MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The city of Manhattan has implemented a hiring and travel freeze amid budget shortfalls it blames on sluggish tax revenues.

KSNT-TV reports that says Kansas State University is seeing declines in enrollment as well as fewer solders at Fort Riley.

Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr says this results in fewer shoppers in Manhattan and could be part of the reason for the stagnant tax revenues.

The city had $250,000 less revenue than expected in 2017.

That trend is continuing this year with the city revenues more than $80,000 dollars down in May.

Fehr says they are going to be more conservative when estimating revenues in the future.

Junction City Fire Chief Terry Johnson has issued a summary report for fire department responses July 4th and early on July 5th.

Johnson stated, “On the 4th of July alone we had 12 emergency medical calls and six of them were in the area of Sundown Salute. ” He said the problems were not major. “Just mostly dehydration, heat exhaustion, with the temperatures reaching into the 105-110 index most people even though they’re used to the heat they’re not used to that kind of heat.  Being out walking around, not drinking enough water all of that back to back it creates an issue. And we end up responding to those folks trying to help them get back up on their feet.”

JCFD responded to multiple grass and dumpster fires related to fireworks, including detached garage fire at 211 Cinder Lane. The cause of the blaze was concluded to be improper disposal of fireworks. The damage estimate was placed at $1,500. No injuries were reported.

The Geary USD 475 Board of Education will have a special meeting Monday, July 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Devin Center to visit with a representative from Ray & Associates, Inc. to discuss the process and answer Board questions about the upcoming superintendent search.

That company has been selected by the Board to help with the search for a new superintendent for the school district.  Current superintendent, Dr. Corbin Witt, has announced his intention to retire following the upcoming school year.

The Sunflower Quilters Guild is hosting “Exploring New Territory with Seminole Strips” trunk show and lecture featuring quilt artist Marge Banks with her original quilt designs utilizing non-traditional construction techniques with non-traditional fabrics.

According to Guild Program Chair Donna Martinson, Bank’s trunk show and lecture will be August 17 at 7 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1212 N. Eisenhower, Junction City. There will be a $5 per person charge which can be paid at the door.

On Saturday, August 18, Banks will teach a workshop on “Seminole Strip Sampler,” from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church. This work-at-your-own pace workshop will allow beginners to intermediate quilters to make a sampler of Seminole techniques. Multiple samples will be available. Enrollment and payment of a $55 class fee is due August 1. Class size is limited.

For more information or to enroll in the workshop contact Donna Martinson, 785-238-7303.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Department has reported that Deputies responded to the 11900 block of Humboldt Creek road for a single vehicle accident Thursday morning.

Justin Huddleston, Junction City, was north bound in his Ford F250 when the vehicle struck a deer.

The Sheriff’s Department said minor injuries were reported.

The traditional fireworks show wrapped up Sundown Salute in Junction City Wednesday night.

That followed a successful six day run for the celebration that saw temperatures soar above 100 degrees, including on July 4th.

Sundown Salute Committee Chairman Terry Heldstab reported there will be an after action review meeting next week for this year’s celebration. He pointed to solid entertainment for the festival as a positive, but the hot weather was a large factor that impacted attendance. Heldstab indivated despite that, overall he was happy.

 

With the Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the backdrop, Major General John Kolasheski noted on July 4th that over the years America has called its’ sons and daughters to defend freedom, and the ideas first penned in the Declaration of Independence.

During his keynote comments at the Veterans Ceremony in Junction CIty’s Heritage Park Kolasheski stated, “Often these same sons and daughters paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. We gather today to lay a wreath in remembrance of their gift to us. Many of you here today have answered the call, from World War Two to the most recent  conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

The commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division told the audience the wreath was being laid in front of the Vietnam Memorial, remembering over 700 Kansans who gave their lives. “I offer my sincerest gratitude to those Soldiers, their families and their loved ones.”

Kolasheski concluded by saying, “For those here who left American soil to defend our freedom in VIetnam and elsewhere, welcome home. Thank you for what you have done for us and for future generations of proud Americans.”