Westar Energy and KCP&L are alerting customers that imposters claiming to work for the companies are threatening to disconnect service and asking for prepaid cards as payment. In some cases, the caller is using a prerecorded voice. Several customers have called to report receiving suspicious phone calls.

Some imposters are convincing. They may use websites that allow them to manipulate caller ID, making the call appear to come from Westar or KCP&L. They may use a prerecorded message. They speak with authority. When the targeted customer calls the phone numbers provided, the person who answers sounds like they work for Westar or KCPL. In some cases, callers may even provide information like amount due that makes them sound credible.

Gina Penzig, manager, media communications, said, “We will never require a pre-paid card for payment. Also, we notify customers multiple times in advance if service may be interrupted for non-payment.”

Before acting on one of these calls, check your records to see if a recent payment has been made. If you are still unsure, check your account online or call the Westar Energy Customer Relations Center, 1-800-383-1183, or the KCP&L Customer Contact Center, 1-888-471-5275, and check your account status.

If a customer receives a suspicious visit from an individual, you should also report it to your local law enforcement agency.

Planning with the architects and general contractor for the new Junction City High School project has revealed an area for potential cost savings.

The Chief Operations Officer for USD 475 David Wild, noted one thing discovered in the estimating process is that there could be some savings generated in site development. “So the engineers have gone back to work looking at how we might improve the actual site itself. So we’ll now probably go out for bid on the site development piece about mid-January, about two weeks later than anticipated.”

The long term goal is to have the school completed and in use by August of 2021.

Wild was a guest on the JC Now show on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK on Monday.

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association participated in Wreaths Across America on Saturday. Members laid wreaths at the foot of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park. Also attending were members of the Junction City Police Department and other community members.

Wreaths Across America observances were held across the nation on Saturday.

Dewey Terrill

by JC Post

Community member and prominent banker Robert Munson completed a 45-year career at the Central National Bank on Friday. Munson, President of the Central National Bank in Junction City, retired.

Munson said it’s amazing how time passes. “As I’m approaching 70 years old it’s time for me to retire. My wife ( Chris ) and I can spend some time doing things we’ve looked forward to.”

Munson began working at the bank as a teller 45 years ago at the Main Bank downtown. “One of the folks I’ve worked alongside of was Bill Caspar, who of course was killed in the September 11 attack in New York City. In those days it was before direct deposit so we would have lots and lots of Fort Riley Soldiers cashing their checks on payday, quite an exciting time.”

Robert began the bank’s first computer department. “I tell our ‘IT’ staff today that the complexity today in the systems is so far beyond what we were doing back in the late 70’s.” Munson added he helped set up the first ATM’s in Junction City, which was something he enjoyed.

Munson enjoyed interacting with the bank’s customers and noted there was always a very good staff. “We’ve always recognized how you can get a lot done when you have team play and the team spirit, and we’ve had that here. It’s a great community and I’ve enjoyed being involved with some community activities too over the years.”

In the future Robert said with more time available he’s sure that he and his wife can take a few more spontaneous trips and looks forward to spending time doing different things

Lindsey Snider will be the new president of the Central National Bank in Junction City. She begins in that role on Monday.

The Walmart Supercenter was the site of Shop with a Cop Saturday morning in Junction CIty. Through this program local children are identified for participation, provided breakfast at the Second Missionary Baptist Church and then taken Christmas shopping at Walmart.

Al Babcock of the Junction City Police Department said each child that is selected for the program receives a $100 gift card to spend however they choose. “Normally when they come to Walmart they have more than $100 so we cover that as well. “Babcock noted there are a lot of donations throughout the community for this effort.”Sponsorship has  been really, really good this year so we have enough money to cover the extras.”

A total of 55 children attended on Saturday. Approximately 45 volunteers also participated in helping put on this event. Babcock said it’s a good feeling to help. ” It feels very good to give back.”