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.

Unemployment rate up slightly in Geary County

Soldiers from 1st Platoon A Company 1-16 Infantry 1st ID did a Community Project with CW3 Retired Phyllis Fitzgerald earlier this week in Junction City. They raked up and picked up leaves and trash at the Buffalo Soldier Monument and park.&nbsp;

Soldiers from 1st Platoon A Company 1-16 Infantry 1st ID did a Community Project with CW3 Retired Phyllis Fitzgerald earlier this week in Junction City. They raked up and picked up leaves and trash at the Buffalo Soldier Monument and park.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668824026447.jpeg" alt="( Photo - Phyllis Fitzgerald )" />
 <figcaption>( Photo - Phyllis Fitzgerald )</figcaption>
 </figure>

1st ID Soldiers help with cleanup in Junction City

Geary County Sheriff Dan Jackson is speaking out on county employee morale following remarks by Commissioner Trish Giordano earlier this week. Giordano said she had heard the rumors about the employee morale but noted that the commission has little contact with the employees. She said morale was based on their department heads, and if department heads aren't happy then the employees are not going to be happy.

Jackson noted his department is the largest in the county and the morale issues that are occurring are not because of something he is saying to the employees. "They are the result of what the employees see as a steady erosion of their benefits. " One year ago families could get a $500 deductible on their health insurance but now the minimum has increased to $1,500 per month. "That's a big cut in what is available to the employee during the year.

An eight-hour personal leave day has been removed and there is a push to go to paid time off. Jackson noted that will not work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jackson said employees have been working mandatory overtime in the jail for the past six months due to a shortage of personnel. "If they're called they cannot refuse to come in. They have to come in and work. With PTO they would lose all that time at the end of the year or a significant amount of it." Jackson added that employees are also upset about an effort to eliminate comp time.

"They're very upset about a payroll system that almost consistently for nine months now not paid all of our employees correctly. "The sheriff cited problems, for example, with correct pay for employees on the corrections floor for Veterans Day. He added it's causing the Department to spend thousands of dollars and man hours fixing mistakes with the Sheriff's Office payroll.

Jackson pointed to an employee task force in which employees would have a say in their benefits. "The problem is every time they voted no comp time or PTO, the leadership comes back with another plan and come back and present it again." The Sheriff said the employees in that office "are not stupid. They know when somebody is trying to ram something down our throat, which is what has been happening."

Jackson said employees are upset with county leadership thinking that they are smarter than the employees, "and trying to manipulate them into agreeing to do something that's not good for the employee."

Giordano pointed out in her comments that the county has installed an employee assistance program, has gotten wages up competitively, saved a 14% increase on insurance and has extremely good benefit packages.

Geary County Sheriff Dan Jackson is speaking out on county employee morale following remarks by Commissioner Trish Giordano earlier this week. Giordano said she had heard the rumors about the employee morale but noted that the commission has little contact with the employees. She said morale was based on their department heads, and if department heads aren't happy then the employees are not going to be happy.Jackson noted his department is the largest in the county and the morale issues that are occurring are not because of something he is saying to the employees. "They are the result of what the employees see as a steady erosion of their benefits. " One year ago families could get a $500 deductible on their health insurance but now the minimum has increased to $1,500 per month. "That's a big cut in what is available to the employee during the year.An eight-hour personal leave day has been removed and there is a push to go to paid time off. Jackson noted that will not work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Jackson said employees have been working mandatory overtime in the jail for the past six months due to a shortage of personnel. "If they're called they cannot refuse to come in. They have to come in and work. With PTO they would lose all that time at the end of the year or a significant amount of it." Jackson added that employees are also upset about an effort to eliminate comp time."They're very upset about a payroll system that almost consistently for nine months now not paid all of our employees correctly. "The sheriff cited problems, for example, with correct pay for employees on the corrections floor for Veterans Day. He added it's causing the Department to spend thousands of dollars and man hours fixing mistakes with the Sheriff's Office payroll.Jackson pointed to an employee task force in which employees would have a say in their benefits. "The problem is every time they voted no comp time or PTO, the leadership comes back with another plan and come back and present it again." The Sheriff said the employees in that office "are not stupid. They know when somebody is trying to ram something down our throat, which is what has been happening."Jackson said employees are upset with county leadership thinking that they are smarter than the employees, "and trying to manipulate them into agreeing to do something that's not good for the employee."Giordano pointed out in her comments that the county has installed an employee assistance program, has gotten wages up competitively, saved a 14% increase on insurance and has extremely good benefit packages.

Geary County Sheriff responds to commissioner comments

Communications Coordinator- Geary County Schools USD 475

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd475.org/" target="_blank">Geary County Schools USD 475</a>&nbsp;has nominated Michael Brown and Brittany Scott for 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards. Michael Brown is a vocal music teacher at&nbsp;<a href="http://jchs.usd475.org/" target="_blank">Junction City High School</a>&nbsp;and Brittany Scott is a first-grade teacher at&nbsp;<a href="http://wareelementary.usd475.org/" target="_blank">Ware Elementary</a>. They were recognized at the district’s Board of Education meeting Nov. 7.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-Teacher-of-the-Year-Awards" target="_blank">Kansas State Department of Education’s Kansas Teacher of the Year Award</a>&nbsp;recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Each school district may nominate one elementary and one secondary classroom teacher per year.

“We are honored to nominate Mr. Brown and Ms. Scott for the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Award. Both work hard to ensure a high-quality education for all their students, and very much deserve this recognition,” said Geary County Schools Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston.

Brown has been a music educator for eleven years, all at Junction City High School. He oversees four vocal music ensembles, teaches piano and music theory, co-directs and accompanies the annual school musical, and serves as the performing arts department leader. He often takes students to state and national choir events, and many of his ensembles have received outstanding ratings at festivals.

Regarding teaching, Brown believes that building good rapport with students is crucial for successfully engaging them in the content, and that their personal development is as important as what they learn in class.

“My goal as a teacher is to inspire students to find value in themselves by tapping into their strengths as musicians and as people,” said Brown. “Not every student will leave my classroom a soloist, but […] I hope the values and methods employed in my classroom encourage them to be healthy, kind and compassionate people.”

Scott has been teaching first grade at Ware Elementary for ten of her 11 years as a teacher.&nbsp;She serves on many committees and is Ware’s first-grade team leader and a&nbsp;district mentor for first- and second-year teachers. She has been named KJCK’s Teacher of the Month and invited to serve as a Big Red One Year of Honor Panelist for Virtue.

For Scott, teaching is not simply an occupation, but rather a passion to share with others and an opportunity to make a difference in students’, families’ and colleagues’ lives.

“This passion can be felt when your energy lights up the room, seen in the positive relationships between staff members and students, and heard in the collaborative conversations where encouragement and problem-solving are the focus,” said Scott.

Brown and Scott advance to the regional competition, from which eight finalists will be chosen. The 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet next fall.

By Marcia LockeCommunications Coordinator- Geary County Schools USD 475JUNCTION CITY, Kan. –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usd475.org/" target="_blank">Geary County Schools USD 475</a>&nbsp;has nominated Michael Brown and Brittany Scott for 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Awards. Michael Brown is a vocal music teacher at&nbsp;<a href="http://jchs.usd475.org/" target="_blank">Junction City High School</a>&nbsp;and Brittany Scott is a first-grade teacher at&nbsp;<a href="http://wareelementary.usd475.org/" target="_blank">Ware Elementary</a>. They were recognized at the district’s Board of Education meeting Nov. 7.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668816705619.jpeg" alt="Brittany Scott" />
 <figcaption>Brittany Scott</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668816748205.jpeg" alt="Michael Brown" />
 <figcaption>Michael Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Fiscal-and-Administrative-Services/Communications-and-Recognition-Programs/Kansas-Teacher-of-the-Year-Awards" target="_blank">Kansas State Department of Education’s Kansas Teacher of the Year Award</a>&nbsp;recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Each school district may nominate one elementary and one secondary classroom teacher per year.“We are honored to nominate Mr. Brown and Ms. Scott for the 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Award. Both work hard to ensure a high-quality education for all their students, and very much deserve this recognition,” said Geary County Schools Superintendent Dr. Reginald Eggleston.Brown has been a music educator for eleven years, all at Junction City High School. He oversees four vocal music ensembles, teaches piano and music theory, co-directs and accompanies the annual school musical, and serves as the performing arts department leader. He often takes students to state and national choir events, and many of his ensembles have received outstanding ratings at festivals.Regarding teaching, Brown believes that building good rapport with students is crucial for successfully engaging them in the content, and that their personal development is as important as what they learn in class.“My goal as a teacher is to inspire students to find value in themselves by tapping into their strengths as musicians and as people,” said Brown. “Not every student will leave my classroom a soloist, but […] I hope the values and methods employed in my classroom encourage them to be healthy, kind and compassionate people.”Scott has been teaching first grade at Ware Elementary for ten of her 11 years as a teacher.&nbsp;She serves on many committees and is Ware’s first-grade team leader and a&nbsp;district mentor for first- and second-year teachers. She has been named KJCK’s Teacher of the Month and invited to serve as a Big Red One Year of Honor Panelist for Virtue.For Scott, teaching is not simply an occupation, but rather a passion to share with others and an opportunity to make a difference in students’, families’ and colleagues’ lives.“This passion can be felt when your energy lights up the room, seen in the positive relationships between staff members and students, and heard in the collaborative conversations where encouragement and problem-solving are the focus,” said Scott.Brown and Scott advance to the regional competition, from which eight finalists will be chosen. The 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet next fall.

USD 475 Selects 2024 Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominees

In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the following closures within the Geary County Public Works Department are as follows:

Thursday, November 24, 2022: The Public Works Department &amp; Transfer Station will be closed.

Friday, November 25, 2022: The Public Works Department will be closed but the Transfer Station will resume normal operating hours.

The Public Works Department will resume normal hours on Monday, November 28, 2022.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostIn observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday, the following closures within the Geary County Public Works Department are as follows:Thursday, November 24, 2022: The Public Works Department &amp; Transfer Station will be closed.Friday, November 25, 2022: The Public Works Department will be closed but the Transfer Station will resume normal operating hours.The Public Works Department will resume normal hours on Monday, November 28, 2022.

Geary County Public Works issues a holiday closure notice

Kansas American Legion is hosting a Turkey Run at Fort Riley on Saturday for 800 Soldiers and family members at the Soldier Recovery Unit Clamshell, 675 McGinnis Way from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Veterans and supporters of the Kansas American Legion will distribute Thanksgiving meals. Kansas American Legion, Kansas American Legion Riders and Kansas American Legion Auxiliary have partnered with the Fort Riley Soldier Family Assistance Center since 2008 for the turkey run. American Legion posts across the state collect the meat items on behalf of service members at Fort Riley.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostKansas American Legion is hosting a Turkey Run at Fort Riley on Saturday for 800 Soldiers and family members at the Soldier Recovery Unit Clamshell, 675 McGinnis Way from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.Veterans and supporters of the Kansas American Legion will distribute Thanksgiving meals. Kansas American Legion, Kansas American Legion Riders and Kansas American Legion Auxiliary have partnered with the Fort Riley Soldier Family Assistance Center since 2008 for the turkey run. American Legion posts across the state collect the meat items on behalf of service members at Fort Riley.

Turkey Run is set for Saturday at Fort Riley 

By DEWEY TERRILL JC Post

Junction City Main Street is hosting 10 Days of Christmas downtown from Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday Dec. 4. Activities will begin with a Holiday Fun Run at 4:15 p.m. on the 25th and continue through a Festival of Trees Gala at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Geary County Historical Museum.

The schedule on the 25th also includes the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade hosted by 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK and a downtown lighting ceremony. Shop Small Saturday and a Wine &amp; Wassail Walk are on Nov. 26.&nbsp;

The National Lampoon Christmas Vacation will be shown at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Sunday the 27th. There will be Cyber Monday activities including a #LoveLocalGearyCo social media campaign. Tuesday Nov. 29 will be Christmas at the Range at Godfrey's from 5-7 p.m., Christmas in Heritage Park from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 30 along with a community nativity scene and 1st Presbyterian Holiday Concert, and there will be "A 1940's Radio Carol by Junction City Little Theater at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-3 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. The Geary County Historical Society Festival of Trees Gala will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

There will be a Hometown Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building that will also include a Christmas Market. Also that day will be a third JC Statue unveiling, Horse &amp; Carriage rides and Old Fashioned Carolers. There will be a visit by Santa Claus at the Bartell House.

By DEWEY TERRILL JC PostJunction City Main Street is hosting 10 Days of Christmas downtown from Friday, Nov. 25 through Sunday Dec. 4. Activities will begin with a Holiday Fun Run at 4:15 p.m. on the 25th and continue through a Festival of Trees Gala at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Geary County Historical Museum.The schedule on the 25th also includes the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade hosted by 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK and a downtown lighting ceremony. Shop Small Saturday and a Wine &amp; Wassail Walk are on Nov. 26.&nbsp;The National Lampoon Christmas Vacation will be shown at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Sunday the 27th. There will be Cyber Monday activities including a #LoveLocalGearyCo social media campaign. Tuesday Nov. 29 will be Christmas at the Range at Godfrey's from 5-7 p.m., Christmas in Heritage Park from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 30 along with a community nativity scene and 1st Presbyterian Holiday Concert, and there will be "A 1940's Radio Carol by Junction City Little Theater at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-3 and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. The Geary County Historical Society Festival of Trees Gala will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.There will be a Hometown Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building that will also include a Christmas Market. Also that day will be a third JC Statue unveiling, Horse &amp; Carriage rides and Old Fashioned Carolers. There will be a visit by Santa Claus at the Bartell House..

10 Days of Christmas schedule is set

USD 475 has announced that the Junction City High School fall production is this weekend.&nbsp;The community is invited to Junction City High School's production of "She Kills Monsters," by Qui Nguyen, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the JCHS Auditorium. It is Pg-13. 

Tickets are $5. Only cash will be accepted--no credit cards, district badges or other passes. Doors open at 6 p.m. (Warning: This production includes flashing lights, which could negatively affect photosensitive guests.)

USD 475 has announced that the Junction City High School fall production is this weekend.&nbsp;The community is invited to Junction City High School's production of "She Kills Monsters," by Qui Nguyen, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the JCHS Auditorium. It is Pg-13. Tickets are $5. Only cash will be accepted--no credit cards, district badges or other passes. Doors open at 6 p.m. (Warning: This production includes flashing lights, which could negatively affect photosensitive guests.)

JCHS fall production is set for Friday, Saturday evenings

MANHATTAN—Members of the Kansas State University and University of Iowa women's basketball teams honored Ava Jones of Nickerson prior to Thursday's night's game in Manhattan.

Both teams wore shirts during their pregame warmups that said they "Believe in Ava Jones."&nbsp;

Ava has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Iowa. In July, Ava, her mother and father were critically injured when a drunk driver struck them on a street in Louisville.&nbsp; Ava's father, Trey Jones, died from his injuries.

Both teams shared photos on social media with the special shirts.

The University of Iowa told Ava she would keep her scholarship&nbsp;whether or not she would be able to play basketball.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas State defeated No. 4 Iowa 84-83.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668040995679.jpeg" alt="Ava Jones signed with Iowa earlier this month" />
 <figcaption>Ava Jones signed with Iowa earlier this month</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN—Members of the Kansas State University and University of Iowa women's basketball teams honored Ava Jones of Nickerson prior to Thursday's night's game in Manhattan.Both teams wore shirts during their pregame warmups that said they "Believe in Ava Jones."&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bigger than basketball 💛💜 <a href="https://t.co/oVKYpNj9GK">https://t.co/oVKYpNj9GK</a>&mdash; Iowa Women&#39;s Basketball (@IowaWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IowaWBB/status/1593423333411913728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ava has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Iowa. In July, Ava, her mother and father were critically injured when a drunk driver struck them on a street in Louisville.&nbsp; Ava's father, Trey Jones, died from his injuries.Both teams shared photos on social media with the special shirts.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 in <a href="https://twitter.com/avajones_35?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@avajones_35</a> 💛<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/RZNXXjT0aR">pic.twitter.com/RZNXXjT0aR</a>&mdash; Iowa Women&#39;s Basketball (@IowaWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IowaWBB/status/1590445371934867461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The University of Iowa told Ava she would keep her scholarship&nbsp;whether or not she would be able to play basketball.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas State defeated No. 4 Iowa 84-83.&nbsp;

K-State, Iowa basketball teams believe in Ava Jones 

RILEY COUNTY—A Riley County teen arrested in connection with a burglary has&nbsp; been charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

&nbsp;A window was broken out, around $1,200 loss, and approximately $1,800 worth of tobacco products were stolen.&nbsp;

 Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden is charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to an October 27, 2022 break-in at the convenience store where a window was broken out, around $1,200 and $1,500 worth of tobacco products were stolen.

 He is also charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and attempted burglary in connection to an October 26, 2022 attempted break-in at the Ogden Valero. A window and door were damaged in an attempt to enter the business, this resulted in an approximate total loss of $1,750. 

After Thursday's arrest, Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

At the scene, officers found a window of the business broken out and a 16-year-old suspect inside the building. 

The teen ran from the officers north on N. Park Street. Following a short search by officers and an RCPD K9, Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden was later located in the 200 block of 16th Street and arrested on a requested charge of burglary, interference with LEO, and criminal damage to property. 

Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still under investigation

RILEY COUNTY—A Riley County teen arrested in connection with a burglary has&nbsp; been charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;A window was broken out, around $1,200 loss, and approximately $1,800 worth of tobacco products were stolen.&nbsp; Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden is charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to an October 27, 2022 break-in at the convenience store where a window was broken out, around $1,200 and $1,500 worth of tobacco products were stolen. He is also charged with an additional count each of criminal damage to property and attempted burglary in connection to an October 26, 2022 attempted break-in at the Ogden Valero. A window and door were damaged in an attempt to enter the business, this resulted in an approximate total loss of $1,750. After Thursday's arrest, Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian.----------RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just after 2a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a business alarm at Casey's in the 300 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.At the scene, officers found a window of the business broken out and a 16-year-old suspect inside the building. The teen ran from the officers north on N. Park Street. Following a short search by officers and an RCPD K9, Estevan Rochin, 16, of Ogden was later located in the 200 block of 16th Street and arrested on a requested charge of burglary, interference with LEO, and criminal damage to property. Rochin was processed by juvenile intake and released to a guardian. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still under investigation

Update: Teen who ran from alleged burglary faces additional charges

Dec. 8th is the date when the Geary USD 475 Board of Education is expected to make a decision on a site for an early childhood center. Multiple sites have been mentioned with the primary locations the former Junction City High School and a spot near the new JCHS.

One idea that seemed to be gaining traction during a BOE discussion Thursday evening&nbsp; called for putting a hold on usage of the former high school property owned by the district while an application is submitted for a federal grant. A decision on a location for the facility would then be made once officials know the status of the grant. The property near the new high school would have to be purchased by USD 475.

There is one plan for a 32-classroom facility which could accommodate early childhood student needs. It could also be built to allow for future expansion.

Right now no final decisions have been made.

Dec. 8th is the date when the Geary USD 475 Board of Education is expected to make a decision on a site for an early childhood center. Multiple sites have been mentioned with the primary locations the former Junction City High School and a spot near the new JCHS.One idea that seemed to be gaining traction during a BOE discussion Thursday evening&nbsp; called for putting a hold on usage of the former high school property owned by the district while an application is submitted for a federal grant. A decision on a location for the facility would then be made once officials know the status of the grant. The property near the new high school would have to be purchased by USD 475.There is one plan for a 32-classroom facility which could accommodate early childhood student needs. It could also be built to allow for future expansion.Right now no final decisions have been made.

USD 475 Board of Education continues discussion on an Early Childhood Center

Director of Public Affairs, Fort Riley Public Affairs Office

At 5:13 a.m., Wednesday, Fort Riley Fire &amp; Emergency Services was dispatched to an on-post residential home for a report of a structure fire. &nbsp;Upon arrival, crews found the garage of a duplex fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished within 45 minutes. None of the duplex occupants were injured.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;Initial estimate is that the structure and contents are a total loss. Corvias, housing provider for Fort Riley families, placed occupants in hospitality suites and will place the families in different homes. Cmd 

Sgt. Major Jason Poulin, Fort Riley garrison command sergeant major, said, “The Fort Riley community is overwhelmingly caring for these two families in their time of need.”

&nbsp; Cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Steve ElstromDirector of Public Affairs, Fort Riley Public Affairs OfficeAt 5:13 a.m., Wednesday, Fort Riley Fire &amp; Emergency Services was dispatched to an on-post residential home for a report of a structure fire. &nbsp;Upon arrival, crews found the garage of a duplex fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished within 45 minutes. None of the duplex occupants were injured.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Initial estimate is that the structure and contents are a total loss. Corvias, housing provider for Fort Riley families, placed occupants in hospitality suites and will place the families in different homes. Cmd Sgt. Major Jason Poulin, Fort Riley garrison command sergeant major, said, “The Fort Riley community is overwhelmingly caring for these two families in their time of need.”&nbsp; Cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fort Riley firefighters respond to a structure fire

Hiring of a Finance Officer was one of the priorities for Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano during the past two years. "I think it's the best decision the commission made in the last two years. I think having Mrs. ( Tami ) Robison on board has brought a lot of clarity to our budget, more efficiency. I look forward to working with her in the future to do a three to five year capital improvement plan."

On the subject of possible poor county employee morale Giordano has heard the rumors but noted that the county commission has very little contact with the employees. "Morale is based on their department heads. If their department heads aren't happy then the employees aren't going to be happy. "

Giordano noted that she did not know why a department head would be unhappy. "We have put in an employee assistance program, we've gotten our wages up competitively, we saved 14% increase on our insurance and we have extremely good benefit packages and so I think Geary County is a great place to work."

Childcare improvements in the community will also be a future priority for&nbsp; the commissioner. Giordano is preparing to serve a new four year term on the county commission.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640042080491.jpeg" alt="Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano" />
 <figcaption>Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano</figcaption>
 </figure>Hiring of a Finance Officer was one of the priorities for Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano during the past two years. "I think it's the best decision the commission made in the last two years. I think having Mrs. ( Tami ) Robison on board has brought a lot of clarity to our budget, more efficiency. I look forward to working with her in the future to do a three to five year capital improvement plan."On the subject of possible poor county employee morale Giordano has heard the rumors but noted that the county commission has very little contact with the employees. "Morale is based on their department heads. If their department heads aren't happy then the employees aren't going to be happy. "Giordano noted that she did not know why a department head would be unhappy. "We have put in an employee assistance program, we've gotten our wages up competitively, we saved 14% increase on our insurance and we have extremely good benefit packages and so I think Geary County is a great place to work."Childcare improvements in the community will also be a future priority for&nbsp; the commissioner. Giordano is preparing to serve a new four year term on the county commission.&nbsp;

Trish Giordano prepares for a new term on the Geary County Commission

JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s current President, Nita Miller, recognized Don Manley, Past President for his years of service to the club on November 16.

JC Breakfast Optimist Club’s current President, Nita Miller, recognized Don Manley, Past President for his years of service to the club on November 16.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668634825300.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are Nita Miller and Don Manley." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are Nita Miller and Don Manley.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Don Manley is honored for years of service with the JC Breakfast Optimists

CHICAGO- The 1st Infantry Division led a joint service enlistment and reenlistment ceremony, Nov. 13, 2022, at Soldier Field.

The division was invited to conduct the enlistment and reenlistment as part of the Chicago Bears’ Veterans Day Weekend game, which honored both current and prior service members across the nation.

The Oath of Enlistment was administered by Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General for Support. It was taken by dozens of new recruits who joined the Armed Forces as well as dozens more service members who chose to continue to serve across the military.

“Seeing the impact that I have on my community and fellow Americans, is a remarkable experience,” said Spc. Kierra Carr, a Chicago native and 1ID soldier.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Staff Sgt. Jacob Peaks said. “I get to celebrate my indefinite reenlistment with my favorite National Football League team. I’m grateful The Big Red One allowed me to celebrate this opportunity and am proud of renewing my vow to my country."

CHICAGO- The 1st Infantry Division led a joint service enlistment and reenlistment ceremony, Nov. 13, 2022, at Soldier Field.The division was invited to conduct the enlistment and reenlistment as part of the Chicago Bears’ Veterans Day Weekend game, which honored both current and prior service members across the nation.The Oath of Enlistment was administered by Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the 1st Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General for Support. It was taken by dozens of new recruits who joined the Armed Forces as well as dozens more service members who chose to continue to serve across the military.“Seeing the impact that I have on my community and fellow Americans, is a remarkable experience,” said Spc. Kierra Carr, a Chicago native and 1ID soldier.“I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Staff Sgt. Jacob Peaks said. “I get to celebrate my indefinite reenlistment with my favorite National Football League team. I’m grateful The Big Red One allowed me to celebrate this opportunity and am proud of renewing my vow to my country."

Big Red One Soldiers Reenlist During Chicago Bears Veterans Day Game

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office says the County Maintenance Shop building located in the 300 block of North 5th Street in Westmoreland has been damaged.

Two times between October 30th and November 7th, 2022, it's believed someone has damaged several windows with a BB gun or other firearm.

Damage is estimated to be around $600 to replace the windows.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Captain Tyler Garver at the Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;at 785-457-3353, or a leave a tip on our Crime-Stoppers link at www.ptsheriff.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostThe Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office says the County Maintenance Shop building located in the 300 block of North 5th Street in Westmoreland has been damaged.Two times between October 30th and November 7th, 2022, it's believed someone has damaged several windows with a BB gun or other firearm.Damage is estimated to be around $600 to replace the windows.Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Captain Tyler Garver at the Sheriff’s Office&nbsp;at 785-457-3353, or a leave a tip on our Crime-Stoppers link at www.ptsheriff.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff: Pott. Co. maintenance shop windows damaged

&nbsp;Mindy Allen, owner of Mindy’s Murals, served as the guest speaker for the JC Breakfast Optimist Club meeting.

Mindy began developing her artistic talent as a young girl while living in Scott City, Kansas. She studied graphic design at Kansas State University. Mindy began her creative art for a living by painting murals on walls of friends upon invitation and that grew into a business. She now owns Mindy’s Murals.

She has done murals inside and outside of buildings in Clay Center, Abilene, Salina, Liberal, Junction City and Manhattan in Kansas. She has also done or will be doing work in Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, Florida, and North Dakota. The expansion of her business “has come from postings of my work on Facebook, other social media, and word of mouth. At one point I realized I couldn’t rely just on doing murals, so I painted on canvas, painted furniture and other things. I now have 51,000 followers on my Facebook business page titled Mindy’s Murals. People all over the world have now seen my work and make comments on it”, she said.

Some of the businesses in Junction City where Mindy’s work can be seen are K’s Beauty Lounge; JC Crossfit; Spin On Fitness; Junction City Police Department; Hess and Sons and Frontier Spirits. Mindy told the Optimists that she “loves to travel and paint with my daughter on these projects.” They will travel to North Dakota next summer to do a project.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668618452903.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are Mindy Allen and Nita Miller, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are Mindy Allen and Nita Miller, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Ferrell Miller&nbsp;Mindy Allen, owner of Mindy’s Murals, served as the guest speaker for the JC Breakfast Optimist Club meeting.Mindy began developing her artistic talent as a young girl while living in Scott City, Kansas. She studied graphic design at Kansas State University. Mindy began her creative art for a living by painting murals on walls of friends upon invitation and that grew into a business. She now owns Mindy’s Murals.She has done murals inside and outside of buildings in Clay Center, Abilene, Salina, Liberal, Junction City and Manhattan in Kansas. She has also done or will be doing work in Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, Florida, and North Dakota. The expansion of her business “has come from postings of my work on Facebook, other social media, and word of mouth. At one point I realized I couldn’t rely just on doing murals, so I painted on canvas, painted furniture and other things. I now have 51,000 followers on my Facebook business page titled Mindy’s Murals. People all over the world have now seen my work and make comments on it”, she said.Some of the businesses in Junction City where Mindy’s work can be seen are K’s Beauty Lounge; JC Crossfit; Spin On Fitness; Junction City Police Department; Hess and Sons and Frontier Spirits. Mindy told the Optimists that she “loves to travel and paint with my daughter on these projects.” They will travel to North Dakota next summer to do a project.