Manhattan local news summary
Week of October 3 2025
K-State Enrollment Tops 21,182, Reversing Years of Decline
K-State Embarks on $500M Campus Construction Boom
Federal Funding Shifts Impact K-State's International Programs
K-State Launches New Water and Bio-manufacturing Institutes
Violent Crime in Riley County Spiked in August, Police Report
Future of Aggieville Weekend Road Closures Under Review
K-State Touts Record-Breaking Fundraising and Research Dollars
WIC Program Faces Imminent Funding Crisis Amid Federal Shutdown
County Approves $194,000 Study for New Judicial Services Center
Riley County Awarded $187,000 "Home in the Heartland" Grant
New Short-Term Rental Regulations Advance to Public Hearings
K-State Enrollment Tops 21,182, Reversing Years of Decline
MANHATTAN - Kansas State University President Richard Linton delivered a glowing update to the City Commission, announcing that student enrollment has climbed to 21,182, reversing a nearly decade-long decline. Linton stated this is a "historic, record-breaking year," noting the growth of several thousand students since his arrival provides a significant boost to the local economy through increased demand for rental properties, restaurants, and hotels. The university is now aiming to reach 30,000 total learners, including non-degree students, by the year 2030.
K-State Touts Record-Breaking Fundraising and Research Dollars
MANHATTAN - In a presentation highlighting the university's financial strength, K-State President Richard Linton reported record-breaking success in funding and fundraising. The university secured $150.4 million in state funding this year and saw its total research expenditures grow to $264 million. Furthermore, fundraising efforts dramatically exceeded their goal, bringing in nearly $100 million more than the targeted $200 million for the year as part of a campaign to raise $2 billion by 2030.
K-State Embarks on $500M Campus Construction Boom
MANHATTAN - President Linton detailed over $500 million in ongoing and planned facility investments at Kansas State University, centered on the new Agricultural Innovation Initiative. A key project is the Bilbrey Family Event Center, a competitive livestock arena expected to host up to 30 events annually. Linton emphasized the project's economic benefit to Manhattan, predicting it will draw visitors from across the country who will utilize local hotels, restaurants, and shops, particularly during the summer.
Federal Funding Shifts Impact K-State's International Programs
MANHATTAN - A major shift in federal funding has dealt a significant blow to Kansas State University's renowned international agriculture programs. President Linton explained that the dismantling of certain USAID-funded programs resulted in a loss of approximately $96 million in research funding for the university. He acknowledged it was a "heartbreaking" and "severe loss" that impacts the recruitment of international students. The university is now working to reinvent its global engagement strategy by pursuing new funding sources, such as private foundations.
K-State Launches New Water and Bio-manufacturing Institutes
MANHATTAN - With the help of significant state investment, Kansas State University is launching two new interdisciplinary research centers: the Kansas Water Institute and a Biomanufacturing Institute. Each initiative received about $5 million in state funding, with support structured to continue annually, to hire new faculty and modernize equipment. President Linton noted that these institutes were created in direct response to feedback from stakeholders across Kansas and are designed to drive workforce development and solve complex problems relevant to the state's economy.
Violent Crime in Riley County Spiked in August, Police Report
RILEY COUNTY - Riley County Police Department Director Brian Peete reported a troubling increase in violent crime for the month of August, which he stated was the highest month this year and approximately 50% above the five-year average. The statistics included 14 aggravated assaults or batteries, seven sexual assaults, three robberies, and one homicide resulting from a preventable vehicle accident. While property crimes remain below the five-year average, Director Peete noted the caseload for detectives has increased significantly, with one detective currently handling 30 cases, well above the typical 12 to 17.
Future of Aggieville Weekend Road Closures Under Review
MANHATTAN - The controversial practice of restricting road access in the Aggieville entertainment district on weekend nights is under review, according to RCPD Director Brian Peete. While Peete stated his personal belief that the restrictions keep officers and the public safe, he acknowledged concerns from the Aggieville Business Association that the closures may deter customers. The police department is gathering more data and plans to survey students and Fort Riley personnel to make an informed recommendation to the law board on whether to continue, modify, or end the practice.
WIC Program Faces Imminent Funding Crisis Amid Federal Shutdown
RILEY COUNTY - The Riley County Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support to 2,743 local women, infants, and children, could exhaust its funding within 10 to 11 days due to the federal government shutdown, officials reported Monday. WIC Supervisor Kaylyn Speth informed commissioners that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is monitoring available funds daily but anticipates they will soon be depleted. The program serves 676 women, 572 infants, and 1,495 children in the region, including families at Fort Riley. County officials are exploring the fiscal and legal options for temporarily covering administrative costs to prevent a disruption in services, but noted the food benefit portion of the program is controlled at the state level.
County Approves $194,000 Study for New Judicial Services Center
RILEY COUNTY - The Riley County Commission has taken a significant step toward addressing spatial needs in the justice system by approving a $194,000 contract with BBN Architects. The firm will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment for a potential new Judicial Services Center. This study will analyze the current and future requirements for court and legal services in the county. The approved cost for the assessment is considerably higher than the $84,000 initially estimated in the Capital Improvement Plan, prompting officials to note that a budget amendment will be necessary. This study marks the first major financial commitment in a long-term project that could result in a new county facility.
Riley County Awarded $187,000 "Home in the Heartland" Grant
RILEY COUNTY - Riley County has been awarded a $187,084 grant through the state's "Home in the Heartland" program, Commissioner John Ford announced. The program, administered by the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, is designed to attract remote workers and new residents to Kansas communities by offering incentives; Riley County is working with MakeMyMove as a platform partner. Ford stated that further details on how the funds will be dispersed and how the program will be implemented are forthcoming. The grant represents a significant investment aimed at boosting the local population and economy by capitalizing on the trend of remote work.
New Short-Term Rental Regulations Advance to Public Hearings
RILEY COUNTY - After months of development and work sessions, proposed amendments to the county’s short-term rental regulations are set to go before public planning boards in October and November. The draft regulations will be presented to the Riley County Planning Board and the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board for public comment and recommendation. This marks a critical step in a lengthy process to update the rules governing properties used for services like Airbnb and Vrbo before the regulations return to the County Commission for final approval.
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