Riley County Emergency Management Director Pat Collins called into the KMAN morning show Monday with an update on the conditions at Tuttle Creek Reservoir. He says while conditions are improving in the immediate, residents should stay alert as there is still a lot of water being held by the dam.
Author: KMAN Staff
One man died and a woman was seriously injured as the result of a two-vehicle roll-over accident that trapped occupants in their vehicle near Riley Friday afternoon. According to the KHP, just after 1 p.m. Friday a Ford Focus Northbound on Tuttle Creek Boulevard struck a southbound GMC Yukon when the Focus tried to turn left onto Madison Road. TCB was closed or partially closed through the 5 o’clock hour as first responders and investigators worked the scene. The Yukon’s driver was identified in the crash log as 48-year-old Blue Rapids resident Lamar Whitson III. He was declared dead in…
After a few dry days and increased outflows from Tuttle Creek Dam’s outlet works, the evacuation advisory for portions of the Northview neighborhood have been lifted. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says inflows into the reservoir are less than the current outflow, still 30,000 cfs at this time. The Corps’ 3-day projections show the lake could drop down to an elevation of just more than 1134 feet above sea level. Readings as of 3:45 p.m. on June 2 show Tuttle’s level at 1135.04 feet. The Kansas River at Manhattan was recorded at 16.3 feet and falling. Though conditions are…
Update: According to a Kansas Gas release, the company began working with emergency management officials to determine where it is safe to switch service back on. Technicians started assessing locations and began restoration operations Friday evening where it is determined safe to do so. They continued work through Saturday. Kansas Gas anticipated the process would begin in the South Manhattan Avenue Area. Officials say you do not have to call in to get your service restored and that technicians will also go door to door to perform safety checks and relight natural gas appliances. They do note that a resident…
Emergency Management Director Pat Collins calling in with an update on the lake levels.
Update: After the US Army Corps of Engineers increased outflows from the outlet works on Tuttle Creek Reservoir, projections show the lake elevation has stabilized and is even expected to fall slightly by the end of the weekend. As a result, Riley County Emergency Operations Director Pat Collins says water is no longer expected to rise up and wash over any roadways. He says inflows seem to be dropping as well and the Kansas has been lowering, increasing the amount of outflows it can withstand without rising out of its banks. There is no change in evacuation advisories at this…
Westar Energy may have to shut off power to customers affected by potential flooding. Power can be disconnected if requested by emergency management, code services or the fire department. Westar employees are also authorized to shut off power if they determine that safety of homeowners, first responders or other employees is at risk. Power can also be shut off if requested by Westar customers. Westar says mass power shut-offs will be avoided unless absolutely necessary. The best way to report an emergency situation such as downed power lines or unsafe electrical conditions is to call 9-1-1.
Friday’s In Focus featured a phone interview with Country Stampede President Wayne Rouse. He talked about the decision to relocate the 24th annual concert to Topeka’s Heartland Motorsports Park. Manhattan CVB Director Karen Hibbard also joined us in-studio to discuss the economic impact of Country Stampede to the City of Manhattan and local businesses. Lastly, Manhattan Parks and Recreation Community Relations Officer Melissa Kirkwood and interns Emma Witter and Sierra Marstall joined us to talk about the latest at the department and how they are being impacted by current conditions at Tuttle Creek Reservoir.
Thursday’s program featured a replay of our daily morning update from Riley County Emergency Operations Director Pat Collins. We also gave an overview of current river and gauge levels. Eisenhower Presidential Museum Registrar Troy Elkins and Museum Technician Jeff Nelson stopped by to discuss the Annual D-Day Commemoration Concert, Symphony at Sunset. The concert takes place Saturday, June 1st on the grounds of the Presidential Library. Activities start at noon and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
Riley County Emergency Management Director Pat Collins called in to KMAN early Friday morning to give an update on conditions out at the lake. The full interview can be heard below.