New plans have been prepared by the architects for a proposed new Dorothy Bramlage Library project.

Mayor Pat Landes confirmed this week plans and information were presented to the Library Board. “So those plans are forthcoming. Looks really like it would be a great project once they start doing some fundraising.”

One fundraiser is Friday night at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. The Peterson Farm Brothers will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library and at Munson’s prime. Ticket money is tax deductible and goes toward the Library Building Campaign.

USD 475 has issued notice that there will burning of tree waste on the site of the planned new Junction City High School today ( Thursday ). This is part of the site work being done to prepare the ground for future construction.

Site work on the project began Wednesday.

Burning will occur today ( Thursday ). Smoldering could continue through the next couple of days.

MANHATTAN — Michael Dorst has been named the new principal of Manhattan High School. He has served as an assistant principal at MHS since 2008. Prior to that, he was the high school principal in West Franklin USD 287, and started his career as a physical education, math, health and wood shop teacher in Osawatomie.

He holds a B.A. from Bethany College and an M.A. from Baker University. Dorst is completing his District Leadership endorsement from Fort Hays State University this spring.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of Manhattan High School for the past 11 years,” Dorst said. “I am honored to have this opportunity and I look forward to working with our amazing students, staff, families and community in our continued growth as a great school.”

Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade said Dorst has extensive high school administrative experience and a solid understanding of how current topics in education have relevance for the continued success of MHS and our students.

“I am confident there will be a smooth transition in leadership from Mr. Hoyt to Mr. Dorst. We are fortunate that both are respected professionals who have already demonstrated consistent dedication to the students, staff, families and everyone associated with Manhattan High School,” he said.

Dorst will begin his new position on July 1. Current Manhattan High School Principal Greg Hoyt announced his retirement during the fall of 2018.

MANHATTAN — Three people were injured in an accident just before 5p.m. Wednesday in Manhattan.

The Riley County Police Department reported a 2001 Toyota Camry driven by Alexis Collier, 37 of Manhattan collided with a 2015 GMC Terrain driven by Manuel Flores, 27, Manhattan, near the intersection of Fort Riley Blvd and Delaware Avenue. 

Three individuals were transported to Via Christi Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The RCPD released no additional details early Thursday.

The Pregnancy Service Center in Junction City will host their third Annual Fundraising Banquet on April 11th at the Courtyard By Marriott Convention Center.

The speaker will be Tina Price, former Executive Director of the Pregnancy Service Center in Salina.

There is no charge to attend. You do need to register by calling 785-579-5799. Seating begins at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

By Dewey Terrill and Dr. Ferrell Miller

JC Post

“Strengthening Families” is the name of a program established to teach parenting skills at both middle schools in USD 475. Also a therapist has been assigned at the Freshman Success Academy and Washington Elementary School.

The Supervisor of Therapy and Evaluation Services at Pawnee Mental Health in Junction City, Maria Ellis, was the guest speaker at the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Wednesday.

Ellis said “when students act out it is often a reflection of some issue in the family. This may include, but not be limited to an illness, abuse, homelessness, a deployment, separation or unemployment. The child may be in foster care, returning from a psychological rehabilitation services facility or experiencing neglect. Teachers, police, firefighters and others need to have skills with which to deal with people experiencing those issues. Our community has done amazing things with limited resources.” Multiple organizations have come together to work together to address some of the concerns.

The Geary County Health Council worked with Deb Andres, K-State Research and Extension Agent, and applied for a $5,000 grant to provide families with training for families using a curriculum titled “Mental Health First Aid.” It is an evidence-based curriculum used with adults who work with youth. The focus is non-judgemental, but provides skills in recognizing symptoms of problems and then how to deal with them.

Ellis also noted that “countries where the emphasis is on the benefits to the collective whole rather than the individual appear to have fewer mental health issues.” She encouraged Optimists and anyone who works with youth to continue to help lead and guide young people and their families.