ABILENE – A child died in an accident just after 3p.m. on Tuesday in Dickinson County.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Beverly M. Barnett, 59, Enterprise, was westbound on 6th street.
The vehicle stopped at the stop sign, turned left onto Buckeye and struck Tayla M. Womochil, 6, Abilene.
She was transported to the hospital in Abilene where she died.
Barnett and a passenger in the Jeep were not injured.
The accident remains under investigation.
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band will have a new enhanced permanent home inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium as part of Phase IIIB of the stadium’s Master Plan, Athletics Director John Currie, Director of Bands Dr. Frank Tracz and student government leadership have announced.
The 400-plus member group will occupy a specially designed and one-of-a-kind area below the concourse walkway similar in positioning to the new Wabash Landing in the northwest corner. With design guidance from Tracz beginning last spring, this unique section will not only provide more space and accessibility to accommodate members of the 2015 Sudler Trophy winning band but will also dramatically increase visibility and sound projection of the marching band for the better enjoyment of K-State fans throughout Bill Snyder Family Stadium in keeping with the department’s commitment toThe Best Fan Experience in the Big 12.
Student Body President Andy Hurtig echoed Tracz’s comments and believes the new location will be beneficial to all Wildcat fans, including the best student section in the country.
“This was a collaborative process between SGA and the Marching Band, under Dr. Tracz’s leadership, that we feel is mutually beneficial for all Wildcat fans attending Bill Snyder Family Stadium,” said Hurtig. “As we think about providing the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12, and specifically the best experience for our loyal students, we believe this achieves a number of improvements to our gameday environment including a drastically improved space that will be custom suited for the band that matches its national acclaim. It will also provide enhanced seating for our General Admission student patrons in section 26, as they will be able to fill in closer to the field in the spots vacated by the marching band while also providing all fans an improved listening experience as an amphitheater effect will improve sound projection throughout the stadium. All things considered, we are excited by the collaborative nature of this decision, the mutual benefit that we see for all Wildcat fans, and the long term vision for K-State Football.”
Fundraising momentum continues for funding of Phase IIIB as Currie also announced today that more than $10 million of the estimated $15 million cost has been pledged to the project. When finished, Phase IIIB will complete the northeast corner of the stadium as envisioned in the 2010 Master Plan and provide K-State fans with a fully enclosed stadium bowl as well as other spectator and operational enhancements.
Continuing K-State Athletics’ commitment to fiscal responsibility, the department will again depend on individual donors throughout Wildcat Nation to help reach the $15 million goal and enable construction to begin in December after the conclusion of the 2015 football season with desired completion in time for the 2016 season. The entire project will be funded without incurring any long-term debt and without any state tax or university funds.
The project, led by the world-renowned sports design firm Populous in conjunction with the construction management team of Mortenson and GE Johnson Construction, will connect the east side of the stadium to the new north side to create a 360-degree concourse and fully enclose Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The department will also take another step toward its goal of providing The Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 with a new videoboard on the northeast corner that will mirror the new system recently erected on the northwest corner of the stadium.
It will also include permanent new visiting team locker, training and officials areas, which will move from their current temporary location inside the Vanier Family Football Complex, and open up the mezzanine above the Strength and Performance area providing more usable space for K-State student-athletes. In addition, the Section 1 seating area will also be re-constructed to connect to the new north end zone concourse and Wabash Landing area, adding additional seating to the section.
“We are extremely thankful for the generosity of our leadership donors and hopeful that the K-State Nation will continue to respond to place us in a position to move forward with Phase IIIB in a fiscally responsible manner after the final home game against West Virginia,” said Currie. “We are also extremely excited about the new permanent home for Dr. Tracz and the reigning Sudler Trophy recipients. This new space will not only benefit the 400-plus members of the marching band but also will enhance the overall experience for all 50,000-plus fans in attendance.”
To assist with making Phase IIIB a reality and view the latest photo renderings fans are encouraged visit the new giving site on the department’s facility master plan website at www.k-statesports.com/masterplan.
Preparations are under way for the next delinquent property tax sale in Geary County.
County Commission Chairman Ben Bennett explained that as they 
prepare for the sale and contact the land owners they will sometimes get landowners who pay their delinquent taxes before the property ever goes up for sale.
“The way things are going now, from 200 plus that we had still sitting on the docket, we’re probably going to be down to about 50 or 60 properties when we finally have to do the last sale. We can then turn all of that then over to the Land Bank,” said Bennett.
County Counselor Lloyd Graham Reported on the tax sale preparations to the Commission Monday.
Two longtime volunteer firefighters in Geary County are retiring from those positions.
County Commission Chairman Ben Bennett says Dale Evans and 
Vernon Bohn have more than 20 years of experience.
The County will need more volunteer firefighters in the future.
“We need to get some new blood in the volunteer fire department for our county,” said Bennett. “If they’ve had 20 years of service they are eligible for, from the Fireman’s Relief Association, they are eligible for an annuity that they can apply for. It pays a little stipend during their retirement.”
The County Commission approves the retirements for the volunteer firefighters.
Big dollars are set aside for potential school improvements in USD 475 next summer.
They include an addition of classrooms, new front entrance, and 
parking space at Sheridan Elementary in Junction City, and front entrance improvements for Jefferson and Morris Hill Elementary Schools. All next summer.
Bill Clark, Director of Business Operations at USD 475 went over the price of the proposed improvements.
“The cost to address Sheridan, if you look the addition which includes turning it into a storm shelter, that’s about $1.75 million. To address the front entrance at Sheridan, that’s about $310,000 and the entrances to the other two elementary schools is about $250,000 apiece,” said Clark.
There would also be a music room for Sheridan Elementary School.
No final decisions have been made. The work could go to the Board of Education in December for approval.
The 600 block of Caroline Avenue in Junction City will be closed today ( Tuesday ).
The Junction City Public Works Department reported that asphalt repairs will be under way on that block. The street will reopen on Wednesday morning.
A 16-year old girl was airlifted to Salina Regional Health Center on Monday morning following a two-vehicle accident in the area of Old Highway 40 and Britt Road in Geary County.
That information was provided by the Geary County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies responded to the accident. A Chevrolet Impala driven by Jimmie Burch, Junction City, was westbound on Old Highway 40, made a left turn onto Britt Road, and the vehicle struck a Ford Bronco traveling east. The Ford Bronco was driven by Jonah Farley, Chapman.
The impact sent the Ford into the south ditch, rolling several times. A passenger in the Bronco, the 16-year old juvenile, was ejected from the vehicle. The girl was then airlifted to Salina Mercy Hospital.
According to the National Weather Service of Topeka, the morning clouds and fog are expected to give way to mostly sunny skies. This should allow the unseasonably warm weather to continue today and Wednesday with afternoon temperatures in 
the 70s. Changes are in store by Thursday as a cold front moves through the area during afternoon and evening. Showers and thunderstorms are likely with the front, then cooler temperatures should follow Thursday night.
Today: Mostly sunny. Areas of fog in the morning. Patchy drizzle in the morning. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. South winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of rain showers and slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning…then rain showers likely and chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the lower 70s. Southwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation 70 percent.
Thursday Night: Colder. Mostly cloudy in the evening then becoming partly cloudy. A 50 percent chance of rain showers. Lows in the lower 40s.
Friday: Cooler…sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s.
Saturday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s.
Sunday: Sunny. Highs around 60.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Lows around 40.
Monday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s.
NetWork Kansas has announced that Geary County through Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development has been selected as a 2015 Entrepreneurship ( E- ) Community and has been awarded $110,000 in tax credits, ennabling the Geary County E-Community to raise $146,667 to advance and establish local businesses. Geary County joins a group of 53 communities.
“We strongly believe that entrepreneurs are and will continue to be key drivers of our local economy, and we’re excited about the additional resources and support that E-Community designation will allow us to offer Geary County entrepreneurs,” said Greg Miller, Economic Development Director, Junction City Area Chamberof Commerce.
The NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership allows a town or entire county to raise seed money for local entrepreneurs through donations from individuals or businesses within the community.
The Geary County E-Community leadership team includes members of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce economic development advisory committee. The leaderhip team will determine the strategy and vision for the E-Community. A separate financial review board will evaluate prospective loan applications from local businesses.
Junction city Area Chamber of Commerce has until mid-December to raise donations in exchange for the tax credits awarded to Geary County. Interested donors should contact Susan Jagerson, Economic Development Specialist at 785-762-2632 about tax credit availability. The tax credits are valued at 75% of donations and offset state income tax liabilities for individuals or businesses.
These funds will then be available beginning January 2016 to be awarded to local businesses as matching loans. In addition to the establishment of the E-Community loan fund, Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce will also complete a series of strategic activities during 2016 designed to enhance the effectiveness of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in order to drive long-term economic growth.
A total of five communities were named as 2015 E-Communities. The following communities were granted a collective total of $375,000 in tax credits, ennabling them to raise $500,000 to be loaned to local businesses in their community. The 2015 E-Communities are: El Dorado, Geary County, Hodgeman County, Rooks County, and Russell County.
Numerous teachers and members of the public expressed their concern Monday to the Geary USD 475 Board of Education about the ongoing impasse in teacher contract negotiations.
This is a sample of their comments to the BOE during a public comments session at the monthly Board meeting at the Devin Center.
–Mary Lowe, Walmart employee, urged the Board to get the issue resolved, get along and be a team player.
–Crystal Rankin, 2nd grade teacher at Westwood Elementary School, addressed teacher plan time, noting the goal is to provide outstanding services to students and families, and teachers must be available 24-hours per day. She added when the teacher’s planning time is reduced the impact is great.
–Michael Whaley, Fort Riley Middle School, asked why a lawyer is representing the administration in negotiations and why he is not a member of the district. He also stated separately, “This new contract isn’t taking care of our people. People don’t respond to control. They respond to leadership.” Whaley also stated, “You can’t buy our teachers passion and dedication.”
–Linda Powers said some people that are making decisions aren’t sure what teachers do or who they are. She also noted the school culture depends on satisfied and eager staff.
–Retired teacher Mary Louise Stahl told the board this is a “wonderful school district.” During her comments she was “sad to see niggling away at plan time.” She urged the Board not to devalue their teachers, saying they’re doing a fine job. She told the Board, Do your best for these folks.”
–Retired teacher, elementary school principal, and Human Resource Director for the District, Sara Talley, that the District has entered extra innings and encouraged the Board this ( negotiations ) can be done. She added they have the desire and skills, and it’s time to make the tough decisions.
The Board of Education took no action after the public comments on the negotiations topic. But a negotiating session was already scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Devin Center.
Superintendent Dr. Corbin Witt confirmed earlier Monday during the Tuesday session issues would be clarified, there would be an attempt to make sure the negotiators are on the same page, and see if there is any opportunity to come to an agreement on a proposed contract that could be taken to a vote before fact finding occurs. If there is no agreement a fact finding hearing where evidence and testimony could be presented would be necessary.