Author: Brandon Peoples

The Cold Weather Rule officially takes effect on Friday, Nov. 1, and the Kansas Corporation Commission encourages those behind on utility payments to make arrangements as soon as possible. First enacted in 1983, the Cold Weather Rule is in place in Kansas through the colder months to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. Those companies are prohibited from disconnecting service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment…

A group of Kansas State University researchers have received $2 million in funding from the National Science Foundation to conduct fundamental studies on new treatments for glioblastoma and other cancers. It’s part of a collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Branch through NSF’s Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program. Johnson Cancer Research Center interim director Dr. Keith Chapes says glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive form of an adult primary brain tumor. “in many cases, people are diagnosed and the cancer has progressed to the point where even with surgery and other therapies, they’re not curable.…

A drug take-back event held in Manhattan over the weekend is being hailed a success. The Riley County Police Department, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration held two take-back locations Saturday. In just four hours, the collection efforts netted 173 pounds of unused or unwanted prescription medications. Collection booths were set up Saturday at the Manhattan Walmart and Dillon’s Westloop locations. Held twice a year in Manhattan, the event encourages the anonymous return of those medications as a way to prevent pill abuse and theft. An April collection event saw about 158 pounds collected, meaning more than 331 pounds…

A pair of Wamego residents were jailed recently on various drug charges and a charge of child endangerment. Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat says officers executed a search warrant Friday at 105 East Valley, lot #34 in Wamego. The warrant was part of an investigation into illegal drug activity. Officers were assisted by the Wamego Police Department. Deputies arrested 31-year-old Jacob Hodges and 21-year-old Mickensie Blaise. Each were charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment. Both posted bonds of $25,000 each and were released pending separate court appearances.

Ready or not, winter weather appears to be returning to the Manhattan area this week. A rain-snow mix is possible after sunset Monday, although little to no snow accumulation is expected. Minimal impacts are expected, though it could create some isolated slick spots on roadways, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges. Temperatures will dip into the 20s. A second system could produce even more hazards Tuesday night into Thursday, including the potential for a mixture of rain, snow and possibly freezing rain. Timing of the system and potential hazards remain uncertain. There may be multiple transition periods between snow,…

A Texas man faces charges in Riley County after he was arrested on a warrant for rape and kidnapping. The Riley County Police Department’s arrest report states that 27-year-old Michael Dylan Dakin of Kyle, Texas, is charged with four total counts including rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sodomy and attempted aggravated criminal sodomy. The incidents are alleged to have occurred in April 2019. Dakin was brought into custody Saturday and remains jailed on a $125,000 bond. According to Texas newspaper, the Hays Free Press, Dakin was arrested following an automobile accident in Texas earlier this month and was awaiting extradition…

House conservatives recently released some details of their latest health care plan, part of the first steps toward an overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. First District Congressman and 2020 U.S. Senate candidate Roger Marshall, Chair of the Republican Study Committee’s Health Care Task Force says the plan is intended to give the patients and doctors control of their healthcare. Marshall says it’s a sharp contrast from the “Medicare for All” option being championed by Democrats. “They want to do just the opposite. They want the federal government to take over your healthcare. We want to empower patients to be…

Last week, Pawnee Mental Health Services officially unveiled its new Crisis Stabilization Center. Now the work begins on staffing the facility ahead of its Nov. 4 opening date. “We’re spending time orienting staff – especially the new ones – to Pawnee Mental Health Services and then orienting all of them to some of the things they need to know to work most effectively with those in crisis,” said Pawnee Mental Health Executive Director Robbin Cole. Kansas has specific training requirements for some of the positions within the center. Cole says part of the objective the next two weeks is ensuring…

A hog-wild event raised money for a good cause Thursday. Guests lined up for a hog roast lunch and dinner buffet at Cox Brothers BBQ – part of the Hogtoberfest celebration – to benefit the Meadowlark Foundation’s Good Samaritan fund. Among the activities was a hog kissing contest, featuring five of the top money earners. Attorney Jim Morrison raised the most funds, but was unable to attend to kiss the hog, so Cox Brothers BBQ co-owner Bud Cox stepped in for him. The top five earners were selected from the Manhattan Mercury’s readers’ choice awards. Together they generated nearly $3,400…

A head-on collision south of Manhattan along K-177 injured five people Thursday. The Kansas Highway Patrol says just after 3 p.m., a northbound passenger car driven by Kathleen Weir of Topeka went left of center near Old Highway 18 and struck a southbound car driven by Maxine Franks of Wichita. Both sustained injuries in the crash, with Weir’s injuries suspected to be more serious. Three passengers in Weir’s car also required hospital trips. Scott Weir of Topeka had minor injuries while Jerry and Leilani Bradley of Las Vegas, Nevada had suspected serious injuries. KHP says all five of the individuals…