Author: Brandon Peoples

The Riley County Law Board got their opportunity Monday to weigh in on efforts made by the Riley County Police Department during Fake Patty’s Day activities on March 2. As previously reported, this year’s event saw an uptick in arrests and citations, as RCPD made a concerted effort to control some of the large gatherings east of campus. Capt. Greg Steere stated the police department doesn’t see the day as a success, noting there were still instances of violence which led to injuries to officers and civilians. “Just based solely on the crime that occurred and some of the inappropriate…

The Kansas Senate did its part late last week approving a tax bill that includes a new version of a flat tax proposal. Senate Bill 539 would change income tax rates over six years, beginning with a universal rate of 5.7% this year, reducing a half a percent annually until 2029, when it would become 5.45%. State Rep. Kenny Titus says the House will have its go at the budget this week and explains how the flat tax would benefit middle class families. “Say you’re married, the joint personal exemption jumps up to $22,000 and then is $3,000 per child and…

Authorities are searching for information connected to a burglary at Brooks Yamaha, in east Manhattan. The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office says it responded March 12 to a burglary reported early that morning. An investigation revealed that the suspects arrived in a 15 foot U-Haul truck and broke out the glass door to the storefront. The suspects removed several dirt bikes and loaded them onto the truck. The total loss, including the bikes and damage to the business was estimated at over $32,000. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact Capt. Tyler Garver at 785-457-3353. Tips can also…

A former Ogden city official was charged over the weekend with misuse of public funds. The Riley County Police Department says 70-year-old Jimmy Bond was arrested Friday evening on a custody warrant. He’s also charged with official misconduct. An online criminal complaint alleges the felonies occurred between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 involving funds of at least $25,000 but less than $100,000. He was no longer in custody as of Monday’s incident report.

A local organization is proposing utilizing a Community Land Trust to help a failed housing development south of Ogden. Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills Director Josh Brewer spoke to Riley County commissioners Thursday about the concept. He says the organization recently formed its own Good Steward Community Land Trust, selling its first home under the model. where the land is in a shared-equity agreement, meaning the individual owns the home, but not the land. “Instead they own a lease-fee interest in the ground which legally attaches that house to the land for 99 years,” he said. The…

Manhattan city officials say the Browning and Dickens Ave. intersection that was supposed to reopen Friday is now delayed, likely until Monday after someone drove around a barricade and through freshly poured concrete that was still curing. A pedestrian crossing through also damaged the concrete. City workers now have to tear out that portion and repour it. The well-traveled intersection will reopen early Monday, assuming no further incidents over the weekend, which would be just in time for school resuming after Spring Break. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to call the Riley County Police Department.

The National Weather Service has confirmed the tornado that touched down between Alta Vista and Alma Wednesday was an EF-2 rated storm. Preliminary damage survey results say the twister formed around 7:45 p.m. and was on the ground for about 30 minutes. It had estimated wind speeds of up to 115 miles per hour, with a path length of 8.8 miles and a max width of 400 yards. No injuries were reported. Elsewhere, weather officials said Thursday that the tornado near Rossville, in western Shawnee County was also an EF-2, with estimated winds speeds up to 120 miles per hour.…

Homeowners living in Geary, Morris and Wabaunsee counties are advised to use caution and avoid falling into scams from fly-by-night contractors following Wednesday night’s damaging storms. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says roofers should be registered with the Attorney General’s Office, with few exceptions. The requirement to register is in addition to any other local requirements that may be imposed by cities or counties. Residents can check roofer registration online at InYourCornerKansas.org. Roofing contractors must obtain a contractor registration certificate to legally solicit or provide commercial or residential roofing services in Kansas. Other tips homeowners should keep in mind include: Getting…

A new political party has emerged in Kansas. The United Kansas Party filed more than 35,000 petition signatures Tuesday to qualify for the November 2024 general election ballot. According to a release, the party promises “a new era of collaborative politics that will transcend traditional party lines.” Party treasurer and former Manhattan City Commissioner Aaron Estabrook helped organize the new party, a decade after helping found the moderate party political action committee. “I was brought into the fold to help them organize a new party, with Jack Curtis being our party chair and Sally Cauble, being our vice chair,” Estabrook…

Severe storms moved through the area Wednesday night. According to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office, at least six tornadoes were reported during the evening, though no injuries were reported with any of the storms. Up to baseball sized hail was confirmed by trained spotters and sheriff’s office personnel. Some damage was reported to structures in the rural area, but authorities say it appears the cities in the county were not struck by any of the reported tornadoes. Emergency management personnel expect to make a full assessment Thursday. Tornado warnings were also noted in the Rossville area Wednesday night. So far…