On New Year’s Eve&nbsp;night&nbsp;a frightened Riley County driver called the Riley County&nbsp;Police Department to report a&nbsp;vehicle speeding and weaving all over Tuttle Creek Boulevard&nbsp;near&nbsp;Gumbo Hill Road&nbsp;north&nbsp;of&nbsp;Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Riley County patrol&nbsp;cars&nbsp;quickly responded to the area&nbsp;and an&nbsp;officer pulled over&nbsp;a 36-year-old male suspect&nbsp;for reckless driving&nbsp;just south&nbsp;of&nbsp;the intersection&nbsp;of&nbsp;Allen Road&nbsp;and Tuttle Creek Boulevard&nbsp;about 9:40&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;

The officer approached the vehicle and engaged in an initial conversation with the man, during which the man provided&nbsp;positive&nbsp;identification.&nbsp;When the&nbsp;officer saw suspected marijuana&nbsp;all over&nbsp;the&nbsp;vehicle,&nbsp;the suspect threw the vehicle in gear and&nbsp;raced&nbsp;away.&nbsp;

RCPD&nbsp;followed&nbsp;the&nbsp;suspect into the Casement Road area but soon lost sight. The&nbsp;area was searched but the vehicle was not found.&nbsp;Authorities have a positive identification&nbsp;but are still seeking&nbsp;the suspect.&nbsp;

The situation is still under investigation. The suspect is being sought for possession of marijuana, fleeing or eluding, and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

On New Year’s Eve&nbsp;night&nbsp;a frightened Riley County driver called the Riley County&nbsp;Police Department to report a&nbsp;vehicle speeding and weaving all over Tuttle Creek Boulevard&nbsp;near&nbsp;Gumbo Hill Road&nbsp;north&nbsp;of&nbsp;Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County patrol&nbsp;cars&nbsp;quickly responded to the area&nbsp;and an&nbsp;officer pulled over&nbsp;a 36-year-old male suspect&nbsp;for reckless driving&nbsp;just south&nbsp;of&nbsp;the intersection&nbsp;of&nbsp;Allen Road&nbsp;and Tuttle Creek Boulevard&nbsp;about 9:40&nbsp;p.m.&nbsp;The officer approached the vehicle and engaged in an initial conversation with the man, during which the man provided&nbsp;positive&nbsp;identification.&nbsp;When the&nbsp;officer saw suspected marijuana&nbsp;all over&nbsp;the&nbsp;vehicle,&nbsp;the suspect threw the vehicle in gear and&nbsp;raced&nbsp;away.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641245010069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RCPD&nbsp;followed&nbsp;the&nbsp;suspect into the Casement Road area but soon lost sight. The&nbsp;area was searched but the vehicle was not found.&nbsp;Authorities have a positive identification&nbsp;but are still seeking&nbsp;the suspect.&nbsp;The situation is still under investigation. The suspect is being sought for possession of marijuana, fleeing or eluding, and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Police: Driver flees Riley Co. traffic stop, kindly provides positive ID  

Beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, visitors will no longer be required to wear&nbsp;masks when inside&nbsp;City-operated facilities, except when entering secure, staff-only areas where mask required signage is present. 

To protect the workforce and maintain programs and services, City employees are still required to wear masks that cover their mouth and nose when inside all areas of indoor&nbsp;City-operated facilities. The decision to modify the mask policy for City facilities was made by City Manager Ron Fehr.   &nbsp; “I made the decision to modify our mask policy primarily based on our ability to reasonably and adequately enforce mask requirement provisions, which can be very stressful and lead to confrontations," said City Manager Ron Fehr. “If you're a visitor seeking in-person services&nbsp;at City Hall, participating in a City Commission or Advisory Board meeting in the City Commission Room or accessing programs or gyms at one of our recreation centers, masks won't be required, but are strongly recommended. However, if you're meeting with City staff in any of our private office areas, masks will be required or an alternative engagement provision may be developed. Please refer to the signage at our facilities. We echo the recommendations of health officials on the use of medical type masks versus&nbsp;cloth masks. I also encourage community members to get vaccinated if they haven't already, and also receive a booster if eligible.” &nbsp; This mask policy is related to indoor, City-operated facilities only. In secure, staff-only areas where masks are required,&nbsp;the policy&nbsp;applies to people older than two years of age, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. There is no&nbsp;City-wide mask ordinance that has been approved or&nbsp;is&nbsp;being considered at this time.   &nbsp;

Manhattan Regional Airport&nbsp;will continue to&nbsp;follow federal laws&nbsp;requiring masks for all people at airports. Masks&nbsp;must&nbsp;be worn at Manhattan Regional Airport,&nbsp;and&nbsp;visitors and&nbsp;travelers should refer to federal guidelines for the latest information.&nbsp;&nbsp; Signs will be posted at the entrance&nbsp;of each facility and at entries to secure, staff-only areas. Medical type masks are available upon request for those visiting city facilities.  Contact the City facility for options to conduct business remotely if preferred.&nbsp; &nbsp; More information about the City of Manhattan is available online at www.cityofmhk.com, on Facebook at /Cityofmanhattan and on Twitter @cityofmhk.

Beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, visitors will no longer be required to wear&nbsp;masks when inside&nbsp;City-operated facilities, except when entering secure, staff-only areas where mask required signage is present. To protect the workforce and maintain programs and services, City employees are still required to wear masks that cover their mouth and nose when inside all areas of indoor&nbsp;City-operated facilities. The decision to modify the mask policy for City facilities was made by City Manager Ron Fehr.   &nbsp; “I made the decision to modify our mask policy primarily based on our ability to reasonably and adequately enforce mask requirement provisions, which can be very stressful and lead to confrontations," said City Manager Ron Fehr. “If you're a visitor seeking in-person services&nbsp;at City Hall, participating in a City Commission or Advisory Board meeting in the City Commission Room or accessing programs or gyms at one of our recreation centers, masks won't be required, but are strongly recommended. However, if you're meeting with City staff in any of our private office areas, masks will be required or an alternative engagement provision may be developed. Please refer to the signage at our facilities. We echo the recommendations of health officials on the use of medical type masks versus&nbsp;cloth masks. I also encourage community members to get vaccinated if they haven't already, and also receive a booster if eligible.” &nbsp; This mask policy is related to indoor, City-operated facilities only. In secure, staff-only areas where masks are required,&nbsp;the policy&nbsp;applies to people older than two years of age, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. There is no&nbsp;City-wide mask ordinance that has been approved or&nbsp;is&nbsp;being considered at this time.   &nbsp;Manhattan Regional Airport&nbsp;will continue to&nbsp;follow federal laws&nbsp;requiring masks for all people at airports. Masks&nbsp;must&nbsp;be worn at Manhattan Regional Airport,&nbsp;and&nbsp;visitors and&nbsp;travelers should refer to federal guidelines for the latest information.&nbsp;&nbsp; Signs will be posted at the entrance&nbsp;of each facility and at entries to secure, staff-only areas. Medical type masks are available upon request for those visiting city facilities.  Contact the City facility for options to conduct business remotely if preferred.&nbsp; &nbsp; More information about the City of Manhattan is available online at www.cityofmhk.com, on Facebook at /Cityofmanhattan and on Twitter @cityofmhk.

Update: City Manager addresses mask requirements

The T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter has reopened to the public and is once again accepting adoptions and surrenders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On December 22, 2021, the Animal Shelter closed to the public due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. While&nbsp;closed to the public, the Animal Shelter was able to maintain staffing levels for internal operations and&nbsp;continue adequate care and feeding of its animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"As you may have saw on our Facebook page, our animals had a pleasant&nbsp;holiday break and a happy New Year playing in the snow," said Bryce Caulk, Animal Services Director. "Following the facility closure before Christmas, shelter staff were&nbsp;able to follow COVID-19 guidelines by&nbsp;isolating, monitoring symptoms, and got&nbsp;tested when necessary. We are at a point now where we can open safely with adequate staffing levels."&nbsp; &nbsp; The T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter is open to the public five days a week:&nbsp;Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The shelter is closed to the public on Wednesdays,&nbsp;Sundays, and holidays.&nbsp; &nbsp; Animal Control Officers are dispatched by the Riley County Police Department. To report a problem or request assistance with an Animal Control issue, call the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112. To report an emergency, dial 911.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Call 785-587-2783 to schedule an appointment to surrender animals. Find information about animals available for adoption, a wish list for donation items, and volunteer opportunities online at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b72f9406de&amp;e=a3e9d91f74" target="_blank">www.mhkprd.com/animalshelter</a>. Follow the shelter on Facebook at /TRRAnimalShelter, on Twitter at @AnimalTRR, and on Instagram at&nbsp;trranimalshelter.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641245514681.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter has reopened to the public and is once again accepting adoptions and surrenders.&nbsp;&nbsp;On December 22, 2021, the Animal Shelter closed to the public due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. While&nbsp;closed to the public, the Animal Shelter was able to maintain staffing levels for internal operations and&nbsp;continue adequate care and feeding of its animals.&nbsp;&nbsp;"As you may have saw on our Facebook page, our animals had a pleasant&nbsp;holiday break and a happy New Year playing in the snow," said Bryce Caulk, Animal Services Director. "Following the facility closure before Christmas, shelter staff were&nbsp;able to follow COVID-19 guidelines by&nbsp;isolating, monitoring symptoms, and got&nbsp;tested when necessary. We are at a point now where we can open safely with adequate staffing levels."&nbsp; &nbsp; The T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter is open to the public five days a week:&nbsp;Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The shelter is closed to the public on Wednesdays,&nbsp;Sundays, and holidays.&nbsp; &nbsp; Animal Control Officers are dispatched by the Riley County Police Department. To report a problem or request assistance with an Animal Control issue, call the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112. To report an emergency, dial 911.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Call 785-587-2783 to schedule an appointment to surrender animals. Find information about animals available for adoption, a wish list for donation items, and volunteer opportunities online at&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofmhk.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e92cc4cc1e09dc1dafa7ba9da&amp;id=b72f9406de&amp;e=a3e9d91f74" target="_blank">www.mhkprd.com/animalshelter</a>. Follow the shelter on Facebook at /TRRAnimalShelter, on Twitter at @AnimalTRR, and on Instagram at&nbsp;trranimalshelter.&nbsp;

City animal shelter open following COVID shutdown

Officers filed a report for burglary in the 500 block of Augusta Way in Manhattan on December 30, 2021, around 8:37 a.m. Officers listed a 63-year-old male as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect broke into his truck and stole $600 cash, a Milwaukee 1/4" impact driver and a right-angle drill chuck. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $720.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for burglary in the 300 block of E. Chase St. in Leonardville on December 30, 2021, around 8:55 a.m. Officers listed a 46-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect stole a gold ring and $100 cash from her house on December 21, 2021. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,300.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for fraud in the 9700 block of Lasita Rd. in Leonardville on December 30, 2021, around 12:48 p.m. Officers listed a 52-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect used her financial card six separate times at two separate 7 Eleven gas stations in Oklahoma. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $750.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for theft in the 300 block of Twelfth St. in Ogden on December 30, 2021, around 9:46 p.m. Officers listed a 41-year-old female as the victim when it was reported a 26-year-old female suspect stole her HP touchscreen laptop. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $800. Kathleen Sawtelle, 26, of Ogden was issued a notice to appear citation for intent to permanently deprive of property.&nbsp;

Officers responded to the report for an injury crash near mile marker 199 on Tuttle Creek Blvd. on January 1, 2022, around 9:09 a.m. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Emily Sturm, 18, of Walter, Oklahoma lost control of the car due to road conditions and slid off the road. Sturm was transported to Via Christi for further evaluation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635959253549.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officers filed a report for burglary in the 500 block of Augusta Way in Manhattan on December 30, 2021, around 8:37 a.m. Officers listed a 63-year-old male as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect broke into his truck and stole $600 cash, a Milwaukee 1/4" impact driver and a right-angle drill chuck. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $720.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers filed a report for burglary in the 300 block of E. Chase St. in Leonardville on December 30, 2021, around 8:55 a.m. Officers listed a 46-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect stole a gold ring and $100 cash from her house on December 21, 2021. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,300.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers filed a report for fraud in the 9700 block of Lasita Rd. in Leonardville on December 30, 2021, around 12:48 p.m. Officers listed a 52-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect used her financial card six separate times at two separate 7 Eleven gas stations in Oklahoma. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $750.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers filed a report for theft in the 300 block of Twelfth St. in Ogden on December 30, 2021, around 9:46 p.m. Officers listed a 41-year-old female as the victim when it was reported a 26-year-old female suspect stole her HP touchscreen laptop. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $800. Kathleen Sawtelle, 26, of Ogden was issued a notice to appear citation for intent to permanently deprive of property.&nbsp;Officers responded to the report for an injury crash near mile marker 199 on Tuttle Creek Blvd. on January 1, 2022, around 9:09 a.m. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Emily Sturm, 18, of Walter, Oklahoma lost control of the car due to road conditions and slid off the road. Sturm was transported to Via Christi for further evaluation.&nbsp;

Police Briefs Jan 3, 2022

Starting today, citizens of Riley County can&nbsp;again&nbsp;conveniently report certain crimes&nbsp;directly&nbsp;from their computer or phone.&nbsp;

A valid email address and internet access is required to file a report online.&nbsp;Reports can be made directly&nbsp;on the Riley County Police Department website.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are excited to now offer an additional method to report crime,” Records Management Supervisor Kari Breault said. “Online reporting allows continued, efficient service to the people of Riley County.” Traditional in-person officer service will not change.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If an incident involves guns, weapons, hazardous materials, threats to public safety, medication, stolen vehicles, or items stolen from vehicles it must be called in to speak with an officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Officers will still respond to appropriate emergency situations, crime scenes needing evidence collection, and any other police matter where officers are needed physically.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crimes listed below can be reported online as long as the situation is not an emergency: 

• Criminal Damage to Property (under $1,000) 

• Criminal Damage to a Vehicle (under $1,000) 

• Theft (not theft of a vehicle or from a vehicle)&nbsp;&nbsp;

For more information about online reporting with the Riley County Police Department, visit www.RileyCountyPolice.org/report and click on the “Report a Crime Online” button.&nbsp;

Starting today, citizens of Riley County can&nbsp;again&nbsp;conveniently report certain crimes&nbsp;directly&nbsp;from their computer or phone.&nbsp;A valid email address and internet access is required to file a report online.&nbsp;Reports can be made directly&nbsp;on the Riley County Police Department website.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are excited to now offer an additional method to report crime,” Records Management Supervisor Kari Breault said. “Online reporting allows continued, efficient service to the people of Riley County.” Traditional in-person officer service will not change.&nbsp;&nbsp;If an incident involves guns, weapons, hazardous materials, threats to public safety, medication, stolen vehicles, or items stolen from vehicles it must be called in to speak with an officer.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officers will still respond to appropriate emergency situations, crime scenes needing evidence collection, and any other police matter where officers are needed physically.&nbsp;&nbsp;Crimes listed below can be reported online as long as the situation is not an emergency: • Criminal Damage to Property (under $1,000) • Criminal Damage to a Vehicle (under $1,000) • Identity Theft • Theft (not theft of a vehicle or from a vehicle)&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information about online reporting with the Riley County Police Department, visit www.RileyCountyPolice.org/report and click on the “Report a Crime Online” button.&nbsp;

Online crime reporting returns to RCPD

The city of Manhattan’s&nbsp;modified mask policy&nbsp;starts today. Last week, city manager Ron&nbsp;Fehr&nbsp;made the decision to&nbsp;modify the recently reinstated mask mandate for city facilities.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;three days after it started,&nbsp;Fehr&nbsp;amended the policy&nbsp;to apply&nbsp;only&nbsp;to city employees inside&nbsp;city-operated facilities.&nbsp;Visitors entering facilities are&nbsp;still&nbsp;strongly encouraged to wear masks, but will not be required. This change will go into effect January 3, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Masks are still required at the Manhattan Regional Airport per federal regulations.&nbsp;

The city of Manhattan’s&nbsp;modified mask policy&nbsp;starts today. Last week, city manager Ron&nbsp;Fehr&nbsp;made the decision to&nbsp;modify the recently reinstated mask mandate for city facilities.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;three days after it started,&nbsp;Fehr&nbsp;amended the policy&nbsp;to apply&nbsp;only&nbsp;to city employees inside&nbsp;city-operated facilities.&nbsp;Visitors entering facilities are&nbsp;still&nbsp;strongly encouraged to wear masks, but will not be required. This change will go into effect January 3, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Masks are still required at the Manhattan Regional Airport per federal regulations.&nbsp;

Monday morning modified mask mandate

Following a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade to implement a temporary return to a mask requirement inside all indoor USD 383 facilities,&nbsp;a special&nbsp;board&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;will be held tonight at&nbsp;5:30 p.m.&nbsp;

Board members – including newly-elected&nbsp;Christine Weixelman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jayme Morris-Hardeman&nbsp;– will&nbsp;decide&nbsp;whether to return&nbsp;to mandatory masks inside district facilities&nbsp;through January 21st,&nbsp;regardless of vaccination status. The district amended&nbsp;a&nbsp;previous&nbsp;mask mandate&nbsp;in October, allowing&nbsp;optional masks at&nbsp;the high school&nbsp;certain&nbsp;offices.&nbsp;

The district's medical advisory team recently recommended the change in response to escalating cases of the Omicron virus -&nbsp;an&nbsp;extremely contagious strain of COVID-19. Students return to class tomorrow and the team hopes to nip any&nbsp;potential spread in the&nbsp;bud.&nbsp;

Results of the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;will be posted&nbsp;here.&nbsp;

Following a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade to implement a temporary return to a mask requirement inside all indoor USD 383 facilities,&nbsp;a special&nbsp;board&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;will be held tonight at&nbsp;5:30 p.m.&nbsp;Board members – including newly-elected&nbsp;Christine Weixelman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jayme Morris-Hardeman&nbsp;– will&nbsp;decide&nbsp;whether to return&nbsp;to mandatory masks inside district facilities&nbsp;through January 21st,&nbsp;regardless of vaccination status. The district amended&nbsp;a&nbsp;previous&nbsp;mask mandate&nbsp;in October, allowing&nbsp;optional masks at&nbsp;the high school&nbsp;certain&nbsp;offices.&nbsp;The district's medical advisory team recently recommended the change in response to escalating cases of the Omicron virus -&nbsp;an&nbsp;extremely contagious strain of COVID-19. Students return to class tomorrow and the team hopes to nip any&nbsp;potential spread in the&nbsp;bud.&nbsp;Results of the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;will be posted&nbsp;here.&nbsp;

Special 383 board meeting considers mask mandate

By Scott Edger Little Apple Post

In November, the Riley County Board of Commissioners approved&nbsp;a large equipment purchase&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Public Works department&nbsp;from the Capital Improvement fund.&nbsp;

Commissioners approved two new&nbsp;tandem-axel dump trucks, each outfitted with snowplow and spreader. The trucks&nbsp;and accessories will&nbsp;replace&nbsp;old, worn&nbsp;equipment – pretty standard practice for pretty standard equipment.&nbsp;

At the time, Riley County Public Works Director John Ellerman and staff estimated the trucks to cost $230,000 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the past, when the county sent&nbsp;out&nbsp;a&nbsp;request-for-bid&nbsp;on this kind of equipment, a half-dozen or&nbsp;dealers would submit bids.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When&nbsp;commissioners&nbsp;opened sealed bids&nbsp;last week,&nbsp;only one dealer&nbsp;had submitted a proposal.&nbsp;The bid&nbsp;amount&nbsp;aligned well with the budgeted cost, but the dealer –&nbsp;Rush Truck Center of Kansas City –&nbsp;set&nbsp;an&nbsp;expected delivery time of 360-380 days.&nbsp;

That&nbsp;would&nbsp;slate delivery for early 2023.&nbsp;

Public Works tries to always order large equipment in advance, and these trucks were not expected to be here for this winter.&nbsp;

"These type of trucks have never been a quick delivery, " Commissioner Greg McKinley said.&nbsp; "The delivery is long for the trucks but not unexpected with the delay in everything right now."&nbsp; McKinley said that large equipment with the required modifications was often a six-month wait prior to any disruptions.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Rush Truck Center bid came in at $234,021 each – a little more than $8,000 over the budgeted amount. The&nbsp;higher current price tag&nbsp;was not&nbsp;alarming&nbsp;or unusual&nbsp;– the increase was approved&nbsp;at&nbsp;Thursday’s meeting&nbsp;– but commissioners&nbsp;voiced concerns over what the cost could be when the trucks arrive.&nbsp;

In the best of times, inherent price increases could impact any purchases with protracted delivery/completion times. With inflation skyrocketing,&nbsp;budgeting can&nbsp;amount to a wild guess.&nbsp;

Commissioner Kathryn&nbsp;Focke noted that the county had to pay more than expected for a recent ambulance purchase.&nbsp;She&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Ellerman&nbsp;if the county&nbsp;could&nbsp;lock&nbsp;in the current price.&nbsp;He told commissioners that&nbsp;was unlikely.&nbsp;

“Typically, when we bid a price its locked in until we receive the truck,” Ellerman said.&nbsp;“The way things are&nbsp;going now,&nbsp;I don’t know if&nbsp;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;guarantee&nbsp;that,&nbsp;but I will fight for it.”&nbsp;

When the original budget was set, Ellerman and staff&nbsp;thought $230,000&nbsp;was a conservative estimate.&nbsp;

Commissioner John Ford said there is no easy way to project&nbsp;costs out&nbsp;a year&nbsp;or more, and&nbsp;was just as concerned&nbsp;with&nbsp;the onset of winter and&nbsp;having to wait a year&nbsp;to replace&nbsp;the&nbsp;worn&nbsp;trucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Are we in good shape in the meantime?” Ford asked Ellerman.&nbsp;

“We will keep them running,”&nbsp;Ellerman answered.&nbsp;

The action allows Ellerman’s department to&nbsp;have&nbsp;funds&nbsp;allocated from CIS&nbsp;into the department’s reserves&nbsp;to cover the bid cost,&nbsp;and&nbsp;they can&nbsp;cross the money bridge the trucks are ready.&nbsp;

“My guess is we’ll be revisiting this,” Ford said.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger Little Apple PostIn November, the Riley County Board of Commissioners approved&nbsp;a large equipment purchase&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;Public Works department&nbsp;from the Capital Improvement fund.&nbsp;Commissioners approved two new&nbsp;tandem-axel dump trucks, each outfitted with snowplow and spreader. The trucks&nbsp;and accessories will&nbsp;replace&nbsp;old, worn&nbsp;equipment – pretty standard practice for pretty standard equipment.&nbsp;At the time, Riley County Public Works Director John Ellerman and staff estimated the trucks to cost $230,000 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the past, when the county sent&nbsp;out&nbsp;a&nbsp;request-for-bid&nbsp;on this kind of equipment, a half-dozen or&nbsp;dealers would submit bids.&nbsp;&nbsp;When&nbsp;commissioners&nbsp;opened sealed bids&nbsp;last week,&nbsp;only one dealer&nbsp;had submitted a proposal.&nbsp;The bid&nbsp;amount&nbsp;aligned well with the budgeted cost, but the dealer –&nbsp;Rush Truck Center of Kansas City –&nbsp;set&nbsp;an&nbsp;expected delivery time of 360-380 days.&nbsp;That&nbsp;would&nbsp;slate delivery for early 2023.&nbsp;Public Works tries to always order large equipment in advance, and these trucks were not expected to be here for this winter.&nbsp;"These type of trucks have never been a quick delivery, " Commissioner Greg McKinley said.&nbsp; "The delivery is long for the trucks but not unexpected with the delay in everything right now."&nbsp; McKinley said that large equipment with the required modifications was often a six-month wait prior to any disruptions.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Rush Truck Center bid came in at $234,021 each – a little more than $8,000 over the budgeted amount. The&nbsp;higher current price tag&nbsp;was not&nbsp;alarming&nbsp;or unusual&nbsp;– the increase was approved&nbsp;at&nbsp;Thursday’s meeting&nbsp;– but commissioners&nbsp;voiced concerns over what the cost could be when the trucks arrive.&nbsp;In the best of times, inherent price increases could impact any purchases with protracted delivery/completion times. With inflation skyrocketing,&nbsp;budgeting can&nbsp;amount to a wild guess.&nbsp;Commissioner Kathryn&nbsp;Focke noted that the county had to pay more than expected for a recent ambulance purchase.&nbsp;She&nbsp;asked&nbsp;Ellerman&nbsp;if the county&nbsp;could&nbsp;lock&nbsp;in the current price.&nbsp;He told commissioners that&nbsp;was unlikely.&nbsp;“Typically, when we bid a price its locked in until we receive the truck,” Ellerman said.&nbsp;“The way things are&nbsp;going now,&nbsp;I don’t know if&nbsp;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;guarantee&nbsp;that,&nbsp;but I will fight for it.”&nbsp;When the original budget was set, Ellerman and staff&nbsp;thought $230,000&nbsp;was a conservative estimate.&nbsp;Commissioner John Ford said there is no easy way to project&nbsp;costs out&nbsp;a year&nbsp;or more, and&nbsp;was just as concerned&nbsp;with&nbsp;the onset of winter and&nbsp;having to wait a year&nbsp;to replace&nbsp;the&nbsp;worn&nbsp;trucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are we in good shape in the meantime?” Ford asked Ellerman.&nbsp;“We will keep them running,”&nbsp;Ellerman answered.&nbsp;The action allows Ellerman’s department to&nbsp;have&nbsp;funds&nbsp;allocated from CIS&nbsp;into the department’s reserves&nbsp;to cover the bid cost,&nbsp;and&nbsp;they can&nbsp;cross the money bridge the trucks are ready.&nbsp;“My guess is we’ll be revisiting this,” Ford said.&nbsp;

New county snow-removal equipment will arrive just in time for winter... 2023

City of Manhattan offices, Manhattan Municipal Court, Riley County Offices, Riley County Courts, and Riley County Health Department will be closed on Friday, December 31, 2021 in observance of New Years Day. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, January 3rd.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640952972184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of Manhattan offices, Manhattan Municipal Court, Riley County Offices, Riley County Courts, and Riley County Health Department will be closed on Friday, December 31, 2021 in observance of New Years Day. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, January 3rd.

City, County offices closed today 

The RCPD has&nbsp;responded to six&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;overdoses in just the past two weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While none of the six resulted in death, these overdoses came from fake, pressed prescription pills containing&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;mostly oxycodone and Xanax.&nbsp;

Riley County Police&nbsp;emphasize&nbsp;that&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;who overdose&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;suspects&nbsp;in&nbsp;their&nbsp;investigations. The goal is to identify, apprehend and prosecute the distributor and/distribution network.&nbsp;

Fentanyl is now the number one cause of death for Americans age 18-45. Fentanyl overtook and doubled the number two cause - suicide, in just one year.&nbsp;

Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm is a&nbsp;Level&nbsp;V&nbsp;felony. Distribution of a controlled substance causing death is a&nbsp;Level&nbsp;I&nbsp;felony.&nbsp;

Please talk to your friends and family about&nbsp;fentanyl, it could save their life.&nbsp;

If you have any information about the distribution of these counterfeit pills you can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777 or contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 and ask to speak with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).&nbsp;

Below you can see visual examples of the differences between legitimate and counterfeit Oxycodone, Xanax and Adderall, courtesy of the DEA.

 Criminal drug networks mass-produce these fake pills and falsely market them as legit prescription pills. The images are examples and don't represent the many variations of counterfeit pills. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.&nbsp;

- As of April 2021,&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;fatalities increased 49.4% in just 12 months, surpassing 64,000 deaths&nbsp;

-&nbsp;Fentanyl&nbsp;fatally poisons 175 people every day&nbsp;

-&nbsp;Fentanyl&nbsp;is tied to 64% of total drug fatalities&nbsp;

- 4 out of every 10 pills with&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;contain a potentially lethal dose&nbsp;

The RCPD has&nbsp;responded to six&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;overdoses in just the past two weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;While none of the six resulted in death, these overdoses came from fake, pressed prescription pills containing&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;mostly oxycodone and Xanax.&nbsp;Riley County Police&nbsp;emphasize&nbsp;that&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;who overdose&nbsp;are&nbsp;not&nbsp;suspects&nbsp;in&nbsp;their&nbsp;investigations. The goal is to identify, apprehend and prosecute the distributor and/distribution network.&nbsp;Fentanyl is now the number one cause of death for Americans age 18-45. Fentanyl overtook and doubled the number two cause - suicide, in just one year.&nbsp;Distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm is a&nbsp;Level&nbsp;V&nbsp;felony. Distribution of a controlled substance causing death is a&nbsp;Level&nbsp;I&nbsp;felony.&nbsp;Please talk to your friends and family about&nbsp;fentanyl, it could save their life.&nbsp;If you have any information about the distribution of these counterfeit pills you can submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777 or contact RCPD at (785) 537-2112 and ask to speak with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).&nbsp;Below you can see visual examples of the differences between legitimate and counterfeit Oxycodone, Xanax and Adderall, courtesy of the DEA.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640911068998.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640911116296.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640911151535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Criminal drug networks mass-produce these fake pills and falsely market them as legit prescription pills. The images are examples and don't represent the many variations of counterfeit pills. The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.&nbsp;- As of April 2021,&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;fatalities increased 49.4% in just 12 months, surpassing 64,000 deaths&nbsp;-&nbsp;Fentanyl&nbsp;fatally poisons 175 people every day&nbsp;-&nbsp;Fentanyl&nbsp;is tied to 64% of total drug fatalities&nbsp;- 4 out of every 10 pills with&nbsp;fentanyl&nbsp;contain a potentially lethal dose&nbsp;

Fake fentanyl flooding Manhattan streets

Brazen smash-and-grab robbers hit the Manhattan Best Buy Tuesday&nbsp;evening.&nbsp;

According to a known Best Buy source,&nbsp;sometime after 5 p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;two male suspects and one female suspect&nbsp;entered the store at 329 Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan and later fled with&nbsp;at least four&nbsp;stolen&nbsp;Apple iPhones.&nbsp;

The devices were demonstration models. According to the source,&nbsp;store employees were dealing with another incident when&nbsp;the&nbsp;suspects snapped the&nbsp;iPhones&nbsp;directly&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;display&nbsp;at&nbsp;the back&nbsp;of the store&nbsp;and tried to make a hasty, inconspicuous&nbsp;exit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Riley County Police say the suspects drove away in a&nbsp;white Ford F250 pickup.&nbsp;

RCPD officers filed a report for theft.&nbsp;The loss associated with this case is approximately $4,600.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger Little Apple PostBrazen smash-and-grab robbers hit the Manhattan Best Buy Tuesday&nbsp;evening.&nbsp;According to a known Best Buy source,&nbsp;sometime after 5 p.m. Tuesday,&nbsp;two male suspects and one female suspect&nbsp;entered the store at 329 Tuttle Creek Boulevard in Manhattan and later fled with&nbsp;at least four&nbsp;stolen&nbsp;Apple iPhones.&nbsp;The devices were demonstration models. According to the source,&nbsp;store employees were dealing with another incident when&nbsp;the&nbsp;suspects snapped the&nbsp;iPhones&nbsp;directly&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;display&nbsp;at&nbsp;the back&nbsp;of the store&nbsp;and tried to make a hasty, inconspicuous&nbsp;exit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Riley County Police say the suspects drove away in a&nbsp;white Ford F250 pickup.&nbsp;RCPD officers filed a report for theft.&nbsp;The loss associated with this case is approximately $4,600.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Smash-and-grab at Manhattan Best Buy

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;supermarket chain announced&nbsp;its&nbsp;new&nbsp;retail&nbsp;security&nbsp;program&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Only a handful of&nbsp;Hy-Vee stores have the new officers, but the chain will slowly&nbsp;add them to other stores&nbsp;in its eight-state market.&nbsp;

Hy-Vee retail security leaders worked alongside law enforcement partners to develop corporate training for security personnel.&nbsp;

Hy-Vee&nbsp;officials say security personnel will be armed&nbsp;with a taser as well as a handgun&nbsp;and have extensive de-escalation training.&nbsp;They are intended as&nbsp;a visual deterrent to criminal activity and violence.&nbsp;

"Across the country, we’re seeing an increase in criminal activity in retail locations,” said Hy-Vee Vice President of Security Jamie Sipes.&nbsp;“Hy-Vee made the decision to have a forward-facing, uniformed security program that includes all the&nbsp;tools that an officer would need to keep employees and customers safe.”&nbsp;

The new Hy-Vee officers are&nbsp;not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;in Manhattan. Company officials say&nbsp;the chain does not necessarily intend to have a security officer in every store, and&nbsp;there are no concrete implementation dates for&nbsp;specific stores.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;company&nbsp;says adding security&nbsp;is intended to foster a safe, comfortable environment and increase security&nbsp;for&nbsp;customers and employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rather than posting at store entrances, security personnel will walk the aisles and interact with customers.&nbsp;

“These officers will help provide another layer of safety and security for our customers,”&nbsp;said Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s president and chief operating officer. “They will work alongside our store employees to deliver the same helpful smiles and outstanding service everyone expects at their local store.”&nbsp;

According to the company, the&nbsp;officers&nbsp;will also be a resource for customers, helping them locate items or services inside the store.&nbsp;

Two Manhattan Hy-Vee shoppers say they would welcome security in the stores.&nbsp;

“There’s so much craziness right out in public anymore,” said Manhattan resident Maggie&nbsp;Aistrum, “and you never know why or where.”&nbsp;

Fellow shopper Esperanza Holt said she moved here from the San Diego area two years ago, and had seen armed security in many retail stores there for years.&nbsp;

“They were the only stores I wanted to go to,” Holt said. “I felt better if there was someone&nbsp;other than myself&nbsp;and the clerk. I think shoplifting and&nbsp;people getting things stolen out of their cars is really getting bad, so anything to scare them off is a good idea.”&nbsp;

Aistrum&nbsp;and Holt both noted&nbsp;that they always felt safe and&nbsp;had never experienced anything dangerous in the Manhattan Hy-Vee store.&nbsp;

In stores with security&nbsp;staff&nbsp;already in place, the company has a mix of third-party and&nbsp;in-house&nbsp;officers.&nbsp;

The focus of health and security is not a wholly new step for the company. Tina Potthoff, senior vice president for communications, said Hy-Vee has “long worked with third-party security contractors or off-duty law enforcement that work in a security capacity throughout our eight-state region. Our goal with this team is to create a consistent&nbsp;look&nbsp; and&nbsp;approach to customer service and security across all of our stores.”&nbsp;

Sipes&nbsp;said that many&nbsp;of their new security personnel have prior law enforcement experience and come to the&nbsp;position with about&nbsp;1400 hours of crisis-intervention and&nbsp;de-escalation training.&nbsp;

"They are an extension of our legendary customer service within Hy-Vee and&nbsp;ensure the safety of our customers and our employees,” he said. “They&nbsp;are not there&nbsp;to interrupt anyone’s&nbsp;rights.”&nbsp;

News outlets in Minnesota report the grocery chain has recently added armed security to a relatively new store in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, as well as other locations in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A&nbsp;Prairie&nbsp;Village Hy-Vee gas station was the victim of an armed robbery in July.&nbsp;

While there have been isolated incidents like any other business,&nbsp;Potthoff said the company has&nbsp;not seen an increase in&nbsp;dangerous&nbsp;incidents in&nbsp;its&nbsp;stores.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;The&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;supermarket chain announced&nbsp;its&nbsp;new&nbsp;retail&nbsp;security&nbsp;program&nbsp;Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Only a handful of&nbsp;Hy-Vee stores have the new officers, but the chain will slowly&nbsp;add them to other stores&nbsp;in its eight-state market.&nbsp;Hy-Vee retail security leaders worked alongside law enforcement partners to develop corporate training for security personnel.&nbsp;Hy-Vee&nbsp;officials say security personnel will be armed&nbsp;with a taser as well as a handgun&nbsp;and have extensive de-escalation training.&nbsp;They are intended as&nbsp;a visual deterrent to criminal activity and violence.&nbsp;"Across the country, we’re seeing an increase in criminal activity in retail locations,” said Hy-Vee Vice President of Security Jamie Sipes.&nbsp;“Hy-Vee made the decision to have a forward-facing, uniformed security program that includes all the&nbsp;tools that an officer would need to keep employees and customers safe.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640870448375.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The new Hy-Vee officers are&nbsp;not&nbsp;yet&nbsp;in Manhattan. Company officials say&nbsp;the chain does not necessarily intend to have a security officer in every store, and&nbsp;there are no concrete implementation dates for&nbsp;specific stores.&nbsp;The&nbsp;company&nbsp;says adding security&nbsp;is intended to foster a safe, comfortable environment and increase security&nbsp;for&nbsp;customers and employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rather than posting at store entrances, security personnel will walk the aisles and interact with customers.&nbsp;“These officers will help provide another layer of safety and security for our customers,”&nbsp;said Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s president and chief operating officer. “They will work alongside our store employees to deliver the same helpful smiles and outstanding service everyone expects at their local store.”&nbsp;According to the company, the&nbsp;officers&nbsp;will also be a resource for customers, helping them locate items or services inside the store.&nbsp;Two Manhattan Hy-Vee shoppers say they would welcome security in the stores.&nbsp;“There’s so much craziness right out in public anymore,” said Manhattan resident Maggie&nbsp;Aistrum, “and you never know why or where.”&nbsp;Fellow shopper Esperanza Holt said she moved here from the San Diego area two years ago, and had seen armed security in many retail stores there for years.&nbsp;“They were the only stores I wanted to go to,” Holt said. “I felt better if there was someone&nbsp;other than myself&nbsp;and the clerk. I think shoplifting and&nbsp;people getting things stolen out of their cars is really getting bad, so anything to scare them off is a good idea.”&nbsp;Aistrum&nbsp;and Holt both noted&nbsp;that they always felt safe and&nbsp;had never experienced anything dangerous in the Manhattan Hy-Vee store.&nbsp;In stores with security&nbsp;staff&nbsp;already in place, the company has a mix of third-party and&nbsp;in-house&nbsp;officers.&nbsp;The focus of health and security is not a wholly new step for the company. Tina Potthoff, senior vice president for communications, said Hy-Vee has “long worked with third-party security contractors or off-duty law enforcement that work in a security capacity throughout our eight-state region. Our goal with this team is to create a consistent&nbsp;look&nbsp; and&nbsp;approach to customer service and security across all of our stores.”&nbsp;Sipes&nbsp;said that many&nbsp;of their new security personnel have prior law enforcement experience and come to the&nbsp;position with about&nbsp;1400 hours of crisis-intervention and&nbsp;de-escalation training.&nbsp;"They are an extension of our legendary customer service within Hy-Vee and&nbsp;ensure the safety of our customers and our employees,” he said. “They&nbsp;are not there&nbsp;to interrupt anyone’s&nbsp;rights.”&nbsp;News outlets in Minnesota report the grocery chain has recently added armed security to a relatively new store in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, as well as other locations in the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;A&nbsp;Prairie&nbsp;Village Hy-Vee gas station was the victim of an armed robbery in July.&nbsp;While there have been isolated incidents like any other business,&nbsp;Potthoff said the company has&nbsp;not seen an increase in&nbsp;dangerous&nbsp;incidents in&nbsp;its&nbsp;stores.&nbsp;

Hy-Vee institutes armed security program

Active weather will be in store for the remainder of the year with a few chances for wintery precipitation. Light snow is possible across northcentral and northeast Kansas Wednesday morning, but accumulations will be minimal to light. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will bring our next chance for precipitation with the possibility of accumulating snow Friday night into Saturday afternoon. 

The highest confidence of where accumulating snow will occur will be in northcentral and northeast Kansas. Cold will also be a concern as high temperatures on Saturday will occur in the early morning hours with lows occurring in the evening. Wind chills on Saturday and Sunday have the potential to approach 15 below zero, so make sure to dress very warm if traveling outdoors. Skies will clear out again on Sunday with high temperatures reaching the upper 20s and mid 30s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you have any weekend plans, we will likely see our first shot of true arctic air as temperatures fall into the teens and single digits Friday evening, remaining there through Sunday. Wind chills will not recover Saturday morning with readings in the single digits to below zero with the coldest wind chills expected with readings down to 15 degrees below zero along the Nebraska border. Frostbite can quickly occur in these conditions so it's important to wear layers of clothing if you need to be outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Accumulating snow is looking more likely for portions of the region Friday evening into Saturday. While much uncertainty remains on the storm track and snowfall amounts, travel impacts are possible during the New Year's holiday, especially if you plan to travel across northern Kansas into Nebraska and Iowa. Dangerously cold wind chills will also accompany the snow. In the meantime, stay tuned for forecast updates in the coming days.&nbsp;

Active weather will be in store for the remainder of the year with a few chances for wintery precipitation. Light snow is possible across northcentral and northeast Kansas Wednesday morning, but accumulations will be minimal to light. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will bring our next chance for precipitation with the possibility of accumulating snow Friday night into Saturday afternoon. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640786633973.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The highest confidence of where accumulating snow will occur will be in northcentral and northeast Kansas. Cold will also be a concern as high temperatures on Saturday will occur in the early morning hours with lows occurring in the evening. Wind chills on Saturday and Sunday have the potential to approach 15 below zero, so make sure to dress very warm if traveling outdoors. Skies will clear out again on Sunday with high temperatures reaching the upper 20s and mid 30s.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640786612193.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any weekend plans, we will likely see our first shot of true arctic air as temperatures fall into the teens and single digits Friday evening, remaining there through Sunday. Wind chills will not recover Saturday morning with readings in the single digits to below zero with the coldest wind chills expected with readings down to 15 degrees below zero along the Nebraska border. Frostbite can quickly occur in these conditions so it's important to wear layers of clothing if you need to be outside.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulating snow is looking more likely for portions of the region Friday evening into Saturday. While much uncertainty remains on the storm track and snowfall amounts, travel impacts are possible during the New Year's holiday, especially if you plan to travel across northern Kansas into Nebraska and Iowa. Dangerously cold wind chills will also accompany the snow. In the meantime, stay tuned for forecast updates in the coming days.&nbsp;

Plummeting temps, severe wind chills to ring in new year

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;

Riley County and the City of Manhattan&nbsp;are thus far managing to stay ahead of widespread supply-chain&nbsp;bottlenecks and staffing shortages.&nbsp;

According to officials, most departments are adequately staffed and supplied&nbsp;but&nbsp;larger needs are starting to expose some gaps.&nbsp;After sending out a Request for Proposal&nbsp;weeks ago&nbsp;for a&nbsp;large piece of earth-moving equipment,&nbsp;Riley County&nbsp;Commissioners&nbsp;got back just one proposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the past,&nbsp;this type of request would see&nbsp;at least a half-dozen bids submitted.&nbsp;Manufacturers of heavy equipment and vehicles are&nbsp;experiencing severe delays&nbsp;and frequently deliver&nbsp;units with IOUs for missing control chips&nbsp;- with tens of thousands on backorder&nbsp;from Asian nations&nbsp;or in transportation bottlenecks&nbsp;around the globe.&nbsp;

Russel Stukey, Emergency Services Director for Riley County, said&nbsp;there are no staffing shortages in his department, but&nbsp;he has&nbsp;seen delays in product availability and increased prices for commodities and equipment. His department has had to delay purchases&nbsp;due to high prices and staff, like others around the area,&nbsp;are&nbsp;waiting patiently for&nbsp;supplies and equipment to be delivered.&nbsp;

Riley County Public Works – which&nbsp;performs&nbsp;most of the mechanical&nbsp;repair and maintenance on&nbsp;Riley County&nbsp;fire&nbsp;equipment –&nbsp;has had challenges filling mechanic positions,&nbsp;which delays repairs to fire equipment.&nbsp;

John Ellermann, Director of Public Works for Riley County,&nbsp;said his department is&nbsp;nearly fully staffed. They recently completed a round of new hires and only have one mechanic position vacant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We ask people to be patient as we do&nbsp;everything&nbsp;we can to serve the public and keep the roads in good condition this winter,” Ellerman said.&nbsp;

The department&nbsp;is stocked&nbsp;with supplies&nbsp;for now, but a severe winter and increased wear-and-tear on equipment may tax capabilities.&nbsp;

He said the county&nbsp;ordered salt early so inventory is on-hand, but just like every year, material availability will depend as much on the weather as any supply-chain issues.&nbsp;

“We’re holding on for now and all Public Works operations are fully functional,” Ellerman said. “Depending on the weather this winter and the condition of the trucks, we may see delays in road and pothole repairs."&nbsp;

Riley County Public Works has seen numerous supply and shipment delays this year, especially for new vehicles. At this time, they are waiting for two new dump trucks with salt spreaders and plows that were ordered in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It may take more than a year for those orders to be filled,” Ellerman said,&nbsp;“which means they will not be ready for this season. We’re also seeing delays and shortages of vehicle parts, which puts extra stress on our existing fleet. Prices of parts and supplies have also increased because of the steel shortage.”&nbsp;

Planned completion dates for projects are being nudged back. Ellerman said the bridge project at Wildcat Park on South 62nd&nbsp;Street has been delayed due to supply shortages and price increases.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“From week-to-week the price estimates on steel can fluctuate thousands of dollars,” Ellerman said.&nbsp;“County crews are completing the work as time, weather, and supplies allow. It’s a walking bridge with limited vehicle access for county maintenance, so the delays do not have a significant operations impact.”&nbsp;

Reflecting workforce shortages across the nation, the Kansas Department of Transportation has already said it does not have enough equipment operators for winter operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KDOT is about 30 percent short of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed.&nbsp;Municipalities around the state were warned by KDOT in early November that roads may not be cleared of snow and ice as expeditiously as in the past.&nbsp;

State administrators said that the agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages are far greater this year.&nbsp;

“KDOT is facing significant staffing shortages in some areas and will work proactively to clear Kansas highways by shifting crews to affected areas and pretreating highways and bridges whenever possible,” said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Our snowplow operators work 12-hour shifts and do their best to keep the roads open and the public moving.”&nbsp;

At Manhattan Regional Airport, Director Brandon&nbsp;Keazer&nbsp;said that, so far, supply and staffing issues haven’t impacted airline operations.&nbsp;The mild weather so far has also helped.&nbsp;

“We are very fortunate in this aspect as other airports are feeling the pinch of staffing challenges due to Covid,”&nbsp;Keazer&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

MHK has&nbsp;ample winter supplies on&nbsp;is&nbsp;prepared for the upcoming winter storm&nbsp;season, according to&nbsp;Keazer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The facility&nbsp;maintains&nbsp;a&nbsp;level of&nbsp;winter chemical&nbsp;inventory throughout the year,” he said,&nbsp;“and&nbsp;because this winter has been mild, we haven’t had to touch our supplies.”&nbsp;

Keazer&nbsp;said the airport has seen a slight increase in runway deicing fluid when compared to 2020.&nbsp;The cost of aircraft deicing fluid has increased almost 50&nbsp;percent&nbsp;over last year.&nbsp;

By Scott Edger&nbsp; Little Apple Post&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640782525489.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Riley County and the City of Manhattan&nbsp;are thus far managing to stay ahead of widespread supply-chain&nbsp;bottlenecks and staffing shortages.&nbsp;According to officials, most departments are adequately staffed and supplied&nbsp;but&nbsp;larger needs are starting to expose some gaps.&nbsp;After sending out a Request for Proposal&nbsp;weeks ago&nbsp;for a&nbsp;large piece of earth-moving equipment,&nbsp;Riley County&nbsp;Commissioners&nbsp;got back just one proposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the past,&nbsp;this type of request would see&nbsp;at least a half-dozen bids submitted.&nbsp;Manufacturers of heavy equipment and vehicles are&nbsp;experiencing severe delays&nbsp;and frequently deliver&nbsp;units with IOUs for missing control chips&nbsp;- with tens of thousands on backorder&nbsp;from Asian nations&nbsp;or in transportation bottlenecks&nbsp;around the globe.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640782494697.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Russel Stukey, Emergency Services Director for Riley County, said&nbsp;there are no staffing shortages in his department, but&nbsp;he has&nbsp;seen delays in product availability and increased prices for commodities and equipment. His department has had to delay purchases&nbsp;due to high prices and staff, like others around the area,&nbsp;are&nbsp;waiting patiently for&nbsp;supplies and equipment to be delivered.&nbsp;Riley County Public Works – which&nbsp;performs&nbsp;most of the mechanical&nbsp;repair and maintenance on&nbsp;Riley County&nbsp;fire&nbsp;equipment –&nbsp;has had challenges filling mechanic positions,&nbsp;which delays repairs to fire equipment.&nbsp;John Ellermann, Director of Public Works for Riley County,&nbsp;said his department is&nbsp;nearly fully staffed. They recently completed a round of new hires and only have one mechanic position vacant.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We ask people to be patient as we do&nbsp;everything&nbsp;we can to serve the public and keep the roads in good condition this winter,” Ellerman said.&nbsp;The department&nbsp;is stocked&nbsp;with supplies&nbsp;for now, but a severe winter and increased wear-and-tear on equipment may tax capabilities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640782584831.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He said the county&nbsp;ordered salt early so inventory is on-hand, but just like every year, material availability will depend as much on the weather as any supply-chain issues.&nbsp;“We’re holding on for now and all Public Works operations are fully functional,” Ellerman said. “Depending on the weather this winter and the condition of the trucks, we may see delays in road and pothole repairs."&nbsp;Riley County Public Works has seen numerous supply and shipment delays this year, especially for new vehicles. At this time, they are waiting for two new dump trucks with salt spreaders and plows that were ordered in the spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It may take more than a year for those orders to be filled,” Ellerman said,&nbsp;“which means they will not be ready for this season. We’re also seeing delays and shortages of vehicle parts, which puts extra stress on our existing fleet. Prices of parts and supplies have also increased because of the steel shortage.”&nbsp;Planned completion dates for projects are being nudged back. Ellerman said the bridge project at Wildcat Park on South 62nd&nbsp;Street has been delayed due to supply shortages and price increases.&nbsp;&nbsp;“From week-to-week the price estimates on steel can fluctuate thousands of dollars,” Ellerman said.&nbsp;“County crews are completing the work as time, weather, and supplies allow. It’s a walking bridge with limited vehicle access for county maintenance, so the delays do not have a significant operations impact.”&nbsp;Reflecting workforce shortages across the nation, the Kansas Department of Transportation has already said it does not have enough equipment operators for winter operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;KDOT is about 30 percent short of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed.&nbsp;Municipalities around the state were warned by KDOT in early November that roads may not be cleared of snow and ice as expeditiously as in the past.&nbsp;State administrators said that the agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages are far greater this year.&nbsp;“KDOT is facing significant staffing shortages in some areas and will work proactively to clear Kansas highways by shifting crews to affected areas and pretreating highways and bridges whenever possible,” said KDOT Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Our snowplow operators work 12-hour shifts and do their best to keep the roads open and the public moving.”&nbsp;At Manhattan Regional Airport, Director Brandon&nbsp;Keazer&nbsp;said that, so far, supply and staffing issues haven’t impacted airline operations.&nbsp;The mild weather so far has also helped.&nbsp;“We are very fortunate in this aspect as other airports are feeling the pinch of staffing challenges due to Covid,”&nbsp;Keazer&nbsp;said.&nbsp;MHK has&nbsp;ample winter supplies on&nbsp;is&nbsp;prepared for the upcoming winter storm&nbsp;season, according to&nbsp;Keazer.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The facility&nbsp;maintains&nbsp;a&nbsp;level of&nbsp;winter chemical&nbsp;inventory throughout the year,” he said,&nbsp;“and&nbsp;because this winter has been mild, we haven’t had to touch our supplies.”&nbsp;Keazer&nbsp;said the airport has seen a slight increase in runway deicing fluid when compared to 2020.&nbsp;The cost of aircraft deicing fluid has increased almost 50&nbsp;percent&nbsp;over last year.&nbsp;

City, county managing supply-chain bottlenecks

The City of Manhattan is once again providing residents with a handy Christmas tree disposal option.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Live Christmas trees can be taken to the northeast corner of Long’s Park in Manhattan through January 31, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Real trees only. No plastic bags, tinsel, lights or decorations allowed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640701888165.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The City of Manhattan is once again providing residents with a handy Christmas tree disposal option.&nbsp;&nbsp;Live Christmas trees can be taken to the northeast corner of Long’s Park in Manhattan through January 31, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;Real trees only. No plastic bags, tinsel, lights or decorations allowed.&nbsp;

Manhattan Christmas tree drop-off now open

Start 2022 in the outdoors on a guided tour at Tuttle Creek State Park Burn off those extra holiday calories with the First Day Hikes initiative on January 1, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This approximate two-mile, family-friendly hike is over mostly smooth terrain with a short or long route to choose from. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, spotting scopes, camera, and bird ID guide. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome! Dogs are welcome, too, but must be on a leash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The event is FREE (and includes a t-shirt, hot cocoa &amp; coffee while supplies last) and preregistration is NOT required.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Everyone will have a chance to win valuable prizes including gift cards from Manhattan Town Center, Brand New Sleeping Bags and overnight cabin stays, and more! &nbsp;Meet at the State Park Office; you must have a valid State Park vehicle permit to enter the park (available at the entrance).&nbsp;

Weather updates will be sent out through Facebook on the day of the event.&nbsp;

Kansas State Parks and AmeriCorps will have a food donation box available and are asking for non-perishable food donations to help local area food banks if you so choose. For more info email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mckee@cityofmhk.com" target="_blank">mckee@cityofmhk.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785-587-2768.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640699019667.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Start 2022 in the outdoors on a guided tour at Tuttle Creek State Park Burn off those extra holiday calories with the First Day Hikes initiative on January 1, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;This approximate two-mile, family-friendly hike is over mostly smooth terrain with a short or long route to choose from. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, spotting scopes, camera, and bird ID guide. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome! Dogs are welcome, too, but must be on a leash.&nbsp;&nbsp;The event is FREE (and includes a t-shirt, hot cocoa &amp; coffee while supplies last) and preregistration is NOT required.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640699306094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Everyone will have a chance to win valuable prizes including gift cards from Manhattan Town Center, Brand New Sleeping Bags and overnight cabin stays, and more! &nbsp;Meet at the State Park Office; you must have a valid State Park vehicle permit to enter the park (available at the entrance).&nbsp;Weather updates will be sent out through Facebook on the day of the event.&nbsp;Kansas State Parks and AmeriCorps will have a food donation box available and are asking for non-perishable food donations to help local area food banks if you so choose. For more info email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mckee@cityofmhk.com" target="_blank">mckee@cityofmhk.com</a>&nbsp;or call 785-587-2768.&nbsp;

Start burning off the holiday pounds with Manhattan Parks & Rec

The Riley County Health Department is experiencing a very high call volume for COVID testing at this time.&nbsp;

If you can’t get through to Screening Line at (785) 323-6400, please try one of the testing options below.&nbsp;

IMPORTANT: if you are sick, please stay home and isolate while you wait for testing or results. If you have difficulty breathing or other emergency symptoms, call 911. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Find info about COVID symptoms and treatment at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html</a>&nbsp;

The Riley County Health Department is experiencing a very high call volume for COVID testing at this time.&nbsp;If you can’t get through to Screening Line at (785) 323-6400, please try one of the testing options below.&nbsp;IMPORTANT: if you are sick, please stay home and isolate while you wait for testing or results. If you have difficulty breathing or other emergency symptoms, call 911. &nbsp;&nbsp;Find info about COVID symptoms and treatment at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html</a>&nbsp;Testing options:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Call your doctor&nbsp;</li><li>Visit the KDHE free drive-through testing site at Manhattan Town Center, north parking lot (open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday)&nbsp;</li><li>Contact one of the testing sites listed on the KDHE map at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing" target="_blank">https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing</a></li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640695981525.png" alt="" />
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Health Department deluged with test requests

Gunman attacks car, wounds garage Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1200 block of North 12th Street in Manhattan on December 25, 2021, around 11:29 p.m. Officers listed a 27-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect shot a gun six times in the alley behind the victim's house, hitting her unoccupied car five times and a garage one time. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still being determined at this time.&nbsp;

Not excited to be there Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan on December 23, 2021, around 5:32 p.m. Officers listed the Riley County Police Department as the victim when it was reported a 24-year-old male inmate damaged a window in the jail intake room. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $500.&nbsp;

Somebody got a new ATV&nbsp; Officers filed a report for burglary in the 7700 block of Stockdale Park Road in Riley County on December 24, 2021, around 11:53 a.m. Officers listed a 78-year-old male as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect broke into a building and stole a Honda ATV, tools, and other miscellaneous items. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $15,000.&nbsp;

Grinch hits Leonardville street Officers filed a report for burglary and theft in the 300 block of East Chase Street in Leonardville on December 25, 2021, around 10:00 a.m. Officer listed 17- and 22-year-old females and 23- and 77-year-old males as the victims when it was reported an unknown suspect stole a blue 2013 Ford Focus with an Apple Watch and MacBook Air inside, entered a separate truck and stole an Apple MacBook Air, a JBL portable Bluetooth speaker and a white gold necklace with a heart-shaped diamond, and entered two additional cars with nothing known taken at this time. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $8,500.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Old-fashioned Christmas Shank Officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 1000 block of Yuma Street in Manhattan on December 25, 2021, around 3:21 p.m. Officers listed a 36-year-old male as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect pulled a knife on him, then ran at him with a stick in the 600 block of Colorado Street.&nbsp;

Shameless crook robs victim of Christmas lights and booze; also valuable electronics Officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Eighth St. in Manhattan on December 26, 2021, around 8:59 p.m. Officers listed a 19-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect broke into her unoccupied apartment and stole a 43-inch&nbsp;Sceptre&nbsp;television, and LG trac phone, an Apple Watch, a surge protector, an Apple TV box, Christmas lights and alcohol. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,320.&nbsp;

Gunman attacks car, wounds garage Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1200 block of North 12th Street in Manhattan on December 25, 2021, around 11:29 p.m. Officers listed a 27-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect shot a gun six times in the alley behind the victim's house, hitting her unoccupied car five times and a garage one time. The estimated total loss associated with this case is still being determined at this time.&nbsp;Not excited to be there Officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 1000 block of South Seth Child Road in Manhattan on December 23, 2021, around 5:32 p.m. Officers listed the Riley County Police Department as the victim when it was reported a 24-year-old male inmate damaged a window in the jail intake room. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $500.&nbsp;Somebody got a new ATV&nbsp; Officers filed a report for burglary in the 7700 block of Stockdale Park Road in Riley County on December 24, 2021, around 11:53 a.m. Officers listed a 78-year-old male as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect broke into a building and stole a Honda ATV, tools, and other miscellaneous items. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $15,000.&nbsp;Grinch hits Leonardville street Officers filed a report for burglary and theft in the 300 block of East Chase Street in Leonardville on December 25, 2021, around 10:00 a.m. Officer listed 17- and 22-year-old females and 23- and 77-year-old males as the victims when it was reported an unknown suspect stole a blue 2013 Ford Focus with an Apple Watch and MacBook Air inside, entered a separate truck and stole an Apple MacBook Air, a JBL portable Bluetooth speaker and a white gold necklace with a heart-shaped diamond, and entered two additional cars with nothing known taken at this time. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $8,500.&nbsp;&nbsp;Old-fashioned Christmas Shank Officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 1000 block of Yuma Street in Manhattan on December 25, 2021, around 3:21 p.m. Officers listed a 36-year-old male as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect pulled a knife on him, then ran at him with a stick in the 600 block of Colorado Street.&nbsp;Shameless crook robs victim of Christmas lights and booze; also valuable electronics Officers filed a report for burglary and criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Eighth St. in Manhattan on December 26, 2021, around 8:59 p.m. Officers listed a 19-year-old female as the victim when it was reported an unknown suspect broke into her unoccupied apartment and stole a 43-inch&nbsp;Sceptre&nbsp;television, and LG trac phone, an Apple Watch, a surge protector, an Apple TV box, Christmas lights and alcohol. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,320.&nbsp;Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Police Briefs December 27

Authorities&nbsp;are looking for&nbsp;a thief&nbsp;who may already&nbsp;be&nbsp;laundering&nbsp;his&nbsp;stolen funds&nbsp;through&nbsp;vending machines&nbsp;across the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On&nbsp;Christmas Eve morning, a man&nbsp;in&nbsp;the 900 block of Humboldt Street in Manhattan reported&nbsp;to RCPD officers&nbsp;that someone&nbsp;had&nbsp;broken&nbsp;into his&nbsp;house&nbsp;overnight.&nbsp;

The only thig&nbsp;the man&nbsp;reported stolen&nbsp;was&nbsp;a five-gallon&nbsp;bucket&nbsp;filled with change,&nbsp;from pennies to dollar coins.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The bucket of change - valued&nbsp;at&nbsp;approximately $3,000 - was&nbsp;hoisted&nbsp;from the victim’s basement, according to Riley&nbsp;County&nbsp;Police reports.&nbsp;

According to various internet math nerds, a five-gallon bucket filled with change would weigh at least 170 pounds.&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for aggravated burglary.&nbsp;Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Authorities&nbsp;are looking for&nbsp;a thief&nbsp;who may already&nbsp;be&nbsp;laundering&nbsp;his&nbsp;stolen funds&nbsp;through&nbsp;vending machines&nbsp;across the county.&nbsp;&nbsp;On&nbsp;Christmas Eve morning, a man&nbsp;in&nbsp;the 900 block of Humboldt Street in Manhattan reported&nbsp;to RCPD officers&nbsp;that someone&nbsp;had&nbsp;broken&nbsp;into his&nbsp;house&nbsp;overnight.&nbsp;The only thig&nbsp;the man&nbsp;reported stolen&nbsp;was&nbsp;a five-gallon&nbsp;bucket&nbsp;filled with change,&nbsp;from pennies to dollar coins.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bucket of change - valued&nbsp;at&nbsp;approximately $3,000 - was&nbsp;hoisted&nbsp;from the victim’s basement, according to Riley&nbsp;County&nbsp;Police reports.&nbsp;According to various internet math nerds, a five-gallon bucket filled with change would weigh at least 170 pounds.&nbsp;Officers filed a report for aggravated burglary.&nbsp;Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Grand Theft Change Bucket 

On December 24,&nbsp;two people reported that 40- and 42-year-old male suspects were in an altercation with them after three fishing poles were damaged.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When one man drove away, the 40-year-old jumped on the hood of the car. The man was eventually thrown off, injuring his ankles and head.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After being released from Via Christi, 40-year-old Daniel Westgate of Manhattan, was arrested for criminal trespass and confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $2,000&nbsp;

Officers filed a report for aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and criminal trespass in the 200 block of North&nbsp;11th Street&nbsp;in&nbsp;Manhattan.&nbsp;He continues to be confined as of this report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $90.&nbsp;

On December 24,&nbsp;two people reported that 40- and 42-year-old male suspects were in an altercation with them after three fishing poles were damaged.&nbsp;&nbsp;When one man drove away, the 40-year-old jumped on the hood of the car. The man was eventually thrown off, injuring his ankles and head.&nbsp;&nbsp;After being released from Via Christi, 40-year-old Daniel Westgate of Manhattan, was arrested for criminal trespass and confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $2,000&nbsp;Officers filed a report for aggravated battery, criminal damage to property and criminal trespass in the 200 block of North&nbsp;11th Street&nbsp;in&nbsp;Manhattan.&nbsp;He continues to be confined as of this report.&nbsp;&nbsp;The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $90.&nbsp;

Christmas Eve fishing pole fracas leads to Manhattan man’s injury, arrest 

The Riley County Law Board approved an update to the Riley County Police Department promotion policies.&nbsp;

RCPD Director Dennis Butler&nbsp;discussed the need for higher educational requirements&nbsp;for the rank of Captain in the department.&nbsp;

Butler&nbsp;said he started his career without a college degree,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the degree requirement reflects the expectations of today’s officers and the public.&nbsp;

He&nbsp;said that the majority of personnel he has hired&nbsp;for both policing and corrections come to the department with a college degree of some kind.&nbsp;

“In today’s policing it’s not a stretch to think that someone&nbsp;coming with that level of education would expect the same of their leaders and aspire&nbsp;to those positions to themselves,” Butler said. He told the board that several officers he has hired at the line level&nbsp;come to the job with master’s degrees&nbsp;

Two of the department’s five captains&nbsp;have master’s degrees&nbsp;and one officer at the position does not have&nbsp;a bachelor’s degree. Butler said that officer&nbsp;complied with promotion requirements at the time and would not be mandated&nbsp;to obtain the degree “after the fact.”&nbsp;

The new policy comes with something of a grandfather clause for current RCPD personnel.&nbsp;Current lieutenants can be promoted to rank of captain without a bachelor’s degree, and the department gives them&nbsp;five years to earn their degree.&nbsp;

Policy drafts began in April of this year and were distributed to staff for commentary. Butler said that the new educational requirements&nbsp;were&nbsp;not met with “wholesale endorsement”&nbsp;by the department.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Board&nbsp;member&nbsp;Linda Morse&nbsp;noted that RCPD was the first department in Kansas to achieve certification from the&nbsp;Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Riley County Law Board approved an update to the Riley County Police Department promotion policies.&nbsp;RCPD Director Dennis Butler&nbsp;discussed the need for higher educational requirements&nbsp;for the rank of Captain in the department.&nbsp;Butler&nbsp;said he started his career without a college degree,&nbsp;but&nbsp;the degree requirement reflects the expectations of today’s officers and the public.&nbsp;He&nbsp;said that the majority of personnel he has hired&nbsp;for both policing and corrections come to the department with a college degree of some kind.&nbsp;“In today’s policing it’s not a stretch to think that someone&nbsp;coming with that level of education would expect the same of their leaders and aspire&nbsp;to those positions to themselves,” Butler said. He told the board that several officers he has hired at the line level&nbsp;come to the job with master’s degrees&nbsp;Two of the department’s five captains&nbsp;have master’s degrees&nbsp;and one officer at the position does not have&nbsp;a bachelor’s degree. Butler said that officer&nbsp;complied with promotion requirements at the time and would not be mandated&nbsp;to obtain the degree “after the fact.”&nbsp;The new policy comes with something of a grandfather clause for current RCPD personnel.&nbsp;Current lieutenants can be promoted to rank of captain without a bachelor’s degree, and the department gives them&nbsp;five years to earn their degree.&nbsp;Policy drafts began in April of this year and were distributed to staff for commentary. Butler said that the new educational requirements&nbsp;were&nbsp;not met with “wholesale endorsement”&nbsp;by the department.&nbsp;&nbsp;Board&nbsp;member&nbsp;Linda Morse&nbsp;noted that RCPD was the first department in Kansas to achieve certification from the&nbsp;Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Our police department has always had high standards,” she said. “It’s&nbsp;important&nbsp;to continue to have those standards.”&nbsp;

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