Education is huge with the Secretary of the Army ( Dr. Mark T. Esper ).

Perry Wiggins, Executive Director of the Governor’s Military Council, provided that information to a Military Affairs Council audience in Junction City on Thursday.

“When he goes to installations he visits, one of the things he likes to do is he likes to talk about schools. The fact that you’re improving your high school, the fact that you’re looking at your other schools, how you can continually improve the education of those students that are a part of military families is absolutely one of the most important things you can do….quality of life.”

A new high school is planned for construction on the west side of Junction City. The planning is under way at this point.

For some time state and local officials have expressed desire to have a new armored brigade combat team located in the future at Fort Riley.

Speaking in Junction City on Thursday, Perry Wiggins, Executive Director of the Governor’s Military Council, explained that Fort Riley is one of five installations being considered as a future home for the new 16th Armored Brigade Combat Team. “they’re going to convert an IBCT, an infantry brigade combat team, to an armored brigade combat team. That unit is sitting at Fort Carson, Colorado right now. They just released that five installations are under consideration for the housing and basing of that particular formation. Fort Riley is one of those bases. It doesn’t mean that Fort Riley is going to be chosen, it means that it is under consideration. And that’s important.”

Wiggins added that provides an opportunity to work on those things that are necessary, “to make up more lucrative to the Army to place a brigade combat team, about 5,200 soldiers here at Fort Riley, Kansas and we’ve got to continue to work hard on that.”

Wiggins spoke at the Military Affairs Council breakfast in Junction City.

Junction City police say in recent weeks they have received several reports of residents receiving calls from someone claiming to be a relative calling from jail and needing bond money sent to them. The caller asks to have the money wired or money cards purchased. this is just one of many scams that occur across the country on a daily basis.

Police Captain Trish Giordano said be cautious when you receive calls asking for money. Try and verify with another family member or ask what facility they are being held. Do your own research to obtain the telephone number to call and see if the person really is in jail.

Another scam is where people call and ask for information or tell you a warrant will be issued if you do not pay a bill. No credible company will call and ask for your personal information such as a social security number or banking information.

If you have questions call the Junction City Police Department.

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an attempted murder at a Junction City motel and have reported the arrest of one suspect.

Just before 11:30 p.m. March 29, police responded to report of a gunshot at a motel in the 1900 Block of Lacy Drive in Junction City, according to a media release.

Police found Trenton Penn, 19, Minneapolis, Kansas, with a gunshot wound. He was flown to a Topeka hospital for treatment.
An investigation revealed the shooting occurred during a fight at the motel room, according to the release.

On Tuesday, Junction City police reported U.S. Marshals arrested 24-year-old suspect Cody Breeden, in Fremont County Wyoming Monday. Police are still searching for Jeremy Breeden, 28, Abilene.

In March Police arrested 19-year-old Morgan Fabre of Manhattan on requested charges of conspiracy to commit pre-meditated first-degree murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and criminal threat. She was being held without bond.
Police are searching for three suspects who should be considered armed and dangerous. Police are still looking for 28-year-old Jeremy Breeden.

Finding just 30 minutes to take a walk most days of the week can be beneficial to your well being. Walking is considered one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of exercise. A regular walking routine can help control weight, reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and be a positive influence on heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is hosting the 12th annual National Walk @ Lunch Day on Wednesday.

Live Well Geary County will sponsor a local event in Junction City at noon on Wednesday at the Fifth Street Playground Park.  Spokesperson Susan Jagerson said this event will run from noon until about one p.m. “We’re inviting everyone to come out and walk with us. We’ll have t-shirts for the event for the first 50 participants that show up. It’s just going to be a great day and it’s a great time to get out and improve your health, and walk.”

This is a free event. There is no charge.

The Junction City Fire Department responded to 1310 Overbrook Drive at 6:23 a.m. on Monday.

According to Fire Chief Terry Johnson upon arrival at the wood frame bi-level nothing was showing. The occupants had put out the fire by the time crews arrived. Salvage and overhaul started. Siding below the window was removed as well as some of the deck boards.

The cause of the fire is believed to be discarded smoking materials.

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The Fire Department responded on Friday to a vehicle fire between 331 and 339 West 14th Street. The vehicle was fully involved when fire crews arrived and the fire began to spread to two adjacent houses. The blaze was determined to be accidental and the possibility of mechanical failure of the vehicle could not be ruled out.

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Firefighters responded to Commonwealth by Fuller Circle on Friday where they found a fire that was intentional in nature. It had been set in an overgrown vacant lot. An accelerant was used, and the Junction City Police Department is investigating.

 

The VITA program coordinator has been named the Volunteer of the Year for the Junction City / Geary County United Way.

The Executive Director for the local United Way chapter, Nicole Mahder, confirmed that Cynthia Cason is the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year honor. “Every year we have our volunteer income tax assistance program where people who live in Geary County, who make $54,000 or less per year can come in and have their taxes done for free. ”

Mahder said Cason has been doing the program with United Way since they began overseeing it, and before that performed the service at the Geary County Extension Office. Mahder stated, “So she has been doing the VITA program for just about 10 years. She files between 300 and 350 taxes ( income tax returns ) every year.”

Cason was honored during the United Way Appreciation luncheon at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

 

Posted by USD 475

JUNCTION CITY, KAN.  –  Geary County Schools USD 475 announced this week that, the initial schematic drawings for the new Junction City High School will be available for public viewing on April 28, 2018. The viewing will take place at the Freshman Success Academy, 300 W 9th St, Junction City, KS 66441.

Multiple stations will be available to the public to learn more about the various aspects of the new high school design. Stations will be staffed with architects from SJCF as well as USD 475 personnel who can facilitate small group presentation or discussions.

The public will be invited to come and go as they please.

Those members of the public who are interested in attending should be at the Freshman Success Academy foyer on Saturday, April 28, 2018, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

For the second time in recent weeks a vehicle slammed into the northwest corner of the Dollar General building on West 6th Street. The accident happened Friday morning.

Police confirmed no one was injured.

The charter has been signed marking the new Future Farmers of America Chapter formation at Junction City High School.

The program began just a few months ago after a 58-year absence of agriculture education at JCHS.

Miranda Brecht served as Chapter President for the first school year. This is helping her on the pathway to her career choice. “I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was in second grade. I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, I’ve loved working with animals, and I like being really hands on.”

Frank Throckmorton will be the president for the chapter in the 2018-2019 school year. “Help out, make sure I maintain our FFA, make sure everything goes well.”

In attendance for the Charter signing was Bill Strauss, a longtime farmer in Geary County. He was a member of the first FFA Chapter at the school in 1942. “Back then it was more or less strictly agriculture. Today it’s agribusiness I guess you would say. Being a farmer, or coming from the farm I enrolled in it, and I was a part of the first chapter.”

Strauss was excited to see the program reestablished. “Oh I’m very much thrilled. It’s an honor to be a part of the FFA here in Junction City.”