As far as food competitions and regional pride go, barbecue takes the cake. From states to cities to even neighbors, people at all levels like to argue that their barbecue is the best, but rarely does anyone get the opportunity to officially say their’s is better than their competition’s with a trophy to back it up. That is exactly what Richard Fergola and and his mother, Nora Fergola (also known as “Mama Ferg”), of Gardner, KS, got to do so on Saturday, as they were dubbed grand champions of the Little Apple Classic Car and BBQ Cook Off at the…
Author: KMAN Staff
A towering figure in Manhattan has returned to prominence. On Friday, September 20 in Manhattan City Park, a reopening of the famous Johnny Kaw Statue was held. A speaker at the event was Manhattan Mayor Mike Dodson who said no tax dollars were used on the project. The project cost nearly $300,000 and was raised by the “Friends of Johnny Kaw.” The legend of Johnny Kaw was created by a K-State professor in 1955. Dodson believes that the citizens of Manhattan are lucky to have an icon like Johnny Kaw. Former mayor Ed Klimek also spoke to the crowd about…
Junction City Fire Department responded to a call for a structure early Saturday morning. At 2 a.m., JCFD responded to 1402 Rucker Rd. for a call. According to the JCFD, upon arrival, fire crews found a structure fire at the location. One of the occupants had a minor injury to his left hand from trying to put the fire out. Medics checked him out and applied dressing and he was a non transport. The fire Marshall was called to the scene and is leading the investigation. No foul play is considered at this point.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a stream advisory for the Kansas River, along the area between Wamego and Belvue in Pottawatomie County. The stream advisory is a result of chronic issues of elevated bacteria in Wamego wastewater. The City is working to repair the equipment. Potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in in this portion of the Kansas River. If you live or have activities along the Kansas River, particularly along its north bank between these locations, do not enter the river or allow children or pets to enter the river. The Kansas Department…
A Riley County police officer has become the latest to graduate from the FBI National Academy in Virginia. The department said Friday, Lt. Brad Jager was one of 256 law enforcement officers who graduated from the 277th session on September 13. It included members of law enforcement agencies from 34 countries, five military organizations and nine federal civilian organizations. The academy includes a 10 week course in advanced communication, leadership and fitness training. RCPD Director Dennis Butler said in a statement Friday that “being selected demonstrates existing leadership skills coupled with the expectation of continued professional growth with the added…
A 2019 study assessing the social, economic and health needs of the Riley County community rolled out this week, coordinated by an area social service group. The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition facilitated a comprehensive community needs assessment in 2015 and Chair Debbie Nuss says prior to that it had been 20 years since any similar studies were conducted. The survey covers issues ranging from quality of life as well as physical and mental health to housing, transportation and wage conditions. Nuss says with the transient community in the Manhattan and Riley County area that turns over by more than 30…
Friday’s program featured Riley County Extension Director Gary Fike joined us for a discussion on family financial management. Riley County Seniors’ Service Center Program Coordinator Liz Nelson highlighted activities at the senior center for September and October. And the Lee Elementary 67th annual chicken barbecue fundraiser was previewed by Erin McCormick and Tina Steffensmeier.
AUGUSTA — The Butler County Sheriff’s says at least 60 cats some of them dead were removed from a home in Augusta. Sheriff Kelly Herzet says crews cleared the animals from the home Thursday. He said a dead and decaying dog was found inside the house and it’s possible more animals would be found. KAKE -TV reports Stephanie Heinz, who lives next to the home, said the woman who rented the home would show up periodically to feed the animals and then would leave again. Herzet said because the renter paid her utilities, crews couldn’t go into the home until…
TOPEKA — A Kansas trial-court judge whose past political tweets sank his nomination for a higher court has announced that he will step down from the bench early next year. Labette County District Judge Jeffry Jack said Friday that he will retire Jan. 2 and take a job as a regional director for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Gov. Laura Kelly nominated Jack in March to fill a Kansas Court of Appeals vacancy. But his nomination was doomed in the Republican-controlled Senate within days when tweets from Jack in 2017 surfaced. The tweets criticized President Donald Trump and other Republicans. The…
Officers filed a report for theft in the 1000 block of Hostetler Dr. in Manhattan on September 19, 2019, at approximately 1:10 PM. Officers listed Firestone as the victim when it was reported a known female suspect took money from the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $3,663.00. Police ask that anyone with information please contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00. Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property…