U.S. House voted to expand child tax credit but isn’t considering increase for dependent care

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kelciemoseley-morris/">KELCIE MOSELEY-MORRIS</a>

The U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/child-tax-credit-expanded-business-tax-breaks-get-new-life-bill-passed-us-house">voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Wednesday evening to assist low-income families through an expansion of the child tax credit and the bill now awaits approval in the Senate.

But some organizations are also highlighting a separate tax credit for child and dependent care, which they say is not providing adequate assistance to families and providers amid rising costs.

The National Association of Tax Professionals supports expansion of the child and dependent care credit, said Tom O’Saben, the organization’s director of tax content and government relations. As it is, the credit has not kept up with inflation, he said, and Congress is currently not discussing its expansion alongside the child tax credit.

It’s easy to confuse the two credits, but advocacy groups such as the First Five Years Fund say it’s important to know the difference and understand why both are needed to help families. The child tax credit is meant to support families with the costs of raising a child, and it is commonly used to assist with everyday expenses.

The child and dependent care tax credit is meant to offset the cost of child care for working families, and only the cost of formal child or dependent care qualifies, not informal arrangements for care with family members or others.

“More and more people are having the discussion of, is it worth it to me to work outside the home when I’ve got to pay $25,000 in child care?” O’Saben said. Some clients he sees as a tax professional are paying as much as $35,000 per year for two children.

Right now, his only recommendation to help those clients is to take advantage of pre-tax flex spending accounts through their employers if they have them, but those are capped at $5,000 per year, so it can only provide a fraction of what many families need.

A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://institute.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/bank-of-america-institute/economic-insights/rising-childcare-costs.pdf">report from Bank of America</a>&nbsp;in October showed the average child care payment per household has increased 30% since 2019, with families earning between $100,000 and $250,000 experiencing the largest increase. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://blog.dol.gov/2023/01/24/new-childcare-data-shows-prices-are-untenable-for-families">January 2023</a>&nbsp;report from the U.S. Department of Labor also called monthly prices across the country for child care “untenable” and said counties with more expensive child care prices had lower rates of maternal employment.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child care costs have increased 214% since 1990, while the average family income has risen 143%.

Expansion bill with bipartisan authors has not received a hearing in Congress

Congress temporarily increased the child care tax credit through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. It was the first time the credit had been adjusted since 2001, during former President George W. Bush’s administration. Instead of $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children, the credit increased to $8,000 and $16,000, respectively, for qualifying expenses. The amount of the credit varies based on the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.

During that time, the credit was also refundable, so a taxpayer could claim the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">&nbsp;full credit</a>&nbsp;even if it exceeded the amount of taxes owed to the federal government and receive the remainder as a refund.

“It was coming to be more in line with reality, but it lasted for one year,” O’Saben said. “If I was to bet on this back at the end of 2021, I would’ve bet that Congress would’ve extended that provision, because it was so family positive.”

But Congress couldn’t reach a deal to extend either the child care credit or the general child tax credit, and only one is up for expansion now, if it clears the Senate.

There is a bill that has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4571?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.4571%22%5D%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=1">introduced in Congress</a>&nbsp;to address the expansion of the child care credit, sponsored by Democrat Rep. Salud Carbajal of California and Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon. It was introduced in July, but has not received a hearing. A group of 85 child care providers and employers and business leaders from states across the country also<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Expand-and-Align-Child-Care-Tax-Credits_September-12-2023.pdf">&nbsp;sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to members of the Senate Committee on Finance and House Ways and Means expressing their support for expansion of the child care credit. The states included Kansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Texas, Utah and Ohio, among others.

State and local government must step in too, advocacy group says

Michael Cassidy, director of policy reform and advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, told States Newsroom both credits are important, but it may take time to reach both goals, and it will require more than just federal investment.

Some states have made efforts to continue the same level of assistance that the federal government provided through the pandemic, such as Minnesota, where Democratic Gov. Tim Walz approved a $1.3 billion package to assist child care providers with wage enhancements and allow more families to qualify for financial assistance with costs. But in other states, such as<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/04/texas-legislature-child-care-budget/">&nbsp;Texas</a>, $2.3 billion in federal aid went unused, and in<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/24/a-78-million-boost-to-missouris-child-care-subsidy-will-reach-providers-next-month/">&nbsp;Missouri</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://lailluminator.com/2023/07/11/even-with-historic-state-investment-louisianas-early-childhood-education-funding-will-plummet/">&nbsp;Louisiana</a>, the amounts budgeted from federal aid didn’t make significant inroads in helping providers and families.

“The pandemic and our recovery out of it have revealed the huge challenges we have in this country regarding child care. I think everybody saw that,” Cassidy said. “It’s a policy thicket that has vexed this country for decades … so transitioning from this faltering child care system to a functioning one is going to take some investment at the state, local and national levels.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677254811992.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><h2>U.S. House voted to expand child tax credit but isn’t considering increase for dependent care</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/kelciemoseley-morris/">KELCIE MOSELEY-MORRIS</a>The U.S. House of Representatives&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/child-tax-credit-expanded-business-tax-breaks-get-new-life-bill-passed-us-house">voted overwhelmingly</a>&nbsp;Wednesday evening to assist low-income families through an expansion of the child tax credit and the bill now awaits approval in the Senate.But some organizations are also highlighting a separate tax credit for child and dependent care, which they say is not providing adequate assistance to families and providers amid rising costs.The National Association of Tax Professionals supports expansion of the child and dependent care credit, said Tom O’Saben, the organization’s director of tax content and government relations. As it is, the credit has not kept up with inflation, he said, and Congress is currently not discussing its expansion alongside the child tax credit.It’s easy to confuse the two credits, but advocacy groups such as the First Five Years Fund say it’s important to know the difference and understand why both are needed to help families. The child tax credit is meant to support families with the costs of raising a child, and it is commonly used to assist with everyday expenses.The child and dependent care tax credit is meant to offset the cost of child care for working families, and only the cost of formal child or dependent care qualifies, not informal arrangements for care with family members or others.“More and more people are having the discussion of, is it worth it to me to work outside the home when I’ve got to pay $25,000 in child care?” O’Saben said. Some clients he sees as a tax professional are paying as much as $35,000 per year for two children.Right now, his only recommendation to help those clients is to take advantage of pre-tax flex spending accounts through their employers if they have them, but those are capped at $5,000 per year, so it can only provide a fraction of what many families need.A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://institute.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/bank-of-america-institute/economic-insights/rising-childcare-costs.pdf">report from Bank of America</a>&nbsp;in October showed the average child care payment per household has increased 30% since 2019, with families earning between $100,000 and $250,000 experiencing the largest increase. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://blog.dol.gov/2023/01/24/new-childcare-data-shows-prices-are-untenable-for-families">January 2023</a>&nbsp;report from the U.S. Department of Labor also called monthly prices across the country for child care “untenable” and said counties with more expensive child care prices had lower rates of maternal employment.According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child care costs have increased 214% since 1990, while the average family income has risen 143%.<h2>Expansion bill with bipartisan authors has not received a hearing in Congress</h2>Congress temporarily increased the child care tax credit through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. It was the first time the credit had been adjusted since 2001, during former President George W. Bush’s administration. Instead of $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children, the credit increased to $8,000 and $16,000, respectively, for qualifying expenses. The amount of the credit varies based on the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.During that time, the credit was also refundable, so a taxpayer could claim the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/child-and-dependent-care-credit-faqs">&nbsp;full credit</a>&nbsp;even if it exceeded the amount of taxes owed to the federal government and receive the remainder as a refund.“It was coming to be more in line with reality, but it lasted for one year,” O’Saben said. “If I was to bet on this back at the end of 2021, I would’ve bet that Congress would’ve extended that provision, because it was so family positive.”But Congress couldn’t reach a deal to extend either the child care credit or the general child tax credit, and only one is up for expansion now, if it clears the Senate.There is a bill that has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4571?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22H.R.4571%22%5D%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=1">introduced in Congress</a>&nbsp;to address the expansion of the child care credit, sponsored by Democrat Rep. Salud Carbajal of California and Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon. It was introduced in July, but has not received a hearing. A group of 85 child care providers and employers and business leaders from states across the country also<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Expand-and-Align-Child-Care-Tax-Credits_September-12-2023.pdf">&nbsp;sent a letter</a>&nbsp;to members of the Senate Committee on Finance and House Ways and Means expressing their support for expansion of the child care credit. The states included Kansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Texas, Utah and Ohio, among others.<h2>State and local government must step in too, advocacy group says</h2>Michael Cassidy, director of policy reform and advocacy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, told States Newsroom both credits are important, but it may take time to reach both goals, and it will require more than just federal investment.Some states have made efforts to continue the same level of assistance that the federal government provided through the pandemic, such as Minnesota, where Democratic Gov. Tim Walz approved a $1.3 billion package to assist child care providers with wage enhancements and allow more families to qualify for financial assistance with costs. But in other states, such as<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/04/texas-legislature-child-care-budget/">&nbsp;Texas</a>, $2.3 billion in federal aid went unused, and in<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/07/24/a-78-million-boost-to-missouris-child-care-subsidy-will-reach-providers-next-month/">&nbsp;Missouri</a>&nbsp;and<a target="_blank" href="https://lailluminator.com/2023/07/11/even-with-historic-state-investment-louisianas-early-childhood-education-funding-will-plummet/">&nbsp;Louisiana</a>, the amounts budgeted from federal aid didn’t make significant inroads in helping providers and families.“The pandemic and our recovery out of it have revealed the huge challenges we have in this country regarding child care. I think everybody saw that,” Cassidy said. “It’s a policy thicket that has vexed this country for decades … so transitioning from this faltering child care system to a functioning one is going to take some investment at the state, local and national levels.”

Child care costs far outpace wages, but dependent care tax credit stuck at 2001 rate

JCFD took advantage of the nice weather this past week by doing search and rescue practice.&nbsp;

( Photos - Junction City Fire Department )

JCFD took advantage of the nice weather this past week by doing search and rescue practice.&nbsp;( Photos - Junction City Fire Department )<figure>
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Fire Department conducts search and rescue practice

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you have a high school senior, things are going really slowly in terms of getting what you need to know how much college is going to cost.&nbsp;

The U.S. Department of Education announced Jan. 30 that&nbsp;it won't be sending students' FAFSA data to schools until the first half of March. Previously, it had said it would start sending that data in late January.

Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall is calling on the Biden Administration to work harder to solve the problem of delays in processing.

"The universities are not receiving the information, colleges are not receiving these financial applications. I think only 20% of the students have been able to complete it," Marshall said. "I want to jump to the quick of this. Less than 20% of the people in the federal government in D.C. are back in the office right now."

Marshall believes that federal workers should be back in the office all across D.C.

"I just don't think the productivity from home is nearly as good as it is when people get in the office," Marshall said. "It's been a farce and the executive branch is letting them get away with it. They don't even assess it. They won't tell us what the real number is, but we do know that only about 20% of the offices across D.C. are now occupied."

Marshall joined three other Senators on Friday to call on the Department of Education to explain how it is going to get FAFSA information to schools and potential students on time.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706980536155.jpeg" alt="U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you have a high school senior, things are going really slowly in terms of getting what you need to know how much college is going to cost.&nbsp;The U.S. Department of Education announced Jan. 30 that&nbsp;it won't be sending students' FAFSA data to schools until the first half of March. Previously, it had said it would start sending that data in late January.Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall is calling on the Biden Administration to work harder to solve the problem of delays in processing."The universities are not receiving the information, colleges are not receiving these financial applications. I think only 20% of the students have been able to complete it," Marshall said. "I want to jump to the quick of this. Less than 20% of the people in the federal government in D.C. are back in the office right now."Marshall believes that federal workers should be back in the office all across D.C."I just don't think the productivity from home is nearly as good as it is when people get in the office," Marshall said. "It's been a farce and the executive branch is letting them get away with it. They don't even assess it. They won't tell us what the real number is, but we do know that only about 20% of the offices across D.C. are now occupied."Marshall joined three other Senators on Friday to call on the Department of Education to explain how it is going to get FAFSA information to schools and potential students on time.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marshall: FAFSA data slowdown indicative of bigger issue

&nbsp;Tickets are on sale for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner at $60. The dinner is scheduled on March 7th at the Geary County Convention Center. There will be a reception beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.&nbsp; 

Sponsorships are available, and you can contact Jordan@jcacc.org for more information.&nbsp;

Purchase tickets by March 1st. The Chamber announced that if you are a Step of Growth member and above, you receive 2 free tickets to the event! 

&nbsp;Tickets are on sale for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner at $60. The dinner is scheduled on March 7th at the Geary County Convention Center. There will be a reception beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.&nbsp; Sponsorships are available, and you can contact Jordan@jcacc.org for more information.&nbsp;Purchase tickets by March 1st. The Chamber announced that if you are a Step of Growth member and above, you receive 2 free tickets to the event!

Chamber of Commerce annual dinner is set for March 7th 

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said this past week that there were a record number of lots, over 300, sold in the Land Bank in 2023. The Land Bank Board, has also designated some lots in the Sutter Woods area for a future new park. "We have no city park west of highway 77, and know there's a need out there. You need to have recreation in your community," said Dinkel.

The city manager said the timetable is unknown. "Over the next year or two we'll get some of the things going. The City still has some ARPA left from the COVID money that we have to get at least obligated this year." Dinkel added that the City is working on that as well with different projects that they make want to undertake.

Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel said this past week that there were a record number of lots, over 300, sold in the Land Bank in 2023. The Land Bank Board, has also designated some lots in the Sutter Woods area for a future new park. "We have no city park west of highway 77, and know there's a need out there. You need to have recreation in your community," said Dinkel.The city manager said the timetable is unknown. "Over the next year or two we'll get some of the things going. The City still has some ARPA left from the COVID money that we have to get at least obligated this year." Dinkel added that the City is working on that as well with different projects that they make want to undertake.

City Manager provides an update on need for a future new park.

Geary County Commissioners will be in session from 10 a.m. until approximately 12:45 p.m. Monday at the County Office Building.

There will be updates from HR Director Crystal Malchose, Finance Director Tami Robison, Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Garry Berges, Public Works Administrator Corey Trumpp and an executive session to talk about legal matters relating to the Conroe Bridge. There will be an appointment of a non-lawyer member to the&nbsp; Judicial Nominating Commission, and a meeting with Donna Price, CVB Director, about Appointment of Board Members.

Geary County Commissioners will be in session from 10 a.m. until approximately 12:45 p.m. Monday at the County Office Building.There will be updates from HR Director Crystal Malchose, Finance Director Tami Robison, Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Garry Berges, Public Works Administrator Corey Trumpp and an executive session to talk about legal matters relating to the Conroe Bridge. There will be an appointment of a non-lawyer member to the&nbsp; Judicial Nominating Commission, and a meeting with Donna Price, CVB Director, about Appointment of Board Members.

The agenda is set for the Geary County Commission

The Lady Jays were defeated by the Topeka High Trojans on Friday night by a final score of 63-39. 

Despite just an 11-point halftime deficit, Junction City never got settled back in after halftime. 

It was a career high of 22 points from senior Sara Rexrode, but outside of her dominant presence in the paint, the Lady Jays offense could not get anything going.&nbsp;

With the loss the Lady Jays drop to 1-13 on the season. It's a quick turnaround as they will travel to Emporia on Saturday for a make-up game.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays once again got off to a fast start and cruised to another victory on Friday night. Junction City defeated the Trojans of Topeka High 83-49.&nbsp;

Junior Jackson Austin continues his dynamite three-point shooting, as he knocked down five triples against the Trojans. Austin once again led the team in scoring finishing with 25 points. Sophomore Lovell Autry had a strong game adding 20 points, including several baskets through contact and converting for a three-point play. Also in double-digits was junior Larkin Turner with 10 points.&nbsp;

Junction City's 83 points is the second highest points they have scored in a game this season.&nbsp;

With the win the Blue Jays improve to 13-2 on the season. For reference on how great of a start this is, Junction City finished last season with a total of 13 wins. Coach Nick Perez has his team playing well down the stretch with key Centennial league games still to play.&nbsp;

Coming up for the Blue Jays next is a trip to Washburn Rural on Tuesday, Feb. 5, then a home rematch against Manhattan next Friday, Feb. 9.&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC PostGirls recapThe Lady Jays were defeated by the Topeka High Trojans on Friday night by a final score of 63-39. Despite just an 11-point halftime deficit, Junction City never got settled back in after halftime. It was a career high of 22 points from senior Sara Rexrode, but outside of her dominant presence in the paint, the Lady Jays offense could not get anything going.&nbsp;With the loss the Lady Jays drop to 1-13 on the season. It's a quick turnaround as they will travel to Emporia on Saturday for a make-up game.&nbsp;Boys recapThe Blue Jays once again got off to a fast start and cruised to another victory on Friday night. Junction City defeated the Trojans of Topeka High 83-49.&nbsp;Junior Jackson Austin continues his dynamite three-point shooting, as he knocked down five triples against the Trojans. Austin once again led the team in scoring finishing with 25 points. Sophomore Lovell Autry had a strong game adding 20 points, including several baskets through contact and converting for a three-point play. Also in double-digits was junior Larkin Turner with 10 points.&nbsp;Junction City's 83 points is the second highest points they have scored in a game this season.&nbsp;With the win the Blue Jays improve to 13-2 on the season. For reference on how great of a start this is, Junction City finished last season with a total of 13 wins. Coach Nick Perez has his team playing well down the stretch with key Centennial league games still to play.&nbsp;Coming up for the Blue Jays next is a trip to Washburn Rural on Tuesday, Feb. 5, then a home rematch against Manhattan next Friday, Feb. 9.&nbsp;

Lady Jays fall to Topeka Trojans, Blue Jays win big and improve to 13-2

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad President and General Manager Ross Boelling.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-soXIXjtDs?si=N0_49O7NxWvAx4iW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad President and General Manager Ross Boelling.

🎤Forward Ever: A&SV Railroad president Ross Boelling

The Geary County Historical Society celebrated Kansas’s 163rd birthday over the past week with visits to local schools. Over 1600 school children experienced coming to Kansas, life of a pioneer school child, pioneer children’s chores, and historic games through presentations given over three separate days by Geary County Historical Society volunteers and staff.

Along with school presentations, the community also took part in Kansas Day at the Museum’s annual celebration where participants created their own rag dolls and “pioneer fidget spinners,” before embarking on a pioneer scavenger hunt throughout the museum to find out if they were tough enough to make it on the trail to Kansas.

Kansas Day is celebrated statewide on January 29th to commemorate the day that Kansas joined the Union in 1861.

Heather Hagedorn - Executive Director / Curator

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706901427242.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Geary County Historical Society celebrated Kansas’s 163rd birthday over the past week with visits to local schools. Over 1600 school children experienced coming to Kansas, life of a pioneer school child, pioneer children’s chores, and historic games through presentations given over three separate days by Geary County Historical Society volunteers and staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706901463953.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Along with school presentations, the community also took part in Kansas Day at the Museum’s annual celebration where participants created their own rag dolls and “pioneer fidget spinners,” before embarking on a pioneer scavenger hunt throughout the museum to find out if they were tough enough to make it on the trail to Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706901497569.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Day is celebrated statewide on January 29th to commemorate the day that Kansas joined the Union in 1861.Heather Hagedorn - Executive Director / CuratorGeary County Historical Society

Historical Society celebrates the birthday of Kansas

The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has acknowledged the completion of coursework and graduation of twenty participants of the&nbsp;2023-24&nbsp;program year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ceremonies were completed at the Liquid Art Winery &amp; Estate, Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Executive Director, Jack Lindquist explained how this class experience was different from all others since the formation of the program in 1992, “Being my eighth class, and the thirtieth anniversary year of programing, we discovered the current class of twenty-one found they could work with any combination of team members within this diverse class.&nbsp; Given that, they vastly increased their confidence in collaborative skills.&nbsp; They found and embraced the most important component of true servant leadership and earned the monicker “The Solidarity Class.&nbsp;The class members selected represent the success of collaborations, cooperation, bipartisanship, partnerships, commitment, teamwork, tenacity, and perseverance.”&nbsp;

Board Chair Sarah Keatley introduced closing address speaker Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Given that it’s our programs 30th&nbsp;Anniversary, Ron Fehr has seen more growth and has more experience than anyone in capitalizing on and leveraging leadership for economic development opportunities in the region.&nbsp; And regarding that leadership, he is a graduate of the 1994-95 class of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program. Ron is also the longest tenured founding organization representative on the board.&nbsp; He has seen the program evolve and mature firsthand.”&nbsp;

Organization treasurer Lindsay Miller shared that 25 program alumni members have made LIFETIME DUES payments of $300, now deposited in the FHRLP FUND at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and honored a standout alumnus. “We are proud to honor and recognize inaugural class of 1993-94 alumnus Bruce McMillan, for his lifetime service to the region &amp; contributions supporting the program on his 30th&nbsp;anniversary.”&nbsp;

In response to the recognition event, summary and appreciation remarks were made by peer elected Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program board members&nbsp;Tiffany Cutting &amp; Michaela Joyce. The class project, Restoring Atomic Annie, was announced by class member Dustin Murphy.&nbsp;

The event was underwritten by Corvias Military Living, focused on improving the quality of life at Fort Riley and for our service personnel and civilian support networks that make this region the best place to live, work, raise families and retire to.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program area includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties.&nbsp;

Class members that completed the eight-session course over the past six months included:&nbsp;

Holly Boice&nbsp;Junction City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;GE County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Grant Specialist, Flint Hills Regional Council&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tiffany Cutting&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Manager, Varney &amp; Associates CPA's LLC&nbsp;

Israel Epping-Fuentes&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;PT County&nbsp;AVP Branch Manager, Bank of the Flint Hills&nbsp;

Vanessa Eymann&nbsp;Fort Riley&nbsp;&nbsp;GE County&nbsp;Leader and Workforce Development Specialist, DHR Fort Riley&nbsp;

Casey Frisbie&nbsp;St. George&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;PT County&nbsp;&nbsp;Director of Public Works, Wamego&nbsp;

Amanda Gnadt&nbsp;Alma WB County&nbsp;Flint Hills Stone, Co-owner &amp; Community Relations Dir.&nbsp;

Natalie Gordon&nbsp;Westmoreland PT County&nbsp; &nbsp;Director of Business Development and Client Engagement, Anderson Knight Architects&nbsp;

Jason Hasby&nbsp;Manhattan RL County&nbsp;Mobilization Plans and Operations Specialist DPTMS USAG Fort Riley&nbsp;

Tracy Henry&nbsp;Alma&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;WB County&nbsp;Executive Director,&nbsp;&nbsp;Greater Morris County Development Corporation&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jennifer “JJ” James&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;&nbsp;Public Affairs Specialist, USAG Fort Riley&nbsp;

Jackie Jones&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Security Manager, DPTMS, USAG Fort Riley&nbsp;

Michaela Joyce&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Executive Director Junction City Mainstreet&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jerry Kellum&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Program Analyst, Army DPW&nbsp;

Stephanie Maike&nbsp;Alma&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;WB County&nbsp;4-H Program Assistant / Office Professional,&nbsp;&nbsp;K-State Research &amp; Extension: Wabaunsee County&nbsp;

Melissa McClure Manhattan&nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Garrison Operations Specialist, USAG Ft. Riley&nbsp;

Dustin Murphy&nbsp;Chapman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;DK County&nbsp;Investigations Lieutenant, Junction City Police Department&nbsp;

Patricia Pearson&nbsp;Junction City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;GE County&nbsp;Peer Mentor/Recovery Coach, Central Kansas Foundation&nbsp;

Jason Powell&nbsp;Wamego&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;PT County&nbsp;Deputy Police Chief, Wamego Police Department&nbsp;&nbsp;

Michelle Seibel&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp; Senior Director of Human Resources, Florence Corporation&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jonathan Sumner&nbsp;Alta Vista&nbsp;WB County&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporal, Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;

Amanda Webb&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Planning Director, Riley County&nbsp;

The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program has acknowledged the completion of coursework and graduation of twenty participants of the&nbsp;2023-24&nbsp;program year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ceremonies were completed at the Liquid Art Winery &amp; Estate, Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Director, Jack Lindquist explained how this class experience was different from all others since the formation of the program in 1992, “Being my eighth class, and the thirtieth anniversary year of programing, we discovered the current class of twenty-one found they could work with any combination of team members within this diverse class.&nbsp; Given that, they vastly increased their confidence in collaborative skills.&nbsp; They found and embraced the most important component of true servant leadership and earned the monicker “The Solidarity Class.&nbsp;The class members selected represent the success of collaborations, cooperation, bipartisanship, partnerships, commitment, teamwork, tenacity, and perseverance.”&nbsp;Board Chair Sarah Keatley introduced closing address speaker Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Given that it’s our programs 30th&nbsp;Anniversary, Ron Fehr has seen more growth and has more experience than anyone in capitalizing on and leveraging leadership for economic development opportunities in the region.&nbsp; And regarding that leadership, he is a graduate of the 1994-95 class of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program. Ron is also the longest tenured founding organization representative on the board.&nbsp; He has seen the program evolve and mature firsthand.”&nbsp;Organization treasurer Lindsay Miller shared that 25 program alumni members have made LIFETIME DUES payments of $300, now deposited in the FHRLP FUND at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and honored a standout alumnus. “We are proud to honor and recognize inaugural class of 1993-94 alumnus Bruce McMillan, for his lifetime service to the region &amp; contributions supporting the program on his 30th&nbsp;anniversary.”&nbsp;In response to the recognition event, summary and appreciation remarks were made by peer elected Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program board members&nbsp;Tiffany Cutting &amp; Michaela Joyce. The class project, Restoring Atomic Annie, was announced by class member Dustin Murphy.&nbsp;The event was underwritten by Corvias Military Living, focused on improving the quality of life at Fort Riley and for our service personnel and civilian support networks that make this region the best place to live, work, raise families and retire to.&nbsp;&nbsp;The program area includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties.&nbsp;Class members that completed the eight-session course over the past six months included:&nbsp;Holly Boice&nbsp;Junction City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;GE County&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Grant Specialist, Flint Hills Regional Council&nbsp;&nbsp;Tiffany Cutting&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Manager, Varney &amp; Associates CPA's LLC&nbsp;Israel Epping-Fuentes&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;PT County&nbsp;AVP Branch Manager, Bank of the Flint Hills&nbsp;Vanessa Eymann&nbsp;Fort Riley&nbsp;&nbsp;GE County&nbsp;Leader and Workforce Development Specialist, DHR Fort Riley&nbsp;Casey Frisbie&nbsp;St. George&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;PT County&nbsp;&nbsp;Director of Public Works, Wamego&nbsp;Amanda Gnadt&nbsp;Alma WB County&nbsp;Flint Hills Stone, Co-owner &amp; Community Relations Dir.&nbsp;Natalie Gordon&nbsp;Westmoreland PT County&nbsp; &nbsp;Director of Business Development and Client Engagement, Anderson Knight Architects&nbsp;Jason Hasby&nbsp;Manhattan RL County&nbsp;Mobilization Plans and Operations Specialist DPTMS USAG Fort Riley&nbsp;Tracy Henry&nbsp;Alma&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;WB County&nbsp;Executive Director,&nbsp;&nbsp;Greater Morris County Development Corporation&nbsp;&nbsp;Jennifer “JJ” James&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;&nbsp;Public Affairs Specialist, USAG Fort Riley&nbsp;Jackie Jones&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Security Manager, DPTMS, USAG Fort Riley&nbsp;Michaela Joyce&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Executive Director Junction City Mainstreet&nbsp;&nbsp;Jerry Kellum&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Program Analyst, Army DPW&nbsp;Stephanie Maike&nbsp;Alma&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;WB County&nbsp;4-H Program Assistant / Office Professional,&nbsp;&nbsp;K-State Research &amp; Extension: Wabaunsee County&nbsp;Melissa McClure Manhattan&nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Garrison Operations Specialist, USAG Ft. Riley&nbsp;Dustin Murphy&nbsp;Chapman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;DK County&nbsp;Investigations Lieutenant, Junction City Police Department&nbsp;Patricia Pearson&nbsp;Junction City&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;GE County&nbsp;Peer Mentor/Recovery Coach, Central Kansas Foundation&nbsp;Jason Powell&nbsp;Wamego&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;PT County&nbsp;Deputy Police Chief, Wamego Police Department&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelle Seibel&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp; Senior Director of Human Resources, Florence Corporation&nbsp;&nbsp;Jonathan Sumner&nbsp;Alta Vista&nbsp;WB County&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporal, Wabaunsee County Sheriff's Office&nbsp;Amanda Webb&nbsp;Manhattan&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;RL County&nbsp;Planning Director, Riley County&nbsp;

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program Graduation

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.

Neilson Dorsey, Failure to appear, arrested 02/02

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/2024/2/1706897713020.jpeg" alt="Katrece Johnson, Interference with LEO, Felony, arrested 02/01" />
 <figcaption>Katrece Johnson, Interference with LEO, Felony, arrested 02/01</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Neilson Dorsey, Failure to appear, arrested 02/02Recent 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 Feb. 2

Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Thundering Cats Big Band roars back to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium and will feature local jazz artists of all ages at a concert at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13.Following a day of clinics presented by members of the Thundering Cats, the Manhattan, Junction City and Seaman high school jazz bands will perform as well as four local vocalists — Jamie Bunce, Brittany Taylor, Corbin Montenegro and Anna Bajich.

The Thundering Cats will be performing a variety of pieces including an up-tempo version of ‘The Flintstones Theme,’ Brazil,’ originally recorded by Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band; and ‘A Little Minor Booze,’ originally recorded by Stan Kenton. 

Also featured will be Nate McClendon on saxophone performing ‘Always and Forever,’ originally recorded by Pat Metheny; Paul Hunt on trombone performing ‘Outrageous Mother,’ originally recorded by Phil Wilson; and Robert Rodriguez performing ‘Sing, Sing, Sing,’ originally recorded by Benny Goodman. 

Tickets are $10, plus a $4 facility surcharge and taxes, and are available by phone or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays or online anytime with an additional $5 internet service fee plus tax at&nbsp;<a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">mccain.k-state.edu</a>. Checks and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706895394171.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Todd Holmberg,&nbsp;Division of Communications and Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Thundering Cats Big Band roars back to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium and will feature local jazz artists of all ages at a concert at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13.Following a day of clinics presented by members of the Thundering Cats, the Manhattan, Junction City and Seaman high school jazz bands will perform as well as four local vocalists — Jamie Bunce, Brittany Taylor, Corbin Montenegro and Anna Bajich.The Thundering Cats will be performing a variety of pieces including an up-tempo version of ‘The Flintstones Theme,’ Brazil,’ originally recorded by Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau Band; and ‘A Little Minor Booze,’ originally recorded by Stan Kenton. Also featured will be Nate McClendon on saxophone performing ‘Always and Forever,’ originally recorded by Pat Metheny; Paul Hunt on trombone performing ‘Outrageous Mother,’ originally recorded by Phil Wilson; and Robert Rodriguez performing ‘Sing, Sing, Sing,’ originally recorded by Benny Goodman. Tickets are $10, plus a $4 facility surcharge and taxes, and are available by phone or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays or online anytime with an additional $5 internet service fee plus tax at&nbsp;<a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">mccain.k-state.edu</a>. Checks and all major credit cards are accepted for payment.

Thundering Cats Big Band returns to the McCain stage, showcasing local singers and high school jazz students

There will be a dance convention this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 3rd, and Sunday, Feb. 4th at the Geary County Convention Center.

Tyler and Brianna Downey have brought in a professional team of dancers and choreographers, Activate Your Artistry, to provide Junction City and the surrounding area with a professional dance convention. 

The registration was open to dancers from across the state of Kansas. Approximately 50 dancers will attend the dance convention and represent five different studios.

The event, Activate your Artistry: Junction City, is sponsored by Geary County Rehab, GC CVB, Honor Screen Printing, and PlayJC. It will take advantage of the classes that the AYA team tours around the country teaching.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706892698013.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThere will be a dance convention this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 3rd, and Sunday, Feb. 4th at the Geary County Convention Center.Tyler and Brianna Downey have brought in a professional team of dancers and choreographers, Activate Your Artistry, to provide Junction City and the surrounding area with a professional dance convention. The registration was open to dancers from across the state of Kansas. Approximately 50 dancers will attend the dance convention and represent five different studios.The event, Activate your Artistry: Junction City, is sponsored by Geary County Rehab, GC CVB, Honor Screen Printing, and PlayJC. It will take advantage of the classes that the AYA team tours around the country teaching.

Dance Convention will be held at Geary County Convention Center this weekend

The St. Xavier School homecoming ceremony was held at halftime of the high school boys' basketball game Tuesday night. Senior Heston Jahnke was crowned king and Senior Becky Peterson was crowned queen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706891677484.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The St. Xavier School homecoming ceremony was held at halftime of the high school boys' basketball game Tuesday night. Senior Heston Jahnke was crowned king and Senior Becky Peterson was crowned queen.

St. Francis Xavier School celebrates homecoming

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam.

Just after 10p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft by deception in the 1500 block of Oxford Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect claimed to be a government agency used deception to defraud her.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,100 Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a>Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam.Just after 10p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft by deception in the 1500 block of Oxford Place in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 44-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect claimed to be a government agency used deception to defraud her. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,100 Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a>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: Woman lost $1,100 to alleged scam

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Shawnee Counthy.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011&nbsp;Hyundai driven by Courtney S.&nbsp;Raab, 26, Junction City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just&nbsp; east of Southwest Valencia Road.

The car left the roadway to the left and the driver overcorrected to the right. The car then left the roadway to the right, rolled and came to rest on its roof on the north side of the highway.

EMS transported Raab to a Topeka hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas woman was injured in an accident just after 4p.m. Thursday in Shawnee Counthy.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011&nbsp;Hyundai driven by Courtney S.&nbsp;Raab, 26, Junction City, was westbound on Interstate 70 just&nbsp; east of Southwest Valencia Road.The car left the roadway to the left and the driver overcorrected to the right. The car then left the roadway to the right, rolled and came to rest on its roof on the north side of the highway.EMS transported Raab to a Topeka hospital. She was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Junction City woman hospitalized after rollover accident

Junction
City High School senior Losiah Autry recently announced his
commitment to play college football at Ottawa University next season. Along with
his announcement on social media, he has also officially signed with
Ottawa.  


Autry
was a wide receiver for the Junction City Blue Jay football team this season and
tallied 11 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns. 


Along
with playing football next fall for the Ottawa Braves, he plans to
study Communications and Journalism. Autry has a strong passion for
taking photos and plans to pursue photography during his college
career.  


By Anthony GorgesJC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706827132689.jpeg" alt="Junction City senior Losiah Autry signed with Ottawa University to play college football this fall. (Photo courtesy of Geary County Schools-USD 475 Facebook page)." />
 <figcaption>Junction City senior Losiah Autry signed with Ottawa University to play college football this fall. (Photo courtesy of Geary County Schools-USD 475 Facebook page).</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction
City High School senior Losiah Autry recently announced his
commitment to play college football at Ottawa University next season. Along with
his announcement on social media, he has also officially signed with
Ottawa. 
Autry
was a wide receiver for the Junction City Blue Jay football team this season and
tallied 11 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns. 
Along
with playing football next fall for the Ottawa Braves, he plans to
study Communications and Journalism. Autry has a strong passion for
taking photos and plans to pursue photography during his college
career.

Junction City's Losiah Autry signs with Ottawa for football

The Junction City Rotary Club has rededicated the Eagles Building, as it's called now to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Junction City.

Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Michael Foote delivered remarks delving into the history of the building and its significance over the past 106 years. Despite the many changes that have occurred in the world, much has remained the same. This event served as a testament to that fact.

The building that today is owned and operated by the Fraternal Order of the Eagles JC was originally dedicated as a Community Building for returning WWI Soldiers.&nbsp;The building was funded by 11th District Rotary Clubs, including the Junction City Rotary Club.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706826897969.jpeg" alt="T." />
 <figcaption>T.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Rotary Club has rededicated the Eagles Building, as it's called now to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Junction City.Fort Riley Garrison Commander Col. Michael Foote delivered remarks delving into the history of the building and its significance over the past 106 years. Despite the many changes that have occurred in the world, much has remained the same. This event served as a testament to that fact.The building that today is owned and operated by the Fraternal Order of the Eagles JC was originally dedicated as a Community Building for returning WWI Soldiers.&nbsp;The building was funded by 11th District Rotary Clubs, including the Junction City Rotary Club.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706826973697.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Rededication occurs for historic building

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) announces Rackets Tap House in downtown Abilene has been awarded a $57,728 boost from the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program. Rackets Tap House will soon begin building renovations of 303 North Broadway, Abilene, as a result.

The historic building stabilization project will receive the grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity, Community Development Division, and Kansas Main Street collaboration. Also required is matching funding, which was secured by Rackets Tap House local private investors. The building renovations of Phase 1 will start no later than April and must be completed within two years.“We congratulate Rackets Tap House on developing a landmark project that will restore a historic downtown building rich in history, and infusing a modern business which will attract and be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, benefiting our community as an economic driver and producing a positive impact for Abilene and Dickinson County,” DKEDC Executive Director Jessica Goodale said.

Trevor Witt, alongside his wife Lydia, are local born-and-raised Abilene residents who began the vision for Rackets Tap House several years ago with the purchase of the historic Racket Store building, originally owned by the Duckwall Bros in the early 1900s and later home to the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.

&nbsp; Jessica Goodale, Executive Director Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC)&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC) announces Rackets Tap House in downtown Abilene has been awarded a $57,728 boost from the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program. Rackets Tap House will soon begin building renovations of 303 North Broadway, Abilene, as a result.The historic building stabilization project will receive the grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity, Community Development Division, and Kansas Main Street collaboration. Also required is matching funding, which was secured by Rackets Tap House local private investors. The building renovations of Phase 1 will start no later than April and must be completed within two years.“We congratulate Rackets Tap House on developing a landmark project that will restore a historic downtown building rich in history, and infusing a modern business which will attract and be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, benefiting our community as an economic driver and producing a positive impact for Abilene and Dickinson County,” DKEDC Executive Director Jessica Goodale said.<figure>
 <img src="https://www.dkedc.com/media/userfiles/subsite_118/images/news/rackets-venue.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Trevor Witt, alongside his wife Lydia, are local born-and-raised Abilene residents who began the vision for Rackets Tap House several years ago with the purchase of the historic Racket Store building, originally owned by the Duckwall Bros in the early 1900s and later home to the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.&nbsp; Jessica Goodale, Executive Director Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation (DKEDC)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rackets Tap House awarded HEAL Grant for Downtown Abilene Revitalization

Destiny Wiser, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Criminal use of weapons, arrested 01/31

Bruce Sparks, Failure to appear, arrested 01/31

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/2024/2/1706806453953.jpeg" alt="Fred Morgan, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Fred Morgan, Failure to appear (Three counts), arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806492954.jpeg" alt="Reese Williston, Theft- All other, arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Reese Williston, Theft- All other, arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806537165.jpeg" alt="Tammy Ayers, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Tammy Ayers, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806577023.jpeg" alt="Francisco Martinez, Failure to appear, arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Francisco Martinez, Failure to appear, arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806611179.jpeg" alt="Rashawn Boone, Criminal threat, arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Rashawn Boone, Criminal threat, arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806642723.jpeg" alt="Shelby Thompson, Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Shelby Thompson, Criminal damage to property, arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806676692.jpeg" alt="Justin Garcia, Criminal damage to property, Misdemeanor, arrested 01/31" />
 <figcaption>Justin Garcia, Criminal damage to property, Misdemeanor, arrested 01/31</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706806722063.jpeg" alt="Cathy Thornhill, Falsely reporting a crime, Resisting arrest, arrested 02/01" />
 <figcaption>Cathy Thornhill, Falsely reporting a crime, Resisting arrest, arrested 02/01</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Destiny Wiser, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Criminal use of weapons, arrested 01/31Bruce Sparks, Failure to appear, arrested 01/31Recent 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. 1

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

ST. GEORGE - On Wednesday afternoon, just after 4:30 pm, fire crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Maple in St. George for the report of a residence on fire.

When crews arrived on the scene they found a mobile home with flames and smoke coming from the residence. Crews were able to get the fire under control within 30-45 minutes of the call to 911.&nbsp;

No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The home is a total loss.

Firefighters from Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire District #1, Louisville Fire Department and Wamego Fire Department responded to the fire.

Pottawatomie County EMS, St. George Police officers and Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office also responded to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706800029157.jpeg" alt="St. George fire, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>St. George fire, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostST. GEORGE - On Wednesday afternoon, just after 4:30 pm, fire crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Maple in St. George for the report of a residence on fire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706800464579.jpeg" alt="St George Fire, picture by Drew Kuchera" />
 <figcaption>St George Fire, picture by Drew Kuchera</figcaption>
 </figure>When crews arrived on the scene they found a mobile home with flames and smoke coming from the residence. Crews were able to get the fire under control within 30-45 minutes of the call to 911.&nbsp;No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. The home is a total loss.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706800664915.jpeg" alt="St. George fire, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>St. George fire, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters from Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire District #1, Louisville Fire Department and Wamego Fire Department responded to the fire.Pottawatomie County EMS, St. George Police officers and Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office also responded to the incident.

St. George residence complete loss following Wednesday fire

Geary County Emergency Management said that temperatures will remain warm as we begin February with highs approaching 70 degrees Thursday! Rain will move in on Saturday and linger into Sunday. Rain totals are expected to range from 0.5" to 1.0" across the area.

Geary County Emergency Management said that temperatures will remain warm as we begin February with highs approaching 70 degrees Thursday! Rain will move in on Saturday and linger into Sunday. Rain totals are expected to range from 0.5" to 1.0" across the area.

Warm up followed by rain

&nbsp; The public is invited to the annual Sundown Salute Mardi Gras Party, Friday, February 9th 2024 from 6 to 11:45 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1037 South Washington Street, Junction City.

Enjoy Cajun food, music and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m. The $35.00 meal ticket includes, Jambalaya and Muffuletta.

In 2024 Sundown Salute is scheduled during the Labor Day weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706566890875.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; The public is invited to the annual Sundown Salute Mardi Gras Party, Friday, February 9th 2024 from 6 to 11:45 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1037 South Washington Street, Junction City.Enjoy Cajun food, music and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m. The $35.00 meal ticket includes, Jambalaya and Muffuletta.In 2024 Sundown Salute is scheduled during the Labor Day weekend.

Fundraiser will be held for Sundown Salute.

Grandview Plaza police said that there will be power line construction going on in the following areas: State Avenue and Grandview Drive. Drivers are instructed to follow the traffic control devices. The police department and fire department will be out directing traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Grandview Plaza police said that there will be power line construction going on in the following areas: State Avenue and Grandview Drive. Drivers are instructed to follow the traffic control devices. The police department and fire department will be out directing traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Traffic notice in Grandview Plaza

NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post&nbsp;

HUTCHINSON,Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is commemorating National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1 with reminders for Kansans of how they can check to see if they have money they've forgotten about that is with his office.

"That's where we interact with most of our citizens," Johnson said. "A lot of the other things are intra-offices in the state government. If you go to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/">https://kansascash.ks.gov/</a>, the first icon on the&nbsp;State Treasurer's site is Search&nbsp;Unclaimed Property. Clicking on that icon will bring you to a search field, where you can put in last name, first name. If your name is as common as&nbsp;Steven Johnson, you will want to put in a city or a ZIP Code or something to narrow it a little bit. That, then will do a search to see if we are holding any property in your name."

"For something to be unclaimed, to get disconnected and not make it all the way through, there could be something like a change in name," Johnson said. "Searching maiden names are great. It could be a change in address, where a utility deposit didn't make it back to a student who moved from home to school and then again, those types of things. If you have a minute to search your name and then a few other family members, one in seven people have unclaimed property in Kansas."

It is always free to search and file claims for property through Johnson's office.

"When you see your name pop up, there's a little orange button that says, Claim," Johnson said. "You click on Claim and that will lead you into the claim process. If it's for yourself, you just click on owner and it's pretty simple."

If you're having trouble navigating the website, you can still call (785) 296-4165.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683385661997.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON,Kan. —&nbsp;Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson is commemorating National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1 with reminders for Kansans of how they can check to see if they have money they've forgotten about that is with his office."That's where we interact with most of our citizens," Johnson said. "A lot of the other things are intra-offices in the state government. If you go to&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/">https://kansascash.ks.gov/</a>, the first icon on the&nbsp;State Treasurer's site is Search&nbsp;Unclaimed Property. Clicking on that icon will bring you to a search field, where you can put in last name, first name. If your name is as common as&nbsp;Steven Johnson, you will want to put in a city or a ZIP Code or something to narrow it a little bit. That, then will do a search to see if we are holding any property in your name."Unclaimed property is a common problem."For something to be unclaimed, to get disconnected and not make it all the way through, there could be something like a change in name," Johnson said. "Searching maiden names are great. It could be a change in address, where a utility deposit didn't make it back to a student who moved from home to school and then again, those types of things. If you have a minute to search your name and then a few other family members, one in seven people have unclaimed property in Kansas."It is always free to search and file claims for property through Johnson's office."When you see your name pop up, there's a little orange button that says, Claim," Johnson said. "You click on Claim and that will lead you into the claim process. If it's for yourself, you just click on owner and it's pretty simple."If you're having trouble navigating the website, you can still call (785) 296-4165.

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