Once Upon A Mattress

While athletics are the most visible extracurricular activities in schools, you should never overlook the fine arts. You can enjoy performances in Riley County that are as entertaining as those found in the big cities.

One example… Riley County High School performed Once Upon A Mattress this past weekend. It is a musical version of the story of The Princess and the Pea.

I have always been impressed with the talent and energy of our young folks. Whether in school, church or civic involvement, we need to continue to encourage our students and provide opportunities for them to excel.

Even if you no longer have children that are school-age, I hope you will look for ways to show your support. After all, they will be living and managing the future that we leave them.

- Dan

Ah… It’s a good life, living in the country.

The neighbors are not right up next you your house. There’s room for a dog and cat to run. With permission, the kids can run around in the neighbor’s pasture. The creeks are clean and don’t have trash. At night you can look up and see the Milky Way as it runs from Sagittarius clear across the sky to Casseopia. The only thing to worry about is whether the cows get out. (Well, not really.)

Life sure is good!

Riley County offers the best of both rural and suburban life. That is what draws many folks to want to life in the country. But that is not without issues.

The Riley County Planning Department has been working on Vision 2025 for a couple of years now. The purpose is to address zoning and land use issues related to the population growth in Riley County, outside of the Manhattan city limits.

The plan is nearing completion and they are soliciting public comments. Two significant changes to zoning are proposed…

1. Minimum lot size – In 1980 the minimum lot size was established at 20 acres. The purpose was to help keep agriculture land in agriculture. More and more folks now are able to afford the 20 acre lots, and there are many 20 acre lots that are not being used for production agriculture. Vision 2025 is proposing either 80 or 160 acre lot sizes.
2. Density bonus program – To help offset the increased lot sizes, a density bonus is being proposed. This will allow the 80 (or 160) acre lot to be platted for a couple of residences.

Like it or not, land use and zoning are an important part of civil structure. It helps to promote the Common Good.

Go to the Vision 2025 website and provide your input as this process winds down. The voice of the public is essential.

- Dan

The Manhattan area has some crazy four-way stops at busy intersections.

• Kimball and Denison comes to mind.
• Anderson and Kimball/Scenic is another.

These have both been in place for several years. When Scenic Drive was put in, the traffic was high enough that it didn’t take long until the decision was made to widen the shoulders. It doesn’t take a Rocket Scientist to know that it would be heavily travelled. Many cars going between Manhattan and Fort Riley pass through that intersection.

I pass through the Anderson and Kimball/Scenic intersection several times a day. What a frustration! Is it so hard to folks to follow traffic laws? The person who gets there first goes first. If a tie, then the person on the right goes first. Take turns.

I have to say that I have learned some new ways to be waved at by other frustrated drivers. Various hand signals and gestures have been used toward me and others. There are several I have never seen before, but judging from the looks coming at me, they aren’t a sign of affection!

Finally, there is a legitimate study, with some options, of the Anderson and Kimball/Scenic intersection being done. The city is having BG Consultants take a survey of whether the public wants stop lights or a roundabout at that intersection. Be sure to express your opinion!

Makes you wonder why it has taken so long for planners to review the traffic and frustration caused by these intersections… Perhaps there has been too much time wasted on the politics of Downtown Redevelopment while other safety issues have been neglected.

- Dan

Update: Well I just realized that I made a mistake with a piece of information in this post. The Kimball/Denison intersection has a stop light, not a four-way stop. Sorry to be factually incorrect.

Some people complain about the area, but I have always enjoyed living here.

Let me tell you why…

1. The community is growing.
2. There is a selection of good churches.
3. The Flint Hills.
4. Manhattan Christian College basketball.
5. It’s easy to get to work.
6. Kansas State University.
7. Quality public schools.
8. Clean air, except during Spring burning.
9. K-State football.
10. Slow-paced during the summer.

I’m sure that you have your own set of reasons why you enjoy living in Riley County. Why don’t you share them?

- Dan