KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Kansas county in the Kansas City area is requiring most residents to wear masks in indoor public spaces and on public transportation. Wyandotte County’s mandate is a response to the spread of the more contagious COVID-19 delta variant. The county commission approved the mask mandate Thursday night on an 8-2 vote, and The Kansas City Star reports that it took effect immediately. The commission imposed the requirement for county residents above the age of 5 but exempted the small towns of Bonner Springs and Edwardsville. The delta variant has caused new COVID-19 cases to rise…
Author: KMAN Staff
TOPEKA, Kan. — The state Supreme Court has upheld the convictions of a northeast Kansas woman serving a “Hard 50” prison sentence for shooting the father of her child six times and setting his body on fire in his mother’s home. The court on Friday unanimously rejected arguments from Tria Evans’ attorney that a Douglas County judge shouldn’t have allowed testimony that 34-year-old victim Joel Wales told others he feared Evans would kill him. The now 42-year-old Evans was convicted of first-degree murder and arson over Wales’ death in November 2017. She was sentenced to life in prison with no…
Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1000 block of S. Seth Child Rd. in Manhattan on August 5, 2021, around 3:57 p.m. Officers listed Riley County Jail as the victim when it was reported a 32-year-old male inmate damaged a commissary kiosk. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $795. Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1000 block of Hostetler Dr. in Manhattan on August 5, 2021, around 11:25 p.m. Officers listed Comfort Inn and Suites as the victim when it was reported a 41-year-old male suspect…
On Friday’s edition of In Focus we spoke with K-State Research & Extension 4H Agent John Jobe. We also spoke with Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Karen Hibbard. In our final segments we spoke with Fort Riley Garrison Commander Will McKannay.
Riley County commissioners dismissed a mask mandate recommendation for county employees on Monday. Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Human Resource Manager Elizabeth Wad, and Assistant EMS Director Josh Gering brought the recommendation to the commission. Ward says this is based on guidance from health professionals. Ward says if they do not take protective actions, a large number of employees may be out with the infection. Gibbs says the number of cases isn’t the most concerning number to her, but the situation at the hospitals. Commission Chair John Ford was against the mandate, saying it is the responsibility of the individual…
Delta-variant driven increases in coronavirus cases have resulted in three people needing treatment in the ICU at Manhattan’s Ascension Via Christi. Hospital president Bob Copple tells KMAN it’s an unusual situation as staffing usually allows for one-to-two or one-to-three caregiver-to-patient care. Copple says ten people are being treated for COVID currently at Ascension Via Christi. Copple says the stats bear out how effective vaccines have been against coronavirus, especially with the effects of the Delta-variant on those who haven’t been vaccinated. Copple reiterates that visitor restrictions are ongoing. As of Thursday, there were 150 active coronavirus cases in Riley County,…
Local medical professionals gave their reasoning for the USD 383 mask mandate to the school board Wednesday. The mask mandate is also a part of the district’s reopening plan for the 2021-22 school year. The board heard several public comments against, stating concerns over student mental and physical health. Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade brought on three members of the district’s Medical Advisory Board, made up of local medical officials, to explain the recommendation for the mandate. Dr. Segen Chase says the committee wants students to return to a normal school year as much as anyone. Chase says local and surrounding…
On Thursday’s edition of In Focus we spoke with NBAF Coordinator Dr. Ken Burton, NBAF Communications Director Katie Pawlosky and featured guest Dr. Chuck Dodd, Transition Program Manager at Plum Island Animal Disease Center. We also spoke with Gov. Kelly’s Military Council Executive Director Gen. Perry Wiggins.
Three additional deaths from coronavirus occurred in the past week in Riley County. The county Health Department reports two of those who died were unvaccinated, while the third, a 90 year old man, had received vaccination. He tested positive July 12th at Ascension Via Christi Village before passing away at a Topeka hospital August 1st. The two other deaths were a 49 year old man and a 72 year old female. The three deaths in the week moved the total number in Riley County since the start of the pandemic to 52. There are currently 10 COVID patients at Ascension…