Author: Brandon Peoples

Department heads met with Riley County commissioners Thursday for the first time since officials last week announced plans to develop a county administrator position. During a 45-minute work session, the three commissioners heard concerns and suggestions from department leaders as the county considers recommendations from its outside consultant. Emergency services director David Adams spoke on behalf of a collective of department heads. He noted the group is generally behind the concept but also sought further clarity on how the position will be structured. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Two local breweries are coming together to start a new community art and craft festival this spring. Riley County commissioners on Thursday approved a request from Manhattan Brewing Company and Aggieville Brewing Company for an alcohol use permit at CiCo Park on May 16. Jake Voegeli, co-owner of Manhattan Brewing Company, told commissioners that the goal is to create a German-inspired food and beverage celebration. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

K-State meteorologist Chip Redmond with Kansas Mesonet says the region will get the first taste of severe weather this this weekend and what that means for the Manhattan area. Plus we take a look ahead at how the weather pattern will change heading into next week.

Riley County counselor Jacob Hansen on Monday provided commissioners with updates related to several ongoing tasks, including a pending request for proposals tied to the former First Christian Church property, ongoing nuisance abatement cases and legislative items advancing in Topeka. Hansen said the deadline for submissions related to the church request for proposals is March 16. If any are received, proposals will be opened March 23 and considered by the commission on April 2. “I’m not aware that we have received any at this time,” Hansen said. “It seemed that there was at least one interested party. We’ll see where…

Riley County commissioners appear open to the idea of expanding residency requirements for citizens to serve on the Riley County Rural Economic Development Advisory Board. Planning director Amanda Webb told commissioners Monday the nine-member board known as REDAB was created in 2021 and requires six citizen members to live in cities within Riley County other than Manhattan or in unincorporated areas of the county. Three additional members represent the planning director’s office, K-State Research and Extension and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Read more at TheMercury.com

Riley County Emergency Coordinator Laurie Harrison discussed Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the statewide tornado drill and upcoming storm spotter training in Manhattan, during Monday’s KMAN Morning Conversation.

On today’s episode of Wildcat Insider, we’ll discuss Driscoll out of inspiration after KSU men’s loss to TCU on Saturday, 2-3 week for Bat Cats against Louisiana & Columbia, and speak to “Voice of the Wildcats” Wyatt Thompson. https://www.youtube.com/live/sW0X4GJ97T0?si=8tOxuUDFi8burntf Hour 1 Segment 1 – Coach Driscoll running out of ways to inspire team Segment 2 – Was K-State track screwed out of a Big 12 title? Segment 3 – Last week in the Big 12 Hour 2 Segment 1 – “Voice of the Cats” Wyatt Thompson Segment 2 – Bat Cats go 2-3 vs. Louisiana & Columbia & K-State women…

Riley County commissioners are weighing whether to continue a long-running contract to help subsidize glass recycling for citizens. Since 2010, the county has contracted with Howie’s Recycling — now rebranded as Bison Ridge Recycling — and typically runs in five-year terms. The contract is scheduled to expire at the end of the month. Planning director Amanda Webb said it costs the county $15,000 annually from the general fund. “What the county has paid over the last many years, nowhere near covers what they pay,” she said. “It’s not profitable at all.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Manhattan man in connection with a Jan. 3 officer-involved shooting in Pottawatomie County. The agency says 38-year-old Brian Lovgren was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon by KBI agents and officers with the KU Medical Center Department of Public Safety. He was booked on a warrant for two counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and is being held in Wyandotte County Jail. As previously reported, deputies with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in east Manhattan on Jan. 3 after a homeowner reported gunfire damage to a…

Authorities say a 23-year-old man was found dead Tuesday afternoon in the 1800 block of Wildcat Creek Road in Manhattan. According to the Riley County Police Department, officers responded to an unattended death shortly after 2 p.m. The man was found with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Police believe there is no reason to suspect any foul play. The man’s name was not released.