Junction City local news summary

1. Commission creates new airport manager and landscape technician positions

2. Water treatment plant nears completion after $451,000 change order

3. City estimates $1.6 million for 10th to 18th Street improvements

4. Sale of former VA building could fund Jackson Avenue repairs

5. City approves $84,000 for security cameras following park vandalism

6. Animal shelter closes to public due to canine illness

7. New Casey's General Store confirmed for Washington and Grant

1. Commission creates new airport manager and landscape technician positions

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Commissioners approved a resolution adding a part-time airport manager and a full-time landscape technician to the city's salary schedule. City Manager Kim Zimmerman emphasized the necessity of an airport manager following a Federal Aviation Administration inspection that cited numerous violations, including tree obstructions and fencing issues. The landscape technician will oversee city beautification and manage mowing contracts, aiming to improve the oversight of local contractors and the maintenance of roundabouts, rights-of-way and city grounds.

2. Water treatment plant nears completion after $451,000 change order

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The commission approved change order No. 10 for the Water Treatment Plant Improvements Phase II, totaling $451,238. The change order addressed necessary pump replacements and other adjustments. Public Works Director Ray Ibarra noted that the project is currently 95 percent complete and is expected to be fully finished by mid-2026.

3. City estimates $1.6 million for 10th to 18th Street improvements

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Public Works Director Ray Ibarra provided an update on the proposed curb and gutter project for the corridor from 10th to 18th Street, estimating the cost at approximately $1.6 million. Ibarra noted the complexity of the project due to irregular driveways and off-street parking situations that will require significant reorientation to meet code. He suggested a 20 percent contingency, bringing the potential project total to nearly $1.9 million, and indicated that coordination with the Kansas Department of Transportation would be required.

4. Sale of former VA building could fund Jackson Avenue repairs

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The commission discussed the potential allocation of funds from the prospective sale of a former federal building that once housed Veterans Affairs services, which is currently listed for over $3 million. While no official action was taken, there was consensus among commissioners and staff that proceeds from the sale—after paying off the remaining debt on the building—should be earmarked for the reconstruction of Jackson Avenue. City staff estimated that after debt service, the sale could net approximately $2 million toward the estimated $7 million required to repair the deteriorating roadway.

5. City approves $84,000 for security cameras following park vandalism

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The commission voted unanimously to purchase 27 security cameras from INA Alert for $84,091 to monitor city parks. Parks and Recreation Director Josh Gray requested the surveillance equipment following significant vandalism at local facilities, specifically citing an incident at Rathert Stadium where light poles were knocked down and used to break into a concessions building. The cameras will cover North Park, South Park, Bramlage, MLK, Coronado, Heritage and Rathert Stadium, with funding drawn from the special parks fund.

6. Animal shelter closes to public due to canine illness

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The municipal animal shelter is closed to the public until further notice due to a canine upper respiratory infection outbreak. While the shelter is still operating, intakes and adoptions have been paused to prevent the spread of the illness, which presents symptoms similar to kennel cough. Staff advised the community that they are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the health of the animals.

7. New Casey's General Store confirmed for Washington and Grant

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - A new Casey's General Store is coming to the intersection of Washington Street and Grant Avenue (K-18). Economic Development Director Mickey Fornaro-Dean confirmed the project during a commission meeting, noting that the Economic Development Commission has been working with the corporation for 24 months. The company evaluated at least 13 sites before selecting the location. This will be the second Casey's location in Junction City.

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