The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Board of Trustees will have a vacant seat as of May 1 and are soliciting candidates now to recommend to the city commission to fill it. Cecil Aska will complete his second term and board eligibility at the end of April.&nbsp; The board gives its heartfelt thanks for his commitment and service.

Board service is limited to Geary County residents.&nbsp;Per state statute,&nbsp;Board members can serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Library board meetings are held on the second Monday of most months at 5:30 p.m. in the library meeting room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The board does not typically meet in August.&nbsp;

For more information and to express their interest in serving on the board, community members are welcome to contact Library Director Susan Moyer at 785-238-4311 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:donnap@jclib.org">susanm@jclib.org</a>.

By Susan Moyer--The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Board of Trustees will have a vacant seat as of May 1 and are soliciting candidates now to recommend to the city commission to fill it. Cecil Aska will complete his second term and board eligibility at the end of April.&nbsp; The board gives its heartfelt thanks for his commitment and service.Board service is limited to Geary County residents.&nbsp;Per state statute,&nbsp;Board members can serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.&nbsp;&nbsp;Library board meetings are held on the second Monday of most months at 5:30 p.m. in the library meeting room.&nbsp;&nbsp;The board does not typically meet in August.&nbsp;For more information and to express their interest in serving on the board, community members are welcome to contact Library Director Susan Moyer at 785-238-4311 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:donnap@jclib.org">susanm@jclib.org</a>.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Board of Trustees looking to fill a vacant seat

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring the victims of the Jan. 29,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and Black Hawk PAT (Priority Air Transport) 25. The Kansas delegation introduced the resolution with more than 90&nbsp;cosponsors.&nbsp;U.S. Representative Tracey Mann&nbsp;(KS-01),&nbsp;as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, hosted other members on the House Floor to express condolences. The House passed the resolution unanimously by voice vote.&nbsp;Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04)&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;the bill.

“Today, I join the Kansas delegation in honoring the lives lost in the tragic accident on January 29, 2025,” said&nbsp;Rep. Mann. “We will always&nbsp;remember&nbsp;our fellow Kansans and fellow Americans whose lives were tragically lost—farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright futures, taken from us far too soon. As the investigation into the accident continues to unfold, we must learn from our findings to prevent this from ever happening again. Audrey and I continue to express our deepest condolences and prayers to those impacted by the accident and mourn the lives tragically lost.”

“While it’s been just a little more than one month since this tragic incident, there are still no words to adequately express the heartbreak we all feel at your loss, and no words that can properly console you. I pray that, in time, God would give you and all those impacted a peace that would surpass all understanding,” said&nbsp;Rep. Estes. “It is in each home, school, workplace and community where each of the 67 victims was known and loved that they will continue to be remembered, celebrated and honored. As we’ve learned more about the individual passengers aboard the plane, as well as the pilots and flight crew of Flight 5342 and the crew of the Black Hawk, we’ve come to know how much they meant to the people around them – and how much they will be missed.”

“Today, I stand alongside my colleagues from Kansas to honor the lives lost, including those from our own state, in the tragic collision between Flight 5342 and PAT 25,” said&nbsp;Rep. Davids. “My heart is with the families and communities grieving this profound loss. We must continue working to improve aviation safety to ensure no other family faces such unimaginable heartache. The memory of those we lost will continue to guide our commitment to a safer future.”

“Today, our Kansas delegation stands united as we remember the victims of Flight 5342,” said&nbsp;Rep. Schmidt.&nbsp;“Our prayers remain with the family and friends of all affected by this horrible tragedy, and our gratitude remains with all the first responders who worked diligently around the clock on rescue and recovery efforts. My colleagues and I will continue working with federal agencies to determine how this collision occurred and what steps can be taken to prevent future tragedies.”

“My prayers go out to all the victims of the January 29th tragedy in our nation’s capital, and to all their loved ones, including the people of Kansas, who are suffering from their loss,” said&nbsp;Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06). “I also appreciate the heroic actions of the first responders and the many others who were involved in the response and recovery efforts following the accident.&nbsp;I commend Congressman Estes and his colleagues for leading this resolution to honor those that we lost on that day, express our condolences to those who are grieving, and praise the efforts of all those who responded to this tragedy.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741291088630.jpeg" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>Representative Tracey MannWASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;&nbsp;This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution honoring the victims of the Jan. 29,&nbsp;2025&nbsp;collision of American Eagle Flight 5342 and Black Hawk PAT (Priority Air Transport) 25. The Kansas delegation introduced the resolution with more than 90&nbsp;cosponsors.&nbsp;U.S. Representative Tracey Mann&nbsp;(KS-01),&nbsp;as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, hosted other members on the House Floor to express condolences. The House passed the resolution unanimously by voice vote.&nbsp;Rep. Ron Estes (KS-04)&nbsp;introduced&nbsp;the bill.“Today, I join the Kansas delegation in honoring the lives lost in the tragic accident on January 29, 2025,” said&nbsp;Rep. Mann. “We will always&nbsp;remember&nbsp;our fellow Kansans and fellow Americans whose lives were tragically lost—farmers, parents, professors, college students with bright futures, taken from us far too soon. As the investigation into the accident continues to unfold, we must learn from our findings to prevent this from ever happening again. Audrey and I continue to express our deepest condolences and prayers to those impacted by the accident and mourn the lives tragically lost.”“While it’s been just a little more than one month since this tragic incident, there are still no words to adequately express the heartbreak we all feel at your loss, and no words that can properly console you. I pray that, in time, God would give you and all those impacted a peace that would surpass all understanding,” said&nbsp;Rep. Estes. “It is in each home, school, workplace and community where each of the 67 victims was known and loved that they will continue to be remembered, celebrated and honored. As we’ve learned more about the individual passengers aboard the plane, as well as the pilots and flight crew of Flight 5342 and the crew of the Black Hawk, we’ve come to know how much they meant to the people around them – and how much they will be missed.”“Today, I stand alongside my colleagues from Kansas to honor the lives lost, including those from our own state, in the tragic collision between Flight 5342 and PAT 25,” said&nbsp;Rep. Davids. “My heart is with the families and communities grieving this profound loss. We must continue working to improve aviation safety to ensure no other family faces such unimaginable heartache. The memory of those we lost will continue to guide our commitment to a safer future.”“Today, our Kansas delegation stands united as we remember the victims of Flight 5342,” said&nbsp;Rep. Schmidt.&nbsp;“Our prayers remain with the family and friends of all affected by this horrible tragedy, and our gratitude remains with all the first responders who worked diligently around the clock on rescue and recovery efforts. My colleagues and I will continue working with federal agencies to determine how this collision occurred and what steps can be taken to prevent future tragedies.”“My prayers go out to all the victims of the January 29th tragedy in our nation’s capital, and to all their loved ones, including the people of Kansas, who are suffering from their loss,” said&nbsp;Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06). “I also appreciate the heroic actions of the first responders and the many others who were involved in the response and recovery efforts following the accident.&nbsp;I commend Congressman Estes and his colleagues for leading this resolution to honor those that we lost on that day, express our condolences to those who are grieving, and praise the efforts of all those who responded to this tragedy.”

Rep. Mann, other U.S. House members pass resolution honoring victims of air collision

During their meeting next Monday the Geary County Commission will discuss the possibility of holding one of their meetings each month at night.

The commission normally meets at 10 a.m. each Monday at the County Office Building. A night meeting might allow attendance for people who cannot attend or watch&nbsp;a meeting during the day.

The discussion Monday is scheduled at approximately 11:15 a.m.

During their meeting next Monday the Geary County Commission will discuss the possibility of holding one of their meetings each month at night.The commission normally meets at 10 a.m. each Monday at the County Office Building. A night meeting might allow attendance for people who cannot attend or watch&nbsp;a meeting during the day.The discussion Monday is scheduled at approximately 11:15 a.m.

Possiblity of having a night meeting will be on the county commission agenda

The Chapman Knights of Columbus Council #1181 are hosting their 8th Annual Fish Fry on Friday, March 7. The Fish Fry will be at St. Michael's Parish Center in Chapman 230 East 6th St.&nbsp;

The meal will be from 5:00-7:30 p.m. and include fried fish, baked fish, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and a drink. The cost is $13 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3-12.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741279361688.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Chapman Knights of Columbus Council #1181 are hosting their 8th Annual Fish Fry on Friday, March 7. The Fish Fry will be at St. Michael's Parish Center in Chapman 230 East 6th St.&nbsp;The meal will be from 5:00-7:30 p.m. and include fried fish, baked fish, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and a drink. The cost is $13 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3-12.&nbsp;

Chapman Knights of Columbus will host Annual Fish Fry on Friday

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed robbery and have a teen in custody.

Just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree, Jr. of Topeka, in the 6000 block of SW 10th Street in Topeka, according to a media release from the RCPD.

 Tyree was taken into custody on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery armed with a dangerous weapon and criminal use of weapons.

Following his arrest, Tyree was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. Tyree was confined at the time of this report.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an armed robbery and have a teen in custody. Just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 17-year-old Delron Tyree, Jr. of Topeka, in the 6000 block of SW 10th Street in Topeka, according to a media release from the RCPD. Tyree was taken into custody on a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated robbery armed with a dangerous weapon and criminal use of weapons.Following his arrest, Tyree was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. Tyree was confined at the time of this report.

RCPD arrests 17-year-old for armed robbery

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.

John Mora, Failure to appear, arrested 03/05

Sheri Balli, Driving while license cancelled, suspended, or revoked, arrested 03/05

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/2025/3/1741276318219.jpeg" alt="Howard Harris, Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute marijuana; 450 grams &lt; 30 kilograms, arrested 03/05" />
 <figcaption>Howard Harris, Taxation; Drugs; No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute marijuana; 450 grams &lt; 30 kilograms, arrested 03/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741276328969.jpeg" alt="Imelda Gliniecki, Unlawful damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/05" />
 <figcaption>Imelda Gliniecki, Unlawful damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/05</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.John Mora, Failure to appear, arrested 03/05Sheri Balli, Driving while license cancelled, suspended, or revoked, arrested 03/05Recent 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 March 6

During the 2024-25 school year, we have missed nine days due to severe weather conditions and we need to make up time to meet the minimum state requirements.

Please know that we discussed all possible scenarios at length and below is our adjusted schedule moving forward.&nbsp;

• All Students in School: March 10 and May 9 (Pre-K through 12th Grade)

• All Students in School: May 22-23 (Pre-K through 11th Grade)

• Last Day of School for Pre-K through 11th Grade: May 23 (Full Day)&nbsp; &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZVgr8-wKU8pA3jClxS8fylZyipXl5ig7_ZtnjRXeu1kLOQuMCg0g808zR38p7Xl-Y2T2SY_8a9eIexOyQdJdrORlQqXXsKsRrvSggvPDyJPd4qpmfuxyaVXuve2_4BL8vmb3AdBcePeLa9jzpsXbNVXrLpq42DHGS_PoLahTjKmHIpfld8RAIFVcHn7IdWJP7M&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a>’s 2025 graduation ceremony will remain on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m.

USD 475 News Release--During the 2024-25 school year, we have missed nine days due to severe weather conditions and we need to make up time to meet the minimum state requirements.Please know that we discussed all possible scenarios at length and below is our adjusted schedule moving forward.&nbsp;Adjusted Days• All Students in School: March 10 and May 9 (Pre-K through 12th Grade)• All Students in School: May 22-23 (Pre-K through 11th Grade)• Last Day of School for Pre-K through 11th Grade: May 23 (Full Day)&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZVgr8-wKU8pA3jClxS8fylZyipXl5ig7_ZtnjRXeu1kLOQuMCg0g808zR38p7Xl-Y2T2SY_8a9eIexOyQdJdrORlQqXXsKsRrvSggvPDyJPd4qpmfuxyaVXuve2_4BL8vmb3AdBcePeLa9jzpsXbNVXrLpq42DHGS_PoLahTjKmHIpfld8RAIFVcHn7IdWJP7M&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a>’s 2025 graduation ceremony will remain on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m.

USD 475 announces schedule changes to meet State requirements

Junction City coach Carl Laughlin announced that Eight Lady Jay wrestlers are recognized by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association as All-State members:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordis Serrano&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honorable Mention

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Catherine Dee&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honorable Mention

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ka’Ori Herring&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp;Team All State

Five Girls received 1st&nbsp;Team All State Awards

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elaina Twitty&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shalina Hicks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bree Villanueva&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Alvarado&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State

Junction City coach Carl Laughlin announced that Eight Lady Jay wrestlers are recognized by the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association as All-State members:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jordis Serrano&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honorable Mention&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Catherine Dee&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honorable Mention&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ka’Ori Herring&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2nd&nbsp;Team All StateFive Girls received 1st&nbsp;Team All State Awards&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Elaina Twitty&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shalina Hicks&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bree Villanueva&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jaidyn Alvarado&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;Team All State

Lady Jay wrestlers receive recognition

This week, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed kicked off KDOT’s annual Transportation Safety Conference in Wichita by emphasizing the key components of decreasing fatalities on Kansas’s streets and highways: safer drivers, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and safer roads. He was immediately followed by the conference’s keynote speaker, Charles Marohn, the founder of Strong Towns, an organization dedicated to helping America’s cities manage their finances and built environments better. Chuck made the case that, practically speaking, Kansas’s cities should just ignore the first three factors and focus on the last. He’s right.

Kansas’s traffic statistics aren’t terrible, but they aren’t good. Like the rest of the country, Kansas mostly saw fatalities from road accidents increase throughout the 2010s and the first part of this decade. There have been some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/10/kansas-traffic-fatalities-trend-downward-after-seven-years-averaging-more-than-420-deaths/">dramatic improvements over the past two years</a>; 2024 saw the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/home/kansas-sees-record-low-traffic-fatalities-in-2024-but-2025-trends-spark-concern/article_5bbfab2c-dd11-11ef-baf2-13b1610ed7bf.html">lowest number of Kansans killed in car crashes</a>—344—in nearly 80 years. Still<a target="_blank" href="https://tripnet.org/reports/addressing-americas-traffic-safety-crisis-kansas-news-release-07-02-2024/">, Kansas remains above the national average of fatal accidents per population</a>, and so it’s reasonable that KDOT has made reducing traffic deaths—through their “Drive to Zero” initiative—a key priority.

For a variety of reasons, though, most of the actual work that’s been done in support of that initiative has been focused on educating (or shaming) drivers—for speeding, or being distracted, or failing to follow every traffic rule—and on inducing (or requiring) municipalities to lower the speeds on their arterial roads and streets. When asked after his presentation about the Drive to Zero plan, Marohn applauded it—but also argued that 98% of the problem here is road design, with driver responsibility, vehicle quality, and speed calculations taking up the tiny remainder.

Marohn’s argument builds upon the basic idea the human beings, being human, will always make mistakes, always be distracted, etc., and thus one ought to focus on fixing the conditions humans operate in, rather than fixing humans themselves. In the design of highways, this principle took the form of “forgiving design”—these roads needed to be wide, and the drivers speeding on them needed to be channeled in the same direction, all to minimize the deadly costs of mistakes.

But over the decades these lessons were taken from high-speed, cross-country roads and imposed on city streets. Thus we have what Marohn calls “stroads”: neighborhood streets lined with sidewalks and schools and businesses and houses, but designed in ways that assume everyone will drive fast and poorly, requiring them to be huge and thus pedestrian-unfriendly. This, obviously, discourages pedestrian use, which not only has negative economic, civic, and public health consequences, but also implicitly encourages drivers to drive even faster and more poorly.

The characteristics of such design assumptions are dangerous one-way streets, drivers gunning at intersections, near-unusable cross-walks, and more. Marohn wants to see cities focus on changing these design assumptions, rather than chastising drivers for acting in exactly the way the conditions they encounter on the road encourage them to do. Makes sense to me.

And fortunately, it makes sense to many city leaders and planners across Kansas as well (Marohn likely wouldn’t have been KDOT’s guest of honor otherwise). In Wichita, Kansas City, Salina, and elsewhere, Kansas municipalities are slowly but surely making changes. One-way streets are being converted to two-way; unnecessary lanes are being shrunk and made safer; designers are thinking more about traffic calming (putting in meridians, for example) and less about draconian speed reductions. Zero traffic fatalities may be a distant goal, but we’ll get closer to it by fixing the streets that carry traffic, rather than the drivers negotiating it.

This week, Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed kicked off KDOT’s annual Transportation Safety Conference in Wichita by emphasizing the key components of decreasing fatalities on Kansas’s streets and highways: safer drivers, safer vehicles, safer speeds, and safer roads. He was immediately followed by the conference’s keynote speaker, Charles Marohn, the founder of Strong Towns, an organization dedicated to helping America’s cities manage their finances and built environments better. Chuck made the case that, practically speaking, Kansas’s cities should just ignore the first three factors and focus on the last. He’s right.Kansas’s traffic statistics aren’t terrible, but they aren’t good. Like the rest of the country, Kansas mostly saw fatalities from road accidents increase throughout the 2010s and the first part of this decade. There have been some&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/07/10/kansas-traffic-fatalities-trend-downward-after-seven-years-averaging-more-than-420-deaths/">dramatic improvements over the past two years</a>; 2024 saw the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/home/kansas-sees-record-low-traffic-fatalities-in-2024-but-2025-trends-spark-concern/article_5bbfab2c-dd11-11ef-baf2-13b1610ed7bf.html">lowest number of Kansans killed in car crashes</a>—344—in nearly 80 years. Still<a target="_blank" href="https://tripnet.org/reports/addressing-americas-traffic-safety-crisis-kansas-news-release-07-02-2024/">, Kansas remains above the national average of fatal accidents per population</a>, and so it’s reasonable that KDOT has made reducing traffic deaths—through their “Drive to Zero” initiative—a key priority.For a variety of reasons, though, most of the actual work that’s been done in support of that initiative has been focused on educating (or shaming) drivers—for speeding, or being distracted, or failing to follow every traffic rule—and on inducing (or requiring) municipalities to lower the speeds on their arterial roads and streets. When asked after his presentation about the Drive to Zero plan, Marohn applauded it—but also argued that 98% of the problem here is road design, with driver responsibility, vehicle quality, and speed calculations taking up the tiny remainder.Marohn’s argument builds upon the basic idea the human beings, being human, will always make mistakes, always be distracted, etc., and thus one ought to focus on fixing the conditions humans operate in, rather than fixing humans themselves. In the design of highways, this principle took the form of “forgiving design”—these roads needed to be wide, and the drivers speeding on them needed to be channeled in the same direction, all to minimize the deadly costs of mistakes.But over the decades these lessons were taken from high-speed, cross-country roads and imposed on city streets. Thus we have what Marohn calls “stroads”: neighborhood streets lined with sidewalks and schools and businesses and houses, but designed in ways that assume everyone will drive fast and poorly, requiring them to be huge and thus pedestrian-unfriendly. This, obviously, discourages pedestrian use, which not only has negative economic, civic, and public health consequences, but also implicitly encourages drivers to drive even faster and more poorly.The characteristics of such design assumptions are dangerous one-way streets, drivers gunning at intersections, near-unusable cross-walks, and more. Marohn wants to see cities focus on changing these design assumptions, rather than chastising drivers for acting in exactly the way the conditions they encounter on the road encourage them to do. Makes sense to me.And fortunately, it makes sense to many city leaders and planners across Kansas as well (Marohn likely wouldn’t have been KDOT’s guest of honor otherwise). In Wichita, Kansas City, Salina, and elsewhere, Kansas municipalities are slowly but surely making changes. One-way streets are being converted to two-way; unnecessary lanes are being shrunk and made safer; designers are thinking more about traffic calming (putting in meridians, for example) and less about draconian speed reductions. Zero traffic fatalities may be a distant goal, but we’ll get closer to it by fixing the streets that carry traffic, rather than the drivers negotiating it.

 Drive to zero begins with the streets we drive on, not the drivers themselves

Paul Zedalis, Domestic battery, arrested 02/27

Rocky Tiafu, Failure to appear, arrested 02/27

James Scott, Failure to appear, arrested 02/27

Ricky Smith, Failure to appear, arrested 02/28

Rebecca Carrillo, Failure to appear, arrested 03/01

Lynne Smythe, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 03/01

Angelo De Luca, Failure to appear, arrested 03/01

Jalen Williams Flanigan, Possession of marijuana, arrested 03/01

Kelsey Pearson, Unlawful damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/01

Samantha Ott, Failure to appear, arrested 03/01

Dwight Reid, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 03/02

Christiam Mendez Bellorin, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 03/02

Alejandra Sales, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 03/02

Anasia Smith-Walters, Failure to appear, arrested 03/02

Quintin Daniels, Purchase, Consumption or possession of alcoholic liquor by a minor; Disorderly conduct; Criminal damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/02

Gague Enosa, Failure to appear, arrested 03/03

Stephanie Munk Adair,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03

Nicholas Santos,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03

Davinna Detwiler,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03

Kaandra Brattan,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03

Alyssia Lilliefurtado, Unlawful damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/04

Devin Lilliefurtado, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 03/04

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/2025/3/1741209067429.jpeg" alt="Deonte Jones,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 02/27" />
 <figcaption>Deonte Jones,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 02/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741209116110.jpeg" alt="Jayne Statham, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 02/27" />
 <figcaption>Jayne Statham, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 02/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741209258845.jpeg" alt="Timothy Mulder, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 02/27" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Mulder, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 02/27</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741209369708.jpeg" alt="James Hill, Aggravated failure to appear, arrested 02/28" />
 <figcaption>James Hill, Aggravated failure to appear, arrested 02/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741209382734.jpeg" alt="Lockie Blair, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Taxation, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance;&nbsp; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Possession of marijuana; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 02/28" />
 <figcaption>Lockie Blair, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Taxation, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance;&nbsp; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Possession of marijuana; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 02/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741209395102.jpeg" alt="David Simpson,&nbsp;Interference with LEO,&nbsp; Taxation,&nbsp;Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance;&nbsp; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Possession of marijuana; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 02/28" />
 <figcaption>David Simpson,&nbsp;Interference with LEO,&nbsp; Taxation,&nbsp;Drugs, No drug tax stamp for marijuana or controlled substance;&nbsp; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Possession of marijuana; Distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 02/28</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741209411558.jpeg" alt="Osvaldo Bigas Jr., Aggravated domestic battery, Choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship, arrested 03/02" />
 <figcaption>Osvaldo Bigas Jr., Aggravated domestic battery, Choke in rude manner, family member/dating relationship, arrested 03/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741210583474.jpeg" alt="Carol Upchurch-Larose,&nbsp; Failure to appear; Battery against a law enforcement officer; Criminal trespass, arrested 03/04" />
 <figcaption>Carol Upchurch-Larose,&nbsp; Failure to appear; Battery against a law enforcement officer; Criminal trespass, arrested 03/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741210594042.jpeg" alt="Matthew Jones, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 03/05" />
 <figcaption>Matthew Jones, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 03/05</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Paul Zedalis, Domestic battery, arrested 02/27Rocky Tiafu, Failure to appear, arrested 02/27James Scott, Failure to appear, arrested 02/27Ricky Smith, Failure to appear, arrested 02/28Rebecca Carrillo, Failure to appear, arrested 03/01Lynne Smythe, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 03/01Angelo De Luca, Failure to appear, arrested 03/01Jalen Williams Flanigan, Possession of marijuana, arrested 03/01Kelsey Pearson, Unlawful damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/01Samantha Ott, Failure to appear, arrested 03/01Dwight Reid, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 03/02Christiam Mendez Bellorin, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 03/02Alejandra Sales, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 03/02Anasia Smith-Walters, Failure to appear, arrested 03/02Quintin Daniels, Purchase, Consumption or possession of alcoholic liquor by a minor; Disorderly conduct; Criminal damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/02Gague Enosa, Failure to appear, arrested 03/03Stephanie Munk Adair,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03Nicholas Santos,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03Davinna Detwiler,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03Kaandra Brattan,&nbsp; Failure to appear, arrested 03/03Alyssia Lilliefurtado, Unlawful damage to property; Domestic battery, arrested 03/04Devin Lilliefurtado, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 03/04Recent 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 Feb 28-Mar.5

The KDOT I-70 Pavement Replacement Project has started back up, with temporary lane closures in the westbound lanes beginning March 3.

On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 they planned to close the J-Hill Road Bridge for safety reasons. For the first few weeks that it is closed, all of the ramps to I-70 will still be open.

According to KDOT starting on March 17th Wildcat will begin transitioning traffic to the head-to-head configuration in the westbound (WB) lanes in order to begin the reconstruction of the eastbound (EB) lanes. Exit 298 (Chestnut EB On-ramp) and Exit 299 (J-Hill EB Off-ramp) will be closed. During this time there will be a traffic signal on K57 to replace the remaining concrete. In addition, the eastbound on/off ramps will be closed at Exit 300 (K57) and the westbound on-ramp at Marshall Field (Exit 301) will also be closed. The contractor will then have 50 calendar days to complete reconstruction at K57 and have these ramps reopened.

Once Exit 300 Ramps are opened, head-to-head traffic will be shifted west, so that Exit 301 can also be opened. The traffic signal on K57 will be removed. KDOT will then close the Exit 299 (J-Hill EB on-ramp). The contractor has 45 Calendar days to complete this work. Exit 298 (Chestnut EB on-ramp) and Exit 299 (J-Hill EB off-ramp) will remain closed.

After the on-ramp is opened at J-Hill, the EB off-ramp at 298 (Chestnut) will be closed for eastbound traffic looking to exit. The contractor has 50 days to complete this work along with some minor repairs on East Street.

Once this work is completed, the contractor will be able to reopen Exit 298 (Chestnut EB on-ramp) and (J-Hill EB off-ramp) as well.

Work will continue moving west to then include the ramps at Exit 296 (Washington) where the contractor will have 60 days to complete work at the Exit 296 EB off-ramp. Local traffic will come via 40B/Washington Street.

This work will be coordinated with the rest of the Roundabout replacement. Exit 296 EB on-ramp will be opened with the completion of the project. 

The KDOT I-70 Pavement Replacement Project has started back up, with temporary lane closures in the westbound lanes beginning March 3.On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 they planned to close the J-Hill Road Bridge for safety reasons. For the first few weeks that it is closed, all of the ramps to I-70 will still be open.According to KDOT starting on March 17th Wildcat will begin transitioning traffic to the head-to-head configuration in the westbound (WB) lanes in order to begin the reconstruction of the eastbound (EB) lanes. Exit 298 (Chestnut EB On-ramp) and Exit 299 (J-Hill EB Off-ramp) will be closed. During this time there will be a traffic signal on K57 to replace the remaining concrete. In addition, the eastbound on/off ramps will be closed at Exit 300 (K57) and the westbound on-ramp at Marshall Field (Exit 301) will also be closed. The contractor will then have 50 calendar days to complete reconstruction at K57 and have these ramps reopened.Once Exit 300 Ramps are opened, head-to-head traffic will be shifted west, so that Exit 301 can also be opened. The traffic signal on K57 will be removed. KDOT will then close the Exit 299 (J-Hill EB on-ramp). The contractor has 45 Calendar days to complete this work. Exit 298 (Chestnut EB on-ramp) and Exit 299 (J-Hill EB off-ramp) will remain closed.After the on-ramp is opened at J-Hill, the EB off-ramp at 298 (Chestnut) will be closed for eastbound traffic looking to exit. The contractor has 50 days to complete this work along with some minor repairs on East Street.Once this work is completed, the contractor will be able to reopen Exit 298 (Chestnut EB on-ramp) and (J-Hill EB off-ramp) as well.Work will continue moving west to then include the ramps at Exit 296 (Washington) where the contractor will have 60 days to complete work at the Exit 296 EB off-ramp. Local traffic will come via 40B/Washington Street.This work will be coordinated with the rest of the Roundabout replacement. Exit 296 EB on-ramp will be opened with the completion of the project.

KDOT updates law enforcement and emergency officials on I-70 project 

Junction City Commisssioners have approved a $10,000 grant for the annual Juneteenth celebration in the city. This will be the 30th year for the Juneteenth celebration.

Juneteenth is a platform designed to foster unity. The celebration will have entertainment, educational offering and guest speakers. The money is intended to help with enertainment.

Junction City Commisssioners have approved a $10,000 grant for the annual Juneteenth celebration in the city. This will be the 30th year for the Juneteenth celebration.Juneteenth is a platform designed to foster unity. The celebration will have entertainment, educational offering and guest speakers. The money is intended to help with enertainment.

City will help fund the Juneteenth celebration

The Geary County Sheriff's Department said that on Tuesday at 1040 a.m.Deputies responded to I-70 Westbound Mile Marker 304 for a single vehicle accident. Orlando Prieto-Guerra of Junction City was traveling westbound on I-70 in his 2016 Hyundai Elantra, when he went off the roadway to the left and struck the guardrail. A passenger suffered minor injuries and was treated by EMS at the scene. The vehicle was removed by A Homestead Wrecker.

The Geary County Sheriff's Department said that on Tuesday at 1040 a.m.Deputies responded to I-70 Westbound Mile Marker 304 for a single vehicle accident. Orlando Prieto-Guerra of Junction City was traveling westbound on I-70 in his 2016 Hyundai Elantra, when he went off the roadway to the left and struck the guardrail. A passenger suffered minor injuries and was treated by EMS at the scene. The vehicle was removed by A Homestead Wrecker.

Authorities respond to accident

WASHINGTON —Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation are sharing their thoughts on President Trump's address to Congress.

Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wrote on social media, "America is back! President Trump’s address laid out a clear vision for our country as we work to secure the border, reduce federal spending, cut taxes, and restore America’s role on the world stage.

 I am eager to work with him to make it happen. Promises made, promises kept. 

Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "In his first address to Congress in his second term, President Trump highlighted his America First policies that Americans overwhelmingly voted for in November and that congressional Republicans are working hard to advance," said Rep. Estes. 

"We are renewing the American Dream, and the president’s victories have been evident through record-low illegal border crossings, the reduction of governmental waste and fraud with the help of DOGE, and new investments in our country. I support President Trump’s efforts to restore America’s economy and make our nation secure and competitive once again, and I look forward to continuing to deliver on his bold agenda that will benefit all Kansans."

Kansas 2nd District Rep. Derek Schmidt wrote,&nbsp;“After four years of weakness, strength is back in the White House and President Trump is already delivering on his promise of a safe and prosperous nation for the American people. House Republicans are moving quickly and decisively to implement the President’s America First agenda by passing legislation to secure the border, restore energy independence, shrink the size of government, and curb the runaway federal spending that has fueled inflation. We’re slashing red tape, taking power back from unelected bureaucrats, and working hard every day to make the changes Kansans expect us to make.”

WASHINGTON —Members of the Kansas Congressional delegation are sharing their thoughts on President Trump's address to Congress.Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann wrote on social media, "America is back! President Trump’s address laid out a clear vision for our country as we work to secure the border, reduce federal spending, cut taxes, and restore America’s role on the world stage.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">America is back! President Trump’s address laid out a clear vision for our country as we work to secure the border, reduce federal spending, cut taxes, and restore America’s role on the world stage. I am eager to work with him to make it happen. Promises made, promises kept.… <a href="https://t.co/bBWCxBsiH5">pic.twitter.com/bBWCxBsiH5</a>&mdash; Tracey Mann (@RepMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMann/status/1897152308666097785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> I am eager to work with him to make it happen. Promises made, promises kept. Thank you, President Trump!Kansas 4th District Rep. Ron Estes wrote, "In his first address to Congress in his second term, President Trump highlighted his America First policies that Americans overwhelmingly voted for in November and that congressional Republicans are working hard to advance," said Rep. Estes. "We are renewing the American Dream, and the president’s victories have been evident through record-low illegal border crossings, the reduction of governmental waste and fraud with the help of DOGE, and new investments in our country. I support President Trump’s efforts to restore America’s economy and make our nation secure and competitive once again, and I look forward to continuing to deliver on his bold agenda that will benefit all Kansans."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> has brought common sense back to the White House.&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1897114382225826239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">America is the strongest country in the world. After four years of weakness, we once again have a President who acts like it.&mdash; Rep. Derek Schmidt Press (@RepDerekSchmidt) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDerekSchmidt/status/1897125228536643778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas 2nd District Rep. Derek Schmidt wrote,&nbsp;“After four years of weakness, strength is back in the White House and President Trump is already delivering on his promise of a safe and prosperous nation for the American people. House Republicans are moving quickly and decisively to implement the President’s America First agenda by passing legislation to secure the border, restore energy independence, shrink the size of government, and curb the runaway federal spending that has fueled inflation. We’re slashing red tape, taking power back from unelected bureaucrats, and working hard every day to make the changes Kansans expect us to make.”

🎥Kansas First District Rep. on Trump's address to Congress

Tuesday night was the opening night of sub-state semifinal basketball, and the six-seed Junction City Blue Jays hosted the 11-seed Manhattan High Indians in Junction City. 

The Manhattan High Indians snagged an early 5-1 lead over the Blue Jays as both teams struggled on the offensive end in the first quarter. Junction City's shots began to fall, and JC led 10-9 after the first quarter. 

The second quarter featured more points and better offense from both sides, but the Blue Jays led by eight, 27-19, at halftime. 

In the second half, the Indians never could get within six points, as every time Manhattan scored, the Blue Jays had a response. To end the third quarter, Junction City senior Jackson Austin was fouled on a half-court heave. Austin made all three free throws, and JC led 41-29. 

In the fourth quarter, Junction City pulled away and led by as many as 17 points. The Blue Jays held on and won 59-45 to beat Manhattan for the third time this season. 

Junction City was led in scoring by senior Larkin Turner, who scored a career-high 28 points in his last home game. 

For Manhattan, the Indians were led in scoring by senior Landon Knopp with 11 points. 

The Indians end their season with a 6-15 record. For Junction City, the Blue Jays will play three-seed Washburn Rural in Topeka on Friday night. The winner of the sub-state final will advance to the 6A State tournament in Wichita.

By Anthony GorgesTuesday night was the opening night of sub-state semifinal basketball, and the six-seed Junction City Blue Jays hosted the 11-seed Manhattan High Indians in Junction City. The Manhattan High Indians snagged an early 5-1 lead over the Blue Jays as both teams struggled on the offensive end in the first quarter. Junction City's shots began to fall, and JC led 10-9 after the first quarter. The second quarter featured more points and better offense from both sides, but the Blue Jays led by eight, 27-19, at halftime. In the second half, the Indians never could get within six points, as every time Manhattan scored, the Blue Jays had a response. To end the third quarter, Junction City senior Jackson Austin was fouled on a half-court heave. Austin made all three free throws, and JC led 41-29. In the fourth quarter, Junction City pulled away and led by as many as 17 points. The Blue Jays held on and won 59-45 to beat Manhattan for the third time this season. Junction City was led in scoring by senior Larkin Turner, who scored a career-high 28 points in his last home game. For Manhattan, the Indians were led in scoring by senior Landon Knopp with 11 points. The Indians end their season with a 6-15 record. For Junction City, the Blue Jays will play three-seed Washburn Rural in Topeka on Friday night. The winner of the sub-state final will advance to the 6A State tournament in Wichita.

Junction City beats Manhattan, Blue Jays advance to Sub-State Finals

Just like January, February 2025 was cold and snowy. Both colder than normal and snowier than normal. It was a month of two different extremes however.The average daily high for February was 38.3, 6.3 degrees below normal. The average overnight low was 19.4, 3.0 degrees below normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 28.9, 4.6 degrees below normal. Not a record, but noticeably colder than the past three unusually warm Februaries. 

The highest temperature for the month was the afternoon high of 71 on February 25th. The lowest temperature for the month was the morning low just five days earlier, the 20th, when the thermometer dipped down to -8 degrees. We had seven mornings with lows below zero. We also had two days (18th and 19th) when the afternoon high never reached 10 degrees. The coldest February on record was in 1979 when the monthly mean temperature was 17.6. The warmest February was in 1954 with a monthly mean temperature was 46.3. The second warmest February was just last year, February 2024, when we had a monthly mean temperature of 45 degrees, over 15 degrees warmer than this year. 

There were multiple temperature records set or tied in February. The low of -3 on the 13th tied the record low for that date, first set in 1980. The low of -8 on the 20th broke the old record of -1 which was set in 1978. The low of -7 on the 21st also broke a record set in 1978, that record low was -2. Three days also set new record low, high temperatures. The high of 2 on the 18th broke the old record of 17 set in 1978. The high of 8 on the 19th broke the old record low high of 23 set in 2019, and the high of 13 on the 20th broke the record of 20 set in 1966.

Through the first three weeks of February cold weather prevailed. For those three weeks the average temperature was 23.1 degrees, which if it had continued for the entire month, would have made February the 5th coldest February on record. However, the last week of February showed a noticeable improvement with an average temperature of 46.1, essentially double that of the first three weeks. These unseasonably warmed temperatures pulled the month average up high enough to keep it out of the record books!

February brings us the end of meteorological winter. Astronomical spring doesn’t start until March 20th however. With January and February being well below normal there is a natural tendency to assume that the winter season was well below normal as well. Winter 2024-25 was below normal, but a much warmer than normal December kept it from being record setting. In fact the average winter temperature (1991 - 2020) is 31.9 degrees and the winter we just finished was 30.7 degrees. 

Winters are becoming warmer however. The warmest winter was the winter of 1991-92 with an average winter temperature of 37.9. However, three of the five warmest winters on record have been since 2005 and five of the seven warmest winters have been since 2005. The coldest winters go back to the cold spells we had in the late 1970s. The winter of 1978-79 is the coldest with a winter average temperature of 19.1. The winter immediately before that, 1977-78 was the second coldest winter with a seasonal average temperature of 20.9.

While we did receive above average snow for February, much of that arrived as very dry snow in cold conditions. Liquid precipitation for the month was 0.19 inches, well below the average of 1.10 inches. Thanks to a wetter than normal January though, year to date we are still above average with 1.99 inches, compared to the average of 1.83 inches for the first two months of the year. Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Office reported 7 inches of snow for the month, above the average for February of 4.7 inches. Season to date we have received 25.2 inches of snow, above our seasonal average of 18 inches.

March marks the start of meteorological spring on the 1st and astronomical spring on the 20th (the day when we have equal daylight and darkness.) Average daily high temperatures in March improve from 50 on the 1st to 62 on the 31st. Average morning lows start the month below freezing at 26 but by the end of the month have warmed to 39. The latest in the year that we’ve ever had below zero temperatures is March 15th (1975). Record high temperatures for the month generally range in the 80s. March is also a transition from our driest months of the year towards our wetter months. Average March precipitation is 2.00 inches. While many years March is snowless, the long term average March snowfall is 3.1 inches and some heavy, and very wet, snowfalls have occurred in March.

Chuck Otte&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;cotte@ksu.edu

Chuck Otte&nbsp;County Extension Agent RetiredJust like January, February 2025 was cold and snowy. Both colder than normal and snowier than normal. It was a month of two different extremes however.The average daily high for February was 38.3, 6.3 degrees below normal. The average overnight low was 19.4, 3.0 degrees below normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 28.9, 4.6 degrees below normal. Not a record, but noticeably colder than the past three unusually warm Februaries. The highest temperature for the month was the afternoon high of 71 on February 25th. The lowest temperature for the month was the morning low just five days earlier, the 20th, when the thermometer dipped down to -8 degrees. We had seven mornings with lows below zero. We also had two days (18th and 19th) when the afternoon high never reached 10 degrees. The coldest February on record was in 1979 when the monthly mean temperature was 17.6. The warmest February was in 1954 with a monthly mean temperature was 46.3. The second warmest February was just last year, February 2024, when we had a monthly mean temperature of 45 degrees, over 15 degrees warmer than this year. There were multiple temperature records set or tied in February. The low of -3 on the 13th tied the record low for that date, first set in 1980. The low of -8 on the 20th broke the old record of -1 which was set in 1978. The low of -7 on the 21st also broke a record set in 1978, that record low was -2. Three days also set new record low, high temperatures. The high of 2 on the 18th broke the old record of 17 set in 1978. The high of 8 on the 19th broke the old record low high of 23 set in 2019, and the high of 13 on the 20th broke the record of 20 set in 1966.Through the first three weeks of February cold weather prevailed. For those three weeks the average temperature was 23.1 degrees, which if it had continued for the entire month, would have made February the 5th coldest February on record. However, the last week of February showed a noticeable improvement with an average temperature of 46.1, essentially double that of the first three weeks. These unseasonably warmed temperatures pulled the month average up high enough to keep it out of the record books!February brings us the end of meteorological winter. Astronomical spring doesn’t start until March 20th however. With January and February being well below normal there is a natural tendency to assume that the winter season was well below normal as well. Winter 2024-25 was below normal, but a much warmer than normal December kept it from being record setting. In fact the average winter temperature (1991 - 2020) is 31.9 degrees and the winter we just finished was 30.7 degrees. Winters are becoming warmer however. The warmest winter was the winter of 1991-92 with an average winter temperature of 37.9. However, three of the five warmest winters on record have been since 2005 and five of the seven warmest winters have been since 2005. The coldest winters go back to the cold spells we had in the late 1970s. The winter of 1978-79 is the coldest with a winter average temperature of 19.1. The winter immediately before that, 1977-78 was the second coldest winter with a seasonal average temperature of 20.9.While we did receive above average snow for February, much of that arrived as very dry snow in cold conditions. Liquid precipitation for the month was 0.19 inches, well below the average of 1.10 inches. Thanks to a wetter than normal January though, year to date we are still above average with 1.99 inches, compared to the average of 1.83 inches for the first two months of the year. Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Office reported 7 inches of snow for the month, above the average for February of 4.7 inches. Season to date we have received 25.2 inches of snow, above our seasonal average of 18 inches.March marks the start of meteorological spring on the 1st and astronomical spring on the 20th (the day when we have equal daylight and darkness.) Average daily high temperatures in March improve from 50 on the 1st to 62 on the 31st. Average morning lows start the month below freezing at 26 but by the end of the month have warmed to 39. The latest in the year that we’ve ever had below zero temperatures is March 15th (1975). Record high temperatures for the month generally range in the 80s. March is also a transition from our driest months of the year towards our wetter months. Average March precipitation is 2.00 inches. While many years March is snowless, the long term average March snowfall is 3.1 inches and some heavy, and very wet, snowfalls have occurred in March.Chuck Otte&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;cotte@ksu.eduCounty Extension Agent, Retired

February 2025 Junction City Area Weather Summary

Executive Director Geary Community Healthcare Foundation

On March 4th, Tracy Geisler, Executive Director of the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation and the Board of Directors presented Shanea Bea, Director of Delivering Change, her staff and Board of Directors with a check for $47,348.00.00 which was raised during their annual&nbsp; "Puttin on the Glitz" event on December 14th at Rock Springs Ranch, Junction City. 

There was a $2,000.00 donation given before the event, therefore the total raised for Delivering Change from GCHF is&nbsp;$49,348.00. There were more than&nbsp; 60 sponsors and 47 auction items which assisted in raising these funds for Delivering Change; stated Tracy Geisler. It was a wonderful night of fun and giving for the community from for the community!

You can see photos from the event at www.gchc.org.

&nbsp;Delivering Change launched in 2012, when the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation raised an initial $100,000.00 for the initiative in Geary County. The program has leveraged local and state resources to serve 5,532 women in the Geary County community. It is a fact that there has been a 50% Decrease in infant mortality because of the services offered by Delivering Change.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741141340900.jpeg" alt="( Geary Community Healthcare Foundation )" />
 <figcaption>( Geary Community Healthcare Foundation )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Tracy Geisler&nbsp;Executive Director Geary Community Healthcare FoundationOn March 4th, Tracy Geisler, Executive Director of the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation and the Board of Directors presented Shanea Bea, Director of Delivering Change, her staff and Board of Directors with a check for $47,348.00.00 which was raised during their annual&nbsp; "Puttin on the Glitz" event on December 14th at Rock Springs Ranch, Junction City. There was a $2,000.00 donation given before the event, therefore the total raised for Delivering Change from GCHF is&nbsp;$49,348.00. There were more than&nbsp; 60 sponsors and 47 auction items which assisted in raising these funds for Delivering Change; stated Tracy Geisler. It was a wonderful night of fun and giving for the community from for the community! You can see photos from the event at www.gchc.org.&nbsp;Delivering Change launched in 2012, when the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation raised an initial $100,000.00 for the initiative in Geary County. The program has leveraged local and state resources to serve 5,532 women in the Geary County community. It is a fact that there has been a 50% Decrease in infant mortality because of the services offered by Delivering Change.&nbsp;

Healthcare Foundation supports Delivering Change

Tornado safety and impacts were the focus of a public training session at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center Monday evening.

Meteorologist Chad Omit said Kansas annually ranks second in the nation in the number of tornadoes. The 30-year average is 80 with the count totaling 76 in 2024. The state has had 47 EF-2 tornadoes in the past 10 years.

Tornadoes can occur any time but the worst months are May and June. The National Weather Service emphasizes that bicycle helmets are important for protection in a tornado. If you live in a mobile home have a plan to leave and seek shelter elsewhere.

Tornadoes can often occur in organized supercells with low level precipitation.

Attendance at the meeting was estimated at approximately 70 people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741105699927.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Tornado safety and impacts were the focus of a public training session at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center Monday evening.Meteorologist Chad Omit said Kansas annually ranks second in the nation in the number of tornadoes. The 30-year average is 80 with the count totaling 76 in 2024. The state has had 47 EF-2 tornadoes in the past 10 years.Tornadoes can occur any time but the worst months are May and June. The National Weather Service emphasizes that bicycle helmets are important for protection in a tornado. If you live in a mobile home have a plan to leave and seek shelter elsewhere.Tornadoes can often occur in organized supercells with low level precipitation.Attendance at the meeting was estimated at approximately 70 people.

Preparations begin for spring and summer severe weather

The National Weather Service is canceling the scheduled tornado drill on Wednesday for their service area due to expected impacts from the long duration high winds and wet snow overnight into Wednesday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;

They expect much of northeast Kansas to endure a prolonged&nbsp;period of damaging wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph tonight.&nbsp; There will also be an area of heavy wet snow that will fall across parts of northeast Kansas which could exacerbate&nbsp;any impacts of the wind gusts on power lines, tree limbs, etc.

The National Weather Service is canceling the scheduled tornado drill on Wednesday for their service area due to expected impacts from the long duration high winds and wet snow overnight into Wednesday morning.&nbsp; &nbsp;They expect much of northeast Kansas to endure a prolonged&nbsp;period of damaging wind gusts of 55 to 70 mph tonight.&nbsp; There will also be an area of heavy wet snow that will fall across parts of northeast Kansas which could exacerbate&nbsp;any impacts of the wind gusts on power lines, tree limbs, etc.

NWS cancels statewide tornado drill

TREGO COUNTY —If you’re driving through Trego County Tuesday, you are going to encounter blowing dust, according to a social media report from KHP Trooper Tod Heilman. 

Slow down and turn your headlights on. Kansas law requires headlights if the visibility is less than 1,000 ft.&nbsp;

TREGO COUNTY —If you’re driving through Trego County Tuesday, you are going to encounter blowing dust, according to a social media report from KHP Trooper Tod Heilman. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">If you’re driving through Trego County this morning, you’re going to encounter blowing dust. Slow down and turn your headlights on. KS law requires headlights if the visibility is less than 1,000 ft. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KSwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KSwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/N3jDCS1US8">pic.twitter.com/N3jDCS1US8</a>&mdash; Trooper Tod (@TrooperTodKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperTodKHP/status/1896951067822404016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Slow down and turn your headlights on. Kansas law requires headlights if the visibility is less than 1,000 ft.&nbsp;

KHP: Drivers encounter blowing dust in northwest Kansas

The 8-week healthy lifestyle challenge called Walk Kansas will be celebrating 25 years of existence from March 30 - May 24. You can register from now through April 7.

Yu can register a team of six or go solo this year. Register online at WalkKansas.org or by contacting your local K-State Research and Extension office.

This program is intended to inspire a healthier life by being more active, making better nutrition choices and learning positive ways to deal with stress.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe 8-week healthy lifestyle challenge called Walk Kansas will be celebrating 25 years of existence from March 30 - May 24. You can register from now through April 7.Yu can register a team of six or go solo this year. Register online at WalkKansas.org or by contacting your local K-State Research and Extension office.This program is intended to inspire a healthier life by being more active, making better nutrition choices and learning positive ways to deal with stress.Anyone can participate.

Walk Kansas will celebrate 25 years

Geary USD 475 announced that they will host their State of Education Year-End Celebration in the Junction City High School auditorium on Thursday April 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Geary USD 475 announced that they will host their State of Education Year-End Celebration in the Junction City High School auditorium on Thursday April 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m.<figure>
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USD 475 schedules State of Education Celebration

The National Weather Service said a highly impactful storm system is beginning to affect the entire forecast area Tuesday.

Potentially severe thunderstorms could occur this afternoon, very strong non-thunderstorm winds increase this evening as rain changes to snow.

● Blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are expected area-wide with the combination of strong winds and falling snow tonight/early Wednesday morning.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741098269495.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The National Weather Service said a highly impactful storm system is beginning to affect the entire forecast area Tuesday.Potentially severe thunderstorms could occur this afternoon, very strong non-thunderstorm winds increase this evening as rain changes to snow.● Blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are expected area-wide with the combination of strong winds and falling snow tonight/early Wednesday morning.

Storm system is expected to impact the region

There have been preliminary talks about a possible multi-use sports complex. It could include pickleball facilities plus baseball and softball diamonds and green space for potemtial soccer fields.

Gear County CVB Markeitng Specialisr Rick Dykstra reported to the county commission that he has talked with state park officials but there was not any interest. He noted the Corps of Engineers was contacted and while recreation may fit their model any complex would be a long and timely process and there is not any infrastructure nearby.

Dykstra plans to check with the city for discussion later this month.

There has not been any final action taken on this idea at this time.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThere have been preliminary talks about a possible multi-use sports complex. It could include pickleball facilities plus baseball and softball diamonds and green space for potemtial soccer fields.Gear County CVB Markeitng Specialisr Rick Dykstra reported to the county commission that he has talked with state park officials but there was not any interest. He noted the Corps of Engineers was contacted and while recreation may fit their model any complex would be a long and timely process and there is not any infrastructure nearby.Dykstra plans to check with the city for discussion later this month.There has not been any final action taken on this idea at this time.

Potential sports complex idea begins to receive discussion

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has confirmed that Marvin T. Edison has filed for election to mayor in Grandview Plaza. He will join Rick Geike in that race. 

The filing deadline is at noon on June 2.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has confirmed that Marvin T. Edison has filed for election to mayor in Grandview Plaza. He will join Rick Geike in that race. Geike filed for election earlier.The filing deadline is at noon on June 2.