Author: Brandon Peoples

Kansas State University officials have responded to a watchdog report linking a new student organization on campus to a white nationalist movement. In an email to KMAN Thursday, Vice President for communications and marketing Jeff Morris said the university has nothing in its guidelines to regulate against white nationalism and says America First Students is an independent student organization, not operated or controlled by the university. Morris’ statement reads: “Kansas State University has a long and proud history of commitment to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate in all matters. Every member of the university community shares in the responsibility…

A multi-vehicle wreck near a busy Manhattan intersection disrupted traffic and sent at least one person to the hospital Wednesday evening. The Kansas Highway Patrol says two passenger cars, a Nissan Altima and a Mercury Grand Marquis and a semi truck were stopped at a red light in the southbound lanes of Tuttle Creek Blvd. north of Kimball Ave. just before 5:30 p.m. A fourth vehicle, a GMC Acadia could not stop as it came to the intersection and struck one of the vehicles, causing a chain reaction. One of two passengers in the Nissan, 25-year-old Brianna Porter of Manhattan…

TOPEKA — Manhattan Mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Usha Reddi testified Tuesday in favor of a bill that would remove the statute of limitations for reporting childhood sexual abuse in civil suits. “Kansas is on the right side of the law, having no statute of limitations for criminal sexual abuse, and it should do the same in civil suits. Sexual abuse is about power and in cases of sexual abuse, it’s usually someone you trust,” she said. Speaking before the House Judiciary Committee, Reddi shared her own experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse and how she was able…

A status hearing has been reset for an 18-year-old Manhattan man accused of attempted murder. Jalen Gill appeared in court Tuesday afternoon, where a new status hearing was set for March 10 at 1 p.m. in front of Judge William Malcolm. Gill was previously jailed on a $150,000 bond, which was lowered to $75,000 by the judge. Gill has since been released and is being represented by the Public Defender’s office. Court documents allege Gill fired a gun Jan. 29 inside an occupied dwelling, injuring another person. The victim in the case was treated and released from the hospital. Gill…

Riley County 4H will offer its fourth annual youth entrepreneurship challenge in March and are currently looking for the next talented young Riley County students to participate. Riley County K-State Extension 4H Agent John Jobe says the event challenges students with prospective business ideas to present them in front of a panel of judges. “I throw it out there every year and certainly pitch it to our young participants as Shark Tank for high school kids. I encounter on a regular basis so many young people that have that entrepreneurial spirit, business minded, but they don’t have a place for…

If you’re wondering why your pet’s breath smells bad, it could be periodontal disease going untreated, the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs. But it is preventable with just a few extra steps taken by pet owners to initiate better oral health with their pets. Dr. Marjory Artzer is an assistant professor of small animal dentistry with the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She says pets, like humans need to have their teeth brushed daily. “The more you can do, the better it is because you’re just washing the daily plaque away, just like for you…

Touting a message of optimism for Kansas farmers, 1st District Congressman and current Republican Senate candidate Roger Marshall spoke to a gathering at the annual Young Farmers & Ranchers Leaders Conference Saturday at the Manhattan Conference Center. The conference was sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau. Marshall says after an eventful and historic week, which saw President Trump deliver his State of the Union address, then get acquitted in the Senate impeachment trial, there is a lot he and the administration can be proud of. Marshall says the focus now continues on potential trade agreements to benefit Kansas agricultural markets including…

A 27-year-old man is in custody after three Manhattan businesses were burglarized Friday night. According to the Riley County Police Department, Oliver Henry was arrested while in the 1800 block of Claflin Rd. on three counts of criminal damage to property, two counts of burglary and attempted burglary. He’s being held on a $15,000 bond. Police say Henry was taken into custody shortly after 12:30 a.m. Saturday during an attempted robbery at Kellstrom Pharmacy. Two other businesses, including the Shop Quik in the 1100 block of Scenic Landing and Candlewood Health Mart, located in the 3200 block of Kimball, were…

The Manhattan/Ogden USD 383 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday in support of House Bill 2498 in the Kansas Legislature. The proposal would exclude hypothetical leased fee when determining fair market value for real property. Big box retailers commonly use the appraisal practice, commonly known as the “dark store theory,” referring to a loophole in state law that allows their properties to be taxed as though they are vacant “or dark” stores. Riley County currently has four merchants appealing their appraisals to the Board of Tax Appeals – Manhattan Marketplace, Hy-Vee, Target and The Home Depot. USD 383…

Community members are invited to three upcoming spring mobile food distribution events over the next two months. Hands on K-State, a campus organization that promotes civic learning and leadership through volunteer service opportunities, says each event will have free fresh produce to anyone in the community who needs it, regardless if you’re a K-State student or not. This is open to everyone in the community. Students, faculty, staff and others are welcome to attend. It’s a partnership that includes K-State and Harvesters. The first of three mobile food distributions is at 4 p.m. on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) at the…