Large crowd enjoys Wamego’s Tulip Festival despite weather
Wamego held their 36th annual Tulip Festival over the weekend, despite Mother Nature’s attempt to interrupt the celebration. Wamego Chamber of Commerce Event and Tourism Coordinator Tegan Kreider downplayed the strong wind in true Kansan style. The tulips held up to the heavy rain and subsequent strong wind like champions. But vendors were physically holding [...]

The Riley County Police Department says an investigation is underway following the death of an inmate confined at the Riley County Jail this weekend. Corrections Officers located 38-year-old Laura Pearce unresponsive in her cell just before 8:30 a.m. Saturday. According to an RCPD news release, officers immediately began lifesaving measures. Riley County EMS was dispatched [...]
The Kansas State Department of Education announced this week that 261 high school seniors have been named 2023 Kansas Career and Technical Education Scholars — the highest number ever since the program’s inception in 2017. Students must have completed a minimum of three CTE credits with at least two above introductory level and have a [...]
A Manhattan man is jailed on a number of charges involving alleged incidents of domestic violence. The Riley County Police Department arrested 41-year-old James Watkins Thursday morning after conducting a search warrant in the 3300 block of Woods Drive. Police say a 35-year-old woman reported Watkins on multiple occasions battered her. He’s also accused from [...]
The Manhattan area may very well see it’s first taste of severe weather late Friday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed Riley, Pottawatomie, and Geary counties into the Slight (Level 2) risk for severe weather this evening with the main threats being hail up to half dollar size, and damaging winds up to 70 mph. [...]
Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency, due to wildfires across Kansas. The declaration allows the state to preposition assets for faster response to any fires that develop. Resources including aviation will be available and prepared to respond quickly to any requests for assistance. Extreme dryness has developed in many parts [...]
The Riley County Health Department is bringing back its popular Bug-A-Palooza Saturday, a family-themed interactive event aimed at protecting against insect bites, snakes, poison ivy and severe weather. Director Julie Gibbs says they’re excited to host the event which has been on hiatus for a few years, primarily because of the pandemic. Activities include a [...]
Wamego’s annual Tulip Festival returns this weekend, one of the community’s biggest tourism draws each year. More than 160 craft vendors will set up inside Wamego City Park, including about 20 food vendors, a petting zoo and bouncy houses. There will also be a new family fun area with interactive activities. Wamego Area Chamber of [...]
“We’re here. We believe you. We support you. It’s not your fault.” That was the message Kathy Ray delivered to a gathering outside the Riley County Courthouse Thursday over the noon hour. The executive director of The Crisis Center Inc, was one of several from the Flint Hills Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) to give [...]
The Riley County Planning Board/Board of Zoning Appeals earlier this week unanimously recommended denial of a proposed electrical substation in the Ashland Township near the Konza Prairie Biological Station. More than 90 people, including nearby landowners and other residents attended a Monday hearing, many voicing opposition, citing proximity to a nearby cemetery, the preservation of [...]