The Manhattan City Commission unanimously supported the first reading of an ordinance for a long-term downtown development plan. The Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan is a 25-year vision for policy and development in the downtown area, replacing the current plan adopted in 2000. It will serve as a guide for future housing, zoning and commercial activity [...]

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The National Weather Service has now confirmed that an EF-0 tornado impacted southern Riley County during Monday night’s severe weather event. Meteorologists were out surveying damage Tuesday in the Hunter’s Island area, south of Fort Riley Blvd. and noted the tornado was on the ground from about 7:39 p.m. to 7:44 p.m. Monday, with an [...]

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The next phase of construction along Kimball and Denison is expected to get underway soon . Interim Manhattan City Manager Jason Hilgers says the intersection, which is currently only accessible from East Kimball Ave. and south Denison Ave., will soon be closing to all traffic. The intersection reconstruction won’t be completed by that point, but [...]

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Severe storms pushed through the area Monday night, though mostly spared the region of any significant damage. Tornado warnings were issued from Abilene to Manhattan and rur al areas of Clay and Pottawatomie counties, though they never really materialized. National Weather Service meteorologist Adam Jones says there were still some impressive storm reports that came [...]

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Pottawatomie County officials provided an update at Monday’s county commission meeting regarding the cleanup and recovery from the April 30 tornado in Westmoreland. Public Works Director Tim Eisenbarth spoke to the county commissioners, who met in Wamego, regarding the work done so far and what to expect moving ahead. Noxious Weed Director and Westmoreland Mayor [...]

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By Megan Moser, The Mercury Riley County commissioners on Monday heard 2025 budget and appropriation requests from several agencies. Riley County Historical Museum Director Katharine Hensler requested just under $492,000, down from last year’s ask of over $497,000. According to a memo, the capital outlay request is the same as it was for the 2024 [...]

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The Flint Hills Discovery Center hosted their biggest event of the year this Saturday that saw hundreds of residents come to the museum and blue earth plaza. Local families took part in free admission to the discovery center, along with vendors, food trucks, live music, and other activities. See a photo gallery from the event [...]

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Sunset Zoo dedicated three new sculptures this weekend to commemorate longtime board members John and Karen Pence. Three large bronze sculptures, created by wildlife sculptor John Parsons, feature the Malayan tiger, Amur leopard, and sloth bear. Sunset Zoo Marketing and Development Officer Melissa Kirkwood says the couple were vital to growing the zoo… While the [...]

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8 a.m. Monday update Severe weather appears to be likely for Monday with showers and thunderstorms expected to pop up this afternoon and evening. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the Manhattan area in an enhanced (level 3) risk for storm development, noting the potential for large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes. National Weather Service [...]

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U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall as well as Congressman Tracey Mann visited Westmoreland on Friday, touring the devastated neighborhoods ravaged by the April 30 tornado. The three Congressional members were bussed around the community to see firsthand the damage. Tuesday’s storm destroyed 22 homes and damaged 13 others. Sen. Moran says part of [...]

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