The Riley County Commission signed a proclamation calling February 21st through February 27th, 2010, Food Check-Out Week. The following is how the proclamation read:

WHEREAS it is important that Americans have access to and consume healthful foods containing adequate vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients even during challenging economic times; and

WHEREAS achieving better nutrition with fewer resources remains a shared concern of our citizens that can be addressed through education and wise shopping strategies; and

WHEREAS farmers and ranchers are unmatched in their ability to consistently produce an abundance of safe, nutritious and affordable food; and

WHEREAS producers confront significant uncertainties including inclement weather, damaging insects and other challenges, on a daily basis; and

WHEREAS Riley County area farmers, ranchers, and others involved in the agriculture industry, working together in an environmentally sustainable way, help feed people here in Riley County, our Nation and in other countries around the world;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Commissioners of Riley County, in the State of Kansas, do hereby proclaim February 21-27. 2-2010, as Food Check-Out Week. We call upon all Americans to join us in recognizing and reflecting upon the strength of our diverse agricultural industry and celebrating the benefits of agriculture with appropriate observances and activities.

This proclamation has been authored by the Riley County Farm Bureau Association for a number of years, and was brought to the Commission by Coordiator Melissa Wahl and member Mary Mertz, who thanked the Commission for signing the proclamation. In her address, Wahl said we are one of the most fortunate nations in this world, with the abundant food crops we have. She encourages everyone to THANK A FARMER for all they do.

While KMAN news has been reporting several new developments involving the National Bio and Agro Defense facility this last couple of weeks, Kansas State Vice President for Research Ron Trewyn has been in Washington D.C. working directly on the project. Trewyn was one of the first to hear of $40 million pledged by Homeland Security for fiscal year 2011, announced that same day by KMAN news. He says he’s becoming accustomed to working with federal planners on the project. Just last week KMAN news told you about the city of Manhattan calling for bids on a water main relocation project involving the National Bio and Agro Defense facility. Trewyn tells KMAN we’ll begin to see evident signs of construction in the NBAF’s planned site. Trewyn says he’s been meeting almost montly with Homeland Security and the design team, which includes five architectural firms.

The Big Red One has been in charge of the South forces in Iraq for a week now, and Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Colonel Matt Hackathorn says all is going well so far for the Division. Lt. Colonel Hackathorn adds security and stability during next month’s elections will be part of their responsibility. Hackathorn adds partnering up with Iraqi counterparts is important in making sure conditions are set for people to have safety at the March 7th polls. And while you were sipping on the beverage of your choice during Sunday’s Super Bowl, U-S troops in Iraq had a special treat. Hackathorn tells KMAN soldiers were able to celebrate just a bit during the special event, with two beers apiece. Lt. Col. Hackathorn adds he didn’t get a chance to see the game himself , saying he would have had to get up at two in the morning their time to see it. But he was pleased with the result, and there was to be a re-showing to the troops later in the day.

A 26-year-old Manhattan man has entered a plea of not contest to two felony counts of making a false writing. Kenneth Miller will be sentenced March 25th, with bond reduced to $15,000. Miller remained confined as of this (Monday) morning. Miller and 26-year-old Michaela Benson were taken into custody last month after allegedly purchasing gasoline with a counterfeit 20 dollar bill. Law enforcement authorities recovered a printer and counterfeit money being made and the “mother currency” from which the counterfeit currency was made from during the execution of search warrants in Wamego, January 22nd.

The Pottawatomie County Commission voted last month 2-1 that Sunday beer sales have no place in the county.


Dara’s Fast Lane owner Chris Darrah visited the commission at their Monday meeting, and cited the fact that just a half-mile down the road in Manhattan is a liquor store at Heritage Square that is open on Sundays.


“Not a quarter or half-mile down the road is a full blown liquor store selling beer on Sunday,” Darrah, said. “We are basically just trying to stay competitive more than anything.”


Darrah told the commission that they might be missing out on more than just some tax dollars if they didn’t approve Sunday beer sales.


“Right now I’m in the process of whether to buy the Flush station or just let it go,” Darrah, said. “You say $1,300 dollars worth of taxes is one thing, but right now it will turn into thousands if I decide to turn the other way, and say, ‘obviously the county isn’t behind it so why should I be behind it.’ I have a chance to walk away from it at this point and this does teeter that a little bit.”


Commissioners Corwin Seamans and Stan Hartwich voted against the item last month citing different reasons. Hartwich stated he did so because of his and his families problems with alcohol in the past, and Seamans said he was against the expansion of alcohol sales in the county. Commission Chairman Pat Weixelman voted in favor of Sunday beer sales.

Extra hours, additional staff, and doubling of service capacity are just some of the changes at Little Apple Toyota in Manhattan, with recall campaigns underway for vehicles with faulty gas pedals. On President’s Day, the shop will be open until 8 pm and Little Apple Toyota General Manager Jim Gaidos says they will try to keep individuals happy while their cars are worked on by offering snacks and drinks. Gaidos adds they are adding more employees in different departments in preparation for the extra work. For more information about the recall campaign you can call 539-7441.

A missing 14-year old from Onaga was taken into custody Sunday. Breanna Garcia is one of two SRS foster-children that had left an Onaga foster home on January 3rd. Topeka police took Garcia into custody. The Topeka Police Department located another youth, Cori Ann McKinney at a Topeka residence where she was believed to be staying after receiving a tip.

Police located the suspect and vehicle seen Friday morning asking students at a school bus stop if they wanted a ride. The suspect engaged the students in his 80’s midnight blue Ford Econoline van in the area of Todd Road and Elaine Drive. Friday’s incident is believed to be related to a similar event that occured last year on November 10th and the 14th.

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce celebrated their 85th year last night in the K-State Student Union Ballroom.


The Chamber announced that they were presenting a new award this year which they called the Little Apple Cornerstone Award. Executive Director-CEO of Kansas Farm Bureau Dr. Dan Yunk credited the winner with putting the deal together between the developer and city for the downtown Manhattan Mall, Dr. Eugene Klingler.


The 21st Volunteer of the Year Award went to Richard Jankovich for his volunteer work as chair of the manhattan regional airport advisory board, and for his work helping introduce non-stop jet service between Manhattan and Dallas with American Airlines.


The final award given out last night was the Lud Fischer Citizen of the Year Award. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and repeated contributions to the city over the years. Rich Seidler, a member of the board of directors, presented this award to someone he said could be described in two words leader and entrepreneur, GTM Sportswear owner Dave Dreiling.

Two people were injured in a two vehicle accident on Highway 24 KMAN first told you about earlier this (Friday) morning, in the area of Tuttle Creek Boulevard and West 76th Street . 29-year-old Shannon Engle and 43-year-old Marcus Stedman of Leonardville were both taken by Riley County EMS to Mercy Regional Health Center. Engle was treated and released. Stedman was still being treated at Mercy at noon. Few details are available but Engle was driving a 1999 Dodge Intrepid, and Stedman was driving a ‘97 Buick LeSabre. The accident was reported shortly after 7:30 this (Friday) morning and caused traffic blockage for a while.