Riley County Commission Summary
Week of July 21, 2026
County to partner with Johnson County on nuisance abatement law
Commission approves interim leaders for health department
June EMS call volume shows shift in busiest stations
Local agencies prepare for multi-jurisdictional airport drill
Court order extends mail-in ballot deadline for primary election
Advance voting underway with over 300 early ballots cast
County explores 1965 agreement amid fairgrounds relocation discussions
Walsburg Road to close for culvert relocation project
County to partner with Johnson County on nuisance abatement law
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County is teaming up with Johnson County officials to coordinate legislative efforts regarding Senate Bill 384, a criminal nuisance abatement law. County Counselor Jacob Hansen announced plans to meet with Johnson County representatives next week to build a coalition around the legislation. The collaborative effort aims to strengthen local government responses to ongoing code violations within their respective jurisdictions by utilizing the bill's general legal framework, rather than targeting specific local cases.
Commission approves interim leaders for health department
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Commission unanimously approved several interim appointments to fill leadership gaps at the Riley County Health Department. County Emergency Medical Services Director David Adams was officially named interim health department director, alongside an interim Women, Infants and Children coordinator, an interim maternal and child health coordinator and an interim clinic coordinator. The commission approved the employee action forms, which include retroactive pay for the temporary leadership roles, without debate.
June EMS call volume shows shift in busiest stations
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Emergency Medical Services responded to 519 calls in June, revealing an unusual shift in station activity. County EMS Director David Adams reported that Station 2, which covers the Aggieville area, outpaced the traditionally busiest Station 1, fielding 164 calls compared to 162. Adams attributed the slight anomaly to summer traffic and regional visitors frequenting the entertainment district while university students were away.
Local agencies prepare for multi-jurisdictional airport drill
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Multiple Riley County first responder agencies are preparing for a large-scale emergency drill at the Manhattan Regional Airport scheduled for Sept. 26. County EMS Director David Adams said Riley County EMS, Emergency Management, county fire personnel, the Manhattan Fire Department and the Riley County Police Department will all participate. Planners are keeping the drill's specific emergency scenarios confidential to ensure a genuine, unscripted response from the participating agencies.
Court order extends mail-in ballot deadline for primary election
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A Douglas County District Court order has temporarily blocked Kansas Senate Bill 4, extending the deadline for mail-in ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election. The Riley County Clerk's Office confirmed that ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the close of business on the Friday following the election will now be counted. County Counselor Jacob Hansen noted that the law was paused due to a constitutional challenge at the state level, forcing local election officials to adapt their vote-counting timelines during an active voting period.
Advance voting underway with over 300 early ballots cast
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Advance voting for the Aug. 4 primary election is steadily progressing in Riley County, with 302 ballots cast as of Friday. The Riley County Clerk's Office reminded residents that in-person advance voting remains open through noon on Aug. 3. Voters can cast their ballots at the county offices Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays until noon and during a special Saturday session on Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon.
County explores 1965 agreement amid fairgrounds relocation discussions
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County legal staff are reviewing a 1965 local government agreement as discussions continue regarding the potential relocation of the Riley County Fairgrounds. County Counselor Jacob Hansen informed the commission he is investigating the legal mechanisms for disposing of the current fairgrounds property and determining whether another entity holds a right of first refusal. Hansen noted that state law strictly dictates how municipal property can be sold, and the original agreement's language will dictate the county's available options.
Walsburg Road to close for culvert relocation project
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — A section of Walsburg Road will close starting July 27 for a major culvert relocation project. Public Works Operations/Fleet Manager Alvin Perez announced that the intersection of Walsburg Road and Alembic Road will be blocked off one mile in each direction to allow crews to complete the work safely. The project is expected to be completed by Aug. 6, weather permitting, with detour signage posted in the area.
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