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Category: Local
Free: Downtown Shuttle Available from Green Apple Bikes
Green Apple Bikes
MANHATTAN,— A free shuttle service is making its way to the Manhattan Downtown area this Summer. The Downtown Area Shuttle, or DASH, is a five-passenger, fully electric, low-speed vehicle that will support tourism and enhance residents’ work and play lifestyles.
To catch the shuttle, riders can text (785) 379-DASH, or hail the shuttle on the street. Riders can then enjoy a safe and free journey to local restaurants, services, and attractions. For good service, riders are encouraged to tip the volunteer drivers.
“We wanted to create another frictionless, fun, and easy service that enhances the already stellar array of amenities the Little Apple has to offer,” said Green Apple Bikes Program Director, Jonathan Rivers. “We can offer this service for free because our electric car cuts out the cost of fuel and because of our partnerships with wonderful sponsors.”
The shuttle will operate within a one-square mile of Manhattan’s urban core. Beyond downtown, other key areas within this service area include Aggieville, City Park, the Post Office, the Manhattan Public Library, and the Douglass Community Recreation Center.
By leveraging the DASH, riders can do their part to help reduce traffic congestion in high-density downtown areas, support local commerce, and enjoy a new (and free) way to experience Manhattan.
For more information or to apply to serve as a volunteer driver, visit the web site.
Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program announces 2019-2020 class offering
The Board of Directors of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program have declared the application period for the 2019-20 class offering “officially opens May 15”, according to Executive Director Jack Lindquist, Manhattan.
The non-profit educational program is designed to train and more-fully engage leaders that live in and/or work in the region that includes Fort Riley, Geary, Riley, and Pottawatomie counties.
Lindquist said, “The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program is based in the fastest growing region of our state. We have never had more opportunity or greater need for well informed, collaborative, decisive leadership. That is possible through 21st Century proactive servant leadership development.”
“More than 530 participants have completed the experiential learning process to-date yet the desire and drive to better our regions communities is growing and that is reflected with every application we review”, Lindquist added.
Board chair Susan Adams added, “The Flint Hills Regional Leadership program has amazing rewards for both the participant as well as the company, governmental department or organization that sponsors them. It is a wonderful way to enhance the participants individual leadership potential, while also learning more about the region and developing collaboration within the region and beyond.”
Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more about the program by visiting the websitewww.fhrlp.org/. Instructions and program details are available on the site as well as the form for application. The on-line form must be submitted before July 16. Following selection the 2019-20 class members will be introduced on August 29 at a special reception in Junction City.
Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program
Jack Lindquist, Executive Director
Changes announced for Superintendent listening sessions
Listening sessions that were scheduled in May for Geary USD 475 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Reginald Eggleston have been rescheduled to June.
The new dates are June 11th and 20th. The listening sessions will be held at the Devin Center from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Board room.
The adjustments were necessary due to scheduling challenges with end of the year events and celebrations in the district.
MPC recommends special use permit approval for tobacco shop
The Metropolitan Planning Commission has recommended approval on a special use permit for a hookah lounge on West 7th Street in Junction City.
Planning and Zoning Director Troy Livingston said it’s technically a tobacco shop, which will allow them to smoke indoors under Kansas law. “They’re calling it a hookah shop. Supposed to be more of a high end social gathering place for people to discuss politics, events of the day, whatever. ”
He said it will also be an entertainment venue. “They’re going to have open mic night, comedy nights, live music sometimes I guess, acoustic. ” Livingston said the music is expected to be of a subdued variety. “But they’ll have high end tobacco for you to purchase and smoke out of a hookah.”
The special use permit must still go to the Junction City Commission for final approval.
Law Enforcement Torch Run set for May 30th
The annual Law Enforcement Run for Special Olympics will be May 30th in Junction City.
The JCPD reported that members of law enforcement will receive the torch from Ft. Riley at the Grant Avenue access point and run it down Grant Avenue before crossing over Washington Street and traveling south on Jefferson Street until they reach Heritage Park.
The tentative start time is about 2:30 p.m., depending on other agencies.
As always this leg of the run begins in Wamego and goes into Riley County, where the torch is transferred and run to Ft. Riley and then across post to Junction City.
During the time the run is under way motorists are asked ot use caution and patience.
High School commencement ceremonies are this week
This is graduation week for many high school seniors.
Commencement at Junction City High School is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at Al Simpler Stadium.
Saint Xavier High School graduation is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Saint Xavier Catholic Church.
Commencement ceremonies for Chapman High School are at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the District Gym.
Run for the Wall scheduled to roll into Junction City on Sunday
The annual cross-country motorcycle ride from California to the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. makes a stop in Junction City on Sunday ( May 19 ).
According to organizers the riders are expected to begin arriving in Junction City by 4:30 p.m. Sunday with the majority coming in about 5 p.m. Following their arrival there will be a ceremony in Heritage Park in front of the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Lieutenant General ( Retired ) Perry Wiggins will serve as the guest speaker for the ceremony.
Sonic preparing to build new drive-in
Sonic is preparing to build a new Sonic restaurant in their same South Washington Street location.
Planning and Zoning Coordinator Troy Livingston said they are planning to demolish the adjacent playground, “and build a new drive-in with a drive-thru at that site and then demolish the restaurant and then reconstruct the playground. So they’re just flip-flopping sites, basically. The Metropolitan Planning Commission has recommended approval on the final plat of the Sonic Addition for the project to the Junction City Commission.
Livingston estimated construction could possibly begin in early July. The final plat must first still be considered by the City Commission.
Livingston added Sonic plans to keep the current restaurant open while the new outlet is being built so there will never be any lag where Sonic is not open for business.
Community Band receives scholarship fund donation
The Junction City Community Band has received a $200 dollar donation for the Jack Moore Scholarship Fund from the JC Breakfast Optimist Club.