Manhattan local news summary

Commissioners refine vision for county’s future in comprehensive plan

Riley County to pursue eminent domain for Keats sewer project access

County to hold hearing on multiple 2025 budget amendments

Aggieville police substation relocation to triple in rent

Crime down, traffic accidents up in Riley County, police report

K-State Extension announces major reorganization

Commission denies request for wedding in courthouse clock tower

Commissioners refine vision for county’s future in comprehensive plan

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Commissioners reviewed and revised key language for the “Riley County Together” comprehensive plan, altering the county’s official vision statement to better reflect their priorities. During a presentation by Planning Director Amanda Webb, commissioners voted to replace the term “sustainable growth” with “responsible growth.” They also amended a guiding principle related to housing, changing the goal from supporting “affordable housing” to ensuring “access to diverse housing,” citing the difficulty in defining “affordable.” The draft plan is set for public hearings before the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board on Dec. 1 and the Riley County Planning Board on Dec. 8.

Riley County to pursue eminent domain for Keats sewer project access

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Keats sewer project is moving forward but will require the use of eminent domain to secure temporary access to some properties, County Counselor Jacob Hansen told commissioners Thursday. While all permanent easements for the main infrastructure have been acquired, the county has been unable to secure voluntary temporary easements from every property owner needed for construction. Hansen stated the county will now begin the eminent domain process to ensure the project can proceed. With the permanent easements secured, the project is being prepared to go out for bid soon.

County to hold hearing on multiple 2025 budget amendments

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Commission on Thursday scheduled a public hearing to consider several amendments to the 2025 budget. The proposed changes would increase spending authority for funds including Hunter’s Island, the Riley County Police Department, Solid Waste and Community Corrections. Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips explained the adjustments are necessary to account for grant revenues and higher-than-anticipated expenditures, such as a recent $30,000 bill for housing inmates outside the county. Phillips confirmed the amendments will be covered by existing cash reserves and other revenue sources and will not increase property taxes. The hearing is set for 9 a.m. on Dec. 15.

Aggieville police substation relocation to triple in rent

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department’s Aggieville substation is planning a move to a new location in the district’s forthcoming hotel development, but the new space will come at a significantly higher cost. During his report, Commissioner John Ford noted the new substation will be three times larger than the current one, with rent also tripling. The Riley County Law Board is reportedly working with the property owners to secure a long-term contract to prevent future relocations. The new substation is expected to be ready in the fall of 2026.

Crime down, traffic accidents up in Riley County, police report

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — While serious crime in Riley County continued to trend downward in October, traffic accidents reached a five-year high, according to a report from the Riley County Police Department. Director Brian Peete reported that Part 1 crimes, which include violent and property offenses, were down 22.6 percent compared to the same time last year. Vehicle burglaries hit a five-year low. However, traffic accidents were 18 percent above the five-year average for October, making it the worst month for crashes in five years. Peete said the department will increase traffic enforcement efforts, focusing on infractions like distracted driving.

K-State Extension announces major reorganization

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — K-State Research and Extension, a key county partner, is undergoing a significant restructuring and rebranding, Extension Director Greg Hadley announced in a report to the commission. The organization is now officially known as “K-State Extension” and has been moved from under the College of Agriculture to the university’s Office of Engagement and Outreach. Hadley said the change is part of a university-wide “Elevating Extension” initiative that will give the service a more direct line to the university president’s office and is expected to provide more opportunities and support for local programming.

Commission denies request for wedding in courthouse clock tower

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A couple’s request to be married in the historic Riley County Courthouse clock tower was denied by the commission due to safety and liability concerns. County Counselor Jacob Hansen presented the unusual request, which would have involved the couple, an officiant and their two children. Commissioners, however, expressed immediate concerns about the steep, ladder-like staircase, the exposed gears of the clock mechanism and the potential liability. Citing the dangerous access, the board directed Hansen to deny the request.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: