Author: Brandon Peoples

Gov. Laura Kelly called on state lawmakers to work together to ensure Kansas is the best place in America to raise a family. “Continue to meet me in the middle. That’s how Kansans solve differences in their everyday lives, and it’s the only way we’ll solve the big challenges ahead of us,” she said. The governor made those comments during her annual State of the State address Tuesday in Topeka in front of a joint session of the Kansas House and Senate. Kelly outlined priorities for the 2023 session, including similar themes from her inaugural address such as fully ending…

A public reception for the new Riley County Police Department Director will take place Thursday at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will include remarks from Director Brian Peete. City Commissioner and current Law Board Chair John Matta as well as fellow commissioner and former Chair Linda Morse will also provide remarks. Peete was sworn in as RCPD’s sixth director on Dec. 30, succeeding Dennis Butler who retired in early 2022. He most recently served as police chief in Montpelier, Vermont. Members of the public are invited to attend. Director Peete will also…

A former Riley County Police Department Administrative Captain has withdrawn his name from consideration for a district magistrate vacancy. Josh Kyle had been one of three nominated to fill the seat vacated by James Kepple in November in the 21st Judicial District, composed of Riley and Clay counties. Kepple is now the municipal court judge for the City of Manhattan. The Office of Judicial Administration says the remaining two nominees will interview Feb. 7. They include Jeremy Larchick, of Fort Riley, at 9:30 a.m. and Christine Smith, of Manhattan, at 9:50 a.m. Larchick is Chief of Claims and Hospital Administration…

One week has passed since the City of Manhattan implemented paid parking in Aggieville, but not everyone has been happy about the change. An online petition, started by employees at Aggieville’s Bluestem Bistro, is calling for a return to free parking, citing specific concerns with the City of Manhattan’s charging Aggieville employees a monthly fee to park in the garage long-term. It also points to a squeeze on parking in the district caused by ongoing construction to redevelop the area. Bluestem Bistro co-owner Nancy Evangelidis says it’s bad timing with Aggieville under construction, making it harder for customers to access…

Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties met briefly Monday to discuss impending improvements to the Belvue Bridge. Earlier this month, the two counties learned that $6.4 million in federal money had been secured by Sen. Jerry Moran to go toward bridge rehabilitation, one of several Congressionally directed spending requests in Kansas. Updated cost estimates were presented Monday on both options the counties are considering. “$9.8 million for a new deck and $16.5 million for a new deck and three new steel girders underneath it,” County Engineer Nathan Bergman said. The updated cost estimates are shared in the county’s Jan. 23 agenda materials,…

Riley County Police are investigating a Friday jewelry theft at Manhattan Town Center, the second in two days at the shopping center. Monday’s RCPD activity report, noted Kay Jewelers was victimized Friday evening, when an unknown man stole a white and yellow gold necklace, valued at $6,500. The theft was reported one day after JCPenney also reported the theft of a 10k white gold carat diamond ring from its store, valued at $6,250. Police are investigating the two incidents to determine if they are somehow connected. Anyone with information, can contact RCPD or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

A Manhattan man convicted on a charge of attempted second-degree murder will spend more than 23 years behind bars. Mark Anthony Koch, 54,  was sentenced Friday to 284 months in prison for attempted second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, burglary and theft.  The charges stemmed from an October 2019 incident where Koch strangled 37-year-old Neta Ambar by wrapping a cord around her neck in her home. Koch was found guilty on all charges during an August trial in Riley County District Court. His sentencing came weeks after the court denied Koch’s motion for a new trial, claiming his…

Riley County Police are investigating a reported robbery that occurred Friday night at Dairy Queen, at 1015 North 3rd Street. According to RCPD Public Information Officer Aaron Wintermote, an armed individual robbed the restaurant around 10:15 p.m. Friday taking all the money from the registers, which totaled just under $600. That individual then fled the area. Police have yet to arrest a suspect in that case. Anyone with information is urged to contact RCPD or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers.

Riley County recently hired a new community health educator tasked with sharing opioid prevention education in the tri-county region. Riley County Health Officer Julie Gibbs spoke about her new hire, Asia Sampson, during her Thursday update to the Board of County Commissioners. “She started on November 19th and has done a great job so far. She’s connected with a lot of our community partners including Kari Humes, who is our drug and alcohol counselor at USD 383. She’s already met with the other two counties. We do share her with Pottawatomie and Geary County as well,” Gibbs said. The KDHE…

A Fort Riley soldier accused of murdering a fellow soldier in Aggieville nearly one year ago, was bound over for trial on Friday following a preliminary hearing in Riley County District Court. Tremelle Montgomery, 20, faces seven total counts, including first degree murder, three counts of attempted first degree murder and three new counts of aggravated assault, presented by the prosecution at Friday’s hearing. Montgomery is accused of shooting and killing 21-year-old Joshua Wardi on Feb. 5, outside an Aggieville bar. He’s also accused in the attempted murder and aggravated assault of three other victims — Donovan Bastien, Jared Musgrave…