Riley County issues disaster declaration after weekend wildfires stretch resources

Aging backup generator at Riley County Law Enforcement Center requires replacement

Riley County Commissioners consider halting joint meetings with Manhattan over frustrations

Riley County Commissioners question $25,000 furniture request for Riley County Treasurer's Office

Capital improvement plan focuses on Riley County dog park and playground upgrades

Big Lakes Developmental Center faces severe staffing shortage amid upgrades

Former First Christian Church property request for proposals receives zero bids

Riley County issues disaster declaration after weekend wildfires stretch resources

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County emergency services director Russel Stukey reported that a series of weekend grass fires forced Riley County to issue a local disaster declaration. The intense activity stretched local volunteer crews to their limits, prompting the county to request out-of-county task forces from Shawnee and Dickinson counties, along with Kansas Forest Service resources. Stukey noted that while hundreds of prescribed agricultural burns were conducted safely, the uncontrolled fires — some threatening residential areas surrounded by cedar forests — required extensive mutual aid to contain.

Aging backup generator at Riley County Law Enforcement Center requires replacement

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - An aging backup generator at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center is failing and will require replacement, Riley County Jail staff reported. Recent maintenance tests found metal in the generator's oil, indicating severe internal wear. Staff stressed that replacing the obsolete unit is critical to maintaining continuous power for dispatch, servers and the jail, warning that a total failure during an outage would force the costly relocation of approximately 100 inmates.

Riley County Commissioners consider halting joint meetings with Manhattan over frustrations

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Frustration over the monthly intergovernmental meetings held with the City of Manhattan was the focus of a recent Riley County Commission session, leading to plans to draft a letter to the city to reevaluate the gatherings. Concerns were raised during the meeting that the City of Manhattan was dominating the agenda with repetitive presentations, including discussions tied to the Gateway to Manhattan planning work, while bypassing the county's questions regarding police and fire services for newly annexed properties. The meetings were criticized as currently serving no useful purpose, and a pause in attendance was considered until the sessions yield tangible discussions.

Riley County Commissioners question $25,000 furniture request for Riley County Treasurer's Office

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - A capital improvement plan request for $25,000 to $30,000 in new furniture for the Riley County Treasurer's Office faced heavy scrutiny. The cost of the proposed seating was questioned, specifically the necessity of purchasing upholstered chairs priced at $600 each for staff and public waiting areas. Budget and finance officer Brittany Phillips noted the chairs were selected by a designer for long-term durability, but skepticism remained over the high price tag, prompting a review of the expenditures.

Capital improvement plan focuses on Riley County dog park and playground upgrades

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County Public Works officials presented early capital improvement plan requests aimed at enhancing Riley County parks, including a $25,000 replacement of deteriorating, unsafe playground equipment. Officials also proposed building a $10,000 to $12,000 concrete pad and weather shelter at the Riley County dog park following repeated requests from residents seeking protection from the sun and wind. Urgent playground replacement was prioritized during the meeting, while long-term master plan funds were kept in reserve.

Big Lakes Developmental Center faces severe staffing shortage amid upgrades

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Big Lakes Developmental Center is operating with significant staff vacancies as it lobbies the Kansas Legislature for Medicaid rate increases to boost employee wages, according to a report from Big Lakes' leadership. Despite the workforce challenges, Big Lakes is launching a community fundraising campaign to remodel group homes to better serve aging clients with high-mobility needs. The provider also reported that the statewide waiting list for developmental disability services remains substantial, contributing to multi-year waits for services.

Former First Christian Church property request for proposals receives zero bids

RILEY COUNTY, Kan. - Riley County's attempt to solicit proposals for the former First Christian Church property ended Monday without a single bid submitted. County counselor Jacob Hansen reported the lack of interest, noting that the property's future remains in limbo. Hansen also stated that the Kansas Historical Society is appealing a related ruling regarding the property to the Kansas Supreme Court in an effort to defend its regulatory authority over historic sites.

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