Author: Brandon Peoples

Authorities appear to be close to announcing an arrest in the case of a June 13 arson incident at the Manhattan Walmart. During an update to the Pottawatomie County Commission on Monday, County Attorney John Paul Washburn said he planned to meet with the lead detective on the case later in the day to review surveillance footage. “They’ve got someone identified and the detective is certain it’s this person,” he said. “I want to watch the video myself because of the information I’ve already reviewed, just to make sure that I’m not missing anything, so I can feel confident that…

Manhattan city officials will host a pair of public input sessions this week to gather feedback on a potential redevelopment project along the city’s riverfront. A private local group worked for several years on a plan to improve accessibility to the Kansas River. John Verssue, city planner with Manhattan Community Development, said the city is putting the project into a public planning framework through the parks and recreation department’s Move MHK comprehensive plan. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more local news.

The National Job Corps Association was allowed to continue its operations after a federal judge on Wednesday granted a preliminary injunction to stop the U.S. Department of Labor from shutting it down. Melissa Graf is the executive director of Life Skills Connection, an organization that contracts with Job Corps in other parts of the country. She said the decision allows programs like Flint Hills Job Corps in Manhattan to continue operations, at least for now. “While not permanent, the national injunction is a significant milestone because it allows all campuses to stay open while the entire litigation process plays out,…

City commissioners on Tuesday received a comprehensive overview of Manhattan’s utility rates, budget planning and property valuations, with city staff outlining the city’s financial health and future challenges. Director of public utilities Kevin Niles is recommending a 3% increase in water and wastewater rates to keep up with rising costs, fund critical maintenance and avoid any sharp rate hikes in future years. “We starting to see a divergence where expenses are projected to rise faster than revenues without additional rate adjustments,” he said. “We recommend the 3% increase to close the gap and maintain financial balance.” To view the full…

More than two dozen arrests have been made in connection to a year-long investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl within Junction City and Manhattan. According to a Tuesday news release from the Junction City Police Department, 28 warrants were executed out of Geary County District Court on June 16. Six individuals from Manhattan were arrested in connection, including Daizha Brooks, Jalisa Carson, Cody Dodge, Donnithan Jones, Angel Morgan and Brittanie Vaughn. The remaining 22 arrests involved individuals from Junction City. Those arrested include Samantha Arnold, Justin Beckham, Stephanie Boyer, Patricia Campbell, Abigayle Franklin, Rickey Gasson, Britteny Hall, Danielle…

Pottawatomie County health officials are increasing efforts to fight against opioid overdoses. At Monday’s county commission meeting, the health department’s community health educator Jenny Ebert, described a new initiative the department started, placing boxes containing naloxone in easily accessible public spaces. “You pick that box up and it gives you step-by-step instructions on a 60-second video how to start naloxone if someone is in opioid distress, from pharmaceutical or illicit opioids,” she said. “It gives you start to finish (instructions), to call 911, how to administer the nasal spray, how to put them in the recovery position and wait for…

A new housing development on Moro Street is moving forward after city officials on Tuesday unanimously supported a resolution and economic development agreement with Midtown Holdings, LLC. The developer is planning an $800,000, five townhome project at 716 Moro called “Moro Flats.” The project will receive $80,000 in the form of a workforce housing sales tax grant and a property tax abatement for 10 years, totaling a little over $10,000 annually. Manhattan Director of Community Development Stephanie Peterson says the abatement will be based on performance. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more local news.

Visitors to Aggieville can once again drive the length of Moro Street from North Manhattan Ave. to 11th Street. Construction crews reopened the intersection of 12th and Moro Wednesday morning following a nearly one month closure, for utility replacement and reconstruction. Manhattan Public Works Director Brian Johnson said the project finished ahead of schedule, thanks to good weather. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more local news.

Downtown Manhattan soon will have a designated space where people can freely roam while drinking an alcoholic beverage. City commissioners on Tuesday narrowly approved an ordinance that will establish a common consumption area that will include several downtown businesses. The vote was 3-2, with commissioners Susan Adamchak, John Matta and Jayme Minton supporting. Mayor Karen McCulloh and commissioner Peter Oppelt voted against. To view the full article visit theMercury.com. Click here for more local news.

All eyes will be on the Riley County Commission Thursday as the board considers a possible veto of a Manhattan workforce housing project. In a Wednesday newsletter to its members, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce reiterated its support for the project and urged the county to support the project. “We would be disappointed if the county would take this approach on the issue,” the letter stated. “We cannot continue to pay for existing services if we don’t grow. The existing tax burden on our residents, small businesses and entrepreneurs and lack of growth to provide more jobs and shopping…