The cost of renovating Spin City with all of the possible additions to the project would total just under $2 million.&nbsp; The base fee for the project would total $1.5 million with engineering fees another $165,000. Other additions could range from landscaping to parking lot and drainage upgrades. Code compliance issues would need to be addressed.

Architect Bruce MacMillan presented a feasibility study to the Junction City Commission and noted that there is a lot of potential for this project, while Mayor Pat Landes observed if the City does this project they would need to do it right.

Heating and air conditioning plumbing upgrades would need to be be key priorities. Leveling of the skating rink and installation of a new floor,&nbsp; new finishes for the basketball half-court, rooms with sliding doors for meeting space and a new front entrance were other possibilities mentioned. The project, if undertaken, could be done in phases. Final decisions have not been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720021465394.jpeg" alt="Spin City, 915 South Washington" />
 <figcaption>Spin City, 915 South Washington</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe cost of renovating Spin City with all of the possible additions to the project would total just under $2 million.&nbsp; The base fee for the project would total $1.5 million with engineering fees another $165,000. Other additions could range from landscaping to parking lot and drainage upgrades. Code compliance issues would need to be addressed.Architect Bruce MacMillan presented a feasibility study to the Junction City Commission and noted that there is a lot of potential for this project, while Mayor Pat Landes observed if the City does this project they would need to do it right.Heating and air conditioning plumbing upgrades would need to be be key priorities. Leveling of the skating rink and installation of a new floor,&nbsp; new finishes for the basketball half-court, rooms with sliding doors for meeting space and a new front entrance were other possibilities mentioned. The project, if undertaken, could be done in phases. Final decisions have not been made.

Potential Spin City renovations receive City attention

Geary County Offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. County Offices will open on Friday, July 5th, with normal business hours.

Geary County Offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. County Offices will open on Friday, July 5th, with normal business hours.

Geary County offices will be closed on Thursday

The Junction City Commission has appointed Steve Roesler to a seat on the Economic Development Commission. He has been appointed to fill the final six months of an unexpired term and then to a full three-year term.

Roesler succeeds Graham Foust who recently resigned following his retirement from KS StateBank.

The Junction City Commission has appointed Steve Roesler to a seat on the Economic Development Commission. He has been appointed to fill the final six months of an unexpired term and then to a full three-year term.Roesler succeeds Graham Foust who recently resigned following his retirement from KS StateBank.

City makes appointment to the EDC

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.

Alex Eldridge, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 07/02

Stephanie Keller, Outside warrant, arrested 07/02

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/2024/7/1720018576896.jpeg" alt="Daniel Fenimore, Failure to give information or render aid, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, Interference with LEO, arrested 07/02" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Fenimore, Failure to give information or render aid, Cancelled/suspended/revoked drivers license, Interference with LEO, arrested 07/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720018649380.jpeg" alt="Christopher Walters, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 07/02" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Walters, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, arrested 07/02</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Alex Eldridge, Domestic battery, Knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 07/02Stephanie Keller, Outside warrant, arrested 07/02Recent 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 July 3

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police department activity report Laura Zill, 61, Manhattan, failed to yield the right of way to Glady Schroeder, 84, Manhattan&nbsp;at the corner of Claflin Road and Wreath Avenue in Manhattan.

EMS transported Zill to the Via Christi&nbsp; for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Zill was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way.

The RCPD did not released details on the vehicles the women were driving, their direction of travel and whether they were properly restrained at the time of the accident.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police department activity report Laura Zill, 61, Manhattan, failed to yield the right of way to Glady Schroeder, 84, Manhattan&nbsp;at the corner of Claflin Road and Wreath Avenue in Manhattan.EMS transported Zill to the Via Christi&nbsp; for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Zill was issued a citation for failure to yield the right of way.The RCPD did not released details on the vehicles the women were driving, their direction of travel and whether they were properly restrained at the time of the accident.

Manhattan woman injured after 2-vehicle crash

WASHINGTON D.C. — The U. S. Postal Service filed notice in April with the Postal Regulatory Commission of mailing services price changes to take effect July 14, 2024. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents.

The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.8 percent. If favorably reviewed by the commission, the price changes would include:

U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Prices for July 2024

Letters (1 oz.) will go from 68 cents to 73 cents.

Letters (metered 1 oz.) will go from 64 cents to 69 cents.

Domestic Postcards will go from 53 cents to 56 cents.&nbsp;

International Postcards will go from $1.55 to $1.65.&nbsp;

International Letter (1 oz.) will go from $1.55 to $1.65.&nbsp;

The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters increases from 24 cents to 28 cents.

The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products, including Certified Mail and money order fees. Notably, there will be no price increase for Post Office Box rental fees, and the Postal Service will apply a price reduction of 10 percent for postal insurance when mailing an item.

As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s&nbsp;<a href="https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/?_gl=1*63lmng*_ga*MTU2OTA3OTA5MC4xNjU2NTIwNTUx*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTY2NDk4ODA1NS40NDIuMS4xNjY0OTg4MDkyLjAuMC4w">Delivering for America</a>&nbsp;10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world.

The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the commission’s website under the&nbsp;<a href="https://prc.arkcase.com/portal/docket-search/daily-listings" target="_blank">Daily Listings section</a>.&nbsp;The Mailing Services filing is Docket No. R2024-2. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at&nbsp;<a href="https://pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index" target="_blank">pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index</a>.

WASHINGTON D.C. — The U. S. Postal Service filed notice in April with the Postal Regulatory Commission of mailing services price changes to take effect July 14, 2024. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 68 cents to 73 cents.The proposed adjustments, approved by the governors of the Postal Service, would raise mailing services product prices approximately 7.8 percent. If favorably reviewed by the commission, the price changes would include:U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Prices for July 2024Letters (1 oz.) will go from 68 cents to 73 cents.Letters (metered 1 oz.) will go from 64 cents to 69 cents.Domestic Postcards will go from 53 cents to 56 cents.&nbsp;International Postcards will go from $1.55 to $1.65.&nbsp;International Letter (1 oz.) will go from $1.55 to $1.65.&nbsp;The additional-ounce price for single-piece letters increases from 24 cents to 28 cents.The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products, including Certified Mail and money order fees. Notably, there will be no price increase for Post Office Box rental fees, and the Postal Service will apply a price reduction of 10 percent for postal insurance when mailing an item.As changes in the mailing and shipping marketplace continue, these price adjustments are needed to achieve the financial stability sought by the organization’s&nbsp;<a href="https://about.usps.com/what/strategic-plans/delivering-for-america/?_gl=1*63lmng*_ga*MTU2OTA3OTA5MC4xNjU2NTIwNTUx*_ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTY2NDk4ODA1NS40NDIuMS4xNjY0OTg4MDkyLjAuMC4w">Delivering for America</a>&nbsp;10-year plan. USPS prices remain among the most affordable in the world.The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the commission’s website under the&nbsp;<a href="https://prc.arkcase.com/portal/docket-search/daily-listings" target="_blank">Daily Listings section</a>.&nbsp;The Mailing Services filing is Docket No. R2024-2. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at&nbsp;<a href="https://pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index" target="_blank">pe.usps.com/PriceChange/Index</a>.

Price of stamps going up again this month

This is day 11 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Summer rains that leave behind humid air are keeping farmers out of the fields until late in the day, but producers are just glad to be able to climb in the cab and cut some wheat this year. After a multi-year drought, the showers and sprinkles are welcome, even if they delay the final stretch of the 2024 Kansas wheat harvest.&nbsp;

“Nuisance sprinkles” on Tuesday, July 2, didn’t amount to enough to benefit fall crops, but when coupled with high humidity, kept combines from running in Rooks and Graham counties, where Mike McClellan has just one day left of cutting his hard red winter wheat.&nbsp;

Fall moisture was limited to just a couple of fields and some of his wheat didn’t emerge until spring - making the wheat look very patchy coming out of dormancy. With fields spread out over two counties, some of his fields would pick up a rain, but two miles away, the field wouldn’t receive anything. McClellan remarked he has never seen such a “weather variable year.”

During spring grainfill, his area had mostly decent cool temperatures and moisture, which benefitted the wheat. By mid-June, the temperature got hot.&nbsp;

Harvest started on June 22. Test weights started at 60 pounds per bushel, but have decreased with recent showers. Protein is averaging 12 percent and higher with limited testing. Yields have ranged from 20 to 50 bushels per acre but the average hits in the low to mid 30s. While this is a below-average year of yields, McClellan’s harvest is still better than last year, when he abandoned all of his wheat due to drought.&nbsp;

“I’m tickled to be able to run the combines this year,” he said. “The wheat is surprisingly good for how it looked at the first of March. There was some I didn’t think I’d cut, but I have been able to.”

The area is now 75 percent complete with harvest. When those final few acres are finished, McClellan will start harvesting 500 acres of spring wheat.&nbsp;

Overnight showers and high humidity have kept farmers out of the fields until late over the last couple of days in northwest Kansas, according to Eric Sperber with Cornerstone Ag in Colby. Their draw area includes Rawlins, Thomas, Sheridan and Logan counties. Harvest in the area began on June 21 but didn’t really pick up until June 25. With custom harvest crews arriving mid-last week and cutting through the weekend, harvest pace is picking up as the weather allows.&nbsp;

Sperber noted Cornerstone Ag expects overall receipts to be up from last year at about average. Yields are highly variable, dependent on whether or not they had moisture at drilling last fall, ranging from 20 bushels per acre up to nearly 100 bushels per acre. Average yields look to be better than average overall.&nbsp;

Quality is excellent, with test weights over 60 pounds per bushel and proteins averaging about 12.5 percent.&nbsp;

“This is the best quality we’ve had for several years,” Sperber said.&nbsp;

In Clay County in northeast Kansas, Richard Cott remarked that “my wife Jodi and I will probably never see a crop this good again in our lifetime.” Having three generations help out with harvest - including his wife, son Kyle and granddaughter - makes this year’s harvest even more memorable.&nbsp;

Harvest started the week of June 12 and wrapped up on June 28. The Cotts’ farm seemed to catch rain at the perfect times, especially a good rain in October that established a good stand going into winter. Even with a super dry spring, Kyle described their area like a small vein that followed their fields with rain that allowed the wheat crop to prosper. They applied fungicide and did not see any headscab or rust in any of their fields.&nbsp;

Yields are well above average with proteins in the 11 and 12 percent range. Even with recent rains, test weights have held steady from 59 to 63 pounds per bushel. Overall, the family has been feeling “blessed, to say the least” about this year’s harvest.&nbsp;

Their best wheat came from a field planted behind failed corn and wheat following soybeans also came in above average. The early harvest will help them get their double-cropped corn or soybeans in the ground sooner.&nbsp;

“It’s the best wheat I’ve ever seen,” Kyle said. “We’ve had a very blessed wheat harvest this year. It was actually fun cutting wheat this year. Compared to the past two years, this has been amazing.”&nbsp;

The Kansas Wheat crew will take a break from harvest reporting for the holiday week. Stay tuned for the next Kansas wheat harvest report on Monday, July 8 - and put on good fireworks show for the farmers who will continue to work through the festivities!&nbsp;

The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wheatharvest24&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live">wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansaswheat">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kswheat">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KansasWheat">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719967189163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JULIA DEBES&nbsp; Kansas WheatThis is day 11 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Summer rains that leave behind humid air are keeping farmers out of the fields until late in the day, but producers are just glad to be able to climb in the cab and cut some wheat this year. After a multi-year drought, the showers and sprinkles are welcome, even if they delay the final stretch of the 2024 Kansas wheat harvest.&nbsp;“Nuisance sprinkles” on Tuesday, July 2, didn’t amount to enough to benefit fall crops, but when coupled with high humidity, kept combines from running in Rooks and Graham counties, where Mike McClellan has just one day left of cutting his hard red winter wheat.&nbsp;Fall moisture was limited to just a couple of fields and some of his wheat didn’t emerge until spring - making the wheat look very patchy coming out of dormancy. With fields spread out over two counties, some of his fields would pick up a rain, but two miles away, the field wouldn’t receive anything. McClellan remarked he has never seen such a “weather variable year.”During spring grainfill, his area had mostly decent cool temperatures and moisture, which benefitted the wheat. By mid-June, the temperature got hot.&nbsp;Harvest started on June 22. Test weights started at 60 pounds per bushel, but have decreased with recent showers. Protein is averaging 12 percent and higher with limited testing. Yields have ranged from 20 to 50 bushels per acre but the average hits in the low to mid 30s. While this is a below-average year of yields, McClellan’s harvest is still better than last year, when he abandoned all of his wheat due to drought.&nbsp;“I’m tickled to be able to run the combines this year,” he said. “The wheat is surprisingly good for how it looked at the first of March. There was some I didn’t think I’d cut, but I have been able to.”The area is now 75 percent complete with harvest. When those final few acres are finished, McClellan will start harvesting 500 acres of spring wheat.&nbsp;Overnight showers and high humidity have kept farmers out of the fields until late over the last couple of days in northwest Kansas, according to Eric Sperber with Cornerstone Ag in Colby. Their draw area includes Rawlins, Thomas, Sheridan and Logan counties. Harvest in the area began on June 21 but didn’t really pick up until June 25. With custom harvest crews arriving mid-last week and cutting through the weekend, harvest pace is picking up as the weather allows.&nbsp;Sperber noted Cornerstone Ag expects overall receipts to be up from last year at about average. Yields are highly variable, dependent on whether or not they had moisture at drilling last fall, ranging from 20 bushels per acre up to nearly 100 bushels per acre. Average yields look to be better than average overall.&nbsp;Quality is excellent, with test weights over 60 pounds per bushel and proteins averaging about 12.5 percent.&nbsp;“This is the best quality we’ve had for several years,” Sperber said.&nbsp;In Clay County in northeast Kansas, Richard Cott remarked that “my wife Jodi and I will probably never see a crop this good again in our lifetime.” Having three generations help out with harvest - including his wife, son Kyle and granddaughter - makes this year’s harvest even more memorable.&nbsp;Harvest started the week of June 12 and wrapped up on June 28. The Cotts’ farm seemed to catch rain at the perfect times, especially a good rain in October that established a good stand going into winter. Even with a super dry spring, Kyle described their area like a small vein that followed their fields with rain that allowed the wheat crop to prosper. They applied fungicide and did not see any headscab or rust in any of their fields.&nbsp;Yields are well above average with proteins in the 11 and 12 percent range. Even with recent rains, test weights have held steady from 59 to 63 pounds per bushel. Overall, the family has been feeling “blessed, to say the least” about this year’s harvest.&nbsp;Their best wheat came from a field planted behind failed corn and wheat following soybeans also came in above average. The early harvest will help them get their double-cropped corn or soybeans in the ground sooner.&nbsp;“It’s the best wheat I’ve ever seen,” Kyle said. “We’ve had a very blessed wheat harvest this year. It was actually fun cutting wheat this year. Compared to the past two years, this has been amazing.”&nbsp;The Kansas Wheat crew will take a break from harvest reporting for the holiday week. Stay tuned for the next Kansas wheat harvest report on Monday, July 8 - and put on good fireworks show for the farmers who will continue to work through the festivities!&nbsp;The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use #<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wheatharvest24&amp;src=typed_query&amp;f=live">wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media. Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansaswheat">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kswheat">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KansasWheat">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Day 11, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report 2024

Junction City Public Works personnel begin collecting three and brush debris next Monday from the recent severe thunderstorm. Residents should place their debris at the curb of their property.

Pubic Works Director Ray Ibarra confirmed that personnel will work from the south to north end of town on the pick up.

Also, the Public Works sanitation schedule this week will be backed up part of this week due to the July 4 holiday. Thursday trash pick up will occur on Friday and Friday pick up on Saturday.

Junction City Public Works personnel begin collecting three and brush debris next Monday from the recent severe thunderstorm. Residents should place their debris at the curb of their property.Pubic Works Director Ray Ibarra confirmed that personnel will work from the south to north end of town on the pick up.Also, the Public Works sanitation schedule this week will be backed up part of this week due to the July 4 holiday. Thursday trash pick up will occur on Friday and Friday pick up on Saturday.

City will begin cleanup of tree debris on Monday

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has confirmed the hiring of both a new finance director and a community development director.

Jamel Wilcox was scheduled to begin Tuesday as the new finance director. He is a former employee of the Central National Bank Trust Department and in recent years was employed by credit unions in Lawrence and Topeka.

Chris Srackangast will fill a new community development director position. He will oversee planning, zoning and codes.

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel has confirmed the hiring of both a new finance director and a community development director.Jamel Wilcox was scheduled to begin Tuesday as the new finance director. He is a former employee of the Central National Bank Trust Department and in recent years was employed by credit unions in Lawrence and Topeka.Chris Srackangast will fill a new community development director position. He will oversee planning, zoning and codes.

City hires new employeees

Big Brothers Big Sisters have received $7,288 from the Geary County Employee Task Force. The funds were raised during a golf tournament at Rolling Meadows Golf Course on June 1.

A total of $1,000 0f the amount raised was for the Geary County Community Foundation for future matches for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters have received $7,288 from the Geary County Employee Task Force. The funds were raised during a golf tournament at Rolling Meadows Golf Course on June 1.A total of $1,000 0f the amount raised was for the Geary County Community Foundation for future matches for Big Brothers Big Sisters.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719956099911.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

County employees support Big Brothers Big Sisters

The second annual Felix Snipes Foundation Summer Jam fundraiser is scheduled July 13. It will be a 3 0n 3 basketball tournament at the 12th Street Community Center.

The second annual Felix Snipes Foundation Summer Jam fundraiser is scheduled July 13. It will be a 3 0n 3 basketball tournament at the 12th Street Community Center.

Felix Snipes Foundation Fundraiser

Associate Professor of Political Science, Kansas State University

Fireworks are an important part of Independence Day celebrations in the United States. They entertain us with their power and beauty, while symbolizing our national pride. However, the sale and use of fireworks are heavily regulated by state and local governments.

Consumer fireworks are legal to purchase in 49 of the 50 states. In fact, only Massachusetts bans the sale of all fireworks at the state level. However, just because you can buy them, doesn’t mean you can shoot them off. Kansas gives local authorities the power to regulate the use of consumer fireworks.

Therefore, before lighting up your stash of smoke bombs, sparklers, and bottle rockets over the 4th of July week, you better check your local ordinances.

The regulation of fireworks is not arbitrary. City and county officials may be driven by several factors when deciding their own regulations.

The foremost reason for regulating fireworks is public safety. Many types of fireworks, while beautiful, are explosives. They can cause serious injuries when not handled with care. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured each year in fireworks-related accidents.

To prevent injury, government officials in some local governments have outright banned consumer fireworks. Others have chosen to heavily regulate the types that are allowed. For example, Lawrence is a “fireworks-free” city, allowing only the use of items such as party poppers, snappers, snakes, sparklers, toy caps and toy smoke devices.

Another critical aspect of fireworks regulation is the prevention of fires and property damage. Fireworks can be a fire hazard, especially in dry areas. To mitigate potential fire and property damage caused by fireworks, regulations may mandate safe distances from buildings and flammable material, or they may even prohibit their use during droughts. For example, Manhattan KS does not allow discharge of fireworks within 100 feet of firework stands.

Property and fire damage concerns are also the reason many local governments ban the use of sky lanterns as they can land on property while still burning.

Environmental concerns can also play a role in firework regulation. Fireworks contain chemicals and heavy metals that can pollute air, water, and soil. They leave behind debris, some of which is non-biodegradable.

Another type of pollution that comes with fireworks is noise pollution. Fireworks can be loud, causing disturbances to residents, particularly in densely populated areas. The loud explosions can be distressing to people. This is especially true for those with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To mitigate the effects of noise pollution, cities and counties have regulated the hours of the day fireworks can be used. Shawnee county, for example, allows fireworks to be shot off between 8:00 am and midnight in unincorporated areas.

While fireworks are a revered part of our fourth of July celebrations, the regulation of fireworks by state and local governments is essential to protect public health, safety, and property, and to mitigate disturbances.

Brianne Heidbreder, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science, Kansas State UniversityFireworks are an important part of Independence Day celebrations in the United States. They entertain us with their power and beauty, while symbolizing our national pride. However, the sale and use of fireworks are heavily regulated by state and local governments.Consumer fireworks are legal to purchase in 49 of the 50 states. In fact, only Massachusetts bans the sale of all fireworks at the state level. However, just because you can buy them, doesn’t mean you can shoot them off. Kansas gives local authorities the power to regulate the use of consumer fireworks.Therefore, before lighting up your stash of smoke bombs, sparklers, and bottle rockets over the 4th of July week, you better check your local ordinances.The regulation of fireworks is not arbitrary. City and county officials may be driven by several factors when deciding their own regulations.The foremost reason for regulating fireworks is public safety. Many types of fireworks, while beautiful, are explosives. They can cause serious injuries when not handled with care. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured each year in fireworks-related accidents.To prevent injury, government officials in some local governments have outright banned consumer fireworks. Others have chosen to heavily regulate the types that are allowed. For example, Lawrence is a “fireworks-free” city, allowing only the use of items such as party poppers, snappers, snakes, sparklers, toy caps and toy smoke devices.Another critical aspect of fireworks regulation is the prevention of fires and property damage. Fireworks can be a fire hazard, especially in dry areas. To mitigate potential fire and property damage caused by fireworks, regulations may mandate safe distances from buildings and flammable material, or they may even prohibit their use during droughts. For example, Manhattan KS does not allow discharge of fireworks within 100 feet of firework stands.Property and fire damage concerns are also the reason many local governments ban the use of sky lanterns as they can land on property while still burning.Environmental concerns can also play a role in firework regulation. Fireworks contain chemicals and heavy metals that can pollute air, water, and soil. They leave behind debris, some of which is non-biodegradable.Another type of pollution that comes with fireworks is noise pollution. Fireworks can be loud, causing disturbances to residents, particularly in densely populated areas. The loud explosions can be distressing to people. This is especially true for those with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).To mitigate the effects of noise pollution, cities and counties have regulated the hours of the day fireworks can be used. Shawnee county, for example, allows fireworks to be shot off between 8:00 am and midnight in unincorporated areas.While fireworks are a revered part of our fourth of July celebrations, the regulation of fireworks by state and local governments is essential to protect public health, safety, and property, and to mitigate disturbances.Insight Kansas

The Politics of Regulating Fireworks

Rajen Campbell, Theft &gt;$1,500 &lt; $25,000, Pocket picking, arrested 06/27

Luis Dominguez, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, Theft &lt; $1,500, Pocket picking, arrested 06/27

Soses Moses, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/28

Todd Chard, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of stimulant, arrested 06/28

Charles Reeves, Failure to appear, arrested 06/28

Grady Ford, Driving while suspended, arrested 06/28

Candice Thomas, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/28

Darryl Perry,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Transporting an open container, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/28

Joey Zamorana, Criminal restraint, Criminal damage to property without consent (Value $1,000), Aggravated domestic battery, Choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship, arrested 06/29

Jazzminne Stroud, Outside warrant, arrested 06/29

Precious Parks, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 06/29

Matthew Denkins, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal damage to property, Domestic battery, Domestic battery, arrested 06/29

Lynda Bishop, Criminal trespass, arrested 06/30

Yenysia Mcgee-Sanders, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01

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/2024/7/1719936167087.jpeg" alt="Willie Sawyer, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Aggravated assault, arrested 06/27" />
 <figcaption>Willie Sawyer, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Aggravated assault, arrested 06/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936232457.jpeg" alt="Miranda Douglas, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 06/27" />
 <figcaption>Miranda Douglas, Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 06/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936271362.jpeg" alt="Alicia Whitt, Outside warrant, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, arrested 06/28" />
 <figcaption>Alicia Whitt, Outside warrant, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, arrested 06/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936343352.jpeg" alt="Christopher Lee, Probation violation, arrested 06/29" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Lee, Probation violation, arrested 06/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936383226.jpeg" alt="Steven Roberts, Failure to appear, Probation violation, Violate protection order, Abuse order per KSA 60-3103,60-3107, arrested 06/29" />
 <figcaption>Steven Roberts, Failure to appear, Probation violation, Violate protection order, Abuse order per KSA 60-3103,60-3107, arrested 06/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936460609.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Root, Domestic battery, arrested 07/01" />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Root, Domestic battery, arrested 07/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936503316.jpeg" alt="Amanda Defulvio, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Defulvio, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936532451.jpeg" alt="Cody Allen, Theft-all other, Assault, arrested 07/01" />
 <figcaption>Cody Allen, Theft-all other, Assault, arrested 07/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936568598.jpeg" alt="Tracy Potter, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01" />
 <figcaption>Tracy Potter, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719936603640.jpeg" alt="Madison Mahun, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/02" />
 <figcaption>Madison Mahun, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/02</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Rajen Campbell, Theft &gt;$1,500 &lt; $25,000, Pocket picking, arrested 06/27Luis Dominguez, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of controlled substance, Theft &lt; $1,500, Pocket picking, arrested 06/27Soses Moses, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/28Todd Chard, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of stimulant, arrested 06/28Charles Reeves, Failure to appear, arrested 06/28Grady Ford, Driving while suspended, arrested 06/28Candice Thomas, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/28Darryl Perry,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Transporting an open container, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/28Joey Zamorana, Criminal restraint, Criminal damage to property without consent (Value $1,000), Aggravated domestic battery, Choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship, arrested 06/29Jazzminne Stroud, Outside warrant, arrested 06/29Precious Parks, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 06/29Matthew Denkins, Criminal threat, cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Criminal damage to property, Domestic battery, Domestic battery, arrested 06/29Lynda Bishop, Criminal trespass, arrested 06/30Yenysia Mcgee-Sanders, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01Recent 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 June 28-July 2

Following the Friday night storm the Geary County landfill was opened Saturday night for people to bring tree and brush debris. According to County Public Works Director Corey Trumpp 320 truck loads were brought to the Landfill on Saturday and another 254 loads on Sunday or 574 for the weekend.

The Landfill will be opened again this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed&nbsp; on Sunday and will reopen for regular operational hours on Monday.

The county commission has authorized overtime pay for public works employees for their storm related work ranging from debris removal to road repairs.

Trumpp also noted that the radios used by Public Works did not work well in the storm and they had to revert to using cell phones. He wants to upgrade the radio system used by Public Works and to target putting that department on the 800 megahertz radio system used by emergency personnel. Commission Chair Trish Giordano expressed general agreement with Trumpp's comments.

Following the Friday night storm the Geary County landfill was opened Saturday night for people to bring tree and brush debris. According to County Public Works Director Corey Trumpp 320 truck loads were brought to the Landfill on Saturday and another 254 loads on Sunday or 574 for the weekend.The Landfill will be opened again this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed&nbsp; on Sunday and will reopen for regular operational hours on Monday.The county commission has authorized overtime pay for public works employees for their storm related work ranging from debris removal to road repairs.Trumpp also noted that the radios used by Public Works did not work well in the storm and they had to revert to using cell phones. He wants to upgrade the radio system used by Public Works and to target putting that department on the 800 megahertz radio system used by emergency personnel. Commission Chair Trish Giordano expressed general agreement with Trumpp's comments.

Tree and debris cleanup kept the Landfill site busy

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson at an apartment in Manhattan.

Just before 7a.m. Monday, officers filed a report of arson in the 2500 block of Stagg Hill Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Russ Briggs, who owns the apartment complex property, reported apartment #5 sustained fire damage of an unknown origin.

Total loss associated with this report is approximately $50,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719841906255.jpeg" alt="Photo Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson at an apartment in Manhattan.Just before 7a.m. Monday, officers filed a report of arson in the 2500 block of Stagg Hill Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Russ Briggs, who owns the apartment complex property, reported apartment #5 sustained fire damage of an unknown origin.Total loss associated with this report is approximately $50,000. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Arson alleged in apartment fire in Manhattan

In observance of the 4th of July holiday, the Geary County Public Works Department, Geary County Transfer Station, and the Geary County Landfill will be closed on Thursday, July 4th.

They will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5th, 2024.

In observance of the 4th of July holiday, the Geary County Public Works Department, Geary County Transfer Station, and the Geary County Landfill will be closed on Thursday, July 4th.They will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5th, 2024.

Holiday schedule for Geary County Public Works

June weather for the Junction City area can be summed up by above average temperatures and above average rainfall. The above average rainfall, and how much above average, becomes tricky to define as will be explained later!

The average daily high for June was 86.7, 1.6 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 67.4, 3.3 degrees above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 77.1, 2.5 degrees above normal. This is the fifth consecutive month with above average temperatures. For 2024 only January has been below average. The highest temperature for the month was 100 degrees on June 24th. The lowest temperature was the morning low of 57 on the 7th. There was one temperature record tied in June. The overnight low of 76 on the 22nd tied the record high low temperature. That record was set in 2010. 

While the temperature was above normal, we are fortunate that it was not record setting warm. The warmest June on record was in 1953 when we had a monthly mean temperature of a sizzling 83.0 degrees. The coldest June on record was in 1982 with a monthly mean temperature of 67.8 degrees.J une is, on average, our second wettest month of the year with average rainfall of 4.84 inches. Depending on where you were in the area, you received that and more in 3½ hours on Friday evening! The official weather station for the Junction City area is at the Corps of Engineers project office at Milford Lake. 

For the 24-hour period that included Friday evening, that station received 1.57 inches of rain. There are several reporters to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) that were in the area of significant rainfall. These individuals all use a standardized, highly accurate rain gauge and report those findings to CoCoRaHS: https://www.cocorahs.org/. Two stations in west Junction City (west of Highway 77) reported 5.41 and 5.50 inches. A reporting station in Grandview Plaza reported 6.05 inches. All of this rain fell in less than 4 hours. Amazingly, these amounts are not as much as fell in a 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. October 11, 1973. On that occasion 6.68 inches of rain was recorded. 

Ten miles north of south of Junction City received no measurable rainfall from Friday’s storm. These extreme variations are not as uncommon as one might think, but memorable when they do happen. Officially, the Milford Lake reporting station tallied 6.53 inches for the month of June. Long term average for the first half of the year is 16.96 inches. Milford Lake has received 19.05 inches of rain. This is the third month in a row with above average precipitation. The wettest June on record was in 1965 when 11.90 inches of rain fell. The previously mentioned Grandview Plaza CoCoRaHS station recorded 11.93 inches of rain in June! On the other end of the spectrum, the driest June on record occurred in 1966 when 0.20 inches was all that could be tallied in area gauges.

July is our hottest month of the year and rainfall continues to taper off. Average July rainfall is 4.14 inches. Daily highs in July are fairly flat with expected afternoon high temperatures to run about 90 degrees through the month. Likewise, overnight lows are expected in the 68 to 69 degrees range. Looking at long term averages (70+ years), the hottest day of the year is July 18th. In general, we expect temperatures to slowly start to drop after about mid July but 100 degree or hotter temperatures are not out of the question well into September.-30-&nbsp;

Chuck Otte cotte@ksu.eduJune weather for the Junction City area can be summed up by above average temperatures and above average rainfall. The above average rainfall, and how much above average, becomes tricky to define as will be explained later!The average daily high for June was 86.7, 1.6 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 67.4, 3.3 degrees above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 77.1, 2.5 degrees above normal. This is the fifth consecutive month with above average temperatures. For 2024 only January has been below average. The highest temperature for the month was 100 degrees on June 24th. The lowest temperature was the morning low of 57 on the 7th. There was one temperature record tied in June. The overnight low of 76 on the 22nd tied the record high low temperature. That record was set in 2010. While the temperature was above normal, we are fortunate that it was not record setting warm. The warmest June on record was in 1953 when we had a monthly mean temperature of a sizzling 83.0 degrees. The coldest June on record was in 1982 with a monthly mean temperature of 67.8 degrees.J une is, on average, our second wettest month of the year with average rainfall of 4.84 inches. Depending on where you were in the area, you received that and more in 3½ hours on Friday evening! The official weather station for the Junction City area is at the Corps of Engineers project office at Milford Lake. For the 24-hour period that included Friday evening, that station received 1.57 inches of rain. There are several reporters to the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) that were in the area of significant rainfall. These individuals all use a standardized, highly accurate rain gauge and report those findings to CoCoRaHS: https://www.cocorahs.org/. Two stations in west Junction City (west of Highway 77) reported 5.41 and 5.50 inches. A reporting station in Grandview Plaza reported 6.05 inches. All of this rain fell in less than 4 hours. Amazingly, these amounts are not as much as fell in a 24-hour period ending at 7 a.m. October 11, 1973. On that occasion 6.68 inches of rain was recorded. Ten miles north of south of Junction City received no measurable rainfall from Friday’s storm. These extreme variations are not as uncommon as one might think, but memorable when they do happen. Officially, the Milford Lake reporting station tallied 6.53 inches for the month of June. Long term average for the first half of the year is 16.96 inches. Milford Lake has received 19.05 inches of rain. This is the third month in a row with above average precipitation. The wettest June on record was in 1965 when 11.90 inches of rain fell. The previously mentioned Grandview Plaza CoCoRaHS station recorded 11.93 inches of rain in June! On the other end of the spectrum, the driest June on record occurred in 1966 when 0.20 inches was all that could be tallied in area gauges.July is our hottest month of the year and rainfall continues to taper off. Average July rainfall is 4.14 inches. Daily highs in July are fairly flat with expected afternoon high temperatures to run about 90 degrees through the month. Likewise, overnight lows are expected in the 68 to 69 degrees range. Looking at long term averages (70+ years), the hottest day of the year is July 18th. In general, we expect temperatures to slowly start to drop after about mid July but 100 degree or hotter temperatures are not out of the question well into September.-30-&nbsp;

June 2024 Junction City Area Weather Summary

WEEE Entertainment began setup of the carnival for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomFestJC?__cft__[0]=AZU5N2435YBtQkxruYT71Zj7cTnwLs6IqZnRMtFbpu0vqZfOnYnnauMrbZufWX1X2adq-shAn1wJwEqPcXGdSz6M49ypozHmG4gtfUyPipjdOh_8zYO4Mka-LGpu6vG2stV8qCehNGqUFq3ZmvsjtXYw94EC3PX5vOaOK9cC-3XcBjtQvwzYEIkufTVnd5u5GmtSyLTMGpjwLYqhTbpuL4uA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Freedom Fest JC</a> in Junction City on Monday. The carnival will run July 3-7! It will be open&nbsp; weather permitting on Wednesday, July 3 at 6pm,Thursday, July 4 at noon, Friday, July 5 at 5pm, Saturday, July 6 at noon and Sunday, July 7 at 5pm

Weee Entertainment announced that they&nbsp; will have $33 per person unlimited ride wristbands available daily. The wristbands are only valid for the session purchased. Wednesday, July 3 at 6-10pm,Thursday, July 4 at noon-5pm or 5-10pm, Friday, July 5 at 5-10pm, Saturday, July 6 at noon-5pm or 5-10pmand Sunday, July 7 at 5-10pm

You can also purchase tickets. Single tickets are $4 each, 10 tickets for $35 or 30 tickets for $100.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719870905443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WEEE Entertainment began setup of the carnival for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomFestJC?__cft__[0]=AZU5N2435YBtQkxruYT71Zj7cTnwLs6IqZnRMtFbpu0vqZfOnYnnauMrbZufWX1X2adq-shAn1wJwEqPcXGdSz6M49ypozHmG4gtfUyPipjdOh_8zYO4Mka-LGpu6vG2stV8qCehNGqUFq3ZmvsjtXYw94EC3PX5vOaOK9cC-3XcBjtQvwzYEIkufTVnd5u5GmtSyLTMGpjwLYqhTbpuL4uA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Freedom Fest JC</a> in Junction City on Monday. The carnival will run July 3-7! It will be open&nbsp; weather permitting on Wednesday, July 3 at 6pm,Thursday, July 4 at noon, Friday, July 5 at 5pm, Saturday, July 6 at noon and Sunday, July 7 at 5pm Weee Entertainment announced that they&nbsp; will have $33 per person unlimited ride wristbands available daily. The wristbands are only valid for the session purchased. Wednesday, July 3 at 6-10pm,Thursday, July 4 at noon-5pm or 5-10pm, Friday, July 5 at 5-10pm, Saturday, July 6 at noon-5pm or 5-10pmand Sunday, July 7 at 5-10pmYou can also purchase tickets. Single tickets are $4 each, 10 tickets for $35 or 30 tickets for $100.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719870979763.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Carnival setup begins in downtown Junction City

Due to the severe weather the area experienced on Friday, June 28th, the Geary County Public Works Department will have the Landfill open again on Saturday, July 6th from 8AM – 5PM.

The Landfill will be closed Sunday, July 7th and will resume normal operational hours Monday, July 8th

The Landfill is to be used for tree limbs &amp; brush disposal only

Geary County Public Works releaseDue to the severe weather the area experienced on Friday, June 28th, the Geary County Public Works Department will have the Landfill open again on Saturday, July 6th from 8AM – 5PM.The Landfill will be closed Sunday, July 7th and will resume normal operational hours Monday, July 8thThe Landfill is to be used for tree limbs &amp; brush disposal only

Geary County Landfill will be open Saturday

The Kansas Department of Transportation has closed the eastbound and westbound I-70 rest areas at mile marker 310 in Geary County until further notice. A water main has broken at the facility and barricades have been placed at the entrance ramps.

By Ashley Perez&nbsp;KDOTThe Kansas Department of Transportation has closed the eastbound and westbound I-70 rest areas at mile marker 310 in Geary County until further notice. A water main has broken at the facility and barricades have been placed at the entrance ramps.

I-70 rest areas closed in Geary County

The Kansas Department of Insurance has provided information to Geary County Emergency Management:&nbsp;

 If you live in Geary County and may have sustained damage from the recent storms, residents that have a question about their insurance coverage or are having an issue with their insurance company can give their office with a phone call.

The contact information: Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484 -- Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00.There is also a link to their website as well for reference. <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finsurance.kansas.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3FnZ8stF5-fz9a1IdXMkQS_mDb0jTivoiucLbX9ndyw1sAUbtlC2ronSA_aem_5S_YA5KoaId5jEV7QHxYlQ&amp;h=AT38vJ3hPXFBFIH7OV0Qlsw-C8jG6AdZ7l1BneloGz5eWMvG7qgriogfYhvkAGZtIxbNr8jFEa2fopR9FOyOdFDOAqvnYZ6wBTDDdJoLYLjhuAmedXJE6gbuYNhS1DrHHGvVskyKxIWR8fB8Ruoq&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3T19-QVUGq6DaVhg_7zmGkYbJZjJJVilnpOGkqwtt4YTSpey3lSEJn2RufUTKS_jUYuRCt0QXwg8XKcXUfF6ogcAdLL0EQcZvDwFbrQES36tE4yb7eD7Esimpq9zvUM5oyQ13ZhqNoxjHD0on8Mb5hpASDi3awdfEHxTfvJUlaINyK4MXYJ-2pfcgtJ8jD21OPmPBu0Qs7fGi4m-ln_80511oV8X0NfJR_" target="_blank">https://insurance.kansas.gov/</a>

Emergency Management releaseThe Kansas Department of Insurance has provided information to Geary County Emergency Management:&nbsp; If you live in Geary County and may have sustained damage from the recent storms, residents that have a question about their insurance coverage or are having an issue with their insurance company can give their office with a phone call.The contact information: Consumer Assistance Hotline: 1-800-432-2484 -- Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00.There is also a link to their website as well for reference. <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finsurance.kansas.gov%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3FnZ8stF5-fz9a1IdXMkQS_mDb0jTivoiucLbX9ndyw1sAUbtlC2ronSA_aem_5S_YA5KoaId5jEV7QHxYlQ&amp;h=AT38vJ3hPXFBFIH7OV0Qlsw-C8jG6AdZ7l1BneloGz5eWMvG7qgriogfYhvkAGZtIxbNr8jFEa2fopR9FOyOdFDOAqvnYZ6wBTDDdJoLYLjhuAmedXJE6gbuYNhS1DrHHGvVskyKxIWR8fB8Ruoq&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3T19-QVUGq6DaVhg_7zmGkYbJZjJJVilnpOGkqwtt4YTSpey3lSEJn2RufUTKS_jUYuRCt0QXwg8XKcXUfF6ogcAdLL0EQcZvDwFbrQES36tE4yb7eD7Esimpq9zvUM5oyQ13ZhqNoxjHD0on8Mb5hpASDi3awdfEHxTfvJUlaINyK4MXYJ-2pfcgtJ8jD21OPmPBu0Qs7fGi4m-ln_80511oV8X0NfJR_" target="_blank">https://insurance.kansas.gov/</a>

Kansas Department of Insurance offers information for Geary County residents.

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– Ten Junction City High School culinary students were recently awarded ServSafe® Food Handler Certification&nbsp;for their work in the classroom during the month of June.“I am so grateful that the district allowed me the opportunity to provide an elective course for our students this summer. The students enrolled came in each day focused and excited to learn,” said Lauren Simmons, JCHS family and consumer sciences&nbsp;culinary teacher. To earn certification as a food handler, JCHS students had to receive a 75% or higher on their ServSafe® Food Handler Examination. That's a national certification program designed to teach safe handling practices to foodservice employees and others who handle and serve food to the public.

&nbsp;In addition, Junction City High School also had&nbsp;10 students receive a certifying score for the YouScience Culinary I Exam. The Culinary I course&nbsp;is the second step in the Culinary Arts Pathway. Students learn about food safety and sanitation, careers, knife skills and cooking techniques, and basic culinary skills related to stocks, sauces, and yeast breads. 

There is also a focus on career readiness.“The culinary courses tend to be difficult to schedule for students involved in fine arts and honors courses and we have a very long wait list every year. This allowed students the ability to earn a credit during the summertime when it may have been difficult to get into the class during the school year. We were busy from start to finish each day and were in the lab working almost every day of the short semester.&nbsp;

The following students received certification or a certifying score for the&nbsp;YouScience Culinary I Exam.ServSafe®&nbsp;Food Handler

USD 475 releaseJUNCTION CITY, Kan.&nbsp;– Ten Junction City High School culinary students were recently awarded ServSafe® Food Handler Certification&nbsp;for their work in the classroom during the month of June.“I am so grateful that the district allowed me the opportunity to provide an elective course for our students this summer. The students enrolled came in each day focused and excited to learn,” said Lauren Simmons, JCHS family and consumer sciences&nbsp;culinary teacher. To earn certification as a food handler, JCHS students had to receive a 75% or higher on their ServSafe® Food Handler Examination. That's a national certification program designed to teach safe handling practices to foodservice employees and others who handle and serve food to the public.&nbsp;In addition, Junction City High School also had&nbsp;10 students receive a certifying score for the YouScience Culinary I Exam. The Culinary I course&nbsp;is the second step in the Culinary Arts Pathway. Students learn about food safety and sanitation, careers, knife skills and cooking techniques, and basic culinary skills related to stocks, sauces, and yeast breads. There is also a focus on career readiness.“The culinary courses tend to be difficult to schedule for students involved in fine arts and honors courses and we have a very long wait list every year. This allowed students the ability to earn a credit during the summertime when it may have been difficult to get into the class during the school year. We were busy from start to finish each day and were in the lab working almost every day of the short semester.&nbsp;The following students received certification or a certifying score for the&nbsp;YouScience Culinary I Exam.ServSafe®&nbsp;Food HandlerEmalie Burland - JuniorJoy Davis - SophomoreKiannah Erazo - SophomoreElizabeth McMahan - SophomorePeyton Mitchell&nbsp;- Sophomore&nbsp;Daniella Nzinga - Sophomore&nbsp;Joham Ortiz - Sophomore&nbsp;Olivia Penick - Sophomore&nbsp;Kaitlyn Principe - Sophomore&nbsp;Landyn Ronsse - Freshmen&nbsp;YouScience Culinary 1Oliver Benitze Santiago - Junior&nbsp;Emalie Burland - JuniorJoy Davis - SophomoreKiannah Erazo - SophomoreElizabeth McMahan - SophomorePeyton Mitchen - Sophomore&nbsp;Joham Ortiz - Sophomore&nbsp;Olivia Penick - Sophomore&nbsp;Kaitlyn Principe - Sophomore&nbsp;Landyn Ronsse - Freshmen&nbsp;

JCHS Culinary Students Shine in Summer School

Free Concerts, the Freedom parade, vendors, a car &amp; truck show, the veterans ceremony, fireworks and a carnival will be among the many activities for&nbsp;<a href="https://freedomfestjc.com/schedule/">Freedom Fest JC</a>. The annual celebration in downtown Junction City runs July 3-7.

The headliner concert by Molly Hatchet is scheduled at 8:30 p.m. Saturday July 6. Other concerts will range from tribute group performances to Loverboy and Journey, the Best of Motown &amp; More, Goddesses of Rock, Hells/Bells; #1 AC/DC Tribute and The Original Silver Bullet: Tribute to Bob Seger.

The Pompeyo Family &amp; Their Amazing Dogs are scheduled all five days. There will be helicopter rides Thursday, Friday and Saturday July&nbsp; 4, 5 and 6. Freedom on Wheels goes on Saturday July 6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.&nbsp;

The Fireworks Extravaganza will be held at 10 p.m. July 4.

The 48th annual Freedom Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday July 4 and there will be a Worship in the Park service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday July 7.

Freedom Fest JC typically attracts visitors to downtown Junction City from throughout the community and other area cities.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719595388832.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Free Concerts, the Freedom parade, vendors, a car &amp; truck show, the veterans ceremony, fireworks and a carnival will be among the many activities for&nbsp;<a href="https://freedomfestjc.com/schedule/">Freedom Fest JC</a>. The annual celebration in downtown Junction City runs July 3-7.The headliner concert by Molly Hatchet is scheduled at 8:30 p.m. Saturday July 6. Other concerts will range from tribute group performances to Loverboy and Journey, the Best of Motown &amp; More, Goddesses of Rock, Hells/Bells; #1 AC/DC Tribute and The Original Silver Bullet: Tribute to Bob Seger.The Pompeyo Family &amp; Their Amazing Dogs are scheduled all five days. There will be helicopter rides Thursday, Friday and Saturday July&nbsp; 4, 5 and 6. Freedom on Wheels goes on Saturday July 6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.&nbsp;The Fireworks Extravaganza will be held at 10 p.m. July 4.The 48th annual Freedom Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. Thursday July 4 and there will be a Worship in the Park service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday July 7.Freedom Fest JC typically attracts visitors to downtown Junction City from throughout the community and other area cities.

Freedom Fest JC runs July 3-7 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – July 1, 2024&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Fourth of July is just a few days away. Evergy reminds people to be safe with fireworks and electricity as they enjoy the holiday with friends and family this summer.&nbsp;

It’s important to take steps to protect your electrical lines from fireworks.&nbsp;

If you’re celebrating near a pool, lake, or anywhere where there’s water, there are also things to keep in mind when it comes to water and electricity.&nbsp;

Evergy news releaseKANSAS CITY, Mo. – July 1, 2024&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Fourth of July is just a few days away. Evergy reminds people to be safe with fireworks and electricity as they enjoy the holiday with friends and family this summer.&nbsp;It’s important to take steps to protect your electrical lines from fireworks.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Only use fireworks in open spaces. Make sure fireworks will not come into contact with power poles or power lines.&nbsp;</li><li>Stay clear of utility pad mounted electrical equipment. These large green boxes serve underground lines and carry high voltages of electricity. Never touch, sit on, or place objects on the equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Stay clear of downed power lines. Assume that any downed line is energized and stay at least 30 feet from them. Downed lines can be reported online at&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.b00YhNV2Nr0-2BaZn7eVNAdeK3aTRys-2FquHGt-2FlZGhve2rO0m-2FO4FWslIRB-2FmzVYsQjjIH_6n4-2BiDMUzpddSZX1Wt-2FWUJw49AQHSmsMB-2FCEltLGfW-2FgxXViF68B5RuuPoTByQpAbUylFj0p0kZpAbY3WvQgwDzUXB7D3Y-2BBPYx-2FG6ERHgNP24ff5rVEHYtaMUEcAv0-2FxUkg6S7QsriJcGqRI-2BGEkW6K8B2gFdqXo3ppZLf-2FcGCkmfaimuSB4GC7iLQ1axGmWB9zWO0sx5I7Vifv4ijEANdZ2H6ps8uJc5MPRM8FWwbAIxMUyU-2FhV97qREhfRcd3oKebgHNCyBvrWlTBGPsvzgyYd-2F4KlDTG4G98XeRlbtrXp0p08MtRRjL-2Bz8qqlR5aDup45Iz9cOL1ARW-2BXvl-2B1jVBCGr92xVLa57N4Vx-2BIaM-3D">http://www.evergy.com/powerlinesafety</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>If you’re celebrating near a pool, lake, or anywhere where there’s water, there are also things to keep in mind when it comes to water and electricity.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Do not spray water on power lines and electrical equipment or structures. A stream of water hitting a power line can create a path for electricity.&nbsp;</li><li>Keep electrical devices away from water.&nbsp;</li><li>Never touch electrical devices when wet.&nbsp;</li><li>Install waterproof covers and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on your outdoor outlets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Use extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Evergy Urges Safety Around Electricity, Power Poles this Fourth of July 

Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said after consulting with the National Weather Service in Topeka, they are putting the wind speed in the Junction City area during Friday night’s storm in the area of 80-90 mph. They reviewed their radar imaging along with photos of the damages in the area that was provided to them. An EF-1 tornado has winds between 73-112mph.

They believe it was straight line winds that caused the damage. There was some rotation in the upper part of the storm when it was west of Junction City but nothing down lower that would have produced a funnel or tornado.

Rainfall in the area on Friday evening was between 5½ inches to 7 plus inches. Areas to the north and south of Junction City received considerably less. So far on Monday as of 8:30am, rain fall in Junction City was about an inch with up to 3 inches to the southeast of Junction City.

An area of concern for emergency responders during Friday night’s storm was the number of vehicles that were out immediately after the storm. There were several streets and intersections that were flooded with water 1-2 feet or more deep. Vehicles were driving through and getting stuck. This resulted in several individuals needing to be rescued and cars being abandoned in the roadways.

Emergency management press releaseGeary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges said after consulting with the National Weather Service in Topeka, they are putting the wind speed in the Junction City area during Friday night’s storm in the area of 80-90 mph. They reviewed their radar imaging along with photos of the damages in the area that was provided to them. An EF-1 tornado has winds between 73-112mph.They believe it was straight line winds that caused the damage. There was some rotation in the upper part of the storm when it was west of Junction City but nothing down lower that would have produced a funnel or tornado.Rainfall in the area on Friday evening was between 5½ inches to 7 plus inches. Areas to the north and south of Junction City received considerably less. So far on Monday as of 8:30am, rain fall in Junction City was about an inch with up to 3 inches to the southeast of Junction City.An area of concern for emergency responders during Friday night’s storm was the number of vehicles that were out immediately after the storm. There were several streets and intersections that were flooded with water 1-2 feet or more deep. Vehicles were driving through and getting stuck. This resulted in several individuals needing to be rescued and cars being abandoned in the roadways.

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