Manhattan could see big program cuts in 2021 depending on the extent of COVID-19’s economic impact. The city is facing a possible $2.7 million general fund gap in the next fiscal year. City Commissioners Tuesday discussed a mix of cuts, fund transfers and fee increases to help fill the hole, but remained opposed to increasing the mill levy. “I think a lot of people have been impacted,” says Mayor Usha Reddi. “A lot of them can’t handle another increase in property taxes, especially if it’s for businesses.” At the low end, administrative officials are planning for a 5 percent or…
Author: KMAN Staff
A third person has died from coronavirus-related complications, according to a Wednesday Riley County Health Department release. Officials report the 61-year-old man died this morning after suffering COVID-19 related complications. He was on a ventilator since last week. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “This disease is still a serious threat and we all need to continue working together to slow the spread.” No further details will be provided, according to RCHD. No additional positive cases have been reported since Tuesday. Riley County’s three COVID-19 related deaths have all…
A Junction City police officer discovered a missing 15-year-old girl from El Salvador while conducting a traffic stop Tuesday. Officer Nick Blake was meeting with the occupants of a 2019 Nissan rental vehicle on westbound I-70 when it was discovered that one of the passengers had been reported as missing by a relative in Maryland just a few days earlier. The driver of the vehicle, 37-year-old Fulgencio Castillo-Guardado of Wilmington, California, was arrested for Interference with Parental Custody, Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer and speeding. Castillo-Guardado is being held at the Geary County Detention Center without bond pending first…
LEAVENWORTH — A former Leavenworth police officer who fatally shot a man in a vehicle in 2017 cannot claim legal immunity, a ruling that leaves it jurors to decide whether his actions were justified as self defense. Leavenworth County Judge Michael Gibbens found that the force used by Matthew Harrington was not statutorily justified as self defense, clearing the way for the involuntary manslaughter case to proceed. Harrington was indicted in August 2018 for the death of Antonio Garcia Jr., who was shot multiple times while sitting the in the driver’s seat of an SUV. Harrington was fired for violating…
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will offer voluntary buyout packages to some faculty members as it grapples with financial losses from the coronavirus pandemic. The Lawrence Journal World reports the university faces a budget shortfall of at least $120 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1 due to virus-related shutdowns. Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer said in a Monday message to faculty and staff members that employees must be age 62 or older and meet other requirements to be eligible for the buyout. The university says between 500 and 600 faculty and staff are likely eligible for the program.
Officers filed a report for forgery in Manhattan on June 9, 2020, at approximately 8:50 PM. Officers listed a 62-year-old female, Diamond Real Estate Management, and Community First Bank as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect cashed forged checks. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,632.81. Anyone with information can 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.
The Riley County Health Department has announced the issuance of Health Order No. 12, changing planned reductions in mass gathering restrictions. Mass gathering sizes were originally scheduled to increase to 100 people beginning June 10 and 250 people starting June 17. With the new health order, gathering sizes will be limited to 50 people until June 17 and then increased to 100 people if determined safe by health officials. Bars and nightclubs will still be allowed to stay open until 2 a.m., as laid out in Health order No. 11. Gov. Laura Kelly and officials from the Kansas Dept. of…
K-State plans to open residence halls and dining centers for the 2020 fall semester and will put measures in place to promote the health and safety of students. Some of these measures include decreased housing density, increased cleaning of residence halls and dining centers, implementing a move-in schedule that lessens gathering sizes and adjusted student-dining plans. K-State will accommodate students whose housing contracts have already been sent in. These students will also be notified later this month as to whether their housing assignments have been verified or changed. In the event that residence halls should close during the fall semester,…
Even though local grocery stores may be in relatively short supply of certain baking essentials, local residents will soon have another option for getting flour. On June 18 from 3 to 7 p.m., the Kansas State University Department of Grain Science and Industry will host a drive-thru flour distribution to community members in need. The distribution will take place at the Hal Ross Flour Mill at 1980 Kimball Ave. in Manhattan. Each vehicle will be able to take home a free 10-pound bag of flour that is not for resale. The idea for this distribution came from observations by faculty…
Riley County now has its second coronavirus related death. The Riley County Health Department was notified that an 88 year-old Riley County man died after testing positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. He was one of the three new positive cases reported on yesterday. The patient was hospitalized in a neighboring community where he was being treated for multiple complicating conditions. No further information will be released about the patient. “We are deeply saddened by this loss of life,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “The Riley County community has worked together to slow the spread of coronavirus and I…