2018 featured a number of news related developments in Junction City, Geary County and Fort Riley. Here is our list of our Top 10 selections.
1. USD 475 officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Junction City High School.
2. For the first time in several years blue green algae was not a problem at Milford Lake. There were no blue green algae watches or warnings. Visitation at the lake was up in 2018.
3. A new superintendent of schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston, was hired for USD 475. The new superintendent will come to USD 475 after serving in education positions in the state of Alabama.
4. Weather developments were strange.The summer drought produced high temperatures, and ruined much of the local wheat crop. In the fall heavy rains prevented some harvesting and planting of crops. Extension Agent Chuck Otte reported that the county had 50% of normal rainfall for the first six months of the year, and 159% for the latter six months.
5. USD 475 received notification from the federal Office of Economic Adjustment that the school district could proceed on applying for funding for a new elementary school at Fort Riley. The new school will be built to replace two existing schools, Morris Hill and Jefferson Elementary. The federal government will pay 80% and USD 475 20% of the cost.
6. The K-18 overpass above U.S. 77 opened, enhancing traffic flow on the west side of Junction City.
7. The Blue Jay football team defeated Manhattan 9-7 in their rivalry game. The winner gains possession of the Sportsmanship Trophy for one year.
8. Salina Regional Health Center decided not to enter into a merger with Geary Community Hospital. That leaves GCH searching for another potential partner.
9. Geary County Sheriff Tony Wolf was arrested on suspicion of Felony Theft for allegedly giving a county-owned firearm to a third party, and for the misdemeanor allegation of misuse of public funds. Wolf is awaiting a preliminary hearing that is scheduled January 17th, 2019 in the case.
10. 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK implemented a new radio format featuring classic hits music, local news and information, ABC news, features from different organizations in the community and local regional sports broadcasts. The new programming replaced a news / talk format.