By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/08/repub/usda-chief-outlines-plan-to-block-china-from-u-s-farmland-ownership/?emci=a0a6edf5-6c5c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=f6f16413-a35c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/"></a>President Donald Trump’s administration will pursue a ban on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland as part of an effort to strengthen farm security, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday.

Appearing alongside other Cabinet officials, Republican governors and members of Congress at an event outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., Rollins announced a department initiative to block “foreign countries of concern” from owning U.S. agriculture lands.

Rollins said officials will even try to revoke lands already owned by China-backed entities.

The administration will “take swift legislative and executive action to ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries,” she said.

The executive branch will also work with state and local officials “to do everything within our ability, including presidential authorities, to claw back what has already been purchased by China and other foreign adversaries.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the nation’s food supply was a national security issue on par with energy and water supplies.

The seven-part initiative, titled the National Farm Security Action Plan, is based on the idea that “farm security is national security,” according to a preamble to USDA’s written plan.

U.S. farmers dominate the global industry, the preamble said.

“Because that dominance is earned and not assured, it is critical we continuously adapt our approach to American agriculture security and elevate it to the top echelon of national security priorities,” the document read.

To protect U.S. farmland, the USDA, with help from the Justice Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and cooperative state and local governments, will seek to block investment by foreign adversaries and launch an online tool to help farmers report on potential unknown foreign ownership.

The administration will look for vulnerabilities in the agricultural supply chain and attempt to ensure crop and nutrition programs are not being used to fund terrorist or criminal activity, while cutting down on fraud and abuse. The plan instructs the administration to strengthen biosecurity measures.

The initiative also calls for making sure foreign governments cannot access USDA research grants or other department funding programs.

The USDA will continue to work with the national security establishment and law enforcement to protect the agriculture sector’s critical infrastructure, according to the plan.

After Republican Sens. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Roger Marshall of Kansas at the event criticized the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an executive branch agency, for not having a spot for the Agriculture secretary, Rollins said she would be joining the panel as of Tuesday afternoon.

At the Tuesday event, speakers offered few specifics about the initiative but praised the administration for elevating the issue of foreign investment in farmland.

“A country has to be able to feed itself, fuel itself, and fight for itself to truly be free,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “We now have a president who understands it and is willing to do everything within his power to make sure the United States continues to be the greatest country on the face of the planet.”

“Our farmland is not just dirt, it is our national security, it is our economic future, it is our children’s heritage,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “And it is under threat, and the leaders here recognize that.”

Speakers emphasized what they called the threat of Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland.

“Today, we tell China to get the hell out of American agriculture,” Marshall said.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said his state had moved to ban Chinese equipment from telecommunications infrastructure and has worked to deny Chinese companies from owning farmland. He related a story of stonewalling Chinese-owned Syngenta, which sought a meeting with the governor.

“I said, ‘I have no interest in having a meeting,’” he said. “‘Have no interest in you being in Nebraska. My suggestion would be to leave. My suggestion would be to get a different job.’”

The company later sold their assets in Nebraska, Pillen said.

Tuberville, who is running in the state’s gubernatorial race next year, appeared to say China owned 2.2 million acres of farmland in his state alone – a number that actually describes the acres of land owned by all foreign entities in the state. Chinese entities own no acres in Alabama, according to USDA data.

“China is a threat,” he said. “They’re not a threat. They are dominating us in almost everything that they do because we’ve sat back and the politicians have been counting their money instead of doing what’s right and helping this country stay in the front. We’ve got to be number one. We can’t be number two. We’ve got to fight back.

“They are coming into our country and buying our farmland. In my state of Alabama alone, they own 2.2 million acres of farmland. That’s right in Alabama. Foreign adversaries.”

Asked about the comment, Tuberville spokesperson Mallory Jaspers said he was referring not only to Chinese ownership but all foreign adversaries and indicated that he opposed any foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

“Sen. Tuberville believes American farmland should be owned by Americans,” she wrote in an email.

The most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/economic-policy-analysis/afida/annual-reports/foreign-holdings-us-agricultural-land-december-31-2023" target="_blank">recent year-end USDA report</a>&nbsp;on foreign investment, in 2023, showed Chinese-linked investors held about 276,000 acres of U.S. farmland nationwide.

An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/foreign-footprints-trends-in-u-s-agricultural-land-ownership" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the American Farm Bureau, an advocacy group, estimated Chinese investors accounted for only about .02% of all foreign owned U.S. agricultural land.

In addition to Lee, Huckabee Sanders and Pillen, who spoke outside of USDA, the Republican governors of Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota and Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.sd.gov/doc/Governors-Council_Letter-to-Secretary-Rollins.pdf" target="_blank">signed a Tuesday letter</a>&nbsp;to Rollins in support of the plan.

“As America First Governors, we firmly stand together in our unwavering support of President Donald J. Trump and his administration’s National Farm Security Action Plan,” they wrote. “This plan is a critical and decisive response to the invasion of our land, food system, and sovereignty by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752079873551.jpeg" alt="A farmer on a tractor sprays soybean crops. Photo by Westend61/Getty Images" />
 <figcaption>A farmer on a tractor sprays soybean crops. Photo by Westend61/Getty Images</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/07/08/repub/usda-chief-outlines-plan-to-block-china-from-u-s-farmland-ownership/?emci=a0a6edf5-6c5c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;emdi=f6f16413-a35c-f011-8f7c-6045bda9d96b&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/"></a>President Donald Trump’s administration will pursue a ban on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland as part of an effort to strengthen farm security, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday.Appearing alongside other Cabinet officials, Republican governors and members of Congress at an event outside the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., Rollins announced a department initiative to block “foreign countries of concern” from owning U.S. agriculture lands.Rollins said officials will even try to revoke lands already owned by China-backed entities.The administration will “take swift legislative and executive action to ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals and other foreign adversaries,” she said.The executive branch will also work with state and local officials “to do everything within our ability, including presidential authorities, to claw back what has already been purchased by China and other foreign adversaries.”Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the nation’s food supply was a national security issue on par with energy and water supplies.<h2>Plan details</h2>The seven-part initiative, titled the National Farm Security Action Plan, is based on the idea that “farm security is national security,” according to a preamble to USDA’s written plan.U.S. farmers dominate the global industry, the preamble said.“Because that dominance is earned and not assured, it is critical we continuously adapt our approach to American agriculture security and elevate it to the top echelon of national security priorities,” the document read.To protect U.S. farmland, the USDA, with help from the Justice Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and cooperative state and local governments, will seek to block investment by foreign adversaries and launch an online tool to help farmers report on potential unknown foreign ownership.The administration will look for vulnerabilities in the agricultural supply chain and attempt to ensure crop and nutrition programs are not being used to fund terrorist or criminal activity, while cutting down on fraud and abuse. The plan instructs the administration to strengthen biosecurity measures.The initiative also calls for making sure foreign governments cannot access USDA research grants or other department funding programs.The USDA will continue to work with the national security establishment and law enforcement to protect the agriculture sector’s critical infrastructure, according to the plan.After Republican Sens. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Roger Marshall of Kansas at the event criticized the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, an executive branch agency, for not having a spot for the Agriculture secretary, Rollins said she would be joining the panel as of Tuesday afternoon.<h2>Farmland security</h2>At the Tuesday event, speakers offered few specifics about the initiative but praised the administration for elevating the issue of foreign investment in farmland.“A country has to be able to feed itself, fuel itself, and fight for itself to truly be free,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “We now have a president who understands it and is willing to do everything within his power to make sure the United States continues to be the greatest country on the face of the planet.”“Our farmland is not just dirt, it is our national security, it is our economic future, it is our children’s heritage,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. “And it is under threat, and the leaders here recognize that.”Speakers emphasized what they called the threat of Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland.“Today, we tell China to get the hell out of American agriculture,” Marshall said.Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said his state had moved to ban Chinese equipment from telecommunications infrastructure and has worked to deny Chinese companies from owning farmland. He related a story of stonewalling Chinese-owned Syngenta, which sought a meeting with the governor.“I said, ‘I have no interest in having a meeting,’” he said. “‘Have no interest in you being in Nebraska. My suggestion would be to leave. My suggestion would be to get a different job.’”The company later sold their assets in Nebraska, Pillen said.<h2>Alabama and China</h2>Tuberville, who is running in the state’s gubernatorial race next year, appeared to say China owned 2.2 million acres of farmland in his state alone – a number that actually describes the acres of land owned by all foreign entities in the state. Chinese entities own no acres in Alabama, according to USDA data.“China is a threat,” he said. “They’re not a threat. They are dominating us in almost everything that they do because we’ve sat back and the politicians have been counting their money instead of doing what’s right and helping this country stay in the front. We’ve got to be number one. We can’t be number two. We’ve got to fight back.“They are coming into our country and buying our farmland. In my state of Alabama alone, they own 2.2 million acres of farmland. That’s right in Alabama. Foreign adversaries.”Asked about the comment, Tuberville spokesperson Mallory Jaspers said he was referring not only to Chinese ownership but all foreign adversaries and indicated that he opposed any foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.“Sen. Tuberville believes American farmland should be owned by Americans,” she wrote in an email.The most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/economic-policy-analysis/afida/annual-reports/foreign-holdings-us-agricultural-land-december-31-2023" target="_blank">recent year-end USDA report</a>&nbsp;on foreign investment, in 2023, showed Chinese-linked investors held about 276,000 acres of U.S. farmland nationwide.An&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fb.org/market-intel/foreign-footprints-trends-in-u-s-agricultural-land-ownership" target="_blank">analysis</a>&nbsp;from the American Farm Bureau, an advocacy group, estimated Chinese investors accounted for only about .02% of all foreign owned U.S. agricultural land.<h2>GOP governors back plan</h2>In addition to Lee, Huckabee Sanders and Pillen, who spoke outside of USDA, the Republican governors of Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, South Dakota and Oklahoma&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.sd.gov/doc/Governors-Council_Letter-to-Secretary-Rollins.pdf" target="_blank">signed a Tuesday letter</a>&nbsp;to Rollins in support of the plan.“As America First Governors, we firmly stand together in our unwavering support of President Donald J. Trump and his administration’s National Farm Security Action Plan,” they wrote. “This plan is a critical and decisive response to the invasion of our land, food system, and sovereignty by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).”

USDA chief outlines plan to block China from U.S. farmland ownership

&nbsp;The Office of the Secretary of Defense <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoESGR?__cft__[0]=AZWe-RgfpNQzzZxy2wowDqBp_90hDsMOuLMWWGkl4fyQ8-3Bll8f3NXMlE_eeBIGstjPASYbylU2xPf875jQYLZ9KSUg7tUW1OMBKle1OdLmEyGmcAA4ufwrnDvFeqwFirCuBg_P8jPzH-5k9HgzH3TO0EX-UuJ3irtacBuRKR0QhW73R579OYeiw7AlSrcTibuF-UY7CZLQRAFGiUBpgDaS&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve</a>&nbsp;has presented the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD475?__cft__[0]=AZWe-RgfpNQzzZxy2wowDqBp_90hDsMOuLMWWGkl4fyQ8-3Bll8f3NXMlE_eeBIGstjPASYbylU2xPf875jQYLZ9KSUg7tUW1OMBKle1OdLmEyGmcAA4ufwrnDvFeqwFirCuBg_P8jPzH-5k9HgzH3TO0EX-UuJ3irtacBuRKR0QhW73R579OYeiw7AlSrcTibuF-UY7CZLQRAFGiUBpgDaS&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Geary County Schools USD 475</a> Board of Education and Tina Kausler, USD 475 Assistant to the Superintendent and Board Clerk, with the Above and Beyond Award.

The Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other similar benefits. 

The award is given in limited numbers by state committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors or managers be recognized with the Patriot Award, which was presented to Kausler this past January.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752069172940.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>USD 475&nbsp;&nbsp;The Office of the Secretary of Defense <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoESGR?__cft__[0]=AZWe-RgfpNQzzZxy2wowDqBp_90hDsMOuLMWWGkl4fyQ8-3Bll8f3NXMlE_eeBIGstjPASYbylU2xPf875jQYLZ9KSUg7tUW1OMBKle1OdLmEyGmcAA4ufwrnDvFeqwFirCuBg_P8jPzH-5k9HgzH3TO0EX-UuJ3irtacBuRKR0QhW73R579OYeiw7AlSrcTibuF-UY7CZLQRAFGiUBpgDaS&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve</a>&nbsp;has presented the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/USD475?__cft__[0]=AZWe-RgfpNQzzZxy2wowDqBp_90hDsMOuLMWWGkl4fyQ8-3Bll8f3NXMlE_eeBIGstjPASYbylU2xPf875jQYLZ9KSUg7tUW1OMBKle1OdLmEyGmcAA4ufwrnDvFeqwFirCuBg_P8jPzH-5k9HgzH3TO0EX-UuJ3irtacBuRKR0QhW73R579OYeiw7AlSrcTibuF-UY7CZLQRAFGiUBpgDaS&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Geary County Schools USD 475</a> Board of Education and Tina Kausler, USD 475 Assistant to the Superintendent and Board Clerk, with the Above and Beyond Award. The Award is presented by ESGR State Committees to recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by providing their Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as differential or full pay to offset lost wages, extended health benefits, and other similar benefits. The award is given in limited numbers by state committees to employers who have had at least one of their supervisors or managers be recognized with the Patriot Award, which was presented to Kausler this past January.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Above and Beyond Award recognition

Junction City Public Works announced that today throgh Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adams Street from 2nd to 3rd Street will be closed to through traffic while contractors perform utility work. People in that area may also intermittently experience low water pressure to no water until repairs are complete.

Junction City Public Works announced that today throgh Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adams Street from 2nd to 3rd Street will be closed to through traffic while contractors perform utility work. People in that area may also intermittently experience low water pressure to no water until repairs are complete.

Public Works will make repairs

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota Avalon driven by Penny M.&nbsp;Peterson, 61, Junction City, was eastbound on Kansas 18 at South 5th Street.&nbsp; The Toyota struck a pedestrian identified as Manuel&nbsp;Fischer, 30, Manhattan, who entered the roadway from the north walking southbound.&nbsp;

EMS transported Fischer to Stomont Vail in Topeka. Peterson was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 10:30p.m. Tuesday in Riley County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Toyota Avalon driven by Penny M.&nbsp;Peterson, 61, Junction City, was eastbound on Kansas 18 at South 5th Street.&nbsp; The Toyota struck a pedestrian identified as Manuel&nbsp;Fischer, 30, Manhattan, who entered the roadway from the north walking southbound.&nbsp;EMS transported Fischer to Stomont Vail in Topeka. Peterson was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Manhattan man injured after struck by a car

The Kansas Highway Patrol released its Independence Day Holiday Activity Report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reporting period started at 6 p.m. on Thursday July 3 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday July 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol worked two non-DUI related fatal crashes which resulted in two non-DUI related fatalities. Information on the fatal crashes can be found on the Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/">crash log</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664333938376.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol released its Independence Day Holiday Activity Report.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reporting period started at 6 p.m. on Thursday July 3 to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday July 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752000960030.png" alt="2025 KHP Independence Day Report" />
 <figcaption>2025 KHP Independence Day Report</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol worked two non-DUI related fatal crashes which resulted in two non-DUI related fatalities. Information on the fatal crashes can be found on the Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.gov/khp-crashlogs/">crash log</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KHP releases Independence Day Holiday activity report 

1st Infantry Division / Fort Riley release

FORT RILEY, Kansas – Following the Army's directive, Fort Riley is concluding operations of the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard to align more resources with warfighting capability and readiness.

Fort Riley officials confirmed&nbsp; that they will work diligently to find suitable homes for the horses and will keep the community informed throughout this transition. This change does not impact the 1st Infantry Division's ("Big Red One") core priorities: building warfighting readiness, caring for Soldiers, civilians, and families, adapting formations to win, and developing inspirational leaders. 

In their announcement Fort Riley said that they remain committed to strengthening partnerships and engaging with surrounding communities.

1st Infantry Division / Fort Riley releaseFORT RILEY, Kansas – Following the Army's directive, Fort Riley is concluding operations of the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard to align more resources with warfighting capability and readiness.Fort Riley officials confirmed&nbsp; that they will work diligently to find suitable homes for the horses and will keep the community informed throughout this transition. This change does not impact the 1st Infantry Division's ("Big Red One") core priorities: building warfighting readiness, caring for Soldiers, civilians, and families, adapting formations to win, and developing inspirational leaders. In their announcement Fort Riley said that they remain committed to strengthening partnerships and engaging with surrounding communities.

Big Red One Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard Concluding Operations

Geary USD 475 Board of Education dealt with a number of topics during their meeting Monday night.

--They agreed to purchase a black chain link fence to put around the Al Simpler Stadium field. There is artificial turf and a running track at that location. The cost of the fence totals $61,155 and it replaces an older fence.

--For budget purposes the Board agreed to a revenue neutral rate of not higher than 43.525 mills.

--The BOE approved the District handbooks on second reading.

--Turnover is down in USD 475 this summer. The District will only have about 80 new staff members, down considerably from recent years.

Geary USD 475 Board of Education dealt with a number of topics during their meeting Monday night.--They agreed to purchase a black chain link fence to put around the Al Simpler Stadium field. There is artificial turf and a running track at that location. The cost of the fence totals $61,155 and it replaces an older fence.--For budget purposes the Board agreed to a revenue neutral rate of not higher than 43.525 mills.--The BOE approved the District handbooks on second reading.--Turnover is down in USD 475 this summer. The District will only have about 80 new staff members, down considerably from recent years.--

BOE news notes

Freedom Run Press Release - 2025 division race finishers announced 

Junction City, Kansas: The 49th Annual Freedom Run brought over 460 registered runners to Junction City, marking a record-breaking year for participation in the event's storied history. Race organizers celebrated this milestone achievement alongside the honoring of the 2025 Freedom Runners: Junction City High School and Chapman High School's state-qualifying Cross Country teams.

This year's event also marked a significant milestone as the 10K race received its first official certification, adding prestige and accuracy to the longer distance competition.

Over 100 committed community volunteers and support from local agencies made the race possible. JC Fire Dept., Geary County Fire Dept., JC Police Dept., Ft Riley Police Dept., Geary County Sheriff Dept., JC Parks &amp; Rec, JC Public Works, Grandview Fire Dept. and Kaw Valley Engineering were all on board to make the event a success.

The comprehensive volunteer support, from traffic management to hydration stations, kept runners safe and hydrated throughout the course, allowing participants to fully enjoy this cherished Independence Day tradition. 

The record-breaking participation demonstrates the continued growth and community support for this Independence Day tradition that brings together competitive athletes and recreational runners alike. 

Top three finishers for each race:

1 Mile: 1st - Isaiah Byers (5:48) 2nd - Rosie Spreer (5:56) 3rd - Joey Cruz (6:04)

5K: 1st - Ryan Stade (15:53) 2nd - Ambrose Childs (17:00) 3rd - Riley Delorenzo (17:28)

10K: 1st - Joe Moore (33:07) 2nd - Drew Elliott (34:44) 3rd - Anthony Testa (37:31)

To find all race results visit: <a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/33905/results/Event/1105995/Result">https://www.athlinks.com/event/33905/results/Event/1105995/Result</a>

Check out and follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092584437390">Freedom Run - Junction City Facebook page</a> to view photos from the race and to stay up-to-date on future race announcements. For any additional questions, email the Freedom Run committee at jcfreedomrun@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752001620493.jpeg" alt="Freedom Run photo - Photo courtesy (Freedom Run _Junction City - Deer Creek Drones, LLC)" />
 <figcaption>Freedom Run photo - Photo courtesy (Freedom Run _Junction City - Deer Creek Drones, LLC)</figcaption>
 </figure>Freedom Run Press Release - 2025 division race finishers announced Junction City, Kansas: The 49th Annual Freedom Run brought over 460 registered runners to Junction City, marking a record-breaking year for participation in the event's storied history. Race organizers celebrated this milestone achievement alongside the honoring of the 2025 Freedom Runners: Junction City High School and Chapman High School's state-qualifying Cross Country teams.This year's event also marked a significant milestone as the 10K race received its first official certification, adding prestige and accuracy to the longer distance competition.Over 100 committed community volunteers and support from local agencies made the race possible. JC Fire Dept., Geary County Fire Dept., JC Police Dept., Ft Riley Police Dept., Geary County Sheriff Dept., JC Parks &amp; Rec, JC Public Works, Grandview Fire Dept. and Kaw Valley Engineering were all on board to make the event a success.The comprehensive volunteer support, from traffic management to hydration stations, kept runners safe and hydrated throughout the course, allowing participants to fully enjoy this cherished Independence Day tradition. The record-breaking participation demonstrates the continued growth and community support for this Independence Day tradition that brings together competitive athletes and recreational runners alike. Top three finishers for each race: 1 Mile: 1st - Isaiah Byers (5:48) 2nd - Rosie Spreer (5:56) 3rd - Joey Cruz (6:04) 5K: 1st - Ryan Stade (15:53) 2nd - Ambrose Childs (17:00) 3rd - Riley Delorenzo (17:28) 10K: 1st - Joe Moore (33:07) 2nd - Drew Elliott (34:44) 3rd - Anthony Testa (37:31) To find all race results visit: <a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/33905/results/Event/1105995/Result">https://www.athlinks.com/event/33905/results/Event/1105995/Result</a>Check out and follow the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092584437390">Freedom Run - Junction City Facebook page</a> to view photos from the race and to stay up-to-date on future race announcements. For any additional questions, email the Freedom Run committee at jcfreedomrun@gmail.com.

49th Annual Freedom Run Results in Record-Breaking Community Success 

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

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Jacoby Green, Failure to appear, arrested 06/27

Austin Edge, Operate a motor vehicle without the proper classification of license; Flee or attempt to elude, Five or more moving violations, arrested 06/28

Michael Alday, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 06/28

Jonathan Almeida, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/28

Travis Golden, Driving while suspended; Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Driving under the influence drugs/alcohol; Flee or attempt to elude, Five or more moving violations; Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 06/28

Gwyn Muto, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 06/28

Laura Wood, Transporting an open container; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 06/29

Chrystal Gibson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/29

David Wright, Outside warrant, arrested 06/29

Lavonia Morgan, Driving while license canceled, Suspended, or revoked, arrested 06/29

Khassie Morris, Outside warrant, arrested 06/30

James Floyd, Failure to appear, arrested 06/30

Michael Wilhite, Failure to appear, arrested 06/30

Michael Waslyk, Theft; Pocket picking, arrested 07/01

Jeremiah Warren, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01

AAmir Kairson, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01

Lailant Telor, Unlawful restraint, arrested 07/02

Elmer Rubelsi Hidalgo Lopez, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 07/02

Robert Dunem, DUI-Liquor or drugs; Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/03

Trey Campbell, Violate offender registration act, arrested 07/03

Beayahn Carrillo, Failure to appear, arrested 07/03

Jose Osorio Granadeno, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint, arrested 07/03

Kaionia Channell, Domestic battery; Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 07/03

Donekka Williams, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 07/03

Herbert Fisher, Domestic battery; Criminal trespass, arrested 07/03

Alfonzo Littleton, Operate vehicle without registration or expired tag; Ignition interlock device, Operate a car without a required device, arrested 07/04

Tyler Harris, Transporting of alcoholic beverage; DUI-Liquor or drugs; Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04

Ashley Flores-Ruiz, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04

Carmen Ferreira,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04

Tynez Jackson,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04

Candi Blay, Domestic battery; Criminal restraint, arrested 07/04

Amy Woods, Aggravated domestic battery; Impede breath, Blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 07/04

Skylar Chambers, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 07/05

Christopher Sanford, Transporting open container of alcohol; Minor in possession/consumption of alcoholic beverage; DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 07/05

Tatyana Jenkins, Domestic battery, arrested 07/05

Cierra Rice, Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/05

Aaron Wells, DUI-Liquor or drugs; Driver's license without valid DL, arrested 07/05

Asia Holden, Domestic battery, arrested 07/05

Richard Gentry, Outside warrant, arrested 07/05

Bernard Fritzson, Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm, arrested 07/05

Patrick Grove, Resisting arrest; Unlawful restraint; Domestic battery, arrested 07/05

Brandon Rodriguez, DUI-Liquor or drugs; Driver's license without valid DL, arrested 07/06

Caleb Corrales, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/06

Dylan Rogers, Domestic battery, arrested 07/06

Kerrigan Luna, Domestic battery, arrested 07/06

Cody Sharp, Failure to appear, arrested 07/07

Travis Calloway, Domestic battery, arrested 07/07

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751981724486.jpeg" alt="Jermaine Johnson, Failure to appear; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Reckless driving; Driving while suspended; Flee or attempt to elude, Motor vehicle accident or damage property, arrested 06/29" />
 <figcaption>Jermaine Johnson, Failure to appear; Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Reckless driving; Driving while suspended; Flee or attempt to elude, Motor vehicle accident or damage property, arrested 06/29</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751981853237.jpeg" alt="Kody Duncan, Probation violation, arrested 06/30" />
 <figcaption>Kody Duncan, Probation violation, arrested 06/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751981865990.jpeg" alt="Haisha Raymond, Failure to appear, arrested 06/30" />
 <figcaption>Haisha Raymond, Failure to appear, arrested 06/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751982004896.jpeg" alt="Amanda Smith, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Smith, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751982213988.jpeg" alt="Roger Lanning, Parole violation, arrested 07/02" />
 <figcaption>Roger Lanning, Parole violation, arrested 07/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751982223405.jpeg" alt="Eleanor Fisher, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 07/02" />
 <figcaption>Eleanor Fisher, Failure to appear; Probation violation, arrested 07/02</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751983678877.jpeg" alt="Edward Wright, Interference with LEO; Probation violation (Two counts); Failure to appear, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Edward Wright, Interference with LEO; Probation violation (Two counts); Failure to appear, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751983727657.jpeg" alt="Amanda Wunder, Failure to appear (Three counts); Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Amanda Wunder, Failure to appear (Three counts); Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of controlled substance, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751983824533.jpeg" alt="Michael Lafitte, Failure to appear, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Michael Lafitte, Failure to appear, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751983855840.jpeg" alt="Megan Hamilton, Criminal damage to property without consent value &lt; $1,000; Criminal deprivation of property; Criminal trespass; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner with weapon, arrested 07/05" />
 <figcaption>Megan Hamilton, Criminal damage to property without consent value &lt; $1,000; Criminal deprivation of property; Criminal trespass; Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner with weapon, arrested 07/05</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751983975879.jpeg" alt="Jessica Urias, Failure to appear, arrested 07/06" />
 <figcaption>Jessica Urias, Failure to appear, arrested 07/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751983987040.jpeg" alt="Phillip White, Criminal trespass, arrested 07/06" />
 <figcaption>Phillip White, Criminal trespass, arrested 07/06</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991005009.jpeg" alt="Deibinzon Osma Rivera, Possession of stolen property (value $1,500 to $25,000), arrested 07/07" />
 <figcaption>Deibinzon Osma Rivera, Possession of stolen property (value $1,500 to $25,000), arrested 07/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991051899.jpeg" alt="Kelvin Osorio Romero,&nbsp;Possession of stolen property (value $1,500 to $25,000), arrested 07/07" />
 <figcaption>Kelvin Osorio Romero,&nbsp;Possession of stolen property (value $1,500 to $25,000), arrested 07/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991080893.jpeg" alt="Sharonda Hill, Criminal trespass, arrested 07/07" />
 <figcaption>Sharonda Hill, Criminal trespass, arrested 07/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991113439.jpeg" alt="Angelica Clopton, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; Failure to appear, arrested 07/07" />
 <figcaption>Angelica Clopton, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license; Failure to appear, arrested 07/07</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991158057.jpeg" alt="Joshua Long, Probation violation; Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in a felony case, arrested 07/08" />
 <figcaption>Joshua Long, Probation violation; Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in a felony case, arrested 07/08</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751991168938.jpeg" alt="Anastasia Kenyon, Failure to appear, arrested 07/08" />
 <figcaption>Anastasia Kenyon, Failure to appear, arrested 07/08</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Jacoby Green, Failure to appear, arrested 06/27Austin Edge, Operate a motor vehicle without the proper classification of license; Flee or attempt to elude, Five or more moving violations, arrested 06/28Michael Alday, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 06/28Jonathan Almeida, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/28Travis Golden, Driving while suspended; Possession of firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; Driving under the influence drugs/alcohol; Flee or attempt to elude, Five or more moving violations; Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 06/28Gwyn Muto, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 06/28Laura Wood, Transporting an open container; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 06/29Chrystal Gibson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/29David Wright, Outside warrant, arrested 06/29Lavonia Morgan, Driving while license canceled, Suspended, or revoked, arrested 06/29Khassie Morris, Outside warrant, arrested 06/30James Floyd, Failure to appear, arrested 06/30Michael Wilhite, Failure to appear, arrested 06/30Ashley Cain, Battery, arrested 06/30Michael Waslyk, Theft; Pocket picking, arrested 07/01Jeremiah Warren, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01AAmir Kairson, Failure to appear, arrested 07/01Lailant Telor, Unlawful restraint, arrested 07/02Elmer Rubelsi Hidalgo Lopez, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 07/02Robert Dunem, DUI-Liquor or drugs; Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/03Trey Campbell, Violate offender registration act, arrested 07/03Beayahn Carrillo, Failure to appear, arrested 07/03Jose Osorio Granadeno, Domestic battery; Unlawful restraint, arrested 07/03Kaionia Channell, Domestic battery; Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 07/03Donekka Williams, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 07/03Herbert Fisher, Domestic battery; Criminal trespass, arrested 07/03Alfonzo Littleton, Operate vehicle without registration or expired tag; Ignition interlock device, Operate a car without a required device, arrested 07/04Tyler Harris, Transporting of alcoholic beverage; DUI-Liquor or drugs; Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04Ashley Flores-Ruiz, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04Carmen Ferreira,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04Tynez Jackson,&nbsp;Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/04Candi Blay, Domestic battery; Criminal restraint, arrested 07/04Amy Woods, Aggravated domestic battery; Impede breath, Blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 07/04Skylar Chambers, Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 07/05Christopher Sanford, Transporting open container of alcohol; Minor in possession/consumption of alcoholic beverage; DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 07/05Tatyana Jenkins, Domestic battery, arrested 07/05Cierra Rice, Interference with LEO; Conceal/alter/destroy evidence; Ignition interlock device; Operate a car without a required device; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/05Aaron Wells, DUI-Liquor or drugs; Driver's license without valid DL, arrested 07/05Asia Holden, Domestic battery, arrested 07/05Richard Gentry, Outside warrant, arrested 07/05Bernard Fritzson, Battery; Knowing/recklessly causing bodily harm, arrested 07/05Patrick Grove, Resisting arrest; Unlawful restraint; Domestic battery, arrested 07/05Brandon Rodriguez, DUI-Liquor or drugs; Driver's license without valid DL, arrested 07/06Caleb Corrales, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/06Dylan Rogers, Domestic battery, arrested 07/06Kerrigan Luna, Domestic battery, arrested 07/06Cody Sharp, Failure to appear, arrested 07/07Travis Calloway, Domestic battery, arrested 07/07Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos June 28-July 8

Geary County Finance Director Tami Robison has received the Government Finance Officers Association Outstanding Public Service Award.&nbsp; It was presented&nbsp;at the Government Finance Officer Association conference in Washington DC last week.&nbsp;Robison was the only person from Kansas to receive the honor.

Commissioner Trish Giordano nominated Robison, who joined Geary County in April 2021 as its first Finance Director, a newly established position. Tasked with building her role and department from the ground up, she immediately addressed significant inefficiencies and a lack of checks and balances within the county’s $40 million budget. In just three years, Robison has transformed the county’s financial landscape. She has worked closely with department heads to develop detailed line-item budgets, identifying inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.

Giordano noted that under Robison's leadership, the County Commission consolidated numerous levied funds into two, increasing flexibility in meeting county needs. She also introduced a simplified, transparent budget format that allows the public to clearly see how tax dollars are allocated. 

Thanks to the improvements, Geary County has been able to conduct and implement a wage study with full compression, ensuring fair employee compensation and aiding in staff recruitment and retention, secure a $30 million bond to address long-overdue maintenance for the county hospital, preventing its potential closure, with no additional impact on the taxpayer, transition of Sheriff’s Deputies to a significantly improved retirement system, establishment and fund a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan

Giordano said that under Robison’s guidance, Geary County has successfully lowered its mill levy by 15 mills over the past three years, resulting in significant tax savings. Most notably, her sound financial management recently led to an improved S&amp;P Global Rating, increasing the county’s General Obligation rating from A to A+.

Robison’s leadership, innovation, and dedication have positioned Geary County for long-term financial stability.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751990337991.jpeg" alt="Tami Robison" />
 <figcaption>Tami Robison</figcaption>
 </figure>Geary County Finance Director Tami Robison has received the Government Finance Officers Association Outstanding Public Service Award.&nbsp; It was presented&nbsp;at the Government Finance Officer Association conference in Washington DC last week.&nbsp;Robison was the only person from Kansas to receive the honor.Commissioner Trish Giordano nominated Robison, who joined Geary County in April 2021 as its first Finance Director, a newly established position. Tasked with building her role and department from the ground up, she immediately addressed significant inefficiencies and a lack of checks and balances within the county’s $40 million budget. In just three years, Robison has transformed the county’s financial landscape. She has worked closely with department heads to develop detailed line-item budgets, identifying inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751990607774.jpeg" alt="( Tami Robison ( L ) with members of the Finance and HR Departments she manages. ( L - R ) Tami Robison, Jayme Coffey, Tiffany Havener, Crystal Malchose, Jennifer Gatlin and Luisa White." />
 <figcaption>( Tami Robison ( L ) with members of the Finance and HR Departments she manages. ( L - R ) Tami Robison, Jayme Coffey, Tiffany Havener, Crystal Malchose, Jennifer Gatlin and Luisa White.</figcaption>
 </figure>Giordano noted that under Robison's leadership, the County Commission consolidated numerous levied funds into two, increasing flexibility in meeting county needs. She also introduced a simplified, transparent budget format that allows the public to clearly see how tax dollars are allocated. Thanks to the improvements, Geary County has been able to conduct and implement a wage study with full compression, ensuring fair employee compensation and aiding in staff recruitment and retention, secure a $30 million bond to address long-overdue maintenance for the county hospital, preventing its potential closure, with no additional impact on the taxpayer, transition of Sheriff’s Deputies to a significantly improved retirement system, establishment and fund a comprehensive Capital Improvement PlanGiordano said that under Robison’s guidance, Geary County has successfully lowered its mill levy by 15 mills over the past three years, resulting in significant tax savings. Most notably, her sound financial management recently led to an improved S&amp;P Global Rating, increasing the county’s General Obligation rating from A to A+.Robison’s leadership, innovation, and dedication have positioned Geary County for long-term financial stability.&nbsp;

Geary County Finance Director is honored with a prestigous award

St. Francis Xavier Parish is hosting Prayer &amp; Action for the next three weeks in July. Recruitment and Marketing spokesperson Kristel Jahnke said that this is a program where high school students along with sponsors will paint, clean, do yard work and perform other meaningful tasks for the poor, handicapped and the elderly in the community. 

Other parishes within the Salina diocese has been invited to bring students to participate in the program as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;

St. Francis Xavier Parish is hosting Prayer &amp; Action for the next three weeks in July. Recruitment and Marketing spokesperson Kristel Jahnke said that this is a program where high school students along with sponsors will paint, clean, do yard work and perform other meaningful tasks for the poor, handicapped and the elderly in the community. Other parishes within the Salina diocese has been invited to bring students to participate in the program as well.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Prayer & Action plans for St. Francis Xavier Parish

Geary USD 475 Board of Education member Jason Butler feels that there needs to be pay for members of the school board. He would like to see action before the next election. 

Butler is not running again so the pay issue would not impact him but he feels the issue should be brought to the Board. Geary County and Junction City Commissioners do receive compensation for their work.

On a separate note, Butler would like to see a second wrestling room at Junction City High School. There is a boys wrestling team and now a successful girls wrestling program at the school. They share one room.

 Butler would like to have a dedicated second wrestling room.&nbsp;

Geary USD 475 Board of Education member Jason Butler feels that there needs to be pay for members of the school board. He would like to see action before the next election. Butler is not running again so the pay issue would not impact him but he feels the issue should be brought to the Board. Geary County and Junction City Commissioners do receive compensation for their work.On a separate note, Butler would like to see a second wrestling room at Junction City High School. There is a boys wrestling team and now a successful girls wrestling program at the school. They share one room. Butler would like to have a dedicated second wrestling room.&nbsp;

 Board of Education member Jason Butler offers suggestions 

Geary USD 475 did not livestream the school board meeting Monday evening. The reason is Kansas House Bill 2134 which became effective July 1.

Board of Education President Dr. Beth Hudson explained that the bill complicates the situation involving the number of Board members that can be in a meeting, and whether or not it is an open meeting. "So it also has to do with live streaming. We typically live stream tonight's ( Monday night's ) meeting. We didn't do that because we didn't want to be against what's being asked. We're still trying to find the correct way to interpet that law."&nbsp;

Hudson believes there is general confusion on the subject.

One possibility is that if Board meetings are live streamed then that would have to be done for all of their meetings. That could include other committees involving Board members that might also include teachers.&nbsp;

Hudson said that the Kansas Association of School Boards is advising Districts not to live stream until they're clear on the matter. "They say you would have to live stream every meeting that a Board member is in."

No live streaming means members of the public wanting to watch Board meetings would have to be in attendance. They would not be able to watch them on a computer device or phone from another location.

Geary USD 475 did not livestream the school board meeting Monday evening. The reason is Kansas House Bill 2134 which became effective July 1.Board of Education President Dr. Beth Hudson explained that the bill complicates the situation involving the number of Board members that can be in a meeting, and whether or not it is an open meeting. "So it also has to do with live streaming. We typically live stream tonight's ( Monday night's ) meeting. We didn't do that because we didn't want to be against what's being asked. We're still trying to find the correct way to interpet that law."&nbsp;Hudson believes there is general confusion on the subject.One possibility is that if Board meetings are live streamed then that would have to be done for all of their meetings. That could include other committees involving Board members that might also include teachers.&nbsp;Hudson said that the Kansas Association of School Boards is advising Districts not to live stream until they're clear on the matter. "They say you would have to live stream every meeting that a Board member is in."No live streaming means members of the public wanting to watch Board meetings would have to be in attendance. They would not be able to watch them on a computer device or phone from another location.

House Bill 2134 occupies the attention of the school board

The Geary USD 475 Board of Education has extended the contract for Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston.&nbsp;

 Board President Dr.Beth Hudson explained that they added a year to the current contract, which means essentially it will go through 2027.

The Board was in session Monday night at the Devin Center.

The Geary USD 475 Board of Education has extended the contract for Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston.&nbsp; Board President Dr.Beth Hudson explained that they added a year to the current contract, which means essentially it will go through 2027.The Board was in session Monday night at the Devin Center.

USD 475 Board of Education extends the Superintendent's contract

This is day 9 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Kansas wheat farmers have been facing a challenging wheat harvest due to persistent rains on mature wheat. While test weights have suffered because of this, the 2025 crop has shown stronger yields than the past three drought-stricken years.

Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is 82 percent complete, behind 90 percent complete last year but ahead of 77 percent average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending July 6, 2025.&nbsp;

Josh Debes, a wheat farmer in northern Barton County, is among those still navigating the final stretch of harvest. Rainfall over the past week has forced Debes to chase dry fields across the county in hopes of finishing before another rain delay sets in. His wheat crop, already stressed by drought and a high incidence of wheat streak mosaic virus, is now facing quality declines due to the rain.

“We started with test weights at 60 pounds per bushel on our better fields,” Debes said. “But test weights have dropped since the wheat has been rained on.” Equally stressful has been a constant stream of equipment breakdowns that have kept one or both combines out of fields when Mother Nature has opened up a window for cutting.

Despite the setbacks, Debes expects to harvest&nbsp;more bushels this year than in either of the past two years, when extreme drought nearly wiped out his wheat entirely. “Morale is low, but at least we’ve got bushels to sell to cover the costs of getting this fall’s sorghum crop in the ground,” he added.

Jeff Boyd, CEO of Garden City Coop, reported that wheat harvest in their trade territory is 90 to 95 percent complete. Rains over the holiday weekend have slowed progress, and it may be another two days before combines can roll again in Finney County. Recent storms have also caused lodging in some fields.&nbsp;

Harvest began June 14 at their Hooker, Oklahoma, location. Boyd noted that test weights are averaging around 59 pounds per bushel, and protein levels are coming in at 11.8 percent. Overall, Boyd expects an average to above-average crop in terms of total bushels, with quality landing around average. Yields have ranged widely from the 30s to the 80s, with some of the strongest wheat coming from Finney and Lane counties. Yields have tended to decrease further north. The wheat streak mosaic virus complex has impacted yields and test weights in certain areas, while unusually high humidity has caused threshing issues with some varieties.

In Atchison County, Jay Armstrong wrapped up his Soft Red Winter wheat harvest on July 2 with a farm-wide average of 119 bushels per acre. Only 4.2% of wheat grown in Kansas is SRW, according to USDA/NASS’s winter wheat variety survey for 2025. While Armstrong reported good — but not exceptional — quality and test weights, the biggest challenge this season was getting the crop out between frequent rain delays. His harvested acres have already been planted to doublecrop soybeans.

The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag us at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684379707210.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 9 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Kansas wheat farmers have been facing a challenging wheat harvest due to persistent rains on mature wheat. While test weights have suffered because of this, the 2025 crop has shown stronger yields than the past three drought-stricken years.Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is 82 percent complete, behind 90 percent complete last year but ahead of 77 percent average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending July 6, 2025.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600284821318.jpeg" alt="<a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a>" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.dieselfuelinjectionrepair.com/diesel-fuel-injector-rebuilds?useYB=2,4&amp;cam=ppc-m-m178243-c851458-g-">Click here to visit Diesel Control Technicians website</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Josh Debes, a wheat farmer in northern Barton County, is among those still navigating the final stretch of harvest. Rainfall over the past week has forced Debes to chase dry fields across the county in hopes of finishing before another rain delay sets in. His wheat crop, already stressed by drought and a high incidence of wheat streak mosaic virus, is now facing quality declines due to the rain.“We started with test weights at 60 pounds per bushel on our better fields,” Debes said. “But test weights have dropped since the wheat has been rained on.” Equally stressful has been a constant stream of equipment breakdowns that have kept one or both combines out of fields when Mother Nature has opened up a window for cutting.Despite the setbacks, Debes expects to harvest&nbsp;more bushels this year than in either of the past two years, when extreme drought nearly wiped out his wheat entirely. “Morale is low, but at least we’ve got bushels to sell to cover the costs of getting this fall’s sorghum crop in the ground,” he added.Jeff Boyd, CEO of Garden City Coop, reported that wheat harvest in their trade territory is 90 to 95 percent complete. Rains over the holiday weekend have slowed progress, and it may be another two days before combines can roll again in Finney County. Recent storms have also caused lodging in some fields.&nbsp;Harvest began June 14 at their Hooker, Oklahoma, location. Boyd noted that test weights are averaging around 59 pounds per bushel, and protein levels are coming in at 11.8 percent. Overall, Boyd expects an average to above-average crop in terms of total bushels, with quality landing around average. Yields have ranged widely from the 30s to the 80s, with some of the strongest wheat coming from Finney and Lane counties. Yields have tended to decrease further north. The wheat streak mosaic virus complex has impacted yields and test weights in certain areas, while unusually high humidity has caused threshing issues with some varieties.In Atchison County, Jay Armstrong wrapped up his Soft Red Winter wheat harvest on July 2 with a farm-wide average of 119 bushels per acre. Only 4.2% of wheat grown in Kansas is SRW, according to USDA/NASS’s winter wheat variety survey for 2025. While Armstrong reported good — but not exceptional — quality and test weights, the biggest challenge this season was getting the crop out between frequent rain delays. His harvested acres have already been planted to doublecrop soybeans.The 2025 Harvest Report is brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates on social media, use #wheatharvest25. Tag us at @kansaswheat to share your harvest story and photos.

Kansas Wheat: Harvest report day nine

Geary USD 475 will host its 2025 Back-To-School Carnival on Friday, Aug. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZW3UriJZKH3_8wUSDEXBEjm-6MyBRLuGqlhzZqTx5TWbA-ZXA81LScyE1s_vys9VPzhYro5d68UovFLXYc1W3irQdoIwl-xi-SvnPsiIJIL_vBx1jVrFYLLL0x7bjTK-JpNEqdJrNia1tPGQ9MtkC2Qy2E4rWteRbnCtFHBpCpdRnjtwpFTU6uTRQ0W_i44pdd9z8GHnHwTDz-Vu8Tqcv02&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a>. Gates open at 6 p.m.Are you a local business or organization who would like to have a booth at the carnival? Reserve your spot today by visiting: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/4sv74jjv?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZ2ZwZ3JxQ09qS3h0MUV1bAEehMsHuPa96nAP5rgKSUQ6R813dQZbJRoY1AUpmXOFWt3Y1YwbvupWohoz7P4_aem_HyOzS2tLSW9wGBovMPJ91w" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/4</a><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F4sv74jjv%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZ2ZwZ3JxQ09qS3h0MUV1bAEehMsHuPa96nAP5rgKSUQ6R813dQZbJRoY1AUpmXOFWt3Y1YwbvupWohoz7P4_aem_HyOzS2tLSW9wGBovMPJ91w&amp;h=AT0nE2MsbuG6BRVhGILWWBh-KvlGQNm123HuFRnDujayD_hBDxNsy-skGQ2hqRdtylLLTrciS3pAwySGKSjmBedd-31UOjvjSorA3cpIumaZWgsUIZjXFC38ZNNbn9d7BQICBXuxXafwK_ZkaS9dc1nhfdp_-aJH&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0tMXRsEsLfaRjVR1BVD8gBXdlYCHkoAtGPHPRtpNreapfnMFkd52UlEYqVhsAVmSfN7eBOLD7jVO1SuBNNdKpGs2p_bamdHA89x3mewJrq1qyccbj2nhLhAW1SXlXQbqv0U_5XAvjehySAYbGlR0ZrUjkh05t0XR1B1i1736htwiHiFwJTFiMklP6vtqPnv6gOuWyD5sH5pPHZNW5-yQifoFwJ" target="_blank">sv74jjv</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Geary USD 475 will host its 2025 Back-To-School Carnival on Friday, Aug. 1 from 6-8 p.m. at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZW3UriJZKH3_8wUSDEXBEjm-6MyBRLuGqlhzZqTx5TWbA-ZXA81LScyE1s_vys9VPzhYro5d68UovFLXYc1W3irQdoIwl-xi-SvnPsiIJIL_vBx1jVrFYLLL0x7bjTK-JpNEqdJrNia1tPGQ9MtkC2Qy2E4rWteRbnCtFHBpCpdRnjtwpFTU6uTRQ0W_i44pdd9z8GHnHwTDz-Vu8Tqcv02&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a>. Gates open at 6 p.m.Are you a local business or organization who would like to have a booth at the carnival? Reserve your spot today by visiting: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/4sv74jjv?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZ2ZwZ3JxQ09qS3h0MUV1bAEehMsHuPa96nAP5rgKSUQ6R813dQZbJRoY1AUpmXOFWt3Y1YwbvupWohoz7P4_aem_HyOzS2tLSW9wGBovMPJ91w" target="_blank">https://tinyurl.com/4</a><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftinyurl.com%2F4sv74jjv%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZ2ZwZ3JxQ09qS3h0MUV1bAEehMsHuPa96nAP5rgKSUQ6R813dQZbJRoY1AUpmXOFWt3Y1YwbvupWohoz7P4_aem_HyOzS2tLSW9wGBovMPJ91w&amp;h=AT0nE2MsbuG6BRVhGILWWBh-KvlGQNm123HuFRnDujayD_hBDxNsy-skGQ2hqRdtylLLTrciS3pAwySGKSjmBedd-31UOjvjSorA3cpIumaZWgsUIZjXFC38ZNNbn9d7BQICBXuxXafwK_ZkaS9dc1nhfdp_-aJH&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0tMXRsEsLfaRjVR1BVD8gBXdlYCHkoAtGPHPRtpNreapfnMFkd52UlEYqVhsAVmSfN7eBOLD7jVO1SuBNNdKpGs2p_bamdHA89x3mewJrq1qyccbj2nhLhAW1SXlXQbqv0U_5XAvjehySAYbGlR0ZrUjkh05t0XR1B1i1736htwiHiFwJTFiMklP6vtqPnv6gOuWyD5sH5pPHZNW5-yQifoFwJ" target="_blank">sv74jjv</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Activities will include: Free Food Free Prizes Carnival Games Face Painting Smiling Faces

Back to School Carnival plans for USD 475

Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges reported Monday that year to date there have been 67 rural fires, compared to 57 at this time in 2024.

During the Fourth of July week there were not any rural fire calls.

Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges reported Monday that year to date there have been 67 rural fires, compared to 57 at this time in 2024.During the Fourth of July week there were not any rural fire calls.

Rural Fire Report

Freedom Fest shut down early this last Saturday night due to concerns about lightning. Co-Coordinator Bob Story said the closure occcurred at 9:15 p.m.. WEEE Entertainment stopped their carnival and then Freedom Fest officials made the decision to stop for the evening as well.

Story noted that the turnout in Heritage Park Friday night, July 4th, was one of the largest ever for the 4th, in the 3,000 to 5,000 range. Overall Freedom Fest went well with no major problems reported.

Freedom Fest shut down early this last Saturday night due to concerns about lightning. Co-Coordinator Bob Story said the closure occcurred at 9:15 p.m.. WEEE Entertainment stopped their carnival and then Freedom Fest officials made the decision to stop for the evening as well.Story noted that the turnout in Heritage Park Friday night, July 4th, was one of the largest ever for the 4th, in the 3,000 to 5,000 range. Overall Freedom Fest went well with no major problems reported.

Freedom Fest wrap up

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Manhattan woman was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; Stephanie M. Stallings, 35, Manhattan, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of Snokomo Road. An unknown vehicle swerved into the Toyota's lane. The driver lost control of the Camry.&nbsp; The car traveled off the roadway to the left and came to rest against a tree line.

EMS transported&nbsp;Stallings to Stormont Vail. A passenger in the Toyota was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Manhattan woman was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; Stephanie M. Stallings, 35, Manhattan, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of Snokomo Road. An unknown vehicle swerved into the Toyota's lane. The driver lost control of the Camry.&nbsp; The car traveled off the roadway to the left and came to rest against a tree line.EMS transported&nbsp;Stallings to Stormont Vail. A passenger in the Toyota was not injured. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Manhattan woman injured after I-70 incident

A basketball camp for girls entering Kindergarten through Fifth grade begins this week in Junction City.

The first day of the Junction City Mystics Girls Basketball Camp is Tuesday, July 8th. The camp is free to participate in and will take place every Tuesday and Thursday, through July 24th. (All the days for the camp are: July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24).

Coaches for the camp will be Matt Hoover, Erica Testa, Aaron Landrith, and additional volunteers.

The camp will be held at the Hooverdome, 604 N. Spring Valley Rd. in Junction City.&nbsp; (Enter through the north side door).

You can register for free <a href="https://www.cognitoforms.com/JCMYSTICS/CAMP2025">here</a>.

For more information, contact Matt Hoover at 785-375-3024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751915537954.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostA basketball camp for girls entering Kindergarten through Fifth grade begins this week in Junction City.The first day of the Junction City Mystics Girls Basketball Camp is Tuesday, July 8th. The camp is free to participate in and will take place every Tuesday and Thursday, through July 24th. (All the days for the camp are: July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24).Coaches for the camp will be Matt Hoover, Erica Testa, Aaron Landrith, and additional volunteers.The camp will be held at the Hooverdome, 604 N. Spring Valley Rd. in Junction City.&nbsp; (Enter through the north side door).You can register for free <a href="https://www.cognitoforms.com/JCMYSTICS/CAMP2025">here</a>.For more information, contact Matt Hoover at 785-375-3024.Times for each age group:K-1 Grades – 5:30 p.m.2-3 Grades – 6:30 p.m.4-5 Grades 7:30 p.m.

Junction City Mystics Girls Basketball Camp to begin this week

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating alleged sex crimes in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just after 9p.m. July 5, officers filed a report for aggravated criminal sodomy and rape in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 14-year-old girl was listed as the victim and a 33-year-old man known to her was listed as the suspect. 

The RCPD released no additional information.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating alleged sex crimes in Manhattan.&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. July 5, officers filed a report for aggravated criminal sodomy and rape in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 14-year-old girl was listed as the victim and a 33-year-old man known to her was listed as the suspect. The RCPD released no additional information.

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