The National Weather Service will conduct the annual Statewide Tornado Drill at 10:00 a.m. CST, Tuesday, March 7th as part of Kansas Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 6 -10). If adverse weather exists on Tuesday the drill will be postponed until Thursday the 9th at 10:00 a.m. CST.
Category: Local
Two Arrested in Meth Bust
The Junction City / Geary County Drug Operations Group assisted by the Riley County Hazardous Materials Response team executed a search warrant at 1303 Spring Hill Road in Junction City on Wednesday after a month long investigation into the alleged manufacture of methamphetamine occurring at that residence. The Manhattan and Junction City Fire Departments also assisted with the investigation.
Police reported the arrest of Joshua D. Grilliot, 24, Junction City and Nicholas E. Bird, 28, Junction City on suspicion of Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine. Both were confined without bond at the Geary County Detention Center pending their first appearance in Geary County District Court.
The Drug Operations Group seized components used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The Junction City / Geary County Drug Operations Group is a joint task force composed of members of the Junction City Police, Geary County Sheriff’s and Grandview Plaza Police Departments.
The Junction City Fire Department also issued a statement on the case saying they were notified by local law enforcement to assist with a possible hazardous materials incident as a result of the investigation for a potential meth lab cleanup in the 1300 block of Spring Hill Drive. They provided support for the Regional Hazardous Materials Response team from Manhattan Fire Department. The Junction City Fire Department was released from the scene 8 p.m. Wednesday. No injuries or damage was reported in connection with the incident.
Red Flag Warning for Thursday
The National Weather Service in Topeka Has issued a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. This applies to Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Morris, Wabaunsee, Shawnee, Douglas, Lyon, Osage, Franklin, Coffey and Anderson counties.
Thursday is expected to include winds from the southwest at 10-20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph possible. Humidity levels are expected to be relatively low Thursday afternoon.
Any fires that develop would likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
A Red Flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.
Report: Central Kansas sees water levels rise, Ogallala declines
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Central Kansas farmers are shutting down their wells more often as two aquifers saw water levels rise from last year’s timely rains.
The Kansas Geological Survey released data on aquifer levels this week. The state collects the data annually in early January to monitor the health of the multi-state High Plains Aquifer, which comprises three smaller aquifers in Kansas.
The Great Bend Prairie Aquifer rose more than half a foot, while the Equus Beds Aquifer rose an average more than 2 feet. The increases come after a multiyear drought that lowered water levels in 2011 and 2012.
The Ogallala Aquifer in western Kansas continues to shrink, a trend that has continued for the past 70 to 80 years. Water-data manager Brownie Wilson says water levels in that aquifer have fallen an average 40 feet since 1996.
Sheriff’s Report
In the 24 hour period from 7:00 am Tuesday, February 14th to 7:00 am on Tuesday, February 15th the Geary County Sheriff’s Department responded to or self-initiated a total of 65 incidents, resulting in 23 cases, 16 citations, and 4 arrests.
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Deputies responded to US Hwy 77 mile marker 159 in reference to a non-injury accident. David Wert, Milford, was traveling northbound in a 2009 Ford F-150 when he struck a deer.
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Deputies arrested Nicholas Miller, Lawrence, KS at a 138 E. 8th street location on a Geary County District Court sentence to 30 days and a Geary County District Court warrant.
Deputies arrested Randy Tidens, Leewood, KS, at 826 N. Franklin Street on a Jackson County District Court warrant for failure to appear.
Pampering, Education and Fun – Ladies Night Out
Every 80 seconds a woman falls victim to heart disease; that is 1 in 3 women that will die due to complications surrounding heart disease each year according to the American Heart Association.
Geary Community Hospital (GCH) officials are recognizing Women’s Heart Health Month and the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign to bring awareness to those statistics and treat local women to a fun evening.
“We came up with the idea of a ladies night out to get away from the monotony and the ‘rat race’ of running the kids around and cooking dinner, and kind of be a pampering night for ladies, but tie in an educational aspect with it as well of the importance of living heart healthy lifestyles,” said Nikki Davies, GCH Director of Marketing and Public Relations.
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women; Davies said that many are aware of the risks for men, but often leave out women.
“The reason for the Go Red for Women campaign, is because people think that [it] is just a killer in men; but cardiovascular disease and strokes causes one in three women’s death each year…those are staggering numbers that I think people don’t realize, that cardiovascular disease affects all of us in some form or another,” said Davies.
Local heart attack survivor Heather Ryan will share her story as the keynote speaker; and the first responders that saved her life will be on hand to share not only the story of how they were able to save Ryan, but their experience with those affected by the disease.
“This is a great way for us to reach out to the community and to promote heart healthy lifestyles and education about living heart healthy,” said Davies. “We have all different types of vendors ranging from small boutiques, clothing boutiques, salons that will be there providing massages and facials and different fun things for the ladies.”
Ladies Night Out, sponsored by GCH is on Tuesday, February 21st at 5:30 pm at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center in Junction City.
Door prizes, swag bags, and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be available. Women are encouraged to wear red.
Tickets to the event are $25; the last day to reserve tickets is Friday, February 17th. To reserve a ticket call the Marketing and Public Relations office at 785-210-3307, or stop by the hospital.
K-State president calls on students, fans to clean up their act
MANHATTAN – New Kansas State University President Richard Myers wants students and fans at school athletic events to clean up their act.
On the school’s web site Wednesday, president Myers expressed how impressed he is by the university’s students, faculty and staff but, “One surprise that has not been pleasant is hearing a vulgar chant at sporting events targeted at our in-state rival.
It’s easy to see how one can get caught up in the moment. However, many of my friends across the nation reached out to me following last week’s men’s basketball game and expressed their dismay. The chant was clearly heard from coast to coast on national television. It was personally embarrassing and not what one expects from a world-class university.”
See Myers full statement here.
Kansas State students chanted an expletive followed by “KU” in a variety of songs when the Jayhawks visited Manhattan on Feb. 6. Kansas pulled away late in the game, winning 74-71.
“The strength of the Wildcat family lies in passing our legacy from one generation to the next. K-Staters are known for doing the right thing. Whether our fans are 8, 18 or 80, they deserve the best fan experience in the Big 12. I think about those younger fans sitting in the stands or watching on television and know they represent our next generation. As we continue the spring competition season, let’s show them the Wildcat Way,” Myers wrote.
Drill Team Participates in Topeka High Drill Meet
The Junction City High School Blue Jay Battalion Drill Team participated in the Topeka High drill meet Saturday, February 10th. The Armed Regulation team from JCHS captured first place overall while competing against approximately 10 other schools.
Library Distributes Caps, Mittens and Scarves
The Dorothy Bramlage Public Library has completed distribution of the Cap and Mitten Tree donations to Lincoln and Franklin Elementary Schools in Junction City.
The library collected donations of new caps, mittens and scarves this winter as part of their annual Cap and Mitten Tree campaign.
JCEA / Geary County Schools Master Teacher Nominee Selected
The Master Teacher Committee of the Junction City Education Association and USD 475 Geary County Schools have announced the selection of Joan Hayden, Physical Education Teacher at Fort Riley Middle School, as the JCEA nominee from the school district for the 2017 Kansas Master Teacher Award sponsored by Emporia State University.
Hayden was selected for the nomination because she continues to exemplify teaching effectiveness, constructie service in the community, zeal in promoting the advancement of education and a sincere interest in professional organizations.
The Kansas Master Teacher Award will be announced later this year on the campus of Emporia State University.