Author: Brandon Peoples

Strong winds and wave action Sunday caused a fuel barge carrying approximately 1,800 gallons of diesel fuel to sink into 20 feet of water at Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Federal officials with the Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a press release that the incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday. No foul play is suspected. The corps said it has activated its emergency response plan and is working with the contractor who owns the barge, the National Response Center and the state of Kansas to assess and contain the situation. To view the full article visit…

Downtown Manhattan is once again partnering with the Konza Prairie Quilters Guild to display several quilts at participating businesses during the upcoming Parade of Quilts March 21 through April 4. A proclamation read at Monday’s Riley County Commission meeting recognized the guild and encouraged residents and visitors to participate in the two-week event. Organizer Ginny Petersen said 18 businesses will host displays of quilts accompanied by a scavenger hunt. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County Emergency Medical Services kept busy during Fake Patty’s Day earlier this month, but according to director David Adams, no major issues occurred. Adams told commissioners Monday his department responded to 30 calls for service on March 7, with 23 of those calls considered directly related to Fake Patty’s Day celebrations. “I think it was up a little bit from last year, but the weather was also pretty nice,” he said. “When I say possibly related to it, if they were at a house party, or if they were dressed in Fake Patty’s Day clothing, then we kind of…

The Riley County Commission on Monday recognized noxious weed director Michael Boller, who recently received the public relations award at the 88th annual Kansas Weed Conference. The award recognized his outstanding public education efforts on noxious weeds, including an appearance on KMAN’s “Within Reason.” Public information officer Vivienne Leyva said Monday that Boller’s interview has since been adopted for training sessions across the state, reflecting his commitment to educating the public and supporting Riley County’s environmental stewardship.

Quick show today. Another update on the K-State men’s basketball coaching search. Is another top candidate out? <iframe frameborder=”0″ height=”200″ scrolling=”no” src=”https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=NCACA8319948836″ width=”100%”></iframe>

Riley County commissioners approved a resolution Thursday expanding who can serve on the county’s Rural Economic Development Advisory Board. The board advises the county on policies and programs intended to support economic growth in rural areas of Riley County. The decision follows a March 2 discussion about a member who volunteered to fill a vacancy but didn’t meet the residency requirements. Previously, all who served on the board were required to live in Riley County, outside of Manhattan city limits. The resolution adopted Thursday allows one board member to reside in either Geary or Pottawatomie County as long as they…

A lease agreement for the Riley County Police Department’s new Aggieville substation was tabled for one week, to allow the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board an opportunity to review it before it is signed. The request came from commissioner Kathryn Focke, the current police board chair. “That’s something that probably should be presented to the law board,” she said. “They haven’t even looked at plans or anything.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County commissioners are keeping an eye on several legislative matters as the session marches toward the finish line. Toward the end of their Monday meeting, commissioners received a mid-session update on property tax proposals, the state budget and several bills that could impact local governments. Tom Bruno, one of the county’s two lobbyists, told commissioners property tax reform continues dominating much of the discussion in Topeka, with no clear-cut consensus from lawmakers on what that might look like. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Department heads met with Riley County commissioners Thursday for the first time since officials last week announced plans to develop a county administrator position. During a 45-minute work session, the three commissioners heard concerns and suggestions from department leaders as the county considers recommendations from its outside consultant. Emergency services director David Adams spoke on behalf of a collective of department heads. He noted the group is generally behind the concept but also sought further clarity on how the position will be structured. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Two local breweries are coming together to start a new community art and craft festival this spring. Riley County commissioners on Thursday approved a request from Manhattan Brewing Company and Aggieville Brewing Company for an alcohol use permit at CiCo Park on May 16. Jake Voegeli, co-owner of Manhattan Brewing Company, told commissioners that the goal is to create a German-inspired food and beverage celebration. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.