> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Riley County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/riley-county-commission-summary-54/ - Published: 2026-09-01T12:58:55.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-01T12:58:55.000Z - Description: Week of September 1, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: ksu, #summary, dnn # Planning department proposes special use permits for data centers # Legal counsel advises against data center referendum # Commission raises utility, infrastructure concerns over data centers # Commission approves bond placements for infrastructure projects # Kitten Creek Road to close temporarily for culvert replacement # Officials celebrate opening of new emergency operations center # Prosecutor highlights major convictions --- ### Planning department proposes special use permits for data centers RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Planning Director Amanda Webb recommended using the county's existing special use permit procedure to regulate potential data centers and battery energy storage systems. Under this process, applications would undergo a staff review against zoning codes and require public hearings before both the planning board and the county commission. Webb noted that while the framework exists, the county will still need to draft specific criteria to address the unique impacts of these specialized facilities. --- ### Legal counsel advises against data center referendum RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Counselor Jacob Hansen advised the commission that the county lacks the statutory authorization to hold a binding public vote on whether to allow data centers in the area. Hansen noted that while citizen petitions regarding data centers are currently navigating the courts in other Kansas jurisdictions like Emporia, local governing bodies cannot independently place advisory referendums on the ballot without express legislative approval. --- ### Commission raises utility, infrastructure concerns over data centers RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — As the county explores zoning regulations for data centers, the commission expressed concerns regarding water consumption, cooling methods, noise pollution from generators and the placement of large transmission lines. To better understand the environmental and infrastructural impacts, the county plans to invite experts from the Division of Water Resources, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Evergy to present at upcoming meetings. --- ### Commission approves bond placements for infrastructure projects RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a bond placement and purchase agreement with Commerce Bank for the Peterson Ranch benefit district street project and the county's solid waste tipping floor project. Budget and Finance Officer Brittany Phillips explained that combining the two projects secured a lower interest rate for the county. The solid waste project loan will be paid off over five years using user fees, while the Peterson Ranch improvements will be paid off over 10 years through special assessments. --- ### Kitten Creek Road to close temporarily for culvert replacement RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Operations Manager Alvin Perez announced that a culvert replacement project in Wildcat Township will prompt a single-day closure of Kitten Creek Road on Wednesday, Sept. 2\. The road will be closed to through traffic between 52nd Street and Gumbo Hill. Officials expect the project to be completed and the road reopened by Wednesday evening. --- ### Officials celebrate opening of new emergency operations center RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The commission highlighted the recent ribbon-cutting and open house for the newly modernized Riley County Emergency Operations Center and remodeled fire department headquarters. The updated facility, located off Charles Little Road, is expected to serve the community's expanding emergency services and infrastructure needs for decades to come. --- ### Prosecutor highlights major convictions RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Attorney's Office highlighted several major felony convictions secured by prosecutors. Notable cases included Clayson Joyce and Dontaivious Amaru Temple, both convicted of attempted first-degree murder, and Luke Patrick Johnson, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter following the fentanyl-related death of 18-year-old Haley George. The office credited the county's ongoing financial support and resources for enabling prosecutors to successfully secure these convictions. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/ksu-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)