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.

Sergio Galicia Arroyo, Failure to appear, arrested 03/18

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/2024/3/1710856179707.jpeg" alt="Terrance Canada, Criminal possession of a weapon, Convicted of person/drug felony, Firearm used in a crime, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Criminal carry of a weapon, arrested 03/18" />
 <figcaption>Terrance Canada, Criminal possession of a weapon, Convicted of person/drug felony, Firearm used in a crime, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Criminal carry of a weapon, arrested 03/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710856194002.jpeg" alt="Jimel Sparks,&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon, Convicted of person/drug felony, Firearm used in a crime, Criminal carry of a weapon, arrested 03/18" />
 <figcaption>Jimel Sparks,&nbsp;Criminal possession of a weapon, Convicted of person/drug felony, Firearm used in a crime, Criminal carry of a weapon, arrested 03/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710856206075.jpeg" alt="Neko Jones, Failure&nbsp; to appear, Outside warrant, arrested 03/18" />
 <figcaption>Neko Jones, Failure&nbsp; to appear, Outside warrant, arrested 03/18</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710856217324.jpeg" alt="Cadarius Sapp, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 03/19" />
 <figcaption>Cadarius Sapp, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 03/19</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Sergio Galicia Arroyo, Failure to appear, arrested 03/18Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos March 19

The Munson Arts Education Building will be unveiled to the public on Tuesday at 4.p.m. That is the time scheduled for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the facility at 131 W. 7th Street.&nbsp;

This new facility is part of what is now a three-building complex including the Opera House at 135 W. 7th,  the Rolfs Building 133 W. 7th and the Education Building  at 131 W. 7th.

The Munson Arts Education Building includes two rehearsal rooms upstairs, offices downstairs for the Junction City Little Theater and Junction City Arts Council and a conference room with a table that was built by John York.&nbsp;There are dressing rooms in back of the Arts Education facility. There will be tours of the structure from 10-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710806067566.jpeg" alt="Munson Arts Education Building ( Photo - Opera House )" />
 <figcaption>Munson Arts Education Building ( Photo - Opera House )</figcaption>
 </figure>The Munson Arts Education Building will be unveiled to the public on Tuesday at 4.p.m. That is the time scheduled for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the facility at 131 W. 7th Street.&nbsp;This new facility is part of what is now a three-building complex including the Opera House at 135 W. 7th, the Rolfs Building 133 W. 7th and the Education Building at 131 W. 7th.The Munson Arts Education Building includes two rehearsal rooms upstairs, offices downstairs for the Junction City Little Theater and Junction City Arts Council and a conference room with a table that was built by John York.&nbsp;There are dressing rooms in back of the Arts Education facility. There will be tours of the structure from 10-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Ribbon cutting for Munson Arts Education Building is set

The St. Xavier School annual auction will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 5:00 pm. Officials scheduled the event for the Bradley Gymnasium at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. It will feature a catered meal from Hog Wild Pit BBQ, an open bar, and the opportunity to bid on a variety of silent and live auction items. 

In addition, there will be drawings, chance boards, games, and a photo booth for gueststo enjoy. Tickets can be purchased at a cost of $60 per person or save by reserving a table. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Make your reservations today by stopping at the St. Xavier School office or calling 238-2841.

The St. Xavier School annual auction will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 5:00 pm. Officials scheduled the event for the Bradley Gymnasium at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. It will feature a catered meal from Hog Wild Pit BBQ, an open bar, and the opportunity to bid on a variety of silent and live auction items. In addition, there will be drawings, chance boards, games, and a photo booth for gueststo enjoy. Tickets can be purchased at a cost of $60 per person or save by reserving a table. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Make your reservations today by stopping at the St. Xavier School office or calling 238-2841.

Saint Francis Xavier School plans school fundraiser auction

Fort Riley has announced via social media that the Red Cross blood drive happening Tuesday will be held at Normandy Chapel from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and scheduled appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800-733-2767 (RED CROS).

To schedule an appointment call 1-800 RED Cross or go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter FR.

Fort Riley has announced via social media that the Red Cross blood drive happening Tuesday will be held at Normandy Chapel from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and scheduled appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 800-733-2767 (RED CROS).To schedule an appointment call 1-800 RED Cross or go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter FR.

There will be a blood drive at Fort Riley on Tuesday

Geary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has noted that a question that officials get a lot is, “What is this election for?” 

A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the State of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.

Advance voting at the County Office Building for the election has ended, voters will need to vote at their designated polling location from 7:00am-7:00pm on Tuesday, March 19th. If you aren’t sure what your polling location is, you may contact the county clerk's office at 785-238-3912 or go to this website here&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView</a>.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has noted that a question that officials get a lot is, “What is this election for?” A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the State of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.Advance voting at the County Office Building for the election has ended, voters will need to vote at their designated polling location from 7:00am-7:00pm on Tuesday, March 19th. If you aren’t sure what your polling location is, you may contact the county clerk's office at 785-238-3912 or go to this website here&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView</a>.

Presidential Preference Primary election will be held Tuesday

Miranda Adams, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/15

Irma Perez-Ayala,&nbsp;Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/16

Marchella Woods, Transporting of alcoholic beverage, Prohibiting drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Ignition interlock device - operate a car without required device, Driving while license canceled/suspended/ revoked, arrested 03/16

Jacob Barger, Flee or attempt to elude LEO&nbsp; by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 03/16

Oscar Orellana Peraza, Drivers license without valid DL, Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, arrested 03/16

Charles Story, Driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, arrested 03/16

Aubree Borders, Arrest by LEO - Warrant arrest, arrested 03/16

Victor Matos-Marrero, Interference with LEO, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 03/16

Joshua Lopez,&nbsp; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/16

Alyssa Johnson, Canceled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 03/16

Thaddeus Kimble, Possession of THC, arrested 03/16

Arron Felton, Domestic battery, arrested 03/17

Elizabeth Bizarre, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Violation of restrictions on drivers license or permit, arrested 03/17

Austin Gano, Driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, arrested 03/17

Makayla Hamilton, Domestic battery, arrested 03/17

Tamboura Watson, Failure to appear, arrested 03/17

Jahdiel Agosto,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/17

Jonathan Sample,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/17

Gage Warders, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 03/18

Sergio Gayton, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/18

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/2024/3/1710788166693.jpeg" alt="Daniel Fenimore, Failure to appear, arrested 03/14" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Fenimore, Failure to appear, arrested 03/14</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710788207974.jpeg" alt="TJ Grant, Failure to appear, arrested 03/16" />
 <figcaption>TJ Grant, Failure to appear, arrested 03/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710788248144.jpeg" alt="Laquinta Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 03/16" />
 <figcaption>Laquinta Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 03/16</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710788278354.jpeg" alt="Rickey Gassen, Theft-all other (Two counts), arrested 03/17" />
 <figcaption>Rickey Gassen, Theft-all other (Two counts), arrested 03/17</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Miranda Adams, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/15Irma Perez-Ayala,&nbsp;Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/16Marchella Woods, Transporting of alcoholic beverage, Prohibiting drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Ignition interlock device - operate a car without required device, Driving while license canceled/suspended/ revoked, arrested 03/16Jacob Barger, Flee or attempt to elude LEO&nbsp; by engaging in reckless driving, arrested 03/16Oscar Orellana Peraza, Drivers license without valid DL, Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, arrested 03/16Charles Story, Driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, arrested 03/16Aubree Borders, Arrest by LEO - Warrant arrest, arrested 03/16Victor Matos-Marrero, Interference with LEO, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 03/16Joshua Lopez,&nbsp; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/16Alyssa Johnson, Canceled/suspended/revoked drivers license, arrested 03/16Thaddeus Kimble, Possession of THC, arrested 03/16Arron Felton, Domestic battery, arrested 03/17Elizabeth Bizarre, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Violation of restrictions on drivers license or permit, arrested 03/17Austin Gano, Driving while license canceled/suspended/revoked, arrested 03/17Makayla Hamilton, Domestic battery, arrested 03/17Tamboura Watson, Failure to appear, arrested 03/17Jahdiel Agosto,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/17Jonathan Sample,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 03/17Gage Warders, Possession of marijuana, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, arrested 03/18Sergio Gayton, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 03/18Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos March 15-18

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The governor and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle promised to reduce wait times for thousands of the state’s most vulnerable residents in need of health care.

But current funding proposals fall millions short of the amount needed to shrink the list of Kansans waiting for crucial state disabilities services.

Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, pointed to earlier statements from Republican leadership in the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/07/medicaid-expansion-continues-to-be-tied-to-disability-waitlist-in-legislative-debate/">announcing their commitment</a>&nbsp;to mitigating a problem 20 years in the making.

“That’s an incredible promise to make to people with disabilities who are suffering on the waiting list,” Nichols said. “Thus far, that version of the budget has not fulfilled that promise — nowhere close.”

Kansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible for Medicaid-funded support waivers that cover a variety of needed services, such as in-home care. Wait times can last more than 10 years, and more and more Kansans have been added to the slow-moving lists. The wait list for intellectual and developmental disabilities services is at 5,279 people, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kdads.ks.gov/docs/librariesprovider17/ltss/hcbs/waivers/participation-reports/2024/waiver-program-participation-report-2.15.24.pdf?sfvrsn=377fb6c3_3">February data</a>. The physical disability wait list is around 2,382 Kansans.

The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, which has characterized the wait times as “from bad to worse to utterly out of control” recommends reducing the waitlists by 20% in fiscal year 2025. To do so, lawmakers would need to fund 1,100 slots on the I/DD waiver and 500 slots on the PD waiver.

While the budget is far from being finalized, Senate lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/14/kansas-senate-cobbles-25b-budget-with-funds-for-border-security-world-cup-legislative-pay-raises/">state spending blueprint</a>&nbsp;Thursday that allocates $23 million to solve&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>, dovetailing with Gov. Laura Kelly’s $23 million fiscal year 2025 budget recommendation for the lists. The funding would create an estimated 250 slots on both the I/DD and PD waiting lists.

If enrollment trends continue along the same lines as last year, when 561 new people enrolled in the intellectual disability wait list, the current recommendation wouldn’t be enough to stop the lists from growing — let alone reducing the number of people waiting for services.

“The waiting list is going to get worse, wait times are going to get longer under that,” Nichols said. “I’m hopeful that the legislators will realize that and add more money in the budget, which they can do at any point during the process.”

The Kansas Reflector previously examined how these long wait times hurt thousands of disabled Kansans and their families through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">a series of stories</a>.&nbsp; At the time,&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson said they were “laser focused on eliminating Medicaid waiting lists to ensure the truly needy get the services they so desperately need.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710788337050.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The governor and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle promised to reduce wait times for thousands of the state’s most vulnerable residents in need of health care.But current funding proposals fall millions short of the amount needed to shrink the list of Kansans waiting for crucial state disabilities services.Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, pointed to earlier statements from Republican leadership in the Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/07/medicaid-expansion-continues-to-be-tied-to-disability-waitlist-in-legislative-debate/">announcing their commitment</a>&nbsp;to mitigating a problem 20 years in the making.“That’s an incredible promise to make to people with disabilities who are suffering on the waiting list,” Nichols said. “Thus far, that version of the budget has not fulfilled that promise — nowhere close.”Kansans with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible for Medicaid-funded support waivers that cover a variety of needed services, such as in-home care. Wait times can last more than 10 years, and more and more Kansans have been added to the slow-moving lists. The wait list for intellectual and developmental disabilities services is at 5,279 people, according to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kdads.ks.gov/docs/librariesprovider17/ltss/hcbs/waivers/participation-reports/2024/waiver-program-participation-report-2.15.24.pdf?sfvrsn=377fb6c3_3">February data</a>. The physical disability wait list is around 2,382 Kansans.The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, which has characterized the wait times as “from bad to worse to utterly out of control” recommends reducing the waitlists by 20% in fiscal year 2025. To do so, lawmakers would need to fund 1,100 slots on the I/DD waiver and 500 slots on the PD waiver.While the budget is far from being finalized, Senate lawmakers approved a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/14/kansas-senate-cobbles-25b-budget-with-funds-for-border-security-world-cup-legislative-pay-raises/">state spending blueprint</a>&nbsp;Thursday that allocates $23 million to solve&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>, dovetailing with Gov. Laura Kelly’s $23 million fiscal year 2025 budget recommendation for the lists. The funding would create an estimated 250 slots on both the I/DD and PD waiting lists.If enrollment trends continue along the same lines as last year, when 561 new people enrolled in the intellectual disability wait list, the current recommendation wouldn’t be enough to stop the lists from growing — let alone reducing the number of people waiting for services.“The waiting list is going to get worse, wait times are going to get longer under that,” Nichols said. “I’m hopeful that the legislators will realize that and add more money in the budget, which they can do at any point during the process.”The Kansas Reflector previously examined how these long wait times hurt thousands of disabled Kansans and their families through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">a series of stories</a>.&nbsp; At the time,&nbsp;House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson said they were “laser focused on eliminating Medicaid waiting lists to ensure the truly needy get the services they so desperately need.”

State budget blueprint leaves out Kansans who need state disability services

During their weekly meeting on Monday the Geary County Commission received updates on different topics.

--They received a report on a future Employee Training Day which will include sessions on suicide prevention and cybersecurity, a briefing on the services United Way provides for the community, closing keynote comments by Jim Sands, service award presentation, vendor information on employee benefits and the availability of flu shots for county employees. The Training Day will be Oct. 11 at the 4-H/Senior Center.

--The employee golf tournament will be June 1st at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.

--There were four bid openings on chemicals to control noxious weeds with the bids ranging from 35,726.85 to $37,149.20. They will be reviewed by staff with an award expected next week.

--A bid totaling $160 for each time grass is mowed at the Cloud Community College Geary County campus was awarded to Boland Mowing Service.

--The CDC has downgraded COVID and it will now be treated like other respiratory viruses. KDHE has signed off on that in Kansas.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostDuring their weekly meeting on Monday the Geary County Commission received updates on different topics.--They received a report on a future Employee Training Day which will include sessions on suicide prevention and cybersecurity, a briefing on the services United Way provides for the community, closing keynote comments by Jim Sands, service award presentation, vendor information on employee benefits and the availability of flu shots for county employees. The Training Day will be Oct. 11 at the 4-H/Senior Center.--The employee golf tournament will be June 1st at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.--There were four bid openings on chemicals to control noxious weeds with the bids ranging from 35,726.85 to $37,149.20. They will be reviewed by staff with an award expected next week.--A bid totaling $160 for each time grass is mowed at the Cloud Community College Geary County campus was awarded to Boland Mowing Service.--The CDC has downgraded COVID and it will now be treated like other respiratory viruses. KDHE has signed off on that in Kansas.

Geary County Commission news notes

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged financial crimes.

Just before 6:30p.m. Friday, police arrested Jimmy Bond, 70, of Ogden on a custody warrant for misuse of public funds and official misconduct in the 100 block of S. Walnut in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Bond met requirement of&nbsp; a $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged financial crimes.Just before 6:30p.m. Friday, police arrested Jimmy Bond, 70, of Ogden on a custody warrant for misuse of public funds and official misconduct in the 100 block of S. Walnut in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Bond met requirement of&nbsp; a $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody. The RCPD released no additional details.

Riley Co. man accused of misuse of public funds

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report,&nbsp;a 2019 Volkswagon Jetta, driven by John Cain, 46, Manhattan struck a bicycle ridden by Catherine Caffera, 28, of Manhattan, in the 100 block of Moro Street.

EMS transported Caffera to Via Christi. Neither party was issued a citation. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 8p.m. Friday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report,&nbsp;a 2019 Volkswagon Jetta, driven by John Cain, 46, Manhattan struck a bicycle ridden by Catherine Caffera, 28, of Manhattan, in the 100 block of Moro Street.EMS transported Caffera to Via Christi. Neither party was issued a citation. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan woman hospitalized after car struck a bicycle

Only 23% of the child care needs in Geary County are being served, meaning 1,800 kids six and under are without quality child care.

There will be a Child Care Crisis Summit on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Deb Andres, Geary County Family &amp; Consumer Science Extension Agent, said "Now we're recognizing that childcare is really a significant issue for our business and industry partners."&nbsp;

Trish Giordano, Geary County Commissioner, noted that the shortage is affecting the county's economic growth. "If we can bring as many jobs as they can here but if no one is here to watch their kids they aren't going to be able to find workers."

The summit will run from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Professional Learning Center, 920 W. 6th Street in Junction City.

There will be speakers who will address topics ranging from challenges and what participants would like to see happen to success stories from across Kansas. There will also be input from local child care centers to learn about what they see as barriers to offering enough childcare placements.

Registration is free. To register online go to <a href="http://jcacc.org/childcarecrisissummit.">jcacc.org/childcarecrisissummit.</a>&nbsp; Registration closes this Wednesday.

This event is being co-hosted by the Geary County Child Care Coalition, Live Well Geary County and Child Care Aware of Kansas.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostOnly 23% of the child care needs in Geary County are being served, meaning 1,800 kids six and under are without quality child care.There will be a Child Care Crisis Summit on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Deb Andres, Geary County Family &amp; Consumer Science Extension Agent, said "Now we're recognizing that childcare is really a significant issue for our business and industry partners."&nbsp;Trish Giordano, Geary County Commissioner, noted that the shortage is affecting the county's economic growth. "If we can bring as many jobs as they can here but if no one is here to watch their kids they aren't going to be able to find workers."The summit will run from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Professional Learning Center, 920 W. 6th Street in Junction City.There will be speakers who will address topics ranging from challenges and what participants would like to see happen to success stories from across Kansas. There will also be input from local child care centers to learn about what they see as barriers to offering enough childcare placements.Registration is free. To register online go to <a href="http://jcacc.org/childcarecrisissummit.">jcacc.org/childcarecrisissummit.</a>&nbsp; Registration closes this Wednesday.This event is being co-hosted by the Geary County Child Care Coalition, Live Well Geary County and Child Care Aware of Kansas.

Child Care Crisis Summit will be held Friday

KDOT will kick off Phase 2 for the I-70 Pavement Replacement on March 18th ( Monday ). The goal will be to replace all the deteriorated mainline I-70 westbound&nbsp; pavement from MM 296 to MM 300.

The Exit 296/Washington westbound&nbsp; I70 OFF Ramp, Exit 298/Chestnut westbound&nbsp; I-70 OFF Ramp and Exit 299/J-Hill Road westbound&nbsp; I-70 ON Ramp will be closed when work starts in March through the end of Phase 2.

The first temporary ramp closure will occur on the westbound J-Hill Off Ramp and is anticipated to start with the start of construction in mid/late March and open in early May. The contractor will then close the Exit 298/Chestnut westbound I-70 on-ramp for approximately 45 days.

KDOT will kick off Phase 2 for the I-70 Pavement Replacement on March 18th ( Monday ). The goal will be to replace all the deteriorated mainline I-70 westbound&nbsp; pavement from MM 296 to MM 300.The Exit 296/Washington westbound&nbsp; I70 OFF Ramp, Exit 298/Chestnut westbound&nbsp; I-70 OFF Ramp and Exit 299/J-Hill Road westbound&nbsp; I-70 ON Ramp will be closed when work starts in March through the end of Phase 2.The first temporary ramp closure will occur on the westbound J-Hill Off Ramp and is anticipated to start with the start of construction in mid/late March and open in early May. The contractor will then close the Exit 298/Chestnut westbound I-70 on-ramp for approximately 45 days.

I-70 reconstruction work resumes Monday

“It’s my property, why can’t I do what I want?” I hear that question at times when we deal with issues regarding an individual’s property in the City. This can be anything from nuisances and structures to building codes to set backs from the property lines to what type of building a property owner can have on their property. As you can see this topic covers a number of areas.

On the other hand, there are other property owners who want to enjoy the rights as a property owner as well and have certain expectations. To them it is important to have codes and policies in place so there are assurances to protect their interests.

To discuss this topic, let’s begin with Zoning and the various codes. Zoning is basically land use and density. The City is zoned in different categories such as residential, commercials, and industrial, however in each category there are different zoning districts that have different rules and regulations.

Let’s start with residential. Naturally areas zoned as single-family are spaced out a bit further and there are less people living in a given area part as it is a single family living in the unit. Then we have residential duplex and multi-family. These are self-explanatory but as you can see there is normally more people living in a given area.

On the commercial side, there are zones such as downtown district where there is no setback and buildings may set on the entire property and buildings are touching with no separation between them. This can cause problems when a given building owner does not take care of their structure and it becomes unsafe and/or dangerous. The Challenge is what to do as it is expensive to take a building out of the middle of a block? There is a concern presently about such a building on Washington Street now. As we move into the other commercial districts there is greater setbacks and spacing. Industrial is basically split between light and heavy industrial.

One other category we see is Planned Development District (PDD) we in a given area there is a plan where setbacks and uses may be different as there is a “bigger” plan in place. Tho area along East Chestnut or along West 6th Street falls into that category.

This week we had 2 concerns in residential zoned areas. In one case a person owns 2 lots, however they are located back-to-back, and both are on different streets. In this part of the City there is no alleys, so the lots are directly adjacent to each other. The owner’s home faces one street and he wanted to build a garage on the lot behind. The City Code, however, does not allow that because the 2 properties would have to be platted into 1 lot and then you would have a garage directly across a residential structure owned by someone else.

The other issue was with a property owner who had 2 lots that are side by side with the house on 1 lot and they wanted to build a garage on the other. In this case the code requires the 2 lots to be replatted into 1 lot. One may ask why this is important, but it prevents the garage from being sold off to someone else in the future and you would have the garage as a primary structure and that is not allowed. Again, how would you like to own a home with a garage beside your property that is used by someone who does not even live there. I know this may or may not occur in the future, but it is best to follow the same rule throughout the City.

Zoning has its purpose. A number of years ago, the City developed a tract of land for an industrial park on Strauss Boulevard and invested a large sum of dollars in infrastructure. Great idea, but during the “housing boom” 20 or so years ago, residential structures were built close to that park. It was good to have houses, but it now limits what can be built in that park.

Due to the dissolution of the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), the City has had its own planning Commission is November. This group of 5 residents have had a number of cases to consider in their first 3 meetings. None of these people had been on the MPC before so they are “rookies” in essence, but they have worked like “pro’s” to handle the various issues.

Just to remind everyone, the City Planning Commission deals only with issues within the City as the City has no extra-territorial control.

A number of years ago when I managed another city I had a building inspector who had a saying that is appropriate to many situations. “The decisions made today not only affect the citizens now, but those in the future as well.”

By Allen Dinkel“It’s my property, why can’t I do what I want?” I hear that question at times when we deal with issues regarding an individual’s property in the City. This can be anything from nuisances and structures to building codes to set backs from the property lines to what type of building a property owner can have on their property. As you can see this topic covers a number of areas.On the other hand, there are other property owners who want to enjoy the rights as a property owner as well and have certain expectations. To them it is important to have codes and policies in place so there are assurances to protect their interests.To discuss this topic, let’s begin with Zoning and the various codes. Zoning is basically land use and density. The City is zoned in different categories such as residential, commercials, and industrial, however in each category there are different zoning districts that have different rules and regulations.Let’s start with residential. Naturally areas zoned as single-family are spaced out a bit further and there are less people living in a given area part as it is a single family living in the unit. Then we have residential duplex and multi-family. These are self-explanatory but as you can see there is normally more people living in a given area.On the commercial side, there are zones such as downtown district where there is no setback and buildings may set on the entire property and buildings are touching with no separation between them. This can cause problems when a given building owner does not take care of their structure and it becomes unsafe and/or dangerous. The Challenge is what to do as it is expensive to take a building out of the middle of a block? There is a concern presently about such a building on Washington Street now. As we move into the other commercial districts there is greater setbacks and spacing. Industrial is basically split between light and heavy industrial.One other category we see is Planned Development District (PDD) we in a given area there is a plan where setbacks and uses may be different as there is a “bigger” plan in place. Tho area along East Chestnut or along West 6th Street falls into that category.This week we had 2 concerns in residential zoned areas. In one case a person owns 2 lots, however they are located back-to-back, and both are on different streets. In this part of the City there is no alleys, so the lots are directly adjacent to each other. The owner’s home faces one street and he wanted to build a garage on the lot behind. The City Code, however, does not allow that because the 2 properties would have to be platted into 1 lot and then you would have a garage directly across a residential structure owned by someone else.The other issue was with a property owner who had 2 lots that are side by side with the house on 1 lot and they wanted to build a garage on the other. In this case the code requires the 2 lots to be replatted into 1 lot. One may ask why this is important, but it prevents the garage from being sold off to someone else in the future and you would have the garage as a primary structure and that is not allowed. Again, how would you like to own a home with a garage beside your property that is used by someone who does not even live there. I know this may or may not occur in the future, but it is best to follow the same rule throughout the City.Zoning has its purpose. A number of years ago, the City developed a tract of land for an industrial park on Strauss Boulevard and invested a large sum of dollars in infrastructure. Great idea, but during the “housing boom” 20 or so years ago, residential structures were built close to that park. It was good to have houses, but it now limits what can be built in that park.Due to the dissolution of the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC), the City has had its own planning Commission is November. This group of 5 residents have had a number of cases to consider in their first 3 meetings. None of these people had been on the MPC before so they are “rookies” in essence, but they have worked like “pro’s” to handle the various issues.Just to remind everyone, the City Planning Commission deals only with issues within the City as the City has no extra-territorial control.A number of years ago when I managed another city I had a building inspector who had a saying that is appropriate to many situations. “The decisions made today not only affect the citizens now, but those in the future as well.”

City Manager Allen Dinkel provides the 515 Report

K-State Research and Extension news service

Ham is a staple for many families’ Easter feast, but between all the varieties available, consumers are often confused on how to safely prepare this holiday favorite.

Kansas State University food safety expert Karen Blakeslee said hams come in two categories: cooked/ready-to-eat, or uncooked.

“Package labels will state if it is uncooked or ready-to eat,” said Blakeslee, who also is coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/">of K-State’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science</a>. “Always read the package label and instructions to be informed on how to safely handle the ham.”

Varieties of cooked ham include canned, vacuum packaged and spiral-cut cooked ham.

“Ready-to-eat ham may be called cooked,” Blakeslee said. “Ham that is not ready-to-eat but has the appearance of ready-to-eat products will bear a statement on the label indicating the product needs cooking.”

All cooked ham can be eaten cold, straight out of the package. If preferred hot, Blakeslee said ham should be heated to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven set at a minimum temperature of 325 F. If the ham has been repackaged in a location outside the processing plant -- such as inside the grocery store deli -- heat to an internal temperature of 165 F. Reheat any leftover cooked ham to 165 F.

Blakeslee said the best way to check the internal temperature is to use a food thermometer.

Varieties of uncooked hams can include fresh, cured and smoked – with or without the bone. Blakeslee suggests reading the label and instructions on the package. Some may look like they are ready-to-eat, but they are not and must be cooked thoroughly before eating, she said.

The package should contain directions on how to cook the ham, but for additional guidance, the USDA offers an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-fish/hams-and-food-safety">online timetable for cooking ham</a>. There is a minimum cooking temperature for all uncooked hams.

“Ham that requires cooking before consumption must reach an internal temperature of 145 F (with a three-minute rest time),” said Blakeslee. “Set the oven no lower than 325 F.”

Blakeslee said the ham’s end quality can be affected by the type and size of uncooked hams. Cooking and resting time can differ significantly between varieties, total weight, and portion, so for the perfectly cooked ham, check the USDA guidelines.

Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices in Kansas.</a>

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/f3c4b129-8661-4f48-9837-ac31e368acd5">Salina man arrested after allegedly becoming disorderly in McDonald's</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710683331981.png" alt="Ham resting on a wooden cutting board. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Ham resting on a wooden cutting board. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension news serviceHam is a staple for many families’ Easter feast, but between all the varieties available, consumers are often confused on how to safely prepare this holiday favorite.Kansas State University food safety expert Karen Blakeslee said hams come in two categories: cooked/ready-to-eat, or uncooked.“Package labels will state if it is uncooked or ready-to eat,” said Blakeslee, who also is coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/">of K-State’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science</a>. “Always read the package label and instructions to be informed on how to safely handle the ham.”<h2>Cooked Hams</h2>Varieties of cooked ham include canned, vacuum packaged and spiral-cut cooked ham.“Ready-to-eat ham may be called cooked,” Blakeslee said. “Ham that is not ready-to-eat but has the appearance of ready-to-eat products will bear a statement on the label indicating the product needs cooking.”All cooked ham can be eaten cold, straight out of the package. If preferred hot, Blakeslee said ham should be heated to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven set at a minimum temperature of 325 F. If the ham has been repackaged in a location outside the processing plant -- such as inside the grocery store deli -- heat to an internal temperature of 165 F. Reheat any leftover cooked ham to 165 F.Blakeslee said the best way to check the internal temperature is to use a food thermometer.<h2>Uncooked Hams</h2>Varieties of uncooked hams can include fresh, cured and smoked – with or without the bone. Blakeslee suggests reading the label and instructions on the package. Some may look like they are ready-to-eat, but they are not and must be cooked thoroughly before eating, she said.The package should contain directions on how to cook the ham, but for additional guidance, the USDA offers an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat-fish/hams-and-food-safety">online timetable for cooking ham</a>. There is a minimum cooking temperature for all uncooked hams.“Ham that requires cooking before consumption must reach an internal temperature of 145 F (with a three-minute rest time),” said Blakeslee. “Set the oven no lower than 325 F.”Blakeslee said the ham’s end quality can be affected by the type and size of uncooked hams. Cooking and resting time can differ significantly between varieties, total weight, and portion, so for the perfectly cooked ham, check the USDA guidelines.Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rrc.k-state.edu/newsletter/">You Asked It!</a>&nbsp;that provides numerous tips on being safe and healthy. More information is also available from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices in Kansas.</a>READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/f3c4b129-8661-4f48-9837-ac31e368acd5">Salina man arrested after allegedly becoming disorderly in McDonald's</a>

K-State food scientist shares tips for safe – and perfect – Easter ham

The Junction City Rotary Club and the Junction City Fraternal Order of the Eagles have combined to make a donation of $1,000 towards the Junction City Police Department's goal of implementing a co-responder program.

Police said for those unfamiliar, a co-responder program pairs police officers with mental health professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals experiencing mental health crises receive immediate, appropriate care and support, while also addressing safety concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police thanked both the Rotary club and the Eagles for their donation.

The Junction City Rotary Club and the Junction City Fraternal Order of the Eagles have combined to make a donation of $1,000 towards the Junction City Police Department's goal of implementing a co-responder program.Police said for those unfamiliar, a co-responder program pairs police officers with mental health professionals. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals experiencing mental health crises receive immediate, appropriate care and support, while also addressing safety concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police thanked both the Rotary club and the Eagles for their donation.

JCPD receives a donation for a co-responder program

&nbsp; Junction City Commissioners will consider&nbsp;&nbsp;awarding a bid for construction of a concessions building at Rathert Field to DM Construction and Remodeling when they meet Tuesday evening at 701 North Jefferson. The bid totals $117,370.01.&nbsp;

According to Junction City Brigade General Manager Cecil Aska the plans call for the building to be located in the right field beer garden adjacent to a storage shed in that area. The building must match the material look and structure and attach to the existing shed. The project must be completed by May 15th.

In the beer garden Aska noted that the upper seating level will remain but there will also be seating on the lower level. The bar used in the past will be torn down in favor of the concessions building. The beer garden name will continue for that area along the right field side of the stadium.

The Junction City Commission meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

&nbsp; Junction City Commissioners will consider&nbsp;&nbsp;awarding a bid for construction of a concessions building at Rathert Field to DM Construction and Remodeling when they meet Tuesday evening at 701 North Jefferson. The bid totals $117,370.01.&nbsp;According to Junction City Brigade General Manager Cecil Aska the plans call for the building to be located in the right field beer garden adjacent to a storage shed in that area. The building must match the material look and structure and attach to the existing shed. The project must be completed by May 15th.In the beer garden Aska noted that the upper seating level will remain but there will also be seating on the lower level. The bar used in the past will be torn down in favor of the concessions building. The beer garden name will continue for that area along the right field side of the stadium.The Junction City Commission meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Rathert Field concessions improvement is planned

The Geary County Commission have the agenda for their Monday meeting, scheduled from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the County office Building.

Agenda items include the Commission Review and Update, plus reports from HR Director Crystal Malchose, Public Works Administrator Corey Trumpp, and a meeting with Interim Health Department Director Charles Martinez.

The commission will consider approval of Thunderbird Marina &amp; RV Park cereal malt beverage licenses. There will be bid openings for chemicals to control noxious weeds, and for Cloud County Community College mowing.

Crystal Malchose, Human Resource Director, Weekly Update

The Geary County Commission have the agenda for their Monday meeting, scheduled from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the County office Building.Agenda items include the Commission Review and Update, plus reports from HR Director Crystal Malchose, Public Works Administrator Corey Trumpp, and a meeting with Interim Health Department Director Charles Martinez.The commission will consider approval of Thunderbird Marina &amp; RV Park cereal malt beverage licenses. There will be bid openings for chemicals to control noxious weeds, and for Cloud County Community College mowing.Crystal Malchose, Human Resource Director, Weekly Update

County Commission agenda for Monday

The Geary County Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau has awarded a series of community support and marketing&nbsp; grants,

They include $5,000 for the Junction City Brigade, Freedom Fest, the Black History Trail and the Main Street organization.

There have been awards of $2,000 to Run for the Wall and Oktoberfest.

The Geary County Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau has awarded a series of community support and marketing&nbsp; grants,They include $5,000 for the Junction City Brigade, Freedom Fest, the Black History Trail and the Main Street organization.There have been awards of $2,000 to Run for the Wall and Oktoberfest.

CVB makes grant awards

<a>&nbsp;Residents affected by recent severe weather in Geary and Riley County should contact the Kansas Department of Insurance if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said today. The Department has been in contact with local authorities in Geary and Riley and urges residents affected by the storm to contact the Department if they need assistance.&nbsp;</a>

“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Commissioner Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”&nbsp;

If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division toll-free at 1-800-432-2484, by email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdoi.complaints@ks,gov">kdoi.complaints@ks,gov</a>&nbsp;or visit the Department online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns.&nbsp;

Public Affairs Manager,&nbsp;Government &amp; Public Affairs

<a>&nbsp;Residents affected by recent severe weather in Geary and Riley County should contact the Kansas Department of Insurance if they have an issue with an insurance claim, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said today. The Department has been in contact with local authorities in Geary and Riley and urges residents affected by the storm to contact the Department if they need assistance.&nbsp;</a>“Severe weather in Kansas often means storm damage and insurance claims,” Commissioner Schmidt said. “If you have any questions about your insurance coverage after the storm or have an issue with an insurance claim in the coming weeks, please contact the Department.”&nbsp;If you or someone you know is having trouble with an insurance claim, please contact the Kansas Department of Insurance’s Consumer Assistance Division toll-free at 1-800-432-2484, by email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kdoi.complaints@ks,gov">kdoi.complaints@ks,gov</a>&nbsp;or visit the Department online at&nbsp;<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;for any claims-related questions or concerns.&nbsp;Kyle StrathmanPublic Affairs Manager,&nbsp;Government &amp; Public AffairsKansas Department of Insurance

Residents impacted by severe weather can seek help

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - The City of Manhattan is asking for help to find who damaged freshly poured concrete at the intersection of Browning and Dickens Avenues.

The freshly poured concrete was still curing when an unknown driver drove around barricades and through the concrete.

A pedestrian also walked through the concrete leaving footprints, damaging other sections of the concrete as well.

City workers will be tearing out these damaged areas of concrete before having it repoured.

The city hopes to have the intersection reopened early Monday morning, provided no additional damage occurs between now and then.

If you have any information related to this incident, please share it with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RileyCountyPD?__cft__[0]=AZUV2N1_f_uS1V3mGcpPJrB2tDxXQksCxVpzWx47UjaVusDak2wL5wkXb7m_VkbNJ3GmNVXMM8U_Fgc50V7-GlOZe6k5HM9ErMN2_tSRCycz0PHztZYbp-yIVNiK8PDBZdKUSeq1xDO15p20T8RqsdAXzHN6wqx6pdocskCOfLSQDs4uVyhLD5jmAD3CgKsGUyc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">RileyCountyPD</a> at (785) 537-2112 to assist in their investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710520376904.jpeg" alt="Concrete damage photo city of Manhattan" />
 <figcaption>Concrete damage photo city of Manhattan</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - The City of Manhattan is asking for help to find who damaged freshly poured concrete at the intersection of Browning and Dickens Avenues.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3136.3335519016364!2d-96.6074815!3d39.1963917!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87bdcdc77776cb4d%3A0x11877ba1c79eceea!2sBrowning%20Ave%20%26%20Dickens%20Ave%2C%20Manhattan%2C%20KS%2066502!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1710520860388!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>The freshly poured concrete was still curing when an unknown driver drove around barricades and through the concrete.A pedestrian also walked through the concrete leaving footprints, damaging other sections of the concrete as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710523221837.jpeg" alt="Concrete damage-photo city of Manhattan" />
 <figcaption>Concrete damage-photo city of Manhattan</figcaption>
 </figure>City workers will be tearing out these damaged areas of concrete before having it repoured.The city hopes to have the intersection reopened early Monday morning, provided no additional damage occurs between now and then.If you have any information related to this incident, please share it with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RileyCountyPD?__cft__[0]=AZUV2N1_f_uS1V3mGcpPJrB2tDxXQksCxVpzWx47UjaVusDak2wL5wkXb7m_VkbNJ3GmNVXMM8U_Fgc50V7-GlOZe6k5HM9ErMN2_tSRCycz0PHztZYbp-yIVNiK8PDBZdKUSeq1xDO15p20T8RqsdAXzHN6wqx6pdocskCOfLSQDs4uVyhLD5jmAD3CgKsGUyc&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">RileyCountyPD</a> at (785) 537-2112 to assist in their investigation.

Driver damages concrete, delays reopening of Manhattan intersection

Memories at the Museum will be held at the Geary County Historical Museum at 3:00pm Saturday, March 23rd.

Did you teach or work at a Geary County Elementary School? Come share your memories during our special school history series of Memories at the Museum announced by the Historical Society.

Memories at the Museum will be held at the Geary County Historical Museum at 3:00pm Saturday, March 23rd.Did you teach or work at a Geary County Elementary School? Come share your memories during our special school history series of Memories at the Museum announced by the Historical Society.

Memories at the Museum: Elementary Education

MANHATTAN — Iconic dance ensemble MOMIX brings its wonderland to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2.Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton's newest creation, "Alice," inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." The audience experiences a mind-bending adventure as Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts and a variety of other surprises.&nbsp;

Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">mccain.k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Tickets are also available by phone at 785-532-6428 during the same hours. Tickets for youth 17 and younger are half price for this show.

MANHATTAN — Iconic dance ensemble MOMIX brings its wonderland to Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2.Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton's newest creation, "Alice," inspired by Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." The audience experiences a mind-bending adventure as Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts and a variety of other surprises.&nbsp;Tickets are available online at&nbsp;<a href="https://mccain.k-state.edu/" target="_blank">mccain.k-state.edu</a>&nbsp;or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Tickets are also available by phone at 785-532-6428 during the same hours. Tickets for youth 17 and younger are half price for this show.Division of Communications and Marketing

McCain Performance Series presents theater and dance spectacle 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Senators gave initial approval to a $25.1 billion state spending blueprint following a six-hour debate Wednesday that covered legislative pay raises, the absence of special education funding, border security and whether the state should contribute to preparations for the 2026 World Cup on the Missouri side of Kansas City.

The budget contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/">Senate Bill 514</a>&nbsp;includes $15.7 million to send Kansas National Guard troops to Texas, $28 million to support the World Cup and $174.4 million to raise state employee salaries by 5%. It also would hold hostage $35.7 million in funding for state colleges and universities until their top executives certify they have eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in admissions and hiring processes.

In lieu of expanding Medicaid, the proposed budget would invest $78.7 million in increases to Medicaid outpatient hospital reimbursement rates. It allocates $23 million to chip away at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>.

The Judicial Branch would receive $2.6 million and three full-time positions to deal with “a security incident,” following last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">ransomware attack</a>&nbsp;that hindered court filings and public access to court records.

The spending plan, which still requires a final vote in the Senate and negotiations the House, will be subject to line-item vetoes by Gov. Laura Kelly and can be augmented with an omnibus bill before the session ends.

The GOP-dominated Senate is poised to grow government, as it has done every year in recent history, by increasing the spending of state dollars from $9.9 billion in the current fiscal year to $10.2 billion in the fiscal year that begins in July. Republicans trimmed about a billion dollars in federal and state spending from the governor’s proposal by declining to pay down debt early, adding new debt, and removing funding for special education.

As it stands, the Senate budget would leave the state with a $3.4 billion surplus. That figure would be reduced by any forthcoming tax cuts that pass into law.

“This budget will allow for a sizable tax relief for Kansas families,” said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland.

Lawmakers entertained 16 proposed amendments during Wednesday’s debate, including several dealing with plans to raise&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/05/kansas-commission-recommends-raising-annual-base-salary-of-state-legislators-to-43000/">annual compensation for legislators</a>&nbsp;from roughly $29,000 to $57,000.

A state law passed last year authorized a bipartisan commission to study legislative pay and implement changes in 2025. That relieved lawmakers from having to take a public vote to raise their own pay.

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, championed the pay increase as a way to attract younger lawmakers with more diverse backgrounds. Currently, the Legislature is dominated by retirees, wealthy individuals and others who can afford to spend three months of the year in Topeka without worrying about compensation.

“What I make as a public servant is not a motivator to whether I run or not,” Erickson said. “But I’m at a point in my life, and if we’re honest about it, we look around and we can see that most of us are at a point or position in our life, where we can afford to take $88 a day.”

She said the raise approved by the appointed commission “was a way to get more diverse representation in the Kansas legislature by making it at least a financial possibility for those of us not in a position or a point in our lives to be able to afford to serve. And isn’t that what we want — more people being able to serve, and it not being a financial burden on families? And we get, let’s be honest, the potential for younger members of this body, which we need their voices.”

Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, called for lawmakers to abandon the commission’s plan and consider instead a more modest raise of $10,500. That amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313145758_333340/">14-9 vote</a>.

However, senators adopted an amendment brought by Sen. Dennis Pyle, I-Hiawatha, that would require the Legislature to vote on any pay raise before it can take effect.

Pyle held in his hand a packet of information that he said was brought to him during a meeting between legislators and constituents over coffee. The documentation, he said, tells the story of how last year’s bill was introduced, where it went and how it got amended before it went to the compensation commission, and how the pay raise was put in place.

“There were probably about 30 to 40 people in the room, and the paper that was covering it, everyone was questioning: ‘How can that be? Why is there no sunshine on that?’ That was what I took from the people,” Pyle said.

“People were pretty upset that it wasn’t brought in openness and fairness to the light of day,” Pyle said.

His amendment passed on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313161154_733893/">a 20-8 vote</a>&nbsp;with both parties divided, nine members declining to vote and three members absent.

The budget removes about $200 million requested by the governor to meet the state’s statutory requirement for funding special education needs in public schools.

The state is supposed to cover 92% of special education costs in public schools, but hasn’t done so since 2011. The current funding level is at 69% of costs, which means&nbsp;schools have used money that would otherwise be spent in the classroom to cover special education services.

Sen. J.R. Claeys, R-Salina, said funding for special education would be added in an omnibus bill before the session is over. He complained that an amendment brought by Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, would redirect money from Medicaid services, debt payments and several earmarked projects, to cover special education needs. Doll’s amendment was based on “pay-go” rules that require any added expense to be offset by cuts elsewhere in the budget.

Claeys said Doll’s amendment would hamper the state’s fight against fentanyl, hurt the dairy industry, and cost rural hospitals.

“What you’re getting for that is a discussion today about adding money to special ed that was going to occur at omnibus anyway,” Claeys said. “That’s all. You’re getting it four weeks early. And that is the price you’re paying for it.”

“First of all,” Doll responded, “If we can find different places to get this money, I’m all in.”

“But if it wasn’t so sick,” Doll added, “I would find it humorous that we’re talking about closing rural hospitals, and we haven’t had a hearing on Medicaid expansion. That to me is just incredible that we that statement was even made.”

Doll’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313155504_337862/">12-19 vote</a>.

Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, proposed an amendment that would block state funding from going to private schools unless they were accredited under the same standards as public schools.

That was met with fury by Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, who proposed that schools should welcome public funding for private schools as a “gift” that would force them to compete. Steffen said he watched the decline of public schools during an eight-year period ending in 2016, when his son and daughter had attended public high school.

“I saw our public schools go from recognized centers of excellence to bastions of mediocrity,” Steffen said.

Competition, he said, “will do nothing but improve our public schools.”

“I just wish they had the clarity of vision to understand that this is actually a gift to the public schools, and that they will only make them more responsive and better at what they do,” Steffen said.

Holscher’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313152838_903093/">12-21 vote</a>.

The budget earmarks $28 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid to support economic development around the World Cup games in 2026 — with the caveat that the money will come from the state general fund if federal rules get in the way.

Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, proposed an amendment that would have taken $20 million away from the World Cup and divided it between special education funding and infrastructure investments for small towns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518025223.png" alt=" Sen. Dennis Pyle, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, argued in favor of requiring legislators to vote on a planned pay increase. The Senate adopted his amendment during a six-hour budget debate Wednesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Dennis Pyle, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, argued in favor of requiring legislators to vote on a planned pay increase. The Senate adopted his amendment during a six-hour budget debate Wednesday. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Senators gave initial approval to a $25.1 billion state spending blueprint following a six-hour debate Wednesday that covered legislative pay raises, the absence of special education funding, border security and whether the state should contribute to preparations for the 2026 World Cup on the Missouri side of Kansas City.The budget contained in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb514/">Senate Bill 514</a>&nbsp;includes $15.7 million to send Kansas National Guard troops to Texas, $28 million to support the World Cup and $174.4 million to raise state employee salaries by 5%. It also would hold hostage $35.7 million in funding for state colleges and universities until their top executives certify they have eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in admissions and hiring processes.In lieu of expanding Medicaid, the proposed budget would invest $78.7 million in increases to Medicaid outpatient hospital reimbursement rates. It allocates $23 million to chip away at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/17/typical-lip-service-as-medicaid-waitlists-grow-kansas-parents-see-no-path-forward/">long waiting lists for disability services</a>.The Judicial Branch would receive $2.6 million and three full-time positions to deal with “a security incident,” following last year’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/11/21/kansas-court-officials-confirm-details-of-evil-criminal-international-cyberattack/">ransomware attack</a>&nbsp;that hindered court filings and public access to court records.The spending plan, which still requires a final vote in the Senate and negotiations the House, will be subject to line-item vetoes by Gov. Laura Kelly and can be augmented with an omnibus bill before the session ends.The GOP-dominated Senate is poised to grow government, as it has done every year in recent history, by increasing the spending of state dollars from $9.9 billion in the current fiscal year to $10.2 billion in the fiscal year that begins in July. Republicans trimmed about a billion dollars in federal and state spending from the governor’s proposal by declining to pay down debt early, adding new debt, and removing funding for special education.As it stands, the Senate budget would leave the state with a $3.4 billion surplus. That figure would be reduced by any forthcoming tax cuts that pass into law.“This budget will allow for a sizable tax relief for Kansas families,” said Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518098766.png" alt="Sen. Renee Erickson, seen during an April 26, 2023, committee hearing, defended plans to raise legislator pay as a way of allowing more people to run for office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Renee Erickson, seen during an April 26, 2023, committee hearing, defended plans to raise legislator pay as a way of allowing more people to run for office. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislator pay</h2>Lawmakers entertained 16 proposed amendments during Wednesday’s debate, including several dealing with plans to raise&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/05/kansas-commission-recommends-raising-annual-base-salary-of-state-legislators-to-43000/">annual compensation for legislators</a>&nbsp;from roughly $29,000 to $57,000.A state law passed last year authorized a bipartisan commission to study legislative pay and implement changes in 2025. That relieved lawmakers from having to take a public vote to raise their own pay.Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, championed the pay increase as a way to attract younger lawmakers with more diverse backgrounds. Currently, the Legislature is dominated by retirees, wealthy individuals and others who can afford to spend three months of the year in Topeka without worrying about compensation.“What I make as a public servant is not a motivator to whether I run or not,” Erickson said. “But I’m at a point in my life, and if we’re honest about it, we look around and we can see that most of us are at a point or position in our life, where we can afford to take $88 a day.”She said the raise approved by the appointed commission “was a way to get more diverse representation in the Kansas legislature by making it at least a financial possibility for those of us not in a position or a point in our lives to be able to afford to serve. And isn’t that what we want — more people being able to serve, and it not being a financial burden on families? And we get, let’s be honest, the potential for younger members of this body, which we need their voices.”Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, called for lawmakers to abandon the commission’s plan and consider instead a more modest raise of $10,500. That amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313145758_333340/">14-9 vote</a>.However, senators adopted an amendment brought by Sen. Dennis Pyle, I-Hiawatha, that would require the Legislature to vote on any pay raise before it can take effect.Pyle held in his hand a packet of information that he said was brought to him during a meeting between legislators and constituents over coffee. The documentation, he said, tells the story of how last year’s bill was introduced, where it went and how it got amended before it went to the compensation commission, and how the pay raise was put in place.“There were probably about 30 to 40 people in the room, and the paper that was covering it, everyone was questioning: ‘How can that be? Why is there no sunshine on that?’ That was what I took from the people,” Pyle said.“People were pretty upset that it wasn’t brought in openness and fairness to the light of day,” Pyle said.His amendment passed on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313161154_733893/">a 20-8 vote</a>&nbsp;with both parties divided, nine members declining to vote and three members absent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518142729.png" alt=" Sen. J.R. Claeys, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, said a forthcoming bill would include funding for special education. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. J.R. Claeys, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, said a forthcoming bill would include funding for special education. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>School funding</h2>The budget removes about $200 million requested by the governor to meet the state’s statutory requirement for funding special education needs in public schools.The state is supposed to cover 92% of special education costs in public schools, but hasn’t done so since 2011. The current funding level is at 69% of costs, which means&nbsp;schools have used money that would otherwise be spent in the classroom to cover special education services.Sen. J.R. Claeys, R-Salina, said funding for special education would be added in an omnibus bill before the session is over. He complained that an amendment brought by Sen. John Doll, R-Garden City, would redirect money from Medicaid services, debt payments and several earmarked projects, to cover special education needs. Doll’s amendment was based on “pay-go” rules that require any added expense to be offset by cuts elsewhere in the budget.Claeys said Doll’s amendment would hamper the state’s fight against fentanyl, hurt the dairy industry, and cost rural hospitals.“What you’re getting for that is a discussion today about adding money to special ed that was going to occur at omnibus anyway,” Claeys said. “That’s all. You’re getting it four weeks early. And that is the price you’re paying for it.”“First of all,” Doll responded, “If we can find different places to get this money, I’m all in.”“But if it wasn’t so sick,” Doll added, “I would find it humorous that we’re talking about closing rural hospitals, and we haven’t had a hearing on Medicaid expansion. That to me is just incredible that we that statement was even made.”Doll’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313155504_337862/">12-19 vote</a>.Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, proposed an amendment that would block state funding from going to private schools unless they were accredited under the same standards as public schools.That was met with fury by Sen. Mark Steffen, R-Hutchinson, who proposed that schools should welcome public funding for private schools as a “gift” that would force them to compete. Steffen said he watched the decline of public schools during an eight-year period ending in 2016, when his son and daughter had attended public high school.“I saw our public schools go from recognized centers of excellence to bastions of mediocrity,” Steffen said.Competition, he said, “will do nothing but improve our public schools.”“I just wish they had the clarity of vision to understand that this is actually a gift to the public schools, and that they will only make them more responsive and better at what they do,” Steffen said.Holscher’s amendment failed on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240313152838_903093/">12-21 vote</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710518185415.png" alt=" Sen. Alicia Straub, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, tried to redirect money from the World Cup to help small towns like the ones in her district. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Alicia Straub, seen during a Jan. 17, 2024, Senate session, tried to redirect money from the World Cup to help small towns like the ones in her district. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>World Cup funding</h2>The budget earmarks $28 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid to support economic development around the World Cup games in 2026 — with the caveat that the money will come from the state general fund if federal rules get in the way.Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood, proposed an amendment that would have taken $20 million away from the World Cup and divided it between special education funding and infrastructure investments for small towns.She read the names of more than 40 towns in her district that have fewer than 2,000 people in them, then fought back tears as she explained her proposal.“I hate to see the hard-earned money from the people that live in these little bitty towns be sent to build practice facilities for a soccer game,” Straub said. “I don’t think a single one of these towns has a soccer program at their school. In fact, I’m certain that they don’t. They have football — American football. If we keep sending our hard-earned money to other countries, to other companies, to other people, and without taking care of our own first we are going to end up in a very bad situation, which most of these cities already are. Many of them are in their dire straits.”Straub found support across the aisle in Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, who questioned the merits of subsidizing the World Cup event. He proposed an amendment to eliminate the funding altogether.“I understand the term of economic development,” he said, “but you know, guys, they already came.”Holland said he would be amazed if promoters were counting on the state to “pony up taxpayer dollars to help them fund their for-profit deal.”“Look at basically who’s coming to a soccer event,” Holland said. “There are people come from all over the world. There are people from all points of our country. They’ve got money to spend. And for the life of me, I don’t understand why the Kansas taxpayer has to subsidize wealthy people coming into the Midwest to spend their money.”He also questioned the lack of transparency behind the request, because it wasn’t clear who asked for the money.The amendments by Straub and Holland both failed on a voice vote.“If we don’t provide our necessary funds for the transportation, security and marketing, our Kansas businesses are the ones that are going to be losing because Missouri is going to win and they’re going to have all of the activity on their side of the state line,” said Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa.

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