Author: Brandon Peoples

The building at the Riley County transfer station will temporarily close on Monday as officials begin the installation of a new tipping floor. As previously reported by The Mercury, county commissioners signed a contract with NF Construction of Marion, Kansas, for a tipping floor and chute repair project totaling $592,540. “During this time, both commercial and residential customers may use a designated temporary dump area on site,” John Ellermann, Riley County public works director, said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

After months of work and a few clarifications, Riley County on Monday unanimously approved amendments to short-term rental regulations for properties in unincorporated areas of the county. One amendment defines how the county may waive the 500-foot separation requirement between units. “Thus it was proposed to revise the language to directly focus on primary issues, which were traffic and parking,” county planner Bob Isaac said. “It’s a matter of phrasing, but it includes that and gets directly to the point.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County commissioners are considering a restructure of county leadership that could see the creation of a county administrator position. The board on Monday heard a presentation from attorney David Cooper, with Topeka-based law firm Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith, LLP. Cooper was hired by commissioners to conduct an investigation into non-elected personnel. Cooper declined to comment on specific details of that investigation but said it became apparent from the investigation that Riley County would benefit from creating the position of county administrator to oversee the county’s human resources and budget and finance departments. To view the full article visit…

A Manhattan man found himself back in custody Friday, less than three days after being arrested for a slew of drug charges. It’s his third drug-related arrest since Dec. 30. Scott Marchand, 48, was arrested at 11:17 a.m. near the area of U.S. Highway 24 and Southport Drive after a traffic stop by the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office. A search of his Toyota Tacoma located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation. Marchand was transported to the Pottawatomie County Jail on a $500,000 bond for the probation violation, as well as one count…

Very high fire danger continues across the area with strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures. Officials continue to post burn bans across the state after fires erupted Tuesday. Officials in Riley and Pottawatomie County confirmed to The Mercury Wednesday morning that there were no local reports of any grass fires caused by the conditions. They ask residents to use extreme caution and call 911 if you see flames outside or suspect a wildfire. Elsewhere, wildfires raged Tuesday in southwest Kansas, leading to evacuations in several communities, including Ashland and Herndon. Fires scorched more than 145,000 acres across Kansas and…

The city of Wamego has been awarded a moderate income housing grant totaling nearly $468,000 from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for new housing development. The funds will support construction of 24 multifamily rental units as part of an expansion to the North Ridge apartments on the city’s west side. “Typically, the MIH grants are $650,000,” said Stacie Eichem, Wamego city manager. “This time, the state tried to award as many projects as possible.” To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Manhattan Regional Airport’s long-planned Taxiway Alpha reconstruction continues moving forward, with engineers outlining construction phases and a projected timeline during Monday’s Airport Advisory Board meeting. Olsson engineer Brian Coomes, the project manager for the Taxiway Alpha project, said early design work revealed challenging soil conditions. “Testing results showed some expansive soil and some weaker soil than what we encountered on the runway,” he said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County commissioners are eager to move back in to their offices downtown, but public works director John Ellermann said Monday they may need a bit more patience. During his update on county projects, Ellermann said the Courthouse Plaza East window replacement project — which began in July — is completed, but renovations inside the building, notably carpet work and scheduling, are still being sorted out. “I would say at least March, hoping to get in by mid-March,” he said. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

Riley County property valuations are going up an average of 3% to 10%, according to current market data, officials said Monday. “That’s the most common increase that we’re seeing on the residential properties,” said Anna Burson, Riley County appraiser. “That’s just reflecting the market, high demand, low supply. It’s driving those price points up again.” Burson’s office recently completed the studies and analysis for 2026 and will be sending out change of valuation notices to property owners on Feb. 25. CVNs show how a property’s value has changed year over year because of shifts in the local real estate market…