Junction City local news summary

City Faces Water Capacity Shortfall After Four Wells Shut Down

Sheriff’s Office Pushes to Replace Faulty Handguns

City Allocates Opioid Settlement Funds for Rehab Scholarships

City to Study Options for Mitigating Wastewater Plant Odor

To Cluck or Not to Cluck: Chicken Debate Returns to City Hall

1. City Faces Water Capacity Shortfall After Four Wells Shut Down

JUNCTION CITY - Junction City is facing a significant reduction in its water supply capacity after state and federal regulators determined that four wells are “groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GUDI)” and must be taken offline. The loss of these wells—historically influenced by the nearby river—has created a capacity gap estimated at ~3.2 million gallons/day. To restore capacity, the city plans to drill two to three new wells set back at least 200 feet from the riverbank to satisfy guidelines, and will seek grant funding from the Kansas Water Office for design costs.

2. Sheriff’s Office Pushes to Replace Faulty Handguns

GEARY COUNTY - Citing urgent safety concerns, the Geary County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to fast-track the replacement of all its duty handguns. The current Sig Sauer P320 model has been linked to numerous alleged unintentional firings nationwide, with some incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. Captain David Gilbert of the Sheriff’s Office informed the commission that tests on their own firearms replicated the defect, causing the firing pin to drop without the trigger being pulled. The department plans to switch to Glock pistols, widely used by nearby agencies, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, and which are also significantly cheaper—about $732 per gun compared to nearly $1,300 for the Sigs. The total cost for the new guns and related equipment is estimated at around $31,000 after the buyback of the old firearms. The commission voiced strong support for the immediate replacement, moving to approve the funds from the Capital Improvement Plan.

3. City Allocates Opioid Settlement Funds for Rehab Scholarships

JUNCTION CITY - The City of Junction City will use money from national opioid lawsuit settlements to help residents struggling with addiction. The City Commission unanimously approved setting aside $30,000 to create a scholarship fund for individuals at the Fresh Start emergency shelter who need substance use rehabilitation but cannot afford it. The funds, which are not derived from local taxes, will be sent directly to treatment providers like Central Kansas Foundation (CKF) to cover costs for clients who lack insurance or other resources. Officials noted this program is designed to be a “gap filler” for those who have exhausted other state and private funding options. The city currently holds over $145,000 in settlement funds, and this scholarship program represents the first major allocation aimed at directly addressing treatment and mitigation in the community.

4. City to Study Options for Mitigating Wastewater Plant Odor

JUNCTION CITY - Junction City is taking steps to address persistent odor from the East Wastewater Treatment Plant on Grant Avenue. Engineering firm HDR proposed a comprehensive study to identify primary sources of hydrogen sulfide odors and develop a phased plan for improvements—like additional covers or enhanced treatment systems. Current carbon filtration (installed ~8 years ago) treats only some sources. HDR noted complete odor elimination is possible but costly; the goal is a cost-effective, phased mitigation plan.

5. To Cluck or Not to Cluck: Chicken Debate Returns to City Hall

JUNCTION CITY - The contentious issue of allowing backyard chickens in Junction City was once again before the City Commission, sparking a familiar debate over property rights, public nuisance, and city resources. During a study session, commissioners reviewed ordinances from other cities like Manhattan, Abilene, and Overland Park, which have varying rules on the number of hens allowed, coop setbacks, and permitting fees. Proponents cited benefits such as fresh eggs, education, and pest control. However, opponents raised concerns about noise, sanitation, enforcement, and the burden on an already taxed Animal Control department. Some commissioners pointed out that the city already struggles to enforce existing animal ordinances and that irresponsible owners could create problems for their neighbors. The idea of putting the question to a public vote was floated but met with caution, as a ballot initiative would be difficult to amend for up to a decade if problems arose. No action was taken, leaving the city’s current ban in place for now.

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