Heisman Trophy winner and former pro football running back Billy Sims stopped in Junction City on Saturday and signed autographs at the restaurant that bears his name, Billy Sims Barbecue, on West 6th Street.

Sims won the Heisman Trophy in 1978 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners and received All America recognition two times. He spent five seasons from 1980 to 1984 playing for the Detroit Lions before his career was ended by a knee injury in 1984. Sims earned three Pro Bowl selections.

Sims founded the chain of Billy Sims Barbecue restaurants along with his business partner Jeff Jackson. The restaurant chain is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma and there has been an outlet in Junction City for several years.

Sims said he remains in contact with former Sooner teammates. "We stay in touch. We're getting older now. I'm 69 now and I've got some friends that blocked for me and helped me win the Heisman that are still around so we try to have a good time when we get together."&nbsp;

During his Junction City visit he told the public that he appreciated their business. "It's all about the customer. Hopefully they enjoy the food."

By Dewey Terrill&nbsp; JC PostHeisman Trophy winner and former pro football running back Billy Sims stopped in Junction City on Saturday and signed autographs at the restaurant that bears his name, Billy Sims Barbecue, on West 6th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746317332633.jpeg" alt="( Billy Sims )" />
 <figcaption>( Billy Sims )</figcaption>
 </figure>Sims won the Heisman Trophy in 1978 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners and received All America recognition two times. He spent five seasons from 1980 to 1984 playing for the Detroit Lions before his career was ended by a knee injury in 1984. Sims earned three Pro Bowl selections.Sims founded the chain of Billy Sims Barbecue restaurants along with his business partner Jeff Jackson. The restaurant chain is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma and there has been an outlet in Junction City for several years.Sims said he remains in contact with former Sooner teammates. "We stay in touch. We're getting older now. I'm 69 now and I've got some friends that blocked for me and helped me win the Heisman that are still around so we try to have a good time when we get together."&nbsp;During his Junction City visit he told the public that he appreciated their business. "It's all about the customer. Hopefully they enjoy the food."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746318911514.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;

Heisman Trophy winning running back Billy Sims visits Junction City

By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-04-28/backyard-chicken-rental-eggs">Harvest Public Media</a>

People are flocking to backyard chickens this year, in part due to the sky-high cost of eggs at the grocery store. Some first-timers have turned to chicken rentals to try out ownership for a few months.

Four chickens snack on a treat of dried mealworms, which Katie Hitt shakes into the run of their coop from a red plastic cup.

These chickens have lived in Hitt’s backyard in St. Louis since early April. She and her family have enjoyed the pale blue eggs the hens lay. And her three young kids are having fun with the birds.

“I mean, that's the first thing they're thinking of when they wake up in the morning, is like, how are the chickens and what are they doing?” Hitt said.

This is Hitt’s first time having chickens. She said she’s wanted them for a while, but she was nervous about doing something wrong. She doesn’t know anyone with a backyard flock, and there’s an overwhelming amount of advice online.

But then Hitt heard about chicken rentals.

Four Feathered Hens, a chicken rental business in St. Louis, would deliver hens and a coop right to her home. Its owners Emilie and Tom Schnitzer would provide expert advice. And, she would only need to commit to the chickens for a year.

“It was just like, boom, there we go,” Hitt said. “We didn't have chickens one day, and then we had a whole set up the next.”

Demand for backyard chickens is high this year. That’s in part because of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-21/eggs-expensive-bird-flu" target="_blank">expensive egg prices</a>&nbsp;and shortages at the grocery store brought on by bird flu, which led to fewer laying hens across the country. The price for a dozen large eggs&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">climbed to a record $6.23</a>&nbsp;in March.

Buying or renting chickens is hardly a cost-saving measure, but those in the business say people are interested in a close-to-home egg supply.

“Our renters … they don't have to worry if the store is restricting how many eggs you can buy,” said Jenn Tompkins, the co-founder of national chicken rental business Rent The Chicken. “They don't have to worry even if the store has any eggs or not, because they just walk right outside and collect their fresh eggs.”

Rent The Chicken, which opened over a decade ago and is based in Pennsylvania, partners with farmers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rentthechicken.com/p/buy.html" target="_blank">in cities across the country</a>&nbsp;to rent backyard chickens. More people are interested in renting this year, Tompkins said.

“We've been so busy, we haven't even been able to compare numbers now versus last year,” Tompkins said. “When we looked in February, we were already about 20% ahead on this year versus last year this time.”

Hatcheries across the Midwest that supply backyard chickens also say they’re flooded with orders.

Murray McMurray Hatchery in Webster City, Iowa, sells about 3 million chicks a year to people across the U.S. Typically, the hatchery sells out about two or three weeks in advance, said President Tom Watkins. But this year, it’s sold out through October.

“That's 40 weeks of chickens that are pre-sold,” Watkins said. “We have literally sold them, you know, counted them before they hatched.”

It’s the same deal for Heartland Hatchery, which sells chicks at feed stores in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The hatchery had to buy a landline phone for the first time ever to keep up with the orders.

“Demand this year has been the highest I've ever seen since I've been in business for 29 years,” co-owner Alan Nieder said.

U.S. Postal Service shipping delays that have caused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-09-03/usps-postal-service-slowdowns-baby-birds-dying-transit" target="_blank">chicks to die in transit</a>&nbsp;are also contributing to the high demand, Nieder said.

But even with the record-high prices for eggs, people should still expect to shell out more to keep chickens.

All the needed supplies — such as the coop, the feed and the fencing to protect the birds from predators — cost at least a few hundred dollars, said Katie Bell, an agriculture educator with the University of Illinois Extension.

“You could easily spend $500 before you even get the birds,” Bell said.

Packages from Rent The Chicken vary by location. But in several of its Midwestern cities, including Omaha, Detroit and Milwaukee, a six-month rental of two hens starts at about $500.

Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis, which opened at the beginning of this year, offers six or 12-month rentals. Its packages start at $95 per month for a yearlong commitment.

The most expensive package, at $190 a month, includes full care of the birds, co-founder Emilie Schnitzer said.

“We'll come out, we'll feed the chickens, we'll change out the bedding in the coop, make sure everything is going smoothly, just so it's pretty much the family only has to collect the eggs,” she said.

Hitt and her family are caring for the chickens themselves. She says her kids are picky eaters, but they get excited about the eggs from their chickens.

“They're already deciding whose chicken is whose,” Hitt said. “‘My chicken laid this one, I'm going to eat that one.’ It's really cute.”

This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020162379.png" alt="Katie Hitt and her family are renting these chickens for the next year from Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis. Her three young kids have named the birds Hei Hei, Feathers, Sweethearts and Lego Man. "Sometimes they change the names, but those are the names this week," Hitt said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Katie Hitt and her family are renting these chickens for the next year from Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis. Her three young kids have named the birds Hei Hei, Feathers, Sweethearts and Lego Man. "Sometimes they change the names, but those are the names this week," Hitt said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/skyler-rossi">SKYLER ROSSI</a> <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-04-28/backyard-chicken-rental-eggs">Harvest Public Media</a><h2>People are flocking to backyard chickens this year, in part due to the sky-high cost of eggs at the grocery store. Some first-timers have turned to chicken rentals to try out ownership for a few months.</h2>Four chickens snack on a treat of dried mealworms, which Katie Hitt shakes into the run of their coop from a red plastic cup.These chickens have lived in Hitt’s backyard in St. Louis since early April. She and her family have enjoyed the pale blue eggs the hens lay. And her three young kids are having fun with the birds.“I mean, that's the first thing they're thinking of when they wake up in the morning, is like, how are the chickens and what are they doing?” Hitt said.This is Hitt’s first time having chickens. She said she’s wanted them for a while, but she was nervous about doing something wrong. She doesn’t know anyone with a backyard flock, and there’s an overwhelming amount of advice online.But then Hitt heard about chicken rentals.Four Feathered Hens, a chicken rental business in St. Louis, would deliver hens and a coop right to her home. Its owners Emilie and Tom Schnitzer would provide expert advice. And, she would only need to commit to the chickens for a year.So, the chickens moved in.“It was just like, boom, there we go,” Hitt said. “We didn't have chickens one day, and then we had a whole set up the next.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020327256.png" alt="Katie Hitt enjoys the eggs her rental chickens lay, but she and her family also like the experience of having the birds. "It's just relaxing to come out and just watch these little guys just peck around," she said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Katie Hitt enjoys the eggs her rental chickens lay, but she and her family also like the experience of having the birds. "It's just relaxing to come out and just watch these little guys just peck around," she said. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Demand for backyard chickens is high this year. That’s in part because of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2025-01-21/eggs-expensive-bird-flu" target="_blank">expensive egg prices</a>&nbsp;and shortages at the grocery store brought on by bird flu, which led to fewer laying hens across the country. The price for a dozen large eggs&nbsp;<a href="https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APU0000708111" target="_blank">climbed to a record $6.23</a>&nbsp;in March.Buying or renting chickens is hardly a cost-saving measure, but those in the business say people are interested in a close-to-home egg supply.“Our renters … they don't have to worry if the store is restricting how many eggs you can buy,” said Jenn Tompkins, the co-founder of national chicken rental business Rent The Chicken. “They don't have to worry even if the store has any eggs or not, because they just walk right outside and collect their fresh eggs.”Rent The Chicken, which opened over a decade ago and is based in Pennsylvania, partners with farmers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rentthechicken.com/p/buy.html" target="_blank">in cities across the country</a>&nbsp;to rent backyard chickens. More people are interested in renting this year, Tompkins said.“We've been so busy, we haven't even been able to compare numbers now versus last year,” Tompkins said. “When we looked in February, we were already about 20% ahead on this year versus last year this time.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020423728.png" alt="Katie Hitt collected these pale blue eggs from her chickens. She said they've laid more than a dozen in the first week she's had them. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Katie Hitt collected these pale blue eggs from her chickens. She said they've laid more than a dozen in the first week she's had them. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Hatcheries across the Midwest that supply backyard chickens also say they’re flooded with orders.Murray McMurray Hatchery in Webster City, Iowa, sells about 3 million chicks a year to people across the U.S. Typically, the hatchery sells out about two or three weeks in advance, said President Tom Watkins. But this year, it’s sold out through October.“That's 40 weeks of chickens that are pre-sold,” Watkins said. “We have literally sold them, you know, counted them before they hatched.”It’s the same deal for Heartland Hatchery, which sells chicks at feed stores in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The hatchery had to buy a landline phone for the first time ever to keep up with the orders.“Demand this year has been the highest I've ever seen since I've been in business for 29 years,” co-owner Alan Nieder said.U.S. Postal Service shipping delays that have caused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2024-09-03/usps-postal-service-slowdowns-baby-birds-dying-transit" target="_blank">chicks to die in transit</a>&nbsp;are also contributing to the high demand, Nieder said.<h2>Chickens aren’t cheap</h2>But even with the record-high prices for eggs, people should still expect to shell out more to keep chickens.All the needed supplies — such as the coop, the feed and the fencing to protect the birds from predators — cost at least a few hundred dollars, said Katie Bell, an agriculture educator with the University of Illinois Extension.“You could easily spend $500 before you even get the birds,” Bell said.And that goes for renting chickens, too.Packages from Rent The Chicken vary by location. But in several of its Midwestern cities, including Omaha, Detroit and Milwaukee, a six-month rental of two hens starts at about $500.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746020537310.png" alt="Emilie Schnitzer feeds dried mealworms to the chickens Katie Hitt is renting from her. She wants to help people get started with backyard hens through her chicken rental business. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Emilie Schnitzer feeds dried mealworms to the chickens Katie Hitt is renting from her. She wants to help people get started with backyard hens through her chicken rental business. Photo by Skyler Rossi/Harvest Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>Four Feathered Hens in St. Louis, which opened at the beginning of this year, offers six or 12-month rentals. Its packages start at $95 per month for a yearlong commitment.The most expensive package, at $190 a month, includes full care of the birds, co-founder Emilie Schnitzer said.“We'll come out, we'll feed the chickens, we'll change out the bedding in the coop, make sure everything is going smoothly, just so it's pretty much the family only has to collect the eggs,” she said.Hitt and her family are caring for the chickens themselves. She says her kids are picky eaters, but they get excited about the eggs from their chickens.“They're already deciding whose chicken is whose,” Hitt said. “‘My chicken laid this one, I'm going to eat that one.’ It's really cute.”This story was produced in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/harvestpublicmedia" target="_blank">Harvest Public Media,</a>&nbsp;a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Rent a chicken? More people take a crack at creating their own egg supply

BELOIT— The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) Board of Directors announced that Debra Carlson Ohlde has been appointed as its new Executive Director, effective May 1.“

We are thrilled to have Deb in this top management position at NCRPC,” said Tom Claussen, Chair of the NCRPC Board. “She is extremely qualified and dedicated to North Central Kansas through her involvement in local community activities and her professional career. Deb truly loves this area of the state and will do what is best for the region and the organization.

”Deb is a long-time resident of Clyde, Kansas, with many years of experience at NCRPC. She initially joined the North Central Regional Planning Commission, which is based in Beloit, in 1994 and served in various roles, culminating in the position of Assistant Director, through 2016. 

After that, Deb stayed connected to community development while operating her consulting company, NEW Heartland Freelance. She also served as the Director of Grower Services for Kansas Corn before rejoining the NCRPC in 2022.

"After being with the organization for 22 years, I benefited from the years I spent taking on new types of work and challenges. The skills and experiences from my time away broadened my perspective and expanded my network. However, my heart lies in the community development field and North Central Kansas,” said Ohlde. 

“Helping communities solve problems and realize dreams has been a rewarding career path. I look forward to supporting our capable staff in this new role as we continue to serve the region.”Deb holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kansas State University. She has expertise in strategic planning, small group facilitation, and proposal writing/project management within the public and non-profit sectors.

“We look forward to Deb’s leadership and vision as we continue to advance the organization,” said Claussen.For more information about the North Central Regional Planning Commission, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncrpc.org/">www.ncrpc.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746198627049.png" alt="Debra Carlson Ohlde courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Debra Carlson Ohlde courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBELOIT— The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) Board of Directors announced that Debra Carlson Ohlde has been appointed as its new Executive Director, effective May 1.“We are thrilled to have Deb in this top management position at NCRPC,” said Tom Claussen, Chair of the NCRPC Board. “She is extremely qualified and dedicated to North Central Kansas through her involvement in local community activities and her professional career. Deb truly loves this area of the state and will do what is best for the region and the organization.”Deb is a long-time resident of Clyde, Kansas, with many years of experience at NCRPC. She initially joined the North Central Regional Planning Commission, which is based in Beloit, in 1994 and served in various roles, culminating in the position of Assistant Director, through 2016. After that, Deb stayed connected to community development while operating her consulting company, NEW Heartland Freelance. She also served as the Director of Grower Services for Kansas Corn before rejoining the NCRPC in 2022."After being with the organization for 22 years, I benefited from the years I spent taking on new types of work and challenges. The skills and experiences from my time away broadened my perspective and expanded my network. However, my heart lies in the community development field and North Central Kansas,” said Ohlde. “Helping communities solve problems and realize dreams has been a rewarding career path. I look forward to supporting our capable staff in this new role as we continue to serve the region.”Deb holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kansas State University. She has expertise in strategic planning, small group facilitation, and proposal writing/project management within the public and non-profit sectors.“We look forward to Deb’s leadership and vision as we continue to advance the organization,” said Claussen.For more information about the North Central Regional Planning Commission, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncrpc.org/">www.ncrpc.org</a>.

North Central Regional Planning Commission appoints Executive Director

More than 600 Geary USD 475 third grade students attended Ag Day at the 4-H / Senior Center on Friday.

Kyler Langvardt, Agriculture &amp; Natural Resources Extension Agent, said the students learned about agricultural products, where their food comes from and how it's produced.

He noted that the youth had a chance to view projects. "Cow calf, a dairy calf, poultry, pigs and sheep. So they're getting a variety of livestock animals that produce the food that they eat."

Ag Day Co-Chair Karen Erichsen has been involved with this annual event since 1993. "They're going to learn about animals." Students rotated from location to location during the event, explained Erichsen.&nbsp; "We generally have two ( volunteers ) for each group." There were stops both inside and outside on the rotation.

During the stops inside the 4-H / Senior Center Erichsen said the young people learned about topics such as wheat, corn, soybeans and 4-H.&nbsp;

Also, Geary County Soil Conservation brought a trailer that was used to help teach erosion control.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746226585869.jpeg" alt="( Photos by Kyler Langvardt )" />
 <figcaption>( Photos by Kyler Langvardt )</figcaption>
 </figure>More than 600 Geary USD 475 third grade students attended Ag Day at the 4-H / Senior Center on Friday.Kyler Langvardt, Agriculture &amp; Natural Resources Extension Agent, said the students learned about agricultural products, where their food comes from and how it's produced.He noted that the youth had a chance to view projects. "Cow calf, a dairy calf, poultry, pigs and sheep. So they're getting a variety of livestock animals that produce the food that they eat."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746228523741.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Ag Day Co-Chair Karen Erichsen has been involved with this annual event since 1993. "They're going to learn about animals." Students rotated from location to location during the event, explained Erichsen.&nbsp; "We generally have two ( volunteers ) for each group." There were stops both inside and outside on the rotation.During the stops inside the 4-H / Senior Center Erichsen said the young people learned about topics such as wheat, corn, soybeans and 4-H.&nbsp;Also, Geary County Soil Conservation brought a trailer that was used to help teach erosion control.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746228444429.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Agriculture was a focus for USD 475 third grade students

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on drug allegations.

Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police arrested 51-year-old&nbsp;Theresa Jones of Junction City. near the intersection of Fort Riley Blvd. and E. Riley Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Jones was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 5 counts of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine and 5 counts of unlawful use of a telecommunication device for felony drug transactions. Jones is being held on a $10,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744899405736.jpeg" alt="Theresa Jones -from an April arrest in Gear Co." />
 <figcaption>Theresa Jones -from an April arrest in Gear Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a woman on drug allegations.Just before 7:30p.m. Thursday, police arrested 51-year-old&nbsp;Theresa Jones of Junction City. near the intersection of Fort Riley Blvd. and E. Riley Avenue, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Jones was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for 5 counts of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine and 5 counts of unlawful use of a telecommunication device for felony drug transactions. Jones is being held on a $10,000 bond.

Junction City woman accused of selling meth

The Fort Riley Garrison Safety Office and Irwin Army Community Hospital will host the annual 102 Days of Summer Safety Fair.

There will be displays, information, a chance to talk to subject matter experts on disaster preparedness, personal security, personal firearms registration and requirements, Corvias Housing, motorcycle and ATV safety, hazardous plants and animals.

The Army announced that the Kansas Highway Patrol will have their Seat Belt Convincer on site for those who want to give it a try.

The Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard will be there with Samson, IACH's adopted horse.&nbsp;

630th Ordnance Company will be present for UXO awareness with their robot and bomb suit.

Medical staff will be available from mutliple departments that include Public Health, SHARP, Optometry, Respiratory Thereapy, EMS, OB/WHC, Nutrition and MORE!

&nbsp;Food will be available for purchase.



The Fort Riley Garrison Safety Office and Irwin Army Community Hospital will host the annual 102 Days of Summer Safety Fair.There will be displays, information, a chance to talk to subject matter experts on disaster preparedness, personal security, personal firearms registration and requirements, Corvias Housing, motorcycle and ATV safety, hazardous plants and animals.The Army announced that the Kansas Highway Patrol will have their Seat Belt Convincer on site for those who want to give it a try.The Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard will be there with Samson, IACH's adopted horse.&nbsp;630th Ordnance Company will be present for UXO awareness with their robot and bomb suit.Medical staff will be available from mutliple departments that include Public Health, SHARP, Optometry, Respiratory Thereapy, EMS, OB/WHC, Nutrition and MORE!&nbsp;Food will be available for purchase.

Summer Safety Fair will be held at Fort Riley May 22

Like March, April had above normal temperatures. Unlike March, we also had above average rainfall. Fortunately!The average daily high in April was 67.7, 1.9 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 48.2, 5.6 degrees above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 57.9, 3.7 degrees above normal. Fortunately, this was not close to record warm territory! 

The highest temperature for April was 88 degrees on the 17th. The coldest temperature was 32 degrees on April 5th, 6th, and 7th. Barring an unusually cold snap in early May, that means that April 7th was our last “freeze” of the season and marks the start of the growing season, which is about one week ahead of the 30-year average last frost. There was only one temperature record set during April. The overnight low of 64 on the 17th set a new record high low temperature for that date. The old record was 59 set in 2015. The warmest April on record was in 1955 with a monthly mean temperature of 63.2. The coldest April was 1983 with a monthly mean temperature of 45.9 degrees. While April was in no way exceptional in daily or average temperatures, it should be noted that average overnight low temperatures continue to routinely be well above the long term average.

While rainfall was sporadic at times, it was reassuring to have a month with above average rainfall. Average April rainfall is 3.15 inches. Officially we received 4.50 inches. This brought our year to date total up to 7.08 inches, just slightly above the average year to date total of 6.98, erasing the precipitation deficits of February and March. The heaviest rainfall occurred at the state of the month and the end of the month with the weeks in between being somewhat scant! The wettest April was in 1944 when 12.59 inches flooded the region. The driest April was in 1989 when a mere 0.36 inches was all that could be managed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

May brings spring weather to its full potential and occasionally a hint of summer as well! It is also our wettest month of the year. Average daily highs in May range from 70 on May Day to 80 by the end of the month. Overnight lows range from 49 on the 1st to 60 by the 31st. Long term average rainfall is 5.14 inches. Residents should be aware, however, that the precipitation often comes with severe, even tornadic thunderstorms so please listen to local radio broadcasts and National Weather Service weather radio broadcasts in times of potentially severe thunderstorms!

By Chuck OtteGeary County Extension Agent RetiredLike March, April had above normal temperatures. Unlike March, we also had above average rainfall. Fortunately!The average daily high in April was 67.7, 1.9 degrees above normal. The average overnight low was 48.2, 5.6 degrees above normal. This gave us a monthly mean temperature of 57.9, 3.7 degrees above normal. Fortunately, this was not close to record warm territory! The highest temperature for April was 88 degrees on the 17th. The coldest temperature was 32 degrees on April 5th, 6th, and 7th. Barring an unusually cold snap in early May, that means that April 7th was our last “freeze” of the season and marks the start of the growing season, which is about one week ahead of the 30-year average last frost. There was only one temperature record set during April. The overnight low of 64 on the 17th set a new record high low temperature for that date. The old record was 59 set in 2015. The warmest April on record was in 1955 with a monthly mean temperature of 63.2. The coldest April was 1983 with a monthly mean temperature of 45.9 degrees. While April was in no way exceptional in daily or average temperatures, it should be noted that average overnight low temperatures continue to routinely be well above the long term average.While rainfall was sporadic at times, it was reassuring to have a month with above average rainfall. Average April rainfall is 3.15 inches. Officially we received 4.50 inches. This brought our year to date total up to 7.08 inches, just slightly above the average year to date total of 6.98, erasing the precipitation deficits of February and March. The heaviest rainfall occurred at the state of the month and the end of the month with the weeks in between being somewhat scant! The wettest April was in 1944 when 12.59 inches flooded the region. The driest April was in 1989 when a mere 0.36 inches was all that could be managed.&nbsp;&nbsp;May brings spring weather to its full potential and occasionally a hint of summer as well! It is also our wettest month of the year. Average daily highs in May range from 70 on May Day to 80 by the end of the month. Overnight lows range from 49 on the 1st to 60 by the 31st. Long term average rainfall is 5.14 inches. Residents should be aware, however, that the precipitation often comes with severe, even tornadic thunderstorms so please listen to local radio broadcasts and National Weather Service weather radio broadcasts in times of potentially severe thunderstorms!

April 2025 Junction City Area Weather Summary

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual golf scramble on Friday at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.

Kelly Cook, the Director of the Membership Division of the Chamber, noted that 34 teams participated in the tournament this year. That adds up to 136 golfers. “The weather was great, and it has been a day of fun,” Cook said. “This is the most amount of teams that have ever played in this tournament. The success of this tournament is thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and the Rolling Meadows staff.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746215139324.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual golf scramble on Friday at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.Kelly Cook, the Director of the Membership Division of the Chamber, noted that 34 teams participated in the tournament this year. That adds up to 136 golfers. “The weather was great, and it has been a day of fun,” Cook said. “This is the most amount of teams that have ever played in this tournament. The success of this tournament is thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and the Rolling Meadows staff.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746215013062.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746215159117.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Chamber hosts Annual Golf Tournament at Rolling Meadows

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged sex assault in Manhattan.

Just after 3a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of rape in Manhattan. A 19-year-old woman was listed as a victim and a 46-year-old man known to her was listed as the suspect, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday, police arrested 46-year-old Michael Nash of Manhattan, in the 3200 block of Kimball on a requested charge of rape. Nash met the requirement of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating an alleged sex assault in Manhattan.Just after 3a.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of rape in Manhattan. A 19-year-old woman was listed as a victim and a 46-year-old man known to her was listed as the suspect, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday, police arrested 46-year-old Michael Nash of Manhattan, in the 3200 block of Kimball on a requested charge of rape. Nash met the requirement of a $25,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

Manhattan man accused of rape

DICKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement and school district officials provided an update to their investigation of a reported school threat at Chapman Middle School.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, a concerned parent of a Chapman Middle School student contacted police about a gun that was going to be brought to school, according to a media release from police. The parent told the on-duty Chapman officer that student told them that another student from the school was going to bring a gun to the school on May 2, and "start shooting everyone."

The officer immediately contacted USD 473 officials, others with the police department and the Dickinson County Sheriff's office to coordinate a quick response to the allegation.

A team of officers and deputies responded to the USD 473 District Office and met with school staff. At the same time,&nbsp; officers and deputies began several interviews of students and parents from the school district. After several hours of interviews, the investigation was suspended for the evening with no findings of a credible threat to the students or staff.

On Thursday, officers, deputies and USD 473 officials continued interviews with more students at the school. After several hours of interviews, it was concluded there is no credible threat to students or staff at Chapman Middle School.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.

On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.

Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately.

After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete.  An official statement will be released on Friday.  Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

DICKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement and school district officials provided an update to their investigation of a reported school threat at Chapman Middle School.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, a concerned parent of a Chapman Middle School student contacted police about a gun that was going to be brought to school, according to a media release from police. The parent told the on-duty Chapman officer that student told them that another student from the school was going to bring a gun to the school on May 2, and "start shooting everyone."The officer immediately contacted USD 473 officials, others with the police department and the Dickinson County Sheriff's office to coordinate a quick response to the allegation.A team of officers and deputies responded to the USD 473 District Office and met with school staff. At the same time,&nbsp; officers and deputies began several interviews of students and parents from the school district. After several hours of interviews, the investigation was suspended for the evening with no findings of a credible threat to the students or staff.On Thursday, officers, deputies and USD 473 officials continued interviews with more students at the school. After several hours of interviews, it was concluded there is no credible threat to students or staff at Chapman Middle School.-----------DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately.After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete. An official statement will be released on Friday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police update investigation of reported school threat in Chapman

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting Monday, May 5, for the new E-Sports club and arena in Junction City.&nbsp;

The ribbon-cutting will be at the 12th St. Community Center, located at 1002 W. 12th St.&nbsp; The all new Twister Arena is located in the 12th St. Community Center and will be open to all ages and is free.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746199055749.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a ribbon-cutting Monday, May 5, for the new E-Sports club and arena in Junction City.&nbsp;The ribbon-cutting will be at the 12th St. Community Center, located at 1002 W. 12th St.&nbsp; The all new Twister Arena is located in the 12th St. Community Center and will be open to all ages and is free.&nbsp;

Ribbon-Cutting set for Monday for new E-Sports Arena in Junction City

By Tracy Geisler - Geary Community Healthcare Foundation

The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation was excited to present Kent Vosburg (EMS Chief) with 24 new Zoll AED Machines! These machines replace old and expired ones in necessity areas in Geary County. The value of these machines is over $40,000.00. 

We want to again thank our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, board members as we raised these funds during the 2024 Fall Classic Golf Tournament. There were many steps to take to get these accomplished.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746197408241.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Tracy Geisler - Geary Community Healthcare FoundationThe Geary Community Healthcare Foundation was excited to present Kent Vosburg (EMS Chief) with 24 new Zoll AED Machines! These machines replace old and expired ones in necessity areas in Geary County. The value of these machines is over $40,000.00. We want to again thank our sponsors, supporters, volunteers, board members as we raised these funds during the 2024 Fall Classic Golf Tournament. There were many steps to take to get these accomplished.&nbsp;

Healthcare Foundation donated new AED machines to EMS Fire Chief Kent Vosburg

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.

Jonavan Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 05/01

Jacob Portales, Failure to appear, arrested 05/01

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746195191608.jpeg" alt="Maikel Morales Sanchez, Failure to appear, arrested 05/01" />
 <figcaption>Maikel Morales Sanchez, Failure to appear, arrested 05/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746195202126.jpeg" alt="Kelly Carlson, Outside warrant; Failure to appear, arrested 05/01" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Carlson, Outside warrant; Failure to appear, arrested 05/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746195211887.jpeg" alt="Simeon Attai, Criminal damage to property; Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Criminal discharge of a firearm recklessly at occupied dwelling, arrested 05/01" />
 <figcaption>Simeon Attai, Criminal damage to property; Interference with LEO, Conceal/alter/destroy evidence in felony case; Criminal discharge of a firearm recklessly at occupied dwelling, arrested 05/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746195223528.jpeg" alt="Victorie Taguingo, Criminal restraint; Aggravated domestic battery, Impede breath, Blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 05/01" />
 <figcaption>Victorie Taguingo, Criminal restraint; Aggravated domestic battery, Impede breath, Blocking nose/mouth of family/dating relationship, arrested 05/01</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746195235536.jpeg" alt="Megan Taylor, Outside warrant; Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 05/01" />
 <figcaption>Megan Taylor, Outside warrant; Arrest by LEO, Warrant arrest, arrested 05/01</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Jonavan Walker, Failure to appear, arrested 05/01Jacob Portales, Failure to appear, arrested 05/01Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos May 2

See a need, fill a need. That was the vision of the Kansas wheat farmer who first proposed donating surplus Kansas grain to people in need around the world. Today, U.S. food aid programs continue to serve this goal, using about one million metric tons (36.74 million bushels) of U.S. wheat annually.&nbsp;Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin joined a recent learning journey, organized by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), to get an up-close look at food aid programs at work in East Africa and how this goodwill lays the foundation for future trade relationships.

“Food for Peace and Food for Progress are key programs and policies that were originally started by U.S. farmers and still supported by U.S. farmers,” Gilpin said. “We are in an increasingly important environment right now with dynamic changes in policy, seeing the critical work that food aid provides for those who are in need.”

“We are also introducing our product into a market. Africa creates a unique opportunity where we can provide humanitarian assistance to those who are in need through food aid with wheat, specifically being a high priority food, but then ultimately building goodwill and developing a commercial partner.”

The food aid learning journey took U.S. wheat industry leaders to Kenya and Lesotho to examine the transportation, distribution and impact of the two main U.S. food assistance programs — Food for Peace and Food for Progress.&nbsp;

Food for Peace Feeds Hungry People

The Food for Peace program supplies in-kind donations of food products, of which wheat makes up the largest proportion of emergency food assistance. The program started as a proposal by Kansas farmer Peter O’Brien in September 1953. In 1954, U.S. Senator Andy Schoeppel, a Kansas Senator, sponsored the precursor to today’s food aid programs as legislation, which was later signed by another Kansan, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The team saw the impact of Food for Peace donations firsthand at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, which hosts about 300,000 refugees from a variety of countries across East and Central Africa. The camp is managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), which aims to provide refugees with the standard 2,100 calories each person needs daily. Reaching that goal is not always possible.&nbsp;

Peter Laudeman, USW director of trade policy, explained that due to other global conflicts and distribution issues, the camp was only able to provide 65 percent of the caloric need in the provided ration. At the time of the learning journey, that ration was down to 40 percent with the expectation that it could move as low as 20 percent, making it imperative to get resources — like available U.S. HRW wheat — moving into these programs.&nbsp;

“This is not a well-rounded meal of fresh fruits and vegetables; it’s truly just the basic calories of what you need for the month to live,” Laudeman said. “When you think visually about it, you’re basically getting a two-cup scoop and that’s what you get for the month. What we saw more than anything is that there is a substantial need for more food in that camp. We know we have wheat available in the United States."

The Food for Peace program is administered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is set to be absorbed by the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. wheat industry is actively advocating for the Food for Peace program to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which already administers the sourcing and procurement of commodities like wheat for the Food for Peace program.&nbsp;

“Moving Food for Peace into USDA is going to be more efficient and more effective,” Laudeman said. “Not just for farmers in the United States to have more predictability, but also for groups like the WFP to have consistency, so we are working really hard to make sure that’s a possibility.”&nbsp;

Food for Progress Builds Economies&nbsp;

The second major food aid program in the United States is the Food for Progress program. Under this program, donations of wheat are monetized, which refers to the sale of in-kind donations of U.S. food commodities in recipient countries for local currency. Through monetization, the United States, through USDA and USAID, provides food commodities, like wheat, to a cooperating sponsor, a recipient government or a non-governmental organization. The recipient then can sell that commodity to local processors or traders and the proceeds can be used for developmental projects.&nbsp;

On the learning journey, Gilpin traveled with Laudeman to Maseru, Lesotho, to get a look at the STEPS Food for Progress project run by Venture 37. The project was funded by wheat monetization in Tanzania that is building capacity for the poultry sector within Lesotho.&nbsp;

“The project in Lesotho is actively working across the entire poultry value chain to enhance productivity, target strategic long-term investments and build economic opportunity in partnership with the United States,” Laudeman said. “As an added benefit, many elements of the STEPS project connect to commercial export opportunities for U.S. farmers.”

This project is an example of the vision of the Food for Progress program — how government-facilitated commercial scales can build up economies and establish relationships with future trading partners. The wheat industry actively advocates for this program, including recent support to ensure a spring food aid shipment of 286,000 metric tons (10.5 million bushels) of HRW wheat proceeded as planned.&nbsp;

That shipment came through the port of Mombasa in Kenya, which the team visited earlier in the learning journey, along with the mill that worked to bring in the shipment of wheat and move it through Kenya to the end destination of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While no subsequent shipments are currently scheduled, this shipment represented the work needed to ensure food aid programs provide the right resources in the right places without market distortions.&nbsp;

“We worked to make sure that shipment went out to commercial partners in different markets that were planning on receiving that wheat,” Laudeman said. “We’re hopeful that once we have a better vision of how food aid will be structured in the long-term there will be more opportunities to share how shipments of wheat like this one work well in these programs, whether it is in Kenya or anywhere else.”&nbsp;

Overall, the USW learning journey underscored the enduring legacy and critical role of U.S. wheat in food aid programs. For Kansas wheat farmers, this work serves as a strong reminder of the power of feeding the world — both those in need today and those who will buy tomorrow.&nbsp;

“This USW learning journey gave us a great opportunity to learn about these important food aid programs that were originally started by farmers and still supported by farmers,” Gilpin said. “We were able to see tremendous growth through East Africa, including the role wheat plays in that market as humanitarian assistance and the market potential for future commercial activity.”

Learn more about the USW learning journey&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-YFFLUtXHVhXWy9B_djoMSzDAvECfOXQF-UWFTThNrM6KDfqGE7vbGLN-Mzt-EB0LQhL1HXyeCrtVRoOH4csKG-byEvmss89AuqHkH_zc0lHtQhhGCLEHGJH9ZzSNl0rkl1lsZb7DMh2zYqaE53eHNvzw0Q_Cl1PrS_08Ydp-zezRz9kqn56sFjAQ27tfetE0AXB1IGTNm5wP3ZJtFqfgYTjZSBbdZMkz2WQYnuWrZwiDJ1ZBt1OCZw0Ea3LL8ETBnFTH2C1gSQO5lkofPIaOA==&amp;c=-D3Lhsc_Onm7CTzRy82X_-_JUn6aAu2l0CgQ-DPPP3NpYXmNHZ704A==&amp;ch=moq893EM9Z8QrEemTeq6g8pCPRBq_mvNYUP5JArAR4ipF7ceOR5ZGg==">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684379707210.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS WHEAT COMMISSIONSee a need, fill a need. That was the vision of the Kansas wheat farmer who first proposed donating surplus Kansas grain to people in need around the world. Today, U.S. food aid programs continue to serve this goal, using about one million metric tons (36.74 million bushels) of U.S. wheat annually.&nbsp;Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin joined a recent learning journey, organized by U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), to get an up-close look at food aid programs at work in East Africa and how this goodwill lays the foundation for future trade relationships.“Food for Peace and Food for Progress are key programs and policies that were originally started by U.S. farmers and still supported by U.S. farmers,” Gilpin said. “We are in an increasingly important environment right now with dynamic changes in policy, seeing the critical work that food aid provides for those who are in need.”“We are also introducing our product into a market. Africa creates a unique opportunity where we can provide humanitarian assistance to those who are in need through food aid with wheat, specifically being a high priority food, but then ultimately building goodwill and developing a commercial partner.”The food aid learning journey took U.S. wheat industry leaders to Kenya and Lesotho to examine the transportation, distribution and impact of the two main U.S. food assistance programs — Food for Peace and Food for Progress.&nbsp;Food for Peace Feeds Hungry PeopleThe Food for Peace program supplies in-kind donations of food products, of which wheat makes up the largest proportion of emergency food assistance. The program started as a proposal by Kansas farmer Peter O’Brien in September 1953. In 1954, U.S. Senator Andy Schoeppel, a Kansas Senator, sponsored the precursor to today’s food aid programs as legislation, which was later signed by another Kansan, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.The team saw the impact of Food for Peace donations firsthand at the Kakuma Refugee Camp, which hosts about 300,000 refugees from a variety of countries across East and Central Africa. The camp is managed by the World Food Programme (WFP), which aims to provide refugees with the standard 2,100 calories each person needs daily. Reaching that goal is not always possible.&nbsp;Peter Laudeman, USW director of trade policy, explained that due to other global conflicts and distribution issues, the camp was only able to provide 65 percent of the caloric need in the provided ration. At the time of the learning journey, that ration was down to 40 percent with the expectation that it could move as low as 20 percent, making it imperative to get resources — like available U.S. HRW wheat — moving into these programs.&nbsp;“This is not a well-rounded meal of fresh fruits and vegetables; it’s truly just the basic calories of what you need for the month to live,” Laudeman said. “When you think visually about it, you’re basically getting a two-cup scoop and that’s what you get for the month. What we saw more than anything is that there is a substantial need for more food in that camp. We know we have wheat available in the United States."The Food for Peace program is administered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is set to be absorbed by the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. wheat industry is actively advocating for the Food for Peace program to be administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which already administers the sourcing and procurement of commodities like wheat for the Food for Peace program.&nbsp;“Moving Food for Peace into USDA is going to be more efficient and more effective,” Laudeman said. “Not just for farmers in the United States to have more predictability, but also for groups like the WFP to have consistency, so we are working really hard to make sure that’s a possibility.”&nbsp;Food for Progress Builds Economies&nbsp;The second major food aid program in the United States is the Food for Progress program. Under this program, donations of wheat are monetized, which refers to the sale of in-kind donations of U.S. food commodities in recipient countries for local currency. Through monetization, the United States, through USDA and USAID, provides food commodities, like wheat, to a cooperating sponsor, a recipient government or a non-governmental organization. The recipient then can sell that commodity to local processors or traders and the proceeds can be used for developmental projects.&nbsp;On the learning journey, Gilpin traveled with Laudeman to Maseru, Lesotho, to get a look at the STEPS Food for Progress project run by Venture 37. The project was funded by wheat monetization in Tanzania that is building capacity for the poultry sector within Lesotho.&nbsp;“The project in Lesotho is actively working across the entire poultry value chain to enhance productivity, target strategic long-term investments and build economic opportunity in partnership with the United States,” Laudeman said. “As an added benefit, many elements of the STEPS project connect to commercial export opportunities for U.S. farmers.”This project is an example of the vision of the Food for Progress program — how government-facilitated commercial scales can build up economies and establish relationships with future trading partners. The wheat industry actively advocates for this program, including recent support to ensure a spring food aid shipment of 286,000 metric tons (10.5 million bushels) of HRW wheat proceeded as planned.&nbsp;That shipment came through the port of Mombasa in Kenya, which the team visited earlier in the learning journey, along with the mill that worked to bring in the shipment of wheat and move it through Kenya to the end destination of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While no subsequent shipments are currently scheduled, this shipment represented the work needed to ensure food aid programs provide the right resources in the right places without market distortions.&nbsp;“We worked to make sure that shipment went out to commercial partners in different markets that were planning on receiving that wheat,” Laudeman said. “We’re hopeful that once we have a better vision of how food aid will be structured in the long-term there will be more opportunities to share how shipments of wheat like this one work well in these programs, whether it is in Kenya or anywhere else.”&nbsp;Food Aid Makes Good CentsOverall, the USW learning journey underscored the enduring legacy and critical role of U.S. wheat in food aid programs. For Kansas wheat farmers, this work serves as a strong reminder of the power of feeding the world — both those in need today and those who will buy tomorrow.&nbsp;“This USW learning journey gave us a great opportunity to learn about these important food aid programs that were originally started by farmers and still supported by farmers,” Gilpin said. “We were able to see tremendous growth through East Africa, including the role wheat plays in that market as humanitarian assistance and the market potential for future commercial activity.”Learn more about the USW learning journey&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-YFFLUtXHVhXWy9B_djoMSzDAvECfOXQF-UWFTThNrM6KDfqGE7vbGLN-Mzt-EB0LQhL1HXyeCrtVRoOH4csKG-byEvmss89AuqHkH_zc0lHtQhhGCLEHGJH9ZzSNl0rkl1lsZb7DMh2zYqaE53eHNvzw0Q_Cl1PrS_08Ydp-zezRz9kqn56sFjAQ27tfetE0AXB1IGTNm5wP3ZJtFqfgYTjZSBbdZMkz2WQYnuWrZwiDJ1ZBt1OCZw0Ea3LL8ETBnFTH2C1gSQO5lkofPIaOA==&amp;c=-D3Lhsc_Onm7CTzRy82X_-_JUn6aAu2l0CgQ-DPPP3NpYXmNHZ704A==&amp;ch=moq893EM9Z8QrEemTeq6g8pCPRBq_mvNYUP5JArAR4ipF7ceOR5ZGg==">here</a>.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Wheat Scoop: Building tomorrow’s markets- Wheat’s role in food aid programs in East Africa

Over the last weekend of April, the Geary County Historical Society hosted the third annual History Alive! event, a&nbsp;historic reenactment weekend that invited the public to step back in time and experience history firsthand. Reenactors from across the state of Kansas set up camp—including tents and three tipis—over the weekend, and the three buildings at the Spring Valley Historic Site were also open to the public.&nbsp;

On Friday, the day was reserved for school children and nearly 350 students from Junction City Middle School, St. Xavier Catholic Schools, and the Apostolic Academy had the opportunity to visit with the reenactors, explore the interiors of tipis, get hands on with pioneer chores, experience live fiddle and banjo music, practice archery skills, and learn about life inside a one-room log cabin.&nbsp;On Saturday, the event was open to the public from 10am-4pm, and the site saw 600 visitors over the course of the day. 

Along with the same activities the school children experienced, visitors were also able to learn about historic photography methods, practice weaving and crochet, learn about old farming practices and chop wood. Concessions including fire-roasted hot dogs and fresh kettle corn were also available to purchase.&nbsp;

History Alive! Is the brainchild of Geary County Historical Society staff and Scott "Moose" Jury, a local reenactor who specializes in mid-19th century plains history. The first event started with Moose and his tipi and by the third year has grown to include 30 reenactors plus Historical Society volunteers.&nbsp;The Historical Society would like to thank reenactors Moose and Nate Jury, Chris Yackle, Buzz Reichard, Dennis Kindle, Jan Elder, Victoria Lefean, Derrick Doty, Gene and Treena Barnes, and the Old Abilene Town Gunfighters for helping to make the event come to life.&nbsp;

The event was sponsored by the Junction City Breakfast Optimist Club, the United Way of Junction CIty Geary County and the Munson family.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746144267924.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Over the last weekend of April, the Geary County Historical Society hosted the third annual History Alive! event, a&nbsp;historic reenactment weekend that invited the public to step back in time and experience history firsthand. Reenactors from across the state of Kansas set up camp—including tents and three tipis—over the weekend, and the three buildings at the Spring Valley Historic Site were also open to the public.&nbsp;On Friday, the day was reserved for school children and nearly 350 students from Junction City Middle School, St. Xavier Catholic Schools, and the Apostolic Academy had the opportunity to visit with the reenactors, explore the interiors of tipis, get hands on with pioneer chores, experience live fiddle and banjo music, practice archery skills, and learn about life inside a one-room log cabin.&nbsp;On Saturday, the event was open to the public from 10am-4pm, and the site saw 600 visitors over the course of the day. Along with the same activities the school children experienced, visitors were also able to learn about historic photography methods, practice weaving and crochet, learn about old farming practices and chop wood. Concessions including fire-roasted hot dogs and fresh kettle corn were also available to purchase.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746144318067.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>History Alive! Is the brainchild of Geary County Historical Society staff and Scott "Moose" Jury, a local reenactor who specializes in mid-19th century plains history. The first event started with Moose and his tipi and by the third year has grown to include 30 reenactors plus Historical Society volunteers.&nbsp;The Historical Society would like to thank reenactors Moose and Nate Jury, Chris Yackle, Buzz Reichard, Dennis Kindle, Jan Elder, Victoria Lefean, Derrick Doty, Gene and Treena Barnes, and the Old Abilene Town Gunfighters for helping to make the event come to life.&nbsp;The event was sponsored by the Junction City Breakfast Optimist Club, the United Way of Junction CIty Geary County and the Munson family.&nbsp;

History Alive! Welcomed Nearly 1000 Visitors over the Weekend

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation Wednesday, April 30, to allow a waiver for hours of service for motor carriers in Kansas. Areas within Kansas and surrounding states are experiencing a fuel shortage causing long lines at fuel terminals thereby causing a disruption in supply delivery and a need for drivers to increase the number of hours of service to deliver product. &nbsp;Diesel has been the earliest affected, but gasoline could be affected as well.

“I am issuing this declaration to help alleviate the delay in getting the fuel to the end user,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is not just a Kansas issue; our neighboring states are experiencing the same delays.”

“In support of Governor Kelly’s Disaster Emergency Proclamation, the Kansas Corporation Commission has issued an order granting a temporary 14-day waiver of federal regulations limiting hours of service for all intrastate and interstate motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles who are providing direct assistance,” said Andrew French, Chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission. “This action will assist in efforts to prevent a disruption in supply delivery related to the current fuel shortage by allowing drivers to increase their hours to deliver products.”

“The Kansas Highway Patrol acknowledges the Governor’s proclamation and will ensure enforcement efforts concerning commercial motor vehicles are consistent with these developments,” said Colonel Erik Smith, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684348530032.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENTGovernor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation Wednesday, April 30, to allow a waiver for hours of service for motor carriers in Kansas. Areas within Kansas and surrounding states are experiencing a fuel shortage causing long lines at fuel terminals thereby causing a disruption in supply delivery and a need for drivers to increase the number of hours of service to deliver product. &nbsp;Diesel has been the earliest affected, but gasoline could be affected as well.“I am issuing this declaration to help alleviate the delay in getting the fuel to the end user,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is not just a Kansas issue; our neighboring states are experiencing the same delays.”“In support of Governor Kelly’s Disaster Emergency Proclamation, the Kansas Corporation Commission has issued an order granting a temporary 14-day waiver of federal regulations limiting hours of service for all intrastate and interstate motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles who are providing direct assistance,” said Andrew French, Chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission. “This action will assist in efforts to prevent a disruption in supply delivery related to the current fuel shortage by allowing drivers to increase their hours to deliver products.”“The Kansas Highway Patrol acknowledges the Governor’s proclamation and will ensure enforcement efforts concerning commercial motor vehicles are consistent with these developments,” said Colonel Erik Smith, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Gov. Kelly issues state of disaster emergency to allow for motor carrier waiver 

On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School,  624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.

Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately. 

After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete.&nbsp; An official statement will be released on Friday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

DICKINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement and USD 473 staff are investigating an alleged threat at the middle school in Chapman.On Wednesday, an officer with Chapman Police was notified of a potential harmful event that may occur at a later date at the Chapman Middle School, 624 Marshall Ave, Chapman, according to a social media report from the Chapman Police Department.Chapman police immediately made contact with USD 473 staff and contacted the Dickinson Co. Sheriff’s Office and an investigation began immediately. After the investigation, the officials feel that there is no credible threat. The investigation isn’t complete.&nbsp; An official statement will be released on Friday.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

Police investigating alleged threat at Chapman middle school

GM recalls nearly 600,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC cars due to engine failure risks

The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City is hosting its 2025 Summer Reading Kick-Off party this Saturday, May 3. The theme is “Color Our World.” 

The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with several activities planned. Weather permitting, the Summer Reading Kick-Off event will be an indoor-outdoor celebration. The day will include balloon artists, bouncy houses, face paintings, food, and more.

The Bookmark contest winners will be announced at Noon. As a part of the announcement, Junction City Mayor Pat Landes and Geary County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher will attend to recognize the winners.

Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Director Susan Moyer explained that the summer reading program is for both students and adults. “Not only is summer reading effective in combating learning loss, but it is also a time for all to explore their reading preferences and stretch those boundaries to experience new things,” Moyer said.

The library is located at 230 W. 7th St. in Junction City. For more information about the Library, you can view their website <a href="https://jclib.org/">here at jclib.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746130860933.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Dorothy Bramlage Public Library in Junction City is hosting its 2025 Summer Reading Kick-Off party this Saturday, May 3. The theme is “Color Our World.” The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with several activities planned. Weather permitting, the Summer Reading Kick-Off event will be an indoor-outdoor celebration. The day will include balloon artists, bouncy houses, face paintings, food, and more.The Bookmark contest winners will be announced at Noon. As a part of the announcement, Junction City Mayor Pat Landes and Geary County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher will attend to recognize the winners.Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Director Susan Moyer explained that the summer reading program is for both students and adults. “Not only is summer reading effective in combating learning loss, but it is also a time for all to explore their reading preferences and stretch those boundaries to experience new things,” Moyer said.The library is located at 230 W. 7th St. in Junction City. For more information about the Library, you can view their website <a href="https://jclib.org/">here at jclib.org.</a>

DBPL Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party is Saturday.

ABILENE —Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene wore blue jeans at work for another “Jeans Day” fundraiser on Fridays throughout the month of April. 

Employees make a donation, of at least $5, and are allowed to wear blue jeans at work.&nbsp;A total donation of $820 is being used to purchase diapers for the Community Baby Shower event.&nbsp;The event, organized by the Dickinson County Health Department, invites all Dickinson County women who are pregnant and new moms (up to three months postpartum) to attend. 

Information is available on community resources, plus, there are gifts, raffles, prizes, and more. The Community Baby Shower will be held on May 8th, at Sterl Hall, in Abilene with registration from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the event beginning at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;

The monthly Jeans Day fundraiser is organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746105349767.png" alt="Tanya Rader, MHS employee; Harold Courtois, MHS employee; Jenny Stuck, MHS employee; Haley Jones, EOC committee member; and Matilda Calvin, MHS employee." />
 <figcaption>Tanya Rader, MHS employee; Harold Courtois, MHS employee; Jenny Stuck, MHS employee; Haley Jones, EOC committee member; and Matilda Calvin, MHS employee.</figcaption>
 </figure>ABILENE —Employees of Memorial Health System (MHS) in Abilene wore blue jeans at work for another “Jeans Day” fundraiser on Fridays throughout the month of April. Employees make a donation, of at least $5, and are allowed to wear blue jeans at work.&nbsp;A total donation of $820 is being used to purchase diapers for the Community Baby Shower event.&nbsp;The event, organized by the Dickinson County Health Department, invites all Dickinson County women who are pregnant and new moms (up to three months postpartum) to attend. Information is available on community resources, plus, there are gifts, raffles, prizes, and more. The Community Baby Shower will be held on May 8th, at Sterl Hall, in Abilene with registration from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the event beginning at 5:00 p.m.&nbsp;The monthly Jeans Day fundraiser is organized by the MHS Employer of Choice (EOC) committee.

MHS employees donate to purchase diapers for community baby shower event 

Valentina Morales was recognized on April 30 at the Hampton Inn as the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Student of the Month.  Valentina represents the tenets of the Optimist Creed at school and in her activities.  She is a junior at Junction City High School and is preparing to enter the Air Force or Army upon graduation next year. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746117182800.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are Aerianna Cazee and LTC Richard Hodgson, with the JCHS JROTC Program; Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President; Valentina Morales and Vivian Aguilar, Valentina's mother." />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are Aerianna Cazee and LTC Richard Hodgson, with the JCHS JROTC Program; Nita Miller, JC Breakfast Optimist Club President; Valentina Morales and Vivian Aguilar, Valentina's mother.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell MillerJC Breakfast Optimist ClubValentina Morales was recognized on April 30 at the Hampton Inn as the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Student of the Month. Valentina represents the tenets of the Optimist Creed at school and in her activities. She is a junior at Junction City High School and is preparing to enter the Air Force or Army upon graduation next year.

JC Breakfast Optimist Club names Student of the Month

The Geary County Register of Deed’s Office has announced the upcoming launch of Property Fraud Alert, a free notification service to help notify citizens against potential property fraud. This service will be available to all Geary County residents starting soon.

Property fraud, often referred to as "house stealing," is a growing issue nationwide. Fraudsters use stolen identities to file fake deeds or other legal documents, making it appear as though they own a property. This can result in devastating financial and legal consequences for property owners.

**Please note: At this time, the Geary County Register of Deeds office is not aware of fraudulent activity regarding real estate in Geary County. This service will not PREVENT fraud from happening, but our hope is that this proactive step in property protection will give the homeowners and taxpayers of Geary County peace of mind.

· Real-Time Notifications: Citizens will receive immediate alerts via email, phone, or text when any document is recorded in their name or associated with their property.

· Monitoring Made Simple: The service automatically tracks public records, ensuring property owners are informed of any changes related to their property.

· Proactive Fraud Prevention: By staying informed, property owners can act quickly to investigate suspicious filings and take necessary steps to protect their assets.

How to Enroll: Residents can sign up for Property Fraud Alert by visiting our website at PropertyFraudAlert.com/KSGeary or by contacting the Geary County Register of Deeds at 785-238-5531 for assistance. Enrollment takes only a few minutes, and all you need is your name and preferred contact information.

Register of Deeds releaseThe Geary County Register of Deed’s Office has announced the upcoming launch of Property Fraud Alert, a free notification service to help notify citizens against potential property fraud. This service will be available to all Geary County residents starting soon.Property fraud, often referred to as "house stealing," is a growing issue nationwide. Fraudsters use stolen identities to file fake deeds or other legal documents, making it appear as though they own a property. This can result in devastating financial and legal consequences for property owners.**Please note: At this time, the Geary County Register of Deeds office is not aware of fraudulent activity regarding real estate in Geary County. This service will not PREVENT fraud from happening, but our hope is that this proactive step in property protection will give the homeowners and taxpayers of Geary County peace of mind.Property Fraud Alert Offers:· Real-Time Notifications: Citizens will receive immediate alerts via email, phone, or text when any document is recorded in their name or associated with their property.· Monitoring Made Simple: The service automatically tracks public records, ensuring property owners are informed of any changes related to their property.· Proactive Fraud Prevention: By staying informed, property owners can act quickly to investigate suspicious filings and take necessary steps to protect their assets.How to Enroll: Residents can sign up for Property Fraud Alert by visiting our website at PropertyFraudAlert.com/KSGeary or by contacting the Geary County Register of Deeds at 785-238-5531 for assistance. Enrollment takes only a few minutes, and all you need is your name and preferred contact information.

Geary County Register of Deed’s Office to Launch Free Property Fraud Alert Service

The Chamber of Commerce, Mayor, Commissioners, Kiwanis South Club,&nbsp; I.C.A.R.E. and others, recently had their ribbon cutting at Coronado Park for the new upgraded playground equipment.

I.C.A.R.E.&nbsp; contributed to installing a "Cardio Stepper" Fitness Equipment for adults of all ages. While the kids are playing, adults young &amp; old can also exercise while being able to monitor their&nbsp;child. The organization will also assist with park accessories. (grill, water fountain, bike rack)&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Chamber of Commerce, Mayor, Commissioners, Kiwanis South Club,&nbsp; I.C.A.R.E. and others, recently had their ribbon cutting at Coronado Park for the new upgraded playground equipment.I.C.A.R.E.&nbsp; contributed to installing a "Cardio Stepper" Fitness Equipment for adults of all ages. While the kids are playing, adults young &amp; old can also exercise while being able to monitor their&nbsp;child. The organization will also assist with park accessories. (grill, water fountain, bike rack)&nbsp; &nbsp;

New upgraded playground equipment is installed at Coronado Park

The S.A.L. Breakfast benefiting the Junction City Special Olympics Team will be held Saturday from 7 - 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post #45, 201 East 4th Street, Junction City.

The menu includes biscuits &amp; gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, ham, coffee and juice.

Tickets are available at the door, American Legion Post #45 Lounge or from John Hagerty at 785-209-1996. Make checks payable to: Junction City Pacesetters.

This is open to the public. Dine-in, carry-out or pick-up. Delivery is available.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe S.A.L. Breakfast benefiting the Junction City Special Olympics Team will be held Saturday from 7 - 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post #45, 201 East 4th Street, Junction City.The menu includes biscuits &amp; gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, ham, coffee and juice.Tickets are available at the door, American Legion Post #45 Lounge or from John Hagerty at 785-209-1996. Make checks payable to: Junction City Pacesetters.This is open to the public. Dine-in, carry-out or pick-up. Delivery is available.

Breakfast will benefit Special Olympics Team

William Mitchell, Failure to appear, arrested 04/30

Darnell Manning, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Interference with LEO, Falsely report a crime intending to obstruct; Unlawful shooting in the city, arrested 04/30

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115395156.jpeg" alt="Julishia Brewer, Failure to appear, arrested 04/30" />
 <figcaption>Julishia Brewer, Failure to appear, arrested 04/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115415261.jpeg" alt="Janay Banks, Theft - From a motor vehicle; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 04/30" />
 <figcaption>Janay Banks, Theft - From a motor vehicle; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 04/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115425533.jpeg" alt="Joanna Anderson, Probation violation, arrested 04/30" />
 <figcaption>Joanna Anderson, Probation violation, arrested 04/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115435357.jpeg" alt="Nickolaus Jackson, Arrested by LEO, Probable cause of warrant in state or other jurisdiction, arrested 04/30" />
 <figcaption>Nickolaus Jackson, Arrested by LEO, Probable cause of warrant in state or other jurisdiction, arrested 04/30</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746115445206.jpeg" alt="Christopher Patcheak, Failure to appear, arrested 04/30" />
 <figcaption>Christopher Patcheak, Failure to appear, arrested 04/30</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.William Mitchell, Failure to appear, arrested 04/30Darnell Manning, Possession of drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana; Interference with LEO, Falsely report a crime intending to obstruct; Unlawful shooting in the city, arrested 04/30Recent 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.

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