...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... The Flood Watch continues for * Portions of central Kansas, east central Kansas, north central Kansas, and northeast Kansas, including the following areas, in central Kansas, Dickinson. In east central Kansas, Geary, Morris, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee. In north central Kansas, Clay and Ottawa. In northeast Kansas, Jackson, Pottawatomie, and Riley. * From 10 PM CDT this evening through Monday morning * Several rounds of thunderstorms producing heavy rain are possible this evening through the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches will likely be common, with some potential for higher localized amounts where thunderstorms are more persistent. These higher amounts falling over a short time may lead to flash flooding. * Flash flooding at night can be especially dangerous for those who plan to travel. In addition, flooding along creeks and rivers can inundate nearby farmland, structures, and roadways. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Category: Local
Oscar winner to speak at C.L. Hoover Opera House Sunday
Oscar-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott will speak at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Sunday at 2 p.m. He will be the first speaker in the new lecture series being sponsored by the R2B4 Family Foundation and the Hoover-Koken Foundation.
A Junction City native, Willmott received an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for BlackKkKlansman along with co-writers Spike Lee, Charlie Wachtel and David Rabinowitz.
BoB Bramlage said Willmott will also be available after the lecture. “He will actually be available after the talk to meet with people. His topic is going to be “Why I Love Junction City,” so very close to everybody’s heart.”
A professor of film at the University of Kansas, Willmott has written and produced other movies during his career. He is a graduate of St. Xavier High School.
Earth Day Cleanup
Volunteers spread out across different areas of Junction City on Saturday morning to help with the Earth Day cleanup of the community.
Commissioner Phyllis Fitzgerald noted the turnout of volunteers was larger than a year ago.
Multicultural Fair draws good turnout and wind
An estimated 200 people attended the USD 475 sponsored Multicultural Fair Saturday in Heritage Park in downtown Junction City. They had to brave some gusty winds.
Coordinator Susan Pender said the day began well with a lot of people in attendance and a festive environment. “Lots of people coming out to showcase their cultures, and overall we were really pleased with the day.”
Then the wind arrived. It caused some problems. Pender said, “It kind of increased as the afternoon went on.” The event had been scheduled to run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. but because of the wind gusts had to be shut down at one o’clock.
Pender enjoyed the overall event. ” I liked seeing the different cultures that we have here in Junction City represented. We had people coming up on stage and reading books in their native language. Now it was hard to hear because the wind was fighting our sound system. We had people dancing, we had yoga, we had kids out here having fun. ”
One of the activities involved a large peace sign drawn in chalk on the concrete walkway in the center of the park. Pender said it’s called Chalk for Peace. “You draw a big peace sign on the pavement and then the children or adults within the peace sign. Anything that reminds them of peace or of their culture and so that’s what we had kids do today.” A photo of the drawing will be sent in to the organization in the hopes that it will be posted and provide some publicity for Junction City.
Pender said they hope to make this an annual event but they’re considering changing their time of year, so it may be held in the winter months, and it needs to be indoors so the weather does not have such an impact.
Chase for a Cause works to help local organizations
The Chase for a Cause raised $1,680 on Saturday for local organizations that serve the community.
The event was hosted by Geary Community Hospital, with Marketing and Public Relations Director Nikki Davies noting that a little over 100 runners participated. “We have people from all walks and I think that’s what’s most unique. It really reflects our diverse community and what I really appreciate most.”
A total of 14 different organizations are receiving assistance as a result of the Chase. A portion of a participants entry fees go to the organization of their Choice. Davies said Friends of Animals received the highest contribution at $580. “And then the second and third place tied. Delivering Change and Wheels of Hope for $180.
Jon Hornbostel was the top overall male finisher. He covered the 5K course in 23:30.10 and he was the top male master’s division finisher as well.Melesia Lobban was the top female finisher in 27:39.63 while Alice Stuckey was the top female master’s division finisher in 28:01.35.
Fort Riley Middle School to host Wellness Fair
USD 475 has issued a release stating that the annual Fort Riley Middle School Wellness Fair will be Friday, May 3rd from 8:25 a.m. until 2:50 p.m. in the main gym at the school, the strength / conditioning room. auxiliary gym, classrooms and outdoor spaces.
There will be activities, booths, and there will be presentations regarding positive use of free time., healthy hobbies and wellness opportunities. Activities will focus on teaching the students about mental, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, intellectual and financial wellness.
There will be participation from individuals, businesses and student organizations from the Fort Riley area and beyond.
High water impacting some boat ramps at Milford Lake
The Corps of Engineers reported on Friday that the current pool elevation for Milford Lake is 1155.57, which is 11.17 feet above normal.
Several boat ramps have been impacted by the high water and are currently unusable.
Boat ramps recommended for launching include West Rolling Hills, Ft. Riley Marina, Milford State Park north ramp and the Yacht Club ramp.
No releases are scheduled in the latest forecast for Milford Lake through May 13th. Right now only the low-flow 25 cubic feet per second is occurring.
Plenty to do this weekend in Junction City
There is a full schedule of events and activities in Junction City this weekend.
–The Chase for a Cause run at Geary Community Hospital begins at 9 a.m. A portion of the proceeds from entry fees can be donadted to local organizations and charities.
–The USD 475 sponsored Multicultural Fair goes from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Heritage Park.
–A garage sale to raise funds to send debate and forensics students from Junction City High School to national competitions will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Freshman Success Academy. It runs from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday.
–The annual Earth Day cleanup is Saturday in Junction City. Volunteers shoudl report to Spin City at 8 a.m. to register. Lunch will be provided about noon for the volunteers.
–Superhero Saturday and the Flash Dash Fun Run is Saturday at the Outdoor Adventure Park at Fort Riley. The Flash Dash Fun Run has free admission.
–Junction City Police are conducting a prescription drug take back day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Dillons on West 6th Street.
–The Hoover-Koken Lecture Series begins on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Oscar winner Kevin Willmott will serve as the guest speaker on the topic “Why I Love Junction City.” Willmott grew up in Junction City.
Kansas woman hospitalized after thrown from motorcycle
WABAUNSEE COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Wabaunsee County.
The Kansas State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Sharla Mae Clark, 57, Alma, was northbound on Kansas 99 Highway just south of Homestead Road.
A vehicle in front applied the brakes causing Clark to emergency brake. The motorcycle skid out of control and she was thrown into the roadway.
EMS transported Clark to the hospital in in Topeka in serious condition. She was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.
Saturday weather forecast
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High
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69° | Breezy, sunny. Highs in the upper 60s. Northwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to around 40 mph. |