Junction City local news summary
Week of October 9 2025
Street repair funding approved despite citizen concerns
Commission rejects city management of roundabout project
$329,624 city match approved for Trooper Drive bridge repair
City awards $390,000 contract for concrete repairs
Commission denies mural on police warehouse after split vote
Quality Play for All donates $142,000 for Hammett Park
Street repair funding approved despite citizen concerns
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The City Commission approved a $524,841 change order for the 2025 street maintenance program in a 3-2 vote, allocating funds for immediate repairs on Grant Avenue and an overlay on Eisenhower Drive. The approval came after a resident questioned the expenditure during public comment. Shawn Chauncey, who is seeking a multimillion-dollar state grant for a complete overhaul of Grant Avenue, expressed concern that the city was “throwing money away” on repairs that would be redone in a couple of years. Public Works officials stated the repairs to more than 20 concrete blowouts on Grant Avenue are critical for safety before winter and cannot wait for a potential grant award. The funding also covers milling and overlaying Eisenhower Drive from 6th Street to 11th Street.
Commission rejects city management of roundabout project
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — In a 3-2 vote, the City Commission rejected an agreement that would have allowed the city to manage the upcoming McFarland Road and Eisenhower Drive roundabout project. The project itself, approved in April for $1.66 million, will still proceed. By voting down the agreement, the commission relinquishes local control over the project's letting and management, which will now be handled directly by the Kansas Department of Transportation. The decision means the city will have less direct oversight of the construction process, which is tentatively scheduled to go to bid in early 2026.
$329,624 city match approved for Trooper Drive bridge repair
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The city will partner with the Kansas Department of Transportation on a major repair of the Trooper Drive Bridge after the City Commission unanimously approved a cost-share agreement. Junction City will contribute a local match of $329,624, representing 50 percent of the total project cost. The funds will be used to replace failing abutment backwalls, expansion joints and approach slabs at both ends of the bridge. The project also includes replacing or resetting rocker bearings and painting girders.
City awards $390,000 contract for concrete repairs
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — T&M Concrete Construction was awarded a $390,057 contract for citywide concrete repairs. The City Commission unanimously approved the bid, which came in nearly $38,100 below the engineer’s estimate. The project will focus on three key areas: rebuilding the intersection and Americans with Disabilities Act ramps at Franklin and 8th Streets, repairing the intersection at 5th and Jefferson Streets to improve drainage, and rebuilding failing valley gutters on Strauss Boulevard near Spring Valley Elementary School. T&M Concrete Construction is a Junction City-based contractor.
Commission denies mural on police warehouse after split vote
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A proposal to paint a historical mural on a city-owned police warehouse was denied Tuesday after a contentious debate over its content. The Junction City Commission voted 3-2 against the request from the 9th Street Mural Committee, which sought to commemorate the city's historic Black Business District that was torn down in 1975. Supporters referenced Ninth Street’s history and significance in public programming. Proponents, led by former district business owner Nancy Baylor, argued the mural was a vital piece of history and noted the nearly $25,000 for the project was raised privately. However, Police Chief Kirt Nichols and several commissioners objected to imagery depicting alcohol, dice and playing cards, stating it was inappropriate for a police building. Supporters countered that the images were historically accurate and a matter of artistic freedom. The commission encouraged the group to work with the police department and return with a revised design.
Quality Play for All donates $142,000 for Hammett Park
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The local nonprofit group Quality Play for All presented the city with a final donation of $142,000 to fund major upgrades at Hammett Park. Kendall Schoenrock, representing the group, stated this check concludes nine years of fundraising efforts that began with the half-million-dollar renovation of the 5th Street Park. The funds will be used to install playground turf, a concrete border and a new play area for 2- to 4-year-olds. This donation supplements funds the city had already allocated for new equipment for older children. Commissioners praised the group for its transformative impact on the city's parks over the last decade.
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