The candidates for the Third District seat on the Geary County Commission were participants in a Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored candidate forum Tuesday evening at the C. L. Hoover Opera House.

Republicans Keith Ascher and John Moyer touched on topics ranging from whether or not a county administrator is needed to their shared view that continued goods roads need to be maintained in the county.

On the county administrator question neither candidate supported hiring one for the County. Keith Ascher stated other counties do have them and they probably work in some situations, but he talked about his concern. “You can get a good one and it’s a stepping stone, they leave. You can get a bad one and they set you back. “Ascher said, “My feeling is as a county commissioner I would feel more comfortable and more focused by not having one.  Because by not having one and listening in the meetings to department head reports you pay more attention, you’re more right on top of it.” Ascher added your’re focus is better.

Moyer said, “I don’t know that many of our constituents in our area would be in favor of having a county administrator.” Moyer added perhaps having a financial person could be on staff, but also noted he would have to look into the costs of that. Moyer said listen to the department heads, and added he does own research as well. “I think that’s what the people of our district will be hiring us to do. And that’s basically what you’re doing when you vote is hiring us to run the county.”

Ascher and Moyer will be on the ballot in the August 2 primary election. No Democrats filed for the Third District seat on the Geary County Commission.

Approximately 60 people attended the forum.

SALINE COUNTY – A Kansas man died in an accident just after 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday in Saline County.

A car driven by Aaron Finch, 29, Riley County, was westbound on Interstate 70 at Niles Road. The vehicle traveled through the median and hit an eastbound vehicle driven by David Widner,  45, Salina, head-on, according to Saline County Undersheriff Roger Soldan.

Widner was pronounced dead at the scene.

Finch, who was trapped in the wreckage for a time, was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of injuries.

FORT RILEY, Kan. – The “Big Red One” will welcome three new leaders to the team with a Victory with Honors ceremony at 3 p.m. July 21 at the 1st
Infantry Division’s headquarters building.

Brig. Gen. William A. Turner, Col. Scott Efflandt and Col. Charles Masaracchia will be welcomed as the division’s new deputy commanding general, deputy commanding officer and chief of staff, respectively.

Turner most recently served as commandant of the United States Army Field Artillery School, United States Army Fires Center of Excellence, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, beginning in June 2014. He previously served with the Big Red One as commander of Battery B, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery, from December 1991 to August 1993 and as current operations officer for the DIVARTY from January to December 1991.

Efflandt most recently served as executive officer to the commander of the
U.S. Army Forces Command from July 2015 to July 2016. He also served as
chief of the programs division in the Office of the Chief Legislative
Liaison at the Pentagon.

Masaracchia led the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division,
at Fort Bliss, Texas, from July 2014 to June 2016. Prior to that assignment,
the colonel served as the assistant chief of staff for the 82nd Airborne
Division.

The road to the National Training Center / Fort Irwin continues for U.S. Army  troops from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The “Devil” brigade’s advance team departed Fort Riley Monday, and thousands are expected to follow as the Soldiers embark upon a monthlong rotation.

The information was provided by 1st Infantry Public Affairs officials on the 1st Infantry Division Facebook page.

Saturday at the Library

Do we have some fun for you! Saturday at the Library is designed for elementary school-aged children, but they is open to the whole family.  Join us on Saturday, July 23^rd at 9:30 a.m.  at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library for our own little mini Olympics! Come get in on the action!

Healthy Living with Essential Oils

Taking charge of your health is an empowering choice. Come to these informative sessions to learn how essential oils can be a part of a healthy lifestyle and support your family’s wellness.  Monday, July 25^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library.

Rhyme and Real:  Poetry Formations

The power of word belongs to the poet, Whose prowess is strong and an art, Come join us to learn some of poetry’s palette, Find the convergence of syntax and heart.  (Translation: We’re going to create some amazing poems. You should join us!)  Grades 7 – 12.  Tuesday, July 26^th at 2 p.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library.  Registration deadline:  7/24.

Meditation

This class will offer participants the opportunity to experience multiple types of meditation including mindfulness, chanting, movement, JAPA, and working with mantras and mudras.  Participants are asked to bring a shawl or scarf and a notebook and pen.  Beginners as well as experienced meditators are invited to join.  Wednesday, July 27^th at 7 p.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Corner, 238 W. 8^th Street.

Writing Your Family History

Interested in writing your family history, but don’t know where to start?  Join an established writing group meeting twice a month at the library that uses the techniques developed by Kansan Charley Kempthorne, author of A Complete Guide to Writing Your Family History.  Work on techniques that will assist you in remembering your past; in writing the narratives of your life; and in publishing your history for your family and friends.   Thursday, July 28^th at 1 p.m. at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Corner, 238 W. 8^thStreet.

Tatting-Making Lace

Tatting is a Victorian method of crafting handcrafted lace.  It is constructed by creating a series of knots and loops on a tatting shuttle or tatting needles.  Join us to learn this ageless technique.  Instructors:  Teri Pendergrass and Sue Carpenter.  Cost:  $10.  Saturday, July 30^th at 1 p.m. at Hobby Haven, 716 N. Adams Street.  Registration deadline:  7/23.  Sponsored by:  Dorothy Bramlage Public Library.

 

Information Release Courtesy of: Patty Tullis, Dorothy Bramlage Public Library

St. Xavier Catholic School enrollment day for grades Pre-K through 12 is Wednesday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The information was provided by St. Xavier School Principal Shawn Augustine.