Big Lakes Developmental Center increases wages, and deals with national vehicle shortage
Big Lakes Developmental Center Director Lori Feldkamp informed the Riley County Commissioners today about a transportation issue they are dealing with. Feldkamp reminded the commissioners that the county matches the costs for buses, and KDOT told her it will cost more than $100,000 once the bus is available. The last bus they purchased was $74,000 [...]

As National Emergency Preparedness Month wraps up, Riley County Emergency Management reminds the community there are several reasons it could be unsafe to be outdoors, such as severe weather; hazardous materials; or some other imminent threat. Director Russel Stukey reminds the community that the Outdoor Warning Sirens are used for anytime there is an imminent [...]
Preliminary enrollment numbers released by the Kansas Board of Regents Thursday showed a 2.5 percent overall decrease at Kansas State University. Total enrollment is 19,722 for the fall semester, down 507 students from the previous year’s mark of 20,229. It marks the first time since 1988 that enrollment has dipped below 20,000. It’s the eighth [...]
Riley County COVID numbers continue to improve, with state health officials lowering the weekly incidence rate to a moderate level Wednesday. According to data provided by the Riley County Health Department Wednesday, 18 new COVID-19 cases were recorded the week of Sept. 17 through Sept. 23. That lowered the incidence rate per 100,000 people to [...]
A pair of Manhattan organizations have been awarded more than $85,000 in grants to provide services for crime victims. The Office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Wednesday that The Crisis Center received just north of $53,000 to recruit, train and supervise volunteers to assist professional staff who provide in-person, around-the-clock crisis intervention services, [...]
The Little Apple Pilot Club recently received a $2,500 grant to support Oliver Brown Elementary School with a makerspace. The grant comes from the Pilot International Founders Fund. Little Apple Pilot Club member Ann Knackendoffel explains. Pilot International is a foundation which aims to influence positive change in communities throughout the world. The local Club [...]