Downtown JC Happenings | June 9 - June 15, 2025 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCKSJuneteenth/">Juneteenth Festival</a>: Saturday, June 14 | 1–8 PM | Heritage Park

- Join the Junction City Juneteenth Association for a powerful day of reflection, unity, and celebration at Junction City’s Juneteenth Festival. This free community event honors the legacy of emancipation with live music, local vendors, food trucks, family activities, and more. 

- Enjoy performances and a live DJ - Support Black-owned businesses and local makers 

- Taste delicious foods from various food vendors 

- Enjoy family activities at the Kids Zone 

- Connect with your community in a celebration of freedom and progress 

-&nbsp; Bring the whole family and be part of a day rooted in history and powered by togetherness! 

<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/flag-fundraiser/">Flags of Geary County</a>: “Proudly United, Community Ignited”

Junction City Main Street invites you to take part in the Flag Project supporting multiple local organizations. For a small donation, Main Street will place and remove a leased 3x5 ft U.S. flag on a 10 ft pole in front of your home or business on six major holidays throughout the year. Flags will not be displayed in the event of rain. Sign up now for Flag Day—flags will remain up through July 4! 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/579423885190444/579423905190442/?active_tab=about&amp;rdid=IP9Skz7DInQr7ubt">Kids Day at the Geary Community Farmers Market</a>

Make Thursday evenings a family tradition. 

-Free “Market Money” for kids to buy fruits and veggies 

-Weekly activities: seed planting, games, cooking demos, and scavenger hunts 

-No sign-up needed—stop by the info booth to join in 

-Meet local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1022106096711064/?rdid=OxTUnOc2hQyI622C&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19Pc9aM7qy%2F#">Father’s Day Fun: Take Me Out to the Ball Game</a>

Celebrate Dad with a free baseball clinic hosted by the Brigade Baseball Team. 

-Batting, fielding, and pitching stations 

-Family fun and local shopping at the farmers market 

Bring your glove and spend the morning together! 

<a href="https://www.jcoperahouse.org/">Sunday Concerts at the Opera House</a>: Join the JC Community Band every Sunday in June at 3 PM for free public performances at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Summer Youth Programs Begin This Week

-<a href="https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/product/brandy-s-art-camp-2025/347?cs=true&amp;cst=custom">GEM Studios Summer Art Camp</a> launches June 9 with themed weekly sessions like All About Me, Bugs &amp; Animals, and Ocean Week.

-Activated Arts offers six dance classes and four theater workshops, from tap to clowning and creative drama. <a href="https://activatejc.com/summer#page-1">Click here for more info</a>.

● <a href="https://checkout.square.site/merchant/6FCP8RW7DSS3F/checkout/5MF726COWTKHPNHSO6GIQA6F?fbclid=IwY2xjawKnB7JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEckZxR29uMUg0WXFaSGl3AR6VBKu-hzE-skr_UTQSN2LKZ0n0xES6h0CAC8ZgpNxFU2no14hZwWIpRdYQrg_aem_SG5fpT0AZbhmH0SLhm6seA">HAHA for CASA</a> Comedy Night – Saturday, June 14 | 7 PM at Highwind Brewing Co.

● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1733104470610849/?rdid=pPbzrZ98Mxe2dC8s&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F16JWYpP7Vh%2F#">Summer-Ween Party</a> – Friday, June 13 at D’z Lounge | Costumes encouraged

● <a href="https://prod3.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=940017~59c6ff9a-ee4b-4f24-81ca-9df9ebf6275d&amp;">The Raleigh Ringers</a> – Monday, June 16 | 7 PM at C.L. Hoover Opera House | Don’t miss this Emmy-nominated handbell choir

● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1684072482230247/?rdid=Ljp6ljcBdJ0ORiml&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1C4ovMSDkM%2F#">Chase Holton Live</a> – June 21 | 6 PM at Highwind Brewing Co.

● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1053198700097397/?rdid=wzafTyrri2r5zP1B&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1JRTWDBCp7%2F#">Movies in the Park</a> – Starting June 20 with Moana 2 at 8:45 PM in Heritage Park

Blu Restaurant &amp; Bar: Monday Trivia Night, Taco 'Bout a Tuesday, Wednesday Wing Night, Thirsty Thursday 

Highwind Brewing Co.: Tuesday Steak Night | 4–9 PM, Wednesday Music Bingo | 6:30 PM, Thursday- Featured Cocktail Night, Sunday Father’s Day Brunch | 9:30 AM–2 PM | Enter Dad to win a “Dad Tax” tee and a 4-pack of beer (Regular menu served 12–8 PM) 

Father’s Day Gift Idea: Give a <a href="https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/junction-city-main-street--kansas">Downtown Dollars</a> gift card—redeemable at participating businesses downtown. From food to unique finds, it’s a simple way to support local and treat Dad.

Follow <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/">Junction City Main Street</a> for event updates and more.

Support local. Stay connected. Love where you live.

Downtown JC Happenings | June 9 - June 15, 2025 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCKSJuneteenth/">Juneteenth Festival</a>: Saturday, June 14 | 1–8 PM | Heritage Park - Join the Junction City Juneteenth Association for a powerful day of reflection, unity, and celebration at Junction City’s Juneteenth Festival. This free community event honors the legacy of emancipation with live music, local vendors, food trucks, family activities, and more. - Enjoy performances and a live DJ - Support Black-owned businesses and local makers - Taste delicious foods from various food vendors - Enjoy family activities at the Kids Zone - Connect with your community in a celebration of freedom and progress -&nbsp; Bring the whole family and be part of a day rooted in history and powered by togetherness! <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/flag-fundraiser/">Flags of Geary County</a>: “Proudly United, Community Ignited” Junction City Main Street invites you to take part in the Flag Project supporting multiple local organizations. For a small donation, Main Street will place and remove a leased 3x5 ft U.S. flag on a 10 ft pole in front of your home or business on six major holidays throughout the year. Flags will not be displayed in the event of rain. Sign up now for Flag Day—flags will remain up through July 4! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/579423885190444/579423905190442/?active_tab=about&amp;rdid=IP9Skz7DInQr7ubt">Kids Day at the Geary Community Farmers Market</a> Every Thursday, June-July | 4–7 PM Make Thursday evenings a family tradition. -Free “Market Money” for kids to buy fruits and veggies -Weekly activities: seed planting, games, cooking demos, and scavenger hunts -No sign-up needed—stop by the info booth to join in -Meet local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1022106096711064/?rdid=OxTUnOc2hQyI622C&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19Pc9aM7qy%2F#">Father’s Day Fun: Take Me Out to the Ball Game</a> Saturday, June 14 | 10 AM–12 PM Celebrate Dad with a free baseball clinic hosted by the Brigade Baseball Team. -Batting, fielding, and pitching stations -Meet local players -Family fun and local shopping at the farmers market Bring your glove and spend the morning together! <a href="https://www.jcoperahouse.org/">Sunday Concerts at the Opera House</a>: Join the JC Community Band every Sunday in June at 3 PM for free public performances at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Summer Youth Programs Begin This Week -<a href="https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/product/brandy-s-art-camp-2025/347?cs=true&amp;cst=custom">GEM Studios Summer Art Camp</a> launches June 9 with themed weekly sessions like All About Me, Bugs &amp; Animals, and Ocean Week. -Activated Arts offers six dance classes and four theater workshops, from tap to clowning and creative drama. <a href="https://activatejc.com/summer#page-1">Click here for more info</a>. Upcoming Events: ● <a href="https://checkout.square.site/merchant/6FCP8RW7DSS3F/checkout/5MF726COWTKHPNHSO6GIQA6F?fbclid=IwY2xjawKnB7JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEckZxR29uMUg0WXFaSGl3AR6VBKu-hzE-skr_UTQSN2LKZ0n0xES6h0CAC8ZgpNxFU2no14hZwWIpRdYQrg_aem_SG5fpT0AZbhmH0SLhm6seA">HAHA for CASA</a> Comedy Night – Saturday, June 14 | 7 PM at Highwind Brewing Co. ● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1733104470610849/?rdid=pPbzrZ98Mxe2dC8s&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F16JWYpP7Vh%2F#">Summer-Ween Party</a> – Friday, June 13 at D’z Lounge | Costumes encouraged ● <a href="https://prod3.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=940017~59c6ff9a-ee4b-4f24-81ca-9df9ebf6275d&amp;">The Raleigh Ringers</a> – Monday, June 16 | 7 PM at C.L. Hoover Opera House | Don’t miss this Emmy-nominated handbell choir ● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1684072482230247/?rdid=Ljp6ljcBdJ0ORiml&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1C4ovMSDkM%2F#">Chase Holton Live</a> – June 21 | 6 PM at Highwind Brewing Co. ● <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1053198700097397/?rdid=wzafTyrri2r5zP1B&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1JRTWDBCp7%2F#">Movies in the Park</a> – Starting June 20 with Moana 2 at 8:45 PM in Heritage Park Weekly Specials Around Downtown: Blu Restaurant &amp; Bar: Monday Trivia Night, Taco 'Bout a Tuesday, Wednesday Wing Night, Thirsty Thursday Highwind Brewing Co.: Tuesday Steak Night | 4–9 PM, Wednesday Music Bingo | 6:30 PM, Thursday- Featured Cocktail Night, Sunday Father’s Day Brunch | 9:30 AM–2 PM | Enter Dad to win a “Dad Tax” tee and a 4-pack of beer (Regular menu served 12–8 PM) Father’s Day Gift Idea: Give a <a href="https://app.yiftee.com/gift-card/junction-city-main-street--kansas">Downtown Dollars</a> gift card—redeemable at participating businesses downtown. From food to unique finds, it’s a simple way to support local and treat Dad. Follow <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/">Junction City Main Street</a> for event updates and more. Support local. Stay connected. Love where you live.

Main Street | Downtown JC Happenings | June 9 - June 15, 2025

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating an aggravated robbery that occurred April 11, in the 1500 block of Pipher Lane in Manhattan have made another arrest.

Just before 1:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 17-year-old Kamryn Machor, of Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; Machor is being held without bond at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

This arrest was in connection to a report filed for aggravated robbery in the 1500 block of Pipher Ln. in Manhattan on April 11, 2025. A 16-year-old boy was listed as the victim and a 17-year-old girl, a 17-year-old boy, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were listed as the suspects. 

The victim reported the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and took items from him. This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating an aggravated robbery that occurred April 11, in the 1500 block of Pipher Lane in Manhattan have made another arrest.Just before 1:30p.m. Monday, police arrested 17-year-old Kamryn Machor, of Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; Machor is being held without bond at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center.This arrest was in connection to a report filed for aggravated robbery in the 1500 block of Pipher Ln. in Manhattan on April 11, 2025. A 16-year-old boy was listed as the victim and a 17-year-old girl, a 17-year-old boy, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were listed as the suspects. The victim reported the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and took items from him. This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.

Another Manhattan teen accused in armed robbery

Riley County police filed reports for theft Monday.

They occurred: in the 500 block of Pilsbury Dr. in Manhattan at approximately 7:48 a.m. Energy Center Manhattan Pool was listed as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect took their dump trailer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $18,000. At approximately 8:05 p.m., the trailer was recovered in Jackson County Missouri.&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for theft in the 2300 block of Sky-vue Lane in Manhattan at approximately 8:31 a.m. Flint Hills Breadbasket was listed as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect took their gray 2003 Ford F-250 truck. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $5,000.&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for theft in the 3200 block of Kimball &nbsp;Ave. in Manhattan at approximately 10:29 a.m. Prairie Stone Inc. was listed as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect took their mini skid steer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $20,000.&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for theft in the 4600 block of Eureka Dr. in Manhattan at approximately 11:43 a.m. Officers listed the Department of Labor as the victim when it was reported a 37-year-old man took multiple power tools, a radio and a Lenovo computer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $10,000.&nbsp;

Kamryn Machor, 17, of Manhattan was arrested at approximately 1:25 p.m. Machor was issued no bond and remains confined at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center at the time of this report. This arrest was in connection to a report filed for aggravated robbery in the 1500 block of Pipher Ln. in Manhattan on April 11, 2025. A 16-year-old male was listed as the victim and a 17-year-old female, a 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old female were listed as the suspects. The victim reported the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and took items from him. This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.

Braden Dinkel, 21, of Manhattan was arrested at approximately 5:53 p.m. for a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated battery. Dinkel was issued a total bond of $25,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

Riley County police filed reports for theft Monday.They occurred: in the 500 block of Pilsbury Dr. in Manhattan at approximately 7:48 a.m. Energy Center Manhattan Pool was listed as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect took their dump trailer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $18,000. At approximately 8:05 p.m., the trailer was recovered in Jackson County Missouri.&nbsp;Officers filed a report for theft in the 2300 block of Sky-vue Lane in Manhattan at approximately 8:31 a.m. Flint Hills Breadbasket was listed as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect took their gray 2003 Ford F-250 truck. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $5,000.&nbsp;Officers filed a report for theft in the 3200 block of Kimball &nbsp;Ave. in Manhattan at approximately 10:29 a.m. Prairie Stone Inc. was listed as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect took their mini skid steer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $20,000.&nbsp;Officers filed a report for theft in the 4600 block of Eureka Dr. in Manhattan at approximately 11:43 a.m. Officers listed the Department of Labor as the victim when it was reported a 37-year-old man took multiple power tools, a radio and a Lenovo computer. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $10,000.&nbsp;Kamryn Machor, 17, of Manhattan was arrested at approximately 1:25 p.m. Machor was issued no bond and remains confined at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center at the time of this report. This arrest was in connection to a report filed for aggravated robbery in the 1500 block of Pipher Ln. in Manhattan on April 11, 2025. A 16-year-old male was listed as the victim and a 17-year-old female, a 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old female were listed as the suspects. The victim reported the suspects pointed a firearm at the victim and took items from him. This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information will be released at this time.Braden Dinkel, 21, of Manhattan was arrested at approximately 5:53 p.m. for a Riley County District Court warrant for aggravated battery. Dinkel was issued a total bond of $25,000 and is no longer confined at the time of this report.&nbsp;

RCPD reports a series of thefts

Kansas 4-H youth have been recognized as recipients of the State 4-H Scholarship and the Vanier Family Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. In total, 68 State 4-H Scholarships and five Vanier Family Scholarships were awarded, with combined funds totaling nearly $381,000.

The&nbsp;State 4-H Scholarships&nbsp;are awarded to Kansas 4-H members who demonstrate strong involvement, leadership, and citizenship. Eligible applicants must have participated in the Kansas 4-H program for at least three years and be enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution.

The&nbsp;Vanier Family Scholarship Program&nbsp;focuses on financial need, leadership, and perseverance. These awards are available to students’ attending college or university for the first time and are renewable until the student graduates.

Geary County 4-H members who received scholarships are:

Kourtney Dibben, Gary and Lorraine Kilgore 4-H Scholarship

Gracie Erichsen, Vanier Family Scholarship

Kansas 4-H youth have been recognized as recipients of the State 4-H Scholarship and the Vanier Family Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. In total, 68 State 4-H Scholarships and five Vanier Family Scholarships were awarded, with combined funds totaling nearly $381,000.The&nbsp;State 4-H Scholarships&nbsp;are awarded to Kansas 4-H members who demonstrate strong involvement, leadership, and citizenship. Eligible applicants must have participated in the Kansas 4-H program for at least three years and be enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution.The&nbsp;Vanier Family Scholarship Program&nbsp;focuses on financial need, leadership, and perseverance. These awards are available to students’ attending college or university for the first time and are renewable until the student graduates.Geary County 4-H members who received scholarships are:Kourtney Dibben, Gary and Lorraine Kilgore 4-H ScholarshipGracie Erichsen, Vanier Family Scholarship

      Kansas 4-H Scholarship Winners Announced

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has rescheduled the start of the K-177 reconstruction project between Council Grove and Strong City to 2026 due to scheduling conflicts. The project originally was expected to begin this summer.

The replacement for the K-177 bridge over Fourmile Creek, which is part of the same project, has also been delayed and is now scheduled to begin in late August. Additional construction details will be shared at a later date.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has rescheduled the start of the K-177 reconstruction project between Council Grove and Strong City to 2026 due to scheduling conflicts. The project originally was expected to begin this summer.The replacement for the K-177 bridge over Fourmile Creek, which is part of the same project, has also been delayed and is now scheduled to begin in late August. Additional construction details will be shared at a later date.

Road closure for K-177 reconstruction rescheduled

USD 475 announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZWegDsOATm_IoyuMmIzm2VtAgS_ta77Qfc9MSljj_DgxFD5fGHCfpCTbT-mJct-OfvbSipJBuG6nhprtBada8pAtvuA8_9xr2dZMJbj2f8oSXmvbxS9KDjPx0KS0_hZHSNvlDtsTzHE6aiHX8C5nWAmLhaEMGtQeNxKtC0k5VPlsj6AeTaoEmsg0XcD5aAz8_ix_Otu4roSGjyRBkrPX68j&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> will host the first of two 2025 JCHS Freshman Orientations on Tuesday, June 10 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Register: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F4vfhc2az%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNmtsd3hISFc4M3NwMUdxdAEezdsvt8YZFJ-WcMptdiwNpOZlKyln4MRRRr2RpprRAfZPi7qY6HY-YrHjOtc_aem_vUfJ3vjuMqu37FChn816Ng&amp;h=AT2J9jKAVRj3206mA9UJFlUFJZrhqbYVDrz81kkGj1qfQracRzUAWZ_rxwsbVpaUwkv6LesarCAIr3duZvDhvkvyLo54szc4DmDOI0MVYBpUx8LarGnrwPq7KfyYF6sWR7NqRf51ZhPiaBzslalRoBxNeEaeh97l&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3RJX3-R4GakNRpeX0de6COgoIlxix3vR-Zgcf8gJ-Pz1feqUr9xYfAT62oWeLqfmvx7rn1oZs41ZXIGO8SGxAyGwdefPqkychAVckMnU9fTtBqf-V8XoTUw3zJHPXvKRvgfGQpCi3m7DZagZcCYAvBWtNoySQdl5sUhZ6x8Htr2YKDC9XI-7Ibb1_iKefO7P_Ieglr1FBw8udlTPhUV9Td9RlA" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/4vfhc2az</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thrivein475?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWegDsOATm_IoyuMmIzm2VtAgS_ta77Qfc9MSljj_DgxFD5fGHCfpCTbT-mJct-OfvbSipJBuG6nhprtBada8pAtvuA8_9xr2dZMJbj2f8oSXmvbxS9KDjPx0KS0_hZHSNvlDtsTzHE6aiHX8C5nWAmLhaEMGtQeNxKtC0k5VPlsj6AeTaoEmsg0XcD5aAz8_ix_Otu4roSGjyRBkrPX68j&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#ThriveIn475</a>

Freshman Orientation is an opportunity for parents and students to learn about student success skills, sports, activities and the basics of tracking high school graduation credits and GPA. There will also be a question-and-answer session with a student, parent and teacher panel.



USD 475 announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZWegDsOATm_IoyuMmIzm2VtAgS_ta77Qfc9MSljj_DgxFD5fGHCfpCTbT-mJct-OfvbSipJBuG6nhprtBada8pAtvuA8_9xr2dZMJbj2f8oSXmvbxS9KDjPx0KS0_hZHSNvlDtsTzHE6aiHX8C5nWAmLhaEMGtQeNxKtC0k5VPlsj6AeTaoEmsg0XcD5aAz8_ix_Otu4roSGjyRBkrPX68j&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> will host the first of two 2025 JCHS Freshman Orientations on Tuesday, June 10 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Register: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F4vfhc2az%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExNmtsd3hISFc4M3NwMUdxdAEezdsvt8YZFJ-WcMptdiwNpOZlKyln4MRRRr2RpprRAfZPi7qY6HY-YrHjOtc_aem_vUfJ3vjuMqu37FChn816Ng&amp;h=AT2J9jKAVRj3206mA9UJFlUFJZrhqbYVDrz81kkGj1qfQracRzUAWZ_rxwsbVpaUwkv6LesarCAIr3duZvDhvkvyLo54szc4DmDOI0MVYBpUx8LarGnrwPq7KfyYF6sWR7NqRf51ZhPiaBzslalRoBxNeEaeh97l&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT3RJX3-R4GakNRpeX0de6COgoIlxix3vR-Zgcf8gJ-Pz1feqUr9xYfAT62oWeLqfmvx7rn1oZs41ZXIGO8SGxAyGwdefPqkychAVckMnU9fTtBqf-V8XoTUw3zJHPXvKRvgfGQpCi3m7DZagZcCYAvBWtNoySQdl5sUhZ6x8Htr2YKDC9XI-7Ibb1_iKefO7P_Ieglr1FBw8udlTPhUV9Td9RlA" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/4vfhc2az</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thrivein475?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZWegDsOATm_IoyuMmIzm2VtAgS_ta77Qfc9MSljj_DgxFD5fGHCfpCTbT-mJct-OfvbSipJBuG6nhprtBada8pAtvuA8_9xr2dZMJbj2f8oSXmvbxS9KDjPx0KS0_hZHSNvlDtsTzHE6aiHX8C5nWAmLhaEMGtQeNxKtC0k5VPlsj6AeTaoEmsg0XcD5aAz8_ix_Otu4roSGjyRBkrPX68j&amp;__tn__=*NK-R">#ThriveIn475</a> June 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. July 22, 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.Freshman Orientation is an opportunity for parents and students to learn about student success skills, sports, activities and the basics of tracking high school graduation credits and GPA. There will also be a question-and-answer session with a student, parent and teacher panel.

Freshman orientation scheduled at JCHS

GEARY COUNTY - A six-year old girl drowned at Milford State Park on Monday.

Just before 5p.m. Geary County Sheriff's deputies&nbsp;responded to a call of a possible drowning at the park's swim beach by the Splashpad and South Boat Ramp. according to a media release.

EMS transported a six-year old girl to Stormont Vail Flint Hills campus, in Junction City where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;

The incident is not believed to be criminal in nature.

Investigations Lt. Zachary, is requesting anyone who was present, may have witnessed the incident and/or may have any information to contact him at (785) 238-2261.

GEARY COUNTY - A six-year old girl drowned at Milford State Park on Monday.Just before 5p.m. Geary County Sheriff's deputies&nbsp;responded to a call of a possible drowning at the park's swim beach by the Splashpad and South Boat Ramp. according to a media release.EMS transported a six-year old girl to Stormont Vail Flint Hills campus, in Junction City where she was pronounced dead.&nbsp;The incident is not believed to be criminal in nature.Investigations Lt. Zachary, is requesting anyone who was present, may have witnessed the incident and/or may have any information to contact him at (785) 238-2261.

Six year old girl drowns at Milford State Park

The Fort Riley Transition Assistance Program is hosting the “Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit” June 10 at Riley’s Community Center. Morning workshops run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a hiring fair, featuring more than 70 local, regional, and national employers, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;

The career summit is a specialized event designed to educate, inform, inspire, and connect the military community with military-ready employers. All service members, military spouses, veterans, and veterans’ caregivers are invited.

The morning workshops will cover topics including SkillBridge programs, fellowships,internships, professional development, and using platforms such as LinkedIn. Counselors will also be on hand to review resumes and offer job search tips. Participants should be prepared to interview for job opportunities. Pre-registration is available online at HiringOurHeroes.org/riley.

For more information, call the Fort Riley TAP office at 785-239-2278.


Fort Riley Garrison releaseThe Fort Riley Transition Assistance Program is hosting the “Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit” June 10 at Riley’s Community Center. Morning workshops run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a hiring fair, featuring more than 70 local, regional, and national employers, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;The career summit is a specialized event designed to educate, inform, inspire, and connect the military community with military-ready employers. All service members, military spouses, veterans, and veterans’ caregivers are invited.The morning workshops will cover topics including SkillBridge programs, fellowships,internships, professional development, and using platforms such as LinkedIn. Counselors will also be on hand to review resumes and offer job search tips. Participants should be prepared to interview for job opportunities. Pre-registration is available online at HiringOurHeroes.org/riley.For more information, call the Fort Riley TAP office at 785-239-2278.

Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit Returns to Fort Riley 

A ribbon-cutting put on by Visit Manhattan was held on Monday to officially open the new visitor's pavilion at the Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS).

The new pavilion is located at the trailhead entrance of the Konza Prairie Nature Trail at 100 Konza Ln. Inside the pavilion, several informative signs are displayed that detail the history and other facts about the Konza Prairie Biological Station and Trail.

Dr. John Blair, the Director of the KPBS and also a university distinguished professor (UDP) at Kansas State University, explained that the Konza Prairie Biological Station was established in the 1970s as a partnership between The Nature Conservancy, and Kansas State University. It is managed by the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. The KPBS is 8,600 acres. 

"Konza is a special place to the public," Blair said. "It supports our local and regional community and provides them a place to come and experience the tallgrass prairie. It draws people from all fifty states and from other countries to come here to Geary and Riley County to experience some of the last remaining parcels of intact tallgrass prairie."

Jill Haukos, an Environmental Educator for the Konza Environmental Education Program (KEEP), explained that the pavilion and signage project is similar to a structure that she had visited in the Kansas City Area. "After we got that very general idea, I went to our staff here on-site, and the whole process progressed very quickly," Haukos said. "This has really gone from a general idea to a structure, to here we are, within one year. We are so thankful for all the people who were involved with that."

The announcement was made that the visitor's pavilion has been dedicated to Joe Gelroth, who has dedicated over 40 years to maintaining the nature trail. Gelroth said that it is an honor to be recognized. 

Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749507334702.jpeg" alt="All the members either on staff or partners who made the new Visitor's Pavilion possible cut the ribbon.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>All the members either on staff or partners who made the new Visitor's Pavilion possible cut the ribbon.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesA ribbon-cutting put on by Visit Manhattan was held on Monday to officially open the new visitor's pavilion at the Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749507484337.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new pavilion is located at the trailhead entrance of the Konza Prairie Nature Trail at 100 Konza Ln. Inside the pavilion, several informative signs are displayed that detail the history and other facts about the Konza Prairie Biological Station and Trail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749507819387.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749507844052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dr. John Blair, the Director of the KPBS and also a university distinguished professor (UDP) at Kansas State University, explained that the Konza Prairie Biological Station was established in the 1970s as a partnership between The Nature Conservancy, and Kansas State University. It is managed by the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. The KPBS is 8,600 acres. "Konza is a special place to the public," Blair said. "It supports our local and regional community and provides them a place to come and experience the tallgrass prairie. It draws people from all fifty states and from other countries to come here to Geary and Riley County to experience some of the last remaining parcels of intact tallgrass prairie."Jill Haukos, an Environmental Educator for the Konza Environmental Education Program (KEEP), explained that the pavilion and signage project is similar to a structure that she had visited in the Kansas City Area. "After we got that very general idea, I went to our staff here on-site, and the whole process progressed very quickly," Haukos said. "This has really gone from a general idea to a structure, to here we are, within one year. We are so thankful for all the people who were involved with that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749507573621.jpeg" alt="Joe Gelroth stands next to the plaque that states the new pavilion is named after him.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Joe Gelroth stands next to the plaque that states the new pavilion is named after him.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The announcement was made that the visitor's pavilion has been dedicated to Joe Gelroth, who has dedicated over 40 years to maintaining the nature trail. Gelroth said that it is an honor to be recognized. Partners for the project included:1998 Jack Goldstein Charitable TrustCaroline Peine Charitable FoundationGeary County Convention and Visitors BureauEarl and Marcia AllenJoe and Janette Gelroth

New Visitor's Pavilion open at Konza Prairie Biological Station

Geary County Commissioners gave a good report Monday on a recent luncheon where there was information provided by Stormont Vail.

Commisioner Trish Giordano noted , "Stormont Vail went above and beyond our expectations."&nbsp;

On one point they have been averaging about 20 new babies per month, and 35 babies are expected next month. Four providers are now able to deliver babies.

--On the attempt to obtain a Defense Community Infrastructure Program grant the application is due July 1. This is the only DCIP grant being sought by anyone in Kansas.

--Work is under way to prepare for a future tax sale, but one is not expected to be held before Labor Day.

Geary County Commissioners gave a good report Monday on a recent luncheon where there was information provided by Stormont Vail.Commisioner Trish Giordano noted , "Stormont Vail went above and beyond our expectations."&nbsp;On one point they have been averaging about 20 new babies per month, and 35 babies are expected next month. Four providers are now able to deliver babies.In other business:--On the attempt to obtain a Defense Community Infrastructure Program grant the application is due July 1. This is the only DCIP grant being sought by anyone in Kansas.--Work is under way to prepare for a future tax sale, but one is not expected to be held before Labor Day.

Geary County Commission Report

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced&nbsp;Friday a new web page for federal workers seeking employment in Kansas. The landing page provides an overview of the state's current job opportunities, quick links to programs that aid eligible Kansas employees, access to the State of Kansas job portal, and other helpful tools for jobseekers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2Ffederalworkers%2F/1/0101019722ad0e2c-0983de1b-40a2-463a-8bb6-e5811c13914a-000000/IPB1iZg6vVnWWF9MV1K94_hcDKeGjFbekXxQAL8yeoY=407">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the new web page

“As many federal employees find themselves in need of new opportunities, I’m excited to launch a web page that showcases all the great career opportunities Kansas has to offer,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“With highly rated schools, low cost of living, and a competitive housing market, our state is ready to welcome new employees and their families with open arms.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The web page specifically highlights the Rural Opportunity Zone program, which offers Student Loan Repayment Assistance and/or 100% State Income Tax Credit for 95 counties across the state.

“Kansas is an incredible place,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.&nbsp;“Since 2019, we’ve been enhancing our communities through quality-of-life perks and elevating our economy by ushering in new and innovative business opportunities — all with the purpose of welcoming folks from across the country to live the good life here in Kansas. If you’re a displaced federal worker — or just someone seeking new horizons — look no further than the Sunflower State.”

The web page can be found on the&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;site.&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;is the state’s talent recruitment campaign that highlights why Kansas is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. This marketing initiative, which was approved with bipartisan support of the Kansas Legislature, has a special emphasis on “boomerangs,” or individuals with previous ties to Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749478070737.png" alt="Image from the new website" />
 <figcaption>Image from the new website</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Commerce, announced&nbsp;Friday a new web page for federal workers seeking employment in Kansas. The landing page provides an overview of the state's current job opportunities, quick links to programs that aid eligible Kansas employees, access to the State of Kansas job portal, and other helpful tools for jobseekers.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Flovekansas.com%2Ffederalworkers%2F/1/0101019722ad0e2c-0983de1b-40a2-463a-8bb6-e5811c13914a-000000/IPB1iZg6vVnWWF9MV1K94_hcDKeGjFbekXxQAL8yeoY=407">Click here</a>&nbsp;to view the new web page“As many federal employees find themselves in need of new opportunities, I’m excited to launch a web page that showcases all the great career opportunities Kansas has to offer,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“With highly rated schools, low cost of living, and a competitive housing market, our state is ready to welcome new employees and their families with open arms.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The web page specifically highlights the Rural Opportunity Zone program, which offers Student Loan Repayment Assistance and/or 100% State Income Tax Credit for 95 counties across the state.“Kansas is an incredible place,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.&nbsp;“Since 2019, we’ve been enhancing our communities through quality-of-life perks and elevating our economy by ushering in new and innovative business opportunities — all with the purpose of welcoming folks from across the country to live the good life here in Kansas. If you’re a displaced federal worker — or just someone seeking new horizons — look no further than the Sunflower State.”The web page can be found on the&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;site.&nbsp;Love, Kansas&nbsp;is the state’s talent recruitment campaign that highlights why Kansas is an exceptional place to live, work, and raise a family. This marketing initiative, which was approved with bipartisan support of the Kansas Legislature, has a special emphasis on “boomerangs,” or individuals with previous ties to Kansas.

New website for federal employees seeking jobs in Kansas

By: BRET LANZ The Technology Development Institute at K-State&nbsp;

A new product that reduces animal stress could be the key to increasing artificial insemination rates in cattle. Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/">Technology Development Institute</a>, or TDI, collaborated with faculty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;to design, produce and test the product.

Assistant Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/dias/">Nicholas Wege Dias</a>&nbsp;and Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/johnson/">Sandy Johnson</a>, both in K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/">animal science and industry department</a>, specialize in beef cattle reproduction and have been involved in several projects designed to improve the fertility of the animal. Their initial studies indicated that acclimating the animals to their surroundings during the artificial insemination, or AI, process reduced animal stress and increased reproduction by up to 10%.

"Once we saw the benefits of getting animals acquainted with the facilities on AI success, we began to think about adoptable strategies to promote positive reinforcement during handling," Dias said. "You often see cow brushes and how the animals enjoy rubbing against them on social media, so we thought, 'Let's come up with a way to place a cow brush in the alleyway so the animals can enjoy themselves while they wait their turn.'"

Their goal was to position a brush in the center of the alley just below bovine head height so the animals could rub their backs with the brush to reduce stress.

While Dias and Johnson had an idea of what they wanted, they needed help to design and fabricate a device that could be installed on any type or size of chute and that was able to withstand the force generated by the animals. Dias and Johnson contacted the Technology Development Institute to discuss the idea and determine if the institute could help develop a prototype product for testing.

TDI engineers and interns began working on various designs that could easily be installed on chutes made of wood, pipe or any number of materials. The device had to be adjustable in height due to differences in wall and animal heights, and it also needed to be able to adjust to sloped alley walls. TDI developed various concept designs and, with feedback from Dias and Johnson, finalized the design.

The team then fabricated two prototype devices that are currently being used by Dias and his students to determine the effectiveness of having such devices included during the AI process.

"We always enjoy working with industry experts who can clearly define their needs," said Bret Lanz, commercialization director of the Technology Development Institute. "This simplifies our job to create a product specification and design a new product that meets the needs of our customers. Nicholas and his team have been great to work with, and we are hopeful that this new tool will help to aid in their studies and perhaps have a large impact on the cattle industry."

K-State's Technology Development Institute in the&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers">U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center</a>&nbsp;and received a grant from the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.

By: BRET LANZ The Technology Development Institute at K-State&nbsp;A new product that reduces animal stress could be the key to increasing artificial insemination rates in cattle. Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/tdi/">Technology Development Institute</a>, or TDI, collaborated with faculty in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;to design, produce and test the product.Assistant Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/dias/">Nicholas Wege Dias</a>&nbsp;and Professor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/johnson/">Sandy Johnson</a>, both in K-State's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/">animal science and industry department</a>, specialize in beef cattle reproduction and have been involved in several projects designed to improve the fertility of the animal. Their initial studies indicated that acclimating the animals to their surroundings during the artificial insemination, or AI, process reduced animal stress and increased reproduction by up to 10%.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749470516638.jpeg" alt="Nicholas Wege Dias, back, and Sandy Johnson test the new cattle stress reduction tool produced by the Technology Development Institute." />
 <figcaption>Nicholas Wege Dias, back, and Sandy Johnson test the new cattle stress reduction tool produced by the Technology Development Institute.</figcaption>
 </figure>"Once we saw the benefits of getting animals acquainted with the facilities on AI success, we began to think about adoptable strategies to promote positive reinforcement during handling," Dias said. "You often see cow brushes and how the animals enjoy rubbing against them on social media, so we thought, 'Let's come up with a way to place a cow brush in the alleyway so the animals can enjoy themselves while they wait their turn.'"Their goal was to position a brush in the center of the alley just below bovine head height so the animals could rub their backs with the brush to reduce stress.While Dias and Johnson had an idea of what they wanted, they needed help to design and fabricate a device that could be installed on any type or size of chute and that was able to withstand the force generated by the animals. Dias and Johnson contacted the Technology Development Institute to discuss the idea and determine if the institute could help develop a prototype product for testing.TDI engineers and interns began working on various designs that could easily be installed on chutes made of wood, pipe or any number of materials. The device had to be adjustable in height due to differences in wall and animal heights, and it also needed to be able to adjust to sloped alley walls. TDI developed various concept designs and, with feedback from Dias and Johnson, finalized the design.The team then fabricated two prototype devices that are currently being used by Dias and his students to determine the effectiveness of having such devices included during the AI process."We always enjoy working with industry experts who can clearly define their needs," said Bret Lanz, commercialization director of the Technology Development Institute. "This simplifies our job to create a product specification and design a new product that meets the needs of our customers. Nicholas and his team have been great to work with, and we are hopeful that this new tool will help to aid in their studies and perhaps have a large impact on the cattle industry."K-State's Technology Development Institute in the&nbsp;<a href="https://engg.k-state.edu/">Carl R. Ice College of Engineering</a>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eda.gov/funding/programs/university-centers">U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration University Center</a>&nbsp;and received a grant from the Research and Entrepreneurship Federal Matching Grant Dollars Fund. TDI provides a broad range of engineering and business development services to both private industry and university researchers to advance the commercial readiness of new products or technologies.

Brushing away bovine stress

A PLANNING HORIZON OF 10 YEARS —OR MORE —&nbsp;CAN HELP REACH GOALS

Preparing to transition a&nbsp;<a href="https://familybusinessmagazine.com/" target="_blank">family business</a>&nbsp;to the next owner — whether it be a family member or third-party buyer — is a process that requires taking the long view. The business owner who decides to retire one year from now without having made any preparations is about 10 years too late. The owner will be able to sell, but may have to make concessions on price, deal structure and tax consequences that would not have been necessary if the proper long-range planning had been done.&nbsp;

While every business is different, it is also true that every business is the same. That is, every business owner needs to look at the distant horizon, questioning basic assumptions about the business, assessing the talents and wishes of family members who may someday become owners, and innovating in ways that keep the company at the top of its game in order to maximize value. All of this takes time and careful planning, preferably with the help of trusted advisors along the way.&nbsp;

Business owners and family farm owners who follow certain steps in planning for exit are more likely to reach the goals they set for a successful transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When it comes to setting goals for a business transition, your first thought may be,&nbsp;“Well, my goal is to sell the business.”&nbsp;But there’s so much more to think about.&nbsp;

Are there family members who may want to own the business, or whom you have been grooming to take over? Or are there key employees whom you have trained and entrusted with the company’s growth and operations over the years?&nbsp;You may think of them as family, too, and they may be candidates for ownership.&nbsp;

Additionally, you should consider what you are going to do in retirement. You may want to step away from the business altogether, or keep a hand in it as a consultant for a few years. Either way, you probably expect some type of retirement cash flow stream.&nbsp;

If you haven’t thought about your post-transition role, now is the time to think about it. And if you are not going to continue being active in the business, what will you do with your time? It’s important to envision your retirement life before you get there. Retirement isn’t just about selling your business and handing over the keys. It’s about having a life afterward, and if you are confident in what that life will look like, it will make it easier for you to do the planning and preparation that your business deserves.&nbsp;

Step 2 — Identifying your Successor&nbsp;

For owners of family businesses and farms, this can be the most emotional factor in transition planning. Perhaps the farm has been in your family for three generations, it is a thriving entity and your son or daughter is eager to take it over. Congratulations — you’re golden. But for many owners, the succession picture is more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Maybe you are now 60 years old and you have decided you’ll work till age 70, which gives you 10 years for planning and preparation to transition your company or farm. But when you reach age 70, your children will likely be at least in their mid-40s. If they aren’t already working with you in the business or farm, they may have established careers elsewhere and will be in their prime earning years when you’re ready for them to take over.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This reality adds another wrinkle to the planning picture for family business and farm owners. If your long-range goal is for the next generation of your family to take over the business, planning must start while they are fairly young — high school is not too early — so they can gain a college education and work experience that will benefit them and prepare them for ownership.&nbsp;

Communication is one of the most critical factors in preparing for transition of a family entity. If you want and expect your children to take over the family business, it must be discussed at a time when the children can decide whether they want to succeed you and, if so, plan how to prepare themselves. Among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/industries/agribusiness/">family farms,</a>&nbsp;the majority of transitions involve succession to family members, and it is more common for the younger generation to be involved in the business and to have gotten the education and training needed to run the farm.&nbsp;

In some families, the parents are reluctant to share much information with their children even when the children reach adulthood. But you can’t expect an adult to plan his or her life around taking over a family business if they aren’t privy to critical information that can help them decide, particularly if it could involve taking on a substantial debt. Business transactions can unravel over poor communication, even among family members. When that happens, the owner should have a Plan B, such as selling to a key employee or finding an outside buyer.&nbsp;

Another key point of communication is educating the successor as to the roles you have filled in the operation. Have you, like many owners, acted as the CEO, COO, CMO and HR director? When you transition the business, the next owner — whether it’s a family member or outside buyer — needs to understand all the roles involved and have job descriptions that will guide the hiring of new managers to help run the operation.&nbsp;

Step 3 — Determine your Company’s Value

Often, business owners have an idea of what they think their business is worth, but it’s based more on emotion than hard data. Once planning for a transition starts, obtaining an independent business valuation is an essential step to set a benchmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Typically, the initial valuation is not used to determine an asking price, since the actual transaction is still years in the future. But the report from an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/advisory-consulting/business-valuations/">independent valuation professional</a>&nbsp;will reveal the value drivers in your business and help formulate a multi-year improvement plan that will increase the value. This is particularly important if the entity will be sold to an outside buyer or private equity group.&nbsp;

The value of a business helps determine the path toward transition. A $50 million business requires different transition strategies and tax planning than a $5 million business does. If partial gifting of an entity to a family member is part of the plan, the value of the business helps determine the size of the gifted portion, as well as financing and tax planning strategies for the rest.&nbsp;

Buy-sell agreements are essential for any business that has more than one owner. This includes unrelated owners as well as extended family members who own a family business together. A buy-sell agreement stipulates how an owner’s share of a business may be transferred upon their death or departure. Often, these agreements are structured to prevent outsiders from gaining control of part of the business and provide a way to determine the value of each owner’s interest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-business/">Once transition planning has begun in a company, it’s important to review the buy-sell agreement if there is one in place.</a>&nbsp;If there is no buy-sell agreement, now is the time to put one in place. If there is a buy-sell agreement but it is outdated, it should be updated at this time. (Generally, buy-sell agreements should be reviewed every two to three years to ensure they are current.)&nbsp;

If there is more than one owner, the transition plans — even if exit is years away — will be coordinated according to the buy-sell agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But agreements on paper are only part of the process. It’s important early in the transition planning to get all owners together for a group meeting to discuss the health of the business and the transition plans. After that, individual meetings with each owner can flesh out additional information that wouldn’t be brought up in a group setting, but which provides important insights into any concerns. Trusted advisors are key facilitators for these meetings, often bridging the communication gaps and helping participants work through hard messages.&nbsp;

Taking into account the value of the business, the proportion held by the seller and other factors, the deal structure is generally designed to be as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/tax-tips-when-buying-the-assets-of-a-business/">tax efficient as possible</a>. Some of the factors considered are:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once the tax strategy is worked out and the deal structure is clear, everyone is on the same page and it’s time to start drafting the legal documents. At that point, the business transition starts to feel real.&nbsp;

One of the most important steps in planning for a business exit may also be one of the most difficult for many owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ask yourself,&nbsp;“Will my business still be relevant five or ten years from now?”&nbsp;

Businesses need to adjust to changing times to stay relevant and to grow their value. Just because you envision retiring in five or ten years does not mean you can stop innovating in your company. Indeed, this is the time to step up innovations and improvements that will increase the value and marketability of the entity.&nbsp;

Is there a new technology that is driving innovation in your industry?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowntech.com/blog/5-steps-every-business-should-take-before-investing-in-ai/">Have you invested in artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help keep your business ahead of the curve?</a>&nbsp;

Most importantly, what is the long-term outlook for your industry? Markets change, technologies change and customer needs change, and failure to adapt and capitalize on changing conditions will render your business irrelevant and lower its value.&nbsp;

This is a lot to think about, but fortunately you have time — IF you are starting the transition process early enough. Moreover, you have a roadmap with clear steps to take.&nbsp;

If you would like to start the long-range process of family business planning succession,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor.</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749048941698.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A PLANNING HORIZON OF 10 YEARS —OR MORE —&nbsp;CAN HELP REACH GOALS</h2><h2>Key Takeaways:</h2><ul>
 <li>A successful business transition takes at least 10 years of planning — not just one.</li><li>Open communication, clear successor plans and a solid valuation are key to preserving your business’s legacy.</li><li>Failing to plan for taxes, relevance and family dynamics can cost you more than just money — it can cost your company’s future.</li>
 </ul>Preparing to transition a&nbsp;<a href="https://familybusinessmagazine.com/" target="_blank">family business</a>&nbsp;to the next owner — whether it be a family member or third-party buyer — is a process that requires taking the long view. The business owner who decides to retire one year from now without having made any preparations is about 10 years too late. The owner will be able to sell, but may have to make concessions on price, deal structure and tax consequences that would not have been necessary if the proper long-range planning had been done.&nbsp;While every business is different, it is also true that every business is the same. That is, every business owner needs to look at the distant horizon, questioning basic assumptions about the business, assessing the talents and wishes of family members who may someday become owners, and innovating in ways that keep the company at the top of its game in order to maximize value. All of this takes time and careful planning, preferably with the help of trusted advisors along the way.&nbsp;Business owners and family farm owners who follow certain steps in planning for exit are more likely to reach the goals they set for a successful transition.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Step 1 — Clarify your Goals</h2>When it comes to setting goals for a business transition, your first thought may be,&nbsp;“Well, my goal is to sell the business.”&nbsp;But there’s so much more to think about.&nbsp;Are there family members who may want to own the business, or whom you have been grooming to take over? Or are there key employees whom you have trained and entrusted with the company’s growth and operations over the years?&nbsp;You may think of them as family, too, and they may be candidates for ownership.&nbsp;Additionally, you should consider what you are going to do in retirement. You may want to step away from the business altogether, or keep a hand in it as a consultant for a few years. Either way, you probably expect some type of retirement cash flow stream.&nbsp;If you haven’t thought about your post-transition role, now is the time to think about it. And if you are not going to continue being active in the business, what will you do with your time? It’s important to envision your retirement life before you get there. Retirement isn’t just about selling your business and handing over the keys. It’s about having a life afterward, and if you are confident in what that life will look like, it will make it easier for you to do the planning and preparation that your business deserves.&nbsp;<h2>Step 2 — Identifying your Successor&nbsp;</h2>For owners of family businesses and farms, this can be the most emotional factor in transition planning. Perhaps the farm has been in your family for three generations, it is a thriving entity and your son or daughter is eager to take it over. Congratulations — you’re golden. But for many owners, the succession picture is more complicated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe you are now 60 years old and you have decided you’ll work till age 70, which gives you 10 years for planning and preparation to transition your company or farm. But when you reach age 70, your children will likely be at least in their mid-40s. If they aren’t already working with you in the business or farm, they may have established careers elsewhere and will be in their prime earning years when you’re ready for them to take over.&nbsp;&nbsp;This reality adds another wrinkle to the planning picture for family business and farm owners. If your long-range goal is for the next generation of your family to take over the business, planning must start while they are fairly young — high school is not too early — so they can gain a college education and work experience that will benefit them and prepare them for ownership.&nbsp;Communication is one of the most critical factors in preparing for transition of a family entity. If you want and expect your children to take over the family business, it must be discussed at a time when the children can decide whether they want to succeed you and, if so, plan how to prepare themselves. Among&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/industries/agribusiness/">family farms,</a>&nbsp;the majority of transitions involve succession to family members, and it is more common for the younger generation to be involved in the business and to have gotten the education and training needed to run the farm.&nbsp;In some families, the parents are reluctant to share much information with their children even when the children reach adulthood. But you can’t expect an adult to plan his or her life around taking over a family business if they aren’t privy to critical information that can help them decide, particularly if it could involve taking on a substantial debt. Business transactions can unravel over poor communication, even among family members. When that happens, the owner should have a Plan B, such as selling to a key employee or finding an outside buyer.&nbsp;Another key point of communication is educating the successor as to the roles you have filled in the operation. Have you, like many owners, acted as the CEO, COO, CMO and HR director? When you transition the business, the next owner — whether it’s a family member or outside buyer — needs to understand all the roles involved and have job descriptions that will guide the hiring of new managers to help run the operation.&nbsp;<h2>Step 3 — Determine your Company’s Value</h2>Often, business owners have an idea of what they think their business is worth, but it’s based more on emotion than hard data. Once planning for a transition starts, obtaining an independent business valuation is an essential step to set a benchmark.&nbsp;&nbsp;Typically, the initial valuation is not used to determine an asking price, since the actual transaction is still years in the future. But the report from an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/services/advisory-consulting/business-valuations/">independent valuation professional</a>&nbsp;will reveal the value drivers in your business and help formulate a multi-year improvement plan that will increase the value. This is particularly important if the entity will be sold to an outside buyer or private equity group.&nbsp;The value of a business helps determine the path toward transition. A $50 million business requires different transition strategies and tax planning than a $5 million business does. If partial gifting of an entity to a family member is part of the plan, the value of the business helps determine the size of the gifted portion, as well as financing and tax planning strategies for the rest.&nbsp;<h2>Step 4 — Consider Buy-Sell Agreements</h2>Buy-sell agreements are essential for any business that has more than one owner. This includes unrelated owners as well as extended family members who own a family business together. A buy-sell agreement stipulates how an owner’s share of a business may be transferred upon their death or departure. Often, these agreements are structured to prevent outsiders from gaining control of part of the business and provide a way to determine the value of each owner’s interest.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/preparing-to-sell-your-business/">Once transition planning has begun in a company, it’s important to review the buy-sell agreement if there is one in place.</a>&nbsp;If there is no buy-sell agreement, now is the time to put one in place. If there is a buy-sell agreement but it is outdated, it should be updated at this time. (Generally, buy-sell agreements should be reviewed every two to three years to ensure they are current.)&nbsp;If there is more than one owner, the transition plans — even if exit is years away — will be coordinated according to the buy-sell agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;But agreements on paper are only part of the process. It’s important early in the transition planning to get all owners together for a group meeting to discuss the health of the business and the transition plans. After that, individual meetings with each owner can flesh out additional information that wouldn’t be brought up in a group setting, but which provides important insights into any concerns. Trusted advisors are key facilitators for these meetings, often bridging the communication gaps and helping participants work through hard messages.&nbsp;<h2>Step 5 — Focus on Tax Strategy</h2>Taking into account the value of the business, the proportion held by the seller and other factors, the deal structure is generally designed to be as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/blog/tax-tips-when-buying-the-assets-of-a-business/">tax efficient as possible</a>. Some of the factors considered are:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Which entity type will be the most advantageous, a C corporation, S corporation, partnership, LLC or other structure.&nbsp;</li><li>Whether an asset sale or a stock sale is most beneficial.&nbsp;</li><li>If the deal will include partial gifting, a leveraged gift structure that works for the owner may be considered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Moving assets into some type of trust so when the assets are liquidated, such as land and machinery in the case of a farm, it is done on a tax-free basis.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Once the tax strategy is worked out and the deal structure is clear, everyone is on the same page and it’s time to start drafting the legal documents. At that point, the business transition starts to feel real.&nbsp;<h2>Relevance</h2>One of the most important steps in planning for a business exit may also be one of the most difficult for many owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ask yourself,&nbsp;“Will my business still be relevant five or ten years from now?”&nbsp;Businesses need to adjust to changing times to stay relevant and to grow their value. Just because you envision retiring in five or ten years does not mean you can stop innovating in your company. Indeed, this is the time to step up innovations and improvements that will increase the value and marketability of the entity.&nbsp;Is there a new technology that is driving innovation in your industry?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.adamsbrowntech.com/blog/5-steps-every-business-should-take-before-investing-in-ai/">Have you invested in artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help keep your business ahead of the curve?</a>&nbsp;Most importantly, what is the long-term outlook for your industry? Markets change, technologies change and customer needs change, and failure to adapt and capitalize on changing conditions will render your business irrelevant and lower its value.&nbsp;<h2>Questions?</h2>This is a lot to think about, but fortunately you have time — IF you are starting the transition process early enough. Moreover, you have a roadmap with clear steps to take.&nbsp;If you would like to start the long-range process of family business planning succession,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.adamsbrowncpa.com/contact/">contact an Adams Brown advisor.</a>&nbsp;

STEM Camp is coming to Junction City High School

The Geary County Sheriff's Office reported that on Friday at 4:21 p.m.Deputies responded to a multi-vehicle injury accident at MM 293 I-70 east bound. 

Christopher Smithwick was driving his Lincoln Navigator when he struck Taylor Riley, of Polecamp, MO in her Chevrolet Express. John Huhs of Harrisonville, MO in his Ford Transit Connect then struck Smithwick’s vehicle. Multiple personnel were transported to Stormont Vale for minor injuries. The Express and Navigator were removed from the scene by Bud’s Wrecker Service.

The Geary County Sheriff's Office reported that on Friday at 4:21 p.m.Deputies responded to a multi-vehicle injury accident at MM 293 I-70 east bound. Christopher Smithwick was driving his Lincoln Navigator when he struck Taylor Riley, of Polecamp, MO in her Chevrolet Express. John Huhs of Harrisonville, MO in his Ford Transit Connect then struck Smithwick’s vehicle. Multiple personnel were transported to Stormont Vale for minor injuries. The Express and Navigator were removed from the scene by Bud’s Wrecker Service.

Deputies work an I-70 accident

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Johnny Wayne Stapleton, 64, Yukon, Oklahoma, was northbound on Kansas 15 at 300th Avenue.&nbsp;

The motorcycle rear-ended a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven b Jennea Linn&nbsp;Remmers, 22, Lost Springs, Kansas, who was beginning to turn eastbound on 300th Avenue.

EMS transported Stapleton to Wesley Medical Center. Remmers was not injured.&nbsp; Stapleton was not wearing a helmet and Remmers was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DICKINSON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Saturday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Johnny Wayne Stapleton, 64, Yukon, Oklahoma, was northbound on Kansas 15 at 300th Avenue.&nbsp;The motorcycle rear-ended a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven b Jennea Linn&nbsp;Remmers, 22, Lost Springs, Kansas, who was beginning to turn eastbound on 300th Avenue.EMS transported Stapleton to Wesley Medical Center. Remmers was not injured.&nbsp; Stapleton was not wearing a helmet and Remmers was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Motorcyclist hospitalized after rear-end crash

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.

Amy Roth, Violation of a protection order, arrested 06/05

Lucy Conteh, Unlawful restraint; Domestic battery, arrested 06/05

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749239900637.jpeg" alt="Richard Colon, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05" />
 <figcaption>Richard Colon, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749239941269.jpeg" alt="Makael Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05" />
 <figcaption>Makael Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749239977176.jpeg" alt="Lavelle Timley, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 06/05" />
 <figcaption>Lavelle Timley, Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 06/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749240021651.jpeg" alt="Frederick Swinson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05" />
 <figcaption>Frederick Swinson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749240052284.jpeg" alt="Corey Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05" />
 <figcaption>Corey Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 06/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749240085230.jpeg" alt="Latsha Francois, Domestic battery, arrested 06/05" />
 <figcaption>Latsha Francois, Domestic battery, arrested 06/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749240118335.jpeg" alt="Tanya Sutton, Domestic battery, arrested 06/06" />
 <figcaption>Tanya Sutton, Domestic battery, arrested 06/06</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Syntrell Carter, Assault, arrested 06/05Amy Roth, Violation of a protection order, arrested 06/05Lucy Conteh, Unlawful restraint; Domestic battery, arrested 06/05Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos June 6

&nbsp; The National Weaher Service said that most of the rain and storms will remain south of the area through the weekend. There will be widely scattered showers and thunderstorms possible Friday through Sunday. A few storms along and southeast of the Kansas Turnpike on Saturday may be strong to severe with hail up to quarter size and gusty winds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The National Weaher Service said that most of the rain and storms will remain south of the area through the weekend. There will be widely scattered showers and thunderstorms possible Friday through Sunday. A few storms along and southeast of the Kansas Turnpike on Saturday may be strong to severe with hail up to quarter size and gusty winds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NWS weather forecast 

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.

Just before 4:30p.m. Thursday police arrested Gary Bouck Jr, 51, of Manhattan on a Riley County District court warrant for distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin and use communication facility; attempted commission of felony drug violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

He has previous convictions for criminal use of a financial card, theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Bouck is being held on a $25,000, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749224312496.png" alt="Bouck photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Bouck photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.Just before 4:30p.m. Thursday police arrested Gary Bouck Jr, 51, of Manhattan on a Riley County District court warrant for distribute opiate/opium/narcotic/stimulant/heroin and use communication facility; attempted commission of felony drug violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.He has previous convictions for criminal use of a financial card, theft and drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. Bouck is being held on a $25,000, according to the RCPD.

Kansas felon accused of selling drugs in Riley County

May was cool-ish and dry-ish in the Junction City area. But it was also quite moderate and avoided extremes of all kinds, at least for rainfall and temperatures.

      The average daily high for May was 73.4, 1.8 degrees below normal. Average overnight low was 53.1, 1 degree below normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 63.2, 1.5 degrees below normal. The highest temperature for the month was 88 degrees on May 15th. The coldest temperature for the month was 45 degrees on the morning of May 4th. There were no temperature records set or tied during the month of May. The hottest May on record was in 1962 with a monthly mean temperature of 74.3. The coldest May was in 1995 with a monthly mean temperature of 57.8 degrees. While three of the first five months of 2025 have had below average temperatures, March and April were far enough above average that the year to date has been average.

      While it may have seemed like it was always raining during the month, many of those rains were just enough to make things damp but not enough to provide significant moisture. While rainfall was recorded on 13 days during May, the total monthly rainfall was only 3.25 inches, well below the 30-year average of 5.14 inches. May is normally our wettest month of the year with June running just slightly less. Three of the five months of 2025 have recorded below average precipitation so year to date precipitation is also below average. Average precipitation for January through May is 12.12 inches. For 2025 we are at 10.33 inches for that same period. The driest May was in 2009 when we received 0.86 inches of rain. That was the only month of May, since 1931, that less than one inch of rain was recorded in Junction City. The wettest May is also the wettest month of all times for the Geary County area. May 1995 deluged us with 17.23 inches of rain.

      June brings us the start of meteorological summer (June 1), and astronomical summer (June 20). As the daylight grows longer the temperatures respond by going up! Average daily highs for June begin the month around 81 and by the 30th are up to 89. Overnight lows warm from 60 on the first to 68 by the end of the month. Average rainfall drops off slightly from May to June with an average precipitation for the month of 4.84 inches.

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

May was cool-ish and dry-ish in the Junction City area. But it was also quite moderate and avoided extremes of all kinds, at least for rainfall and temperatures.      The average daily high for May was 73.4, 1.8 degrees below normal. Average overnight low was 53.1, 1 degree below normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 63.2, 1.5 degrees below normal. The highest temperature for the month was 88 degrees on May 15th. The coldest temperature for the month was 45 degrees on the morning of May 4th. There were no temperature records set or tied during the month of May. The hottest May on record was in 1962 with a monthly mean temperature of 74.3. The coldest May was in 1995 with a monthly mean temperature of 57.8 degrees. While three of the first five months of 2025 have had below average temperatures, March and April were far enough above average that the year to date has been average.      While it may have seemed like it was always raining during the month, many of those rains were just enough to make things damp but not enough to provide significant moisture. While rainfall was recorded on 13 days during May, the total monthly rainfall was only 3.25 inches, well below the 30-year average of 5.14 inches. May is normally our wettest month of the year with June running just slightly less. Three of the five months of 2025 have recorded below average precipitation so year to date precipitation is also below average. Average precipitation for January through May is 12.12 inches. For 2025 we are at 10.33 inches for that same period. The driest May was in 2009 when we received 0.86 inches of rain. That was the only month of May, since 1931, that less than one inch of rain was recorded in Junction City. The wettest May is also the wettest month of all times for the Geary County area. May 1995 deluged us with 17.23 inches of rain.      June brings us the start of meteorological summer (June 1), and astronomical summer (June 20). As the daylight grows longer the temperatures respond by going up! Average daily highs for June begin the month around 81 and by the 30th are up to 89. Overnight lows warm from 60 on the first to 68 by the end of the month. Average rainfall drops off slightly from May to June with an average precipitation for the month of 4.84 inches.Chuck Otte&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;cotte@ksu.edu

May 2025 Junction City Area Weather Summary

The annual Mud Bog Madness event in Junction City is on Saturday, June 7th in Junction City. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Freedom Fest celebration in Junction City.

The Mud Bog will take place at 1039 Grant Ave, with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. and races starting at 1:00 p.m. The Mud Bog will feature ATVs, Trucks, a kid run, and a foam zone. Food, drinks, beer, and prizes will be available at the event. Food available for purchase will be chicken, pulled pork, ribs, hamburgers, and sausage.

Eric Boland, promoter and organizer of the annual Mud Bog, has been putting on these events since 2001. He said this year, the purse is $7,500, up from $5,000 last year. With a bigger purse this year, Boland expects more trucks to be in Junction City. “We should see trucks from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Nebraska this year,” Boland said. “It is going to be loud, fast, and muddy down on Grant Ave on Saturday.” The thing he most enjoys about the event is bringing something different to Junction City and that everyone there is enjoying themselves.

The mud pit that the drivers will go through is 200 feet long and 36 inches deep.

For more information on the Mud Bog Madness event, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomFestJC/">Freedom Fest website here.</a>

The Mud Bog Madness event is sanctioned by the Kansas Mud Racing Organization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749222458196.jpeg" alt="Mud Bog Madness flyer 2025" />
 <figcaption>Mud Bog Madness flyer 2025</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesThe annual Mud Bog Madness event in Junction City is on Saturday, June 7th in Junction City. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Freedom Fest celebration in Junction City.The Mud Bog will take place at 1039 Grant Ave, with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. and races starting at 1:00 p.m. The Mud Bog will feature ATVs, Trucks, a kid run, and a foam zone. Food, drinks, beer, and prizes will be available at the event. Food available for purchase will be chicken, pulled pork, ribs, hamburgers, and sausage.Eric Boland, promoter and organizer of the annual Mud Bog, has been putting on these events since 2001. He said this year, the purse is $7,500, up from $5,000 last year. With a bigger purse this year, Boland expects more trucks to be in Junction City. “We should see trucks from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Nebraska this year,” Boland said. “It is going to be loud, fast, and muddy down on Grant Ave on Saturday.” The thing he most enjoys about the event is bringing something different to Junction City and that everyone there is enjoying themselves.The mud pit that the drivers will go through is 200 feet long and 36 inches deep.For more information on the Mud Bog Madness event, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FreedomFestJC/">Freedom Fest website here.</a>Prices for the event$10.00 - 11 years of age and up$5.00 - 6-10 years oldFree for anyone under 6 years of age.The Mud Bog Madness event is sanctioned by the Kansas Mud Racing Organization.

Annual Mud Bog is Saturday in Junction City

K-State expert discusses the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of heat stress&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan. – It’s county fair season in Kansas, and while local events are a great way to enjoy the sun and time with friends, heat can be an invisible fun bandit for livestock.&nbsp;Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said it’s important for youth showing livestock to watch animals closely and know the symptoms of heat stress.&nbsp;All animals – as well as people -- can experience heat stress, which occurs when the body cannot get rid of excessive heat, either through sweating or other means.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tarpoff said cattle handle heat differently than other animals. In particular, they struggle with the ability to sweat, which makes them reliant on getting rid of heat through their respiratory system, such as breathing the heat out.

Cattle will accumulate heat during the day, then dissipate the heat load during the night when it's cooler.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It takes 4-6 hours to return cattle to regular temperature,” Tarpoff said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that one way to tell if a show steer or heifer is affected by heat stress is to look for unusual behavior from that animal. Symptoms may include reduced feed intake, increased time standing and crowding around water. In the show barn, animals may also display an increase in breathing rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One way to keep animals cool is to make sure barns get plenty of ventilation. Tarpoff said that heat stress mitigation strategies should be planned with cattle comfort in mind, and each strategy will be unique to the housing situation. Other factors to consider include whether the animal has its winter or summer hair coat; hair color; and past health issues.  

Tarpoff said youth should consider reducing animal handling during heat intervals, and having those handling events completed by 10 a.m. 

K-State expert discusses the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of heat stress&nbsp;&nbsp;K-State Research and Extension news serviceMANHATTAN, Kan. – It’s county fair season in Kansas, and while local events are a great way to enjoy the sun and time with friends, heat can be an invisible fun bandit for livestock.&nbsp;Kansas State University beef extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff said it’s important for youth showing livestock to watch animals closely and know the symptoms of heat stress.&nbsp;All animals – as well as people -- can experience heat stress, which occurs when the body cannot get rid of excessive heat, either through sweating or other means.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tarpoff said cattle handle heat differently than other animals. In particular, they struggle with the ability to sweat, which makes them reliant on getting rid of heat through their respiratory system, such as breathing the heat out. Cattle will accumulate heat during the day, then dissipate the heat load during the night when it's cooler.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It takes 4-6 hours to return cattle to regular temperature,” Tarpoff said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that one way to tell if a show steer or heifer is affected by heat stress is to look for unusual behavior from that animal. Symptoms may include reduced feed intake, increased time standing and crowding around water. In the show barn, animals may also display an increase in breathing rate.&nbsp;&nbsp;One way to keep animals cool is to make sure barns get plenty of ventilation. Tarpoff said that heat stress mitigation strategies should be planned with cattle comfort in mind, and each strategy will be unique to the housing situation. Other factors to consider include whether the animal has its winter or summer hair coat; hair color; and past health issues. Tarpoff said youth should consider reducing animal handling during heat intervals, and having those handling events completed by 10 a.m. “Weighing, processing, sampling and shipping cattle are all necessary tasks but they should be strategically conducted during the very early morning hours to ensure cattle comfort,” Tarpoff said. Another way to avoid heat stress is to provide plenty of water to cattle. Tarpoff said the amount of water cattle need doubles as the heat increases from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Tarpoff also encourages youth to consider moisture levels from the washing areas. Some locations can artificially increase the humidity and cause unneeded stress on livestock.

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