Milford Lake Eagle Days, scheduled for this Saturday, January 14th has been
canceled. It will not be rescheduled. Given the continuing deterioration of the weather forecast for the weekend, and the uncertainty of when ice
accumulation would begin, the organizers felt it was prudent to cancel the
event and encourage people to stay home and off the roads.

While the event is not being rescheduled, the next several weeks should continue to give residents many opportunities to view Bald Eagles at Milford Lake. Wintering numbers are continuing to increase and eagles can frequently be seen at the dam area of Milford Lake and below the dam, often spending daylight hours in the trees along the south side of the outlet channel below the dam.

Residents are encouraged to be respectful of safe distances when viewing eagles or any raptors. If the birds start to get fidgety or fly, then you approached too closely.

The announcement on the cancellation was made by Vanessa Avara of the Milford Nature Center and Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte.

Exact ice accumulations in the approaching winter storm this weekend will depend on the temperature, the way the pending front sets up and the amount of moisture received.

“As long as it comes down as rain, we’re good; if we do get some ice we’ll probably have some power outages, it just depends on how everything comes together…we’ll know more tomorrow,” said Gary Berges, Geary County Emergency Management Director.

The worst period of the storm is expected to be Saturday night and Sunday, as ice accumulations are expected to be the most likely. Berges, and other emergency responders will receive more information in a Webinar from the National Weather Service Friday afternoon.

No decisions have been made on opening a community shelter, as early reports indicate this storm may cause widespread power outages.

“The best thing to do is they just need to shelter in place; we haven’t heard if the Red Cross is going to come in and open a shelter, a lot of it is going to depend on how much damage is done, if it’s going to be a long event or a couple of hours – people just need to shelter in place, or find some place warm at a neighbor’s house or with somebody that’s got a fireplace,” said Berges.

If the Red Cross did set up a local shelter, it would be at the 12th Street Community Center according to Berges.

In 2007 Junction City experienced a major ice storm with wind gusts at 20 to 45 mph that caused power lines to snap. Forecasters are predicting mild wind gusts this weekend, below 15 mph.

 TOPEKA, KAN. – A 19-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to 18 months in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy on Fort Riley, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. The defendant also was ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution for funeral expenses.

Juwuan D. Jackson, 19, who lived on the Fort Riley base at the time, pleaded guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter. He admitted that on Sept. 11, 2015, he handled a firearm in a reckless manner, resulting in the shooting death of 16-year-old Kenyon Givens, Jr., who also lived on Fort Riley.

According to court records, when military police responded to the shooting Jackson told them an unknown intruder wearing a mask had forced his way into the home and shot Givens. Paramedics were not allowed to enter and treat Givens until military police had searched the house for an intruder. At the same time, police began searching the neighborhood to find the weapon and the masked shooter.

Investigators eventually learned that Jackson had been playing with a loaded .22 caliber handgun before the shooting. Jackson spun the chamber while holding the trigger. The revolver discharged and a bullet struck Givens in the chest.

Beall commended the Army Criminal Investigations Division and the FBI, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi for their work on the case.

Jim Cross – Public information officer for U.S. Attorney Tom Beall in the District of Kansas

A Topeka man has died as a result of injuries he suffered in a one vehicle accident in Geary County on Tuesday, January 10th.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the victim has 38 year old Timothy Joseph Musil of Topeka. Musil was the driver of a Nissan passenger car that was exiting Interstate 70 westbound at the Exit 304 ramp at too great of a speed. Musil couldn’t negotiate the curve and the car entered the north ditch where it tumbled end over three times before coming to rest on its wheels facing southeast.

Musil was taken to Geary Community Hospital and then transported by Lifeflight Air Ambulance to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka where he was pronounced dead.

Two passengers in the vehicle were also taken by Lifeflight to Stormont Vail.

Junction City, KS – People seeking help selecting a health insurance plan for 2017 or wanting to know whether they would qualify for a health insurance tax exemption have an opportunity to talk with experts

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon., Jan. 23 at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, 230 W. 7th St. in Junction City.

“There is no cost to attend this event, but people should call the Area Agency on Aging at (800) 432-2703 to schedule an appointment,” said Julie Govert Walter, Executive Director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging.

Trained health insurance Navigators will help people compare their insurance options at the Health Insurance Marketplace and explain how this insurance works and answer questions.

“These experts can explain money-saving options available to many people—including  advance tax credits that help pay monthly insurance premiums and cost reductions that help keep medical costs low.” Walter said. “Navigators can also help Kansans learn whether or not they qualify for a tax exemption and help them apply for one.”

“No matter where you live, you may be able to buy insurance that covers a comprehensive set of benefits including doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, and prescriptions,” said Karen Mayse, a Navigator at  the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging.

She said plans in the Marketplace must treat you fairly—they can’t deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

“With a single application, you’ll also find out if you qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or can get savings to use right away to lower your health insurance premiums,” Mayse said.

Mayse said there will be larger penalties for taxpayers who do not have health insurance in 2017. Navigators can explain these rules and help people understand their choices.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call John Dickey at 800-432-2703.