Author: Brandon Peoples

A new scam, involving a person posing as a police officer, is circulating in the area and it’s already cost one resident $2,000. The Riley County Police Department says it recently responded to a citizen deceived by the fake cop into sending them money over the phone using MoneyPak to bond a friend out of jail. MoneyPak is used to deposit cash to a Green Dot prepaid card. It’s a common tactic used by scammers to bilk money from unsuspecting individuals. RCPD says officers will never contact residents to request bond money. That is always handled through a bondsman or…

The Geary County Sheriff’s Office and Junction City Animal Shelter are investigating two deceased dogs found about a week apart in the Burley Hill area, south of Junction City. The first was found Nov. 26 and the second on Dec. 6, both with gunshot wounds. The two dogs were described as a black and tan shepherd mix and a chocolate lab. Anyone with information is urged to call the shelter at 785-238-1359 or the Geary County Sheriff’s Office at 785-238-2261.

The Flint Hills Regional Council recently voted to increase membership fees from 60 cents per-capita to 90 cents per-capita in a move to help sustain the organization in the future and repay some of its debts. Pottawatomie County Administrator Chad Kinsley says he does not support the measure, as it would increase the county’s contributions by more than double. Previously the county has paid around $5,800 annually based on 2010 census figures. The new fees are calculated on 2020 census data, and would cost the county just under $13,000. Commissioner Dee McKee, the county’s representative on the council, says while…

An Ohio man, who earlier this year pleaded guilty in federal court to calling in a threat to Lee Elementary School two years ago, has been sentenced to five years in prison. Online court records show 20-year-old Allen Kenna, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to 60 months on the charge of interstate communication of threats. He’s also charged federally with attempted use of an explosive device for an incident previously in his home state. Chief Judge Patricia Gaughan, of the Northern District of Ohio presided in the case. Kenna called in hoax threat to…

A 12-year-old Manhattan-Ogden student is in custody in connection to a suspicious chat on the social media app Discord. The Riley County Police Department says investigators found no evidence the student planned on, made an effort, or had the means to ever carry out a violent act at Eisenhower Middle School or in the community. Charges against the student are pending. Identifying information is being withheld due to the child’s age. Police began investigating a possible threat against the school Wednesday night after it became aware of a suspicious message shared on the social media platform. The message did not…

One person was injured Wednesday in a crash north of Manhattan. According to the Riley County Police Department an SUV and a minivan were involved in a t-bone crash just before 6 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of North Seth Child Road and Marlatt Ave. Police say 62-year-old Margaret Shykes, of Junction City, was transported to Ascension Via Christi Hospital for treatment of a neck injury. The other driver, 31-year-old Kayla Lemmon, of Manhattan, had no listed injuries, according to the report. The police department says more details about the crash will be forthcoming.

Sen. Bob Dole became just the second Kansan to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Thursday, the other being former President Dwight Eisenhower in 1969. On Thursday, Sen. Jerry Moran spoke with KMAN about the life and legacy of the Russell native, who died Sunday at the age of 98. While Moran acknowledges Sen. Dole’s shoes are difficult to fill and won’t be filled, he says he continues try to replicate Dole’s love for Kansans and knowing them. Moran says even in a divided country in the age of social media, he hopes Dole’s example of leading with civility can…

Riley County identified 106 new COVID-19 cases and 59 additional recoveries in its latest weekly report Wednesday, bringing the active case count to 147. Ascension Via Christi is caring for 10 COVID-positive patients, four of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit, with three on ventilators. The health department says one ICU patient is fully vaccinated. Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says much of the spread they’re seeing is in young school-aged children. She highly encourages parents to get their kids vaccinated. Influenza, MMR and other immunizations are also available through the Riley County Health Department for children and adults.…

A U.S. Department of Agriculture collaboration with a top pharmaceutical company is opening up opportunities and mentorships for scholars interested in careers at the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility in Manhattan. The department’s Agricultural Research Service has partnered with German-based Boehringer Ingelheim to expand a longstanding veterinary school program up to 12 veterinary students. Each will be able to work with USDA scientists next summer to research emerging diseases with the potential to affect animals and public health. NBAF is one of three ARS specialized facilities in the country taking part in the five-year partnership. The others included the…

A Manhattan man is jailed after allegedly stealing another person’s bike at gunpoint. Riley County Police arrested 36-year-old James Norton Tuesday on a warrant listing several charges including aggravated armed robbery. The alleged incident took place around 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the 400 block of Leavenworth Street. Police listed a 51-year-old male victim. The total loss is estimated at $700. In addition, Northon is charged with possession of an opiate, interference with a law enforcement officer, probation and parole violation charges as well as a charge for failure to appear. Norton remains in the Riley County Jail on a bond…