Author: Brandon Peoples

Quick show today. Another update on the K-State men’s basketball coaching search. Is another top candidate out? <iframe frameborder=”0″ height=”200″ scrolling=”no” src=”https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=NCACA8319948836″ width=”100%”></iframe>

Riley County commissioners approved a resolution Thursday expanding who can serve on the county’s Rural Economic Development Advisory Board. The board advises the county on policies and programs intended to support economic growth in rural areas of Riley County. The decision follows a March 2 discussion about a member who volunteered to fill a vacancy but didn’t meet the residency requirements. Previously, all who served on the board were required to live in Riley County, outside of Manhattan city limits. The resolution adopted Thursday allows one board member to reside in either Geary or Pottawatomie County as long as they…

A lease agreement for the Riley County Police Department’s new Aggieville substation was tabled for one week, to allow the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board an opportunity to review it before it is signed. The request came from commissioner Kathryn Focke, the current police board chair. “That’s something that probably should be presented to the law board,” she said. “They haven’t even looked at plans or anything.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County commissioners are keeping an eye on several legislative matters as the session marches toward the finish line. Toward the end of their Monday meeting, commissioners received a mid-session update on property tax proposals, the state budget and several bills that could impact local governments. Tom Bruno, one of the county’s two lobbyists, told commissioners property tax reform continues dominating much of the discussion in Topeka, with no clear-cut consensus from lawmakers on what that might look like. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

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.