Local News

RCPD Activity Report 4/11/18

James Toliver, 38, of Chicago, Illinois was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department yesterday evening. Toliver was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for distributing heroin and a Manhattan Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear. Toliver was issued a total bond of $23,000.00 causing him to remain confined at the time of this report.
Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 1400 block of Fort Riley Blvd. in Manhattan yesterday morning. Officers listed Rent 4 Less as the victim when it was reported a known suspect took a 2004 Chevy Cavalier belonging to the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $5,500.00. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
Officers filed a report for theft and unlawful possession of a tool to remove a theft detection device in the 100 block of Manhattan Town Center in Manhattan yesterday at approximately 6:00 PM. Officers listed Victoria’s Secret as the victim when it was reported three unknown suspects took clothing from the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $930.00. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
Officers filed a report for aggravated assault and criminal damage to property in the 900 block of S Collins Ln. last night. Officers listed Daniel Lee, 33, of Manhattan as the victim when he reported a known suspect took items from his vehicle and damaged it. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $551.00.

The post RCPD Activity Report 4/11/18 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

BREAKING: Damaged bridge in Geary County disrupts traffic on I-70

A damaged bridge has stifled traffic on I-70 near milemarker 303 in Geary County Tuesday afternoon, according to social media reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Eastbound traffic has been diverted to K-18. Westbound traffic has not been effected.

The Kansas Department of Transportation tweeted the bridge is “structurally sound” and that the damage will be patched. It said the bridge may reopen tonight.

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American Airlines reinstates larger aircraft at MHK, adds new seasonal flight

American Airlines has reinstated larger regional jets to Dallas-Fort Worth after a seasonal break as a part of Manhattan’s commercial airline service to DFW and Chicago O’Hare airports.

According to a press release from Manhattan Regional Airport, the Bombardier CRJ-700 offers first-class seating and additional overhead bin storage while carrying a greater number of total passengers. The aircraft also offers a significantly greater gross takeoff weight allowing for additional checked baggage, important to the region for transportation of Fort Riley soldiers and families.

“It continues to be an exciting time to fly MHK,” said Jesse Romo, airport director for Manhattan Regional Airport. “Not only have the larger jets returned, but we’re also adding a third flight to Chicago for the summer.”

The new third-daily flight to Chicago will be offered beginning July 7. This flight has been added to support the increased demand for summertime travel to or through Chicago O’Hare. Currently, the flight is scheduled to be offered for approximately 30 days, based on the historic seasonal demand. The airport expects the temporary additional service to end August 4th but is hopeful that if the community uses the service then it potentially could stay.

The continued activity at the airport indicates the region’s increasing usage of the airport.

“Enplanements continue to be on the rise as January, February and March numbers have all exceeded last year’s numbers,” said Romo. The year-to-date total enplanements have increased 12% over 2017’s totals. “The reason why MHK continues to be a success is because of all the people who chose to fly local, and we can’t thank you all enough.”

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Family, friends and advocates celebrate 9th Annual Little Apple Pride

A boy from the audience decides to join a performance Saturday afternoon inside the Wefald Pavilion as a part of Little Apple Pride festivities. (Staff photos by Hailey McClellan)

Younger participants in Saturday’s Little Apple Pride celebration at City Park may take for granted that the event was held for its ninth year.

But one Manhattan born-and-raised resident remembers a time when such a day of public festivities would’ve been fantasy.

“I came out as gay in 1976 at the age of 19, right here in Manhattan — I was born over here across the street,” Kevin Stilley said. “To think of something like this going on then — yeah, not even on the radar. So to see young people able to come out an be themselves in a safe space is huge.”

Author C.J. Janovy sits at her booth talking to the public about her new book about activism in the LGBTQ community Saturday inside the Wefald Pavilion at City Park in Manhattan.

K-State’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance hosted the event to show support and “homegrown pride” for the LGBTQ community in the Little Apple. Little Apple Pride Parade, SAGA, and the KSU LGBT Resource Center were also sponsors.

“I really think that this organization and our events really help our community feel welcome in this space,” said SAGA president Adam Carr. “Pride is just a space for us to be able to come together and say, ‘We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re just like everybody else —  we all like to have fun.”

Little Apple Pride was held at Wefald Pavilion in City Park. Festivities started at 1 p.m. There were booths that included outreach organizations and information, as well as a sitting area in the middle of the pavilion for everyone to sit and wait for the Amateur Drag Show.

C.J. Janovy, author of “No Place Like Home: Lessons In Activism From LGBT Kansas,”  was sitting at one of the booths, having just published her book this year.

Valaree Love dances to “Diamonds in the Sky” with cheers from the crowd.

“When I started reporting for this book, I would come to Manhattan and I would come to Pride events put on by the community here, and people told me their stories,”  Janovy said. “(I was told) about what its like to be LGBTQ in Kansas. What struggles they’ve over come and what allies they’ve made, and what friends they’ve made. And when the larger community hears the stories of LGBTQ people, and realizes how much we have in common and how beautiful these people are, it really helps build understanding for we’re all Kansans.”

Stilley, who’s also a community advocate for SAGA, said the region is more accepting than many outside of it would believe.

“I always tell people that Manhattan, Riley County — even most of Kansas — is much more progressive than people give it credit for, and I think this proves it,” he said. “And I think it lets those of us in the city — and I think we are in a majority — that do feel everyone deserves equal rights and an equal shake to just put it out in the open that yeah, this is Manhattan.”

Other Little Apple Pride festivities included a Pride Ball and an after party at Kite’s in Aggieville.

The post Family, friends and advocates celebrate 9th Annual Little Apple Pride appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

RCPD Daily Activity 4/09/18

Tommie Baggett, 18, of Manhattan was arrested while in the 1400 block of Hartman Pl. in Manhattan on April 6, 2018 at approximately 10:40 AM. Baggett was arrested on a Riley County District Court warrant for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy (x2), aggravated robbery, attempted rape (x3), aggravated burglary (x2), and aggravated battery (x3). Baggett was issued a total bond of $100,000.00 causing him to remain confined at the time of this report.
 Keron Colbert, 23, of Junction City was arrested while at the Riley County Police Department on April 6, 2018 at approximately 11:45 PM. Colbert was arrested on three Riley County District Court warrants for probation violation. Colbert was issued a total bond of $15,000.00. Colbert was not confined at the time of this report.
 Daniel Dvorak, 33, of Salina was arrested while in the 3100 block of Fort Riley Blvd. in Manhattan on April 9, 2018 at approximately 12:35 AM. Dvorak was arrested on offenses of distribute opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, possession of marijuana, use/possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked and driving while a habitual violator. Dvorak was issued a total bond of $10,000.00 causing him to remain confined at the time of this report.
Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 2400 block of Galloway Dr. in Manhattan on April 9, 2018 at approximately 4:14 AM. Officers listed Eric Rivera, 26, of Manhattan as the victim when he reported an unknown suspect took his 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The total estimated loss associated with this case is approximately $3,000.
 Officers filed a report for theft in the 2700 block of Buttonwood Dr. in Manhattan on April 9, 2018 at approximately 6:00 AM. Officers listed Debbie Sumerour, 51, of Leonardville, Kansas, as the victim when she reported an unknown suspect took her 2000 Maroon Ford F-350 and tools. The total estimated loss associated with this case is approximately $9,500.

The post RCPD Daily Activity 4/09/18 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

MFD responds to apartment fire Thursday night

The Manhattan Fire Department attends to a reported apartment fire Thursday night. (Photo courtesy MFD)

The Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 704 Dondee Drive in Manhattan for a report of a structure fire Thursday evening just after 8 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found a three-story apartment building with a fire on the second floor. Crews entered the building and extinguished a kitchen fire in less than 10 minutes. A total of 18 firefighters responded on 5 fire apparatus with the last units clearing at 10 p.m.

Multiple residents evacuated prior to fire department arrival. One resident was evaluated on the scene by Riley County EMS. The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist a displaced occupant.

The structure is a three-story 12 unit apartment building. Loss is estimated at $15,000 to the structure and $5,000 to the contents. The owner is listed as Yvonne Holthaus of Manhattan. The fire cause was accidental due to unattended cooking.

The post MFD responds to apartment fire Thursday night appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

RCPD Activity Report 4/6/18

Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 800 block of Bluemont Ave. in Manhattan Thursday at approximately 7:40 AM. Officers listed Mario Garcia Jr., 25, of Manhattan as the victim when he reported an unknown suspect took his 2006 Dodge Dakota Pickup. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $9,000.00. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
Officers filed a report for motor vehicle theft in the 1100 block of Moro St. in Manhattan Thursday at approximately 12:21 PM. Officers listed Montell Branch, 23, of Manhattan, as the victim when he reported an unknown suspect took his 2004 Ford Mustang. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $4,000.00. Police ask that anyone with information contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.
 Officers responded to the report of an injury accident near the intersection of Blue River Hills Rd. and Tuttle Creek Blvd. Thursday at approximately 2:25 PM. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 2005 Ford Mustang driven by Denise Clark, 51, of Manhattan had crashed. Clark was transported to Stormont Vail for treatment of her injuries.

The post RCPD Activity Report 4/6/18 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Manhattan man struck by two cars in Topeka Wednesday night

An unidentified 33-year-old Manhattan man was seriously injured in Topeka Wednesday night when he was struck by two different vehicles while attempting to cross Topeka Boulevard.

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office reports the man was knocked to the ground when he was hit by the mirror of a U-Haul box truck and was then run over by another passenger car.

WIBW TV reported Thursday morning that the man was taken to the hospital via ambulance suffering from life-threatening injuries.

KMAN will have more information as it becomes available.

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Fort Riley celebrates Month of the Military Child

Capt. Lawson Bartlett holds his daughter on April 12, 2017, as he and over 300 fellow troops were welcomed back home on post at Fort Riley. (Staff photo by Brady Bauman)

April is Month of the Military Child and Fort Riley kicked off the month-long celebration with a parade March 30 and a proclamation signing April 3. Many family-friendly events are planned throughout the month at Fort Riley, including:

  • April 6, Midnight Sports from 8 to 10:30 p.m.; call 785-239-9222
  • April 7, Family Movie at Barlow Theater at 11 a.m.
  • April 8, Kids-fest at Riley’s Conference Center from noon to 3 p.m.
  • April 14, Family Pool Party at Eyster Pool from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • April 21, Family Bowling at Custer Hill Bowling Center from 11 a.m.
    to 2 p.m.
  • April 27-28, Operation Megaphone Lock-In from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.; call
    785-239-9885
  • April 28, Family Field Trip to Spin City from 9 a.m. to noon

For complete details about these events and many others, visit https://riley.armymwr.com.

Since 1986, the Department of Defense has recognized April as Month of the Military as a way to honor the commitment and sacrifice made by military children, who typically experience frequent moves and parents with busy training schedules and frequent deployments.

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Chinese scientist sentenced in theft of Junction City biotech company

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Chinese national who lived in Manhattan was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to steal proprietary rice seeds developed in the U.S. and giving them to visitors from China.

Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that 51-year-old Weiqiang Zhang was sentenced for two counts of conspiracy and one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. He was convicted in February 2017.

Zhang was a rice breeder for Ventria Bioscience in Junction City, which developed genetically engineered rice for therapeutic and medical fields.

Prosecutors said Zhang stored hundreds of seeds from Ventria at his home. In 2013, Zhang toured facilities in the Midwest with officials from a crop research institute in China. Federal officials found Ventria seeds in the visitors’ luggage as they prepared to return to China.

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