Results are in from the 4-H Beef Show at the Geary County Free Fair.

Grand Bucket Calf 7 to 9 – Elena Svoboda&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Reserve Bucket Calf 7 to 9 – Leo Anderes

Reserve Bucket Calf 10-12 – Case Proetti

Numerous other exhibits and animals were on display at the Geary County Free Fair Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Four-H sheep and goats took center stage at the Geary County Free Fair Monday evening. ( Photos by Kyler langvardt )

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sheperd’s Lead Champion – Corabel Hock

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Breeding Champion – Kaycee Brown

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Champion Showman – Kaycee Brown

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reserve Showman – Charlie Strauss

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Champion Market Lamb – Kaycee Brown

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reserve Market Lamb – Kaycee Brown

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Breeding Champion – Tava Gustafson

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Breeding Reserve – Kaycee Brown

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Champion Showman – Tava Gustafson

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reserve Showman – Kaycee Brown

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Champion Meat Goat – Tava Gustafson

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reserve Meat Goat -&nbsp; Kaycee Brown

Geary County Free Fair highlights

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Tawan Moody, Failure to appear, arrested 07/17

Zachary Franklin, Theft-All other, arrested 07/17

Michael Aldapa, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture/plant/cultivate controlled substance; Distribute certain stimulant, &gt; 1 kilogram, arrested 07/17

Martin Ramos, Aggravated assault, use of a deadly weapon; Criminal threat; Criminal damage to property; Criminal deprivation of property, arrested 07/17

William Taylor, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 07/18

Rontavius Banks, Outside warrant; Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; Transporting an open container; Driving while suspended (2nd or subsequent conviction), arrested 07/17

Anthony Benifield,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 07/18

Chris Loupe,&nbsp;Failure to appear, arrested 07/18

Janie Villegas, Pedestrian under influence of alcohol/drugs, arrested 07/18

Ayram Cry, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 07/18

Luke Clark, DUI - Liquor/Drugs; Transporting an open container of alcohol, arrested 07/19

Daniel Schnakenberg, Prohibiting drug paraphernalia; Possession of marijuana, arrested 07/19

Antonio Miles, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 07/19

Maximillian Mock, Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution; Boating under the influence; Interference with LEO; Obstruct/resist/oppose misdemeanor warrant service or execution, arrested 07/19

Mark Crubel, Disorderly conduct; Brawling or fighting; Criminal restraint, arrested 07/19

Cordova-Erazo, Boating under the influence, arrested 07/19

Taigon Kotinek, Boating under the influence, arrested 07/19

Richard Zeller, Liquor; Purchase/possess/consume by minor 18-20 years of age;&nbsp;Boating under the influence, arrested 07/19

Raymond Kendall,&nbsp;Boating under the influence, arrested 07/20

Fernando Nava, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/20

David Edwards,&nbsp;Boating under the influence, arrested 07/20

Aden Hatcher, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, arrested 07/20

Aynat Butler, Criminal deprivation of property; Domestic battery, arrested 07/20

Ignacio Rendon, Failure to appear, arrested 07/20

Thurman Ellison, Cancelled/suspended/revoked driver's license, arrested 07/21

Tiffany Ryals, Failure to appear, arrested 07/21

David Roman, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, arrested 07/22

Geary County Booking Photos July 18-23

Geary County Historical Society Director / Curator

As we get close to the Geary County Commission making decisions on financial support, we are hearing a lot of questions about “what does the Historical Society do?” so, we’d love to tell you.

The Geary County Historical Society has been a proud part of Junction City and Geary County since 1972 when it was founded by a group of people hoping to save a historic building downtown. They ultimately failed in their mission, but over the years our organization has been instrumental in getting ground support behind preserving buildings like the Bartell House, the C.L. Hoover Opera House, the Spring Valley School site, Wetzel Cabin, St. Joseph’s Historic Church and of course our beloved museum building in the old Junction City High School/ Departmental Building, which was at risk of being turned into apartments before Fred Bramlage donated it to the Historical Society for restoration and preservation. 

Six historic buildings are still in the care of the Geary County Historical Society.The museum staff is small; currently we only employ two full-time staff members and a part-time custodian. Prior to 2020, we had the privilege of having 3 full-time staff members and a part-time custodian, but as we’ve found our budget shrinking each year and costs rising, we have had to eliminate a position. Despite that, museum staff and volunteers are proud of the work we do.

Annually, the Geary County Museum hosts between 5,000-6,000 visitors to our museum building. These numbers include school children on free school field trips, homeschool families looking for additional educational opportunities for their families, past-residents of our community looking to reminisce or donate a precious piece of their family history, and visitors from out of town who are either looking for a place to stop on the interstate and choose our town because there is a museum to visit, or who are visiting family stationed at Fort Riley looking to understand their loved one’s new community better. 

&nbsp;We were recognized as a “non-profit to know” in North Central Kansas in 2024. Exhibits within the museum rotate regularly, so there are new Geary County stories being told all the time. Past exhibits include&nbsp;Letters from Home, A Soldier’s Words;&nbsp;Healing Geary County, Geary County Doctors;&nbsp;The Year of the Soldier, an entire 3-floor museum display honoring our soldiers;&nbsp;SubMerged, Milford Dam and the History of Flooding; and dozens more. Current exhibits include the recently completed&nbsp;Missing Piece, Black history exhibit and&nbsp;Business Through the Ages.In the first half of 2&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the first half of 2025 alone, we have had 2,900 visitors from 22 states and 3 different countries visit our museum, we have had 15 school field trips or presentations, we have hosted 16 Hands on History, STEAM Saturday or Homesteading 101 programs and we have held 7 events for the community, including History Alive! a reenactment weekend that nearly 1000 people attended from across the state.

Along with front-facing work, museum staff also oversees the preservation of Geary County’s history. This includes thousands of photographs, dating back to the 1850 to the present; nearly 100,000 objects including military uniforms from our local military heroes, wedding dresses lovingly saved, the candy making tools from the Kaw Theater, the bar mirror from the original Bartell House, the counter top from the Peter Pan Grocery Store, items from local indigenous tribes, mammoth bones found in local rivers, Civil War weaponry, every Junction City High School yearbook printed since 1900, postcards, letters, and more. We hear so often that history is important, and we couldn’t agree more—that is what your hard-earned tax money is supporting: history!

We are just as horrified as you by the recent news that the Fort Riley museums are at risk of closure—that is local history that will now be unavailable to the public to learn from. We are asking that you remember your outrage at that news and hold onto the belief that history is a vital part of our community as you consider the support of our organization when speaking with our commissioners and among our community.

And if you haven’t visited us yet, it isn’t too late! We are located at 530 N. Adams (yes, that big building across from Subway). The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 1-4pm (mornings are kept open for school field trips, prep work, meetings and private tours). Starcke House is open for tour any day that the museum is open. Spring Valley Historic Site can be toured by appointment, or you are welcome to wander around the exteriors during daytime hours. St. Joseph’s Historic Church is a work in preservation progress, but it is also available to tour by appointment. We are so proud of the history of our community and the work we do to preserve and share it. We hope you will join us in feeling that pride.

Historical Society explains their functions to the public

On July 23 at the Hampton Inn Chris Srackangast, Director of Community Development for Junction City, spoke at the meeting of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club.  He and his family chose to stay in Junction City after his retirement from the Army having been stationed at Fort Riley for 12 years.  Chris shared his goals are to work on blight, develop and have his staff be certified in the areas they work, increase the number of staff to be able to do the expected work, positively and quickly respond to the needs of citizens and he is looking for a grant writer.  

Originally from Florida, where he worked not only as a certified chef, but also was project manager for multi-million dollar restaurants.  

Check out the JC Breakfast Optimist Club Facebook Page to view the entire meeting

Director of Community Development speaks to the Optimist Club

RILEY COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan and asking the public for help with information.

Just after 1:30p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 1800 block of Priboth Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 Jeffery Jones reported an unknown suspect took 80 pheasants and three firearms. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000. 

Anyone with information, contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward up to $1,000.

RCPD: Burglary suspect took 80 pheasants and three firearms

&nbsp; Another hot and humid day is ahead on Wednesday with heat indices between 100 and 105 degrees. The National Weather Service noted that a few storms may move into north central KS after midnight, while storm chances increase for the entire area Thursday. The clouds and rain will make it less hot Thursday and Friday, but this is short-lived as the heat looks to make a return this weekend into early next week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hot weather will stay with us

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) has announced that all public school districts and many private schools across the state will participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2025-2026 academic year.

These federal programs provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible students, helping ensure that Kansas children receive nutritious meals during the school day regardless of family income.

Households may apply for benefits at any time during the school year. Application forms and information letters are available through each school district or private school, and additional copies can be obtained from the principal’s office. For applications to be approved, they must include all required eligibility information as outlined in the application instructions.

Children from households that receive Food Assistance, Temporary Assistance for Families (TAF), or benefits through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are automatically eligible for free meals. These households will be notified by their school unless they choose to decline benefits. If a household does not receive a notification, they should submit an application with the required case number and an adult signature.

Children participating in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program or receiving certain Medicaid benefits may also qualify. Notifications will be sent to households approved under Medicaid guidelines.

Other eligible groups include children in the Head Start Program, the Migrant Education Program, or those identified as homeless or runaway by the district’s liaison. Foster children under state or court custody also automatically qualify for free meals, although eligibility does not extend to other household members unless a complete application is submitted listing all residents.

For families not participating in assistance programs, eligibility is determined based on income and household size. Applications must include all household members, current income, sources of income, and the last four digits of the Social Security number of the adult who signs the application (or a statement if no SSN is available).

All applications are reviewed by a designated school official. Parents who disagree with the eligibility determination may appeal the decision informally or request a formal hearing. Contact your local school district or private school for hearing information.

Households are encouraged to report changes in employment or household size, which may affect eligibility during the year.

For more information, contact your local school district or visit the Kansas State Department of Education website.

Reduced price and free school meals available for Kansas students

Briefings on a number of issues were provided during the Geary County Commission meeting Monday night.

--The Fllint Hills Regional Council received funding for $1 million to help fund revolving loans. The money can help clean up Brownfield contaminated sites.

--Stormont Vail Flint Hills recently hosted a community luncheon where questions dealing with topics ranging from lighting on signage, the Healthcare Foundation and deferred maintenance were addressed.

--The County will be changing from .org to .gov on their emails and website. The timeline for the change is still uncertain.

--Phase I of courthouse improvements have been completed.

--State and national cuts have resulted in some grant reductions of about 30% for the Health Department. The Department passed a pharmacy inspection. And no measles cases have been reported in Geary County.

--The Food Pantry grand opening is Saturday from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

--One person from the general public visited with the commission. The governing body meets at night one time per month.

Geary County Commission learns about multiple topics

Water main break. Low to no water pressure 1st to 6th Street and Jefferson to Franklin in Junction City.

Geary County Emergency Management provides notice on a water main break

&nbsp;Downtown JC Happenings | July 21 - July 27, 2025 

BOOS AND BREWS COMING TO DOWNTOWN JC IN OCTOBER 2025! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WITCHING HOUR SALE FROM JULY 15TH TO AUGUST 12TH! DON'T MISS OUT ON A SCARY GOOD DEAL! 

Join Junction City Main Street for our Second Annual Boos and Brews events happening on Friday October 17th and Friday October 24th. Embark on a journey in Downtown JC that's sure to bring chilling tales, delightful ales, and lots of frightful fun! Buy tickets here: <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/signature-events/2025boosandbrews/">https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/signature-events/2025boosandbrews/ </a>

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 820 is hosting their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FCSufzwyU/">annual Back to School Bash</a> on Sunday, July 27, from noon to 3 PM at the Eagles building, 203 E 10th Street. Families can enjoy bingo, games, and more, with free back-to-school supplies available for children accompanied by their legal guardian. Thank you to the Eagles for serving our community!

<a href="https://shorturl.at/o9UUr">Traditional Prom American Wrestling:</a> Check this out, JC! Something big is coming back to the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, July 26th Last year, over 30 competitors battled it out for the legendary Blade Braxton Cup and this year promises to be even wilder. Traditional American Pro Wrestling is bringing Freedom Brawl 3 to town, and you won’t want to miss the action. Big names, big matches, big energy. Be there!

GEM Studios is offering fun and creative paint classes this weekend: 

● <a href="https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/product/7-26-2025-kids-axolotl/465?cs=true&amp;cst=custom">Kids Axolotl</a>: Saturday, July 26th at 10AM

● <a href="https://www.gemstudiosjc.com/product/7-21-24-2025-adult-art-camp/351?cs=true&amp;cst=custom">Adult Art Camp:</a> Art Camp for Adults is happening at GEM Studios!

○ Each day will consist of a different craft activity that you get to take home and show off to your family and friends. Come and let your creative side out. Feel free to bring your favorite drink and snack as you craft. 

■ Day 1....7/21- 4 piece Coaster Set $15...additional coasters $3

■ Day 3....7/23- Cement Owls $15 single - $30 double 

■ Day 4....7/24- Fairy Gnome Gardens $30- Taught by Haley Kaus 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DzLoungeJC">D’z Lounge:</a> Need Saturday plans? Come out to D’z Lounge and partake in “Swiftie Night” from 8PM-12AM on Saturday July 26th. Games, drinks, activities, karaoke and lots of fun!

<a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/flag-fundraiser/">Flags of Geary County:</a> “Proudly United, Community Ignited” Junction City Main Street invites you to take part in the Flag Project supporting multiple local organizations. For a small donation, Main Street will place and remove a leased 3x5 ft U.S. flag on a 10 ft pole in front of your home or business on seven major holidays throughout the year. Flags will not be displayed in the event of rain.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JunctionCityMainStreetMarket">Saturday Main Street Market: Soar with the Eagles</a>

Saturday July 26th from 9AM-1PM at 901 N Washington enjoy all things eagles. From bingo with the fraternal Order of the Eagles to kite building, Eagle Scouts and more, this is sure to be a great morning! 

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GearyCommunityFarmersMarket">Kids Day at the Geary Community Farmers Market </a>

Make Thursday evenings a family tradition. 

● Free “Market Money” for kids to buy fruits and veggies 

● Weekly activities: seed planting, games, cooking demos, and scavenger hunts 

● No sign-up needed—stop by the info booth to join in 

● Meet local farmers and enjoy the freshest produce 

● Activated Arts offers six dance classes and four theater workshops, from tap to clowning and creative drama. <a href="https://activatejc.com/summer#page-1">Click here for more info.</a>

 Kansas Concealed Carry Course at Godfrey’s Indoor Ranges and Tactical Supply July 26th $99.00 non-refundable | Get signed up, NOW! You can come into the store or call to get signed up. 785.238.0094. 

<a href="https://prod3.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=944310~59c6ff9a-ee4b-4f24-81ca-9df9ebf6275d&amp;">Shades of Bublé: A Three-Man Tribute to Michael Bublé </a>brings the charm, style, and music of Michael Bublé to life with stunning three-part harmonies, sleek choreography, and hits like “Feeling Good,” “Home,” and “Come Fly With Me.” Catch this high-energy show at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on August 2 at 7 PM. Buy your tickets now for an unforgettable night of swing, pop, and soul — world-class vocals and a whole lot of fun!

Blu Restaurant and Bar Weekly Events: Taco ‘Bout a Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday 

Highwind events: Tuesday Steak Night @ 4PM, Music BINGO on Wednesday @ 6:30PM, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/16c28cNAqk/">Saturday Luau Takeover Night</a> from 4–9PM | Throw on your best Hawaiian shirt and join Highwind for a night of tropical brews, beachy cocktails, island beats, and laid-back fun.

Follow <a href="https://junctioncitymainstreet.org/">Junction City Main Street</a> for event updates and more. Support local. Stay connected. Love where you live.

Main Street Monday | Downtown JC Happenings | July 21 - July 27, 2025

The Geary County Clerk's Office issued a reminder for this upcoming Election Day on August 5th. The polling locations in Milford and Grandview Plaza will NOT be open, those precincts do not have an eligible ballot since this primary election is ONLY for City of Junction City Commissioners. Both Milford and Grandview Plaza elect their own Councils scheduled with the general election in November. 

Primary Election day reminder

CHICAGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit two of Kansas City’s four two-run homers and doubled on a 3-for-4 afternoon, leading the Royals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4 on Wednesday.

Salvador Perez and rookie Tyler Tolbert also went deep as the Royals took two of three games from the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Tolbert’s homer was his first in the majors.

Matt Shaw and Pete Crow-Armstrong hit solo shots for Chicago, which entered tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central and the best record in the majors.

Pasquantino’s pair of 400-foot-plus drives gave him two multi-homer games this season, three for his career and upped his season total to 17. He entered with just one hit in his previous 16 at-bats.

Seth Lugo (7-5) tossed six innings, allowing two runs on four hits. The right-hander stuck out six and walked two before three relievers wrapped up the win.

The 35-year-old Perez has five homers in his last five games and cracked three in the series to give him a team leading 18.

Chicago's Colin Rea (8-4) was tagged with six runs, five earned, on six hits in five innings, ending his four-start winning streak.

Pasquantino drove his second homer off Rea’s full-count down-the-middle curve in the fifth to up the Royals lead to 6-2. Tolbert put it out of reach in the sixth, making it 8-2 with a drive off reliever Drew Pomeranz.

Tolbert left the game in the bottom of the eighth.

Rea had allowed only five runs over 23 2/3 innings in his four previous starts for an ERA of 1.90.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54) on Friday in Kansas City.

Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (7-3, 2.40) starts Friday at Rate Field against the White Sox, who send RHP Adrian Houser (5-2, 1.89) to the mound.

⚾ Pasquantino hits two homers as Royals top the Cubs

CHICAGO (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Shaw, Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly had RBIs.

Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn't allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single.

Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter.

Hill (0-1)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cubs-rich-hill-oldest-e09c2d43a7a83309e1cf9696c3e80d71">became the oldest active player in baseball</a>&nbsp;after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha. He allowed three runs — one earned — and six hits in five innings. The left-hander threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one.

It was the debut of Hill's 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record.

Hill and the Royals fell behind 2-0 in the second when the Royals committed two errors, botching potential double plays. Crow-Armstrong doubled in a run off Hill in the fifth.

The Cubs put the game away with three runs in the seventh off Jonathan Bowlan.

After Loftin singled in the fifth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on Freddy Fermin’s bloop and John Rave’s bunt single. Swanson snared Kyle Isbel’s broken-bat liner at shortstop, then dived to tag out Fermin before he could get back to second for an inning-ending double play.

The Cubs stole six bases in the game, including four off Hill. That included a double-steal by Justin Turner and Shaw in the second, Chicago scored its final run with on double-steal with Kyle Tucker stealing home and Suzuzki second base in the seventh.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.94 ERA) will face Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-3, 3.80) on Wednesday.

⚾ Matthew Boyd sharp for 11th win, Cubs blank Royals and Rich Hill 

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 12-4 on Monday night.

Chicago’s Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second, but the rookie lefthander was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed all four Cubs runs and seven hits while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.

Ben Brown (4-7), recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth.

Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth. The two scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.

Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBIs.

Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.

Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.

The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0 for 11.

Cubs LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday. Kansas City has not named a starter.

⚾ Perez, Caglianone and Rave homers power Royals over the Cubs

MIAMI (AP) — Kris Bubic pitched five shutout innings, Salvador Perez homered and doubled and the Kansas City Royals beat Miami 7-4 on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep and end the Marlins' winning streak at four.

Bubic (8-6) gave up three hits and a walk. Andrew Hoffmann came on in the ninth and gave up four runs — none earned — in two-thirds of an inning before Carlos Estévez got the final out for his 26th save.

Perez hit his 15th homer of the season in the eighth.

Kansas City took a 3-0 lead in the fourth, and made it 6-0 in the fifth.

In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. scored on Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly, Perez hit a ground-rule double and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run double off starter Janson Junk (4-2). In the fifth, Jonathan India had a two-run double and Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI sacrifice fly.

Xavier Edwards and Agustín Ramírez each had two RBIs for Miami.

After India popped out to open the fourth, Witt hit his major league-leading 33 double of the season and moved to third on a single by Pasquantino to spark Kansas City's three-run fourth inning.

The Royals, who went into the game with the fourth-most doubles (172) in the major leagues behind the Boston Red Sox (202), Arizona Diamondbacks (178) and New York Yankees (175), had five doubles by five players.

Miami's Eury Pérez (3-2, 3.18 ERA) was scheduled to start Monday night at home against San Diego. Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.31) was set to start for Kansas City on Monday night in Chicago against the Cubs.

⚾ Bubic pitches 5 scoreless innings, Perez homers to help the Royals beat the Marlins

Rain moved through the area on Friday night, but the Junction City Rodeo went on as planned. Despite the muddy arena, a large crowd was in attendance for the first of two nights at the 31st annual Junction City Rodeo.

The rodeo once again begins tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Geary County 4-H Fairgrounds Arena. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 6-12, and children five and under are admitted free.

** Photos by Adam Cooke - Geary County CVB Marketing Specialist

Rodeo time in Junction City

McKenzie Jackson, an 11-year-old Junction City girl, has quite a story. She is a stellar baseball player who is on her way to Nevada to play in a National baseball tournament for girls.

Jackson fell in love with the game of baseball at a young age. She began playing at the age of four years old after watching her brother and sister play. This season, she played locally for the 13U Vikings (red team), and they played their games at North Park. Currently, McKenzie and her dad, Jeff Jackson, are on their way to Sparks, Nevada, for the Baseball for All Girls National Tournament. At this tournament, McKenzie will play for the 10U Florida Bolts, the defending champions of the tournament.

“I am super excited to go,” McKenzie Jackson said. “I am excited to play with all girls and get to experience something most people don’t get to experience.”

The tournament games begin on Monday, July 21, and go through Thursday, July 24.

Amanda Jackson, McKenzies mother, said there have been some naysayers about McKenzie's choice to play baseball rather than softball. “I am going to support her in whatever route she chooses to go,” Amanda Jackson said. “Being a veteran, facing the adversity I’ve faced as a female, I’ve instilled in McKenzie, put your mind to it, and you can do it. I’ll support you.”

On the baseball diamond, McKenzie plays all over the field. She said she can play pitcher, catcher, shortstop, first base, second base, third base, and center field. She also said she bats at the top of the order on her local team. McKenzie said she’s ready for the tournament and “excited to prove that girls can do things too.”

The drive to Sparks, Nevada, is 22 hours. Jeff and McKenzie left Junction City on Thursday and should arrive Saturday evening. On Sunday, McKenzie will meet the team, and there will also be the opening ceremonies prior to the games beginning on Monday.

Jeff Jackson, McKenzie's dad, said that they fundraised for the trip and McKenzie received a lot of support. “It has been a whirlwind,” Jeff said. They did coin drop events at Freedom Fest and at a Junction City Brigade game this summer to help offset travel costs and the cost of uniforms.

McKenzie is excited to showcase her skills at the Baseball For All Girls National Tournament and plans to keep playing baseball moving forward.

Junction City girl is headed to the Baseball for All Girls National Tournament

Tonight marks the final home game of the season for the Junction City Brigade.
Junction City will host the KC Knights at 7:00 p.m. at Rathert Stadium.

The Brigade have been on a hot streak lately, winning their last eight games. They’ve won 12 of their last 14 and hold a 23–11 record on the season.

On Saturday night in Hutchinson, nine Brigade players will compete in the Jayhawk Collegiate League All-Star Game at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Brigade will then wrap up their regular season on Sunday night with a road game against the Derby Twins. (This game was originally started on June 29 but was postponed due to rain. The Brigade were leading 2–0 in the first inning when the game was suspended.)

** There is a possibility the Junction City Brigade will get into the postseason NBC World Series in Wichita. The World Series runs from July 24-August 2nd. The field of teams will be announced on Sunday night.&nbsp;

Junction City Brigade Home Finale is Friday night

The 2025 varsity football schedule for the Junction City Blue Jays has been released. Junction City will begin its season at home, playing in Blue Jay Stadium on September 5th. The Blue Jays will host Haysville Campus in the season and home opener. This will be the fifth season for the Blue Jays at Blue Jay Stadium.&nbsp;

Full Schedule is listed below. All games are at 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Home games are in bold.&nbsp;

October 31 - Round one of the playoffs TBD.

In 2024, the Blue Jays went 5-5 and were knocked out in the second round of the playoffs by the Derby Panthers.&nbsp;

All games are broadcast on KJCK Radio 107.9 FM / 1420 AM.

2025 Junction City Blue Jay Varsity Football Schedule is released

ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber was nervous.

He had played in Game 7 of the World Series, homered for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.

But he had never walked up to the plate in an All-Star Game swing-off.

“That’s kind of like the baseball version of a shootout,” he said after homering on all three of his swings, going down to his left knee on the final one, to overcome a two-homer deficit. That held up when Jonathan Aranda fell short on the American League’s final three swings, giving the National League a 4-3 swing-off win after a 6-6 tie Tuesday night in which it wasted a six-run, seventh-inning lead.

Schwarber earned the MVP award, going 0 for 2 with a walk as the NL won for the second time in its last 12 tries. He became the first non-pitcher MVP without a hit.

“It will be interesting to see where that goes,” said AL manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees. “There’s probably a world where you could see that in the future, where maybe it’s in some regular season mix. I wouldn’t be surprised if people start talking about it like that.”

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