The National Weather Service has put a wind advisory into effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday for Geary, Dickinson and Morris counties.

&nbsp;For the Wind Advisory,
  southwest winds 20 to 30 mph are forecast with gusts up to 45 mph expected.

*&nbsp; 

Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
  Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.



Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service has put a wind advisory into effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday for Geary, Dickinson and Morris counties.&nbsp;For the Wind Advisory,
 southwest winds 20 to 30 mph are forecast with gusts up to 45 mph expected.

*&nbsp; Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
 limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
 Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.&nbsp;

Wind advisory will be in effect

Kickoff for the Junction City - Highland Park football game Thursday night at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka is being moved up one-half hour to 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; The game had originally been scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Matt Westerhaus, JCHS Athletic Director, confirmed the starting&nbsp; time was being moved up to avoid potential thunderstorms.

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK AM.

Kickoff for the Junction City - Highland Park football game Thursday night at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka is being moved up one-half hour to 6:30 p.m.&nbsp; The game had originally been scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.Matt Westerhaus, JCHS Athletic Director, confirmed the starting&nbsp; time was being moved up to avoid potential thunderstorms.You can hear the game on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK AM.

Kickoff time is moving up for the Blue Jays - Scots

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;A Riley County Police Department Corrections Officer has been arrested after a reported domestic battery.&nbsp;

Just after 5p.m. Monday, a 28-year old woman reported a known 33-year-old man battered her, according to a media release.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, officers arrested Ace Thompson, 33, of Manhattan on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal restraint. Thompson was issued a total bond of $1,500.00. Thompson posted bond and is no longer confined in the Riley County jail.&nbsp;

To protect the privacy of the victim, additional information will not be released.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thompson has been placed on administrative leave as is standard department policy.

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;A Riley County Police Department Corrections Officer has been arrested after a reported domestic battery.&nbsp;Just after 5p.m. Monday, a 28-year old woman reported a known 33-year-old man battered her, according to a media release.&nbsp;On Wednesday, officers arrested Ace Thompson, 33, of Manhattan on requested charges of domestic battery and criminal restraint. Thompson was issued a total bond of $1,500.00. Thompson posted bond and is no longer confined in the Riley County jail.&nbsp;To protect the privacy of the victim, additional information will not be released.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thompson has been placed on administrative leave as is standard department policy.

RCPD officer arrested for alleged domestic battery

Mark your calendar&nbsp;for Friday Oct. 23rd at 7 p.m. The Geary County Republican Central Committee will help sponsor, along&nbsp;with Brad and Shana Roether, a Republican Meet &amp; Greet and Candidate Forum with all Republican candidates running in Geary County. It will be held at the Milford City Building.

Then on Tuesday Oct. 27th starting at 6pm The Geary County Republican Central Committee is hosting a Meet &amp; Greet and Candidate Forum with all the Republican Candidates running in Geary County. The forum will be held at the Milford Lake Conference Center at Acorns Resort. Meet &amp; Greet will start at 6pm with the Forum starting at 6:30.

&nbsp;Send&nbsp; your questions to Rick Roberts.&nbsp; Email him at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gearycountygop@gmail.com" target="_blank">gearycountygop@gmail.co</a>m. Those will be gathered and posed to the&nbsp; candidates!Both events will be carried live on Republican Central Committee Facebook page.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mark your calendar&nbsp;for Friday Oct. 23rd at 7 p.m. The Geary County Republican Central Committee will help sponsor, along&nbsp;with Brad and Shana Roether, a Republican Meet &amp; Greet and Candidate Forum with all Republican candidates running in Geary County. It will be held at the Milford City Building. Then on Tuesday Oct. 27th starting at 6pm The Geary County Republican Central Committee is hosting a Meet &amp; Greet and Candidate Forum with all the Republican Candidates running in Geary County. The forum will be held at the Milford Lake Conference Center at Acorns Resort. Meet &amp; Greet will start at 6pm with the Forum starting at 6:30.&nbsp;Send&nbsp; your questions to Rick Roberts.&nbsp; Email him at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gearycountygop@gmail.com" target="_blank">gearycountygop@gmail.co</a>m. Those will be gathered and posed to the&nbsp; candidates!Both events will be carried live on Republican Central Committee Facebook page.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Republicans schedule candidate forums

Geary County Commission candidates addressed the financial state of Geary Community Hospital during a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, and the local Republican and Democratic Parties Tuesday night at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.&nbsp;

Incumbent commission candidate Brad Scholz noted that the County has created no fund warrants to help, there was a local fundraiser that netted about $1 million, approximately $19 million in federal money was received, and there was additional SPARKS money allotted to GCH.&nbsp; On the financial challenges that faced the hospital he He feels some form of accountability is needed, especially with levee money.

Scholz feels there has to be oversight of the chief financial officer and chief executive officer, which is the responsibility of the Hospital Board of Trustees. He favors an accountability plan. We need to start there. If a boat has a hole in it we don't keep bailing water to get to the other side of the lake. We've got to fix it."

Commission candidate Alex Tyson noted that the financial situation at GCH looks a little better. "Moving forward we really need to roll up our sleeves and help them where we can. "&nbsp;

Commission candidate Patricia Giordano noted that in 2017 the commission was informed that Geary Community Hospital was in crisis but nothing was done. She said there was not any meeting with the Board of Trustees. "At least in the minutes no meeting was done with the Board of Trustees. That's put on the County. The County is the one that picks those people and should be picking&nbsp; the right people to be in that position." She also felt that having a financial manager that individual could have seen the red flag.

Incumbent commission candidate Charles Stimatze indicated he was offended by the comment the governing body did not know what was going on at the hospital since 2017. He noted that they had a monthly meeting with the former administrator of GCH&nbsp; and they asked about the status of Geary Community. "Having a financial manager would not have caught that because at that time we could not get financial records from the Board ( Trustees ). " The hospital is under the care of the hospital.

The Public Building Commission owns the hospital, the County leases it and then subleases it to GCH.&nbsp; Geary County also issues an annual property tax levy to support Geary Community.

Geary County Commission candidates addressed the financial state of Geary Community Hospital during a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, and the local Republican and Democratic Parties Tuesday night at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.&nbsp;Incumbent commission candidate Brad Scholz noted that the County has created no fund warrants to help, there was a local fundraiser that netted about $1 million, approximately $19 million in federal money was received, and there was additional SPARKS money allotted to GCH.&nbsp; On the financial challenges that faced the hospital he He feels some form of accountability is needed, especially with levee money.Scholz feels there has to be oversight of the chief financial officer and chief executive officer, which is the responsibility of the Hospital Board of Trustees. He favors an accountability plan. We need to start there. If a boat has a hole in it we don't keep bailing water to get to the other side of the lake. We've got to fix it."Commission candidate Alex Tyson noted that the financial situation at GCH looks a little better. "Moving forward we really need to roll up our sleeves and help them where we can. "&nbsp;Commission candidate Patricia Giordano noted that in 2017 the commission was informed that Geary Community Hospital was in crisis but nothing was done. She said there was not any meeting with the Board of Trustees. "At least in the minutes no meeting was done with the Board of Trustees. That's put on the County. The County is the one that picks those people and should be picking&nbsp; the right people to be in that position." She also felt that having a financial manager that individual could have seen the red flag.Incumbent commission candidate Charles Stimatze indicated he was offended by the comment the governing body did not know what was going on at the hospital since 2017. He noted that they had a monthly meeting with the former administrator of GCH&nbsp; and they asked about the status of Geary Community. "Having a financial manager would not have caught that because at that time we could not get financial records from the Board ( Trustees ). " The hospital is under the care of the hospital.The Public Building Commission owns the hospital, the County leases it and then subleases it to GCH.&nbsp; Geary County also issues an annual property tax levy to support Geary Community.The election is Nov. 3rd.

Financial state of Geary Community Hospital draws attention during forum

Big Lakes Development Center in Manhattan is a non-profit organization that serves intellectually disabled clients 18 and older.&nbsp;

According to information provided by JC Breakfast Optimist Club member Dr. Ferrell Miller the CEO and President of Big Lakes Development Center, Lori Feldkamp, spoke to the club on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Feldkamp said there are 220 people being served in either a residential, independent or group home within a four county area. Clients are paid to work on site, at Footlocker in Junction City and other locations. Examples of work include contracts with McCall's Pattern Company. Clients separate tissue from old patterns made by McCall's and for Parker-Hannifin, the clients assemble plastic spools used for equipment. Other contracts outside of Manhattan include work at the Clay Center Hospital and Court House."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols and precautions have been put in place and implemented to protect the staff and clients. None of the staff or clients have gotten the virus.

Financial support by the state, continued funding from Medicaid and donations to the Big Lakes Developmental Center Foundation is crucial for sustained and improved services to clients. Anyone interested in donating to the Big Lakes Development Center Foundation should contact Lori Feldkamp at 785-776-9201.

Big Lakes Development Center in Manhattan is a non-profit organization that serves intellectually disabled clients 18 and older.&nbsp;According to information provided by JC Breakfast Optimist Club member Dr. Ferrell Miller the CEO and President of Big Lakes Development Center, Lori Feldkamp, spoke to the club on Wednesday.&nbsp;Feldkamp said there are 220 people being served in either a residential, independent or group home within a four county area. Clients are paid to work on site, at Footlocker in Junction City and other locations. Examples of work include contracts with McCall's Pattern Company. Clients separate tissue from old patterns made by McCall's and for Parker-Hannifin, the clients assemble plastic spools used for equipment. Other contracts outside of Manhattan include work at the Clay Center Hospital and Court House."During the COVID-19 pandemic, protocols and precautions have been put in place and implemented to protect the staff and clients. None of the staff or clients have gotten the virus.Financial support by the state, continued funding from Medicaid and donations to the Big Lakes Developmental Center Foundation is crucial for sustained and improved services to clients. Anyone interested in donating to the Big Lakes Development Center Foundation should contact Lori Feldkamp at 785-776-9201.

JC Breakfast Optimist Club gets update Big Lakes Development Center

Courts in the 8th and 21st Judicial Districts will not accept electronic filings and electronic payments from 5 p.m. October 28 to noon October 29.

The judicial districts are known collectively as “Track 1” in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/HgP8MJWurK_56_7T7Ps7dwlDYLz2fpHcjT1r3ODfP0s" target="_blank">Kansas eCourt Statewide Rollout Plan</a>&nbsp;to move all state court case data to a single web-based platform. The courts are in these locations:&nbsp;

Track 1 courts adopted the new centralized case management system in August 2019. The courts will go offline while data from courts in Track 3 is added to the case management system.&nbsp;

The courts in both judicial districts will be open and operating during regular business hours, but their electronic filing and electronic payment systems will be turned off at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 28.&nbsp;

Courts will be open and operating during regular business hours Thursday, October 29, but they will only accept paper filed documents from attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file on paper or by fax.&nbsp;

The courts will continue to accept payments throughout this period, as long as they are made in cash or by paper check.

Once data from Track 3 courts is added to the case management system, electronic processes in Track 1 courts will resume. This is expected at noon Thursday, October 29.

Courts in the 8th and 21st Judicial Districts will not accept electronic filings and electronic payments from 5 p.m. October 28 to noon October 29. Track 1 courtsThe judicial districts are known collectively as “Track 1” in the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/HgP8MJWurK_56_7T7Ps7dwlDYLz2fpHcjT1r3ODfP0s" target="_blank">Kansas eCourt Statewide Rollout Plan</a>&nbsp;to move all state court case data to a single web-based platform. The courts are in these locations:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>8th Judicial District (Dickinson, Geary, Marion, and Morris counties); and</li><li>21st Judicial District (Clay and Riley counties).</li>
 </ul>Track 1 courts adopted the new centralized case management system in August 2019. The courts will go offline while data from courts in Track 3 is added to the case management system.&nbsp;Electronic processes affectedThe courts in both judicial districts will be open and operating during regular business hours, but their electronic filing and electronic payment systems will be turned off at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 28.&nbsp;Courts will be open and operating during regular business hours Thursday, October 29, but they will only accept paper filed documents from attorneys. Self-represented litigants may file on paper or by fax.&nbsp;The courts will continue to accept payments throughout this period, as long as they are made in cash or by paper check.Electronic processes resumeOnce data from Track 3 courts is added to the case management system, electronic processes in Track 1 courts will resume. This is expected at noon Thursday, October 29.

Courts in 8th, 21st Judicial Districts to briefly stop taking electronic filings, payments

A peaceful protest in the parking lot outside Junction City High School ended about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.&nbsp; 

JCHS Principal Melissa Sharp noted that communication is important. 

"We had a student that in regard to a dress code had a conversation with her academy principal," she said. "And from that conversation some miscommunication extended out to social media in regard to the ability of the student to express her religious freedom." 

Sharp said she wanted the community to understand that there is never a time when a student is unable to express their religious freedom in the high school. 

"We take great pride in being a diverse and a tolerant and accepting institution and we will continue to do so," she said.

Sharp said she felt good about the conversations with some of the student group's senior leadership. 

"We were able to go out and speak to the students about 10:15, and it was very peaceful and responsive, and I'm appreciative," she said. 

The JCHS principal noted that she was appreciative. 

"I believe in free speech, I believe in a person's right to protest but also I believe that students do not have the right to disrupt the learning of other students." 

Sharp added part of the conversation was come to conflict resolution and a way forward, and also return to school. 

"Our quarter ends next week and that should&nbsp; be the focus of our students as they enter and exit campus each day," she said.

A large group of about 100 students conducted a peaceful protest outside Junction City High School Wednesday morning. It dealt with freedom of religious expression.

According to an email provided to parents / guardians by JCHS Principal Melissa Sharp, the students did not make it to their first hour class. She asked parents / guardians to check to determine if their students made it to school.

Sharp noted that the students were safe, in the rain which fell Wednesday morning, and not where they should be. JCHS did not authorize the protest. Sharp she was reaching out to the parents / guardians for support of the efforts by the school.

Students marched early in the protest and by mid morning it had been moved to a location near Al Simpler Stadium. Again...the school officials confirmed it was a peaceful protest.

JC PostA peaceful protest in the parking lot outside Junction City High School ended about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.&nbsp; JCHS Principal Melissa Sharp noted that communication is important. "We had a student that in regard to a dress code had a conversation with her academy principal," she said. "And from that conversation some miscommunication extended out to social media in regard to the ability of the student to express her religious freedom." Sharp said she wanted the community to understand that there is never a time when a student is unable to express their religious freedom in the high school. "We take great pride in being a diverse and a tolerant and accepting institution and we will continue to do so," she said.Sharp said she felt good about the conversations with some of the student group's senior leadership. "We were able to go out and speak to the students about 10:15, and it was very peaceful and responsive, and I'm appreciative," she said. The JCHS principal noted that she was appreciative. "I believe in free speech, I believe in a person's right to protest but also I believe that students do not have the right to disrupt the learning of other students." Sharp added part of the conversation was come to conflict resolution and a way forward, and also return to school. "Our quarter ends next week and that should&nbsp; be the focus of our students as they enter and exit campus each day," she said.All of the students returned to class.--A large group of about 100 students conducted a peaceful protest outside Junction City High School Wednesday morning. It dealt with freedom of religious expression.According to an email provided to parents / guardians by JCHS Principal Melissa Sharp, the students did not make it to their first hour class. She asked parents / guardians to check to determine if their students made it to school.Sharp noted that the students were safe, in the rain which fell Wednesday morning, and not where they should be. JCHS did not authorize the protest. Sharp she was reaching out to the parents / guardians for support of the efforts by the school.Students marched early in the protest and by mid morning it had been moved to a location near Al Simpler Stadium. Again...the school officials confirmed it was a peaceful protest.

Students conduct peaceful protest outside Junction City High School

Diana Dean said Geary County ranks last in voter turnout among Kansas Counties, 105th. She forcefully made that point during a Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at the C.L. Hoover Opera House Tuesday night. "We are the lowest voter turnout in the state of Kansas consistently. I've gone back and done the numbers. We are consistently 105th out of 105. That's not acceptable.!

Dean, who is the Democratic candidate for county clerk,&nbsp; said that role lands on the shoulders of the county clerk's office. "They're not doing their job. I'm telling you I touched over 35-hundred and I've told over and over again nobody ever told me I should vote, nobody told me why I should vote. Dean noted that Geary County doesn't vote because they don't know how."

Republican incumbent, Rebecca Nordyke, said she believed over the years she has served many citizens. "Over the many years I have attended many events,&nbsp; Martin Luther King Day, sundown Salute, Juneteenth, Rotary Club, Pilot Club, Sertoma. I can't really name all the places that I've been and talked to people about how to register to vote and the importance of voting. " 

Nordyke also touched on minority voting. "We have had many people of color coming in to vote in person and so I know that they are voting. I know that I have personally helped some of them with issues that they have had with voter registration with getting a ballot mailed to them and not knowing that process is. "&nbsp;

Diana Dean said Geary County ranks last in voter turnout among Kansas Counties, 105th. She forcefully made that point during a Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at the C.L. Hoover Opera House Tuesday night. "We are the lowest voter turnout in the state of Kansas consistently. I've gone back and done the numbers. We are consistently 105th out of 105. That's not acceptable.!Dean, who is the Democratic candidate for county clerk,&nbsp; said that role lands on the shoulders of the county clerk's office. "They're not doing their job. I'm telling you I touched over 35-hundred and I've told over and over again nobody ever told me I should vote, nobody told me why I should vote. Dean noted that Geary County doesn't vote because they don't know how."Republican incumbent, Rebecca Nordyke, said she believed over the years she has served many citizens. "Over the many years I have attended many events,&nbsp; Martin Luther King Day, sundown Salute, Juneteenth, Rotary Club, Pilot Club, Sertoma. I can't really name all the places that I've been and talked to people about how to register to vote and the importance of voting. " Nordyke also touched on minority voting. "We have had many people of color coming in to vote in person and so I know that they are voting. I know that I have personally helped some of them with issues that they have had with voter registration with getting a ballot mailed to them and not knowing that process is. "&nbsp;The election is Nov. 3rd.

Low voter turnout and minority voter turnout are key issues in a candidate forum

Food and Farm Council of Riley County &amp; Manhattan

Manhattan, Kansas—The Food and Farm Council of Riley County and the City of Manhattan has launched Nourish Together,<a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/"> a website that </a>has as a goal to increase food security, reduce food waste, and provide food education resources by connecting the pieces of the local food system. The website is immediately available for consumers and organizations.

“Our Council has over 50 local food system partners that work together on food system challenges. This website is one of the collaborative outcomes of our efforts to make it easier to access local, healthy foods, save food not waste, and learn new food skills”, says Vickie James, coordinator of the Food and Farm Council.

For organizations working within the local food system, Nourish Together has driven cooperation and awareness of the breadth of work occurring in Riley County and the City of Manhattan on food related issues.

“I'm thrilled to have a<a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/"> one-stop destination</a> to send our shoppers for information about food resources and so much more! You can find information about gardening, where to purchase amazing foods from local producers and farmers, where to go if you need a free meal or assistance with clothing and so much more. This website is a treasure-trove of information and will only continue to grow, enthusiastically explained Tracy Emery, Coordinator - USD 383 FIT Closet &amp; Clothing Exchange

“The <a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/">site is really user-friendly</a>, and people who need a Common Table meal will be able to find one quickly, shared Ann Smit, Common Table Secretary.

<a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/">Click here</a> to visit the web site

The Food and Farm Council of Riley County and the City of Manhattan was founded in 2018 to advocate for and sustain an accessible, healthy, and local food system. The Food and Farm Council envisions a local food system that supports healthy living in our community. The website is a project supported by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and designed by 502 Media.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603275370143.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Food and Farm Council of Riley County &amp; ManhattanManhattan, Kansas—The Food and Farm Council of Riley County and the City of Manhattan has launched Nourish Together,<a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/"> a website that </a>has as a goal to increase food security, reduce food waste, and provide food education resources by connecting the pieces of the local food system. The website is immediately available for consumers and organizations.“Our Council has over 50 local food system partners that work together on food system challenges. This website is one of the collaborative outcomes of our efforts to make it easier to access local, healthy foods, save food not waste, and learn new food skills”, says Vickie James, coordinator of the Food and Farm Council.Community ImpactFor organizations working within the local food system, Nourish Together has driven cooperation and awareness of the breadth of work occurring in Riley County and the City of Manhattan on food related issues.“I'm thrilled to have a<a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/"> one-stop destination</a> to send our shoppers for information about food resources and so much more! You can find information about gardening, where to purchase amazing foods from local producers and farmers, where to go if you need a free meal or assistance with clothing and so much more. This website is a treasure-trove of information and will only continue to grow, enthusiastically explained Tracy Emery, Coordinator - USD 383 FIT Closet &amp; Clothing Exchange“The <a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/">site is really user-friendly</a>, and people who need a Common Table meal will be able to find one quickly, shared Ann Smit, Common Table Secretary.<a href="https://nourishtogether.org/education/">Click here</a> to visit the web siteThe Food and Farm Council of Riley County and the City of Manhattan was founded in 2018 to advocate for and sustain an accessible, healthy, and local food system. The Food and Farm Council envisions a local food system that supports healthy living in our community. The website is a project supported by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation and designed by 502 Media.&nbsp;

Food & Farm Council has new website for you

The first 4-H Council officers for the new 4-H year in Geary County were elected on Oct. 5.&nbsp; Officers that were elected include Rylie Ellis - President, Cori Leasure - Vice President, Kaitlyn Butler - Secretary, Clara Gfeller - Treasurer and Tava Gustafson - Reporter.

The information was contained in the Geary County 4-H Newsletter.

The first 4-H Council officers for the new 4-H year in Geary County were elected on Oct. 5.&nbsp; Officers that were elected include Rylie Ellis - President, Cori Leasure - Vice President, Kaitlyn Butler - Secretary, Clara Gfeller - Treasurer and Tava Gustafson - Reporter.The information was contained in the Geary County 4-H Newsletter.

4-H Council officers are elected

David Wild,(far right) Chief Operations Officer for USD 475 and Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent (not pictured) led the JC Breakfast Optimist Club on a tour of the “New JCHS” construction site Tuesday morning.

 Pictured from left to right are Don Manley, President JC Breakfast Optimist Club; Tom Brungardt; Buz Bruzina, Vice President; Joe Handlos, Treasurer; T.J. Taylor (seated); Lonnie Clark, Nita Miller and Ferrell Miller (not pictured).&nbsp;&nbsp;

David Wild,(far right) Chief Operations Officer for USD 475 and Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent (not pictured) led the JC Breakfast Optimist Club on a tour of the “New JCHS” construction site Tuesday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603221430081.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Pictured from left to right are Don Manley, President JC Breakfast Optimist Club; Tom Brungardt; Buz Bruzina, Vice President; Joe Handlos, Treasurer; T.J. Taylor (seated); Lonnie Clark, Nita Miller and Ferrell Miller (not pictured).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Optimists tour the new JCHS site

Junction City police have been able to confirm that the 38-year old Junction City man, James Johnson Jr., struck by a vehicle in U.S. 77 Highway on Monday is in stable condition and is expected to be released from a hospital in a few days.

Police noted on Monday that Johnson was struck by a vehicle while walking in U.S. 77 Monday and was life flighted to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment.&nbsp;

Junction City police have been able to confirm that the 38-year old Junction City man, James Johnson Jr., struck by a vehicle in U.S. 77 Highway on Monday is in stable condition and is expected to be released from a hospital in a few days.Police noted on Monday that Johnson was struck by a vehicle while walking in U.S. 77 Monday and was life flighted to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment.&nbsp;

Accident victim is reported in stable condition

JC's BBQ / Grill, 812 East Chestnut, will partner with&nbsp; the JC Breakfast Optimist Club in a fundraiser at the eating establishment on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Optimist Club member Dr. Ferrell Miller said 10 percent of all receives ( from the drive-thru, dine-in or online orders and deliveries ) will be counted and benefit the 19 different Geary County youth oriented organizations supported by the Optimists.&nbsp;

Management and servers of JC's BBQ / Grill have and a taking every precaution to keep customers and staff safe. Wearing of masks is required, cleaning of equipment and eating areas is a priority, hand washing and sanitation protocols are followed and social distancing of tables are in place.&nbsp;

The fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the 27th.&nbsp;

JC's BBQ / Grill, 812 East Chestnut, will partner with&nbsp; the JC Breakfast Optimist Club in a fundraiser at the eating establishment on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Optimist Club member Dr. Ferrell Miller said 10 percent of all receives ( from the drive-thru, dine-in or online orders and deliveries ) will be counted and benefit the 19 different Geary County youth oriented organizations supported by the Optimists.&nbsp;Management and servers of JC's BBQ / Grill have and a taking every precaution to keep customers and staff safe. Wearing of masks is required, cleaning of equipment and eating areas is a priority, hand washing and sanitation protocols are followed and social distancing of tables are in place.&nbsp;The fundraiser will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the 27th.&nbsp;

Optimists and JC's BBQ / Grill will partner on a fundraiser

Grub and Grooves events will continue in the future in downtown Junction City, although Military Affairs Director Craig Bender said there will be a break for winter. "We'd like to kick it off in the spring and start doing it again. So I think we'll keep the food trucks and I think it's a matter of starting to provide a little more variety of bringing some local food trucks because I'm starting to hear that we have more."

Bender also noted perhaps changing the bands a little bit and having more kid friendly activities as COVID-19 begins to lighten up. He estimated approximately 100 to 125 people attended the last Grub and Grooves last Friday night in downtown Junction City.

Grub and Grooves events will continue in the future in downtown Junction City, although Military Affairs Director Craig Bender said there will be a break for winter. "We'd like to kick it off in the spring and start doing it again. So I think we'll keep the food trucks and I think it's a matter of starting to provide a little more variety of bringing some local food trucks because I'm starting to hear that we have more."Bender also noted perhaps changing the bands a little bit and having more kid friendly activities as COVID-19 begins to lighten up. He estimated approximately 100 to 125 people attended the last Grub and Grooves last Friday night in downtown Junction City.

Grub and Grooves will continue in the future

Advance in person voting for the November elections began last Thursday at the Geary County Office Building. According to County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke there has been a substantial number of voters. "We're about 675 people have voted in person since then. We have our extended hours where we're open until six o'clock Monday through Friday and then we're doing Saturday hours nine to one."

Some people who asked for mail in ballots are instead coming into&nbsp; the county office building to do advance in person voting. Nordyke noted that they're either having to vote provisional or wait on the mailed ballot. She added it's better to wait on the mailed ballot to arrive.

A second poll pad has been set up in the hallway of the County Office Building to help move voters through the process quicker.

More than 2,000 ballots have been mailed out to voters, far exceeding the approximate one thousand normally mail. You can still request a mail in ballot.

Advance in person voting for the November elections began last Thursday at the Geary County Office Building. According to County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke there has been a substantial number of voters. "We're about 675 people have voted in person since then. We have our extended hours where we're open until six o'clock Monday through Friday and then we're doing Saturday hours nine to one."Some people who asked for mail in ballots are instead coming into&nbsp; the county office building to do advance in person voting. Nordyke noted that they're either having to vote provisional or wait on the mailed ballot. She added it's better to wait on the mailed ballot to arrive.A second poll pad has been set up in the hallway of the County Office Building to help move voters through the process quicker.More than 2,000 ballots have been mailed out to voters, far exceeding the approximate one thousand normally mail. You can still request a mail in ballot.

Advance in person voting is brisk

All of the students in USD 475 will receive free breakfast and lunch for the entire school year, regardless of economic status.  The USDA has extended their free school meals program until June 30, 2021!

That announcement was posted on social media by USD 475.

All of the students in USD 475 will receive free breakfast and lunch for the entire school year, regardless of economic status. The USDA has extended their free school meals program until June 30, 2021!That announcement was posted on social media by USD 475.

Free meals will be provided for USD 475 students

Numerous candidates will participate in a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Geary County Democrats and Geary County Republican Central Committee Tuesday evening at the C.L. Opera House. It is scheduled from 6 - 9:30 p.m.

According to the Chamber, Congressman Roger Marshall, who is running for U.S. Senate and 1st District Congressional candidate Tracey Mann will be in attendance.

Other confirmed candidates who will participate include:

for Geary County Commission District One: Brad Scholz- Republican, Patricia Giordano - Independent

Geary County Commission District Two: Alex Tyson - Democrat, Charles Stimatze - Republican

Geary County Sheriff: Dan Jackson - Republican, Frederick Reid - Democrat

Geary County Clerk - Diana Dean - Democrat, Rebecca Nordyke - Republican.

Numerous candidates will participate in a forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Geary County Democrats and Geary County Republican Central Committee Tuesday evening at the C.L. Opera House. It is scheduled from 6 - 9:30 p.m.According to the Chamber, Congressman Roger Marshall, who is running for U.S. Senate and 1st District Congressional candidate Tracey Mann will be in attendance.Other confirmed candidates who will participate include:for Geary County Commission District One: Brad Scholz- Republican, Patricia Giordano - IndependentGeary County Commission District Two: Alex Tyson - Democrat, Charles Stimatze - RepublicanGeary County Sheriff: Dan Jackson - Republican, Frederick Reid - DemocratGeary County Clerk - Diana Dean - Democrat, Rebecca Nordyke - Republican.

Chamber of Commerce forum is set for Tuesday evening

Five Geary County Sheriff's Department employees were recognized for five-year service milestones Monday at the county commission meeting.&nbsp; They included John Lytle, Ruben Marichal, Corrie Shoemake, Carla Burrell and Kirt Nichols Jr.

Carla Burrell and Kirt Nichols Jr. did not attend the ceremony so their photos were unavailable.

Five Geary County Sheriff's Department employees were recognized for five-year service milestones Monday at the county commission meeting.&nbsp; They included John Lytle, Ruben Marichal, Corrie Shoemake, Carla Burrell and Kirt Nichols Jr.( Photos courtesy of Geary County CVB )<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603149307121.jpeg" alt="John Lytle Sheriff Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>John Lytle Sheriff Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603149326672.jpeg" alt="Ruben Marichal Sheriff Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Ruben Marichal Sheriff Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603149345152.jpeg" alt="Corrie Shoemake Sheriff Department&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Corrie Shoemake Sheriff Department&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Carla Burrell and Kirt Nichols Jr. did not attend the ceremony so their photos were unavailable.

County employees are honored

High 55°	Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon

High 55°	Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of rain showers in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 50s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the south in the afternoon

Tuesday weather forecast

Geary County health officials have announced that they are doing the tracing work on12 new cases of positive COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend,&nbsp; and will notify the public if the cases are related.

There were 12 new cases and 10 recovered cases. One person is hospitalized.

Geary County health officials have announced that they are doing the tracing work on12 new cases of positive COVID-19 cases reported over the weekend,&nbsp; and will notify the public if the cases are related.There were 12 new cases and 10 recovered cases. One person is hospitalized.

Health Department issues COVID-19 update for Monday

&nbsp;The Riley State Bank in the City of Riley has been declared a new area of outbreak. Six cases have been identified at that location, with the most recent positive tests taking place on October 14. A public outbreak is declared when five or more cases can be linked to spread at a specific location and time period.&nbsp; RCHD staff talked with Bank President Mike Hagenmaier.&nbsp;The bank's lobby has been closed since last week and will potentially reopen next week. The bank's drive thru is open for normal business and night drop 8am-6pm. There are currently 10 active updates in Riley County. The Alpha Delta Pi outbreak expired Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Riley State Bank in the City of Riley has been declared a new area of outbreak. Six cases have been identified at that location, with the most recent positive tests taking place on October 14. A public outbreak is declared when five or more cases can be linked to spread at a specific location and time period.&nbsp; RCHD staff talked with Bank President Mike Hagenmaier.&nbsp;The bank's lobby has been closed since last week and will potentially reopen next week. The bank's drive thru is open for normal business and night drop 8am-6pm. There are currently 10 active updates in Riley County. The Alpha Delta Pi outbreak expired Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

New COVID-19 outbreak occurs in Riley County

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of identity theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 1300 block of Marlatt Avenue in Manhattan.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Sunday, a 41-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect made charges to her debit card. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,200.00, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of identity theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 1300 block of Marlatt Avenue in Manhattan.Just after 9:30 a.m. Sunday, a 41-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect made charges to her debit card. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,200.00, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

RCPD: Suspect charged $2200 on woman's debit card

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas State Librarian, Eric Norris.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/fra6z-efa342?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas State Librarian, Eric Norris.

🎤Forward Ever: Kansas State Librarian Eric Norris

Police have confirmed that a 38-year old Junction City man, James Johnson Jr.,&nbsp; was struck by a vehicle while walking in U.S. 77 Highway on the west side of Junction City Monday morning. Johnson was&nbsp; life flighted to Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka.&nbsp; He was struck by a 2013 Chevrolet driven by a 69-year old Milford man. The accident was reported at 6:11 a.m.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded shortly after 6 a.m. Monday to U.S. 77 on the west side of Junction City. Police confirmed one pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and taken by emergency personnel to Freeman Field where he was air lifted to a trauma center for treatment.

No further details are available not, but JC Post will update as soon as information becomes available.

Police have confirmed that a 38-year old Junction City man, James Johnson Jr.,&nbsp; was struck by a vehicle while walking in U.S. 77 Highway on the west side of Junction City Monday morning. Johnson was&nbsp; life flighted to Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka.&nbsp; He was struck by a 2013 Chevrolet driven by a 69-year old Milford man. The accident was reported at 6:11 a.m.----Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded shortly after 6 a.m. Monday to U.S. 77 on the west side of Junction City. Police confirmed one pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and taken by emergency personnel to Freeman Field where he was air lifted to a trauma center for treatment.No further details are available not, but JC Post will update as soon as information becomes available.

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