Juvenile detention numbers skyrocket, forcing out-of-county transfers

Law board approves 1.76 percent budget increase for police department

Police department revamps intern program to boost recruitment

First responders complete active violence training at local school

Edge district financing moves forward following city approval

County sales tax revenues show steady year-over-year growth

Fort Riley safe-ride pilot program yields positive early results

Extension office expands youth ATV safety program

Juvenile detention numbers skyrocket, forcing out-of-county transfers

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The number of juvenile offenders being detained from the 15-county region that includes Manhattan has skyrocketed, prompting officials to open a second detention facility wing at the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. According to official county reports, in the first five months of the year, the local facility has already used 113 percent of its five-year average for detention days. The primary facility, which has a capacity of 16 and typically averages 12 youths per day, recently housed 25, forcing the county to transport nine juveniles to other locations.

Law board approves 1.76 percent budget increase for police department

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Riley County Law Enforcement Agency finalized the Riley County Police Department budget with a 1.76 percent increase. RCPD representatives cited heavy inflationary pressures, noting costs for prisoner food, care and general supplies have surged by as much as 40 percent regionally over the last few years. To help offset local taxpayer burdens, the department is actively seeking alternative funding sources, including a federal grant that reimburses half the cost of the department's bulletproof vests.

Police department revamps intern program to boost recruitment

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - In an effort to combat turnover and find qualified employees, the Riley County Police Department has overhauled its internship program. The department now hosts multiple interns, primarily from the Kansas State University criminal justice program, who rotate through various divisions before specializing in an area of interest. Department leadership hopes the pipeline will build strong relationships and transition successful interns into full-time officers or part-time police service aides.

First responders complete active violence training at local school

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Riley County Police Department, alongside fire, emergency medical services and emergency management personnel, recently concluded a three-day active violence joint training at Amanda Arnold Elementary School. The unified exercise focused on rapidly neutralizing threats, rendering medical aid and safely extracting victims. For the first time, the training also included a student reunification drill to help officials navigate the logistical challenges of safely returning children to their parents following a critical incident.

Edge district financing moves forward following city approval

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - The recent unanimous Manhattan City Commission approval to establish a tax increment financing and STAR bond district for the Edge 3.0 development near Bill Snyder Family Stadium was brought forward for review. The initial approval allows the development's financial framework to be fully vetted before a final public hearing and vote scheduled for Aug. 18. The massive footprint of the proposed district emphasizes the necessity of reviewing the project's localized tax impacts before the final decision is reached.

County sales tax revenues show steady year-over-year growth

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - A report from the office of County Treasurer Shilo Heger showed that total sales tax collections are up 9.71 percent year-to-date compared to May of last year. General fund sales tax retention for the month was approximately $197,000, coming in 7.67 percent over the monthly budget. The report also detailed a temporary $1 million shortfall in ad valorem property tax collections, attributing it entirely to a strict cutoff date implemented to ensure early June fund distributions to local school districts.

Fort Riley safe-ride pilot program yields positive early results

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - A new pilot program utilizing federal funds and a rideshare company is helping transport Fort Riley soldiers and their families to and from the local community. The Fort Riley safe-ride pilot program aims to reduce impaired driving by providing military personnel with a safe alternative to get on and off base. While the program just completed its first month, meeting reports indicate early participation numbers show strong utilization.

Extension office expands youth ATV safety program

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Following a highly successful local all-terrain vehicle safety class for youth hosted alongside the Riley County Farm Bureau, the Riley County K-State Research and Extension office announced it will become a regional training hub. The county will host a statewide "train the trainer" event in October to certify more extension agents and volunteers in ATV safety instruction. The initiative aims to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involving minors and off-road vehicles across the state.

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