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USD 475 Beginning Survey

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usd 475 learning for all whatever it takesUSD 475 began surveying Geary County residents on Monday.

 

Phones will be ringing across the Geary County School District as a comprehensive survey of patron opinions will begin, so please don’t hang up.

 

Hugh Davis, Executive Director of Communications, said the survey of 400 households will provide insight into what residents think about USD 475’s strengths, challenges, priorities, and their thoughts on a potential new high school.

 

“This survey will give us an outstanding opportunity to hear from a cross-section of Geary County residents and military families regarding their opinions about our performance, and what our priorities should be for the future,” said Dr. Corbin Witt, Superintendent of Schools. “We’ll hear from all geographic parts of the district, people of all different ages, and everyone from newcomers to long-term residents.”

 

The 10 to 15 minute survey will touch on a wide variety of topics, and will include “pick one” type questions, along with opportunities for residents to share their comments. The information gathered will be shared with the JCHS Steering Committee as they help shape the direction and way forward for our high school. The committee will provide a recommendation to the Board of Education in January of 2017.

 

The survey was designed by Patron Insight, Inc., a Kansas City-based market research organization that has worked with school districts across the Midwest on similar research since 1992.

 

The calling will be done by Kansas City-based Market Research Associates, a firm that uses only locally based, professional researchers. Participants will be selected totally at random, and all responses will be kept completely confidential.

 

In general, calls will be placed between 7 and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. While there may be some variation on those times, no calls will take place during the traditional dinner hour. The caller ID may show “Market Research Associates” or it may simply show an 816 or 913 area code, as the company uses calling facilities in both Missouri and Kansas.

 

For those who are not contacted at random on the phone, an online version of the survey will be available on the district’s website.

 

The survey process will take about two weeks to complete, and USD 475 is asking patrons to listen for their phones to ring.

 

“We really want to hear from you,” said Davis. “So, if you get a phone call on this survey, please participate, and please let us know what you think.”

Hugh Davis

Executive Director of Communications – USD 475

Area counties cited in Kansas AG’s report on Colorado pot

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The following map depicts in green those counties where a survey respondent reported the presence of Colorado marijuana.
The map depicts in green those counties where a survey respondent reported the presence of Colorado marijuana.

TOPEKA – The Kansas attorney general’s office today published a new report that shows marijuana from Colorado has permeated nearly all parts of Kansas, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.

The report, which includes information from Trego and Ellis counties, also shows that Colorado’s decision to “legalize” marijuana has resulted in a sharp increase in the availability of marijuana-laced “edibles” in Kansas, a phenomenon rarely encountered here before the Colorado experiment.

Since Colorado changed its state law to allow recreational as well as medical use of marijuana, persistent anecdotal reports from law enforcement agencies in Kansas had suggested Colorado marijuana was readily flowing into Kansas despite assurances that federal authorities would exercise their authority to prevent Colorado marijuana from flowing into nearby states where it remains illegal. But solid data about the extent of the problem was unavailable.

Click HERE to read the entire report.
Click HERE to read the entire report.

In December 2015, Schmidt exercised his authority under Kansas law to gather information from local law enforcement officials and began surveying all county and district attorneys, sheriffs and police departments in the state about their specific experiences with marijuana coming from Colorado. The information provided by 320 responding law enforcement agencies and 70 prosecutors’ offices is compiled in the report released today.

“This report provides the first data-based snapshot of the specific effects Colorado’s experiment in ‘legalization’ is having in Kansas,” Schmidt said. “I hope this information will serve to better inform policy discussions and debates. Whatever one’s views on the merits of Colorado’s choice to ‘legalize’ and on the federal government’s decision to look the other way despite the commands of federal law, it is clear that decisions made in Colorado and Washington, D.C., are having a significant effect in Kansas.”

The report summarizes its findings as follows:

The survey responses demonstrate that Colorado marijuana is prevalent in Kansas. While some jurisdictions reported an increase in overall levels of marijuana crimes, the major effect of Colorado marijuana ‘legalization’ appears to be that high grade marijuana from Colorado has to a large extent replaced lower grade marijuana from Mexico and home grown marijuana. Numerous jurisdictions also reported a significant rise in the availability of marijuana edibles and other marijuana products, such as waxes and oils, originating from Colorado.

 

Emergency Department at New Irwin Army Community Hospital Opens Sunday

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Beginning Sunday ( October 16 ) at 6 a.m. at Fort Riley patients in labor or with an emergency should go to the new Irwin Army Community Hospital at 650 Huebner Road.

Outpatient care and services begin in the new hospital next Monday ( October 17 ).

The IACH staff began a 10-day transition moving clinics into the new hospital on October 6. The Extended Care Clinic in Medical Home 2 of the legacy hospital will be closed Friday but reopen Saturday and Sunday prior to moving into the new location.

The ECC will open October 17 within the Emergency Department of the new hospital.

Patients with a non-emergent, acute condition on Friday should call the Nurse Advice Line for information on locating a local urgent care clinic. The Nurse Advice Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-874-2273, option 1. Patients can also present to the Emergency Department in the legacy hospital that day.

Pharmacy services will continue in the legacy hospital through Friday. However to facilitate the move the pharmacy may reduce staffing which could result in increased wait times at the legacy hospital. Pharmacy services at the Post Exchange and Farrelly Health Clinic will continue without interruption. The main outpatient pharmacy in the new hospital will open for service October 17.

Radiology services in the legacy hospital will be limited to emergency or inpatient care Friday. Outpatient radiology services will continue at Farrelly or Custer Hill Health Clinics that day. Complete radiology services will be available in the new hospital on October 17.

Outpatient laboratory services are available in the legacy hospital through Friday. Inpatient laboratory services are not affected. Patients who must drop off samples Sunday should get them to the legacy hospital before 6 a.m. Comprehensive laboratory services will open in the new hospital on October 17 at 7 a.m.

IACH is consolidating all family member and retiree primary care from Farrelly Health Clinic to the new hospital. Beneficiaries affected by the move will receive an official letter indicating their medical home at the new hospital.

The Flint Hills Medical Home in Junction City will not be affected by the transition. Soldiers seen through Soldier Centered Medical Homes at Farrelly or Custer Hill Health Clinics will also not be affected.

Patients are encouraged to use the two-story parking structure adjacent to the new hospital’s main entrance. Parking spaces in front of the Emergency Department are for patients only.

The illustrated map of new Irwin Army Community Hospital displays the most frequently used department and services. The left side of the L-shape facility houses outpatient clinics and services; the right side groups inpatient departments. The color of each floor reflects the wayfinding signage to provide a visual aid to patients and visitors.
The illustrated map of new Irwin Army Community Hospital displays the most frequently used department and services. The left side of the L-shape facility houses outpatient clinics and services; the right side groups inpatient departments. The color of each floor reflects the wayfinding signage to provide a visual aid to patients and visitors.

 

 

 

Geary County S-O Reports Arrest on I-70

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geary county sheriff badge to useThe Geary County Sheriff’s Department has reported the arrest of Nina Jackson, Topeka, at I-70 mile marker 290 westbound on suspicion of Felony Theft, Interference with Law Enforcement, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Drug Parapernalia, and Parking Prohibited Area Highway.

The arrest occurred just before 5 a.m. Saturday. The site is about four miles west of Junction City.

JCPD Reports Drug Related Arrests

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jcpdThe Junction City Police Department has reported the arrest of three people at Motel 6, 1931 Lacy Drive on drug related allegations.

They included:

–Adriane Michelle Shuckahosee, 34, Topeka, on suspicion of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Illegal Weapon, Possession of Drug paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

–Donnie Levi Wishom, 37, Topeka, suspicion of Trespassing, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon

–and Kimberly Sue Rangel, 39, Topeka, on suspicion of Possession of Drug Marijuana and Possession of Illegal Weapon.

All three arrests occurred on Sunday.

Also on Sunday evening, Cinderella Cindy Jackson, 33, Junction City, was arrested neasrby at 1913 Lacy Drive at Sapp Brothers on suspicion of Drug Paraphernalia.

 

United Way Business Blitz Under Way

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united wayOn Monday the United Way Business Blitz generated $2,575 in pledges and contributions.

United Way officials are contact local businesses this week for support of the organization’s 2017 fundraising campaign.

The top pledge came from Holiday Inn Express, who pledged $1,000.

Others included:

–Coryell Insurors $450

–Drs. Reynoldson & Reynoldson $300

–J & K Contracting $100

–Upland Mutual Insurance $175

–Jones & Associates – AFLAC $75

–Glenn’s Music $50

–Cardinal Insurance $125

–Morgan Painting $100

–State Farm Karen Jameson $100

–Mathis Lueker $100

Christopher Colum-Who? #IndigenousPeoplesDay

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In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue – a familiar rhyme to American children as they are taught the story of America – and it’s “founder” Christopher Columbus. Many scholars have long disputed his actual “discovery” of the Americas, yet every year Columbus is celebrated.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chair Liana Onnen; photo courtesy of https://www.pbpindiantribe.com/tribal-council.aspx
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chair Liana Onnen; photo courtesy of https://www.pbpindiantribe.com

For Native Americans, Columbus Day is a somber day that awakens deep-rooted feelings passed down from generation to generation.

Liana Onnen, Tribal Chair Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, said that Christopher Columbus is not a hero to indigenous people.

“Nothing was discovered from our perspective, we were here…and what Columbus Day signifies for Native American people is the beginning of the historical genocide and removal of Native American people,” said Onnen.

As the Tribal Chair for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Onnen brought forth a resolution last year to not recognize Columbus Day but rather Indigenous Peoples Day – a practice shared by native and non-native people across the United States.

“It wasn’t a good thing for native people…so it is a somber day; one of the reasons that I brought the resolution to the table last year to change it to Indigenous Peoples Day was to kind of take that gravitas, that sadness out of that holiday,” said Onnen.

Cities like Phoenix, AZ and Denver, CO are amongst those that recognize the federal holiday of Columbus Day as Indigenous People’s Day in their respective areas.

“Just about every tribal leader that I know, and I know several, and every native person that I know – we would like to see Columbus Day changed [to] Indigenous Peoples Day,” said Onnen.

Although the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is a federally recognized tribe, Onnen said that there is no active push from her tribe, or through other tribal leaders to address the government and have the holiday changed.

“Native Americans are here, they’re everywhere…and I think I would just like people to know that [it] is offensive to us, and it is sad to us because, we’ve lost a lot and now we struggle a lot to retain and regain pieces of our culture that have been lost, such as our language; and all of that started with Columbus and his discovery of columbusdaya land that was already occupied by hundreds of thousands of people,” said Onnen.

What will you celebrate today?

#ColumbusDay or #IndigenousPeoplesDay ?

JCHS Marching Band to Participate in the Central States Marching Festival

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The Junction City High School marching band will be among more than 35 high school bands from Kansas and Oklahoma that will participate in the 30th annual Central States Marching Festival Saturday at Kansas State University.

Participating bands have an opportunity for a one-hour clinic with members of the KSU Marching Band staff. For their field performances, bands will be judged by a panel of nationally recognized marching band authorities, receive individual clinics by members of the video critique panel after their field performances, and obtain a rating of superior, excellent or good by class with accompanying awards. Before the festival’s closing ceremonies, the Kansas State University Marching Band, the Pride of Wildcat Land, will give an exhibition performance.

Band clinics will begin at 8 a.m. at the Memorial Stadium FIeld and at the university’s indoor football practice facility. Field performances begin at noon at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and will be streamed live at BandDirector.com. A schedule of performances is available at https://bit.ly/2dZ7vr7. The Junction City High School Marching Band field performance is scheduled at 5:45 p.m.

Festival activities will conclude around 9:45 p.m.

JCHS Marching Band
JCHS Marching Band

 

Walk a Mile Prize Winners

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Two prize drawings were held in the KJCK AM studios for the recent Walk a Mile event sponsored by the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation. Students from USD 475 elementary and middle schools participated in the walk this past Friday.

In the student category Junction City Middle School student Kristuanna Profit was the winner of an XBOX console one connect console with two games.

In the adult category Lauren Stutzman of Washington Elementary won a Fit Bit with a Heart Monitor.

Riley Co. man hospitalized after motorcycle flips near round-about

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MotorcycleAccidentRILEY COUNTY – A Riley County man was injured in an accident just before 10:30p.m. on Saturday.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by Thomas James Whistler, 62, Ogden, was northbound on Scenic Drive over K-18 in Manhattan.

The driver lost control of the motorcycle approaching a traffic round-about and the motorcycle flipped.

Whistler was transported to Via Christi in Manhattan.
He was wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

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