City approves $509,000 design contract for $4 million airport runway rehab

$413,000 convention center parking lot repair approved

Water treatment plant construction slated for August completion

Final extension granted for dangerous property after contentious vote

Action demanded on Rathert Field aesthetics and downtown building collapse

Main Street America to visit Junction City for downtown transformation strategy

Rezoning approved for new West 14th Street laundromat

Strong opposition voiced against potential data center developments

City Manager Kim Zimmerman teases upcoming proposal to reduce utility rates

Police department bypasses bidding to secure two 2026 Chevy Tahoes

City approves $509,000 design contract for $4 million airport runway rehab

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A $509,393 engineering agreement was approved to design the rehabilitation of Runway 18/36 at Freeman Field. The design work is the first step in a major reconstruction project funded primarily by a $4.03 million Federal Aviation Administration grant secured through congressionally directed spending. Thanks to the grant terms for this fiscal year, the city's required matching funds were reduced from the standard 10 percent to 5 percent, saving taxpayers money on the long-overdue full-depth reclamation project slated for construction in 2027.

$413,000 convention center parking lot repair approved

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A $413,373 bid to repair the deteriorating airport and convention center parking lots passed unanimously, but not without substantial debate. Frustration was expressed over spending six figures to maintain the convention center lot when the facility itself is reportedly underutilized following a hotel ownership change. Despite the concerns, the city remains legally obligated to maintain the parcel under a legacy development agreement, though staff were directed to review the contract for any potential future recourse.

Water treatment plant construction slated for August completion

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — City Manager Kim Zimmerman confirmed that the ongoing water treatment plant project is on track to be fully completed by Aug. 1. While a few minor expenditures remain to be finalized, the timeline signals the end of a major municipal infrastructure overhaul aimed at securing the city's long-term water quality and utility capacity.

Final extension granted for dangerous property after contentious vote

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Following heavy debate and an initial split vote, a final three-month extension was granted to complete mandatory exterior repairs on a fire-damaged property at 338 West 15th Street. The structure was deemed dangerous and unsafe in May 2023, and multiple extensions have been received since. After concerns were raised regarding the timeline and feasibility of replacing the roof and sealing windows within the timeframe, the motion was passed with the strict caveat that the city will take action to demolish the structure if the work is not completed by July 21.

Action demanded on Rathert Field aesthetics and downtown building collapse

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — During public comments, city staff were pressed for action on several lingering local eyesores, including a collapsed downtown building in the 600 block of North Washington Street, which has remained in ruins for over a year. Additionally, immediate aesthetic upgrades were called for at Rathert Field, with suggestions that the city utilize community volunteers to paint fences and improve landscaping at the highly visible facility rather than waiting to secure additional state grant funding.

Main Street America to visit Junction City for downtown transformation strategy

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Junction City's downtown revitalization efforts will take a major step forward on May 5 and 6 when Main Street America representatives visit the city to develop a three-to-five-year transformation strategy. Elected officials, property owners and community members were urged to attend the scheduled public input sessions at Flint and Vine, emphasizing that the strategic visit will provide crucial guidance for future downtown economic development.

Rezoning approved for new West 14th Street laundromat

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A vacant building on West 14th Street will soon find new life as a self-serve laundromat after the rezoning of the parcel from a general residential to a neighborhood commercial district was unanimously approved. City planners supported the move, noting it does not constitute spot zoning since the property was historically commercial. The development was praised as it will provide a much-needed service to a neighborhood where many residents lack reliable transportation.

Strong opposition voiced against potential data center developments

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Strong opposition was publicly voiced against the potential development of data centers in Junction City, citing concerns regarding the local electrical grid, water supply and perceived risks of environmental pollution. Noting opinions that data centers offer limited local employment opportunities despite high resource consumption, it was announced that Geary County is already exploring a legal moratorium on such developments, and a suggestion was made that the city should collaboratively consider a similar temporary ban before fielding any commercial proposals.

City Manager Kim Zimmerman teases upcoming proposal to reduce utility rates

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Junction City residents may soon see relief on their monthly bills, as City Manager Kim Zimmerman announced plans to present a proposal for reducing water and utility rates at a commission meeting in May. The forthcoming briefing will outline a recommended strategy to lower costs for taxpayers.

Police department bypasses bidding to secure two 2026 Chevy Tahoes

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Police Department will spend $146,211 to purchase two 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe police pursuit vehicles, utilizing a fiscal policy exemption that allows the department to bypass the standard bidding process. Police officials stated that sticking with a single vendor ensures fleet continuity and reduces ongoing maintenance costs. The new Tahoes will replace two aging, high-mileage vehicles, which will be sold at auction to help offset the purchase and outfitting costs.

Correction: An earlier version of this report incorrectly identified the Junction City city manager as Allen Dinkel in two articles. The city manager is Kim Zimmerman. The errors have been corrected.

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