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One Person Arrested in Early Morning Shooting Case

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Junction City police are reporting that a 25-year old Fort Riley soldier who had been shot was found in the 200 block of East 14th early Thursday morning. The victim, whose name has not yet been released, was transported by Life Star to Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center in Topeka. Police said they learned the victim was in stable condition awaiting surgery for his injuries.

Jeff Childs, Police Detective Lieutenant, reported that at approximately 1;40 a.m. members of the JCPD were dispatched to 235 East 12th Street for a possible disturbance. Upon their arrival they determined the disturbance had occurred in apartment one where shots had been fired. A short time later a second call was received advising that there was a subject in the 200 block of East 14th Street. When they made contact with the victim, officers learned that he had been involved in the disturbance at 235 East 12th Street.

Connell Davis
Connell A. Davis

Upon further investigation a suspect was identified in the case and arrested. The suspect, Connell A. Davis, 32, Junction City, was booked into the Geary County Detention Center on allegations including suspicion of Attempted First Degree Murder, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Burglary. Davis was held on a no bond status pending his first appearance in Geary County District Court.

Vietnam Veterans Welcomed Home

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VV THREE

A contingent of Vietnam veterans were welcomed home at Fort Riley on Wednesday.

Some of the veterans wiped away tears as they received a thank you and recognition for their service.

Major General Wayne Grigsby Jr., commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, told the veterans the burdens they bore in Vietnam were being honored during the ceremony, “fully knowing they were not embraced as they should have been when they came home. ”

Grigsby said the failure of the nation to care for the Vietnam veterans did not keep them from caring for one another and all the veterans, and their buddies. “Vietnam veterans have gone above and beyond to make sure that our current generation of soldiers, sailors, marines and coast guardsmen do not have the same experience they did.”

Grigsby told the audience that the soldiers being honored showed their devotion to this nation in Vietnam.

Jackie McDonald
Jackie McDonald

One of the veterans, Jackie McDonald, Junction City, said he appreciated the respect that was shown. “It made me feel like I did something for my country. I just want to thank the American people for giving me this opportunity, exposing this to me, and making me a veteran….feel like a real veteran now.”

McDonald served in the infantry during his time in Vietnam. He also saw duty in Cambodia, Laos and with special forces near the DMZ. “I just thank God I’m back here in one piece and happy to be here.”

Wiley Morris Sr.
Wiley Morris Sr.

Wiley Morris Sr., Junction City noted the ceremony brought back a lot of memories of what he has been through. He said it was a good ceremony. “It was, it was really good, I enjoyed it.”  Morris served in the Marines during World War II and in the Army in Korea and Vietnam.

Vietnam veteran John Seitz, Junction City, said it’s nice to see the veterans receive the recognition for their service, and General Grigsby did a great job of doing that. “And we should all be grateful that somebody still cares.” Seitz served in the artillery in the 1st Infantry Division during one tour in Vietnam.

The soldiers marched into a hangar at Marshall Army Airfield with patriotic music playing and to the cheers of family, friends, and current soldiers at Fort Riley. It was the second welcome home ceremony for Vietnam Veterans at the post in recent months. The first one was held last November.

 

Fallen 1st Infantry Division Soldiers Remembered

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Hundreds gathered in Fort Riley’s Victory Park Wednesday morning to remember the fallen Soldiers of the 1st infantry Division.

Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., commanding general for 1st inf. Div. and Fort Riley, spoke during the ceremony.

“In my heart, I can feel the crushing weight of their absence each day and sense the hollowness of their empty places in our formations,” Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, said during the event.

This was the second year no new memorial stones were emplaced in the park.

Photo and story courtesy of 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs ( Facebook )
Photo and story courtesy of 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs ( Facebook )

Milford Lake Corps of Engineers Operations Project Manager Moving to Perry Lake

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The Operations Project Manager for the Corps of Engineers at Milford Lake, RJ Harms, has announced that he is transferring to the Operations Project Manager position at Perry Lake, effective June 13.

Harms has served at Milford Lake for the past 10 years. He said that he and his wife Pam, planned to relocate back to the Topeka area after their son graduated from high school whenever the opportunity arose, and everything came together late this spring.

Harms added he decided in mid-May to accept the transfer. He thanked everyone associated with Milford Lake as a business owner, park manager, leasehold operator, elected officials and others he worked with over the past 10 years.

Harms noted there have been challenges with high water events and blue green algae impacts, but they have also achieved some significant accomplishments, and the investment and commitment to providing enjoyable recreation opportunities is clearly evident and ongoing.

Harms standing next to the sceen speaking at a Flint Hills Regional Council Board of Directors meeting.
RJ Harms standing next to the sceen speaking at a Flint Hills Regional Council Board of Directors meeting.

 

 

Fire Department Completes Hydrant Flushing

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junction city fire departmentThe Junction City Fire Department has announced that they have completed their annual fire hydrant flushing program for 2016.

The Department thanked the public for their cooperation during the period the work was under way.

 

Amerigroup Donates $25,000 to Special Olympics Kansas

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Mission, KS – Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) announced that it received a $25,000 donation from Amerigroup to promote Health and Wellness programs and provide health screenings to all athletes of the 2016 Summer Games.  The presentation was made June 3 at Opening Ceremony of the 46th annual Summer Games.  SOKS will recognize Amerigroup as a Mission Partner.

 “We’re proud to support Special Olympics Kansas to raise awareness for this wonderful organization, while also working to help Kansans live healthier lives,” said Laura Hopkins, Amerigroup Kansas President.
Health and Wellness has a substantial impact on the quality of life and affects SOKS athlete’s ability to train and compete in sports effectively. Special Olympics Kansas has offered health screenings to athletes since 2009. These screenings ispecial olympics kansasnclude vision screenings, hearing screenings, dental screenings, and general health screenings. Athletes receive health education at screening events as well as an opportunity to receive hygiene items, protective eye wear, and glasses.
These screenings are offered in a welcoming, family friendly and fun environment, educate athletes on healthy life style choice and identify problems that may need additional professional follow-up.  Amerigroup will be the presenting sponsor and at all SOKS Healthy Athletes Screenings in 2016.
Although not considered a “medically underserved” group by the federal government, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have limited access to healthcare, and the quality of the care they do receive is often poor. Additionally, they have a 40 percent greater risk of preventable secondary health conditions, such as obesity, poor fitness, nutritional deficits, untreated or poorly treated vision, dental, hearing and podiatric problems.
Energized by the pride and power of teamwork, Special Olympics Kansas provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to be an athlete…and more…through acceptance, inclusion, physical fitness, health and nutrition programs and leadership development.

Manhattan real estate developer, coach arrested for alleged sex crimes

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Sex offender crime assaultMANHATTAN – A Manhattan real estate developer who is also an assistant coach with Riley County USD 378 was arrested Tuesday on a Riley County District Court warrant in connection with unlawful sexual relations with a student.

Zac Burton, 38, turned himself in shortly after 5 p.m. and faces charges involving unlawful sexual relations, allegedly involving a female student at Riley County’s USD 378, according to a media release.

Burton owns Fieldhouse Development, which has built homes and apartment buildings at Grand Mere on the west side of Manhattan.

Last fall Burton announced plans for Hartford Hill, a 320-acre, 500-home development northwest of Grand Mere and Colbert Hills Golf Course.

Burton’s bond was set at $50,000 and was expected to be released on Wednesday.

Burton was a former backup quarterback with the Kansas State University football program from 1996-2000

2016 Victory Week Breakfast

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The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council and the Manhattan Ara Chamber of Commerce Military Relations Council put together a joint effort in hosting the 2016 Victory Week Breakfast for the 1st Infantry Division’s Victory Week celebrations on June 8 at Riley’s Conference Center.

This year’s guest speaker, Command Sergeant Major Joseph Cornelison spoke on the importance of the Non-Commissioned Officers and more specifically the role of the Sergeant

CSM Joseph Cornelison
CSM Joseph Cornelison

Major.

“The NCO core of the US Army gives our army flexibility and strength that no other army has,” said Cornelison.

Cornelison says that currently there are 480,000 soldiers in the US Army and less than 6,000 are at the E9 level of Sergeant Major.

“As a Command Sergeant Major [you] are charged with discipline, health, welfare off all [your] enlisted [soldiers].”

Cornelison shared his own personal experiences as CSM in the 1st Infantry Division and that with a strong NCO core in every level is essential in a strong army.

“Victory week is the birthday week of our great 1st Infantry Division – 99 years old – and we have a storied history  over the last 99 years of our Non-Commissioned Officer core inside the Big Red One, contributing to the victories that this Division has attained. It’s just a great legacy/history and it’s a pleasure and honor to be at the top of the NCO core in this division, especially during this historic week.”

 

 

 

 

Junction City Firefighter Claims $10,000 Lottery Prize

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schroeder fire

TOPEKA, KAN. – Bernard “Chris” Schroeder has been a firefighter in Junction City for 20 years. He has been a player of Kansas Lottery games even longer than that. “I’ve been buying lottery tickets since right after high school,” said the 47-year-old. “My wife and I like to stop in the morning and pick up a few instant scratch tickets. Then I scratch mine over my lunch hour.”

Although he has won some $200 prizes, it’s Schroeder’s wife who has really been lucky. “I’m here today claiming a $10,000 prize on one of my wife’s $2 10X The Cash tickets. That’s the only game she plays,” said Schroeder. “She had to work today, so she asked me to come to Topeka to claim the prize.”

Schroder said he was happy to make the trip, especially since some of the prize money will be spent on another trip he and his wife have planned for later this summer. “We’re going to Las Vegas!” said Schroeder. In the meantime, Schroeder said he and his wife will continue to play Kansas Lottery instant scratch tickets every day. The Schroeders always purchase their tickets at Handy’s Express, located at 1734 W. Ash Street in Junction City.

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