Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges tells JC Post that multiple agencies sent assistance to combat a pair of fires near I-70, one on Government Hill near the 301 exit and another farther east near the 307 McDowell Creek Road exit. There were no injuries and as of Friday evening no major building damage had been reported.

Berges said Geary County and Fort Riley Fire Departments responded to the Government Hill fire and Riley County Rural Fire worked the blaze near the McDowell exit.&nbsp; A state task force that had been staged in Salina responded with four trucks, White City provided assistance and there was air support from western Kansas. "It&nbsp; did several air drops in areas that we could not get access to with our fire units. " Estimated acreage of the two fire is still unknown but Berges confirmed both covered a large area.

As of mid-evening Friday the two fires were contained but firefighters planned to spend the night watching those areas.

Berges credited volunteers for their help and some farmers with supplying water so fire trucks could be refilled.&nbsp;

Rural firefighters are on the scene of a grass fire east of Junction City near mile marker 300. No injuries have been reported.

Geary County Emergency Management posted information on their Facebook page.&nbsp;

&nbsp; CAUTION!!!! Wildland Fire MOVE OVER - - - - ONE LANE AHEAD

Traffic on I-70 near mile marker 300 (east Bound) has slowed or stopped at times. Please slow down. Pay close attention to law enforcement and traffic control as they work the scene to get the fire under control.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPDATE:Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges tells JC Post that multiple agencies sent assistance to combat a pair of fires near I-70, one on Government Hill near the 301 exit and another farther east near the 307 McDowell Creek Road exit. There were no injuries and as of Friday evening no major building damage had been reported.Berges said Geary County and Fort Riley Fire Departments responded to the Government Hill fire and Riley County Rural Fire worked the blaze near the McDowell exit.&nbsp; A state task force that had been staged in Salina responded with four trucks, White City provided assistance and there was air support from western Kansas. "It&nbsp; did several air drops in areas that we could not get access to with our fire units. " Estimated acreage of the two fire is still unknown but Berges confirmed both covered a large area.As of mid-evening Friday the two fires were contained but firefighters planned to spend the night watching those areas.Berges credited volunteers for their help and some farmers with supplying water so fire trucks could be refilled.&nbsp;----Rural firefighters are on the scene of a grass fire east of Junction City near mile marker 300. No injuries have been reported.Geary County Emergency Management posted information on their Facebook page.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649452589194.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Geary County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Geary County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; CAUTION!!!! Wildland Fire MOVE OVER - - - - ONE LANE AHEAD Traffic on I-70 near mile marker 300 (east Bound) has slowed or stopped at times. Please slow down. Pay close attention to law enforcement and traffic control as they work the scene to get the fire under control.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Firefighters respond to a pair of fires near I-70

Andrews &amp; Associates Counseling will present Mind, Body &amp; Heart Expo on Saturday, May 7th from 5-8 p.m. at the K-State Alumni Center. Bill Snyder will serve as the keynote speaker.&nbsp;

This will be an evening to celebrate your resilience. You can connect with Kansas businesses and organizations committed to supporting individual and community health and wellness. There will be catered refreshments, music and dancing. There will be live door prize giveaways, exclusive gift bags for the first 150 through the door. There will be photo opportunities.&nbsp; Tickets are free but registration in required.<a href="http://expo.andrewsinc.net">expo.andrewsinc.net</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

This will be an event for those 18 and older, cocktail attire is encouraged, and the venue will be ADA accessible.

This event is being brought to you in part by Eagle Radio, with support from many sponsors and exhibitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those who attend will have exclusive access to presentations and informative demonstrations by local experts.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649444301522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Andrews &amp; Associates Counseling will present Mind, Body &amp; Heart Expo on Saturday, May 7th from 5-8 p.m. at the K-State Alumni Center. Bill Snyder will serve as the keynote speaker.&nbsp;This will be an evening to celebrate your resilience. You can connect with Kansas businesses and organizations committed to supporting individual and community health and wellness. There will be catered refreshments, music and dancing. There will be live door prize giveaways, exclusive gift bags for the first 150 through the door. There will be photo opportunities.&nbsp; Tickets are free but registration in required.<a href="http://expo.andrewsinc.net">expo.andrewsinc.net</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;This will be an event for those 18 and older, cocktail attire is encouraged, and the venue will be ADA accessible.This event is being brought to you in part by Eagle Radio, with support from many sponsors and exhibitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those who attend will have exclusive access to presentations and informative demonstrations by local experts.&nbsp;

Mind, Body & Heart Expo is coming to Manhattan

Pirate Fun at the Library on April 16th will feature the cast members from Junction City Little Theater's upcoming production of Peter and the Starcatcher.

This event at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be for kids ages 5-12. There will be two pirate crafts, snacks and story time with the cast.

Call the library to register. The event is free but is limited to 40 kids. Check-in will be at 9:45 a.m. and the event will begin at 10 a.m. The telephone number is 785-238-4311.

One winner will get two free tickets to see Peter and the Starcatcher in the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

Pirate Fun at the Library on April 16th will feature the cast members from Junction City Little Theater's upcoming production of Peter and the Starcatcher.This event at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library will be for kids ages 5-12. There will be two pirate crafts, snacks and story time with the cast.Call the library to register. The event is free but is limited to 40 kids. Check-in will be at 9:45 a.m. and the event will begin at 10 a.m. The telephone number is 785-238-4311.One winner will get two free tickets to see Peter and the Starcatcher in the C.L. Hoover Opera House.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649442894073.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Pirate Fun will occur at the Library

Junction City Main Street is hosting an open house to celebrate their new offices at 131 West 7th Street and say farewell to the Interim Executive Director for the organization, Jerry Lonergan. His final day in the job will be next Friday.

The open house will be held Monday, April 18th from 5-7 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting for the new office at 5:15 p.m.&nbsp;

Junction City Main Street is hosting an open house to celebrate their new offices at 131 West 7th Street and say farewell to the Interim Executive Director for the organization, Jerry Lonergan. His final day in the job will be next Friday.The open house will be held Monday, April 18th from 5-7 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting for the new office at 5:15 p.m.&nbsp;

Main Street will host an open house 

Hydrant testing by the Junction City Fire Department will resume next week between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fire Chief Jason Lankas said City hydrants will be tested to ensure that they're operable and able to produce the required water pressure when needed to supply water for firefighting purposes.

Because the testing must be done during normal operating hours, it is impossible to know in advance just where or when exactly testing will take place in any specific area.

Opening hydrants can sometimes cause a temporary discoloration of water in nearby homes. The discoloration is not harmful in any way and can be cleared by running the water for just a few minutes.

This testing ensures the protection of Junction City residents and is an evaluation indicator used by the Insurance Services Organization which rates cities according to the fire protection they offer. The recent ISO rating resulted in the elevation of the City of Junction City to a Class 3 protection rating. By maintaining a system of checks and maintenance on the City's fire protection assets the Fire Department is working to maintain and potentially lower the overall ISO's current rating.

The following areas is where this year’s testing of hydrants will be;

--1st concentration - Ash Street north to HWY K-18 and Spring Valley Rd. east to Eisenhower Drive

--2nd concentration- HWY 18 north to North Park Dr and Spring Valley Rd. east to Custer Rd.

--3rd concentration-Wildcat Ln north to Rucker Rd. and Munson Rd. east to Spring Valley Rd.

--4th concentration-Rucker Rd. north to city limits and Blue Jay Way east to HWY U.S. 77

Maintenance and testing will start Monday April 11th and be completed by May 27th.

Hydrant testing by the Junction City Fire Department will resume next week between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fire Chief Jason Lankas said City hydrants will be tested to ensure that they're operable and able to produce the required water pressure when needed to supply water for firefighting purposes.Because the testing must be done during normal operating hours, it is impossible to know in advance just where or when exactly testing will take place in any specific area.Opening hydrants can sometimes cause a temporary discoloration of water in nearby homes. The discoloration is not harmful in any way and can be cleared by running the water for just a few minutes.This testing ensures the protection of Junction City residents and is an evaluation indicator used by the Insurance Services Organization which rates cities according to the fire protection they offer. The recent ISO rating resulted in the elevation of the City of Junction City to a Class 3 protection rating. By maintaining a system of checks and maintenance on the City's fire protection assets the Fire Department is working to maintain and potentially lower the overall ISO's current rating.The following areas is where this year’s testing of hydrants will be;--1st concentration - Ash Street north to HWY K-18 and Spring Valley Rd. east to Eisenhower Drive--2nd concentration- HWY 18 north to North Park Dr and Spring Valley Rd. east to Custer Rd.--3rd concentration-Wildcat Ln north to Rucker Rd. and Munson Rd. east to Spring Valley Rd.--4th concentration-Rucker Rd. north to city limits and Blue Jay Way east to HWY U.S. 77Maintenance and testing will start Monday April 11th and be completed by May 27th.

Fire hydrant service and testing will resume

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University assistant professor of history, Amber Nickell.&nbsp; She lived in Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: FHSU professor and historian Amber Nickell" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=n5vdn-11f3cac-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=ffffff&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University assistant professor of history, Amber Nickell.&nbsp; She lived in Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar.

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU professor Amber Nickell on Ukraine

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an altercation that sent a Manhattan man to the hospital.

Just before 3a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, domestic battery, and criminal damage to property in the 700 block of Griffith Dr. in Manhattan.

A 22-year-old woman&nbsp; and a 24-year-old man&nbsp; as a victims and suspect were involved in a domestic altercation, according to the Riley County&nbsp; Police Department activity report.

It was reported the male hit the female, then a 23-year-old female suspect intervened, cut the male on the arm with a broken glass bottle, stole his Samsung cell phone, and left the scene. EMS transported the male victim to Via Christi for treatment of his significant arm injuries. He was later transferred to Stormont Via for further treatment, but is expected to recover.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an altercation that sent a Manhattan man to the hospital.Just before 3a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, domestic battery, and criminal damage to property in the 700 block of Griffith Dr. in Manhattan.A 22-year-old woman&nbsp; and a 24-year-old man&nbsp; as a victims and suspect were involved in a domestic altercation, according to the Riley County&nbsp; Police Department activity report.It was reported the male hit the female, then a 23-year-old female suspect intervened, cut the male on the arm with a broken glass bottle, stole his Samsung cell phone, and left the scene. EMS transported the male victim to Via Christi for treatment of his significant arm injuries. He was later transferred to Stormont Via for further treatment, but is expected to recover.&nbsp;

Man hospitalized after attack with broken glass bottle

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.

Just before 12:30a.m. Friday,&nbsp; police located 22-year-old Marvin Gatewood of Junction City in the 1100 block of Moro St. in Manhattan.

Gatewood was known to have an active Geary County warrant for attempted rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated burglary, aggravated sexual battery, criminal restraint, and battery that held a $300,000 bond, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Officers arrested Gatewood on the warrant. He is being held in Geary County, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649426919164.png" alt="Gatewood-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Gatewood-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged sex crimes.Just before 12:30a.m. Friday,&nbsp; police located 22-year-old Marvin Gatewood of Junction City in the 1100 block of Moro St. in Manhattan.Gatewood was known to have an active Geary County warrant for attempted rape, attempted aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated burglary, aggravated sexual battery, criminal restraint, and battery that held a $300,000 bond, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Officers arrested Gatewood on the warrant. He is being held in Geary County, according to online jail records.

RCPD: Junction City man jailed for alleged sex crimes

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University’s Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab has been awarded a five-year $12 million grant from United States Agency for International Development to establish a Center of Excellence that will enhance capacity of six universities to support agriculture-led growth in Haiti, according to K-State Research and Extension.

Vara Prasad, director of the innovation lab (also known as SIIL), said the grant will help to create the Center of Excellence on Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience to Climate-Change – or CEMARCH -- to foster agricultural education, training, research and extension through improved collaboration, communication and knowledge sharing.

The effort will address agricultural problems, and food and nutritional security in the Caribbean country.

According to Prasad, CEMARCH will focus on building institutional and human capacity so that Haiti is able to identify and seek solutions to its agricultural problems in partnership with U.S. universities.

“The SIIL is perfectly positioned with its international recognition and extensive experience to engage in a co-creation process with the six Haitian university partners and USAID-Haiti to successfully establish the CEMARCH,” said Ernie Minton, dean of K-State’s College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension.

SIIL will work closely with a consortium of six universities, including:

Together, those universities will help identify areas of research, curriculum development, and opportunities to engage the farming community and other local partners to redesign agri-food systems.

“Engaging with scholars, educators, policy makers, smallholder farmers, and building social capital and human resources is a hallmark of SIIL’s portfolio, and we have successfully done this in multiple countries around the world,” said Prasad, who is also a University Distinguished Professor and the R.O. Kruse endowed professor at K-State.

“We are fortunate that USAID values our work and is willing to support and invest in our research, education, outreach and capacity building approaches (so that we can) replicate these proven models in Haiti.”

According to Prasad, SIIL has built capacity around the world by training 160 students and establishing seven agricultural technology parks in Cambodia; and one in Senegal. The lab has plans to establish more in West Africa (including Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana and Mali).

“This latest significant award to the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab is the perfect example of how K-State is focused on promoting collaborative, high-quality research programs around the world,” said David Rosowsky, vice president for research at K-State. “We are pleased to have worked with Prasad and (SIIL associate director Jan) Middendorf on this large grant and significant accomplishment.”

Prasad said work at CEMARCH focuses on three objectives:

He said SIIL will work directly with the universities to provide support for management, reporting, communications and outreach, and organizing events. The SIIL at K-State will work with the Haitian institutions to develop a five-year plan based on the needs, priorities, opportunities and commitments of Haiti.

“This initiative gives us a great opportunity to emulate the land-grant model by working with local Haitian universities to foster agricultural education, training, research and extension,” Middendorf said. “We will also work toward improving collaboration, coordination, and knowledge sharing to concentrate on Haiti’s food and nutritional security challenges, especially during these very challenging times.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649425904806.png" alt="K-State's Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab will lead the development of a Center of Excellence in Haiti to support agriculture-led growth in the Caribbean country. -Photo courtesy of the K-State Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab" />
 <figcaption>K-State's Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab will lead the development of a Center of Excellence in Haiti to support agriculture-led growth in the Caribbean country. -Photo courtesy of the K-State Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University’s Feed the Future Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab has been awarded a five-year $12 million grant from United States Agency for International Development to establish a Center of Excellence that will enhance capacity of six universities to support agriculture-led growth in Haiti, according to K-State Research and Extension.Vara Prasad, director of the innovation lab (also known as SIIL), said the grant will help to create the Center of Excellence on Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience to Climate-Change – or CEMARCH -- to foster agricultural education, training, research and extension through improved collaboration, communication and knowledge sharing.The effort will address agricultural problems, and food and nutritional security in the Caribbean country.According to Prasad, CEMARCH will focus on building institutional and human capacity so that Haiti is able to identify and seek solutions to its agricultural problems in partnership with U.S. universities.“The SIIL is perfectly positioned with its international recognition and extensive experience to engage in a co-creation process with the six Haitian university partners and USAID-Haiti to successfully establish the CEMARCH,” said Ernie Minton, dean of K-State’s College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension.SIIL will work closely with a consortium of six universities, including:<ul>
 <li>Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.</li><li>Faculté d’Agronomie et de Médecine Vétérinaire in Port-au-Prince.</li><li>Campus Henry Christophe de Limonade in Limonade, Haiti.</li><li>North Christian University, Cap-Haitien</li><li>American University of the Caribbean in Sint Maarten.</li><li>University Notre Dame, Les Cayes, Haiti.</li>
 </ul>Together, those universities will help identify areas of research, curriculum development, and opportunities to engage the farming community and other local partners to redesign agri-food systems.“Engaging with scholars, educators, policy makers, smallholder farmers, and building social capital and human resources is a hallmark of SIIL’s portfolio, and we have successfully done this in multiple countries around the world,” said Prasad, who is also a University Distinguished Professor and the R.O. Kruse endowed professor at K-State.“We are fortunate that USAID values our work and is willing to support and invest in our research, education, outreach and capacity building approaches (so that we can) replicate these proven models in Haiti.”According to Prasad, SIIL has built capacity around the world by training 160 students and establishing seven agricultural technology parks in Cambodia; and one in Senegal. The lab has plans to establish more in West Africa (including Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana and Mali).“This latest significant award to the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab is the perfect example of how K-State is focused on promoting collaborative, high-quality research programs around the world,” said David Rosowsky, vice president for research at K-State. “We are pleased to have worked with Prasad and (SIIL associate director Jan) Middendorf on this large grant and significant accomplishment.”Prasad said work at CEMARCH focuses on three objectives:<ul>
 <li>Increasing institutional and human capacity and social capital to better meet the demands of the agricultural economy and workforce needs. </li><li>Developing revenue-generating services to provide to the region. </li><li>Establishing technology parks to showcase high-potential Climate Smart Agriculture technologies and strategies to sustainably intensify smallholder production systems.</li>
 </ul>He said SIIL will work directly with the universities to provide support for management, reporting, communications and outreach, and organizing events. The SIIL at K-State will work with the Haitian institutions to develop a five-year plan based on the needs, priorities, opportunities and commitments of Haiti.“This initiative gives us a great opportunity to emulate the land-grant model by working with local Haitian universities to foster agricultural education, training, research and extension,” Middendorf said. “We will also work toward improving collaboration, coordination, and knowledge sharing to concentrate on Haiti’s food and nutritional security challenges, especially during these very challenging times.”

KSU lands $12M grant to lead agricultural growth in Haiti

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon through 8 PM Friday. Fires may rapidly spread due to gusty northwest winds and very dry conditions. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph gusting up to 35 mph could occur with relative humidity as low as 18% expected Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

A freeze warning is also in effect for the entire area from 12 AM through 8 AM Saturday.&nbsp;Lows early Saturday morning will range from 25 to 28 degrees.

Sensitive vegetation will need to be protected or moved indoors.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon through 8 PM Friday. Fires may rapidly spread due to gusty northwest winds and very dry conditions. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph gusting up to 35 mph could occur with relative humidity as low as 18% expected Friday afternoon.&nbsp;A freeze warning is also in effect for the entire area from 12 AM through 8 AM Saturday.&nbsp;Lows early Saturday morning will range from 25 to 28 degrees.Sensitive vegetation will need to be protected or moved indoors.

Red Flag and Freeze warnings will be in effect

Freedom Fest JC will raise funds Saturday night at the Municipal Auditorium for their Fourth of July celebration. Organizing Committee Chair Nate Butler said there will be entertainment by Platinum Express featuring JJ Johnson performing a Motown type of music. "Just come out and have a good dinner with barbecue and dance the night away to some Motown music with Platinum Express."

Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight. They can be purchased at the C.L. Hoover Opera House or the Customer Service Center at the Municipal Building.

Butler noted that fundraising is getting close&nbsp; to their budget for this year. "But what we want to do is to be able to have enough in the bank so at the end of this festival we can go ahead and begin contracting for our 2023 festival.&nbsp;

Freedom Fest JC will raise funds Saturday night at the Municipal Auditorium for their Fourth of July celebration. Organizing Committee Chair Nate Butler said there will be entertainment by Platinum Express featuring JJ Johnson performing a Motown type of music. "Just come out and have a good dinner with barbecue and dance the night away to some Motown music with Platinum Express."Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a table of eight. They can be purchased at the C.L. Hoover Opera House or the Customer Service Center at the Municipal Building.Butler noted that fundraising is getting close&nbsp; to their budget for this year. "But what we want to do is to be able to have enough in the bank so at the end of this festival we can go ahead and begin contracting for our 2023 festival.&nbsp;

Freedom Fest JC works to raise funds for their festival

Junction City Commissioners have approved the reappointment of Joe Handlos, Vickie Bobbit, Ann Katt and Margaret Kilpatrick to the Food Policy Council for terms expiring March 1, 2024.

The governing body also approved the reappointment of Ken Mortenson, Tim Hansen and Rafael Flores to the Airport Advisory Board for a for a four year term expiring March 31st, 2026.

Junction City Commissioners have approved the reappointment of Joe Handlos, Vickie Bobbit, Ann Katt and Margaret Kilpatrick to the Food Policy Council for terms expiring March 1, 2024.The governing body also approved the reappointment of Ken Mortenson, Tim Hansen and Rafael Flores to the Airport Advisory Board for a for a four year term expiring March 31st, 2026.

City Commission approves reappointments

Riley County Fire District #1 on Thursday via social media on the County Facebook page updated the information on the Carlson Road area fire that occurred in northern part of the county on Wednesday.&nbsp;

An estimated 2,000 acres burned but no one was injured, no livestock were lost and no structures have been damaged. Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire over the next several days.&nbsp;

Eleven Riley County Fire District #1 trucks, 30 local volunteer firefighters, and personnel from the Manhattan Fire Department, Kansas Forest Service, Engine 64, Fire District #1 of Johnson COunty, Kansas Wildland Task Force and the Army Corps of Engineers responded to the fire.

That fire also crossed the Big Blue River Wednesday night into Pottawatomie County as well. Local crews responded.

RILEY COUNTY—A large grass fire in the area near Carlson Road, north of Fancy Creek in northern Riley County burned approximately 1500 acres on Wednesday, according to Riley County Fire District 1.

Two properties were evacuated. Volunteers remained on the scene overnight.

There are no injuries. Officials have not reported what started the fire.

&nbsp;Gusty northwest winds will increase again Thursday as relative humidity decreases, resulting in another afternoon of extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649329140209.png" alt="Photo courtesy Riley County Fire District 1" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Riley County Fire District 1</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE:Riley County Fire District #1 on Thursday via social media on the County Facebook page updated the information on the Carlson Road area fire that occurred in northern part of the county on Wednesday.&nbsp;An estimated 2,000 acres burned but no one was injured, no livestock were lost and no structures have been damaged. Fire crews will continue to monitor the fire over the next several days.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649421117115.png" alt="Photo Kansas Forrest Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Forrest Service</figcaption>
 </figure>Eleven Riley County Fire District #1 trucks, 30 local volunteer firefighters, and personnel from the Manhattan Fire Department, Kansas Forest Service, Engine 64, Fire District #1 of Johnson COunty, Kansas Wildland Task Force and the Army Corps of Engineers responded to the fire.That fire also crossed the Big Blue River Wednesday night into Pottawatomie County as well. Local crews responded.---RILEY COUNTY—A large grass fire in the area near Carlson Road, north of Fancy Creek in northern Riley County burned approximately 1500 acres on Wednesday, according to Riley County Fire District 1.Two properties were evacuated. Volunteers remained on the scene overnight.There are no injuries. Officials have not reported what started the fire.&nbsp;Gusty northwest winds will increase again Thursday as relative humidity decreases, resulting in another afternoon of extreme fire danger, according to the National Weather Service.

Grass fire consumes hundreds of acres in Riley County 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Customers were evacuated from the Manhattan Goodwill on Thursday afternoon after a semi-trailer caught fire in its loading dock.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.com/232/Manhattan-Fire-Department" target="_blank">Manhattan Fire Department</a>&nbsp;says on Thursday, April 7, crews responded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mokangoodwill.org/locations/goodwill-manhattan" target="_blank">Goodwill&nbsp;</a>at 421 E Poyntz Ave. with reports of a fire.

When crews arrived, they said they found a semi-trailer in the Goodwill’s loading dock had caught on fire.

MFD said the fire has been found to be accidental and was started from discarded smoking materials.

No injuries were reported, however, customers were evacuated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649363872270.jpeg" alt="Photo - Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo - Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By WIBW TVMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Customers were evacuated from the Manhattan Goodwill on Thursday afternoon after a semi-trailer caught fire in its loading dock.The&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.com/232/Manhattan-Fire-Department" target="_blank">Manhattan Fire Department</a>&nbsp;says on Thursday, April 7, crews responded to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mokangoodwill.org/locations/goodwill-manhattan" target="_blank">Goodwill&nbsp;</a>at 421 E Poyntz Ave. with reports of a fire.When crews arrived, they said they found a semi-trailer in the Goodwill’s loading dock had caught on fire.MFD said the fire has been found to be accidental and was started from discarded smoking materials.No injuries were reported, however, customers were evacuated.

Fire crews respond to semi-trailer fire

Members of the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association will meet Monday at 6 p.m.&nbsp; They will gather at Sportsman's Acres and then go out to do a clean-up on the nearby K-244 Spur highway. Their last clean-up was in October.

According to the Association's newsletter there were 22 students&nbsp; that braved the cold temperatures on March 12th for the Hunter Education Field Day at Sportsman's Acres. The next class will be April 16th. If you are interested in becoming an instructor for Kansas Hunter Education contact Chris Blodgett at&nbsp; <a href="http://bblodgett2@embarqmail.com.">bblodgett2@embarqmail.com.</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Members of the Geary County Fish &amp; Game Association will meet Monday at 6 p.m.&nbsp; They will gather at Sportsman's Acres and then go out to do a clean-up on the nearby K-244 Spur highway. Their last clean-up was in October.According to the Association's newsletter there were 22 students&nbsp; that braved the cold temperatures on March 12th for the Hunter Education Field Day at Sportsman's Acres. The next class will be April 16th. If you are interested in becoming an instructor for Kansas Hunter Education contact Chris Blodgett at&nbsp; <a href="http://bblodgett2@embarqmail.com.">bblodgett2@embarqmail.com.</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

K-244 Spur clean-up is on the agenda for Fish & Game

Operation Clean Sweep will be hosted by the City of Junction City CLEAN Team on Saturday, April 23rd from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed.

You can help celebrate Earth Day by participating in the operation. Report to Spin City at 915 South Washington at 8 a.m. on the 23rd. Bring gloves and drinking water.

This is the annual city-wide clean up.&nbsp;

Volunteers are asked to pre-register with Sgt. Eliel Borges of the Junction City Police Department. He can be reached by calling 785-762-5912 and asking for him.

Operation Clean Sweep will be hosted by the City of Junction City CLEAN Team on Saturday, April 23rd from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed.You can help celebrate Earth Day by participating in the operation. Report to Spin City at 915 South Washington at 8 a.m. on the 23rd. Bring gloves and drinking water.This is the annual city-wide clean up.&nbsp;Volunteers are asked to pre-register with Sgt. Eliel Borges of the Junction City Police Department. He can be reached by calling 785-762-5912 and asking for him.

Operation Clean Sweep will be April 23rd

Crisis care kits have been shipped from Junction City to Poland to help Ukranian refugees. This is an effort by a group of volunteers undertaken through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries International.&nbsp; The local spokesperson Kim Roberts, said that they were contacted by the Nazarene organization. "Just said they needed some in Poland, so we told them we'd get them ready to go and they brought a truck in through Convoy of Hope."

UPU Industries provided pallets and shrink wrap for the shipping project. The volunteers got their boxes carrying the care kits to UPU.&nbsp;

Roberts said 11 pallets containing a total of 462 banana boxes carrying a total 2,772 care kits were prepared. Each kit is shared between 2-3 people. Roberts estimated with this shipment probably more than 5,500 people were being helped.&nbsp;

Care kits like this have been prepared by the local group for use in connection with different refugee or disaster events for the past six or seven years.

Crisis care kits have been shipped from Junction City to Poland to help Ukranian refugees. This is an effort by a group of volunteers undertaken through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries International.&nbsp; The local spokesperson Kim Roberts, said that they were contacted by the Nazarene organization. "Just said they needed some in Poland, so we told them we'd get them ready to go and they brought a truck in through Convoy of Hope."UPU Industries provided pallets and shrink wrap for the shipping project. The volunteers got their boxes carrying the care kits to UPU.&nbsp;Roberts said 11 pallets containing a total of 462 banana boxes carrying a total 2,772 care kits were prepared. Each kit is shared between 2-3 people. Roberts estimated with this shipment probably more than 5,500 people were being helped.&nbsp;Care kits like this have been prepared by the local group for use in connection with different refugee or disaster events for the past six or seven years.

Volunteers send crisis care kits to Ukranian refugees

JUNCTION CITY — At Geary County Schools USD 475’s recent State of Education event, Dr. Deb Gustafson, associate superintendent, highlighted the school district’s accomplishments over the past two years since the COVID pandemic started.

In the Spring of 2020, USD 475 joined the ranks of school districts across the nation forced to discontinue in-person learning due to the COVID pandemic.

“We immediately went to work to create and establish an online learning platform and engaged students with their teachers by the beginning of April 2020,” Gustafson said.

While many schools across Kansas and the nation continued with the online learning platform when school opened in the Fall of 2020, USD 475 re-opened their doors for in-person learning. The school district utilized the spring and summer of 2020 determining how to create an atmosphere to mitigate the conditions associated with COVID to the maximum extent possible.

“In our conversations with personnel and the community, it was evident that our students needed to be back in school in front of their teachers and that parents needed to return to work,” Gustafson said. “We felt that our only option was to re-open our schools and welcome back students.”

She added: “Due to the cooperation of our resilient teachers, dedicated support staff, cooperative parents and amazing students, USD 475 experienced very little interruption to learning during the span of the pandemic. Our teachers continued to teach and our students continued to learn. We experienced challenges, and yet we found ways to overcome them. While lower academic performances and learning losses known as the ‘COVID slide’ have become buzz words across the nation, students in USD 475 have demonstrated academic growth on their Kansas State Assessments.”

Each public school in the state is rated by the State of Kansas on an accountability report for performance on the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) test given to students in grades 3-8 and 10 in Math, English Language Arts, and also in grades 5, 8 and 11 for Science. Grades 4, 7 and 11 also participate in the History, Government and Social Studies Test. The KAP summative assessment is given in the spring and students score in the categories of a 4, 3, 2 or 1. The state and district goal is for students to score a 3 or 4, which exhibits sufficient or exemplary status in standard mastery.

USD 475 Geary County Schools said that their students exceeded the State of Kansas student percentages of students scoring a 3 or 4 in all subject areas in at least one category during 2021 assessments.

“During the pandemic, while most schools across the state experienced the ‘COVID slide,’ our students demonstrated a 2 percent growth in performance across the board,” Gustafson said. “We are proud of our students and staff and look forward to maintaining this momentum during our Spring 2022 assessments.”

JUNCTION CITY — At Geary County Schools USD 475’s recent State of Education event, Dr. Deb Gustafson, associate superintendent, highlighted the school district’s accomplishments over the past two years since the COVID pandemic started.In the Spring of 2020, USD 475 joined the ranks of school districts across the nation forced to discontinue in-person learning due to the COVID pandemic.“We immediately went to work to create and establish an online learning platform and engaged students with their teachers by the beginning of April 2020,” Gustafson said.While many schools across Kansas and the nation continued with the online learning platform when school opened in the Fall of 2020, USD 475 re-opened their doors for in-person learning. The school district utilized the spring and summer of 2020 determining how to create an atmosphere to mitigate the conditions associated with COVID to the maximum extent possible.“In our conversations with personnel and the community, it was evident that our students needed to be back in school in front of their teachers and that parents needed to return to work,” Gustafson said. “We felt that our only option was to re-open our schools and welcome back students.”She added: “Due to the cooperation of our resilient teachers, dedicated support staff, cooperative parents and amazing students, USD 475 experienced very little interruption to learning during the span of the pandemic. Our teachers continued to teach and our students continued to learn. We experienced challenges, and yet we found ways to overcome them. While lower academic performances and learning losses known as the ‘COVID slide’ have become buzz words across the nation, students in USD 475 have demonstrated academic growth on their Kansas State Assessments.”Each public school in the state is rated by the State of Kansas on an accountability report for performance on the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) test given to students in grades 3-8 and 10 in Math, English Language Arts, and also in grades 5, 8 and 11 for Science. Grades 4, 7 and 11 also participate in the History, Government and Social Studies Test. The KAP summative assessment is given in the spring and students score in the categories of a 4, 3, 2 or 1. The state and district goal is for students to score a 3 or 4, which exhibits sufficient or exemplary status in standard mastery.USD 475 Geary County Schools said that their students exceeded the State of Kansas student percentages of students scoring a 3 or 4 in all subject areas in at least one category during 2021 assessments.“During the pandemic, while most schools across the state experienced the ‘COVID slide,’ our students demonstrated a 2 percent growth in performance across the board,” Gustafson said. “We are proud of our students and staff and look forward to maintaining this momentum during our Spring 2022 assessments.”

USD 475 highlights achievements in State of Education

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a theft of city property.

Just before 10a.m. Wednesday, officers filed reports for criminal damage to property and burglary in the 400 block of Knox Lane in Manhattan.

The City of Manhattan reported an unknown suspect cut through the fence to a maintenance building, broke into the building, and stole a Dewalt hammer drill, impact driver, and batteries. 

The estimated total loss associated with these cases is approximately $1,060. 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 investigating a theft of city property.Just before 10a.m. Wednesday, officers filed reports for criminal damage to property and burglary in the 400 block of Knox Lane in Manhattan.The City of Manhattan reported an unknown suspect cut through the fence to a maintenance building, broke into the building, and stole a Dewalt hammer drill, impact driver, and batteries. The estimated total loss associated with these cases is approximately $1,060. 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: Suspect stole items from city maintenance building

There will be a&nbsp; fishing derby at Moon Lake on Fort Riley this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. The event will be free for kids 12 and under and $10 for all other participants.&nbsp;

All participants should pre-register at Outdoor Adventure Park, 5202 Normandy Drive. Participants must meet all State of Kansas fishing license requirements. All of those who fish will need to provide their own equipment and bait.&nbsp;

There will be a&nbsp; fishing derby at Moon Lake on Fort Riley this Saturday from 9-11 a.m. The event will be free for kids 12 and under and $10 for all other participants.&nbsp;All participants should pre-register at Outdoor Adventure Park, 5202 Normandy Drive. Participants must meet all State of Kansas fishing license requirements. All of those who fish will need to provide their own equipment and bait.&nbsp;For more information call 785-239-5412.

Moon Lake will be the site of a Fishing Derby

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School will host an open house for prospective families on Monday, April 12. Those interested in Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to experience the school during this event from 6:30 - 8 p.m.&nbsp;

The evening will include a dinner, a meet and greet with staff, a question and answer session and a campus tour. You&nbsp; can learn about the educational opportunities that are available at the school.&nbsp;

The schedule of activities includes 6:30 p.m. refreshments, meet and greet at 7 p.m., a question and answer session at 7:15 and the campus tour at 7:50 p.m.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School will host an open house for prospective families on Monday, April 12. Those interested in Pre-K through 12th grade are invited to experience the school during this event from 6:30 - 8 p.m.&nbsp;The evening will include a dinner, a meet and greet with staff, a question and answer session and a campus tour. You&nbsp; can learn about the educational opportunities that are available at the school.&nbsp;The schedule of activities includes 6:30 p.m. refreshments, meet and greet at 7 p.m., a question and answer session at 7:15 and the campus tour at 7:50 p.m.

St. Xavier School will host an open house 

Chris Perondi's Stunt Dog Experience comes to the C. L. Hoover Opera House at 3 p.m. Sunday. This is a ticketed event. Reserve a ticket by calling 785-238-3906 or go to jcoperahouse.org.&nbsp;

That will be preceded by Fun with Dogs, an event organized and presented by 4-H'ers. It is a free event scheduled outside the Opera House from 2-2:45 p.m. There will be activities and games ranging&nbsp; from make a dog pull and homemade dog treats to Kansas Service Dog Trainers and a Dog Photo booth. You can feed a dog, gather 4-H information and view a dog showmanship and obedience demonstration.

Chris Perondi's Stunt Dog Experience comes to the C. L. Hoover Opera House at 3 p.m. Sunday. This is a ticketed event. Reserve a ticket by calling 785-238-3906 or go to jcoperahouse.org.&nbsp;That will be preceded by Fun with Dogs, an event organized and presented by 4-H'ers. It is a free event scheduled outside the Opera House from 2-2:45 p.m. There will be activities and games ranging&nbsp; from make a dog pull and homemade dog treats to Kansas Service Dog Trainers and a Dog Photo booth. You can feed a dog, gather 4-H information and view a dog showmanship and obedience demonstration.

Stunt Dog experience and Fun with Dogs will be at the Opera House

Saturday, April 30th, is the date for a spring plant sale at Westwood Elementary School. The hours are nine a.m. until noon in the Plant Hub greenhouse in the school parking lot. If there is inclement weather, the sale will be held indoors and those who attend can use the front entrance. Checks will not be accepted.

If there are plants remaining, they will be available the following school week.

The school is located at 1600 N. Eisenhower Street in Junction City.

This event allows Westwood Wildcat staff, students and parents to give back to the community. The event will be the first annual plant sale at Westwood Elementary School.

Saturday, April 30th, is the date for a spring plant sale at Westwood Elementary School. The hours are nine a.m. until noon in the Plant Hub greenhouse in the school parking lot. If there is inclement weather, the sale will be held indoors and those who attend can use the front entrance. Checks will not be accepted.If there are plants remaining, they will be available the following school week.The school is located at 1600 N. Eisenhower Street in Junction City.This event allows Westwood Wildcat staff, students and parents to give back to the community. The event will be the first annual plant sale at Westwood Elementary School.

Spring Plant sale will be held at Westwood Elementary

Junction City Commissioners have voted to commit up to $10,000 to support a Main Street program to help business facades in the downtown. The funds would be provided as needed during the project.&nbsp;

Junction City Main Street Interim Director Jerry Lonegran said the funds would help create a pool of $30,000, "which would be used for a&nbsp; facade - beautification kind of program." Lonergan said Main Street has their organizational things in place, and it's time to move forward on something which could have a "quick and immediate impact." The remainder of the money would include $10,000 budgeted&nbsp; by Main Street and $10,000 from the County.

Teresa Bramlage is chair of the Design Committee and architect Bruce MacMillan is helping as well. Lonergan said Main Street anticipates creating a beautification program, and he cited examples. "Design and permit fees, concrete work, door replacement and exterior cleaning, just things that make the beautiful limestone buildings that make up Junction City's downtown come alive and have an immediate positive impact on people that come downtown or drive through Junction City."

This would be a matching grant program with building owners matching the grant money dollar for dollar. Lonergan added that ultimately it would be a $60,000 investment in the appearance of downtown Junction City.

Junction City Commissioners have voted to commit up to $10,000 to support a Main Street program to help business facades in the downtown. The funds would be provided as needed during the project.&nbsp;Junction City Main Street Interim Director Jerry Lonegran said the funds would help create a pool of $30,000, "which would be used for a&nbsp; facade - beautification kind of program." Lonergan said Main Street has their organizational things in place, and it's time to move forward on something which could have a "quick and immediate impact." The remainder of the money would include $10,000 budgeted&nbsp; by Main Street and $10,000 from the County.Teresa Bramlage is chair of the Design Committee and architect Bruce MacMillan is helping as well. Lonergan said Main Street anticipates creating a beautification program, and he cited examples. "Design and permit fees, concrete work, door replacement and exterior cleaning, just things that make the beautiful limestone buildings that make up Junction City's downtown come alive and have an immediate positive impact on people that come downtown or drive through Junction City."This would be a matching grant program with building owners matching the grant money dollar for dollar. Lonergan added that ultimately it would be a $60,000 investment in the appearance of downtown Junction City.

City will support a downtown building facade beautification program

The U.S. Army and Fort Riley will host a public meeting Thursday at 6 p.m., to discuss plans to remove munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) from the Camp Forsyth Landfill Area 2 Munitions Response Site at Fort Riley.

A munitions response site (MRS) is a specific location that is known to require munitions removal or other response due to the presence of known or suspected munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), such as unexploded ordnance, discarded military munitions, or munitions components, like TNT.

The Camp Forsyth MRS encompasses 123 acres and lies along the southwestern boundary of Fort Riley and extends into the Republican River, the Republican Flats floodplain and Breakneck Creek.

The public and all interested parties are invited to join the meeting to learn more about the MEC removal program, where the work will be completed, the schedule of activities, and important health and safety measures the U.S. Army will be conducting in relation to MEC removal activities. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming work.

The meeting will be held virtually. For questions about the meeting or to receive additional instructions on how to participate, contact the Fort Riley Environmental Division at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/Camp-Forsyth" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/Camp-Forsyth</a>&nbsp;or 785-239-3194.

The U.S. Army and Fort Riley will host a public meeting Thursday at 6 p.m., to discuss plans to remove munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) from the Camp Forsyth Landfill Area 2 Munitions Response Site at Fort Riley.A munitions response site (MRS) is a specific location that is known to require munitions removal or other response due to the presence of known or suspected munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), such as unexploded ordnance, discarded military munitions, or munitions components, like TNT.The Camp Forsyth MRS encompasses 123 acres and lies along the southwestern boundary of Fort Riley and extends into the Republican River, the Republican Flats floodplain and Breakneck Creek.The public and all interested parties are invited to join the meeting to learn more about the MEC removal program, where the work will be completed, the schedule of activities, and important health and safety measures the U.S. Army will be conducting in relation to MEC removal activities. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming work.The meeting will be held virtually. For questions about the meeting or to receive additional instructions on how to participate, contact the Fort Riley Environmental Division at&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/Camp-Forsyth" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/Camp-Forsyth</a>&nbsp;or 785-239-3194.