Commission returns to remodeled downtown chambers

Commission approves $53K design increase for IT/GIS remodel

County prepares for potential veto on property tax bill

Simultaneous wildfires prompted recent disaster declaration

Failing ladders to cost fire department following annual tests

Local paramedic honored for 35 years of service

Grant expiration prompts stopgap for jail mental health services

Jail sees uptick in female inmates, hosts mass inmate baptism

Assistant county attorney named state prosecutor of the year

County renews healthcare application assistance agreement

Commission returns to remodeled downtown chambers

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Board of Riley County Commissioners will return to its newly remodeled downtown commission chambers for its next meeting on Thursday. The April 6 meeting marked the board's final gathering in its temporary space. Officials noted that staff members are currently organizing and moving into the finalized downtown facility, adding that the county plans to schedule an open house for the public soon.

Commission approves $53K design increase for IT/GIS remodel

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a $53,753 design contract amendment with Baker McMillan Architects for the county's information technology and geographic information systems building remodel. Public Works Director John Ellermann explained the increase covers additional architectural and engineering work required to place a generator on the roof, properly configure the server room and separate the building's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system into multiple climate-controlled zones. The addendum brings total design fees to $132,603 for the $1.65 million construction project.

County prepares for potential veto on property tax bill

MANHATTAN, Kan. — County Counselor Jacob Hansen briefed the commission on ongoing legislative developments in Topeka, noting that the governor is likely to veto a major property tax bill currently awaiting her signature. Hansen stated that a final executive decision on the veto is expected within the next 10 days, which could significantly impact future county tax evaluations.

Simultaneous wildfires prompted recent disaster declaration

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County emergency officials briefed the commission on a recent disaster declaration issued after local crews battled eight simultaneous wildfires in a single afternoon. The county's fire chief reported that dangerously high winds forced officials to halt all controlled burning, but existing fires rapidly spread, stretching emergency resources thin and requiring emergency authorization measures from the commission to manage the countywide response.

Failing ladders to cost fire department following annual tests

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Fire Department will need to purchase new equipment after several ladders failed a recent third-party stress test. Fire officials told the commission that replacing the specialized, fire-grade ladders will be a significant expense. In related fleet updates, the department is preparing to transition a recently purchased used fire engine from Texas into active service and is exploring options to appraise and sell an older, retired fire engine through a specialized apparatus broker.

Local paramedic honored for 35 years of service

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A county emergency medical services paramedic was recognized Tuesday as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Region 4 Paramedic of the Year. Assistant Emergency Medical Services Director Joshua Gering praised the paramedic's 35-year career, highlighting a calm presence in the field, clinical competence and enduring dedication to mentoring the next generation of emergency medical technicians.

Grant expiration prompts stopgap for jail mental health services

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A grant funding mental health treatment at the Riley County Jail has expired, prompting the Riley County Police Department to implement temporary measures to prevent a disruption in inmate care. RCPD representative Mark French informed the commission that officials are actively negotiating a new agreement with Pawnee Mental Health Services to provide eight to 10 hours of treatment per week. The proposed contract is expected to be presented to the board for approval within 30 days.

Jail sees uptick in female inmates, hosts mass inmate baptism

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Jail saw 25 inmates — nearly 25 percent of the facility's population — participate in a baptism event over the weekend. The Riley County Police Department also reported a continued increase in the local female inmate population, which has risen to 24. Despite the rising numbers, the county is currently managing capacity by housing only four total inmates — one female and three males — at offsite facilities.

Assistant county attorney named state prosecutor of the year

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Assistant Riley County Attorney John Griffin has been named the Kansas Narcotics Prosecutor of the Year by the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association. Nominated by a Riley County Police Department detective, Griffin was recognized for his aggressive prosecution of drug offenses, specifically complex fentanyl distribution cases linked to overdose deaths. Officials noted that shortly after his nomination, Griffin successfully prosecuted two additional major cases, including a fatal hit-and-run.

County renews healthcare application assistance agreement

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Meeting as the board of health, the commission approved a memorandum of understanding with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to continue offering application assistance for KanCare, the state's Medicaid program, through May 31, 2029. County health department supervisor Kaylyn Speth reported that the program, which operates at no additional cost to county taxpayers, has processed 647 applications since 2022. The initiative helps residents secure presumptive eligibility, providing immediate, temporary medical coverage while their full state applications are processed.

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