Westar Energy may have to shut off power to customers affected by potential flooding. Power can be disconnected if requested by emergency management, code services or the fire department. Westar employees are also authorized to shut off power if they determine that safety of homeowners, first responders or other employees is at risk. Power can also be shut off if requested by Westar customers. Westar says mass power shut-offs will be avoided unless absolutely necessary. The best way to report an emergency situation such as downed power lines or unsafe electrical conditions is to call 9-1-1.
Author: KMAN Staff
Friday’s In Focus featured a phone interview with Country Stampede President Wayne Rouse. He talked about the decision to relocate the 24th annual concert to Topeka’s Heartland Motorsports Park. Manhattan CVB Director Karen Hibbard also joined us in-studio to discuss the economic impact of Country Stampede to the City of Manhattan and local businesses. Lastly, Manhattan Parks and Recreation Community Relations Officer Melissa Kirkwood and interns Emma Witter and Sierra Marstall joined us to talk about the latest at the department and how they are being impacted by current conditions at Tuttle Creek Reservoir.
Thursday’s program featured a replay of our daily morning update from Riley County Emergency Operations Director Pat Collins. We also gave an overview of current river and gauge levels. Eisenhower Presidential Museum Registrar Troy Elkins and Museum Technician Jeff Nelson stopped by to discuss the Annual D-Day Commemoration Concert, Symphony at Sunset. The concert takes place Saturday, June 1st on the grounds of the Presidential Library. Activities start at noon and the concert begins at 7 p.m.
Riley County Emergency Management Director Pat Collins called in to KMAN early Friday morning to give an update on conditions out at the lake. The full interview can be heard below.
Update 10 a.m.: There are no more sandbags available at the USD383 Warehouse at 1112 Hayes Drive. They are still available at the Riley County Shops on Tuttle Creek Blvd. Original: A limited amount of sandbags are available for residences and businesses located in flood-prone areas. 15 sandbags will be handed out per property, and are recommended for use blocking doors, garage doors and window wells. City and county officials do not recommend building walls with them as they did not stand up in 1993 and require very meticulous placement to have max effectiveness. They recommend spending time preparing in…
An order of curfew for areas in an evacuation order was signed by the Riley County commission on Thursday. County Counselor Clancy Holeman presented the order to the commission saying it is to be used by emergency services in a time of mandatory evacuation. The order will be used in accordance with a concurrent local emergency declaration. In order to keep the curfew in place, the commission will need to keep renewing the declaration very seven days — which Chairman Ron Wells has the authority to do. This will allow them to enact the curfew without having to convene a…
A current Manhattan City Commissioner and former mayor has officially filed to run for re-election. Linda Morse announced her candidacy for the commission Wednesday. Morse is looking to renew her term as she nears the end of a 4-year term she was elected to in 2015. Morse has served as Mayor of the City of Manhattan immediately previous to current Mayor Mike Dodson. Outside of her work as commissioner, she has served on over a dozen local boards and committees including the Big Blue River Public Action Working Group, the Manhattan Housing Authority Board of Directors and the North Central Flint…
Due to the closure of Riverpond State Park and the persisting situation at Tuttle Creek Reservoir, Kicker Country Stampede will relocate venues to Topeka. The 24th annual festival will be held at the Heartland Motorsports Park — still June 20th through 22nd. Country Stampede President Wayne Rouse says in a release that their main concern is the safety of concert-goers, which prompted the move. Rouse says they will maintain the integrity of the event at its new location. The three-day event has been a major economic driver for Manhattan and impacts numerous businesses, industries and governments. This year headliners include…
No injuries were reported after the Manhattan Fire Department responded to an accidental dryer fire in Manhattan mid-afternoon Thursday, according to a release. Crews received the call just after 2:30 p.m. and arrived to find smoke exiting the duplex at 610 Vattier Street. Scanner traffic indicates the blaze began in the basement of the building. Roads leading to the multi-family house were blocked in the neighborhood and the fire was contained within 20 minutes, but not before reaching second alarm status. A total of 17 firefighters and six fire apparatus responded to the scene, some remaining on scene through the…
No water has washed over any roadways or impacted any homes at this point following a Wednesday evacuation advisory in parts of the Northview neighborhood was issued by local authorities. Riley County Emergency Operations and Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) officials held a press conference regarding Tuttle Creek Reservoir Thursday morning. Levels as of 4 p.m. Thursday showed the lake at 1135.64 feet above mean sea level. Releases from the reservoir’s outlet works — or tubes — began at 7 a.m. Wednesday to keep levels at Tuttle from rising to 1136 feet above mean sea level. Originally planned for 15,000…