Aggravated assaults up 80 percent year-to-date

Commissioners seek further cuts to Riley County Police Department budget

Cost-benefit analysis presented for Big Blue River connection

County to acquire surplus military truck

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program secures $1.86 million in local tax refunds

County sets date for upcoming property tax sale

Aggravated assaults up 80 percent year-to-date

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Police Department Deputy Director Erin Freidline reported an 80 percent year-to-date increase in aggravated assaults, rising from 28 incidents at this time last year to 53 incidents. Freidline noted that a number of recent incidents involve juveniles and firearms. In response, the department is partnering with community corrections officers to conduct curfew checks and increase supervision for certain juvenile offenders who have been released to their parents' custody, aiming to curb repeat offenses.

Commissioners seek further cuts to Riley County Police Department budget

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Law Board approved the publication of the Riley County Police Department's upcoming budget, which includes a 1.88 percent total budget increase and a 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees. Despite the publication approval, there was a stated intent during the meeting to find additional cuts before final adoption. The board's goal is to bring the police department's budget increase as close to zero percent as possible to limit the burden on taxpayers.

Cost-benefit analysis presented for Big Blue River connection

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization Planning Manager Jared Tremblay presented the findings of a cost-benefit analysis for a proposed second roadway connection over the Big Blue River, linking western Pottawatomie County to northern Manhattan. The study evaluated five potential routes with estimated costs ranging from $13.3 million to upgrade existing roads to $245.6 million for a new 1.5-mile bridge. This wide cost range reflects the massive difference between merely upgrading existing local road infrastructure versus the massive expense of constructing an entirely new bridge. Traffic modeling showed the routes would handle between 400 and 5,100 vehicles daily by 2050. Tremblay noted the project would rely entirely on local funding and require significant political consensus to move forward.

County to acquire surplus military truck

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The county is set to acquire a 20-year-old surplus military vehicle to upgrade its public works fleet. The vehicle will replace a 56-year-old truck that has reached the end of its operational lifespan. Because the vehicle is being sourced through a military surplus program, the county will only be responsible for the cost of shipping the truck to Manhattan.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program secures $1.86 million in local tax refunds

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program wrapped up a highly successful season, filing 1,200 returns for low- to moderate-income residents and military personnel. Riley County K-State Research and Extension representatives reported that 17 volunteers contributed 1,454 hours to the program, helping residents access $1.86 million in refunds. The free tax preparation service also saved community members an estimated $239,000 in commercial filing fees.

County sets date for upcoming property tax sale

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Assistant County Counselor Michael Hawthorne announced that the county's next property tax sale is officially scheduled for June 26. The county has successfully secured judgments on all eligible properties except for one, which was recently redeemed by the property owner. Hawthorne also noted that the county is preparing to initiate its first nuisance property cleanup following recent civil code enforcement actions, though officials are still finalizing the upfront funding mechanism before assessing the costs to the property owner.

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