Author: Brandon Peoples

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…

3:10 p.m. update The water line repair has been completed. The impacted area remains under a boil water advisory until further notice. Original story 12 p.m. Tuesday Riley County residents living near Hunters Island and Moehlman Bottoms are temporarily without water, because of a water main break Tuesday morning. The break is affecting about 200 people living in the area, while crews complete emergency repairs, county officials said. This includes areas around South Manhattan Ave, Collins Lane, Henton Road, Moehlman Road and areas further to the south. Water service is expected to be restored by the end of the day…

Less than five weeks remain until the return of Fake Patty’s Day, the unofficial drinking holiday celebration for Kansas State University students in Manhattan. Riley County Police Department Captain Scott Hajek told Riley County commissioners Monday that he is “deeply involved” with planning for the day, which is scheduled for March 7. “The patrol division and the entire department as a whole works really well with other entities in the city — Manhattan Fire Department, and (Riley County) EMS to have a response that is both fair to the people participating and fair to the people who aren’t participating in…

Segment 1 – Manhattan boys’ basketball coach Benji George because all-time leader in win at Dodge City Segment 2 – Rock Creek sweeps tournament titles at 12th annual Thunder Classic / Wamego at SIT Segment 3 – Wabaunsee Girls win Flint Hills Shootout / Riley Co. at Trojan Classic Segment 4 – Twin Valley League Tournament results

The Kansas Supreme Court heard oral arguments this week in a long-running dispute over an amended planned unit development application by the Riley County Commission, which Prairiewood Holdings LLC has appealed. The dispute centers on whether a protest petition from neighboring landowners has met the legal threshold under state law. The county board initially ruled the protest petition did not apply because the project was only a PUD and not a rezoning. The Court of Appeals disagreed, holding that because the amendment increased building square footage by more than 1% county regulations required the same process as a rezoning, including…