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68th District State Rep. Dave Baker talks ‘Quality of Life’, and Possible New High School

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photo courtesy: https://www.davebaker4kansas.com/
photo courtesy: https://www.davebaker4kansas.com/

Economic development and growth has struggled in Geary County, but it’s not an isolated issue.

Dave Baker, 68th District House of Representatives, said that it’s an issue that clouds the entire State.

“The idea that people come [to an area] because of cheap taxes, obviously, that did not work…we need to get back on track and get a good balance,” said Baker.

GOP Governor Sam Brownback slashed personal income taxes in 2011 with the belief that it would create business expansion and thus prompt a wave of hiring. Baker said he’s a “firm believer” that the way to “get Kansas back on track” is to reinvigorate the Commerce Department and get more businesses to move to Kansas.

One of the first things a potential business looks at  is the quality of life in an area before deciding to locate there.

“In Kansas we have an unbelievable quality of life, in this area especially look at the recreation that is available here – you have the lakes, you have the Flint Hills, some of the most beautiful country in the entire country that hasn’t been destroyed..and the people, my goodness, everywhere I go in Junction City I am always welcomed,” said Baker.

Baker suggest everyone “tell their story” and promote the quality of life offered in Geary County. Baker suggests enhancing that quality of life with a possible new high school may not be the death sentence many community members fear.

“The schools here in Geary County, my goodness, you have the best schools in the State here, you have so much to be proud of; I’m on the committee that’s looking at the possibility of a new high school here and that’s a situation that every other school district in the state of Kansas is in great envy of,” said Baker.

Understanding the hesitation of the community, Baker is optimistic that this time may be the right time.

“I know there’s been some issues on past endeavors that didn’t come to fruition, but I think [we’re] going to work through that; I think those houses and those lots will be filled in and those will be put back on the tax roll – I don’t think we’re without hope,” said Baker. “One of the biggest improvements that I see happening right now is the 77 Highway project, that has been a real inhibiting factor here for the last few years while it’s been going on, and it looks like it’s about done.”

Proposals for a new high school have suggested relocating on the west side of town off of US-77. The first of two Town Hall meetings to discuss a proposed new high school project is on January 17th.

Baker was a guest on the AM radio talk show JC Now on 1420 KJCK – The Talk of JC.

County Commission News Updates

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Geary County OfficeThe Smoky Hill Township has donated $5586.82 to help with the construction of a rural fire station on Spring Valley Road.

The donation was announced at the weekly County Commission meeting.

Commissioner Florence Whitebread also reported that the annual Storm Spotter Meeting is March 6th at 7:00 pm. That meeting will be open to the public, as always.

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The Geary County Commission has signed an IT agreement with Nextec. Commissioner Whitebread said that the agreement with Nextec will range from the replacement of computers to general servicing of equipment.

“Everybody will have the same type of computers, they’ll all be on the same programs; because we’re having too many problems, some people have old computers and they don’t get the new programs and we think that [it] will correct a lot of our problems here in the building,” said Whitebread.

The building Whitebread referenced is the Geary County Office Building.

County to Honor Commissioner Whitebread’s 24 Years of Service

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Geary County Commission Chair Florence Whitebread.
Geary County Commission Chair Florence Whitebread.

Geary County elected officials and employees will honor County Commissioner Florence Whitebread for her 24 years of service to the community.

Keith Ascher was elected to the 3rd District seat previously held by Whitebread.

Two-thirds of the County Commission will be new in 2017 after the defeat of Democrat Larry Hicks by Republican Charles Stimatze for the 2nd District County Commission seat. Hicks served on the Commission for eight years.

New and re-elected county officials will be sworn in on January 9th.

The reception to honor Whitebread will be on Friday, January 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Geary County Historical Society located at 530 N. Adams Street in Junction City. A special presentation will begin at 3:00 pm.

Reaching for the Stars, Astra Bank Underwrites 2017 Season

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Back Row: Brian Vonfeldt, Rusty Lovett, Mikel Hadecjeck, Kyle Campbell, Merlin Height Front Row: Kent Wyatt, Layne Hoops, Carmelita Taylor, Sue O'Connor, Tanna Thompson, Elizabeth Weese, Sarah Will
Back Row: Brian Vonfeldt, Rusty Lovett, Mikel Hadecjeck, Kyle Campbell, Merlin Height Front Row: Kent Wyatt, Layne Hoops, Carmelita Taylor, Sue O’Connor, Tanna Thompson, Elizabeth Weese, Sarah Will

ABILENE, JANUARY 4 – Great Plains Theatre is proud to announce the continued support of Astra Bank. Astra Bank is the season underwriter for the 2017 Main Stage season, this is now their third year as season underwriter.

Astra Bank’s mission statement, “to turn dollars into fulfilled dreams,” is seen at work with their $25,000 donation to Great Plains Theatre. With these monies set aside to underwrite the theatre’s four show season, the staff at GPT can focus on producing the professional quality entertainment citizens of the region have come to expect.
“To say that I’m pleased is an understatement,” said Executive Director of Great Plains Theatre Elizabeth Weese, “the impact on Great Plains Theatre and the community is immeasurable.” Astra Bank has truly proven their dedication to Great Plains Theatre with their continued belief that theatre and the arts are an irreplaceable benefit in the lives of our community.

This donation is spread throughout the entire main stage season; their money hires actors, builds the sets, helps pay the staff who spend early mornings and late nights to create magic on the stage.

Great Plains Theatre knows how important community support is to all business in Abilene, not just theatre, which is why the donation from Astra Bank means so much. Kyle Campbell, President and CEO of Astra Bank states, “we are very pleased to continue our partnership with Great Plains Theatre and we think that GPT enriches the lives of those it touches.” The Kansas motto Ad Astra per Aspera rings true as Great Plains Theatre looks forward to their 23rd season. There have been many difficulties along the way, but with Astra Bank’s help, we can reach the stars and get starstruck in Abilene!

When asked if Great Plains Theatre had a special gift in the works for when Astra Bank hit its fifth season as underwriter Elizabeth laughed, “that’s a bit presumptuous!” The future is never certain, the present is what we’re given to work with and GPT and Astra Bank are trying to work together to make it a present that offers access to the arts for everyone. So, come down to Great Plains Theatre in 2017 and see what your community can provide.

Fitzgerald to Chair MAC Board

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mac 2The new Junction City mayor Phyllis Fitzgerald will serve as the chair for the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council committee.

MAC Director John Seitz reported that Fitzgerald will succeed Mick McCallister, whose term on the committee has ended with the city commission reorganization. Fitzgerald is now the representative from the commission to the MAC committee. McCallister will continue to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors.

The next meeting of the MAC committee will be on Wednesday, January 11th at 4:30 p.m.

Sundown Salute to Span Five Days in 2017

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final sundown salute fiveThe annual Junction City Fourth of July celebration Sundown Salute will cover a five day period in 2017.

Dates for the event were announced by Sundown Salute Committee President (Chair) Nikki Londene.

“We’re going to kind of do a soft opening on the 30th; [we’re] not 100% sure yet as far as entertainment what we’re going to do, all of that is still in the works – we’ve got a couple of great ideas, some ideas to throw some local talent on there or we may go back and do the gospel night like we’ve done in the past,” said Londene.

Sundown Salute 2017 will be June 30th through July 4th. The Ottaway Amusements Carnival will begin on June 30th.

“We’re still running through a ton of ideas,” said Londene. “The Board just got elected last night.”

The celebration will still have the customary vendors in Heritage Park, family activities, the traditional Veterans Ceremony and the annual Sundown Salute parade.

January 3rd was the first meeting to organize the new Sundown Salute Committee which is comprised of several subcommittees in an attempt to maximize efforts.

Londene is the President, or Chair and Jim Germann is the Vice President (Vice Chair) for the committee.

First Baby of New Year at Geary Community Hospital

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Mariah Brown and Dwight Johnson, Junction City, have announced the birth of their son, Makai Khawai Johnson, who was born on Sunday, January 1, at 10:52 p.m. at the Martha K/ Hoover Women’s Health Center at Geary Community Hospital.

According to a news release from the hospital Makai weighed seven pounds nine ounces, and was 19 and-a-half inches long.

Makai joins sibling DJ at home.

The paternal grandparents are Anna and Harry Gregory of Junction City.

The Johnson family also received a newborn care package including diapers, wipes, baby bath soaps, an infant tub and a $50 Wal-Mart gift card.

( L-R ) Deb Jacobsen, RN, GCH Women's Center; Dwight Johnson; Mariah Brown; and Dr. Anwar Khoury, FLinthills OB/GYN.
( L-R ) Deb Jacobsen, RN, GCH Women’s Center; Dwight Johnson; Mariah Brown; and Dr. Anwar Khoury, FLinthills OB/GYN.

 

Kansas man hospitalized after SUV overturns in Missouri

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JACKSON COUNTY, MO – A Kansas man was injured in an accident just before 2p.m. on Tuesday in Jackson County Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford Expedition driven by Jason R. Gaunt, 39, Clay Center, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Noland Road.

The driver lost control of the SUV. It traveled into the median, re-entered the highway and overturned.

Gaunt was transported to Center Point Medical in Independence.

He was properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the MSHP.

Sundown Salute Committee Forms

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final sundown salute sixA Sundown Salute Committee has formed an official Board of elected officials in the hopes of making the celebration a self-funded event.

Tuesday, January 3rd was the first meeting which organized the committee that is inheriting $32,000 in debt.

Nikki Londene is the Sundown Salute Committee President, Jim Germann the Vice President, Michele Stimatze is Treasurer and Sam Niemczyk is the Secretary.

Vice President Germann said that they are all new at this, but they have one thing in common – the love for the community. “It’s always nice to see that people appreciate Sundown Salute as something unique to Junction City and they’re willing to put forth a little effort to save it…I moved back here 15 years ago, and I’ve been involved with Sundown Salute since then and so, it’s kind of near and dear to my heart; but it’s always nice to see members of the community step up and say ‘hey, I think that’s worth saving, let’s do something to save it’.”

Germann worked with previous Director Sharon Glessner and said that over the years, the support for Sundown Salute faltered.

“[She] did an excellent job, it’s just that one person cannot run that, and she’s asked for help for years and nobody’s been willing to step up and assist her more; and until we got in that big financial debt, that’s when everybody realized, ‘hey we should have been listening to closer to Sharon the last two or three years, now it’s time we have to do something or it’s going to go away forever’,” said Germann.

According to Germann, one of the big problems was waiting until the last minute to try and raise money.

There are several subcommittees, including a Fundraising Committee and a Volunteers Committee.

The next meeting is January 24th. After the committee has properly formed and organized, meetings will be once a quarter.

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