On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly" allowtransparency="true" height="450" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=4pmny-133dea0-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=450" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

🎤 Forward Ever: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly

Local volunteers from the Junction City community and Fort Riley braved the cold Friday morning to help clean up downtown. Work included cleanup of leaves and debris. Junction City Main Street coordinated the effort.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostLocal volunteers from the Junction City community and Fort Riley braved the cold Friday morning to help clean up downtown. Work included cleanup of leaves and debris. Junction City Main Street coordinated the effort.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671215780441.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671215964819.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671215981812.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Volunteers spruce up downtown Junction City

JUNCTION CITY — On Friday, Konza Prairie Community Health Center announces the promotion of Dani Hallgren to the role of chief executive officer. Hallgren joined Konza in 2018 as community engagement coordinator and in 2019 she became chief operating officer, overseeing daily operations at Konza clinics in Junction City and Manhattan.

Hallgren succeeds Lee Wolf, who has led Konza for 17 years as CEO, and is moving on to take a position in health care leadership at Salina Regional Health Center. 

“Dani is well known for her drive and desire to improve the health of all people,” Wolf said. “Her combination of servant and transformational leadership style position Konza for continued success. I know the organization will move forward to reach new and exciting achievements under her strong guidance.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671215073337.jpeg" alt="Dani Hallgren" />
 <figcaption>Dani Hallgren</figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseJUNCTION CITY — On Friday, Konza Prairie Community Health Center announces the promotion of Dani Hallgren to the role of chief executive officer. Hallgren joined Konza in 2018 as community engagement coordinator and in 2019 she became chief operating officer, overseeing daily operations at Konza clinics in Junction City and Manhattan.Hallgren succeeds Lee Wolf, who has led Konza for 17 years as CEO, and is moving on to take a position in health care leadership at Salina Regional Health Center. “Dani is well known for her drive and desire to improve the health of all people,” Wolf said. “Her combination of servant and transformational leadership style position Konza for continued success. I know the organization will move forward to reach new and exciting achievements under her strong guidance.”

New CEO named at Konza Prairie Community Health Center 

Progress is continuing on both of the replacement fire stations for Geary County Rural Fire Department. The framework has started at Station 10 located in the Laurel Canyon area while Station 2 located on East Lyon's Creek Road had the concrete pad poured last week. 

The framework should start there soon. Both stations should be completed and operational by the end of February 2023.  Once operational, both stations will be housing both a brush unit and a Class A pumper, thus expanding the fire capability in both of those areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Progress is continuing on both of the replacement fire stations for Geary County Rural Fire Department. The framework has started at Station 10 located in the Laurel Canyon area while Station 2 located on East Lyon's Creek Road had the concrete pad poured last week. The framework should start there soon.Both stations should be completed and operational by the end of February 2023.  Once operational, both stations will be housing both a brush unit and a Class A pumper, thus expanding the fire capability in both of those areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Dewey TerrillJC PostProgress is continuing on both of the replacement fire stations for Geary County Rural Fire Department. The framework has started at Station 10 located in the Laurel Canyon area while Station 2 located on East Lyon's Creek Road had the concrete pad poured last week. The framework should start there soon. Both stations should be completed and operational by the end of February 2023. Once operational, both stations will be housing both a brush unit and a Class A pumper, thus expanding the fire capability in both of those areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Progress is continuing on both of the replacement fire stations for Geary County Rural Fire Department. The framework has started at Station 10 located in the Laurel Canyon area while Station 2 located on East Lyon's Creek Road had the concrete pad poured last week. The framework should start there soon.Both stations should be completed and operational by the end of February 2023. Once operational, both stations will be housing both a brush unit and a Class A pumper, thus expanding the fire capability in both of those areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671214624504.jpeg" alt="Photo - Geary County Rural Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo - Geary County Rural Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>

Works moves forward on rural fire stations

Geary County’s Sundown Salute committee has announced the return of the Miss Milford Lake Scholarship Pageant Sunday Jan. 15, 2023. This event will be held at the Milford Elementary School starting at 2:30 p.m.

This scholarship pageant is open to women ages 17 (18 by June 1, 2023) to 26 in the four county area surrounding Milford Lake, which includes Geary, Riley, Dickinson and Clay counties.

Entry fee for each contestant will be $50 and events will consist of Talent, ten minute interview with judges, on-stage interview question and social impact statement and Red Carpet/runway modeling.

Scholarships will be awarded for crown winner, best talent, best dress and best interview. There will also be a People’s Choice award based on a photograph of the contestant.

Special guests include Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Niomi Ndirangu from El Dorado, KS with others to be announced at a later date. Admission to the event will be $10 per person.

Inquiries can be address to the Facebook pages of Miss Milford Lake (facebook.com/MissMilfordLake) and Sundown Salute (facebook.com/SundownSaluteJC) or email to sundownsalutejc@gmail.com

It’s been nearly 30 years since this pageant has been held. 

By Jerry WatsonSundown SaluteGeary County’s Sundown Salute committee has announced the return of the Miss Milford Lake Scholarship Pageant Sunday Jan. 15, 2023. This event will be held at the Milford Elementary School starting at 2:30 p.m.This scholarship pageant is open to women ages 17 (18 by June 1, 2023) to 26 in the four county area surrounding Milford Lake, which includes Geary, Riley, Dickinson and Clay counties.Entry fee for each contestant will be $50 and events will consist of Talent, ten minute interview with judges, on-stage interview question and social impact statement and Red Carpet/runway modeling.Scholarships will be awarded for crown winner, best talent, best dress and best interview. There will also be a People’s Choice award based on a photograph of the contestant.Special guests include Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Niomi Ndirangu from El Dorado, KS with others to be announced at a later date. Admission to the event will be $10 per person.Inquiries can be address to the Facebook pages of Miss Milford Lake (facebook.com/MissMilfordLake) and Sundown Salute (facebook.com/SundownSaluteJC) or email to sundownsalutejc@gmail.comIt’s been nearly 30 years since this pageant has been held.

Miss Milford Lake pageant returns in 2023

Junction City Blue Jays Basketball vs Topeka West Chargers LIVE STREAM

--County Commission Chair Alex Tyson said Thursday that Geary County offices will be open for business Friday. They will be open for normal hours.

--Fort Riley to remain on minimal manning with limited services Friday.&nbsp;

Fort Riley will continue operating with minimal manning and limited services Dec. 23.

--Junction City Municipal Court will be closed Thursday and Friday. It will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 27. To reschedule an appointment from Thursday and Friday call the Court.

--American Legion Post 45 bingo is canceled and&nbsp; the Post home is closed.

--Geary County Courthouse is closed Thursday.

--Konza Prairie Community Health Center – Junction City will be closed Thursday, December 22, due to inclement weather.&nbsp;

Konza Prairie Community Health Center – Manhattan is closed Thursday, December 22, due to inclement weather and&nbsp;the Riley County Health Department being closed. All appointments at the Manhattan clinic&nbsp;will be rescheduled.&nbsp;&nbsp;

--In anticipation of forecasted severe winter weather, Fort Riley will operate with minimal manning and limited services Dec. 22.

Soldiers, family members and civilian professionals who have questions or concerns are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FortRiley" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FortRiley</a>&nbsp;or the Fort Riley website at&nbsp;<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/" target="_blank">https://home.army.mil/riley/</a>&nbsp;for updated information.&nbsp; Additionally, all employees of Fort Riley are urged to maintain contact with their chain of command and/or supervisor for the most up-to-date information.

--Geary County offices are closed on Thursday.

-Geary County Sheriff's Department has canceled VIN inspections on Thursday and Friday.

--Junction City Family YMCA will be closed on Thursday.

--Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan.1. for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

--Geary County Senior Center will be closed Thursday, Friday and Monday.

--Due to extreme winter weather forecasts, all Kansas State University campuses are limiting operations to essential personnel only on Dec. 22 and 23 ( Thursday and Friday ).

&nbsp; &nbsp; Information on the university's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/policies/ppm/3000/3035.html" target="_blank">inclement winter weather policy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/policies/remote-work/remote-work-faq.html#weather" target="_blank">remote employee frequently asked questions</a>&nbsp;are available online. Faculty and staff should contact their direct supervisor with any questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

--There will not be any&nbsp; JC Breakfast Optimist Club meeting Wednesday, December 21

--Activities at Clay Center Livestock Sale on Tuesday and JC Livestock Sale on Wednesday are canceled.

--County Commission Chair Alex Tyson said Thursday that Geary County offices will be open for business Friday. They will be open for normal hours.--Fort Riley to remain on minimal manning with limited services Friday.&nbsp;Fort Riley will continue operating with minimal manning and limited services Dec. 23.<ul>
 <li>All Child Development Centers and the School Age Centers will remain closed Friday.</li><li>The 24-hour fitness centers at Whitside and Craig will remain open. All other fitness centers will be closed.</li><li>Irwin Army Community Hospital will offer virtual appointments or reschedule. Patients can call the appointment line at 785-239-3627</li><li>Outdoor recreation areas will be closed until after 11 a.m. Friday. Training areas C, F and I will remain off limits. Hunters and other outdoor visitors to Fort Riley training areas must check in at&nbsp;<a href="https://fortriley.isportsman.net/" target="_blank">https://fortriley.isportsman.net/</a>.</li><li>The Henry, Trooper and Ogden access control points will remain open 24/7. All other gates will remain closed through Monday.</li><li>The Fort Riley Commissary, Fort Riley Main Post Exchange and all Express locations will open at 10 a.m. Friday.</li>
 </ul>--Junction City Municipal Court will be closed Thursday and Friday. It will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 27. To reschedule an appointment from Thursday and Friday call the Court.--American Legion Post 45 bingo is canceled and&nbsp; the Post home is closed.--Geary County Courthouse is closed Thursday.--Konza Prairie Community Health Center – Junction City will be closed Thursday, December 22, due to inclement weather.&nbsp;Konza Prairie Community Health Center – Manhattan is closed Thursday, December 22, due to inclement weather and&nbsp;the Riley County Health Department being closed. All appointments at the Manhattan clinic&nbsp;will be rescheduled.&nbsp;&nbsp;--In anticipation of forecasted severe winter weather, Fort Riley will operate with minimal manning and limited services Dec. 22.<ul>
 <li>All Child Development Centers and the School Age Centers will be closed Thursday.</li><li>The 24-hour fitness centers at Whitside and Craig will remain open. All other fitness centers will be closed.</li><li>Irwin Army Community Hospital will offer virtual appointments or reschedule. Patients can call the appointment line at 785-239-3627</li><li>All hunting and outdoor recreation areas will be closed. Hunters and other outdoor visitors to Fort Riley Training areas should check&nbsp;<a href="https://fortriley.isportsman.net/" target="_blank">https://fortriley.isportsman.net/</a>.</li><li>The Henry, Trooper and Ogden access control points will remain open 24/7. All other gates will be closed Thursday and remain closed through Monday.</li><li>Physical fitness training has been cancelled.</li><li>Commanders will determine if other training will occur as scheduled.</li><li>The Fort Riley Commissary will open at 11 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. The Fort Riley Main Post Exchange and food courts at the Main PX will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. The Big Red One Express and Forsyth Express sites will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with 24-hour fuel pumps open. All other Exchange locations are closed.</li>
 </ul>Soldiers, family members and civilian professionals who have questions or concerns are encouraged to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/FortRiley" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/FortRiley</a>&nbsp;or the Fort Riley website at&nbsp;<a href="https://home.army.mil/riley/" target="_blank">https://home.army.mil/riley/</a>&nbsp;for updated information.&nbsp; Additionally, all employees of Fort Riley are urged to maintain contact with their chain of command and/or supervisor for the most up-to-date information.--Geary County offices are closed on Thursday.-Geary County Sheriff's Department has canceled VIN inspections on Thursday and Friday.--Junction City Family YMCA will be closed on Thursday.--Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan.1. for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.--Geary County Senior Center will be closed Thursday, Friday and Monday.--Due to extreme winter weather forecasts, all Kansas State University campuses are limiting operations to essential personnel only on Dec. 22 and 23 ( Thursday and Friday ).&nbsp; &nbsp; Information on the university's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/policies/ppm/3000/3035.html" target="_blank">inclement winter weather policy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/policies/remote-work/remote-work-faq.html#weather" target="_blank">remote employee frequently asked questions</a>&nbsp;are available online. Faculty and staff should contact their direct supervisor with any questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;--There will not be any&nbsp; JC Breakfast Optimist Club meeting Wednesday, December 21--Activities at Clay Center Livestock Sale on Tuesday and JC Livestock Sale on Wednesday are canceled.

Postponements and cancellations

Eleventh grade students Nathan Dunaway and Jonathan Featherstone of jCHS participated in the Fall 2021 InvestWrite® competition and placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the Kansas Senior High School Division.&nbsp; For this honor, Nathan earned a scholarship in the amount of $4,000 and Jonathan earned a $2,000 scholarship.

Matt Zimmerman, Principal, said InvestWrite® is a program of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sifma.org/about/sifma-foundation/" target="_blank">SIFMA Foundation</a>&nbsp;offered exclusively to students participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stockmarketgame.org/" target="_blank">The Stock Market Game™</a>.&nbsp; Students enter the world of business and finance by participating in The Stock Market Game and the teacher-designed writing component and competition, reinforces their newfound knowledge and hones critical thinking skills. InvestWrite builds a bridge between classroom learning and the real world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671140584417.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Nathan Dunaway and Jonathan Feastherstone ( Photo JCHS )&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Nathan Dunaway and Jonathan Feastherstone ( Photo JCHS )&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Eleventh grade students Nathan Dunaway and Jonathan Featherstone of jCHS participated in the Fall 2021 InvestWrite® competition and placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the Kansas Senior High School Division.&nbsp; For this honor, Nathan earned a scholarship in the amount of $4,000 and Jonathan earned a $2,000 scholarship. Matt Zimmerman, Principal, said InvestWrite® is a program of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sifma.org/about/sifma-foundation/" target="_blank">SIFMA Foundation</a>&nbsp;offered exclusively to students participating in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stockmarketgame.org/" target="_blank">The Stock Market Game™</a>.&nbsp; Students enter the world of business and finance by participating in The Stock Market Game and the teacher-designed writing component and competition, reinforces their newfound knowledge and hones critical thinking skills. InvestWrite builds a bridge between classroom learning and the real world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JCHS students place high in InvestWrite

Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges recently announced that the Kansas Department of Transportation is looking redoing the 303 exit off of I-70. Three options are being considered. "No matter which option they go with it looks like our fire station that's currently the red building at the southeast corner is going to have to be moved. That will be in the right of way."

Berges said over the next year county officials will try to find a location to replace the station. Berges added the new facility will probably be a three-bay station.

Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges recently announced that the Kansas Department of Transportation is looking redoing the 303 exit off of I-70. Three options are being considered. "No matter which option they go with it looks like our fire station that's currently the red building at the southeast corner is going to have to be moved. That will be in the right of way."Berges said over the next year county officials will try to find a location to replace the station. Berges added the new facility will probably be a three-bay station.

Geary County is looking at a possible future new rural fire station

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy Inc. today announced it will transfer its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, effective as of the opening of trading on Wednesday, Dec. 28. The last day of trading on the NYSE will be Tuesday, Dec. 27. Evergy’s common stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “EVRG.”&nbsp;

“Evergy prides itself on innovation and providing cost-effective power and clean energy to our customers, while bringing value to our shareholders,” said David Campbell, Evergy President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our stock exchange move will allow us to benefit from Nasdaq’s cutting-edge technology and information in serving our shareholders, and we are excited to be joining a wide range of innovative companies listed on Nasdaq.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670611065687.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News releaseKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Evergy Inc. today announced it will transfer its stock exchange listing from the New York Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, effective as of the opening of trading on Wednesday, Dec. 28. The last day of trading on the NYSE will be Tuesday, Dec. 27. Evergy’s common stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “EVRG.”&nbsp;“Evergy prides itself on innovation and providing cost-effective power and clean energy to our customers, while bringing value to our shareholders,” said David Campbell, Evergy President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our stock exchange move will allow us to benefit from Nasdaq’s cutting-edge technology and information in serving our shareholders, and we are excited to be joining a wide range of innovative companies listed on Nasdaq.”

Evergy announces Dec. 28 transfer to Nasdaq stock market

Fort Riley Garrison Public Affairs

Fort Riley, in conjunction with the Fourth District, State of Kansas, Veterans of Foreign Wars and VFW Auxiliary, will host a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Fort Riley post cemetery, 193 Huebner Rd, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.

Brig. Gen. Niave Knell, 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General - Riley, will make remarks during the ceremony. Service representatives will place ceremonial wreaths for each of the armed forces, Merchant Marines, Gold Star families and POWs/MIAs. Afterward, wreaths will be placed on individual military gravesites in the cemetery.

Wreaths Across America holds simultaneous observances at Arlington National Cemetery and in more than 3,400 locations in all 50 states and 24 national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. The organization’s motto is “Remember, Honor, Teach.”

The Fort Riley ceremony is made possible through donations and volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

By Kirk HutchinsonFort Riley Garrison Public AffairsFort Riley, in conjunction with the Fourth District, State of Kansas, Veterans of Foreign Wars and VFW Auxiliary, will host a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Fort Riley post cemetery, 193 Huebner Rd, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.Brig. Gen. Niave Knell, 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General - Riley, will make remarks during the ceremony. Service representatives will place ceremonial wreaths for each of the armed forces, Merchant Marines, Gold Star families and POWs/MIAs. Afterward, wreaths will be placed on individual military gravesites in the cemetery.Wreaths Across America holds simultaneous observances at Arlington National Cemetery and in more than 3,400 locations in all 50 states and 24 national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil. The organization’s motto is “Remember, Honor, Teach.”The Fort Riley ceremony is made possible through donations and volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

Fort Riley to host Wreaths Across America ceremony again this year

Junction City Main Street has announced that they are expecting a large contingent of 150 volunteers for a Downtown Winter Clean-up on Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Main Street representative Terry Butler said work will be done on Franklin, Jefferson, Washington and on 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Streets.

Work will range from picking up leaves and pulling dead weeds from cracks to using hoes and shovels to dig up the mounds of mud, leaves and gravel. Fallen limbs will be picked up, baby trees will be cut down, there will be cleaning behind buildings, removal of old signs from windows and placement of new promotional 11 x 17 signs in windows.

Parks and Recreation will have a dump truck downtown and some crew present. They will bring rakes, brooms, hoes, cutting tools and spades, They will provide chemicals to kill baby tree trunks and public works personnel will provide 100 bags.

If you are able to contribute equipment contact Terry Butler. Your name and telephone number would need to be visible on the equipment to be returned.

Junction City Main Street has announced that they are expecting a large contingent of 150 volunteers for a Downtown Winter Clean-up on Friday from 8 a.m. until noon.Main Street representative Terry Butler said work will be done on Franklin, Jefferson, Washington and on 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Streets.Work will range from picking up leaves and pulling dead weeds from cracks to using hoes and shovels to dig up the mounds of mud, leaves and gravel. Fallen limbs will be picked up, baby trees will be cut down, there will be cleaning behind buildings, removal of old signs from windows and placement of new promotional 11 x 17 signs in windows.Parks and Recreation will have a dump truck downtown and some crew present. They will bring rakes, brooms, hoes, cutting tools and spades, They will provide chemicals to kill baby tree trunks and public works personnel will provide 100 bags.If you are able to contribute equipment contact Terry Butler. Your name and telephone number would need to be visible on the equipment to be returned.

Junction City Main Street plans on major downtown cleanup

&nbsp;Geary Community Schools Foundation has the official commemorative brick from the “old’ Junction City High School available for a $25 donation.&nbsp; According to Margie Pinaire the money raised from the bricks will go to a scholarship for a senior who was a student at the old school.&nbsp; It can be used for any type of post-secondary schooling.&nbsp; 

The bricks could be a gift for a former student or staff member.&nbsp; For more information or to buy a brick contact the Geary Community Schools Foundation by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gcsf@usd475.org" target="_blank">gcsf@usd475.org</a>&nbsp;or calling the office at&nbsp; 785-717-4063.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Geary Community Schools Foundation has the official commemorative brick from the “old’ Junction City High School available for a $25 donation.&nbsp; According to Margie Pinaire the money raised from the bricks will go to a scholarship for a senior who was a student at the old school.&nbsp; It can be used for any type of post-secondary schooling.&nbsp; The bricks could be a gift for a former student or staff member.&nbsp; For more information or to buy a brick contact the Geary Community Schools Foundation by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:gcsf@usd475.org" target="_blank">gcsf@usd475.org</a>&nbsp;or calling the office at&nbsp; 785-717-4063.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former JCHS bricks are available

Geary County Emergency Management is passing along information on construction on Lower McDowell Road east of Hwy 177 (Ramsour Road) was scheduled to begin Wednesday afternoon and last approximately three days.

Motorists should find an alternate route during this time.

Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary County Emergency Management is passing along information on construction on Lower McDowell Road east of Hwy 177 (Ramsour Road) was scheduled to begin Wednesday afternoon and last approximately three days.Motorists should find an alternate route during this time.

Temporary road closure is announced in Geary County

Due to the First Division Band being deployed this year, officials at the C.L. Hoover Opera House invited the Thundering Cats from Manhattan to do a holiday show.

The show is scheduled Friday evening at 7 p.m.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostDue to the First Division Band being deployed this year, officials at the C.L. Hoover Opera House invited the Thundering Cats from Manhattan to do a holiday show.The show is scheduled Friday evening at 7 p.m.

Thundering Cats Big Band Holiday Concert

Members of the Junction City High School Marketing Class recorded radio ads on a variety of topics in the KJCK studios. They will air on KJCK FM Power Hits 97.5, 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK and Q Country 103.5.

The subjects ranged from wrestling and JROTC to the Volunteer Income Tax Program and the JCHS FFA. The teacher for the class is Christina Amerin

By Dewey TerrillJC PostMembers of the Junction City High School Marketing Class recorded radio ads on a variety of topics in the KJCK studios. They will air on KJCK FM Power Hits 97.5, 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK and Q Country 103.5.The subjects ranged from wrestling and JROTC to the Volunteer Income Tax Program and the JCHS FFA. The teacher for the class is Christina Amerin<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671054034668.jpeg" alt="Students were assisted in the recording by 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK Program Director Jerry Brecheisen." />
 <figcaption>Students were assisted in the recording by 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK Program Director Jerry Brecheisen.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671054165755.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

JCHS students record radio spots

Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President,&nbsp; told members on Wednesday the story about her father, who was a survivor of the Bataan Death March during WWII.

She said that her father, “Juan Fabia was born in 1918 in the mountains of Pangasinan, Philippines in a nipa hut. Having always dreamed of becoming a soldier, Juan left home to join the Philippine Scouts. After lying about his age to enlist, Juan became a member of the 24th Philippine Scout Field Artillery Regiment, which was a part of the US Army’s Philippine Division.

Juan was with the Philippine Scouts fighting to hold Corrigador following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Filipinos had old weapons, no food, no water, low ammunition, and low morale. On April 9th, 1942, the Filipinos and American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese.

Juan was among 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners force marched 70 miles to a prison camp. This march is known as the Bataan Death March. During the march, the prisoners had no food, water, or medicine for a malaria outbreak.

Juan was so sick with malaria that he fell out of the marching column. He was shot in the leg and kicked down a hill where he was assumed dead and left behind. When he regained consciousness, the prisoners had moved past him. He waited until dark and then began his crawl back to his home village up the mountain, where his family helped him recover from his wounds and illness.

After his recovery, he joined the US Army. Juan served 23 years before his retirement.

Following WWII the US Congress had recognized soldiers from other countries than the United States for their contributions during WWII, except the Filipinos. President Obama appointed a committee to research the names of Filipinos who should have been recognized and soldiers and civilians were honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. for those still living and those who had passed.”

Nita shared with Optimist Club members the gold Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to her father Juan Reyes Fabia, which she received on October 25, 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671045382396.jpeg" alt="Nita Miller speaking to the Optimists" />
 <figcaption>Nita Miller speaking to the Optimists</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ferrell MillerJC Optimist ClubNita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President,&nbsp; told members on Wednesday the story about her father, who was a survivor of the Bataan Death March during WWII.She said that her father, “Juan Fabia was born in 1918 in the mountains of Pangasinan, Philippines in a nipa hut. Having always dreamed of becoming a soldier, Juan left home to join the Philippine Scouts. After lying about his age to enlist, Juan became a member of the 24th Philippine Scout Field Artillery Regiment, which was a part of the US Army’s Philippine Division.Juan was with the Philippine Scouts fighting to hold Corrigador following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The Filipinos had old weapons, no food, no water, low ammunition, and low morale. On April 9th, 1942, the Filipinos and American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese.Juan was among 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners force marched 70 miles to a prison camp. This march is known as the Bataan Death March. During the march, the prisoners had no food, water, or medicine for a malaria outbreak.Juan was so sick with malaria that he fell out of the marching column. He was shot in the leg and kicked down a hill where he was assumed dead and left behind. When he regained consciousness, the prisoners had moved past him. He waited until dark and then began his crawl back to his home village up the mountain, where his family helped him recover from his wounds and illness.After his recovery, he joined the US Army. Juan served 23 years before his retirement.Following WWII the US Congress had recognized soldiers from other countries than the United States for their contributions during WWII, except the Filipinos. President Obama appointed a committee to research the names of Filipinos who should have been recognized and soldiers and civilians were honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. for those still living and those who had passed.”Nita shared with Optimist Club members the gold Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to her father Juan Reyes Fabia, which she received on October 25, 2017.

Junction City woman tells the story of her World War II hero

Shop with a Cop received a boost Wednesday from the Junction City Breakfast Optimist Club with a donation of $200.

Pictured left to right: Junction City Police Officer Eddie Torres and Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President.

Shop with a Cop received a boost Wednesday from the Junction City Breakfast Optimist Club with a donation of $200.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671028369137.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Pictured left to right: Junction City Police Officer Eddie Torres and Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President.

JC Breakfast Optimist Club Donates To Shop With A Cop

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is giving incoming fall 2023 domestic freshmen more time to apply for admission and be considered for general university scholarships and awards. The previous priority date of Dec.&nbsp;1&nbsp;has&nbsp;been changed to Feb.&nbsp;1, 2023,&nbsp;for&nbsp;consideration of&nbsp;general university scholarships and awards. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as admission to the university will also&nbsp;allow them to&nbsp;apply for additional scholarships through the K-State Scholarship Network by the same priority date of Feb.&nbsp;1. Students can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/" target="_blank">apply for admission online</a>&nbsp;and can also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/aid/scholarships/future-students/" target="_blank">preview scholarship opportunities</a>&nbsp;available to them. Questions about the admission application can be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:apply@k-state.edu" target="_blank">apply@k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is giving incoming fall 2023 domestic freshmen more time to apply for admission and be considered for general university scholarships and awards. The previous priority date of Dec.&nbsp;1&nbsp;has&nbsp;been changed to Feb.&nbsp;1, 2023,&nbsp;for&nbsp;consideration of&nbsp;general university scholarships and awards. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as admission to the university will also&nbsp;allow them to&nbsp;apply for additional scholarships through the K-State Scholarship Network by the same priority date of Feb.&nbsp;1. Students can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/" target="_blank">apply for admission online</a>&nbsp;and can also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/aid/scholarships/future-students/" target="_blank">preview scholarship opportunities</a>&nbsp;available to them. Questions about the admission application can be directed to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:apply@k-state.edu" target="_blank">apply@k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Don’t miss out: K-State extends scholarship, awards priority date to Feb. 1 for incoming fall 2023 freshmen 

Junction City police are reporting their biggest turnout ever for Shop with a Cop, the program that provides needy children with a breakfast and Christmas gifts. There were 99 kids that participated in the event last Saturday.&nbsp;

Representatives from eight different law enforcement agencies participated. They included the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Grandview Plaza Police Department, Riley County Police Department, Chapman Police Department, Fort Riley Military Police and Fort Riley Criminal Investigative Division.

Volunteers from the Second Missionary Baptist Church prepared the food and helped serve the children. Others also volunteered to help with the effort.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostJunction City police are reporting their biggest turnout ever for Shop with a Cop, the program that provides needy children with a breakfast and Christmas gifts. There were 99 kids that participated in the event last Saturday.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670964938539.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Representatives from eight different law enforcement agencies participated. They included the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Grandview Plaza Police Department, Riley County Police Department, Chapman Police Department, Fort Riley Military Police and Fort Riley Criminal Investigative Division.Volunteers from the Second Missionary Baptist Church prepared the food and helped serve the children. Others also volunteered to help with the effort.

Record number of children participate in Shop with a Cop

Milford Lake Corps of Engineers has announced that the 23rd Assisted Deer Hunt was held this past weekend. Nine hunters participated in the outing and harvested three bucks and two does.

Sportsmen Acres served as base-camp for operations where volunteer guides where assigned to each hunter and a&nbsp; breakfast was prepared each morning by Gordon and Shirley Allen.

The hunt took place in the Milford State Park and Curtis Creek Park.

Sponsors for the event included Clay Center Locker, Grandpa Boone's Cabin, Milford State Park, Geary Co. Fish &amp; Game Association, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Those interested in applying for next years Assisted Deer Hunt should visit or contact the Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Office.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostMilford Lake Corps of Engineers has announced that the 23rd Assisted Deer Hunt was held this past weekend. Nine hunters participated in the outing and harvested three bucks and two does.Sportsmen Acres served as base-camp for operations where volunteer guides where assigned to each hunter and a&nbsp; breakfast was prepared each morning by Gordon and Shirley Allen.The hunt took place in the Milford State Park and Curtis Creek Park.Sponsors for the event included Clay Center Locker, Grandpa Boone's Cabin, Milford State Park, Geary Co. Fish &amp; Game Association, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.Those interested in applying for next years Assisted Deer Hunt should visit or contact the Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Office.

Corps of Engineers host the Assisted Deer Hunt

Live Well Geary County has announced that the Food Policy Council is hosting a Community Meeting on January 25 from 10am-2pm to discuss the Geary County Food System Plan. Items that will be addressed are food waste, food access, agriculture, and nutrition.&nbsp; Registration is free and lunch will be provided!&nbsp;

Registration can be completed here:&nbsp;

<a href="https://forms.gle/9h4m185c2Q1xfHcE8" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/9h4m185c2Q1xfHcE8</a>&nbsp;

By Dewey TerrillJC PostLive Well Geary County has announced that the Food Policy Council is hosting a Community Meeting on January 25 from 10am-2pm to discuss the Geary County Food System Plan. Items that will be addressed are food waste, food access, agriculture, and nutrition.&nbsp; Registration is free and lunch will be provided!&nbsp; Registration can be completed here:&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/9h4m185c2Q1xfHcE8" target="_blank">https://forms.gle/9h4m185c2Q1xfHcE8</a>&nbsp;

Food Policy Council of Geary County will host a community meeting

WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”

The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).

The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.

The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.

The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.

The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.

“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”

Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.

There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950063249.png" alt="Photos by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photos by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>WESTMORELAND&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz on Tuesday announced that $40.5 million will support 33 local and off-system bridge projects across the state. This announcement comes as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).“My administration is committed to improving Kansas’ transportation system, including city- and county-owned bridges in need of overdue repairs,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“These bridge programs demonstrate how, by fostering partnerships among all levels of government, we can build a robust, responsive infrastructure system that provides efficient and safe transportation routes and boosts state and local economies.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950106330.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE).The announcement took place at the Pottawatomie County Law Enforcement Center in Westmoreland, just a few miles from one of the selected bridges.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWheresBeckyMHK%2Fvideos%2F921155945917960%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The KDOT bridge improvement programs include approximately $137.5 million in BIL funds over the next five years.The&nbsp;Off-System Bridge Program&nbsp;(OSB) has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million. Twenty-two projects – with awarded funds ranging from $460,000 to $1.4 million – were selected for Federal Fiscal Year 2024. In total for this round, KDOT received 99 OSB applications requesting $83.8 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670950085913.png" alt="Photo by Becky Goff" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Becky Goff</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program&nbsp;(KLBIP) has increased from $5 million annually to $20 million. For State Fiscal Year 2023, the 11 selected KLBIP projects will replace 10 deficient bridges and permanently remove seven deficient bridges from the local system. For this round of KLBIP selections, 114 applications were received with requests totaling more than $126 million.“These local bridges are the lifeblood of many communities,”&nbsp;Secretary Lorenz said.&nbsp;“Most ag loads start in a field, are placed in a truck, and have to cross a county bridge to get to a state highway or rail line.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to these Kansas communities for partnering with KDOT and securing local matching funds that keep critical bridges open to the public and moving commerce.”Both the OSB and KLBIP have similar-yet-different bridge eligibility requirements targeted for city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement or repair. Funds for both programs are awarded through an application process and, in most cases, require a local contribution. KDOT uses selection criteria that include bridge condition, detour length, inability to carry legal loads, and past project history.There are approximately 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% – or 5,000 – of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today’s weight and vehicle requirements.

Gov. announces more than $40M for 33 bridge projects across Kansas

Congratulations to Jaden Warner of Salina, the Week 14 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Jaden, who scored 10 of 13 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 Jaden Warner of Salina, the Week 14 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Jaden, who scored 10 of 13 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 Jaden Warner!

By NATE KING Salina Post

Citizens of central Kansas, Kansas State University students, alumni, and community leaders discussed K-State Salina's role in K-State's overall strategic plan, high school education pathways to encourage students to pursue a college degree or post-secondary training, and the future of land grant schools during a community conversation on Dec. 5.

The morning visit to K-State Salina for the community forum is part of the <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits/">university’s plans</a> to hear from Kansans all across the state for the 2022-2023 academic year. During their visit, K-State President Richard Linton, Provost Charles Taber, and dean of student life Thomas Lane joined a group of current K-State students collectively known as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/president/initiatives/regional-community-visits/connected-cats/">Connected Cats. </a>

Linton said that the Connected Cats is a group of student leaders who have a diverse range of K-State experiences, a meaningful connection to engaged community work, and personal ties to Kansas' geographic regions. 

"So you probably have seen some of the billboards that say, 'Kansas State is the university for Kansas' well, we're for Kansas, but we're also for the nation and the world," Linton said. "We're trying to be able to make a very important statement that we are the only university that's in all 105 Kansas counties and communities and we want to let folks know that Kansas is always first." 

After Linton’s brief presentation and remarks, which included applause for the K-State football team winning the Big XII Championship game, K-State junior Ethan Brown, a graduate of Salina Central High School and one of the two current K-State Student Ambassadors; K-State sophomore Adelaide Easter; and K-State junior Yulissa Hernandez, a graduate of Salina South High School, discussed their college search experiences and why they selected K-State as their school of choice.  

"When I was in high school, I started looking at colleges my sophomore year," Brown said. "When I tell you, I looked everywhere in Kansas, I looked everywhere. I wanted everything. I wanted to have great people, I wanted to have great academia, I wanted great athletics. They had everything that I wanted. The main thing I wanted was accessibility. For me, that breaks down into three things affordability, campus access, and then just general academic accessibility."  

Easter spoke about the interdisciplinary connections she made at K-State. 

"I started as a freshman majoring in bakery science and food science. Through my involvement, and through self-discovery connections, I was able to be exposed to the global food system secondary major, which talks about food policy and how we can make the world a better place and make sure that people have access to food," Easter said. "Being in food security scholars and organizations like the alumni board, I've gotten connected to alumni that are just as passionate about food issues as I am." 

Hernandez, a student pilot at K-State Salina talked about how she switched her major from respiratory therapy, to aviation.&nbsp;

"When I was looking into coming to K State, I was a freshman in college at the time and I was working as a nurse assistant," Hernandez said. "I was doing my prerequisites for respiratory therapy - that same year, I met a pilot. He introduced me to aviation and at the time, I didn't know really any pilots. So it was all so new to me."

Hernandez said that her pilot friend took her on a discovery flight in a jet which made her decision easier to make.&nbsp;

"I was convinced I was just going to change my major completely, which was pretty scary at the time, because I thought I had it all figured out. But I thought a flying was just way more fun then respiratory therapies," Hernandez said.

The forum transitioned into a community conversation where community entrepreneurs, business leaders, regional high school educators, parents, and citizens were asked to discuss what they wanted to see from K-State. Topics discussed included increasing the presence of veterans affairs at the K-State Salina campus, eliminating roadblocks for transfer students, continuing to expand the local network of private industry partners, and meeting the current workforce demands.  

Following the forum, Salina Post sat down for an interview with Linton, where he discussed how students should always be the center of enrollment strategies. 

"When we started thinking about doing community visits, we reached out to other university presidents around the country and the message that came back is you have to take students and you have to take students from those communities," Linton said. "Parents and students aren't really there to listen to presidents and provosts because they can relate so much more to student stories."&nbsp;

Linton also spoke about the university's new initiative, Next-Gen K-State.

"We 're trying to develop a new strategy, a new strategic plan, for what we're calling the <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/strategic-planning/process/">Next-Gen Land Grant</a>," Linton said. "We haven't defined exactly what the next generation land grant university means yet, but we want to be the model land grant university that other land grants are looking to. When you take a look at one of those things that I know, will be an important part of the Next Gen Land Grant is better connectivity with communities around economic growth, and creation of jobs and support for every single community."

Ellsworth County Health Center: Because We Care Mental Health Summit  

Linton and the Connected Cats, traveled to Ellsworth County Medical Center, 1604 Aylward Avenue in Ellsworth, for a mental health summit hosted by K-State Extension. Midway Extension Director Jessica Kootz said that a group of individuals in the Ellsworth community started meeting virtually on a weekly basis to talk about COVID-19 updates and mental wellness. 

"This group of individuals, community stakeholders decided that we needed to focus a lot more on mental health. The COVID-19 update group became a 'Because We Care' group, and that has evolved within the last six months into a coalition that's centered around mental health," Kootz said.  

The summit featured a panel of experts including Rachel Clews, family and consumer science extension specialist in the Southwest Research Extension Center; Jennifer Kaufman, director of community support services for Central Kansas Mental Health; Derek Knopp, school-based clinical coordinator for Central Kansas Mental Health; Kerianne Ehrlich, Ellsworth County Health Department; and Jim Kirkbride, CEO at Ellsworth County Medical Center. 

"Most of our communities aren't just rural, they're considered frontier. It's that born and bred mentality that - you just pull yourself up by your bootstraps, you just push it down, and you keep going," said Clews. "When I worked with farmers, I tried to tell them that I'm a fourth generation farmer, my husband's a fourth generation Kansas farmer. I understand those issues. But I tell them, when your livestock is sick, you don't just say 'Oh, push it down, and you'll get over it.' I tell farmers, that they take better care of their machinery and their livestock than they do themselves. A lot of times they don't think to ask for help themselves because farmers are really great at helping others." 

Kootz said that in the last two months, Ellsworth had faced tragedies relating to mental health causing their group to push harder to be focused and intentional on making sure there is a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health in rural communities. 

Linton asked the panel if it could provide him with any statistics to help give context to the Kansas mental health crisis.  

"We have hired over 50 new staff at Central Kansas Mental Health, just within the past year," Kaufman said. "Trying to be able to provide services that range from front desk staff that are inundated with phone calls every day trying to get intake staff to be able to provide that initial service and if you're aware, there's a workforce shortage in most areas, and that includes social work, case managers, all lines." 

Clews added that according to the State of Mental Health in America 2023 Report, Kansas ranked last in the country, following the District of Columbia.  

"Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death for Kansas," Clews said. "Between the years 2000 and 2018, suicide rates in Kansas increased by 70 percent."  

Clews also added that suicide is the second leading cause of death for Kansans in the 15 to 34 age range.  

An obstacle that was highlighted during the summit was the lack of educational resources directing Kansans on where to turn when they needed mental health assistance.  

"As far as regional scale, the last few years, I think, especially since 2020, we've seen an increase in people who are seeking services for mental health, and we've seen is a big increase in anxiety and depression," said Knopp. "People are recognizing the need that when they are struggling there are resources available - if you know how to access them. One of the things that we [Central Kansas Mental Health] have done, we've done a lot of work in providing education on how to access mental health services, because unless you have a family member or direct connection with somebody who has accessed services before, you don't always know how to go about that."  

Linton recognized the need for more social work professionals and mentioned the recent partnership between K-State Salina and the University of Kansas. K-State Salina will offer a Master of Social Work that will be instructed at the K-State Salina campus. 

The cooperation between K-State Salina and KU will increase the availability of graduate-level social work education in rural areas of Kansas while meeting the gaps in coverage that human service agencies in rural areas of the state have been experiencing.  

"K-State Salina is committed to responding to the needs of our region by providing a trained workforce for our social service partners," said Deb Marseline, assistant dean for diversity and student success at K-State Salina, earlier this month. "Qualified, experienced social workers play an integral role in the success of any community by working with people to improve their circumstances in a variety of situations. This opportunity furthers our mission by training students to be leaders and make an impact on our state."  

Linton also stopped by Great Plains Manufacturing, 1525 E. North Street, Salina, to take part in a facilitated conversation about ways that education in the Salina region is partnering to meet the needs of industry. Dean and CEO of K-State Salina, Alysia Starkey spoke to the importance of these types of open conversations and how industry advisory boards are working to meet workforce demands.  

"How do you stay connected to the workforce needs in your region, it has to do with our industry advisory boards and making sure we're engaged with what the needs of the industry are," Starkey said. "So regardless of whatever field you're in - each of our programs, and each of our colleges and each of our degrees at the university has industry advisory boards that help correlate where it is that they're [the student] going in the future. Industry advisory boards are a key way that you all can get involved with helping to drive your workforce needs."  

Starkey also mentioned that K-State Salina has partnered with Salina USD 305 to provide an opportunity for high school students to earn industry-recognized credentials, receive college credit for general education requirements, and complete dual credits for an associate degree while in high school and graduate at the same time as their peers. The program is called the<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/admissions/apply/polycats-academy/"> PolyCats Academy.</a>

"Here we have a high school program that will allow a student to get an associate's degree while they're still in high school, graduate at the same time as high school with an associate's degree, which reduces the time of entry into the career field, and it also helps to reduce the overall cost and affordability for students as well," Starkey said.  

David Disberger, executive vice president for Great Plains Manufacturing, spoke at the discussion about the<a href="https://www.salina.k-state.edu/academics/scholars-programs/"> scholar's program</a> being offered by Great Plains manufacturing.

"The scholar's program is something that came out of discussions that Dean Starkey and I had to address our needs and also address the needs of Kansas State," Disberger said. "What we've done is we've taken your traditional manufacturing engineering technology type degree, where the college student would go to school for four years to get their bachelor science degree, instead, they'll go to college for three years, and have that same BS degree."

The Great Plains Scholars Program is for students who want to earn a bachelor's degree in one of K-State Salina’s engineering technology programs and acquire first-hand knowledge of specialized industry technology by working part-time at Great Plains Manufacturing. This provides high-level learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing, basic manufacturing, advanced robotics programming, and engineering design. 

"We're able to get those workforces beginning with us at a younger age. By the time they graduate, they have over 2,400 hours of experience, and to kick this whole program off this year, we agreed to start with three students to make sure we've worked out the kinks - which we have, and it's going very well," Disberger said. "We are very pleased with the results that we're seeing thus far, we intend to continue to grow this program up to where we have 12 new students entering this program every year. Hopefully, the 12 graduating come to work for us." 

Linn Exline, Salina USD 305 superintendent, spoke about how the work field is changing the way educators prepare students for their careers after high school.  

"Over 70 percent of the jobs that we're preparing students for today will require either a two-year degree a four-year degree or some kind of industry-recognized credential," Exline said. "To that end, USD 305 has really been working on Career Exploration and career planning with students. We start that process with a semester-long class at middle school. And during that class, students use an online platform where they explore their interests. They explore their aptitudes, they explore different careers, and they try to identify a career field of interest."  

Exline also shared the successes of the Building Bridges program at USD 305.  

"Building Bridges is an effort for us to bring industry leaders, public schools, faculty, staff, our students, and business together to talk about workforce needs and how we can work together to better meet those needs," Exline said. "We are encouraging our students to understand what jobs are available here in our community because many times our students think they need to go away to get the kinds of positions that they're being trained for." Exline said that USD 305 has worked to ensure that the Building Bridges program matches with local job demands and industry standards.

"As a result of these efforts, we are seeing increased jobs. We're seeing increased internships, and we're also seeing increased number of partnerships."

Linton's visit concluded with a stop at the Salina Public Library, 301 W. Elm Street, where he and Lane read a book to children. The book selected to be read was K-State: An Alphabet Journey Across Kansas, by Debbie Mercer and Loretta Larson.&nbsp;