With districts all across the state cancelling school over the last number of days due to bad weather, administrators in Riley and surrounding counties found themselves having to take action in the middle of school days this week.
Author: Kolby Van Camp
According to a K-State veterinarian, dogs might be more at risk for canine infectious respiratory disease complex as a repercussion from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Americans experiencing a number of financial burdens in 2023, the Riley County Extension Office provided a free service to help ease that burden during tax season. The office helped save local citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars during the 2023 tax season thanks to their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. According to Gary Fike the Riley County Extension Director, VITA saw an increase in people using their services in 2023: Fike also highlights the new initiatives to help veterans and military members, as well as other low-income community members: VITA exists to serve low-income individuals and families in…
After four years on the Manhattan-Ogden School Board, Brandy Santos sees her term expire this month. Santos, who became a member of the school board right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, attended her final board meeting Wednesday and took time on KMAN’s In Focus to reflect on her time serving the community during a public health crisis. “It was tough, but I really think we came out better for it,” she said. “That’s hard because I know some people don’t think that but I think we learned a lot of lessons and isn’t that what we’re supposed to be doing,…
With 2023 wrapped up, Pawnee Mental Health Services looked back on the year and the major programs they had success with. Notably, the organization’s Co-Responder Program, which pairs RCPD with mental health professionals from Pawnee Mental Health, allows Police officers to provide appropriate responses to individuals in the community who may be experiencing mental health crises. Pawnee Mental Health CEO Robbin Cole is proud of the program and the far reaching community benefits it provides, especially with program expansion on the horizon: Cole notes that the programs will be slightly different from the one in Riley County, as they will…
Pawnee Mental Health has expanded their services to a new location at 4th and Houston in Manhattan. The purpose of the development is to move the Adult Community Services Program to a new location, freeing up room at the Hayes Drive facility for more expansive out-patient and crisis mental health services. Pawnee Mental Health CEO Robbin Cole explains how the new location helps to create more space for their crisis program: The expansion also allows for the development of a new bed for crisis services: The expansion also creates more opportunities for individuals to receive the care they need in…
The Kansas State Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy is redoubling their efforts to spread awareness on what the first amendment is and how freedom of speech effects the lives of members of the Manhattan community and beyond. Professor Craig Brown from the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication discusses the importance of a “marketplace of ideas”: Brown notes the importance of having conflicting ideas when engaging in the first amendment rights that Americans enjoy: The institute is also looking at social media and how the discussion around freedom of speech on platforms such as Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, and…
As the 2023 school year comes to a close, Superintendents Joan Simoneau of USD 323, and Rob McKim of USD 320, reflect on the year and preview what they are looking forward to in 2024. Simoneau emphasized the importance work her district has done in 2023 on helping young students improve their reading skills district-wide: McKim discusses how, administratively, his job is beginning to slow down for him as he continues to settle into the new role and moves into the new year: Simoneau notes the important work her district has done on their strategic plan as the look forward…
The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a new loan program designed to support small business growth in the Manhattan area in 2024. The new Elevate Micro-Loan Program enables entrepreneurs to have access to small loans up to $15,000 with 4% interest rates and 36-month repayment to qualifying businesses in the city limits of Manhattan. President of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Jason Smith breaks down some of the specific financial details worked out with the City Commission: Smith emphasized the importance of being an supportive, entrepreneurial community: While the Chamber has just launched its new Elevate Micro-Loan…
The 12th annual Manhattan Community Christmas Dinner will be back to provide another meal on Christmas Day this year. The event averages approximately 50 volunteers every year who oversee the cooking and distribution of hundreds of free meals to members of the Manhattan Community. Event organizer Karen Paulus explains. Tiffany Oppelt with TheraPie is also helping make pie shells for the various pies that will be made for the event. Officials are hoping to feed approximately 500 individuals. The Christmas Dinner will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Christmas Day at St. Thomas More Parish Hall. You…