Author: Bernie Fancella

Four local residents graduated from Drug Court Wednesday afternoon. Community Corrections Intensive Supervision Probation Officer Brett Clark explains what Drug Court is: Clark says the local Drug Court is still in its infancy but is working well. Among those graduates is Henry Crowder, of Manhattan, who spoke with KMAN after the ceremony. Another graduate was Ashley Johnson, of Clay Center, who spoke about how the Drug Court has helped her. Drug Court participants are required to abstain from substance use, be accountable for their behavior and fulfill legal responsibilities of the offenses they’ve committed.

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Prospective college students are being encouraged to take advantage of the first ever statewide free college-application-period this week. From Tuesday, Nov. 7 through Thursday, Nov. 9, Kansas residents may apply for undergraduate admissions at any Kansas college, university, technical college, including independent colleges, with no application fee. Kansas State University Director of Admissions Molly McGaughey explains some of the reasons for this event. She explains that most will likely incur some cost savings this week, since many typically will apply to more than one school. Students who are unsure what option is best for them can use tools such as…

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Beginning in 2024, Ottawa-based nonprofit Prairie Paws will assume animal shelter services for the City of Manhattan. Executive Director Vanessa Cowie presented to the Riley County Commission Monday, as the organization prepares to move into the T. Russel Reitz Animal Shelter officially on December 24. The physical shelter is actually in Pottawatomie County, though Manhattan residents utilize the shelter extensively. As a result, Cowie says they are working to extend an agreement to Riley County as well. No vote was taken at Monday’s meeting. Commissioners agreed to have staff draft a one year temporary agreement, which will be brought back…

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The Young Trustees sixth annual Chili Cook Off was held Saturday outside of Rockin K’s. While crowds gathered to taste the bowls of red, many made by local businesses, they watched the K-State football game on the Jumbotron. Young Trustee board member M.L. Latimore spoke with KMAN Saturday about the annual event. Director of Marketing MaKenna Eliert explains how the money is generated for non-profit organizations. BHS Construction was the winner of the cook-off, and their nonprofit of choice was Shepherd’s Crossing. At 20 dollars each, twenty-five percent of the ticket sales went to a local non-profit organization of the…

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Lower than expected rainfall totals for October mean Manhattan is still in drought conditions. The rain during the last weekend of October, while helpful, was not enough. Mesonet Network Manager Chip Redmond: Redmond says there is potential for some moisture in the near future. Kansas Mesonet visits every Thursday during the Morning Show with a comprehensive update.

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Planning/Special Projects Director Amanda Webb presented the full comprehensive plan for Manhattan to the Riley County Commission. Webb explained that Pottawatomie County’s agreement with Riley County does not extend to the 2001 agreement between Riley County and the City of Manhattan. Webb says that Pottawatomie County can enter the agreement with all participants approval. Commissioner John Ford dissented with the idea. Commissioners will meet again on Monday, Nov. 6.

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The Habitat Hoedown at the Lazy-T Ranch, south of Manhattan, is back again this year. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event grew in popularity, and returned last year by popular demand after a two-year hiatus. Manhattan Area Habitat for Humanity Execute Director Josh Brewer gives a rundown on some of the activities for this annual fundraiser. Brewer explains the goal of the event, and what raised funds will be used for. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, November 10 and will include a performance by George Lereux and the Haymakers, as well as swing dancing lessons. Ticket…

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A new study found that the week after Daylight Saving Time ends, deer crashes go up. The study was published in Current Biology by researchers from the University of Washington. They determined that the time change sees a 16 percent increase in deer-vehicle collisions every year. Collisions are 14 times more frequent in the two hours after sunset, and changing the clocks means more drivers will be on the road during that time. Game Warden Ben Jedlicka explains how that will impact Kansas. Changing clocks in November increases the amount of low-light traffic, putting more deer and vehicles at risk…

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EMS/Ambulance Director David Adams asked the Riley County Commission on Monday evening to makes some changes to a waterline running through the EMS station. The station was built on a concrete slab, so the water line must run through the ceiling. Adams explains the problem: The pipe needs to be wrapped in insulation to prevent freezing. The Commission motioned and approved the work in the amount of $2,567.61. The Commission was also updated on business in the City of Ogden at Monday evenings meeting. Ogden City Planner Angela Schnee gave an update on a recent grant application, and the reason…

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Sunset Zoo hosted a very special event Sunday with the Make-a-Wish Foundation. A local 9-year-old girl, Aramayah Pevy, known to friends and family as MayMay, was informed she would be coming to the zoo for a costume party with her friends. She was then surprised to find she and her friends would get the opportunity to feed the zoo’s resident tortoise, the 14-15 year-old Tortuga. “She used to have a pet turtle before she started treatment. She unfortunately had to get rid of the turtle because of treatment. We were able to bring a little bit of that back to…

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