The Riley County Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding between Riley County and Wichita State University to provide internship opportunities for emergency medical students with Riley County emergency services. Students would complete a background check and county orientation before beginning an internship. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Author: Arturo Mauricio-Gonzalez
Riley County commissioners fine-tuned the pay and expectations for the new county administrator position during their Thursday meeting. The administrator will report to the county commission and oversee more than a dozen departments, including emergency services, health, finance, the county appraiser, county counselor and human resources. Human resources director Elizabeth Ward presented information on the proposals. The commission discussed potential benefits Aug. 20 and directed staff to explore the costs and potential options. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Pawnee Mental Health Services is turning attention to two significant behavioral health concerns in Riley County: suicide and substance use. During the Riley County Commission meeting on Monday, Pawnee Mental Health CEO Mike Rezkalla cited Kansas Department of Health and Environment data showing 7,126 suicide deaths statewide between 2011 and 2024. Riley County accounted for 113 of those deaths during the same period. The Riley County figure represents 1.6% of all suicide deaths recorded in Kansas during those 14 years. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Riley County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a request to exchange more than $323,000 in federal transportation funds for state dollars that will be used for future transportation projects. The Kansas Department of Transportation is making $323,157 available to Riley County for the 2026 federal fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. John Ellermann, Riley County public works director and county engineer, presented the request to commissioners. “The exchange of federal dollars for state dollars, it gives us a little bit more freedom to do projects the way we want to do them without a…
The Riley County board of canvassers unanimously certified the official results of the 2026 primary election Thursday after reviewing provisional ballots and election results from polling locations across the county. Residents case a total of 12,513 ballots. Riley County clerk Rich Vargo presented the 2026 primary election canvass report to the board, including the total number of ballots cast at each polling location. Clerk’s office staff members also reviewed provisional ballots and recommended which should be accepted, partially counted or rejected. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Riley County commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved extending the contract for electronic health records software used by the health department as staff continue transitioning to a new system. Michael Hawthorne, assistant county counselor, presented an amendment extending the county’s agreement with Custom Data Processing Inc. (CDP) through Aug. 31. The health department has used the company’s EZ EMR software for electronic health records management since 2018. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Riley County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved the health department’s $27,500 grant application with Memorial Hospital Association. The grant funding would be used to support comprehensive prevention and education services. If the department receives the grant, the money would be allocated to five programs of the health department. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
The Riley County Police Department is arming two district court screeners as part of a security change designed to enhance courthouse safety while returning an officer to patrol duties. Maj. Daryl Asher told Riley County commissioners Monday the change follows a review of security measures at the Riley County District Court. The two court screeners will complete the same firearms and use-of-force training required of RCPD officers before carrying firearms. Asher said the move strengthens security at the courthouse entrance, where visitors pass through screening equipment, including X-ray machines. State law requires adequate security when concealed carry is prohibited in…
Riley County officials on Monday reviewed how the county should approach potential data center development as the technology becomes more common and communities across Kansas consider regulations. Planning director Amanda Webb updated commissioners during a work session sharing information from a recent data center planning summit in Topeka and examples of regulations being considered by other communities. Webb said the county is still in the information-gathering stage and is focused on understanding the potential impacts of data centers before considering any regulatory changes. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Riley County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved lowering the speed limit on three roads in Ogden following a traffic study. Assistant public works director Ewan McMillan said Ogden Township requested the study last year for Roever Road, Ady Drive, and Daniel Avenue, located south of Eureka Drive. The county conducted an initial study and repeated it after a FedEx distribution center opened nearby. The roads are currently posted at 30 mph, the maximum speed allowed by state law for residential urban areas. McMillan recommended a 20 mph speed limit, citing the gravel road surface, reduced stopping distances, dust and the…