Author: Brandon Peoples

Pottawatomie County health officials say they do not have any confirmed cases of coronavirus in the county. The county is dismissing rumors of a pending positive case in the county after talk of possible cases in the area came up during the meeting. Dr. Dave Wichman, Chief of Psychiatry at Colmery O’Neil VA Medical Center expressed concern that the county hasn’t been proactive enough in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The county said as of 10 a.m. Tuesday there were no confirmed presumed positive cases and that it will push out any confirmation through multiple avenues if and when there are…

The pedestrian killed in a traffic incident last week at the intersection of 15th Street and Fort Riley Blvd. has been identified. The Kansas Highway Patrol says 61-year-old Francisco Nevarrez-Arrellano died March 11 after he was struck by an oncoming vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Madelline Haynes of Junction City. No further details have been released. KHP reported they were unable to locate a next of kin for Nevarrez-Arrellano. Original story: March 12 at 7:00 a.m. A pedestrian was struck and killed Wednesday evening at the intersection of 15th Street and Fort Riley Blvd. in Manhattan. The Kansas Highway Patrol says…

The Riley County District Court is taking additional measures to prevent against the spread of the COVID-19. Judge Grant Bannister issued an administrative order Monday for the courts which will remain open, but with limited services. All jury trials scheduled through April 20, 2020 are continued pending further order from the court. Any juror receiving summons for trials from March 17 through April 20 do not need to report to the courthouse on the assigned date of the summons. Court Administrator DaLanna Nichols says it will create some challenges for the courts. “We do have video conferencing capabilities. Those cases…

All children 1-18 needing a meal this week will be able to pick up a free to-go lunch at some select USD 383 schools beginning today. This will be offered to anyone regardless of income level. USD 383 Child Nutrition says curb side pick up of hot to-go lunches and a cold breakfast for the next day are available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the following locations: *Bluemont Elementary pickup will be on the west side of the building *Lee Elementary School pickup will be in the front of the building *Northview Elementary School pickup will be in…

The Manhattan Public Library, like many other public places, announced Saturday a temporary closure until March 30. As a result, any items currently checked out will not be due until April 15 and no fines will be accrued. Items currently on hold will be held until April 6. Patrons are not required during the closure to return items, but can do so in the outside book drops, which remain open. The library says book donations will not be accepted until further notice and all library programs cancelled are until the library reopens on March 30. During the closure, all meeting…

*Story updated Saturday after business owners came together to announce Fake Patty’s Day was cancelled Aggieville remains open for business, but no longer are bars going to be offering promotions or wrist band for Fake Patty’s Day amid concerns for the spread of coronavirus. The annual event brings thousands into the district for a celebration, outside the traditional St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Most of the event-goers are college students, some from K-State, others from other parts of Kansas, some from out of state. Aggieville Business Association Executive Director Dennis Cook told KMAN Saturday that they didn’t have 100 percent agreement…

Manhattan city officials are urging the public to stay calm amid the growing concerns nationally due to coronavirus. Mayor Usha Reddi issued a statement late Friday outlining her goal to help residents be the most prepared and reduce the risk of exposure. That includes a virtual shut down of city-wide sponsored public events and programs until March 30, as recommended by the Riley County Health Department. “I think that’s why they put the quarantine time as that much for isolating everybody because we’re not ready. We are not ready as a community if everybody wants to get tested and you…

Aggieville Business Association Executive Director Dennis Cook updated us on St. Patrick’s Day and Fake Patty’s Day events Friday morning. Cook says despite some of the social distancing going on, Aggieville is open for business.

K-12 school leaders are wrestling with the challenges of how to best protect the safety of children and staff against the spread of COVID-19. State Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson held a conference call Thursday where he informed school leaders of three options the districts have in the event a local health department mandates a closure due to a positive test. “Number one – you can make up the days prior to June 30. Number two – you can ask the state department for an e-learning option. The third option is to request from me or the state board of…

Kansas State University is suspending in-person classes from March 16-20 and classes will resume remotely March 23 and continue until further notice, in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 after spring break. The university announced the decision Thursday morning. The change impacts all K-State campuses. Online classes will continue as scheduled. All campuses will remain open to serve essential needs for students and faculty though visitors are urged to postpone campus visits during this time. K-State President Richard Myers issued a statement Thursday morning. “Right now, the K-State community is dispersed throughout the nation and globe during spring break.…