Author: Rhonda Zellweger

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…

Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program’s Founder Representative, Vivienne Uccello, announces Steve Schurle has been chosen to attend a leadership program. In his application, Schurle said he recognizes we need each other for continued growth in the region and he hopes that through his participation in the program he will gain a better understanding of how the region is intertwined. Schurle was a loan officer with K-State Credit Union before joining Riley County in 2016 as a Commercial Real Estate Analyst with the Appraiser’s Office. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from K-State in Agribusiness. He is a member of…

The City of Manhattan Parks and Rec Department hosted Pet Poolooza at City Water Park today, and it was well attended. Finn, a 5-year-old great pyrenees from Junction City, attended with his mom, Izzy Dugan (originally from Leonardville) and dad, Nathan Birney (originally from Sublette).  Dugan shared what they planned to do at the event. Birney shared his thoughts on the weather, with Finn adding his opinion. Enzo, a miniature goldendoodle from Manhattan, and his mom, Stacey Marti had a whole day planned. K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine brought their Wellness on Wheels vehicle and administered rabies vaccines. Enzo didn’t…

Governor Laura Kelly kicked off the 2022 Kansas Agricultural Growth Summit in Manhattan today. The meeting included more than 400 leaders, representing a variety of agricultural interests across the state.  Kelly told the leaders why Kansas is central to the agricultural needs of the local and national communities. She also told them why they are important to the Kansas economy. Kelly commended Kansas State University President Dr. Richard Linton, for his contribution to the state. Kelly noted Kansas is number one in wheat and sorghum production, and number two in crop plant acreage. She highlighted some ongoing improvements that…

Kansas Republican United States Representative Jake LaTurner shares what his constituents biggest concern is right now. LaTurner says Congress needs to adjust how it is dealing with the issue of inflation. LaTurner says that some regulations on businesses are necessary, however some aren’t and create more expense, contributing to inflation. He said the 2nd highest concern he’s heard recently is the fentanyl crisis that is coming in through the country’s southern border. He recently met someone who lost their child to fentanyl who used it unknowingly. LaTurner also shared his thoughts on the recent search warrant served at past President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. He says this unprecedented search should have been…