Local – Page 738

Monthly Bird Walk

Posted on November 14, 2016

Chuck Otte has announced that the monthly Milford Lake bird walk will be Saturday, November 19th at 8:00
a.m. Participants will meet at the parking lot on the south end of Milford Lake Dam, just across the highway from the Corps of Engineers Office.

This month´s walk will focus on southbound migrants and arriving winter species. The walks usually last about two to three hours and involve moderate walking. If you have binoculars or a bird book please bring them. This will be the last bird walk for the year.

The next bird walk is tentatively scheduled for March 18, 2017. For more information contact Chuck Otte at 238-4161 or 238-8800.

Canvass of the Votes Set for Monday

Posted on November 13, 2016November 14, 2016

Two Geary County election races, County Attorney and 2nd District County Commission, are still undecided. The outcomes should be known on Monday.

The Geary County Commission sitting as the Board of Canvassers, will canvass the votes from last Tuesday’s election and final numbers for the election will be determined.

Right now in the 2nd County Commission District Charles Stimatze has 1,123 votes and Larry Hicks 1,059. In the Geary County Attorney race Krista Blaisdell has 3,660 votes and Chris Biggs 3,434.

According to the commission meeting agenda the canvas of the votes will begin at 9 a.m. Monday and continue throughout the day as necessary.

KDOT completes successful week of drone test flights

Posted on November 13, 2016November 13, 2016

TOPEKA -The new Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems program conducted test flights over the past week to find ways to use drones for bridge and tower inspections.

“The first week of testing was fantastic,” said Merrill Atwater, Director of Aviation for the state of Kansas.

Most of the testing was completed in the Junction City area. “A number of teams came out and we learned a lot,” said Atwater.

“We know this will save the taxpayers money and is a much safer way for our employees to do this work,” he said.

KDOT is working with KSU-Polytechnic as part of the learning process.

This is the first of several cooperative efforts KDOT is leading to employ new UAS technologies that increase public safety.

“It’s important we keep safety and personal privacy our top priorities for this program,” said KDOT’s UAS Director Bob Brock.

“KDOT inspectors working directly with UAS operators is an exciting first step that we will follow with many more flight tests to ensure we meet the stringent requirements associated with bridge inspection.

“We also believe UAS is an industry that creates new jobs to help Kansas graduates stay in Kansas, so we are working with universities and other state agencies to investigate additional opportunities for engagement that will be announced in the coming months,” he said.

Junction City couple avoid injury after Interstate ramp collision

Posted on November 13, 2016November 13, 2016

MCPHERSON COUNTY – Two people were injured in an accident just after 7:30p.m. on Saturday in McPherson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Robin K. Albers Smolan, was on the southbound Interstate135 off ramp at U.S. 56.

The driver failed to yield right of way to an eastbound 2015 Chevy Equinox driven by Verle W Amthauer, 55, Junction City.

Amthauer’s vehicle hit the passenger side of Alber’s vehicle.

Albers and a passenger in her vehicle Kaylee Albers 11, Smolan, were transported to the hospital in McPherson.

Amthauer and a passenger Marie E. Amthauer, 65, Junction City were not injured.

Kaylee Albers was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Big Turnout for Luke’s Community Baby Shower

Posted on November 12, 2016November 12, 2016

More than 100 expectant mothers along with additional supporters attended the fourth Luke’s Community Baby Shower Saturday at the Shenk Gym at Junction City High School. The event was sponsored by Delivering Change: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies in partnership with the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network.

Delivering Change spokesperson Terra Stroda stated the attendance was up from 75 last time. “We invited all of the expectant Geary County mommies to come join us today to learn about safe sleep, breast feeding, lots of resources and services that are available in Geary County so that they’re well prepared before the baby arrives.”

There were booths from organizations ranging from Konza Prairie Community Health Center and Pawnee Mental Health Center to Women Infant Children.

Stroda said there is a committee of about 15 people that prepare the showers, with the focus on safe sleep. “And we want to make sure that we get to the moms to get them here. One of the things that we continue to work on, not only should mom come but to bring somebody that’s helping her care for the baby.” Stroda addded they also want to make the community baby shower new and vibrant and celebratory. “We have to remember these moms deserve our attention and our love. This community comes through in a big way every single baby shower to do that.”

The event is named after local SIDS baby Luke Nelson, who passed away in May of 2006 just short of being three months old. His mother Jill Nelson, who also works to help with the community baby shower, called the event moving. “And it’s such a wonderful thing that a tragic situation has turned into such a beautiful thing. For our community, it’s a beautiful thing for my family and for everybody that I work with that works so hard to put this together. It’s outstanding!”

Veterans are Pillars of Our Community

Posted on November 11, 2016November 11, 2016

The C. L. Hoover Opera House served as the site for the Veterans Day observance in Junction City.

The guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Curry, told the audience that veterans are pillars of our community. He called them, “Heroes giving of themselves to serve others.”

Curry said, ” it’s humbling to even be associated,” with veterans.

His remarks were part of the program which included the presentation of Quilts of Valor to veterans Harold Carrington and Roy Taylor. The coordinator for the Quilts of Valor program Donna Martinson reported that since April 2015 there have been 210 Quilts of Valor made by a combined total of 89 quilters ranging in age from 8 to 91 years.

The observance also received a veterans photo tribute with footage from the war in Vietnam and photos of many of the recipients of a Quilt of a Valor in Geary County with their quilts.

There were also patriotic songs performed by the ‘Quittin Time Trio’ of Mary Louise Stahl, Bob Cervera, and Brian Clark.

The 'Quittin Time Trio' performed during the Veterans Day Observance in Junction City — The ‘Quittin Time Trio’ performed during the Veterans Day Observance in Junction City

Veterans Honored with Quilts of Valor

Posted on November 11, 2016

Quilts of Valor were presented during the Veterans Day ceremony at the C. L . Hoover Opera House. The recipients were Roy Taylor and Harold Carrington.

Taylor served in World War II. He said he was overwhelmed by the presentation. “It’s a great pleasure, and I certainly never expected this.” It also came as a surprise during the Veterans Day observance. “That was the first I heard of it. ” He added he would cherish the quilt.

Taylor served in the Navy during World War II and served in the Philipines.

Harold Carrington enjoyed the presentation on the stage of the Opera House. “It was, it was. To see the crowd and the respect that they had for the service that we tried to support our country. Yeah, it was amazing.”

Carrington served two tours of duty in the Army in Vietnam.

Quilt of Valor program coordinator Donna Martinson told the recipients the Quilts of Valor were “stitched with love, prayers and healing thoughts.” The quilts are presented to veterans honoring them for their service in our nation’s wars.

Annual Hiring and Education Fair Returns to Fort Riley

Posted on November 11, 2016

FORT RILEY, Kan. – An annual hiring and education fair will be held at Riley’s Conference Center Thursday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s event will feature schools from around the United States, regional employers, Child, Youth and School Services, Veterans Affairs, Kansas Works, education counselors, financial aid advisors, Soldier For Life transition assistance counselors and many other organizations. In total, over 140 exhibitors will be on-site.

It is recommended that attendees dress for success and bring copies of their resumes, as employers may interview or hire on the spot.

This event is open to all Soldiers, their family members, veterans, retirees and community members.

For more information contact Fort Riley Education Services at (785) 239-6481 or the ACS Employment Readiness Program at (785) 239-9435.

Veterans Day Freebies

Posted on November 11, 2016November 11, 2016

JC Post gathered a list of freebies for veterans in the Junction City, Manhattan, and Topeka area.

Happy Veterans Day 2016!

Starbucks: active duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free Tall Brewed Coffee. In addition, now through November 11, for every Veterans Day Starbucks Card or eGift purchased, Starbucks will contribute $5 to help support programs assisting service members, military spouses and veterans.

IHOP: free red, white and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m; select IHOP restaurants will also offer a combo of two eggs, hash browns and choice of two bacon strips or pork sausage links as part of the Red, White & Blue Pancake promotion. Promotion for retired and active duty military personnel.

Little Caesars: free hot-n-ready lunch combo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Applebee’s: free meal from a special menu and get a $5 coupon that can be redeemed nov. 12-27.

Red Lobster: veterans, active duty military and reservists get a free appetizer or dessert with a valid military id on november 10th and 11th.

Longhorn Steakhouse: free appetizer or dessert, and veterans and their guests will receive 10% off their meal.

Baskin-Robbins: for every ice cream scoop sold in the u.s., the company will donate 11 cents to united service organizations.

Outback Steakhouse: free bloomin’ onion and a beverage. outback also is offering active and former service members 15% off their meals and their families’ nov. 12 through dec. 31.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews: all veterans and active duty military get a free red’s tavern double burger and bottomless steak fries at participating restaurants nationwide. red robin is also donating $10,000 to united service organizations.

Ruby Tuesday: free appetizer up to $10.

Buffalo Wild Wings: free small order of traditional or boneless wings with a side of fries.

Chipotle: from 3 p.m. to close, all u.s. military, military spouses and veterans get a buy one get one free burrito, bowl, salad or tacos.

Chili’s: free meal from a special menu.

Olive Garden: veterans and active duty service members get a free entree.

Cracker Barrel: free slice of double chocolate fudge coca-cola cake.

Denny’s: from 5 a.m. to noon, active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free build your own grand slam.

Great Clips: veterans who go to great clips for a haircut on nov. 11 will receive a coupon for a free hair cut valid through dec. 31.

Golden Corral: veterans get a free beverage and buffet meal from 5-9 p.m. nov. 14.

Famous Dave’s: all former and current military receive a free two-meat combo

Hooters: free meal by presenting military ID or proof of service, all day

Houlihan’s: active military and veterans receive one free entree with the purchase of an additional entree

Marco’s Pizza: Marco’s Pizza will host free pizza parties for military veterans at local VFW posts, VA hospitals and American Legions nationwide, with certain pizza boxes containing certificates for special surprise gifts, such as much-needed wheelchair ramps, medical bill assistance or plane tickets to visit family

Panera Bread: 1 free You Pick 2 for Veterans and Active Duty members on Veterans Day at participating locations. Bring proof of service.

Mattress Clearance Center Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Posted on November 11, 2016

There will be a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Mattress Clearance Center of Junction City on Monday, November 14th.

The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am at 908 Grant Avenue.

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate with the Mattress Clearance Center with coffee and donuts.