The U.S. Senate and House have approved an extension of the Veterans Choice Act.
During a Junction City visit on Friday, Senator Jerry Moran explained it’s an aspect for veterans who live long distances from VA facilities, or for whom the VA takes too long to provide the care they need. “The law says that they can now have care provided at home by a hometown physician or a hometown hospital. That legislation expires in August and we were able to extend it, and able to reform it in a few ways that should make it less bureaucratic and more likely that the veteran gets timely attention, and the healthcare provider gets timely payment.” The legislation now awaits the President’s signature.
Jack Fry, Director of Golf Course Management Program at Kansas State University
MANHATTAN — Because of the golf industry’s downsizing after the Great Recession, the sport is more affordable and accessible than ever, according to a golf course management expert at Kansas State University.
“There has always been a misconception that golf was only for the wealthy, but there are new options that are inexpensive and easy to start,” said Jack Fry, director of the undergraduate golf course management program and professor of horticulture and natural resources.
Since 2008, more private courses have closed than opened, but Fry said the golf industry is responding in several ways, including gym-golf course hybrids, various golf-related spin-off games and the potential for shorter courses to cater to busy players.
Some companies are purchasing struggling courses, revamping them into fitness centers with the golf course as a secondary offering, and reopening the businesses as part of chains. Fry said the monthly fees for these courses are similar to the prices of typical gym memberships, and they allow players to golf at any location owned by the same company.
“These kinds of deals are making golf more accessible than it’s ever been,” Fry said. “It’s a game for everybody.”
The industry also is responding to the recession with a new option: interactive golf restaurants. At these businesses, groups of players do not have to walk anywhere and instead can sit at tables and eat and drink between shots, Fry said. Players direct drives and approach shots at targets, where they earn points based on distance and accuracy. Microchips on each ball keep track of players’ points. Fry said the game’s sociability level is on par with bowling, and this version of the game only takes an hour, compared to the three to five hours spent on a traditional round of golf.
“That’s been very successful and has offered another way for people to participate in golf that is shorter time span and allows for socializing within a larger group,” Fry said.
Another golf spinoff that is growing in popularity is footgolf, which combines soccer and golf. Players try to kick a soccer ball into 21-inch-wide holes in the fewest amount of kicks.
“Any exposure to golf in any way is helpful to the overall industry,” Fry said. “Golf leaders are generally happy about anything that will get people curious about the game of golf. Whether exposure comes through putt-putt, golf-related restaurants or footgolf, they’ve been introduced to the game.”
After becoming acquainted with golf, new players can become more familiar with the game by taking a lesson at a local golf facility. Also, Fry said some municipalities offer group lessons through their parks and recreation departments.
“Lessons are a great way for people who do not have any experience to become more familiar with golf because beginners are welcomed and encouraged,” Fry said.
To accommodate busy lifestyles for seasoned golfers, Fry said there is discussion of opening shorter courses, where instead of 18 or nine holes, there would be just three to five holes. Fry said these courses would be a logical next step for those of all ages who are interested in the game, and they could allow those who have an hour or two after work to play a short round of golf.
“The idea is to get people out there to enjoy something after work, and then they’re free for the rest of the evening,” Fry said.
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“As you drive down this highway, as you come into this building, as this community hears about Veterans who are coming to the clinic – that name will ring a bell, and it will mean something not just today, but for years from now.”
It was the military service, the medals, the honors – but more importantly, it was the “the way he made a difference in other people’s lives.”
Senator Jerry Moran was a guest speaker at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Junction City.
“Sometimes you would just consider naming a building in honor of someone as just paying tribute to them and we certainly are to General Seitz; he’s so worthy of our esteem and respect,” said Moran. “[He was] such an important military leader, had personal attributes/characteristics that we ought to emulate, and he was such a leader in the Junction City and Fort Riley community.”
It made sense to name the new facility after [Seitz] was the mood throughout the touching ceremony.
“He was so highly regarded, he accomplished so much, he demonstrated courage – what you would want in every military man and woman was exhibited in General Seitz,” said Moran. “But what stands out to me in addition to that is that when he came home to Junction City, he wasn’t playing golf or going to the beach – he lived a life that continued that service to make this community better.”
Moran noted that Seitz was a hero in the community, and in the military.
The new facility is nearly 10,000 square feet equipped with space for specialty care services like audiology, physical therapy and a pain clinic. There will be an additional primary care physician and additional providers for mental health services as well.
“Everytime we can bring services closer to home, it means that more Veterans are going to be cared for, and our commitments are going to be kept,” said Moran.
Moran was joined by Seitz’ family and members of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, April 14.
A Manhattan man has been arrested on suspicion of rape.
Authorities with the Riley County Police Department arrested Qavonjez Mason, 24, Manhattan, in the 1200 block of Fremont St. on Thursday, April 13th just after 10:30 pm.
Mason was detained on two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, electronic solicitation, and aggravated endangering of a child.
His bond has been set at $500,000.00, causing him to remain confined at the time of this report.
The majority of the questions and comments for Congressman Roger Marshall during a town hall meeting in Junction City on Friday came from unhappy constituents on subjects ranging from rehetoric about the poor to a proposed federal healthcare bill that is disruptive to women’s rights.
David Willem, Salina, addressed the bill on women’s rights. “And it seems that you despite listening, haven’t been listening. You’re constituents are telling you clearly that there are other issues here, but what’s sad about this to me is that you have displayed weakness rather than strength. You have displayed going along with whatever is being handed to you and that’s not why we elected you. We elected to be strong, to think about other issues, and thus far you’ve been very disappointing.”
Willem told the Congressman he needs to start listening to people who are not on his card, and particularly not to the bullies in Washington who seem to be dictating his policy. He also added that Marshall’s constituents are relying on him but so far he has let them down, and that needs to stop.
Marshall stated has listened and has had input. “You’re just not getting the answer you want to hear. I certainly do agree with you that I’m not happy about the women’s healthcare situation, I’m not happy with the direction it’s going. And I’m fighting for it behind closed doors, I’m fighting for it openly. It’s not a perfect bill,but doing nothing is not an option. This is the best bill that I can get passed.”
Other speakers spoke on subjects ranging from what Marshall would do on alleged racism coming from the Trump administration to the recent bombing in Syria. The majority of the one hour and and 15-minute town hall session included critical observations and questions from unhappy constituents with Marshall trying to respond.
RILEY COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating a hit and run accident and asking the public to help find a vehicle.
Just before 2a.m. police responded to a report of a hit and run injury accident that at the intersection of 12thStreet and Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to a media release.
First responders found a pedestrian identified as Amber Wilhelm, 21, Manhattan, suffering from severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
Witnesses on scene described a light in color 2011 to 2016 Chevrolet or GMC extended cab pickup truck that hit her and then fled the scene headed westbound on Anderson Avenue.
Interviews with witnesses lead officers to believe there is a chance that the suspect vehicle will only have slight damage to its front end.
Wilhelm was transported to Via Christi and then flown to Stormont Vail where she remains in critical condition, according to police.
Anyone with information on a vehicle matching the description is encouraged to call police at 785-537-2112.
A “no contest” plea was entered by Gabrielle “Gabby” Williams in Geary County District Court today.
Williams plead “no contest” to conspiracy to commit premeditated first degree murder in the January 2016 death of 24 year old David Phillips of Manhattan.
The Court presented a factual basis alleging in part that the defendant used electronic communications to lure the victim, David Phillips, to an 827 West 12th Street Apartment C location in Junction City where he ultimately died.
Williams was found guilty today of count 1, conspiracy to commit premeditated first degree murder. The defendant’s initial charges also included felony murder and aggravated robbery; those charges were dismissed in Court today.
Sentencing in the plea agreement ranges from 109 months to over 490 months; the Court has recommended a sentence of 180 months, which is subject to final sentencing. The varied sentencing range depends on Williams’ criminal history.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Thursday, July 27th at 1:30 pm in Geary County District Court.
The Federal Aviation Administration is using its existing authority under
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 99.7 – “Special
Security Instructions” – to address national security concerns about
unauthorized drone operations over 133 military facilities, including
Marshall Army Air Field at Fort Riley, Kansas.
This is the first time the agency has instituted airspace restrictions that
specifically apply only to unmanned aircraft, popularly known as “drones.”
The authority under § 99.7 is limited to requests based on national security
interests from the Department of Defense and U.S. federal security and
intelligence agencies.
U.S. military facilities are vital to the nation’s security. The FAA and the
Department of Defense have agreed to restrict drone flights up to 400 feet
within the lateral boundaries of these 133 facilities. The restrictions will
be effective April 14, 2017. There are only a few exceptions that permit
drone flights within these restrictions, and they must be coordinated with
the individual facility and/or the FAA.
Operators who violate the airspace restrictions may be subject to
enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal
charges.
Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety and Security Act of 2016 also
directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a process to accept
petitions to prohibit or restrict UAS operations over critical
infrastructure and other facilities. The Department of Transportation and
the FAA are currently evaluating options to implement such a process.
The FAA is considering additional requests from federal security and
intelligence agencies for restrictions using the FAA’s § 99.7 authority as
they are received.
The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz VA clinic will be on Friday, April 14th.
The clinic is named in honor the the late Lieutenant General Seitz who is a native of Leavenworth, KS and WWII veteran who served nearly 37 years of active duty in the United States Army. He received numerous awards including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. After retiring from the military, Seitz settled in Junction City where he lived until his passing in June 2013. Following his death, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran introduced legislation to named the Junction City Community Based Outpatient VA Clinic in his honor. The legislation was signed into law in December 2014.
The clinic broke ground in June 2016 and is a 10,000 square foot medical facility offering increased staff and specialty care in order to provide a higher level of health care for Veterans that is close to home. The clinic unofficially opened on March 6, 2017.
The ceremony at 1:30 pm on Friday will be hosted by the Director of the VA Eastern Health Care System, Rudy Klopfer, as well as Senator Jerry Moran and Brig. General Patrick Frank, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Deputy Commanding General.
The family of the late Seitz will also be in attendance.
The clinic is located at 1169 Southwind Drive in Junction City, south of Ash Street at US Highway 77.
Paula Hansen has been named the Ben Kitchens Volunteer of the Year for the United Way of Junction City and Geary County. Charles Volland has been presented with an appreciation award for his efforts as United Way President to assist with the transition of directors for the organization.
( L-R ) United Way Executive Director Nichole Mader and United Way Past President Charles Volland
The awards were presented during the annual United Way luncheon in Junction City.
Hansen has served as a CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocate ) volunteer. She noted she handled a difficult case, with 2016 being the third year for the child. “He had been in an out of psychiatric treatment facilities. We finally got him home after quite a long time, and I helped him get into the correction program at Junction City Middle School. So far he’s been doing very successfully there.”
Volland helped guide and assist United Way during the transition between former director Aileen Cray and current director Nichole Mader. Cray had to retire due to health reasons and later passed away. Volland stated that he had to step and help determine what need to be accomplished. “We had to get the allocations process started for the coming year, and tried to figure out where we were financially with all our gifts because Aileen handled all that work.” An accounting firm provided assistance in dealing with that issue.
Volland now serves as Past President of United Way. His appreciation award
