Communities around Fort Riley may hear loud explosions Aug. 29 to 31 due to
training by the 774th Ordnance Company.
Training is scheduled to take place during the day; there are no nighttime
detonations scheduled.
In 2016, Soldiers from the ordnance unit placed second in the Army’s
Ordnance Corps EOD Team of the Year competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.
Their training at Fort Riley helped them earn the award, along with the
Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe Award.
The Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, General Mark A. Milley, visited Fort Riley on Wednesday. He visited with some troops and toured the new Irwin Army Community Hospital.
The monthly Milford Lake bird walk hosted by Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte will be Saturday at 8 a.m. Participants should meet at the parking lot on the south end of Milford Lake Dam, just across the highway from the Corps of Engineers Office.
This month’s walk will focus on summering species and early southbound migrants. The walks usually last about two to three hours. The next bird walk is tentatively scheduled for September 16.
For more information contact Otte at 238-4161 or 238-8800.
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POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged robbery and asking the public for help to identify a suspect vehicle.
Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, the victim was loading groceries into her vehicle at the Wal-Mart parking lot, 100 Bluemont in Manhattan when a white female with brown hair got out of a dark colored passenger car and grabbed the victims purse from her shopping cart.
The victim tried to get her purse back, jumping partially into the passenger side of the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle, left the Wal-Mart parking lot at a high rate of speed. The victim who remained partially inside the car hung onto the car until she was eventually dropped off in the vicinity of the 8000 block of Highway 24, Manhattan.
The suspect vehicle then drove off in an unknown direction. The 44-year old female victim reported that she suffered minor injuries during the altercation.
Evidence collected at the scene and witness statements indicate that the suspect vehicle is believed to be driven by a white female with blonde hair, possibly wearing a purple shirt. The passenger in the suspect vehicle was also described as a white female having with brown hair. The vehicle appears to be a dark colored 4-door passenger car with a sun roof, the exact make of the car is unknown at this time. Total loss was reported to exceed $800.00. Anyone able to identify the vehicle or suspects is asked to call police.
U.S. Attorney Tom Beall has issued a press release that includes the indictment of three people allegedly stemming from a Riley County case.
Brandon Valerius, 38, William Hancock, 58, Colbie Clayton, 31, and Treasure McCall, 33, all in federal custody, are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In addition, Valerius and McCall are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Hancock is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and Colbie Clayton is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 4, 2017, in Riley County.
If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.
The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation sponsored Fall Classic will be Friday, September 15, at Rolling Meadows Golf Course.
According to Foundation Director Jolana Montgomery-Matney the afternoon sessions are full but there are openings in the morning for golf teams.
The event will raise money to support the Children’s Mercy pediatric clinics project at Geary Community Hospital.
Seniors and caregivers throughout Kansas are invited to saddle up for the 2017 Sunflower Fair Tues., Sept. 19.—the premier health and wellness event for seniors and caregivers in the heartland of Kansas. The Fair happens at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center (formerly the Bicentennial Center), 800 The Midway in Salina.
The annual event features a full day of information and fun for seniors and caregivers is sponsored by the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) with support from the Flint Hills Foundation for Older Kansans, EVCO, Eagle Communications and other sponsors. More than 750 people attended last year’s event.
“The day is packed with useful, practical information in workshops, exhibitors and expert speakers,” said Julie Govert Walter, NC-FH AAA Executive Director.
“This year’s ‘Fest of the West!’ theme is a tribute to the rough and tumble early days on the prairie—times that built a big part of our state’s character and strength,” Walter said. She said that the Fair’s theme also celebrates the 150thAnniversary of the Chisholm Trail, the founding of Ellsworth and anniversaries for several communities in Kansas.
About 700 people attended last year’s event. Besides keynote speakers, and exhibits, attendees may choose from an array of workshops that are scheduled in the morning and afternoon. Workshop topics include “Ways to Control Medication Costs,” “Food is Medicine,” “Crafting Your Will,” and “Mind Your Money” about foiling fraudsters and scammers. A line dancing workshop is also planned. Health screenings happen throughout the day from exhibitors and the Kansas Lions Club Mobile Unit. The Kansas Veterans Mobile Unit will also assist Veterans with applying for benefits.
The festivities also include a banquet luncheon with recognition of honorees selected by counties in the NC-FH AAA region, prize drawings and the Sunflower Antique Tractor Show. While some exhibit space is still available, space is limited Walter said.
A talk show on health care issues in Kansas featuring Tom Bell, President of the Kansas Hospital Association, and Sheldon Weisgrau, Director of the Health Reform Resource Project is part of the event’s line up.
Also, the Fair’s Silent and Live Auctions will include autographed sports items, handmade crafts, baskets with county goodies, wellness memberships and other items. Auction proceeds support services for seniors and family caregivers. The Agency is still accepting donations.
Bus transportation to the event is available along an I-70 Route, however, space is limited. Those interested should call 785-776-9294 for details.
Registration costs $20 before Sept. 11 and includes a sit-down lunch. On-site registration after Sept. 11 is $25.
To register in advance or for more details visit www.ncfhaaa.com. or call the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging at 800-432-2703. Registrations may also be mailed to the Area Agency on Aging, 401 Houston St., Manhattan, KS 66502.
Stefanie Morris
SHICK Coordinator
North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging
A 1st Infantry Division Soldier was found unconscious and later pronouncedPvt. John Martinez, a cavalry scout with Troop A, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry
Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div., was found
unresponsive in his barracks room and was quickly transported to Irwin Army
Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Pvt. Martinez,” said Lt.
Col. James Maxwell, 5th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., commander. “We know the death
of a family member is deeply tragic, and we too are deeply saddened by the
loss of one of our Soldiers. Pvt. Martinez will truly be missed.
Martinez joined the Army in July 2016 and arrived at Fort Riley in November
2016. He was 19 years old.
Martinez’s home of record is Houston, Texas. His awards include the National
Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army
Service Ribbon.
The incident remains under investigation by the Fort Riley Criminal
Investigation Command office.
Vietnam veterans received a big welcome home at Marshall Army Airfield Wednesday afternoon.
Major General Joseph Martin said it was an honor to be in the presence of so many from the region who sacrificed for the nation. He stated those who have served in recent conflicts owe the service members from the Vietnam generation a great debt of gratitude. “You’ve continued to fight to attract attention to veterans issues. As a result our nation has learned a valuable lesson. “You’ve greatly improved how we treat our veterans returning from overseas conflicts.”
Martin stated when the Vietnam veterans didn’t return home to parades or celebrations in their honor. “”Many of you were treated with, frankly, open hostility as you arrived back in the United States. I want to personally welcome you home from serving your nation in combat.” Martin’s remarks were followed by long applause by the soldiers, family members and friends gathered to welcome home the veterans.
The 1st Infantry Division commanding general said in spite of all the Vietnam veterans after what they have been through they’re the “most patriotic cohort in this country.” Martin added they’re always out at memorials and patriotic celebrations.
This was the third welcome home ceremony for Vietnam veterans at Fort Riley. It was one of the numerous activities on post as the 100th anniversary of the 1st Infantry Division is celebrated this week.
The 1st Infantry Division spent five years in Vietnam from 1965 to 1970.
