Junction City VA&nbsp; Outpatient Clinic has received a donation of an Essential Needs Pantry from Brian Fuemmeler and his family. Fuemmeler is a member of the Steering Committee for the Manhattan Military Relations Council in Manhattan. He is employed by McCownGordon Construction as a Market Leader in Manhattan, and is a veteran himself, serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Brian and his family volunteered to design and build the Essential Needs Pantry for the Junction City VA Outpatient Clinic, to support veterans and the community around the clinic.

“This Needs Pantry box, often referred to as a “Blessing Box” is especially desired and appreciated by Veterans in need who routinely visit our VA outpatient clinic”, says VA spokesman, Joseph Burks. “The support of our community is a blessing in itself but to see a family provide such a gesture of support, is truly heartwarming.”

Community members are welcome to leave or receive necessary items from the box, which could include personal care items, non-perishable food, books, art supplies, etc.

Junction City VA&nbsp; Outpatient Clinic has received a donation of an Essential Needs Pantry from Brian Fuemmeler and his family. Fuemmeler is a member of the Steering Committee for the Manhattan Military Relations Council in Manhattan. He is employed by McCownGordon Construction as a Market Leader in Manhattan, and is a veteran himself, serving as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.Brian and his family volunteered to design and build the Essential Needs Pantry for the Junction City VA Outpatient Clinic, to support veterans and the community around the clinic.“This Needs Pantry box, often referred to as a “Blessing Box” is especially desired and appreciated by Veterans in need who routinely visit our VA outpatient clinic”, says VA spokesman, Joseph Burks. “The support of our community is a blessing in itself but to see a family provide such a gesture of support, is truly heartwarming.”Community members are welcome to leave or receive necessary items from the box, which could include personal care items, non-perishable food, books, art supplies, etc.

VA Outpatient Clinic gets a helpful donation

Sons of the American Legion will host a breakfast this Saturday ( April 30 )&nbsp; benefitting the Junction City Special Olympics Pacesetters team. The breakfast is scheduled from 7 - 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post #45, 201 East 4th Street.

Cost will be a donation of $8 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Menu items will include biscuits &amp; gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, ham, coffee &amp; juice.&nbsp;

Tickets are available at the door, in the Post #45 lounge or from Coach John Hagerty at 785-209-1996. Make checks payable to: Junction City Pacesetters. This breakfast is open to the public with dine-in, carry-out or pick-up. Delivery is available.

Sons of the American Legion will host a breakfast this Saturday ( April 30 )&nbsp; benefitting the Junction City Special Olympics Pacesetters team. The breakfast is scheduled from 7 - 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post #45, 201 East 4th Street.Cost will be a donation of $8 for adults and $5 for children under 10. Menu items will include biscuits &amp; gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, ham, coffee &amp; juice.&nbsp;Tickets are available at the door, in the Post #45 lounge or from Coach John Hagerty at 785-209-1996. Make checks payable to: Junction City Pacesetters. This breakfast is open to the public with dine-in, carry-out or pick-up. Delivery is available.

Fundraiser breakfast will support the Pacesetters

Geary County Commissioners have approved the use of $429,000 for two new replacement rural fire stations. One would be located in the Laurel Canyon area and the other would involve Lyons Creek Fire Station Two.&nbsp;

Bids for the two stations came in $209,000 over estimate but the County had enough available American Recovery Program Plan money available to do the project. One benefit is that approximately 160 Geary County residents can be recognized by ISO and can save about $150 per year on their home insurance.

The Lyons Creek Fire Station will consist of three bays plus space for a county road grader to be located. The Laurel Canyon station will have two bays. Both replace existing stations.

Geary County Commissioners have approved the use of $429,000 for two new replacement rural fire stations. One would be located in the Laurel Canyon area and the other would involve Lyons Creek Fire Station Two.&nbsp;Bids for the two stations came in $209,000 over estimate but the County had enough available American Recovery Program Plan money available to do the project. One benefit is that approximately 160 Geary County residents can be recognized by ISO and can save about $150 per year on their home insurance.The Lyons Creek Fire Station will consist of three bays plus space for a county road grader to be located. The Laurel Canyon station will have two bays. Both replace existing stations.

County allocates ARPA money for fire stations

Geary Community Hospital leaders confirmed on Tuesday that a local task force is trying to raise $6.5 million to keep operations going until the end of the year at the hospital. 

The task force has been working to help address financial challenges at the hospital and will also facilitate a contract development process with Stormont Vail Health. Talks with that entity about a potential partnership will be in the letter of intent phase for approximately two months while they complete their due diligence, and negotiate with the county on the lease or purchase of the hospital facility.

Geary County Commissioners earlier agreed to provide up to $3.5 million in American Recovery Program Act funding, and have provided some of that money to supplement the hospital's operations.&nbsp; But an estimated $6.5 million more is still needed. Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO for Geary Community, said now that there are efforts toward a contract with Stormont Vail Health there will be an extended period of time. "There is going to be fundraising efforts in place to make up that operational shortfall to get us to the point where we partner."

On the search for more money Grismer noted that the Task Force is getting organized around that job.&nbsp;

Theresa Bramlage, Hospital Trustee Chair, said they are attempting to raise $6.5 million. "That's a high number but we want to make sure that we have community support, we don't have a shortfall as we go into this arrangement with Stormont Vail." Bramlage is optimistic about making a partnership with Stormont Vail work. "Very excited about the healthcare improvements and economic impact for Junction City - Geary County."

On the search for money, Bramlage observed, "We just start knocking on doors. I have already engaged a grant writer. We've already had a meeting and our task force will be working on fundraising as well."&nbsp;

Bramlage also made it clear that officials are trying to reduce the $6.5 million number. "With the leadership that we have in place we are reducing our monthly operating expenses, and so hopefully, within the next few months we realize that that $6.5 million isn't necessary, but that's going to be the overall objective." Bramlage agreed that it could eventually be a reduced number.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647976002630.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dewey TerrillJC PostGeary Community Hospital leaders confirmed on Tuesday that a local task force is trying to raise $6.5 million to keep operations going until the end of the year at the hospital. The task force has been working to help address financial challenges at the hospital and will also facilitate a contract development process with Stormont Vail Health. Talks with that entity about a potential partnership will be in the letter of intent phase for approximately two months while they complete their due diligence, and negotiate with the county on the lease or purchase of the hospital facility.Geary County Commissioners earlier agreed to provide up to $3.5 million in American Recovery Program Act funding, and have provided some of that money to supplement the hospital's operations.&nbsp; But an estimated $6.5 million more is still needed. Margaret Grismer, Interim CEO for Geary Community, said now that there are efforts toward a contract with Stormont Vail Health there will be an extended period of time. "There is going to be fundraising efforts in place to make up that operational shortfall to get us to the point where we partner."On the search for more money Grismer noted that the Task Force is getting organized around that job.&nbsp;Theresa Bramlage, Hospital Trustee Chair, said they are attempting to raise $6.5 million. "That's a high number but we want to make sure that we have community support, we don't have a shortfall as we go into this arrangement with Stormont Vail." Bramlage is optimistic about making a partnership with Stormont Vail work. "Very excited about the healthcare improvements and economic impact for Junction City - Geary County."On the search for money, Bramlage observed, "We just start knocking on doors. I have already engaged a grant writer. We've already had a meeting and our task force will be working on fundraising as well."&nbsp;Bramlage also made it clear that officials are trying to reduce the $6.5 million number. "With the leadership that we have in place we are reducing our monthly operating expenses, and so hopefully, within the next few months we realize that that $6.5 million isn't necessary, but that's going to be the overall objective." Bramlage agreed that it could eventually be a reduced number.

Geary Community Hospital needs more funding support!

American Red Cross blood drives are scheduled at Fort Riley and in&nbsp; Manhattan and Junction City in May.&nbsp;

The first one will be at Fort Riley May 16th and 17th. On Monday the 16th the blood drive will be at the Army Wellness Center from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and on Tuesday the 17th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

There will be a blood drive in Manhattan on Tuesday May 17th from noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday May 18th from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pottorf Hall in Cico Park.

There will also be a blood drive in Junction City on Wednesday May 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday May 19th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Municipal Building.&nbsp;

You can make an appointment to donate blood. Visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org">www.redcrossblood.org</a> or call 80-REDCROSS ( 733-2767 ).

American Red Cross blood drives are scheduled at Fort Riley and in&nbsp; Manhattan and Junction City in May.&nbsp;The first one will be at Fort Riley May 16th and 17th. On Monday the 16th the blood drive will be at the Army Wellness Center from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and on Tuesday the 17th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.There will be a blood drive in Manhattan on Tuesday May 17th from noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday May 18th from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pottorf Hall in Cico Park.There will also be a blood drive in Junction City on Wednesday May 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday May 19th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Municipal Building.&nbsp;You can make an appointment to donate blood. Visit <a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org">www.redcrossblood.org</a> or call 80-REDCROSS ( 733-2767 ).

Red Cross schedules blood drives

St. Mary's, Kansas —A 7-year-old girl from St. Mary's is hospitalized in critical condition after a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">freak accident.</a>

On Saturday, Quinlynn Irene Jones, a second grader at St. Mary’s Grade school was hit in the head by a falling tree branch, according to an online fundraiser. She suffered a brain injury.

The <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/quinlynn-joness-medical-expenses?qid=55153829189515f738668628e0a513d8">GoFundMe </a>is for any medical expenses and/or time off work that her mother will miss as she will be staying by her side.

" For any updates on this sweet girl you can join her page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">Facebook named, Quinlynns Climb."&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651009943245.png" alt="Photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Mary's, Kansas —A 7-year-old girl from St. Mary's is hospitalized in critical condition after a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">freak accident.</a>On Saturday, Quinlynn Irene Jones, a second grader at St. Mary’s Grade school was hit in the head by a falling tree branch, according to an online fundraiser. She suffered a brain injury.The <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/quinlynn-joness-medical-expenses?qid=55153829189515f738668628e0a513d8">GoFundMe </a>is for any medical expenses and/or time off work that her mother will miss as she will be staying by her side." For any updates on this sweet girl you can join her page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1032632217339171">Facebook named, Quinlynns Climb."&nbsp;</a>

St. Marys girl critically injured after struck by wind blown tree limb

The U.S. Army has announced the assignment of Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III as Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. Maj. Gen. Meyer most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, United States Army Europe-Africa.

Meyer will take command from Maj. Gen. (Promotable) D. A. Sims during a change of command ceremony on May 11, at 10 a.m. on Cavalry Parade Field. Lieutenant General Robert P. White, Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, will host the ceremony.

The change of command of ceremony is a longstanding military tradition that demonstrates the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the unit colors during the ceremony signifies the transfer of the unit’s trust and loyalty to the new commander whose acceptance of the colors ensures that the unit is never without leadership.

The change of command ceremony will be livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision and https://www.youtube.com/user/1idbigredone.

Maj. Gen. Sims’ next assignment will be with the Joint Staff, Washington D.C.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651003068889.jpeg" alt="Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III" />
 <figcaption>Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. Army has announced the assignment of Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III as Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley. Maj. Gen. Meyer most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3, United States Army Europe-Africa.Meyer will take command from Maj. Gen. (Promotable) D. A. Sims during a change of command ceremony on May 11, at 10 a.m. on Cavalry Parade Field. Lieutenant General Robert P. White, Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, will host the ceremony.The change of command of ceremony is a longstanding military tradition that demonstrates the formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the unit colors during the ceremony signifies the transfer of the unit’s trust and loyalty to the new commander whose acceptance of the colors ensures that the unit is never without leadership.The change of command ceremony will be livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/1stInfantryDivision and https://www.youtube.com/user/1idbigredone.Maj. Gen. Sims’ next assignment will be with the Joint Staff, Washington D.C.

1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley welcome new commanding general May 11

The Riley County Police Department reported Tuesday afternoon that&nbsp; the individuals&nbsp; wanted in connection with a series of storage unit burglaries have been identified.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary of storage units in the 600 block of S. Delaware Avenue in Manhattan on April 11, according to the Riley County Police Department.

On Tuesday, police released security camera images of the suspects and a vehicle.

Anyone with information can contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650990661275.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Riley County Police Department reported Tuesday afternoon that&nbsp; the individuals&nbsp; wanted in connection with a series of storage unit burglaries have been identified.---------RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary of storage units in the 600 block of S. Delaware Avenue in Manhattan on April 11, according to the Riley County Police Department.On Tuesday, police released security camera images of the suspects and a vehicle.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Recognize the two individuals or Jeep in these pictures? We&#39;re attempting to identify them regarding the burglary of 10 different storage units in the 600 block of S. Delaware Ave. in Manhattan on April 11. <a href="https://t.co/atMzZZhdmK">pic.twitter.com/atMzZZhdmK</a>&mdash; RCPD (@RileyCountyPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RileyCountyPD/status/1518959294443659281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>A</div>Anyone with information can contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777.

RCPD Update: Burglary suspects have been identified

Geary County Historical Society Executive Director Heather Hagedorn has announced that there is a job opening for Director of Programs and Education.&nbsp; This 40 hour per week position engages the public through historic programming and works closely with the school. The position involves a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Salary up to $46,000 and includes paid vacation, sick leave and BCBS Health/Dental.

Hagedorn&nbsp; noted that current Director of Programs and Education, Patsy Johnson, is scheduled to step down from the position May 31 in conjunction with a move out of the area.

Geary County Historical Society Executive Director Heather Hagedorn has announced that there is a job opening for Director of Programs and Education.&nbsp; This 40 hour per week position engages the public through historic programming and works closely with the school. The position involves a Tuesday-Saturday schedule. Salary up to $46,000 and includes paid vacation, sick leave and BCBS Health/Dental.Hagedorn&nbsp; noted that current Director of Programs and Education, Patsy Johnson, is scheduled to step down from the position May 31 in conjunction with a move out of the area.

Historical Society seeks Director of Programs and Education

There will be a citywide cleanup Saturday in Junction City. This had originally been scheduled last weekend, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at Spin City at 8 a.m. Saturday. Transportation will be provided to each of the sites being cleaned, as well as water during the event and lunch for all volunteers at 11:30 a.m.

During the past 10 years during these cleanups, more than 15 tons of trash have been picked up.

There will be a citywide cleanup Saturday in Junction City. This had originally been scheduled last weekend, but was postponed due to inclement weather.Volunteers are asked to arrive at Spin City at 8 a.m. Saturday. Transportation will be provided to each of the sites being cleaned, as well as water during the event and lunch for all volunteers at 11:30 a.m.During the past 10 years during these cleanups, more than 15 tons of trash have been picked up.

Citywide cleanup will be Saturday in Junction City

The traffic signal at the intersection of US 77 and K 57 in Geary County will have a power outage from approximately 9-11 a.m. Tuesday. There will be a 4 - way stop implemented due to this outage.

The information was provided through the Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System.&nbsp;

The traffic signal at the intersection of US 77 and K 57 in Geary County will have a power outage from approximately 9-11 a.m. Tuesday. There will be a 4 - way stop implemented due to this outage.The information was provided through the Northeast Kansas Regional Notification System.&nbsp;

Traffic signal outage will occur

Resuming tradition after a two-year absence due to Covid, the Geary Community Schools Foundation announces the 16th Celebration of Teaching Banquet.&nbsp; The Banquet will take place on Monday, May 2, at the Geary County Convention Center at the Courtyard by Marriott. Doors to the event will open at 5:30 p.m. 

The 2022 keynote speaker will be Jyarland Daniels, a 1992 Junction City High School graduate who attended school K-12 in Junction City. Daniels is a Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant who supports schools, nonprofits, and organizations to assist their efforts to shape culture, improve communication, and develop policies and practices that result in a more inclusive organization. She is the founder of Harriet Speaks, a DEI consultancy. Prior work has included Marketing and Public Relations for greeting card Giant Hallmark Cards and the three Fortune 500 Companies: Johnson &amp; Johnson, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen (Bentley Motors). While at Ford Motor Company, she led the branding and marketing of the all-new Ford Fusion in 2006, the most important product for the company in that decade. She was head of Lifestyle Public Relations – North America for Bentley Motors and the first African American to work for the US headquarters of the luxury automotive brand. 

Jyarland Daniels holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in East Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Kansas, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and a law degree in Civil Rights and Education Law from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan.&nbsp;

This year’s USD 475 retirees will be honored at the event. The Geary Community Schools Foundation is extending an invitation to all retired USD 475 educators. If you would like more information or to contribute to this special event, please contact the Geary Community Schools Foundation office at (785) 717-4063 or email at gcsf@usd475.org. The Geary Community Schools Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable, tax-exempt organization. All gifts to the Geary Community Schools Foundation are tax-deductible.

Resuming tradition after a two-year absence due to Covid, the Geary Community Schools Foundation announces the 16th Celebration of Teaching Banquet.&nbsp; The Banquet will take place on Monday, May 2, at the Geary County Convention Center at the Courtyard by Marriott. Doors to the event will open at 5:30 p.m. The 2022 keynote speaker will be Jyarland Daniels, a 1992 Junction City High School graduate who attended school K-12 in Junction City. Daniels is a Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant who supports schools, nonprofits, and organizations to assist their efforts to shape culture, improve communication, and develop policies and practices that result in a more inclusive organization. She is the founder of Harriet Speaks, a DEI consultancy. Prior work has included Marketing and Public Relations for greeting card Giant Hallmark Cards and the three Fortune 500 Companies: Johnson &amp; Johnson, Ford Motor Company, and Volkswagen (Bentley Motors). While at Ford Motor Company, she led the branding and marketing of the all-new Ford Fusion in 2006, the most important product for the company in that decade. She was head of Lifestyle Public Relations – North America for Bentley Motors and the first African American to work for the US headquarters of the luxury automotive brand. Jyarland Daniels holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in East Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Kansas, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and a law degree in Civil Rights and Education Law from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan.&nbsp;This year’s USD 475 retirees will be honored at the event. The Geary Community Schools Foundation is extending an invitation to all retired USD 475 educators. If you would like more information or to contribute to this special event, please contact the Geary Community Schools Foundation office at (785) 717-4063 or email at gcsf@usd475.org. The Geary Community Schools Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable, tax-exempt organization. All gifts to the Geary Community Schools Foundation are tax-deductible.

Celebration of Teaching Banquet will be held May 2

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The registration deadline is May 1 for an event that one&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H</a>&nbsp;official has called “one of those shining stars programs” for the state’s largest youth organization.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/conferences-events/discovery-days/index.html" target="_blank">4-H Discovery Days</a>&nbsp;is scheduled for June 1-3 on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. Discovery Days is one of K-State’s longest running traditions, now in its 98th year. More than 400 youth are expected as the event – which focuses on preparing youth for college and careers -- returns to in-person learning this year.&nbsp;

All youth ages 13-18 are invited to attend. The cost is $195, which includes meals and lodging.&nbsp;

“Discovery Days is a great opportunity to try things out,” said Shane Potter, a 4-H Youth Development specialist. “We’re helping youth explore careers, look at different educational paths and engage with caring faculty that want to help them succeed.”&nbsp;

This year’s Discovery Days schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/conferences-events/discovery-days/Discovery%20Days%202022%20Class%20Session%20Listing.pdf" target="_blank">which can be viewed online</a>, includes an afternoon of breakout sessions that include such topics as exploring health careers, geotrooping, unlocking agricultural innovations, making Japanese friends and more.&nbsp;

On June 2, youth will select a full day focused on one topic, which might include an in-depth study of the United States’ largest wetland (Kansas’ Cheyenne Bottoms), a Farm-to-Fashion Mini Camp, careers in energy and stability and many others.&nbsp;

“They are making connections,” Potter said. “That’s part of the great things that are happening; they can put a face to a name and understand how the functions work within a university so that when they eventually come to campus (as a student), they already know some faculty and understand the system. They are better prepared to succeed.”&nbsp;

By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – The registration deadline is May 1 for an event that one&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">Kansas 4-H</a>&nbsp;official has called “one of those shining stars programs” for the state’s largest youth organization.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/conferences-events/discovery-days/index.html" target="_blank">4-H Discovery Days</a>&nbsp;is scheduled for June 1-3 on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan. Discovery Days is one of K-State’s longest running traditions, now in its 98th year. More than 400 youth are expected as the event – which focuses on preparing youth for college and careers -- returns to in-person learning this year.&nbsp;All youth ages 13-18 are invited to attend. The cost is $195, which includes meals and lodging.&nbsp;“Discovery Days is a great opportunity to try things out,” said Shane Potter, a 4-H Youth Development specialist. “We’re helping youth explore careers, look at different educational paths and engage with caring faculty that want to help them succeed.”&nbsp;This year’s Discovery Days schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/events-activities/conferences-events/discovery-days/Discovery%20Days%202022%20Class%20Session%20Listing.pdf" target="_blank">which can be viewed online</a>, includes an afternoon of breakout sessions that include such topics as exploring health careers, geotrooping, unlocking agricultural innovations, making Japanese friends and more.&nbsp;On June 2, youth will select a full day focused on one topic, which might include an in-depth study of the United States’ largest wetland (Kansas’ Cheyenne Bottoms), a Farm-to-Fashion Mini Camp, careers in energy and stability and many others.&nbsp;“They are making connections,” Potter said. “That’s part of the great things that are happening; they can put a face to a name and understand how the functions work within a university so that when they eventually come to campus (as a student), they already know some faculty and understand the system. They are better prepared to succeed.”&nbsp;

4-H Discovery Days registration deadline is May 1 

Representatives from the Fair Board and Extension Office provided their annual report to the Geary County Commission on Monday. Alex Tyson, Commission Chair, stated that some upgrades to facilities are being planned. They include repair of some piping around one of the restrooms and an upgrade to a roof in the livestock barn. "They may have some funding. Cory ( Trumpp, Public Works Director ) is working with them to also possibly secure funding. That way it would be a venture by both parties to have that done. "

Tyson noted that the newest development for the fair in recent years involves the number of people watching their livestreams during the pandemic.&nbsp; "With everybody coming out of COVID they're making an effort to build that up and possibly have a camera that's live streaming instead of an iPad. " Tyson added that livestream will continue this year in addition to the normal in-person activities.

The fair is scheduled July 17th through the 21st.

Representatives from the Fair Board and Extension Office provided their annual report to the Geary County Commission on Monday. Alex Tyson, Commission Chair, stated that some upgrades to facilities are being planned. They include repair of some piping around one of the restrooms and an upgrade to a roof in the livestock barn. "They may have some funding. Cory ( Trumpp, Public Works Director ) is working with them to also possibly secure funding. That way it would be a venture by both parties to have that done. "Tyson noted that the newest development for the fair in recent years involves the number of people watching their livestreams during the pandemic.&nbsp; "With everybody coming out of COVID they're making an effort to build that up and possibly have a camera that's live streaming instead of an iPad. " Tyson added that livestream will continue this year in addition to the normal in-person activities.The fair is scheduled July 17th through the 21st.

Geary County gets report on fairground facilities 

Junction City police have reported the arrest of a suspect in a series of recent vehicle burglary cases. JCPD confirmed the arrest of William Bivens IV, 18, Junction City, on requested charges of eight counts of Felony Vehicle Burglary and eight counts of Felony Theft from a Motor Vehicle.&nbsp;

Cory Odell. JCPD Captain, said authorities had some video from one of the cases, "that led us to a suspect that we were able to successfully identify, recover some of the property and then make an arrest in these cases."

Bivens was arrested on Saturday at 1005 West 5th Street, Playground Park.

Junction City police have reported the arrest of a suspect in a series of recent vehicle burglary cases. JCPD confirmed the arrest of William Bivens IV, 18, Junction City, on requested charges of eight counts of Felony Vehicle Burglary and eight counts of Felony Theft from a Motor Vehicle.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650923496205.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;William Bivens IV ( Photo&nbsp; from Geary County Sheriff Department )" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;William Bivens IV ( Photo&nbsp; from Geary County Sheriff Department )</figcaption>
 </figure>Cory Odell. JCPD Captain, said authorities had some video from one of the cases, "that led us to a suspect that we were able to successfully identify, recover some of the property and then make an arrest in these cases."Bivens was arrested on Saturday at 1005 West 5th Street, Playground Park.

Police arrest suspect in vehicle burglary cases 

There is a new sign on I-70 eastbound as you enter Geary County that indicates the county is in the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area.&nbsp; According to County Commissioner Trish Giordano the sign is the result of many emails and telephone calls stretching out over a year. While the county has been in&nbsp; the Heritage Area for some time, current CVB Advisory Committee Chair Rick Dykstra had pointed out the lack of a sign to Giordano while she was running for a seat on the governing body.

Giordano noted that the Freedom's Frontier was a settling point for people traveling west. The area was an area of contention over slavery and basically began fighting against slavery prior to the Civil War.&nbsp; The local Historical Society is listed as a visitor's site for the Trail, as well as Fort Riley and other surrounding locations.

Giordano thanked Kent Glasscock, Kelly Satorious and KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz for their assistance in getting the sign in place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650912306346.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>There is a new sign on I-70 eastbound as you enter Geary County that indicates the county is in the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area.&nbsp; According to County Commissioner Trish Giordano the sign is the result of many emails and telephone calls stretching out over a year. While the county has been in&nbsp; the Heritage Area for some time, current CVB Advisory Committee Chair Rick Dykstra had pointed out the lack of a sign to Giordano while she was running for a seat on the governing body.Giordano noted that the Freedom's Frontier was a settling point for people traveling west. The area was an area of contention over slavery and basically began fighting against slavery prior to the Civil War.&nbsp; The local Historical Society is listed as a visitor's site for the Trail, as well as Fort Riley and other surrounding locations.Giordano thanked Kent Glasscock, Kelly Satorious and KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz for their assistance in getting the sign in place.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650913729945.jpeg" alt="Map courtesy of Geary County CVB" />
 <figcaption>Map courtesy of Geary County CVB</figcaption>
 </figure>

Geary County is part of the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Trail

ABILENE - The Brethren in Christ churches of Abilene are presenting Lew Sterrett's&nbsp;Sermon On The Mount&nbsp;Saturday.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Arena at the Dickinson Country Fairgrounds, and is open to the public at no charge. An ice cream social is scheduled to follow.

The event is sponsored by LifeHouse Church, Zion BIC, Abilene BIC, and New Trail Fellowship.

This community-wide event is fun and engaging for the entire family as Sterrett teaches lessons of life and leadership from the language of the horse. Watch Sterrett demonstrate, live in the arena, how we can effect healthy change in ourselves, individuals, families, and even business.

At&nbsp;Sermon On The Mount, you will experience for yourself the amazing transformation while Sterrett reaches into and impacts the heart of a horse, your own heart will be touched as well.

Sterrett is a certified youth, family, marriage counselor. He holds a master’s degree in divinity and a doctorate in leadership training. He is also the recipient of many prestigious awards, including from the Moody Bible Institute - Most Influential People.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650910252736.jpeg" alt="Lew Sterrett.&nbsp;Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifehousechurchKS">LifeHouse Church Facebook page</a>" />
 <figcaption>Lew Sterrett.&nbsp;Photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LifehousechurchKS">LifeHouse Church Facebook page</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By Salina PostABILENE - The Brethren in Christ churches of Abilene are presenting Lew Sterrett's&nbsp;Sermon On The Mount&nbsp;Saturday.The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Arena at the Dickinson Country Fairgrounds, and is open to the public at no charge. An ice cream social is scheduled to follow.The event is sponsored by LifeHouse Church, Zion BIC, Abilene BIC, and New Trail Fellowship.This community-wide event is fun and engaging for the entire family as Sterrett teaches lessons of life and leadership from the language of the horse. Watch Sterrett demonstrate, live in the arena, how we can effect healthy change in ourselves, individuals, families, and even business.At&nbsp;Sermon On The Mount, you will experience for yourself the amazing transformation while Sterrett reaches into and impacts the heart of a horse, your own heart will be touched as well.Sterrett is a certified youth, family, marriage counselor. He holds a master’s degree in divinity and a doctorate in leadership training. He is also the recipient of many prestigious awards, including from the Moody Bible Institute - Most Influential People.

Lew Sterrett's 'Sermon on the Mount' is set for Saturday in Abilene

Saturday evening was full of dancing, toe tapping, and sharing memories of younger years for those attending the Aging Well benefit concert by the King Midas Band. Just shy of $10,000 was raised for the project. “We can’t thank the community enough for the support of Aging Well. The night was full of great music and sharing about the benefits of the new senior living campus,” shared LaDonna Junghans, Board co-chairman. “One attendee even remembered that King Midas played at his senior prom!”

Proceeds from Saturday’s concert will get the volunteer Board of Directors and advocate group one step closer to reaching their $3.5 million goal. Phase 1 of the plan for Aging Well at the Spring Valley Campus includes building three small homes providing skilled nursing services and an additional home providing assisted living services. Phase 2 will include independent housing options, a clubhouse, and other opportunities to incorporate other supportive services. The campus will be built on donated land located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Hwy 77 and Hwy 18. The culture of the campus will be centered around purpose, empowerment, and providing honorable care. Aging Well is a community-based, non-profit organization.

Junghans shared, “We want to thank all of our sponsors who made this event possible. Sponsors of the event were Central National Bank, Jim Clark Auto, Shop Quik Stores, Junghans Liquor, R2B4 Bamlage Family Foundation, Crites Real Estate, Kollhoff Pharmacy, Geary Grain, Homefront Real Estate Group, Howie’s Trash, J. Caleb Bradley Ameriprise, LaDonna Junghans State Farm Agency, Lisa Eickholt HR Consultant, and Scarff Enterprises.”

“We especially want to thank Roxie and Ken Johnston who were instrumental in the planning this event. Roxie is one of our passionate volunteers on our advocacy and fundraising group. This group has worked hard and is so dedicated to raising the funds needed to begin construction for the new senior campus. We are forever grateful,” commented Junghans.

To learn more about Aging Well and the tax deductible giving opportunities, go to www.agingwellseniorliving.com or visit with any board member or advocate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650908291833.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday evening was full of dancing, toe tapping, and sharing memories of younger years for those attending the Aging Well benefit concert by the King Midas Band. Just shy of $10,000 was raised for the project. “We can’t thank the community enough for the support of Aging Well. The night was full of great music and sharing about the benefits of the new senior living campus,” shared LaDonna Junghans, Board co-chairman. “One attendee even remembered that King Midas played at his senior prom!”Proceeds from Saturday’s concert will get the volunteer Board of Directors and advocate group one step closer to reaching their $3.5 million goal. Phase 1 of the plan for Aging Well at the Spring Valley Campus includes building three small homes providing skilled nursing services and an additional home providing assisted living services. Phase 2 will include independent housing options, a clubhouse, and other opportunities to incorporate other supportive services. The campus will be built on donated land located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Hwy 77 and Hwy 18. The culture of the campus will be centered around purpose, empowerment, and providing honorable care. Aging Well is a community-based, non-profit organization.Junghans shared, “We want to thank all of our sponsors who made this event possible. Sponsors of the event were Central National Bank, Jim Clark Auto, Shop Quik Stores, Junghans Liquor, R2B4 Bamlage Family Foundation, Crites Real Estate, Kollhoff Pharmacy, Geary Grain, Homefront Real Estate Group, Howie’s Trash, J. Caleb Bradley Ameriprise, LaDonna Junghans State Farm Agency, Lisa Eickholt HR Consultant, and Scarff Enterprises.”“We especially want to thank Roxie and Ken Johnston who were instrumental in the planning this event. Roxie is one of our passionate volunteers on our advocacy and fundraising group. This group has worked hard and is so dedicated to raising the funds needed to begin construction for the new senior campus. We are forever grateful,” commented Junghans.To learn more about Aging Well and the tax deductible giving opportunities, go to www.agingwellseniorliving.com or visit with any board member or advocate.

Aging Well supporters enjoy the King Midas concert

Geary County Public Works has announced that they will be cleaning sanitary sewers from Monday, April 25th&nbsp; through Friday, April 29th. in the Laurel Canyon area northwest of Junction City. They will start work about 7 a.m on those days.

Sewer lines can develop air pressure or partial vacuum from the cleaning process. Usually, any excess air pressure or vacuum will dissipate through plumbing vents, but occasionally there are homes with inadequate plumbing vents (no vents, undersized vents, or obstructed vents).

In the case of inadequate venting air pressure could escape through your toilet, floor, sink, tub, or shower drains causing water to splash out or, a vacuum could draw the water out of your fixture traps causing an unpleasant odor. To guard against this possibility please:

· COVER ALL FLOOR DRAINS WITH PASTIC AND PLACE A WEIGHT ON THE PLASTIC

· COVER ALL TOLIETS WITH PLASTIC AND CLOSE THE LID ON THE PLASTIC

· IF YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE AN UNPLEASANT ODOR, RUN WATER INTO EACH DRAIN TO RE-FILL THE TRAPS

Water and drains may be used as normal. The Cleaning of sanitary sewer is necessary to help prevent stoppages.

If you have questions, please call Geary County Public Works at 785-238-3612.

Geary County Public Works has announced that they will be cleaning sanitary sewers from Monday, April 25th&nbsp; through Friday, April 29th. in the Laurel Canyon area northwest of Junction City. They will start work about 7 a.m on those days.Sewer lines can develop air pressure or partial vacuum from the cleaning process. Usually, any excess air pressure or vacuum will dissipate through plumbing vents, but occasionally there are homes with inadequate plumbing vents (no vents, undersized vents, or obstructed vents).In the case of inadequate venting air pressure could escape through your toilet, floor, sink, tub, or shower drains causing water to splash out or, a vacuum could draw the water out of your fixture traps causing an unpleasant odor. To guard against this possibility please:· COVER ALL FLOOR DRAINS WITH PASTIC AND PLACE A WEIGHT ON THE PLASTIC· COVER ALL TOLIETS WITH PLASTIC AND CLOSE THE LID ON THE PLASTIC· IF YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE AN UNPLEASANT ODOR, RUN WATER INTO EACH DRAIN TO RE-FILL THE TRAPSWater and drains may be used as normal. The Cleaning of sanitary sewer is necessary to help prevent stoppages.If you have questions, please call Geary County Public Works at 785-238-3612.

Sanitary sewer cleaning will be done this week

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;&nbsp;criminal damage to property at the Riley County Police Department.

On Sunday, the RCPD&nbsp;reported a 32-year-old male inmate damaged a kiosk and phone inside the Riley County Jail.

 The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,250.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;&nbsp;criminal damage to property at the Riley County Police Department.On Sunday, the RCPD&nbsp;reported a 32-year-old male inmate damaged a kiosk and phone inside the Riley County Jail. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,250.

RCPD: Inmate damaged kiosk, phone inside the jail

RILEY COUNTY —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Friday in Riley County.

A 1982 GMC 3500 driven Matthias Schroeder Jr., 66, of Hunter was&nbsp; eastbound on Fort Riley Boulevard at 10th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The driver ran a red light at the intersection and hit a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by Devon Goodridge, 19, of Manhattan. 

EMS transported Goodridge to Via Christi for treatment of knee pain. Schroeder was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way at an intersection and a separate citation for defective brakes.

RILEY COUNTY —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Friday in Riley County.A 1982 GMC 3500 driven Matthias Schroeder Jr., 66, of Hunter was&nbsp; eastbound on Fort Riley Boulevard at 10th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The driver ran a red light at the intersection and hit a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by Devon Goodridge, 19, of Manhattan. EMS transported Goodridge to Via Christi for treatment of knee pain. Schroeder was issued a citation for failure to yield right of way at an intersection and a separate citation for defective brakes.

Manhattan teen injured after 2-vehicle crash

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified a Kansas woman injured in an accident Friday on Interstate 70 near Tallgrass Road.

The Riley County Police Department reported a 1999 Toyota Corolla driven by Tiffany Vargas, 30, of Linn was westbound on Interstate 70 when she crossed into the second westbound lane and made contact with a 2010 Toyota Camry driven by Scott Downing, 65, of Sterling.

After impact, the Corolla crossed into the eastbound lanes and rolled.

EMS transported Vargas to Stormont Vail in Topeka for treatment of her injuries. Downing was not injured. The RCPD did not report seat belt usage details.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities have identified a Kansas woman injured in an accident Friday on Interstate 70 near Tallgrass Road.The Riley County Police Department reported a 1999 Toyota Corolla driven by Tiffany Vargas, 30, of Linn was westbound on Interstate 70 when she crossed into the second westbound lane and made contact with a 2010 Toyota Camry driven by Scott Downing, 65, of Sterling.After impact, the Corolla crossed into the eastbound lanes and rolled.EMS transported Vargas to Stormont Vail in Topeka for treatment of her injuries. Downing was not injured. The RCPD did not report seat belt usage details.

RCPD IDs Kansas woman injured in I-70 crash

Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau County Farm Bureaus across Kansas marked Earth Day last week in classrooms, farm fields, fairgrounds, pastures, recycling centers and other assorted locations across the state. They helped schoolchildren understand that growing food and caring for natural resources go hand in hand. &nbsp; Though they may not label themselves environmentalists, farmers and ranchers are some of the finest ecologist, preservationists and conservationists in the world. While we’re all dependent on the earth, we don’t all get the close-up experience of what Mother Nature has to offer like agriculturists do day in and day out. Certainly, there are those who disagree with my belief that farmers and ranchers are dedicated caretakers of our natural resources. You know the type. They make dire claims about the future of our planet and point to modern agriculture as a significant culprit in a bleaker tomorrow. I’ll go ahead and put my cards on the table for why I believe they’re wrong even though I buy the premise that our atmosphere is warming and human activity is contributing to that phenomenon. Where we differ is I don’t believe it’s necessary to discard the progress we’ve made since the industrial revolution based on the projection of what the planet could maybe, potentially look like decades in the future. “Washington Post” columnist Sunny Bunch once observed that well-meaning but overly enthusiastic eco-activists are easy marks for caricature on the basis their beliefs are genuine. “Environmentalists make a useful villain because their malevolence can be obscured by a patina of reasonableness,” he wrote. “Global warming and other manmade problems are going to end the world if we don’t do something — so just about anything is justified! But their villainy resonates with the masses because they actually do want to make life worse for people, for the most part.” For the “villains,” obvious sources of carbon dioxide or methane like transportation, electrical generation and agriculture should be severely limited if not eliminated to preserve the future. Do you fly or drive? Stop that! Do you enjoy stepping into an air conditioned building on a warm, humid day? Don’t! Do you enjoy consuming beef, pork, chicken and other animal proteins? You should move to a plant-based diet or consider these wonderful recipes featuring bugs! While I admire their sincerity and believe their proposed solution would work in theory, it has failed in reality. Changing human behavior is hard to do even when it results in a positive outcome relatively quickly, like quitting smoking or a consistent exercise program. Convincing people to give up conveniences today for some vague improvement decades down the line is impossible. Like with so many other things in life, the answer isn’t strict prohibition of desirable activities that also come with negative side effects. The solution isn’t to get rid of the desirable activities, it’s to address the side effects. One of the best examples in recent history of successfully achieving this is the reduction of atmospheric sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by 93 percent and 87 percent, respectively. This year’s Earth Day slogan was “Invest in Our Planet,” and that’s exactly the course we should be on. There’s not one technology that will reverse the side effects of the past two-plus centuries of progress. Instead, it will be a combination of ideas, both new and old, that will preserve our planet. Investing in earth is a lot like farming. The little steps we take today won’t show up tomorrow, next week or even next month. But to have a fruitful harvest, those initial steps are a requirement, even if our planet-level growing season is measured in decades and centuries rather than from planting to harvest.

Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau County Farm Bureaus across Kansas marked Earth Day last week in classrooms, farm fields, fairgrounds, pastures, recycling centers and other assorted locations across the state. They helped schoolchildren understand that growing food and caring for natural resources go hand in hand. &nbsp; Though they may not label themselves environmentalists, farmers and ranchers are some of the finest ecologist, preservationists and conservationists in the world. While we’re all dependent on the earth, we don’t all get the close-up experience of what Mother Nature has to offer like agriculturists do day in and day out. Certainly, there are those who disagree with my belief that farmers and ranchers are dedicated caretakers of our natural resources. You know the type. They make dire claims about the future of our planet and point to modern agriculture as a significant culprit in a bleaker tomorrow. I’ll go ahead and put my cards on the table for why I believe they’re wrong even though I buy the premise that our atmosphere is warming and human activity is contributing to that phenomenon. Where we differ is I don’t believe it’s necessary to discard the progress we’ve made since the industrial revolution based on the projection of what the planet could maybe, potentially look like decades in the future. “Washington Post” columnist Sunny Bunch once observed that well-meaning but overly enthusiastic eco-activists are easy marks for caricature on the basis their beliefs are genuine. “Environmentalists make a useful villain because their malevolence can be obscured by a patina of reasonableness,” he wrote. “Global warming and other manmade problems are going to end the world if we don’t do something — so just about anything is justified! But their villainy resonates with the masses because they actually do want to make life worse for people, for the most part.” For the “villains,” obvious sources of carbon dioxide or methane like transportation, electrical generation and agriculture should be severely limited if not eliminated to preserve the future. Do you fly or drive? Stop that! Do you enjoy stepping into an air conditioned building on a warm, humid day? Don’t! Do you enjoy consuming beef, pork, chicken and other animal proteins? You should move to a plant-based diet or consider these wonderful recipes featuring bugs! While I admire their sincerity and believe their proposed solution would work in theory, it has failed in reality. Changing human behavior is hard to do even when it results in a positive outcome relatively quickly, like quitting smoking or a consistent exercise program. Convincing people to give up conveniences today for some vague improvement decades down the line is impossible. Like with so many other things in life, the answer isn’t strict prohibition of desirable activities that also come with negative side effects. The solution isn’t to get rid of the desirable activities, it’s to address the side effects. One of the best examples in recent history of successfully achieving this is the reduction of atmospheric sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by 93 percent and 87 percent, respectively. This year’s Earth Day slogan was “Invest in Our Planet,” and that’s exactly the course we should be on. There’s not one technology that will reverse the side effects of the past two-plus centuries of progress. Instead, it will be a combination of ideas, both new and old, that will preserve our planet. Investing in earth is a lot like farming. The little steps we take today won’t show up tomorrow, next week or even next month. But to have a fruitful harvest, those initial steps are a requirement, even if our planet-level growing season is measured in decades and centuries rather than from planting to harvest.

Kansas Farm Bureau Insight: Investing in earth

Geary County Commissioners hold their annual meeting with the Fair Board representatives at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Also on the agenda at approximately 1:30 p.m. will be a session with Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges involving fire station bids.

Commissioners will be in session from 10 a.m. to about 3:15 p.m. at&nbsp; the County Office Building.

Geary County Commissioners hold their annual meeting with the Fair Board representatives at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Also on the agenda at approximately 1:30 p.m. will be a session with Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges involving fire station bids.Commissioners will be in session from 10 a.m. to about 3:15 p.m. at&nbsp; the County Office Building.

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