The new Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Foundation has been registered with the office of the Kansas Secretary of State as a new business entity.
Work on the filings with the Internal Revenue Service to recognize the foundation as a nonprofit entity is also under way.
Susan Moyer, Library Director, explained there is a two-fold purpose. “One is to provide an ongoing source of support for the library and the programs, resources and services that we offer, which I think is pretty typical of an organization such as this. But also we are investigating ways that we can try to raise funds to help with a library building project.”
On the library building different options are under study. “We have been looking at actually being able to renovate the existing facility and have working with an architect.” Moyer noted they have been considering an expansion of the current facility from approximately 14,000 square feet up to 26,000 square feet. The cost estimate is between five and six million dollars. “But in the course of this we were also asked to look into what the cost might if we just completely built a new facility. So we did that with the same architect. They came up with a draft concept for a new building that I believe at about 28,000 square feet.” The cost estimate for a new facility would be closer to seven million dollars.
At this point no final decisions on the building project have been made.
The foundation is led by a board of directors that includes Sally Jardine as President, Linda Hoeffner as Vice-President, Michelle Custer as Treasurer, Vic Davis as Secretary, Carolyn Cook, John Majerus and Scott Stuckey. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Thursday, october 13 at 5 p.m. in the library meeting room.
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue – a familiar rhyme to American children as they are taught the story of America – and it’s “founder” Christopher Columbus. Many scholars have long disputed his actual “discovery” of the Americas, yet every year Columbus is celebrated.
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chair Liana Onnen; photo courtesy of https://www.pbpindiantribe.com
For Native Americans, Columbus Day is a somber day that awakens deep-rooted feelings passed down from generation to generation.
Liana Onnen, Tribal Chair Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said that Christopher Columbus is not a hero to indigenous people.
“Nothing was discovered from our perspective, we were here…and what Columbus Day signifies for Native American people is the beginning of the historical genocide and removal of Native American people,” said Onnen.
As the Tribal Chair for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Onnen brought forth a resolution last year to not recognize Columbus Day but rather Indigenous Peoples Day – a practice shared by native and non-native people across the United States.
“It wasn’t a good thing for native people…so it is a somber day; one of the reasons that I brought the resolution to the table last year to change it to Indigenous Peoples Day was to kind of take that gravitas, that sadness out of that holiday,” said Onnen.
Cities like Phoenix, AZ and Denver, CO are amongst those that recognize the federal holiday of Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day in their respective areas.
“Just about every tribal leader that I know, and I know several, and every native person that I know – we would like to see Columbus Day changed [to] Indigenous Peoples Day,” said Onnen.
Although the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is a federally recognized tribe, Onnen said that there is no active push from her tribe, or through other tribal leaders to address the government and have the holiday changed.
“Native Americans are here, they’re everywhere…and I think I would just like people to know that [it] is offensive to us, and it is sad to us because, we’ve lost a lot and now we struggle a lot to retain and regain pieces of our culture that have been lost, such as our language; and all of that started with Columbus and his discovery of a land that was already occupied by hundreds of thousands of people,” said Onnen.
Bender – the true story of America’s first serial killing family premiered to an enthusiastic audience Saturday, October 8th at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.
L to R: Chamber of Commerce CEO Dennis Beson, Director John Alexander, Actress Linda Purl, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Connie Hall
This was the first film for director John Alexander, who impressed veteran actress Linda Purl with his discipline and work ethic.
“You know, you come across someone like that and you just want to be a part of anything that they’re doing and help them in any way that you can,” said Purl.
Purl, whose acting career includes roles in Matlock, Happy Days, Mighty Joe Young and Beacon Hill, to name a few, was in attendance for the premiere on Saturday and spent some time in Geary county.
“I’ve had dinner two nights in a row at Bella’s…[and it’s] just fantastic food; it’s just been lovely [visiting]…I took a long walk through a beautiful neighborhood, with beautiful trees and lovely homes…I’ve already come back twice, this is my second trip here – so yes, I’d love to come back to the heartland,” said Purl.
In addition to the Hollywood element at Saturday night’s premiere, there were some local stars who basked in the spotlight – even if it was for just a moment.
“Once the movie got started, I think the reason everybody knows me is I talk to everyone, we had fun,” said Jim Sands, City Commissioner.
Sands had a limited role as an extra, but still was thankful for the opportunity.
“We had a really good time, I learned a lot about film production; this was a great experience,” said Sands.
Junction City High School teacher, and cross country coach Stacy Cooke also enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.
“I just had a good time being on the set and being around those actors; I never imagined being able to do something like that, it was just really interesting…something to put on my resume, ” said Cooke.
And it was something to put on the county’s resume as well – a film partially shot in Geary county, with local actors and a premiere event in Junction City.
“Doing this like this adds to [the] quality of life; when people come to town and they look around and say what’s there to do here, this is one of those things that we can actually say we had the premiere for a film that was done right here in Kansas and there could be many more coming,” said Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Dennis Beson. “I think it’s just one of those things that now goes in the toolbox, it’s another thing we’ve done here.”
Bender – the true story of America’s first serial killing family has an encore screening on Sunday, October 9th at 2:00 pm at the C. L. Hoover Opera House located at 135 w. 7th Street in Junction City.
A possible three or four foot drawdown of Milford Lake in the early winter months of 2017 ( January – February time frame ) is being considered as a possible way to deal with the blue green algae problem at the reservoir.
That was one of the ideas receiving discussion during a public forum at a Kansas Regional Advisory Committee meeting in Wakefield on Friday. The director of the Kansas Water Office, Tracy Streeter stated they’re working with the Corp of Engineers, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and Milford Lake stakeholders both upstream and downstream of the reservoir “to say where’s that optimal level where we can still meet all the authorized purposes of the lake between recreation and water supply, draw it down so we can create some space to grow some vegetation into the growing season, then bring the lake back up.”
Streeter added the idea is to allow that vegetation created by the drawdown compete for nutrients and perhaps reduce the severity of the length and possibly the occurrence of the harmful algae blooms. He noted one option is to draw the lake down by four feet in the early part of 2017 and then bring the water level back up. “there is some concern with boat ramp availability, recreation access, with a four-foot drawdown. So I’m not sure where we’ll end up on that.” A two or three-foot drawdown could also be considered. The public had an opportunity to give input on the subject to State Water Office officials at the session in Wakefield.
The toxic blooms have led to numerous warnings and closures at the lake in recent years. The portion of the reservoir impacted the most has been Zone C at the north end of the lake.
Expanding and improving the wetlands areas on the north side of the reservoir has also been suggested as another possible step to try and deal with the blue green algae problem.
Officials in the forum made it clear phosphorous flowing down the Republican River into the north end of Milford Lake is a key cause of the problem. Also, the prescence of zebra mussels in the lake has led to clearer water, allowing sunlight to go deeper into the water. That in turn helps foster the growth of the troublesome blue green algae.
L to R: Junction City Chamber of Commerce CEO Dennis Beson, Walmart Supercenter Store Manager Nick Brungardt
The old expression, “if you look good, you feel good” must have some truth to it – Walmart Store Manager Nick Brungardt was all smiles in a coat and tie at the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the store located at 521 E. Chestnut Street in Junction City.
“This has been a two and a half month process and our customers/our community has been very, very patient with us, they’ve been very understanding…so we wanted to thank them for sticking with us, continuing to [allow] this to be the Walmart of choice in Junction City,” said Brungardt.
The newly renovated Walmart now boasts wider aisles (from 5 to 7 feet), new ceiling tiles, newly remodeled restrooms, new signing, new paint, new lighting and a freshly painted exterior as well.
Brungardt said the brighter, cleaner store will make it much easier for customers to navigate and have a “quick shopping experience”. “It gives our customers the expectations that they’ve always had for us.”
In addition to all of the cosmetic fixes, Walmart is in the midst of a fundraising campaign for Children’s Miracle Network – an organization that Brungardt affectionately says is near and dear to the hearts of those at Walmart.
“In the last six weeks, we’ve raised $27,000 [and] all of that is from contributions from our customers and the hard work of our associates…we have until October 16th, our goal is to raise $35,000 and all of the money stays local and goes directly to St. Francis Hospital in Topeka,” said Brungardt.
Beginning at 10:00 am tomorrow, Walmart will host a bake sale and give away freebies to customers in an attempt to meet their fundraising goal for the Children’s Miracle Network.
“The company invested a tremendous amount of money to give our customers what they deserve,” said Brungardt – and now it’s time for the community to rally together and give back.
The Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser is Saturday, October 8th at the Walmart located at 521 E. Chestnut Street in Junction City.
For more information, contact Walmart at 238-8229.
In celebration of the Grand Reopening Walmart is giving free donuts/cupcakes to all customers at that location on Friday(today).
L to R: Junction City Chamber of Commerce CEO Dennis Beson, Walmart Supercenter Store Manager Nick Brungardt
L to R: City Commissioner Jim Sands, Dennis Beson, Nick Brungardt
L to R: Grandview Plaza Vice Mayor Honey Grant, Dennis Beson, Nick Brungardt
There will be an Assumption of Command Ceremony for Major General Joseph M. Martin on October 18th; the 1st Infantry Division Deployment Ceremony will also take place.
Martin was named the Commanding General at Fort Riley after an investigation led to the removal of Major General Wayne W. Grigsby Jr.
Major General Joseph M. Martin
Major General Joseph M. Martin graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point in 1986. Most recently, Martin served as commander at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California.
Martin has prior experience with the Big Red One commanding the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, and according to his National Training Center bio he deployed with that command to Baghdad, Iraq.
Martin has also served as the Deputy Commanding General at the United States Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
The Assumption of Command Ceremony will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 18 at the Calvary Parade Field on Fort Riley; the 1st Infantry Division Deployment Ceremony will immediately follow.
The 1st Infantry Division is set to deploy to Iraq.
