Manhattan, Kan. – On February 23, the Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) will be hosting Storytelling Saturday from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM. This family-friendly event celebrates storytelling through activities focused on early childhood literacy.

Dive into literature and explore with us the different ways you can tell a story! Activities will include art programs with the Beach Museum, a Kids Story Corner, “F is for Flint!” Scavenger Hunt and more.

Two performers will be featured throughout the event. Hear “Seriously Silly Stories” from storyteller Priscilla Howe at 11 AM and 1 PM. Listen to the “Band in a Bucket” music show from Thad Beach at 12 PM.

During the event, guests can also visit the FHDC’s two newest exhibits. In Framed: Step into Art™, immerse yourself into different paintings and gain a newfound appreciation for the artists who created them. Then experience your favorite children’s books come to life in Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites™.

This event is made possible by a USD 383 K-LiNK literacy grant and the FHDC Foundation.

Regular admission rates apply. Admission is $9 for adults (18-64 years old), $7 for military, students, educators, or seniors (65+ years old), $4 for youth (2-17 years old), free for children under two years old and free for FHDC members.

Fort Riley will be the site of a Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The blood drive will be at Division Headquarters, Building 580 on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the In Processing Building 208 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

You can make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by going to www.redcrossblood.org.

It’s becoming a bit routine. Every few days there is a forecast for more snow and ice.

That trend is continuing with the National Weather Service predicting 4-6 inches of snow in the Tuesday – Wednesday time frame.  Geary County Emergency Management Director Garry Berges feels people are getting more used to these storms. “I think so. We’ve had enough days. We’ve seen our accident numbers decrease because people are getting used to driving in the snow, and I think a lot of people are starting to stay home during this.”

Berges added that people just need to be ready and should make necessary purchases Monday and Tuesday while the weather remains nice.

By Stephanie Jacques

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University graduates continue to set records for employment rates and salaries in a wide variety of careers across the globe.

According to the university’s annual post-graduation report, 96 percent of 2017-2018 graduates are employed or pursuing further education — a 1 percent increase from 2016-2017 graduates and a 2 percent increase from 2015-2016 graduates. In addition, the overall median starting salary for recent bachelor’s degree graduates rose by 2 percent to $45,000.

The report, conducted by the university’s Career Center, identifies first destinations of graduates by employer, major, position titles, starting salaries, geographic placement and furthering education. It uses data from 80 percent of the 2017-2018 graduating class that was collected up to six months after graduation.

“It’s exciting to see the success and many pathways of K-State graduates,” said Kerri Day Keller, director of the Career Center. “From education to technology to design and much more, our graduates are blazing new trails. Many are in jobs we couldn’t even imagine 10 years ago, such as social media manager, digital production artist, bakery technologist, patient access representative and virtual classroom trainer.”

The Geary County Republican Central Committee will hold their monthly meeting Monday evening at 7 p.m. at NextHome Unlimited att 304 East Chestnut Street in Junction City.

Vice Mayor Jeff Underhill will provide an update on upcoming decisions facing the Junction City Commission in the coming months. The Committee will also provide final additions to their bylaws and vote on the final draft.

There are schedule changes for the basketball games between Chapman and Abilene Tuesday evening.

Snow is in the forecast Tuesday into Wednesday. So the games which are scheduled in Chapman will begin early. Chapman High School Athletic Director Clint Merritt said the varsity girls will play at 4:30 p.m. followed by the varsity boys game in the District Gym. The JV boys will play at 4:30 p.m. followed by the JV girls in the Middle School gym.

The 2019 Junction City Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday, July 19th and 20th at the Geary County 4-H Fairgrounds arena just off South Spring Valley Road.

According to Rodeo Association representative Joyce Jensen, the entertainment will include Ty “Stormin Norman” Stewart and the Silver Buckle Drill Team.  Friday the 19th will be Tough Enough to Wear Pink night. Saturday the 20th there will be a Special Needs Rodeo from 10 a.m. until noon, and Saturday evening will be Red, White & Blue Night at the rodeo.

On Friday and Saturday nights, July 19th and 20th, the activities will begin at 7:30 p.m. The coronation of the rodeo queen is also scheduled on Saturday evening. Zoe Bean has served at Miss Rodeo Junction City during the current year.

Diocese of Salina

SALINA, Kan. – Today, the Vatican announced that former Archbishop Theodore McCarrick has been dismissed from the clerical state. This type of dismissal is specifically known as laicization, a scenario in which a member of the clergy, through the use of the Church’s legal apparatus, is not permitted to act as a priest. He will no longer be permitted to celebrate the sacraments or exercise sacred ministry in the Church.

Last summer, Pope Francis asked that McCarrick live a life of prayer and penance until a thorough investigation of allegations against him took place.  He took residence at St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria beginning on September 28, 2018.  Mr. McCarrick will continue to reside at the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria until a decision of permanent residence is finalized.

Bishop Gerald L. Vincke, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salina, said he hopes that this decision may help bring healing to all affected by sexual abuse and those hurt by this scandal.

He also expresses his gratitude to the Capuchins at St. Fidelis Friary for their charity and compassion shown to all who seek refuge in the Church, as well as the remarkable people of Victoria for their mercy in this difficult situation.