Author: Brandon Peoples

A Manhattan man found himself back in custody Friday, less than three days after being arrested for a slew of drug charges. It’s his third drug-related arrest since Dec. 30. Scott Marchand, 48, was arrested at 11:17 a.m. near the area of U.S. Highway 24 and Southport Drive after a traffic stop by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office. A search of his Toyota Tacoma located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation. Marchand was transported to the Pottawatomie County Jail on a $500,000 bond for the probation violation, as well as one count…

Very high fire danger continues across the area with strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures. Officials continue to post burn bans across the state after fires erupted Tuesday. Officials in Riley and Pottawatomie County confirmed to The Mercury Wednesday morning that there were no local reports of any grass fires caused by the conditions. They ask residents to use extreme caution and call 911 if you see flames outside or suspect a wildfire. Elsewhere, wildfires raged Tuesday in southwest Kansas, leading to evacuations in several communities, including Ashland and Herndon. Fires scorched more than 145,000 acres across Kansas and…

The city of Wamego has been awarded a moderate income housing grant totaling nearly $468,000 from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for new housing development. The funds will support construction of 24 multifamily rental units as part of an expansion to the North Ridge apartments on the city’s west side. “Typically, the MIH grants are $650,000,” said Stacie Eichem, Wamego city manager. “This time, the state tried to award as many projects as possible.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Manhattan Regional Airport’s long-planned Taxiway Alpha reconstruction continues moving forward, with engineers outlining construction phases and a projected timeline during Monday’s Airport Advisory Board meeting. Olsson engineer Brian Coomes, the project manager for the Taxiway Alpha project, said early design work revealed challenging soil conditions. “Testing results showed some expansive soil and some weaker soil than what we encountered on the runway,” he said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County commissioners are eager to move back in to their offices downtown, but public works director John Ellermann said Monday they may need a bit more patience. During his update on county projects, Ellermann said the Courthouse Plaza East window replacement project — which began in July — is completed, but renovations inside the building, notably carpet work and scheduling, are still being sorted out. “I would say at least March, hoping to get in by mid-March,” he said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County property valuations are going up an average of 3% to 10%, according to current market data, officials said Monday. “That’s the most common increase that we’re seeing on the residential properties,” said Anna Burson, Riley County appraiser. “That’s just reflecting the market, high demand, low supply. It’s driving those price points up again.” Burson’s office recently completed the studies and analysis for 2026 and will be sending out change of valuation notices to property owners on Feb. 25. CVNs show how a property’s value has changed year over year because of shifts in the local real estate market…

Bowlers showed up to the K-State Union bowling alley over the weekend to roll strikes and show support for youth mentorship. Big Brothers Big Sisters hosted the Bowling for Kids’ Sake fundraiser Saturday. It was the second annual event since it restarted after the COVID-19 pandemic. North Central area director Michelle Sink said all money raised from this event helps support the organization’s school and community-based mentoring programs throughout the area. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County officials painted a grim picture of rising employee benefit costs following a new long-term analysis presented to county commissioners Thursday. The county’s human resources and budget and finance departments recently completed a seven-year review of benefit expenses, which concluded that the county’s long-standing estimate is no longer sufficient. Since 2020, Riley County budgeted benefits at approximately 39.5% of employee salaries. Budget and finance officer Brittany Phillips told commissioners that because of rising health insurance costs, the county needs to increase that figure to about 42%. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

A familiar voice has filed for a seat on the Riley County Commission. Democrat Rob Voelker announced Monday his intent to seek the District 1 seat currently held by Republican John Ford. The 46-year-old former broadcaster says running for public office is a new challenge he wanted to take on. “I am deeply invested in this community,” he said. “I understand the issues we face. I’m running because I bring fresh ideas and a deep commitment to serve all residents of our county. I’m a collaborator who can bring people together — we may not always agree, but I know…