DICKINSON COUNTY —The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has awarded $2 million to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways, according to a media release from the agency.

KDOT received 32 project proposals seeking to use $2 million of the state’s allocation of Volkswagen Mitigation Trust funds dedicated to the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations. KDOT had identified 12 priority locations for these funds to improve public access to charging stations along primary corridors, to which applicants made their case for providing EV services.

“The quality of proposals made the selection process very competitive, and it was clear there is much support across Kansas for electric vehicles and infrastructure,” said Matt Messina, KDOT’s Transportation Planning Manager. “Many applicants proved dedication to EV services beyond the required five-year commitment as they are eager to promote transportation options.”

Staff from KDOT, the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and a team of consultants evaluated each project proposal and made selections based on criteria provided in a Request for Proposals (RFP) announced in October 2021. Responses were due mid-December 2021.

Each award recipient is responsible for providing 20% of the project cost, bringing the total estimated investment for the seven selected proposals to nearly $2.5 million. Proposals selected to receive an award are identified below.

DICKINSON COUNTY —The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has awarded $2 million to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the state’s most traveled highways, according to a media release from the agency.KDOT received 32 project proposals seeking to use $2 million of the state’s allocation of Volkswagen Mitigation Trust funds dedicated to the installation of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) stations. KDOT had identified 12 priority locations for these funds to improve public access to charging stations along primary corridors, to which applicants made their case for providing EV services.“The quality of proposals made the selection process very competitive, and it was clear there is much support across Kansas for electric vehicles and infrastructure,” said Matt Messina, KDOT’s Transportation Planning Manager. “Many applicants proved dedication to EV services beyond the required five-year commitment as they are eager to promote transportation options.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643987348199.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Staff from KDOT, the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment and a team of consultants evaluated each project proposal and made selections based on criteria provided in a Request for Proposals (RFP) announced in October 2021. Responses were due mid-December 2021.Each award recipient is responsible for providing 20% of the project cost, bringing the total estimated investment for the seven selected proposals to nearly $2.5 million. Proposals selected to receive an award are identified below.

KDOT awards $2 million for electric vehicle charging stations

Main Street Committee members have chosen a 131 West 7th Street building recently acquired by the Opera House to be&nbsp; the site for a temporary Main Street office. Main Street will move in by April 1st and pay rent totaling $500 per month.

Main Street Committee Chair Maureen Gustafson noted that the Opera House just purchased the building at 131 West 7th Street. "We're going to temporarily rent that from them for a six month period of time with the idea of figuring out where we might want to permanently land."

The new slate of officers&nbsp; for Main Street for the coming year will include Maureen Gustafson as Chair, Sheila Markley Vice-Chair. Brad Johnson Treasurer, Todd Godfrey Secretary and Theresa Bramlage Past Chair. Also Terry Butler has left the committee and will be serving on a volunteer basis as Main Street Development Director. Mimi Khoury has joined the committee as an under 25 years old board member.&nbsp;

Main Street Committee members have chosen a 131 West 7th Street building recently acquired by the Opera House to be&nbsp; the site for a temporary Main Street office. Main Street will move in by April 1st and pay rent totaling $500 per month.Main Street Committee Chair Maureen Gustafson noted that the Opera House just purchased the building at 131 West 7th Street. "We're going to temporarily rent that from them for a six month period of time with the idea of figuring out where we might want to permanently land."The new slate of officers&nbsp; for Main Street for the coming year will include Maureen Gustafson as Chair, Sheila Markley Vice-Chair. Brad Johnson Treasurer, Todd Godfrey Secretary and Theresa Bramlage Past Chair. Also Terry Butler has left the committee and will be serving on a volunteer basis as Main Street Development Director. Mimi Khoury has joined the committee as an under 25 years old board member.&nbsp;

Main Street will temporarily office at 131 West 7th

Dr. Marche Fleming-Randle will serve as the guest speaker for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on March 10th. She is currently a Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Wichita State University.

The dinner will be held at the Geary County Convention Center with a reception at 6 p.m. and the dinner beginning at 6:45 p.m. on March 10th.

Fleming-Randle has family living in the community and is a&nbsp; former professor at Cloud County Community College.

You can purchase tickets by March 3rd at 785-762-2632 or at info@jcacc.org. Tickets are $60.

Dr. Marche Fleming-Randle will serve as the guest speaker for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on March 10th. She is currently a Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Wichita State University.The dinner will be held at the Geary County Convention Center with a reception at 6 p.m. and the dinner beginning at 6:45 p.m. on March 10th.Fleming-Randle has family living in the community and is a&nbsp; former professor at Cloud County Community College.You can purchase tickets by March 3rd at 785-762-2632 or at info@jcacc.org. Tickets are $60.

Chamber announces annual dinner speaker

Geary County is accepting applications for a seat on the Public Building Commission. The commission is responsible for issuing revenue bonds to fund certain public buildings.

If you are interested contact Alex.Tyson@gearycounty.org

Geary County is accepting applications for a seat on the Public Building Commission. The commission is responsible for issuing revenue bonds to fund certain public buildings.If you are interested contact Alex.Tyson@gearycounty.org

County seeks applicants for the Public Building Commission

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Due to concerns about the current COVID-19 conditions, Geary County Schools has rescheduled the 2022 State of Education to Tuesday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Junction City High School auditorium.

The event will include presentations regarding the district’s current and upcoming plans for teaching and learning, operations, finance, personnel services, and more. There will also be numerous performances by students and recognitions of the district’s recent award recipients.

The details of the event are subject to change given the current COVID-19 conditions.

By Lindley LundGeary USD 475JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Due to concerns about the current COVID-19 conditions, Geary County Schools has rescheduled the 2022 State of Education to Tuesday, March 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Junction City High School auditorium.The event will include presentations regarding the district’s current and upcoming plans for teaching and learning, operations, finance, personnel services, and more. There will also be numerous performances by students and recognitions of the district’s recent award recipients.The details of the event are subject to change given the current COVID-19 conditions.

Geary County Schools reschedules 2022 State of Education

According to Geary County Emergency Management when recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form — and you might not even see it. And while black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use extreme caution when driving.

It's still very slick out there. According to Geary County Emergency Management when recent rain or snowmelt comes into contact with freezing temperatures, black ice can form — and you might not even see it. And while black ice is more prevalent at night, it can often stick around for the morning commute. Use extreme caution when driving.

Beware of ice on roads and streets

Wednesday at 2:36 p.m. Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 3600 Hatchery Drive for a single vehicle accident. According to the Sheriff's Department, Joel Baxter of Fort Riley was south bound on Hatchery Drive in his Chevy Cruz when he lost control of his vehicle and overturned into a ditch. A passenger was transported to GCH for minor injuries.


Wednesday at 2:36 p.m. Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to 3600 Hatchery Drive for a single vehicle accident. According to the Sheriff's Department, Joel Baxter of Fort Riley was south bound on Hatchery Drive in his Chevy Cruz when he lost control of his vehicle and overturned into a ditch. A passenger was transported to GCH for minor injuries.

One vehicle accident sends one person to GCH

Weary Family Foundation has presented a check to Aging Well, Inc. in support of the proposed senior living campus project. Donated funds are to be used to construct small homes providing skilled nursing and assisted living services on the west side of Junction City.

“I feel that my parents would have been very supportive of this project and consider it a worthwhile venture for Junction City, which is why I wanted to direct funds towards this project,” said Dale Ann Clore, daughter of the late Bob and Dale Jellison Weary.

Robert K. “Bob” Weary was the son of Ulysses S. and Ina Bell Kirkpatrick Weary. Bob graduated from Junction City High School, Harvard College and Harvard Law School before eventually settling back down in Junction City. He was a Korean War veteran, a lawyer at Weary Davis Law Firm, an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and director of the National Cable Television Association.

Dale Jellison Weary was the daughter of Arthur Dale and Maude Sarah Gifford Jellison. She graduated from Junction City High School and Ward-Belmot College in Nashville, TN, as well as the University of Kansas before settling down with Bob in Junction City. She was a member of the Ladies Reading Club, P.E.O., and the Junction City Little Theatre.

Over the years, both Bob and Dale contributed to religious and educational entities as well as supported the Arts in Junction City, which prompted the family to form a foundation in 2001. The organization continues to support efforts within the Junction City community and surrounding areas.

“The very Weary family has long been supportive of efforts here in Junction City even though many of them no longer live here,” said Duane Blythe, co-chair of the Aging Well board and Manager of the Wealth Management and Trust Services Division at Central National Bank. “They saw an opportunity to donate to an organization that aims to improve the quality of life of an aging population and for that we are grateful.”

Weary Family Foundation has presented a check to Aging Well, Inc. in support of the proposed senior living campus project. Donated funds are to be used to construct small homes providing skilled nursing and assisted living services on the west side of Junction City.“I feel that my parents would have been very supportive of this project and consider it a worthwhile venture for Junction City, which is why I wanted to direct funds towards this project,” said Dale Ann Clore, daughter of the late Bob and Dale Jellison Weary.Robert K. “Bob” Weary was the son of Ulysses S. and Ina Bell Kirkpatrick Weary. Bob graduated from Junction City High School, Harvard College and Harvard Law School before eventually settling back down in Junction City. He was a Korean War veteran, a lawyer at Weary Davis Law Firm, an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and director of the National Cable Television Association.Dale Jellison Weary was the daughter of Arthur Dale and Maude Sarah Gifford Jellison. She graduated from Junction City High School and Ward-Belmot College in Nashville, TN, as well as the University of Kansas before settling down with Bob in Junction City. She was a member of the Ladies Reading Club, P.E.O., and the Junction City Little Theatre.Over the years, both Bob and Dale contributed to religious and educational entities as well as supported the Arts in Junction City, which prompted the family to form a foundation in 2001. The organization continues to support efforts within the Junction City community and surrounding areas.“The very Weary family has long been supportive of efforts here in Junction City even though many of them no longer live here,” said Duane Blythe, co-chair of the Aging Well board and Manager of the Wealth Management and Trust Services Division at Central National Bank. “They saw an opportunity to donate to an organization that aims to improve the quality of life of an aging population and for that we are grateful.”

Weary Family Foundation donates to Aging Well project

--All Chapman USD 473 schools will be on a two-hour delay on Thursday, Feb. 3rd.

--USD 435 Abilene will begin school two hours late on Thursday.

--USD 320 Wamego schools will begin two hours late on Thursday. There will be no breakfast served and no morning ECD classes.

--USD 417 Morris County will delayed two hours&nbsp; on Thursday. Buses will be delayed two hours and there will be no morning Pre-K.

--USD 323 Rock Creek will open two hours late and there will not be any morning preschool.

--USD 487 will be delayed two hours and there will not be any morning preschool.

--Geary County Senior Center will be closed on Thursday.

--All Chapman USD 473 schools will be on a two-hour delay on Thursday, Feb. 3rd.--USD 435 Abilene will begin school two hours late on Thursday.--USD 320 Wamego schools will begin two hours late on Thursday. There will be no breakfast served and no morning ECD classes.--USD 417 Morris County will delayed two hours&nbsp; on Thursday. Buses will be delayed two hours and there will be no morning Pre-K.--USD 323 Rock Creek will open two hours late and there will not be any morning preschool.--USD 487 will be delayed two hours and there will not be any morning preschool.--Geary County Senior Center will be closed on Thursday.

Postponements and cancellations

Geary County this week held the number one ranking in Kansas for COVID-19 vaccinations with a 95% rate. The state ranking information was provided by the Geary County Health Department.

Geary County this week held the number one ranking in Kansas for COVID-19 vaccinations with a 95% rate. The state ranking information was provided by the Geary County Health Department.

County achieves number one COVID-19 vaccination ranking

Junction City Commissioners have awarded a bid to Ben Kitchens Painting Co. Inc. in the amount of $37,885.96 to remodel the upstairs at the Rolling Meadows Golf Course Clubhouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The plan for the upstairs area is to carry the same look and theme throughout the upstairs that was completed downstairs in 2019. That will include flooring, lighting, fans, paint and texturing of ceilings and below the chair rails.&nbsp;

Junction City Commissioners have awarded a bid to Ben Kitchens Painting Co. Inc. in the amount of $37,885.96 to remodel the upstairs at the Rolling Meadows Golf Course Clubhouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;The plan for the upstairs area is to carry the same look and theme throughout the upstairs that was completed downstairs in 2019. That will include flooring, lighting, fans, paint and texturing of ceilings and below the chair rails.&nbsp;

City approves remodeling project at the golf course

Junction City firefighters responded to a blaze on Grant Ave. about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. The vacant business building, known as Frank's Auto in the past, was engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. Fire Chief Jason Lankas also noted that authorities are still investigating the current name for the 5,000 square foot structure, which was a total loss.&nbsp;

Cause of the blaze is under investigation. Firefighters were on scene until about noon on Wednesday.

Junction City firefighters responded to a blaze on Grant Ave. about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. The vacant business building, known as Frank's Auto in the past, was engulfed in flames. No injuries were reported. Fire Chief Jason Lankas also noted that authorities are still investigating the current name for the 5,000 square foot structure, which was a total loss.&nbsp;Cause of the blaze is under investigation. Firefighters were on scene until about noon on Wednesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643812062016.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Bill Draper" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Bill Draper</figcaption>
 </figure>

Fire destroys vacant business building

Junction City, KS – Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees recently selected Margaret Grismer as the new Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Geary Community Hospital.

Grismer, Derby, KS, previously served as the Interim CEO at Russel Regional Hospital, Hillsboro Community Hospital, Sumner County and CEO at Kiowa District Hospital. She has served as Vice-President of Business Development and External Affairs with an Oklahoma based Healthcare Management &amp; Consulting firm.&nbsp; Grismer is a veteran of the US Navy and US Public Health Service. She was a Navy nurse and nurse practitioner and retired after 24 years mostly serving in the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Health Services Administrator.&nbsp;

“She has a proven track record in building trust and teamwork among leadership, working well with employed and partnering physicians, improving operating margins, increasing employee satisfaction, and ensuring each patient receives the highest quality of care. The board is confident she has the vision and passion to take Geary Community Hospital to the next level in delivering the best patient care.” Theresa Bramlage, GCH Board of Trustees, Chair.

“I approach healthcare leadership from the eyes of a care giver and clinician. Being a Kansan native, my passion is serving our rural communities in the delivery of ‘hometown personalized care’. My immediate goal will be to secure a clear vision of a sustainable healthcare path forward to deliver top quality care by local dedicated staff.”

Grismer has a Master’s from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science from Bethel University, MN.

“As a seasoned executive, Mrs. Grismer brings not only impressive experience, but also a new and energizing vision to Geary Community Hospital”, said Thomas Craig, M.D, Chief of Staff at Geary Community Hospital. “Her extensive experience and operational management in community hospitals will help build up our foundation and allow us to continue to serve our community. The board clearly made an excellent choice.”

Junction City, KS – Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees recently selected Margaret Grismer as the new Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Geary Community Hospital.Grismer, Derby, KS, previously served as the Interim CEO at Russel Regional Hospital, Hillsboro Community Hospital, Sumner County and CEO at Kiowa District Hospital. She has served as Vice-President of Business Development and External Affairs with an Oklahoma based Healthcare Management &amp; Consulting firm.&nbsp; Grismer is a veteran of the US Navy and US Public Health Service. She was a Navy nurse and nurse practitioner and retired after 24 years mostly serving in the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Health Services Administrator.&nbsp;“She has a proven track record in building trust and teamwork among leadership, working well with employed and partnering physicians, improving operating margins, increasing employee satisfaction, and ensuring each patient receives the highest quality of care. The board is confident she has the vision and passion to take Geary Community Hospital to the next level in delivering the best patient care.” Theresa Bramlage, GCH Board of Trustees, Chair.“I approach healthcare leadership from the eyes of a care giver and clinician. Being a Kansan native, my passion is serving our rural communities in the delivery of ‘hometown personalized care’. My immediate goal will be to secure a clear vision of a sustainable healthcare path forward to deliver top quality care by local dedicated staff.”Grismer has a Master’s from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science from Bethel University, MN.“As a seasoned executive, Mrs. Grismer brings not only impressive experience, but also a new and energizing vision to Geary Community Hospital”, said Thomas Craig, M.D, Chief of Staff at Geary Community Hospital. “Her extensive experience and operational management in community hospitals will help build up our foundation and allow us to continue to serve our community. The board clearly made an excellent choice.”

Grismer will help lead Geary Community Hospital

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Feb. 2, 2022 – Evergy has received customer reports of people placing phone calls to customers and calling themselves “Clean Energy” or “Clean Energy Utility.” They claim to work with Evergy and are erroneously informing customers that Evergy will be asking customers to reduce energy use due to the winter weather and cold temperatures. They’re telling customers they will provide free advice and technology to help when Evergy calls on reduced energy use from its customers. “Clean Energy/Clean Energy Utilities” is not a partner or program of Evergy’s.

Evergy does not anticipate electricity shortages during this cold spell. Additional resources at Evergy power plants have been deployed to be prepared for a potential increase in energy demand during the winter storm.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Feb. 2, 2022 – Evergy has received customer reports of people placing phone calls to customers and calling themselves “Clean Energy” or “Clean Energy Utility.” They claim to work with Evergy and are erroneously informing customers that Evergy will be asking customers to reduce energy use due to the winter weather and cold temperatures. They’re telling customers they will provide free advice and technology to help when Evergy calls on reduced energy use from its customers. “Clean Energy/Clean Energy Utilities” is not a partner or program of Evergy’s.Evergy does not anticipate electricity shortages during this cold spell. Additional resources at Evergy power plants have been deployed to be prepared for a potential increase in energy demand during the winter storm.&nbsp;

Evergy warns about recent utility scam attempts

The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, officially marked its return from a nine-month deployment to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve by uncasing its colors in a ceremony on Feb. 1. According to the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office the uncasing ceremony signifies the completion of the ‘Demon Brigade's’ overseas mission. “Our colors and what they represent are home, the Soldiers are gathering their equipment from the ports to train here at Fort Riley with their 1st Infantry Division team,” said Col. Jason Arriaga, Commander of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. Throughout the deployment more than 1,800 Soldiers were deployed to various locations across Europe, including Poland, Germany, Romania, Greece, and Latvia. “Thanks to their effort and dedicated training prowess, nearly 50,000 Soldiers from our partners had the fortune to fly with and receive aviation support from the Demon Brigade,” said Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims II, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. “From Defender Europe 2021 where they worked with 26 partner nations in 30 training locations, to Agile Spirit, where they worked with the Georgian defense forces with 15 allied partner nations, the brigade showed a common theme of extreme professionalism,” Maj. Gen. Sims added. The Demon Brigade conducted bilateral and multinational training events with more than a dozen North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partner nations. These exercises were executed to build readiness and strengthen relationships between U.S. forces and American allies and partners.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643824254961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, officially marked its return from a nine-month deployment to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve by uncasing its colors in a ceremony on Feb. 1. According to the Fort Riley Public Affairs Office the uncasing ceremony signifies the completion of the ‘Demon Brigade's’ overseas mission. “Our colors and what they represent are home, the Soldiers are gathering their equipment from the ports to train here at Fort Riley with their 1st Infantry Division team,” said Col. Jason Arriaga, Commander of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade. Throughout the deployment more than 1,800 Soldiers were deployed to various locations across Europe, including Poland, Germany, Romania, Greece, and Latvia. “Thanks to their effort and dedicated training prowess, nearly 50,000 Soldiers from our partners had the fortune to fly with and receive aviation support from the Demon Brigade,” said Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims II, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. “From Defender Europe 2021 where they worked with 26 partner nations in 30 training locations, to Agile Spirit, where they worked with the Georgian defense forces with 15 allied partner nations, the brigade showed a common theme of extreme professionalism,” Maj. Gen. Sims added. The Demon Brigade conducted bilateral and multinational training events with more than a dozen North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies and partner nations. These exercises were executed to build readiness and strengthen relationships between U.S. forces and American allies and partners.

Uncasing Ceremony Marks 1st Combat Aviation Brigade’s Homecoming

As an elected official I have a moral obligation to be completely honest and transparent with the citizens I serve. Since being elected Sheriff I have gone to great lengths to ensure that whatever the situation was, good or bad, as a Sheriff’s Office we were completely transparent about how we handled the situation. After reading Commissioner Trish Giordano’s editorial I again feel obligated to get all the information surrounding a situation to the citizens who deserve to know the complete truth.

When the pandemic began we started to have employee’s get exposed to covid positive citizens while conducting their assigned duties. I went to the County Commissioners, Keith Asher, Brad Schultz, and Charles Stimatze to discuss allowing the employee’s to use admin time when under KDHE and health department mandated quarantine or isolation. We all agreed that this was the right thing to do, that an employee should not be punished because of the pandemic and forced off work times. This had nothing to do with the emergency sick leave act mentioned in Commissioner Giordano’s editorial, and also did not have an 80 hour cap to it.

In Commissioner Giordano’s editorial she indicated that 50 county employee’s went over the 80 hour limit and that 6500 hours of the time were in the Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office did use 6500 hours of admin time, but it was only 27 of the 114 Sheriff’s Office employees that went over 80 hours. And now for the rest of the story….

Of the 27 employee’s that went over 80 hours, two were involved in an officer involved shooting and were on mandated admin leave for 106 hours until cleared on the shooting. One of these employees then went on to contract covid and had another KDHE mandated isolation period. The other Deputy caught covid on one occasion and had a family member become covid positive requiring two more KDHE mandated quarantines.

When we experienced our first spike in cases across Geary County, we also had our first outbreak in the jail. At this point the courts were closed as well. I made the decision to close the front office of the jail and get all nonessential employees out of the office. This resulted in 7 administrative employees being sent home on 80 hours of admin time. These employees were not sick and not on vacation, they were ordered home to help in our containment of the outbreak in the jail. Each of these 7 employees experienced at least one more, and some two and three more KDHE mandated quarantines or isolation periods.

During this same outbreak we also closed our VIN and Process Service sections. This resulted in 5 more employees who were sent home from work for 120 hours due to the outbreak in the jail and the spike in Geary County.

Three of the employees who went over the 80 hours were employees who were experiencing serious health issues when the pandemic began. These employees worked up to the point that there Doctors advised that a covid exposure could be deadly for them. Two of these three employees had not worked for the Sheriff’s Office for very long and did not have leave or vacation hours to cover them. These three employees accounted for 1380 hours of the admin leave used at the Sheriff’s Office. All of these employees have fully recovered, returned to work and are still valued employees of the Sheriff’s Office now. This would not have happened were it not for admin leave.

The other 10 employees of the Sheriff’s Office who exceeded 80 hours each had multiple KDHE mandated isolations or quarantines due to covid exposures while at work and interacting with covid positive citizens, becoming covid positive because of exposures at work, or family members being positive for covid.

I monitored our use of admin time continually and I assure you there was nothing excessive or abusive about how the Sheriff’s Office used admin time in response to the covid pandemic. Commissioner Giordano said the admin leave was created to prevent people who do not have leave to take to be able to be paid during the pandemic. That is only part of the reason it was used. It was also used to prevent employees from burning through all their leave and sick time due to KDHE mandated isolations and quarantines. It was also used to allow us to send nonessential people home during outbreaks, at our direction. In other words so we didn’t have to do sporadic nonpaid layoffs during times when we were trying to control outbreaks.

Shortly after Commissioner Giordano was elected she asked me if I had been monitoring the admin use at the Sheriff’s Office and I told her I had. She never asked me about it again. If she would have asked I would have been happy to explain everything as I have in this letter. The problem with that is the explanation has a tendency to take away some of the splash in the media that just throwing the 6500 number out by itself gets.

I stand by the decisions made by the previous commission and me in reference to employees, admin leave and covid. To do otherwise would have been a disservice to our most important asset, our employees, and to the citizens we are sworn to protect.

As an elected official I have a moral obligation to be completely honest and transparent with the citizens I serve. Since being elected Sheriff I have gone to great lengths to ensure that whatever the situation was, good or bad, as a Sheriff’s Office we were completely transparent about how we handled the situation. After reading Commissioner Trish Giordano’s editorial I again feel obligated to get all the information surrounding a situation to the citizens who deserve to know the complete truth.When the pandemic began we started to have employee’s get exposed to covid positive citizens while conducting their assigned duties. I went to the County Commissioners, Keith Asher, Brad Schultz, and Charles Stimatze to discuss allowing the employee’s to use admin time when under KDHE and health department mandated quarantine or isolation. We all agreed that this was the right thing to do, that an employee should not be punished because of the pandemic and forced off work times. This had nothing to do with the emergency sick leave act mentioned in Commissioner Giordano’s editorial, and also did not have an 80 hour cap to it.In Commissioner Giordano’s editorial she indicated that 50 county employee’s went over the 80 hour limit and that 6500 hours of the time were in the Sheriff’s Office.The Sheriff’s Office did use 6500 hours of admin time, but it was only 27 of the 114 Sheriff’s Office employees that went over 80 hours. And now for the rest of the story….Of the 27 employee’s that went over 80 hours, two were involved in an officer involved shooting and were on mandated admin leave for 106 hours until cleared on the shooting. One of these employees then went on to contract covid and had another KDHE mandated isolation period. The other Deputy caught covid on one occasion and had a family member become covid positive requiring two more KDHE mandated quarantines.When we experienced our first spike in cases across Geary County, we also had our first outbreak in the jail. At this point the courts were closed as well. I made the decision to close the front office of the jail and get all nonessential employees out of the office. This resulted in 7 administrative employees being sent home on 80 hours of admin time. These employees were not sick and not on vacation, they were ordered home to help in our containment of the outbreak in the jail. Each of these 7 employees experienced at least one more, and some two and three more KDHE mandated quarantines or isolation periods.During this same outbreak we also closed our VIN and Process Service sections. This resulted in 5 more employees who were sent home from work for 120 hours due to the outbreak in the jail and the spike in Geary County.Three of the employees who went over the 80 hours were employees who were experiencing serious health issues when the pandemic began. These employees worked up to the point that there Doctors advised that a covid exposure could be deadly for them. Two of these three employees had not worked for the Sheriff’s Office for very long and did not have leave or vacation hours to cover them. These three employees accounted for 1380 hours of the admin leave used at the Sheriff’s Office. All of these employees have fully recovered, returned to work and are still valued employees of the Sheriff’s Office now. This would not have happened were it not for admin leave.The other 10 employees of the Sheriff’s Office who exceeded 80 hours each had multiple KDHE mandated isolations or quarantines due to covid exposures while at work and interacting with covid positive citizens, becoming covid positive because of exposures at work, or family members being positive for covid.I monitored our use of admin time continually and I assure you there was nothing excessive or abusive about how the Sheriff’s Office used admin time in response to the covid pandemic. Commissioner Giordano said the admin leave was created to prevent people who do not have leave to take to be able to be paid during the pandemic. That is only part of the reason it was used. It was also used to prevent employees from burning through all their leave and sick time due to KDHE mandated isolations and quarantines. It was also used to allow us to send nonessential people home during outbreaks, at our direction. In other words so we didn’t have to do sporadic nonpaid layoffs during times when we were trying to control outbreaks.Shortly after Commissioner Giordano was elected she asked me if I had been monitoring the admin use at the Sheriff’s Office and I told her I had. She never asked me about it again. If she would have asked I would have been happy to explain everything as I have in this letter. The problem with that is the explanation has a tendency to take away some of the splash in the media that just throwing the 6500 number out by itself gets.I stand by the decisions made by the previous commission and me in reference to employees, admin leave and covid. To do otherwise would have been a disservice to our most important asset, our employees, and to the citizens we are sworn to protect.Sheriff Dan Jackson

Sheriff responds to Commissioner Giordano's comments

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2006 Buick Rendezvous driven by Tracy Trout, 62, Manhattan; a 2013 GMC van driven by Jerrod Warren, 41, Manhattan and a 2020 Ford F-350 driven by Kevin Hankins, 64, Olsburg were involved in an accident&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Manhattan Avenue and Fort Riley Blvd.

EMS transported Trout to Via Christi for treatment of chest pain and a leg injury, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a 2006 Buick Rendezvous driven by Tracy Trout, 62, Manhattan; a 2013 GMC van driven by Jerrod Warren, 41, Manhattan and a 2020 Ford F-350 driven by Kevin Hankins, 64, Olsburg were involved in an accident&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Manhattan Avenue and Fort Riley Blvd.EMS transported Trout to Via Christi for treatment of chest pain and a leg injury, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

One person injured after 3-vehicle Riley County crash

Geary County Sheriff's Department has announced emergency accident reporting procedures. This can occur during weather conditions where numerous accidents occur since the Department can be overwhelmed by calls for service involving minor accidents.

--The Sheriff's Department will not respond to non-injury accidents when vehicles are operable.

--Drivers should move to a place of safety and exchange personal and insurance information and report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible. File a report when there is property damage over $1,000 with the appropriate law enforcement agency within 48 hours.

--All injury accidents and accidents blocking streets due to disabled vehicles should be reported to law enforcement. Law enforcement and needed emergency personnel will respond.

--As soon as caseload permits, the Sheriff's Office wll go back to normal report taking.

Geary County Sheriff's Department has announced emergency accident reporting procedures. This can occur during weather conditions where numerous accidents occur since the Department can be overwhelmed by calls for service involving minor accidents.--The Sheriff's Department will not respond to non-injury accidents when vehicles are operable.--Drivers should move to a place of safety and exchange personal and insurance information and report the accident to their insurance company as soon as possible. File a report when there is property damage over $1,000 with the appropriate law enforcement agency within 48 hours.--All injury accidents and accidents blocking streets due to disabled vehicles should be reported to law enforcement. Law enforcement and needed emergency personnel will respond.--As soon as caseload permits, the Sheriff's Office wll go back to normal report taking.

Geary County Sheriff's Department implements emergency accident reporting

The Junction City Blue Jays defeated the Seaman Vikings Tuesday night in overtime, 66 to 64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Junction City Blue Jays defeated the Seaman Vikings Tuesday night in overtime, 66 to 64.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Junction City Blue Jays Basketball vs Topeka Seaman

Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte said Tuesday that the weather for 2022 picked up where it left off in 2021 with above average temperatures and below average rainfall. January was neither record warm nor record dry. But it was enough of both to be of concern. But to put it in perspective, historically, January is our coldest and driest month of the year.

The average daily high during January was 41.5, 1.7 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 19.8, four tenths of a degree above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 30.7, just a tad over one degree above normal at 1.1. The highest temperature for the month was 68 degrees on the 31st. The coldest temperature was the reading of -1 on the morning of the 2nd. There were two temperature records set during the month. The low of 41 on the 13th broke the record high low temperature for that date. The old record was 39 set in 2002. The low of 42 on the 23rd also broke the record high low of 40 set on that date in 2017. The hottest January on record was in 2006 when we had a monthly mean temperature of 43.9. The coldest January was in 1979 with a monthly mean temperature of 12.1. January can be a month of great temperature extremes. The warmest temperature for January was January 28, 2013 when the area enjoyed a balmy reading of 76. On the other side of the thermometer, the coldest January reading was the -17 degrees reached on January 12 and 13, 1985.

With January being our driest month of the year, we often don’t have a lot of expectations for precipitation. Any precipitation that fell during January was pretty much in the first half of the month. With long term average precipitation for January of only 0.73 inches, Milford Lake only mustered 0.25 inches but Junction City did slightly better with 0.68 inches. This was the third consecutive month, however, with below normal precipitation. January and February are tied for the highest seasonal snowfall at 4.7 inches each for long term averages. Junction City did manage 4.3 inches of snow during the month - spread out over about three events. This was the first month with measurable snowfall this season however. That 4.3 inches is less than half of our normal seasonal snowfall through January of 9.5 inches.

After a month of often stagnant temperatures, February brings us a promise of spring. Daytime highs increase from 40 on the 1st to 50 on the 28th. Overnight lows improve from 19 the first of the month to 26 by the end of the month. Temperature extremes during February can be as great as any other month of the year so be prepared for nearly anything. Rainfall increases slightly to a long term average of 1.10 inches for the month, and the aforementioned 4.7 inches of snow. But also remember that February is our second driest month of the year.

Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte said Tuesday that the weather for 2022 picked up where it left off in 2021 with above average temperatures and below average rainfall. January was neither record warm nor record dry. But it was enough of both to be of concern. But to put it in perspective, historically, January is our coldest and driest month of the year. The average daily high during January was 41.5, 1.7 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 19.8, four tenths of a degree above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 30.7, just a tad over one degree above normal at 1.1. The highest temperature for the month was 68 degrees on the 31st. The coldest temperature was the reading of -1 on the morning of the 2nd. There were two temperature records set during the month. The low of 41 on the 13th broke the record high low temperature for that date. The old record was 39 set in 2002. The low of 42 on the 23rd also broke the record high low of 40 set on that date in 2017. The hottest January on record was in 2006 when we had a monthly mean temperature of 43.9. The coldest January was in 1979 with a monthly mean temperature of 12.1. January can be a month of great temperature extremes. The warmest temperature for January was January 28, 2013 when the area enjoyed a balmy reading of 76. On the other side of the thermometer, the coldest January reading was the -17 degrees reached on January 12 and 13, 1985. With January being our driest month of the year, we often don’t have a lot of expectations for precipitation. Any precipitation that fell during January was pretty much in the first half of the month. With long term average precipitation for January of only 0.73 inches, Milford Lake only mustered 0.25 inches but Junction City did slightly better with 0.68 inches. This was the third consecutive month, however, with below normal precipitation. January and February are tied for the highest seasonal snowfall at 4.7 inches each for long term averages. Junction City did manage 4.3 inches of snow during the month - spread out over about three events. This was the first month with measurable snowfall this season however. That 4.3 inches is less than half of our normal seasonal snowfall through January of 9.5 inches. After a month of often stagnant temperatures, February brings us a promise of spring. Daytime highs increase from 40 on the 1st to 50 on the 28th. Overnight lows improve from 19 the first of the month to 26 by the end of the month. Temperature extremes during February can be as great as any other month of the year so be prepared for nearly anything. Rainfall increases slightly to a long term average of 1.10 inches for the month, and the aforementioned 4.7 inches of snow. But also remember that February is our second driest month of the year.

January 2022 Weather Summary for Junction City

Geary County Emergency Management said it's no secret by now, there is a winter storm on tap for the next 24-36 hours.&nbsp;

The area could see anywhere from 4-8 inches of snow.

Precipitation should begin Tuesday night after 6pm, with a wintry mix.

This will change over to snow during the overnight hours and continue throughout the day on Wednesday, tapering off until early Thursday morning.

What's this mean? BE PREPARED!  Roads will be slick and visibility may be low. If you MUST be out, turn on your headlights and be as visible as possible. Watch out for the "other guy," you never know what he's doing! Wipers for snow = headlights for snow.

Geary County Emergency Management said it's no secret by now, there is a winter storm on tap for the next 24-36 hours.&nbsp;The area could see anywhere from 4-8 inches of snow.Precipitation should begin Tuesday night after 6pm, with a wintry mix.This will change over to snow during the overnight hours and continue throughout the day on Wednesday, tapering off until early Thursday morning.What's this mean? BE PREPARED! Roads will be slick and visibility may be low. If you MUST be out, turn on your headlights and be as visible as possible. Watch out for the "other guy," you never know what he's doing! Wipers for snow = headlights for snow.

Winter storm advisory began Tuesday night

By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — Rep.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_carlson_suzi_1/">Suzi Carlson</a>&nbsp;was arrested late Monday and booked into Shawnee County Jail with citations for drunk driving and failing to maintain a single lane.

Tim Phelps, deputy director of the jail, said Topeka police stopped Carlson at 10:08 p.m. Monday at S.W. 14th and Topeka Blvd., about four blocks south of the Statehouse.

Online jail records indicate Carlson, a Republican from Clay Center, was booked into jail at 11 p.m. and released at 2:15 a.m. after posting $1,000 cash bond. The citations indicate she had greater than .08 blood alcohol level and that she made an unsafe lane change. A court date was set for March 1.

Carlson has served in the House since 2019. Before that, she served as a municipal judge in Clay Center for 22 years.

“We do not have any additional information right now, but we expect local law enforcement to provide more details once they’ve completed their review,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman, R-Olathe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643745700788.png" alt="Carlson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Carlson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas ReflectorTOPEKA — Rep.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_carlson_suzi_1/">Suzi Carlson</a>&nbsp;was arrested late Monday and booked into Shawnee County Jail with citations for drunk driving and failing to maintain a single lane.Tim Phelps, deputy director of the jail, said Topeka police stopped Carlson at 10:08 p.m. Monday at S.W. 14th and Topeka Blvd., about four blocks south of the Statehouse.Online jail records indicate Carlson, a Republican from Clay Center, was booked into jail at 11 p.m. and released at 2:15 a.m. after posting $1,000 cash bond. The citations indicate she had greater than .08 blood alcohol level and that she made an unsafe lane change. A court date was set for March 1.Carlson has served in the House since 2019. Before that, she served as a municipal judge in Clay Center for 22 years.“We do not have any additional information right now, but we expect local law enforcement to provide more details once they’ve completed their review,” said House Speaker Ron Ryckman, R-Olathe.

Kansas Rep. Suzi Carlson jailed after drunk driving citation in Topeka

My first year serving on the county commission has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud to serve this community and committed to doing the best job possible. We have a great group of county employees who are the backbone of our organization.

There have been some controversies over the past year. I believe it is important to make sure the public knows what the County Commission is doing and to allow citizens to share their thoughts and comments. We are asking for accountability and fiscal responsibility through communication with all county department heads. No one is being treated poorly; however, we have received responses indicating that “this is the way we have always done it”, and questioning the status quo has ruffled some feathers. I am sorry the Treasurer and I could not find common ground on hiring a Financial Officer. I hate to see her many years of experience leave her office before were able to fill the Financial Officer position.

During my campaign, I shared how strongly I believed we needed a Financial Officer. After this past year of being on the commission and working through a budget process, that feeling has intensified. Some employees may feel I think they are incompetent or not needed due to my desire to add this financial position. This is not the case at all. Our county budget is too big (43 Million Dollars) to not have a person dedicated to the health of our finances. We have had several outside organizations inform us that our internal controls are lacking. In 2019, the past commission reduced the capital improvement one mill to stay under budget. This is not the way to budget sensibly. The current commission tried to replace that this year but was unable to. It must be a priority to replace this mill, and that might mean making cuts elsewhere.

In 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government passed the emergency sick leave act to assist with those exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19. First responders were exempt from this act due to being essential personnel. The county commission at the time, decided to allow our law enforcement to utilize this act, which I wholeheartedly agree with. The Act limited the amount for each employee to 80 hours total. Fifty county employees went over the 80-hour limit, some receiving several hundred hours while still accumulating sick leave and vacation. In total, employees used 7,000 hours of admin leave, 6,500 of those hours were in the Sheriff’s office. I checked with the Riley County police department which also runs their jail, and employs more than double what Geary County does; they used only 459 hours in the same time frame.

This administrative leave was to prevent people who do not have leave to take to be able to be paid during this pandemic. Our county employees receive great vacation and sick leave benefits, and many of those who used this benefit had enough of their own time to use. 7000 hours is over $100,000.00, which I feel is excessive and abusive. No one was monitoring this to make sure it was being used correctly. When the current commission was informed the administrative leave had continued to be used, it was put to a stop. No administrative leave can occur without the County Commission and Human Resources’ approval.

If county departments do their own thing, I believe it ends up costing the county more money. We have numerous contracts with different, internet, phone, and cable companies. We are trying to bundle things up for savings, but we have the departments signing their own contracts and not checking with other departments.

Employee benefits were not being reconciled after payroll was done and we were paying for benefits employees were not receiving or double paying each month. Names of employees who hadn’t worked for the county for a long time were still in the program, costing the county money every month to keep their profile. Both issues have been resolved.

One employee signed a multi-year contract for billboards that INCREASES every year. It is not smart business to sign a multi-year contract that doesn’t save money.

I discovered one department had numerous late charges on their credit card statements this past year. These are just a few inefficiencies found recently. I am sure an experienced Financial Officer will be able to locate many more.

Geary County Commissioners make $42,000.00 annually, plus insurance and retirement. We are the highest paid commissioners of a county our size in Kansas. Saline County has 5 commissioners and their salaries combined are less than what our county pays for three commissioners.

We are still searching for a Finance Officer. A qualified, experienced person is going to some cost money, but will pay for themselves in the long run. One commissioner was worried we would make some department heads mad if we paid the Financial Officer more than them. I believe the commissioners should reevaluate our pay to offset the cost of the new Finance Officer because that is how much I feel this is needed.

We need to quit sticking our heads in the sand, believing there is nothing wrong. Our taxes are out of control. 45% of the property tax collected goes to the County. The average percentage going to counties in Kansas is 29%. Why is Geary County so much higher? No one can answer that question for me.

I did not write this to embarrass anyone or any department. This is a problem that needs to be addressed now. We need a 3 to 5-year strategic plan on capital improvements and equipment replacement, along with fiscal transparency on where our taxes are going. No one should be offended about this. Commissioners are elected to make hard decisions about finances. We cannot continue to act like we have a blank check from our taxpayers. Please reach out with any questions or comments. Trish.Giordano@gearycounty.org

My first year serving on the county commission has been both challenging and rewarding. I am proud to serve this community and committed to doing the best job possible. We have a great group of county employees who are the backbone of our organization.There have been some controversies over the past year. I believe it is important to make sure the public knows what the County Commission is doing and to allow citizens to share their thoughts and comments. We are asking for accountability and fiscal responsibility through communication with all county department heads. No one is being treated poorly; however, we have received responses indicating that “this is the way we have always done it”, and questioning the status quo has ruffled some feathers. I am sorry the Treasurer and I could not find common ground on hiring a Financial Officer. I hate to see her many years of experience leave her office before were able to fill the Financial Officer position.During my campaign, I shared how strongly I believed we needed a Financial Officer. After this past year of being on the commission and working through a budget process, that feeling has intensified. Some employees may feel I think they are incompetent or not needed due to my desire to add this financial position. This is not the case at all. Our county budget is too big (43 Million Dollars) to not have a person dedicated to the health of our finances. We have had several outside organizations inform us that our internal controls are lacking. In 2019, the past commission reduced the capital improvement one mill to stay under budget. This is not the way to budget sensibly. The current commission tried to replace that this year but was unable to. It must be a priority to replace this mill, and that might mean making cuts elsewhere.In 2020, during the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government passed the emergency sick leave act to assist with those exposed or diagnosed with COVID-19. First responders were exempt from this act due to being essential personnel. The county commission at the time, decided to allow our law enforcement to utilize this act, which I wholeheartedly agree with. The Act limited the amount for each employee to 80 hours total. Fifty county employees went over the 80-hour limit, some receiving several hundred hours while still accumulating sick leave and vacation. In total, employees used 7,000 hours of admin leave, 6,500 of those hours were in the Sheriff’s office. I checked with the Riley County police department which also runs their jail, and employs more than double what Geary County does; they used only 459 hours in the same time frame.This administrative leave was to prevent people who do not have leave to take to be able to be paid during this pandemic. Our county employees receive great vacation and sick leave benefits, and many of those who used this benefit had enough of their own time to use. 7000 hours is over $100,000.00, which I feel is excessive and abusive. No one was monitoring this to make sure it was being used correctly. When the current commission was informed the administrative leave had continued to be used, it was put to a stop. No administrative leave can occur without the County Commission and Human Resources’ approval.If county departments do their own thing, I believe it ends up costing the county more money. We have numerous contracts with different, internet, phone, and cable companies. We are trying to bundle things up for savings, but we have the departments signing their own contracts and not checking with other departments.Employee benefits were not being reconciled after payroll was done and we were paying for benefits employees were not receiving or double paying each month. Names of employees who hadn’t worked for the county for a long time were still in the program, costing the county money every month to keep their profile. Both issues have been resolved.One employee signed a multi-year contract for billboards that INCREASES every year. It is not smart business to sign a multi-year contract that doesn’t save money.I discovered one department had numerous late charges on their credit card statements this past year. These are just a few inefficiencies found recently. I am sure an experienced Financial Officer will be able to locate many more.Geary County Commissioners make $42,000.00 annually, plus insurance and retirement. We are the highest paid commissioners of a county our size in Kansas. Saline County has 5 commissioners and their salaries combined are less than what our county pays for three commissioners.We are still searching for a Finance Officer. A qualified, experienced person is going to some cost money, but will pay for themselves in the long run. One commissioner was worried we would make some department heads mad if we paid the Financial Officer more than them. I believe the commissioners should reevaluate our pay to offset the cost of the new Finance Officer because that is how much I feel this is needed.We need to quit sticking our heads in the sand, believing there is nothing wrong. Our taxes are out of control. 45% of the property tax collected goes to the County. The average percentage going to counties in Kansas is 29%. Why is Geary County so much higher? No one can answer that question for me.I did not write this to embarrass anyone or any department. This is a problem that needs to be addressed now. We need a 3 to 5-year strategic plan on capital improvements and equipment replacement, along with fiscal transparency on where our taxes are going. No one should be offended about this. Commissioners are elected to make hard decisions about finances. We cannot continue to act like we have a blank check from our taxpayers. Please reach out with any questions or comments. Trish.Giordano@gearycounty.org

Giordano summarizes her first year on the county commission

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investing alleged theft from a store in Manhattan.

Just after noon Monday, officers filed a report for theft in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Walmart&nbsp; reported two unknown male suspects underpaid for money orders. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,600. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN—Law enforcement authorities are investing alleged theft from a store in Manhattan.Just after noon Monday, officers filed a report for theft in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Walmart&nbsp; reported two unknown male suspects underpaid for money orders. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,600. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Illegal transaction cost Walmart $2600

Sherri Childs is the new Geary County Treasurer. 

Childs took the oath of office that was presented by Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke at the County Office Building Tuesday morning. Childs said she is excited for the new challenge. "It's something different. I've managed the office for many years. There's things that I haven't done so now I get to do those, so it'll be something new and something different."

Childs has announced the appointment of longtime Treasurer's Office employee Linda Caraballo as the new Office Manager.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643734790404.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Geary County Treasurer Sherri Childs and Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Geary County Treasurer Sherri Childs and Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke</figcaption>
 </figure>Sherri Childs is the new Geary County Treasurer. Childs took the oath of office that was presented by Geary County Clerk Rebecca Nordyke at the County Office Building Tuesday morning. Childs said she is excited for the new challenge. "It's something different. I've managed the office for many years. There's things that I haven't done so now I get to do those, so it'll be something new and something different."Childs has announced the appointment of longtime Treasurer's Office employee Linda Caraballo as the new Office Manager.&nbsp;

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