Approximately 310 people supported Sundown Salute fundraising efforts Saturday night at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center in Junction City. As of Sunday afternoon the net revenue from the  fundraiser totaled more than $7,700.

Terry Heldstab, who chairs the planning committee for the annual Fourth of July celebration, stated the crowd got into the Dueling Pianos performance and began bringing requests with donations immediately. ” We had one song that Lt. General ( Retired ) Perry Wiggins and Colonel Chris Black of the Combat Aviation Brigade, they led the audience in the Big Red One song, and raised $650 from one song.” They were joined in singing by other CAB Soldiers plus other veterans and Soldiers.

The owner of Next Home Unlimited, Steven Burch, called the event phenomenal. “This is exactly what this community needs, bringing the camaraderie together with all the different supporters. They used to do this a long time ago to bring everybody together, and this is just great now.”

Previous Sundown Salute sponsor D. E. Lacer said it was a great event, noting Junction City had really rallied. “The amount of people, the entertainment, the food.” Lacer praised the Sundown Salute Committee for their good work.   The event also included a 50/50 drawing.

Future Sundown Salute fundraisers will include a Roast & Toast of Junction City Police Captain Trish Giordano on March 3rd, Rat Races April 28th, and Mud-Bog Races on May 19th.

Sundown Salute, the annual Fourth of July celebration in Junction City, will run June 30th through July 4th.

 

State Representative Lonnie Clark of Junction City said the State will have to get to a solution to the public school funding problem, something that has been occurring since 1966.

Clark noted the House Speaker said it’s basically a common math problem. “We’re either looking at funding the schools with what the ( Supreme ) Court wants, and there’s only two ways to pay for it. That’s either raise taxes or rob from other agencies.”

Clark added the Speaker indicated the House will have to go to work, and can’t continue to kick this issue into the future, and have it keep coming up in future years.

The Kansas Supreme Court has ordered the Legislature to find more funding for public schools, K-12.

The Junction City Police Department has reported the arrest of two California residents on I-70 about eight miles east of the city on drug related allegations.

They include Staci Noel Vanhouse, 46, Ukiah, California on suspicion of Transporting Drug Proceeds, Possession of Marijuana, Improper Turn and Unsafe lane Change, plus James Peter Carlton, 48, WIllits, California on suspicion of Transporting Drug Proceeds, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The arrests were reported at 12:03 p.m. Friday.

 

Geary County land owners were recognized Thursday night for their dedication to the stewardship of soil and water.

Honored with the Grassland Stewardship Award were Don and Florence Whitebread. The fourth generation of the Whitebread family is now managing their native range acres off of K-57 and Clarks Creek Road off of Highway K-57 and Clarks Creek Road.

The Craig and Brandon Dibben family were recognized with the Banker’s Award for Soil Conservation. There was a presentation highlighting some of the Dibben’s conservation work on the property that they own and manage. Brandon and Dianna Dibben’s work with programs such as Ag Day, the Conservation District and Kansas Association of Conservation Districts was also highlighted.

A video of Chuck and Deanna Munson’s operation was shown. That video was produced in conjunction with their nomination, and subsequent regional win, of the NCB Environmental Stewardship Award. The Munson’s will go to Phoenix next month to be honored at the national meeting along with the five other regional winners.

Students from Sheridan and Washington Elementary Schools were also recognized for their award winning posters on the theme “Watersheds, Our Water, Our Home.” The first place entries will be forwarded on to a statewide competition which will be held this fall.

Approximately 160 Geary County residents and friends gathered for the annual meeting of the Conservation District at the 4-H / Senior Citizens Center. The catered meal and dessert was provided by the Geary County Banker’s Association. Member banks include Central National Bank, Exchange Bank, Intrust Bank, Millenium Bank, KS State Bank and Landmark National Bank. Geary County K-State Research and Extension agent, Chuck Otte, emceed the evening. There was also a presentation on the Water / Ways exhibit which is currently on display at the Geary County Historical Museum.