There will be a community clean-up event on Grant Ave in Junction City on Saturday at the Grant Ave Boat Ramp and will have equipment provided by Junction City - KS Parks &amp; Recreation. The clean-up is being hosted by Junction City Main Street. It begins at 7:30 a.m.

Please bring gloves, weed eaters, flat head shovels, empty 5-gallon paint buckets, leaf blowers, brooms, and dust pans to help expose the sidewalks along Grant Ave. This is an opportunity for families to collect community service hours before school begins.

There will be a community clean-up event on Grant Ave in Junction City on Saturday at the Grant Ave Boat Ramp and will have equipment provided by Junction City - KS Parks &amp; Recreation. The clean-up is being hosted by Junction City Main Street. It begins at 7:30 a.m.Please bring gloves, weed eaters, flat head shovels, empty 5-gallon paint buckets, leaf blowers, brooms, and dust pans to help expose the sidewalks along Grant Ave. This is an opportunity for families to collect community service hours before school begins.

Grant Ave. clean-up is scheduled on Saturday

GEARY COUNTY —A Fort Riley man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 KTM RC390 motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Brycen Chance&nbsp;Ronk, 21, Fort Riley, was traveling onto eastbound Interstate 70 at Grandview Plaza. 

The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed on the on ramp and passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the ramp. 

The motorcycle swerved back into the eastbound lane of Interstate 70, continued to swerve and crossed through the center line entering the westbound lanes of the Interstate and struck a 2022 International semi driven by Brian Lynn Plyer, 51, Bellvue, Nebraska, head-on.

Ronk was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Medical. Plyer was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.

The Geary County Sheriff's Department reported that eastbound traffic on I-70 opened up at 4 p.m. Precaution should still be used.

Traffic had been backed up in both directions due to the fatal accident on I-70.&nbsp;

Geary County Emergency Management has reported at mid-day that motorists should avoid the area of of I 70 at exit 299. Both east and west bound traffic is being rerouted through Grandview Plaza from 299 to 301 for the next 2 to 3 hours while the scene is worked due to a fatality accident.

Troopers and first responders are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash involving a semi and a motorcycle on I-70 in Geary County near Junction City. This area has ongoing construction. 

Please slow down and adjust your speed as they assist those involved. Expect traffic delays and possible reroutes.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722538918870.png" alt="Traffic backed up on Thursday due to the fatal accident-image KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>Traffic backed up on Thursday due to the fatal accident-image KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —A Fort Riley man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Thursday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2023 KTM RC390 motorcycle driven by&nbsp;Brycen Chance&nbsp;Ronk, 21, Fort Riley, was traveling onto eastbound Interstate 70 at Grandview Plaza. The motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed on the on ramp and passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the ramp. The motorcycle swerved back into the eastbound lane of Interstate 70, continued to swerve and crossed through the center line entering the westbound lanes of the Interstate and struck a 2022 International semi driven by Brian Lynn Plyer, 51, Bellvue, Nebraska, head-on.Ronk was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Frontier Medical. Plyer was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.------------------------UPDATE:The Geary County Sheriff's Department reported that eastbound traffic on I-70 opened up at 4 p.m. Precaution should still be used.Traffic had been backed up in both directions due to the fatal accident on I-70.&nbsp;---Geary County Emergency Management has reported at mid-day that motorists should avoid the area of of I 70 at exit 299. Both east and west bound traffic is being rerouted through Grandview Plaza from 299 to 301 for the next 2 to 3 hours while the scene is worked due to a fatality accident.Troopers and first responders are at the scene of a two-vehicle crash involving a semi and a motorcycle on I-70 in Geary County near Junction City. This area has ongoing construction. Please slow down and adjust your speed as they assist those involved. Expect traffic delays and possible reroutes.

KHP: Fort Riley man dies after wrong-way, head-on crash

RCALF USA’s Bill Bullard will be headlining a “Working Together for Better Prices” state meeting of Kansas National Farmers on August 7 at the Smoky Valley Distillery in Marquette, Kansas.

Bullard will speak at a free noon luncheon. His topic will be “America's Unprecedented Cattle Crisis Persists”. The public is invited. RSVPs are encouraged. Call Greg Stephens at 785-819-6887, or Ray Kohman at 785-479-6023.

Bullard's talk will also be livestreamed at this link- https://www.youtube.com/live/om109ko1t4E or by going to Kansas NFO's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kansasnfo/.

Also speaking will be USDA/NRCS Resource Conservationist Dean Krehbiel and National Farmers grain marketing representative Therese Seiler.

RCALF USA is located in Billings, Montana and is a cattle producer-only trade association dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries.

“We invited Bullard as our headline speaker because of the cattle industries importance to Kansas, the nation, and consumers,” said Solomon farmer and Kansas National Farmers president Ray Kohman.

Kansas has over 27,000 beef cattle ranches according to the Beef Council. It also ranks first in the number of cattle processed, second in fed cattle marketing and seventh in beef cows.

Other speakers will be Rinkes Cattle Company’s Justin Rinke, Holton, Kansas, and Kansas State Resource Conservationist Dean Krehbiel who will participate in a soil and livestock panel followed by Colwich, Kansas grain marketing representative Theresa Seiler who will give a grain marketing update.

Kansas National FarmersRCALF USA’s Bill Bullard will be headlining a “Working Together for Better Prices” state meeting of Kansas National Farmers on August 7 at the Smoky Valley Distillery in Marquette, Kansas.Bullard will speak at a free noon luncheon. His topic will be “America's Unprecedented Cattle Crisis Persists”. The public is invited. RSVPs are encouraged. Call Greg Stephens at 785-819-6887, or Ray Kohman at 785-479-6023.Bullard's talk will also be livestreamed at this link- https://www.youtube.com/live/om109ko1t4E or by going to Kansas NFO's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kansasnfo/.Also speaking will be USDA/NRCS Resource Conservationist Dean Krehbiel and National Farmers grain marketing representative Therese Seiler.RCALF USA is located in Billings, Montana and is a cattle producer-only trade association dedicated to ensuring the continued profitability and viability of the U.S. cattle and sheep industries.“We invited Bullard as our headline speaker because of the cattle industries importance to Kansas, the nation, and consumers,” said Solomon farmer and Kansas National Farmers president Ray Kohman.Kansas has over 27,000 beef cattle ranches according to the Beef Council. It also ranks first in the number of cattle processed, second in fed cattle marketing and seventh in beef cows.Other speakers will be Rinkes Cattle Company’s Justin Rinke, Holton, Kansas, and Kansas State Resource Conservationist Dean Krehbiel who will participate in a soil and livestock panel followed by Colwich, Kansas grain marketing representative Theresa Seiler who will give a grain marketing update.

“Working Together for Better Prices” topic of Kansas National Farmers meeting

Manager, Public and Government Affairs AAA Kansas / AAA South Dakota

Trip allows fans to immerse themselves in the cultural, culinary and scenic richness of the Emerald Isle before cheering on the team.

MANHATTAN, Kan. With plenty of purple-clad Wildcats fans setting their sights on following the team for its 2025 season kickoff on August 23, 2025 in Dublin, AAA Travel and partner CIE Tours have created a 9-night itinerary exploring Irish tradition and scenery, including transportation to/from Aviva Stadium in Dublin where the Cats will fight to win their first football came of the season.

Highlights of the tour include Galway, Kilbeggan Distillery tour, visit to Ireland’s oldest pub in Athlone, Inishmore in the Aran Islands, prehistoric Dun Aengus fortress, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Killarney, the castle and “Stone of Eloquence” in Blarney, the Dingle Peninsula, and while in Dublin, a driving tour of the city, visit to the Guinness Storehouse, motorcoach transportation to the game, trip to the Irish Emigration Museum and tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

“So many people have a vacation to the stunning Emerald Isle on their travel bucket lists,” said Roni Deeds, AAA Travel advisor in the AAA Manhattan store. “This game for the Wildcats in Dublin provides a perfect, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity for fans to combine two amazing experiences into one memorable tour.&nbsp;

AAA Travel and CIE Tours are hosting an informational presentation about the tour. The free seminar is open to the public, but attendees are asked to RSVP, as seats are limited. This will be&nbsp; Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the AAA Manhattan Travel/ Retail Store, 321 Southwind Road in Manhattan.

WHERE:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AAA Manhattan Travel/Retail Store

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 321 Southwind Road, Manhattan, KS 66503

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;   RSVP required (785) 323-4960 or

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The AAA/CIE tour package includes services of a AAA trip leader, deluxe motor coach transportation while in Ireland, 9 nights accommodations, 12 meals (9 breakfasts and 3 dinners), meet and greet service at the airport and all attractions and tours on the itinerary. Airfare is not included in the package but will be provided as an optional addition in late 2024 and will include airport transfers.&nbsp;Game tickets are not included&nbsp;but may be purchased through the university or game organizer.

Interested travelers with questions, needing additional information or requesting a copy of the travel itinerary for the tour should contact AAA Travel advisor Roni Deeds at (785) 323-4960 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rdeeds@aca.aaa.com">rdeeds@aca.aaa.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722552071333.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Shawn StewardManager, Public and Government Affairs AAA Kansas / AAA South DakotaAAA Club Alliance Inc.Trip allows fans to immerse themselves in the cultural, culinary and scenic richness of the Emerald Isle before cheering on the team.MANHATTAN, Kan. With plenty of purple-clad Wildcats fans setting their sights on following the team for its 2025 season kickoff on August 23, 2025 in Dublin, AAA Travel and partner CIE Tours have created a 9-night itinerary exploring Irish tradition and scenery, including transportation to/from Aviva Stadium in Dublin where the Cats will fight to win their first football came of the season.Highlights of the tour include Galway, Kilbeggan Distillery tour, visit to Ireland’s oldest pub in Athlone, Inishmore in the Aran Islands, prehistoric Dun Aengus fortress, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Killarney, the castle and “Stone of Eloquence” in Blarney, the Dingle Peninsula, and while in Dublin, a driving tour of the city, visit to the Guinness Storehouse, motorcoach transportation to the game, trip to the Irish Emigration Museum and tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.“So many people have a vacation to the stunning Emerald Isle on their travel bucket lists,” said Roni Deeds, AAA Travel advisor in the AAA Manhattan store. “This game for the Wildcats in Dublin provides a perfect, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity for fans to combine two amazing experiences into one memorable tour.&nbsp;AAA Travel and CIE Tours are hosting an informational presentation about the tour. The free seminar is open to the public, but attendees are asked to RSVP, as seats are limited. This will be&nbsp; Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the AAA Manhattan Travel/ Retail Store, 321 Southwind Road in Manhattan.WHERE:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; AAA Manhattan Travel/Retail Store&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 321 Southwind Road, Manhattan, KS 66503&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; RSVP required (785) 323-4960 or&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The AAA/CIE tour package includes services of a AAA trip leader, deluxe motor coach transportation while in Ireland, 9 nights accommodations, 12 meals (9 breakfasts and 3 dinners), meet and greet service at the airport and all attractions and tours on the itinerary. Airfare is not included in the package but will be provided as an optional addition in late 2024 and will include airport transfers.&nbsp;Game tickets are not included&nbsp;but may be purchased through the university or game organizer.Interested travelers with questions, needing additional information or requesting a copy of the travel itinerary for the tour should contact AAA Travel advisor Roni Deeds at (785) 323-4960 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rdeeds@aca.aaa.com">rdeeds@aca.aaa.com</a>.

Ireland travel tour leads up to Wildcats 2025 season kickoff in Dublin

Submitted for&nbsp;Insight Kansas&nbsp;by Michael A. Smith

“Are you better off than you were four years ago?”

It is no secret that President Biden is unpopular.&nbsp; In the 2023&nbsp;Kansas Speaks&nbsp;poll, a whopping 62.8% of respondents were dissatisfied with Biden’s performance, versus 32.9% who were dissatisfied with fellow Democrat, Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp; Widespread approval of Biden’s withdrawal is one of the few issues these days that bring Democrats, Republicans and independents together.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The focus on Biden’s withdrawal centered on his age and his poor performance in the first Presidential debate–both legitimate concerns.&nbsp; Yet another issue lurks.&nbsp; By many measures, Biden’s presidency has been highly successful, characterized by a recovery from the COVID pandemic, a strong economy, falling violent crime rates, decreased poverty, and policies that have advanced the transition to domestically-produced clean energy and begun rebuilding the country’s decrepit infrastructure.&nbsp; One Biden policy even accomplished something no other President ever has–<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/12/biden-child-tax-credit-poverty-doubled/">cutting the child poverty rate in half</a>, to an all-time low.&nbsp; Congress did not renew the program.

Despite this, many voters&nbsp;perceive&nbsp;the country as doing poorly.&nbsp; In the first debate, former President Trump suggested that the country is worse off today than in the last year of his Administration.&nbsp; The year 2020 was so infamous that one TV commercial portrayed it as being in love with the Devil himself.&nbsp; It was the beginning and second-deadliest year of the COVID pandemic, which ultimately killed over a million Americans and tanked the economy.&nbsp; The murder of George Floyd triggered protests over police brutality throughout the nation– most were peaceful, but some turned deadly.&nbsp; Finally, Trump’s term culminated with the events of January 6, 2021.&nbsp; Yet Trump has no trouble claiming that the country is worse off today–and many Americans seem to agree.&nbsp; Why?

Except for his own approval ratings, most numbers look very strong for Biden’s legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/fbi-data-shows-that-violent-crimes-in-the-u-s-decreased-in-2023">Violent crime is decreasing</a>, and remains&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/10/31/violent-crime-is-a-key-midterm-voting-issue-but-what-does-the-data-say/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20most%20recent,the%20National%20Crime%20Victimization%20Survey.">far below the levels of the mid-1960s to mid-1990s</a>. Unemployment dropped dramatically after the pandemic, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bls.gov/charts/employment-situation/civilian-unemployment-rate.htm">remains at low levels</a>.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.officialdata.org/us/stocks/s-p-500/2020#:~:text=Stock%20market%20returns%20since%202020&amp;text=This%20is%20a%20return%20on,%2C%20or%209.34%25%20per%20year.">stock market&nbsp;</a>is doing well. After a spike in 2021-22 ,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/">inflation has been stabilized</a>.&nbsp; This requires high interest rates, but the Federal Reserve predicts&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/fed-near-interest-rate-cut-d303dbd5">these can start coming down&nbsp;</a>by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Even issues important to&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;look good for Biden.&nbsp; For example, recently, unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/16/texas-border-migrant-apprehensions-decrease/">declined steeply</a>, and there haven’t been any violent antifa or Black Lives Matter protests in years.

Despite all the good news,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/08/politics/biden-polling-independents/index.html">independent voters</a>&nbsp;perceive the country to be in trouble under Biden. &nbsp; One possible culprit is our long break from high inflation between the early 1980s and 2021.&nbsp; Older Americans have forgotten–and younger Americans never knew–that controlling inflation means slowing down the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, not reversing costs to those of previous years.&nbsp; The latter would require nothing less than deliberately sending the country into economic decline.&nbsp; Price increases are under control, but costs are not going back to pre-2021 levels. The economic toll of doing so would be far too high.

The nation also continues to struggle with major social challenges, including homelessness, exorbitant housing costs, and fentanyl addiction, all of which we see and feel here in Kansas. They need ongoing, thoughtful attention from policymakers. Blaming them on immigrants is neither accurate nor helpful.

Whatever the causes of today’s public opinion, Biden’s legacy and Vice President Harris’ candidacy both depend in large part on how Americans perceive the current state of the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Are you better off than you were four years ago?

Back to 2020?Submitted for&nbsp;Insight Kansas&nbsp;by Michael A. SmithJuly 31, 2024“Are you better off than you were four years ago?”-Ronald ReaganIt is no secret that President Biden is unpopular.&nbsp; In the 2023&nbsp;Kansas Speaks&nbsp;poll, a whopping 62.8% of respondents were dissatisfied with Biden’s performance, versus 32.9% who were dissatisfied with fellow Democrat, Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp; Widespread approval of Biden’s withdrawal is one of the few issues these days that bring Democrats, Republicans and independents together.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The focus on Biden’s withdrawal centered on his age and his poor performance in the first Presidential debate–both legitimate concerns.&nbsp; Yet another issue lurks.&nbsp; By many measures, Biden’s presidency has been highly successful, characterized by a recovery from the COVID pandemic, a strong economy, falling violent crime rates, decreased poverty, and policies that have advanced the transition to domestically-produced clean energy and begun rebuilding the country’s decrepit infrastructure.&nbsp; One Biden policy even accomplished something no other President ever has–<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/09/12/biden-child-tax-credit-poverty-doubled/">cutting the child poverty rate in half</a>, to an all-time low.&nbsp; Congress did not renew the program.Despite this, many voters&nbsp;perceive&nbsp;the country as doing poorly.&nbsp; In the first debate, former President Trump suggested that the country is worse off today than in the last year of his Administration.&nbsp; The year 2020 was so infamous that one TV commercial portrayed it as being in love with the Devil himself.&nbsp; It was the beginning and second-deadliest year of the COVID pandemic, which ultimately killed over a million Americans and tanked the economy.&nbsp; The murder of George Floyd triggered protests over police brutality throughout the nation– most were peaceful, but some turned deadly.&nbsp; Finally, Trump’s term culminated with the events of January 6, 2021.&nbsp; Yet Trump has no trouble claiming that the country is worse off today–and many Americans seem to agree.&nbsp; Why?Except for his own approval ratings, most numbers look very strong for Biden’s legacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/fbi-data-shows-that-violent-crimes-in-the-u-s-decreased-in-2023">Violent crime is decreasing</a>, and remains&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/10/31/violent-crime-is-a-key-midterm-voting-issue-but-what-does-the-data-say/#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20most%20recent,the%20National%20Crime%20Victimization%20Survey.">far below the levels of the mid-1960s to mid-1990s</a>. Unemployment dropped dramatically after the pandemic, and&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bls.gov/charts/employment-situation/civilian-unemployment-rate.htm">remains at low levels</a>.&nbsp; The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.officialdata.org/us/stocks/s-p-500/2020#:~:text=Stock%20market%20returns%20since%202020&amp;text=This%20is%20a%20return%20on,%2C%20or%209.34%25%20per%20year.">stock market&nbsp;</a>is doing well. After a spike in 2021-22 ,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/">inflation has been stabilized</a>.&nbsp; This requires high interest rates, but the Federal Reserve predicts&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/fed-near-interest-rate-cut-d303dbd5">these can start coming down&nbsp;</a>by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even issues important to&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;look good for Biden.&nbsp; For example, recently, unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/16/texas-border-migrant-apprehensions-decrease/">declined steeply</a>, and there haven’t been any violent antifa or Black Lives Matter protests in years.Despite all the good news,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/08/politics/biden-polling-independents/index.html">independent voters</a>&nbsp;perceive the country to be in trouble under Biden. &nbsp; One possible culprit is our long break from high inflation between the early 1980s and 2021.&nbsp; Older Americans have forgotten–and younger Americans never knew–that controlling inflation means slowing down the&nbsp;increase&nbsp;in prices, not reversing costs to those of previous years.&nbsp; The latter would require nothing less than deliberately sending the country into economic decline.&nbsp; Price increases are under control, but costs are not going back to pre-2021 levels. The economic toll of doing so would be far too high.The nation also continues to struggle with major social challenges, including homelessness, exorbitant housing costs, and fentanyl addiction, all of which we see and feel here in Kansas. They need ongoing, thoughtful attention from policymakers. Blaming them on immigrants is neither accurate nor helpful.Whatever the causes of today’s public opinion, Biden’s legacy and Vice President Harris’ candidacy both depend in large part on how Americans perceive the current state of the nation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Are you better off than you were four years ago?

Insight Kansas

There is a familiar name serving in the Interim Junction City Manager's job.&nbsp; Gerry Vernon is employed in that capacity but is not a stranger to the community. He served as the Junction City Manager from 2009 until 2013.

In the interim capacity he has been subcontracted by GPS to handle the job.

During his earlier stint Vernon helped oversee the City's operations and begin recovery from a budget crisis that occurred before his arrival. Now the goal is to make things better for the next city manager and keep things running smooth.

He most recently served as Public Works Director in Winter Park, Colorado before his retirement there.

There is a familiar name serving in the Interim Junction City Manager's job.&nbsp; Gerry Vernon is employed in that capacity but is not a stranger to the community. He served as the Junction City Manager from 2009 until 2013.In the interim capacity he has been subcontracted by GPS to handle the job.During his earlier stint Vernon helped oversee the City's operations and begin recovery from a budget crisis that occurred before his arrival. Now the goal is to make things better for the next city manager and keep things running smooth.He most recently served as Public Works Director in Winter Park, Colorado before his retirement there.

Junction City has an Interim City Manager

The monthly Junction City Business After Hours will be hosted by the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Aug. 15 from 5-7 p.m.

The next Military Affairs Council Breakfast will be held Thursday, Aug. 22. Geary USD 475 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston will be the guest speaker. Tickets will be $20 for the MAC Breakfast.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThe monthly Junction City Business After Hours will be hosted by the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Aug. 15 from 5-7 p.m.The next Military Affairs Council Breakfast will be held Thursday, Aug. 22. Geary USD 475 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston will be the guest speaker. Tickets will be $20 for the MAC Breakfast.

Upcoming Chamber of Commerce events

Cutting the Cord is the title of a session Aug. 7 at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library from 1-3 p.m. You can learn about canceling cable and watching and movies over the internet.

There will be discussion about streaming services and devices.

Registration is required. Call 785-238-4311 or go to Jclib.org

Cutting the Cord is the title of a session Aug. 7 at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library from 1-3 p.m. You can learn about canceling cable and watching and movies over the internet.There will be discussion about streaming services and devices.Registration is required. Call 785-238-4311 or go to Jclib.org

Cutting the Cord

Marco's Pizza and the Ghost Crew Riders are conducting the second annual School Supply Bike Wash on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This will be held in the Marco's Pizza Lot at 6th &amp; Jefferson in Junction City.

All donations and supplies will benefit local USD 475 schools.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostMarco's Pizza and the Ghost Crew Riders are conducting the second annual School Supply Bike Wash on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This will be held in the Marco's Pizza Lot at 6th &amp; Jefferson in Junction City.All donations and supplies will benefit local USD 475 schools.<figure>
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School Supply Bike Wash is set in Junction City

A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO COLLECT ANY KIND OF MONEY VIA TELEPHONE, CELL PHONE OR BY TEXTING.

The Geary County Sheriff's Department has been made aware of a recent disturbing phone call a resident out of the County received. The caller's number showed up as the Geary County Sheriff's Office. The male caller was attempting to collect money for a warrant and/or court fees. 

The caller even sent text messages and images of "paperwork" for the person. The caller was persistent and called the person several times. Fortunately, the person receiving the call did not give any information to the scammer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Sheriff's Department said they would not attempt to collect any type of fees via phone call or text message.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO COLLECT ANY KIND OF MONEY VIA TELEPHONE, CELL PHONE OR BY TEXTING.The Geary County Sheriff's Department has been made aware of a recent disturbing phone call a resident out of the County received. The caller's number showed up as the Geary County Sheriff's Office. The male caller was attempting to collect money for a warrant and/or court fees. The caller even sent text messages and images of "paperwork" for the person. The caller was persistent and called the person several times. Fortunately, the person receiving the call did not give any information to the scammer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Sheriff's Department said they would not attempt to collect any type of fees via phone call or text message.

Scam alert!

According to the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce the ribbon cutting for the new Fitness Court in the Fifth Street Playground Park will be held next Wednesday at 10 AM.

Junction City Parks and Recreation partnered with BCBSKS and Quality Play For All to bring the next phase to Playground Park. By creating a Fitness Court that allows the user to get a complete workout using only their own bodyweight in 7 movements.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostAccording to the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce the ribbon cutting for the new Fitness Court in the Fifth Street Playground Park will be held next Wednesday at 10 AM.Junction City Parks and Recreation partnered with BCBSKS and Quality Play For All to bring the next phase to Playground Park. By creating a Fitness Court that allows the user to get a complete workout using only their own bodyweight in 7 movements.<figure>
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Fitness Court ribbon cutting will be Aug. 7

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident that occurred just after 3p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a vehicle driven by an 83-year-old&nbsp; Frederick Bammes of Manhattan struck an e-bike driven by 25-year-old Zackary Murphy of Manhattan at the corner of Osage and N. 5th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

EMS transported Murphy to&nbsp;Via Christi for his injuries.  He was later air-lifted to Stromont Vail for further treatment of his injuries. The driver of the vehicle, Frederick Bammes, was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

RILEY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident that occurred just after 3p.m. Wednesday in Riley County.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report, a vehicle driven by an 83-year-old&nbsp; Frederick Bammes of Manhattan struck an e-bike driven by 25-year-old Zackary Murphy of Manhattan at the corner of Osage and N. 5th Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.EMS transported Murphy to&nbsp;Via Christi for his injuries. He was later air-lifted to Stromont Vail for further treatment of his injuries. The driver of the vehicle, Frederick Bammes, was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

Manhattan e-bike rider injured after struck by a vehicle

Approximately 250 people attended the New Teacher Breakfast hosted by the junction City Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at JCHS.

There were 113 new teachers in attendance.

The New Teacher Breakfast is an annual event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostApproximately 250 people attended the New Teacher Breakfast hosted by the junction City Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at JCHS.There were 113 new teachers in attendance.<figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722466002047.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The New Teacher Breakfast is an annual event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber of Commerce hosts New Teacher Breakfast

Pawnee Mental Health&nbsp; has been granted $3,000 to address two critical needs. This grant, will be pivotal in acquiring essential equipment and training, directly benefiting&nbsp; clients and staff, and by extension, the community.

Pawnee has recognized the importance of a low-step medical-grade scale with a high-weight capacity and handlebars. This equipment is a necessity and a reassurance of their commitment to safety and quality care for all their clients. The scale will enable more accurate and safe assessments, a crucial aspect of high-quality care.

In addition to the scale, Pawnee will be implementing Bal-A-Vis-X training for its staff who work with serious emotional disturbances (SED) youth and adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Bal-A-Vis-X, a technique involving rhythmic, patterned exercises using a balance board and various balls, promotes calmness and sustained focus in the brain. This training is expected to enhance the therapeutic environment, benefiting clients and staff by fostering improved concentration and emotional regulation.

"We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which will allow us to make meaningful improvements in our services," said Shelli Schottler, Community Services Director at Pawnee Mental Health.&nbsp;

Pawnee Mental Health releasePawnee Mental Health&nbsp; has been granted $3,000 to address two critical needs. This grant, will be pivotal in acquiring essential equipment and training, directly benefiting&nbsp; clients and staff, and by extension, the community.Pawnee has recognized the importance of a low-step medical-grade scale with a high-weight capacity and handlebars. This equipment is a necessity and a reassurance of their commitment to safety and quality care for all their clients. The scale will enable more accurate and safe assessments, a crucial aspect of high-quality care.In addition to the scale, Pawnee will be implementing Bal-A-Vis-X training for its staff who work with serious emotional disturbances (SED) youth and adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Bal-A-Vis-X, a technique involving rhythmic, patterned exercises using a balance board and various balls, promotes calmness and sustained focus in the brain. This training is expected to enhance the therapeutic environment, benefiting clients and staff by fostering improved concentration and emotional regulation."We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which will allow us to make meaningful improvements in our services," said Shelli Schottler, Community Services Director at Pawnee Mental Health.&nbsp;

Pawnee Mental Health Receives $3,000 Grant to Enhance Client Services

The organizers of Sundown Salute do not intend to have the celebration Labor Day weekend in Junction City as originally hoped. The chairman for Sundown Salute this year,&nbsp; Charles Stimatze, confirmed that future events are however, still being planned.

In the past Sundown Salute was traditionally a Fourth of July celebration.&nbsp;

The organizers of Sundown Salute do not intend to have the celebration Labor Day weekend in Junction City as originally hoped. The chairman for Sundown Salute this year,&nbsp; Charles Stimatze, confirmed that future events are however, still being planned.In the past Sundown Salute was traditionally a Fourth of July celebration.&nbsp;

Sundown Salute still planning for the future

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 35-year-old TJ Grant of Ogden, in 1000 block of South Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Grant was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for forgery. Total bond was set at $5,000. Grant was confined at the time of this report.

Grant has a previous conviction for drug possession in Geary County in 2013, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710788207974.jpeg" alt="Grant from an earlier arrest in Geary County" />
 <figcaption>Grant from an earlier arrest in Geary County</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 35-year-old TJ Grant of Ogden, in 1000 block of South Seth Child Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Grant was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for forgery. Total bond was set at $5,000. Grant was confined at the time of this report.Grant has a previous conviction for drug possession in Geary County in 2013, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon jailed for alleged forgery

During the July 31 meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club at Jim Clark’s Chevrolet showroom, Joe and Sheila Markley shared information about staff, shows and remodeling at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Joe is the Director and Sheila serves as the Development Director at the Opera House located at 135 W. 7th Street in Junction City.

Joe told club members that construction on the new Education Department at the Opera House is completed and is in use by staff providing programs for youth in grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Sheila stated that “these programs are in place all year and not just in the summer.” Staff who work with the programs for youth include Patti Noriega, Education Administrator; Ashley Casey, Assistant Education Director and Harlie Delay, Educational Director.

The Junction City Little Theater (JCLT) and Arts Council are also housed in the Opera House. The first production by JCLT will be A Chorus Line, which will be presented August 23-25 and August 30 through September 1. During September 12-15 there will be a coordinated trip to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and tours of some theatres.

The Salina Symphony Chamber Concert is scheduled for September 27 and Elvis will be in the house September 28. There are two shows scheduled in October. They include the Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra on October 12 and “The Church Ladies: Unsupervised” October 19.

JCLT will produce “Dracula” November 1-3 and 8-10. “Dracula” is rich with both humor and horror. On December 6 and 7 “Pirates Past Noon KIDS” is an adaptation of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series. This production will be presented by the Theater and Development Academy (TADA) Act One group of youth in grades 3rd through 5th.

In December there will be three events. One will be a Cookie Carnival fundraiser where cookies may be purchased by the pound on December 7. On December 12 and 13 the 1st Infantry Division Band will present a free Holiday Concert and on December 15 The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed.

Tickets for any of these events may be purchased by contacting Danny O’Brien at 785-238-3906 or office@jcoperahouse.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722434743250.jpeg" alt="Pictured left to right are Joe Markley, Sheila Markley and Nita Miller, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pictured left to right are Joe Markley, Sheila Markley and Nita Miller, President of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dr. Ferrell MillerJC Breakfast Optimist ClubDuring the July 31 meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club at Jim Clark’s Chevrolet showroom, Joe and Sheila Markley shared information about staff, shows and remodeling at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Joe is the Director and Sheila serves as the Development Director at the Opera House located at 135 W. 7th Street in Junction City.Joe told club members that construction on the new Education Department at the Opera House is completed and is in use by staff providing programs for youth in grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Sheila stated that “these programs are in place all year and not just in the summer.” Staff who work with the programs for youth include Patti Noriega, Education Administrator; Ashley Casey, Assistant Education Director and Harlie Delay, Educational Director.The Junction City Little Theater (JCLT) and Arts Council are also housed in the Opera House. The first production by JCLT will be A Chorus Line, which will be presented August 23-25 and August 30 through September 1. During September 12-15 there will be a coordinated trip to New York City to enjoy Broadway shows and tours of some theatres.The Salina Symphony Chamber Concert is scheduled for September 27 and Elvis will be in the house September 28. There are two shows scheduled in October. They include the Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra on October 12 and “The Church Ladies: Unsupervised” October 19.JCLT will produce “Dracula” November 1-3 and 8-10. “Dracula” is rich with both humor and horror. On December 6 and 7 “Pirates Past Noon KIDS” is an adaptation of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series. This production will be presented by the Theater and Development Academy (TADA) Act One group of youth in grades 3rd through 5th.In December there will be three events. One will be a Cookie Carnival fundraiser where cookies may be purchased by the pound on December 7. On December 12 and 13 the 1st Infantry Division Band will present a free Holiday Concert and on December 15 The Nutcracker Ballet will be performed.Tickets for any of these events may be purchased by contacting Danny O’Brien at 785-238-3906 or office@jcoperahouse.org.

JC Breakfast Optimists Get An Update On The Opera House

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement continue their investigation of a vehicle crash into two homes in Riley County.

According to an updated statement from the Riley County Police Department, just before 1a.m. Saturday, a vehicle traveled through two houses  1100 Block of Yuma and came to rest inside the second home and ran over a 23-year-old occupant of the residence who sleeping in his bed. The man was trapped and eventually extracted from under the vehicle.

He was taken to the hospital for treatment. &nbsp;

The vehicle occupants exited the vehicle. EMS was dispatched for the vehicle occupants with one being transported to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The other occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Police continue to work to gather all of the facts.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Saturday in Riley County.

A driver lost control of a vehicle in the 1100 Block of Yuma, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The vehicle struck a house and continued into another house where it&nbsp; ran over a 23-year-old occupant of the residence who sleeping in his bed. The man was trapped and eventually&nbsp;extracted from under the vehicle.

EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. He was later transferred to Stormont-Vail for advanced treatment, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before he was transported the injured man was stable and was able to communicate with officers, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police had no additional information early Monday.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement continue their investigation of a vehicle crash into two homes in Riley County.According to an updated statement from the Riley County Police Department, just before 1a.m. Saturday, a vehicle traveled through two houses 1100 Block of Yuma and came to rest inside the second home and ran over a 23-year-old occupant of the residence who sleeping in his bed. The man was trapped and eventually extracted from under the vehicle.He was taken to the hospital for treatment. &nbsp;The vehicle occupants exited the vehicle. EMS was dispatched for the vehicle occupants with one being transported to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The other occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Police continue to work to gather all of the facts.&nbsp; Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.--------------------RILEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 1a.m. Saturday in Riley County.A driver lost control of a vehicle in the 1100 Block of Yuma, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The vehicle struck a house and continued into another house where it&nbsp; ran over a 23-year-old occupant of the residence who sleeping in his bed. The man was trapped and eventually&nbsp;extracted from under the vehicle.EMS transported the victim to Via Christi for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. He was later transferred to Stormont-Vail for advanced treatment, according to the RCPD.&nbsp;&nbsp;Before he was transported the injured man was stable and was able to communicate with officers, according to the RCPD.&nbsp; Police had no additional information early Monday.&nbsp;

RCPD: 1 died after vehicle ran over man asleep in his bed 

CLAY CENTER — To get to be a farmer, Brian Martin first has to be a decider.What to grow. How much of it to grow. What seed to use. Where to grow it. When to plant it — both in time of day, and in time of season. How far apart (and deep) to plant it. When to treat it. How to treat it. When to harvest it. For the third-generation Kansas farmer and his wife Lori, some of these decisions — like the one they made to convert to no-till operations in the 1990s — are easier if only in that they're made once and at a bigger scale. Others are made every day and for every acre of land.

Despite his informed intuition and expertise through experience over decades of farming, making these decisions at the level of precision required by modern agriculture can be difficult. Any number of factors — all of which independently vary across hundreds of acres of farmland at Martin Farms — influence the decisions he makes as he tries to be the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally conscious farmer he can be But a unique partnership with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University</a>&nbsp;has helped equip Martin, and farmers like him across the country and globe, with precise information and best-informed practices, so he can implement decisions to make him the most successful farmer he can be.

K-State partnership brings precision agriculture tech, techniques to local farms.&nbsp;Over the past 30 years, K-State researchers have partnered with local producers like Martin Farms to study, hone and implement&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/precisionag/">precision agriculture</a>&nbsp;techniques. It's research that has allowed Martin Farms to take each 'next step' to overcome any obstacles and become a next-generation farm, Martin said."There are times when you feel like you are stubbing your toe, so we say, or having a problem," he said. "You just have to work through the problem to get to the next step, and that's what we've done with these farms. K-State has been on the cutting edge forever, and that's why we partner so well. "These innovations — while helpful to Martin Farms across 2,000 acres of farmland in northcentral Kansas — are real-world use-cases that also inform agriculture research, implementation and product development around the globe, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bae.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/sharda/">Ajay Sharda</a>, professor of biological and agricultural engineering and director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/key-initiatives/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/">Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics</a>,&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722431198540.jpeg" alt="A partnership between Kansas State University researchers like Ajay Sharda, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, and local farmers like Brian Martin to study, design and implement precision agriculture techniques and technology " />
 <figcaption>A partnership between Kansas State University researchers like Ajay Sharda, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, and local farmers like Brian Martin to study, design and implement precision agriculture techniques and technology </figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY CENTER — To get to be a farmer, Brian Martin first has to be a decider.What to grow. How much of it to grow. What seed to use. Where to grow it. When to plant it — both in time of day, and in time of season. How far apart (and deep) to plant it. When to treat it. How to treat it. When to harvest it. For the third-generation Kansas farmer and his wife Lori, some of these decisions — like the one they made to convert to no-till operations in the 1990s — are easier if only in that they're made once and at a bigger scale. Others are made every day and for every acre of land.Despite his informed intuition and expertise through experience over decades of farming, making these decisions at the level of precision required by modern agriculture can be difficult. Any number of factors — all of which independently vary across hundreds of acres of farmland at Martin Farms — influence the decisions he makes as he tries to be the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally conscious farmer he can be But a unique partnership with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/">Kansas State University</a>&nbsp;has helped equip Martin, and farmers like him across the country and globe, with precise information and best-informed practices, so he can implement decisions to make him the most successful farmer he can be.K-State partnership brings precision agriculture tech, techniques to local farms.&nbsp;Over the past 30 years, K-State researchers have partnered with local producers like Martin Farms to study, hone and implement&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/precisionag/">precision agriculture</a>&nbsp;techniques. It's research that has allowed Martin Farms to take each 'next step' to overcome any obstacles and become a next-generation farm, Martin said."There are times when you feel like you are stubbing your toe, so we say, or having a problem," he said. "You just have to work through the problem to get to the next step, and that's what we've done with these farms. K-State has been on the cutting edge forever, and that's why we partner so well. "These innovations — while helpful to Martin Farms across 2,000 acres of farmland in northcentral Kansas — are real-world use-cases that also inform agriculture research, implementation and product development around the globe, said&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bae.k-state.edu/about/people/faculty/sharda/">Ajay Sharda</a>, professor of biological and agricultural engineering and director of K-State's&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/key-initiatives/interdisciplinary-institutes/digital-ag-advanced-analytics/">Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics</a>,&nbsp;

How K-State's precision agriculture research put a Clay Center farm on the global stage

Through two&nbsp; collection Saturdays United Way Executive Director Nichole Mader reported approximately 250 items have been collected along with about $1,300.

The program collects school supplies for children in USD 475, USD 473 and Saint Xavier School.

One hundred Adopt A Backpack have also been completed.

The collection of supplies will continue this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dillons and at the Walmart Supercenter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722429874040.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC Post&nbsp;Through two&nbsp; collection Saturdays United Way Executive Director Nichole Mader reported approximately 250 items have been collected along with about $1,300.The program collects school supplies for children in USD 475, USD 473 and Saint Xavier School.One hundred Adopt A Backpack have also been completed.The collection of supplies will continue this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Dillons and at the Walmart Supercenter.

United Way keeps on rolling with Stuff the Bus

&nbsp;As grasses within a pasture mature, various physical changes occur, which impact the cattle grazing them. For instance, older plants dry out and lose nutritional value, but also develop coarse stems – making cattle more susceptible to injuries involving their face and eyes.

<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">On a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast</a>, Kansas State University veterinarians recommend producers watch for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue as their pastures start getting “stemmy.”

“Green, growing grass isn’t likely to cause these problems,” said K-State veterinarian Bob

Larson. “Lumpy jaw and wooden tongue happen when the tissues of the mouth are damaged on rough textured forages.”

In the case of wooden tongue, damaging incidents to the mouth allow for germs that live within the animal to cause an infection.

“It’s not really something that cattle get from other cattle. It’s caused by bacteria that are normally in the mouth and throat area,” Larson said.

K-State veterinarian Brad White adds: “Coarse feeds and grasses can damage the mucous membranes and cause lesions.”

Cattle with wooden tongue display obvious physical symptoms, according to Larson and White.

“Their tongue gets large and tends to hang out of their mouth, making eating difficult. They look like they are panting or drooling,” Larson said.

“It gets stiff, swollen and painful,” White said. “You do not very often see an animal – a cow especially – sticking their tongue out of their mouth; they’re not doing it to play. They are doing it because their tongue won't go back in.”

Like wooden tongue, cattle contract lumpy jaw through the bacteria that inhabit their mouths.

“After an injury, (bacteria) gets into some of the other tissues of the mouth,” Larson said. “What's dangerous about that one is it can invade bone. If that happens, it becomes difficult to cure.”

Larson said when producers discover lumpy jaw and wooden tongue in their earlier stages, cattle have a better chance of recovering.

“A lot of times these cases will be treated intravenously,” he said. “This is pretty effective at bringing those two syndromes back to normal but contact your local veterinarian before making any treatment decisions.”

When examining an animal’s mouth and face for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue, Larson suggests that producers monitor the eyes as well for squamous cell carcinoma, or cancer eye.

If this affliction goes untreated, cattle may face the same fate as their lumpy jaw and wooden tongue-infected counterparts.

“Cattle can get a cancer of the eye – often in their third eyelid. If you treat it early with surgical removal of that area, those animals respond well and can go ahead and have multiple years of productive life after that,” Larson said.

However, “If that cancer spreads and it involves the bones of the head, that is not going to get better, and it is time to think about euthanasia just from an animal welfare standpoint.”

To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat&nbsp;</a>on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722362402192.jpeg" alt="Wooden tongue and lumpy jaw – diseases that affect older cattle – become more prevalent as grasses and forage mature. K-State veterinarians share their causes, and treatments and discuss another facial disease: cancer eye." />
 <figcaption>Wooden tongue and lumpy jaw – diseases that affect older cattle – become more prevalent as grasses and forage mature. K-State veterinarians share their causes, and treatments and discuss another facial disease: cancer eye.</figcaption>
 </figure>By JACOB KLAUDT KSRE&nbsp;As grasses within a pasture mature, various physical changes occur, which impact the cattle grazing them. For instance, older plants dry out and lose nutritional value, but also develop coarse stems – making cattle more susceptible to injuries involving their face and eyes.<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">On a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast</a>, Kansas State University veterinarians recommend producers watch for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue as their pastures start getting “stemmy.”“Green, growing grass isn’t likely to cause these problems,” said K-State veterinarian BobLarson. “Lumpy jaw and wooden tongue happen when the tissues of the mouth are damaged on rough textured forages.”In the case of wooden tongue, damaging incidents to the mouth allow for germs that live within the animal to cause an infection.“It’s not really something that cattle get from other cattle. It’s caused by bacteria that are normally in the mouth and throat area,” Larson said.K-State veterinarian Brad White adds: “Coarse feeds and grasses can damage the mucous membranes and cause lesions.”Cattle with wooden tongue display obvious physical symptoms, according to Larson and White.“Their tongue gets large and tends to hang out of their mouth, making eating difficult. They look like they are panting or drooling,” Larson said.“It gets stiff, swollen and painful,” White said. “You do not very often see an animal – a cow especially – sticking their tongue out of their mouth; they’re not doing it to play. They are doing it because their tongue won't go back in.”Like wooden tongue, cattle contract lumpy jaw through the bacteria that inhabit their mouths.“After an injury, (bacteria) gets into some of the other tissues of the mouth,” Larson said. “What's dangerous about that one is it can invade bone. If that happens, it becomes difficult to cure.”Larson said when producers discover lumpy jaw and wooden tongue in their earlier stages, cattle have a better chance of recovering.“A lot of times these cases will be treated intravenously,” he said. “This is pretty effective at bringing those two syndromes back to normal but contact your local veterinarian before making any treatment decisions.”When examining an animal’s mouth and face for lumpy jaw and wooden tongue, Larson suggests that producers monitor the eyes as well for squamous cell carcinoma, or cancer eye.If this affliction goes untreated, cattle may face the same fate as their lumpy jaw and wooden tongue-infected counterparts.“Cattle can get a cancer of the eye – often in their third eyelid. If you treat it early with surgical removal of that area, those animals respond well and can go ahead and have multiple years of productive life after that,” Larson said.However, “If that cancer spreads and it involves the bones of the head, that is not going to get better, and it is time to think about euthanasia just from an animal welfare standpoint.”To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/07/26/heat-feeding-risk-management-facial-diseases-cull-criteria/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat&nbsp;</a>on your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Cattle Chat: Look out for lumpy jaw and other facial diseases

Highest temperatures from 98° to 106° with peak heat indices ranging from 105° to 114°. for the entire forecast area. Wednesday is the hottest remaining day for the entire area.&nbsp;

Hot temperatures combined with the humidity can cause heat illness for those overexposed to the heat.

 Thunderstorms are forecast (30-60%) to develop and move southeast across the area.

○ Some of these storms could reach severe thresholds, with strong winds of 60 to 70 MPH and hail up to 1” in diameter being the main hazards.

This is possible for the entire area during the late afternoon and evening hours north central and northeast (5 PM - 11 PM), overnight hours east central (10 PM - 4 AM).

Medium. Storms may weaken as they move eastward, so it is uncertain how far east they will maintain themselves.

Highest temperatures from 98° to 106° with peak heat indices ranging from 105° to 114°. for the entire forecast area. Wednesday is the hottest remaining day for the entire area.&nbsp;Hot temperatures combined with the humidity can cause heat illness for those overexposed to the heat. Thunderstorms are forecast (30-60%) to develop and move southeast across the area.○ Some of these storms could reach severe thresholds, with strong winds of 60 to 70 MPH and hail up to 1” in diameter being the main hazards.This is possible for the entire area during the late afternoon and evening hours north central and northeast (5 PM - 11 PM), overnight hours east central (10 PM - 4 AM).● Confidence:&nbsp;Medium. Storms may weaken as they move eastward, so it is uncertain how far east they will maintain themselves.

Heat expected to continue Wednesday

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a virtual meeting Thursday at 8 a.m. to discuss Evergy’s plans for future transmission projects. Members of the public are invited to watch the meeting, which will be livestreamed to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2NoYW5uZWwvVUMtdVRjdWNsMG95SEpyLV9pT2hldXV3L2ZlYXR1cmVkP2FwcD1kZXNrdG9wJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA3MzAuOTgzMzExNjEifQ.lpy4nRxbtDsFSdsh-A44uDNvgdwOLJJbjpqj4RMR4es/s/1510798986/br/246579040720-l">KCC’s YouTube Channel&nbsp;</a>and recorded for later viewing.

Evergy representatives will present details of the planned projects, take questions, and hear comments from Commissioners, Commission Staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB).

The costs of transmission projects are passed on to ratepayers in the form of a transmission delivery charge (TDC), which appears on monthly electric bills. The workshop gives the public visibility to the transmission planning process, which is designed to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure reliability while still maintaining affordability for ratepayers.

Manhattan and Junction City are served by Evergy.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a virtual meeting Thursday at 8 a.m. to discuss Evergy’s plans for future transmission projects. Members of the public are invited to watch the meeting, which will be livestreamed to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL2NoYW5uZWwvVUMtdVRjdWNsMG95SEpyLV9pT2hldXV3L2ZlYXR1cmVkP2FwcD1kZXNrdG9wJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA3MzAuOTgzMzExNjEifQ.lpy4nRxbtDsFSdsh-A44uDNvgdwOLJJbjpqj4RMR4es/s/1510798986/br/246579040720-l">KCC’s YouTube Channel&nbsp;</a>and recorded for later viewing.Evergy representatives will present details of the planned projects, take questions, and hear comments from Commissioners, Commission Staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB).The costs of transmission projects are passed on to ratepayers in the form of a transmission delivery charge (TDC), which appears on monthly electric bills. The workshop gives the public visibility to the transmission planning process, which is designed to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure reliability while still maintaining affordability for ratepayers.Manhattan and Junction City are served by Evergy.

KCC to discuss future Evergy transmission projects at virtual public workshop 

&nbsp;Junction City High School FFA Chapter teacher Laura Miller recently claimed the National Association of Agricultural Educators Region II 2024 Teacher Mentor Award. &nbsp;

The agriculture program, led by Miller and Ashley Vahsholtz, also received the NAAE Region II 2024 Most Outstanding Middle and Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award. By doing so, they are considered one of the top programs not only in the state of Kansas, but also nationally.

By Matt HooverUSD 75 Communications Coordinator&nbsp;Junction City High School FFA Chapter teacher Laura Miller recently claimed the National Association of Agricultural Educators Region II 2024 Teacher Mentor Award. &nbsp;The agriculture program, led by Miller and Ashley Vahsholtz, also received the NAAE Region II 2024 Most Outstanding Middle and Secondary Agricultural Education Program Award. By doing so, they are considered one of the top programs not only in the state of Kansas, but also nationally.

Junction City Ag Program Honored 

&nbsp;Geary USD 475 will host its 2024 Back-To-School Carnival&nbsp;on Thursday, Aug. 1 at Junction City High School. Gates open at 6 p.m.

The 2024 carnival will include live performances, carnival games, face painting, free prizes, and free food. Please note that Kona Ice and Bella Hana's Ice Cream and Pastry Shoppe will also be stationed outside the event for anyone who wants to purchase a tasty treat before entering the free carnival.&nbsp;

All items inside the carnival are free, including cotton candy, popcorn and other prizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Geary USD 475 will host its 2024 Back-To-School Carnival&nbsp;on Thursday, Aug. 1 at Junction City High School. Gates open at 6 p.m.The 2024 carnival will include live performances, carnival games, face painting, free prizes, and free food. Please note that Kona Ice and Bella Hana's Ice Cream and Pastry Shoppe will also be stationed outside the event for anyone who wants to purchase a tasty treat before entering the free carnival.&nbsp;All items inside the carnival are free, including cotton candy, popcorn and other prizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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