Author: Brandon Peoples

Ten Kansas Gold Star military families are being hosted in Washington, D.C. to honor Memorial Day weekend. The project is being done in conjunction with Sen. Roger Marshall’s office and the Gold Star Family Support Fund of Kansas (a fund of the Armed Forces Community Foundation). Christine Benne, Military Relations Coordinator for the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, helped raise funds locally to send families on this whirlwind trip, which will resemble that of an Honor Flight. Gold Star families are families who have lost a loved one, who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the country. Activities will include a…

Manhattan State Rep. Mike Dodson says he will not seek another term in the statehouse, after giving it considerable thought. In a statement to News Radio KMAN, Dodson said he has been proud to represent the 67th district with a goal of communicating “widely and honestly across all constituencies and to support legislation that would improve the quality of live for all Kansans and the generations that will come after us.” Dodson goes on to say he has also believed citizens are best served through the introduction of new ideas into the legislature and the vigorous and open debate to…

The Manhattan City Commission revisited discussions Tuesday over strategies to bring up the city’s general fund cash balance, while also considering how to best approach parks and rec funding long term and a potential new indoor aquatics facility. “If our community desires these amenities, we need to talk about a financial strategy that gets us there,” said interim City Manager Jason Hilgers. That’s interim Manhattan City Manager Jason Hilgers, who estimates that a 1% sales tax would generate about $15 million annually, enough to operate the parks and recreation department independently as a special revenue fund, but also enough to…

Manhattan city commissioners will continue to operate with four representatives, for now, though will look to expedite the process. The commission took no action Tuesday to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Wynn Butler two weeks ago, but reached consensus that appointing someone to the seat, rather than holding a special election, is the best path forward. Commissioner John Matta… Others, including Peter Oppelt and Susan Adamchak agreed that an election wouldn’t make sense, since the commission has a lot to decide over the next few months. Commissioner Karen McCulloh motioned to appoint past commissioner Linda Morse, who…

Former Manhattan Mayor Wynn Butler appeared in Manhattan Municipal Court Tuesday morning with his attorney for the first time since his May 8 arrest for an alleged DUI crash into a liquor store. The 72-year-old entered a plea of not guilty, despite RCPD claiming in its May 9 arrest report that Butler’s blood/alcohol content exceeded the legal limit. The incident caused over $1,000 in damage to the Candlewood Liquor Store. No injuries were reported. Butler resigned from the commission the next day. A status hearing in the case is now scheduled for 4 p.m. on June 26.

Memorial arrangements are set for a Manhattan chiropractor who died unexpectedly last week. Dr. Greg Postier was the owner of Postier Chiropractic, near 3rd and Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan. Postier was vacationing in Colorado when a “tragic accident” occurred May 14, according to a social media post by the company Monday. Further details have not been released, but the 38-year-old, who was known to be an avid outdoorsman and catfishing champion, died while partaking in a fishing trip. Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Rock Hills Church, located…

Manhattan High School’s class of 2024 was celebrated Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum. MHS Principal Michael Dorst welcomed the gathering and during his remarks quoted a book titled Fish, about the fishmongers at Pike’s Place Market in Seattle, Washington about how they find a daily joy in what they do, tying it back to the graduating class. Over 400 students were candidates for diplomas. and many of them reflected on the past four years and what the future has in store. Student Body President Allina Dougherty shared a message with her fellow graduates. Many of the graduating seniors are looking…

Groundbreaking for Kansas State University’s new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation was held Friday afternoon east of Weber Hall. The new facility will allocate 30% of space for on-site collaboration between public resources and private enterprises and will provide an overall modernized facility for the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry, which specializes in milling, baking, feed and pet food. The center is the final and largest piece of the $210 million K-State Agriculture Innovation Initiative, which includes funds raised from state, private and university funds.  “It’s an historic day. It’s a transformational day for Kansas agriculture…

Riley County Police have released more details following a drug-related arrest early Thursday morning. Michael Curtis Skillern-Lewis, 29, of Manhattan, remains in custody after police charged him on probable cause offenses, including distribution of heroin, distribution of an opiate, flee or attempt to elude, and possession with intent to manufacture. According to a Friday release, an RCPD officer attempted to force a traffic stop shortly before 3 a.m. Thursday, but the driver fled. A short time later, the officer located the empty vehicle parked in the 1300 block of North 11th Street. Officers then located a backpack in the middle…

Riley County Police are investigating an alleged incident of aggravated arson in Ogden. Officers filed a police report Thursday night in the 100 block of 8th Street after a suspect reportedly poured gas onto a vehicle and set it on fire, shortly after 8 p.m. The fire then spread to another vehicle and a nearby mobile home, which sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported. Two men and a woman were listed as the victims. Police have not yet announced any arrests. Riley County Fire District No. 1 and Manhattan Fire Department both responded. Damage is estimated at around $82,000,…