Approximately 23,000 soldiers are expected to train at Fort Riley this year.

Junction City Mayor Mick McCallister revealed that number this week. “It’s active duty, National Guard, and reserve. About 23,000 soldiers will be traveling through Fort Riley doing training out on the ranges.”

McCallister noted that Major General Wayne Grigsby Jr. is trying to get more training in the surrounding areas. “He’s already met with all the adjutant generals of the states that surround Kansas, and is offering the opportunity to use their training facilities. And a lot of folks are starting to come in. He’s expecting 23,000 soldiers.”

SHAWNEE COUNTY – A soldier based at Fort Riley died in an accident just after 2a.m. on Sunday in Shawnee County.

 

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Kia Sorento driven by Fernando Osornio, 29, Kansas City was eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 at Wannamaker.

 

The Kia struck a 2007 Honda Civic driven by Corey R. Jackson, 27, Newark, OH., head-on.

 

A passenger in the Honda Pfc. Coral Lynn Clark, 24, based at Fort Riley, and originally from Fort Worth, TX, was transported to Stormont Vail where she died.

 

(News Release Courtesy of Junction City Daily Union)

Two historic Kansas newspaper families today announced a change in ownership of the Junction City Daily Union, Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, and Wamego Smoke Signal.

Chris Walker and the White Corporation, owner of the Emporia Gazette, will assume ownership of the publications effective March 1. While John Montgomery, president of Montgomery Communications, will be retiring from day-to-day operational responsibility, he will continue to maintain an office at the Daily Union, assist in the transition, and remain involved in an advisory capacity.

“I am very happy to pass the baton to another well-respected Kansas newspaper family, one which has a great heritage and which I am confident will produce quality and intensely local journalism, and serve the communities of this area well,” Montgomery said.

“I am also excited about the future of my newspapers because the Gazette leverages some of the newest publishing technology in the industry.”

“My wife, Judy, and I will continue to reside in Junction City, contribute to a smooth transition from one Kansas family to another, and contribute what we can to our wonderful community.”

Montgomery is the fourth generation of his family to be in the newspaper business in Kansas, having returned to Junction City in 1973 to take over as publisher of The Daily Union from his father. During his tenure, he acquired the Smoke Signal and Reflector-Chronicle.

Walker is the great grandson of famed, Pulitzer Prize-winning Emporia editor William Allen White, who purchased the Gazette in 1895.

“John has been an incredible leader in the newspaper industry in Kansas,” Walker said. “Our thoughts on the industry, what is local news and the role of a newspaper in the community all line up closely.

“Working together to create the best products for Junction City and Fort Riley for generations to come is our goal.” Walker said. “While we will be publishing the papers, I’m pleased that John will continue to work in the community and remain involved at Fort Riley.”

All three newspapers will continue to operate from their current locations in Abilene, Junction City and Wamego.

Besides the Gazette, the Walker family also publishes the weekly Chase County Leader News, St. Marys Star and Westmoreland Recorder in Kansas, the Left Hand Valley Courier in Boulder County, Colorado, plus several annual magazine publications.

Chris and his wife, Ashley, both grew up in Emporia, where Chris started working at the paper while growing up as a newspaper carrier and then in the composing department building pages. He received a journalism degree from the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism. He and Ashley have been running the Gazette for more than 20 years. They have three children – Grace, a freshman in high school; Hattie, a seventh-grader; and William White Walker, a third-grader.

The Junction City – Geary County Drug Operations Group assisted by the Riley County Police Department Special Investigations Unit executed search warrants this past Friday at two Junction City locations, 1310 South Jackson Street and 621 South Jefferson Street, Apartment #111. The JCPD reported that occurred after a two-month long investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in the Junction City area.

According to the JCPD Michael Anthony Washington “Trouble,” 29, Junction City was arrested on suspicion of one count Sale of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, six counts Sale of Methamphetamine, plus one count each of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, No Kansas Drug Tax Stamp, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  His bond was set at $250,000.

Latasha Nicole Clayton, 29, Junction City, was arrested on suspicion of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her bond was set at $50,000.

The Drug Operations Group seized approximately 2.5 ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce of cocaine, one ounce of marijuana, U.S. currency, and drug paraphernalia.

The Drug Operations Group is a joint task force composed of members of the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s Department, and Grandview Plaza Police Department.

 

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Kenny Langdon on Saturday, March 5 at 3 p.m. at the Junction City Municipal Gymnasium.

Langdon, 62, died this past Wednesday at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. He had been found unconscious on a downtown Junction City street last Sunday afternoon.

Langdon was a longtime Building and Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Junction City for approximately 20 years, with his primary responsibility cleaning and maintaining the downtown area.

During the Celebration of Life Service, the floor will be opened to the public to share their best memories of Kenny Langdon, and how long they knew him.

A well known longtime Junction City employee, Kenny Langdon, 62, died Wednesday.

His death was confirmed by a family member.

Langdon, a Building and Maintenance Custodian, was found unconscious on a downtown Junction City street on Sunday. He had been employed by the City for approximately 20 years.

Langdon was a regular prescence in the downtown area where he worked to clean and maintain that sector of the city.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Penwell-Gable Funeral Homes & Crematory.

A Go Fund Me account has been established to help with a memorial and still have funds left to plant a tree in his honor in Heritage Park.  As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday $3,225 had been pledged to the Kenny Langdon Fund.

 

 

The Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series Trophy was in Junction City on display at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center on Monday.

Officials reported that 474 fans attended the event, with most getting their picture taken with the trophy.

 

Ella Moloney, Geary County resident, was excited. “This was wonderful for us in Junction City. I have loved the Royals long before this.  I think maybe in the middle 70’s I started watching them. I’m a diehard.”

Steve Locke, Junction City, has been a fan of the Royals since the team was formed in Kansas City in the late 1960’s. “Well, we’re obviously Royals fans as I think everybody in Kansas is. But we’re honored and fortunate to have the trophy on display here in Junction City.”

Amanda Turk, Coordinator of Publicity, said the fans arrived at the convention center early to see the trophy. She said the reaction of those viewing the trophy was “usually shock and awe.”

From Junction City the trophy was transported to Hays for a public display.

 

The setup was under way Monday morning for the World Series Trophy display at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center in Junction City.

Fans can view the trophy and have their picture taken with it from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. There is no admission charge.

 

 

The Kansas City Royals bring their World Series trophy to Junction City on Monday.

It will be on display at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The team’s Vice President for Community Affairs and Publicity, Toby Cook, explained there are options when it comes to having your photo taken with the trophy. “We don’t want people to feel like they have to spend any money to get in and get their picture taken. We will have staff to set up to take pictures. ”

The Royals will take your phone or other camera and snap a photo for you at no charge. “We’re going to have somebody there, a professional photo and then you can purchase professional photos if you choose to.”  A portion of the proceeds from the professional photos will benefit Royals Charities.

The trophy has been on tour in midwestern states including Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Arkansas, and now Kansas.

Cook expects a big turnout in Junction City. “Junction City is Royals country as much as any town in Kansas. We know that people are going to dig it.”

Accompanying the trophy from the Royals will be the mascot Sluggerrr, and KayCee, the stadium historian who hangs the ‘W’ at Kaufman Stadium after a Royals victory.