Author: Brandon Peoples

A third candidate has officially filed for the Manhattan City Commission election this fall. Peter Oppelt announced his candidacy Friday. The 35-year-old received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kansas State University, after serving eight years in the U.S. Army. In an emailed statement to KMAN, Oppelt says he’s running because he thinks he can bring a newer perspective to the commission, saying Manhattan is primed for growth, and he wants to ensure that the commission plans responsibly for that growth. As a parent, Oppelt says he also wants to ensure that the programs families depend on like parks and…

The Oz Museum and Columbian Theatre Foundation recently was awarded a $17,600 Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism and the Department of Commerce.  The Wamego-based foundation was one of 10 entities statewide to receive over $400,000 in funding to develop new tourism attractions or enhance existing sites. Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe explains what made the Oz Museum an attractive candidate for this funding… “Number one, this museum is just a gem for Kansas. We liked the idea of making things more interactive. We know that’s what museum-goers want to see,” she said. Oz Museum and Columbian Theatre Executive Director…

The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Marcia Rozell will lead the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The long-time CVB employee, who most recently worked as sports and leisure sales manager has been promoted to director of Visit Manhattan, the Chamber’s travel and tourism division. Visit Manhattan is funded through transient guest taxes through a contract with the City of Manhattan. Rozell replaces Karen Hibbard, who retired in February after leading the agency for more than two decades. Rozell’s name emerged after a nationwide search, which launched in January. “I felt comfortable that Marcia is the right person,” said Jason…

A recommendation last month by the Pottawatomie County Planning Commission to impose a one year moratorium on new rezonings and preliminary plats in Blue Township is coming back to that board for reconsideration. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved sending that recommendation back. Commissioner Greg Riat noted a desire to provide the planning commission with an overview of infrastructure capacity related to underground utilities like water and sewer. A majority of planning commissioners favored the moratorium because they don’t believe the county is keeping up with infrastructure needs in Blue Township, approving new developments before developing the right roads,…

Former Deputy County Clerk Desiree Thompson addressed the Pottawatomie County Commission Monday regarding negative experiences while employed in the County Clerk’s office during and after her pregnancy. Thompson presented each commissioner documenting incidents where she says she was made to feel her pregnancy, maternity leave and her decision to breastfeed her son were inconveniences to County Clerk Dawn Henry and staff. Thompson stated that her yearly review says she was a “dependable employee whose office has important dates,” noting that within her second year, she missed an election and levies process. Thompson claims the current county employee policy for breastfeeding…

Riley County fire officials say early detection of an attic fire prevented major damage to a home on Rocky Ford Circle, north of Manhattan, this past weekend. Firefighters from Riley County District No. 1 were dispatched around 2 a.m. Sunday to a residential fire alarm activated by a smoke detector. They contained rather quickly, a fire, determined to be caused by a faulty bathroom ventilation fan that became overheated. The fire then spread to the attic and a portion of the bathroom, causing an estimated damage of $12,500 to the structure and contents. Firefighters remained on scene until approximately 4…

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Agronomy Research and Innovation Center at Kansas State University had to be moved indoors Monday, due to rain, leading to a standing-room only crowd of guests inside the university’s Agronomy Education Center.  The new facility will be located within the Edge Collaboration District, across from Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It was realized after K-State was awarded a $25 million challenge grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce, earlier this year, that required leveraging private funds at a 3 to 1 match with state funds, to construct facilities aimed at improving workforce development and advancing…

Riley County Police are investigating an alleged armed burglary that occurred Friday at a Manhattan apartment complex. 31-year-old Chancellor Copenhaver, of Wamego, is accused of breaking into an apartment in the 1300 block of Flint Hills Place with a shotgun. Officers responded and located him behind the apartment along with residents known to him. Copenhaver sustained a minor head injury during a struggle with a 47-year-old man inside the apartment. Investigators determined Copenhaver had grabbed and forced a 20-year-old woman out of the apartment during the struggle. It was also reported that Copenhaver had been contacting the woman against her…

Manhattan High School celebrated graduation Sunday at Bramlage Coliseum, with over 400 diplomas awarded to the Class of 2023. Senior Class President Eddie Bruegger reflected on the class being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as freshmen. Just seven months after starting their high school career, the students left for spring break but never returned amid schools shutting down. “During our sophomore year, I was a remote student and while it did have it’s benefits, like waking up five minutes before class started and Check-in Wednesdays, it was difficult to learn. I found myself being able to complete school work ok,…

The Class of 2023 was celebrated with commencement activities across Manhattan this past weekend. At Kansas State University, more than 2,100 bachelor’s degrees were awarded along with more than 500 master’s and over 90 doctorate degrees. Among the notable speakers Saturday was K-State alum and retiring USD 383 Superintendent Marvin Wade, providing advice to College of Education graduates. “My first bid of advice is to spend time contemplating your core beliefs. Not just about education, but about what is most important in life. Research shows people who know their beliefs and who live in accordance with those beliefs, have healthier, happier…