Featured – Page 160

Chapman Introduces New Head Football Coach

Posted on April 25, 2017April 25, 2017

( L-R )New Chapman High School head football coach Kurt Webster and Chapman Athletic Director Clint Merritt — ( L-R )New Chapman High School Head Football Coach Kurt Webster and Chapman Athletic Director Clint Merritt

Kurt Webster is the new head football coach at Chapman High School.

He met the football players and community members in Chapman Tuesday. Football wise, watching the film I think there are a lot of good players, tough kids here, hard workers. ” Webster made it clear an early priority will be to get kids in the weight room. “I think that’s a big thing we have to do, is commit to doing the right things it takes to win, and not just going out there on Friday night and hoping to win. Investing the time during the summer and during the winter so when the kids take the field they expect to win.” A three-day per week weight training is planned this summer.

Webster, 28, comes to Chapman from an assistant coaching job at Shawnee Mission West. He has also served as an assistant football coach at Emporia High School. During his senior year in high school at Shawnee Mission West his team finished second in the Class 6A state playoffs. Webster played college football at Emporia State and William Jewell College. He will teach weights and physical education at Chapman High School.

During a visit with members of the Chapman community Webster fielded questions and listened to input about how important it is to get know the members of the community, and how it’s easier for them to understand what you’re trying to do if they get to know you.

On the need for more athletes he noted “The only place you can fix that is in the weight room.” Webster also stated, “We need to get core strength, develop speed and explosiveness. That’s the bedrock of the program right there.”

The new coach said he planned to install a 4-2-5 defensive scheme and go with a flex-bone system with a lot of triple option, fast paced, fast break football.

Police chase ends in an arrest

Posted on April 24, 2017April 25, 2017

UPDATE:

One man, identified by authorities as Devorise Newson, was arrested on multiple counts following a pursuit by law enforcement officers on I-70 and into Junction City.

According to the Chief of Police in Grandview Plaza, Shawn Peirano, a Grandview Plaza Officer was assisting a motorist on I-70 at mile marker 300, when a passing vehicle failed to yield to the emergency vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted with the vehicle and contact was made with the driver, later identified as Devoris Newson. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and at that time drove away from officers at the scene. The vehicle was also occupied by one woman and three juveniles.

Grandview Plaza police and Geary County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued the vehicle into Junction City, and the driver led Officers through a portion of the city, allegedly committing numerous traffic violations. During the pursuit it appeared the suspect swerved at police. Officers discontinued the pursuit approximately four minutes after it began due to the risk of injury to innocent motorists, pedestrians and occupants of the suspect vehicle.

The vehicle came to a stop in an alley and the driver fled the scene. He was later taken into custody and booked into the Geary County Detention Center pending multiple charges including including suspicion of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Driving While Suspended, Aggravated Assault on LEO and Kidnapping.

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One person was arrested following a brief police chase Sunday, April 23rd.

According to the Junction City Police Department the incident began at 11:13 pm in Grandview Plaza and the suspect’s vehicles entered into Junction City.

After a brief chase, the suspect fled on foot and was later apprehended in the 100 block of West Chestnut.

Additional details including the name of the suspect have not yet been released.

Check with JC Post for more information as the story develops.

‘Chase for a Cause’ raises over $3000 for local organizations

Posted on April 24, 2017

Chase for a Cause 5k Run/Walk raised $3,220 for local organizations in Junction City/Geary County.

Participants chose which organization received $20 out of their $25 race registration fee. Totals are listed below:

Big Brothers/Big Sisters: $20
Boys and Girls Club: $160
CASA: $100
Delivering Change: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies: $280
Food Pantry: $380
Friends of Animals: $780
Friends of the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library: $200
Geary Community Healthcare Foundation: $80
Geary Community Schools Foundation: $80
Geary County Prevention Partnership: $20
ICARE: $100
Junction City Family YMCA: $160
Junction City Fire Department Honor Guard: $120
Junction City Fire Department Luke David Nelson Memorial Scholarship: $120
Live Well Geary County: $120
Open Door Mission: $80
Pawnee Mental Health: $100
Wheels of HOPE: $320

The fundraiser 5K is sponsored by Geary Community Hospital.

To view the results of the 5K run/walk visit: https://www.athlinks.com/Master/145831/Event/596870/Course/900902/Results

Host families needed for JC Brigade 2017 Season

Posted on April 24, 2017

Over 30 collegiate baseball players are anticipated to be on the roster for the Junction City Brigade Baseball team, but there are only 6 families signed up to house them this summer season.

Dana Wiegand, Host Family Coordinator, said that being a host family is a very rewarding experience.

“[The players] become part of your family, they become role models in your family for your children, and sometimes you could get to know a potential Major League player – you never know what level they’re going to advance to,” said Weigand.

The biggest responsibility for a host parent/family is providing housing – “a bed, a restroom, access to in-home laundry facilities…access to food and meals, we do not ask that host families actually prepare the meals,” said Weigand. “These are college kids, so they’re use to the college life of frozen pizza, pizza rolls, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, and ramen noodles.”

Host families are also asked to participate in family/weekend events, as time permits. Weigand noted that players are responsible for their own transportation around town and to and from practice – transportation to games will be provided by the Brigade.

“We’ve actually developed over the years relationships with our players; we’ve attended college graduations, weddings, we still stay in touch through Facebook,” said Weigand.

Host families also receive season passes to all home games.

For more information or to sign up as a host family contact Dana Weigand at 375-6122 or email management@jcbrigade.com.

Friends of Animals Pet Fair & Walk for Life Nearing

Posted on April 24, 2017April 24, 2017

The dog 'Jagaer' ( Yage-ur ) from Herington attended the Pet Fair. — The dog ‘Jagaer’ ( Yage-ur ) from Herington attended the Pet Fair in 2016.

The annual Pet Fair & Walk for Life hosted by Friends of Animals at the Geary County 4H / Senior Citizens Center will be Saturday, May 6th from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Pet friendly activities will range from a low cost vaccination clinic and walk for life on Rescue Road to micro-chipping and a silent auction. Other activities will include pet products vendor booths, Kentucky Derby Friends of Animals style, a pooch pie eating contest, tennis ball lottery, raffles & games, and food & beverages.

Admission will be $2 and that includes lunch. Children five and under will be admitted free.

Chase for a Cause Raises Funds for Local Organizations

Posted on April 22, 2017April 22, 2017

Sisters Valerie Guy and Betty Coleman cross the finish line together

Local organizations will benefit from Chase for a Cause, the 5K Run / Walk hosted by Geary Community Hospital on Saturday.

The hospital’s Marketing / Public Relations Director Nikki Davies reported a fundraising total of more than $3,000 for

the event, in which participants designate $20 of their registration entry to a local organization or cause. “We had 170 runners this year, which is up actually from last year.” Davies noted there was a great turnout, especially from the volunteers who helped put on the race. The event also included a children’s Fun Run.

Davies said more organizations participated this year. “So more recruiting, more participating. She is hopeful of exceeding 200 runners for the event next year.

This year’s first place finisher was Joe Moore, 33, Manhattan with a winning time of 15 minutes 57 seconds.

St. Xavier Catholic School Auction

Posted on April 21, 2017

The Saint Xavier Catholic School Auction is Saturday, April 22nd.

Shawn Augustine, St. Xavier Principal, said that the annual event is a major fundraiser for the school.

“I just want to invite everyone to come out and if they’ve never been a part of the Saint Xavier Catholic School auction, it’s something that you definitely want to be a part of,” said Augustine. “[You’re] going to have a wonderful time, not only having time to visit with the community and different people that are there for the auction, but just knowing in your hearts that you’re doing a wonderful thing for not only our school, our parish, but our community.”

Tickets to the auction are $40 and that includes dinner, beverages and the opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items.

“This money all goes toward the benefit of the school; keeping operational costs as well as just things that we need to continue to make improvements on and build with the school,” said Augustine.

One of the items in the live auction is a Coors Refreshinator – a vending machine/refrigerator that has been donated by Coors, these items are typically not found for sale. “One that always goes really well, and this year it’s dinner with both Father Gale Hammerschmidt and Father Kyle Berens…last year that one went for $8000 so I’m curious to see what it’s going to go for this year,” said Augustine.

Father Kyle Berens will be the new pastor at Saint Xavier beginning July 1st.

Students have also made various class baskets such as a lottery ticket tree, KC Royals basket, a chocolate basket and an adult beverage basket – to name a few.

Over $119,000 was raised last year. Augustine said the goal is to reach $100,000 again this year and possibly beat last year’s high mark.

There are still a few seats available for the auction. Walk-ins should anticipate getting to the auction early as the remaining seats are first come, first serve. The cost is still $40.

The event is from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Saturday, April 22nd.

KHP: One hospitalized after I-70 semi, pedestrian crash

Posted on April 21, 2017April 21, 2017

GEARY COUNTY – One person was injured in an accident just after 11 a.m. on Friday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Volvo semi driven by Ta K. Ku, 30, New Britain, CT, was westbound on Interstate 70 seven miles east of Junction City.

The semi struck the car trailer of a 1997 Dodge Ram driven by Allan J Guatemala-Osejo, 32, Ogden.

One person getting into the vehicle Abraham E. Berry, 21, Lamonte, MO., was hit up the impact.

Berry was transported to the hospital in Manhattan.

There were no other injuries. The drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

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Garry Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director confirmed to JC Post just after 1:30 pm that all four lanes of Interstate 70 both east and westbound have reopened to traffic.

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Law enforcement authorities continue to work a two vehicle accident on Interstate east of Grandview Plaza. Eastbound traffic is moving slowly in one lane. One semi-truck pulling a trailer with new pickups went across the media west to east and is stopped on the edge of the eastbound lanes.Another pickup has gone off the north side of I-70 down an incline.

TRY TO AVOID THE AREA IF YOU CAN AND TAKE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE OF TRAVEL.

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Geary County Sheriff Tony Wolf confirmed that law enforcement received a call just after 11:00 am that a semi-truck was headed westbound on I-70 and encountered a pickup truck that was pulled over just west of the 303 exit to Manhattan. Wolf said that the semi struck the pickup truck which then “shot down onto the north side of the highway and the semi grazed off the pickup and went into the median.” The semi driver did come to rest on the eastbound side of Interstate 70.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane on both Eastbound and Westbound I-70 through the area. Wolf confirmed there has been at least one injury, he could not say at this time how severe.

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There has been a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 east of Grandview Plaza.

Law enforcement dispatch has confirmed one of the westbound lanes near mile marker 301 has been closed. Traffic has been slowed. Avoid that area if you can.

Earth Day City Cleanup – Saturday, April 22nd

Posted on April 21, 2017April 20, 2017

Earth Day, Operation Clean Sweep is Saturday, April 22nd in Junction City.

Junction City Police Captain Chuck Leithoff said this is the City’s Spring Cleanup.

“We try to target the main entrances into town [for the cleanup], and the main public areas in town,” said Leithoff. “The access road off of Ash Street where IHOP is – that’s a big one, the roundabout on East Chestnut; we try to get into most of the parks…just kind of the things that when people come into Junction City that they get a good impression of our city.”

Spin City on South Washington Street will be the headquarters for the City Cleanup.

“If people can be [at Spin City] between 7:45 am and 8 am they can register there and we will have a sign up tent; depending on how large the group is will determine the areas [in town] that we cover,” said Leithoff.

Groups will be provided transportation via bus to and from the cleanup locations.

Free lunch will be provided by Smithfield Foods to the volunteers.

The cleanup begins at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 22nd. Volunteers are advised to bring gloves and water.

Senator Moran discusses Veterans Healthcare Improvement Bill signed into law by President – VIDEO

Posted on April 20, 2017

President Donald Trump has signed a bill into law that extends and improves the Veterans Choice Program.

The legislation, Veterans Choice Improvement Act, was introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and fellow U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), John McCain (R-AZ), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA).

In an interview with Fox News, Moran said the legislation will guarantee quality care for America’s heroes.

“The legislation passed, that in of it itself is an accomplishment; the House and Senate passed the legislation signed by President Trump that extends [the Veterans Choice] program, that simplifies [that] program and makes sure the bills are paid more easily and that medical records are shared between the VA and those private healthcare providers.”

While this program extends the law that was previously set to expire on August 7, 2017, Moran insists there is still more that can be done.

“Commitments have been made, promises have not been kept; the Choice Act which was passed several years ago clearly is a help,” said Moran. “One and half million Veterans across the country are accessing care outside the VA, paid for by the VA and thousands of healthcare providers are participating; but in the past this has not been a piece of legislation that the Department of Veterans Affairs embraced, and the VA continues to be a very bureaucratic place.”

With the flaws in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Moran noted a shifting attitude in leadership that will allow the Choice program to be more effective.

“The problems have been attitude, approach, bureaucracy, culture at the Department of Veterans affairs,” said Moran. “We need to continue on a hour to hour, day by day basis changing the way the VA operates to make certain that the reality is that [we] care for Veterans where they live, we meet the timeliness of their needs and it’s not about protecting the VA – it’s about taking care of the Veterans.”

Part of the effort in consistently improving the quality of healthcare for Veterans is making them more aware of the services available to them.

“[For those] Veterans that live long distances from a VA hospital, this law says that if you live more than 40 miles from that VA facility, the VA must provide those services at home if that’s what the Veteran wants,” said Moran. “In addition to that, if you can’t get the service you need within 30 days from the VA, then you have the ability to have those services provided by the hometown physician in your hospital or neighborhood.”

The law also authorizes the VA to be primary payer under the Veterans Choice Program which reduces out of pocket costs for Veterans and aligns the Choice program with the VA’s other community care programs.

Moran’s full interview is featured in the video below.

https://https://youtu.be/o9RPjAm8_i0