The Military Affairs Council breakfasts need to operate in the black.

That’s the sentiment of Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, Dennis Beson. Despite concern from some MAC board members, Beson will add some sponsors for the breakfasts. “We’re going to add a few sponsors just to help finance the event.”

Beson also wants to encourage networking at the breakfasts. “Try to get people talking a little bit more when they come. Sometimes that’s not the easiest for some people to do, and we’re going to encourage that.”

On speakers for the breakfasts Beson said it will be a three to one type situation. “It will still be primarily military focus, and even anybody that might be a civilian speaker we’re going to hope they’re going to tie it back toward the military.”

Right now the cost of attending one of the monthly breakfasts is $12.

Beson made it clear he respects the MAC breakfasts and wants them to succeed. The sponsorships for operations would be used so they do not lose money.  He plans to meet with officials at the Courtyard by Marriott convention center to discuss the price scenario and possibly give military personnel a special price.

Board member Scott Stuckey cautioned Beson not to over promote or sell something. Another board member John Montgomery noted the city and county provide $40,000 to fund MAC, and he didn’t know if the breakfasts had to break even….adding he was lukewarm to sponsorships. Montgomery stated he was not sure MAC was the place to make the Chamber of Commerce profitable. He noted he was concerned if this is to be  profit center, and added this is a giving center.

The majority of the MAC breakfasts are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center. But some of them are also held at Riley Conference Center on Fort Riley.

The Director of the Military Affairs Council in Junction City, John Seitz is calling for a specialty Kansas license plate with a Big Red One patch on it.

He has asked State Representative Lonnie Clark and State Senator Jeff Longbine to sponsor this legislation. “To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Big Red One ( 1st Infantry Division ) in 2017 Kansas should have a license plate with a Big Red One patch on it, and say 100th anniversary. Other states have division license plates. Kansas is home to the Big Red One. Why shouldn’t we have one?”

Motorists could buy the specialty plate if the legislation is approved.

JCPost has confirmed a motorcycle accident at 18th and Washington in Junction City Thursday morning resulted in a fatality. One person has died.

Police were called to the accident scene at 8:41 a.m.

According to Junction City Police Detective Sergeant Trish Giordano, a soldier was eastbound on 18th Street riding a motorcycle and struck a passenger vehicle that was turning south onto N Washington Street from westbound Grant Avenue.

The driver of the motorcycle, a soldier, died as a result of the accident. The soldier was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

The name of the fatality victim has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

TOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 10, 2015 – Westar Energy is alerting customers that imposters claiming to work for the electric company are calling with threats to disconnect service and demanding prepaid cards as payment. Several customers have contacted Westar Energy’s Customer Relations Center after receiving suspicious phone calls. In many cases, the imposters are providing a toll-free phone number that when called sounds like Westar Energy’s automated phone system.

Gina Penzig

Westar Energy

Media Relations Manager

The Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Advisory Committee created the Eldon L. Hoyle Economic Development Award in 2012, in recognition of Hoyle’s outstanding contribution and service to the community.

The purpose of the award is to recognize a local citizen whose service has improved the Junction City community. A subcommittee of the EDC advisory committee evaluates the nominations and selects the honoree. A plaque in honor of Eldon Hoyle and all award winners is on display at the Chamber of Commerce office.

To nominate someone for the 2015 award submit a letter including: your name and contact information, the nominee’s name, contact information and an explanation of their qualifications for the award to the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce EDC 222 West 6th Junction City, KS 66441 or by email to susan.jagerson@junctioncitychamber.org before 5 p.m. Jan. 21, 2016.

Selection criteria include an outstanding contribution related to creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, inviting new business, new business start-up, community development, or quality of life.

The award will be presented at the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on March 3, 2016.

The Junction City Arts Council’s Annual Winter Gallery Walk is scheduled for Friday, December 11 from 5-7pm.

It will feature free wine, cider, & holiday treats alongside several local artists and musicians, including traditional Native American pottery by Brian Concho, decorative contemporary art in mixed media by Craig Green, pen & ink drawings by Michael Gray, batiks by Ortrud Hauptli, basket weaving & embroidery work by Helen Haynes, repurposed wood crafts by Sherry Frewerd, dreamcatchers & jewelry by Amanda Campbell, wood working by Freal Frazier, wood carving by Charlie Finch, photography by Linda Mays, and graphic art by Danielle Davis.

Gallery locations will be marked along the 100-200 blocks of W. Seventh and the 600-700 blocks of N. Washington streets. Come to the C.L. Hoover Opera House for maps of the lighted route.

Santa will be hearing Christmas wishes at Rent-a-Center, 721 N. Washington. Visit Rent-a-Center, Country Floral & Gift, and Vernon Jewelers for your chance to win prizes. Raffle drawings held at 7pm in the lobby of the Opera House. Do not need to be present to win.

With the winter months upon us Junction City Fire Chief Kevin Royse is offering up some heating tips.

When it comes to space heaters the best option is to use common sense according to Royse.

“Keep all combustibles approximately three feet away from any type of space heater. The newer ones do have an automatic shut off if they’re accidentally tipped over, and some of the newer ones also have a timer device that automatically shuts if off after a certain amount of time,” said Royse.

Another basic safety tip is to shut off the space heater when ever you leave the room for a long period of time.

When it comes to fireplaces and chimney’s Royse recommends having them cleaned at least once a year.

“A lot of people say every other year, depending on use, but we prefer every year. Obviously you need to put the fires out when you go to bed at night, and when you do put the fires out make sure you remove the coals or the wood into a metal container and keep it at least ten to fifteen feet away from any structures, such as a wood fence or your garage or anything else.”

Heating fires that are caused by heating equipment account for almost 20 percent of their fire calls in the winter, and about 30 percent are related to cooking fires.

Safety is important this winter season and Royse is asking everyone to use common sense when it comes to dealing with anything that could cause a fire.