Congratulations to Chauncey Baxter of Salina, the Week 11 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Chauncey, who scored 13 of 14 points, wins $100.

Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!

Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Chauncey Baxter of Salina, the Week 11 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Chauncey, who scored 13 of 14 points, wins $100.Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

Gridiron Glory: Congratulations Chauncey Baxter!

Holiday lights were put up in downtown Junction City this week with&nbsp; the help of a group of Fort Riley Soldiers, said Phyllis Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division. The Soldiers were part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. "Volunteered and they helped me to take down all the Veterans banners and then they turned around and helped to hang up all the greenery that goes around the light poles downtown."

By Dewey TerrillJC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669152110784.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Holiday lights were put up in downtown Junction City this week with&nbsp; the help of a group of Fort Riley Soldiers, said Phyllis Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division. The Soldiers were part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. "Volunteered and they helped me to take down all the Veterans banners and then they turned around and helped to hang up all the greenery that goes around the light poles downtown."

Soldiers help put up downtown holiday decorations in Junction City

By DEWEY TERRILL JC Post

Brig. Gen. Niave Knell, deputy commanding general of the 1st Inf. Div. and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will help serve a Thanksgiving holiday meal to Soldiers on Wednesday at the Cantigny Warrior Restaurant, Fort Riley.

Officers and senior noncommissioned officers will serve Thanksgiving dinner to Soldiers and their families from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cantigny Warrior Restaurant while Sen. Moran will join from 12:30 until 1:30.

The Thanksgiving meal is open to all Soldiers and civilians. The standard meal price is $10.05, but family members of Soldiers ranked specialist and below receive a discounted rate of $7.45. The meal will include roasted and smoked turkey, steamship round, glazed ham and more.&nbsp;

By DEWEY TERRILL JC PostBrig. Gen. Niave Knell, deputy commanding general of the 1st Inf. Div. and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will help serve a Thanksgiving holiday meal to Soldiers on Wednesday at the Cantigny Warrior Restaurant, Fort Riley.Officers and senior noncommissioned officers will serve Thanksgiving dinner to Soldiers and their families from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cantigny Warrior Restaurant while Sen. Moran will join from 12:30 until 1:30.The Thanksgiving meal is open to all Soldiers and civilians. The standard meal price is $10.05, but family members of Soldiers ranked specialist and below receive a discounted rate of $7.45. The meal will include roasted and smoked turkey, steamship round, glazed ham and more.&nbsp;

1st Infantry Division leaders, Moran will serve Thanksgiving dinner to Soldiers

All Geary County Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. Regular hours for all offices will resume Monday, November 28. 

All Geary County Offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving Day Holiday. Regular hours for all offices will resume Monday, November 28.

Geary County offices will close for Thanksgiving

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch website at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMKqsdjLXFFQIIKadwp_8w_I" target="_blank">www.kscourts.org</a>&nbsp;is temporarily offline. The expected timeline to bring the site back online is by end of day Tuesday. Also affected are websites for seven judicial districts:

Online services that are reached through the website but are not part of it continue to be available.

The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMLWOCCEp-1lYTwKNgVU7b-I" target="_blank">https://prodportal.kscourts.org/prodportal</a>. The portal is used to search district court cases in all counties but Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. It’s also where people can make online payments to courts operating in all counties but those listed.

Online payments to a court in Douglas, Sedgwick, Shawnee, or Wyandotte county, may be made using CitePayUSA at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMEEYFWELq7mgKsFlFupeFVw" target="_blank">https://www.citepayusa.com/payments/welcome.do?state=KS</a>.

Payments to Johnson County District Court can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMJ2VzopM8hlVhziZqFEIyu8" target="_blank">https://courts.jocogov.org/e_pay.aspx</a>.&nbsp;

The online Kansas Marriage License Application at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMLxFgc_Lc_75NrRKGM95f_Q" target="_blank">https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/oja/marriage_license</a>.﻿&nbsp;Couples can continue to apply for marriage licenses using the online form.

The Kansas Protection Order Portal﻿, or KSPOP, at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMCO6i3RCOajFAqO09yCVN9M" target="_blank">https://www.kspop.org/index.php/en/</a>.&nbsp;People can use the site to file for an order of protection from abuse, stalking, or trafficking.

The Kansas Courts eFiling portal at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMDmCqLOgc99LByfIArgONCA" target="_blank">https://filer.kscourts.org/﻿</a>. Kansas attorneys in good standing are required to electronically file in Kansas courts.

The Kansas Attorney Registration Directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMMhzIxbh1jNXIyeBJGR5L1Q" target="_blank">https://directory-kard.kscourts.org/</a>

The site includes a search feature to find attorneys registered in Kansas. The Kansas Appellate Case Inquiry at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMDYxHinWet11MQsS1L_n97Q" target="_blank">https://pittsreporting.kscourts.org/Appellate</a>. The inquiry system is to search cases before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

While the judicial branch website is offline, it is not possible to search appellate opinions or Supreme Court rules and orders.

Questions for the courts can be sent by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@kscourts.org" target="_blank">info@kscourts.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-296-2256.

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch website at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMKqsdjLXFFQIIKadwp_8w_I" target="_blank">www.kscourts.org</a>&nbsp;is temporarily offline. The expected timeline to bring the site back online is by end of day Tuesday. Also affected are websites for seven judicial districts:<ul>
 <li>2nd Judicial District&nbsp;</li><li>6th&nbsp;Judicial District&nbsp;</li><li>11th Judicial District&nbsp;</li><li>12th&nbsp;Judicial District&nbsp;</li><li>16th&nbsp;Judicial District&nbsp;</li><li>24th&nbsp;Judicial District&nbsp;</li><li>30th&nbsp;Judicial District&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Online services that are reached through the website but are not part of it continue to be available.The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMLWOCCEp-1lYTwKNgVU7b-I" target="_blank">https://prodportal.kscourts.org/prodportal</a>. The portal is used to search district court cases in all counties but Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. It’s also where people can make online payments to courts operating in all counties but those listed.Online payments to a court in Douglas, Sedgwick, Shawnee, or Wyandotte county, may be made using CitePayUSA at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMEEYFWELq7mgKsFlFupeFVw" target="_blank">https://www.citepayusa.com/payments/welcome.do?state=KS</a>.Payments to Johnson County District Court can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMJ2VzopM8hlVhziZqFEIyu8" target="_blank">https://courts.jocogov.org/e_pay.aspx</a>.&nbsp;The online Kansas Marriage License Application at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMLxFgc_Lc_75NrRKGM95f_Q" target="_blank">https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/oja/marriage_license</a>.﻿&nbsp;Couples can continue to apply for marriage licenses using the online form. The Kansas Protection Order Portal﻿, or KSPOP, at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMCO6i3RCOajFAqO09yCVN9M" target="_blank">https://www.kspop.org/index.php/en/</a>.&nbsp;People can use the site to file for an order of protection from abuse, stalking, or trafficking.The Kansas Courts eFiling portal at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMDmCqLOgc99LByfIArgONCA" target="_blank">https://filer.kscourts.org/﻿</a>. Kansas attorneys in good standing are required to electronically file in Kansas courts. The Kansas Attorney Registration Directory at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMMhzIxbh1jNXIyeBJGR5L1Q" target="_blank">https://directory-kard.kscourts.org/</a>The site includes a search feature to find attorneys registered in Kansas. The Kansas Appellate Case Inquiry at&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-sr20rpfK1e_zalxLXswMDYxHinWet11MQsS1L_n97Q" target="_blank">https://pittsreporting.kscourts.org/Appellate</a>. The inquiry system is to search cases before the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.While the judicial branch website is offline, it is not possible to search appellate opinions or Supreme Court rules and orders.Questions for the courts can be sent by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@kscourts.org" target="_blank">info@kscourts.org</a>&nbsp;or by calling 785-296-2256.

Kansas judicial branch reports a temporary website outage

I.C.A.R.E has announced that on Nov. 18, seven JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) of the Karns School,  and 11 residents enjoyed a game of Pictionary. Students also shared their future goals after graduation, and the seniors shared their past career and lifestyle events. One student played a song on the guitar for everyone, and others were making plans for the next visit. Four residents at Brookdale also continue to write pen pal letters to JAG Students throughout the school year.

I.C.A.R.E has announced that on Nov. 18, seven JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) of the Karns School, and 11 residents enjoyed a game of Pictionary. Students also shared their future goals after graduation, and the seniors shared their past career and lifestyle events. One student played a song on the guitar for everyone, and others were making plans for the next visit. Four residents at Brookdale also continue to write pen pal letters to JAG Students throughout the school year.

Students meet with Seniors at Brookdale

Fort Riley was the site of an annual turkey run supported by the Kansas American Legion on Saturday (Nov. 19). The American Legion, Kansas American Legion Riders and Kansas American Legion Auxiliary provided enough turkeys and all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 277 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley families.

According to the Fort Riley Garrison Public Affairs Office the Kansas American Legion has partnered with the Fort Riley Soldier Family Assistance Center since 2008 to provide Thanksgiving meals for Soldiers and military families in need. Food was distributed at the Soldier Recovery Unit clamshell on Fort Riley.

Fort Riley was the site of an annual turkey run supported by the Kansas American Legion on Saturday (Nov. 19). The American Legion, Kansas American Legion Riders and Kansas American Legion Auxiliary provided enough turkeys and all the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 277 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley families.According to the Fort Riley Garrison Public Affairs Office the Kansas American Legion has partnered with the Fort Riley Soldier Family Assistance Center since 2008 to provide Thanksgiving meals for Soldiers and military families in need. Food was distributed at the Soldier Recovery Unit clamshell on Fort Riley.

Kansas American Legion holds annual turkey run at Fort Riley

JMCI, the effort to help Fort Riley Soldiers transitioning out of the Army into good-paying civilian jobs continues in Junction City. Mickey Fornaro-Dean, Economic Development Director for the Chamber of Commerce told county commissioners Monday about a pivot to talk to smaller firms. "We're getting those firms very interested. So we're engaging more, we're getting firms that want to come here, that want to meet with our Soldiers."

Fornaro-Dean pointed to an upcoming Dinner with Industry event to help transitioning Soldiers on Dec. 1 from 2:30 - 7 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Auditorium. Hosted by Overland Park based Terracon, it will feature resume review and interviewing tips, a panel discussion on career services and participants will be able to learn more about Terracon's lab technician and exploration team member opportunities.

There has also been a childcare survey with 42 respondents. Fornaro-Dean stated that now officials are trying to put all the data together. More meetings are planned on the childcare subject which includes engagement from the Chamber, city and county leaders. "We had several companies that said they would be supportive so we're checking on those, which ones would want to serve on the task force or committee, which ones would just prefer to give us information. And then there's also that which ones would like to contribute financially."

JMCI, the effort to help Fort Riley Soldiers transitioning out of the Army into good-paying civilian jobs continues in Junction City. Mickey Fornaro-Dean, Economic Development Director for the Chamber of Commerce told county commissioners Monday about a pivot to talk to smaller firms. "We're getting those firms very interested. So we're engaging more, we're getting firms that want to come here, that want to meet with our Soldiers."Fornaro-Dean pointed to an upcoming Dinner with Industry event to help transitioning Soldiers on Dec. 1 from 2:30 - 7 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Auditorium. Hosted by Overland Park based Terracon, it will feature resume review and interviewing tips, a panel discussion on career services and participants will be able to learn more about Terracon's lab technician and exploration team member opportunities.There has also been a childcare survey with 42 respondents. Fornaro-Dean stated that now officials are trying to put all the data together. More meetings are planned on the childcare subject which includes engagement from the Chamber, city and county leaders. "We had several companies that said they would be supportive so we're checking on those, which ones would want to serve on the task force or committee, which ones would just prefer to give us information. And then there's also that which ones would like to contribute financially."

Geary County Commissioners get quarterly economic development report

Todd Godfrey, Junction City, received a Quilt of Valor during a presentation Monday. Phyllis Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Division, said it was awarded for Godfrey's service in the Army. "He served a couple of years in the Army, and during this time in the military he helped support Hurricane Hugo ( recovery efforts ) and out of Hunter Army Airfield he helped support Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostTodd Godfrey, Junction City, received a Quilt of Valor during a presentation Monday. Phyllis Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Society of the 1st Division, said it was awarded for Godfrey's service in the Army. "He served a couple of years in the Army, and during this time in the military he helped support Hurricane Hugo ( recovery efforts ) and out of Hunter Army Airfield he helped support Desert Shield and Desert Storm.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669061379015.jpeg" alt="Todd Godfrey ( center )" />
 <figcaption>Todd Godfrey ( center )</figcaption>
 </figure>

Junction City resident is honored for military service

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.

On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. 

Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each.

 They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each. They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

RCPD: 2 accused of setting fires in Manhattan

House of Ruth's 2nd Annual 2022 Winter Coat Drive for Kids is complete.

They would like to thank the people of Junction City,  all of The JC Community Partners, The New Church of The Living God,  Normandy Chapel, the First Presbyterian Church of Junction City, the Bramlage Foundation, Burkes Department Store, The McKinney -Vintos Coordinator of USD 475, the Geary County Community Health Worker Team, the Seniors from the Geary County 4H Senior Center Yoga classes, the Junction City Juneteenth Committee, Mr. Times for his live podcast; and the local USD 475 elementary schools for allowing us to provide winter coats to their schools. 

This year The House of Ruth's Winter Coat Drive for Kids collected 207 new coats along with hats and gloves for kids. 

Linda Gibson thanked everyone for joining the cost drive to help families keep their kids warm this winter.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostHouse of Ruth's 2nd Annual 2022 Winter Coat Drive for Kids is complete.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669044416872.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>They would like to thank the people of Junction City, all of The JC Community Partners, The New Church of The Living God, Normandy Chapel, the First Presbyterian Church of Junction City, the Bramlage Foundation, Burkes Department Store, The McKinney -Vintos Coordinator of USD 475, the Geary County Community Health Worker Team, the Seniors from the Geary County 4H Senior Center Yoga classes, the Junction City Juneteenth Committee, Mr. Times for his live podcast; and the local USD 475 elementary schools for allowing us to provide winter coats to their schools. This year The House of Ruth's Winter Coat Drive for Kids collected 207 new coats along with hats and gloves for kids. Linda Gibson thanked everyone for joining the cost drive to help families keep their kids warm this winter.

House of Ruth thanks supporters of winter coat drive

Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau Even as Thanksgiving draws near, it’s easy have a pessimistic perspective about the current state of the world. If you’re feeding a gathering of 10 people, a traditional turkey dinner will cost 20 percent more this year, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation survey. To be fair, wages are rising but at a much slower pace so while the survey’s results are real, 20 percent is a bit of an overstatement. Nonetheless, that pinch in your pocketbook is real, and it’s easy to let it spoil Thanksgiving. Our inclination to self-centeredness is partly to blame. We know exactly which rung on the ladder we occupy, and it’s all too easy to look up, see everyone a step or two higher and think we’re at the bottom. Our aspirations for tomorrow can easily lead to resentment today if we spend too much time looking up. We avoid looking down, not out of a feeling of superiority, but fear. Fear our footing isn’t solid enough to prevent slipping down a rung. Angst our only assets are material in nature. Worry our worth is based on ascending. These are universal causes of anxiety and alarm even if they’re only true in our minds. Just as our value isn’t set by a bank account, a meal’s quality isn’t dependent on its price. While accounting can make things look simple and tidy, it’s a poor approach to confine one’s life to a spreadsheet or the balance of a retirement account, especially this year. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on just how much we take gratitude for granted and how skewed our perspective can become. A day reserved for family and feast is surely a reason to be grateful, but it’s worth acknowledging there’s value in recognizing the obvious and near rather than waiting for some special, unexpected good luck to express appreciation. Is it not worth celebrating the mere fact we’re alive right now? When counting blessings isn’t that the logical place to begin? While not everyone has the opportunity to give thanks for the laughter of cousins playing while the adults cook or have those close conversations around the table after the meal is finished, the fact we’re here at all is notable. The funny thing about recognizing the incredibly simple aspects of life is it has a way of changing your outlook. A week or two from now, no one will recall if the turkey was dry, the mashed potatoes were a little lumpy, who brought what pie or even what everything cost. That’s the hope at least. It’s possible a curmudgeon or two will find their way to a few dinner tables, bringing with them dour assessments of the world and wanting to talk about unseemly topics like politics. Being thankful for life doesn’t mean we’re free from challenges. However, we get to choose how we approach those challenges. Thanksgiving is a good time to focus on all the things big and small we’re grateful for. It should also serve as a reminder to take stock of our gratitude throughout the year. If you start with the simple fact you’re grateful to be alive, you can probably continue counting your blessings until your family’s next feast.

Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau Even as Thanksgiving draws near, it’s easy have a pessimistic perspective about the current state of the world. If you’re feeding a gathering of 10 people, a traditional turkey dinner will cost 20 percent more this year, according to an American Farm Bureau Federation survey. To be fair, wages are rising but at a much slower pace so while the survey’s results are real, 20 percent is a bit of an overstatement. Nonetheless, that pinch in your pocketbook is real, and it’s easy to let it spoil Thanksgiving. Our inclination to self-centeredness is partly to blame. We know exactly which rung on the ladder we occupy, and it’s all too easy to look up, see everyone a step or two higher and think we’re at the bottom. Our aspirations for tomorrow can easily lead to resentment today if we spend too much time looking up. We avoid looking down, not out of a feeling of superiority, but fear. Fear our footing isn’t solid enough to prevent slipping down a rung. Angst our only assets are material in nature. Worry our worth is based on ascending. These are universal causes of anxiety and alarm even if they’re only true in our minds. Just as our value isn’t set by a bank account, a meal’s quality isn’t dependent on its price. While accounting can make things look simple and tidy, it’s a poor approach to confine one’s life to a spreadsheet or the balance of a retirement account, especially this year. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on just how much we take gratitude for granted and how skewed our perspective can become. A day reserved for family and feast is surely a reason to be grateful, but it’s worth acknowledging there’s value in recognizing the obvious and near rather than waiting for some special, unexpected good luck to express appreciation. Is it not worth celebrating the mere fact we’re alive right now? When counting blessings isn’t that the logical place to begin? While not everyone has the opportunity to give thanks for the laughter of cousins playing while the adults cook or have those close conversations around the table after the meal is finished, the fact we’re here at all is notable. The funny thing about recognizing the incredibly simple aspects of life is it has a way of changing your outlook. A week or two from now, no one will recall if the turkey was dry, the mashed potatoes were a little lumpy, who brought what pie or even what everything cost. That’s the hope at least. It’s possible a curmudgeon or two will find their way to a few dinner tables, bringing with them dour assessments of the world and wanting to talk about unseemly topics like politics. Being thankful for life doesn’t mean we’re free from challenges. However, we get to choose how we approach those challenges. Thanksgiving is a good time to focus on all the things big and small we’re grateful for. It should also serve as a reminder to take stock of our gratitude throughout the year. If you start with the simple fact you’re grateful to be alive, you can probably continue counting your blessings until your family’s next feast.

Family and Feast

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Sunday in Manhattan.

A 2018 Kia Soul driven by David Labombarbe, 36, Manhattan, was northbound on Scenic Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

An unknown southbound vehicle entered the lane causing Labombarbe to swerve. The car left the west side of the roadway, struck a road sign and traveled down an embankment. 

EMS transported Labombarbe to Via Christi for treatment of leg, hip, neck, and back pain, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 10p.m. Sunday in Manhattan.A 2018 Kia Soul driven by David Labombarbe, 36, Manhattan, was northbound on Scenic Drive, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.An unknown southbound vehicle entered the lane causing Labombarbe to swerve. The car left the west side of the roadway, struck a road sign and traveled down an embankment. EMS transported Labombarbe to Via Christi for treatment of leg, hip, neck, and back pain, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan man injured after car lands down embankment

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Friday in Manhattan.

A 2017 Nissan Versa driven by Emily Litke, 19, of Abilene, was northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard when she traveled through a red light at the intersection of Leavenworth Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

the Nissan struck a southbound 2017 Hyundai Tuscon driven by Maggie Barbe, 19, of Manhattan head-on as she turned onto Leavenworth Street.

EMS transported Barbe to Via Christi for treatment of head pain. Litke was issued a citation for inattentive driving.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Friday in Manhattan.A 2017 Nissan Versa driven by Emily Litke, 19, of Abilene, was northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard when she traveled through a red light at the intersection of Leavenworth Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.the Nissan struck a southbound 2017 Hyundai Tuscon driven by Maggie Barbe, 19, of Manhattan head-on as she turned onto Leavenworth Street.EMS transported Barbe to Via Christi for treatment of head pain. Litke was issued a citation for inattentive driving.

Manhattan woman hospitalized after head-on crash

This Thanksgiving, make sure to buckle up, Kansas. Now through Monday, Nov 27, The Junction City Police Department said that they will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas *THANKSGIVING SAFE ARRIVAL traffic enforcement campaign. 

Although all Kansas Traffic Laws will be enforced, this extra provision will actively enforce our occupant protection laws. Our agency will also provide education that serves as a reminder that BUCKLING UP SAVES LIVES.&nbsp; This effort is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

By JCPD:This Thanksgiving, make sure to buckle up, Kansas. Now through Monday, Nov 27, The Junction City Police Department said that they will join many other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas *THANKSGIVING SAFE ARRIVAL traffic enforcement campaign. Although all Kansas Traffic Laws will be enforced, this extra provision will actively enforce our occupant protection laws. Our agency will also provide education that serves as a reminder that BUCKLING UP SAVES LIVES.&nbsp; This effort is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).&nbsp;&nbsp;

New traffic safety enforcement campaign is under way

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7 a.m. Sunday, police were called to the 400 block of W 18th Street in Junction City after a report of someone screaming for help, according to a media release.

First responders found 31-year-old Rollin McClam with a possible stab wound. EMS transported him to Geary Community Hospital and he was later transferred to&nbsp;Stormont Vail&nbsp;in Topeka due to the extent of his injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Alexius B. Mims, 47, is in custody in Geary County on requested charges&nbsp; attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668979019592.png" alt="Mims-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Mims-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7 a.m. Sunday, police were called to the 400 block of W 18th Street in Junction City after a report of someone screaming for help, according to a media release.First responders found 31-year-old Rollin McClam with a possible stab wound. EMS transported him to Geary Community Hospital and he was later transferred to&nbsp;Stormont Vail&nbsp;in Topeka due to the extent of his injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexius B. Mims, 47, is in custody in Geary County on requested charges&nbsp; attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery, according to online jail records.

 Suspect jailed for alleged stabbing in Junction City

GEARY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Saturday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Colorado driven by Saeu T. Suluvale, 34, Kansas City, Mo., was westbound on Interstate 70 at Moritz Road. 

The pickup crossed the median and struck a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Timothy&nbsp;Wiley, 47, Middleburg, Florida, head-on.

Suluvale was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Johnson Funeral Home. EMS transported Wiley and a passenger Gregory&nbsp;Moniz, 52, Debary, Florida, to Geary Community Hospital. The drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Saturday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Chevy Colorado driven by Saeu T. Suluvale, 34, Kansas City, Mo., was westbound on Interstate 70 at Moritz Road. The pickup crossed the median and struck a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Timothy&nbsp;Wiley, 47, Middleburg, Florida, head-on.Suluvale was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Johnson Funeral Home. EMS transported Wiley and a passenger Gregory&nbsp;Moniz, 52, Debary, Florida, to Geary Community Hospital. The drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Woman dead after I-70 pickup, semi head-on crash

Operation Santa Claus is a volunteer organization of Fort Riley Soldiers working to donate toys to families on post in need during the holiday season. Each child goes home with two toys, a book, family puzzle or game and a stocking.

According to OSC representatives their headquarters where toy donations will be accepted will be in Building 5306 on Fort Riley and their hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;

Participants can sign up with their chain of command as long as your rank is E-5 or below with children and have a financial need. Last year more&nbsp; than 500 families were served and organizers hope to do the same or more this year. Toys are needed for youth ranging from infants up to the age of 18. Monetary donations are accepted.

Volunteers for the program can sign up at the Operation Santa Claus facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668888900609.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Operation Santa Claus is a volunteer organization of Fort Riley Soldiers working to donate toys to families on post in need during the holiday season. Each child goes home with two toys, a book, family puzzle or game and a stocking.According to OSC representatives their headquarters where toy donations will be accepted will be in Building 5306 on Fort Riley and their hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.&nbsp;Participants can sign up with their chain of command as long as your rank is E-5 or below with children and have a financial need. Last year more&nbsp; than 500 families were served and organizers hope to do the same or more this year. Toys are needed for youth ranging from infants up to the age of 18. Monetary donations are accepted.Volunteers for the program can sign up at the Operation Santa Claus facebook page.

Operation Santa Claus helps Fort Riley families

DICKINSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Saturday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Leannitta M.&nbsp;Heller, 36, Solomon, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Solomon.

The Dodge rear-ended a 2001 Ford Excursion driven by Michael J. Morton, 68, San Bernadino, California.

EMS transported&nbsp;Heller and Morton to Salina Regional Health Center. The KHP reported two children were also in the Dodge. They did not report if they were transported for treatment.&nbsp; The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

DICKINSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident just after 5:30p.m. Saturday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Leannitta M.&nbsp;Heller, 36, Solomon, was westbound on Interstate 70 one mile east of Solomon.The Dodge rear-ended a 2001 Ford Excursion driven by Michael J. Morton, 68, San Bernadino, California.EMS transported&nbsp;Heller and Morton to Salina Regional Health Center. The KHP reported two children were also in the Dodge. They did not report if they were transported for treatment.&nbsp; The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

2-hospitalized after I-70 rear-end crash

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will hold its second annual Breakfast with Santa program on Sat. Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon at the library. Santa and a pancake breakfast bar will be featured in the meeting room. Games, crafts and other activities will be in the main part of the library.&nbsp;

This will be a come-and-go program that is free and open to the public. No registration is required. The library will be closed during the program and will open to regular business at one p.m.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will hold its second annual Breakfast with Santa program on Sat. Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon at the library. Santa and a pancake breakfast bar will be featured in the meeting room. Games, crafts and other activities will be in the main part of the library.&nbsp;This will be a come-and-go program that is free and open to the public. No registration is required. The library will be closed during the program and will open to regular business at one p.m.

Breakfast with Santa will be Dec. 3 in Junction City

Geary County Commissioners will participate in a joint meeting on Monday with the Public Building Commission regarding revenue shortfall funding for Geary Community Hospital. That session is scheduled at 10 a.m. during the weekly county meeting.

Other agenda items for the day range from weekly reports by the Finance Officer and HR Director to a Solid waste management plan five year review and an Economic Development Quarterly Report.

The county commission meeting at the Geary County Office Building is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Geary County Commissioners will participate in a joint meeting on Monday with the Public Building Commission regarding revenue shortfall funding for Geary Community Hospital. That session is scheduled at 10 a.m. during the weekly county meeting.Other agenda items for the day range from weekly reports by the Finance Officer and HR Director to a Solid waste management plan five year review and an Economic Development Quarterly Report.The county commission meeting at the Geary County Office Building is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Geary County Commission agenda is set for Monday

Junction City Parks crews have been putting up Christmas decorations in Heritage Park and preparing for the 27th annual Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and downtown lighting ceremony. The parade will be on Friday, Nov. 25th at 5:30 p.m. The lighting ceremony will follow the parade.

The parade will be broadcast by 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK.

Junction City Parks crews have been putting up Christmas decorations in Heritage Park and preparing for the 27th annual Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and downtown lighting ceremony. The parade will be on Friday, Nov. 25th at 5:30 p.m. The lighting ceremony will follow the parade.The parade will be broadcast by 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK.

Junction City Parks Department prepares for Christmas

JCPD is still accepting applications for the 2023 Citizens Police Academy starting on January 19th, 2023. Applications are available at the Junction City Police Department or on the City's website www.junctioncity-ks.org under Your Government&gt;Public Safety&gt;Police Department&gt;Citizen's Police Academy. You can also request an application by email at edgar.torres@jcks.com. Sign up now! Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.

The Junction City Police Department Citizen's Police Academy is a unique experience of a behind-the-scenes look at the Junction City Police Department. The 12-week Citizen's Police Academy course meets one night each week (Thursdays) for approximately 3 hours including one Saturday.

JCPD is still accepting applications for the 2023 Citizens Police Academy starting on January 19th, 2023. Applications are available at the Junction City Police Department or on the City's website www.junctioncity-ks.org under Your Government&gt;Public Safety&gt;Police Department&gt;Citizen's Police Academy. You can also request an application by email at edgar.torres@jcks.com. Sign up now! Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.The Junction City Police Department Citizen's Police Academy is a unique experience of a behind-the-scenes look at the Junction City Police Department. The 12-week Citizen's Police Academy course meets one night each week (Thursdays) for approximately 3 hours including one Saturday.

Applications will be accepted for the JCPD Citizens Police Academy

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/18/alex-gino-author-of-book-that-sparked-effort-to-close-kansas-towns-library-speaks-out/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Alex Gino wanted to write a 
book that reflected transgender youths’ experiences, the sort of book 
they wished they’d had when they were young.

It took them 12 years to write the 
book, which went on to receive several literary awards, including a 
Children’s Choice award and the Lambda literary award.

Now, the St. Marys City Commission is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/16/future-of-kansas-towns-library-uncertain-after-outpouring-of-support-at-commission-meeting/">threatening the existence</a> of a public library for simply <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/14/future-of-kansas-towns-library-in-jeopardy-over-refusal-to-remove-divisive-books/">having Gino’s book in stock</a>.

“It hurts my heart,” Gino said. “The 
implication is that my existence is so monstrous that it should be 
withheld from children. And what happens is, you end up with adults like
 me, who didn’t have good role models or good reflections of people like
 them growing up, and the road does not change who you are, but it makes
 the road much more painful. And it makes the road a lot more 
dangerous.”

The book in question, “Melissa,” is 
about a transgender girl in middle school who fights to be accepted as a
 girl among her peers, family, and fellow students. Melissa learns to 
advocate for herself and her friends by playing the role of Charlotte in
 her school’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.”

The book, which was published in 2015, was added to the Pottawatomie
 Wabaunsee Regional Library in St. Marys after it made the William Allen
 White Award 2017-2018 Master List for grades 3-5.

“Melissa” had only been checked out 
four times from the library when it became the center of uproar this 
summer. Parent Dave Perry demanded the book be removed from the library,
 saying the contents were unsuitable for children and encouraged 
“chemical castration.”

Following Perry’s demands for 
removal, St. Marys city commissioners asked the library to accept a 
lease clause that would remove all books that dealt with sexuality, 
race, or LGBTQ themes.

The lease stipulated that the library
 not “supply, distribute, loan, encourage, or coerce acceptance of or 
approval of explicit sexual or racially or socially divisive material, 
or events (such as ‘drag queen story hours’) that support the LGBTQ+ or 
critical theory ideology or practice.”

The library refused to accept the 
“morals clause,” and commissioners remain undetermined on whether or not
 they’ll allow the library to stay in the St. Marys location. At the 
latest commission meeting, officials discussed allowing the library to 
have a short-term lease while they decided if the library met the “moral
 standards” of the commissioners. The commissioners will vote on the 
lease in early December. The library’s lease ends Dec. 31.

The American Civil Liberties Union of
 Kansas issued a statement in support of the library Wednesday, urging 
that the library continue to be funded and that the commission abandon 
the ban of these materials. The ACLU condemned the actions of the 
commission and said it will&nbsp; monitor the situation.

“The residents of the various cities 
served by the library have a First Amendment right to the targeted 
content,” said Sharon Brett, legal director of the ACLU of Kansas. “And 
the St. Mary’s commission’s insistence on banning items containing 
content they don’t like could have constitutional implications when it 
comes to library patrons’ rights to free expression and the right to 
receive information.”

Gino said the commissioners’ actions 
would damage transgender and LGBTQ youths in St. Marys, a town which is 
already heavily conservative and contains a large religious population 
associated with the Society of Saint Pius X.

St. Marys Vice-Mayor Francis 
Awerkamp, a Republican who also serves in the Kansas House, said he 
wouldn’t support the public library in any form because of the LGBTQ 
material it housed.

Gino said they are used to extreme reactions to “Melissa” but that this case was fairly extreme.

“When trans people are harmed because the people in his community don’t know who we are, that blood is on his hands,” Gino said.

Gino’s book is no longer kept in the 
library: Perry, the parent who objected to Gino’s book, said he had paid
 to have the book removed from the library.

Gino referenced Perry’s speech in 
support of the library during a Nov. 15 debate on whether or not to 
renew the library’s lease. Perry had said he wanted the library to stay,
 and that the whole thing had gone too far.

“The parent who brought up the book 
does not want the library closed. And it’s this case of, ‘No, no, I 
wanted censorship my way, but now you’re going too far.’ But you opened 
the door to censorship. That’s why we don’t do that,” Gino said.

“The scary thing is that the 
alternative is to remove the library, so I don’t even know how to feel,”
 Gino added. “But in general, the idea of taking my book off the shelves
 because one individual or small group of individuals are trying to 
outweigh the librarian and the library, it’s selfish. I think it’s a 
fragile action. And I think it’s not American. It is not in favor of 
free speech, and it’s not the world I want to be in.”

Gino said the sort of censorship seen
 in St. Marys and in the U.S. at large has worsened over the past few 
years, though they’ve been battling harsh responses to the book since it
 was published.

Gino said “Melissa” was the No.1 most
 banned and challenged book on the American Library Association’s banned
 books list for three years in a row. The book has been challenged in 
Kansas before, with Wichita Public Schools refusing to buy the book in 
2017, bucking the custom of purchasing books from the William Allen 
White Children’s Book Awards Committee.

“The issue of banned and challenged 
books is much, much worse in the last two or so years,” Gino said. “It’s
 becoming a real epidemic. It’s gotten to the point where people are 
going in with an entire list of books that they want removed.”

At the November commission meeting, 
many St. Marys residents spoke in favor of keeping the library, but few 
supported the book itself. One speaker said the book would encourage 
children to become “frankensteins.” More than one person said “Melissa” 
would cause the town youths to want to chemically castrate themselves. 
Another said that LGBTQ books were the work of a “silver tongued devil.”

“I really just want to send my 
support to the trans kids, to the queer kids out there, to the families 
out there,” Gino said. “The majority does support you, and you are 
loved, and you are welcome in your space.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668797134203.png" alt="St. Marys residents line the walls to listen to the discussion of the library’s lease renewal during a Nov. 15, 2022, city commission meeting. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>St. Marys residents line the walls to listen to the discussion of the library’s lease renewal during a Nov. 15, 2022, city commission meeting. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/18/alex-gino-author-of-book-that-sparked-effort-to-close-kansas-towns-library-speaks-out/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Alex Gino wanted to write a 
book that reflected transgender youths’ experiences, the sort of book 
they wished they’d had when they were young.It took them 12 years to write the 
book, which went on to receive several literary awards, including a 
Children’s Choice award and the Lambda literary award.Now, the St. Marys City Commission is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/16/future-of-kansas-towns-library-uncertain-after-outpouring-of-support-at-commission-meeting/">threatening the existence</a> of a public library for simply <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/14/future-of-kansas-towns-library-in-jeopardy-over-refusal-to-remove-divisive-books/">having Gino’s book in stock</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668797191108.jpeg" alt="Alex Gino, author of “Melissa,” says transgender youths need to hear stories that reflect their experiences. (Submitted by Alex Gino)" />
 <figcaption>Alex Gino, author of “Melissa,” says transgender youths need to hear stories that reflect their experiences. (Submitted by Alex Gino)</figcaption>
 </figure>“It hurts my heart,” Gino said. “The 
implication is that my existence is so monstrous that it should be 
withheld from children. And what happens is, you end up with adults like
 me, who didn’t have good role models or good reflections of people like
 them growing up, and the road does not change who you are, but it makes
 the road much more painful. And it makes the road a lot more 
dangerous.”The book in question, “Melissa,” is 
about a transgender girl in middle school who fights to be accepted as a
 girl among her peers, family, and fellow students. Melissa learns to 
advocate for herself and her friends by playing the role of Charlotte in
 her school’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.”The book, which was published in 2015, was added to the Pottawatomie
 Wabaunsee Regional Library in St. Marys after it made the William Allen
 White Award 2017-2018 Master List for grades 3-5.“Melissa” had only been checked out 
four times from the library when it became the center of uproar this 
summer. Parent Dave Perry demanded the book be removed from the library,
 saying the contents were unsuitable for children and encouraged 
“chemical castration.”Following Perry’s demands for 
removal, St. Marys city commissioners asked the library to accept a 
lease clause that would remove all books that dealt with sexuality, 
race, or LGBTQ themes.The lease stipulated that the library
 not “supply, distribute, loan, encourage, or coerce acceptance of or 
approval of explicit sexual or racially or socially divisive material, 
or events (such as ‘drag queen story hours’) that support the LGBTQ+ or 
critical theory ideology or practice.”The library refused to accept the 
“morals clause,” and commissioners remain undetermined on whether or not
 they’ll allow the library to stay in the St. Marys location. At the 
latest commission meeting, officials discussed allowing the library to 
have a short-term lease while they decided if the library met the “moral
 standards” of the commissioners. The commissioners will vote on the 
lease in early December. The library’s lease ends Dec. 31.The American Civil Liberties Union of
 Kansas issued a statement in support of the library Wednesday, urging 
that the library continue to be funded and that the commission abandon 
the ban of these materials. The ACLU condemned the actions of the 
commission and said it will&nbsp; monitor the situation.“The residents of the various cities 
served by the library have a First Amendment right to the targeted 
content,” said Sharon Brett, legal director of the ACLU of Kansas. “And 
the St. Mary’s commission’s insistence on banning items containing 
content they don’t like could have constitutional implications when it 
comes to library patrons’ rights to free expression and the right to 
receive information.”Gino said the commissioners’ actions 
would damage transgender and LGBTQ youths in St. Marys, a town which is 
already heavily conservative and contains a large religious population 
associated with the Society of Saint Pius X.St. Marys Vice-Mayor Francis 
Awerkamp, a Republican who also serves in the Kansas House, said he 
wouldn’t support the public library in any form because of the LGBTQ 
material it housed.Gino said they are used to extreme reactions to “Melissa” but that this case was fairly extreme.“When trans people are harmed because the people in his community don’t know who we are, that blood is on his hands,” Gino said.Gino’s book is no longer kept in the 
library: Perry, the parent who objected to Gino’s book, said he had paid
 to have the book removed from the library.Gino referenced Perry’s speech in 
support of the library during a Nov. 15 debate on whether or not to 
renew the library’s lease. Perry had said he wanted the library to stay,
 and that the whole thing had gone too far.“The parent who brought up the book 
does not want the library closed. And it’s this case of, ‘No, no, I 
wanted censorship my way, but now you’re going too far.’ But you opened 
the door to censorship. That’s why we don’t do that,” Gino said.“The scary thing is that the 
alternative is to remove the library, so I don’t even know how to feel,”
 Gino added. “But in general, the idea of taking my book off the shelves
 because one individual or small group of individuals are trying to 
outweigh the librarian and the library, it’s selfish. I think it’s a 
fragile action. And I think it’s not American. It is not in favor of 
free speech, and it’s not the world I want to be in.”Gino said the sort of censorship seen
 in St. Marys and in the U.S. at large has worsened over the past few 
years, though they’ve been battling harsh responses to the book since it
 was published.Gino said “Melissa” was the No.1 most
 banned and challenged book on the American Library Association’s banned
 books list for three years in a row. The book has been challenged in 
Kansas before, with Wichita Public Schools refusing to buy the book in 
2017, bucking the custom of purchasing books from the William Allen 
White Children’s Book Awards Committee.“The issue of banned and challenged 
books is much, much worse in the last two or so years,” Gino said. “It’s
 becoming a real epidemic. It’s gotten to the point where people are 
going in with an entire list of books that they want removed.”At the November commission meeting, 
many St. Marys residents spoke in favor of keeping the library, but few 
supported the book itself. One speaker said the book would encourage 
children to become “frankensteins.” More than one person said “Melissa” 
would cause the town youths to want to chemically castrate themselves. 
Another said that LGBTQ books were the work of a “silver tongued devil.”Gino’s message remains firm.“I really just want to send my 
support to the trans kids, to the queer kids out there, to the families 
out there,” Gino said. “The majority does support you, and you are 
loved, and you are welcome in your space.”

Author of book that sparked effort to close library speaks out

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;seasonally adjusted unemployment rate&nbsp;of 2.8 percent in October. This was an increase from 2.6% in September and a decrease from 2.9 percent in October 2021.

“The Kansas unemployment rate increased to 2.8 percent in October,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. "Even with this increase, the unemployment rate remains below pre-pandemic levels."

The jobless rate in Geary County rose slightly, from 3.7 percent in September to 3.9 percent in October. Most counties in the region saw a similar increase.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,500 from September. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 8,000 over the month, while government increased by 500.

“Kansas private sector job estimates showed strong growth over the month adding 8,000 jobs,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “The industries leading this growth include leisure and hospitality and professional and business services, both contributing 2,000 jobs. Over the year private sector jobs have increased by 3.4 percent.”

Since October 2021 Kansas'&nbsp;seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs&nbsp;have increased by 40,500. This change is due to an increase of 38,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,800 government jobs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668790962396.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;seasonally adjusted unemployment rate&nbsp;of 2.8 percent in October. This was an increase from 2.6% in September and a decrease from 2.9 percent in October 2021.“The Kansas unemployment rate increased to 2.8 percent in October,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. "Even with this increase, the unemployment rate remains below pre-pandemic levels."The jobless rate in Geary County rose slightly, from 3.7 percent in September to 3.9 percent in October. Most counties in the region saw a similar increase.Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,500 from September. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;Private sector jobs&nbsp;increased by 8,000 over the month, while government increased by 500.“Kansas private sector job estimates showed strong growth over the month adding 8,000 jobs,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “The industries leading this growth include leisure and hospitality and professional and business services, both contributing 2,000 jobs. Over the year private sector jobs have increased by 3.4 percent.”Since October 2021 Kansas'&nbsp;seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs&nbsp;have increased by 40,500. This change is due to an increase of 38,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,800 government jobs.

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