Author: Brandon Peoples

Some of Manhattan’s best business leaders and volunteers were recognized Friday at the 99th annual Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. The honor of the night went to Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr, who was selected as the 2023 Lud Fiser Citizen of the Year. Fehr is retiring in April after more than four decades with the city, including the past 24 years in his current leadership position. The 2023 C. Clyde Jones Volunteer of the Year award was given to retired attorney Jim Morrison. Morrison has been instrumental in several philanthropic efforts, including the launching of Meadowlark Hills and…

A Manhattan man was hospitalized Friday following a pursuit on K-18. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Geary County deputies were in pursuit of a Kia Forte, driven by 58-year-old Mose Allen shortly before 10 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of the highway. Allen lost control of his vehicle, striking the right and left side of a bridge wall, coming to rest in the center median. Allen was transported to Stormont Vail-Flint Hills for a suspected minor injury. The crash report states he was not wearing a seat belt. He’s jailed in Geary County on numerous charges including felony flee…

A former Clay County Undersheriff is under investigation for alleged mistreatment of an inmate. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says 55-year-old Harold Stellner, of Clay Center, turned himself in Friday and was subsequently arrested. He’s charged with mistreatment of a confined person, a Class A misdemeanor. KBI initiated an investigation in early October at the request of the Clay County Sheriff, when he discovered evidence of an incident that took place in late September at the jail. Stellner is believed to have unlawfully struck an inmate. He has since been fired. The investigation remains ongoing. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office…

A judge has granted Geary County Commissioners’ request for a temporary injunction in an ongoing financial dispute over EMS services. 5th Judicial District Judge W. Lee Fowler made the ruling Thursday, preventing Junction City from suspending EMS services outside city limits, while also requiring Geary County to keep paying for the service. Judge Fowler is allowing the two government entities to continue negotiations or draft a new contract. Geary County Commission Chair Trish Giordano says she was pleased with Thursday’s ruling. A long-standing contract requires Geary County to pay two-thirds of the cost, with Junction City paying the remaining third.…

Authorities in Geary County say deputies this week seized about 7,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. The Sheriff’s Office says a traffic stop was conducted at around 1 p.m. Feb. 4 on Interstate 70, where officers located the M30 pills which they determined were to be distributed in Geary County. The discovery of the counterfeit pills led to several search warrants as well as arrests. More arrests and charges are currently pending. This is a developing story and it will be updated as information becomes available.

A Riley County Commissioner voiced his concerns Thursday over local strategies to address workforce housing challenges. Manhattan city officials have been looking into state and federal incentive programs aimed at increasing the volume of affordable housing options in communities. During Thursday’s county meeting, John Ford was vocal about his thoughts on the issue. The issue will be the subject of a February 15 Joint City/County meeting, which will take place at 4 p.m. in the county commission chambers. Ford was responding to County Clerk Rich Vargo, who noted the housing topic was a key discussion point at a recent Chamber…

A Manhattan man is jailed following an alleged robbery. The Riley County Police Department says a 62-year-old woman reported to police that a 35-year-old man entered her home Thursday in the 800 block of Fremont and took money and other various items. The man, identified as Timothy Lavender, fled before officers arrived. He was arrested later Thursday on single counts of robbery and theft. He remains confined on a $51,000 bond.

A pedestrian was hospitalized Thursday morning after being struck by a motorist. The Riley County Police Department says it happened near the intersection of North Manhattan Ave. and Research Park Drive after a Toyota Corolla, driven by 26-year-old Simran Joshi struck 21-year-old Jayce Kohls. EMS transported Kohls to Ascension Via Christi Hospital. Police issued Joshi a citation for failing to yield the right of way.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Kansas State University’s online programs for excellence in six categories. The organization evaluated more than 1,600 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, analyzing program effectiveness in student engagement, faculty credentials and student services and technology. Programs were also ranked on how effectively they serve veterans. K-State’s online master’s programs in business, including the Master of Science in Data Analytics and Master of Accountancy, jumped from No. 43 to No. 9 nationally, the highest ranking ever. The online master’s in education also moved up four spots to No. 12 nationally, including a No. 3…

A Manhattan man was arrested Wednesday on a Jackson County District Court warrant tied to an alleged stalking incident last month. The Riley County Police Department says 43-year-old John Robert Martin is charged with felony counts of stalking and criminal threat, and misdemeanor counts of violating a protective order and phone harassment. The incidents occurred between Jan. 16 and 17, involving an adult female victim. No further details are currently available. Martin was issued a $100,000 bond, but was no longer in custody as of Thursday’s arrest report.