The City of Junction City is moving toward a new recreational software package called Civic Rec. Information Technology Director Jim Germann said, “The idea behind it is to put it all out on the web for making reservations. If you wanted to sign your child up for swim lessons, or reserve a pavilion or shelter at one of the parks, anything along those lines, take a class at 12th Street ( Community Center ). That’s going to all be available online.”

This is still a work in progress right now. Germann stated, “We’re actually in the process of building it. We’re going to have some training. We look to go live with it mid-February.”

State Representative Lonnie Clark said this past week one of his concerns entering the 2018 legislative session involves county highways.

He talked with JC Post following a meeting with the Geary County Commission. “It’s all about the funding. We have about the same concerns as we do at the state level to be honest. ”

Clark did point out that one of his priorities will be a continued effort try and address the blue green algae issue that has become a problem at Milford Reservoir where it’s led to multiple watches and warnings in recent years.

The Junction City Public Works Department has announced that there will be no trash / garbage pick-up by the City on Monday due to the Christmas holiday.

The pick-up will resume the next day on an amended schedule. For example, the Monday pick-up day will be Tuesday, and Tuesday work will be moved to Wednesday. This will continue through the week with the Friday pick-up on Saturday.

In order to ensure pick-up, your trash should be set out by 6 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Carts should be removed from the curb-alley by the following day of their scheduled pick-up.

Geary USD 475 has released a 2016-17 annual report.

A sampling of information about Junction City High School alone included the fact that graduation rates rose 8% from 2015 to 2016, 53% of the students qualified for free and reduced lunches, the total student population was calculated at 1,675.

JCHS had the highest number of senior student internships since the implementation of the Academy structure, the 1-to-1 computer initiative was implemented, and there was professional development for educators on Safe & Civil Schools, Schoology, iStation and more.

Goals for JCHS included ensuring students will learn high quality KS College & Career Ready content integrated strategies, and maintaining a college and career ready learning culture in a safe learning environment.

There were also site council meetings where topics including 1-to-1 devices, the JCHS Way Forward, KESA and Accreditation, School Start Times, Bond Election, Math and Science were all discussed.

The annual report covered all schools in the district.

The Manhattan Town Center issued a release on Friday announcing the planned closure of the Kansas Kollection Gift Store. The store in the mall is owned by the Streeter Family.

They announced that they have had a great ride for the last 20-plus years, and would like to thank the wonderful citizens of Manhattan and the surrounding area for supporting them all those years.

As they get older they have decided that it is time to slow down a little, travel more and enjoy their family away from work.

So, at the end of January the store will be closed. There will be a “Going out of Business Sale” beginning Tuesday, December 26th.

RILEY COUNTY — The head football coach at Manhattan High School Joe Schwartz will not face charges of endangering a child in connection with the October 26, battery incident involving members of the football team, according to a media release from County Attorney Barry Wilkerson.

Riley County Police reported multiple teenage suspects kicked and hit two victims, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old boys.

In addition, two employees of the Riley County Attorney’s office have a child or relative who are members of the football team. The Riley County Attorney’s office has a conflict of interest which prohibits the office from determining what if any charges against the players. The Lyon County Attorney’s office has agreed to appoint a special prosecutor to determine possible charges in the case, according to the media release.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas State worker says in a federal lawsuit that the university didn’t adequately respond to her complaints of sexual harassment by a co-worker.

In a lawsuit filed this week, Paulette Arnold says she was harassed for nearly three years while working in the Information Systems Office. She says the systems coordinator, Kevin Yaussi, sent sexually explicit emails, inappropriately touched her and left her inappropriate gifts.

Arnold says she and another worker reported Yaussi’s behavior to their supervisor.

The Kansas City Star reports the university determined Yaussi had harassed Arnold but only ordered him not to interact with her except for work. He was given a written warning and a recommendation to complete training on sexual harassment and workplace professionalism.

A Kansas State University spokesperson said the university doesn’t discuss pending litigation.