Munson’s Prime Steakhouse in Junction City is hosting a special event during the solar eclipse on Monday.

The restaurant at 426 Goldenbelt Boulevard will be open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. serving a special meal and allowing those in attendance to use their large parking lot to view the solar eclipse.

Owner Deanna Munson said portion of the parking lot will be roped off so cars will not be parked there. “It’s big enough that even if we had a full parking lot I think there would be lots of spaces, and I’ve been out there looking. You certainly can see the sun well from the area we have here.”

Munson’s prime will offer a lunch package for $10. “Two cooperating businesses in Junction City are supplying the sun protection glasses. ” One hundred pair of glasses are available.  The cooperating businesses include Whole Body Chiropractic and Eye Wear Junction City.

The menu will include Deanna’s classic brisket. “which is a three-day process. It’s made with the recipe I’ve always used, it’s more like a London broil type brisket than a barbecue brisket.” Also on the menu will be home grown sweet corn and a big bowl of tossed salad plus a drink of either ice tea or water.

The Geary County Sheriff’s office responded to the Milford Cemetery area late Wednesday afternoon for a report of a person who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Sheriff Tony Wolf reported that upon arrival Deputies located a 24-year old man who was conscious, but had sustained a major injury to his head as a result of a gunshot wound. The subject is a U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Riley. Due to the nature of the investigation the name of the soldier is not being released at this time.

The soldier was transported by Life Star helicopter to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Wolf said the investigation revealed that this was an attempted suicide.

Public invited to celebrate 1st Infantry Division’s 100th anniversary during
“Victory Fest” celebration

Fort Riley hosts “Victory Fest,” a day-long music celebration Saturday to
honor the 1st Infantry Division’s 100th anniversary.  The event is open to
the general public and takes place at Fort Riley’s Marshall Army Air Field.

The full-day schedule features nationally known bands:

.       USO Show Troupe         3:15 p.m.
.       Lit                             4:30 p.m.
.       The Charlie Daniels Band        6 p.m.
.       The All-American Rejects        7:30 p.m.
.       Eli Young Band          9 p.m.

Several local bands and the 1st Infantry Division Band will also perform
beginning at 11 a.m.  A full schedule, listing all the bands and performance
times, can be found at https://www.victoryfest2017.com, where you’ll also
find ticket pricing information.

Events begin at 10 a.m. with a car and bike show, a variety of family
activities, food vendors and military equipment displays. The day closes
with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Martin, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and
Fort Riley, will celebrate Victory Fest as part of an opening ceremony at 3
p.m.

Attendees of Victory Fest should note the following:
.       All off-post traffic must enter the gate at exit 301, I-70 and will
not be permitted past the airfield.
.       The venue is handicap accessible but ideal concert viewing is on a
grassy field.
.       Parking is available on paved lots.
.       Parking for on-post traffic is available on the north side of
Marshall Army Air Field.
.       Tickets are not required for children age 4 and younger.
.       Folding chairs, blankets and strollers are allowed and recommended.
.       No outside food or beverage or coolers are allowed.
.       Empty, refillable water bottles are allowed and free water is
available.
.       Pets, on- or off-leash, are not allowed.
.       Tents and umbrellas are not allowed.
.       Video cameras and professional-grade cameras with detachable lenses
are not allowed.
.       All bags are checked at the entrances.

The Junction City Recreation Commission was discontinued in 2010. Is it time to bring it back?

The concept of forming a recreation commission comprised of representatives from different interests in the community drew brief discussion at a Geary County CVB Advisory Committee meeting this week, and the conversation was then carried over into a Junction City Commission meeting.

Allen Dinkel, City Manager, noted there have been some brief conversations about a city – school recreation commission, but there would be a cost…probably about three mills in taxes. “It’s one of those things that would be great to have, but it’ going to be a matter if you start a joint city – school recreation commission it’s probably going to include mill levy costs, and that’s just something the community has to decide.” Dinkel added he thinks there are a lot of organizations providing activities for youth and adults.

The budget challenge to the City for this type of venture was noted during the Commission’s discussion. The current city debt load was a factor, with Commissioner Pat Landes noting that when the City debt comes down it could be looked at again. Improvements have been made in reducing the debt  but that is still a work in progress.

Today ( Wednesday ) is the first day of school in Geary USD 475 and Saint Xavier Schools.

The times for USD 475 include an all-day session at Junction City High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., half day sessions at both Junction City and Fort Riley Middle Schools from 7:50 a.m. to 11 a.m., and for most elementary schools the hours are 8 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Fort Riley Elementary School students will attend from 7:45 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. and Seitz Elementary hours are 8:15 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.

The first day of school for Kindergarten students in USD 475 is next Monday, April 21st.

Saint Xavier School students will attend for a full day of classes today ( Wednesday).

Twenty mile per hour school speed zones will be in effect.