Casi Joy and Run With It performed for Freedom Fest in downtown Junction City Monday night followed by fireworks to cap off a five-day Fourth of July celebration.&nbsp;

Casi Joy, from Smithfield, Missouri, performed a variety of music styles from gospel to country for the crowd in Heritage park.

Run With It including Junction City native Miguel Caraballo performed.

Freedom Fest JC Co-chair Nate Butler said it's been a great year. "All&nbsp; the vendors are excited. They're looking forward to what the future holds for them here. The concerts, the bands, have just been tremendous."

Freedom Fest JC will return next year. The plan is to make it bigger, explained Butler. "We're looking at some bigger bands, some national level bands, like Casi Joy. She's a national level.&nbsp;

The 1st Infantry Division Rock band, Silver Bullet and Foghat performed for fans at Sundown Salute in the Milford City Park. The chair for the Sundown Salute committee Michelle Stimatze noted overall the celebration was good for a change of venue. The event was moved out of Junction City to Milford this year.&nbsp;

Diamond Rio drew a big crowd for their performance Sunday night. "We had at least 2,500 people here." She estimated turnout for the Foghat concert Monday evening at about one thousand.

As for the future of Sundown Salute Stimatze indicated a return to Junction City was unlikely but future plans for the celebration will be determined at a future point.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostCasi Joy and Run With It performed for Freedom Fest in downtown Junction City Monday night followed by fireworks to cap off a five-day Fourth of July celebration.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657023752437.jpeg" alt="Casi Joy" />
 <figcaption>Casi Joy</figcaption>
 </figure>Casi Joy, from Smithfield, Missouri, performed a variety of music styles from gospel to country for the crowd in Heritage park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657032859815.jpeg" alt="Run With It&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Run With It&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Run With It including Junction City native Miguel Caraballo performed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657035619105.jpeg" alt="( center )&nbsp; Miguel Caraballo's mother Linda and wife Jenny enjoying the performance of Run With It." />
 <figcaption>( center )&nbsp; Miguel Caraballo's mother Linda and wife Jenny enjoying the performance of Run With It.</figcaption>
 </figure>Freedom Fest JC Co-chair Nate Butler said it's been a great year. "All&nbsp; the vendors are excited. They're looking forward to what the future holds for them here. The concerts, the bands, have just been tremendous."Freedom Fest JC will return next year. The plan is to make it bigger, explained Butler. "We're looking at some bigger bands, some national level bands, like Casi Joy. She's a national level.&nbsp;The 1st Infantry Division Rock band, Silver Bullet and Foghat performed for fans at Sundown Salute in the Milford City Park. The chair for the Sundown Salute committee Michelle Stimatze noted overall the celebration was good for a change of venue. The event was moved out of Junction City to Milford this year.&nbsp;Diamond Rio drew a big crowd for their performance Sunday night. "We had at least 2,500 people here." She estimated turnout for the Foghat concert Monday evening at about one thousand.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657025070556.jpeg" alt="Foghat" />
 <figcaption>Foghat</figcaption>
 </figure>As for the future of Sundown Salute Stimatze indicated a return to Junction City was unlikely but future plans for the celebration will be determined at a future point.

Freedom Fest JC and Sundown Salute wrap up 2022 celebrations

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

The Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to three separate boating incidents on Milford Lake over the holiday weekend.

The Marine Unit is comprised of Geary County Sheriff's Deputies and Junction City Fire Department EMTS/Swift Water Rescue Swimmers.

In all three incidents, the boats were disabled and taking on water, all occupants in each incident were brought to safety without further incidents.

Officials with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100069103994267/posts/pfbid0c4o3yoZicrHFNcPTKvJ2CGR2DCNvV1wAVGXAsKPzRkfVsyEaShdKbYk5dPkPDhmkl/?d=n">Sheriff's Office reminded lake-goers</a> to create a short checklist before putting your boat in the water to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Recommended items for the checklist include: • Making sure the boat plug is secure. • Insuring you have appropriate number of coast guard approved life jackets and make sure that they are appropriately sized for each occupant. • Insure that you have plenty of fuel. • Make sure you have an undamaged throw cushion. • Boat has a functioning whistle or horn. • Boat has a functioning fire extinguisher. • Check your kill switch to make sure it is plugged in and attached to the driver’s vest when in operation. • Map or navigation options for the waterway you are going to be on. • Cellular phone or other means of communication. If you do not have cellular phone or other means of communication, let someone know. where you will be launching and give them a rough time line of return. • Make sure that your vessel is properly registered.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592908696272.png" alt="Geary Co. Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, image from file" />
 <figcaption>Geary Co. Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, image from file</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostThe Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit responded to three separate boating incidents on Milford Lake over the holiday weekend.The Marine Unit is comprised of Geary County Sheriff's Deputies and Junction City Fire Department EMTS/Swift Water Rescue Swimmers.In all three incidents, the boats were disabled and taking on water, all occupants in each incident were brought to safety without further incidents.Officials with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100069103994267/posts/pfbid0c4o3yoZicrHFNcPTKvJ2CGR2DCNvV1wAVGXAsKPzRkfVsyEaShdKbYk5dPkPDhmkl/?d=n">Sheriff's Office reminded lake-goers</a> to create a short checklist before putting your boat in the water to ensure the safety of all passengers.Recommended items for the checklist include: • Making sure the boat plug is secure. • Insuring you have appropriate number of coast guard approved life jackets and make sure that they are appropriately sized for each occupant. • Insure that you have plenty of fuel. • Make sure you have an undamaged throw cushion. • Boat has a functioning whistle or horn. • Boat has a functioning fire extinguisher. • Check your kill switch to make sure it is plugged in and attached to the driver’s vest when in operation. • Map or navigation options for the waterway you are going to be on. • Cellular phone or other means of communication. If you do not have cellular phone or other means of communication, let someone know. where you will be launching and give them a rough time line of return. • Make sure that your vessel is properly registered.

Geary Co. rescuers responded to 3 boating incidents on Milford Lake

JUNCTION CITY - Leading off the Junction City Independence Day parade was the Junction City Police Department with it's new D.A.R.E. car.

The brand-new Chevrolet Camaro, along with all equipment and the specialty wrap was purchased using asset forfeiture funds and cost taxpayers $0.

Local businesses equipped the vehicle with emergency lights, sirens and the custom wrap with logos from all Geary County Schools represented.

Officers will have the car on display at Heritage Park on July 4th from 6:30 pm until after the fireworks conclude.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656972913525.png" alt="JCPD D.A.R.E. car, picture courtesy JCPD" />
 <figcaption>JCPD D.A.R.E. car, picture courtesy JCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostJUNCTION CITY - Leading off the Junction City Independence Day parade was the Junction City Police Department with it's new D.A.R.E. car.<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Mon Jul 04 2022 17:26:36 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Rpreplay Final1656973404"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M17S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/thumbs/k02iYdcx-1134.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/k02iYdcx-3u5FKHGm.mp4"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/k02iYdcx-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Rpreplay Final1656973404" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>The brand-new Chevrolet Camaro, along with all equipment and the specialty wrap was purchased using asset forfeiture funds and cost taxpayers $0.Local businesses equipped the vehicle with emergency lights, sirens and the custom wrap with logos from all Geary County Schools represented.Officers will have the car on display at Heritage Park on July 4th from 6:30 pm until after the fireworks conclude.

🎥: JCPD unveils new D.A.R.E. car during parade

National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 9 p.m. Wednesday. It covers multiple counties and cities including Junction City and Manhattan. 

Nemaha-Brown-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson counties.

Including the cities of Sabetha, Seneca, Hiawatha, Horton, Clay Center, Manhattan, Wamego, St. Marys, Holton, Valley Falls, Oskaloosa, Perry, McLouth, Grantville, Meriden, Nortonville, Minneapolis, Bennington, Abilene, Herington, Junction City, Council Grove, Alma, Eskridge, Maple Hill, Alta Vista, McFarland, Harveyville, Paxico, Topeka, Lawrence, Emporia, Osage City, Carbondale, Lyndon, Burlingame, Overbrook, Ottawa, Burlington, Lebo, and Garnett.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...

Heat index values of up to 110 are expected for portions of central, east central, north central and northeast Kansas through 9 p.m.&nbsp; Wednesday.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses like cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke to occur. Overnight lows are not expected to provide  much relief with temperatures only briefly falling into the  upper 70s around dawn. The Heat Advisory may be extended or  upgraded to a Heat Warning in the coming days as the stretch of  hot and humid conditions may continue through the end of the  week.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 9 p.m. Wednesday. It covers multiple counties and cities including Junction City and Manhattan. Nemaha-Brown-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson-Jefferson-Ottawa-Dickinson-Geary-Morris-Wabaunsee-Shawnee-Douglas-Lyon-Osage-Franklin-Coffey-Anderson counties.Including the cities of Sabetha, Seneca, Hiawatha, Horton, Clay Center, Manhattan, Wamego, St. Marys, Holton, Valley Falls, Oskaloosa, Perry, McLouth, Grantville, Meriden, Nortonville, Minneapolis, Bennington, Abilene, Herington, Junction City, Council Grove, Alma, Eskridge, Maple Hill, Alta Vista, McFarland, Harveyville, Paxico, Topeka, Lawrence, Emporia, Osage City, Carbondale, Lyndon, Burlingame, Overbrook, Ottawa, Burlington, Lebo, and Garnett....HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...Heat index values of up to 110 are expected for portions of central, east central, north central and northeast Kansas through 9 p.m.&nbsp; Wednesday.Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses like cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke to occur. Overnight lows are not expected to provide much relief with temperatures only briefly falling into the upper 70s around dawn. The Heat Advisory may be extended or upgraded to a Heat Warning in the coming days as the stretch of hot and humid conditions may continue through the end of the week.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Heat advisory is issued for the region

Geary County Emergency Management has passed along a notice from KDOT that starting July 5th, road construction will occur on K244 from Milford Lake Road, east to the K244/K 57 junction near US 77 in Geary County. Approximate total length of the project is four miles. 

Traffic will be controlled using a pilot car and flagger with the potential for up to a 15-minute delay to the general traveling public. The project is expected to be completed no later than August.

Geary County Emergency Management has passed along a notice from KDOT that starting July 5th, road construction will occur on K244 from Milford Lake Road, east to the K244/K 57 junction near US 77 in Geary County. Approximate total length of the project is four miles. Traffic will be controlled using a pilot car and flagger with the potential for up to a 15-minute delay to the general traveling public. The project is expected to be completed no later than August.

Road construction advisory is issued in Geary County

Junction City continued tradition Monday with the Sundown Salute Parade. In addition to the cars, motorcycles and bands there was a strong military flavor as well, with troops marching and the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard.&nbsp;

( Photos courtesy of Phyllis Fitzgerald )

Top award entries in the parade included the Cavalry Baptist Church, first place, Girl Scouts, second place and the Junction City Animal Shelter, third place.

Following the parade the Veterans Ceremony was held in Heritage Park in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Master of Ceremonies, Tricia Verschage, said after five years in Vietnam the Division was ordered home on Dec. 14,1970. The Division sustained 20, 770 casualties and won 11 Congressional Medals of Honor, 67 Distinguished Service Crosses and 905 Silver Stars.&nbsp;

Brig. Gen. Niave Knell referred to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where there are 753 names of those who lost their lives, noting they all had their own story. "Many raised their hands to join siblings in war zones while some sought a path to a better life and some felt the call of duty. "While there are 753 stories associated with the names on the Memorial, Knell noted there was one outcome...service. 

Knell said it was service to an idea written in the Declaration of Independence by the Founding Fathers over 246 years ago "and protected by all the veterans of this nation ever since. The idea that all men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Junction City continued tradition Monday with the Sundown Salute Parade. In addition to the cars, motorcycles and bands there was a strong military flavor as well, with troops marching and the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard.&nbsp;( Photos courtesy of Phyllis Fitzgerald )<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656960856719.jpeg" alt="1st Infantry Division Soldiers&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>1st Infantry Division Soldiers&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656961570707.jpeg" alt="Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard" />
 <figcaption>Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard</figcaption>
 </figure>Top award entries in the parade included the Cavalry Baptist Church, first place, Girl Scouts, second place and the Junction City Animal Shelter, third place.( Photos courtesy of Kari Crump )<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656964448548.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656964463510.jpeg" alt="JCHS Marching Band" />
 <figcaption>JCHS Marching Band</figcaption>
 </figure>Following the parade the Veterans Ceremony was held in Heritage Park in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Master of Ceremonies, Tricia Verschage, said after five years in Vietnam the Division was ordered home on Dec. 14,1970. The Division sustained 20, 770 casualties and won 11 Congressional Medals of Honor, 67 Distinguished Service Crosses and 905 Silver Stars.&nbsp;Brig. Gen. Niave Knell referred to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial where there are 753 names of those who lost their lives, noting they all had their own story. "Many raised their hands to join siblings in war zones while some sought a path to a better life and some felt the call of duty. "While there are 753 stories associated with the names on the Memorial, Knell noted there was one outcome...service. Knell said it was service to an idea written in the Declaration of Independence by the Founding Fathers over 246 years ago "and protected by all the veterans of this nation ever since. The idea that all men are created equal. They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656964231137.jpeg" alt="Wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park." />
 <figcaption>Wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Junction City celebrates July 4th with a parade

The biggest strength of Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is its grassroots policy process that undergoes at least a year of debate before it’s enshrined in the organization’s policy book. This manual serves a blueprint for the advocacy work of state staff in the Kansas Legislature. In 2022, this member-driven process was crucial to improving farming, ranching and rural living during the legislative session. The success Kansas Farm Bureau had during the last legislative session will affect everyone in agriculture or living in a rural community in some fashion. Some of the wins are unlikely to be undone anytime soon and others could prove to be more fleeting without continued engagement. As of July 1, several of these polices are now laws codified in Kansas statutes. That’s proof that a group of dedicated people working toward a common goal can make the ultimate influence on the political process. Turning policy into action is not an easy endeavor, so it’s worth acknowledging when it does happen. Here are a handful of examples of how Farm Bureau members of Kansas and other likeminded organizations had an impact in Topeka: Fencing Tax Exemption:&nbsp;KFB successfully testified in support of a law the exempts fencing supplies and services from sales tax to repair fencing damaged or destroyed by natural disasters including wildfires. Those exemptions are permanent for all farmers and ranchers. Based on calculations from the Kansas Division of Budget and the Kansas State University Land Use Survey Center, this sales tax elimination will save farmers and ranchers approximately $865 for each mile of fence, a number that will grow alongside the cost of materials and labor. Funding for Rural Housing:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau was one of nearly two dozen organizations that successfully lobbied for an investment in rural housing of more than $100 million. The money will come from the state’s extraordinary budget surplus and unspent federal COVID-19 relief funding. Included in the spending package is $40 million to spur moderate-income housing programs. An additional $20 million is dedicated specifically to rural housing. Expansion of Rural Veterinary Program: KFB supported legislation that will expand the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas, addressing a shortage of veterinarians across the state. The legislation will allow more flexibility in where Kansas State University graduates can establish a practice and receive up to $25,000 per year in student loan forgiveness. The law also adds flexibility to increase the number of recipients beyond the maximum of five if funding is available. Pasture Tax Fix:&nbsp;KFB successfully supported a policy change in how pastureland enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands are classified for Kansas property tax purposes. Without this fix, land that has always been in pasture and then enrolled in the CRP was in danger of being classified as higher-value dryland farm ground for property tax purposes. Water Issues:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau staff testified against proposed legislation that would have consolidated the state’s water regulatory agencies because it would have increased government bureaucracy and consolidated enormous power under the control of a single political appointee, in addition to other measures that go against KFB’s policy. While the proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, it has prompted a review of KFB policy on water issues with regional meetings scheduled around the state, including July 6 in Hutchinson, July 7 in Dodge City, July 12 in Hoxie and July 14 in Burlington. For more on the meetings or to register visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=03ee9ca492&amp;e=32b5639f2e" target="_blank">www.kfb.org</a>. As the final issue illustrates, effectively implementing policy is a job that never ends. It requires continued discussion and refinement, and the ability to react quickly when there’s an opening. Kansas Farm Bureau will continue seeking feedback, forging alliances and pushing politicians to create rules and regulations allowing agriculture to flourish in Kansas and beyond.

<h2>Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau</h2>The biggest strength of Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is its grassroots policy process that undergoes at least a year of debate before it’s enshrined in the organization’s policy book. This manual serves a blueprint for the advocacy work of state staff in the Kansas Legislature. In 2022, this member-driven process was crucial to improving farming, ranching and rural living during the legislative session. The success Kansas Farm Bureau had during the last legislative session will affect everyone in agriculture or living in a rural community in some fashion. Some of the wins are unlikely to be undone anytime soon and others could prove to be more fleeting without continued engagement. As of July 1, several of these polices are now laws codified in Kansas statutes. That’s proof that a group of dedicated people working toward a common goal can make the ultimate influence on the political process. Turning policy into action is not an easy endeavor, so it’s worth acknowledging when it does happen. Here are a handful of examples of how Farm Bureau members of Kansas and other likeminded organizations had an impact in Topeka: Fencing Tax Exemption:&nbsp;KFB successfully testified in support of a law the exempts fencing supplies and services from sales tax to repair fencing damaged or destroyed by natural disasters including wildfires. Those exemptions are permanent for all farmers and ranchers. Based on calculations from the Kansas Division of Budget and the Kansas State University Land Use Survey Center, this sales tax elimination will save farmers and ranchers approximately $865 for each mile of fence, a number that will grow alongside the cost of materials and labor. Funding for Rural Housing:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau was one of nearly two dozen organizations that successfully lobbied for an investment in rural housing of more than $100 million. The money will come from the state’s extraordinary budget surplus and unspent federal COVID-19 relief funding. Included in the spending package is $40 million to spur moderate-income housing programs. An additional $20 million is dedicated specifically to rural housing. Expansion of Rural Veterinary Program: KFB supported legislation that will expand the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas, addressing a shortage of veterinarians across the state. The legislation will allow more flexibility in where Kansas State University graduates can establish a practice and receive up to $25,000 per year in student loan forgiveness. The law also adds flexibility to increase the number of recipients beyond the maximum of five if funding is available. Pasture Tax Fix:&nbsp;KFB successfully supported a policy change in how pastureland enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands are classified for Kansas property tax purposes. Without this fix, land that has always been in pasture and then enrolled in the CRP was in danger of being classified as higher-value dryland farm ground for property tax purposes. Water Issues:&nbsp;Kansas Farm Bureau staff testified against proposed legislation that would have consolidated the state’s water regulatory agencies because it would have increased government bureaucracy and consolidated enormous power under the control of a single political appointee, in addition to other measures that go against KFB’s policy. While the proposal was ultimately unsuccessful, it has prompted a review of KFB policy on water issues with regional meetings scheduled around the state, including July 6 in Hutchinson, July 7 in Dodge City, July 12 in Hoxie and July 14 in Burlington. For more on the meetings or to register visit&nbsp;<a href="https://kfb.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=45bba928f411d21617c5eadbe&amp;id=03ee9ca492&amp;e=32b5639f2e" target="_blank">www.kfb.org</a>. As the final issue illustrates, effectively implementing policy is a job that never ends. It requires continued discussion and refinement, and the ability to react quickly when there’s an opening. Kansas Farm Bureau will continue seeking feedback, forging alliances and pushing politicians to create rules and regulations allowing agriculture to flourish in Kansas and beyond.

Putting Policy Into Action 

Sundown Salute attracted a strong turnout Sunday night for the concert by Diamond Rio in the Milford City Park with hundreds of people in attendance.

Freedom Fest JC and Sundown Salute celebrate the Fourth of July on Monday.

Freedom Fest JC will host concerts including Run With It at 6:30 p.m. and Casi Joy at 8 p.m. on the stage adjacent to Heritage Park. Numerous other activities are scheduled in the park ranging&nbsp; from Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets to a children's parade at 2 p.m. and Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Sundown Salute will host a series of activities in Junction City beginning with the 5K and 10K runs at 7 a.m. followed by a one mile fun run at 8:30 a.m. They begin and end in Heritage Park.

Up next will be the Sundown Salute Cheers to 50 Years Parade at 10 a.m. There are 36 entries in the parade, which will be broadcast on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK AM. According to parade coordinator Tricia Verschage, Sundown Salute assumed oversight of the parade event 46 years ago but Junction City has held an annual parade for most of the history of the city.

The Veterans Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for noon in Heritage Park. 

Concerts in the Milford City Park will include the 1st Infantry Division Rock Band from 5-6 p.m., Silver Bullet 6:30 - 8 p.m. and Foghat 8:30 - 10 p.m. There will be Fireworks at 10 o'clock.

UPDATE:Sundown Salute attracted a strong turnout Sunday night for the concert by Diamond Rio in the Milford City Park with hundreds of people in attendance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656966576688.jpeg" alt="Audience watching Diamond Rio perform at Sundown Salute." />
 <figcaption>Audience watching Diamond Rio perform at Sundown Salute.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656966621148.jpeg" alt="Diamond Rio performing." />
 <figcaption>Diamond Rio performing.</figcaption>
 </figure>---Freedom Fest JC and Sundown Salute celebrate the Fourth of July on Monday.Freedom Fest JC will host concerts including Run With It at 6:30 p.m. and Casi Joy at 8 p.m. on the stage adjacent to Heritage Park. Numerous other activities are scheduled in the park ranging&nbsp; from Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets to a children's parade at 2 p.m. and Fireworks at 10 p.m.Sundown Salute will host a series of activities in Junction City beginning with the 5K and 10K runs at 7 a.m. followed by a one mile fun run at 8:30 a.m. They begin and end in Heritage Park.Up next will be the Sundown Salute Cheers to 50 Years Parade at 10 a.m. There are 36 entries in the parade, which will be broadcast on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK AM. According to parade coordinator Tricia Verschage, Sundown Salute assumed oversight of the parade event 46 years ago but Junction City has held an annual parade for most of the history of the city.The Veterans Wreath Laying Ceremony is scheduled for noon in Heritage Park. Concerts in the Milford City Park will include the 1st Infantry Division Rock Band from 5-6 p.m., Silver Bullet 6:30 - 8 p.m. and Foghat 8:30 - 10 p.m. There will be Fireworks at 10 o'clock.

Fourth of July in Geary County is full of activities

Casi Joy will be the headline performer for Freedom Fest JC in downtown Junction City Monday night. She combines traditional country and modern pop music, and has appeared as a contestant on "The Voice" on NBC. Joy is a native of Kansas City and has also been a Nashville recording artist. "I've had some venues go viral and that's been so incredible and I'm so grateful that I have such awesome fans that have been following my journey since day one."

Fans at the 8:30 p.m. Monday concert will get to hear a variety of music. "When you see the show in Junction City it is going to be country, pop, rock, kid's songs, bad jokes, everything under the sun. We just kind of read the crowd and fly by the seat of our pants because we're here for the fans and we want to play what they want to hear. "

Preceding Casi Joy on stage will be the band, Run With It, with Miguel Caraballo. He is a 1998 Junction City graduate, now based in the Kansas City area. He's coming home for the festival. "It'll be cool, being back home playing on the big stage there. "

Run With It performs a style similar to pop rock. They'll perform some cover songs and some of their own original music. Miguel remembers his start in music as a youth when he taught himself how to play a friend's guitar at the age of 15 or 16. "Just banging on that thing until literally my fingers were like raw. " At the age of 18 he decided to pursue a music career.

Caraballo credits the support of his mother, Linda Caraballo, Junction City. "If she found out I was into something it didn't matter what it was, she would just pour all of her energy into helping me do that thing, resourcing me to do that thing to the best of her ability." Miguel added that she always supported his efforts in music.

Linda Caraballo is a Financial Analyst / Office Manager in the Geary County Treasurer's Office and a Proof Operator for the Central National Bank. She told JC Post that she supported her son in everything that he did. "Work, gave him help financially, got him around to places before he got his driver's license and got his vehicle to transport him and his band equipment. She enjoys her son's performances, and said when Monday night arrives she'll be super&nbsp;excited, nervous and proud!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656872435839.jpeg" alt="Casi Joy" />
 <figcaption>Casi Joy</figcaption>
 </figure>Casi Joy will be the headline performer for Freedom Fest JC in downtown Junction City Monday night. She combines traditional country and modern pop music, and has appeared as a contestant on "The Voice" on NBC. Joy is a native of Kansas City and has also been a Nashville recording artist. "I've had some venues go viral and that's been so incredible and I'm so grateful that I have such awesome fans that have been following my journey since day one."Fans at the 8:30 p.m. Monday concert will get to hear a variety of music. "When you see the show in Junction City it is going to be country, pop, rock, kid's songs, bad jokes, everything under the sun. We just kind of read the crowd and fly by the seat of our pants because we're here for the fans and we want to play what they want to hear. "<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656873073095.jpeg" alt="Miguel Caraballo ( center ) with his band Run With It" />
 <figcaption>Miguel Caraballo ( center ) with his band Run With It</figcaption>
 </figure>Preceding Casi Joy on stage will be the band, Run With It, with Miguel Caraballo. He is a 1998 Junction City graduate, now based in the Kansas City area. He's coming home for the festival. "It'll be cool, being back home playing on the big stage there. "Run With It performs a style similar to pop rock. They'll perform some cover songs and some of their own original music. Miguel remembers his start in music as a youth when he taught himself how to play a friend's guitar at the age of 15 or 16. "Just banging on that thing until literally my fingers were like raw. " At the age of 18 he decided to pursue a music career.Caraballo credits the support of his mother, Linda Caraballo, Junction City. "If she found out I was into something it didn't matter what it was, she would just pour all of her energy into helping me do that thing, resourcing me to do that thing to the best of her ability." Miguel added that she always supported his efforts in music.Linda Caraballo is a Financial Analyst / Office Manager in the Geary County Treasurer's Office and a Proof Operator for the Central National Bank. She told JC Post that she supported her son in everything that he did. "Work, gave him help financially, got him around to places before he got his driver's license and got his vehicle to transport him and his band equipment. She enjoys her son's performances, and said when Monday night arrives she'll be super&nbsp;excited, nervous and proud!

Casi Joy and Miguel Caraballo will perform at Freedom Fest JC

Beginning Tuesday, the Kansas Department of Transportation&nbsp; has announced that they will close a portion of U.S. 40 Business ( E. 6th St. ) for a bridge replacement between Union Pacific Railroad and Monroe St., located .23 miles east of Washington Street in Geary County.

During construction, the roadway will be closed, and traffic will follow a signed detour utilizing I-70. A single lane in each direction is expected to reopen by November 2023.

King Construction, Inc. of Hesston is the primary contractor for this $15.9 million project. Complete bridge replacement is expected to be completed by June 2024

Beginning Tuesday, the Kansas Department of Transportation&nbsp; has announced that they will close a portion of U.S. 40 Business ( E. 6th St. ) for a bridge replacement between Union Pacific Railroad and Monroe St., located .23 miles east of Washington Street in Geary County.During construction, the roadway will be closed, and traffic will follow a signed detour utilizing I-70. A single lane in each direction is expected to reopen by November 2023.King Construction, Inc. of Hesston is the primary contractor for this $15.9 million project. Complete bridge replacement is expected to be completed by June 2024

Major bridge replacement project is set to begin in Junction City

Power of prayer was emphasized during the Community Worship Service sponsored by the Geary County Ministerial Association in Heritage Park Sunday morning.

Pastor Pedro Amaro of the Vertical Church explained that no matter what the case is we need to continue to stand for the truth and God has provided the power of prayer. Pastor Mark Hatcher from JC Naz said the only way forward is together. He urged the audience to be strong and not give up their work and they will be rewarded.

Several hundred people brought their lawn chairs and viewed the service from the park while the speakers were located on the main Freedom Fest JC Stage.

Christian music performers Brandon Estelle and Rhett Walker will perform at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. respectively Sunday evening during Freedom Fest JC in downtown Junction City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656900133318.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Power of prayer was emphasized during the Community Worship Service sponsored by the Geary County Ministerial Association in Heritage Park Sunday morning.Pastor Pedro Amaro of the Vertical Church explained that no matter what the case is we need to continue to stand for the truth and God has provided the power of prayer. Pastor Mark Hatcher from JC Naz said the only way forward is together. He urged the audience to be strong and not give up their work and they will be rewarded.Several hundred people brought their lawn chairs and viewed the service from the park while the speakers were located on the main Freedom Fest JC Stage.Christian music performers Brandon Estelle and Rhett Walker will perform at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. respectively Sunday evening during Freedom Fest JC in downtown Junction City.

Hundreds gather for a Community Worship Service

The Junction City Pilot Club held their June meeting and conducted the upcoming year's installation of new Officers.&nbsp; 

They also had the installation of a new Member.&nbsp;

The Junction City Pilot Club held their June meeting and conducted the upcoming year's installation of new Officers.&nbsp; They also had the installation of a new Member.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656809193871.jpeg" alt="( Pictured from left ) Ina Kane, Past President; Karen Jameson, Fundraising coordinator; Kay Gatza, President; Nicole Mader, President- Elect; Sharon Strain, Treasurer; Sue Penn, Secretary." />
 <figcaption>( Pictured from left ) Ina Kane, Past President; Karen Jameson, Fundraising coordinator; Kay Gatza, President; Nicole Mader, President- Elect; Sharon Strain, Treasurer; Sue Penn, Secretary.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656809252003.jpeg" alt="(&nbsp; Pictured from left ) Shelley Hopper new member; Kay Gatza, President.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>(&nbsp; Pictured from left ) Shelley Hopper new member; Kay Gatza, President.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Pilot Club provides officer and new member recognition

MORRIS CO., Kan. (WIBW) - The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morriscountyks.org/" target="_blank">Morris County Sheriff’s Office</a>&nbsp;says on Saturday, July 2, residents should drive with caution as several roads have become impassable due to flooding and a sinkhole.

Deputies said heavy rains have led to flooding in the area, leaving several roads impassable as water is over the road or the road is minimum maintenance and too muddy for vehicles to make it through. It said those roads are as follows:

The Sheriff’s Office also noted that a large sinkhole across G Avenue has caused its closure between 1200 and&nbsp;and 1300 road. Deputies told 13 NEWS the hole is about 4 feet deep and 2-inches across.

Deputies have encouraged drivers to look for other routes and drive safely.

By WIBW TVMORRIS CO., Kan. (WIBW) - The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morriscountyks.org/" target="_blank">Morris County Sheriff’s Office</a>&nbsp;says on Saturday, July 2, residents should drive with caution as several roads have become impassable due to flooding and a sinkhole.Deputies said heavy rains have led to flooding in the area, leaving several roads impassable as water is over the road or the road is minimum maintenance and too muddy for vehicles to make it through. It said those roads are as follows:<ul>
 <li>Road 500 D-F</li><li>Road F 500-600</li><li>Road 400 D-F</li><li>Road 300 D-F</li><li>Road 800 D-G</li>
 </ul>The Sheriff’s Office also noted that a large sinkhole across G Avenue has caused its closure between 1200 and&nbsp;and 1300 road. Deputies told 13 NEWS the hole is about 4 feet deep and 2-inches across.Deputies have encouraged drivers to look for other routes and drive safely.

Flooding causes problems on several Morris County roads

ZZ KC, ZZ Top tribute performers were at Freedom Fest JC.

Garry Stover, Gallipos, Ohio,&nbsp; brought his 1934 Ford Coupe to Junction City for display adjacent to the stage where the tribute band ZZ KC performed Saturday night. They are a tribute band that performs the music of ZZ Top.

"I take it to car shows with the KC Eliminator Show ( that was on tap in downtown Junction City Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ). I've also had it at other car shows and I had it with the original ZZ Top Band who autographed it on the dash," said Stover.

Stover noted that it took him about a year to build the car. He explained it's difficult to determine the value of this vehicle. "No one knows what it's worth, it's priceless because of the people that autographed it." 

Stover said he has always been a fan of ZZ Top. "In 1984 when the Eliminator album come out I saw the come out and I told my mom I'm going to have one of those. Twenty years later I just decided to build it and make it."

ZZ KC, ZZ Top tribute performers were at Freedom Fest JC.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656809569623.jpeg" alt="ZZ KC" />
 <figcaption>ZZ KC</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656809634899.jpeg" alt="Freedom Fest JC audience in Heritage Park" />
 <figcaption>Freedom Fest JC audience in Heritage Park</figcaption>
 </figure>Garry Stover, Gallipos, Ohio,&nbsp; brought his 1934 Ford Coupe to Junction City for display adjacent to the stage where the tribute band ZZ KC performed Saturday night. They are a tribute band that performs the music of ZZ Top.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656786735072.jpeg" alt="Garry Stover sitting in his 1934 Ford Coupe" />
 <figcaption>Garry Stover sitting in his 1934 Ford Coupe</figcaption>
 </figure>"I take it to car shows with the KC Eliminator Show ( that was on tap in downtown Junction City Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. ). I've also had it at other car shows and I had it with the original ZZ Top Band who autographed it on the dash," said Stover.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656809833113.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stover noted that it took him about a year to build the car. He explained it's difficult to determine the value of this vehicle. "No one knows what it's worth, it's priceless because of the people that autographed it." Stover said he has always been a fan of ZZ Top. "In 1984 when the Eliminator album come out I saw the come out and I told my mom I'm going to have one of those. Twenty years later I just decided to build it and make it."

ZZ Top is remembered at Freedom Fest JC

Site placement options for an Early Childhood Center will be addressed during the Geary USD 475 Board of Education meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Devin Center.

Dr. Reginald Eggleston and David Wild will discuss the topic with the school board.

During the meeting Board approval will also be sought to make a purchase order award for the purchase of a performance piano for the JCHS Fine Arts Academy. Board approval will also&nbsp; be requested to continue the COVID-19 mitigation cleaning program for the 2022-2023 school year.

Site placement options for an Early Childhood Center will be addressed during the Geary USD 475 Board of Education meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Devin Center.Dr. Reginald Eggleston and David Wild will discuss the topic with the school board.During the meeting Board approval will also be sought to make a purchase order award for the purchase of a performance piano for the JCHS Fine Arts Academy. Board approval will also&nbsp; be requested to continue the COVID-19 mitigation cleaning program for the 2022-2023 school year.

Early Childhood Center is an agenda item for the USD 475 BOE

Stormont Vail Health has issued a statement on the contract agreement between that organization and Geary County on the operation&nbsp;

&nbsp;Geary County Commissioners Friday approved a contract with Stormont Vail Health that will pave the way to stabilize the provision of health services in Geary County. The Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees also approved the agreement.

“Providing health care services close to home is important to the health and wellbeing of Kansans,” said Rob Kenagy, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Stormont Vail Health. “We are committed to stabilizing and then improving access to timely, high quality care in the region.

“Stormont Vail already has a growing presence in Manhattan with the development of our new facility near the K-State campus. With this opportunity in Junction City, our goal is to further extend the excellent care of Stormont Vail providers and our team to the residents of Geary, Riley and surrounding counties.”

Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO at Geary Community Hospital, said “This is a positive step for our team at Geary Community Hospital and the area we serve. We look forward to working closely with Stormont Vail as we begin transitioning and integrating with their healthcare system to provide the very best of care to our patients.

Stormont Vail Health leaders began discussions with the Geary Community Hospital and Geary County earlier this year when a community transition task force sought a way forward for the financially struggling healthcare organization. Without securing a different way forward, the Geary Community Hospital and related rural health clinic were faced certain closure.

Under the contract, Stormont Vail Health will manage Geary Community Hospital and rural health clinic from July 1 until the end of the year. During that time, with the combined efforts of teams at Geary Community Hospital and Stormont Vail Health will stabilize hospital and clinic operations, install an electronic medical record system, and introduce and integrate Stormont Vail culture and processes.

The contract is anticipated to be closed at the end of the year if a number of conditions are met. Geary Community Hospital operations would then close and the Stormont Vail Health system will begin its operations. Stormont Vail currently operates a regional 586-licensed bed acute care hospital in Topeka, two ambulatory surgical centers, a behavioral health hospital, specialty medicine clinics and primary care clinics in communities throughout northeast Kansas, including Manhattan and Emporia.

A condition for closing the contract is that Geary County will fund $20 million in deferred maintenance and repair costs at the facility that were identified in 2021 by a third party assessment.

Stormont Vail leaders also shared significant investments they plan to make in the Junction City healthcare operation to develop a viable healthcare facility with a stable workforce. These initiatives represent an investment of nearly $7.5 million by Stormont Vail during the management period from July 2022 through December 31, 2022, and nearly $20 million over the following 5-year period.

Retaining and supporting the workforce at Geary Community Hospital is extremely important during the management period. There has already been work in this regard, including:

- Stormont Vail working with Medical Staff leaders of GCH to provide the foundation for next steps;

- Creation of plans to provide interim leadership to the nursing administration, surgical services and ambulatory clinic teams. This will ensure a smooth contract period and transition to new operations;

- Extending operational support from Stormont Vail system services in finance, revenue cycle, human resources, clinical quality and facility management. 

- Stormont Vail will bring the Epic medical record solution to the new Stormont operations.

- This installation will improve documentation, streamline billing and coding processes and improve the workflows required to deliver health care services in Geary County.

- Epic will be installed as the single medical record system across all health care operations, facilitating the coordination of patient care between Stormont Vail providers in Junction City, Topeka and across the system. Installation of Epic requires updates to critical technology infrastructure.

- This upgrade will connect Stormont’s Geary County operations into the Stormont Vail system with cybersecurity, maintenance and management infrastructure already successfully implemented at Stormont’s main campus.

This IT work will be completed during the management period with anticipated go-live when Stormont Vail begins its independent operations in Geary County. The investment in this period is anticipated to be approximately $3 million in equipment and licenses for the electronic health record system.

Stabilizing the acute care operations at GCH during the management phase is part of Stormont Vail’s plan. This will be accomplished by:

- Extending the Stormont Vail Hospitalists and Emergency Department physicians to GCH to begin the process of standardizing and stabilizing the Emergency Department to Inpatient Admission workflows. These highly-trained physicians understand the requirements to operate a highly reliable acute care operation. This should enable more patients to remain in Junction City when hospital admission is required.

- Access by acutely ill patients for timely consults from medical specialists will be facilitated by the telemedicine infrastructure at Stormont Vail. This allows for specialists to consult with hospitalists, as needed. Initially, Stormont Vail Cardiology and Neurology specialists will provide consults, expanding later to additional specialties.

Stormont Vail’s surgical teams are prepared to close the gap in care after the departure of a GCH surgeon. This will include:

- The Stormont Vail General Surgery service line has started transitioning the bariatric surgery patients that required immediate care.

- Stormont Vail teams have a clinical practice schedule planned and are readying to operate on patients in the Geary County facility.

- The investment in surgical services will be significant, with nearly $1 million of equipment needed in the first year.

- Stormont Vail’s Manhattan gastroenterology providers have applied for privileges to perform the procedural services at GCH. Stabilizing and growing procedural volumes at GCH is extremely important to the viability and future success of operations in Geary County.

- Stormont Vail anticipates working closely with physicians in the region to assist with acute surgical and procedural services at GCH. Rural Health Clinic

Stormont Vail operates a robust and expansive primary care network in eastern Kansas. Stormont Vail will bring the GCH primary care practices into the management structure of Stormont Vail’s current primary care footprint. This will provide significant support, including:

- Remote Nurse Triage call center, medication refill call center, centralized scheduling and medical leadership support services. Support allows practices to provide high value care for patients.

- This primary care network has access to specialists within the Stormont Vail system through Epic referrals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656711999868.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Stormont Vail Health has issued a statement on the contract agreement between that organization and Geary County on the operation&nbsp;&nbsp;Geary County Commissioners Friday approved a contract with Stormont Vail Health that will pave the way to stabilize the provision of health services in Geary County. The Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees also approved the agreement.“Providing health care services close to home is important to the health and wellbeing of Kansans,” said Rob Kenagy, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Stormont Vail Health. “We are committed to stabilizing and then improving access to timely, high quality care in the region.“Stormont Vail already has a growing presence in Manhattan with the development of our new facility near the K-State campus. With this opportunity in Junction City, our goal is to further extend the excellent care of Stormont Vail providers and our team to the residents of Geary, Riley and surrounding counties.”Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO at Geary Community Hospital, said “This is a positive step for our team at Geary Community Hospital and the area we serve. We look forward to working closely with Stormont Vail as we begin transitioning and integrating with their healthcare system to provide the very best of care to our patients.Stormont Vail Health leaders began discussions with the Geary Community Hospital and Geary County earlier this year when a community transition task force sought a way forward for the financially struggling healthcare organization. Without securing a different way forward, the Geary Community Hospital and related rural health clinic were faced certain closure.Under the contract, Stormont Vail Health will manage Geary Community Hospital and rural health clinic from July 1 until the end of the year. During that time, with the combined efforts of teams at Geary Community Hospital and Stormont Vail Health will stabilize hospital and clinic operations, install an electronic medical record system, and introduce and integrate Stormont Vail culture and processes.The contract is anticipated to be closed at the end of the year if a number of conditions are met. Geary Community Hospital operations would then close and the Stormont Vail Health system will begin its operations. Stormont Vail currently operates a regional 586-licensed bed acute care hospital in Topeka, two ambulatory surgical centers, a behavioral health hospital, specialty medicine clinics and primary care clinics in communities throughout northeast Kansas, including Manhattan and Emporia.A condition for closing the contract is that Geary County will fund $20 million in deferred maintenance and repair costs at the facility that were identified in 2021 by a third party assessment.Stormont Vail leaders also shared significant investments they plan to make in the Junction City healthcare operation to develop a viable healthcare facility with a stable workforce. These initiatives represent an investment of nearly $7.5 million by Stormont Vail during the management period from July 2022 through December 31, 2022, and nearly $20 million over the following 5-year period.These include:System Service SupportRetaining and supporting the workforce at Geary Community Hospital is extremely important during the management period. There has already been work in this regard, including:- Stormont Vail working with Medical Staff leaders of GCH to provide the foundation for next steps;- Creation of plans to provide interim leadership to the nursing administration, surgical services and ambulatory clinic teams. This will ensure a smooth contract period and transition to new operations;- Extending operational support from Stormont Vail system services in finance, revenue cycle, human resources, clinical quality and facility management. Information Technology Infrastructure- Stormont Vail will bring the Epic medical record solution to the new Stormont operations.- This installation will improve documentation, streamline billing and coding processes and improve the workflows required to deliver health care services in Geary County.- Epic will be installed as the single medical record system across all health care operations, facilitating the coordination of patient care between Stormont Vail providers in Junction City, Topeka and across the system. Installation of Epic requires updates to critical technology infrastructure.- This upgrade will connect Stormont’s Geary County operations into the Stormont Vail system with cybersecurity, maintenance and management infrastructure already successfully implemented at Stormont’s main campus.This IT work will be completed during the management period with anticipated go-live when Stormont Vail begins its independent operations in Geary County. The investment in this period is anticipated to be approximately $3 million in equipment and licenses for the electronic health record system.Acute Care OperationsStabilizing the acute care operations at GCH during the management phase is part of Stormont Vail’s plan. This will be accomplished by:- Extending the Stormont Vail Hospitalists and Emergency Department physicians to GCH to begin the process of standardizing and stabilizing the Emergency Department to Inpatient Admission workflows. These highly-trained physicians understand the requirements to operate a highly reliable acute care operation. This should enable more patients to remain in Junction City when hospital admission is required.- Access by acutely ill patients for timely consults from medical specialists will be facilitated by the telemedicine infrastructure at Stormont Vail. This allows for specialists to consult with hospitalists, as needed. Initially, Stormont Vail Cardiology and Neurology specialists will provide consults, expanding later to additional specialties.Procedural ServicesStormont Vail’s surgical teams are prepared to close the gap in care after the departure of a GCH surgeon. This will include:- The Stormont Vail General Surgery service line has started transitioning the bariatric surgery patients that required immediate care.- Stormont Vail teams have a clinical practice schedule planned and are readying to operate on patients in the Geary County facility.- The investment in surgical services will be significant, with nearly $1 million of equipment needed in the first year.- Stormont Vail’s Manhattan gastroenterology providers have applied for privileges to perform the procedural services at GCH. Stabilizing and growing procedural volumes at GCH is extremely important to the viability and future success of operations in Geary County.- Stormont Vail anticipates working closely with physicians in the region to assist with acute surgical and procedural services at GCH. Rural Health ClinicRural Health ClinicStormont Vail operates a robust and expansive primary care network in eastern Kansas. Stormont Vail will bring the GCH primary care practices into the management structure of Stormont Vail’s current primary care footprint. This will provide significant support, including:- Remote Nurse Triage call center, medication refill call center, centralized scheduling and medical leadership support services. Support allows practices to provide high value care for patients.- This primary care network has access to specialists within the Stormont Vail system through Epic referrals.

Stormont Vail Health’s Management, Oversight of Hospital, Clinics in Geary County Moves Forward

Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke has announced that all County Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, July 5.

Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke has announced that all County Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, July 5.

Geary County offices will be closed on Monday

There will not be any trash pick-up by Junction City Public Works on Monday due to the July 4th holiday.

Trash will be picked up the following day. For example Monday's pick-up day will be Tuesday, and Tuesday collection will occur on Wednesday next week.

To ensure pick-up of your trash it should be set out by 6 a.m. Tuesday.

There will not be any trash pick-up by Junction City Public Works on Monday due to the July 4th holiday.Trash will be picked up the following day. For example Monday's pick-up day will be Tuesday, and Tuesday collection will occur on Wednesday next week.To ensure pick-up of your trash it should be set out by 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Junction City Public Works will take Monday off

Stormont Vail will assume control of Geary Community Hospital operations on January 1st. Contracts pertaining to that arrangement were signed Friday by the Geary County Commission. 

The new name for the hospital will be Stormont Vail - Flint Hills Campus.

Attorney Peter Rombold explained that there is an agreement for Stormont Vail to sublease the hospital from the County and Geary Community Hospital Trustees, subject to Public Building Commission approval. "They will take over the operation of Geary Community Hospital as of Jan. 1. " From July 1 until Dec. 31 Stormont Vail has agreed to offer management services and employees to GCH and commence installation of an epic software system. "Epic is the state of the art in software. It's what you need to play ball these days with the big boys in healthcare." That software system will involve an investment of at least $3 million and will take six months to build.

Commissioners approved the sublease, a master agreement, and included in that master's agreement management services, employee lease and asset purchase agreements. If all conditions have been met the asset purchase and sublease would close on Dec. 31.

Geary Community Hospital has been trying to cope with extreme financial challenges. Commissioner Trish Giordano said a lot of people worked hard on this effort. "There definitely was sweat and tears shed over this. " She added, "I can honestly say that this was the best situation for healthcare in Geary County. "

Giordano confirmed that the County's Finance Officer, Tami Robison, put together a solid plan to pay for this effort. "There is light at the end of the tunnel. It's a little long but we know that we need to get out of the healthcare business.&nbsp; Putting this plan in is our first step while still keeping quality healthcare. " Giordano added that Stormont Vail is a powerhouse in healthcare operation in the region.

Giordano thanked the employees at Geary Community Hospital for their support during this process while not knowing if they would have a job, and during COVID-19. "I truly want to&nbsp; thank each and every one of them for hanging tight with us."

Employees at GCH will be able to fill out a job application with Stormont Vail. "With the condition of finding healthcare workers they assured us they will try to keep everyone if possible. " On the possibility of retaining the current doctors Giordano said, "I believe they've all been offered a contract based on whether we sign this contract today." Stormont Vail will also be bringing in some doctors.

Commissioner Keith Ascher called Friday a historic day for Geary County citizens and for those in surrounding areas. "I think the future looks bright, it really does. We worked at this a long, long time but we finally came to something that works."

Commission Chair Alex Tyson noted that it had been important to address the healthcare challenge that had faced the community. "I don't think that any one of us wanted to sell out our community to move backwards in healthcare. "

Tyson said it's time for others to step up. "We need the help of everybody." We need everybody, all hands on deck to get us to the end of this, to see this through."

Hospital officials have been trying to raise $6 million to get Geary Community through to the end of the year due to current financial shortfalls. They have approached the City of Junction City and Geary Community Healthcare Foundation&nbsp; for help but final action has not occurred there.

Giordano explained that that the County has a plan to cover back end debt. "The existing bonds, any debt the hospital has, the revenue bond that the hospital has. She added that no hospital would take over the building unless the infrastructure is fixed where there is a lot of deferred maintenance that needs to be done. When asked how much money the County would have to come up with Giordano stated, "Approximately $20 million." The payment of those funds would be spread out over a long term using current tax revenue levels.&nbsp;

Giordano made it clear that there will not be any tax increase!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651104231477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostStormont Vail will assume control of Geary Community Hospital operations on January 1st. Contracts pertaining to that arrangement were signed Friday by the Geary County Commission. The new name for the hospital will be Stormont Vail - Flint Hills Campus.Attorney Peter Rombold explained that there is an agreement for Stormont Vail to sublease the hospital from the County and Geary Community Hospital Trustees, subject to Public Building Commission approval. "They will take over the operation of Geary Community Hospital as of Jan. 1. " From July 1 until Dec. 31 Stormont Vail has agreed to offer management services and employees to GCH and commence installation of an epic software system. "Epic is the state of the art in software. It's what you need to play ball these days with the big boys in healthcare." That software system will involve an investment of at least $3 million and will take six months to build.Commissioners approved the sublease, a master agreement, and included in that master's agreement management services, employee lease and asset purchase agreements. If all conditions have been met the asset purchase and sublease would close on Dec. 31.Geary Community Hospital has been trying to cope with extreme financial challenges. Commissioner Trish Giordano said a lot of people worked hard on this effort. "There definitely was sweat and tears shed over this. " She added, "I can honestly say that this was the best situation for healthcare in Geary County. "Giordano confirmed that the County's Finance Officer, Tami Robison, put together a solid plan to pay for this effort. "There is light at the end of the tunnel. It's a little long but we know that we need to get out of the healthcare business.&nbsp; Putting this plan in is our first step while still keeping quality healthcare. " Giordano added that Stormont Vail is a powerhouse in healthcare operation in the region.Giordano thanked the employees at Geary Community Hospital for their support during this process while not knowing if they would have a job, and during COVID-19. "I truly want to&nbsp; thank each and every one of them for hanging tight with us."Employees at GCH will be able to fill out a job application with Stormont Vail. "With the condition of finding healthcare workers they assured us they will try to keep everyone if possible. " On the possibility of retaining the current doctors Giordano said, "I believe they've all been offered a contract based on whether we sign this contract today." Stormont Vail will also be bringing in some doctors.Commissioner Keith Ascher called Friday a historic day for Geary County citizens and for those in surrounding areas. "I think the future looks bright, it really does. We worked at this a long, long time but we finally came to something that works."Commission Chair Alex Tyson noted that it had been important to address the healthcare challenge that had faced the community. "I don't think that any one of us wanted to sell out our community to move backwards in healthcare. "Tyson said it's time for others to step up. "We need the help of everybody." We need everybody, all hands on deck to get us to the end of this, to see this through."Hospital officials have been trying to raise $6 million to get Geary Community through to the end of the year due to current financial shortfalls. They have approached the City of Junction City and Geary Community Healthcare Foundation&nbsp; for help but final action has not occurred there.Giordano explained that that the County has a plan to cover back end debt. "The existing bonds, any debt the hospital has, the revenue bond that the hospital has. She added that no hospital would take over the building unless the infrastructure is fixed where there is a lot of deferred maintenance that needs to be done. When asked how much money the County would have to come up with Giordano stated, "Approximately $20 million." The payment of those funds would be spread out over a long term using current tax revenue levels.&nbsp;Giordano made it clear that there will not be any tax increase!

Geary Community Hospital will become Stormont Vail - Flint Hills Campus

Starting July 5th, road construction will occur on K244 from Milford Lake Road east to the K244/K57 junction near US77 in Geary County. Approximate total length of the project is four miles. 

Starting July 5th, road construction will occur on K244 from Milford Lake Road east to the K244/K57 junction near US77 in Geary County. Approximate total length of the project is four miles. Traffic will be controlled using a pilot car and flagger with the potential for up to a 15-minute delay to the general traveling public. The project is expected to be completed no later than August.

KDOT announces road improvements

For the sixth consecutive month in 2022, June ended with well above average temperatures, but probably not as warm as many area residents thought. Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte said that while rainfall just missed long term average, it was close enough and well timed to provide nice rains for area lawns, gardens and crops and only delayed wheat harvest slightly.

The average daily high in June was 86.5, 1.4 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 68 degrees, 3.9 degrees above normal. This resulted in a monthly mean temperature of 77.3, 2.7 degrees above normal. The highest temperature for the month was 100 on the 13th, the only century reading for the month. The lowest temperature was 56 on the mornings of June 2nd and 3rd. 

There were three temperature records set during June. The very warm overnight lows on the 13th, 14th and 15th all broke the previous records for warmest overnight lows. On the 13th the low of 83 broke the old record high low of 75 set in 1950 and reached again in 2017 and 2018. 79 on the 14th broke the old record of 76 set in 1952 and 2018 and the low of 77 on the 15th broke the old record of 76 set in 2018. Fortunately June was not record setting in it’s average temperatures. The hottest June on record was 1953 with a monthly mean temperature of 83 degrees. The coldest June on record was in 1982 with a very cool 67.8 degrees.

June started off with a very rainy period having measurable precipitation 11 of the first 14 days of the month. This was followed by about a week of dry weather, a three day rainy spell and another week of dry weather. Average June rainfall is 4.84 inches. Milford lake recorded 4.74 inches for the month but Junction City only received 3.37 inches in the same period. Rainfall reports around the county varied with some areas receiving nearly 7 inches of rain during June. Through the first half of the year average rainfall is 16.96 inches. 

After a very dry start of the year the region has caught up from that early deficit with 17.50 inches of precipitation at Milford Lake and 16.12 inches in Junction City. &nbsp;The wettest June on record was in 1965 when 11.90 inches of rain was recorded. The driest June was the very next year, 1966, when all that could be mustered was 0.20 inches of rain!

July is normally the hottest month of the year with long term average daily temperatures peaking about the 18th or 19th and then slowly starting to cool down. But these are long term averages and anything can happen!!! Average daily highs for July manage to stay just around that 90 degree range with overnight lows of 68 to 69. While Geary County doesn't hit 100 degrees every July, it isn’t uncommon to have a handful of 100 degree or higher readings during the month. The highest temperature ever recorded in Junction City was 114 degrees on three consecutive days, July 12, 13 and 14, 1954. Rainfall declines slightly during July but thunderstorms are still the rule. Average July rainfall is 4.14 inches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656693031200.jpeg" alt="Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte" />
 <figcaption>Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chuck OtteFor the sixth consecutive month in 2022, June ended with well above average temperatures, but probably not as warm as many area residents thought. Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte said that while rainfall just missed long term average, it was close enough and well timed to provide nice rains for area lawns, gardens and crops and only delayed wheat harvest slightly.The average daily high in June was 86.5, 1.4 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 68 degrees, 3.9 degrees above normal. This resulted in a monthly mean temperature of 77.3, 2.7 degrees above normal. The highest temperature for the month was 100 on the 13th, the only century reading for the month. The lowest temperature was 56 on the mornings of June 2nd and 3rd. There were three temperature records set during June. The very warm overnight lows on the 13th, 14th and 15th all broke the previous records for warmest overnight lows. On the 13th the low of 83 broke the old record high low of 75 set in 1950 and reached again in 2017 and 2018. 79 on the 14th broke the old record of 76 set in 1952 and 2018 and the low of 77 on the 15th broke the old record of 76 set in 2018. Fortunately June was not record setting in it’s average temperatures. The hottest June on record was 1953 with a monthly mean temperature of 83 degrees. The coldest June on record was in 1982 with a very cool 67.8 degrees.June started off with a very rainy period having measurable precipitation 11 of the first 14 days of the month. This was followed by about a week of dry weather, a three day rainy spell and another week of dry weather. Average June rainfall is 4.84 inches. Milford lake recorded 4.74 inches for the month but Junction City only received 3.37 inches in the same period. Rainfall reports around the county varied with some areas receiving nearly 7 inches of rain during June. Through the first half of the year average rainfall is 16.96 inches. After a very dry start of the year the region has caught up from that early deficit with 17.50 inches of precipitation at Milford Lake and 16.12 inches in Junction City. &nbsp;The wettest June on record was in 1965 when 11.90 inches of rain was recorded. The driest June was the very next year, 1966, when all that could be mustered was 0.20 inches of rain!July is normally the hottest month of the year with long term average daily temperatures peaking about the 18th or 19th and then slowly starting to cool down. But these are long term averages and anything can happen!!! Average daily highs for July manage to stay just around that 90 degree range with overnight lows of 68 to 69. While Geary County doesn't hit 100 degrees every July, it isn’t uncommon to have a handful of 100 degree or higher readings during the month. The highest temperature ever recorded in Junction City was 114 degrees on three consecutive days, July 12, 13 and 14, 1954. Rainfall declines slightly during July but thunderstorms are still the rule. Average July rainfall is 4.14 inches.

June 2022 Weather Summary

MANHATTAN — More than 3,100 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in spring 2022. The graduates are from 100 Kansas counties, 42 states and 41 countries. The university awarded 2,263 bachelor's degrees, 651 master's degrees, 215 doctorates and 12 associate degrees. Several students earned multiple degrees.&nbsp;

For outstanding academic performance, 727 students earned graduation honors. Of those, 248 students graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or above, 269 students graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.85 to 3.949, and 210 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.849.&nbsp;

Fort Riley:&nbsp;Yvonne Arguijo, Master of Science; Margaret Bryant, Bachelor of Science; Flora Chavira, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Rose Gabeau, Bachelor of Science, Elizabeth Lancaster, Master of Science; Brianna Vacanti, Bachelor of Science in Education

Junction City:&nbsp;Juan Bocanegra, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Autumn Brown, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude; Andreya Cole, Master of Arts; Bianca Colon, Bachelor of Science; Dalton Dacus, Doctor of Philosophy; Cristina Debolt, Bachelor of Science; Jordan Dombrowski, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education, Summa Cum Laude; Tiffany Dull-Huttis, Bachelor of Science; Ashley Garcia, Master of Arts; Timothy Gottschalk, Bachelor of Science in Education; Emallie Gowens, Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies; Carrie Green, Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science, Magna Cum Laude; Joshua Haynes, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Sarah Joos, Master of Science; Adriana Menotti, Master of Arts; Kaila Musinski, Bachelor of Science in Education; Alicia Nance, Master of Science; Kathryn Pierce, Master of Arts; Melissa Riley, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Austin Rook and Secondary Major; Max Treen, Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies; Jalen Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sydney Wood, Bachelor of Arts; Joshua Wurtz, Bachelor of Science; Heather Zamora, Bachelor of Science in Education, Magna Cum Laude&nbsp;

Milford:&nbsp;Brad Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

By Taylor ProvineMANHATTAN — More than 3,100 students completed degree requirements from Kansas State University in spring 2022. The graduates are from 100 Kansas counties, 42 states and 41 countries. The university awarded 2,263 bachelor's degrees, 651 master's degrees, 215 doctorates and 12 associate degrees. Several students earned multiple degrees.&nbsp;For outstanding academic performance, 727 students earned graduation honors. Of those, 248 students graduated summa cum laude with a grade point average of 3.95 or above, 269 students graduated magna cum laude with a grade point average of 3.85 to 3.949, and 210 students graduated cum laude with a GPA of 3.75 to 3.849.&nbsp;Geary County graduates:Geary&nbsp;Fort Riley:&nbsp;Yvonne Arguijo, Master of Science; Margaret Bryant, Bachelor of Science; Flora Chavira, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Rose Gabeau, Bachelor of Science, Elizabeth Lancaster, Master of Science; Brianna Vacanti, Bachelor of Science in EducationJunction City:&nbsp;Juan Bocanegra, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Autumn Brown, Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude; Andreya Cole, Master of Arts; Bianca Colon, Bachelor of Science; Dalton Dacus, Doctor of Philosophy; Cristina Debolt, Bachelor of Science; Jordan Dombrowski, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education, Summa Cum Laude; Tiffany Dull-Huttis, Bachelor of Science; Ashley Garcia, Master of Arts; Timothy Gottschalk, Bachelor of Science in Education; Emallie Gowens, Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies; Carrie Green, Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science, Magna Cum Laude; Joshua Haynes, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Sarah Joos, Master of Science; Adriana Menotti, Master of Arts; Kaila Musinski, Bachelor of Science in Education; Alicia Nance, Master of Science; Kathryn Pierce, Master of Arts; Melissa Riley, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; Austin Rook and Secondary Major; Max Treen, Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies; Jalen Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sydney Wood, Bachelor of Arts; Joshua Wurtz, Bachelor of Science; Heather Zamora, Bachelor of Science in Education, Magna Cum Laude&nbsp;Milford:&nbsp;Brad Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

KSU releases spring graduation totals

Fireworks and performances by the ZZ KC and the Rock Gods entertained an audience estimated by Freedom Fest JC organizers at between 4,000 and 5,000 people.&nbsp;

The fireworks Saturday night were the first of two rounds for Freedom Fest JC. More are planned for Monday evening.

The Sunday lineup includes a community church service at 10 a.m. and concerts Sunday evening from Brandon Estelle at 6:30 p.m. and Rhett Walker at 8:30 p.m.

Sundown Salute is also under way this weekend in the Milford City Park. The concert lineup for Sunday evening includes country &amp; western music including Queens of Country at 8 p.m. and Diamond Rio at 10 p.m.

Fireworks and performances by the ZZ KC and the Rock Gods entertained an audience estimated by Freedom Fest JC organizers at between 4,000 and 5,000 people.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656818607135.jpeg" alt="Fireworks" />
 <figcaption>Fireworks</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656809772491.jpeg" alt="ZZ KC entertain the audience in Heritage Park." />
 <figcaption>ZZ KC entertain the audience in Heritage Park.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656818674812.jpeg" alt="Rock Gods perform before a big crowd." />
 <figcaption>Rock Gods perform before a big crowd.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656818587878.jpeg" alt="Fireworks" />
 <figcaption>Fireworks</figcaption>
 </figure>A street dance followed the fireworks.The fireworks Saturday night were the first of two rounds for Freedom Fest JC. More are planned for Monday evening.The Sunday lineup includes a community church service at 10 a.m. and concerts Sunday evening from Brandon Estelle at 6:30 p.m. and Rhett Walker at 8:30 p.m.Sundown Salute is also under way this weekend in the Milford City Park. The concert lineup for Sunday evening includes country &amp; western music including Queens of Country at 8 p.m. and Diamond Rio at 10 p.m.

Junction City enjoys rock music and fireworks on Saturday night

Multiple rounds of rain Friday evening stopped the Freedom Fest JC celebration early and led to the cancellation of Sundown Salute for the evening.&nbsp;

In Junction City, Freedom Fest JC Co-Chair Nate Butler said early on a storm moved through and caused a delay in the performance by Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls but they were able to finish their show and festival goers returned to Heritage Park. But then more weather moved in.&nbsp; "We had a little bit of rain showers as the second band, Paramount, was preparing to take the stage." That caused a delay and eventually celebration officials met and made a tough decision. "So Bob Story and I, chairmen, got together and said we need to make this call and just cancel for the evening, said Butler. He emphasized safety was a huge factor in the decision to call off the night early.

The celebration will continue Saturday with numerous activities including from Freedom on Wheels in the morning where 18 bicycles and a substantial number of helmets will be given away. There will be education on such topics as bike safety and fitting helmets correctly. The Circus Man, Agri Puppets and Hog Diggity Dogs will perform. The concert lineup includes the 1st Infantry Division Army Rock Band at 4:30, ZZ KC at 6:30 and the Rock Gods at 8:30. There will be a&nbsp; fireworks extravaganza at 10 p.m.

Sundown Salute concerts in the Milford City Park were supposed to begin at 8 p.m. Committee Chair Michelle Stimatze said there was a major downpour and a lot of lightning. The weather cleared up some but then another rain cell came through. 'They had to cover everything up on the stage." Officials studied all of the other cells moving in the direction of the festival, said Stimatze. "It was a decision we needed to make for safety issues."

The Sundown Salute lineup for Saturday includes Special Forces at 8 p.m., Tracy Lebo at 9:30 and Peace Love &amp; Music at 10 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1656732242602.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple rounds of rain Friday evening stopped the Freedom Fest JC celebration early and led to the cancellation of Sundown Salute for the evening.&nbsp;In Junction City, Freedom Fest JC Co-Chair Nate Butler said early on a storm moved through and caused a delay in the performance by Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls but they were able to finish their show and festival goers returned to Heritage Park. But then more weather moved in.&nbsp; "We had a little bit of rain showers as the second band, Paramount, was preparing to take the stage." That caused a delay and eventually celebration officials met and made a tough decision. "So Bob Story and I, chairmen, got together and said we need to make this call and just cancel for the evening, said Butler. He emphasized safety was a huge factor in the decision to call off the night early.The celebration will continue Saturday with numerous activities including from Freedom on Wheels in the morning where 18 bicycles and a substantial number of helmets will be given away. There will be education on such topics as bike safety and fitting helmets correctly. The Circus Man, Agri Puppets and Hog Diggity Dogs will perform. The concert lineup includes the 1st Infantry Division Army Rock Band at 4:30, ZZ KC at 6:30 and the Rock Gods at 8:30. There will be a&nbsp; fireworks extravaganza at 10 p.m.Sundown Salute concerts in the Milford City Park were supposed to begin at 8 p.m. Committee Chair Michelle Stimatze said there was a major downpour and a lot of lightning. The weather cleared up some but then another rain cell came through. 'They had to cover everything up on the stage." Officials studied all of the other cells moving in the direction of the festival, said Stimatze. "It was a decision we needed to make for safety issues."The Sundown Salute lineup for Saturday includes Special Forces at 8 p.m., Tracy Lebo at 9:30 and Peace Love &amp; Music at 10 p.m.

Thundershowers deal Freedom Fest JC and Sundown Salute a curve

Freedom Fest JC kicked off Thursday night with a "soft opening" as the WEEE Entertainment carnival began in downtown Junction City. Concerts&nbsp; begin Friday night and more vendors are due to arrive in Heritage Park.

A lot of&nbsp; kids were there to enjoy the rides including the "Freak Out."

There were other activities including camel rides.

Activities on Friday will range from the beginning of a two-day Downtown Business Sidewalk Sale&nbsp; to&nbsp; the Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets performing on a side stage. The concert lineup will include&nbsp; Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls at 7 p.m. and Paramount at 9 p.m.

Sundown Salute opened in the Milford City Park with performances by the Goddesses of Rock and The Hype.

Attendance for the opening night of Sundown Salute was light but did pick up during the course of the concerts.

The Sundown Salute lineup for Friday evenings includes country &amp; western performers Tate Stevens, Tracy Lebo and Ricochet.

Vendors are also supplying food and drinks at Sundown Salute.

By DEWEY TERRILLJC PostFreedom Fest JC kicked off Thursday night with a "soft opening" as the WEEE Entertainment carnival began in downtown Junction City. Concerts&nbsp; begin Friday night and more vendors are due to arrive in Heritage Park.A lot of&nbsp; kids were there to enjoy the rides including the "Freak Out."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656646041722.jpeg" alt="Freak Out&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Freak Out&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>There were other activities including camel rides.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656646109580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656646127102.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Activities on Friday will range from the beginning of a two-day Downtown Business Sidewalk Sale&nbsp; to&nbsp; the Hog Diggity Dogs and Agri Puppets performing on a side stage. The concert lineup will include&nbsp; Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls at 7 p.m. and Paramount at 9 p.m.Sundown Salute opened in the Milford City Park with performances by the Goddesses of Rock and The Hype.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656646582027.jpeg" alt="Goddesses of Rock turned in a powerful performance at Sundown Salute." />
 <figcaption>Goddesses of Rock turned in a powerful performance at Sundown Salute.</figcaption>
 </figure>Attendance for the opening night of Sundown Salute was light but did pick up during the course of the concerts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656646863651.jpeg" alt="Concert attendance when the Goddesses of Rock began to perform was light but increased during the evening." />
 <figcaption>Concert attendance when the Goddesses of Rock began to perform was light but increased during the evening.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656647598602.jpeg" alt="The Hype at Sundown Salute ( Photo courtesy of Kari Crump )" />
 <figcaption>The Hype at Sundown Salute ( Photo courtesy of Kari Crump )</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sundown Salute lineup for Friday evenings includes country &amp; western performers Tate Stevens, Tracy Lebo and Ricochet.Vendors are also supplying food and drinks at Sundown Salute.