Geary County/K-State Research and Extension has a new agent, Renae Riedy. Renae spoke to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club on October 9 in Jim Clark’s Chevrolet showroom. Renae’s mentor was Deb Andres, who Renae recently replaced.

Renae told the Optimists that she “grew up on a farm and is currently living on a farm. During her youth she was active in 4-H for 12 years.” After graduating from Kansas State University, Renae worked in Marion and Dickinson Counties as an Extension Agent for a total of 10 years.

She wants to get to know more about her job in Geary County, having only been in the position for 4 weeks. Renae stated “I really like working with diversity and with different age groups. My specialties are in Family Resource Management, which include finances, time management, nutrition, caring for clothing and living spaces. Some other areas include senior health insurance advice, exercise classes and more.”

Renae was asked about ways to improve communication related to what is offered at the Extension Office so people in the community can know more about the services available. She agreed that it takes multiple sources to share a message, which are not limited to social media, newspapers, radio and meeting face to face with people. Renae is anxious to talk to other organizations about her work and how she can help in the community. Her contact information is Renae Riedy at 785-238-6131.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728577021481.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are Renae Riedy and Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President" />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are Renae Riedy and Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell MillerJunction City Breakfast Optimist ClubGeary County/K-State Research and Extension has a new agent, Renae Riedy. Renae spoke to the JC Breakfast Optimist Club on October 9 in Jim Clark’s Chevrolet showroom. Renae’s mentor was Deb Andres, who Renae recently replaced.Renae told the Optimists that she “grew up on a farm and is currently living on a farm. During her youth she was active in 4-H for 12 years.” After graduating from Kansas State University, Renae worked in Marion and Dickinson Counties as an Extension Agent for a total of 10 years.She wants to get to know more about her job in Geary County, having only been in the position for 4 weeks. Renae stated “I really like working with diversity and with different age groups. My specialties are in Family Resource Management, which include finances, time management, nutrition, caring for clothing and living spaces. Some other areas include senior health insurance advice, exercise classes and more.”Renae was asked about ways to improve communication related to what is offered at the Extension Office so people in the community can know more about the services available. She agreed that it takes multiple sources to share a message, which are not limited to social media, newspapers, radio and meeting face to face with people. Renae is anxious to talk to other organizations about her work and how she can help in the community. Her contact information is Renae Riedy at 785-238-6131.

Optimist Club’s Guest Speaker Was The New Extension Agent

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 900 block of Yuma Street, according to a media release.

Officers located a 23-year-old man from Manhattan who had been shot in the parking lot of the Douglass Activity Complex. The victim was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, where he was air-lifted to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Preliminary information indicates the shooter, a 26-year-old man, acted in self-defense. There is believed to be little to no relationship between the individuals involved, and this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.

This is an open and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.

Riley County police said Wednesday night that officers were on the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Yuma. One person had been shot and transported to Via Christi for treatment of their injuries. The public was urged to&nbsp; find alternate routes to avoid the 900 blocks of Yuma and Fort Riley Boulevard. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there was no current danger to the public.

If your child was participating in activities at the Douglas Center, follow the cones on the 900 block of Fort Riley Boulevard for pick-up.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement are investigating a shooting in Manhattan.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of shots fired in the 900 block of Yuma Street, according to a media release.Officers located a 23-year-old man from Manhattan who had been shot in the parking lot of the Douglass Activity Complex. The victim was transported by EMS to Ascension Via Christi Hospital, where he was air-lifted to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.Preliminary information indicates the shooter, a 26-year-old man, acted in self-defense. There is believed to be little to no relationship between the individuals involved, and this appears to be an isolated incident with no threat to public safety.This is an open and ongoing investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.----------------Riley County police said Wednesday night that officers were on the scene of a shooting in the 900 block of Yuma. One person had been shot and transported to Via Christi for treatment of their injuries. The public was urged to&nbsp; find alternate routes to avoid the 900 blocks of Yuma and Fort Riley Boulevard. This was believed to be an isolated incident and there was no current danger to the public.If your child was participating in activities at the Douglas Center, follow the cones on the 900 block of Fort Riley Boulevard for pick-up.&nbsp;

RCPD: Shooter in recreation center parking lot acted in self defense

On Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. Deputies responded to mile marker 158 US 77 Highway for a vehicle fire. Gerhard Schoenrock of Junction City was traveling north in his 1975 Porsche 911 when the engine caught fire. The fire engulfed and totaled the Porsche. 

No injuries were reported. Renegade wrecker took possession of the vehicle.

On Wednesday at 6:05 p.m. Deputies responded to mile marker 158 US 77 Highway for a vehicle fire. Gerhard Schoenrock of Junction City was traveling north in his 1975 Porsche 911 when the engine caught fire. The fire engulfed and totaled the Porsche. No injuries were reported. Renegade wrecker took possession of the vehicle.

Deputies respond to vehicle fire

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.

A 2009 Kawasaki Ninja driven by&nbsp;Kade Schulze, 29, of Manhattan, was traveling at the intersection of 12th and Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

An unknown vehicle struck the motorcycle. EMS transported Schulze to Via Christi for life threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.A 2009 Kawasaki Ninja driven by&nbsp;Kade Schulze, 29, of Manhattan, was traveling at the intersection of 12th and Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;An unknown vehicle struck the motorcycle. EMS transported Schulze to Via Christi for life threatening injuries. The RCPD released no additional details.

Manhattan man critically injured after hit-and-run crash

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas Reflector

With the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;

Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;

Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;

If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;

Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;

Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;

Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.

In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.

Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.

Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.

Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.

Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.

Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;

Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.

Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;

Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;

The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712114185032.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">By GRACE HILLS</a> Kansas ReflectorWith the general election less than a month away, and the deadline to register to vote less than a week away, here are some steps to develop a plan to vote.&nbsp;<h2>Registering to vote</h2>Kansans have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register to vote. Voter registration closes 21 days before Election Day.&nbsp;Kansans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/" target="_blank">register online</a>&nbsp;with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue,&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/forms/elections/voterregistration.pdf" target="_blank">mail in their registration</a>&nbsp;in English or Spanish to their local county election office — as long as it’s postmarked by Oct. 15 — or register in person at their local county election office.&nbsp;If already signed up, Kansas can check on their voter registration status at the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;If a voter is currently 17 but will be 18 before the day of the general election, Nov. 5, they are able to register.&nbsp;Anyone living in Kansas can register to vote in Kansas elections – regardless of how long they’ve lived in the state. Kansans with federal or state felony convictions are not allowed to vote and should not register.&nbsp;<h2>Mail-in, absentee and advance voting</h2><a href="https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/av1.pdf" target="_blank">Mail-in ballots applications</a>&nbsp;should be postmarked and sent to county election officials by Nov. 5, Election Day. Voters must sign the outside of the envelope, so that voting officials can verify their signature. The deadline to submit an advance voting by mail application is Oct. 29. Mail-in ballots can be tracked on the&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview" target="_blank">Secretary of State’s website</a>.&nbsp;Any Kansas voters living out of state should request a mail-in ballot. Ballots will be sent to voters on Oct. 16. They should mail the filled out ballot back to their county election officials.&nbsp;Check with your County Clerk to see when early voting begins. Saline County early voting begins Oct. 21.In-person advance voting begins on Oct. 16 in select counties. All counties must offer advance in-person voting no later than Oct. 29, one week before Election Day.Voters should contact their county election officials for details on where and when their county offers advance in person voting, and the Secretary of State’s office will release a list of all counties offering advance in person voting closer to Oct. 16.Photo identification is required for all in-person voting. Advance voting will close at noon on Nov. 4.<h2>Election Day voting</h2>Voters must vote at the polling location associated with their address on their registration. Voters can check their polling locations through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.Upon arrival, voters are expected to show photo identification. They can bring a driver’s license – which can be issued by another state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — a U.S. passport, military ID, Native American tribal ID card, a government employee badge, a student identification card from a postsecondary institution in Kansas, a concealed carry license – again, issued by any state as long as voters are registered in Kansas — or a public assistance identification card.<h2>Who’s on your ballot</h2>Voters can check what their ballot will look like through&nbsp;<a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">the Secretary of State website</a>.&nbsp;Many candidates and their policies have been covered by the Kansas Reflector, and can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/category/elections/election-2024/">election 2024 tab.</a>&nbsp;An updated candidate list, including their contact information, can be found on the&nbsp;<a href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections_upcoming_candidate.aspx" target="_blank">Secretary of State website</a>.<h2>Voters’ rights</h2>Voting locations are to be open as early as 6 a.m., and they may close as late as 8 p.m. All polling locations must be open for at least 12 consecutive hours. If a voter is in line before the polling location closes and there is a line, all voters in line when a polling location closes are entitled to vote.&nbsp;Each polling place must be accessible for all voters with disabilities. Finney, Ford, Grant, Haskell and Seward Counties must all provide alternative language assistance.&nbsp;The ACLU of Kansas will provide a statewide, nonpartisan election protection hotline. If a voter believes their voting rights have been violated, they can call the ACLU’s hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Know these steps if you plan to vote in Kansas this election season

Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.

“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.

Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.

Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.

Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.

When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.

Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.

Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.

Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.

When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.

When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721060745699.jpeg" alt="KHP Best Looking Trooper Vehicle 2024" />
 <figcaption>KHP Best Looking Trooper Vehicle 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Highway Patrol It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with fall harvest underway. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use more caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines, and other implements.“As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Captain Candice Breshears. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.”Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.<h2>Tips to keep in mind:</h2>Don’t assume the farmer knows you’re there.Although most farmers regularly check for vehicles behind them, the majority of their focus must be spent looking ahead to stay on the road and watch for oncoming traffic. Implements are very loud, hindering their ability to hear your vehicle.Pass with extreme caution.Don’t pass unless you can see clearly ahead of both your vehicle and the equipment you are passing. If there are curves or hills blocking your view, wait until you can clearly visualize the area you are passing in. You should not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone,” even if you are stuck behind a farm vehicle. Do not pass if you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel.When a farm vehicle pulls to the right side of the road, it does not mean it is turning right or allowing you to pass.Due to the size of some farm equipment, the farmer must execute wide left turns, so allow it plenty of room and time to turn and remain aware of any potential driveway or field they may be turning into.Be patient.Don’t assume that a farmer can move aside to let you pass. Shoulders may be soft, wet, or steep, which can cause the farm vehicle to tip, or the shoulder may not support the weight of a heavy farm vehicle. They understand you are being delayed and will move over at the first safe location available.Think of the slow-moving vehicle emblem as a warning to adjust your speed.When you see the slow-moving vehicle emblem, immediately slow down. While the emblems are visible from a long distance, it is difficult to judge the speed at which you are closing in on the vehicle, especially at night.Pay attention.When you are not focused solely on the road, you increase your chances of a collision, especially if you should come upon a slow-moving farm vehicle.

KHP: Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

The Geary County Convention and Visitor's Bureau has announced&nbsp;that the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Locomotive will be traveling through Junction City, KS on Oct. 17 (Thursday). The train will depart Topeka on Oct. 17 at 12:45 PM for Salina, KS

The Geary County Convention and Visitor's Bureau has announced&nbsp;that the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 Steam Locomotive will be traveling through Junction City, KS on Oct. 17 (Thursday). The train will depart Topeka on Oct. 17 at 12:45 PM for Salina, KS

Big Boy train will roll through Junction City

The second Chamber of Commerce candidate forum begins at&nbsp; 6 p.m. Thursday night at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Candidates for 65th District House, Shaun Chauncey and Lorraine Ceniceros, 17rh District State Senate, Lillian Lingenfelter and Mike Argabright plus State Board of Education Dr. Beryl New and Dr. Bruce Schultz are scheduled to participate.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe second Chamber of Commerce candidate forum begins at&nbsp; 6 p.m. Thursday night at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.Candidates for 65th District House, Shaun Chauncey and Lorraine Ceniceros, 17rh District State Senate, Lillian Lingenfelter and Mike Argabright plus State Board of Education Dr. Beryl New and Dr. Bruce Schultz are scheduled to participate.

Chamber of Commerce candidate forum scheduled Thursday night

RILEY COUNTY—A fire that started in a vehicle caused considerable damage to a garage in Manhattan.

Just before— 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2017 Green Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media reelase.

Upon arrival, crews found a detached two-car garage with heavy smoke showing. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. The garage contained a 1996 Ford Bronco. 

The fire started in the Bronco and spread to the garage. The fire cause is accidental due to an undetermined failure in the engine compartment.&nbsp; 

Loss is estimated at $2500 to contents and $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as David and Angela Motley. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728509459507.png" alt="Photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY—A fire that started in a vehicle caused considerable damage to a garage in Manhattan.Just before— 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews were dispatched to a fire at 2017 Green Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media reelase.Upon arrival, crews found a detached two-car garage with heavy smoke showing. The fire was contained within 10 minutes. The garage contained a 1996 Ford Bronco. The fire started in the Bronco and spread to the garage. The fire cause is accidental due to an undetermined failure in the engine compartment.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $2500 to contents and $50,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as David and Angela Motley. There were no injuries reported.

FIre in SUV spread to garage in Manhattan

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.

Jason Harris, Failure to appear, arrested 10/07

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728489049772.jpeg" alt="Dominique Patrick, Probation violation, arrested 10/08" />
 <figcaption>Dominique Patrick, Probation violation, arrested 10/08</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728489083164.jpeg" alt="Jesse Bailey, Parole violation, arrested 10/08" />
 <figcaption>Jesse Bailey, Parole violation, arrested 10/08</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728489109581.jpeg" alt="Marion Robinson, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, Threat of force/violence, Criminal deprivation of property, Criminal damage to property, without consent (Value &lt;$1,000), Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 10/08" />
 <figcaption>Marion Robinson, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, Threat of force/violence, Criminal deprivation of property, Criminal damage to property, without consent (Value &lt;$1,000), Aggravated assault, Use of a deadly weapon, arrested 10/08</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Jason Harris, Failure to appear, arrested 10/07Recent 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 Oct. 8-9

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities.

The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.

On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;

Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.

Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as stormwater bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.

Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.&nbsp;Bill Fiander, AICPLecturer, Public Administration Department of Political Science Washburn University&nbsp;&nbsp;

At&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene/?id=113931821">over 230 deaths</a>, Helene is now America’s deadliest hurricane since Katrina ripped a hole in the Superdome in 2005. For inland areas supposedly immune from catastrophic storm surges, mountainous “climate havens” like&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/asheville-tragedy-shows-climate-change-safe-havens-experts/story?id=114362166">Asheville, North Carolina</a>&nbsp;were startled to bear the brunt of apocalyptic-like flooding.On its heels, Hurricane Milton is expected to cause far more damage as it rams into Florida’s denser population centers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2">federal assistance</a>&nbsp;is being politicized less than 30 days from a national election and shrouding a longer-term policy issue for those caught in the middle.&nbsp;Climate migration.&nbsp;As weather disasters continue to intensify,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">50 million</a>&nbsp;Americans will leave risky areas (abandonment areas) for less risky areas (climate havens) in the coming decades.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/features/americans-moving-climate-change/">30% of Americans cited climate change</a>&nbsp;as a motivator to move in 2024.With Kansas facing a demographic vice due to historically low birth rates and low retention of younger Kansans, being on the wrong side of the climate migration equation will exacerbate fiscal health and quality of life concerns for many communities. The last time climate,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://fdcenterprises.com/how-soil-erosion-and-farming-practices-lead-to-the-dust-bowl/">public policy</a>, and despair collided here,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/surviving-the-dust-bowl-mass-exodus-plains/#:~:text=In%20the%20rural%20area%20outside,those%2C%20200%2C000%20moved%20to%20California.">2.5 million people migrated</a>&nbsp;from the Dust Bowl.&nbsp;So, it might be worth asking just how well positioned is Kansas, or your community, for this great climate re-shuffle? For starters, we couldn’t be any more inland if we tried. A geographical refuge from rising seas, hurricane torrents, and wildfires; a free space on your climate haven bingo card.&nbsp;What about those Kansas winds? Few places are better positioned for renewable energy being the nation’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=KS#:~:text=The%20state%20ranked%20among%20the,highest%20amount%20among%20the%20states.">third largest share of wind-generated electricity</a>. Even&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/is-tornado-alley-shifting-east/1162839">Tornado Alley is shifting</a>. Tornado frequency and wickedness have found a new home in the Mississippi and Tennessee River valleys drawn like a magnet to the warming Gulf’s moist air. Ironically, southwest drought conditions help by sending dryer air over Kansas.On the flip side, droughts currently cover almost half of Kansas (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.drought.gov/states/kansas">46.4%</a>) due to heat and water shortages.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/">Farm crop yields are projected to decline</a>&nbsp;across the state in coming decades. Unlike some Great Lakes’ climate havens next to the world’s largest freshwater supply, farming practices and climatic changes have transformed our great underground lake (Ogallala Aquifer) into a trickle thus nudging western Kansas closer to climate abandonment.&nbsp;Nothing makes people move more than flooding. Since 2000,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://firststreet.org/research-library/climate-abandonment-areas">3.2 million people</a>&nbsp;have left climate abandonment areas due to high flood risk with another 7.5 million projected by 2053.&nbsp;However, flooding repercussions are acutely local.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://assets.riskfactor.com/media/National%20Risk%20Assessment%20Climate%20Abandon.pdf">Research</a>&nbsp;shows when 5-10% of properties in neighborhoods become flood risks, people start to move. This tipping point leads to climate abandonment. This same research shows one-third of Sedgwick County may classify as abandonment areas by 2053, one of the nation’s largest increases.&nbsp;The bottom line is state/ local governments have the ability and responsibility to help their citizenry adapt to climate change, avoid out-migration, and advance social equity.It’s not too late.Last year, Kansas lawmakers finally stopped kicking the can by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.enidnews.com/news/kansas-farmers-brace-for-water-cuts-to-save-ogallala-aquifer/article_573d6b1c-3ff9-11ef-97ff-8bf8acef01f4.html">enforcing conservation measures</a>&nbsp;and approving&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.farmtalknews.com/news/kansas-makes-historic-investment-in-preserving-the-ogallala-aquifer/article_86a6a308-179c-11ef-9aa8-1fa01ea4d166.html#:~:text=Kansas%20makes%20historic%20investment%20in%20preserving%20the%20Ogallala%20Aquifer,-by%20Greg%20Doering&amp;text=An%20appropriation%20of%20%2435%20million,state's%20water%20resources%20in%20history.">unprecedented funding</a>&nbsp;as a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/06/30/hoping-for-a-miracle-to-save-the-ogallala-aquifer-prepare-for-the-new-dust-bowl/">another Dust Bowl looms</a>.&nbsp;And even as some counties drag their feet, practices such as stormwater bio-retention areas, woodlands restoration, renewable energy ordinances (wind and solar), incentivizing infill development, adopting resilient building codes, expanded tree canopies, floodplain buy-out programs, etc. are already deployed in many parts of Kansas.&nbsp;Because as they already know, there’s really no such thing as a climate haven.Bill Fiander is a lecturer at Washburn University specializing in public administration, urban planning, and state/local government. He is the former planning and development director for the City of Topeka.&nbsp;Bill Fiander, AICPLecturer, Public Administration Department of Political Science Washburn University&nbsp;&nbsp;

Will Climate Migration be our new Dust Bowl?  

Optimist International International includes 3,200 clubs in 20 countries with over 80,000 members.&nbsp; The Headquarters is in St. Louis, Missouri.&nbsp; Optimist Clubs have a focus on "Being A&nbsp;Friend of Youth" and "Making A&nbsp;Difference For Youth" in their communities.&nbsp; The JC Breakfast Optimist Club sponsors 16 different Geary County youth organizations and provides&nbsp;three scholarships to youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each year local club Presidents may recognize a member for outstanding service to the club, youth and community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Ricardo Gutierrez was presented with the President's Citation at the&nbsp;October 9 meeting of the&nbsp;JC Breakfast Optimist Club.&nbsp; He has been instrumental in establishing and&nbsp;maintaining a Junior Optimist Club (JOI) at St. Xavier's Catholic School and started a JOI Club at Junction City High School this school year.&nbsp; Ricardo is a retired Command Sergeant Major and volunteers with fundraising for the club, coordinates the St. Xavier's High School Student of the quarter, and volunteers with various organizations and church&nbsp;activities in our community and at Fort Riley.&nbsp; &nbsp;



By Dr. Ferrell MillerJC Breakfast Optimist ClubOptimist International International includes 3,200 clubs in 20 countries with over 80,000 members.&nbsp; The Headquarters is in St. Louis, Missouri.&nbsp; Optimist Clubs have a focus on "Being A&nbsp;Friend of Youth" and "Making A&nbsp;Difference For Youth" in their communities.&nbsp; The JC Breakfast Optimist Club sponsors 16 different Geary County youth organizations and provides&nbsp;three scholarships to youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Each year local club Presidents may recognize a member for outstanding service to the club, youth and community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ricardo Gutierrez was presented with the President's Citation at the&nbsp;October 9 meeting of the&nbsp;JC Breakfast Optimist Club.&nbsp; He has been instrumental in establishing and&nbsp;maintaining a Junior Optimist Club (JOI) at St. Xavier's Catholic School and started a JOI Club at Junction City High School this school year.&nbsp; Ricardo is a retired Command Sergeant Major and volunteers with fundraising for the club, coordinates the St. Xavier's High School Student of the quarter, and volunteers with various organizations and church&nbsp;activities in our community and at Fort Riley.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Optimist International Recognizes Ricardo Gutierrez

Salina, Kansas – The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Salina are proud to announce their outstanding achievements in the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program, as recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Kansas State Board of Education. The diocese has earned multiple accolades for its exemplary commitment to academic excellence and student success, further reinforcing its mission of forming future leaders for both the church and society.

The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program celebrates the success of school districts that demonstrate excellence in the outcome measures most valued by Kansans, contributing to the state’s vision of leading the world in the success of each student. The Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese have been recognized with the following honors for 2024:

Academically Prepared for Postsecondary – Copper

These recognitions underscore the diocese’s dedication to academic achievement, faith-based formation, and leadership development. They reflect the hard work and collaboration of students, families, faculty, and school leaders who work tirelessly to ensure the success of every child.

Superintendent Geoff Andrews shared his pride in the entire school community, stating, “Our students, families, faculty, and staff deserve this recognition for their commitment to Catholic education and forming the whole child. Their dedication to both spiritual and academic growth is at the heart of our mission.”

The Kansas State Board of Education Chair Melanie Haas and Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson commended the Salina Diocese for its efforts in helping the state meet its educational goals. In their letter, they noted, “We recognize the exceptional work your district is doing to reach the state’s vision for education – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.”

The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Salina look forward to continuing to build on this success, fostering a vibrant learning environment that prioritizes academic excellence, faith formation, and the development of future leaders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728485028120.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina, Kansas – The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Salina are proud to announce their outstanding achievements in the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program, as recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Kansas State Board of Education. The diocese has earned multiple accolades for its exemplary commitment to academic excellence and student success, further reinforcing its mission of forming future leaders for both the church and society.The Kansans Can Star Recognition Program celebrates the success of school districts that demonstrate excellence in the outcome measures most valued by Kansans, contributing to the state’s vision of leading the world in the success of each student. The Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese have been recognized with the following honors for 2024:Postsecondary Effectiveness – GoldGraduation – BronzeAcademically Prepared for Postsecondary – Copper2024 Commissioner’s AwardThese recognitions underscore the diocese’s dedication to academic achievement, faith-based formation, and leadership development. They reflect the hard work and collaboration of students, families, faculty, and school leaders who work tirelessly to ensure the success of every child.Superintendent Geoff Andrews shared his pride in the entire school community, stating, “Our students, families, faculty, and staff deserve this recognition for their commitment to Catholic education and forming the whole child. Their dedication to both spiritual and academic growth is at the heart of our mission.”The Kansas State Board of Education Chair Melanie Haas and Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson commended the Salina Diocese for its efforts in helping the state meet its educational goals. In their letter, they noted, “We recognize the exceptional work your district is doing to reach the state’s vision for education – Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.”The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Salina look forward to continuing to build on this success, fostering a vibrant learning environment that prioritizes academic excellence, faith formation, and the development of future leaders.

Catholic Schools in Salina Diocese are recognized by KSDE and BOE

JOHNSON COUNTY —Members of the Olathe Fire Department welcomed home a portion of Kansas Task Force 1. The group, including three from Olathe helped in Florida and North Carolina after HurricaneHelene. Others in the group were from the Junction City Fire Department, the Kansas Fire Marshall's office and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. 

The Task Force left Kansas on September 24 from Olathe and Wichita. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received a request from Florida and the task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.

The team conducted search and rescue operations. Their objective was to Search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.&nbsp;

In accordance with the EMAC agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed for cost associated with the deployment.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Members of the Olathe Fire Department welcomed home a portion of Kansas Task Force 1. The group, including three from Olathe helped in Florida and North Carolina after HurricaneHelene. Others in the group were from the Junction City Fire Department, the Kansas Fire Marshall's office and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Today we welcomed home part of KS Task Force 1. The group, including three of our own, helped in FL and NC after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HurricaneHelene?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HurricaneHelene</a>. Others in the group were from the Junction City Fire Dept., <a href="https://twitter.com/ksfiremarshal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ksfiremarshal</a> and Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. The TF left KS on Sept. 24. <a href="https://t.co/hm5UlbYptW">pic.twitter.com/hm5UlbYptW</a>&mdash; Olathe Fire Dept. (@OlatheFire) <a href="https://twitter.com/OlatheFire/status/1843810369573400818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Task Force left Kansas on September 24 from Olathe and Wichita. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received a request from Florida and the task force was sent as part of an Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that facilitates interstate assistance in response and recovery operations during a disaster.The team conducted search and rescue operations. Their objective was to Search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support (BLS) medical care, transport humans and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.&nbsp;In accordance with the EMAC agreement, Kansas will be reimbursed for cost associated with the deployment.

Kansas Task Force returns from Florida after hurricane Helene

The Geary County Historical Society has received $2000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help the Black History Trail exhibit, which will be installed mid 2025. 

The exhibit will serve as a starting place for those interested in the work of the Black History Trail of Geary County, as well as a home to important Black stories, photos, and artifacts. The Geary County Historical Society has been a supporting organization for the Black History Trail of Geary County since the beginning and is excited to give a permanent home to some of the stories that the Trail has been working to gather.

The Historical Society will begin collecting stories, photos, and artifacts for this exhibit throughout the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. If you have stories, photos, or artifacts to share in the Black History Trail exhibit, reach out to Heather Hagedorn at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gearyhistory@gmail.com">gearyhistory@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-238-1666.

The Geary County Historical Society has received $2000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help the Black History Trail exhibit, which will be installed mid 2025. The exhibit will serve as a starting place for those interested in the work of the Black History Trail of Geary County, as well as a home to important Black stories, photos, and artifacts. The Geary County Historical Society has been a supporting organization for the Black History Trail of Geary County since the beginning and is excited to give a permanent home to some of the stories that the Trail has been working to gather.The Historical Society will begin collecting stories, photos, and artifacts for this exhibit throughout the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. If you have stories, photos, or artifacts to share in the Black History Trail exhibit, reach out to Heather Hagedorn at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gearyhistory@gmail.com">gearyhistory@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-238-1666.

Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant awarded to Geary County Historical Society

Superintendent’s Three R Awards Honored

On Monday night, Dr. Deb Gustafson, USD 475 Associate Superintendent, recognized exemplary students with the 3R Award. The award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of respect, responsibility and building positive relationships. Earning recognition on Monday were Natalie Wells (Westwood Elementary), Leonardo Murillo Garibay (Eisenhower Elementary), Anayah Drayton (Spring Valley Elementary) and Olivia Counter (Sheridan Elementary).

A Purple Star Commemorative Vase was awarded to Eisenhower Elementary, Sheridan Elementary and Spring Valley Elementary on Monday for demonstrating a major commitment to supporting students and their families connected to the United States military.

On Monday night, the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education recognized four schools in Eisenhower Elementary, Seitz Elementary, Washington Elementary and Westwood Elementary for earning the Kansas State Department of Education Civic Advocacy Network Award for their commitment to civic engagement for students.

Board Approves Junction City High School FFA Travel

On Monday night, the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education approved the out-of-state travel for the Junction

City High School FFA Chapter. The Blue Jays will travel to Indiana for the National FFA Convention and Expo on October 22-25.

Discuss End of Life Computers for the Public

Karl DeArmond, USD 475 Chief Operations Officer, discussed a proposal to offer individual computers to the public. DeArmond stated that approximately 100 devices will be made available, while the Junction City High School Beak Squad will

be able to reinstall the original version of Windows onto the devices. Other highlights included that the Beak Squad will be

able to sell the devices for approximately $40 with tax and that the funds recovered will help with supplies for the maker

Calendar Option Priorities Approved for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 School Year

On Monday night, the USD 475 Board of Education approved the calendar priorities for the district calendar as presented. The priorities will be brought back to the Board of Education in the future if a recommendation is needed.

• A school calendar will be established with a minimum of six five-day student attendance weeks per quarter.

• A school calendar will be established with a minimum of eight PD days with at least one per quarter.

• A school calendar will be established to include Veteran’s Day as a school holiday.

• Student contact hours that equate to a minimum of five days at all grades will be established in the school calendar for the purpose of emergency events.

Superintendent’s Three R Awards HonoredOn Monday night, Dr. Deb Gustafson, USD 475 Associate Superintendent, recognized exemplary students with the 3R Award. The award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of respect, responsibility and building positive relationships. Earning recognition on Monday were Natalie Wells (Westwood Elementary), Leonardo Murillo Garibay (Eisenhower Elementary), Anayah Drayton (Spring Valley Elementary) and Olivia Counter (Sheridan Elementary).Purple Star RecognitionA Purple Star Commemorative Vase was awarded to Eisenhower Elementary, Sheridan Elementary and Spring Valley Elementary on Monday for demonstrating a major commitment to supporting students and their families connected to the United States military.Civic Advocacy Network Award RecognitionOn Monday night, the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education recognized four schools in Eisenhower Elementary, Seitz Elementary, Washington Elementary and Westwood Elementary for earning the Kansas State Department of Education Civic Advocacy Network Award for their commitment to civic engagement for students.Board Approves Junction City High School FFA TravelOn Monday night, the Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education approved the out-of-state travel for the JunctionCity High School FFA Chapter. The Blue Jays will travel to Indiana for the National FFA Convention and Expo on October 22-25.Discuss End of Life Computers for the PublicKarl DeArmond, USD 475 Chief Operations Officer, discussed a proposal to offer individual computers to the public. DeArmond stated that approximately 100 devices will be made available, while the Junction City High School Beak Squad willbe able to reinstall the original version of Windows onto the devices. Other highlights included that the Beak Squad will beable to sell the devices for approximately $40 with tax and that the funds recovered will help with supplies for the makerspace at the high school.Calendar Option Priorities Approved for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 School YearOn Monday night, the USD 475 Board of Education approved the calendar priorities for the district calendar as presented. The priorities will be brought back to the Board of Education in the future if a recommendation is needed.• A school calendar will be established with a minimum of six five-day student attendance weeks per quarter.• A school calendar will be established with a minimum of eight PD days with at least one per quarter.• A school calendar will be established to include Veteran’s Day as a school holiday.• Student contact hours that equate to a minimum of five days at all grades will be established in the school calendar for the purpose of emergency events.

USD 475 Board of Education highlights

&nbsp;The Evergy Green Team will host&nbsp;rifle deer hunts for youths December 4 through December 15. Due to the supervised and educational nature of the hunts youths with little or no deer hunting experience are allowed to apply to participate. &nbsp;

Hunts will be conducted at&nbsp;Jeffrey Energy Center, 25905 Jeffrey Rd, St. Marys, KS&nbsp;during the early firearm deer season, December 4 through December 15. Youths aged 13 to 17 are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 25. Requests for applications should be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:GreenTeam@evergy.com">GreenTeam@evergy.com</a>.&nbsp;

All youth hunters must first attend a mandatory orientation session on November 16 at Jeffrey Energy Center.&nbsp;Organizers will instruct hunters on safety, deer biology and assist youths with sighting in rifles. Hunters will then be allowed to attend the youth deer hunts December 4 – 15.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Evergy Green Team will host&nbsp;rifle deer hunts for youths December 4 through December 15. Due to the supervised and educational nature of the hunts youths with little or no deer hunting experience are allowed to apply to participate. &nbsp;Hunts will be conducted at&nbsp;Jeffrey Energy Center, 25905 Jeffrey Rd, St. Marys, KS&nbsp;during the early firearm deer season, December 4 through December 15. Youths aged 13 to 17 are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through Friday, October 25. Requests for applications should be sent to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:GreenTeam@evergy.com">GreenTeam@evergy.com</a>.&nbsp;All youth hunters must first attend a mandatory orientation session on November 16 at Jeffrey Energy Center.&nbsp;Organizers will instruct hunters on safety, deer biology and assist youths with sighting in rifles. Hunters will then be allowed to attend the youth deer hunts December 4 – 15.&nbsp;

 Evergy Green Team Invites Area Youths to Annual Deer Hunt 

On Friday, October 11, 2024, an Employee Training Day is being held for all Geary County staff. Due to this, the Public Works Department will be closed. The Transfer Station and Landfill will remain open.

On Monday, October 14, 2024, the Public Works Department, and the Geary County Landfill will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. The Transfer Station will be open.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, an Employee Training Day is being held for all Geary County staff. Due to this, the Public Works Department will be closed. The Transfer Station and Landfill will remain open.On Monday, October 14, 2024, the Public Works Department, and the Geary County Landfill will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. The Transfer Station will be open.We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.Thank you for your understanding.

Geary County Public Works Notice of Closures Oct. 11 & Oct. 14

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest to speak at the Sports Arena as part of the Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series.

Tang is well-known for his interaction with the K-State student body in Manhattan.

"We build great relationships, not just with our players, but with the community," Tang said. "I just love the students, I've always had a passion for the students everywhere I've been. One of the things that attracted me to K-State, as an assistant, when we would play in Bramlage the students would tear up the newspaper and toss it in the air, I just thought that was the coolest thing. I'm so thankful they do it and I get to be on that side now."

Tang took over the K-State program in 2022 after 19 years as an assistant at Baylor University.&nbsp;

"The truth is that I didn't have other opportunities," Tang said. "I did explore other places and they all said no. Gene Taylor was the person dumb enough to say yes, or smart enough to say yes. I know as frustrating as it was for me, knowing that I could do the job given the opportunity, I firmly believe God blocked those doors, cause there were things I still needed to learn, there were experiences that I still needed to have, and in his perfect timing, he opened the right spot for me."

Tang is also well-known for his passion that he has for his players.

"I have this really good friend named Tim Maloney. Coach Maloney and I coached at Baylor together," Tang said. "He would always say 'Jerome, you teach basketball, but you coach people,' it's a teaching portion of things, I had this really great bible quiz coach growing up named Norma Schuler and she was just one of the most positive people that I've ever been around. It didn't matter how bad things were, Sister Schuler would have just the right words to say to make you feel better. I saw what she did for each of us individually and I thought man I'd love to have that kind of an impact. As a high school coach, I taught Bible and history at Heritage Christian Academy, so there is always a teaching portion to it, but I think you teach the material, but you're always coaching people."

Tang says Wichita State head men's basketball coach Paul Mills is a good friend of his and had a great quote.

"He said, 'hey Jerome, you know one of the definitions for coach it's a vehicle that takes people from one place to where they want to go, from where they're at to where they want to go,' I think that's a great illustration of what coaching is. We're taking them from where they're at to where they want to go. The course to get there, we have to help them understand and plan, cause everyone wants to do it in a straight line, and that's not always the case."

There are two simple solutions to how Tang always keeps an upbeat energy and passion around his team.

"We win, or we learn," Tang said. "There's always something when it happens, you can learn something from it. Our thing in recruiting is when one of my staff members calls and says 'hey this kid committed to another school,' I say God's got somebody better for us. God's faithfulness in my life allows me to know that if something doesn't go the way I want it to go, it's because he has something better in mind."

Tang is gearing up for his third season in the Little Apple, which the Wildcats will open their season on Oct. 29 with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State.

"I like our guys, we have talented kids, but they're kids," Tang said. "We're probably spending more time coaching maturity, teaching them how to be professionals, not pros, but professionals. How do they wake up every day, what do they do, every decision they make during the day, because every decision matters. If it was just basketball, they're talented, we're going to be pretty good."

When recruiting, Tang looks for student-athletes that smile.

"After you get past the talent, I like guys who smile," Tang said. "I've never seen a guy who frowned have a high motor. I dislike walking into a room, where you know somebody is going to have a frown on their face. They're going to suck the energy out the building, so if I talk to a guy for five minutes and I don't make him laugh, or he don't make me laugh, I move on. I like seeing them smile with their teammates, it says a lot about them."

Tang says the family aspect is important in his everyday life in Manhattan.

"We say if the only time you spend time together is on the basketball court at the office then you're really not a family," Tang said. "Every week we have family dinners, one week it's catered, one week it's potluck, so our wives cook, we don't do the wives cooking every week, cause as husbands we want them to not be mad at us. The guys come over to the house, and one of the things I say is we don't want them to only know where the bathrooms are, we want them to know where the knives and forks are, so they feel at home. There's nothing like having the guys over to the house, they're sitting in the living room, watching TV, eating and then one of them falls asleep, you know that they feel comfortable enough to fall asleep on your couch."

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang speaks Tuesday at the Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College.

Tang was selected as the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year after guiding the Wildcats to a 26-win season and its 13th trip to the Elite Eight in his inaugural season, recently completed his second season as the 25th head men's basketball coach at Kansas State.

Coach Tang is just third coach in the program's history to be selected National Coach of the Year, joining Fred "Tex" Winter (who presented a 2003 Dillon Lecture) in 1958 and Jack Hartman in 1980, while he is the fourth head coach from a Big 12 institution to earn the honor from the Naismith Trophy. He was a candidate for nearly every other National Coach of the Year honor in 2022-23, including finishing as the runner-up for The Associated Press award. In addition, he was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year, earning the honor from both the league coaches and the AP.

Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;

From poets, politicians and&nbsp;space scientists to American heroes, each is&nbsp;chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key to enlightenment” -&nbsp;to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.

All lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour.

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10. Students and school groups are admitted free of charge with a school ID. Tickets are available online (<a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a>) or&nbsp;at the Sports&nbsp;Arena on the day of the lecture.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728401778928.jpeg" alt="Kansas State University head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest speaker as part of the Dillon Lecture Series. Tang spoke at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State University head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest speaker as part of the Dillon Lecture Series. Tang spoke at the Hutchinson Sports Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang is the latest to speak at the Sports Arena as part of the Ray and Stella Dillon Lecture Series.Tang is well-known for his interaction with the K-State student body in Manhattan."We build great relationships, not just with our players, but with the community," Tang said. "I just love the students, I've always had a passion for the students everywhere I've been. One of the things that attracted me to K-State, as an assistant, when we would play in Bramlage the students would tear up the newspaper and toss it in the air, I just thought that was the coolest thing. I'm so thankful they do it and I get to be on that side now."Tang took over the K-State program in 2022 after 19 years as an assistant at Baylor University.&nbsp;"The truth is that I didn't have other opportunities," Tang said. "I did explore other places and they all said no. Gene Taylor was the person dumb enough to say yes, or smart enough to say yes. I know as frustrating as it was for me, knowing that I could do the job given the opportunity, I firmly believe God blocked those doors, cause there were things I still needed to learn, there were experiences that I still needed to have, and in his perfect timing, he opened the right spot for me."Tang is also well-known for his passion that he has for his players."I have this really good friend named Tim Maloney. Coach Maloney and I coached at Baylor together," Tang said. "He would always say 'Jerome, you teach basketball, but you coach people,' it's a teaching portion of things, I had this really great bible quiz coach growing up named Norma Schuler and she was just one of the most positive people that I've ever been around. It didn't matter how bad things were, Sister Schuler would have just the right words to say to make you feel better. I saw what she did for each of us individually and I thought man I'd love to have that kind of an impact. As a high school coach, I taught Bible and history at Heritage Christian Academy, so there is always a teaching portion to it, but I think you teach the material, but you're always coaching people."Tang says Wichita State head men's basketball coach Paul Mills is a good friend of his and had a great quote."He said, 'hey Jerome, you know one of the definitions for coach it's a vehicle that takes people from one place to where they want to go, from where they're at to where they want to go,' I think that's a great illustration of what coaching is. We're taking them from where they're at to where they want to go. The course to get there, we have to help them understand and plan, cause everyone wants to do it in a straight line, and that's not always the case."There are two simple solutions to how Tang always keeps an upbeat energy and passion around his team."We win, or we learn," Tang said. "There's always something when it happens, you can learn something from it. Our thing in recruiting is when one of my staff members calls and says 'hey this kid committed to another school,' I say God's got somebody better for us. God's faithfulness in my life allows me to know that if something doesn't go the way I want it to go, it's because he has something better in mind."Tang is gearing up for his third season in the Little Apple, which the Wildcats will open their season on Oct. 29 with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State."I like our guys, we have talented kids, but they're kids," Tang said. "We're probably spending more time coaching maturity, teaching them how to be professionals, not pros, but professionals. How do they wake up every day, what do they do, every decision they make during the day, because every decision matters. If it was just basketball, they're talented, we're going to be pretty good."When recruiting, Tang looks for student-athletes that smile."After you get past the talent, I like guys who smile," Tang said. "I've never seen a guy who frowned have a high motor. I dislike walking into a room, where you know somebody is going to have a frown on their face. They're going to suck the energy out the building, so if I talk to a guy for five minutes and I don't make him laugh, or he don't make me laugh, I move on. I like seeing them smile with their teammates, it says a lot about them."Tang says the family aspect is important in his everyday life in Manhattan."We say if the only time you spend time together is on the basketball court at the office then you're really not a family," Tang said. "Every week we have family dinners, one week it's catered, one week it's potluck, so our wives cook, we don't do the wives cooking every week, cause as husbands we want them to not be mad at us. The guys come over to the house, and one of the things I say is we don't want them to only know where the bathrooms are, we want them to know where the knives and forks are, so they feel at home. There's nothing like having the guys over to the house, they're sitting in the living room, watching TV, eating and then one of them falls asleep, you know that they feel comfortable enough to fall asleep on your couch."---------------HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas State University men's basketball coach Jerome Tang speaks Tuesday at the Dillon Lecture Series at Hutchinson Community College.Tang was selected as the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's College Coach of the Year after guiding the Wildcats to a 26-win season and its 13th trip to the Elite Eight in his inaugural season, recently completed his second season as the 25th head men's basketball coach at Kansas State.Coach Tang is just third coach in the program's history to be selected National Coach of the Year, joining Fred "Tex" Winter (who presented a 2003 Dillon Lecture) in 1958 and Jack Hartman in 1980, while he is the fourth head coach from a Big 12 institution to earn the honor from the Naismith Trophy. He was a candidate for nearly every other National Coach of the Year honor in 2022-23, including finishing as the runner-up for The Associated Press award. In addition, he was the consensus Big 12 Coach of the Year, earning the honor from both the league coaches and the AP.Since 1982, the Dillon Lecture Series has provided distinguished and notable speakers that many in Hutchinson, Kansas and surrounding communities might not have the opportunity to experience.&nbsp;From poets, politicians and&nbsp;space scientists to American heroes, each is&nbsp;chosen by the Dillon Lecture Committee by following the teachings of Chinese philosopher Kuan-Tzam - “learning is the key to enlightenment” -&nbsp;to educate and inspire audiences across a wide age span.All lectures are held in the Hutchinson Sports Arena beginning at 10:30 a.m. and last one hour.TICKETS: General admission tickets are $10. Students and school groups are admitted free of charge with a school ID. Tickets are available online (<a href="http://www.hutchcc.edu/dls">www.hutchcc.edu/dls</a>) or&nbsp;at the Sports&nbsp;Arena on the day of the lecture.&nbsp;

Coach Tang speaks on family and passion at Dillon Lecture Series

Multiple topics received attention during the Geary County Commission meeting on Monday.

--Alex Tyson noted that the weekend Oktoberfest was a great event. There were a lot of people in attendance.

--Trish Giordano noted the community vision planning effort got off to a great start. There will be more meetings on that project.

--The Convention and Visitor's Bureau is planning to undertake a three month social media campaign beginning in November. The cost will be $150 per month.

Multiple topics received attention during the Geary County Commission meeting on Monday.--Alex Tyson noted that the weekend Oktoberfest was a great event. There were a lot of people in attendance.--Trish Giordano noted the community vision planning effort got off to a great start. There will be more meetings on that project.--The Convention and Visitor's Bureau is planning to undertake a three month social media campaign beginning in November. The cost will be $150 per month.--

Geary County Commission news notes

Tracy Geisler, Executive Director of Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, (red/white top) presents a check for $3,500 to the            I.C.A.R.E. Organization.

The money will assist in purchasing a "Cardio Stepper" to connect generations. This equipment will be a part of the Kiwanis South Playground Upgrade Project.

Tracy Geisler, Executive Director of Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, (red/white top) presents a check for $3,500 to the I.C.A.R.E. Organization.The money will assist in purchasing a "Cardio Stepper" to connect generations. This equipment will be a part of the Kiwanis South Playground Upgrade Project.

Healthcare Foundation makes donation to I.C.A.R.E.

The subject of low voter turnout in Geary County surfaced during a recent Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. It arose during the county clerk segment.

Challenger Kim Bradney noted that the county is near the bottom of all 105 counties in voter turnout. "So few people are making decisions for all of us." She has suggested an education plan that could possibly involve educating students at the elementary and middle school levels.

Current County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has talked with the Secretary of State's Office where there was a feeling that not a lot of military members participate in local elections. They do not know the candidates that they are voting for.

Gilbert said, "It's your constitutional right to vote." She added she has only been county clerk for a year an a half but has been a registered voter and has voted since she was 18 years old. Gilbert added she is a firm believer that if you don't vote you don't have the right to complain. She tries to educate people via social media,&nbsp; through a quarterly newsletter and other methods.

Bradney feels in the elementary schools kids need to start understanding the electoral process and why they should vote. She would like to see more information put out to the public and the clerk's website updated with more information. She feels there are also social media platforms where the clerk's office should have a presence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728347554812.jpeg" alt="( L-R )&nbsp; County Clerk candidate Kim Bradney, moderator Michael Smith and County Clerk candidate Courtney Gilbert." />
 <figcaption>( L-R )&nbsp; County Clerk candidate Kim Bradney, moderator Michael Smith and County Clerk candidate Courtney Gilbert.</figcaption>
 </figure>The subject of low voter turnout in Geary County surfaced during a recent Chamber of Commerce candidate forum. It arose during the county clerk segment.Challenger Kim Bradney noted that the county is near the bottom of all 105 counties in voter turnout. "So few people are making decisions for all of us." She has suggested an education plan that could possibly involve educating students at the elementary and middle school levels.Current County Clerk Courtney Gilbert has talked with the Secretary of State's Office where there was a feeling that not a lot of military members participate in local elections. They do not know the candidates that they are voting for.Gilbert said, "It's your constitutional right to vote." She added she has only been county clerk for a year an a half but has been a registered voter and has voted since she was 18 years old. Gilbert added she is a firm believer that if you don't vote you don't have the right to complain. She tries to educate people via social media,&nbsp; through a quarterly newsletter and other methods.Bradney feels in the elementary schools kids need to start understanding the electoral process and why they should vote. She would like to see more information put out to the public and the clerk's website updated with more information. She feels there are also social media platforms where the clerk's office should have a presence.The election is Nov. 5th.

Geary County Clerk candidates address election turnout issue

Junction City - Geary County United Way has presented a framed certificate recognizing the effort by county employees through the Stuff the Bus and Adopt a Backpack programs.

The employees filled 24 backpacks with school supplies, far more backpacks than any one organization had ever done. United Way Director Nichole Mader made the presentation during the commission's meeting on Monday.

Junction City - Geary County United Way has presented a framed certificate recognizing the effort by county employees through the Stuff the Bus and Adopt a Backpack programs.The employees filled 24 backpacks with school supplies, far more backpacks than any one organization had ever done. United Way Director Nichole Mader made the presentation during the commission's meeting on Monday.

United Way says thank you for Geary County employees support

Geary County Public Works Director Corey Trumpp has announced his plan to retire on Dec. 9. He informed the county commission in a brief announcement on Monday.

Trumpp noted that he has served in the job for more than seven years.

Geary County Public Works Director Corey Trumpp has announced his plan to retire on Dec. 9. He informed the county commission in a brief announcement on Monday.Trumpp noted that he has served in the job for more than seven years.

Geary County Public Works Director to retire 

Fort Riley has announced that they will host a one-stop hiring fair beginning October 28 at Riley’s Conference Center. This multi-day event offers prospective job applicants the opportunity to apply for open positions on post and, if qualified, participate in interviews. Qualified applicants may receive job offers by the end of the week-long event.

This one-stop hiring event allows applicants to complete most of the hiring process in a condensed format. The first day will feature presentations about available positions, followed by opportunities to apply and be referred to the hiring agency, if qualified. Applicants who receive a tentative job offer will be asked to return on subsequent days to continue the hiring process.

Anyone without a Department of Defense (DOD) identification card can apply for a visitor pass online in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/">https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/</a>. Visitors can also visit the Visitor Control Center located near the Henry Gate, Exit 301 off I-70. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, please call (785) 239-2982.

Fort Riley has announced that they will host a one-stop hiring fair beginning October 28 at Riley’s Conference Center. This multi-day event offers prospective job applicants the opportunity to apply for open positions on post and, if qualified, participate in interviews. Qualified applicants may receive job offers by the end of the week-long event.This one-stop hiring event allows applicants to complete most of the hiring process in a condensed format. The first day will feature presentations about available positions, followed by opportunities to apply and be referred to the hiring agency, if qualified. Applicants who receive a tentative job offer will be asked to return on subsequent days to continue the hiring process.Anyone without a Department of Defense (DOD) identification card can apply for a visitor pass online in advance at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/">https://pass.aie.army.mil/Riley/</a>. Visitors can also visit the Visitor Control Center located near the Henry Gate, Exit 301 off I-70. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, please call (785) 239-2982.

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