Author: KMAN Staff
The Aggieville Business Association is requesting the Riley County commission rescind Local Health Order No. 16. ABA Director Dennis Cook spoke to the commission Thursday, saying the order is an overreach and targeting Aggieville businesses. “It’s restricting enough to fail businesses and undermine our local economy. I understand there’s been a lot of pressure through the health department from the (Kansas State) university to implement these restrictions but this restraint to business is unfair. It’s punitive to hardworking, caring and locals trying to make a living and raise families in this town,” he said. Cook claims since these restrictions are…
Geary County and Junction City dive teams were called out Thursday to assist with the recovery of a pickup from Milford Lake. The Sheriff’s Office says the truck rolled into the water after a man was unloading his boat at Farnum Boat Ramp, about eight miles north of Junction City. The truck, which belonged to Fort Riley MWR was being used to help test a boat to ensure it was running properly. The boat sustained no damage. It’s believed the truck did not get fully into park. While the truck was recovered it was a total loss after having been…
Nancy McCarter, the current Pottawatomie County clerk, will face Pat Weixelman, a Pottawatomie County commissioner who was represented District 2 for about 12 years, in this year’s election. KMAN spoke with McCarter about what would make her a good county leader and her stances on various county issues. This conversation can be found below. What background, education and career experience do you have that would contribute to making you a good county leader? What are some ideas you have for addressing county needs? What are your thoughts on the current state of the county’s budget? What are your thoughts on…
Pat Weixelman, a Pottawatomie County commissioner who has represented District 2 for about 12 years, will face Nancy McCarter, the current Pottawatomie County clerk, in this year’s election. KMAN spoke with Weixelman about his motivation for running for reelection and his stances on various county issues. This conversation can be found below. What is your background and motivation for running once again for the Pottawatomie County Commission? What are some of the county needs you hope to address if reelected? What are your thoughts on the county’s budget and overall response to the coronavirus pandemic? What are some projects you…
TOPEKA — Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says his office opposes President Donald Trump’s suggestion to postpone the November election. He urged the Kansas delegation to Congress to do the same. More than 300,000 Kansans received advance by mail ballots for this year’s primary elections. The state expects there may be higher use of mail ballots for the general election. Schwab says in a statement that Kansas has implemented measures to ensure the security and safety of the August and November elections. He says “now is not the time to act in fear but to show the world we…
Riley County has reported a new COVID-19 related death stemming from the Meadowlark Hills outbreak. According to a Thursday release, an 80-year-old man who tested positive for the novel coronavirus has died. The outbreak identified on July 17th has resulted in 8 positive COVID tests out of 80 tested residents and staff. This is the first death associated with the nursing facility. “I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones,” Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs writes in a public release. “We know the loss of a loved one is a painful experience and our hearts are…
Pottawatomie County Commissioners this week approved for publication its 2021 budget which includes a lower overall general fund tax levy. Commissioners are set to approve the budget at their Aug. 10 meeting in the Sunflower Room in Westmoreland. The proposal calls for a tax levy of 27.429 mills – a little more than 0.5 mills lower than the 2020 levy of 28.021. The total budget authority for the 2021 budget is set at $34.1 million, down from $34.4 million in 2020. Overall county expenses total $40 million but the overall tax levy would drop from 28.256 to 27.664 mills under…
A new local campaign aims to promote health and safety conscious behavior in Manhattan and the Flint Hills region. The safe and open campaign highlights businesses, organizations and individuals who have pledged to abide by recommended public health practices such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing face coverings in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officially launched as of Thursday, July 30, eight businesses have already signed the pledge committing to follow federal, state and local guidelines. Those that have pledged will receive a badge and other marketing materials that can be displayed on windows or inside…
USD 475 Geary County Chief Operations Officer David Wild joined us for an update on the school’s reopening plan and a construction update on the new Junction City High School. Riley County Commission District 3 candidate and current commissioner Ron Wells (R) joined us to discuss his campaign ahead of the primary. We also heard from District 3 challenger Kathryn Focke (D) who is also seeking a spot on the commission.