Author: Peter Rice

With extremely hot temperatures approaching Manhattan, a K-State veterinary professor reminds residents to keep their furry friends safe in the heat. Susan Nelson is the clinical professor in the Pet Health Center at K-State, and said certain dog breeds can be at a greater risk… 0612-Nelson1 She also said to keep high humidity in mind because it is also very dangerous to those same at-risk dogs. 0612-Nelson2 For more animal tips, listen to our full interview with Susan Nelson on our June 6th episode of In-Focus.

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The Manhattan City Commission met with department heads Tuesday as discussions surrounding the 2025 budget continue. City staff provided an overview of 2023 actual revenues, and approaches to 2024 and 2025 operations. The city is facing a projected shortfall in the cash balance due to federal COVID funds running out, and much of Tuesday’s discussion centered around how departments may be able to slash costs. Newly-appointed city commissioner Jayme Minton suggested more difficult conversations about budget cuts could be looming. “We can’t continue to outspend our revenue into that and so we have to get probably pretty extreme in the…

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The 16th annual Nelson Family Foundation benefit took place this weekend where participants raised money for local families fighting serious illnesses. Former K-State and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson summarized the weekend’s activities… Festivities on Friday were moved inside Riley County Fire Station #106 due to rain, but continued nonetheless as hundreds of participants came out to Leonardville for the 2-day event. Nelson explained how the benefit first got started… This year’s Benefit helped three area families in need including Haisley Dow, Harold Oliver, and Riley & Kenzi Beard.

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The Sunset Zoo’s beloved female chimpanzee named Susie celebrated her 70th birthday on Thursday. Zoo Marketing Officer Melissa Kirkwood explained why Susie’s birthday is so important… Susie came to the Sunset Zoo in 1974, and she far exceeds the lifespan of chimps in the wild which averages around 40 years old. Kirkwood says the expertise and consistency of zoo staff has greatly helped Susie … The Sunset Zoo troop of chimpanzees also includes Julian, Hazina, Hususa, and Koto. Zoo staff said that Susie acts as the group’s matriarch and the other chimps will listen to her.

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The Manhattan City Commission approved a resolution Tuesday night that establishes the Downtown Convention Parking Program for this year. Starting August 1st, the city will begin charging parking fees for the downtown garage. The action Tuesday will allocate transient guest tax, TGT, money to annually cover parking for conventions held in downtown Manhattan through the end of 2028. The approved resolution will allocate $115,000 to the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and the commission has authority to change that amount every year. Commissioner John Matta… 0604-Matta1 Although the resolution passed unanimously, some noted they want to meet with Chamber officials…

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A family in Hunter’s island escaped from a structure fire early Friday morning that claimed the lives of three pets. Riley County Fire District #1 was dispatched to a reported structure fire near the 1800 block of Kientz Dr. at 3 a.m. Friday morning. Upon arrival, crews found a home with both smoke and flames showing. Two adults and three young children were asleep at the time of the fire, but were able to escape safely through a bedroom window without injury. The family reported they were sleeping with bedroom doors closed and were awakened by the sound of the…

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Two individuals were arrested Wednesday evening on a slew of opiate and drug-related charges. Catrien Van Petten, of Manhattan, was arrested in the 1500 block of Houston street on probable cause suspicion of distributing opiates within 1000 feet of a school, possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, and possession of marijuana with 2 or more prior convictions. Nathan Michael McClurg, of Tipton Kansas, was also arrested for suspicion of distributing opiates within 1000 feet of a school, possession of paraphernalia with intent to manufacture controlled substance, and possession of marijuana with one prior conviction. Riley County Police…

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The Manhattan city commission appointed Jayme Minton to fill Wynn Butler’s vacant position Tuesday night. Commissioner Peter Oppelt made the initial motion to nominate Minton, which was approved 3-1. Karen McCulloh was the lone vote against. The newest Commissioner explained what makes her a good fit for the job… Minton added that she will continue to push to make Manhattan more attractive and sustainable for people to live, work and visit. She says she plans to seek clarity from city staff on key decisions like a possible sales tax question to support parks and rec initiatives and replenishing general fund…

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Service members and their families flocked on Memorial Day to the Kansas veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Riley where soldiers past and present were honored. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Coco spoke about the honor and sacrifice it takes to become a service member… Coco also detailed how many local soldiers have been laid to rest since the Kansas Veterans’ cemetery opened. The Junction City High School ROTC placed wreaths to remember the memory of all fallen soldiers. Visitors then laid out 83 carnations which represent the number of Kansans killed this year fighting the global war on terror. Samantha DeVoe is a…

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The Kansas Department of Transportation officially launched the statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign Wednesday at Manhattan’s Peace Memorial Auditorium. Officials paid tribute to armed forces while emphasizing the importance of seatbelt safety for military personnel and civilians. Colonel Charles Montgomery from the First Infantry Division detailed the importance for soldiers to buckle up… Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Erik Smith says seat belts are your best defense against other drivers, who may be impaired, aggressive or distracted on the roadways He encouraged the public to help spread the message over the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. VFW…

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