Manhattan local news summary

Commissioner questions proposed move of Aggieville substation

Police announce stricter approach to criminal activity in encampments

Crime rates remain below state average despite population data concerns

Levee extension to Northview deemed financially unfeasible

Wildcat Creek flood mitigation projects currently paused

Anderson Avenue to close during severe winter weather

City introduces QR code system for snow plow claims

Commission to review snow plow tracking system in January

Commission approves 2026 pay scales following public opposition

Inmate medical costs exceed budget, requiring transfer

County seeks out-of-county options for district coroner

Short-term rental regulations sent back to planning board

Comprehensive plan set for final adoption

Eminent domain resolution prepared for Keats sewer project

Commissioner questions proposed move of Aggieville substation

MANHATTAN, Kan. - City Commissioner Peter Adamczak questioned the Riley County Police Department's plan to relocate its Aggieville substation from Moro Street to a new hotel development. Director Brian Peete stated the move is intended to solidify space, but noted that facility decisions ultimately rest with the county. Adamczak argued that moving from a city-owned property to a potentially more expensive location did not make financial sense, suggesting the commission needs to discuss the matter directly with the Riley County Board of Commissioners.

Police announce stricter approach to criminal activity in encampments

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Following a recent homicide linked to a homeless encampment, Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete announced a strategic shift to hold individuals accountable for criminal behavior within the homeless population. While the department intends to continue working with the Homelessness Service Providers Task Force to offer resources, Peete emphasized the need to separate those in need of aid from a "criminal element" involved in drug trafficking and disruptive behavior. He cited increasing complaints from homeowners and businesses as a driver for this renewed focus on enforcement.

Crime rates remain below state average despite population data concerns

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete presented data showing Riley County's crime rate remains approximately 32 percent lower than the Kansas average over the last 21 years. Peete addressed recent public questions regarding how the presence of Fort Riley and Kansas State University affects per-capita statistics. He presented adjusted data models demonstrating that even under high-crime assumptions for those nonreporting populations, the county's crime index would still remain below the state average.

Levee extension to Northview deemed financially unfeasible

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During a floodplain management update, city officials confirmed that extending the levee system to protect the Northview and Spain Drive neighborhoods is not currently planned due to a negative cost-benefit ratio determined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In response to public comments from residents concerned about Big Blue River flooding similar to the 1993 disaster, City Engineer Brian Johnson acknowledged the vulnerability but stated that the federal study did not support the funding required for such a project.

Wildcat Creek flood mitigation projects currently paused

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Floodplain Administrator Bill Heatherman confirmed that major physical interventions to mitigate flooding in the Wildcat Creek watershed remain stalled. Despite a resiliency task force formed after the 2018 floods, proposals for large reservoirs on Fort Riley were rejected for national security reasons and smaller watershed drainage solutions faced local opposition. Heatherman noted that no physical changes have been made to the watershed that would produce a different result if a similar rain event occurred today.

Anderson Avenue to close during severe winter weather

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Public Works Director Brian Johnson announced a safety plan to close Anderson Avenue between Connecticut and the Unger Complex during significant winter storms. Due to ongoing construction that has reduced traffic to head-to-head lanes, the department determined that the risk of vehicles becoming stuck on the hill creates a safety hazard they cannot manage during active snow events. Johnson noted that while a full construction closure was considered to speed up the project, the lack of viable detour routes makes it impossible for daily traffic.

City introduces QR code system for snow plow claims

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Public Works Department is implementing a new "door knocker" notification system for residents whose mailboxes are damaged during snow removal operations. Instead of waking residents during overnight shifts, crews will leave a hangtag featuring a QR code that links directly to the city's claim submission form. Public Works Director Brian Johnson also highlighted the use of new rubber-encased plow blades designed to reduce damage to roadway surfaces and markings.

Commission to review snow plow tracking system in January

MANHATTAN, Kan. - City administration plans to present a proposal in January for the purchase of an automatic vehicle location system for the city's snow plow fleet. The system would allow the public to view plow locations through a web interface, though the feed would be delayed by approximately one hour for safety reasons. Public Works Director Brian Johnson noted the technology would also improve efficiency by tracking salt usage, fuel consumption and engine diagnostics.

Commission approves 2026 pay scales following public opposition

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Riley County Commission voted unanimously to approve the 2026 pay scale implementation and resolutions, effective Dec. 20, 2025. The vote followed public comments from two residents who argued the increases—described as nearly double the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security—were insensitive to taxpayers facing inflation. Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward defended the adjustments, citing a need to maintain market-competitive salaries to prevent turnover, which she estimated costs the county 50 percent of an employee's annualized salary.

Inmate medical costs exceed budget, requiring transfer

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - County Clerk Rich Vargo reported that inmate housing, medical and prescription costs are "extraordinarily high" and have exceeded the amount budgeted for the year. Vargo noted that while the county cannot control inmate population or medical needs, it is statutorily obligated to pay these expenses. Consequently, a transfer of funds will be required to cover the deficit. Vargo predicted this trend of rising correctional costs will likely continue into the next fiscal year.

County seeks out-of-county options for district coroner

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The search for a new district coroner continues as the county attempts to fill the position before the new year. County Counselor Jacob Hanson described the statutory process involving the local medical society as "archaic" and difficult to navigate. However, Hanson reported progress, noting potential interest from individuals in Saline County. The administration hopes to present a candidate to the commission soon to ensure coverage begins in January.

Short-term rental regulations sent back to planning board

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners voted to return proposed short-term rental regulation amendments to the Riley County Planning Board rather than approving them. County Counselor Jacob Hanson advised the move, expressing concern regarding a subsection that allowed the planning director to waive separation requirements between rentals without specific criteria. Hanson warned that lacking defined criteria for waivers could lead to arbitrary decisions and potential litigation. The planning board is tasked with clarifying the language to ensure constitutional compliance before the regulations return to the commission.

Comprehensive plan set for final adoption

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Planning Director Amanda Webb announced that "Riley County Together," the county's updated comprehensive plan, is scheduled for final adoption at the Dec. 18 commission meeting. The Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board has already recommended approval. Following a final public hearing by the Riley County Planning Board, consultants will incorporate any remaining adjustments. Webb noted that once adopted, the plan will be subject to a more in-depth annual review process starting next fall.

Eminent domain resolution prepared for Keats sewer project

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The commission is expected to consider a resolution next week authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire temporary construction easements for the Keats sewer project. County Counselor Jacob Hanson explained that while most property owners have cooperated, three or four easements remain outstanding due to a lack of urgency rather than disagreement with the project. Hanson clarified that these are temporary easements for construction purposes to connect homes to the new sewer line and decommission septic tanks, not permanent land takings.

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