[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6487551,"mediaKeyId","5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc","parentId",5594531,"title","Downtown Manhattan reports calm rollout of common‑consumption area, plans larger fall events","audioSeconds",733,"startMs",3565000,"endMs",4298000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc&start=3565&end=4298","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc/thumbnail_3565000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6487551/Kansas/Downtown-Manhattan-reports-calm-rollout-of-commonconsumption-area-plans-larger-fall-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487551-d5da32cc93d15642f270b91faa048977/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988643&Signature=DqqfR1dBRshxugDxx2Wh6xQawiYNDJx9TENsDqurOErZs8c5dxN5FScA3D9yz-Ho86IEBWTyIgjlWCaa9-ALFwDIfJsc~CBcrch6OT7dtdfBShlR0b-2y2IIUa48dKHGfo~pOsZPbupGnkZ6WkDviSae2MFXiYwLW6gAuC1TviXCVhl5sa9C2fHnt6Nr3uTqkZLEr6NpEUUWx0J~qRrG46KlEx7z4Ojl8v6gx5rnxJ-kInMjbHPiEe8FeihltOR7cxaJZWesg6y4xykjQCLzEXBjHOtmMSTPfzQdLRzY5HN6GSx9Xz1ROavjrStD7kgS7w02JfMOLKs8vqItLwaccg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Riley County","date","2025-08-18T13:33:16Z","article","A Downtown Manhattan representative updated the county commission Aug. 18 on downtown programming and the slow rollout of the city’s new downtown common consumption area (CCA), and thanked the commission for approving a plaza reservation for a plein‑air painting event.

The downtown representative said the CCA — an ordinance permitting purchase of alcohol from participating establishments in approved cups that can be carried in a defined area — launched in July and produced a roughly 25% increase in foot traffic on rollout day. She said there have been no law‑enforcement problems and that most users have behaved responsibly. The ordinance allows outdoor consumption in the defined area from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; the representative said the gradual approach to the program has been intentional.

Upcoming events
- Third Thursday (weekly downtown event series): this week’s event features artists and vendors; organizers hope cooler weather will help attendance.
- Symphony on the Plaza: Sept. 13 at Blue Earth Plaza, 7 p.m.; no alcohol permitted at Blue Earth Plaza, but attendees are encouraged to visit downtown businesses afterward.
- Big Little Apple street fest (rebranded final Third Thursday): Oct. 16, expanded footprint with music (including a headliner to be announced), a car show, competitions and family activities. The downtown representative called the Oct. 16 lineup the most ambitious in several years and noted stages and blocks will be used across downtown.

The commission had earlier approved a plaza reservation for \"Plein Air on Points\" (Downtown Manhattan Inc.) for Oct. 4, 6–7 p.m.; the downtown representative thanked commissioners for that approval.

Why it matters
The CCA and the expanded fall events aim to increase downtown foot traffic and economic activity. Downtown leaders emphasized that the rollout has been calm and that they are coordinating sound, logistics and public safety for larger events in the fall.

Ending
Organizers invited commissioners to the downtown stakeholder meeting (Sept. 3 at Tap House) and to Symphony on the Plaza; they said details and final lineups will be published ahead of events.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","8/18/2025 Riley County Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Downtown Manhattan officials told commissioners the new downtown common consumption area has increased foot traffic and produced no enforcement issues; officials also previewed Third Thursday events, Symphony on the Plaza and a new 'Big Little Apple' street festival.","taxTitle","Riley, Kansas","taxId",4218,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487555,"Riley County announces Madison Creek Road culvert replacement, transfer station closure",106,3408000,3514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc&start=3408&end=3514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc/thumbnail_3408000.jpg","/articles/6487555/Kansas/Riley-County-announces-Madison-Creek-Road-culvert-replacement-transfer-station-closure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487555-8612c0df51cba8e4067642407e321dcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988643&Signature=gf57BiIfMLUrbSyvp0Y5QfUy1poDL5YT6fdxjdFm9SFb3HJiChBnuWkqxDNZBZFMHeT78PmjAwbZsYcKffwX3o3x~-X~O8VG6hEn0NDOmg1p2VoadOEVbkb-P~5yJCRvsZ-uBoZQB-pz~VqnFrHfy1nsgxAtUTztzhbEy8ay2Vigec45Wts~tzYJ3ZIpXYGqjrNwrRxYuDf035~3aSamv4Cvryg~lxKEb-cuMRBodHYGF7-TIvVU5hKbJC0J~XvP6D87AifD857HS2P78x8qeMWEGYBekx7TTYfThtVbAX~gSTZ~t1Ntn1Gt8-VH~BKlDFw3l2X-wJf0U2eCWjxMEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County public‑works staff notified the commission Aug. 18 of two upcoming operational items: a culvert replacement project on Madison Creek Road that will close part of the road for several days, and a one‑day closure of the county transfer station for work on Sept. 1.

Alvin Perez, operations manager, said the culvert replacement on Madison Creek Road is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning, weather permitting. The work will close Madison Creek Road to through traffic from Barton Road north to Veil K and W (the location referenced in the project notice). Perez said the crew hopes to complete the replacement by Thursday, Aug. 21, dependent on weather.

Evan McMillan, Public Works, added a notice that the county transfer station will be closed Sept. 1 for maintenance work.

Why it matters
The culvert replacement will interrupt normal travel on a segment of Madison Creek Road for the duration of the work; residents and contractors in that area should plan alternate routes. The transfer station closure may affect residents' ability to drop off waste and recyclables on that date; users should consult county communications for alternative arrangements.

Ending
Public‑works staff invited questions on the closure timelines and said they will post public notices as work begins.","Public Works announced a culvert replacement on Madison Creek Road beginning tomorrow with a short road closure and said the county transfer station will be closed Sept. 1 for maintenance work.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487559,"Riley County EMS reports steady July call volume, new mobile unit nearing completion",511,2512000,3023000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc&start=2512&end=3023","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc/thumbnail_2512000.jpg","/articles/6487559/Kansas/Riley-County-EMS-reports-steady-July-call-volume-new-mobile-unit-nearing-completion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487559-f0b3a721ae8a656e81e72f83f39b7b16/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988643&Signature=h1ScI0zMooSlQP792TuWTcL5xISrk0aEgbfQY6VfYusc3bVw4XE1QE2OAPqy6BBSm3spWjpITtWCohAlILME0EjqxiDgeneHoYQDeD9eu09unry9X6NnhPxNkv9a6N9S5Uq5Ms5ntgCAZmlqoItSj4kmBcJXjZlrJr-nt8cAVYPcOt~~HOgSEPPdii5ey4Kb9uqmtqDjRmt~QgmqW865HojZzox5HHMDENRAhhLCAD~VlxglnD-l6enBdGOF85xknlZpqFrXl5z-d3amVB6RXVIMUduy2-xv-qW4QFv~phviWu4gayVpZT5fiCfTh-EZShPsW7DFmiI7-kvve4CDkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","David Adams, Riley County EMS director, gave the commission a monthly operations update Aug. 18, reporting 414 calls for service in July and several operational and staffing developments.

Adams said the July call total (414) was within typical ranges. He provided a station breakdown: 151 calls from headquarters, 134 from Station 2, 30 from a public‑works–adjacent station whose response area is reduced due to construction, 62 at the airport and 24 in Leonardville. Adams said transfers from Leonardville were down for the month.

Staffing and equipment
Adams reported three EMS employees were in onboarding orientation that morning (two PRN and one full‑time starting), and one additional EMT position was open with testing underway. He said supervisors were preparing equipment and mobile units for the fall event season.

He also reported the medication and supply tracking system had completed training and was up and running, allowing inventory to be tracked from receipt through use. Adams said the mobile unit ordered 18 months ago was in production and expected to be complete between late August and late September; county staff plan to travel to Ohio to inspect and bring it back rather than pay a $5,000 delivery fee.

Operations and training
Adams said shifts will change Aug. 29 for about half the staff as part of routine multi‑year scheduling adjustments. He also noted continued participation in mental‑health and substance‑use workgroups and that K‑State sports‑medicine training had occurred to familiarize field crews with athletic‑event protocols.

Why it matters
EMS staffing and equipment cycles affect the county’s emergency‑response capacity and readiness for a busy fall event season. The new medication‑tracking system is intended to improve supply control and reduce waste; the mobile unit acquisition is a capital‑equipment upgrade that staff will inspect before acceptance.

Ending
Adams said he would return to the commission once the new mobile unit is completed and inspected.","Riley County EMS reported 414 calls in July, onboarding new hires, progress on a mobile unit ordered 18 months ago and a new medication‑tracking system now operational.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487563,"Riley County museum director cleared to apply for national emergency‑response training; in‑kind landscaping donation approved",730,1607000,2337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc&start=1607&end=2337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc/thumbnail_1607000.jpg","/articles/6487563/Kansas/Riley-County-museum-director-cleared-to-apply-for-national-emergencyresponse-training-inkind-landscaping-donation-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487563-6343ea61e861ed14da48dd8e92aa75b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988643&Signature=kVzSCUSv5M6ANCOoIXrIgkqi0XxTkP2JOwU6yd-0ANiH7NP-5DcoxTvmnA-FuqJXPOeLWlcgqcw0USJGS~8AuqNRA8Lb2cXejZUZxyi0gilYi75spoBS~TByc-Q41bzyUiuXlSAl1kux2F~y96~y9yleQunxzdB6x66YP4Ds~dF1xAVVXPG-n3hgKFxvzJYGm~0afvcqWxGaroA~uEneghbZJgWBLBb1FT7jUq1Up9zBifCM2hrGVXvIQrMT4ofYm3TlgzdVgQZRpEmj9AhuqXClKQLUneRgyw~0DEm-yuiSVL7A9Z-MYFDOKpxG08mcXSjAtRJdYCZUM68IEkt52g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Catherine Henseler, director of the Riley County Museum, received commission approval Aug. 18 to apply for Heritage Emergency and Response Training (HEART) offered by the Smithsonian Institution in collaboration with FEMA, and commissioners accepted an in‑kind landscaping donation to redesign the museum's front planting area.

Henseler asked for permission to apply for the HEART program, a weeklong professional training for cultural‑resource professionals; if accepted, the program covers registration, lodging and daytime meals. Henseler told the commission the museum would be responsible only for transportation and incidental travel costs, which she estimated at about $1,275 and said are budgeted in the museum’s 2025 budget. Commissioners authorized her to apply and approved an employer‑support letter.

The museum also presented a proposed native‑landscape plan prepared by an intern at Prairie Stone Incorporated. Prairie Stone offered design services and labor as an in‑kind gift; the Friends/historical society will pay plant costs using a prior grant. Henseler said the historical society has up to $3,000 available and the landscaper’s estimate for plants and related materials came to $2,247 (no county invoicing expected because the society is tax‑exempt). The plan will use existing irrigation in front of the museum and is designed to be low‑maintenance; museum volunteers and local garden clubs were identified as likely ongoing maintenance partners.

Commissioners approved both requests by voice vote.

Why it matters
HEART training is a specialized program intended to help cultural‑resource professionals plan for and respond to emergencies that affect collections and historic resources; having a local official trained would add capacity should the county need museum‑specific disaster response. The landscaping work aims to improve the museum’s curb appeal at minimal cost to county operations because design and labor are donated and plant purchases are paid through a historical society grant.

Details and next steps
- HEART application deadline: applications due Sept. 8; training dates are Dec. 8–12 if accepted. Henseler said acceptance is not guaranteed; the program accepts about 25 professionals nationally each year.
- Estimated county cost if accepted: approximately $1,275 (transportation and incidental travel costs), to be charged to the museum’s 2025 budget if needed.
- Landscaping estimate: $2,247 for plants and materials; historical society to pay from existing grant funds (up to $3,000). Prairie Stone Inc. will donate design and labor. Installation will incorporate the existing irrigation system.

Ending
Henseler said she will notify the commission if she is accepted to HEART and staff will coordinate the landscaping installation with Prairie Stone, parks and public works.","County commissioners authorized museum director Catherine Henseler to apply for Smithsonian‑led HEART training and approved an in‑kind landscaping plan and donation to improve the museum's frontage, with plant costs covered by the historical society grant.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6487568,"Riley County commissioners add executive session, approve routine items; votes at a glance",0,68000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc&start=68&end=68","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5594531-b232201aae6fe07754a9f3b394e364bc/thumbnail_68000.jpg","/articles/6487568/Kansas/Riley-County-commissioners-add-executive-session-approve-routine-items-votes-at-a-glance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6487568-2beb8af564313213a5a35f08be628323/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988643&Signature=eS1pnl3I3nQEF0nQoevXBc8r4Awlo2LgC5RvwknmPIfTrl7WcYvWqfKd6rbPxwlEDnqSo3M-k~jS3W4l4qKyq4OfvraHr9g9hA1HV9uQonGJwZu8jyo45YUBjcnv3mxRM5oIN7IEKumZRYl7ixT0D35apv0UAFLrF7sVFSfBXrgM0dWacw39JRA5QMYNaXRXPDCB0BVzhT0ETYTNGdIhskK70gU5oPWm-VRqj6aEt3Is~MM80K6QMHrAT3~-xTxXG~ctIcnymeuH88QXSLcEQHnjqKiYuwa3~kOEUaWNGj7HDXwIXIdWwsE731Q9jk8Q3fGsFfK--Y4oDUvfVFpHTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riley County commissioners meeting Aug. 18 added an executive session to the agenda and approved a series of routine administrative items, including a resolution appointing representatives to the Food and Farm Council and event- and personnel-related contracts.

The action items were handled largely without extended debate. Commissioners moved to recess into an executive session under the non‑elected personnel exception to the Kansas Open Meetings Act and later returned, stating that actions would be taken consistent with the consensus reached in executive session.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session (time noted during meeting). Outcome: approved by voice vote (recorded as \"Aye\" on the record). Motion made and seconded; specific tally not recorded in the transcript.
- Motion to approve mobile device reimbursement request. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 081825, appointing representatives to the Food and Farm Council. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve a plaza reservation for \"Plein Air on Points,\" Downtown Manhattan Inc., Saturday, Oct. 4, 6–7 p.m. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve requested contracts for Employee Day 2025. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to authorize Catherine Henseler to apply for Heritage Emergency and Response Training (HEART) in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8–12, and to authorize a letter of employer support. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to review and accept an in‑kind donation and approve the proposed landscaping plan for the Riley County Museum (design and labor donated by Prairie Stone Inc.; plants paid for by the historical society grant). Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to approve minutes from the Aug. 14 meeting as presented. Outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Motion to adjourn the Aug. 18 meeting. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

What commissioners said and next steps
The meeting record shows Chairman McKinley, Vice Chair Fokian and Commissioner Ford in attendance; Jacob Hansen, county counselor, participated when legal or procedural clarification was needed. After the executive session, commissioners stated on the public record that actions would be taken consistent with the consensus reached in closed session; the transcript does not specify the details of those actions.

Because many votes were by voice with no roll‑call tally listed in the public transcript, the minutes or subsequent agendas may carry the formal vote tallies and any follow‑up instructions to staff. Citations on the record referenced the Kansas Open Meetings Act as the authority for the executive‑session exception.

Ending
Items approved at the meeting were routine administrative matters and event permissions; commissioners recessed for the executive session and later resumed the public meeting, noting that follow‑up action would be taken consistent with the closed‑session consensus.","At the Aug. 18 Riley County commission meeting, commissioners added an executive session to the agenda and approved a series of routine motions, including a resolution appointing representatives to the Food and Farm Council and several placemaking and employee-contract items.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Downtown Manhattan reports calm rollout of common‑consumption area, plans larger fall events

Riley County announces Madison Creek Road culvert replacement, transfer station closure

Riley County EMS reports steady July call volume, new mobile unit nearing completion

Riley County museum director cleared to apply for national emergency‑response training; in‑kind landscaping donation approved

Riley County commissioners add executive session, approve routine items; votes at a glance