Author: Brandon Peoples

All this week we are taking a look back at some of the top news events in the Manhattan area for 2023. Today we take a look back at the second quarter of the year from April through June with KMAN News Director Brandon Peoples…. Spring was an important time for Kansas State University, which broke ground on two major projects. The first, in April, was an expansion project for KSU Foundation President Greg Willems… “So this 80,000 square foot building is going to be the next addition into the office and lab and corporate space that we’re making available…

Local authorities are seeking the public’s help as it actively investigates multiple cases of fraud in the Manhattan area. The Riley County Police Department shared on social media that it was attempting to identify two individuals captured in surveillance photos. The images show two African American men reportedly associated with a rented gray 2023 Dodge Durango with a Missouri license plate tag of NK7T2W. The photos appear to be from one of the recent fraudulent incidents reported at Manhattan area liquor stores. At least four liquor stores reported fraudulent purchases made with someone else’s credit card on Dec. 21. Anyone with…

All this week we are taking a look back at some of the top news events in the Manhattan area for 2023. Today we take a look back at the first quarter of the year from January through March with KMAN News Director Brandon Peoples…. January began with a leadership change in the 22nd district State Senate seat as long time Manhattan City Commissioner Usha Reddi was sworn in to succeed the retiring Tom Hawk Jan. 5th, following a vote by the Riley County Democratic Party. Reddi defeated Katie Allen, who would go on to be elected to the Manhattan-Ogden School…

Authorities in Dickinson County arrested a Herington woman Friday in Herington after a seven month long drug investigation. The Sheriff’s Office says 46-year-old Sabrina Beardslee was charged with a single count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, a charge of intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, aggravated child endangerment and no drug tax stamp. Officers seized about 337 grams of meth in addition to a small amount of marijuana and other THC products from a Herington home. Anyone with information regarding the use or distribution of illegal drugs or any other crime can call the…

Snow will be with us throughout the afternoon as a winter weather advisory is in place until 6 p.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service says we can expect light snow and snow showers and periods of heavy snow at times. Accumulations of 1 to 2 inches is possible. More snow is expected along a line stretching from Herington to Hiawatha, including the Manhattan, Topeka and Holton areas. Snow is expected to dissipate and move east by the early evening hours. It will be our last chance of moisture for the week as conditions will remain dry and seasonal with temperatures…

Local broadcaster, author and professor Ian Punnett died Friday, Dec. 22 following a brief illness. He was 63. Punnett was the Chief Operator and Faculty Advisor for Kansas State University’s student radio station Wildcat 91.9 FM. He joined K-State in 2018 as a professor of practice in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication. Retired A.Q. Miller School Director Steve Smethers was one of Punnett’s colleagues. “First of all this news hits us very hard. Ian Punnett was a ray of sunshine. He brought such a professional quality into the classroom. It was his efforts that really put that…

Riley County Police are investigating a number of fraudulent liquor purchases in Manhattan and Ogden. According to Friday’s activity report, four separate incidents were reported Thursday at different liquor stores across the city. All told two unknown suspects in each case reportedly stole an estimated $4,400 worth of liquor, using someone else’s credit card, from Rickels Liquor Store, The Fridge and Library Liquor in Manhattan, as well as Liquor Well in Ogden. In two of the instances, RCPD lists a 58-year-old woman as one of the victims, along with the retailers. Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime…

The weather outside certainly hasn’t been frightful this holiday season. In fact, the Manhattan area has seen a pattern of unusual warmth and humidity. Meteorologist Chip Redmond with Kansas Mesonet says it could lead to some records being broken over the holiday week. “For the month, we’re averaging five degrees above normal for high and low temperatures. We’re sitting about 30th warmest (December). Temperatures over the next six days are going to struggle to get below 40,” he said. Those warmer temperatures mean the likelihood of a white Christmas for the Little Apple remains low, but it will certainly be…

AAA is projecting that more than 115 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during the 10 day holiday travel period. That’s up 2.2% over last year and the second highest expected end-of-year travel forecast since 2000. AAA Kansas spokesman Shawn Steward gives a rundown on what is expected in the Sunflower State. Steward advises that travelers have their vehicle inspected and ensure it is roadworthy as they expect to assist many on the roads this week. Motorists are also getting the gift of lower gas prices, with the national average down to $3.12. In Kansas, gas prices are averaging…

The Junction City Commission unanimously agreed Tuesday to a counteroffer to Geary County regarding an ongoing dispute over EMS service payments. The city is asking Geary County to withdraw a resolution that accompanied their last EMS service payment in November, instead asking for all 2023 EMS bills be paid by Feb. 16. As part of the counteroffer, Junction City would charge Geary County a flat fee of $165,000 per month in January and February, according to the motion by Commissioner Jeff Underhill. The motion does not include any action to stop EMS service in rural areas of Geary County. Commissioner…