The Manahttan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau says the recovery from last year’s lack of visitors because of the pandemic continues. Executive Director Karen Hibbard tells KMAN that, at the end of June, the hotel occupancy rate was 50-point-six percent for the year. While the July numbers aren’t official, Hibbard did note that the final week of July saw another increase in the occupancy rate. That increase, though, comes at a time that hospitality businesses are struggling to fill jobs. The CVB along with K-State Athletics are working to promote the first home football game of the season. The “Refill…
Author: Troy Coverdale
Troy Coverdale
Currently the host of "KMAN's Morning News", Troy is a 30 year veteran of radio, nearly 20 in northern Colorado, where he served as the "Voice of the UNC Bears" while serving as the news and sports director for one of the oldest AM stations in the country. No stranger to Manhattan nor Kansas, Troy is an alum of K-State in broadcast journalism and grew up near Circleville. He began his broadcast career with KSDB-FM on campus while working part time at another radio station in town. He's married to the former Monica Haugsness of Seneca, who has patiently put up with his schedule for more than 25 years.
Delta-variant driven increases in coronavirus cases have resulted in three people needing treatment in the ICU at Manhattan’s Ascension Via Christi. Hospital president Bob Copple tells KMAN it’s an unusual situation as staffing usually allows for one-to-two or one-to-three caregiver-to-patient care. Copple says ten people are being treated for COVID currently at Ascension Via Christi. Copple says the stats bear out how effective vaccines have been against coronavirus, especially with the effects of the Delta-variant on those who haven’t been vaccinated. Copple reiterates that visitor restrictions are ongoing. As of Thursday, there were 150 active coronavirus cases in Riley County,…
Three additional deaths from coronavirus occurred in the past week in Riley County. The county Health Department reports two of those who died were unvaccinated, while the third, a 90 year old man, had received vaccination. He tested positive July 12th at Ascension Via Christi Village before passing away at a Topeka hospital August 1st. The two other deaths were a 49 year old man and a 72 year old female. The three deaths in the week moved the total number in Riley County since the start of the pandemic to 52. There are currently 10 COVID patients at Ascension…
After the previous one was found unconstitutional, the CDC late Tuesday issued a new moratorium on evictions in attempt to keep renters in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread. Manhattan Housing Authority Executive Director and City Commissioner Aaron Estabrook called the extension good news. Estabrook tells KMAN that the extension buys some time for the city to get more information out to those who may need aid. He notes, though, that there are longer range considerations that the assistance won’t address. The moratorium would temporarily halt evictions in counties with “substantial and high levels” of virus transmissions,…
The former Manhattan restaurant owner accused of multiple rapes may have his trial in March of next year. District Judge Kendra Lewison set the next scheduling hearing for October 5th in the Bob Iacobellis case, stating she expects that his trial will need to be held in a larger venue. Iacobellis is charged with 27 sexual assault and rape counts stemming from allegations brought by four women, three who were minors at the time of their interactions. Lewison stated she believes his trial will have to be held in the Wareham to allow for the numbers of spectators who will…
Manhattan city commissioners are being asked Tuesday evening to approve a three-year lease agreement with American Airlines for space at Manhattan Regional Airport. The company has been operating on a month-to-month deal with the city dating back to August of 2015, paying according to terms of the previous contract. The new contract would raise rent on the airline by $1,000 a year by 2024, to nearly $18,000. Commissioners are expected to vote in favor of a three-year deal with the company that provides e-scooters to areas of the city. Officials with LINK say the program generated over $31,000 in its…
With the moves last week by the Universities of Texas and Oklahoma to join the Southeastern Conference, there’s concern at the potential of the Big 12 either ceasing to exist or being shifted from being known as a “Power 5” conference. Kansas Board of Regents President and CEO Dr. Blake Flanders tells KMAN it’s understood that that classification has an economic impact on not just Manhattan and Lawrence. Flanders says there is not a hard rule in place to keep Kansas State and the University of Kansas together in a conference going forward. Because of the current media contracts, neither…
USD 383 Manhattan-Ogden Schools has announced that effective Friday face masks will be required in all buildings again, no matter anyone’s vaccination status. The announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control issued guidance this week for areas where coronavirus spread has been at a high rate over the past few weeks. Central registration is coming up Saturday at Manhattan High’s West Campus and the district will require masks for anyone entering the building. Earlier this week, Riley County’s Health Department noted the two week positivity rate for coronavirus is at 8.83 percent.
A mask mandate goes into effect Sunday morning at midnight for all state buildings as the Delta variant of coronavirus continues to drive new cases. Governor Laura Kelly announced the mandate while encouraging residents to get vaccinated Wednesday afternoon. Kelly kept the mandate strictly to state facilities, leaving counties, cities and school districts able to make their own decisions going forward. She also made clear that businesses can also make their own call on whether to mandate masks. While making the call on those facilities, Kelly noted the challenge for school districts with classes set to begin in the next…
Manko Window Systems will be given the Manahttan Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Cornerstone Award” when the chamber hosts it’s business awards luncheon next week. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Smith tells KMAN the award is the organization’s de facto “Lifetime Achievement Award”. Manko distributes framing and glass products in 28 states and has been in business 32 years. It employs over 400 locally. Smith says there are two businesses being recognized for becoming members of the organization’s Legacy Circle. The Chamber’s awards luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 next Tuesday morning, with the Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial…