Author: Rhonda Zellweger

As the KMAN Severe Weather Center was broadcasting warnings over the air Saturday evening, the Outdoor Warning Sirens sounded at 9:55 p.m. in Riley County. While there was no threat of tornado, many residents interpreted the sirens as such. KMAN and other Manhattan Broadcasting Company staff quickly reviewed the latest alerts from the National Weather Service in Topeka, and confirmed there continued to be no threat of tornadoes. Programming was again interrupted to reassure the listening area that there was no tornado, however there continued to be a threat of 70mph or higher winds. Later staff learned the Emergency Management…

Although construction has already begun on the Tracz Family Band Hall at K-State, the community celebrated the future home of the band on Friday. Instead of the typical shovels for the ground-breaking, the demolition of a wall was started. Band Director Dr. Frank Tracz says students and directors since the inception of K-State’s Band have all contributed to this important milestone. However, he is still honored to have the new hall named after his family since they have accepted his absence at many family functions for three decades. Tracz says band members have other responsibilities such as attending classes, so…

K-State will celebrate Cancer Research Week September 12th through 17th. Sherry Fleming, Director of Johnson Cancer Research Center, says most people aren’t aware of the extensive research being done in Manhattan: The week includes speakers at locations both on and off campus, and two fundraisers. Fleming says a small portion of the donations are awarded to students for educational pursuits, but 95% of the proceeds will support cancer research. She says the week starts with making people aware of the facility and the research they’re performing from multiple angles. Monday starts the celebration with an Open House at Johnson Cancer Research Center,…

The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition will host a community health meeting at the Family and Child Resource Center in Manhattan on Thursday. Flint Hills Wellness Coalition Chair Debbie Nuss says they will define and prioritize community health goals for the next three to five years:  The meeting will begin with data that was collected by Wichita State University’s Center for Applied Research and Evaluation (CARE), who administered a community survey, and interviewed community members. Riley County Health Educator Shanika Rose shares the most cited concerns from the study. Rose says it’s important for the community to be involved in setting…

About 55 miles of historic fences exist along a route in the Flint Hills, identified as the Native Stone Scenic Byway. Mary Mertz belongs to a group dedicated to preserving the structures. She describes a fundraiser at The Lazy T Ranch on September 10th. Mertz says crafters, artists, authors, photographers, and florists are offered free space to set up a table, and there is still room. Use Facebook messenger to contact them. She says the funds are use to preserve local history. In 1867, a law to protect crops, abolished the open range on the prairie, and provided 40…

Riley County Public Information Officer Vivienne Uccello proposed an update to the employee social media policy at Monday’s Commissioner meeting. It mainly applies to the deletion of public comments on county-run sites. Uccello explains what will be deleted: She said while private companies can delete any comment they want to; the county rarely deletes comments because it is a 1st amendment right to criticize the government. Staff will flag suspicious comments, and a supervisor will review it. The policy applies to all departments. The commissioners unanimously approved the update.  Health Department Director Julie Gibbs told the commissioners about a suicide-prevention grant she…

Local celebrity and philanthropist C. Clyde Jones is the namesake of the annual C Clyde Run, which raises funds for Shepherd’s Crossing. Jones shares why, at 99 years old, he continues to help fundraise. Jones was the first dean of K-State’s College of Business Administration, which hosts C Clyde Run and Midge’s Mile Fun Run/Walk, which is the namesake of Jones’ late wife.  Jones, who turns 100 years old in December, suffered a serious stroke last month. He reports he is doing great now; in fact, he plans to attend the annual fundraiser at Anneberg Park next month so he…

Meadowlark’s 14th Annual Speedy P D Race had a large turnout Saturday. Nine-year-old Manhattan Catholic School student, Shaun Fuemmeler, shares why he ran and what he knows about Parkinson’s disease. His mom, Laura Fuemmeler of Manhattan, also ran. She shares how Parkinson’s has touched their lives. Don Ricklui also completed the race Saturday morning. Ricklui shared why it was important to be on Team Meadowlark, even though he used his walker to participate in the race. Ricklui also enjoyed the weather and being surrounded by his fans. He said the race wasn’t easy, but he was prepared for the challenge. K-State…

Riley County Community Corrections Director Shelly Williams told commissions today that the Drug Court Program is progressing nicely. Started in March of 2022, it is a specialty court authorized by the Kansas Supreme Court, which also has Veterans and DWI courts. Williams explains: Drug Court is for people with substance abuse disorders. The program provides oversight from the court, so the offender can complete a treatment program and work on lifestyle changes, often in lieu of a jail sentence. Locally there are currently ten participants, and they are overwhelmingly complying with the requirements. Williams says the program is also saving public funds: In addition…

Riley County Museum Director Katharine Hensler says PBS Wichita has requested permission to film a segment at the Goodnow House State Historic Site. PBS asked to be allowed on the grounds and inside the buildings, and requested to interview an employee. Hensler said the county is just one of three parties who need to grant access. The site is managed by Riley County and the Historical Society, but it is owned by the state. The filming is planned for September 8, but the site will remain open and accessible to the public. PBS producers agreed to not impede guest experiences during filming. The commissioners agreed…