Author: Rhonda Zellweger

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…

Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs requested the commission approve an updated employee policy regarding COVID-19. If an employee has had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, they should check their temperature and assess symptoms daily before work for ten days. The employee will wear a mask and maintain social distancing for ten days, and take an at-home COVID-19 test five days after their last known exposure. Clinical Supervisor Jacob Clarke explained why the at-home tests have dropped in accuracy. He said, with the more recent variants of COVID-19, the tests will show positive about 48…

Geary County USD 475 Superintendent, Dr. Reginald Eggleston, says safety and security are priorities this school year as usual, but in light of recent events nationally, he wants everyone to make it their personal responsibility, too. Eggleston, who joined KMAN’s In Focus Wednesday, reminds that all should show and wear ID, and make sure doors are secure. He says everyone needs to exercise heightened awareness of little things because that can add up to make school safer and more secure. He also recommends parents go to USD475.org to opt-in for text alerts to receive emergency and other notifications.  This year,…

Meadowlark’s Parkinson’s Program Leader, Michelle Haub, reminds all that the 14th annual Speedy PD Race is Saturday morning. There are options for all fitness levels at the Speedy PD, such as a walk, or 5K and 10K runs. The event will be launched by people with Parkinson’s Disease singing the National Anthem at Tuttle Creek State Park. Haub says that Parkinson’s Disease can be managed to allow for a better quality of life, and that is the program’s goal. The program is available for anyone with Parkinson’s Disease; there is no requirement to live at Meadowlark. For more information about…

Riley County Extension Agent Gregg Eyestone invites residents to a couple of educational events. Saturday at Blueville Nursery is free. The Master Gardener Trainees Course is $100. In return, the students will volunteer to help educate the community in gardening skills. The course is eight classes, held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information and to apply, go to https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/

Riley County Commissioner Greg McKinley proclaimed September Recover Month this morning. McKinley said behavioral health is an essential part of health and overall wellness, meaning people can and do recover from substance use and mental disorders. People should seek assistance for these conditions with the same urgency as they would for any other medical condition. The county is partnering with Pawnee Mental Health Services to bring awareness to the entire community. For more information go to https://www.pawnee.org/

Riley County’s Register of Deeds, Amy Manges, announced a new service in Monday’s Commission meeting. The service is free to Riley County residents and businesses. Manges recommends making profiles for name variations; for example, William also requests alerts for Bill. Although you must register each name separately, you can use the same phone number or email to get text or email alerts. The service only searches names, not property addresses, but the Deeds’ Office files liens manually. The system has already detected a Riley County file change in just seven minutes, but it could take 24-48 hours for a change…