The talks are continuing between Geary Community Hospital and Salina Regional Health Center officials about a possible merger between the two hospitals.

Geary County Commission Chairman Ben Bennett reported at the weekly commission meeting that GCH officials are still moving forward talking with Salina Regional about some type of merger. “They’re not ready to make a presentation to us at this point, but there’s still discussion and it’s very positive in working at some kind of an agreement that we can become a part of that, possibly the Salina Regional network.” Salina Regional Health Center already has affiliations with hospitals in Concordia and Lindsborg.

The Geary County Commission received an update on the matter this week.

The sale of bonds for the financing of the new Junction City High School resulted in a lower interest rate than expected.

The USD 475 Board of Education was informed that the 25-year bond issue to be funded by the State included the sale of bonds at a 3.69% interest rate….lower than the initial projection of 4/2%. That will save about $10.3 million in interest costs on the project. A combination of state and federal heavy impact aid money will be used to pay for the new high school.

The Board authorized $1.3 million in summer maintenance projects, ranging from HVZAC to roofing improvements. A $1.5 million new gym project is planned at Westwood Elementary School in the summer of 2019.

There is a plan to move the district’s print shop from the Junction City High School campus to the McConnell Maintenance Center.

The former Custer Hill Elementary School building is scheduled for future demolition but that facility could possibly be transferred to another entity.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Department has reported that Deputies responded to the 2500 block of Liberty Hall Road Monday evening for a car – deer non-injury accident.

Tracy Marion, Junction City, was traveling westbound in her 2008 Buick Enclave when a deer ran out in front of her vehicle. The vehicle sustained minor damage.

Deputies also responded to K-177 mile marker 92 for a vehicle – deer non-injury accident.

Roger Britt, Wilsey, was traveling southbound in his 2012 Ford F150 when a deer ran out in front of him causing damage to the front of the vehicle.

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A federal program is producing funding for Geary Community Hospital.

County Commission Chairman Ben Bennett provided an update following a briefing on the subject, saying the hospital finances are getting a little better since the rural track development program has been readdressed by the federal government. “We received back payments for those that we didn’t get for several months.” More funding will be received going forward.

The Commission was updated by Hospital CEO Joe Stratton.

The Junction City Fire Department was dispatched at 1:00 a.m. for a brush fire behind the ball fields in North Park at 1900 Thompson Dr. Junction City.

Upon arrival units found a large brush fire along the perimeter fence of the eastern ball field. The high winds caused the fire to quickly spread. The JCFD Brush unit made access to the area and began extinguishment of the fire, other JCFD members used hand tools to manage the incident and assist in extinguish the fire. The area burned is approximately 250 Ft by 60 Feet along the fence line of the ball field.

An area at the incident appeared to be the point of origin. The area showed a path that had been used to get to the area where it is believed the fire started and may have been a camp site type area.  

The fire is under investigation at this time.   

USD 475 officials will recognize the completion of the new Eisenhower Elementary School Gym addition on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

“We added a new FEMA safety shelter gymnasium,” said USD 475 Superintended Dr. Corbin Witt. “We’re very excited to have that grand opening tomorrow morning and show all the kids their new gymnasium over at Eisenhower.”

The cost of the project was approximately $3 million. The money was provided through the district’s capital improvement fund.