Local News

The National Bio and Agro Defense Facility continues to transition services from Plum Island to its facility here in Manhattan. Part of that transition includes developing a new inventory system for bio-materials. Dr. Chuck Dodd is the Transition Program Manager at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. Dr. Dodd is also overseeing the massive undertaking [...]

The post Plum Island data digitization efforts underway as transition to NBAF continues appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Riley County commissioners dismissed a mask mandate recommendation for county employees on Monday. Health Department Director Julie Gibbs, Human Resource Manager Elizabeth Wad, and Assistant EMS Director Josh Gering brought the recommendation to the commission. Ward says this is based on guidance from health professionals. Ward says if they do not take protective actions, a [...]

The post Riley County commission opposes mask mandate for county employees appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Delta-variant driven increases in coronavirus cases have resulted in three people needing treatment in the ICU at Manhattan’s Ascension Via Christi. Hospital president Bob Copple tells KMAN it’s an unusual situation as staffing usually allows for one-to-two or one-to-three caregiver-to-patient care. Copple says ten people are being treated for COVID currently at Ascension Via Christi. [...]

The post COVID Adding Strain to Hospitals, Including Ascension Via Christi appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Active duty soldiers at Fort Riley may soon be mandated to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Gen. Perry Wiggins, who heads up Gov. Laura Kelly’s military council spoke about the potential mandate Thursday on KMAN’s In Focus. According to the New York Times, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said previously he would not be comfortable with [...]

The post Fort Riley soldiers may soon be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Local medical professionals gave their reasoning for the USD 383 mask mandate to the school board Wednesday. The mask mandate is also a part of the district’s reopening plan for the 2021-22 school year.  The board heard several public comments against, stating concerns over student mental and physical health. Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade brought on [...]

The post USD 383 school board hears from medical professionals on mask mandate appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Riley County Police say USD 378 Riley County Schools were scammed out of over $115,000. According to the Thursday’s incident report, an employee was scammed by an unknown person pretending to be part of an insurance company to send them money. The scam occurred Wednesday, with an exact loss of $115,388. Police are asking anyone [...]

The post USD 378 scammed out of more than $115,000 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

A Kansas State University employee has been arrested for possessing and trading child pornography. According to a release from K-State Police Wednesday, 60-year-old William Hynek, Jr. was charged Tuesday with sexual exploitation of a child and internet trading in child pornography. This followed a July 30 tip received about a report of computer crimes. He [...]

The post K-State staffer arrested for possessing, trading child pornography appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

Three additional deaths from coronavirus occurred in the past week in Riley County. The county Health Department reports two of those who died were unvaccinated, while the third, a 90 year old man, had received vaccination. He tested positive July 12th at Ascension Via Christi Village before passing away at a Topeka hospital August 1st. [...]

The post Health Dept. Reports 3 Additional COVID Deaths in Past Week appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

After the previous one was found unconstitutional, the CDC late Tuesday issued a new moratorium on evictions in attempt to keep renters in their homes as the coronavirus’ delta variant has spread. Manhattan Housing Authority Executive Director and City Commissioner Aaron Estabrook called the extension good news. Estabrook tells KMAN that the extension buys some [...]

The post Options Available Locally to Aid Renters With Eviction Moratorium Extended appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

July sales tax numbers for the City of Manhattan showed continued gains for a third straight month. July numbers reflect revenues collected in May as the city’s numbers lag two months behind. The city’s one percent sales tax brought in roughly $1.04 million compared to just over $865,000 in May 2020. City Manager Ron Fehr [...]

The post Manhattan monthly sales tax numbers continue third month of strong gains appeared first on News Radio KMAN.