The private donor portion of the equation to fund a new artificial turf for the infield, foul territory and warning track at Rathert Field has been revealed. Teresa Bramlage confirmed that the R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation will contribute funding. “Plan to contribute funds so that they can complete the infield artificial turf project.” The funding will be contributed from the Bramlage Foundation through the Greater Geary Community Foundation.

The private donor contribution will total $100,000, the County will pay $200,000 from a special one cent transient guest tax fund, and the City will fund the remainder via a lease purchase option. The City has awarded a bid to Texas-based Hellas Construction for $424,715 to do the work.

The outfield surface area will remain grass, but will be redone. The goal is to have the entire project completed by March 1st.

Two upcoming fundraisers for the Junction City / Geary County United Way are scheduled.

The first one will be Wednesday ( October 24 ) at the Central National Bank Main Bank downtown. A cinnamon roll / chili feed will be held in the basement from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. You enter the bank through the northwest doors and proceed downstairs.

The cost will be $6 for a bowl and $1 for seconds. A drink and cinnamon rolls are being provided by Rock Springs 4-H Center. You can get your meal to go. All proceeds will benefit the Junction City / Geary County United Way.

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Tyme Out Steakhouse in Grandview Plaza will be the site of a United Way fundraiser on October 30th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and from 4 to 9:30 p.m. A percentage of sales will be donated to the United Way of Junction City / Geary County. United Way board members will be available from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Department has reported that Deputies responded to the 8200 block of Skiddy Road for a single vehicle accident with a deer. Kerry Maddox, White City, was traveling northbound on the roadway in a 2007 GMC Sierra when a deer entered the roadway, causing the accident. Maddox was not injured. The accident was reported at 7:22 a.m. Monday

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Deputies responded to a lapsed accident between the Junction City Fire Department and a deer. The Fire Department was responding to a medical call when a deer ran onto the roadway on U.S. 77 Highway at mile marker 155. Minor damage was reported with no injuries.

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Deputies responded at 4:58 a.m. Tuesday to the K-18 bypass at mile marker 178 for a single vehicle non-injury accident. Matthew chleif, Wamego, was traveling southbound in a 2009 Toyota Prius when the vehicle struck a deer.

Three Illinois men were arrested at mile marker 295 eastbound I-70 on drug related allegations by Junction City police on Monday.

According to the JCPD Tour Log, Lathyn Nehring, 18, Duquoin, Illinois; Tyrese Vinson, 18, Carbondale, Illinois; and Dante Putnam, 23, West Frankfort, Illinois were all arrested on suspicion of Possession of Marijuana, Distribute Marijuana, No Drug Tax Stamp, and Possession of Paraphernalia. Vinson was also arrested on suspicion of Interference with LEO and Putnam on Fleeing / Eluding and Maximum Speed Limits.

The arrests occurred at 11:45 a.m.

Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte said Monday from January 1st to July 31st the county had essentially 50% of normal rainfall, and from August 1st until now about 200% of normal rainfall, “It truly is feast or famine.”

During a visit on the JC Now show on 1420 KJCK AM, Otte explained by now much of the wheat planting would be compete and the soybean harvest would be wrapping up, and not just beginning. “the rains  came just in time which created excellent yield prospects for the soybean crop. And now it’s can we get the crop out before the pods start to shatter.” The extension agent noted that’s a big problem. “Once the plant is approaching harvestable maturity, if those pods get wet, and then dry back out, wet and dry back out, and then we throw in a couple of frosty mornings in on top of that those pods start to break open and those seeds fall on the ground.”

Otte added farm producers are hoping to get the harvest under way in a good way.

United Way officials will be at Stacy’s Restaurant in Grandview Plaza Tuesday morning from 7 – 9 a.m. During that time a portion of the funds from your purchase of food will go to help support the Junction City / Geary County United Way campaign.

Nicole Mahder, Executive Director for United Way said that she and one or two other board members will be there and can answer questions about United Way. ” We’ll also have flyers, brochures if they would like to make individual donations. We’ll also have donation jars there as well.

Stacy’s Restaurant is located at 118 West Flint Hills Boulevard in Grandview Plaza.

The annual Travel Industry Association of Kansas conference begins Monday and continues Tuesday and Wednesday at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center in Junction City.

According to Geary County Convention and  Visitor’s Bureau Director Michelle Stimatze they submitted a bid two years ago to host this conference. Approximately 200 people are expected to attend from across Kansas including convention and visitor’s bureau, chamber of commerce and state and local participants.

Conference members will participate in educational classes and mini-breakout sessions during the day. They will attend a western themed event Monday night at the Milford Lake Conference Center, and there will be a disco night at the Spin City Skating Rink Tuesday evening.