Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-
Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-
Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson-
Including the cities of McFarland, McLouth, Eskridge, Council
Grove, Carbondale, Seneca, Clifton, Belleville, Linn, Garnett,
Washington, Paxico, Sabetha, Blue Rapids, Alma, Nortonville,
Grantville, Concordia, Emporia, Frankfort, St. Marys, Abilene,
Clay Center, Perry, Maple Hill, Oskaloosa, Horton, Burlingame,
Ottawa, Wamego, Bennington, Harveyville, Hiawatha, Holton,
Minneapolis, Hanover, Herington, Burlington, Manhattan, Lebo,
Topeka, Meriden, Lyndon, Greenleaf, Marysville, Junction City,
Osage City, Lawrence, Alta Vista, Overbrook, and Valley Falls
235 AM CST Sun Jan 25 2026

..

COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 22 below.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
  northeast Kansas.

* 

 IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero
  could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Republic-Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-
Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-
Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson-
Including the cities of McFarland, McLouth, Eskridge, Council
Grove, Carbondale, Seneca, Clifton, Belleville, Linn, Garnett,
Washington, Paxico, Sabetha, Blue Rapids, Alma, Nortonville,
Grantville, Concordia, Emporia, Frankfort, St. Marys, Abilene,
Clay Center, Perry, Maple Hill, Oskaloosa, Horton, Burlingame,
Ottawa, Wamego, Bennington, Harveyville, Hiawatha, Holton,
Minneapolis, Hanover, Herington, Burlington, Manhattan, Lebo,
Topeka, Meriden, Lyndon, Greenleaf, Marysville, Junction City,
Osage City, Lawrence, Alta Vista, Overbrook, and Valley Falls
235 AM CST Sun Jan 25 2026

..COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 22 below.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
 northeast Kansas.

* WHEN...Until noon CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero
 could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Cold Weather Advisory

Snow will remain light and powdery. Winds remain just 5-10 mph from the northeast to north. ●

 Snow is likely areawide early this evening but diminishes from northwest to southeast later tonight into Sunday morning. ○ 

Most likely amounts ■ North-central and northeast Kansas: &lt;1”-2” ■ East-central Kansas: 1-4” with the heavy totals southeast of Interstate 35.&nbsp;

Snow will remain light and powdery. Winds remain just 5-10 mph from the northeast to north. ● Snow is likely areawide early this evening but diminishes from northwest to southeast later tonight into Sunday morning. ○ Most likely amounts ■ North-central and northeast Kansas: &lt;1”-2” ■ East-central Kansas: 1-4” with the heavy totals southeast of Interstate 35.&nbsp;

Snow update from the National Weather Service

State of Emergency Declared – What This Means for Junction City 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly?__cft__[0]=AZaNSXSwAZnen8C0cg5rkWdQaq18542kv8SyzoyT1-2VoprSXtnuPFzLWBMAkqidtbHLIJZyojcG64XNYN7CwgWO7bJnJ_hmPQLIzH1h5bYVvks2bSVdsj2YhIGnEpQB6fPqWF3xJuXVil01o1_UsZHayE0oum5NyqggnH8o2uyxV-qoFjfTfqOwxx-M6w8Uh6lyMYx8MeaqzJfQhszvJLPqLMQTnofkwZ7I8Q8VXrioWQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Governor Laura Kelly</a>as declared a State of Emergencyon Friday due to the winter storm this weekend.&nbsp;

What does this mean for the city and our citizens?

 What this means for the City• Allows for city and county collaboration to request state resources if extra support is needed• Helps speed up coordination with KDOT, emergency services, and utility partners• Gives flexibility to respond quickly to changing conditions• Ensures emergency responders can focus on public safety first

 What this means for YOU• No immediate changes to daily life — but travel may be strongly discouraged during the storm• Roads conditions will vary as the storm progresses - please be patient as we work to keep our city as safe as possible. • Emergency response may take longer during peak storm conditions• Staying off the roads helps keep first responders and plow crews safe

 How you can help?• Avoid non-essential travel• Move vehicles off streets when possible to allow plows full access - the city has granted special permission for vehicles that do not fit in driveways to be temporarily parked on lawns during the snow event only. • Check on neighbors who may need assistance• Stay tuned to official City updates for real-time informationThank you for working with us and helping keep Junction City safe during this storm 

State of Emergency Declared – What This Means for Junction City <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly?__cft__[0]=AZaNSXSwAZnen8C0cg5rkWdQaq18542kv8SyzoyT1-2VoprSXtnuPFzLWBMAkqidtbHLIJZyojcG64XNYN7CwgWO7bJnJ_hmPQLIzH1h5bYVvks2bSVdsj2YhIGnEpQB6fPqWF3xJuXVil01o1_UsZHayE0oum5NyqggnH8o2uyxV-qoFjfTfqOwxx-M6w8Uh6lyMYx8MeaqzJfQhszvJLPqLMQTnofkwZ7I8Q8VXrioWQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Governor Laura Kelly</a>as declared a State of Emergencyon Friday due to the winter storm this weekend.&nbsp;What does this mean for the city and our citizens? What this means for the City• Allows for city and county collaboration to request state resources if extra support is needed• Helps speed up coordination with KDOT, emergency services, and utility partners• Gives flexibility to respond quickly to changing conditions• Ensures emergency responders can focus on public safety first What this means for YOU• No immediate changes to daily life — but travel may be strongly discouraged during the storm• Roads conditions will vary as the storm progresses - please be patient as we work to keep our city as safe as possible. • Emergency response may take longer during peak storm conditions• Staying off the roads helps keep first responders and plow crews safe How you can help?• Avoid non-essential travel• Move vehicles off streets when possible to allow plows full access - the city has granted special permission for vehicles that do not fit in driveways to be temporarily parked on lawns during the snow event only. • Check on neighbors who may need assistance• Stay tuned to official City updates for real-time informationThank you for working with us and helping keep Junction City safe during this storm <h2></h2>

City addresses State of Emergency

Editor's note: The Kansas Department of Labor did not publish separate reports for the October and November due to the government shutdown.

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in December, according to a media release from KDOL.&nbsp; This is unchanged from 3.8% in November and unchanged from 3.8% in December 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.5% in December.

The unemployment rate in Riley County is up slightly from 2.8 percent in November to 2.9 percent in December.&nbsp; The rate in Geary County is also up from 4 percent to 4.2 percent. The rate is also up slightly in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,500 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 5,000 over the month, while government increased by 500. The largest job gains in the private sector were in&nbsp;financial activities&nbsp;(+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities&nbsp;(-2,100 jobs).

Since December 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have decreased by 1,400. This change is due to an increase of 400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,800 government jobs.

Technical Note:This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for December 2025, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including December 12.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769180655958.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Editor's note: The Kansas Department of Labor did not publish separate reports for the October and November due to the government shutdown.Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in December, according to a media release from KDOL.&nbsp; This is unchanged from 3.8% in November and unchanged from 3.8% in December 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.5% in December.The unemployment rate in Riley County is up slightly from 2.8 percent in November to 2.9 percent in December.&nbsp; The rate in Geary County is also up from 4 percent to 4.2 percent. The rate is also up slightly in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee County.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,500 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 5,000 over the month, while government increased by 500. The largest job gains in the private sector were in&nbsp;financial activities&nbsp;(+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities&nbsp;(-2,100 jobs).Since December 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have decreased by 1,400. This change is due to an increase of 400 private sector jobs and a decrease of 1,800 government jobs.Technical Note:This release includes nonfarm jobs and labor force estimates for December 2025, which are produced using data from two monthly surveys. Data for nonfarm job estimates is collected through a survey of employers while the main input for labor force estimates is a survey of households. Data collected for this report references the week including December 12.

Jobless rate up just slightly across the region

Recap – Olathe South 57, Junction City 51

In the championship game of the 53rd annual Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament, the Olathe South Falcons beat the Junction City Blue Jays 57–51.

Olathe South won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game, but Junction City immediately followed with back-to-back baskets and led 4–2 early. The Falcons then went on a run for the rest of the first quarter and finished the period with a layup at the buzzer to lead 20–9 at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, both teams’ defenses settled in, and Olathe South led 29–19 at halftime.

The third quarter is when the Falcons took off. Olathe South started the quarter on a 9–2 run and jumped out to a 17-point lead at 38–21. The Blue Jays’ shots were not falling, and Olathe South was outrebounding Junction City on both ends of the floor. The Falcons held that 17-point lead and went up 42–25 at the end of three.

In the fourth quarter, Olathe South grew the lead to 20 points at 47–27 with six minutes to go. Junction City head coach Easton Burgardt called a timeout to try to rally the Blue Jays, who then trailed 51–32. The timeout worked. The Blue Jays went on a huge run thanks to full-court pressure and defense leading to offense. Junction City got several steals down the stretch and cut the lead to five, trailing 53–48 with 1:04 to go in the game. The Blue Jays played the foul game down the stretch, and the Falcons missed both free throws. Junction City had a chance to cut the deficit to one possession, but the Blue Jays could not convert, and Olathe South then made its next four free throws. The Falcons won 57–51 and captured their third mid-season tournament championship in Spring Hill. Junction City placed second in the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament for the second time.

Junction City’s Lovell Autry finished with 18 points, while Khaliel Walker added 12 points, the only two Blue Jays in double digits.

The Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was senior Jackson Hollie, who scored six points. Hollie played well on both ends of the floor and grabbed several rebounds for the Blue Jays. (For being the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jackson Hollie receives a $20 free meal coupon to Blu Restaurant, located at 602 N. Washington in Junction City.)

Junction City falls to 7–6 on the year and will host Topeka-Highland Park on Tuesday at the Blue Jay Event Center.

In the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament, Junction City had two players earn All-Tournament honors.

Senior Lovell Autry and junior Brody Boeckman were both selected to the All-Tournament Team. Autry scored in double digits in all three games, and Boeckman scored in double digits in two of the three games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769221615383.jpeg" alt="Junction City Boys basketball coach Easton Burgardt draws up a play in the Championship game at the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament." />
 <figcaption>Junction City Boys basketball coach Easton Burgardt draws up a play in the Championship game at the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostRecap – Olathe South 57, Junction City 51In the championship game of the 53rd annual Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament, the Olathe South Falcons beat the Junction City Blue Jays 57–51.Olathe South won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game, but Junction City immediately followed with back-to-back baskets and led 4–2 early. The Falcons then went on a run for the rest of the first quarter and finished the period with a layup at the buzzer to lead 20–9 at the end of the first quarter.In second-quarter action, both teams’ defenses settled in, and Olathe South led 29–19 at halftime.The third quarter is when the Falcons took off. Olathe South started the quarter on a 9–2 run and jumped out to a 17-point lead at 38–21. The Blue Jays’ shots were not falling, and Olathe South was outrebounding Junction City on both ends of the floor. The Falcons held that 17-point lead and went up 42–25 at the end of three.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769222837730.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In the fourth quarter, Olathe South grew the lead to 20 points at 47–27 with six minutes to go. Junction City head coach Easton Burgardt called a timeout to try to rally the Blue Jays, who then trailed 51–32. The timeout worked. The Blue Jays went on a huge run thanks to full-court pressure and defense leading to offense. Junction City got several steals down the stretch and cut the lead to five, trailing 53–48 with 1:04 to go in the game. The Blue Jays played the foul game down the stretch, and the Falcons missed both free throws. Junction City had a chance to cut the deficit to one possession, but the Blue Jays could not convert, and Olathe South then made its next four free throws. The Falcons won 57–51 and captured their third mid-season tournament championship in Spring Hill. Junction City placed second in the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament for the second time.Junction City’s Lovell Autry finished with 18 points, while Khaliel Walker added 12 points, the only two Blue Jays in double digits.The Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was senior Jackson Hollie, who scored six points. Hollie played well on both ends of the floor and grabbed several rebounds for the Blue Jays. (For being the Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jackson Hollie receives a $20 free meal coupon to Blu Restaurant, located at 602 N. Washington in Junction City.)Junction City falls to 7–6 on the year and will host Topeka-Highland Park on Tuesday at the Blue Jay Event Center.Mid-Season Tournament HonorsIn the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament, Junction City had two players earn All-Tournament honors.Senior Lovell Autry and junior Brody Boeckman were both selected to the All-Tournament Team. Autry scored in double digits in all three games, and Boeckman scored in double digits in two of the three games.

Blue Jays finish 2nd in Spring Hill Tournament, Two Players earn Honors

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Jerry Moran has secured a $5 million-dollar federal investment for the Kansas State University Research Reactor (KSURR) project.

His staff noted that this federal investment will support the project’s work to restore and enhance the facility through upgrading infrastructure, completing licensing updates and expanding research capabilities to support advanced nuclear research, workforce development and national energy priorities.

Congress has passed the legislation, and it has been sent to the President to be signed into law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769201695787.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Jerry Moran has secured a $5 million-dollar federal investment for the Kansas State University Research Reactor (KSURR) project.His staff noted that this federal investment will support the project’s work to restore and enhance the facility through upgrading infrastructure, completing licensing updates and expanding research capabilities to support advanced nuclear research, workforce development and national energy priorities.Congress has passed the legislation, and it has been sent to the President to be signed into law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769201793187.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Sen. Moran Announces Federal Investment for Kansas State University Nuclear Engineering Program

&nbsp; Hospitals in Topeka and Junction City (Flint Hills Campus) remain open and operating during inclement weather. They have 24/7 Emergency Departments available to care for emergent needs.&nbsp;

TheTopeka Express Cares plan to remain open during regular hours on Saturday (Jan. 24) and Sunday (Jan. 25) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Flint Hills Walk-In Services in Junction City plan to remain open during regular hours Saturday (Jan. 24) and Sunday (Jan. 25) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  • Patients with Monday (Jan. 26) appointments are encouraged to consider switching to a telehealth visit, if possible. Contact your provider or visit MyChart. 

The Nurse Information Line is available at Stormont Vail's Health Connections at (785) 354-5225 to assist with health questions and information.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Hospitals in Topeka and Junction City (Flint Hills Campus) remain open and operating during inclement weather. They have 24/7 Emergency Departments available to care for emergent needs.&nbsp;TheTopeka Express Cares plan to remain open during regular hours on Saturday (Jan. 24) and Sunday (Jan. 25) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Flint Hills Walk-In Services in Junction City plan to remain open during regular hours Saturday (Jan. 24) and Sunday (Jan. 25) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Patients with Monday (Jan. 26) appointments are encouraged to consider switching to a telehealth visit, if possible. Contact your provider or visit MyChart. The Nurse Information Line is available at Stormont Vail's Health Connections at (785) 354-5225 to assist with health questions and information.&nbsp;

Stormont Vail Health Operations During Inclement Weather

The Junction City Blue Jays are playing in the 53rd annual Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament Championship game today.&nbsp;

Junction City (7-5) vs Olathe South (7-6). Both teams went 2-0 in pool play. *The championship game will be played at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;

You can hear the championship game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">hear the game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Junction City is looking for their first Spring Hill Invitational Tournament championship. Olathe South has won two championships, including in 2024, when they beat the Blue Jays 64-55 in the championship game at Spring Hill High School.&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jays are playing in the 53rd annual Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament Championship game today.&nbsp;Junction City (7-5) vs Olathe South (7-6). Both teams went 2-0 in pool play. *The championship game will be played at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;You can hear the championship game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">hear the game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>Junction City is looking for their first Spring Hill Invitational Tournament championship. Olathe South has won two championships, including in 2024, when they beat the Blue Jays 64-55 in the championship game at Spring Hill High School.&nbsp;

🏀 LISTEN LIVE: Junction City vs Olathe South in Mid-Season Tournament Championship Game

NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.

The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled.  Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.

He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station.  Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. 

Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. 

I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time.

So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.

I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.

I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. 

That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.

Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that.

You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small."

 One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.

I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. 

I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. 

I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.

Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.

But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. 

But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this.

There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. 

And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. 

So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. 

This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.

That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.

And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. 

So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently.

So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. 

But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?

Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.

But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.

Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769203436542.png" alt="The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA" />
 <figcaption>The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission (left to right):NASA astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Reid Wiseman (seated), Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen- Credits: NASA</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YJ_Q6DXnnVo?si=gvZ1wvb7HSk3HYnX" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>NASA’s giant new moon rocket, Artemis II, moved to the launch pad Jan. 17, in preparation for astronauts’ first fly-around the moon in more than half a century. The out-and-back trip could blast off as early as February.The trip will send astronauts farther than any crew has traveled. Last spring we visited with the pilot of the mission, Victor Glover.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661448577852.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>He was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and most recently served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon spacecraft which flew to the International Space Station. Here is our interview with NASA astronaut Victor Glover.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;Welcome again to "Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times" with a special guest from Houston, astronaut Victor.&nbsp;Thanks for being on our program today. Victor Glover:&nbsp;Thanks, Gary, great to be here. Thanks for&nbsp;having me. Gary Shorman:&nbsp;&nbsp;You know, one of the things I know that we talk about on this program is leadership. You have walked in space four times. I believe you've been on the space station. You've lived up there for a while. What puts you in position? Victor Glover:&nbsp;You know, from a leadership, from a career standpoint, to be in the astronaut program, I love talking about leadership.&nbsp;I love the subject and, well, I think a part of it would be following having a bunch of great leaders to work with and look up to. Initially, when you're put into a leadership position, you can freestyle it, or you can mimic what you've seen. So I would say some great leaders do imitate. I worked for some amazing people. My squadron commanders, I worked for John McCain for almost a year. Charlie Bolden, who ran NASA, but he was a Marine Corps general when I worked for him the first time, and so I think that's a big part of it, having some really amazing leaders to look up to in the beginning.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Were there some key moments in your career that kind of turned you towards being an astronaut?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Key moments? Wow. I was in college, tutoring for a program, and loved working with kids, teaching engineering, and felt like I really had found my calling. I was considering the military and teaching at the time. So my boss in that program, thinking she was going to help, really set the hook for being an educator, had me meet the executive director of this program.I went up to the University of California office, and I walk in his office, and there's a constellation of our solar system and a rocket. And he sees me, leans back in his chair, he takes his glasses off and sets it on a book.I shake his hand, and sit down, and he taps on that book. And he says, you see that right there? That's how I live my dreams of space exploration and flying. And he says, You have a chance to go fly in the Navy. Go do it, and if anything else, it'll make you a better educator. That conversation, which was that quick, really turned my thinking. I've always loved education and the impact we can have on young people, but that really helped me get comfortable with the idea of going and starting this Navy journey, which, you know, lots of other decisions on the way, but that was the big one, whether or not to leave college and go be an educator or to go serve in the military.Gary Shorman: In our story, you talk to students about that. I'm sure you make those choices, make those things that can change your life. You've done that. You had a chance to be at the space station, walk in space. Let's talk a little bit about that. What did it feel like to step outside the spaceship and just go shooting? I see space right there that has to be a breathtaking experience.Victor Glover:&nbsp;That is it? It is breathtaking because you don't know what it's going to feel like when you first get out there. The advice I received that really just kept repeating in my head was, "Keep your world small." One of my classmates said to me, and so I just focused on right what was in front of my face, my hands and the handrail, where I'm going next. And so it took me about three hours before I felt like, OK.I kind of got the hang of this. I'm going to start looking around and maybe taking some pictures. Actually, on my first spacewalk, I did not take a single picture. There were no selfies to be taken on. it, but it was busy. I'll tell you, that's what it is. You're busy. When you're outside, there's a lot to be done, and it all requires intense focus. I&nbsp;wrestled in college, and I think space walking has a lot in common with wrestling, even though it may be physical in a different way. It's very physical. It's very three-dimensional.Your success requires you to integrate the three dimensions and to think about what's coming next. And that's very true in wrestling and space walks. It's so challenging. It's busy physically and mentally.But most importantly, you're working with a team. And that team, Mike Hopkins, who had been out on a spacewalk before, and led our first one, the first one I went on, and also the ground team, they all helped to make that possible. But that first moment when you look out, and you can see that for real, there are just no words to describe it. We train in a pool where you can see the bottom of the pool. When you look out, and it's 250 miles straight down, you go, "Wow! this is amazing and special. But also, what am I doing?"Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Letting go to actually float would have to be one of those experiences that you can think about, and I can say, "Boy, that'd be hard to do." But letting go when you're out there, and you see that space out there, that's amazing. What did it feel like when you were named to be on the Artemis mission?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Ah, wow. It's interesting, because people ask about the excitement, and excitement is a part of it. But the professionals who do what I do, understand the risks associated with this. There's a lot of software, a lot of pieces and parts to this, hardware, lots of people. This is made all over the country, in all 50 states of the Union, and then also parts overseas. And it all has to work flawlessly the first time for the duration of the mission. So we understand the risk. And so I would say the overriding feeling was, first of all shocked, because I didn't expect to be on this mission, so I was a little shocked. But then also, I know focus isn't a feeling, but the seriousness, that's my overriding feeling, was the seriousness of this. This means a lot for our country, for our agency, for our Artemis Accords, international partners, and it's risky. My family is going to have to go on this journey with&nbsp;me. We have a lot to get done in the next couple of years. And so, yeah, profundity, if it's a if that's an emotion, it was profundity.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;If you look at 50 years since we've had a mission like this, and you'll be the first one to head to the moon, there's more to it than just circling the moon, though. Tell us a little bit more about the long-term plans for the Artemis mission.Victor Glover:&nbsp;Artemis is our generation's deep-space exploration program. It's not just the Moon Program. We're going to make sure this Orion capsule is safe for humans to fly, so that we can fly it to eventually dock to a lunar lander.That will get us to the surface of the moon, or to a gateway space station that's orbiting the moon. Both of those things are going to enable future technologies and future techniques and future teams to go beyond the moon on to Mars.And continue to understand, maybe, how the Earth looked in its past, or where we may be headed in the future, if we don't take better care of our planet. So the Artemis program is a big campaign. The moon is just one destination, and that's our mission. Our mission is to do the free return trajectory around the moon, but really to test out Orion as one big step on this journey that's going to eventually get humans to Mars.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;Orion is your spaceship, and you'll be the pilot of that as you approach the moon and circle the moon. What are you going to be looking for?Victor Glover:&nbsp;Oh, wow. So there's a potential. The region of the moon, what we would call the Western Hemisphere, looking at it from Earth on the far side. That part has not been completely seen by human eyes, and I just learned that recently. So the fact that there's a potential for us to see something that's never been seen before, that's amazing. But no matter what, even if it's completely dark, to look out the window of the spacecraft and to look at the moon in the foreground, and then see the Earth in the background, in the distance, a quarter of a million miles away, with my crewmates, Reed, Cristina, and Jeremy. I don't know what that's going to feel like, but I'm looking forward to that. That's going to be amazing.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I hope you send us pictures back, Victor.&nbsp; I know you're short on time because you have a lot of people and you have a lot of training to do. That has to be intense training, because there are so many moving parts, as you say, that intensity, that focus it takes. How many hours a day do you train?Victor Glover:&nbsp;So we will start training next month, and I imagine it's going to be chock full. I think they're going to schedule our days full. And you know, while some of it will be technical training, some of it will be continuing to engage the public, like we are now.But also, we will be engaging the team that's developing the hardware or building hardware and software, and thanking them for their hard work and letting them know how much we count on their technical expertise. And so they're going to keep us busy. Gary, you can be best believe we'll have some full days until launch.Gary Shorman:&nbsp;I can't wait to see how this all develops. Look forward to it, and maybe again later on, once you're back, get a chance to follow up on that. But Victor, thanks for being on our program.

🎥 Forward Ever: Astronaut Victor Glover discusses Artemis II mission to moon

The Fort Riley Garrison Commander will address area leaders Friday at the Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit in Manhattan, Kansas, highlighting the installation's $2 billon economic impact. Col. Jerry Nunziato will stress that the commitment to Soldier and Family quality of life made by&nbsp; Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division drives both combat readiness and regional economic prosperity.

"Caring for our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families isn't secondary to our mission—it is the mission," Nunziato says. "You cannot build warfighting readiness without taking care of people, and that's where our community partnerships become critical to national defense."

Col. Nunziato is scheduled to speak during the afternoon session of the Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit being held at the Kansas State University Alumni Association. Fort Riley’s Fiscal Year 2025 Economic Impact Summary is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://home.army.mil/riley/8517/6832/4952/Fort_Riley_Annual_Economic_Impact_Summary.pdf">https://home.army.mil/riley/8517/6832/4952/Fort_Riley_Annual_Economic_Impact_Summary.pdf</a>.

The Fort Riley Garrison Commander will address area leaders Friday at the Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit in Manhattan, Kansas, highlighting the installation's $2 billon economic impact. Col. Jerry Nunziato will stress that the commitment to Soldier and Family quality of life made by&nbsp; Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division drives both combat readiness and regional economic prosperity."Caring for our Soldiers, Civilians, and Families isn't secondary to our mission—it is the mission," Nunziato says. "You cannot build warfighting readiness without taking care of people, and that's where our community partnerships become critical to national defense."Key TopicsThe commander's remarks will address:<ul>
 <li>Economic Impact: Fort Riley's $2 billion in direct economic expenditures, including $1.27 billion in payroll, $95 million in healthcare spending directly into the regional healthcare system, and $386 million in veteran expenditures</li><li>Strategic Partnerships: Five active Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs) that have saved more than $34 million over five years while strengthening community collaboration with the City of Manhattan, Kansas State University, USD 475, and state agencies</li><li>Deployment Readiness: The 1st Infantry Division's operational tempo, including upcoming rotations to the National Training Center and deployments to Europe in support of the EUCOM mission</li><li>Workforce Development: Fort Riley's Transition Assistance Program, which supports approximately 2,400 transitioning service members annually, and the Kansas Employment Exploration Program (KEEP) designed to retain talent in the state</li><li>Future Investments: More than $400 million in planned infrastructure improvements, including new barracks, childcare facilities, and readiness infrastructure</li>
 </ul>Col. Nunziato is scheduled to speak during the afternoon session of the Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit being held at the Kansas State University Alumni Association. Fort Riley’s Fiscal Year 2025 Economic Impact Summary is available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://home.army.mil/riley/8517/6832/4952/Fort_Riley_Annual_Economic_Impact_Summary.pdf">https://home.army.mil/riley/8517/6832/4952/Fort_Riley_Annual_Economic_Impact_Summary.pdf</a>.

Fort Riley Garrison Commander to Address Flint Hills Regional Growth Summit

Including the cities of Valley Falls, Holton, Nortonville,
Harveyville, Wamego, Meriden, Ottawa, Topeka, Alma, Lyndon,
Lawrence, Overbrook, Perry, Clay Center, Herington, Council
Grove, Junction City, Eskridge, Concordia, Emporia, Osage City,
McLouth, McFarland, Maple Hill, Carbondale, Garnett, Oskaloosa,
Grantville, Bennington, Alta Vista, Paxico, Burlington,
Minneapolis, Burlingame, Lebo, Manhattan, Abilene, and St. Marys


WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 PM CST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and
  8 inches.

* 

WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
  northeast Kansas.&nbsp;

 IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
  likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult.



PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.&nbsp;

Including the cities of Valley Falls, Holton, Nortonville,
Harveyville, Wamego, Meriden, Ottawa, Topeka, Alma, Lyndon,
Lawrence, Overbrook, Perry, Clay Center, Herington, Council
Grove, Junction City, Eskridge, Concordia, Emporia, Osage City,
McLouth, McFarland, Maple Hill, Carbondale, Garnett, Oskaloosa,
Grantville, Bennington, Alta Vista, Paxico, Burlington,
Minneapolis, Burlingame, Lebo, Manhattan, Abilene, and St. Marys
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO
6 PM CST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and
 8 inches.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and
 northeast Kansas.&nbsp; IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
 likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.&nbsp;

Winter Storm Warning

&nbsp;Recap: Junction City 54, Gardner-Edgerton 52 (OT)

The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Gardner-Edgerton Trailblazers 54–52 in overtime in the second game of pool play in the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament.

The Blue Jays jumped out to an early 6–0 lead and forced an early timeout by the Trailblazers. JC led by five at the end of the first quarter, 11–6.

In the second quarter, Junction City struggled to find any offense for the first six minutes. Junction City led 15–11 with two minutes to go in the half when junior Khaliel Walker hit a contested shot and was fouled. He converted the three-point play.

JCHS ended the half on a high point. Junior big man Brody Boeckman caught the ball at the foul line, spun around, and dunked the ball with two hands. On the next possession, Walker hit a corner three-pointer as the first-half clock ran out, and the Blue Jays led 25–18 at the break.

In third-quarter action, Gardner-Edgerton made their comeback. They cut the deficit to two, trailing 30–28. Junction City then went on their own run and led by 10, their largest lead of the game, at 38–28. JC led 38–30 after three quarters.

In fourth-quarter action, the Trailblazers made a furious comeback and even led by one point with 1:30 to go in the game. JC tied the game at 44–44 and then had a chance to win the game in regulation but was unable to convert, and the game went into overtime.

Gardner-Edgerton led 47–46 in overtime, but senior Lovell Autry nailed a clutch three-pointer and converted his free throws at the line, and the Blue Jays won the game 54–52 in OT.

In the game, Autry finished with 15 points, Boeckman finished with 11, and Walker added 10.

Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was junior defensive standout Angel Allen. He scored three points in the game but played great on the defensive end all game long. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Angel Allen received a free $20 meal coupon from Blu Restaurant, located at 602 N. Washington St. in Junction City.

With the win, Junction City finished 2–0 in pool play and will play Olathe South in the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament championship game on Friday. The game will tip off at 3:00 p.m. You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

By Anthony GorgesJC Post&nbsp;Recap: Junction City 54, Gardner-Edgerton 52 (OT)The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Gardner-Edgerton Trailblazers 54–52 in overtime in the second game of pool play in the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament.The Blue Jays jumped out to an early 6–0 lead and forced an early timeout by the Trailblazers. JC led by five at the end of the first quarter, 11–6.In the second quarter, Junction City struggled to find any offense for the first six minutes. Junction City led 15–11 with two minutes to go in the half when junior Khaliel Walker hit a contested shot and was fouled. He converted the three-point play.JCHS ended the half on a high point. Junior big man Brody Boeckman caught the ball at the foul line, spun around, and dunked the ball with two hands. On the next possession, Walker hit a corner three-pointer as the first-half clock ran out, and the Blue Jays led 25–18 at the break.In third-quarter action, Gardner-Edgerton made their comeback. They cut the deficit to two, trailing 30–28. Junction City then went on their own run and led by 10, their largest lead of the game, at 38–28. JC led 38–30 after three quarters.In fourth-quarter action, the Trailblazers made a furious comeback and even led by one point with 1:30 to go in the game. JC tied the game at 44–44 and then had a chance to win the game in regulation but was unable to convert, and the game went into overtime.Gardner-Edgerton led 47–46 in overtime, but senior Lovell Autry nailed a clutch three-pointer and converted his free throws at the line, and the Blue Jays won the game 54–52 in OT.In the game, Autry finished with 15 points, Boeckman finished with 11, and Walker added 10.Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was junior defensive standout Angel Allen. He scored three points in the game but played great on the defensive end all game long. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Angel Allen received a free $20 meal coupon from Blu Restaurant, located at 602 N. Washington St. in Junction City.With the win, Junction City finished 2–0 in pool play and will play Olathe South in the Spring Hill Invitational Basketball Tournament championship game on Friday. The game will tip off at 3:00 p.m. You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

🏀 Blue Jays advance to Championship game in Spring Hill Invitational Tournament

The 20 under 40 rception for Manhattan, Junction City and Wamego was held at the Museum of Art and Light in Manhattan.

&nbsp; Eagle Media was a program sponsor.

&nbsp;The 20&nbsp;under&nbsp;40&nbsp;class of young professionals make a difference in their communities.

Winners were nominated from the three counties that make up the Manhattan MSA (Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary). Nominees were then asked to complete an application that outlined their achievements in their profession as well as work in the community. From the nearly 75 nominees and over 60 applicants, an appointed committee selected the final&nbsp;20.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769133564617.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The 20 under 40 rception for Manhattan, Junction City and Wamego was held at the Museum of Art and Light in Manhattan.&nbsp; Eagle Media was a program sponsor.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769133824688.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769133913544.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769133980872.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The 20&nbsp;under&nbsp;40&nbsp;class of young professionals make a difference in their communities.Winners were nominated from the three counties that make up the Manhattan MSA (Riley, Pottawatomie and Geary). Nominees were then asked to complete an application that outlined their achievements in their profession as well as work in the community. From the nearly 75 nominees and over 60 applicants, an appointed committee selected the final&nbsp;20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769134329137.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

20 under 40 participants are recognized

Junction City Public Works crews responded Thursday evening to a water main break at 17th &amp; Hale. Residents in this area may experience low to no water pressure until all repairs are complete. Services are expected to be restored within the next few hours.

Please contact the City of JC for further assistance

Junction City Public Works crews responded Thursday evening to a water main break at 17th &amp; Hale. Residents in this area may experience low to no water pressure until all repairs are complete. Services are expected to be restored within the next few hours.Please contact the City of JC for further assistance

Public Works  crews respond to a water main break

RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp; The Riley County Police Department seized significant quantities of illegal drugs during proactive investigations conducted throughout the last 30 days as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the community, according to a media release from the RCPD.

RCPD officers and detectives seized a variety of illegal substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia and other evidence related to drug distribution in Riley County.

In all, nearly 2 pounds of fentanyl powder was seized and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, 96 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine, and more than 100 pills of various controlled prescription drugs. In addition to the controlled substances, five handguns were seized during the investigations.

“Thanks to the hard work of our officers and detectives, RCPD has identified and arrested individuals who have sold a significant amount of deadly illegal narcotics throughout our community,” RCPD Director Brian Peete said. 

“Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and it is one of our biggest priority focuses. I would also like to thank the people of Riley County for their diligence in reporting illegal activities and their zero tolerance for illegal drugs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608245358476.png" alt="Photo DEA" />
 <figcaption>Photo DEA</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY –&nbsp; The Riley County Police Department seized significant quantities of illegal drugs during proactive investigations conducted throughout the last 30 days as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crime in the community, according to a media release from the RCPD.RCPD officers and detectives seized a variety of illegal substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia and other evidence related to drug distribution in Riley County.In all, nearly 2 pounds of fentanyl powder was seized and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine, 96 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine, and more than 100 pills of various controlled prescription drugs. In addition to the controlled substances, five handguns were seized during the investigations.“Thanks to the hard work of our officers and detectives, RCPD has identified and arrested individuals who have sold a significant amount of deadly illegal narcotics throughout our community,” RCPD Director Brian Peete said. “Illegal drugs destroy lives and families, and it is one of our biggest priority focuses. I would also like to thank the people of Riley County for their diligence in reporting illegal activities and their zero tolerance for illegal drugs.”

RCPD seized fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and more over the past month

Fort Riley had a total direct economic impact of $2,011, 977,246 in 2025. Factoring in an economic multiplier the total came in at $4,426, 552,041.

Those numbers were reported by Garison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato during the Military Affairs Council breakfast on Thursday at JC Naz in Junction City.

The total population served by the Post was calculated at 58,450 including soldiers, families, reserves and the civilian workforce.

In 2026 1st Infantry Division troops will deploy including the 2nd Armored Brigade to the National Training Center in the spring and to Europe in the fall, and the Division Headquarters to Europe in the summer. 1st Brigade troops return home to Fort Riley in the spring. At the lowest point 6,000 to 8,000 soldiers will remain on the installation. Approximately 15,000 family members will stay here.

The next full nest at Fort Riley will occur in the fall of 2027.

Military construction projects will include a deployment ready reaction facility, three barracks, child youth center repairs and a new air traffic control tower.

--a $7 milion reduction in federal impact aid for education

--An 8% reduction in the civilian workforce on the installation in 2025.

This was the first MAC breakfast in 2026.

By Dewey Terrill&nbsp;JC / Little Apple PostFort Riley had a total direct economic impact of $2,011, 977,246 in 2025. Factoring in an economic multiplier the total came in at $4,426, 552,041.Those numbers were reported by Garison Commander Col. Gerald Nunziato during the Military Affairs Council breakfast on Thursday at JC Naz in Junction City.The total population served by the Post was calculated at 58,450 including soldiers, families, reserves and the civilian workforce.In 2026 1st Infantry Division troops will deploy including the 2nd Armored Brigade to the National Training Center in the spring and to Europe in the fall, and the Division Headquarters to Europe in the summer. 1st Brigade troops return home to Fort Riley in the spring. At the lowest point 6,000 to 8,000 soldiers will remain on the installation. Approximately 15,000 family members will stay here.The next full nest at Fort Riley will occur in the fall of 2027.Military construction projects will include a deployment ready reaction facility, three barracks, child youth center repairs and a new air traffic control tower.Other MAC Breakfast news notes included:--a $7 milion reduction in federal impact aid for education--A concert planned on Post on May 8.--An 8% reduction in the civilian workforce on the installation in 2025.This was the first MAC breakfast in 2026.

Fort Riley economic impact discussed at  MAC breakfast

Round Two of the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament - Junction City (6-5) vs Gardner-Edgerton (3-9) at Spring Hill High School.&nbsp;

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Round Two of the Spring Hill Invitational Tournament - Junction City (6-5) vs Gardner-Edgerton (3-9) at Spring Hill High School.&nbsp;Tip-off at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">listen live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀 LISTEN LIVE: Junction City vs Gardner-Edgerton in Spring Hill Tournament 

The Magdalene Project announced it will open a&nbsp;24/7 warming shelter&nbsp;to support community members during the upcoming extreme cold weather. The shelter will operate from&nbsp;8:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, through 10:00 a.m. February 2 due to forecast temperatures, at the&nbsp;Knights of Columbus Hall, 126 W. 7th Street, Junction City.&nbsp;

Guests at the warming shelter will receive three homemade meals each day, a warm and safe place to sleep, access to case management support and clothing and supplies. In addition to meeting basic needs, guests will be able to enjoy games, movies and personal support.

While the Fresh Start Emergency Shelter is currently open overnight from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., there are additional unhoused neighbors&nbsp;or those without utilities in our community. The Magdalene Project’s warming shelter will help fill this critical gap by offering a place to get out of the cold during daytime hours&nbsp;for Fresh Start's&nbsp;guests and overnight protection for individuals who are not staying there.

&nbsp; The Magdalene Project encourages community members to help spread the word so those in need know where to find warmth, safety, and care during this frigid weather.&nbsp; And they would love your help to keep this program going. Their volunteers are critical to keeping the shelter open and can sign up for a four or six hour shift by clicking this link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://signup.com/go/vHZCGXV">https://signup.com/go/</a><a target="_blank" href="https://signup.com/go/vHZCGXV">vHZCGXV</a>&nbsp;or calling 785-285-684

The Magdalene Project announced it will open a&nbsp;24/7 warming shelter&nbsp;to support community members during the upcoming extreme cold weather. The shelter will operate from&nbsp;8:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, through 10:00 a.m. February 2 due to forecast temperatures, at the&nbsp;Knights of Columbus Hall, 126 W. 7th Street, Junction City.&nbsp;Guests at the warming shelter will receive three homemade meals each day, a warm and safe place to sleep, access to case management support and clothing and supplies. In addition to meeting basic needs, guests will be able to enjoy games, movies and personal support.While the Fresh Start Emergency Shelter is currently open overnight from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., there are additional unhoused neighbors&nbsp;or those without utilities in our community. The Magdalene Project’s warming shelter will help fill this critical gap by offering a place to get out of the cold during daytime hours&nbsp;for Fresh Start's&nbsp;guests and overnight protection for individuals who are not staying there.&nbsp; The Magdalene Project encourages community members to help spread the word so those in need know where to find warmth, safety, and care during this frigid weather.&nbsp; And they would love your help to keep this program going. Their volunteers are critical to keeping the shelter open and can sign up for a four or six hour shift by clicking this link:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://signup.com/go/vHZCGXV">https://signup.com/go/</a><a target="_blank" href="https://signup.com/go/vHZCGXV">vHZCGXV</a>&nbsp;or calling 785-285-684<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769028790671.png" alt=" " />
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JC Warming Shelter will be open

As winter weather takes hold, we want to ensure that our community stays safe and informed during inclement weather. Please be aware that the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library may experience closures due to severe winter conditions. We encourage everyone to check our website, Facebook, and JCPost for the latest updates on library hours and closures. You are also welcome to call us at 785-238-4311 before venturing out in the cold.

Winter means the chance of unsafe weather and road conditions. Library leadership and the Library Board value the safety of volunteers, staff and patrons, and sometimes will need to close during what would be normal service hours. The Library Director and Library Board will evaluate conditions and make decisions that balance providing service with safety. This could mean closing for the day, opening late, or closing early.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we make these weather-related decisions with our community’s well-being in mind. The library is an important gathering place, and we look forward to welcoming you whenever conditions allow. Until then, please stay safe and warm and check our communication channels for the latest updates. If you have any questions, you are welcome to reach out to the Director at 785-238-4311 or by email at donnap@jclib.org.

By Donna PorterLibrary DirectorAs winter weather takes hold, we want to ensure that our community stays safe and informed during inclement weather. Please be aware that the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library may experience closures due to severe winter conditions. We encourage everyone to check our website, Facebook, and JCPost for the latest updates on library hours and closures. You are also welcome to call us at 785-238-4311 before venturing out in the cold.Winter means the chance of unsafe weather and road conditions. Library leadership and the Library Board value the safety of volunteers, staff and patrons, and sometimes will need to close during what would be normal service hours. The Library Director and Library Board will evaluate conditions and make decisions that balance providing service with safety. This could mean closing for the day, opening late, or closing early.Thank you for your understanding and support as we make these weather-related decisions with our community’s well-being in mind. The library is an important gathering place, and we look forward to welcoming you whenever conditions allow. Until then, please stay safe and warm and check our communication channels for the latest updates. If you have any questions, you are welcome to reach out to the Director at 785-238-4311 or by email at donnap@jclib.org.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library releases information for Winter Weather Hours

The National Weather Service estimates snowfall possibilities this weekend at 2-5 inches north of I-70 and 4-8 inches south of I-70.

Light and and fluffy snowfall will occur and then increase Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Two rounds of heavier snow ae appearing with light snow or a lull in between. The heavier periods are Friday night into Sunday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service estimates snowfall possibilities this weekend at 2-5 inches north of I-70 and 4-8 inches south of I-70.Light and and fluffy snowfall will occur and then increase Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Two rounds of heavier snow ae appearing with light snow or a lull in between. The heavier periods are Friday night into Sunday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Good chance for snow Friday through Sunday

Activation of F Company, 1st Attack Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade is scheduled&nbsp;at Hangar, 802 Marshall Dr, Fort Riley at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23.

The Army said that this activation signifies a new chapter in Army aviation with the introduction of a Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System – Launched Effects (TUAS-LE) company within the 1st Attack Battalion, led by Captain Paul Shorkey-Chacon&nbsp;and 1st Sergeant Adam Schuetz.

The activation brings a new level of lethality and reach to the Gunfighter Battalion, effectively extending the eyes and ears of Apache pilots, allowing them to detect, identify, and engage threats long before they enter the enemy’s weapons engagement zone.

The Soldiers of Fox Company are tasked with a mission that did not exist a decade ago. They will operate systems designed not just for surveillance, but for "Launched Effects," deployable assets that can confuse, disable, or destroy adversary defenses autonomously or under the control of aviation crews.

Activation of F Company, 1st Attack Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade is scheduled&nbsp;at Hangar, 802 Marshall Dr, Fort Riley at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23.The Army said that this activation signifies a new chapter in Army aviation with the introduction of a Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System – Launched Effects (TUAS-LE) company within the 1st Attack Battalion, led by Captain Paul Shorkey-Chacon&nbsp;and 1st Sergeant Adam Schuetz.The activation brings a new level of lethality and reach to the Gunfighter Battalion, effectively extending the eyes and ears of Apache pilots, allowing them to detect, identify, and engage threats long before they enter the enemy’s weapons engagement zone.The Soldiers of Fox Company are tasked with a mission that did not exist a decade ago. They will operate systems designed not just for surveillance, but for "Launched Effects," deployable assets that can confuse, disable, or destroy adversary defenses autonomously or under the control of aviation crews.

Army Activates New Unmanned Aircraft Unit at Fort Riley

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (Jan. 22, 2026) – Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus has received the Gold Level Breastfeeding Employee Support Award by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. This recognition highlights the non-profit organization’s commitment to creating supportive, family-friendly workplaces for breastfeeding employees. 

The award reflects the unified values shared across Stormont Vail throughout northeast Kansas in prioritizing employee well-being and fostering comfortable environments for working parents. Stormont Vail encourages other employers to explore the benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees. Learn more at https://ksbreastfeeding.org/business-case/.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (Jan. 22, 2026) – Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus has received the Gold Level Breastfeeding Employee Support Award by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. This recognition highlights the non-profit organization’s commitment to creating supportive, family-friendly workplaces for breastfeeding employees. The award reflects the unified values shared across Stormont Vail throughout northeast Kansas in prioritizing employee well-being and fostering comfortable environments for working parents. Stormont Vail encourages other employers to explore the benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees. Learn more at https://ksbreastfeeding.org/business-case/.&nbsp;

Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus Earns Gold Level Breastfeeding Support Award 

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.

Pai'Shant Chaney, Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/16

Lauryn Willins, Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/16

Leona Simms, Unlawful damage to property (Two counts); Domestic battery, arrested 01/17

Galen Ruffin, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Failure to appear, arrested 01/17

Driston Dowling, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Unlawful acts, arrested 01/17

Roman Salyers, Battery; Assault; Disorderly conduct, arrested 01/19

Leobardo Arreola, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01/19

Lorita Swanigan, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 01/19

Zechariah Richards, Domestic battery, arrested 01/20

Kristy Caughron, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 01/20

Kevin Geiger, Failure to appear, arrested 01/20

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/2026/1/1769020845043.jpeg" alt="Brian Beckford, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest; Possession of marijuana; Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01/16" />
 <figcaption>Brian Beckford, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest; Possession of marijuana; Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01/16</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769020857690.jpeg" alt="Marion Robinson, Failure to appear, arrested 01/16" />
 <figcaption>Marion Robinson, Failure to appear, arrested 01/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769020871299.jpeg" alt="Tanya Sutton, Violation of a protective order; Interference with LEO; Possession of a controlled substance; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Aggravated assault; Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/17" />
 <figcaption>Tanya Sutton, Violation of a protective order; Interference with LEO; Possession of a controlled substance; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Aggravated assault; Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/17</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769020885164.jpeg" alt="Wayne Sawicki, Failure to appear; Unlawful restraint; Intimidation of a witness or victim; Criminal deprivation of property; Domestic battery, arrested 01/19&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Wayne Sawicki, Failure to appear; Unlawful restraint; Intimidation of a witness or victim; Criminal deprivation of property; Domestic battery, arrested 01/19&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769020899828.jpeg" alt="Joshue Sichler, Failure to appear, arrested 01/20" />
 <figcaption>Joshue Sichler, Failure to appear, arrested 01/20</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769020909757.jpeg" alt="Victoria Duose, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 01/20" />
 <figcaption>Victoria Duose, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 01/20</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Pai'Shant Chaney, Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/16Lauryn Willins, Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/16Leona Simms, Unlawful damage to property (Two counts); Domestic battery, arrested 01/17Galen Ruffin, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Failure to appear, arrested 01/17Driston Dowling, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Unlawful acts, arrested 01/17Roman Salyers, Battery; Assault; Disorderly conduct, arrested 01/19Leobardo Arreola, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 01/19Lorita Swanigan, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 01/19Zechariah Richards, Domestic battery, arrested 01/20Kristy Caughron, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked, arrested 01/20Kevin Geiger, Failure to appear, arrested 01/20Recent 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.

Geary County Booking Photos Jan. 17-21, 2026

KDOT said prepare NOW for the extreme cold and snow events headed our way this weekend:

Check and refill fluids, including de-icing fluid

KDOT said prepare NOW for the extreme cold and snow events headed our way this weekend:Check and refill fluids, including de-icing fluidFill up your gas tankPack emergency kitInspect vehicle battery and cablesCheck your tires

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