Geary County Rural firefighters have reponded to 18 fires so far this year compared to 10 one year ago. That included the Stone Ridge house fire and an apartment building fire at the Bluffs Apartment complex.

A bid for air packs was approved at a cost of $697,586.29. They will serve firefighters for Geary County Rural Fire, Milford and Grandview Plaza.

March 16 is the date for the annual Storm Spotter Severe Weather Training meeting at the 4-H / Senior Center.

Geary County Rural firefighters have reponded to 18 fires so far this year compared to 10 one year ago. That included the Stone Ridge house fire and an apartment building fire at the Bluffs Apartment complex.A bid for air packs was approved at a cost of $697,586.29. They will serve firefighters for Geary County Rural Fire, Milford and Grandview Plaza.March 16 is the date for the annual Storm Spotter Severe Weather Training meeting at the 4-H / Senior Center.

Geary County news notes

Budget discussion drew a great deal of attention at this week's Board of Education meeting in Junction City. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston said that they are looking at their overall expenses. "We're looking at the funding sources and any reductions that may be upon us and just covering all of our expenses. That would include facilities, staff and programs."

Eggleston noted that they want to ensure that they have everything they need in place for the 2026-2027 and even the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years.&nbsp;

The Board heard that 2&nbsp; to 3 million&nbsp; dollars in cuts might be necessary next year. Eggleston added that they're, "seeing where we can make cuts so that ultimately we're not impacting what's most important, that's supporting our students."&nbsp;

JC Post asked if a reduction in force is necessary? Eggleston is not certain yet. "We'll see what happens with atttrition, and that's through retirements and resignations. That could very easily take care of everything for us." That will be done in the spring.

At this point no final decisions have been made.

Some of the information presented to the BOE:

--Impact aid received last&nbsp; year totaled $16 million and $23 million in 2024.

--It cost $2.7 million to give raises last year including health insurance for everyone.

--The high school bonds can be paid off in full in 2031.

--Ideas from the Board included having administrators look at the building level for possible cuts.

Budget discussion drew a great deal of attention at this week's Board of Education meeting in Junction City. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston said that they are looking at their overall expenses. "We're looking at the funding sources and any reductions that may be upon us and just covering all of our expenses. That would include facilities, staff and programs."Eggleston noted that they want to ensure that they have everything they need in place for the 2026-2027 and even the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years.&nbsp;The Board heard that 2&nbsp; to 3 million&nbsp; dollars in cuts might be necessary next year. Eggleston added that they're, "seeing where we can make cuts so that ultimately we're not impacting what's most important, that's supporting our students."&nbsp;JC Post asked if a reduction in force is necessary? Eggleston is not certain yet. "We'll see what happens with atttrition, and that's through retirements and resignations. That could very easily take care of everything for us." That will be done in the spring.At this point no final decisions have been made.Some of the information presented to the BOE:--Impact aid received last&nbsp; year totaled $16 million and $23 million in 2024.--It cost $2.7 million to give raises last year including health insurance for everyone.--The high school bonds can be paid off in full in 2031.--Ideas from the Board included having administrators look at the building level for possible cuts.

School district faces future budget challenges

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.

For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a>

1510 E Iron Ave, Salina – Great location with convenient access and visibility. Office space available for immediate lease. Ideal for professional services, medical, or administrative use. Close to Indian Rock Park and USD 305 offices.For Information Contact: Jeff Maes or Mike Wilson at (785) 493-8500, <a href="mailto:jeffm@comprorealty.com">jeffm@comprorealty.com</a>&nbsp;or <a href="mailto:mwilson@comprorealty.com">mwilson@comprorealty.com</a> <figure>
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USD 475 may move out of the H.D. Karns Building

Geary USD 475 Board of Education members have voted to allow livestreaming of their meetings. They also can recorded for later viewing.

There had been some consideration that they could be viewed live but not recorded. Board member Kristy Haden noted that all Class 5A and 6A Districts are recording their meetings and the State Department of Education is also doing it.

Board member Dr. Anwar Khour noted that the whole point is for people to watch.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary USD 475 Board of Education members have voted to allow livestreaming of their meetings. They also can recorded for later viewing.There had been some consideration that they could be viewed live but not recorded. Board member Kristy Haden noted that all Class 5A and 6A Districts are recording their meetings and the State Department of Education is also doing it.Board member Dr. Anwar Khour noted that the whole point is for people to watch.

Livestreaming approved for BOE meetings

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Geary County Schools USD 475&nbsp; had a district record 3,020 students from throughout the district earn the Thrive Award for their work during the first semester of the 2025-26 school year.“I am incredibly proud of all our students who were able to receive this honor for their hard work in the classroom this fall. It is truly a testament to how hard our teachers and staff have been working this school year,” said Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent of Schools.

Overall, USD 475 had 2,051 students receive the Thrive Award at its elementary schools, while 969 students were honored at the secondary level.To receive this honor, students, who were recognized at their respective schools with a special certificate throughout the last couple of months, had to meet requirements in attendance and discipline referrals. Grades will be factored into the award following the second semester of this school year

The district also had 139 fourth and fifth grade students inducted into its National Elementary Honor Society chapter this school year.&nbsp;In all, USD 475 has a total of 298 new NHS students throughout the district, including 159 new members in its secondary buildings. By adding the elementary chapter in 2024-25, the district now has a National Honor Society at elementary, middle and high school

Finally, it was recently announced by the Kansas State Department of Education that Junction City High School has a 91.7 percent graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 90.5 percent.

By Matt Hoover&nbsp;USD 75 Communications CoordinatorJUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Geary County Schools USD 475&nbsp; had a district record 3,020 students from throughout the district earn the Thrive Award for their work during the first semester of the 2025-26 school year.“I am incredibly proud of all our students who were able to receive this honor for their hard work in the classroom this fall. It is truly a testament to how hard our teachers and staff have been working this school year,” said Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent of Schools.Overall, USD 475 had 2,051 students receive the Thrive Award at its elementary schools, while 969 students were honored at the secondary level.To receive this honor, students, who were recognized at their respective schools with a special certificate throughout the last couple of months, had to meet requirements in attendance and discipline referrals. Grades will be factored into the award following the second semester of this school yearThe district also had 139 fourth and fifth grade students inducted into its National Elementary Honor Society chapter this school year.&nbsp;In all, USD 475 has a total of 298 new NHS students throughout the district, including 159 new members in its secondary buildings. By adding the elementary chapter in 2024-25, the district now has a National Honor Society at elementary, middle and high schoolFinally, it was recently announced by the Kansas State Department of Education that Junction City High School has a 91.7 percent graduation rate, which is higher than the state average of 90.5 percent.

USD 475 Excelling in the Classroom

The Annual Statewide Tornado Drill will be Wednesday, at 10am.

Geary County Emergency Mnagement announced that storm sirens in Junction City, Grandview Plaza, Milford City, and Milford Township will be sounded as part of the Statewide Drill. &nbsp;

The Annual Statewide Tornado Drill will be Wednesday, at 10am.Geary County Emergency Mnagement announced that storm sirens in Junction City, Grandview Plaza, Milford City, and Milford Township will be sounded as part of the Statewide Drill. &nbsp;

Statewide Tornado Drill

TOPEKA—Cindy MacDonald said she hoped to finish her final year as court clerk for Dickinson County District Court without fanfare.

“I just wanted to retire quietly after 24 years,” she said.

But Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton, 8th Judicial District, wanted MacDonald to experience a rare honor before she retired. He nominated her to be honorary bailiff for the Kansas Supreme Court special session in Abilene on March 10.

As bailiff, MacDonald will call the audience to order at 6:30 p.m. as the Supreme Court enters for its special session.

“Cindy is so deserving of this honor,” Sexton said. “She is a tremendous leader whose work ethic is an example for our trial court clerks.”

MacDonald said legal careers run in her family. Her father was one of the first court administrators in Kansas, and her mother was an administrative secretary for judges in Salina.

“I started working part-time at a law firm while I was in high school,” she said. “Both of my sisters also worked for firms, and at one time all three of us were at the same one, but I was the only one who stayed in the field.”

MacDonald began as a legal secretary and later became a certified legal assistant working at various law firms. After 18 years, she was ready for a new challenge.

“When I saw the district court clerk position, I knew it was the right opportunity for me,” she said.

She said it appealed to her because it would allow her to learn more about legal processes beyond the specialized areas of practice in the law firms where she had worked.

“In district court, we handle all case types, so clerks have to know how to process every one of them and also be flexible about change,” she said. “Whether it’s updates to state statutes, changes to court rules, or new processes, being a clerk means you’re always learning something new every day.”

Having worked at both law firms and in the courts, MacDonald said she prefers her current role in the courthouse.

“I love the administrative side of the courts,” she said. “I get to work with the judges, train new trial court clerks, and connect the public with court resources.”

MacDonald said she also enjoys the planning and organizing that go into keeping the court running smoothly, skills she used during the Dickinson County Courthouse renovation in 2021.

The Supreme Court visit to Abilene is part of its outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.

The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the&nbsp;Library Building Indoor Courtyard at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene.

After the special session ends, justices will greet the public in an informal reception.

Details about the special session, including the case that will be heard, an explanation of oral argument, and tips for attending in person are at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/324QLG27zYNmrWCecS1zZJFfF4iYRRqzn7AzcYKJMmcoXHZs_Zo1ZQSgGXGG8CH5ZyvCL3gA0MjDqWD_u_FCUkPDIkClk0RWlnATLL-UqRZ_EruvyhfV9f9aGJ1DN61h">kscourts.gov/travel-docket</a>

TOPEKA—Cindy MacDonald said she hoped to finish her final year as court clerk for Dickinson County District Court without fanfare.“I just wanted to retire quietly after 24 years,” she said.But Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton, 8th Judicial District, wanted MacDonald to experience a rare honor before she retired. He nominated her to be honorary bailiff for the Kansas Supreme Court special session in Abilene on March 10.As bailiff, MacDonald will call the audience to order at 6:30 p.m. as the Supreme Court enters for its special session.“Cindy is so deserving of this honor,” Sexton said. “She is a tremendous leader whose work ethic is an example for our trial court clerks.”MacDonald’s career in legal fieldMacDonald said legal careers run in her family. Her father was one of the first court administrators in Kansas, and her mother was an administrative secretary for judges in Salina.“I started working part-time at a law firm while I was in high school,” she said. “Both of my sisters also worked for firms, and at one time all three of us were at the same one, but I was the only one who stayed in the field.”MacDonald began as a legal secretary and later became a certified legal assistant working at various law firms. After 18 years, she was ready for a new challenge.“When I saw the district court clerk position, I knew it was the right opportunity for me,” she said.She said it appealed to her because it would allow her to learn more about legal processes beyond the specialized areas of practice in the law firms where she had worked.“In district court, we handle all case types, so clerks have to know how to process every one of them and also be flexible about change,” she said. “Whether it’s updates to state statutes, changes to court rules, or new processes, being a clerk means you’re always learning something new every day.”Having worked at both law firms and in the courts, MacDonald said she prefers her current role in the courthouse.“I love the administrative side of the courts,” she said. “I get to work with the judges, train new trial court clerks, and connect the public with court resources.”MacDonald said she also enjoys the planning and organizing that go into keeping the court running smoothly, skills she used during the Dickinson County Courthouse renovation in 2021.Supreme Court special session in AbileneThe Supreme Court visit to Abilene is part of its outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in the&nbsp;Library Building Indoor Courtyard at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, 200 SE 4th Street, Abilene.After the special session ends, justices will greet the public in an informal reception.Attending the special sessionDetails about the special session, including the case that will be heard, an explanation of oral argument, and tips for attending in person are at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://go.kansascourts.gov/l/324QLG27zYNmrWCecS1zZJFfF4iYRRqzn7AzcYKJMmcoXHZs_Zo1ZQSgGXGG8CH5ZyvCL3gA0MjDqWD_u_FCUkPDIkClk0RWlnATLL-UqRZ_EruvyhfV9f9aGJ1DN61h">kscourts.gov/travel-docket</a>

District court clerk to serve as honorary bailiff for Supreme Court visit to Abilene

&nbsp; St. Xavier School will be holding a shadow day on March 11th. This is an opportunity for 8th grade students in the community to go through a day in the life of a Ram by attending classes, meeting teachers and students, and experiencing the school culture. 

Those interested can RSVP by sending an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:principal@saintxrams.org">principal@saintxrams.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the school office at 785-238-2841.

&nbsp; St. Xavier School will be holding a shadow day on March 11th. This is an opportunity for 8th grade students in the community to go through a day in the life of a Ram by attending classes, meeting teachers and students, and experiencing the school culture. Those interested can RSVP by sending an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:principal@saintxrams.org">principal@saintxrams.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling the school office at 785-238-2841.<figure>
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Shadow Day

Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.

By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.

<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.

As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.

Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel.

"Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."

Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.

Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.

A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.

At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772553222639.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy K-State&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Following weekend airstrikes in Iran, rising crude oil prices could push gasoline costs higher within weeks.</h2>By RAFAEL GARCIA <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/news/articles/2026/03/economist-forecasts-gas-price-increase-following-iran-attacks.html">K-State News and Communications Services</a> It may be months or even years before the long-term geopolitical ramifications of this weekend's airstrikes in Iran become clear, but a Kansas State University agricultural economist says gas prices are likely to spike in the coming weeks.<a href="https://www.ageconomics.k-state.edu/about/people/directory/faculty_directory/ibendahl/">Gregg Ibendahl</a>, associate professor of agricultural economics, specializes in agricultural production and finance, especially fuel pricing seasonality and impacts to the ag industry.As a region, the Middle East is the world's leading producer of oil, and any uncertainty in the stability of the region's governments, economies and shipping capacity has typically resulted in price shocks, Ibendahl said.Following airstrikes on Saturday that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent reciprocal strikes, crude oil futures had already risen 8%, from $67 per barrel on Friday to $72 on Monday morning.<h2>What history suggests about pump prices</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agmanager.info/production-economics/prices-and-price-forecasts/what-does-middle-eastern-war-mean-gas-prices">analyzing 20 years of oil and gas price data</a>, Ibendahl found that in the immediate term, gas prices typically go up about 2.4 cents per gallon for every $1 increase in oil's price per barrel."Prior to this weekend, U.S. regular gasoline averaged $2.98 per gallon nationally," Ibendahl said. "With the baseline $6 per barrel increase, prices could rise to between $3.10 and $3.16 within a month. Remember too, oil prices rose to $130 per barrel shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leading to gas prices of $5 per gallon."Spikes in crude oil prices usually lead to a similar change in gasoline prices in the subsequent week, Ibendahl said. But crucially, crude oil movements can influence pump prices for more than a month, especially when uncertainty remains about the future stability of an oil-producing region.<h2>Gas prices could climb even higher</h2>Ibendahl's forecast, he pointed out, does not take into account other factors, such as extended violence or suspended traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — an Iranian-controlled 21-mile chokepoint through which about 20% of globally traded oil passes.A shutdown of the strait could lead to oil prices that are well over $100 per barrel, or even more if warfare in the region starts targeting oil production facilities.At that point, gas prices at the pump quickly start approaching $4 per gallon — or even more, if oil prices follow a similar trajectory to the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."Longer term, the price increase could be 4.2 cents per gallon for every dollar per barrel," Ibendahl said. "While conflict may be occurring in the Persian Gulf, the resulting impact on gas prices will be felt at stations nationwide before the end of the month."

Will gas hit $4? K-State economist breaks down numbers

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>

GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.

Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.

Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.

“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.

Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.

In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.

“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.

Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.

Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.

“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.

“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.

In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.

Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.

“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”

In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.

Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.

“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”

Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;

“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.

Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.

“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”

Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.

At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.

“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.

“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;

In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.

Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.

“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”

Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.

Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.

“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”

This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.

In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.

To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.

Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.

Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.

She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.

Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.

This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.

“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.

Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;

“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.

That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.

“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”

However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”

Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”

Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.

“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”

This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.

Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.

“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772216134151.jpeg" alt="Kansas lawmakers are grappling with how to equalize property taxes paid by residential property owners and those paid by their commercial counterparts. Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers are grappling with how to equalize property taxes paid by residential property owners and those paid by their commercial counterparts. Dale Hogg/ Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/dale-hogg/">DALE HOGG</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2026/02/25/kansas-homeowners-carry-bigger-tax-burden-than-commercial-property-owners/">Kansas Reflector</a>GREAT BEND — A yawning gap between surging home values and stagnant commercial assessments has fueled a significant shift in the Kansas property tax burden, forcing homeowners to shoulder a larger share of government needs, state and local officials say.Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.Despite commercial property being taxed at more than double the rate of residential property, Rep. Adam Smith, a Weskan Republican and chair of the House Taxation Committee, said the “sheer velocity” of home price increases has outpaced the higher commercial rate.“Value is whatever you are willing to pay for it,” Smith said.<h2>How did we get here?</h2>Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser and legislative liaison for the Kansas County Appraisers Association, said that residential and commercial property tax burdens shifted toward businesses after changes that began 40 years ago.In 1985, the Legislature authorized a statewide reappraisal of all real estate properties. New valuations were set for 1989.“Most properties at that time had not been revalued for many years, and sometimes decades, which created horrible inequities between similar properties in terms of valuation and taxes,” Robertson said.Kansans passed a constitutional amendment by popular vote in 1990 that set the tax rate for residential properties at 11.5% of appraised value and the rate for commercial properties at 25%.Although there are other property classifications — including agricultural, nonprofit, vacant and utility — residential and commercial are the largest revenue drivers by a wide margin.“Once the dust settled” from these changes, Robertson said, residential property owners in 1997 paid 38% of total statewide property taxes while other classifications, primarily commercial, accounted for the remaining 62%.“Over the past 30-plus years, though, those percentages have changed dramatically,” Robertson said.In 2024, residential property owners paid 57% of all property taxes while commercial and other property owners paid 43%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772215924958.jpeg" alt="From left, Barb Esfeld, Barton County commissioner and former county appraiser, discusses her concerns about the proposed state property valuation caps with fellow commissioner Tricia Schlessiger, center, and Duane Reif during a Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. Dale Hogg/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>From left, Barb Esfeld, Barton County commissioner and former county appraiser, discusses her concerns about the proposed state property valuation caps with fellow commissioner Tricia Schlessiger, center, and Duane Reif during a Feb. 3, 2026, meeting. Dale Hogg/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What caused the flip?</h2>Three factors caused this shift, Robertson said.“First, exempting properties from paying taxes does not simply absolve those properties from paying taxes,” he said. “Exemptions cause a shift of property tax responsibility onto other properties which are not exempted.”In 2006, any newly acquired commercial or industrial machinery and equipment was exempted from property tax. This pushed commercial property owners to purchase new equipment that would then be exempt going forward.Barton County Commissioner Barb Esfeld, the county’s former appraiser of 30 years, said the Kansas Legislature has systematically removed items from tax rolls, including certain business machinery, boats and personal property, often to attract new business.“What they’ve done is taken that pie and put more of it on real estate and residential,” Esfeld said. “Residential feels it the most because it’s not income-generating.”Commercial properties built with Industrial Revenue Bonds or given economic development exemptions by local boards can be avoid property taxes for up to 10 years.&nbsp;“Although these exemptions are useful economic incentive tools that can be beneficial to a community in the long run, they remove possible revenue streams that pay for public services and transfer the tax burden to other property types for a period,” Robertson said.Second, commercial properties are often given special considerations. For example, he said, if a commercial property has its value reduced as part of a hearing with the county appraiser or the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, that value is maintained for an additional two years.“This does not apply to residential properties that get a valuation reduced through the same process,” Robertson said. “That combination results in a wide swath of statutorily stagnant commercial values.”Finally, home sale prices — driven by low supply, high demand, increased cost of building materials and low interest rates — have increased nearly 100% in the past eight years, from a median sale price of $159,000 in 2016 to $305,000 in 2024.At the same time, commercial loan values (a measure of commercial sales activity) have increased by half that margin.“The short version is that the market value of residential properties is rising at a much faster rate than the market value of commercial properties,” Robertson said.<h2>What about the future?</h2>“There have been two things in recent years that have kept the disparity between residential and commercial taxes at a relative minimum,” Robertson said.&nbsp;In 2024, the median appraised valuation of residential properties for taxation purposes was lower than the median sale price in all 105 Kansas counties. So, despite still rising values, counties in Kansas are undervaluing residential properties, on the whole, compared to sale prices.Additionally, there is an exemption of up to $172.50 currently taken off the property tax bill for every residential property in Kansas. This is an increase of the $46 exemption taken off each residential tax bill as recently as 2021.“Without these two realities, residential property owners in Kansas would be paying an even greater share of taxes compared to commercial property owners than they already do,” he said. “This trend does not need to continue, though.”<h2>Narrowing the gap</h2>Most of the solutions for narrowing the disparity between residential and commercial property taxes require legislative or constitutional changes, Robertson said.Raising the exemption for residential properties from $172.50 would help reduce residential taxes, and, therefore, narrow the difference. Targeted circuit breakers or means-testing could be introduced to provide residential property owners with rebates or refunds.“Also, a lower assessment rate for residential properties could be applied,” Robertson said. “A cousin to that approach is the Gallagher Amendment, which was used in Colorado for many years.”This method (before its repeal in 2020) made it a requirement for residential properties to pay no more than 45% of the total property taxes in the state. This required a recalculation of the residential assessment rate each year, but kept the balance between residential and commercial taxes even.In an effort to curb the effect of rising market values, Kansas lawmakers have proposed the Cap Assessed Value Protection Amendment, Esfeld said. This constitutional change would limit annual property tax assessment increases to 3% for most real estate and residential mobile homes beginning in 2027.To address recent market volatility, the measure includes a look-back provision that would cap 2027 assessments at no more than 3% above their 2022 levels, effectively rolling back significant valuation spikes seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.While the cap would generally remain in place even after a property is sold, exceptions would be made for new construction, major improvements or assessment errors.Critics like Esfeld argue the amendment is a superficial solution to a deeper systemic problem.Because local government budgets for essential services are relatively fixed, Esfeld warns that capping valuations will simply force a mathematical spike in the mill levy to cover the funding gap. She said that the real issue is an eroding tax base caused by decades of state-level exemptions, which have steadily shifted the overall tax burden onto homeowners.She said the cap acts as a “Band-Aid on a bleeding ulcer” that may offer temporary relief while potentially destabilizing local government funding and penalizing economic growth.Also, by looking back to 2022 and its lower values for the 2027 tax year, it won’t take long before many properties are extremely undervalued, Smith said. That would lead to a painful correction for taxpayers, similar to the mass statewide reappraisal in the late 1980s.This was a massive and costly undertaking designed to ensure all properties were valued at their fair market value. Today, state statute requires that appraisals remain within 10% of market value.“We don’t want to go back to then,” Smith said.<h2>What about lower property taxes for all?</h2>Currently, the state collects 20 mills on each tax bill for school funding, Robertson said.&nbsp;“It may be possible, depending on the courts’ interpretation of how a school funding plan is administered, to eliminate that portion of the property tax bill for Kansans and fund schools through some other mechanism” he said.That would lower the tax rate on every property tax bill in Kansas by a significant amount.“On the local level, budget equals tax. It is no more complicated than that; reducing a budget is the only way to reduce taxes,” Robertson said. But, here is the rub — reducing a budget at the local level likely means reducing or eliminating services.”However, “citizens like police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, roads that are passable, parks that are clean, etc.,” he said. “What are citizens willing to forego in favor of lower taxes? That is a question that can only be answered by local taxing authority boards and their constituents.”Ultimately, “it comes down to growth,” Smith said.&nbsp;“We have to grow our valuation. It’s a matter of economic development.”Esfeld suggested that true relief would require a more drastic reduction in mill levies, perhaps supported by state-level sales tax transfers, rather than capping appraisals.But she agreed with Smith overall.“I keep thinking that is the answer,” Esfeld said. “The only thing that would keep this from being a problem is new construction.”This would include homes, businesses and industrial expansion. Not only would such construction spread the property tax burden out, but it would also generate sales taxes and hospitality taxes, she said.Esfeld noted that even though the proposed cap looks back to 2022, properties that saw improvements between then and now would not qualify. This would remove any incentive for new building.“Economic development might as well go out the window,” she said. “It penalizes growth.”

Kansas homeowners carry bigger tax burden than commercial property owners

 In spite of a couple of brief cold snaps, February was warm. If it hadn’t been for those cold snaps, February may have been the hottest or second hottest on record. On top of the warmer than average temperatures, we only received 30% of normal February precipitation.      The average daily high for February was 55.5, 10.9 degrees above average. The average overnight low was 29.7, 7.3 degrees above average. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 42.8, 9.3 degrees above average. 

February 2026 was the fourth warmest February on record. The warmest February was in 1954 with a monthly mean temperature of 46.3. However, three of the four warmest Februaries on record have been 2024, 2017, and 2026. The coldest February was in 1979 with a bone chilling monthly mean temperature of 17.6 degrees. The highest temperature for the month was 78 degrees on the 9th. The coldest temperature was the morning low of 10 on the 1st. The high of 78 on the 9th broke the record high for that date. The old record was 76 set in 1976. The overnight low of 56 on the 17th set a new record high low temperature for that date. The old record was 52 set in 1997.&nbsp;      

February 28th marks the end of meteorological winter (December through February). Long term average (1991 - 2020) winter temperature is 31.9 degrees. The winter of 2025-26 had an average temperature of 37.0 degrees. The means that the winter of 2025-26 is tied for the third warmest winter on record behind 1991-92 at 37.9 degrees and 1952-53 with 37.3 degrees. What should be more concerning is that the three winters that this winter tied with are, 2023-24, 2016-17, and 2005-06. 

If you look at the ten warmest winters on record (Junction City/Milford Lake) , seven of them have been since 2000. If we take that a step further and look at the 30-year moving average (each year we drop off one year and add the latest year), average winter temperature has been steadily increasing. Since 1996 the average winter temperature has increased by three degrees.&nbsp;

February is our second driest month of the year. Average February liquid precipitation is 1.1 inches, and average snowfall is 4.7 inches. We managed just 1.1 inches of snow for February and a mere 0.33 inches of liquid precipitation. Thanks to the above average precipitation we received in January, however, we are right at our normal year to date precipitation. Normal for the first two months of the year is 1.83 inches and we have received 1.85 inches so far in 2026. We are slightly behind normal for snowfall, however. Average through February is 14.1 inches and we have received 10.8 inches for the current snowfall season.&nbsp;

March brings the start of meteorological spring on the 1st and astronomical spring on the 20th. March brings more hours of daylight and subsequently rising temperatures. Average daily highs for March start the month at 50 and by the 31st are up to 62. Average overnight low on the 1st is 26 degrees and by the end of the month has risen to 39 degrees. Long term average snowfall for March is 3.1 inches, although we are more likely to get thunderstorms during the month than snowstorms and average precipitation is 2.00 inches.

By Chuck OtteCounty Extension Agent Retired In spite of a couple of brief cold snaps, February was warm. If it hadn’t been for those cold snaps, February may have been the hottest or second hottest on record. On top of the warmer than average temperatures, we only received 30% of normal February precipitation.      The average daily high for February was 55.5, 10.9 degrees above average. The average overnight low was 29.7, 7.3 degrees above average. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 42.8, 9.3 degrees above average. February 2026 was the fourth warmest February on record. The warmest February was in 1954 with a monthly mean temperature of 46.3. However, three of the four warmest Februaries on record have been 2024, 2017, and 2026. The coldest February was in 1979 with a bone chilling monthly mean temperature of 17.6 degrees. The highest temperature for the month was 78 degrees on the 9th. The coldest temperature was the morning low of 10 on the 1st. The high of 78 on the 9th broke the record high for that date. The old record was 76 set in 1976. The overnight low of 56 on the 17th set a new record high low temperature for that date. The old record was 52 set in 1997.&nbsp;      February 28th marks the end of meteorological winter (December through February). Long term average (1991 - 2020) winter temperature is 31.9 degrees. The winter of 2025-26 had an average temperature of 37.0 degrees. The means that the winter of 2025-26 is tied for the third warmest winter on record behind 1991-92 at 37.9 degrees and 1952-53 with 37.3 degrees. What should be more concerning is that the three winters that this winter tied with are, 2023-24, 2016-17, and 2005-06. If you look at the ten warmest winters on record (Junction City/Milford Lake) , seven of them have been since 2000. If we take that a step further and look at the 30-year moving average (each year we drop off one year and add the latest year), average winter temperature has been steadily increasing. Since 1996 the average winter temperature has increased by three degrees.&nbsp;February is our second driest month of the year. Average February liquid precipitation is 1.1 inches, and average snowfall is 4.7 inches. We managed just 1.1 inches of snow for February and a mere 0.33 inches of liquid precipitation. Thanks to the above average precipitation we received in January, however, we are right at our normal year to date precipitation. Normal for the first two months of the year is 1.83 inches and we have received 1.85 inches so far in 2026. We are slightly behind normal for snowfall, however. Average through February is 14.1 inches and we have received 10.8 inches for the current snowfall season.&nbsp;March brings the start of meteorological spring on the 1st and astronomical spring on the 20th. March brings more hours of daylight and subsequently rising temperatures. Average daily highs for March start the month at 50 and by the 31st are up to 62. Average overnight low on the 1st is 26 degrees and by the end of the month has risen to 39 degrees. Long term average snowfall for March is 3.1 inches, although we are more likely to get thunderstorms during the month than snowstorms and average precipitation is 2.00 inches.

February 2026 Junction City Area Weather Summary

On Monday, President Trump at a White House ceremony&nbsp;presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to&nbsp;three U.S. Army soldiers for extraordinary valor.

Among the honorees was Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Terry P. Richardson of Fort Riley, who was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on September 14, 1968. On that day, his courage and decisive leadership under enemy fire saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

On Monday, President Trump at a White House ceremony&nbsp;presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to&nbsp;three U.S. Army soldiers for extraordinary valor.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump presents the Medal of Honor to Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Terry P. Richardson: <a href="https://t.co/VIepwESCPK">pic.twitter.com/VIepwESCPK</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/2028523414508507291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Among the honorees was Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Terry P. Richardson of Fort Riley, who was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War on September 14, 1968. On that day, his courage and decisive leadership under enemy fire saved the lives of 85 fellow soldiers.

🎥Fort Riley’s 39th Medal of Honor recipient recognized at White House

&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman.

 He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;

“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;

This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623900641496.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly,&nbsp;in accordance with&nbsp;Executive Order #20-30,&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;directed flags&nbsp;be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities&nbsp;effective&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas State Representative John Resman. He&nbsp;represented&nbsp;Kansas House District&nbsp;121&nbsp;since 2017.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772471506167.png" alt="Rep. John Resman (R) - District 121 (Photo courtesy State of Kansas)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. John Resman (R) - District 121 (Photo courtesy State of Kansas)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Representative Resman&nbsp;has a decorated history of serving&nbsp;his community, our state, and our country throughout his time in the Army, Kansas National Guard,&nbsp;the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Legislature,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends&nbsp;during this&nbsp;difficult time.&nbsp;This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is&nbsp;determined.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly orders flags to be flown at half-staff

MILFORD, KS&nbsp;— The City of Milford, KS and Acorns Resort, in coordination with official data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Kansas City, MO, are excited to announce a landmark year for North Central Kansas tourism. In 2025, Milford Lake welcomed&nbsp;1,374,209 visitors, officially cementing its status as a top-tier destination in the Sunflower State.

This visitation surge places the state’s largest lake among the elite tier of Kansas outdoor attractions. Outpacing many of the state’s metropolitan cultural icons, Milford Lake’s 1.37 million visitors highlight a growing national trend of travelers seeking high-quality outdoor recreation and "lake life" experiences."

Welcoming 1.37 million people is a massive achievement that underscores the importance of Milford Lake to the local, regional, and state economy," said&nbsp;Mike Harris, Owner of Acorns Resort. "Whether they are here for our fishing, boating, hunting, or hiking the Flint Hills, it is clear that Milford Lake is the heavyweight champion of the Kansas outdoors."

The growth is translating into more than just weekend tourism; it is driving a shift in the regional housing market.

"The impact of Milford Lake’s growth is visible everywhere, even in our housing market," stated&nbsp;Brad Roether, Mayor of the City of Milford. "We are seeing growth across&nbsp;Geary and Clay County&nbsp;because our natural resources, especially the fishing—have turned us into a multi-state regional attraction. People are buying homes here just to be closer to our outdoors; I don’t know if that is good or bad, but it is certainly taking place."

The economic impact of this visitation level is a vital engine for the region, supporting local businesses, infrastructure, and job creation through a massive influx of tourism dollars into North Central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772475057203.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MILFORD, KS&nbsp;— The City of Milford, KS and Acorns Resort, in coordination with official data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Kansas City, MO, are excited to announce a landmark year for North Central Kansas tourism. In 2025, Milford Lake welcomed&nbsp;1,374,209 visitors, officially cementing its status as a top-tier destination in the Sunflower State.This visitation surge places the state’s largest lake among the elite tier of Kansas outdoor attractions. Outpacing many of the state’s metropolitan cultural icons, Milford Lake’s 1.37 million visitors highlight a growing national trend of travelers seeking high-quality outdoor recreation and "lake life" experiences."Welcoming 1.37 million people is a massive achievement that underscores the importance of Milford Lake to the local, regional, and state economy," said&nbsp;Mike Harris, Owner of Acorns Resort. "Whether they are here for our fishing, boating, hunting, or hiking the Flint Hills, it is clear that Milford Lake is the heavyweight champion of the Kansas outdoors."The growth is translating into more than just weekend tourism; it is driving a shift in the regional housing market."The impact of Milford Lake’s growth is visible everywhere, even in our housing market," stated&nbsp;Brad Roether, Mayor of the City of Milford. "We are seeing growth across&nbsp;Geary and Clay County&nbsp;because our natural resources, especially the fishing—have turned us into a multi-state regional attraction. People are buying homes here just to be closer to our outdoors; I don’t know if that is good or bad, but it is certainly taking place."The economic impact of this visitation level is a vital engine for the region, supporting local businesses, infrastructure, and job creation through a massive influx of tourism dollars into North Central Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Milford Lake Achieves "Heavyweight" Status with Over 1.3 Million Visitors in 2025

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Sunday in Riley County.

A 2022 Toyota Camry driven by Pamela Martin, 59, of Blue Rapids, slid on ice and crashed on a bridge&nbsp;on Tuttle Creek Blvd near Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported Martin to Via Christi Hospital. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 9p.m. Sunday in Riley County.A 2022 Toyota Camry driven by Pamela Martin, 59, of Blue Rapids, slid on ice and crashed on a bridge&nbsp;on Tuttle Creek Blvd near Randolph, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported Martin to Via Christi Hospital. The RCPD released no additional details.

Kansas woman injured after car crash on icy bridge

The Geary County Sheriff's Office said that on Saturday afternoon Deputies responded to I70 W/B MM 308 for a single vehicle injury accident. Maricris M. Solano of Junction City was traveling westbound in a 2014 Infiniti Q Series when it went off the road, striking a tree. 

Solano was transported to Irwin Army Community Hospital due to her injuries.

The Geary County Sheriff's Office said that on Saturday afternoon Deputies responded to I70 W/B MM 308 for a single vehicle injury accident. Maricris M. Solano of Junction City was traveling westbound in a 2014 Infiniti Q Series when it went off the road, striking a tree. Solano was transported to Irwin Army Community Hospital due to her injuries.

Sheriff's authorities respond to injury accident

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Sunday in Marion County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by Sheldon Edward Cook, 19, Wamego, was northbound on U.S. 77. two miles north of U.S. 50.

The driver lost control of the car while crossing the bridge. The vehicle crossed the center line, struck the west edge of the bridge barrier, bounced off and struck a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Logan Joseph&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, El Dorado.&nbsp;

EMS transported Cook to&nbsp;St Lukes Hospital. Wakefield and four passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

MARION COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Sunday in Marion County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Ford Mustang driven by Sheldon Edward Cook, 19, Wamego, was northbound on U.S. 77. two miles north of U.S. 50.The driver lost control of the car while crossing the bridge. The vehicle crossed the center line, struck the west edge of the bridge barrier, bounced off and struck a southbound 2015 Ford Explorer driven by Logan Joseph&nbsp;Wakefield, 29, El Dorado.&nbsp;EMS transported Cook to&nbsp;St Lukes Hospital. Wakefield and four passengers in the SUV were not injured. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen hospitalized after car, SUV crash on a bridge

The 2026 6A Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) State Wrestling Tournament wrapped up on Saturday in Overland Park. Below are the final results for the Junction City Boys and Girls wrestling teams.&nbsp;

Junction City Girls Wrestling Results

Six Junction City High School Girl wrestlers placed at the 6A State Wrestling Tournament.

-- (115 lbs) Juliana “Bree” Villanueva - STATE CHAMPION (Back-to-back State Champion at 115 lbs, and three-time State Champion overall). Bree won the finals match (9-2). Following the match, she announced her commitment to Fort Hays State University to wrestle.

(130 lbs) Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz - STATE CHAMPION (Edgerton-Diaz rallied back in the match after falling behind 4-0 early in the match. She secured a takedown with 0:09 seconds left in the third period and won the match 7-6). (She placed sixth at State last year).

Other Placers for Junction City Girls Wrestling

The Lady Jay wrestling team qualified 12 for the state tournament. The girls wrestling team is coached by Carl Laughlin. "Our girls have worked very hard to get here," Coach Laughlin said. "We set our goals early in the season, and our girls found that switch, and turned it on this weekend and did a great job."&nbsp;

Speaking on the performances of the the two state champions, Junction City High School girls head Wrestling Coach Carl Laughlin commended the work ethic and quality of people both Bree Villanueva and Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz are. "Starting with Bree, nobody in this state realizes how good this kid is," Laughlin said. "She goes 36-0 this season, and only wrestled two full matches all year. This is her fourth state finals appearances and her third state championship. I'm really going to miss Bree."

As for junior Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz, Laughlin discussed her work ethic and always being active in several different sports. "Liz is so special, and nobody outworks her," Coach Carl Laughlin said. "She comes to wrestling practice and works hard, then goes to another volleyball practice, and is also always lifting weights. She is such a special athlete and has not lost a match since January 2nd.&nbsp; I told Liz I can do that again, I'm going have a heart attack and die on the side of the mat next time," Laughlin said.

"This whole team came together and it's so good to see how they just supported each other," Coach Laughlin said.&nbsp; Junction City finished sixth as a team with 122 points. 

Junction City Boys Wrestling results

For the Junction City High School boys wrestling team, senior Chris Coy, placed 3rd at weight class 215 lbs.

"Chris did an outstanding job for us this weekend," Junction City boys Wrestling Coach Rick Bazan said. "He beat three kids this weekend that he lost to previously. He really wrestled well and beat those three kids that were all ranked ahead of him, so Chris did an outstanding job."&nbsp;

Overall, six wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. Four of the six wrestlers made it into the "blood round". Chris Coy was the only placer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772386187374.jpeg" alt="Junction City's Bree Villanueva and Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz hold up their brackets after winning State in their weight classes." />
 <figcaption>Junction City's Bree Villanueva and Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz hold up their brackets after winning State in their weight classes.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe 2026 6A Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) State Wrestling Tournament wrapped up on Saturday in Overland Park. Below are the final results for the Junction City Boys and Girls wrestling teams.&nbsp;Junction City Girls Wrestling ResultsSix Junction City High School Girl wrestlers placed at the 6A State Wrestling Tournament.STATE CHAMPIONS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772386792406.jpeg" alt="Junction City senior Bree Villanueva stands at the top of the podium as the State Champion for 115 lbs. in class 6A girls wrestling." />
 <figcaption>Junction City senior Bree Villanueva stands at the top of the podium as the State Champion for 115 lbs. in class 6A girls wrestling.</figcaption>
 </figure>-- (115 lbs) Juliana “Bree” Villanueva - STATE CHAMPION (Back-to-back State Champion at 115 lbs, and three-time State Champion overall). Bree won the finals match (9-2). Following the match, she announced her commitment to Fort Hays State University to wrestle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772387112905.jpeg" alt="Junction City junior Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz&nbsp;stands at the top of the podium as the State Champion for 130 lbs. in class 6A girls wrestling." />
 <figcaption>Junction City junior Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz&nbsp;stands at the top of the podium as the State Champion for 130 lbs. in class 6A girls wrestling.</figcaption>
 </figure>(130 lbs) Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz - STATE CHAMPION (Edgerton-Diaz rallied back in the match after falling behind 4-0 early in the match. She secured a takedown with 0:09 seconds left in the third period and won the match 7-6). (She placed sixth at State last year).Other Placers for Junction City Girls Wrestling-- (110 lbs) Isha Kagoni - 6th place-- (120) Kiera Lawton - 5th place-- (190) Shalina Hicks - 6th place-- (235) Ka’Orri Herring - 6th place<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772387399648.jpeg" alt="Pictured: The Junction City Girls Wrestling team that qualified for the Class 6A State Wrestling Tournament in Overland Park.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pictured: The Junction City Girls Wrestling team that qualified for the Class 6A State Wrestling Tournament in Overland Park.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lady Jay wrestling team qualified 12 for the state tournament. The girls wrestling team is coached by Carl Laughlin. "Our girls have worked very hard to get here," Coach Laughlin said. "We set our goals early in the season, and our girls found that switch, and turned it on this weekend and did a great job."&nbsp;Speaking on the performances of the the two state champions, Junction City High School girls head Wrestling Coach Carl Laughlin commended the work ethic and quality of people both Bree Villanueva and Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz are. "Starting with Bree, nobody in this state realizes how good this kid is," Laughlin said. "She goes 36-0 this season, and only wrestled two full matches all year. This is her fourth state finals appearances and her third state championship. I'm really going to miss Bree."As for junior Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz, Laughlin discussed her work ethic and always being active in several different sports. "Liz is so special, and nobody outworks her," Coach Carl Laughlin said. "She comes to wrestling practice and works hard, then goes to another volleyball practice, and is also always lifting weights. She is such a special athlete and has not lost a match since January 2nd.&nbsp; I told Liz I can do that again, I'm going have a heart attack and die on the side of the mat next time," Laughlin said."This whole team came together and it's so good to see how they just supported each other," Coach Laughlin said.&nbsp; Junction City finished sixth as a team with 122 points. Junction City Boys Wrestling results<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772387256478.jpeg" alt="Junction City senior Chris Coy stands on the podium with a third place finish in weight class 215 lbs. at the Class 6A State Tournament." />
 <figcaption>Junction City senior Chris Coy stands on the podium with a third place finish in weight class 215 lbs. at the Class 6A State Tournament.</figcaption>
 </figure>For the Junction City High School boys wrestling team, senior Chris Coy, placed 3rd at weight class 215 lbs."Chris did an outstanding job for us this weekend," Junction City boys Wrestling Coach Rick Bazan said. "He beat three kids this weekend that he lost to previously. He really wrestled well and beat those three kids that were all ranked ahead of him, so Chris did an outstanding job."&nbsp;Overall, six wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. Four of the six wrestlers made it into the "blood round". Chris Coy was the only placer.

STATE RESULTS: Villanueva and Edgerton-Diaz win State Titles for JCHS, Coy finished Third for the Boys

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.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Alfonso Perez, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/20

Kelsey Hanzlicek, Violation of restrictions on diver's license permit; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a&nbsp; required device; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 02/20

Justin Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 02/20

Yongcheng Chen, Domestic battery, arrested 02/21

Moises Camarena, Failure to appear, arrested 02/21

Jon'quil Phelps, Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Driving while suspended; Possession of THC, arrested 02/21

Jemourri La Pierre, Domestic battery, arrested 02/22

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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062225900.jpeg" alt="Leona Simms, Violation of protection order; Criminal damage to property; Stalking, arrested 02/19" />
 <figcaption>Leona Simms, Violation of protection order; Criminal damage to property; Stalking, arrested 02/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062270125.jpeg" alt="Alejandra Salas, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stimulant (1 prior conviction), arrested 02/19" />
 <figcaption>Alejandra Salas, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of stimulant (1 prior conviction), arrested 02/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062410485.jpeg" alt="Antonio Miles, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon, cause great bodily harm/disfigurement/death, arrested 02/19" />
 <figcaption>Antonio Miles, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use weapon, cause great bodily harm/disfigurement/death, arrested 02/19</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062493426.jpeg" alt="Andrew Vigil, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship; Aggravated domestic battery; Choke in rude manner; Family member/dating relationship, arrested 02/21" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Vigil, Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship; Aggravated domestic battery; Choke in rude manner; Family member/dating relationship, arrested 02/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062502225.jpeg" alt="Ashley Demercurio, Probation violation; Interference with LEO; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Driving while suspended; Flee or attempt to elude (Five or more moving violations), arrested 02/23" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Demercurio, Probation violation; Interference with LEO; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Driving while suspended; Flee or attempt to elude (Five or more moving violations), arrested 02/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062675589.jpeg" alt="Domanick Miller, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/23" />
 <figcaption>Domanick Miller, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062685292.jpeg" alt="Lloyd Vincent, Failure to appear, arrested 02/23" />
 <figcaption>Lloyd Vincent, Failure to appear, arrested 02/23</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772062695637.jpeg" alt="Marcus Burrows, Failure to obey order of police officer during traffic, arrested 02/24" />
 <figcaption>Marcus Burrows, Failure to obey order of police officer during traffic, arrested 02/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494359271.jpeg" alt="Amanda Headlee, Probation violation; Interference with LEO; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt; 18; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 02/24" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Headlee, Probation violation; Interference with LEO; Aggravated endangering a child; Reckless situation to child &lt; 18; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 02/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494464387.jpeg" alt="Ulric Sampson, Aggravated endangering a child; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 02/24" />
 <figcaption>Ulric Sampson, Aggravated endangering a child; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 02/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494572434.jpeg" alt="Robert Calvert, Failure to appear (Two counts); Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Flee or attempt to elude; Aggravated assault of LEO - Use of a deadly weapon; Aggravated battery on LEO - Bodily harm to officer with motor vehicle; Theft , $1,500 pocket picking; Domestic battery-Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, Theft, Domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, arrested 02/24" />
 <figcaption>Robert Calvert, Failure to appear (Two counts); Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Flee or attempt to elude; Aggravated assault of LEO - Use of a deadly weapon; Aggravated battery on LEO - Bodily harm to officer with motor vehicle; Theft , $1,500 pocket picking; Domestic battery-Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Burglary; Vehicle to commit felony, Theft, Domestic violence, or sexually motivated crime, arrested 02/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494800624.jpeg" alt="Elizabeth Long, Probation violation, arrested 02/24" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Long, Probation violation, arrested 02/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494812896.jpeg" alt="Ishmail Thomas, Failure to appear (Two counts); Outside warrant, arrested 02/24" />
 <figcaption>Ishmail Thomas, Failure to appear (Two counts); Outside warrant, arrested 02/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494889597.jpeg" alt="Maurice Casey, Sanction, arrested 02/25" />
 <figcaption>Maurice Casey, Sanction, arrested 02/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772494915702.jpeg" alt="Christopher Hill, Failure to appear (Four counts), arrested 02/25" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Hill, Failure to appear (Four counts), arrested 02/25</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772495044486.jpeg" alt="Cornelius Phillips, Failure to appear, arrested 02/26" />
 <figcaption>Cornelius Phillips, Failure to appear, arrested 02/26</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Alfonso Perez, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/20Kelsey Hanzlicek, Violation of restrictions on diver's license permit; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a&nbsp; required device; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 02/20Justin Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 02/20Yongcheng Chen, Domestic battery, arrested 02/21Moises Camarena, Failure to appear, arrested 02/21Jon'quil Phelps, Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Driving while suspended; Possession of THC, arrested 02/21Jemourri La Pierre, Domestic battery, arrested 02/22Josue Pacheco Frantzis, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 02/22David Galaviz,&nbsp;Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Driving while suspended, arrested 02/22Aidan Rea, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 02/23Tiffany Rael, No driver's license in possession; DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 02/23JC Hunt, Endangering a child; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 02/24Joel Vance, Failure to appear, arrested 02/24Jasmine Brittain, Making false information, arrested 02/25Patrick Wollet, Domestic battery, arrested 02/25Robin Bakas, Failure to appear, arrested 02/26Darron Howard, Taxation, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Distribute marijuana, 25-&lt;450 grams, arrested 02/26Shinabee Greene,&nbsp;Taxation, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Distribute marijuana, 25-&lt;450 grams, arrested 02/26Steven Spencer, Distribute marijuana 25-&lt;450 grams; Taxation, Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance, arrested 02/26Julius Raygoza, Driving while suspended, arrested 02/27Recent 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.

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