Author: Brandon Peoples

MANHATTAN — Earlier this month, USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden named Dedra Braxmeyer as its 2019 Kansas Master Teacher nominee. The Manhattan High School math teacher was recognized at this week’s USD 383 board meeting. Braxmeyer says she was humbled by the honor. Braxmeyer earned a B.A. in Mathematics and a B.S. in Secondary Education from Kansas State University in 1999. She earned her Masters in Education in 2001 from Peru State College. She tells KMAN what inspired her to choose education as a career. Braxmeyer adds that she’s received plenty of encouragement from colleagues. Finalists for the Kansas Master Teachers will be unveiled…

MANHATTAN — Riley County Police are searching for a man who failed to appear for a jury trial scheduled to begin Thursday in Riley County District Court. David Gollahon, 57, of Junction City is wanted on a $200,000 warrant. Clerk of the District Court Katherine Oliver tells KMAN Gollahon is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary and attempted robbery stemming from an incident on Dec. 29, 2017. Gollahon is a white male with short brownish, gray hair and blue eyes. If you know Gollahon’s whereabouts, contact RCPD at 785-537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777.

Thursday’s In Focus guests included Friends of the Peace Memorial Auditorium committee members Kathy Dzewaltowski and Jerry Rosine in segment one discussing ongoing fundraising for upgrades to the auditorium. Segment two featured a conversation about the MLK Art and Writing Awards deadline which is coming Dec. 1. Committee members Robin Edmunds and Sylvia Campbell were our guests. Segments three and four featured Pawnee Mental Health Executive Director Robbin Cole and included information on some recent grants.

JUNCTION CITY — USD 475 Geary County and Junction City High School are warning the public of a new scam circulating in the community. According to a release from the school district, several businesses have been contacted and sent invoices for advertisements on school marketing material, by a company unaffiliated with USD 475 or Junction City High School. The scam promised of advertisement opportunities. The district says advertising opportunities on JCHS marketing material, athletic posters, or other material should come directly from the USD 475 Marketing and Media Relations department or more specifically the Junction City High School Athletics Department…

LAWRENCE — Two people were injured early Wednesday morning when a Riley County ambulance returning from a medical transport to Kansas City collided with a passenger car on the Kansas Turnpike near Lawrence. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, just before 2 a.m. a passenger car driven by 79-year-old James Beck of Topeka was westbound on Interstate 70 near the K-10 exit when it collided with the ambulance driven by 33-year-old Scott Ten Eyck of Wamego. The impact caused the vehicle to spin and hit the barrier wall and it then struck the ambulance again in the side, causing it…

MANHATTAN — The latest addition to benefit a number of manufacturing industries is now open in Manhattan. Deibel Laboratories recently announced the opening of its newly renovated lab space at 1500 Hayes Drive. Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Director Trent Armbrust explains what the company has done to improve its facilities. According to a release from the company, Deibel strives to offer a “one stop shop” philosophy to clients. Armbrust says the lab will be significant to the local and regional economy. One industry in particular that stands to benefit greatly from the newly renovated lab space is…

Riley County Police have arrested two Manhattan men on drug charges. Police say 19-year-old George McGrew was arrested just after 5 p.m. Tuesday on two counts of distributing hallucinogenic drugs less than 3.5 grams within 1,000 feet of a school. He’s also charged with possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. McGrew is confined in the Riley County Jail on a $30,000 bond. Also arrested was 19-year-old Gage James Anderson on a charge of unlawful possession of a hallucinogen. Anderson was released from jail after posting bond which was set at $1,000. Both men were arrested in…

The Riley County K-State Research and Extension Office is going through some changes this season. Among them is at the leadership level as Riley County Extension Director Jennifer Wilson is making a jump at the end of November to a new leadership role in Topeka. She spoke with KMAN recently about her new role. Wilson says she looks forward to the challenge of her new position. The Riley County Extension office will promote an interim director while they search for a new person to fill Wilson’s shoes. Wilson’s last day on the job is Nov. 30.

MANHATTAN — Open enrollment is underway now for Medicare beneficiaries and a local agency is providing free, unbiased help to those who have questions. Trained Senior Health Insurance Counselors for Kansans (SHICK) are currently providing this service by appointment at the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging, located at 401 Houston Street in Manhattan. Executive Director Julie Govert-Walter says it’s free advice anyone can and should take advantage of. Last year, the agency says SHICK counselors saved those who changed plans an average of just under $1,700. Govert-Walter says counselors also can answer many questions about changes to specific plans. Govert-Walter…

Manhattan city streets are gradually thawing out after snow fell virtually all day Sunday. Streets Supervisor Robert Ott tells KMAN that after getting through roughly 50 percent of residential streets Sunday, crews began their third shift working Monday morning. Ott says street crews planned to tackle more of the residential and side streets by Monday evening. He also encourages elderly residents who need help to sign up for the city’s snow partners program. Ott says drivers should increase the stopping distance from other vehicles. Elsewhere in Riley County, Public Works Director Leon Hobson says sunlight, coupled with calm winds Monday…