Members of the public can pose questions directly to Junction City Commission candidates during a forum from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center.

For any questions you have about the forum or that you would like to submit ahead of time, email Christy Upham at cupham2@yahoo.com.

Members of the public can pose questions directly to Junction City Commission candidates during a forum from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the Geary County 4-H / Senior Center.For any questions you have about the forum or that you would like to submit ahead of time, email Christy Upham at cupham2@yahoo.com.

Public can ask the city commission candidates questions

Geary USD 475 Board of Education members will consider approval of a location for an Early Childhood Center when they meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Mary Devin Center. For bids to be taken on the lease purchase for the facility there has to be a designated site for the project to be built.

Staff is recommending that the Board approve the new Early Childhood Center to be built on the district-owned property at 820 North Eisenhower Drive in Junction City.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary USD 475 Board of Education members will consider approval of a location for an Early Childhood Center when they meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Mary Devin Center. For bids to be taken on the lease purchase for the facility there has to be a designated site for the project to be built.Staff is recommending that the Board approve the new Early Childhood Center to be built on the district-owned property at 820 North Eisenhower Drive in Junction City.

Early Childhood Center location is on the BOE agenda

K-State News and Communications Services - Division of Communications and Marketing

MANHATTAN — The National Defense Education Program recently awarded Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/academics/departments/rural-education-center/" target="_blank">Rural Education Center</a>&nbsp;and its partners a $4 million grant to enhance opportunities for rural and military-connected students interested in pursuing STEM careers.

The grant brought together three critical partners — the Rural Education Center, the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems at the University of Kansas, and the University of Tennessee Space Institute. The project is just one of 13 funded, and it's one of only two STEM-related grants awarded from the National Defense Education Program.

The project, Applied Research and Innovation Scholarship for Engineering Students in Advance Aerospace Technologies, AI, and Cybersecurity, or Project ARISE, will provide a pathway to career opportunities for students through three phases.• Phase 1: An advanced aerospace technologies exploration experience for high school students rising into grade 12.• Phase 2: An early research incubator program for incoming college freshmen and community college transfer students.• Phase 3: A guided research and internship experience training for undergraduate students who complete the first two phases or community college transfer students who complete the second phase. The four-year program is expected to impact more than 420 students and provide 222 annual scholarships for at least 102 rural and military-connected students over four years. The project will also prioritize underrepresented student populations from rural and military-connected schools . &nbsp;

&nbsp; "Rural and military-connected students bring extraordinary life experiences and perspectives to every academic field, and we are elated that this grant program will harness their aptitudes and creativity into 21st century solutions for Kansas and our nation," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the K-State College of Education. Project ARISE will be led by lead principal investigator J. Spencer Clark, professor and director of the Rural Education Center in the&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>&nbsp;at K-State. To date, Clark has led grant projects for the Rural Education Center that total more than $11 million.

.The Department of Defense, through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, recently announced grant awards totaling up to $53 million to 13 organizations under the National Defense Education Program. The grants support the defense education programs in manufacturing engineering, STEM scholarship programs, civil society programs, and enhanced civics education programs. The ARISE grant focuses on STEM scholarship programs.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698159602546.jpeg" alt="J. Spencer Clark,&nbsp;professor of curriculum and instruction, is the director of the Rural Education Center in the College of Education. The center has received a grant from the National Defense Education Program to support rural and military-connected students interested in pursuing STEM careers." />
 <figcaption>J. Spencer Clark,&nbsp;professor of curriculum and instruction, is the director of the Rural Education Center in the College of Education. The center has received a grant from the National Defense Education Program to support rural and military-connected students interested in pursuing STEM careers.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Patrice ScottK-State News and Communications Services - Division of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — The National Defense Education Program recently awarded Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/academics/departments/rural-education-center/" target="_blank">Rural Education Center</a>&nbsp;and its partners a $4 million grant to enhance opportunities for rural and military-connected students interested in pursuing STEM careers.The grant brought together three critical partners — the Rural Education Center, the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems at the University of Kansas, and the University of Tennessee Space Institute. The project is just one of 13 funded, and it's one of only two STEM-related grants awarded from the National Defense Education Program.The project, Applied Research and Innovation Scholarship for Engineering Students in Advance Aerospace Technologies, AI, and Cybersecurity, or Project ARISE, will provide a pathway to career opportunities for students through three phases.• Phase 1: An advanced aerospace technologies exploration experience for high school students rising into grade 12.• Phase 2: An early research incubator program for incoming college freshmen and community college transfer students.• Phase 3: A guided research and internship experience training for undergraduate students who complete the first two phases or community college transfer students who complete the second phase. The four-year program is expected to impact more than 420 students and provide 222 annual scholarships for at least 102 rural and military-connected students over four years. The project will also prioritize underrepresented student populations from rural and military-connected schools . &nbsp;&nbsp; "Rural and military-connected students bring extraordinary life experiences and perspectives to every academic field, and we are elated that this grant program will harness their aptitudes and creativity into 21st century solutions for Kansas and our nation," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the K-State College of Education. Project ARISE will be led by lead principal investigator J. Spencer Clark, professor and director of the Rural Education Center in the&nbsp;<a href="https://coe.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">College of Education</a>&nbsp;at K-State. To date, Clark has led grant projects for the Rural Education Center that total more than $11 million..The Department of Defense, through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, recently announced grant awards totaling up to $53 million to 13 organizations under the National Defense Education Program. The grants support the defense education programs in manufacturing engineering, STEM scholarship programs, civil society programs, and enhanced civics education programs. The ARISE grant focuses on STEM scholarship programs.&nbsp;

K-State leads Project ARISE to support rural and military-connected students pursuing STEM careers

Irwin Army Community Hospital will host flu vaccine events for Tricare beneficiaries and their family members six months and older. The Army said minors must have a legal guardian in attendance to receive a flu vaccine.

--Nov. 8, 2-6 p.m., Forsyth East School Age Center

--Nov. 15, 2-6 p.m. Custer Hill Teen / Youth Center

--Nov. 29, noon to 5 p.m., Colyer Forsyth Community Center

--Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m., Colyer Forsyth Community Center

Irwin Army Community Hospital will host flu vaccine events for Tricare beneficiaries and their family members six months and older. The Army said minors must have a legal guardian in attendance to receive a flu vaccine.The hours and locations are:--Nov. 8, 2-6 p.m., Forsyth East School Age Center--Nov. 15, 2-6 p.m. Custer Hill Teen / Youth Center--Nov. 29, noon to 5 p.m., Colyer Forsyth Community Center--Dec. 13, noon to 5 p.m., Colyer Forsyth Community Center

Fort Riley announces flu vaccine events

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has announced that In Person Advance Voting was scheduled to begin this past Monday at the Geary County Office Building.&nbsp;

· October 24th- November 3rd = 9:00am – 5:30pm

· Saturday, November 4th from 9:00am-Noon.

**Special Note, on October 31st polling will close at 4:30pm**

The election for city commission, city council and school board races will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has announced that In Person Advance Voting was scheduled to begin this past Monday at the Geary County Office Building.&nbsp;Dates and hours include:· October 23rd, 10:00am-5:30pm· October 24th- November 3rd = 9:00am – 5:30pm· Saturday, November 4th from 9:00am-Noon.· November 6th, 9:00am – Noon.**Special Note, on October 31st polling will close at 4:30pm**The election for city commission, city council and school board races will be held Tuesday, Nov. 7.

In Person Advance Voting begins

By Matt Hoover, USD 475&nbsp;Communications Coordinator&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.- The H.D. Karns Innovations Academy JAG-K program was awarded the prestigious 6-of-6 Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) National Award on Monday night. The 6-of-6 Award, which is the highest honor a JAG program can receive, is awarded to JAG programs, nationally, that meet or exceed performance measures in six categories: graduation rate, employment rate, full-time employment, total full-time positive outcomes, connectivity rate, and continued education rate.

JAG has a 12-month follow-up period with all seniors as part of its evidence-based, data-driven national model. Also on Monday, students at the H.D.&nbsp; Karns building were not only inducted into the 2023-24 JAG-K program, but also watched as their classmates were sworn in as elected officers.

 JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally accredited, evidence-based model.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698149041651.jpeg" alt="Photo:&nbsp; Provided by USD 475" />
 <figcaption>Photo:&nbsp; Provided by USD 475</figcaption>
 </figure>By Matt Hoover, USD 475&nbsp;Communications Coordinator&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;JUNCTION CITY, Kan.- The H.D. Karns Innovations Academy JAG-K program was awarded the prestigious 6-of-6 Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) National Award on Monday night. The 6-of-6 Award, which is the highest honor a JAG program can receive, is awarded to JAG programs, nationally, that meet or exceed performance measures in six categories: graduation rate, employment rate, full-time employment, total full-time positive outcomes, connectivity rate, and continued education rate.JAG has a 12-month follow-up period with all seniors as part of its evidence-based, data-driven national model. Also on Monday, students at the H.D.&nbsp; Karns building were not only inducted into the 2023-24 JAG-K program, but also watched as their classmates were sworn in as elected officers. JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally accredited, evidence-based model.

H.D. Karns JAG-K Program Earns Top National Honor

The Band Blast at Junction City High School Tuesday evening will begin at 7 p.m.&nbsp;

Bands from Junction City Middle School, Fort Riley Middle School and the symphony, wind ensemble and marching band from JCHS will all perform.

Jared Morris, Junction City High School Band Director, said the concert will&nbsp; be held in the auditorium at JCHS. The show will end with a combined performance from all three bands, meaning there will be more than 200 students participating in that combined effort. 

There will be free admission for the concert.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644522761961.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe Band Blast at Junction City High School Tuesday evening will begin at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Bands from Junction City Middle School, Fort Riley Middle School and the symphony, wind ensemble and marching band from JCHS will all perform.Jared Morris, Junction City High School Band Director, said the concert will&nbsp; be held in the auditorium at JCHS. The show will end with a combined performance from all three bands, meaning there will be more than 200 students participating in that combined effort. There will be free admission for the concert.

Bands will entertain Tuesday night at JCHS.

The <a href="https://centralnational.com/">Central National Bank</a> "To-Go" Fundraiser for the <a href="https://www.unitedwayjcgc.org/">United Way of Junction City/Geary County</a> is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Thursday, October 26th.&nbsp; Chili and Cinnamon Roll with all the toppings will be served from the downtown bank parking lot.&nbsp; Cost is $8 with all proceeds going to United Way.&nbsp; Cinnamon rolls are donated by The Friendship House; Beef donated by Blythe Family farms; and Rolling Hills Construction will make a match donation for the first 75 meals.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698065339299.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://centralnational.com/">Central National Bank</a> "To-Go" Fundraiser for the <a href="https://www.unitedwayjcgc.org/">United Way of Junction City/Geary County</a> is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Thursday, October 26th.&nbsp; Chili and Cinnamon Roll with all the toppings will be served from the downtown bank parking lot.&nbsp; Cost is $8 with all proceeds going to United Way.&nbsp; Cinnamon rolls are donated by The Friendship House; Beef donated by Blythe Family farms; and Rolling Hills Construction will make a match donation for the first 75 meals.&nbsp;

CNB Chili "To_Go" lunch for United Way set Thursday

Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff members attended the Kansas Tourism Conference in Dodge City last week. One highlight for the CVB was the Kansas Destination Specialist award received by Paige Mendoza.

In other news the CVB hosted five site visits for people considering bringing five sports related events to Geary County.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff members attended the Kansas Tourism Conference in Dodge City last week. One highlight for the CVB was the Kansas Destination Specialist award received by Paige Mendoza.In other news the CVB hosted five site visits for people considering bringing five sports related events to Geary County.

CVB attends Tourism Conference

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged&nbsp; larceny from a motor vehicle that occurred just after 3p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Pebblebrook Circle in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 20-year-old man reported an unknown suspect took a Great Lakes Firearm Rifle, AR-15, Model DB15 Chambered IN .233, 16” barrel, and OD green with a sniper scope. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,600. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged&nbsp; larceny from a motor vehicle that occurred just after 3p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Pebblebrook Circle in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 20-year-old man reported an unknown suspect took a Great Lakes Firearm Rifle, AR-15, Model DB15 Chambered IN .233, 16” barrel, and OD green with a sniper scope. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,600. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Rifle taken from vehicle in Manhattan

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Friday in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2013 Honda Fit driven by Isaiah Endres, 20, Fort Riley and a Yamaha MT03 driven by Shay White, 24, Manhattan, collided&nbsp;near the 1000 block of Scenic Drive in Manhattan 

EMS transported White to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Endres was issued a notice to appear for failure to yield the right of way.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Friday in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2013 Honda Fit driven by Isaiah Endres, 20, Fort Riley and a Yamaha MT03 driven by Shay White, 24, Manhattan, collided&nbsp;near the 1000 block of Scenic Drive in Manhattan EMS transported White to Via Christi for treatment of her injuries. Endres was issued a notice to appear for failure to yield the right of way.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan woman injured after car, motorcycle crash

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancher

Want to beat the Iowa State Cyclones when they come to town the end of November? If you bleed purple, I bet you do. This year you can personally be a part of that victory. Yes, the Wildcats might be a little short on the depth chart at linebacker, but I think most of our playing days are behind us. I have also volunteered to call plays in. Fortunately, our coaches are much too smart for that.

No, county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents and Wildcat fans have the opportunity to work within their communities to gather food donations and participate in a friendly competition with other agents and county Farm Bureaus through the End Hunger Food Drive sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Financial Services and K-State athletics. The food drive has already started and will run until Nov. 15, and everyone who participates will be a winner in my book. 

The counties and agents bringing in the most donations will receive tickets to the game along with other prizes. All of the donations will go to local food pantries, helping our friends and neighbors in need. I am so proud of our organization for all the work we do to feed those who do not have enough. We all take great pride in growing our abundant, safe, healthy food supply and yet we also want to make sure that everyone has access to it, too We do need to get busy. 

You can view participating counties by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=71ca5a83e4&amp;e=32b5639f2e" target="_blank">www.kfb.org</a>&nbsp;and search “End Hunger Food Drive” to find drop off locations or make a monetary donation. After Nov. 16 nonperishable food donations will be weighed to determine the winners. Each dollar will add a pound to the total. So here is the game plan. Some of you go straight to the grocery store and pick up some extra boxes of macaroni and cheese or cans of green beans and some muffin mix, too. The rest of you go deep and open up your computer, go the webpage and donate.

I know not everyone is a Wildcat but even if you are a Jayhawk or a Shocker you should want to send the visitors home without a victory. It’s not just Cats versus Clones, it’s an opportunity to help our fellow Kansans. I expect an overwhelming victory. For those of you from Iowa, please don’t take it too hard, we still like you, just not when you play against K-State. Well, that and we don’t like to lose. So here is to the competition, may the best team win! My prediction will be for a big score for our food pantries and that will be good for another Wildcat Victory.

Glenn Brunkow, Pottawatomie County farmer and rancherWant to beat the Iowa State Cyclones when they come to town the end of November? If you bleed purple, I bet you do. This year you can personally be a part of that victory. Yes, the Wildcats might be a little short on the depth chart at linebacker, but I think most of our playing days are behind us. I have also volunteered to call plays in. Fortunately, our coaches are much too smart for that.No, county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents and Wildcat fans have the opportunity to work within their communities to gather food donations and participate in a friendly competition with other agents and county Farm Bureaus through the End Hunger Food Drive sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Financial Services and K-State athletics. The food drive has already started and will run until Nov. 15, and everyone who participates will be a winner in my book. The counties and agents bringing in the most donations will receive tickets to the game along with other prizes. All of the donations will go to local food pantries, helping our friends and neighbors in need. I am so proud of our organization for all the work we do to feed those who do not have enough. We all take great pride in growing our abundant, safe, healthy food supply and yet we also want to make sure that everyone has access to it, too We do need to get busy. You can view participating counties by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=71ca5a83e4&amp;e=32b5639f2e" target="_blank">www.kfb.org</a>&nbsp;and search “End Hunger Food Drive” to find drop off locations or make a monetary donation. After Nov. 16 nonperishable food donations will be weighed to determine the winners. Each dollar will add a pound to the total. So here is the game plan. Some of you go straight to the grocery store and pick up some extra boxes of macaroni and cheese or cans of green beans and some muffin mix, too. The rest of you go deep and open up your computer, go the webpage and donate.I know not everyone is a Wildcat but even if you are a Jayhawk or a Shocker you should want to send the visitors home without a victory. It’s not just Cats versus Clones, it’s an opportunity to help our fellow Kansans. I expect an overwhelming victory. For those of you from Iowa, please don’t take it too hard, we still like you, just not when you play against K-State. Well, that and we don’t like to lose. So here is to the competition, may the best team win! My prediction will be for a big score for our food pantries and that will be good for another Wildcat Victory.

Driving to End Hunger

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce, Junction City Main Street, and the JC Parks and Recreation Department are hosting All Treats Day on Thursday, October 26th. 

The All Treats Day event will include a parade, trick-or-treating, games, and more. 

The parade starts at 5:30 and will go down Washington from 10th Street to 6th Street. Children of all ages and their parents are welcome to wear a costume and march behind the JCHS Marching Band. After the parade, kids will be able to trick or treat along the parade route. 

Flint Hills Church will provide balloon animals at 9th and Washington. The United Way hot dog stand, sponsored by KS State Bank and JC Abstract and Title will be located at 807 N. Washington. Donations will be accepted. The CL Hoover Opera House will have a haunted walk-through at 135 W. 7th.

There will also be games, treats, and more at the 12th Street Community Center from 6:00-7:30. 

By Anthony GorgesJC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698067796182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce, Junction City Main Street, and the JC Parks and Recreation Department are hosting All Treats Day on Thursday, October 26th. The All Treats Day event will include a parade, trick-or-treating, games, and more. The parade starts at 5:30 and will go down Washington from 10th Street to 6th Street. Children of all ages and their parents are welcome to wear a costume and march behind the JCHS Marching Band. After the parade, kids will be able to trick or treat along the parade route. Flint Hills Church will provide balloon animals at 9th and Washington. The United Way hot dog stand, sponsored by KS State Bank and JC Abstract and Title will be located at 807 N. Washington. Donations will be accepted. The CL Hoover Opera House will have a haunted walk-through at 135 W. 7th.There will also be games, treats, and more at the 12th Street Community Center from 6:00-7:30.

All Treats Day will take place on Thursday in Junction City

The women and youth pheasant hunt sponsored by the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association will be held Saturday Sportsman's Acres at 3922, K-244 Spur. Hunter education is required.&nbsp;

To register contact Mike Johnson at 785-482-3416 or mbark@tctelco.net. The hunt is limited to 16 participants.

The women and youth pheasant hunt sponsored by the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association will be held Saturday Sportsman's Acres at 3922, K-244 Spur. Hunter education is required.&nbsp;To register contact Mike Johnson at 785-482-3416 or mbark@tctelco.net. The hunt is limited to 16 participants.

Fish & Game will host a pheasant hunt

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Dodge Challenger driven by Jeffrey B. Scott, 54,&nbsp;Cape Girardeau, Missouri was eastbound on&nbsp;Interstate 70 near the Abilene exit.

The car rear-ended a 2023 Dodge Ram 350 and trailer with two vehicles that was parked&nbsp;on the south shoulder and merged into the right lane of traffic.

EMS transported Scott to&nbsp;Abilene Memorial Health Systems.&nbsp; The driver of the Dodge Ram identified as Aleksander&nbsp;Kazmin, 32, Orange Park, South Carolina, was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1:30p.m. Sunday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Dodge Challenger driven by Jeffrey B. Scott, 54,&nbsp;Cape Girardeau, Missouri was eastbound on&nbsp;Interstate 70 near the Abilene exit.The car rear-ended a 2023 Dodge Ram 350 and trailer with two vehicles that was parked&nbsp;on the south shoulder and merged into the right lane of traffic.EMS transported Scott to&nbsp;Abilene Memorial Health Systems.&nbsp; The driver of the Dodge Ram identified as Aleksander&nbsp;Kazmin, 32, Orange Park, South Carolina, was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after car rear-ends trailer transporting vehicles

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on allegations after a weekend investigation.

Just after 11p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;were dispatched to the 18000 block of K-4 HWY N of Eskridge Kansas on report of a Domestic Disturbance with injuries, according to a media release from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.&nbsp;

The victim was made safe. Shawnee and Wabaunsee Deputies conducted a joint search for the suspect, 30-year-old Joshua Dean Strathman of Eskridge.

Wabaunsee Deputies located and placed him into custody in the early morning hours of Saturday without incident. Strathman is being held on requested charges of Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.&nbsp;

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on allegations after a weekend investigation.Just after 11p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies&nbsp;were dispatched to the 18000 block of K-4 HWY N of Eskridge Kansas on report of a Domestic Disturbance with injuries, according to a media release from the Wabaunsee County Sheriff.&nbsp;The victim was made safe. Shawnee and Wabaunsee Deputies conducted a joint search for the suspect, 30-year-old Joshua Dean Strathman of Eskridge.Wabaunsee Deputies located and placed him into custody in the early morning hours of Saturday without incident. Strathman is being held on requested charges of Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Man accused of violence at Wabaunsee Co. home

RILEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Saturday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by&nbsp; Monte S. Busch, 49, Manhattan, was westbound on Highway 24 two miles west of Manhattan.

The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The Jeep entered the north ditch, struck a KDOT sign, entered westbound lanes, the median, struck another KDOT sign and rolled on its top.

Busch was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

RILEY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 9p.m. Saturday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by&nbsp; Monte S. Busch, 49, Manhattan, was westbound on Highway 24 two miles west of Manhattan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚠️ First responders are handling a significant traffic crash on Tuttle Creek Boulevard near State Highway 13 Traffic will be STOPPED or SLOWED dramatically. Please share with others.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KStateFB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KStateFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/AB1xw8PpWl">pic.twitter.com/AB1xw8PpWl</a>&mdash; Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperBenKHP/status/1715915110236008459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The driver failed to negotiate the curve. The Jeep entered the north ditch, struck a KDOT sign, entered westbound lanes, the median, struck another KDOT sign and rolled on its top.Busch was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Manhattan man identified as victim in fatal crash after KSU game

Geary County Emergency Management has announced that the 10” water main on Clarks Creek road was hit by an excavator. The crew is on their way out, but there is not yet an estimate on repair time. There is currently no water pressure on the Morris county system along Clark’s Creek, K-57, or Humboldt.

Geary County Emergency Management has announced that the 10” water main on Clarks Creek road was hit by an excavator. The crew is on their way out, but there is not yet an estimate on repair time. There is currently no water pressure on the Morris county system along Clark’s Creek, K-57, or Humboldt.

Excavator turns off water service

When Paula and I moved to Junction City a few years when I began here as City Manager, we naturally looked for a home to live in as my contract did require City Residency, but we also desire to live and be part of the community I work in. After looking at a numbers of houses that could meet to our desires and needs, we decided the best option for us was to build a home and choose a lot on the West side of town near Junction City Middle School.

Each day I have about a 2 1/2-mile trip to the office. Of course, sometimes I take the most direct and quickest route to the City Office, but often I attempt to take different routes to work so I can travel to more parts of the City. Often I just can’t get away from the office to drive around and see what is happening in the City. Junction City is large enough of a community that I don’t get to all parts of the City on a regular basis unless you make an effort to.

As I take the alternate routes to work I can see an area where I received a complaint about or where I know that certain work is being done. This morning, I drove through a neighborhood that is part of the City’s Street Improvement project for 2023. This year the contractor which submitted the low bid will do milling and asphalt overlay in portions of the City with the total project cost being about $1.6 million. I know when this work is done, there will be people who are inconvenienced, but I am sure they will appreciate the finished project. Sometimes we are asked how streets are chosen each year for the major street projects. It is not a just a “guess what is next” deal, but streets are evaluated and rated. We also attempt to have logical areas and not a street here and one there as moving around for a short stretch adds to the cost. Yes, we here of other areas that need to be addressed, but to do that something else has to be cut. Simply it does boil down to funds available, and that affects the property taxes we pay. We are already looking at the streets for 2024. One possible area includes 6th Street from Washington to Eisenhower. The only issue is that is a long and wide section of street and “eats” up the budget. Again, we are playing catchup from work not being done in the past.

Other days when I drive to the office I head up to what we know as the “Land Bank” area. The Land Bank was formed after a number of subdivisions with Special Benefit Districts were not built on and in essence came in default and went to the County Tax Sale. Most lots did not sell, and the Land Bank was formed to market these lots. This Land Bank was different than most as in many cities Land Banks are formed to “clean-up areas of a City, but here we had lots with need streets, curb and gutter, and water and sewer lines in place and these lots were spread of a large area. I am not going to rehash all of the “Special Assessment” issues today, but we all know that these assessments then were part of the laree City debt that has been dealt with. There has been a great deal of interest in these lots over the last couple of months and about 200 lots have been sold in the past couple of months. Since the Land Bank began in 2015, about 650 Land Bank lots have been sold. A number of houses have been built and there are about 15 houses under construction at this moment. The sale of Land Bank lots was a real experiment. 8 years ago, there were many ideas of how to market the lots, but after trial and error, a system has been found to get lots sold and now houses built. It was not perfect and there were some disgruntled citizens along the way, but we continue to move forward. There was no model to follow as our Land Bank was very unique.

Often when I drove to and from work I check out nuisances such as yards blighted with junk and debris or having tall grass and weeds. And yes there are the structures that need to be addressed. City staff works hard at addressing those issues, but there are many obstacles. On the blights, certified letters have to be sent and that process has become timely and sometimes

it is 2 months until the letter is returned. Then we have others that clean up a yard and just when you think the problem has been solved, more debris shows up. On the structures there is a process that also takes times. On any of these issues, the cost to the City can be great.

Yes we receive calls about Grant Avenue. This includes the streets and also blights and structures. I did not live here when Grant was a busy street but do remember driving through Fort Riley when I got mixed up by Ogden as I was traveling from Manhattan. I remember driving though the base and onto Grant Street. Of course, access to the base has changed and Grant Avenue simply does not have the traffic it once one had. Yes, it must be addressed, but there are cost factors and what would the City not do if more funds were spent on those projects.

So, some days when you see me driving all over the City on my way to and from work, I am not lost, but just traveling through the City we call “Home”. Ask Paula how often we have not just gone straight home after Church or being somewhere and instead we go look around town.

When Paula and I moved to Junction City a few years when I began here as City Manager, we naturally looked for a home to live in as my contract did require City Residency, but we also desire to live and be part of the community I work in. After looking at a numbers of houses that could meet to our desires and needs, we decided the best option for us was to build a home and choose a lot on the West side of town near Junction City Middle School.Each day I have about a 2 1/2-mile trip to the office. Of course, sometimes I take the most direct and quickest route to the City Office, but often I attempt to take different routes to work so I can travel to more parts of the City. Often I just can’t get away from the office to drive around and see what is happening in the City. Junction City is large enough of a community that I don’t get to all parts of the City on a regular basis unless you make an effort to.As I take the alternate routes to work I can see an area where I received a complaint about or where I know that certain work is being done. This morning, I drove through a neighborhood that is part of the City’s Street Improvement project for 2023. This year the contractor which submitted the low bid will do milling and asphalt overlay in portions of the City with the total project cost being about $1.6 million. I know when this work is done, there will be people who are inconvenienced, but I am sure they will appreciate the finished project. Sometimes we are asked how streets are chosen each year for the major street projects. It is not a just a “guess what is next” deal, but streets are evaluated and rated. We also attempt to have logical areas and not a street here and one there as moving around for a short stretch adds to the cost. Yes, we here of other areas that need to be addressed, but to do that something else has to be cut. Simply it does boil down to funds available, and that affects the property taxes we pay. We are already looking at the streets for 2024. One possible area includes 6th Street from Washington to Eisenhower. The only issue is that is a long and wide section of street and “eats” up the budget. Again, we are playing catchup from work not being done in the past.Other days when I drive to the office I head up to what we know as the “Land Bank” area. The Land Bank was formed after a number of subdivisions with Special Benefit Districts were not built on and in essence came in default and went to the County Tax Sale. Most lots did not sell, and the Land Bank was formed to market these lots. This Land Bank was different than most as in many cities Land Banks are formed to “clean-up areas of a City, but here we had lots with need streets, curb and gutter, and water and sewer lines in place and these lots were spread of a large area. I am not going to rehash all of the “Special Assessment” issues today, but we all know that these assessments then were part of the laree City debt that has been dealt with. There has been a great deal of interest in these lots over the last couple of months and about 200 lots have been sold in the past couple of months. Since the Land Bank began in 2015, about 650 Land Bank lots have been sold. A number of houses have been built and there are about 15 houses under construction at this moment. The sale of Land Bank lots was a real experiment. 8 years ago, there were many ideas of how to market the lots, but after trial and error, a system has been found to get lots sold and now houses built. It was not perfect and there were some disgruntled citizens along the way, but we continue to move forward. There was no model to follow as our Land Bank was very unique.Often when I drove to and from work I check out nuisances such as yards blighted with junk and debris or having tall grass and weeds. And yes there are the structures that need to be addressed. City staff works hard at addressing those issues, but there are many obstacles. On the blights, certified letters have to be sent and that process has become timely and sometimesit is 2 months until the letter is returned. Then we have others that clean up a yard and just when you think the problem has been solved, more debris shows up. On the structures there is a process that also takes times. On any of these issues, the cost to the City can be great.Yes we receive calls about Grant Avenue. This includes the streets and also blights and structures. I did not live here when Grant was a busy street but do remember driving through Fort Riley when I got mixed up by Ogden as I was traveling from Manhattan. I remember driving though the base and onto Grant Street. Of course, access to the base has changed and Grant Avenue simply does not have the traffic it once one had. Yes, it must be addressed, but there are cost factors and what would the City not do if more funds were spent on those projects.So, some days when you see me driving all over the City on my way to and from work, I am not lost, but just traveling through the City we call “Home”. Ask Paula how often we have not just gone straight home after Church or being somewhere and instead we go look around town.

City Manager Allen Dinkel issues his weekly 515 report

Officers for Geary County 4-H for the coming year were recently elected.

According to the 4-H newsletter they were:

Officers for Geary County 4-H for the coming year were recently elected.According to the 4-H newsletter they were:President – Hanna MillerVice President – Elaina SchmidtSecretary – Kaitlyn SohnreyTreasurer – Reagan Kehoe

Geary County 4-H officers are elected

Junction City Finance Director&nbsp; Lindsay Miller said in the City Manager's 515 report that the City has had several inquiries regarding funding of certain organizations, so she commented on this to make certain everyone is tracking&nbsp; together.

She started t with the local YMCA. The YMCA is not directly associated with the City, and receives no city funding. They are their own separate entity, and they generate their own funding. The other organization brought up has been the library. While the City does levy funds on the library’s behalf, they are a separate entity, and conduct their own annual audit. When the levied taxes are received, they are given directly to the library to spend at their discretion. If you are interested in viewing any audit for any organization, they can be found at this<a href="https://admin.ks.gov/offices/accounts-reports/local-government/municipal-services/municipal-audits/categories/297418a048da4916807ccb681e5195e9"> LINK.</a>

By Dewey TerrillJC PostJunction City Finance Director&nbsp; Lindsay Miller said in the City Manager's 515 report that the City has had several inquiries regarding funding of certain organizations, so she commented on this to make certain everyone is tracking&nbsp; together.She started t with the local YMCA. The YMCA is not directly associated with the City, and receives no city funding. They are their own separate entity, and they generate their own funding. The other organization brought up has been the library. While the City does levy funds on the library’s behalf, they are a separate entity, and conduct their own annual audit. When the levied taxes are received, they are given directly to the library to spend at their discretion. If you are interested in viewing any audit for any organization, they can be found at this<a href="https://admin.ks.gov/offices/accounts-reports/local-government/municipal-services/municipal-audits/categories/297418a048da4916807ccb681e5195e9"> LINK.</a>

City Finance Director clarifies funding for two organizations

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - Two people were injured in an accident Just before 8:30.m.&nbsp; on Saturday near the intersection of Pfeil Creek Circle and Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Riley County.

Riley County Police Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks were dispatched to the scene, along with Riley County EMS, Riley County Fire District #1 and Manhattan Fire Department.

According to the KHP crash log, 70-year-old, Edward Gifford of Manhattan was flying his 2006 Pegasus Powerchute when the engine failed, causing the aircraft to crash.

Gifford and his passenger, 88-year-old, Richard Miller of Wichita were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County EMS transported the two men to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan for treatment of suspected serious injuries.

No structures or other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Manhattan Wrecker removed the aircraft from the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697914596987.jpeg" alt="Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - Two people were injured in an accident Just before 8:30.m.&nbsp; on Saturday near the intersection of Pfeil Creek Circle and Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Riley County.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1922.0401765592003!2d-96.59686059652168!3d39.24563824150276!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1697914539027!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Riley County Police Department and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks were dispatched to the scene, along with Riley County EMS, Riley County Fire District #1 and Manhattan Fire Department.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697914745354.jpeg" alt="Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Aircraft crash near Tuttle Creek State Park, photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the KHP crash log, 70-year-old, Edward Gifford of Manhattan was flying his 2006 Pegasus Powerchute when the engine failed, causing the aircraft to crash.Gifford and his passenger, 88-year-old, Richard Miller of Wichita were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County EMS transported the two men to Ascension Via Christi in Manhattan for treatment of suspected serious injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697915016558.jpeg" alt="Damaged Pegasus Powerchute, picture by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Damaged Pegasus Powerchute, picture by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>No structures or other vehicles were involved in the crash.Manhattan Wrecker removed the aircraft from the scene.

2 Kansas men hospitalized after power parachute crash

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp; —Three people were injured after a shooting in the 400 block of Bluemont in Manhattan early Saturday, acording to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Just before 3a.m., the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls. reporting gunfire. When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. 

A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident. All injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. The victim ages are 16, 19, and 19.&nbsp;

Through further investigation officers determined a large house party in the same location occurred during the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

Bluemont was closed between 4th and 6th street for about 3 hours but has since reopened. You may see law enforcement presence continue in the area as the investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information you can contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. You can submit tips online here: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#  Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY&nbsp; —Three people were injured after a shooting in the 400 block of Bluemont in Manhattan early Saturday, acording to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Just before 3a.m., the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls. reporting gunfire. When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident. All injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. The victim ages are 16, 19, and 19.&nbsp;Through further investigation officers determined a large house party in the same location occurred during the time of the shooting.&nbsp;Bluemont was closed between 4th and 6th street for about 3 hours but has since reopened. You may see law enforcement presence continue in the area as the investigation is ongoing.If you have any information you can contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. You can submit tips online here: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#  Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.&nbsp;

RCPD: 3 injured in shooting near large house party

TOPEKA —Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Sep2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.8% in September. This is an increase from 2.7% in August and a decrease from 2.9% in September 2022.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4,200 from August. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Sep2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 4,000 over the month, while government increased by 200.

The unemployment rate in Geary County is down from 4.4 percent in August to 3.8 percent in September. The state reported similar numbers   across the region. Riley saw a decline from 3.1 to 2.6 percent.&nbsp;

Since September 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Sep2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 22,200. This change is due to an increase of 16,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 6,200 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697812760362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Sep2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.8% in September. This is an increase from 2.7% in August and a decrease from 2.9% in September 2022.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4,200 from August. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Sep2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 4,000 over the month, while government increased by 200.The unemployment rate in Geary County is down from 4.4 percent in August to 3.8 percent in September. The state reported similar numbers across the region. Riley saw a decline from 3.1 to 2.6 percent.&nbsp;Since September 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Sep2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 22,200. This change is due to an increase of 16,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 6,200 government jobs.

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