Author: Brandon Peoples

Update Monday 8:45 a.m. Riley County Police provided an update Monday on an injury crash that occurred late Thursday into early Friday morning near Seth Child and Anderson Ave. Police say a passenger car, driven by 25-year-old Jesse Orona, of Manhattan, was northbound on Seth Child in the insde lane and crossed into the outside lane, hitting the rear of an SUV driven by 21-year-old Sabrina Reyes, also of Manhattan. The crash caused Reyes to veer right, strike the guard rail and roll several times. Her vehicle came to rest upside down on an embankment near the shoulder. Orona lost…

Pottawatomie County officials held a work session Monday, to discuss how the county will divide population into five districts, now that voters have approved expansion of the board from three to five seats. Two new commissioners will come aboard next year. County Counselor John Watt says the county’s preference is to have that occur in the November 2023 general election. “Because a special election will cost the county and arm and a leg. The state doesn’t help with all of that, it’s a county cost,” he said. According to the 2021 census, Pottawatomie County’s population was just slightly over 25,000…

A Maryland man, formerly of Junction City, convicted last year of kidnapping and strangling a woman in 2017, has been sentenced to more than 50 years in prison. Judge Kendra Lewison on Thursday sentenced 60-year-old David Lee Gollahon to 620 months in prison, consecutive to his federal prison sentence, stemming from a pair of 2019 bank robberies in Maryland. His convictions include charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary and attempted aggravated robbery. According to Deputy Riley County Attorney Trinity Muth, Gollahon went to the Scenic Valley Inn where he reportedly gained entry and encountered employee Debra Ring, grabbed her and threw…

One person is behind bars after a stabbing incident in Junction City Sunday, which left one person with serious injuries. Junction City Police say 47-year-old Alexius Mims is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery. Officers were called out to a residence in the 400 block of West 18th Street at around 7 a.m. Sunday. The victim, 31-year-old Rollin McClam, of Junction City, was transported to Geary Community Hospital, and later transferred to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka where he was listed in critical condition. Police say the incident remains under further investigation and that there are no additional suspects…

A Topeka woman was killed early Sunday morning following a crash near St. Marys. The Kansas Highway Patrol says a Honda Accord, driven by 22-year-old Alexis Ward was traveling westbound on Highway 24 near Pleasant View Road at around 6 a.m. Authorities say her car left the roadway to the right, over-corrected, then crossed the middle lanes and went off the roadway to the left. The vehicle then rolled after over-correcting again and she was thrown from the vehicle Ward was pronounced dead on scene. According to the crash report, she was not wearing a seat belt.

Riley County Police say a Riley County teenager accused of burglarizing the Ogden Casey’s store early Thursday morning is facing additional charges, stemming from a string of similar burglaries dating back to late October in town. Estevan Rochin, 16, was arrested Thursday on charges of burglary, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage to property, after police responded to an alarm call at the store around 2 a.m. Thursday. RCPD noted in Friday’s activity report that Rochin, has also been charged with additional counts each of criminal damage to property and burglary in connection to break-ins at the Casey’s store…

No injuries were reported after a house fire Wednesday afternoon in Riley. Firefighters responded shortly before 1 p.m. to 604 Walnut Street after residents in the home reported issues with their electricity. A fire was located in the attic of the home and quickly brought under control. The home’s occupants got out safely, but the fire caused about $30,000 in estimated damage. Riley County PIO Vivienne Uccello tells KMAN the fire was determined to be caused by an electrical malfunction. Firefighters responded from both the Riley City Fire Department and Riley County Fire District No. 1.

Authorities in Pottawatomie County are investigating after a county maintenance shop was damaged recently. In a Wednesday news release, Sheriff Shane Jager stated the property, located in the 300 block of North 5th Street in Westmoreland had several windows damaged twice between Oct. 30 and Nov. 7. It’s believed to have been caused by a BB gun or other firearm. The estimated loss is $600. Anyone with information is asked to contact Captain Tyler Garver at 785-457-3353. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers, at ptsheriff.com.

Manhattan-Ogden Superintendent Marvin Wade will step down at the end of the school year. Dr. Wade notified members of the school board and the district’s human resources department Tuesday, announcing his retirement, effective June 30, 2023, which coincides with when his contract is set to expire. In an emailed statement to KMAN, Dr. Wade noted that while it was a long time coming, his decision was made suddenly. “Transitions are a part of life and circumstances are such that now is a good time to begin stepping away from my current professional responsibilities. I am excited for Eric Reid to…

Police are investigating a Sunday night break-in to the Pearce Keller Post No. 17 American Legion building in Manhattan. According to RCPD, the burglary was reported Monday morning. An unknown thief or thieves got away with cash stolen from an ATM and safe inside the building. The total amount of cash stolen was around $4,800. RCPD says the building also sustained about $3,300 in damage to its doors, as well as the ATM and safe. American Legion and Blue Sky LLC were listed as the victims. Police are asking anyone who may have information to contact RCPD or Manhattan Riley…