Dewey Terrill

JC Post

The Geary County Commission meeting on Monday provided the backdrop for the recognition of three people who saved the life of Cole Gritton, 20, Manhattan.

Just a few weeks ago while in Milford, Gritton suffered what officials indicated was a heart attack. A 9-1-1 call alerted emergency personnel to the residence where Gritton had been visiting. Milford firefighter Tim Himelick was the first on the scene.

“I ran inside, found the guy laying on the kitchen floor and he had all kinds of fluid coming out of mouth, and he was totally blue. I started CPR on him seemed like forever.

Milford State Park ranger Clayton Swanson and Deputy Cayla DaGiao arrived to apply chest compressions and life saving efforts.

“DaGiao noted it was what she signed up to do in law enforcement. “And I’m just glad that he ‘s still around with his family and stuff.” She noted the take-away from the incident is that the three agencies were able to mesh together to do what they’re supposed to do. “And honestly what the right thing was to save that young man’s life.”

Swanson said he remained calm in this emergency by taking a breath.  “That’s what they tell us to do at the Academy in a stressful situation, stand up and take a breath, refocus on what you’re there to do and stop the dying.”

Himelick, DaGiao and Swanson were presented with certificates of commendation from the Sheriff’s Department and applauded for their efforts at the commission meeting.

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Rock Springs 4-H Center in Geary County. No other water district in the county are under a BWA.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect Monday and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

If you have questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-1317. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm

 

Gerald Kratochvil

Communications Director

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Dewey Terrill

JC Post

Members of the community raised funds for Sundown Salute Saturday night at the Courtyard By Marriott convention center in Junction City.

Geary County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Michelle Stimatze reported that 230 people attended, and estimated the event could raise $5,000 for the annual Fourth of July celebration. There was dinner followed by entertainment provided by ‘Dueling Pianos’ from the Hammersmith Company.  “What I like best is the crowd having a good time with them and people just enjoying themselves and having fun seeing people that they don’t see normally in the community all the time.” Tickets were sold for the event this year, and Stimatze added next year she would like to do a little more with this type of event including a silent auction.

Stimatze estimated the overall fundraising goal for the 2019 Sundown Salute would be at least $68,000. The annual celebration is scheduled from July 3rd through July 7th.

 

The Junction City Blue Jay wrestling team scored 172 points to finish third in their own invitational at the Shenk Gym on Saturday. Kapaun Mt. Carmel captured first place with 181 points and Lawrence Free State finished second with 180. There were 15 teams in the tournament.

Blue Jay coach Bob Laster said he was happy with the Junction City finish. For the Blue Jays C.J. Neuman won the championship at 152 pounds, Terrance Adeleye was second at 195 and Matthew Whitten second at 138 pounds.

It was senior day for the Blue Jays, and Coach Laster was recognized before the beginning of the championship finals. He is retiring after the current season after 35 years of coaching in the program, 32 as head coach. “I’m a little sad and a little happy. Both current and former Blue Jay wrestlers joined Laster on the mat during the recognition ceremony. “This is what wrestling’s been about for me the whole time. It’s always been about relationships, and trying to build relationships with kids. That’s pretty much my total philosophy.”

Laster enjoyed his time with all the wrestlers, past and present. “Yeah, it was a little said, but also a little happy to see how much people care about you. And they were coming back to show me that so I was real happy about that.”

 

 

Dr. Beth Hudson, Interim Superintendent of Schools, has announced that she will be retiring from her position in USD 475 following the current school year. The Board of Education was made aware of the announcement earlier this week.

Associate Superintendent Dr. Beth Hudson has filled the Interim Superintendent position since Dr. Corbin Witt’s departure at the beginning of the 2018-1019 school year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in USD 475 and would tell you that there isn’t a better place to be. It’s truly an organization of people who are passionate about student success,” said Hudson.

During Hudson’s 34 year tenure in USD 475 multiple schools have received Blue Ribbon Awards, Challenge Awards and Horizon Awards. Schools within the district were also selected for the Kansas School Redesign Project ( Gemini ), and a school bond issue was passed for construction on a new Junction City High School. The implementation of an all-day kindergarten program was also started during Hudson’s time in Geary County School.

The district will begin plans to fill the position with input from the incoming and newly selected Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston. He will begin working in USD 475 in April of this year.

 

The annual Geary County Conservation District Awards were presented during the District’s annual dinner Thursday evening at the 4-H / Senior Center.

Hildebrand Farms, located west of Junction City, received the 2018 Geary County Banker’s Association Water Quality Award. Alan Hildebrand told JC Post that they work hard to take measures for conservation. “We feel it’s important, try to take care of the land best we can.”  The award’s history dates back to 1945.

The 2018 Geary County Conservation District Grassland Award winners were Winifred and Robert Wilson for land south of Junction City and just east of the Geary State Lake. Pat and Angela Beavers oversee the property. Pat Beavers stated the site is about a mile from their home, and they raise cattle on the property. “It’s been well taken care of. The landowners took good care of it and they inherited it. It’s been passed on to another generation.” The Grassland Award history dates back to 2007.

By Dewey Terrill

JC Post

He was a fixture leading the Junction City Blue Jay football teams onto the field at the beginning of games for many years, attended almost all practices and traveled to road games on the team bus. Frank Drew attained a status as an honorary coach and top Blue Jay fan.

Frank passed away Wednesday in Junction City.

On Blue Jay football radio broadcasts Frank was often called the number one fan. Coach Randall Zimmerman agreed. “Frank definitely was our number one fan for sure. He definitely was our number one fan. ” 

Zimmerman said Frank was a part of the family. “I hope that you have an influence on close to the number of people that Frank had an influence on. Frank had such a tremendously positive influence on just everybody that took their time to get to know him, just a great, great person.”

Frank Drew first watched some practices for one season in the mid 1990’s after Coach Zimmerman arrived in Junction City and then a player, Mike Munson, approached Zimmerman about finding a way to get Frank involved in the program. At that time Zimmerman approached Frank about being an honorary coach. “He absolutely just loved it and he jumped all in. He was all in from that point on.”

Frank always wore Blue Jay colors and was a familiar sight riding his bicycle back and forth to the high school, and also in some local parades. He will be missed.

By Dewey Terrill

JC Post

The Geary County Conservation District has announced that Hildebrand Farms is the recipient of the 2018 Kansas Bankers Association Water Quality Conservation Award, and Winfred Wilson’s grassland in southern Geary County has been selected for the 2018 district’s Grassland Management Award.

The Water Quality Conservation Award is sponsored by the Kansas Bankers Association and KSU Extension, and has been presented in Geary County annually since 1945. It recognizes those farms that have implemented water quality practices on their land to protect water resources. KSU Extension Agricultural Agent Chuck Otte is the local chairman for the award committee and Mike Anderes from Central National Bank is the Key Banker sponsoring the award.

Located west of Junction City, Hildebrand Farms is family-owned and operated and includes producing premium dairy and beef products. It is owned and operated by David and Kathy Hildebrand, Alan and Mary Hildebrand.

The Grassland Management Award has been presented in Geary County since 2007. Conservation District Chair Sarah Schmidt said, “We want to recognize all sizes of farms and ranches and hope that the award inspires others to help protect the Flint Hills as it is one of the last areas of tallgrass prairies in the world.”

Winfred Wilson currently resides in Camarillo, California with her husband Dr. Robert Wilson. She graduated from Junction City High School and then from Kansas State University in 1959. She stated the land has been in her family for many years

Pat and Angela Beavers have run cattle on the land for many years and help burn and spray when needed. They recently applied for the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program for a water well, solar pump and tank for a dependable water supply after the recent drought.

The two awards will be presented at the Geary County Conservation District annual meeting January 24th at the 4-H Center in Junction City.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Geary County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau reports that the Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail has announced that the 2020 King Kat Championship Classic will be held October 25th and 26th, 2020 at Milford Lake.

The championship will bring two-person teams from across the United States to fish for catfish at Milford Lake. Over $100,000 in prize money and outdoor products will be awarded to top finishers.

Jeremey Coe, Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Director added, “We are excited to be returning to Milford Lake with the King Kat Trail. It’s been several years in the process setting these events up an we can’t thank the staff at the Geary County CVB enough for all they do in making these events a success! Milford Lake i one of the top destinations in the sport of catfishing!

Geary County Commissioner Charles Stimatze stated that the event will demonstrate why Junction City was named in the past as one of the Top 200 Towns to Live for Anglers and Hunters.

The Milford Lake King Kat Qualifier will be on March 30th, 2019 at the Farnum Creek Boat Ramp at Milford Lake.

Fort Riley will be working under Minimal Manning/ Limited Services for 23 JAN 19. Please consult your Supervisor for details.

–Konza Prairie Community Health Center will be closed this morning. Officials will reassess Wednesday morning the plans for the facility this afternoon.

–Cloud County Community College – Geary County and Concordia campuses will be closed. There will not be any day or evening classes. New Student Orientation will be rescheduled.

–The Geary County Senior Center will be closed Wednesday.

–Geary USD 475 has cancelled classes on Wednesday.

–Saint Xavier Schools are cancelled on Wednesday.

–Chapman USD 473 schools will not be in session on Wednesday.

–Manhattan USD 383 has cancelled classes on Wednesday. Manhattan Catholic Schools will also be closed.

–USD 481 Hope / White City has called off classes on Wednesday.

–USD 378 Riley County Schools closed Wednesday

–USD 379 Clay County Schools opening two hours late.