will be available to those who have lost water access entirely at the Warner Peterson and Ellis Heights Community Centers for residents of affected communities and at the Devil's Den dining facility for 1ABCTSoldiers. Residents can use their community center key FOBs to access bottled water at the community center distribution points. This advisory resulted from a break in the water-main during constructionwork. Water pressure is being restored to impacted neighborhoods, however, the loss of pressure in the water main due to the break caused water pressure fluctuation, which then caused the release of mineral buildup into the line and possible discoloration of tap water.Officials also recommended that any home or facility experiencing discolored water take the same precautionary methods listed below.Fort Riley Utility Services is conducting testing of water samples from affected areas. The boil order will be canceled once water has been tested and verified safe for consumption.Until the boil advisory is lifted, residents of the affected Fort Riley neighborhoods should take these steps:- Boil water for one minute prior to drinking, brushing teeth, or using in food preparation, or use bottled water.- Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.- Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.- Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested.Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.- If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.The 1st Infantry Division Child Development Center, Warren East Child Development Center, Custer Hill Teen/Youth Center and School Age Center, and Parent Central announced their closure for Friday, Feb. 21.---

In cooperation with Fort Riley officials, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a Boil Water Advisory Thursday afternoon for drinking and cooking water for Fort Riley Utility Services' water treatment facility, servicing Fort Riley.For more details, see below and attached. See updates at<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley" target="_blank">https://home.army.mil/riley</a>===================================In cooperation with Fort Riley officials, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a Boil Water Advisory Thursday afternoon for drinking and cooking water for Fort Riley Utility Services' water treatment facility, servicing Fort Riley.The Director of Public Affairs for the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office, Steve Elmstrom said this advisory resulted from a break in a water-main during construction work. Water pressure is being restored to impacted neighborhoods, however, the loss of pressure in the water main due to the break caused water pressure fluctuation, which then caused the release of mineral buildup into the line and possible discoloration of tap water.Fort Riley Utility Services is conducting testing of water samples from affected areas. The boil order will be canceled once water has been tested and verified safe for consumption.Until the boil advisory is lifted, residents of these Fort Riley neighborhoods should take these steps:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Boil water for one minute prior to drinking, brushing teeth, or using in food preparation, or use bottled water.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled.Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.Due to a the water main break, some residents in the Ellis Heights and Warner Peterson neighborhoods may be experiencing water outages. Maintenanceteams are currently working on required repairs to the system. Bottled water will be available at the Warner Peterson Community Center for residents of affected communities and at the Devil's Den dining facility for 1ABCT Soldiers.---TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for FRUSI Water Treatment Plant FKA Fort Riley located in Geary County. A check with Post officials indicated the general Custer Hill area could be impacted.Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.The advisory took effect on February 20, 2020 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to a main break. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Boil water advisory amended for specific areas of Fort RIley

Eagle Riders are preparing to observe their 9th anniversary in Junction City.

They will serve a country fried steak meal from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday ( Feb. 22 ) at their facility at 203 East 10th street. The cost of the meal is $7.

Eagle Riders are preparing to observe their 9th anniversary in Junction City.They will serve a country fried steak meal from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday ( Feb. 22 ) at their facility at 203 East 10th street. The cost of the meal is $7.

Eagle Riders will celebrate their anniversary

The Open Door homeless shelter at 136 West 3rd Street in Junction City is preparing to once again begin housing residents. The facility has been closed in recent weeks while facing financial challenges.

Executive Director Mickey Davies said they will begin accepting residents on March 8. "Right now we're going through a hiring. A lot of our folks who worked for us needed to get a job, they couldn't wait on us. So we're hiring right now."

Davies noted one donor provided funding to cover the night shift for two months. There have been other donations from members of the rural farm community and from churches, Manhattan and Woodbine areas.

"I said about a month ago when we were into this really deep, I guess if God wants us to stay open we'll stay open, and apparently he does."

The Open Door homeless shelter at 136 West 3rd Street in Junction City is preparing to once again begin housing residents. The facility has been closed in recent weeks while facing financial challenges.Executive Director Mickey Davies said they will begin accepting residents on March 8. "Right now we're going through a hiring. A lot of our folks who worked for us needed to get a job, they couldn't wait on us. So we're hiring right now."Davies noted one donor provided funding to cover the night shift for two months. There have been other donations from members of the rural farm community and from churches, Manhattan and Woodbine areas."I said about a month ago when we were into this really deep, I guess if God wants us to stay open we'll stay open, and apparently he does."March 8 is opening day!

Open Door making preparations to reopen for residents

Walk Kansas will go from March 15 to May 9. This is an eight week healthy lifestyle challenge. You can gather teams of six people for this program.

You can register online at www.walkkansas.org or by contacting your local K-State Research and Extension Office. In Geary County the telephone number is 785-238-4161. Online registration begins Feb. 24.

Walk Kansas will go from March 15 to May 9. This is an eight week healthy lifestyle challenge. You can gather teams of six people for this program.You can register online at www.walkkansas.org or by contacting your local K-State Research and Extension Office. In Geary County the telephone number is 785-238-4161. Online registration begins Feb. 24.

Sign up for Walk Kansas 2020

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/modern-kansas-earthquake-era-looks-be-ending-mostly">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA — On Aug. 16, the second day of the 
school year, students in the Burrton district felt the shake of a 4.2 
magnitude earthquake. They knew exactly what to do: hide under their 
desks until it stopped.

It was a fairly new procedure, as the 
district, which is halfway between Hutchinson and Wichita, hadn’t 
conducted its first drill until the end of the 2018-19 school year.

“They
 just adapted beautifully,” said Joan Simoneau, the district’s 
superintendent. “We couldn’t have asked for a better crisis situation, 
especially on the second day of school.”

Only in the last five 
years have earthquake drills and damage — one of the Burrton ISD 
buildings hasn't been used since August — been a reality in Kansas.&nbsp;A 
small oil and gas boom dramatically increased the amount of wastewater 
being injected into the ground, which put pressure on ancient faults.

While
 experts say the overall trend is declining and the recent spike in 
earthquakes near Hutchinson shouldn’t last long, some cities are looking
 for solutions that could lead to more problems.

Before
 2015, Kansas rarely experienced seismic activity. The faults that 
existed were minor, with very little external forces acting on them. 
Then came a rush on oil and gas, thanks to new technology that allowed 
companies to extract oil and gas from places where it’d been too hard or
 too expensive. Increased activity meant more wastewater — a lot more.

Shortly
 after experts linked earthquakes to increased wastewater pumping, state
 regulators limited the amount of wastewater that could be put into 
particularly active zones in south-central Kansas.

When oil prices and oil and gas activity all dropped, so did Kansas’ earthquakes.

But
 the pressure from water injection, which mostly took place in Harper 
County near the state’s border with Oklahoma, had a long tail, to the 
point that it’s impacted faults farther north.

“We see a pressure
 build, we see a direct correlation with seismicity,” Kansas Geological 
Survey geophysicist Rick Miller told lawmakers recently. “We see a 
pressure diffusion and now we’re seeing a drop in seismicity, which is 
really, really, good news.”

There are a few outliers. Hutchinson, in Reno County, saw a spike in 
earthquakes in 2019. Miller said he didn’t even know there were faults 
where the main cluster was centered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582211129738.jpeg" alt="A look at earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 2.0 that were recorded in Kansas in 2019. Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption>A look at earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 2.0 that were recorded in Kansas in 2019. Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/modern-kansas-earthquake-era-looks-be-ending-mostly">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA — On Aug. 16, the second day of the 
school year, students in the Burrton district felt the shake of a 4.2 
magnitude earthquake. They knew exactly what to do: hide under their 
desks until it stopped.It was a fairly new procedure, as the 
district, which is halfway between Hutchinson and Wichita, hadn’t 
conducted its first drill until the end of the 2018-19 school year.“They
 just adapted beautifully,” said Joan Simoneau, the district’s 
superintendent. “We couldn’t have asked for a better crisis situation, 
especially on the second day of school.”Only in the last five 
years have earthquake drills and damage — one of the Burrton ISD 
buildings hasn't been used since August — been a reality in Kansas.&nbsp;A 
small oil and gas boom dramatically increased the amount of wastewater 
being injected into the ground, which put pressure on ancient faults.While
 experts say the overall trend is declining and the recent spike in 
earthquakes near Hutchinson shouldn’t last long, some cities are looking
 for solutions that could lead to more problems.<h2>Under pressure</h2>Before
 2015, Kansas rarely experienced seismic activity. The faults that 
existed were minor, with very little external forces acting on them. 
Then came a rush on oil and gas, thanks to new technology that allowed 
companies to extract oil and gas from places where it’d been too hard or
 too expensive. Increased activity meant more wastewater — a lot more.Shortly
 after experts linked earthquakes to increased wastewater pumping, state
 regulators limited the amount of wastewater that could be put into 
particularly active zones in south-central Kansas.When oil prices and oil and gas activity all dropped, so did Kansas’ earthquakes.But
 the pressure from water injection, which mostly took place in Harper 
County near the state’s border with Oklahoma, had a long tail, to the 
point that it’s impacted faults farther north.“We see a pressure
 build, we see a direct correlation with seismicity,” Kansas Geological 
Survey geophysicist Rick Miller told lawmakers recently. “We see a 
pressure diffusion and now we’re seeing a drop in seismicity, which is 
really, really, good news.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582211191321.jpeg" alt=" A map of pressure changes in the Arbuckle formation with an overlay of detected earthquakes. Credit Rick Miller / Kansas Geological Survey" />
 <figcaption> A map of pressure changes in the Arbuckle formation with an overlay of detected earthquakes. Credit Rick Miller / Kansas Geological Survey</figcaption>
 </figure>There are a few outliers. Hutchinson, in Reno County, saw a spike in 
earthquakes in 2019. Miller said he didn’t even know there were faults 
where the main cluster was centered.The spike also didn’t follow
 the normal pattern seen elsewhere. When regulators and experts began 
looking at injection wells in the area, they found that injection 
volumes hadn’t increased. But there had been bursts, or pulses, of 
increased wastewater injection in May and July.Shortly after, Reno County experienced 4.2 and a 4.6 magnitude earthquakes.“We’ve
 admonished (well owners) to not pulse, they’ve asked us, define what a 
pulse is,” said Tom Stiles, director of the bureau of water at the 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment.But the connection 
between pulses and earthquakes is inconsistent, Miller said. In 2016, 
there were pulses and no earthquakes. The following two years: increased
 earthquake activity but no pulses.“... (W)e really don’t have a smoking gun that says this is what caused it,” he said.<h2>A unique problem</h2>The
 wells closest to the earthquake cluster in Reno County aren’t from oil 
and gas operations. They’re used by industrial companies and are known 
as Class I wells.Hutchinson operates the two highest-volume Class I wells to dispose of the waste produced by the city’s water-treatment plant.Brian
 Clennan, the director of public works for Hutchinson, said those 
disposals are so crucial that “we cannot operate our water treatment 
center at this point without them.”The city isn’t just worried 
about causing earthquakes, either. The space available in well has 
rapidly decreased; Clennan estimated about only 25 years of useful life 
left.To remedy both problems, the city is looking to reduce the 
amount of wastewater it produces in the short term. But it’s also 
working on a way to eliminate the need for the wells at all.One 
option is to pipe the wastewater into the Arkansas River, which is 
estimated to cost about $4 million. It also comes with its own set of 
problems.The wastewater from the plant is high in chlorides and 
other nutrients. Put too much of that into the river and irrigated crops
 will be damaged or killed.Stiles said the state has been 
successful in reducing the chloride levels in the Arkansas River south 
of Hutchinson. And he wants to be extremely careful when considering 
anything that could reverse it.“We don’t want to undo some of 
the progress we’ve made there,” Stiles said. “The one thing we don’t 
want to do is trade off one set of problems in exchange for another 
set.”Brian Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and 
natural resources for KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You 
can follow him on Twitter&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en">@briangrimmett</a>&nbsp;or
 email him at grimmett@kmuw.org. The Kansas News Service is a
 collaboration of KCUR, Kansas Public Radio, KMUW and High Plains Public
 Radio focused on health, the social determinants of health and their 
connection to public policy.

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