Author: Troy Coverdale

The current director of the Riley County Police Department says he hopes his successor keeps up strong communication with the community and department employees. Dennis Butler said on KMAN’s In Focus Friday morning he took note early on during his tenure that communication is a priority. Butler says he also made a point from day one to ensure consisted communication with the multiple county governing boards. Butler announced his pending retirement earlier this month because of health concerns that developed over the summer. While he didn’t go into specifics, Butler says he’s healthy now and says he has always made…

The Riley County Health Department will be holding it’s annual “Okt-FLU-ber” Fest flu vaccine clinic Thursday Clinical supervisor Aryn Price tells KMAN the day will include activities for kids getting their flu shot.. Price also went on to say that 2020’s flu season was mild. During KMAN’s In Focus Wednesday, Price mentioned that registrations for Thursday’s event are available online. The health department has the necessary forms on their website and there will be multiple vaccine options that day, even for those without health insurance.

The new Aggieville parking garage being built by the city of Manhattan continues to move towards an early 2022 opening date. Project manager Ken Hays says the 450 spot facility is nearing completion in time for opening early next year. Hays says a majority of the interior is complete. Hays adds construction is on schedule because of a lack of weather-related issues. Hays says not having to deal with a lot of protective work for older buildings helped move the project forward. The 14 million dollar project is being funded through taxes taken in through the Aggieville taxing district.

Following the evacuation efforts as American troops pulled out of Afghanistan, one family has already resettled in the area and more are expected over the next few months. Aaron Estabrook took time during Tuesday night’s Manhattan City Commission meeting to recognize those who have been helping, including assisting the first of the families that has moved to the area. Estabrook said at Tuesday’s meeting that he had been notified that the next family would arrive on or around the 25th. It’s expected that approximately 500 refugees will resettle in Kansas after fleeing Afghanistan in the days surrounding the United State…

The Manhattan City Commission got a final look at the draft of a five-year strategic plan Tuesday night, including a look at potential priorities based on surveys of community members. While noting the limited number of those surveyed, Commissioner Mark Hatesohl said that it was a laudable list, but one that will likely change with potential new members and a new year coming up. The panel praised the work done by city staff and a committee of residents that participated in development of the plan, as more than 24-thousand various pieces of input from the public were received while the…

While the year-long closure of Kimball between North Manhattan and Denison Avenues is likely to draw plenty of consternation from drivers, it was the subject of praise Thursday at an event hosting KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. The latest phase of the North Campus Corridor project is being mostly funded by a KDOT grant. Lorenz praised it because of the impacts tied to NBAF, the Edge Collaborative District and K-State Athletics. She noted how the full project has a widespread impact because of the presence of NBAF, the BRI and the Edge Collaborative District, plus K-State’s athletic facilities. Manhattan Mayor Wynn…

The latest coronavirus outbreak in schools locally has been confirmed at Wamego’s Central Elementary. Interim USD 320 Superintendent Greg Mann says four students and four staff members tested positive for the virus, prompting a Monday closure to allow for all staff members to be tested. Mann said Wednesday on KMAN’s In Focus that a number of students are either utilizing quarantine classrooms or are participating in the “Test to Stay” program, administered by two nurses for the school. Mann says the district has been able to stay ahead of most coronavirus-related matters, however.

A well earned week off with pay will be given to K-State staff. Last Thursday, President Richard Myers put out an email to K-State faculty and staff about receiving a week off with pay. Myers acknowledged the staff members for the accomplishments they’ve made navigating through the pandemic. To show gratitude he mentioned employees will get the week of Dec. 27- Dec. 31 off, with pay. Employees won’t be required to take leave during the holiday break. Myers says there will be some exclusions, including temporary and student employees. If student employees are scheduled to work, they must do so.…

As Congress continues to look at a reconcilliation measure, one area that could impact Kansas State University would be funding for new or renovated agricultural research facilities at the nation’s land grant schools. Dean of K-State’s College of Agriculture Dr. Ernie Minton tells KMAN the needs are a result of what was a building boom for those facilities in the 50’s and 60’s. Minton tells KMAN one reason the funding is needed is tied to national security. Minton says the Kansas delegation is working with K-State to ensure that there’s some funding included, even if the Build Back Better package…

A first ever five-year strategic plan for the city of Manhattan is the subject of an open house at City Hall Thursday night. Contractor Planning NEXT presented a draft plan to the City Commission last month and Sara Bongiorno notes that draft was influenced by community input from the spring. Bongiorno says the first two rounds of engagement resulted in them gaining input from approximately two thousand residents. In developing a vision statement, Bongiorno says there was a concerted effort to come up with the phrasing of “unparalleled university and military partnerships.” Presenting the draft plan to the City Commission…