The Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark Milley, praised both the Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth communities for their support to the Army, and reinforced that both installations are vital to the future of the Army. The office of Senator Jerry Moran reported the General’s comments to an Association of the United States Army gathering in Washington D.C.

Milley noted that Fort Riley will experience an increase in soldiers over the next few years as the Army continues to grow in end-strength.

Senator Moran welcomed Milley and the Undersecretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy to the AUSA Fort Riley – Central Kansas Chapter event on Tuesday during the annual AUSA meetings.

“I was pleased to spend an evening alongside Kansans representing our Army communities and the Army’s most senior leaders who have an appreciation for the tremendous support our state provides soldiers and their families, ” said Sen. Moran. “I’m thankful General Milley and Undersecretary McCarthy shared how invaluable Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley are to the Army and experienced firsthand the enduring commitment of kansans. A strong national defense requires a ready and robust Army and I will continue to work to make certain the Army is fully equipped and ready to fight and win against any adversary.”

Sen. Moran also visited the Economic Development Commission of the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Business event on Tuesday at AUSA, where the Chamber exhibited opportunities for defense companies to grow their business in the Junction City and Geary County region.

‘I support the mission of the Economic Development Commission and all they do to grow, expand diversity the pillars of our economy in central Kansas and across the state,” said Sen. Moran. “I believe we need more of these efforts to increase our presence in defense-related industries across the state so that Kansas jobs continue to grow and attract a talented workforce of individuals who can contribute to the cutting edge of defense while living in local communities with Kansas values.”

The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. October 29 in the Geary County Courthouse, 138 East Eighth, Junction City. They will interview nominees to fill a district judge vacancy in Geary County created by the January 1 retirement of Judge Maritza Segarra.

Interviews are open to the public.

The 8th Judicial District is composed of Dickinson, Geary County, Marion and Morris counties.

The nominees are:

–Christopher E. Biggs, Junction City, who is a former Geary County attorney and currently in private practice with Knopp and Biggs in Manhattan.

–Courtney D. Boehm, Hillsboro, county attorney in Marion County.

–Antonio R. Cruz III, Junction City, assistant Geary County attorney

–Cole A. Hawver, Manhattan, an attorney in the Junction City Public Defender Office.

–Andrea E. Purvis, Abilene, Dickinson County Attorney

–Britain D. Stites, Junction City, Junction City Attorney

–David E. Yoder, Newton, Harvey County Attorney

The commission will select from three to five nominees whose names will be submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements. If there are not three nominees who reside in the judicial district who are deemed qualified by the commission, the commission may consider nominees who reside outside the district. The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.

After serving one year in office the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

The 8th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Marla Luckert of the Kansas Supreme Court as the nonvoting chair, Darrel Bryant, Council Grove; Carolyn Gaston, Milford; Kevin Harris, Abilene, James Hefley, Hillsboro; Arvid Jacobson, Junction City; Darrell Miller, Dwight; Douglas Thompson, Abilene; and secretary Edwin Wheeler Jr., Marion.