Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte reports that 33 head of livestock and 40 projects were sold during the 4-H auction Thursday evening at the Geary County Free Fair.

A total of 73 projects and livestock were sold, the most in over two decades. The 33 head of livestock and 40 projects brought a combined premium value of $32,415, just slightly below the 2015 premium total of $32,785. The difference was that in 2015 only 59 livestock and projects were sold.

The average livestock premium was $653 which was down from the past several years. The project premiums of $271 was also down from the past two years. The 40 projects that were sold was the most that has ever been sold since projects were included over 20 years ago. The 33 head of livestock were also the most that have been sold in over a decade.

The market value of the livestock sold was $16,518.90, up from last year but well down from the 2014 total of $17,131.24, a year when livestock market prices were at an all time high and there were 11 fewer head of livestock.

Even with a slight dip in the premiums paid, the sale was very good, especially given the very warm weather. There were numerous new buyers which is always greatly appreciated!

The grand champion market beef belonging to Weston Langvardt had a market value of $1,512.25 and brought a premium of $1,200 from Central National Bank. The champion market hog belonging to Cody Brown drew a market value of $120.50 plus a premium of $650 from JC Custom Harvesting, Brown Auction & Real Estate, and Effland Seeds. Kacey Butler’s champion market goat had a market value of $159.60 and brought a $625 premium from Harris Show Lambs, and the champion market lamb belonging to Macey Langvardt had a $180 market value and drew a premium of $750 from Sink, Gordon & Associates, and Lyons Ranch.

In the project category the grand champion sunflower welcome sign belonging to Macie Muto sold for a $350 premium from Millenium Bank, and the grand

champion honey cookies prepared by Heston jahnke drew a $200 premium from Flint Hills Ag.

Charly Goodwin’s peanut butter cup brownies basket received a $150 premium from Millenium Bank, the raspberry buttermilk muffins made by Josie Strauss a $300 premium from Harris Crop Insurance, and a patriotic wreath by Chelsey Armbruster $225 from Jim Clark Chevrolet Cadillac. The frosted brownies prepared by Ethan Goodyear received a $350 premium from Black Diamond Custom Feeders.

Cody Brown, 10,  had the grand champion market hog at the 4-H Swine Show at the Geary County Free Fair.

Macey Langvardt had the grand champion in the 4-H sheep show.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment results from samples taken at Milford Lake on July 18 have been released. The blue green algae cell count remains high in Zone C, the north end of the lake.

The Corps of Engineers said Thursday Zone A on the south end of the reservoir is clear, Zone B in the middle portion of the lake under a watch, and Zone C on the north end  is listed in a warning.

All boating and fishing are allowed at Milford Lake. In a warning direct water contact such as boating and swimming are discouraged.

Lake users are reminded that blue green algae may move as the wind shifts, and boaters should use caution and move to a clear portion of the lake.

The 31st annual 10-5-2 Prairie Run will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 23 at King Field House. The event will give runners an option of three different
courses: a 10-mile, 5-mile and 2-mile race.

The 10-mile race acts as a qualifier in organizing an active-duty team to
represent Fort Riley at the Army 10-Miler in Washington, D.C.

The 2-mile race is not a fun run. Dogs, strollers, baby joggers,
skateboards, roller blades, motorized vehicles, bicycles and headsets are
not allowed on the race course.

The race is open to military and civilian runners. Online registration is
$15 and must be completed by July 22. Same-day registration will be
available at King Field House between 6 and 6:45 a.m.

To register, go to riley.armymwr.com.

Photos from the morning of July 20th at the Geary County Free Fair:

Over 80 people are going to be working at the various polling locations in Geary County during the August 2nd elections.

Rebecca Bossemeyer, Geary County Clerk, says they still need some more help.

“We’re in the process of recruiting…I’m about 10 people short,” said Bossemeyer.

Bossemeyer said that if any are interested in being an Election Board Worker, they are still seeking applicants.

Bossemeyer said they have training for those interested but they would like you to have some computer skills, although it isn’t exactly required.

“The polling places are open for 12 hours – you’ve got to get there early and stay late to get things set up and claned up – so, it is a long day and some of that [time] would have to be spent on your feet, so we do need some folks that are physically able,” said Bossemeyer.

Bossemeyer also said that many think election workers are volunteers.

“They actually get paid federal minimum wage,” said Bossemeyer. “You’re not going to get rich, but you’re not doing it for free either.”

Those interested should contact the office of Rebecca Bossemeyer, Geary County Clerk at 785-238-3912.

Auditions for A Christmas Carol, a joint production by the C.L. Hoover Opera House and Junction City Little Theater, will be held Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m.  Callbacks will be held Sunday July 31 at 2 p.m. Auditions will be held in the Montgomery Rehearsal Hall on the second floor of the C.L. Hoover Opera House.

There will be parts for actors of all ages, specialty dancers, adult ensemble, children’s ensemble and dancers. Some parts include singing while others do not.

The full rehearsal schedule for the show will be available at the auditions. A read-through is scheduled on August 1 at 6:30 p.m. The next rehearsal after the read-through willbe in October.

The show will be directed by Joe and Sheila Markley, and Ellie Dillon. Carolyn Mayo is Consulting Director.

The Geary County Sheriff’s Department has reported that Deputies responded Tuesday night to K-57 for a single vehicle injury accident.

Amy Rodriquez-Saavedra, Junction City, was traveling east bound in a Land Rover when she blacked out and left the roadway striking the ditch. Rodriquez-Saavedra was transported to a hospital with complaint of neck and back pain.

MANHATTAN — Shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, Kansas State University Police and emergency personnel from the Manhattan Fire Department and Riley County EMS responded to the Seaton Hall construction site on the Manhattan campus for a workplace accident.

A male worker was injured after a fall at the construction site. He was taken to Manhattan’s Via Christi Hospital. Members of the K-State Environmental Health and Safety team also responded.

The accident is under investigation.

K-State News and Communications Services