County to lobby governor for state radio system veto

Keats sewer project advances despite funding shortfall

County to rename Keats road to resolve 911 dispatch issues

Noxious weed department caps cost-share chemical sales

County halts herbicide spraying on road shoulders to save gravel

Commission reaches deadline for county administrator transition

Commission to return to remodeled downtown chambers

Riley County halfway to 'Make My Move' relocation goal

County to lobby governor for state radio system veto

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Board of County Commissioners will utilize its lobbyist to urge Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to line-item veto a $5 million proviso regarding the aging state radio system. Riley County Emergency Management Director Russel Stukey expressed concern to the board that the proviso could restrict the state to a closed-bid contract with Motorola, warning that such a move could potentially cost taxpayers millions and prevent the state from integrating with Riley County's existing Harris radio system. The commission indicated that an open bidding process is essential for both cost savings and seamless disaster communication, opting to send a formal letter to the governor in addition to using the lobbyist before the 10-day veto window closes.

Keats sewer project advances despite funding shortfall

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the notice of award to Bayer Construction for the Keats sanitary sewer improvement project, which is slated to begin a 15-month construction phase in August. Planning and Special Projects Director Amanda Webb noted the project is currently facing a $250,000 funding shortfall after a promised pipe material donation fell through. The county is actively preparing a supplemental request for U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development loan funds and is awaiting guidance on a federal Environmental Protection Agency grant to cover the remaining infrastructure costs.

County to rename Keats road to resolve 911 dispatch issues

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A rural road near Keats will be officially assigned a new name and its addresses renumbered to fix longstanding location issues for emergency responders. Planning and Special Projects Director Amanda Webb stated that 911 dispatchers and emergency services have repeatedly struggled to locate the four properties on the road, citing critical safety concerns during medical emergencies. Affected residents will receive a 30-day notice before the commission holds a formal public hearing to finalize the address changes.

Noxious weed department caps cost-share chemical sales

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — To prevent bulk hoarding during market price spikes, the Riley County Noxious Weed Department will now limit cost-share chemical sales to amounts sufficient to treat a maximum of 200 acres. Noxious Weed Director Michael Boller explained that in previous years, individual property owners bought up to 1,000 gallons of subsidized chemicals during global shortages, forcing the county to reorder at much higher prices for the rest of the community. Any purchases exceeding the new 200-acre limit will now require an on-site county inspection to verify the extent of the noxious weed infestation.

County halts herbicide spraying on road shoulders to save gravel

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The county will no longer spray ground sterilant on the shoulders of unpaved roads, a policy shift requested by the Riley County Public Works Department to prevent extensive gravel erosion. Noxious Weed Director Michael Boller said allowing grass to grow on the shoulders will help hold the gravel in place, reducing the time and taxpayer money spent pulling washed-out rock from roadside ditches. While broadleaf weeds and tall sunflowers will still be controlled, Boller warned residents that they will begin to see grass breaking through along the roadways over the next few years.

Commission reaches deadline for county administrator transition

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Board of County Commissioners acknowledged the deadline for structural proposals regarding the creation of a county administrator position, a major shift in Riley County's local government structure. During public comment, members of a citizens' task force praised the commission for the initiative and formally requested to be included in the planning process alongside internal county staff. The commission confirmed it is currently reviewing the submitted materials to determine the timeline, duties and interview process for the prospective executive role.

Commission to return to remodeled downtown chambers

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Board of County Commissioners is preparing to move its meetings back to the newly modernized downtown commission chambers as early as next Thursday. The board adjourned Tuesday's meeting early to hold a planning session at the downtown location to finalize the layout and arrange equipment. Once the transition is complete, the county plans to host a public open house to showcase the upgraded facility, which replaces the building's 1980s-era decor.

Riley County halfway to 'Make My Move' relocation goal

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County has officially approved five out of 10 targeted households for the "Make My Move" relocation incentive program, bringing the county halfway to unlocking the remaining 50 percent of its state grant funding. Planning and Special Projects Director Amanda Webb reported that three households have already moved to the county, including one family bringing children into the local school district. The program pays out-of-state remote workers and essential personnel to relocate to Riley County, generating local economic growth and state-funded education dollars.

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