Manhattan First Responders will compete in the 20th Annual Battle of the Badges blood drive. RCPD, Riley County EMS, and the Riley County Fire Department will compete to receive votes from donors. The current trophy holders are the Fire Department, who are looking for their 3rd straight win. RCPD Lieutenant Dan Bortnick revealed their secret weapon this year. Summer and Winter months are especially important for the community to donate, as 25% of donations come from college and high school students. American Red Cross Account Manager Kristi Ingalls related how a single donor can affect those in need. Participants will…
Author: Bernie Fancella
The Annual Solar Kiwanis July 4th Pancake Breakfast will be held in CiCo Park; it is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. and will run until 11:00 a.m. The full menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, orange juice and milk. Eggs are included at no cost this year and second helpings are welcome. 100% of all proceeds will support area programs for kids. The breakfast will be in the Pottorf Hall at CiCo Park, at Avery Avenue and Robinson Drive.
Riley County Commissioners approved an amendment to the contract for its $14 million Public Safety Headquarters project Monday. Public Works Director John Ellerman presented amended costs to be paid to architectural firm Archimages to finalize designs for the station 1 for EMS and remodel of the old station for emergency management. Ellerman requested $135,860.00 more for the project, explaining the reason for the increase. The newly remodeled building is intended to also provide offices for Rural Fire and the Emergency Operations Center. A new building design is necessary for the EMS Administration offices. The Contract Amendment would create a new maximum…
Manhattan City Park hosted a Model-T car show Friday, the final event of the 2023 Model-T Ford Club of America (MTFCA) National Tour. Nearly 90 Model-T cars were on display for the public to view and, in some lucky cases, even tour around the area. Great Bend’s John Vsetecka (John She-tet-shka) spoke about touring the Flint Hills over the previous week. Many of the Model-T owners came from all around the country, but many participants were Kansans. McPherson based Chris Paulson related his favorite drive over the week. The tour featured Model-Ts from as early as 1911. Drivers visited…
Riley County Planner Amanda Webb detailed the Comprehensive Plan update Thursday to the Riley County Commission. Webb released the Comprehensive Plan Committee member list, outlining the goals of the committee and discussed the various categories they are focused on. The Commission approved the plan, while Commissioner John Ford requested mental health be added, and Webb agreed to the request. Webb explained that she has reached out to all the relevant county department heads. She spoke about the public interest survey she is preparing, detailing some issues with the current technology, and some of the limitations present. Webb has explored some…
Kansas State University recently received a $1 million NSF Engines Development Award aimed at creating a biotech hub in the animal health corridor. The NSF Engines Grant is designed to fund projects in areas that previously have had little federal attention. The grant that has been approved is a Type I grant, intended to allow a region to build up in preparation for the full $160 million grant. K-State Senior Associate Vice President of Research Beth Montelone says the grant is intended to create high tech and science areas, comparing directly to Silicon Valley. Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Director…
The Riley County Law Board received an email from the community asking for clarification on how RCPD releases information to the public after a press release about Fentanyl overdoses in Riley County. On Friday, it was noted there have been 8-10 potential overdoses on Fentanyl in the last three months in Riley County. Eight have been confirmed via toxicology report. Director of RCPD Brian Peete spoke at Monday’s Law Board meeting. Media does not influence when information can be released. Information will be released publicly when it has been confirmed, and would not jeopardize a case, according to Riley County…
The Pottawatomie County Planning commission approved by unanimous vote a plan to build a new Casey’s General Store at the intersection of HWY 24 and Green Valley Road. The new building is roughly the same size as the previously existing building. The site is required to meet Manhattan building codes, according to County Planner Stephan Metzger. Metzger clarified Tuesday the building codes are not required in case of future annexation as Pott County adopted building codes for Blue Township on its own and uses Manhattan’s Risk Reduction Office to implement the plan review and inspections. KDOT required a traffic study…
Steve Minton met with the Pottawatomie county board and asked to delay the final approval of the Scenic Woods plat due to high levels of nitrates coming from wells 7 and 8. These wells are used during the summer months to fulfill demand. Minton spoke about what to expect from KDHE on the matter. Minton explained the dangers of high nitrate levels in the water supply, and asked the Committee to delay approving the final plat for Scenic Woods. In 2021, the water in St. George was determined to have nitrate levels at 14 parts per million. KDHE has determined…
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that Michelin will invest more than 100 million dollars in the Junction City facility over the next five years. Kelly said, “Michelin’s expansion is further proof that the work we are doing to recruit, retain, and expand businesses is the state is paying off. Now, 200 more Kansans will have quality jobs and Junction City will continue to grow, benefiting the state as a whole.” This investment will increase Michelin’s production capacity of Camso rubber tracks. Camso is a brand under the Michelin Group umbrella that specializes in off-road tires, rubber tracks, and systems…