Author: Brandon Peoples

Riley County Police are investigating an aggravated robbery at the Dillon’s Westloop store in Manhattan. According to RCPD’s activity report, two suspects allegedly under rung their items at the self-checkout Tuesday afternoon and left the store. The loss associated is unknown. A 28-year-old male, working security approached one of the suspects, a 59-year-old male, who pulled a handgun on him. He and a 57-year-old female then left the store in a 2002 black Ford Taurus. Police have identified the two suspects but so far haven’t brought them into custody. Anyone with additional information is urged to call RCPD or Crime…

A former Manhattan Parks & Recreation employee charged with sex crimes was in Pottawatomie County District Court Tuesday. Zach Bayless appeared in court for a status hearing. Pottawatomie County Attorney Sherri Schuck tells KMAN that Judge Erich Campbell set a potential waiver of preliminary hearing and arraignment for Dec. 16 at 1:30 p.m. It’s possible Bayless could reach a plea deal with prosecutors, but the two sides have yet to finalize any agreement. The former recreation supervisor was arrested in May on two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, including possession of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. Investigators…

Riley County Police are investigating an apparent string of vehicle burglaries reported over the weekend in Ogden. According to Monday’s activity report, RCPD filed multiple reports after suspects reportedly entered approximately 22 vehicles sometime in the early hours of Nov. 13. While most residents reported little to no loss, some weren’t as fortunate. RCPD says items stolen included a Sony Playstation 4 and Apple Airpods from a car in the 500 block of 13th Street in Ogden. Additionally, RCPD filed a report for criminal damage to property Monday afternoon in the 200 block of 12th Street in Ogden after Habitat…

Donations of lingerie and other clothing items specifically for women and girls were on display Tuesday over the lunch hour at the Manhattan Arts Center. The center hosted the 14th annual Lingerie Alight event for the Fairy Godmothers group, a local chapter of over 100 Manhattan area women helping women. Board member Cheryl Grice says the event benefits four local nonprofit organizations. On display were three tables, and several racks of clothing from socks and pajamas, to bras, underwear and nightgowns. Grice says the Fairy Godmothers specifically target items of need for women in crisis. Each of the agencies, (The…

The City of Manhattan has named Brandon Keazer as the new director of the Manhattan Regional Airport. Keazer, the airport’s assistant director since 2015, succeeds Jesse Romo who left Manhattan to become director of airports in Wichita. Romo’s last day in Manhattan was Friday. In a statement Monday, Keazer stated he’s excited for the opportunity after helping oversee many changes over the last six years. He’ll provide continuity for the city as it embarks on a full runway reconstruction project in 2023. City Manager Ron Fehr stated Keazer’s knowledge of the airport, city government and the region will help allow for…

Pottawatomie County has agreed to pay a portion of the cost to install a new signalized crosswalk at the intersection of Green Valley Road and Nature Ave. The solar powered signal is aimed at improving safety for students in the area who walk to the new Oliver Brown Elementary School. County Administrator Chad Kinsley explains the breakdown of costs. “So the signal is $15,000 to put in at Green Valley and Nature. It would help with kids going across and citizens throughout the rest of the day. The school (district) is going to contribute half and we would have to…

The Manhattan Fire Department says an early Saturday morning fire caused extensive damage to a home in west Manhattan. Firefighters were dispatched just before 5:30 a.m. Saturday to 120 South Wreath Ave. for a report of the smell of smoke and a carbon monoxide detector going off. Crews found a smoldering fire in an attached garage of a 2-story single-family home. Crews ensured the fire was out and ventilated the structure. The occupants were home at the time, but sustained no injuries. The cause was determined to be accidental due to an aquarium heater in the garage. The fire department…

The executive director of the Flint Hills Regional Council has announced she’s stepping down from the role. Christy Rodriguez submitted her resignation last week after her husband Adrian recently accepted a Vice President position at Texas A&M University similar to that of his former job at K-State. Rodriguez, who had been in the role since May 2020, told KMAN in an email that she recently relocated to Corpus Christi as a result and will continue with FHRC until Dec. 10. She had agreed to continue working with the council through several critical deadlines. The board will begin working on next…

A small fire was quickly extinguished Friday morning at the east Manhattan Dillon’s store, but not before causing a brief evacuation. Upon arrival, light smoke could be seen throughout the building. Crews evacuated the building and found a small fire in the store’s HVAC ductwork that was put out within 20 minutes. No injuries were reported and the store reopened after firefighters cleared the scene. Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes tells KMAN the fire cause was accidental, due to welding being performed on ductwork which sparked the lining of the duct. Loss is estimated at $5,000. Manhattan Fire was assisted…

The City of Manhattan has a new director of the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. Bryce Caulk was officially named director Friday after settling into the role the past few weeks. He succeeds Deb Watkins, who left the shelter earlier this year. As director, Caulk is responsible for the operations of the shelter and will oversee the city’s Animal Control Division. He also will act as the official spokesperson for the Animal Service Division and liaison to the public. Before coming to Manhattan, Caulk worked in animal welfare for 16 years and most recently was the Director of the Beatrice…