Author: Brandon Peoples

The director of the Riley County Police Department says he rejects any suggestions that local police are siding with federal immigration enforcement or pushing back against it. “We don’t actively participate in immigration detention, but we do follow the law,” Brian Peete said. Peete joined Within Reason with Mike Matson Friday on News Radio KMAN, responding to controversy involving Manhattan Municipal Court Judge Sarah Barr, who reportedly asked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave her courtroom Dec. 4. They were waiting to arrest a woman appearing on DUI and hit-and-run charges. To view the full article visit…

Riley County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved an updated compensation for travel and study time policy for county employees. Human Resources director Elizabeth Ward presented the final draft to commissioners, clarifying how employees may be compensated when study or training time happens during work hours. “This verbiage still allows for a department head to potentially flex hours if study is during the day of the regular schedule, while getting their work done,” she said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more Riley County news.

One person is dead after a late Tuesday evening crash in Manhattan involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, it happened just after 9:30 p.m. near the intersection of Bluemont Ave. and Tuttle Creek Blvd. Authorities say a northbound vehicle was crossing the intersection when it struck a pedestrian, dressed in all dark clothing. The pedestrian was reportedly walking northbound in the driving lane of Tuttle Creek Blvd. The crash report did not indicate names of the individuals involved as of 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, including the deceased individual. That information will be updated once family…

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…