The “Water / Ways” exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute was opened to the public at the Geary County Historical Museum Saturday.

Junction City Mayor Phyllis Fitzgerald cut the ribbon strung across the door of the Museum Auditorium where the exhibit is housed. “The exhibit is really phenomenal. If you really want to learn about water and how important it is to our environment then you should come and check out this fantastic exhibit.”

There was a good turnout for the unveiling of the exhibit. Among the highlights Fitzgerald enjoyed were the mix of pictures with words. “You’ve got the opportunity to see plus read all about what those pictures are telling you. The other thing I really liked, there’s a lot of people here. It’s going to be very educational, not only for the children, but adults as well.”

Buz Bruzina of Junction City called the exhibit an outstanding display of all the activities you can imagine to study and learn about water. ” One item drawing attention was a map on the floor of the auditorium detailing the location of rivers.

Nita Miller of Junction City noted the work and fact finding that went into the exhibit. “Things that we have that we did not know we have. I think it’s going to be a great exhibition for the young people when they come here to go through this. The exhibit will be at the museum through February 18.

The activities on Saturday also included the unveiling of the Historical Society’s own exhibit, “Submerged.” Museum Director Katie Goerl said “Submerged” is so special because it’s unique to our community. I learned things just from looking at our own exhibit.” That exhibit includes a 20-foot timeline, an overview of three major floods that have impacted Geary County, and a couple of fun hands-on activities including a model ferry and dousing rods which Goerl described as “mystical little implements that I think are really cool.”

Goerl credited museum curator Heather Hagedorn for extensive involvement in preparing and working on the project involving the two exhibits, and noted the effort to bring the Smithsonian exhibit to the museum dated back to the tenure of former museum director Jamie Clark.

( Photos by Nita Miller )

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3:30 p.m. UPDATE: RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have resolved the domestic disturbance at a home in the 3700 Block of Hawthorne Woods Circle in Manhattan, according to RCPD Director.  One suspect is in custody.  Schoen did not release his name or possible charges.

The investigation of the officer-involved shooting will take time, according to Schoen. One RCPD officer was wounded and transported for treatment of not-life threatening injuries.

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RILEY COUNTY —  Law enforcement authorities are working an officer-involved shooting at a home in Manhattan.

Just after 12:30 PM Friday, officers with the Riley County Police Department responded the report of a domestic situation at a home in the 3700 block of Hawthorne Woods Circle, according to RCPD Director Brad Schoen.

When officers arrived on scene, there was an active shooter situation and one officer received a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The officer is currently being treated at a local hospital.

 

Additional officers responded to the scene for a barricaded subject. This is still an active situation.

 

Police advised that those who live in this area stay sheltered until further notice.

RILEY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting near the 3700 block of Hawthorne Woods Circle northwest of the Kansas State campus in Manhattan.

One officer was shot and suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound, according to the Riley County Police Department. Residents who live in the area are advised to stay indoors until further notice.

Police released no additional details.

Chris Mathis, owner of Jack & Dick’s Pawn Shop, Junction City has helped warm up this winter for a 58-year old homeless Chicago man.

A Fort Riley soldier in the 1970’s and 80’s, Woodrow Wilson Jr., pawned some $100 saving bonds at Jack and Dick’s Pawn Shop. Those bonds have matured and are now worth $3,000. Through Mathis’ effort and the work of WGN Television in Chicago the money is being returned to Wilson who was found homeless during the bitter cold weather in Chicago.

Here is the WGN Television report.

Note:  WGN Television has granted permission to use this story.

The work on a community health needs assessment is in the final stages in Junction City.

The marketing and public relations director for Geary Community Hospital, Nikki Davies, has been among those in the community working on this project. “What are some opportunities that we could expand on to make the community a healthier place? So we found a variety of things, one of which is support groups really feeling like they have a resource in the community, and education of what’s available in the community.

Davies feels that will be a big piece as officials move forward and plan to develop action plans. She stressed education will be an important piece of this effort.