Junction City Public Works crews are repairing a water main break at the corner of Elmdale Ave and Northwind Dr. Residents in this area may experience low water pressure to no water until all repairs are complete. 

Please call Junction City Public Works at 785-238-7142 if you have any questions

Junction City Public Works crews are repairing a water main break at the corner of Elmdale Ave and Northwind Dr. Residents in this area may experience low water pressure to no water until all repairs are complete. Please call Junction City Public Works at 785-238-7142 if you have any questions

 Water main break                        

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Jesus Feliciano Rutillo, DUI-Liquor or drugs, No driver's license in possession, arrested 05/03

Aisha Salmeron, Driving wrong direction on one-lane road, Interference with LEO; Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs (3rd conviction), arrested 05/03

Sterling Schneider, Violation of protection order, arrested 05/03

Dariana Harden, Failure to appear, arrested 05/03

Andre Bruce, Failure to appear, arrested 05/03

Jayson Nieves, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 05/04

Estaban Arreola, Driving while license suspended/cancelled/revoked, arrested 05/05

Tiara Porter, Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Domestic battery, arrested 05/05

Chase Ferguson, Arrest by LEO; Warrant arrest, arrested 05/05

Ishmail Thomas, Driver's license without valid DL; DUI-Liquor or drugs, arrested 05/06

Nathaniel Whightsil, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 05/06

Ira Ivie, Criminal damage to property (without consent (value &lt; $1,000); Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking; Criminal deprivation of property; Motor vehicle; Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, Theft, Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, arrested 05/06

Michael Mayhue, Failure to appear, arrested 05/06

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746629985654.jpeg" alt="Samantha Arnold, Distribute certain stimulant, 100 grams &lt; kilogram in 1000 ft of school, arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Samantha Arnold, Distribute certain stimulant, 100 grams &lt; kilogram in 1000 ft of school, arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746630047898.jpeg" alt="Brandale Williams Sr., Unlawful acquire proceeds from drug transaction (value &lt; $5,000), arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Brandale Williams Sr., Unlawful acquire proceeds from drug transaction (value &lt; $5,000), arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746630111204.jpeg" alt="Kelly Simmons, Unlawful acquire proceeds from drug transaction (value &lt; $5,000) Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute certain stimulant, 100 grams &lt; kilogram in 1000 ft of school, arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Simmons, Unlawful acquire proceeds from drug transaction (value &lt; $5,000) Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute certain stimulant, 100 grams &lt; kilogram in 1000 ft of school, arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746630207137.jpeg" alt="Jimmie King Sr., Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Jimmie King Sr., Possession of controlled substance, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746630293373.jpeg" alt="Rickey Gassen, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute certain stimulant, 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams; Failure to appear, arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Rickey Gassen, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute certain stimulant, 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams; Failure to appear, arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746630400068.jpeg" alt="Domanick Miller,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute certain stimulant, 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams, arrested 05/02" />
 <figcaption>Domanick Miller,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Distribute certain stimulant, 3.5 - &lt; 100 grams, arrested 05/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746631137773.jpeg" alt="Daronte Brown, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, Threat of force/violence; Abuse of a child, Knowingly impede breathing/pressure to throat/neck/chest/block nose/mouth; Aggravated battery, Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, arrested 05/03" />
 <figcaption>Daronte Brown, Aggravated intimidation of a witness/victim, Threat of force/violence; Abuse of a child, Knowingly impede breathing/pressure to throat/neck/chest/block nose/mouth; Aggravated battery, Knowingly cause great bodily harm or disfigurement, arrested 05/03</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746631253531.jpeg" alt="Malik Abdul, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 05/03" />
 <figcaption>Malik Abdul, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 05/03</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746631266699.jpeg" alt="Zachary Franklin, Probation violation, arrested 05/04" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Franklin, Probation violation, arrested 05/04</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746635742932.jpeg" alt="Zachary Olson, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 05/05" />
 <figcaption>Zachary Olson, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 05/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746636190485.jpeg" alt="Austin Hawkes, Outside warrant, arrested 05/06" />
 <figcaption>Austin Hawkes, Outside warrant, arrested 05/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746636200084.jpeg" alt="Quinten Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 05/06" />
 <figcaption>Quinten Williams, Failure to appear, arrested 05/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746636211085.jpeg" alt="Jasmine Parmely, Failure to appear, arrested 05/06" />
 <figcaption>Jasmine Parmely, Failure to appear, arrested 05/06</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Jesus Feliciano Rutillo, DUI-Liquor or drugs, No driver's license in possession, arrested 05/03Aisha Salmeron, Driving wrong direction on one-lane road, Interference with LEO; Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs (3rd conviction), arrested 05/03Sterling Schneider, Violation of protection order, arrested 05/03Dariana Harden, Failure to appear, arrested 05/03Andre Bruce, Failure to appear, arrested 05/03Jayson Nieves, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 05/04Estaban Arreola, Driving while license suspended/cancelled/revoked, arrested 05/05Tiara Porter, Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Domestic battery, arrested 05/05Chase Ferguson, Arrest by LEO; Warrant arrest, arrested 05/05Ishmail Thomas, Driver's license without valid DL; DUI-Liquor or drugs, arrested 05/06Nathaniel Whightsil, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 05/06Ira Ivie, Criminal damage to property (without consent (value &lt; $1,000); Theft &lt; $1,500 pocket picking; Criminal deprivation of property; Motor vehicle; Burglary; Non-dwelling to commit felony, Theft, Domestic violence or sexually motivated crime, arrested 05/06Michael Mayhue, Failure to appear, arrested 05/06Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos May 3-7

Get ready for some high-flying fun at Freedom Fest Balloons, Bands &amp; BBQ on Saturday May 10th at Freeman Field in Junction City.

Imagine hot air balloons painting the sky, live music, and BBQ to feast on.&nbsp;

According to Freedom Fest Co-Coordinator Bob Story,&nbsp; after trying to include them for 3 years, the SkyDive Kansas State Team will be a part of the festivities this Saturday!

*Note: Great American Kites &amp; Events are now a tentative part of the festivities due to weather (wind) conditions. (The kites need a certain wind speed and Saturday little to no wind is forecast.)

Entry to the event is $10 per person for those 11 years of age or older. Children ages 10 and under are free.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746634484879.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Get ready for some high-flying fun at Freedom Fest Balloons, Bands &amp; BBQ on Saturday May 10th at Freeman Field in Junction City.Imagine hot air balloons painting the sky, live music, and BBQ to feast on.&nbsp;According to Freedom Fest Co-Coordinator Bob Story,&nbsp; after trying to include them for 3 years, the SkyDive Kansas State Team will be a part of the festivities this Saturday!*Note: Great American Kites &amp; Events are now a tentative part of the festivities due to weather (wind) conditions. (The kites need a certain wind speed and Saturday little to no wind is forecast.)Entry to the event is $10 per person for those 11 years of age or older. Children ages 10 and under are free.&nbsp;

Freedom Fest Balloons, Bands and BBQ is this Saturday

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a road rage incident in Manhattan.

Just after noon Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault near the intersection of 68th Avenue and Deer Trail Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 61-year-old man reported that a 59-year-old woman armed herself with a handgun and discharged it during a road rage incident. No persons were injured during the event. 

Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 59-year-old Tracey Meredith of Manhattan in the 2700 block of Brookhollow Court on requested charges aggravated assault. Meredith met the requirement of $5000 bond and is no longer in custody.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a road rage incident in Manhattan.Just after noon Tuesday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault near the intersection of 68th Avenue and Deer Trail Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 61-year-old man reported that a 59-year-old woman armed herself with a handgun and discharged it during a road rage incident. No persons were injured during the event. Just before 2p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 59-year-old Tracey Meredith of Manhattan in the 2700 block of Brookhollow Court on requested charges aggravated assault. Meredith met the requirement of $5000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Road Rage: Manhattan woman accused of firing a handgun at man

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Three advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit Monday in Douglas County District Court challenging the Kansas Legislature’s attempt to “arbitrarily” reject advance ballots of voters if the mail system fails to deliver them by Election Day.&nbsp;

Kansas Appleseed, Loud Light and Disability Rights Center of Kansas are asking the court to find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>&nbsp;unconstitutional. Defendants are Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew.

SB 4, which the Legislature passed this year, disqualifies any mail-in ballots not received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Previously, mail-in ballots were counted if they were postmarked by Election Day and arrived within three days later.

Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed SB4 but that veto was overturned in both chambers, with votes falling along party lines.

In a statement, the three advocacy organizations called SB 4 a “deliberate and unconstitutional assault on Kansans’ fundamental right to vote.”

“This reckless law carelessly disregards the realities of postal delivery delays, which will disproportionately harm rural, elderly, and disabled voters,” the statement said. “Furthermore, this law deliberately undermines the will of Kansas voters who have increasingly chosen to vote by mail in recent election cycles.”&nbsp;

In the lawsuit, the advocacy organizations make a point that Kansans have been voting by mail ever since the Civil War. In 2017, the Legislature recognized that mail-in ballots arriving late deprived voters of their right to vote, and they instituted the three-day grace period.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During legislative debate on SB4, former Rep. Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, called the bill “pure partisan politics.” Statistics show&nbsp;<a href="https://elections-blog.mit.edu/articles/how-policy-influenced-partisan-divide-over-voting-mail" target="_blank">far more Democrats than Republicans use mail-in ballots</a>, and she noted the bill’s lack of funding for an education program that would inform citizens of the change.

More Democratic votes would be rejected than Republican votes, Mah said.

“If you make this change and do not fund an education program, you’re intentionally causing thousands of votes to be thrown out,” she said. “That’s voter suppression.”

The lawsuit said 32,000 mail-in ballots were received after Election Day in the 2020 general election during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2024 general election, 2,110 ballots arrived during the grace period.

In Douglas County, Shew said he rejected more than 200 ballots in the Aug. 6, 2024, primary for arriving after the grace period, even though they were postmarked in July, the lawsuit said.

“SB 4’s threat of disenfranchisement is particularly acute for some of Kansas’s most vulnerable populations,” the lawsuit said. “The elderly and Kansans with disabilities often have little to no choice but to vote by mail. And rural voters and voters who are temporarily out-of-state, such as many college students, will also be disproportionately affected because their mail is less likely to be delivered in a timely manner.”

The lawsuit said the state of Kansas mails its ballots just 20 days before elections, unlike other states that send them out 30-45 days in advance. Kansas ties with Iowa as the two states with the shortest turnaround time, the filing said.

SB4 is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause that bans the state from arbitrarily rejecting voters’ ballots based on their geography and whether the post office did its job effectively, the lawsuit said.

“Its due process clause requires that Kansas establish adequate procedures to ensure that voters have a reliable, fair, and effective method to cast their ballots,” it said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720316487639.png" alt="A lawsuit filed May 5, 2025, is challenging a Senate Bill 4 that eliminated the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots.-Post photo" />
 <figcaption>A lawsuit filed May 5, 2025, is challenging a Senate Bill 4 that eliminated the 3-day grace period for mail-in ballots.-Post photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/mchilson/">MORGAN CHILSON</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Three advocacy organizations filed a lawsuit Monday in Douglas County District Court challenging the Kansas Legislature’s attempt to “arbitrarily” reject advance ballots of voters if the mail system fails to deliver them by Election Day.&nbsp;Kansas Appleseed, Loud Light and Disability Rights Center of Kansas are asking the court to find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb4/" target="_blank">Senate Bill 4</a>&nbsp;unconstitutional. Defendants are Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab and Douglas County Clerk Jamie Shew.SB 4, which the Legislature passed this year, disqualifies any mail-in ballots not received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Previously, mail-in ballots were counted if they were postmarked by Election Day and arrived within three days later.Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed SB4 but that veto was overturned in both chambers, with votes falling along party lines.In a statement, the three advocacy organizations called SB 4 a “deliberate and unconstitutional assault on Kansans’ fundamental right to vote.”“This reckless law carelessly disregards the realities of postal delivery delays, which will disproportionately harm rural, elderly, and disabled voters,” the statement said. “Furthermore, this law deliberately undermines the will of Kansas voters who have increasingly chosen to vote by mail in recent election cycles.”&nbsp;In the lawsuit, the advocacy organizations make a point that Kansans have been voting by mail ever since the Civil War. In 2017, the Legislature recognized that mail-in ballots arriving late deprived voters of their right to vote, and they instituted the three-day grace period.&nbsp;&nbsp;During legislative debate on SB4, former Rep. Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, called the bill “pure partisan politics.” Statistics show&nbsp;<a href="https://elections-blog.mit.edu/articles/how-policy-influenced-partisan-divide-over-voting-mail" target="_blank">far more Democrats than Republicans use mail-in ballots</a>, and she noted the bill’s lack of funding for an education program that would inform citizens of the change.More Democratic votes would be rejected than Republican votes, Mah said.“If you make this change and do not fund an education program, you’re intentionally causing thousands of votes to be thrown out,” she said. “That’s voter suppression.”The lawsuit said 32,000 mail-in ballots were received after Election Day in the 2020 general election during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2024 general election, 2,110 ballots arrived during the grace period.In Douglas County, Shew said he rejected more than 200 ballots in the Aug. 6, 2024, primary for arriving after the grace period, even though they were postmarked in July, the lawsuit said.“SB 4’s threat of disenfranchisement is particularly acute for some of Kansas’s most vulnerable populations,” the lawsuit said. “The elderly and Kansans with disabilities often have little to no choice but to vote by mail. And rural voters and voters who are temporarily out-of-state, such as many college students, will also be disproportionately affected because their mail is less likely to be delivered in a timely manner.”The lawsuit said the state of Kansas mails its ballots just 20 days before elections, unlike other states that send them out 30-45 days in advance. Kansas ties with Iowa as the two states with the shortest turnaround time, the filing said.SB4 is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause that bans the state from arbitrarily rejecting voters’ ballots based on their geography and whether the post office did its job effectively, the lawsuit said.“Its due process clause requires that Kansas establish adequate procedures to ensure that voters have a reliable, fair, and effective method to cast their ballots,” it said.

Lawsuit challenges ‘unconstitutional’ Kansas law cutting grace period for mail-in ballots

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce costs and enhance public recognition, the Geary County Sheriff's Department has announced that they are reviewing potential changes to their uniform colors. This change aims to improve differentiation between their Deputies, the Local Police Departments, and Wildlife &amp; Parks personnel, while also achieving significant cost savings.

Uniform options for consideration include: 

--:Option #1: OD Green pants and OD Green

--Option #2: OD Green pants with a Black shirt

-- Option #3: Current uniform – All Black

--Option #4: OD Green top with Black pants

The Department noted thay they will continue using their current Black Outer Carriers regardless of the chosen option. They believe this change will make it easier for the public to identify Deputies in the field while supporting the goal of cost-effective operations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2F2QXCCQZ%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUDhvTWdGZE5qSG5rTHIwUgEe193T4qTYdZF3W2HVkRg1xDlrLyhxgIHKzPFuZYt7ZvPxo2uMGP0ZTrMJf3U_aem_yF6l2h5ngHaLjOFj97gDcA&amp;h=AT0h-z2kgqa46Oo00IKtufzN_nQ8ZcuDsfTx-xi5wQ7k8z7khK6gKhLrpS8829s3cKaR3nuaQDe4dgDJdDZPpbLy6XembsvZSqPkkiJvS-N3uN9l0Fphm7HRKQ8VIOe5sCts9I2obhD3kxTeAY2AIvGJvD5cuapn&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1hhsi8Z8o5N0cqUkx985iQZDS99agN_p-jusgbWdypGroQiuVTOt2w44TN-LZHm8p8yqKTDgVuMx5vDsotVIgZVyvkmhVtRn3wRS6bUF-MzCulO6or09SHQddQGFaJEaH1yQAfUEXcqoCl4K2obCB263NIQUMecfv4bkOF343AyC2vM6AmfH0UJlwUg8ewhFNndNW1w_5C3J6G-hG86cyzToHD" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QXCCQZ</a>

As part of ongoing efforts to reduce costs and enhance public recognition, the Geary County Sheriff's Department has announced that they are reviewing potential changes to their uniform colors. This change aims to improve differentiation between their Deputies, the Local Police Departments, and Wildlife &amp; Parks personnel, while also achieving significant cost savings.Uniform options for consideration include: --:Option #1: OD Green pants and OD Green--Option #2: OD Green pants with a Black shirt-- Option #3: Current uniform – All Black--Option #4: OD Green top with Black pantsThe Department noted thay they will continue using their current Black Outer Carriers regardless of the chosen option. They believe this change will make it easier for the public to identify Deputies in the field while supporting the goal of cost-effective operations.&nbsp;To provide input go to:<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2F2QXCCQZ%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUDhvTWdGZE5qSG5rTHIwUgEe193T4qTYdZF3W2HVkRg1xDlrLyhxgIHKzPFuZYt7ZvPxo2uMGP0ZTrMJf3U_aem_yF6l2h5ngHaLjOFj97gDcA&amp;h=AT0h-z2kgqa46Oo00IKtufzN_nQ8ZcuDsfTx-xi5wQ7k8z7khK6gKhLrpS8829s3cKaR3nuaQDe4dgDJdDZPpbLy6XembsvZSqPkkiJvS-N3uN9l0Fphm7HRKQ8VIOe5sCts9I2obhD3kxTeAY2AIvGJvD5cuapn&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT1hhsi8Z8o5N0cqUkx985iQZDS99agN_p-jusgbWdypGroQiuVTOt2w44TN-LZHm8p8yqKTDgVuMx5vDsotVIgZVyvkmhVtRn3wRS6bUF-MzCulO6or09SHQddQGFaJEaH1yQAfUEXcqoCl4K2obCB263NIQUMecfv4bkOF343AyC2vM6AmfH0UJlwUg8ewhFNndNW1w_5C3J6G-hG86cyzToHD" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QXCCQZ</a>

Sheriff's Deparment looks at uniform options

USD 475 school board members approved a consent agenda during their meeting Tuesday evening.

--Entering into an agreement with the Junction City Wrestling Club where they will donate a new wrestling mat for Junction City Middle School. In turn, USD 475 will waive facility fees for their wrestling tournaments through 2027.&nbsp;

--Approved networking equipment and new smart boards for the new Early Childhood Center.&nbsp;

--The district plans to partner with Kansas State University at Salina on the launch of a new Aviation Maintenance Pathway beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. A memorandum of Understanding enables the sharing of instructional resources, university level curriculum, and instructor expertise and feedback.

USD 475 school board members approved a consent agenda during their meeting Tuesday evening.Some of the items included:--Entering into an agreement with the Junction City Wrestling Club where they will donate a new wrestling mat for Junction City Middle School. In turn, USD 475 will waive facility fees for their wrestling tournaments through 2027.&nbsp;--Approved networking equipment and new smart boards for the new Early Childhood Center.&nbsp;--The district plans to partner with Kansas State University at Salina on the launch of a new Aviation Maintenance Pathway beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. A memorandum of Understanding enables the sharing of instructional resources, university level curriculum, and instructor expertise and feedback.

BOE news notes

Geary USD 475 Superintendent of schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston listed multiple items where the school district will need to pick up funding cuts by the legislature. They include mentor teacher reimbursement, national board certification reimbursement, safe and seure schools reimbursement, and the professional development reimbursement.

Eggleston noted that those allocations used to come to the district. "They will no longer occur going into the 25-26 school year. " Eggleston made it clear that all of the programs will continue to occur.

The superintendent also informed the Board that a 7.4% increase will happen in insurance and USD 475 has been told to plan for a 10% increase in both gas and electric costs.

Geary USD 475 Superintendent of schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston listed multiple items where the school district will need to pick up funding cuts by the legislature. They include mentor teacher reimbursement, national board certification reimbursement, safe and seure schools reimbursement, and the professional development reimbursement.Eggleston noted that those allocations used to come to the district. "They will no longer occur going into the 25-26 school year. " Eggleston made it clear that all of the programs will continue to occur.The superintendent also informed the Board that a 7.4% increase will happen in insurance and USD 475 has been told to plan for a 10% increase in both gas and electric costs.

Usd 475 will deal with select legislative funding cuts

Geary County Public Works would like to remind the public that since this Saturday, May 10th, is the second Saturday of the month, the following areas will be open:

Geary County HHW/Recycling Center: 8AM to 2PM

HHW will take items such as paint, household cleaners, batteries &amp; small appliances to safely dispose of. This program is free of charge to Geary County residents and Geary County Property Owners.

The Landfill accepts brush &amp; tree limbs only. No other items are accepted. Residential use of this area is free of charge for Geary County residents. Commercial businesses must weigh their load &amp; pay at the Geary County Transfer Station.

The Geary County Transfer Station is open every Saturday from 8AM – 2PM. 

Geary County Public Works would like to remind the public that since this Saturday, May 10th, is the second Saturday of the month, the following areas will be open:Geary County HHW/Recycling Center: 8AM to 2PMGeary County Landfill: 8AM to 2PMHHW will take items such as paint, household cleaners, batteries &amp; small appliances to safely dispose of. This program is free of charge to Geary County residents and Geary County Property Owners.The Landfill accepts brush &amp; tree limbs only. No other items are accepted. Residential use of this area is free of charge for Geary County residents. Commercial businesses must weigh their load &amp; pay at the Geary County Transfer Station.The Geary County Transfer Station is open every Saturday from 8AM – 2PM.

Recycling Center and Landfill will be open Saturday

Beginning Friday, May 9, The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on K-15/K-18 and K-197 in Clay and Dickinson counties.

Project work will consist of a mill and overlay on K-18/K-15 from the K-18/K-15 west junction to the K-15/K-18 east junction in Dickinson County and K-197 from Industry to K-15 in Clay County. (See map.)

During construction, flaggers and a pilot car will guide one lane of traffic through construction at a reduced speed during daylight hours. Drivers should be prepared for a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules.

Shilling Construction Co., of Manhattan, is the prime contractor for this $982,000 project, which is scheduled to be completed in July, weather permitting.

KDOT releaseBeginning Friday, May 9, The Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a resurfacing project on K-15/K-18 and K-197 in Clay and Dickinson counties.Project work will consist of a mill and overlay on K-18/K-15 from the K-18/K-15 west junction to the K-15/K-18 east junction in Dickinson County and K-197 from Industry to K-15 in Clay County. (See map.)During construction, flaggers and a pilot car will guide one lane of traffic through construction at a reduced speed during daylight hours. Drivers should be prepared for a delay of up to 15 minutes and plan extra time in their travel schedules.Shilling Construction Co., of Manhattan, is the prime contractor for this $982,000 project, which is scheduled to be completed in July, weather permitting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746570338338.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Resurfacing to begin May 9 in Dickinson, Clay counties

The Junction City High School Marketing Class took a field trip to the 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio Studios to record ads that will air on the radio. 

Under the direction of JCHS Marketing Teacher Christina Amerin, students prepared scripts to read in the form of an ad. Students promoted upcoming summer classes offered in the USD 475 School District. Other ads highlighted the success of the FFA program, the recent JCHS Career and Car Show, and the upcoming State Track and Field Meet in Wichita at the end of May. 

“These students did a great job of taking text from other teachers at JCHS and turning that text into 15, 30, or 60-second advertisements for and about our school,” Amerin said. “They overcame some fear and anxiety and did a great job reading the ads they created. Soon, they will hear their own ads and voices on the radio – and that is the best part of this learning experience.”

All the ads recorded by the students will air on Eagle Radio's 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746548082548.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746548096260.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City High School Marketing Class took a field trip to the 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio Studios to record ads that will air on the radio. Under the direction of JCHS Marketing Teacher Christina Amerin, students prepared scripts to read in the form of an ad. Students promoted upcoming summer classes offered in the USD 475 School District. Other ads highlighted the success of the FFA program, the recent JCHS Career and Car Show, and the upcoming State Track and Field Meet in Wichita at the end of May. “These students did a great job of taking text from other teachers at JCHS and turning that text into 15, 30, or 60-second advertisements for and about our school,” Amerin said. “They overcame some fear and anxiety and did a great job reading the ads they created. Soon, they will hear their own ads and voices on the radio – and that is the best part of this learning experience.”All the ads recorded by the students will air on Eagle Radio's 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.

JCHS Marketing Students record Radio ads to air on KJCK Radio

Candidate Doug Billings wants to implement DOGE framework in Topeka

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Conservative podcaster and MAGA enthusiast Doug Billings is the lone person to formally file as a candidate for the Kansas Republican Party’s nomination for governor in 2026.

Billings, not a household name in Kansas politics, said in an interview Monday that he was a reluctant candidate in a GOP field that could grow substantially as Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate President Ty Masterson, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and others make decisions to join the ballot or stay on the sideline. No Democrat has officially entered the race.

“The truth is, honest to God, I don’t want to run,” Billings said. “We need a strong conservative governor in that office. We need a politician who’s going to tell the truth.”

Billings, who worked in human resources before starting “The Right Side” podcast five years ago in Olathe, said he would implement at the state level the federal DOGE framework embraced by President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk. He said the state’s economy would flourish by cutting unnecessary spending and by diminishing income and businesses taxes, including the potentially unconstitutional property tax.

“Through the Kansas Department of Government Efficiency, I will root out fraud, waste and bureaucracy across state agencies,” he said.

Targets of his budget ax would include administrative costs in public schools, fraud in poverty and unemployment benefit programs, transportation project cost overruns, ill-advised economic development incentives and operational inefficiency in prisons. He vowed to scan state agencies large and small for waste.

Billings said his Catholic values required that he provide leadership in the movement to curtail abortion rights in Kansas. He would expand the state’s support for anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers and faith-based adoption agencies as well as enact policies reflecting a “shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.” At minimum, he said, the state ought to enact and enforce a law forbidding abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat.

The Kansas Supreme Court declared a woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy a fundamental right anchored in the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution. In 2022, voters in Kansas rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have nullified the state Supreme Court’s opinion on abortion. Abortion remains legal in Kansas despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

Billings said he would strive as governor to restore Christian values that inspired the nation’s Founding Fathers and to breath new life into founding documents written by those men. He said school classes would start with a moment of private prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, which would reinforce “our unity under God.”

“Kansas must return to its roots as a society grounded in faith, morality and reverence for God,” he said. “Not as a theocracy, but as a republic that honors its Christian heritage with pride and conviction.”

He said his administration would be a bulwark against attempts to erode the “God-given” right to bear arms. He would oppose burdensome regulations, excessive fees and bureaucratic red tape that infringed on the ability of law-abiding citizens to possess firearms.

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs or “woke” agendas in K-12 schools would be eliminated to avoid advocacy for “divisive ideologies,” Billings said. The state should invest tax dollars in ways that supported decisions of parents to send their children to public, private or home schools, he said.

In terms of election security, Billings said he would order the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to launch inquiries into past election “irregularities” and decisions that undercut election fraud investigations.

Secretary of State Schwab, who said he would run for the GOP nomination for governor, has repeatedly contended Kansas elections were fair and accurate. However, Billings said “anyone telling you that we don’t have election integrity issues in Kansas is either vastly uninformed or is lying to you.”

“I will work to eliminate electronic voting machines, which are vulnerable to manipulation and erode public confidence,” Billings said. “In their place, I will implement watermarked paper ballots.”

In January, Schwab was the first Republican to confirm plans to seek the August 2026 nomination for governor. He was elected the state’s top election official in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. He served 14 years in the Kansas House representing an Olathe district. In March, Schwab said he had been diagnosed with cancer in the lung. He said the cancer was detected at an early stage and surgery would be relied on to combat the health threat.

Schwab said his campaign would concentrate on necessity of the state to bring property assessments and taxation under control. He expressed alarm the 2025 Legislature did little to moderate state property tax collections, despite bipartisan promises after the 2024 session to tackle the issue.

“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” he said.

O’Hara, a former Johnson County Commission member and one-term Kansas House member, said in February that she would campaign for governor because it was time to have a “true, proven conservative” leading the Republican supermajority in the Legislature. She vowed to deal with wasteful state spending and “ludicrous corporate welfare” in the form of business subsidies, ban DEI in government institutions and “get schools back on track.”

“I cannot stand silent and watch small businesses and homeowners be destroyed through high property taxes or watch our children drown in the sewer of wokeism in our schools,” she said.

O’Hara lost a 2024 reelection campaign for county commission to a Democrat after objecting to COVID-19 restrictions and opposing vaccination mandates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746542160693.png" alt=" Doug Billings, a conservative podcaster and MAGA champion, stands as the only formal candidate for the Kansas Republican Party’s nomination to find a replacement for term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in 2026. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Billings’ podcast)" />
 <figcaption> Doug Billings, a conservative podcaster and MAGA champion, stands as the only formal candidate for the Kansas Republican Party’s nomination to find a replacement for term-limited Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in 2026. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Billings’ podcast)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Candidate Doug Billings wants to implement DOGE framework in Topeka</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/24/gov-laura-kelly-skeptical-kansas-houses-anti-tenure-legislation-will-reach-her-desk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Conservative podcaster and MAGA enthusiast Doug Billings is the lone person to formally file as a candidate for the Kansas Republican Party’s nomination for governor in 2026.Billings, not a household name in Kansas politics, said in an interview Monday that he was a reluctant candidate in a GOP field that could grow substantially as Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Senate President Ty Masterson, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara and others make decisions to join the ballot or stay on the sideline. No Democrat has officially entered the race.“The truth is, honest to God, I don’t want to run,” Billings said. “We need a strong conservative governor in that office. We need a politician who’s going to tell the truth.”Billings, who worked in human resources before starting “The Right Side” podcast five years ago in Olathe, said he would implement at the state level the federal DOGE framework embraced by President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk. He said the state’s economy would flourish by cutting unnecessary spending and by diminishing income and businesses taxes, including the potentially unconstitutional property tax.“Through the Kansas Department of Government Efficiency, I will root out fraud, waste and bureaucracy across state agencies,” he said.Targets of his budget ax would include administrative costs in public schools, fraud in poverty and unemployment benefit programs, transportation project cost overruns, ill-advised economic development incentives and operational inefficiency in prisons. He vowed to scan state agencies large and small for waste.Billings said his Catholic values required that he provide leadership in the movement to curtail abortion rights in Kansas. He would expand the state’s support for anti-abortion pregnancy resource centers and faith-based adoption agencies as well as enact policies reflecting a “shared commitment to the dignity of every human life.” At minimum, he said, the state ought to enact and enforce a law forbidding abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat.The Kansas Supreme Court declared a woman’s decision to terminate a pregnancy a fundamental right anchored in the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution. In 2022, voters in Kansas rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have nullified the state Supreme Court’s opinion on abortion. Abortion remains legal in Kansas despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision striking the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.<h2>God, guns, voting</h2>Billings said he would strive as governor to restore Christian values that inspired the nation’s Founding Fathers and to breath new life into founding documents written by those men. He said school classes would start with a moment of private prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, which would reinforce “our unity under God.”“Kansas must return to its roots as a society grounded in faith, morality and reverence for God,” he said. “Not as a theocracy, but as a republic that honors its Christian heritage with pride and conviction.”He said his administration would be a bulwark against attempts to erode the “God-given” right to bear arms. He would oppose burdensome regulations, excessive fees and bureaucratic red tape that infringed on the ability of law-abiding citizens to possess firearms.Diversity, equity and inclusion programs or “woke” agendas in K-12 schools would be eliminated to avoid advocacy for “divisive ideologies,” Billings said. The state should invest tax dollars in ways that supported decisions of parents to send their children to public, private or home schools, he said.In terms of election security, Billings said he would order the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to launch inquiries into past election “irregularities” and decisions that undercut election fraud investigations.Secretary of State Schwab, who said he would run for the GOP nomination for governor, has repeatedly contended Kansas elections were fair and accurate. However, Billings said “anyone telling you that we don’t have election integrity issues in Kansas is either vastly uninformed or is lying to you.”“I will work to eliminate electronic voting machines, which are vulnerable to manipulation and erode public confidence,” Billings said. “In their place, I will implement watermarked paper ballots.”<h2>Schwab, O’Hara</h2>In January, Schwab was the first Republican to confirm plans to seek the August 2026 nomination for governor. He was elected the state’s top election official in 2018 and won reelection in 2022. He served 14 years in the Kansas House representing an Olathe district. In March, Schwab said he had been diagnosed with cancer in the lung. He said the cancer was detected at an early stage and surgery would be relied on to combat the health threat.Schwab said his campaign would concentrate on necessity of the state to bring property assessments and taxation under control. He expressed alarm the 2025 Legislature did little to moderate state property tax collections, despite bipartisan promises after the 2024 session to tackle the issue.“When it came time to lead, both the governor and leadership came up short,” he said.O’Hara, a former Johnson County Commission member and one-term Kansas House member, said in February that she would campaign for governor because it was time to have a “true, proven conservative” leading the Republican supermajority in the Legislature. She vowed to deal with wasteful state spending and “ludicrous corporate welfare” in the form of business subsidies, ban DEI in government institutions and “get schools back on track.”“I cannot stand silent and watch small businesses and homeowners be destroyed through high property taxes or watch our children drown in the sewer of wokeism in our schools,” she said.O’Hara lost a 2024 reelection campaign for county commission to a Democrat after objecting to COVID-19 restrictions and opposing vaccination mandates.

Kansas podcaster seeks GOP gubernatorial nomination to copy Trump crusade at state level

By Chelsi Medved Division of Communications and Marketing

MANHATTAN — A new certificate at Kansas State University will train students to support the economic development of rural communities by showcasing the heartbeat of the heartland — agriculture — to tourists and visitors.&nbsp; K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;have teamed up to provide the new certificate for learners interested in bringing communities to farms or ranches for recreational, educational or retail purposes, otherwise known as agritourism.

Agritourism has become an increasingly popular area of expertise, especially for those in the Midwest and Kansas. The new certificate consists of 15 credit hours and prepares students with the necessary skills to lead and manage businesses in agriculturally based tourism operations."The agritourism certificate is a vital asset for Kansas and the greater Midwest, equipping students with the skills to strengthen rural economies through sustainable, tourism-based agricultural ventures," said Kevin R. Roberts, interim department head and professor of hospitality management. 

The agritourism certificate is open to all degree-seeking learners and can also be obtained as a free-standing credential. Learners interested in a career in hospitality and tourism, small business, agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural sales, global food systems leadership and outdoor enterprises management are encouraged to consider an agritourism certificate. 

For more information, please visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://catalog.k-state.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=62&amp;poid=24501&amp;returnto=12627">undergraduate catalo</a>

By Chelsi Medved Division of Communications and MarketingMANHATTAN — A new certificate at Kansas State University will train students to support the economic development of rural communities by showcasing the heartbeat of the heartland — agriculture — to tourists and visitors.&nbsp; K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/">College of Health and Human Sciences</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ag.k-state.edu/">College of Agriculture</a>&nbsp;have teamed up to provide the new certificate for learners interested in bringing communities to farms or ranches for recreational, educational or retail purposes, otherwise known as agritourism.Agritourism has become an increasingly popular area of expertise, especially for those in the Midwest and Kansas. The new certificate consists of 15 credit hours and prepares students with the necessary skills to lead and manage businesses in agriculturally based tourism operations."The agritourism certificate is a vital asset for Kansas and the greater Midwest, equipping students with the skills to strengthen rural economies through sustainable, tourism-based agricultural ventures," said Kevin R. Roberts, interim department head and professor of hospitality management. The agritourism certificate is open to all degree-seeking learners and can also be obtained as a free-standing credential. Learners interested in a career in hospitality and tourism, small business, agribusiness, agricultural economics, agricultural sales, global food systems leadership and outdoor enterprises management are encouraged to consider an agritourism certificate. For more information, please visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://catalog.k-state.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=62&amp;poid=24501&amp;returnto=12627">undergraduate catalo</a>

New agritourism certificate to help Wildcats strengthen rural economies

The 12th Street Community Center is the home of an all-new E-sports community in Junction City. The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting Monday night to open Twister Arena officially. 

Aaron Sheltrown, the city's E-Sports Coordinator, mentioned that he had visions for the E-Sports Arena when he was hired in February. Sheltrown noted that the arena would not have been possible without all the work from Josh Gray and the Junction City Parks and Recreation staff.

"The great thing about this, is that it's put on by the city, so it's free, just like the Community Center," Sheltrown said. "All you have to do is come down to the Community Center and make your free account, then jump on a computer and play." 

Sheltrown mentioned that if a player is under the age of 18, their parent or legal guardian will need to fill out the waiver. If over 18, the player can fill it out themselves. 

Twister Arena can hold 24 players at once. There are 10 computers (PC's), 10 Play-Station Pro's, two Nintendo Switches, and a Retro-Corner.

Colleges have ventured into E-Sports gaming. Scholarship opportunities are available for players. Sheltrown noted over $16 million in scholarship money for E-Sports was rewarded last year. 

Very soon the Twisters will begin forming teams to compete at tournaments. The goal is to host tournaments at Twister Arena in the future. 

Twister Arena is open 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Many local elected officials were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746542370379.jpeg" alt="Local elected officials along with E-Sports Coordinator Aaron Sheltrown cut the ribbon to officially open Twister Arena.&nbsp; (Pictured from left to right in the back row) Shawn Chauncey - 65th District Representative, Junction City Commissioners Al Gordon, Ronna Larson, Ricardo Gutierrez, E-Sports Coordinator Aaron Sheltrown, Junction City Mayor Pat Landes, and Parks and Rec Director Josh Gray). Kids in attendance also were invited up for the photo and ribbon-cutting." />
 <figcaption>Local elected officials along with E-Sports Coordinator Aaron Sheltrown cut the ribbon to officially open Twister Arena.&nbsp; (Pictured from left to right in the back row) Shawn Chauncey - 65th District Representative, Junction City Commissioners Al Gordon, Ronna Larson, Ricardo Gutierrez, E-Sports Coordinator Aaron Sheltrown, Junction City Mayor Pat Landes, and Parks and Rec Director Josh Gray). Kids in attendance also were invited up for the photo and ribbon-cutting.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe 12th Street Community Center is the home of an all-new E-sports community in Junction City. The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting Monday night to open Twister Arena officially. Aaron Sheltrown, the city's E-Sports Coordinator, mentioned that he had visions for the E-Sports Arena when he was hired in February. Sheltrown noted that the arena would not have been possible without all the work from Josh Gray and the Junction City Parks and Recreation staff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746542662391.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"The great thing about this, is that it's put on by the city, so it's free, just like the Community Center," Sheltrown said. "All you have to do is come down to the Community Center and make your free account, then jump on a computer and play." Sheltrown mentioned that if a player is under the age of 18, their parent or legal guardian will need to fill out the waiver. If over 18, the player can fill it out themselves. Twister Arena can hold 24 players at once. There are 10 computers (PC's), 10 Play-Station Pro's, two Nintendo Switches, and a Retro-Corner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746542569657.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Colleges have ventured into E-Sports gaming. Scholarship opportunities are available for players. Sheltrown noted over $16 million in scholarship money for E-Sports was rewarded last year. Very soon the Twisters will begin forming teams to compete at tournaments. The goal is to host tournaments at Twister Arena in the future. Twister Arena is open 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.Many local elected officials were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting.&nbsp;

An E-Sports Arena is officially open in Junction City

Those words were spoken by Vonn Webb as he delivered the keynote remarks during the Geary Community Schools Foundation Celebration of Teaching Banquet Monday evening in Junction City.

Webb is a 1981 Junction City High School graduate who went on to become a teacher, high school and Division One men's basketball coach, administrator, motivational speaker and founder of Stay Shaded Non-Profit. 

There was a trip down memory lane. "I have friends here for life." Webb remembered influential people in his life and friends ranging from Dr. Mary Devin, Buck Gibson, Ben Bennett and Ligia Paquete to Curtis Self and David White. Multiple former wrestlers such as Henry Petty and Mike Goodwin were also remembered. He credited former USD 475 administrator Dr. Larry Dixon for his influence and for connecting him with the influential Upward Bound program at Kansas State University.

Webb told the teachers that the odds are that the kids are listening to what they are teaching. For those who were retiring he expressed his respect and praised those who stuck with education all the way through their careers.

2025 retirees were honord during the banquet including Associate Superintendent Dr. Deb Gustafson.

Other retirees included Lori Mitchell, Heidi Ring, Christine Fant, Lori Geist, Melissa Hall, Erika Hart, Catherine Hollis, Kimberly Loader, Donna Miller, Stuart Schwarz, Danita Gordon, Jean Rafalko, Ethel Brooks, Virginia Barth, Ellie Dillon, Viola Moore, Mary Cay Stauffer, Vanessa Eisermann, Patricia Paxton and Jean Warner.

Overall there were 14 certified staff retirees with 311 years of experience and eight classified staff retirees with 184 years of experience. Eleven teachers were presented with scholarships while five received para-educator scholarships to further their education.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746539178084.jpeg" alt="Vonn Webb ( Photos USD 475 )" />
 <figcaption>Vonn Webb ( Photos USD 475 )</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC Post"This is home." Those words were spoken by Vonn Webb as he delivered the keynote remarks during the Geary Community Schools Foundation Celebration of Teaching Banquet Monday evening in Junction City.Webb is a 1981 Junction City High School graduate who went on to become a teacher, high school and Division One men's basketball coach, administrator, motivational speaker and founder of Stay Shaded Non-Profit. There was a trip down memory lane. "I have friends here for life." Webb remembered influential people in his life and friends ranging from Dr. Mary Devin, Buck Gibson, Ben Bennett and Ligia Paquete to Curtis Self and David White. Multiple former wrestlers such as Henry Petty and Mike Goodwin were also remembered. He credited former USD 475 administrator Dr. Larry Dixon for his influence and for connecting him with the influential Upward Bound program at Kansas State University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746540885044.jpeg" alt="Former Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Devin" />
 <figcaption>Former Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary Devin</figcaption>
 </figure>Webb told the teachers that the odds are that the kids are listening to what they are teaching. For those who were retiring he expressed his respect and praised those who stuck with education all the way through their careers.2025 retirees were honord during the banquet including Associate Superintendent Dr. Deb Gustafson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746540298549.jpeg" alt="Associate Superintendent Dr. Deb Gustafson" />
 <figcaption>Associate Superintendent Dr. Deb Gustafson</figcaption>
 </figure>Other retirees included Lori Mitchell, Heidi Ring, Christine Fant, Lori Geist, Melissa Hall, Erika Hart, Catherine Hollis, Kimberly Loader, Donna Miller, Stuart Schwarz, Danita Gordon, Jean Rafalko, Ethel Brooks, Virginia Barth, Ellie Dillon, Viola Moore, Mary Cay Stauffer, Vanessa Eisermann, Patricia Paxton and Jean Warner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746540946517.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston and longtime school administrator Becky Coy. Coy is retiring this year." />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Current Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston and longtime school administrator Becky Coy. Coy is retiring this year.</figcaption>
 </figure>Overall there were 14 certified staff retirees with 311 years of experience and eight classified staff retirees with 184 years of experience. Eleven teachers were presented with scholarships while five received para-educator scholarships to further their education.

Vonn Webb returns home

Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/">Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab</a>&nbsp;continues work after federal funding resumed earlier this month.

The innovation lab aims to help double the world's food supply by 2050 through crop production improvements for four of the world's most important cereals: sorghum, millet, wheat and rice. All four crops are grown in the United States, and more than 50% of sorghum is grown in Kansas.

"K-State's innovation lab is helping bolster American agriculture by creating crops that are resistant to drought and disease," said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. "I appreciate Secretary Rubio for recognizing the importance of the work being done at Kansas State University and supporting the continuation of this program. Kansans, Americans and individuals around the world face a brighter future due to the work being done at K-State to help feed the world."

The innovation lab collaborates with U.S. and international partners to advance the breeding of these cereal crops to be more resistant to heat, drought, insects and disease, with the goal of making farmers more prosperous.

"This work is vital to the success of American and international agricultural production," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/about/dalton.html">Timothy Dalton</a>, professor of agricultural economics and interim director of the innovation lab. "The work we are doing ultimately results in grains that are more tolerant to real-world challenges farmers are facing now."

Researchers are using the latest technologies — including phenotyping with uncrewed aerial drones, next-generation DNA sequencing and genotyping, AI-assisted crop modeling and simulations, and speed breeding — in projects around the world.

Dalton said the international partnerships allow for testing crops in conditions similar to U.S. farmers' current and forecast challenges. In Asia, rice varieties are studied for resistance to rice blast, a fungal disease. Through this work, new rice varieties will be available for farmers in the southern U.S. Wheat and sorghum yields will be improved through testing in some of the hottest and driest regions of the world bordering the Sahara Desert.

"We're searching for scientific advances to make crops stronger and food production more reliable and safer," Dalton said. "This makes farmers here in Kansas and in partner nations more prosperous and ready to meet global food needs far into the future."

The funding is for the collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve these four crops. K-State's collaborative partners are the University of Florida, Texas A&amp;M University, Texas Tech University, Purdue University, Cornell University, Louisiana State University, Clemson University, and national agricultural research systems in Senegal, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

"Thank you to Senator Moran and his team for their dedicated efforts in supporting and ensuring the continuation of this important research at Kansas State University," said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. "Advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring resilient crop production are critical priorities for global food and national security."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743088206929.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>K-STATE NEWS AND COMMUNICATIONS&nbsp;Kansas State University's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/">Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab</a>&nbsp;continues work after federal funding resumed earlier this month.The innovation lab aims to help double the world's food supply by 2050 through crop production improvements for four of the world's most important cereals: sorghum, millet, wheat and rice. All four crops are grown in the United States, and more than 50% of sorghum is grown in Kansas."K-State's innovation lab is helping bolster American agriculture by creating crops that are resistant to drought and disease," said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. "I appreciate Secretary Rubio for recognizing the importance of the work being done at Kansas State University and supporting the continuation of this program. Kansans, Americans and individuals around the world face a brighter future due to the work being done at K-State to help feed the world."The innovation lab collaborates with U.S. and international partners to advance the breeding of these cereal crops to be more resistant to heat, drought, insects and disease, with the goal of making farmers more prosperous."This work is vital to the success of American and international agricultural production," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/crcil/about/dalton.html">Timothy Dalton</a>, professor of agricultural economics and interim director of the innovation lab. "The work we are doing ultimately results in grains that are more tolerant to real-world challenges farmers are facing now."Researchers are using the latest technologies — including phenotyping with uncrewed aerial drones, next-generation DNA sequencing and genotyping, AI-assisted crop modeling and simulations, and speed breeding — in projects around the world.Dalton said the international partnerships allow for testing crops in conditions similar to U.S. farmers' current and forecast challenges. In Asia, rice varieties are studied for resistance to rice blast, a fungal disease. Through this work, new rice varieties will be available for farmers in the southern U.S. Wheat and sorghum yields will be improved through testing in some of the hottest and driest regions of the world bordering the Sahara Desert."We're searching for scientific advances to make crops stronger and food production more reliable and safer," Dalton said. "This makes farmers here in Kansas and in partner nations more prosperous and ready to meet global food needs far into the future."The funding is for the collaborative, interdisciplinary research to improve these four crops. K-State's collaborative partners are the University of Florida, Texas A&amp;M University, Texas Tech University, Purdue University, Cornell University, Louisiana State University, Clemson University, and national agricultural research systems in Senegal, Ethiopia and Bangladesh."Thank you to Senator Moran and his team for their dedicated efforts in supporting and ensuring the continuation of this important research at Kansas State University," said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. "Advancing agricultural innovation and ensuring resilient crop production are critical priorities for global food and national security."

K-State lab resumes work on world's top crops

The Junction City / Geary County Catbackers are hosting their 2025 golf tournament on Saturday, June 14. The tournament will be held at Rolling Meadows Golf Course and will have a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Check-in will begin at 8:00.

The tournament is a four-person golf scramble, and registration is $75 per player. The registration includes the green fees, a cart, the driving range, and lunch after the round. Beer, hole prizes, and a raffle are also available.

To register a team, contact Rolling Meadows Golf Course at 785-238-4303.  

Hole Sponsors are $100, and if interested in sponsoring a hole, contact the Junction City/Geary County Catbackers at jcgc.catbackers@yahoo.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746479003839.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City / Geary County Catbackers are hosting their 2025 golf tournament on Saturday, June 14. The tournament will be held at Rolling Meadows Golf Course and will have a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Check-in will begin at 8:00.The tournament is a four-person golf scramble, and registration is $75 per player. The registration includes the green fees, a cart, the driving range, and lunch after the round. Beer, hole prizes, and a raffle are also available.To register a team, contact Rolling Meadows Golf Course at 785-238-4303. Hole Sponsors are $100, and if interested in sponsoring a hole, contact the Junction City/Geary County Catbackers at jcgc.catbackers@yahoo.com.

JC/GC Catbackers Golf Tournament scheduled for Saturday, June 14

On Sunday at 5:59 p.m. Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to K-18 Highway and North Ritter Road in reference to a 2-vehicle injury accident. Jeremias Wilcox of Junction City, KS was traveling eastbound on K-18 at mile marker 165 in a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu when he attempted to turn northbound onto Munson Road. Joshua Zumbrunn of Wakefield was traveling westbound on K-18 Highway in his 2018 Ram truck when Wilcox failed to yield right of way to oncoming traffic

The Sheriff's department said both vehicles collided head on. Zumbrunn was transported to Stormont Vail for medical evaluation. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Bud’s Wrecker Service.

On Sunday at 5:59 p.m. Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to K-18 Highway and North Ritter Road in reference to a 2-vehicle injury accident. Jeremias Wilcox of Junction City, KS was traveling eastbound on K-18 at mile marker 165 in a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu when he attempted to turn northbound onto Munson Road. Joshua Zumbrunn of Wakefield was traveling westbound on K-18 Highway in his 2018 Ram truck when Wilcox failed to yield right of way to oncoming trafficThe Sheriff's department said both vehicles collided head on. Zumbrunn was transported to Stormont Vail for medical evaluation. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Bud’s Wrecker Service.

One taken to the hospital for evaluation

Harlan Lofthus Jr. has filed for a seat on the Grandview Plaza City Council. He&nbsp; joins Arthur Potter on the election ballot in that race.&nbsp;

Two seats on the council are up for election. The filing deadline is noon, June 2.

Harlan Lofthus Jr. has filed for a seat on the Grandview Plaza City Council. He&nbsp; joins Arthur Potter on the election ballot in that race.&nbsp;Two seats on the council are up for election. The filing deadline is noon, June 2.

There has been a filing for Grandview Plaza City Council

The Court has denied a defense motion for immunity from prosecution by Junction City Commissioner Al ( Alovence ) Gordon in the Geary County District Court case in which he is charged with a misdemeanor count of Domestic Battery. The charge stems from a Jan. 23 incident in which Gordon and Corieyonna Trice were allegedly involved in a fight revolving around possession of hair clips. The pair had been in a relationship for nearly seven years. 

Seperately in connection with the Jan. 23 incident,&nbsp; Trice also faces a misdemeanor charge of Domestic Battery.

On Monday in District Court a June 2 arraignment date was set for Gordon, at which time the defense has indicated he could be expected to plead not guilty. A scheduling conference is also planned on June 2, at which time if necessary, a jury trial could be scheduled for Gordon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746475327375.jpeg" alt="Al Gordon" />
 <figcaption>Al Gordon</figcaption>
 </figure>The Court has denied a defense motion for immunity from prosecution by Junction City Commissioner Al ( Alovence ) Gordon in the Geary County District Court case in which he is charged with a misdemeanor count of Domestic Battery. The charge stems from a Jan. 23 incident in which Gordon and Corieyonna Trice were allegedly involved in a fight revolving around possession of hair clips. The pair had been in a relationship for nearly seven years. Seperately in connection with the Jan. 23 incident,&nbsp; Trice also faces a misdemeanor charge of Domestic Battery.On Monday in District Court a June 2 arraignment date was set for Gordon, at which time the defense has indicated he could be expected to plead not guilty. A scheduling conference is also planned on June 2, at which time if necessary, a jury trial could be scheduled for Gordon..<figure>
 <img src="https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;MID=181918;type=e959fb862;placementID=2944946;setID=524604;channelID=0;CID=0;BID=523042349;TAID=0;place=0;rnd=5764861523;psrtype=api;contKeyMatches=%5B12750%2C12827%2C12830%2C12831%2C12835%5D;contCatMatches=%5B10379%5D;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fjcpost.com%2Fposts%2F99c0c059-381a-4072-8583-e41e4901cbdb;mt=1746474293040448;hc=734033022a6abcf5857f66e51c626d8633fefbe5" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://jcpost.com/posts/undefined" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;MID=181918;type=v959fb862;placementID=2944946;setID=524604;channelID=0;CID=0;BID=523042349;TAID=0;place=0;rnd=5764861523;psrtype=api;contKeyMatches=%5B12750%2C12827%2C12830%2C12831%2C12835%5D;contCatMatches=%5B10379%5D;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fjcpost.com%2Fposts%2F99c0c059-381a-4072-8583-e41e4901cbdb;mt=1746474293040442;hc=5bdbbbc47abff518a65145a09b745f6d2cbb3c7d" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Motion for immunity from prosecution is denied

Dana Mika has filed for election to the Geary USD 475 Board of Education.

County Clerk Courtney Gilbert said Mika, who is the election specialist for Geary County, filed on Monday.

Three seats are up for election on the school board. Mika is the first candidate to file, while the filing deadline is noon on June 2.

Dana Mika has filed for election to the Geary USD 475 Board of Education.County Clerk Courtney Gilbert said Mika, who is the election specialist for Geary County, filed on Monday.Three seats are up for election on the school board. Mika is the first candidate to file, while the filing deadline is noon on June 2.

Candidate files for Geary USD 475 school board

RILEY COUNTY —On Friday, police arrested Corina Gutierrez Demille, 50, of Junction City, in the 4100 block of Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; for an extraditable arrest warrant out of Olero County, New Mexico. 

&nbsp;Gutierrez Demille is being held without in the Riley County Jail.

RILEY COUNTY —On Friday, police arrested Corina Gutierrez Demille, 50, of Junction City, in the 4100 block of Fort Riley Boulevard, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp; for an extraditable arrest warrant out of Olero County, New Mexico. &nbsp;Gutierrez Demille is being held without in the Riley County Jail.

Junction City woman jailed for arrest warrant in New Mexico

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating theft from two local businesses have made an arrest.

Just before 7p.m. April 21,&nbsp; officers filed a report for theft of property or services, theft by deception and making false information from Central Mechanical Construction Company and Howies Recycling Inc., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The report list a 43-year-old man as the suspect. On Friday, police arrested Adam Rundell, 43, of Manhattan for theft of property or service, theft by deception and making false information. Rundell is being held on a $5,000 bond.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating theft from two local businesses have made an arrest.Just before 7p.m. April 21,&nbsp; officers filed a report for theft of property or services, theft by deception and making false information from Central Mechanical Construction Company and Howies Recycling Inc., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The report list a 43-year-old man as the suspect. On Friday, police arrested Adam Rundell, 43, of Manhattan for theft of property or service, theft by deception and making false information. Rundell is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Manhattan man accused of theft from 2 businesses 

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will welcome more than 3,000 students into its ranks of alumni as degree candidates are recognized at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;set for Saturday, May 10, at the Salina campus and Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at the Manhattan campus.

More details on the ceremonies — including parking, accommodations and live webcast information for the Manhattan campus ceremonies — are available on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">the K-State graduation website.</a>The class of 2025, the 158th from K-State, includes approximately 2,300 bachelor's degrees, 522 master's degrees, 36 doctorates and seven Education Specialist degrees. Of those students, about 185 will be earning multiple degrees.The graduates-to-be also include 480 students who are earning their degrees through a K-State Online program.Saturday, May 10

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University will welcome more than 3,000 students into its ranks of alumni as degree candidates are recognized at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">commencement ceremonies</a>&nbsp;set for Saturday, May 10, at the Salina campus and Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at the Manhattan campus.More details on the ceremonies — including parking, accommodations and live webcast information for the Manhattan campus ceremonies — are available on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/graduation/">the K-State graduation website.</a>The class of 2025, the 158th from K-State, includes approximately 2,300 bachelor's degrees, 522 master's degrees, 36 doctorates and seven Education Specialist degrees. Of those students, about 185 will be earning multiple degrees.The graduates-to-be also include 480 students who are earning their degrees through a K-State Online program.Saturday, May 10

 K-State commencement ceremonies are set

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sexual-assault-reports-us-military-academies-1db318acce38e6294c1f1f095ae3797f">sexual assaults reported across the U.S. military</a>&nbsp;dipped by nearly 4% last year, fueled by a significant drop in the Army, The Associated Press has learned. It was the second year in a row with a decrease, reversing a troubling trend that has plagued the Defense Department for more than a decade.

Senior U.S. defense officials said that while the decline is a good sign,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-sexual-assault-report-336323b194a1de1dea25e2885fdcc396">the number of reported assaults</a>&nbsp;is still too high and the military needs to do more to get victims to report the often undisclosed crime.

According to the officials, there were 8,195 reported sexual assaults in 2024 involving members of the military, compared with 8,515 in 2023. In 2022, there were 8,942 reported sexual assaults,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-sexual-assault-report-a5138e59f145c223284dded6677257e3">a spike</a>&nbsp;that triggered widespread alarm and led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-staff-cuts-sex-assault-suicide-prevention-3d06410658a6cfe45128165e40fb7b1f">new programs</a>&nbsp;and an infusion of funding to try to combat the problem.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been publicly released.

According to data obtained by the AP, the overall decrease was due to a 13% drop in reported sexual assaults across the Army, which is the largest military service.

All the other services saw increases. The Navy had the largest jump of 4.3%, while the Air Force had a 2.2% increase and the Marine Corps rose by less than 1%.

Of the 8,195 total, there were 512 service members who reported an assault that happened before they entered the military. The Pentagon encourages reporting so that victims can get any support they need. In addition, 641 were civilians who said they were assaulted by a member of the military.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sexual-assault-reports-us-military-academies-1db318acce38e6294c1f1f095ae3797f">sexual assaults reported across the U.S. military</a>&nbsp;dipped by nearly 4% last year, fueled by a significant drop in the Army, The Associated Press has learned. It was the second year in a row with a decrease, reversing a troubling trend that has plagued the Defense Department for more than a decade.Senior U.S. defense officials said that while the decline is a good sign,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-sexual-assault-report-336323b194a1de1dea25e2885fdcc396">the number of reported assaults</a>&nbsp;is still too high and the military needs to do more to get victims to report the often undisclosed crime.According to the officials, there were 8,195 reported sexual assaults in 2024 involving members of the military, compared with 8,515 in 2023. In 2022, there were 8,942 reported sexual assaults,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/military-sexual-assault-report-a5138e59f145c223284dded6677257e3">a spike</a>&nbsp;that triggered widespread alarm and led to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-staff-cuts-sex-assault-suicide-prevention-3d06410658a6cfe45128165e40fb7b1f">new programs</a>&nbsp;and an infusion of funding to try to combat the problem.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the report has not been publicly released.According to data obtained by the AP, the overall decrease was due to a 13% drop in reported sexual assaults across the Army, which is the largest military service.All the other services saw increases. The Navy had the largest jump of 4.3%, while the Air Force had a 2.2% increase and the Marine Corps rose by less than 1%.Of the 8,195 total, there were 512 service members who reported an assault that happened before they entered the military. The Pentagon encourages reporting so that victims can get any support they need. In addition, 641 were civilians who said they were assaulted by a member of the military.While reported assaults decreased, the number of sexual harassment complaints went from 2,980 in 2023 to 3,014 last year. Most were filed by female service members, and the vast majority of those accused were male.The latest report also reflects the first full year since new prosecution procedures have been in place, putting independent lawyers in charge of those decisions and sidelining commanders after years of pressure from Congress.The change, long resisted by Pentagon leaders, was finally forced by frustrated lawmakers who believed that too often commanders would fail to take victims’ complaints seriously or would try to protect alleged perpetrators in their units.Officials said it is too soon to tell what effect those changes are having on the prosecution process.The number of cases in which misconduct was substantiated increased a bit last year over the 2023 total. The number of discharges and administrative actions against alleged perpetrators continued to increase, and court-martial charges declined — both trends going back several years.Officials noted that nearly three-quarters of the court-martial cases ended in convictions, a slight increase over the previous year.Sexual assault reports in the military have gone up for much of the past decade, except for a tiny decrease in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Officials say they are optimistic about the recent decreases but say much more work needs to be done.While it is difficult to point to any one reason for the two-year decline, the Defense Department has been making a series of changes over the past year that officials say may be contributing to the shift. The services are using an infusion of more than $1 billion to improve programs and hire up to 2,500 personnel as part of a new “prevention workforce” and place them at military installations around the world.So far, about 1,400 have been hired for that work, but that process has stalled this year due to the Trump administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-100-days-doge-00000196772ddab7a3bfff2f0ea20000">budget and personnel cuts</a>&nbsp;across the federal government. Defense officials said they are working to spread the existing workers around to lessen the gaps until more can be hired.The Pentagon releases a report every year on the number of sexual assaults reported by or about troops. But because sexual assault is a highly underreported crime, the department also does a confidential survey every two years to get a clearer picture of the problem. That survey, which is conducted online, came out last year, so it was not done this year.Last year’s survey said more than 29,000 active-duty service members said they had experienced unwanted sexual contact in the previous year, compared with nearly 36,000 in the 2021 survey, according to several defense officials. The decrease was the first in eight years.But officials said the survey also indicates that a large number of service members never file a report.