All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy Photos.

This information is not criminal history. All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. JC Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@salinapost.com

James Henning

Graphic scenes were shown in a Geary County District Courtroom Wednesday during the preliminary hearing for a Fort Riley soldier, James Henning. They depicted him allegedly involved in sexual related acts with a young girl.

Henning is facing 11 criminal charges including one count of Rape, four counts Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, four counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, and two counts Aggravated Indecent Liberties With a Child. He is accused of committing the crimes in September of 2014.

Henning was arrested Nov. 25, 2014 by Junction City police following the execution of a search warrant by police at his 123 East 12th Street residence.

Following the preliminary hearing in District Court on Wednesday, Henning was bound over for arraignment on April 10 at 9 a.m.

During testimony Junction City police detective William Arnold showed four movie videos of Henning involved in sexual  related acts with the young girl, and also displayed photographs during questioning by the prosecution. While the videos were being shown in the courtroom Henning occasionally glanced at them, but for the most part looked downward and kept his eyes tightly closed.

Arnold was involved in the execution of the search warrant, and reported that more than 26 items were seized. He noted when Henning was questioned later by authorities he admitted an affixation to pornography, the use of search  phrases known to child porn, and the downloading and viewing of child pornography of that nature.

Prosecutor Michelle Brown alleged Henning created and stored the movies, and that they were on his laptop. Arnold testified images were found on a camera that were similar to those on the laptop, and confirmed the discovery of many photographs, two magazines, and other items including children’s toys panties, clothing and condoms.

Henning is incarcerated in the Geary County Detention Center. His bond was continued at five million dollars.

Over 50 people were present Wednesday morning for the presentation of a $750,000 donation to the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The Manhattan City Commission approved the gift Tuesday night from the then anonymous donors, and the presentation took place Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.

Bob Krause and Marty Vanier

Bruce Snead, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation President, recognized Fred Goss, FHDC Director, and the staff at the Flint Hills Discovery Center for their dedication, as well as the FHDC Foundation members for their constant support.

“This is probably my favorite 30 minutes I’ve spent here,” Goss said to those gathered. “We are truly thankful for the donation. This came at at time when the future of the Discovery Center seemed to be in question.”

Karen McCulloh, Manhattan Mayor Pro-Tem, also conveyed her gratitude for the donation, saying she was “over joyed with this gift.”

The donors of the $750,000 were revealed as Bob Krause and Marty Vanier. In their speech they spoke about how much the theater at the FHDC moved them, and their choice in donating to the naming of the interactive theater. It will now be deemed the Horizon Ranch Flint Hills Immersive Experience Theater.

The donation will be broken up, with $150,000 going to the FHDC this year. $25,000 will go to the City of Manhattan to supplement service on bonds issued for FHDC exhibitry, $100,000 to FHDC Foundation for Immersive Experience Theater semi endowment, and $25,000 to the FHDC Foundation for future fundraising activities.

In total, $500,000 will go towards debt reduction for the cost of the exhibitions, film productions, equipment, and other amenities. $220,000 will be dedicated for enhancements, improvements, or upgrades to the theater, and $30,000 will be used for future fundraising activities.

The FHDC has failed to be cost neutral since it’s opening in 2012. Bob Krause and Marty Vanier conveyed they hope their donation will encourage others to give to the FHDC.

Construction is expected to begin in June on seven different projects along Highway 77 through Junction City.

The projects include a diversion diamond interchange at Hwy. 77 and I-70. The new interchange is designed to improve safety, traffic flow and left turn movements.

“Just like the roundabout’s we are going to put a little simulator up on the city’s website just so you can see how you navigate through one of these,” explained Greg McCaffery, City Municipal Services Director. “It is a little different but it has a tremendous amount of safety benefits.”

A number of the projects will address safety concerns. Stop lights will be added to Hwy. 77 at the Lacy Drive, Rucker Road and Spring Valley Road intersections.

“These projects are very exciting for the safety of our citizens and people who come through Junction City,” said Pat Landes, City Commissioner.

The Commission approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and KDOT for the work to be done. KDOT is expected to select a contractor for the projects by June 15th and construction is expected to begin August 3rd and be completed by November of 2016.

Roughly 160 people attended Wednesday nights storm spotter training at the Geary County 4H/Senior Center put on by Geary County Emergency Management.

During the training Chad Omitt, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service out of Topeka explained that last year was well below average with only 40 tornadoes reported in Kansas. In fact the past few years have been below average and this year we could expect to be closer to the average of 80 tornadoes.

“Chances are, because we average about 80 across the state, chances are this year it’s going to be closer to average, which means more tornadoes,” said Omitt.

But living in Kansas tornadoes are a way of life according to Omitt and he say’s it’s all about being educated and knowing what to do in case of a tornado.

“If you have lived here for any period of time, you know that they are a way of life. It’s just you have to be ready for, and plan for, have a plan in place. Know what you’re going to do and where you are going to do in the event a warnings are issued and then have multiple ways to receive warning information.”

Last year the most significant event was the June 3rd tornado in Nemaha County. That tornado was rated an EF-3 tornado and did cause some significant damage to a number of structures, no injuries were reported.

One interesting fact that Omitt pointed out about last year was that Geary County and a number of surrounding counties were never placed under a tornado watch. Though not necessarily unprecedented it is highly unusual for that to occur in Kansas.

A dry weather pattern will set up over the region for the next seven days. This pattern should bring lots of sunshine and warmer temperatures to central and eastern Kansas. By Tuesday of next week, afternoon highs are expected to top out in the upper 60s and could push the 70 degree mark.

Today: Sunny. Highs around 36. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows around 24. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday: Not as cool. Sunny. Highs around 56. Southwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear. Lows around 30. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday: Sunny. Highs around 60. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night Through Monday: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. Highs around 60.

Monday Night Through Wednesday: Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Highs in the upper 60s.

The Education Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means issued its recommendations yesterday for FY 16 and FY 17, which included $3.1 million in cuts for Kansas State University. The proposed cuts come on the heels of a nearly $3.1 million cut to the university announced Feb. 5 for the current fiscal year, FY 15.

“Continued cuts in higher education have a harmful effect on the opportunities we can provide to the students and citizens of Kansas,” said Kirk Schulz, president of Kansas State University. “At a time when we see increasing enrollment, the amount of state support continues to remain in flux. We had agreed to manage a flat budget for the next two fiscal years, and the proposed change in this agreement is disappointing.

“Budget cuts translate into fewer scholarships, higher tuition for our families and reduced research,” Schulz noted. “Kansas State University has a mission to serve the entire state through the K-State Research and Extension arm. As the state’s land-grant university, we are charged with reaching every county in the state with programs to assist with the health, education and economic well-being of our citizens. Continued state support is essential to maintain these programs, which are highly valued by Kansans.”

Schulz said the university will continue to work with the Legislature and governor’s office to protect the state’s investment in higher education.

All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. Courtesy Photos.

This information is not criminal history. All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. JC Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint to admin@salinapost.com

Geary County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 3000 block of Range Road to a single vehicle accident.

Daniel Kerr was traveling in a 2004 Toyota Camry when he lost control of the vehicle and slid off the roadway, striking a tree. No injuries were reported.

(Manhattan, Kan., March 5, 2015) — The City of Manhattan will celebrate the completion of the first phase of a two-phased passenger terminal expansion at Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) during an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Phase One of the terminal expansion began in October 2013 and is approximately 22,000 square feet in size. It replaces the current 12,500-square-foot terminal building that became overcrowded due to the success of regional jet airline service to Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O’Hare airports. American Airlines will begin operating out of the new terminal on March 10, 2015. Construction for Phase Two will begin later this spring and, when completed, will increase the size of the terminal building to 42,000 square feet. The new terminal building is expected to serve the growing airline needs of the region through the year 2030.

Designed by Mead & Hunt Inc. of Madison, Wisc., and constructed by The Weitz Co. of Lenexa, the rolling roof design is meant to resemble the picturesque rolling hills of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The large ticketing area is surrounded by glass curtain walls that allow natural light to shine deep into the building.

“While architecturally stunning, the new terminal building also offers more convenience and automation,” said Airport Director Peter VanKuren. “This phase provides a new baggage handling system and passenger boarding bridge that improves efficiency for employees and comfort for passengers. New passenger screening equipment and a much larger departure gate area will also improve the travel experience for passengers.”

The jury trial for a man accused of killing a Manhattan man September 8th, 2013 that was scheduled for next week has now been continued to July 28th.

Riley County Courthouse

Anthony Nichols, 34, Kansas City, Kansas appeared in court Thursday for a motions hearing. At the start of the hearing Nichols attorney, Jeffrey Wicks requested a continuance of the jury trial that was scheduled to begin March 10th. Wicks explained that he needed more time to investigate and identify some witnesses.

Nichols is charged with first degree murder involving the stabbing death of John Burroughs, 68, Manhattan on Sept. 8, 2013.

Judge Meryl Wilson granted the continuance and moved on with the motions hearing. The defense requested that evidence from both Nichols cell phone and facebook page be suppressed. Judge Wilson denied those requests.

Nichols Jury Trial is now rescheduled for July 28th at 9 a.m. in Riley County District Court. A final motions hearing was also scheduled for July 14th at 10 a.m..

Nichols is also a suspect in the September 7th, 2013 shooting death of Anthony Nixon, 37, Junction City at the intersection of 10th and Webster.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A Kansas man wanted for alleged sexual exploitation of a child has been arrested in northern Arizona.

The U.S. Marshals Service announced Thursday that 48-year-old John Thomas was taken into custody after leaving a Chino Valley home in a vehicle.

Federal authorities say Thomas had dramatically changed his appearance but still was identified and arrested without incident.

He was booked into the Yavapai County Jail, where he will be held pending extradition back to Riley County in Kansas.

Riley County police say Thomas allegedly was in possession of numerous images of child pornography and a warrant was issued for his arrest in February.

Authorities say information was developed recently that Thomas was most likely residing in Arizona and Chino Valley police assisted the Marshals Service in the arrest.

There are a number of major tasks before the Junction City area Chamber of Commerce moving forward throughout this year.

Mark Ediger presented Ty Arneson with a plaque for his service as Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors.

During last nights annual Chamber Dinner at the Geary County Convention Center Ty Arneson, Outgoing Chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors explained the Chamber is continuing to work hard on addressing the tasks before them.

“We’re working hard to hire an EDC person, we’re working hard to hire a new CEO since Tom (Weigand) is moving on,” said Arneson. “But I would encourage everybody to be positive about Junction City. The Chamber is just a small part of all of the good things that are going on in this community.”

Mark Ediger, General Manager of Eagle Communications in Junction City is the incoming Chairman of the Board. He explained that he would like to continue to focus on working better as one.

“There are no individual groups here. It’s not four separate divisions. We are Junction City and Geary County. Think about what we can accomplish, because we is always going to be greater than me. We can get that done in the next year,” Ediger said.

During the dinner the chamber also handed out  it’s annual awards.

This years Tourism Advocate of the Year went to The Geary County Historical Society. The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Ladonna Junghans, and this years Business/Citizen of the Year went to Robert Munson and Central National Bank.

Tom Weigand, Outgoing CEO of the Chamber also said his final goodbyes to the complete chamber, wrapping up his comments by explaining the chamber still has plenty to do in the future and that the future is bright for the Chamber, Junction City, Geary County and it’s residents.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas State University is renaming its computer network system to avoid associating with a terrorist group.

Chief Information Officer Ken Stafford said in a news release Thursday that the university will no longer use the abbreviation iSIS for its network handling enrollment, registration and financial aid. Stafford says many people have expressed concern over the network’s name because the acronym is also used by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The network will now be called KSIS.

Stafford said it will take considerable time and effort to change the name in all of the school’s references and requested patience while the changes are made.

Several universities use the iSIS program for the integrated student information system, including the University of Colorado and Johns Hopkins University.

Photo by Cpl. Thor Larson

U.S. Marine Sgt. Jacob J. Baumann, left, and Hajime Nakama, the Mayor of Kin Town, pose for a photo with an award Sgt. Baumann received March 6 on Camp Hansen. Baumann, from Junction City, Kansas, was awarded for helping save the life an elderly Okinawan Gentlemen Dec. 23. Baumann was driving his car near Camp Hansen, where he is stationed, when he saw someone riding a bike fall and not get up. Because of Baumann’s military training, he realized the man’s heartbeat was irregular so he began CPR. He resuscitated the man before the paramedics arrived to take over for Baumann. Because of his actions, Baumann received an award from Kin Town’s fire and emergency services as well as the Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal. “I would like to thank (Sgt. Baumann) for his quick actions that helped to save a life,” said Nakama. “I think that he is a positive role model for his fellow Marines.” Baumann is a fire support man with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Thor J. Larson/Released)

MANHATTAN — May will likely mark the start of the five-year construction to build the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, or NBAF.

On March 3, the U.S. Congress passed a bill that included the remaining $300 million to complete the $1.25 billion premier animal disease research laboratory. Construction on the lab’s central utility plant has been under way since 2013 and is about 90 percent complete.

The federal research lab will be on the northeast edge of Kansas State University’s Manhattan campus.

“NBAF is needed to confront foreign animal diseases that threaten America’s agricultural economy and food supply,” said Ron Trewyn, the university’s NBAF liaison. “Building this lab is long overdue.”

Construction of the lab will begin in May, with construction efforts projected to peak in 2018 and 2019 when more than 875 construction personnel will be on site each day for several weeks. Lab construction is slated for completion in December 2020, but will likely take two years or more after that before NBAF is fully operational.

Once lab operations begin, the research facility will have about 400 employees and generate $3.5 billion into the Kansas economy in the first 20 years of operation.

NBAF will be the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s foremost animal disease research facility. The biosafety level-3 and 4 laboratory will research emerging, high-consequence livestock diseases that threaten animal and human health.

Geary Community Hospital officials are in discussions with Stormont Vail Healthcare in Topeka about a proposed affiliation between the two hospitals.

GCH Administrator Dr. Joseph Stratton made it clear during a press conference on Friday there is no merger of systems being considered, Geary Community Hospital is not being acquired by Stormont Vail, and it is not a management operation where Stormont Vail would manage the operation and finances of Geary Community.

“Not been any agreement signed between the two entities, as well as the boards of trustees of both healthcare systems have not approved this. I think it’s time as the CEO here that the public have some access, some information as to what the discussions have been.” Stratton also confirmed there will be no layoffs or reductions in force.

The CEO areas that could receive attention in affiliation arrangement could include seeking ways to improve quality of care and patient experience, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancement of electronic health records together. “Is more integration in terms of our computer system so if you’re a patient here and would have to go to Stormont Vail for farther care and treatment we would be able to more quickly share completed information between the two entities so we would be on the same platform for patients into the future.”  Population health management involving preventative health measures, and educational activities and events are other potential areas of cooperation.

Stratton noted affiliations of this type are occurring across the country. He indicated it’s possible in 90 days or less the proposed affiliation could go to the Boards at both hospitals for consideration.

Hundreds of people turned out for Friday’s open house and ribbon cutting at Manhattan Regional Airport.

The Airport is celebrating the completion of the first of two phases in the terminal expansion project. Phase one is a 20,000 sq. ft. addition.

“In contrast to the old terminal that was 12,500 sq. ft., phase one only being 20,000 but it’s almost double of the original terminal and it’s only half of the new one,” said Peter Van Kuren, Airport Director. “That’s a key point. We have a much more comfortable, spacious ticketing area with the ticket counters.”

Phase one also features a two lane security check point, new baggage handling system, a secure holding space for 300 passengers and one of two new boarding bridges.

Phase two of the $15 million project is expected to begin in April, with a completion date expected sometime by fall of 2016.

The topic of a conditional  use permit and haul route for a proposed Westar Energy substation in southeast Geary County is on the Geary County Commission meeting agenda for discussion Monday.

The issue is scheduled to be addressed by the governing body at 1:15 p.m. at the County Office Building.

The substation will cover approximately 20 acres. The project would require extensive truck loads of rock and materials that would have to be hauled to the site for the construction of the facility.