Commission approves contested de-annexation in split vote

Commission approves 6 percent COLA and new city positions

Potential sale of VA building sparks debate on road repairs

Water treatment plant improvements near completion

City authorizes $85,000 for cameras following park vandalism

Casey's General Store confirmed for Washington and 18th

Charitable foundation reports $653,000 Match Day success

Commission approves contested de-annexation in split vote

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Despite opposition from city staff, the city commission voted 3-1 to approve Ordinance S-3323, authorizing the de-annexation of the Dunbar property from city limits. City staff advised against the move, warning that creating a pocket of unincorporated county land within city limits could affect private rights regarding zoning and code enforcement. However, commissioners argued that the city has failed to provide water and sewer services to the property for 70 years and that requiring the landowner to pay for a $500,000 infrastructure extension would be unjust. Vice Mayor Al Gordon, Commissioner Richard Pinaire and Commissioner Ricardo Gutierrez voted in favor, with Commissioner Ronna Larson opposing.

Commission approves 6 percent COLA and new city positions

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Commissioners adopted Resolution R-3122, implementing a 6 percent cost of living adjustment for city staff and adding two new positions to the salary schedule: airport manager and landscape technician. City Manager Kim Zimmerman emphasized the need for a dedicated airport manager following a recent Federal Aviation Administration inspection that identified violations and infrastructure issues at the municipal airport. The landscape technician will oversee city beautification and manage mowing contracts.

Potential sale of VA building sparks debate on road repairs

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Commissioner Richard Pinaire requested a future discussion regarding the potential allocation of proceeds from the sale of the former VA building, which is currently under contract for over $3 million. Pinaire suggested earmarking the funds for repairs to Jackson Avenue. City Manager Kim Zimmerman cautioned against budgeting the revenue before the sale closes and noted that a full reconstruction of the road is estimated to cost nearly $7 million.

Water treatment plant improvements near completion

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - The commission approved Change Order No. 10 for Phase 2 of the water treatment plant improvements, totaling $451,238. The change order covers pump replacements and other adjustments. Public works staff indicated that the project is approximately 95 percent complete, with final completion expected by mid-2026.

City authorizes $85,000 for cameras following park vandalism

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - In response to recent break-ins and property damage, the commission unanimously approved the purchase of 27 security cameras from INA Alert for $84,918. Parks and Recreation Director Josh Gray reported vandalism at Rathert Stadium, where perpetrators knocked down light poles to breach the concession building, and at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, which suffered graffiti damage. The new camera system will cover multiple facilities, including North Park, South Park, Bramlage and Heritage Park, utilizing funds from the special parks budget derived from state alcohol tax revenue.

Casey's General Store confirmed for Washington and 18th

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Economic Development Director Mickey Fornaro-Dean confirmed that a new Casey's General Store is planned for the corner of Washington Street and 18th Street/Grant Avenue. Fornaro-Dean noted that the project has been in development for 24 months, with the company evaluating at least 13 sites before selecting the final location.

Charitable foundation reports $653,000 Match Day success

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Calvin Pottberg of the Greater Geary Community Foundation reported that the annual Match Day event in October raised $653,391 for local nonprofits. The event collected nearly $489,000 in public donations, which were boosted by $165,000 in matching funds from local family foundations. The funds were distributed among 60 local charities, an increase of $48,000 over the previous year.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us