RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an injury accident that occurred just before 7a.m. Saturday in Riley County.
A 2004 Dodge Nissan driven by Justin Pate, 22, Manhattan, struck a pedestrian identified as 47-year-old Curt Bilinger of Manhattan near the 1000 Block of Westloop Place, according to a media release.
Bilinger was transported to Via Christi for treatment of his injuries.
Police released no additional details.
Junction City Commissioner Phyllis Fitzgerald leads a group of volunteers that work regularly to keep East Chestnut Street free of trash and debris. East Chestnut is one of the main entrances into the city.
Volunteers have been helping with this effort most Saturdays, including January 26th.
This past week Fitzgerald also presented certificates of appreciation to 14 Soldiers at Irwin Army Community Hospital for their efforts in volunteering at her weekly cleanup projects.
Geary County Extension Agent Chuck otte will share his knowledge and experience of backyard bird feeding at a presentation on Saturday, February 2nd at 10 a.m. at the 4-H/Senior Citizens Center.
Otte will discuss what kind of bird feeds to use to attract different species of birds, and how to deal with problems that might arise at the feeders, including squirrels. The meeting is free and no pre-registration is required. For more information on the meeting contact the Geary County Extension office at 785-238-4161 or cotte@ksu.edu.
The Junction City Blue Jays ( 6-5 ) drove to the basket strong on offense and hit three-point shots enroute to a nine-point first half lead over undefeated Washburn Rural ( 12-0 ) in Topeka Friday night. Junction City led by seven at halftime. But in the second half lack of proper execution on offense hurt the Blue Jays as they fell to the Junior Blues 62-54.
In the third quarter the Blue Jays scored just four points. They were outscored 38-21 in the second half. JC Post asked Junction City coach Nick Perez what changed, what did Washburn Rural do? His reply, “Nothing. Third quarter blues, third quarter blues, that’s what I said in the locker room, third quarter blues. It’s been like this for awhile.”
Perez pointed to a key stat. “We had 13 turnovers in the second half and eight of them were in the third quarter, and we jacked a bunch of jump shots. I don’t know if fatigue set in or what, but we just settled. I told the kids lets be honest we’re pretty good when we get to the rim and we kick out for an open three, but when we’re not we just can’t settle. ” Perez was critical of the Blue Jay shot selection the first four minutes of the third quarter, and noted when the Junior Blues provided stronger pressure defense there were also some turnovers. He added as a team Junction City has to get over the third-quarter challenge.
Junction City will have three home games next week. They will host Hayden on Tuesday, Topeka High Friday and Emporia on Saturday.
Dr. Beth Hudson, Interim Superintendent of Schools, has announced that she will be retiring from her position in USD 475 following the current school year. The Board of Education was made aware of the announcement earlier this week.
Associate Superintendent Dr. Beth Hudson has filled the Interim Superintendent position since Dr. Corbin Witt’s departure at the beginning of the 2018-1019 school year.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in USD 475 and would tell you that there isn’t a better place to be. It’s truly an organization of people who are passionate about student success,” said Hudson.
During Hudson’s 34 year tenure in USD 475 multiple schools have received Blue Ribbon Awards, Challenge Awards and Horizon Awards. Schools within the district were also selected for the Kansas School Redesign Project ( Gemini ), and a school bond issue was passed for construction on a new Junction City High School. The implementation of an all-day kindergarten program was also started during Hudson’s time in Geary County School.
The district will begin plans to fill the position with input from the incoming and newly selected Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Reginald Eggleston. He will begin working in USD 475 in April of this year.
Geary County officials have completed the necessary paperwork to recertify the county’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System.
Because of work by county officials in the past with flood plain management in the county, land owners who have property in the flood plain areas can receive discounts on their flood insurance. Each year county officials must recertify their participation in the Community Rating System so residents can continue to be able to receive the discount. The necessary paperwork was filed this week with the Insurance Services Office. This is the first year that Geary County had to recertify.
Those residents who have flood insurance in the rural areas of Geary County should contact their flood insurance provider to ensure that they are receiving the discount through the Community Rating System. If you have questions or wish to look at the paperwork submitted in the recertification process, contact either the Geary County Planning and Zoning Office or Emergency Management during normal business hours.
UPDATE:
Repairs have been completed to the water main break.
—
The Junction City Public Works Department reported about 7:30 a.m. Friday that a water main break occurred. Customers may experience periods of no water or low water pressure near 1416 Crest Hill Drive for the next four to six hours due to repairs.
The annual Geary County Conservation District Awards were presented during the District’s annual dinner Thursday evening at the 4-H / Senior Center.
Hildebrand Farms, located west of Junction City, received the 2018 Geary County Banker’s Association Water Quality Award. Alan Hildebrand told JC Post that they work hard to take measures for conservation. “We feel it’s important, try to take care of the land best we can.” The award’s history dates back to 1945.
The 2018 Geary County Conservation District Grassland Award winners were Winifred and Robert Wilson for land south of Junction City and just east of the Geary State Lake. Pat and Angela Beavers oversee the property. Pat Beavers stated the site is about a mile from their home, and they raise cattle on the property. “It’s been well taken care of. The landowners took good care of it and they inherited it. It’s been passed on to another generation.” The Grassland Award history dates back to 2007.
The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce will host a series of three legislative coffees this session. They are scheduled on three Saturdays, including February 2nd, March 2nd and April 6th at the Junction City Municipal Auditorium. They are scheduled from 9-11 a.m.
You can meet your legislators and ask questions concerning legislative issues. Legislators invited to attend include State Senators Jeff Longbine and Tom Hawk plus State Representatives Dave Baker and Lonnie Clark.
RILEY COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident on Thursday afternoon in Riley County.
Just before 4p.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a medical emergency near Linear Trail and E Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police department activity report.
First responders found a 29-year-old woman with major injuries and she had fallen off the railroad bridge just south of US-24 and into the Kansas River.
She was transported to Via Christi in Manhattan for her injuries. The incident remains under investigation and is not believed to be suspicious at this time.
