Manhattan City Commissioners unanimously authorized contract amendments Tuesday for infrastructure improvements tied to the ongoing Midtown Aggieville project. The city expanded the scope of the project in December, to include a new hotel and parking garage in addition to Back 9 Development’s new multi-use project. That has increased the pricetag for design and construction management with the city’s two hired firms — Olsson and BHS Construction. Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers says the funds will support additional infrastructure improvements in the nearby alleys. Mayor Wynn Butler says it’s a good plan. Construction in that area will resume in April.
Author: Peter Rice
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly delivered the Landon Lecture at Kansas State University on Friday. Kelly helped University President Rich Linton in celebrating the 161st birthday of the school, in addition to giving a speech in the student union. The Governor emphasized how important it is for citizens to avoid divisive political messaging. She continues and says reaching out to those who have different beliefs is a necessary part to any democracy. Kelly connects this idea to the expansion of Medicaid and how people of both political parties are in support of it. The Landon Lecture was started in 1966 by…
Manhattan city commissioners heard a progress report on the Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan at Tuesday’s work session. Senior Planner Ben Chmiel, with Manhattan’s Community Development Department, presented several different models, showing potential changes for downtown based on future growth and public feedback. Commissioner Karen McCulloh says she wants the city to be future focused when considering any improvements and be flexible in its zoning requirements downtown. The plan includes the possibility of additional housing in the downtown area, including senior housing. Commissioner John Matta says he’s been on a committee exploring housing density in that area of town. Included in…
Riley County officials recognized two local residents for their service to the county. On Monday, Commission vice-chair Greg McKinley presented retiring planning board members Diane Hoobler and Nathan Larson with certificates of appreciation for their years of service. Planning Director Amanda Webb spoke about both of their contributions, which combined spanned nearly two decades. The pair have been instrumental in shaping land use planning efforts within Riley County, according to a Monday statement. The planning board currently features five members appointed by the Riley County Commission and are tasked with preparation and implementation of comprehensive plans and conducting…
Local residents flocked to Tuttle Creek swim beach on Saturday to brave the elements and take part in the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser. Sports and Program Manager Krystin Guggisberg says they’ve raised more money than in previous years. Plungers included private citizens, local businesses, greek organizations, and members of law enforcement agencies. Guggisberg also spoke on upcoming fundraising events…
The Riley County Police department is ramping up preparations for the upcoming Fake Patty’s Day. The event, which has become somewhat of a local phenomena, takes place on Saturday, March 2 in Manhattan. RCPD Capt. Greg Steere spoke at Monday’s Riley County Commission meeting, and says they expect the event to again be more of a house party-type event. Riley County Commission Chair John Ford says safety is a main priority. Steere says all patrol officers will be active on March 2 and RCPD will have additional assistance from surrounding law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Riley County Commission moved Monday to file an extension on a grant for a specialty police vehicle. The Riley County Police Department applied and was awarded the COPS Technology Grant in 2022 but it fell through due to production delays at Ford Motors. Commission Chair John Ford believes this time will be different. The specialty vehicle would be used by the hazardous materials evidence and negotiations team, along with being used for crime scene investigation, or CSI. The federal grant amount is for $440,000, and the extension runs until March 30, 2025.
Property owners in Riley County should expect a change of value notice coming in the mail in early March. The Riley County Appraiser’s Office has completed all of their studies needed for 2024 property valuations. County appraiser Anna Burson says residents can expect some level of valuation increase for residential properties. The change of value notice will also contain a form for requesting a valuation appeal, if needed and must be returned to the County Appraiser within 30 days.
Riley County Commissioners approved staff to move forward on an Assistance to Firefighters Grant application Thursday. The grant was one of two presented by Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips to help pay for future facility upgrades. The commission and County Clerk Rich Vargo support the assistance to firefighters grant which is offered through the department of homeland security. The county has applied and been rejected for this grant once before. The maximum award is $9 million, and can be used for PPE, facility modifications, vehicles, and state fire training. The application is due March 8.
Space needs within the Riley County Courthouse remain a top concern for local court officials. 21st Judicial District Chief Judge Grant Bannister spoke Thursday to the commission, encouraging they consider facility upgrades to the courthouse. He continued on saying the courthouse, which was built in 1906, has serious space limitations, which sometimes causes issues with security and trial proceedings… The commission took no action Thursday. On a related note, commissioners unanimously moved to sign a letter requesting the City of Manhattan waive a building permit fee for its Courthouse Plaza East building renovation project.