Author: Brandon Peoples

No injuries were reported following a structure fire Tuesday evening near the intersection of Colbert Hills Drive and Eldridge Drive. The Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched just before 8 p.m. and upon arrival found light smoke coming from the home’s garage. Crews were able to quickly access the garage and extinguish the fire. The home’s occupants evacuated prior to the fire department arriving on scene. Total damage was estimated at $8,000, including loss to contents and structural damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Two people are jailed following a Halloween night assault involving three victims. The Riley County Police Department says 26-year-old Vanda Vereen and 30-year-old Christopher Sims, both of Fort Riley, are charged on suspicion of aggravated assault. Police say the pair allegedly broke into a home around 9:30 p.m. Monday in the 2000 block of College Heights Road. They’re accused of threatening three individuals – ranging in age from 17 to 30 – with guns following a fight between the parties earlier in the evening. Both Vereen and Sims were jailed on bonds of $10,000.

The Riley County Clerk’s Office says it was notified of a clerical error Monday in the local redistricting map, which caused 10 Manhattan residents to cast their ballot for the wrong legislative candidate. Four streets in the area near Sunset Cemetery were incorrectly placed into the 67th State District rather than the 66th. That includes Stratton Circle, Edgerton Avenue, Meadowmere Court and Westview Drive. A total of 101 registered voters live in that redistricted area, after maps were redrawn this past year, per state statute. The Clerk’s Office says it has corrected the clerical error and noted Tuesday that the…

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is among eight Kansas tourism projects to receive $2 million in state funding to boost the tourism industry. The Discovery Center specifically is receiving a $200,000 Tourism Attraction Sub-Grant for Kansas (TASK grant), which will be matched by its foundation to fund a new immersive virtual Flint Hills experience. The organization says it will improve the overall visitor experience, regional quality of life and have a positive impact on the Manhattan and Kansas economies. The proposed exhibit is called Stepping into the Prairie, which will use high-definition projectors, surround sound speakers and motion sensing devices to…

A Riley County Police Department Corrections Sergeant has been issued a notice to appear in Manhattan Municipal Court. Sergeant Justin Borge, 38, was issued the notice for an allegation of disorderly conduct occuring Sept. 26 in the 3000 block of Anderson Ave. Borge reportedly got into an argument with another man at a business, while he was off duty. The Kansas State University Police Department investigated the report, turning over their findings to Manhattan Chief Prosecutor Melissa Rundus, who issued the notice to appear Thursday. In a Friday news release, Interim RCPD Director Kurt Moldrup said “RCPD employees are expected…

Geary County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were the target of vandalism early Thursday morning when 11 patrol units had their tires slashed, according to authorities. Those vehicles were parked in the lot at 9th and Franklin Streets in Junction City. Security video showed 36-year-old Justin Nienhaus, of Grandview Plaza, as the perpetrator. He was arrested by deputies in conjunction with Junction City and Grandview Plaza Police officers on 10 counts of felony criminal damage to property as well as two misdemeanor counts thereof, and two counts of felony interference with a law enforcement officer. Damage to the Sheriff’s vehicles is estimated…

Each of the three finalists for the Riley County Police Department director position made their pitch to the public Thursday night. The Riley County Law Board held a three hour public forum at the Manhattan Fire Department Headquarters. Each presented on a central theme of how they intend to make the community and citizens safer, while simultaneously building trust within and throughout the county’s diverse population. RCPD Administrative Captain Josh Kyle spoke on the importance of rebuilding community partnerships, hiring high-quality personnel, along with a continued focus on face-to-face interactions. Edwardsville Police Chief Mark Mathies spoke on the “Importance of…

Riley County residents looking to clean up their criminal record are invited to a free expungement clinic at the Manhattan Public Library Friday. Attorneys will be on hand to help individuals review if they have any convictions that can be expunged. Deputy Riley County Counselor Craig Cox says there will be a prosecutor available from the County Attorney’s office as well as a judge. “A person can walk in and we’ll review the criminal history. Depending upon the nature of the conviction, for most misdemeanors you have to wait three years after you’ve completed your sentence. For most felonies, it’s…

Lafene Health Center will no longer offer COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals — that is, people absent of symptoms — starting Monday. In a Wednesday release, the health center noted that if asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is required for travel, PCR testing will need to be completed. The patient will be responsible for the cost of PCR testing. Lafene continues to offer symptomatic testing free of charge to K-State students, faculty and staff. That free access continues until funds supporting the effort are exhausted. Asymptomatic COVID-19 testing is available at the Riley County Health Department, as well as some local pharmacies,…

A former preschool nurse entered a not guilty plea this week in Riley County to 27 charges of child sexual abuse. Joshua Penabaz (Pen-uh-bahz) entered his plea at a Monday hearing in front of Judge Kendra Lewison, via Zoom. Rather than setting a trial, his attorney, Bobby Hiebert requested another status hearing as he continues to gather more information. The next hearing will be at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21. If found guilty on all charges, Penabaz faces life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years, and a fine of $500,000. Penabaz resigned from his position at College…