Due to the Junction City Christmas Parade on Sixth Street on Friday November 25th, the fixed route services of Flint Hills aTa Bus will end at 5pm that day.
Normal fixed route bus service will resume on Monday November the 28th at 7am.
Category: Local
Home Away from Home – Big Red One Celebrates Thanksgiving
One hundred years as a division, and an eternity of tradition – paying homage to the First Infantry Division’s 100th Anniversary, the Cantigny Dining Facility celebrated Thanksgiving today with the customary holiday meal.
Staying true to tradition, officers and senior non-commissioned officers served the meal to soldiers, families, and civilians.
Brigadier General Patrick D. Frank, 1st ID and Fort Riley acting senior commander, said that soldiers often come together around their meals. “Thanksgiving is one of those very special occasions, you really see the teamwork that is involved in our units, in our formations across the Division…when you go around and see our soldiers all enjoying a Thanksgiving meal together – the same soldiers that were in Kuwait last year and potentially looking at a deployment again next year, this means a lot to them to come in here and enjoy time with their friends and their family.”
Frank said that he will spend Thanksgiving Day with his soldiers.
SPC William Bartnick said he was spending the holiday with his unit, “it takes your mind off of [not being at home]…it gets a weight off your shoulders.”
That feeling of being at home resonated with many.
“This was really beautiful, they thought about this – they put thought in to this and it made me feel like I’m home,” said PFC Shakima Windsor.
Colonel David Gardner, Commander 2nd Brigade, said that it’s heartwarming to see all of the families and community members that come enjoy the meal noting that the Food Service Specialists don’t get enough credit. “When you see what [they] can actually do on a daily basis, they don’t get enough credit for how talented they are at pastries and making cakes, and putting together a really nice spread.”
Nearly 1400 pounds of food were prepared, spanning over 17 hours.
Guests were entertained with music from the 1st ID Band, a replica of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate factory – chocolate river included, and some of the history of the Division.
Taking on the task of refilling sparkling cider was Command Sergeant Major Craig A. Copridge who summed up the significance of leadership not being afraid to get their hands dirty. “It goes back to army traditions…just to let [the soldiers] know how important they are to us, and how thankful we are to have them under our charge.”
Thursday’s Thanksgiving meal will be served at Demon’s Diner located at 694 Huebner Road from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.
Health Insurance Enrollment Event Slated for Sat., Dec. 3 in Junction City
People who need help selecting a health insurance plan for 2017 have an opportunity to talk with experts, noon to 4 p.m., Sat., Dec. 3 at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, 230 W. 7th St. in Junction City.
“There is no cost to attend the event. People may call the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Center for information or to schedule an appointment,” said Julie Govert Walter, Executive Director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging.
Trained health insurance Navigators at this event will help people in comparing their insurance options at the Health Insurance Marketplace. These experts will also explain money-saving options available to many people such as advance tax credits that help pay monthly insurance premiums and cost reductions that help keep medical costs low.
“Navigators can also assist Kansans with enrolling in health plans online at the Health Insurance Marketplace,” Walter said.
“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 preexisting 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 tax consequences for taxpayers who do not have health insurance in 2017. Navigators can explain these rules and help people understand their choices.
For further information, please call John Dickey or Karen Mayse at the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Center at (800) 432-2703.
Holiday Road-Trip Survival Tips
 Are you and your family planning to drive to a holiday get-together this year? Whether you’re heading to Grandma’s cottage or a favorite vacation spot to celebrate holidays with family or friends, AAA has simple tips to help make your drive a smooth one, so you can arrive at your destination safely and without incident.
With a little prep, you can leave the road-trip stress at home and enjoy your holiday with family and friends.
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Police Investigate Business Burglary
Junction City police are investigating a burglary at Home Lumber, 201 Grant Avenue.
Police responded to the business at 11:14 p.m. Tuesday. They reported that approximately $600 to $700 was taken, and damage to the building and property was in the $1,000 to $2,000 range.
Historic Tour of Homes
The Historical & Archeological Society of Fort Riley will host their 33rd annual Historic Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 3 from noon until 4 p.m.
Advance tickets are $10. You can purchase those from Friends of the Fort Riley Museum Gift Shop, Magnolia’s Boutique in Junction City, Gatherings at 3 Thirteen in Manhattan or by email at fortrileytourofhomes@gmail.com.
Tickets the day of the event are $12 at the Custer House on Fort Riley.
Geary County Offices Closed Thursday and Friday
Geary County Clerk Rebecca Bossemeyer has announced that all Geary County offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, except for the Transfer Station.
The Transfer Station will be open for regular hours on Friday and Saturday.
Regular hours for all offices will resume Monday, Nov. 28.
Photos with Santa – This Saturday!
This Saturday, November 26, Santa Claus will be at the C.L. Hoover Opera House from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm to pose for family portraits and listen to your holiday wishes!
For just $10, you can purchase a sitting with Santa, a print of your photo, and a digital copy that we will email to you to share with friends and family.
A trolley will run downtown that Saturday, stopping by the Opera House, so take the chance to enjoy a beautiful trolley ride through downtown Junction City, chat with Santa, and support your local Geary County Historical Society museum!
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Junction City is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church at 113 West Fifth Street.
There is no charge for the dinner, which is open to the public.
If you need a Thanksgiving meal delivered you can call 540-664-8433.
Prisoner Mental Health Issues Taking a Toll
The problem with prisoners that have mental health issues is taking a toll on people that work at the Geary County Detention Center.
That information was provided by Geary County Commission Chair Florence Whitebread, who says the county governing body has voted to increase the mental health hours the county is being covered by Advanced Correctional by another four hours per week. “Which would make 10 hours per week that they will come in. And I think that they’re going to divide it up between two days of five hours each day.” Whitebread also noted they will also increase the health work by 10 hours per week.
She also stated they are short seven corrections officers, calling it a difficult job to fill.