Author: Brandon Peoples

Day three of the murder trial of Richard Goens continued Tuesday with testimony from the state and finished with the defendant himself taking the stand. One of the four co-defendants in the case, Jaylon Hitsman testified against Goens Tuesday, claiming it was Goens’ plan to rob Tanner Zamecnik and use Jaylon and his brother Dylan as pawns in the ordeal. The two were in Zamecnik’s vehicle during the cannabis transaction. Jaylon told prosecutors that once they saw the weed, they would give Goens the go ahead to commit the robbery. Jaylon confirmed Dylan sent the “ready” text to Goens. Jaylon…

Pottawatomie County officials held a lengthy conversation Monday over conditional use permits and the process for how those permits are carried out. Currently the planning commission has the final say over how and when those types of permits are approved, with little oversight from the county commission. County Counselor John Watt says he fears it’s making the county vulnerable to potential litigation, citing case law from Wabaunsee County, he referred to as the “Zimmerman” case. Watt’s recommendation was to change the process and the rules so the conditional use permits are treated the same as zoning cases, in that the…

Riley County Police are investigating an apparent aggravated battery and assault that occurred early Sunday morning at McDonald’s at 4th and Bluemont Ave. Police say a male suspect in the passenger side of a car in the drive thru lane reportedly pulled a gun on a 23-year-old man as he walked by. A separate male suspect, driving the car, hit a 24-year-old woman in the leg as the car fled the area. She refused treatment by EMS on scene. Anyone with information about this incident are asked to call RCPD or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Doing so could net…

A Manhattan man is jailed after an apparent knife attack that injured at least one person. The Riley County Police Department says a report was filed Saturday in the area of 9th and Humboldt Street, charging 39-year-old Benjamin Lewis with aggravated battery, aggravated assault and interference with LEO. According to the report, Lewis is alleged to have threatened two male victims with a knife and cut a third victim on the cheek. The third victim, a 58-year-old man was seen by EMS on scene but did not require transport. Lewis was jailed on a $21,000 bond.

A suspect from a 2019 house party brawl where shots were fired has been brought into custody from out of state. According to the Riley County Police Department, 30-year-old Travell Hairston of Sacramento, California, was extradited to the Riley County Jail Sunday and arrested for two failure to appear warrants. One of those is connected to the Sept. 15, 2019 incident in the 1300 block of Fremont Street in Manhattan. Hairston is alleged to have fired a gun inside a home during a house party. The other warrant is tied to a February 2020 arrest for distribution charges. Hairston was…

A popular Aggieville restaurant is closing its doors. HCI Hospitality announced Saturday that Coco Bolos Wood Fire Grill and Cantina will close later this month after losing its lease. The last day of operations is Jan. 22. Coco Bolos has been a staple of the Aggieville area since its opening in November of 1998. “Coco Bolos has been a destination for so many in the area and those returning to Manhattan for a visit. It’s been an honor to serve Manhattan and to be a small part of this community. We thank everyone for their support over the years,” said…

Parents of preschoolers in Manhattan are scrambling to find childcare this week after USD 383 announced a one-week shift to remote learning at College Hill Early Learning Center due to a surge in quarantines tied to COVID-19. A letter sent to parents late Friday stated that 70 percent of the building’s students are currently in quarantine or have been identified as close contacts. The district says a number of staff also tested positive for COVID recently. The building will remain closed through Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, reopening on Tuesday, Jan. 18. College Hill currently houses around 200 plus preschool…

Fort Riley has announced it’s standing up a COVID testing site at the Irwin Army Community Hospital starting Monday. The hospital will offer drive thru rapid, antigen testing weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. for symptomatic beneficiaries only. It is located on the hospital’s ground floor parking structure. Testing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It will remain open until further notice and will be closed during federal and training holidays. Active duty personnel must visit their respective soldier centered medical homes for testing and cannot use the site. DoD civilians who are not beneficiaries must consult with their…

The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has announced next week’s Flint Hills Regional Leaders Retreat in Manhattan, has been postponed due to rising public health concerns surrounding Covid-19. Chamber President Jason Smith tells KMAN they have every intention of still having the retreat. He says the Chamber and its partners, do not want to contribute to the growing concern. The retreat was initially scheduled for Jan. 13 and 14. Instead, organizers will look to hold the event sometime this spring. Those who have registered will be notified when a reschedule date is announced. Chamber members wishing for a refund can…

School district officials are looking into what caused a pipe to break Monday at Oliver Brown Elementary School. During his update to the school board Wednesday, Assistant USD 383 Superintendent Eric Reid noted the incident happened during in-service. Fortunately people were in the building at the time to respond. USD 383 Maintenance Director Matt Davis says crews sucked out around 450 gallons of water from the library by late Monday. Reid says a damage estimate is pending. Reid credited first year principal Erin Lopez and her staff for pivoting from professional development to clean up mode during Monday’s in service…