Author: Brandon Peoples

A 77-year-old man was killed Friday evening after being struck by a vehicle near Riley. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Madison Road/US-77 just west of the Falcon Road/US 24 intersection. Authorities say a pedestrian, identified as Thomas McHugh, of Riley was crossing US-77 when he was struck by a southbound passenger car, driven by 63-year-old Stephen Williams, of Green. McHugh’s body landed in the northbound lane, where he was struck by a Chevy Silverado, driven by 20-year-old Jude Benson, of Clay Center. McHugh was transported to Via Christi Hospital, where he later…

A new beach volleyball and entertainment venue is coming soon to east Manhattan and the woman behind the project is hoping to fill a void she says the region has been without for too long. Construction is underway on 785 Dive, at 8234 South Port Drive, a dive bar and outdoor beach volleyball complex planned next to Wildcat Creek Fitness. Owner Skylar German said the concept came about through her experience coaching young athletes and a lack of available space to play. “There’s really nothing like this within two hours of Manhattan,” she said. “That’s why it was really important…

A temporary traffic signal in place since March at the intersection of Seth Child Road and Marlatt Avenue was removed late last week upon the opening of two new roundabouts north of Manhattan. The Kansas Department of Transportation project, which is not entirely complete, has entered its winter shutdown period. KDOT installed the signal to help alleviate traffic congestion at the intersection while both roundabouts along Tuttle Creek Boulevard at the K-13 and K-113 intersections were under construction. KDOT officials determined the signal at Marlatt and Seth Child was no longer necessary despite some public outcry for the signals to…

Riley County commissioners on Monday approved nearly $4 million in budget amendments for 2025. Commissioners made the amendment because expenses in 14 funds in the budget came in higher than they had estimated when they initially approved the budget. “When we work through that process, we’re looking at the beginning cash balance, or any other revenues that we didn’t previously budget for that,” said Brittany Phillips, Riley County budget and finance officer. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more Riley County news.

Bell ringers may be the only people from the Salvation Army many interact with during the holidays. Behind the scenes, case manager Quanita Williams has been with the Manhattan chapter for four years and interacts with individuals in differing circumstances, often in the most challenging times of need. “There’s a lot of hurt in the world,” she said. “My motto is, once you come into the Salvation Army, welcome home, because now you’re family.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more local Manhattan news.

In the midst of its annual holiday membership drive, the Flint Hills Discovery Center is offering free admission to other science institutions in 2026. Director Stephen Bridenstine, who joined Within Reason on News Radio KMAN Tuesday, said a key benefit of becoming a member is gaining access to a reciprocal network of science centers across the country, known as the Association of Science and Technology Centers passport program. “It gets you in with your Discovery Center membership free admission to over 350 science centers across the country,” he said. “You can take, as a Manhattan resident, your Discovery Center membership,…

Manhattan Mayor Karen McCulloh said 2025 saw some major change in the way the city government streamlined its processes for voting on ordinances and resolutions. McCulloh joined Within Reason on News Radio KMAN Thursday to recap some of the highlights of the past year. In June, the commission approved a measure to allow items to be approved on a single reading, rather than two, as had traditionally been done for years. The change was intended to speed up routine or time-sensitive decisions after concerns were raised that city government processes move too slowly. McCulloh said she’s gone back and forth…

A major rebuild of Manhattan Regional Airport’s main taxiway is moving forward. On Monday, the Airport Advisory Board received a report from Olsson Engineering officials about how the multimillion dollar project will bring the aging runway up to current Federal Aviation Administration standards. The city commission authorized plans to finance the project on Nov. 18, entering into a $1.2 million professional services agreement with Olsson for design work. Project manager Brian Coomes said Monday the taxiway is being rebuilt in multiple phases to avoid disruptions to charter flights and general aviation operations. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click…

Riley County employees and elected officials are set to receive pay increases in 2026 after commissioners on Monday unanimously approved the pay scales and annual salary resolution. “The employees of Riley County are grateful to the commissioners for committing to market competitive salaries,” said Elizabeth Ward, Riley County’s human resources director. The action implements merit and cost-of-living adjustments already built into the 2026 budget and updates the countywide pay structure for all professional and elected positions. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more Riley County news.

Riley County commissioners unanimously approved a plan Thursday to consolidate three of its public safety divisions into a single Emergency Services Department next year, a move officials say will save taxpayers money and increase efficiency. The proposal merges Riley County Emergency Medical Services, Fire District No. 1 and Emergency Management into one department ahead of the October 2026 retirement of Russel Stukey, the county’s fire chief and emergency management director. Stukey, EMS director David Adams and Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward held several discussions with staff and leadership teams over the past few months. The Fire District Advisory Board endorsed…