Paul Parker

USD 383 board member Katie Allen is no longer with the Kansas Department of Education following backlash over her Facebook comment on Charlie Kirk’s death. Find this story and more Manhattan news on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Three people escaped injury after a 1943 Boeing aircraft clipped a Toyota Corolla while approaching Stearman Field in Butler County. The plane flipped onto its top after striking the car, but both occupants and the driver were unharmed. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating.

The jury in Clark Petersen’s trial ruled Friday that aggravated factors exist, allowing for harsher sentencing in his sex crimes case. Riley County Judge Grant Bannister revoked Petersen’s bond, and he was taken into custody. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Catch the latest Manhattan news: a concrete pump truck tips and damages cars at K-State, closing arguments conclude in the Clark Petersen sex crimes trial, police seek tips after southwest Manhattan car break-ins, plus more headlines and sports. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

The Manhattan City Commission voted Tuesday to publish the 2026 budget with a 1.35 mill levy increase, raising the city’s rate to 54.459. The plan boosts property taxes by 7.7% for the average homeowner and includes a 2.4% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees. A final vote is set for Sept. 16.

Aggieville businesses are navigating ongoing construction as 12th Street utility work and a new Hampton Inn hotel reshape the district. Improvements are expected by late fall, with future projects planned through 2028. Meanwhile, Aggieville gears up for K-State football season, highlighted by a Budweiser Clydesdales parade and pep rallies.

Former Ogden Township treasurer Jimmy Bond was sentenced to four years of probation after pleading guilty to misappropriating public funds and submitting false expenses. Bond must repay over $42,000 in restitution to the township.

Two people suffered minor injuries in a three-vehicle crash Friday in Manhattan near 8th Street and Bluemont Avenue. Police cited a Wamego driver for inattentive driving.Ask ChatGPT

USDA proposes relocating staff to regional hubs including Kansas City, sparking criticism from lawmakers and support from Kansas senators during a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting.

Manhattan ranks 8th among Kansas’ largest cities in total bonded debt, with $138.5 million owed. A breakdown shows heavy use of special-assessment bonds to fund housing development.