Author: Sam Hennigh

Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division bid farewell to its outgoing Garrison Commander, and welcomed a new successor. A change of command ceremony for the two colonels took place Tuesday. Colonel William McKannay reflected on his time at Fort Riley, which began in 2020. McKannay says shared experiences over the past two years have been an incredible journey for him. He says from the challenges of the pandemic, to unprecedented weather events, the fort and community overcame those odds. McKannay is being succeeded by Col. Michael Foote, who says the opportunity to serve in the position is very humbling. Foote…

Riley County commissioners have tabled approving a construction proposal for the north county ambulance station. Public Works Director John Ellerman requested to officially accept Anderson Knight Architects for the design of the station. The cost for the proposal is around $99,000, with the project cost estimated between $960 and $1.04 million. The proposal does not include fees for surveying, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Land for the proposed north county station still needs to be acquired. EMS is considering two lots currently owned by the City of Leonardville. EMS Director David Adams explains. Commission Chair Greg McKinley suggested eliminating a classroom…

Riley County has reached the High incidence rate with 76 new COVID cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recorded 76 new cases between Jun 11 – 17. The Incidence Rate is 102.4, putting the county in the HIGH incidence category with 100 or more cases per 100,000 people. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is currently caring for two COVID-19 positive patients. According to Wednesday’s report, Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says “while the number of cases is increasing in the state, the number of hospitalizations is remaining low.” She also continues to encourage everyone to get vaccinated…

Rumors about certain services provided by Manhattan Parks and Rec being removed have made their rounds. KMAN spoke with City Manager Ron Fehr, who says there have been discussions around some programming where they are having trouble filling positions. Typically, Fehr says they have had a strong ability to get seasonal workers for these positions, especially before COVID. However, during the past year, they have had trouble finding both volunteers and workforce. During strategic plan discussions last year, there were talks about holding a comprehensive look at Parks and Rec. Due to a lack of interest and a workforce for…

Riley County commissioners approved amendments to the Preliminary and Final Development Plans associated with an existing Agri-Business Planned Unit Development in the county. The business in question is Liquid Art Winery, owned by David and Danielle Tegtmeier.  The property is on Wildcat Creek Road near Scenic Drive.  The amendments include a new single family residence, conversion of an existing building into a restaurant, an amphitheater, expanded parking, and cabins. County Planner Bob Isaac says the entire property is designated as Agribusiness Planned Unit Development. The Riley County Planning Board voted in favor of all, but the amphitheater item, based on…

Fort Riley and members of the community gathered at the Post Cemetery this Memorial Day to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Held at the Post Cemetery, the ceremony paid tribute to all those who died protecting this country. Garrison Commander Colonel William McKannay spoke during the ceremony, highlighting the American flags placed at each grave. McKannay says this day is not only to remember those who are gone, but also those who were left behind. He also recognized two gold star families in attendance. Gold star families are loved ones of a fallen soldier. McKannay also…

AAA Kansas is forecasting a strong return to travel this Memorial Day weekend, both at the national and state levels. Public and Government Affairs Manager Shawn Steward says they are projecting around 39.2 million Americans traveling this weekend, an increase of 8.3 percent from one year ago. “We’re looking at almost 329,000 Kansans traveling more than 50 miles from their homes and that’s up 10 percent over last year’s numbers. Most people will drive to their destinations,” he said. Despite gas prices being at record highs, AAA is expecting some 290,000 Kansas travelers to travel by vehicle this weekend. Air…

Riley County EMS will have its north county first responder go live next month. EMS Director David Adams confirmed to Riley County Commissioners Monday that the position will start June 6. This is a position based out of Leonardville and in place until the new station is constructed. “Staff are hired and will be starting full time next week. We’ve got all the equipment in that we needed to go live with that. The last big piece of equipment we were waiting on arrived last week,” he said. Adams says Assistant Director Josh Gering is meeting with staff to finish…

Manhattan Area Technical College celebrated its graduates over the weekend with its spring commencement ceremony. The ceremony was held at University Christian Church.  President Jim Genandt says with MATC’s ceremony, they try to have a more celebratory atmosphere. Genandt says the celebration isn’t just for the students, but for the families and staff as well.  MATC was still able to hold an in-person ceremony with COVID restrictions, but removed those for this year’s ceremony.  Genandt says graduation is the best day of the year for MATC and his favorite as well. Dean of Student Services Neil Ross says a lot…

Fort Riley honored its outgoing commanding general with a change of command ceremony Wednesday. Departing Major General DA Sims has been serving in the role since August of 2020. He says when he first came here he didn’t think he would be as attached to the base and the community. “To leave that is kind of like leaving a family member. But honestly I’m very proud of what the organization has done and what they continue to do both here at home and overseas. To be associated with that and the men and women who wear the same patch, is…