Today’s guests on In Focus were Riley County Commissioner Ron Wells, Riley County EMS Director Larry Couchman and Budget and Finance Officer Tami Robison.
Author: KMAN Staff
KANSAS CITY — The owners of a Kansas roofing company are accused of forcing workers who are in the country illegally to pay kickbacks by threatening to turn them into immigration agents if they didn’t. A 17-count federal indictment unsealed Tuesday in Kansas City, Kansas, accuses Century Roofing owners Tommy Frank Keaton and Graziano Cornolo of profiting from kickbacks since at least 2009. Prosecutors say workers who were in the country illegally were paid in cash to complete roofing projects in the Kansas City metropolitan area on both sides of the state line, then forced to give some of the money back.…
TOPEKA — A Kansas House member says he has drafted a proposal that would prevent transgender students from using school bathrooms that do not match their birth genders. But Republican Rep. John Whitmer of Wichita told The Wichita Eagle that he doesn’t plan to push for a debate during the Legislature’s coming special session unless Democrats seek to amend an education funding bill. Lawmakers convene June 23 to address a state Supreme Court order to make the school finance system fairer to poor school districts or risk having schools remain closed after June 30. Whitmer said his proposal would encourage schools to…
Via Christi Health informed KMAN Tuesday it will be eliminating approximately 70 positions across the state. However, Via Christi’s Communication and Public Relations Director Roz Hutchinson told KMAN later Tuesday afternoon that Manhattan may see what she called a “net job growth” of 15 positions and that a majority of cuts will be in Wichita. Via Christi Chief Operating Officer Todd Conklin sent a statement to KMAN Tuesday morning saying the reductions do not include associates who provide direct patient care and while there will be cuts, Via Christi is also actively recruiting approximately 80 nursing positions. “After assessment of our…
37 Manhattan High School Virtual Academy graduates participated in graduation ceremonies on June 5. Graduation exercises were held in Manhattan High School Auditorium beginning at 2:30 pm. Brooke Blanck, Program Director, welcomed those who were in attendance. She recognized Superintendent Dr. Robert Shannon, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Carol Adams, and School Board Members of Manhattan-Ogden 383 Leah Filter and Pat Hudgins. Dr Shannon delivered the keynote address as he explored the continuing changes in today’s world. Tyler Tomlinson of Lawrence and Timber Allenbrand of Paola, were introduced for their stellar academic distinction in the MVA class of 2016.…
Officer in Riley County with the assistance of Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office arrested David Dortch while near the intersection of Osborne Lane and Highway 24 on June 13, 2016 at approximately 4:40 AM. The 54-year-old Manhattan man was arrested on several warrants (2 failure to appear and 1 probation violation) with original offenses of attempt to flee and elude, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and criminal possession of a firearm. He was given a total bond of $19,000.00. The Riley County Police Department arrested Stormy Tarr, 28, of Manhattan on the offense of aggravated battery. She was arrested on June…
Wamego’s USD 320 Board of Education voted to proceed with a bond issue Monday. Superintendent Denise O’Dea went over the list of priority items approved at an earlier meeting, plus new additions of turf to the Sports Complex with an approximate cost between $750,000 and $850,000, and 1 to 1 technology additions to the district at an approximate cost of $690,000. This brings the total of needed improvements to the district to about $19 million. A motion was made to proceed with a bond issue not to exceed $20 million for the November election. According to bond counsel, the approval…
Roadwork in Pottawatomie county will make travelling inconvenient for the rest of the summer. Pottawatomie County Commission Chair Dee McKee tells K-MAN Flush Road is now closed until August. McKee noted at Monday’s meeting that there has been some frustration about the projects on Highway 24 and Excel road, but the public seems to be happy now that obvious progress is being made. McKee says the project will be completed by the late fall. McKee adds she has been receiving calls from concerned citizens regarding speed limits throughout the county, but McKee says it is important for the county to do…
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It might be a good thing for Whit Merrifield that he isn’t familiar with the term “flash in the pan.” Perhaps he’ll never have to learn it. The 27-year-old Royals rookie hit his first career homer Monday night and helped turn three important double plays, backing a strong performance by Edinson Volquez as Kansas City beat the Cleveland Indians 2-1 to end a five-game skid against its division rival. “I wasn’t planning on coming here and going back,” said Merrifield, who made his big league debut last month and has gradually gone from being a…
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Booed every time he touched the ball, LeBron James cut through Golden State’s defense and made layups look easy. Dunks and 3-pointers, so smooth, too. Kyrie Irving also completely had his way with the Warriors. King James and Irving thoroughly overpowered the defending champions from every spot on the floor, and the Cavaliers are still alive to chase that elusive championship. The unflappable, determined-as-ever James had 41 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists, Irving also scored 41 points, and Cleveland capitalized on the absence of suspended star Draymond Green, staving off NBA Finals elimination with a…