PEARL HARBOR – An Enterprise, Kansas native and 2012 Chapman High School graduate, Petty Officer 2nd Class Brianna Hall is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Michael Murphy.

Hall works as a sonar technician aboard the guided missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A Navy sonar technician is responsible for releasing sound waves under water to determine if any threats are near the ship.

“I love the action of my job when doing scenarios because we get to learn more about our job in those situations,” said Hall.

With the ability to conduct anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, destroyers are capable of sustained maritime operations supporting forward naval presence, maritime security, sea control, deterrence of aggressive actions on U.S. partners around the globe, as well as humanitarian assistance.  Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.

“Service at sea onboard a Navy destroyer is an incredible experience,” said Cmdr. Robert A. Heely Jr., Commanding Officer of USS Michael Murphy. “The extraordinary performance of Michael Murphy is made possible by the sailors that man her on a daily basis. Team Murphy is comprised of 350 talented sailors from across our country.  They are all resilient and dedicated professionals, who strive each and every day to uphold the strong legacy of our namesake, Lt. Michael P. Murphy.  I’m proud of their teamwork and commitment to the mission.”

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. Their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the destroyer running smoothly.  They do everything from to maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

“The Morale, Welfare and Recreation department aboard the ship is the best,” said Hall. “The MWR does a lot to keep our morale up.”

Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches, and drills. Serving aboard a guided missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.

“Serving in the Navy means honor for our country,” added Hall.

Due to street improvements that began on June 19th in Grandview Plaza, patrons will need to utilize the back entrance for access to Stacy’s Restaurant on 118 W Flint Hills Blvd.

To access Stacy’s Restaurant, enter on the backside via Continental Drive – the front entrance will be blocked.

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) said the planned work will be between Continental Drive and State Street.

Construction on 40B/K-57 and J Hill Road will be completed in two phases. Phase one will include construction of the drainage structure extensions and widening of the entrances on the north side of 40B/K-57/Flint Hills Blvd. Phase two will have Continental Drive closed to construct the tie-in with a mill and overlay of the existing pavement under flagger control.

During the construction of the project, an 11-foot westbound lane will be maintained on 40B/Flint Hills Boulevard.

The project is expected to be complete in early August.

AAA Kansas, June 2017 – Average gas prices in Kansas continue their steady decline as summer officially begins. This week’s statewide average of $2.10 per gallon is five cents lower than last week at this time. On May 30^th, 2017, the average gas price in Kansas was $2.21.

Kansas’ average gas price registers 10^th lowest in the nation for the third week in a row. Motorists in 32 Kansas communities are now enjoying average prices of $1.99 per gallon or less, led by Burrton, Haven and Inman at $1.92

Of the 10 regularly reported Kansas cities (see chart below), nine saw price decreases in the past week; Hays remained the same. Emporia experienced the largest price decrease, falling 9 cents to $2.07.  Wichita fell 7 cents in the past week to $2.02 and comes in as the 16^th lowest metro area in America.

Gas Price Trends in Select Kansas Cities

Bordering states and rank in lowest gas prices around the country

MANHATTAN — Two signature gifts of $5,000 each will provide the resources for the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Kansas State University to launch the Journalism and Mass Communications Honor Program in fall 2018.

Bill and Debbie Leckron-Miller, Council Grove, and Charlene and Rod Lake, Dallas, Texas, have made the seed contributions to this signature program and hope their gifts will motivate others to support this initiative.

“This program exemplifies the emphasis the A.Q. Miller School puts on its students,” said Jean Folkerts, interim director of the A.Q. Miller School, which is in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Our philosophy is to blend theory and practice. Combining the academic elements of this honors program and the expertise students will gain from the program’s visiting professionals will give our students the critical thinking and professional skills needed to live and work in the 21st-century workplace.”

The Journalism and Mass Communications Honors Program will recruit excellent students to the school, provide them with honors classes, and bring professionals to campus to mentor and equip each honors cohort. The program also will allow students to travel as a group to cities in which clusters of A.Q. Miller School alumni live and work so that students can interact with them and recognize the wide variety of career opportunities for school graduates.

Eighteen incoming freshmen will be selected annually based on written essays, grade point averages and letters of recommendation. The students will be admitted directly to the journalism and mass communications program and will participate regularly in student media or agency and client work with professionals. They also will receive automatic admission to the University Honors Program.

The Leckron-Millers are both graduates of the A.Q. Miller School and have served on the school’s National Advisory Council. Charlene Lake, also a graduate of the school, is a current member of the National Advisory Council.

Philanthropic contributions to Kansas State University are coordinated by the Kansas State University Foundation. The foundation is leading Innovation and Inspiration: The Campaign for Kansas State University to raise $1.4 billion for student success, faculty development, facility enhancement and programmatic success.