Riley County Commission Summary
Week of October 20, 2026
Advance voting turnout surges across the county
Extension Council opens elections for 24-member board
Search committee reviews more than 20 applicants for county administrator
County to seek legislative sponsor for criminal nuisance abatement bill
Commissioners discuss public safety notification issues at the Riley County Police Department shooting range
Keats Fire Station to receive new truck bay and equipment upgrades
State funds to support fire mitigation efforts near Tuttle Creek
Riley County Emergency Medical Services reports high September call volume
Advance voting turnout surges across the county
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — County Clerk Rich Vargo announced high early voter turnout ahead of the Nov. 3, 2026, general election, reporting 1,181 ballots cast within the first two and a half days of advance voting. Vargo noted the Riley County Election Office processed more than 300 voters in just a half-day last Friday, prompting expanded voting hours to 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday to accommodate the high volume and take pressure off polling places on Election Day. Hours will expand further next week, staying open until 7 p.m.
Extension Council opens elections for 24-member board
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Riley County Extension Office, led by Extension Director Daniel Skucius, is currently holding its council elections, seeking to fill three seats on each of its four program development committees: agriculture, 4-H and youth, community vitality, and family and consumer sciences. Any resident 18 or older is eligible to vote at the extension office during standard business hours or at the upcoming Riley County 4-H Achievement Celebration on Sunday, and the newly elected members will serve two-year terms and guide future community programming.
Search committee reviews more than 20 applicants for county administrator
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The search committee for a new county administrator, comprising Human Resources Director Elizabeth Ward, a county commissioner, and the human resources manager, held its first meeting Friday to begin vetting candidates for the county's top leadership position. Officials noted they received 18 official applications prior to the meeting, with an additional five or six submitted over the weekend, and the committee will continue reviewing the applications as they narrow down the candidate pool.
County to seek legislative sponsor for criminal nuisance abatement bill
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Local officials are preparing for a legislative luncheon on Nov. 9 to discuss key community issues with state lawmakers, where securing a legislative sponsor for a criminal nuisance abatement bill will be a primary focus. County Counselor Jacob Hansen announced the proposed legislation aims to provide local government with stronger legal tools to address ongoing nuisance properties and criminal activity.
Commissioners discuss public safety notification issues at the Riley County Police Department shooting range
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following an executive session, officials discussed the need for better public notification protocols at the Riley County Police Department shooting range, citing ongoing safety concerns from neighboring commercial properties, including Bayer Construction Company, which is excavating rock nearby. Officials suggested the facility should implement warning systems, such as flying a flag or providing 24-hour notice, to alert the surrounding public before live-fire training exercises take place.
Keats Fire Station to receive new truck bay and equipment upgrades
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Emergency Services staff provided an update on fire department infrastructure, noting that site plans are finalized for a one-bay addition at Station 104 in Keats that will solve a logistical issue requiring volunteer firefighters to move one truck out of the way just to access another. Staff also reported the department is taking possession of a new heavy brush truck and preparing to find a replacement skid unit this winter.
State funds to support fire mitigation efforts near Tuttle Creek
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — The county will benefit from a portion of a $2 million state grant aimed at fire mitigation on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property, which will be used to clear overgrown access roads and establish fire breaks on non-leased land north of Tuttle Creek Lake. Riley County Emergency Services staff said the county expects to utilize a couple hundred thousand dollars for the project, which will improve access for fire trucks and help prevent the spread of prolonged wildfires in the area.
Riley County Emergency Medical Services reports high September call volume
RILEY COUNTY, Kan. — Riley County Emergency Medical Services responded to 470 calls for service in September, a busy month attributed to the return of university students and favorable fall weather, with headquarters handling the bulk of the volume at 165 calls. Staff also reported the department is currently finalizing its station alerting projects at the headquarters and Leonardville locations, which will undergo professional certification once fully operational.
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