(MANHATTAN, KS – January 20, 2026) — Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) set new all‑time passenger marks in 2025, recording 83,220 enplanements (boardings) and 166,623 total passengers on its American Airlines services. Both figures surpassed the previous records set in 2024—an increase of about 2% year over year.“MHK closed the year with a new all‑time passenger travel record, marking our second consecutive record year,” said Airport Director Brandon Keazer. “This milestone underscores sustained regional demand and strong traveler confidence in Manhattan Regional Airport. We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.”In addition to record growth in passenger traffic, MHK reached several operational and infrastructure milestones that strengthened service for the region. May 2025 set the all‑time monthly record with 8,360 enplanements—the first month in airport history to surpass 8,000 boardings. For the full year, the airport recorded 30,568 aircraft operations, including 119 military and athletic charter flights, reflecting a broad mix of commercial, general aviation, and charter activity."The Manhattan Regional Airport continues to grow as an important asset for our community, serving the needs of residents as well as our military, university and business partners," said Mayor Susan Adamchak. "The infrastructure enhancements of expanded runway, additional hangars, and soon a new taxiway all contribute to the safety and convenience of flying through MHK. With direct flights to Chicago and Dallas on ever-larger planes, we have come a long way from taking a six-seater to Topeka!"Early in 2025, MHK opened eight new general aviation hangars—the airport’s first new hangars in more than two decades—expanding capacity for based aircraft, increasing hangar rental revenue, and driving higher fuel sales. The project received strong community support and was fully funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and the State of Kansas Build Kansas Fund.Design also began in 2025 for the reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha, the primary taxiway serving the main runway. Design is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026, after which the airport will seek construction bids and apply for an FAA grant expected to fund 95% of the total project cost, including both design and construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 and continue into 2027, with phased work to avoid disruptions to flight operations. This project is essential to maintaining safe, efficient airfield operations and ensuring long‑term reliability.About Manhattan Regional AirportManhattan Regional Airport (MHK) serves the City of Manhattan, Fort Riley, Kansas State University, and the Flint Hills region with daily American Airlines service and convenient connections to the national air transportation system.
For more information about Manhattan Regional Airport, or to book your next flight, visit flymhk.com.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – October 22, 2025) — The City of Manhattan’s Department of Public Utilities once again has received several state and national awards recently for excellence in wastewater treatment processes.
Manhattan was selected as the 2025 recipient of two awards this year from the Kansas Water Environment Association (KWEA). The City received both the Class 5 Wastewater Treatment Plant Award (for plants that process more than 3 million gallons per day) and the Outstanding Biosolids Management Program.
The City previously was honored in 2010, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2022, and 2024 for its Biosolids program, and it also received the Class 5 Treatment Plant awards in 2001, 2002, 2015 (honorable mention) and 2024.
Randy DeWitt, the City’s interim director of public utilities, and Environmental Compliance Manager Abdu Durar, along with several other members of the department, received the awards on behalf of the City at an August 27 awards luncheon at the 2025 KWEA & KsAWWA Annual Joint Water and Wastewater Conference.
The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) also was honored by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) during a July 23 ceremony during NACWA’s 2025 Utility Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The WWTP was recognized by NACWA for its outstanding level of compliance and performance related to its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. A NPDES permit is required for wastewater treatment facilities to discharge into waters of the United States. It outlines requirements that ensure discharges do not harm water quality or human health.
The plant was awarded the NACWA Peak Performance Platinum Award for achieving 100% compliance at the Gold level with no permit violations for the entire seven-year period (2018-2024).
This is the third consecutive year that the WWTP received the national NACWA award, and the second year in a row Manhattan was honored with all three awards.
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Photo: Front Row, From Left: KWEA Past President Alex Darby; Interim Director of Public Utilities Randy DeWitt; Biosolids/Lift Station Supervisor Daniel Tidwell, Environmental Compliance Manager Abdu Durar, KWEA Plant Operations & Maintenance Committee Chair Dave Harper; Back Row, From Left: Wastewater Plant Operators Supervisor Eugene Morehead, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Clint Bivens, Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanics Supervisor Tim Grecu, Environmental Compliance Specialist Jaden Groene, and Environmental Compliance Specialists Ben Patterson, receive awards on behalf of the City at an August 27 awards luncheon in the Sunflower Ballroom at Hotel Topeka.
You’re invited to the City of Manhattan’s Budget Open House — a free, come-and-go event where you can explore the City’s budget and see the people and equipment that keep our community running. We offer two locations and times:
9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 16 — Douglass Activity Center, 925 Yuma Street
5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 21 — Eisenhower Recreation Center, 2850 Kirkwood Drive
Each City department will have its own Budget Open House station with displays, handouts, and department directors available to answer your questions.
A central station will explain the budget in detail, including how your property tax dollar is divided and how home valuation affects taxes. If you wish to provide your address, staff can produce a detailed breakdown of your tax bill.
Outside, enjoy a Touch a Truck display with fire trucks, Public Works equipment, and more! No registration is needed — just drop by and learn more about your City.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – July 24, 2025) — This year’s Furniture Amnesty Day (FAD) event has been postponed by the City of Manhattan for one week, and it will now start at 8 a.m. Friday, August 1 in City Park.
The event is being postponed due to a forecast of excessive rainfall (3 to 5 inches) overnight and continuing Friday, July 25, leading to possible flooding. A Flood Watch is in effect for the Manhattan area through Friday afternoon.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we worked to make this postponement decision,” said Andrew Lawson, public information officer for the City. “Furniture Amnesty Day is a very complex event involving many community partners, so we needed to make a decision before the heaviest of the predicted rainfall came tonight. We urge everyone not to put out furniture tonight, and to contact us if you need to make alternate arrangements for leases that may be terminating within the next week that affect your donation.”
FAD is a free community event that gives people the opportunity to donate or pick up used furniture at no cost. Anyone can participate. There are no income requirements or forms to fill out to choose from the donated items.
Registration for furniture shopping begins at 8 a.m. Aug. 1 in City Park. Free shopping will be scheduled in 15-minute time slots from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FAD participants can return to the park at their scheduled time and take home up to five (5) furniture items at no cost. Items in a set, such as a table and chairs, only count as one item. No additional paperwork is needed.
Volunteers will begin pickup routes at 7 a.m. Friday, August 1 and will continue gathering and dropping off furniture throughout the day, so there always will be a fresh selection of goods available. Shoppers must be able to haul away any furniture they select. Delivery service is not available.
The deadline to request furniture pickup closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 and will not be extended. For those who did not meet the deadline to request a furniture pickup, donations can still be dropped off at Miller Field in City Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, August 1.
Acceptable donations include: Sofas; couches; desks; recliners; dressers; headboards; chairs; entertainment centers; and end, coffee, and kitchen tables.
Donations that will not be accepted include: FAD will not be accepting mattresses, dishwashers, pianos, grills, refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions, monitors, computers, lamps, or other electronics.
Any furniture left unclaimed at 4 p.m. on the day of the event will be open to the general public without registration. At 4:30 p.m., the event will end. Any remaining pieces will be hauled away by staff and volunteers.
If weather prevents the event from taking place on August 1, it will be canceled.
It takes lots of help to make Furniture Amnesty Day happen. HandsOn K-State is organizing the volunteer effort again this year. Anyone interested in helping should contact HandsOn at handson@ksu.edu. Volunteers can decide which 3-hour shift works best with their schedule. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Manhattan’s annual Furniture Amnesty Day is hosted by the City of Manhattan, the Staley School of Leadership Studies at K-State, HandsOn K-State, and Konza United Way. For more information, please visit cityofmhk.com/furniture.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – July 18, 2025) — This year’s Furniture Amnesty Day (FAD) event will take place starting at 8 a.m. Friday, July 25 in City Park.
FAD is a free community event that gives people the opportunity to donate or pick up used furniture at no cost. Anyone can participate. There are no income requirements or forms to fill out to choose from the donated items.
Registration for furniture shopping begins at 8 a.m. in City Park. Free shopping will be scheduled in 15-minute time slots from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FAD participants can return to the park at their scheduled time and take home up to five (5) furniture items at no cost. Items in a set, such as a table and chairs, only count as one item. No additional paperwork is needed.
Furniture will continue to be gathered and dropped off throughout the day, so there will always be a fresh selection of goods available. Shoppers must be able to haul away any furniture they select. Delivery service is not available.
“August is the most common month for people in Manhattan to move, with many leases expiring July 25,” said Ryan Courtright, assistant chief of risk reduction for the Manhattan Fire Department. “We used to see a lot of furniture abandoned at the curb every August. Since some refuse companies do not pick up those large items, we were issuing a lot of code violation notices and furniture just sat and deteriorated. Furniture Amnesty Day grew out of an idea to help solve that problem and get that furniture to people who could use it.”
Furniture can be donated in two ways: 1) residents within Manhattan city limits can sign up online by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 to have volunteers pick up their donated furniture at the curbside of their residence; or 2) donations can be dropped off at Miller Field in City Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 25.
Acceptable donations include: Sofas; couches; desks; recliners; dressers; headboards; chairs; entertainment centers; and end, coffee, and kitchen tables.
Donations that will not be accepted include: FAD will not be accepting mattresses, dishwashers, pianos, grills, refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions, monitors, computers, lamps, or other electronics. “Generally, we don’t accept anything that needs to be plugged in,” Courtright explained.
Volunteers are available to pick up furniture donations at the curb for anyone living within Manhattan city limits. Volunteers only will pick up a maximum of five (5) furniture items per location. Again, furniture sets such as a table and chairs still count as only one item.
To register for pickup service, please sign up online at cityofmhk.com/furniture or call the City Manager’s Office at (785) 587-2404 during regular business hours. The deadline to register for pickup service is 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. All items for donation pickup need to be at the curb by 7 a.m. Friday, July 25. Volunteers will not enter homes or private property to pick up donations.
Donations also can be dropped off at Miller Field from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 25.
Any furniture left unclaimed at 4 p.m. on the day of the event will be open to the general public without registration. At 4:30 p.m., the event will end. Any remaining pieces will be hauled away by staff and volunteers.
If weather prevents the event from taking place on July 25, it will be canceled.
It takes lots of help to make Furniture Amnesty Day happen. HandsOn K-State is organizing the volunteer effort again this year. Anyone interested in helping should fill out a volunteer form here. Volunteers can decide which three-hour shift works best with their schedule. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Manhattan’s annual Furniture Amnesty Day is hosted by the City of Manhattan, the Staley School of Leadership Studies at K-State, HandsOn K-State, and Konza United Way. For more information, please visit cityofmhk.com/furniture.
(MANHATTAN, KS – July 2, 2025) — City Manager Danielle Dulin announced today that Sarah Smith Barr has been hired as Manhattan’s new Municipal Court Judge, starting this week.
Judge Barr will replace Municipal Judge James R. Kepple, who retired June 30 after three years of service to the City of Manhattan’s Municipal Court.
Barr, who recently retired from Kansas State University after serving 23 years as Student Legal Services Attorney, will perform the judicial function of the City.
The judge is authorized and empowered to exercise independent judgment in all cases brought before the court, without influence or interference by any elected or appointed City official.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Judge Barr’s experience and qualifications right here in Manhattan,” Dulin said. “As we transition to Judge Barr, we are grateful for Judge Kepple’s dedication to the community for the past three years as Municipal Judge, and before that as a District Magistrate Judge for five years, and wish him well in his retirement.”
The municipal judge hears all cases brought into the Municipal Court, and works with the Court Administrator and City Attorney to ensure the orderly, efficient, and fiscally responsible operation of the Municipal Court.
“Being a judge is a sacred trust and I am humbled to be asked to serve the community as municipal judge,” said Judge Barr. “I am looking forward to working alongside the excellent City court staff as we continue to provide the high standard of justice and fairness that Manhattan is known for.”
She was born and raised in Dodge City. Her grandfather, William A. Smith, served as Attorney General of Kansas and also on the Kansas Supreme Court, retiring as Chief Justice. Her father, Don C. Smith, was an attorney and district court judge in the 16th Judicial District in southwest Kansas.
Judge Barr is married to Curtis Barr, and they have a son, Luke Henson. They have lived in Wamego since 1995.
Barr graduated from Fort Hays State University and earned her law degree at Washburn University School of Law. She is a member of the Kansas Bar Association.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – May 28, 2025) — The City of Manhattan and the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation invite businesses and organizations to “create an impact in our community” through naming rights and sponsorship opportunities at the brand-new CiCo Park baseball/softball complex — an exciting addition to the region’s recreation landscape and a major investment in the Manhattan community’s future.
Located in the northeast portion of CiCo Park, the new complex will feature four new youth baseball and softball fields, upgraded amenities, and a community-centered atmosphere that attracts more than 300,000 annual visitors and sees 15,000 vehicles drive by daily. Designed to host leagues, tournaments, and special events, the complex will be a hub for families, fans, and athletes alike.
“This is an incredible opportunity for local and regional organizations to gain premium brand exposure while supporting the values of youth development, active lifestyles, and community engagement,” said Aaron Stewart, director of parks and recreation.
“It’s also part of our broader strategy to fund park operations in creative, sustainable ways that help to ease the burden on local taxpayers.”
Hall of Fame naming proposals will be reviewed starting June 27, 2025. Signage will be professionally designed to match facility aesthetics and feature the organization’s desired branding. All proposals are subject to City policy.
Available naming and sponsorship packages include:
Hall of Fame Naming Rights — Name the entire complex (accepting proposals)
MLB Package — Name the outdoor view deck (starting at $100,000)
AAA Package — Name one of the four fields or warm-up areas ($75,000)
AA Package — Name scoreboards, playground, dugouts, or bullpen ($5,000 to $50,000)
A Sponsorships — Fence signage, foul poles, streaming ads, and more (starting at $1,500)
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – May 12, 2025) — City Manager Danielle Dulin announced today that Assistant Public Works Director Brian Johnson, P.E., who also serves as City Engineer, has been promoted to full-time director of the Public Works Department, starting May 12.
“We are very excited to appoint Brian Johnson as our new Public Works Director,” Dulin said. “His extensive experience within the department, engineering expertise, and established relationships in our community make him uniquely qualified to lead our public works efforts. I’m confident his leadership will enhance the services we provide and move our city forward.”
The Public Works Department provides services and facilities that are vital to the Manhattan community’s health, safety, and welfare, including streets, traffic control devices, and storm drainage and flood protection systems.
Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, the Director of Public Works is responsible for leading, planning, and managing all activities and operations of the department’s 75 full-time employees, its three divisions, and a nearly $50 million annual budget.
Assistant City Manager Wyatt Thompson, who has served as interim director of Public Works since August 18, 2024, will take over the assistant director role.
“Brian has served capably for 11 years as assistant public works director and has demonstrated over the past year and a half that he is ready to take on a full leadership position over this department,” said Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers. “I have every confidence in him to excel and thrive in this new role.”
Johnson will supervise the administrative support team, Engineering Division, Traffic Control Division, GIS, and Street, Fleet, and Stormwater operations.
“I’m honored to continue the legacy of exceptional service established by the public works directors who came before me,” he said.
“I look forward to advancing the Public Works Department in the delivery of safe, efficient, and cost-effective services to the City.”
Johnson graduated with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is a registered professional engineer in the Kansas, a member of the American Public Works Association, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In April 2014, Johnson was promoted to City Engineer. He has been responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing all facets of operations, budget, and personnel within the Engineering Division, as well as overseeing the Public Works Capital Improvement Program, developing bids and specifications, and administering contracts for design and construction.
Prior to his time with the City of Manhattan, Johnson was employed as City Engineer for the City of Fremont, Nebraska, from 2001 to 2008 and previously was a plan review engineer for the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1998 to 2001.
He and his wife, Gretchen, have called Manhattan home since 2008. They have two daughters, Sabrina and Lillian, and a son, Seth.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – March 31, 2025) — Spring is here, so it’s time for Manhattan’s annual Spring Cleanup Week! From Monday, April 7 through Friday, April 11, City crews will collect properly bagged and stacked yard waste, tree limbs, and branches from residential neighborhoods.
City crews will follow an assigned schedule (see map below) and pass through each area once to pick up properly prepared yard waste. Please note: No construction debris, household trash, or other materials will be collected.
Residents should follow these simple steps to ensure their items are picked up:
Bag Yard Waste Properly: Use paper yard waste bags (available at local retailers) for grass clippings and leaves. Plastic bags and containers will not be picked up!
Separate Piles for Limbs and Branches: Place them next to the curb for easy pickup by hand or with equipment, with limbs and brush parallel to the curb. Do not put them in the street or too far back in the yard. Mixed piles that are not properly separated will not be collected.
Keep Piles Loose: Stack branches in a loose pile (no rope or twine). Scrap lumber or foreign objects will not be accepted. (Participating contractors may pick up scrap lumber on regular trash pickup days.)
Have Items Ready on Pickup Day: Check the cleanup map below to know what day crews will be in your area. Have all items to the curb before 7 a.m. on that day. Crews will not return for missed pickups.
City crews will not enter private property. Property owners are responsible for moving leaves and bagged vegetation to their curbs.
In addition to the City haul-off effort, participating trash providers — Average Joe’s, B&L, Garibay, Howie’s, and Pick Pink — will collect trash and debris on regular pickup days for their customers only. If you don’t have service with these providers, you are responsible for your own trash disposal.
Items Not Accepted for Pickup:
Major household appliances
Tires and batteries
Concrete, rock, or construction/demolition debris
Household hazardous waste (paint, thinners, lubricants, pesticides, etc.) — Take these instead to the Riley County Noxious Weed Department, located at 6245 Tuttle Creek Blvd.
As depicted in the schedule map, the cleanup areas and dates are as follow:
Monday, April 7 — areas south of Anderson and west of Westwood
Tuesday, April 8 — areas north of Anderson and west of Seth Child
Wednesday, April 9 — all areas north of Anderson Avenue, between Seth Child Road and North Manhattan Avenue
Thursday, April 10 — all areas north of Ratone/Ehlers, east of North Manhattan Avenue and Tuttle Creek Boulevard
Friday, April 11 — all areas south of Anderson Avenue, between Westwood and North Manhattan Avenue, and all areas southeast of North Manhattan Avenue and Ratone/Ehlers
(MANHATTAN, KS – March 17, 2025) — Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) is pleased to announce American Airlines will begin using the larger, 65-seat ERJ-170 aircraft for Manhattan’s daily flights to and from Chicago starting in April.
This is the first time since American Airlines’ inception at MHK that the airline will use a dual-class service aircraft for the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) routes. The ERJ-170 provides more customer amenities, which include larger overhead compartment space, increased cargo capacity, first-class seats, and two bathrooms.
With the addition of the ERJ-170 flights for Chicago, all of the commercial flights offered by American Airlines at MHK are now on 65-seat or larger aircraft. Because of this, American Airlines has increased the available seats for the 2025 schedule by 16% when compared to 2024.
“We are thrilled that American Airlines is offering a larger, dual-class aircraft for our Chicago routes,” said Airport Director Brandon Keazer. “This aircraft will elevate the flying experience and provide a greater comfort level for our customers. Remember, fly local!”
For more information about Manhattan Regional Airport, please visit flymhk.com. To book a flight through American Airlines, visit this website.
(MANHATTAN, KS – February 27, 2025) — Shared electric scooters are returning to the city of Manhattan and Kansas State University through a new partnership with Veo, a shared mobility provider. Beginning Saturday, March 1, Veo will deploy a fleet of 400 Astro scooters.
“Veo will give residents, students, and visitors an affordable, alternative way to get around our community,” said Assistant City Manager Jared Wasinger. “This commitment to provide a micromobility program to the community will provide and enhance critical last-mile transportation access in Manhattan.”
“Whether heading to class, running errands, or meeting up with friends, scooters will give students and residents an affordable, convenient way to make short trips without a car,” said Jeff Hoover, Veo’s director of government partnerships. “Veo is committed to working with the City of Manhattan and K-State to establish a reliable, long-term program that meets community needs.”
A crucial part of this partnership is identifying locations to deploy vehicles and parking hubs to serve the community best. Veo and the City are working closely to strategically locate parking hubs and deployment zones, to better connect residents to employment opportunities and local businesses, including access to fresh, healthy food.
How to ride:
Locate a Ride: Riders aged 18+ can locate vehicles using the free Veo app.
Unlock and Go: Using the Veo app, riders scan a QR code and pay $1 to unlock the vehicle. Riders then fpay $0.35 per minute to ride the electric standing scooter.
End Your Ride in a Designated Location: Upon completion of the ride, riders must park their vehicle in designated parking locations visible and navigable in the Veo app. Riders must take a photo within the app to confirm proper parking.
Through the end of March, riders can receive a $5 credit by using the promo code RIDE25.
Safe riding tips:
Yield to Pedestrians: Respect pedestrians’ right-of-way and maintain a safe distance while riding. Exercise caution when passing or crossing paths with walkers or joggers.
Obey Traffic Laws: Follow traffic signs and signals, and ride with the flow of traffic.
Wear a Helmet: Prioritize your safety by wearing a helmet.
Ride Sober: Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.
Additional information on e-scooter ordinances and regulations is available on the City of Manhattan and K-State websites.
To prioritize rider safety, Veo will temporarily pause operations in Manhattan from 8 p.m. Friday, March 7 to 6 a.m. Sunday, March 9.
Veo will be in the community every day, swapping out e-scooter batteries, addressing community concerns, and ensuring vehicles are properly parked to keep streets and sidewalks accessible.
If you have a question, would like to suggest a location for a micromobility parking hub or need assistance, contact Veo at (855) 836-2256 or hello@veoride.com. For inquiries about a specific vehicle, please provide the vehicle’s location and, if possible, the vehicle number found between the handlebars, just below the QR code.
Veo will also be available to answer questions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, March 3 at the K-State Student Union.
(MANHATTAN, KS – February 11, 2025) — Most City-operated buildings are closed Wednesday, February 12 due to snow and winter weather conditions.
This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Risk Reduction, Flint Hills Discovery Center, and Sunset Zoo. Depending on weather conditions, the City’s three recreation centers (Anthony, Douglass, and Eisenhower) may open later in the afternoon, as long as conditions permit safe opening. A Winter Storm Warning is expected to remain in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Heavy snow and gusty north winds are expected overnight Wednesday into the daytime hours, with total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. Winds gusting to as high as 20 to 25 mph will cause difficult visibility conditions and drifting snow.
Travel is expected to become very difficult. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Snow drifts might make roads impassable. These hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Wednesday morning commute, as well.
Municipal Court will be closed Wednesday and any cases will be rescheduled to a future date. Payments may be made by deposit in the payment box outside the Courthouse or online.
For details about flight information out of Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), please check the American Airlines website.
Essential operations staff, including street and utility crews, park and forestry crews, and the Manhattan Fire Department, will remain available to respond for snow removal efforts and emergencies.
Online Utility Payments
City services will still be available online and by telephone. Please visit cityofmhk.com to find contact information. In order to make utility bill payments during City Hall closures, dial (785) 587-2480 and choose option #1 to use the automated system.
The Public Works Department plans to start its 24-hour snow operation schedule by midnight tonight. Crews will work 24 hours, 12-hour shifts each, for the duration of this winter storm. They will begin de-icing operations as soon as the snow begins to cover the road surfaces. The City began pretreating roads on Monday.
Crews will continue to monitor streets and perform de-icing operations as long as there is precipitation falling and until all roads are safe and passable. The City will be treating and plowing major roadways first. Snowy conditions and low visibility are expected Wednesday. Please reduce speed and use extra caution if needing to travel Wednesday or Thursday.
(MANHATTAN, KS – February 5, 2025) — Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) is pleased to announce 2024 set new records for passengers using the airport.
One such record was enplanements, with 81,712 total passengers boarding a flight out of MHK in 2024. The previous enplanement record of 77,553 was set in 2019. Last year saw a 5.3% increase when compared to 2019.
Similarly, the airport also set a new record for deplanements, with 81,971 total passengers exiting a flight in Manhattan for 2024.
“We have experienced steady growth at Manhattan Regional Airport since the temporary closure for runway reconstruction in 2023,” said Mayor Karen McCulloh. “To see that we have recovered all of our business from prior to that disruption, and now even exceeded the highest rates we were experiencing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, is very exciting and encouraging.”
In all, a total of 163,683 passengers traveled on American Airlines through MHK, which represents a 5% increase from 2019 levels (156,387).
“We are thrilled to set this new benchmark and remain committed to providing the community with an exceptional travel experience at Manhattan Regional Airport,” said Airport Director Brandon Keazer.
“Setting this new annual record emphasizes the strength of air travel in Manhattan. We look forward to serving you again in 2025!”
For more information about Manhattan Regional Airport, please visit flymhk.com. To book a flight through American Airlines, visit this website.
In response to Winter Storm Blair, the City of Manhattan is preparing to launch its “Snow Blitz” effort starting Tuesday, January 14. It will last through at least Friday, January 17.
In each of the five (5) zones pictured below, residents can expect the following work to occur this week:
Work will occur on public streets in each zone.
The goal is to widen public streets out to at least 2 lanes (20 feet) if enough space is available. This does not mean that clearing will be from curb to curb.
We will address the following public infrastructure: alley entrances, ADA/sidewalk ramps, side streets, and intersections and their corners.
The day after clearing a street, City crews plan to come back and apply treatment with salt brine to accelerate melting this week.
Responsibilities, starting areas, and direction of progress for each zone are as follow:
Zone 1 — Midwest Concrete Materials will start in the Davis Drive area and branch out to the west, north, and southeast.
Zone 2 — Bayer Construction Co. Inc. will start in the Colbert Hills/Grand Mere area, then proceed to the south and east.
Zone 3 — Blueville Nursery Inc. will start at Anderson and Denison, proceeding northwest (K-State campus will not be included).
Zone 4 — Garibay Lawn Care and Landscaping will start around Eisenhower Middle School and proceed southeast.
Zone 5 — City of Manhattan Public Works will start southwest of Sunset Zoo, then proceed east through the Westwood area and into the Ward districts.
If you are in these areas, please remove your car from the street if possible during the day Tuesday so we can more effectively remove snow from the roadways. Thank you for your cooperation!
Problem areas in other zones that we receive through our Report It system may be forwarded out to the contractors, but also could end up being handled by the City using our reserve crew. We will aim to balance our overall efficiency with the speed of response.
(MANHATTAN, KS – January 6, 2025) — City-operated buildings remain closed Tuesday, January 7 due to winter weather and poor road conditions.
This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Sunset Zoo, all three recreation centers, and the Ice Rink.
In addition, the City Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday night has been canceled and any business on the agenda will be advanced to a special meeting on January 14.
Manhattan officially received 14.8 inches of snow on Sunday, January 5 — its second-highest one-day snowfall total on record and the most in 125 years.
Travel is expected to remain very difficult today and Tuesday, with snow drifts making some roads impassable until they can be cleared. In addition, many abandoned vehicles are impeding emergency vehicle and snow plow access.
Municipal Court will remain closed Tuesday and any cases will be rescheduled to a future date. If you have a court appearance scheduled, please contact the court by Monday, January 13 to reschedule. Payment options include using the deposit in the payment box outside the Courthouse or paying online.
For details about flight information out of Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), please check the American Airlines website.
Essential operations staff, including street and utility crews, park and forestry crews, and the Manhattan Fire Department, remain available to respond for snow removal efforts and emergencies.
Winter Weather Response
The Public Works Department continues its 24-hour snow operation schedule this weekend. Crews will work 24 hours, 12-hour shifts each, for the duration of this storm response. Crew leaders anticipate completing the clearing of all primary arterials and snow emergency routes by midnight Tuesday, January 6.
Crews will continue to monitor streets and perform snow removal operations until all roads are safe and passable, shifting into residential areas overnight into Tuesday. The graphic at right shows a projected completion schedule for the next three days, but this remains subject to change depending on conditions.
Residents should be aware that plowing on their streets could put snow back in areas they have already cleared. We apologize for any inconvenience, but our priority must be getting all public streets reopened to through traffic. If possible, please remove vehicles from the street prior to snow plows’ arrival.
Parks crews anticipate they will finish clearing all City facilities by the end of today. Trails will not be cleared until sometime next week.
Please reduce speed and use extra caution if you need to travel today or Tuesday. If you can stay off the roads, however, please do so to help out our snow plow crews and emergency first responders. Be safe, everyone!
Online Utility Payments
City services will still be available online and by telephone. Please visit cityofmhk.com to find contact information. In order to make utility bill payments during City Hall closures, dial (785) 587-2480 and choose option #1 to use the automated system.
(MANHATTAN, KS – January 5, 2025) — City-operated buildings are closed Monday, January 6 due to winter weather and snow blizzard conditions.
This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Sunset Zoo, all three recreation centers, and the Ice Rink. A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. today.
Heavy snow and potentially strong winds are expected today, with total snow accumulations of 10 to 14 inches possible. Winds gusting to as high as 35 mph will cause blizzard conditions and drifting snow.
Travel is expected to remain very difficult. Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Snow drifts might make roads impassable. These hazardous conditions are expected to impact travel on Monday, as well.
Municipal Court will be closed Monday and any cases will be rescheduled to a future date. Payments may be made by deposit in the payment box outside the Courthouse or online.
For details about flight information out of Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), please check the American Airlines website.
Essential operations staff, including street and utility crews, park and forestry crews, and the Manhattan Fire Department, remain available to respond for snow removal efforts and emergencies.
Online Utility Payments
City services will still be available online and by telephone. Please visit cityofmhk.com to find contact information. In order to make utility bill payments during City Hall closures, dial (785) 587-2480 and choose option #1 to use the automated system.
The Public Works Department started its 24-hour snow operation schedule this weekend. Crews will work 24 hours, 12-hour shifts each, for the duration of this winter storm. They began de-icing operations as soon as moisture began to cover the road surfaces. The City began pretreating roads on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Crews will continue to monitor streets and perform snow removal operations as long as there is precipitation falling and until all roads are safe and passable.
The City will be treating and plowing major roadways first; residential clearing will not occur until all major arterials and collectors have been cleared first.
Blizzard conditions and low visibility are expected today. Please reduce speed and use extra caution if needing to travel today or Monday. If you can stay off the roads, please do so to help out our snow plow crews. Be safe, everyone!
Project updates can be found on this page and residents can submit public feedback there as well. In addition to this online option, this project’s concept boards will be on display during regular lobby hours at two different locations:
Upcoming public concept board viewing locations (drop-ins welcome)8 a.m. to 6 p.m. November 20-27, 2024Peace Memorial Hall, City Hall, 1101 Poyntz Avenue 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 2-6, 2024Bank of the Flint Hills, 7860 East U.S. Highway 24
The East Manhattan Gateway Plan is a corridor and area plan for the area extending along the U.S. Highway 24 corridor from the Manhattan Town Center entrance to Hopkins Creek Road. The study area also includes the “McCall Triangle” and undeveloped greenfields surrounding existing residential development in the Green Valley area.
The project was initiated in early 2023 and is expected to conclude with the adoption of a plan by fall 2025. The plan will be developed by Stantec, the City’s consultant for the project, which will address many planning-related topics including future development, transportation, public infrastructure (sewer, water, and stormwater), floodplain, parks and open spaces, market analysis, and emergency services.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – September 6, 2024) — The City of Manhattan’s recently reorganized Department of Public Utilities has received several state and national awards recently for excellence in wastewater treatment processes.
Manhattan was selected as the 2024 recipient of two awards this year from the Kansas Water Environment Association (KWEA). The City received both the Class 5 Wastewater Treatment Plant Award (for plants that process more than 5 million gallons per day) and the Outstanding Biosolids Management Program.
The City previously was honored in 2010, 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2022 for its Biosolids program, and it also received the Class 5 awards in 2001, 2002, and 2015 (honorable mention).
Randy DeWitt, the City’s assistant director of public works for water and wastewater, and Environmental Compliance Manager Abdu Durar, along with Senior Biosolids/Lift Station Technician Daniel Tidwell, received the awards on behalf of the City at an August 27 awards luncheon in the Grand Eagle Ballroom at the Wichita Hyatt Regency Hotel.
The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) also was honored by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) during a July 24 ceremony during NACWA’s 2024 Utility Leadership Conference in Buffalo, N.Y.
The WWTP was recognized by NACWA for its outstanding level of compliance and performance related to its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. A NPDES permit is required for wastewater treatment facilities to discharge into waters of the United States. It outlines requirements that ensure discharges do not harm water quality or human health.
The plant was awarded the NACWA Peak Performance Platinum Award for achieving 100% compliance at the Gold level with no permit violations for the entire six-year period (2018-2023).
This is the second consecutive year that the WWTP received the national NACWA award. In 2023, the City received the Peak Performance Platinum Award (PDF) for the five calendar years from 2018 through 2022.
“NACWA is proud to present this year’s Peak Performance Awards to the extraordinary member utilities whose unyielding dedication to providing reliable clean water services has enhanced the environment and quality of life for millions across the country,” said NACWA Chief Executive Officer Adam Krantz.
“This esteemed recognition underscores their commitment to providing outstanding service and the vital role clean water utilities play in serving their respective communities.”
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – August 16, 2024) — Interim City Manager Jason Hilgers announced today that Assistant City Manager Wyatt Thompson, who oversees major projects and the Building Services Division, has been appointed as interim director of the Public Works Department, starting August 18, 2024.
The Public Works Department provides services and facilities that are vital to the Manhattan community’s health, safety, and welfare, including streets and traffic control devices, storm drainage and flood protection systems, public buildings, and water and wastewater systems.
Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, the Director of Public Works is responsible for leading, planning, and managing all activities and operations of the department’s 135 full-time employees, its three divisions, and a nearly $50 million annual budget.
Thompson previously served as interim Parks and Recreation Director for a year following the retirement of director Eddie Eastes in May 2022, prior to the hiring of new director Aaron Stewart, who began working in March 2023.
“Wyatt has done a great job of project management in his current role, including overseeing the Animal Shelter contract with Prairie Paws and the CiCo Park project,” Hilgers said. “I have every confidence in him to be able to add these additional duties to his portfolio and excel in doing so for as long as is needed.”
Thompson will take over for interim director Lynden Lawson. “This interim appointment will provide our incoming City Manager with time to make an organizational development decision on operations,” Hilgers explained.
During this interim appointment, Thompson will supervise the administrative support team, Engineering Division, and Street, Fleet, and Stormwater operations team. He also will supervise Public Utilities until September 3, when incoming Director of Public Utilities Kevin Niles will begin employment.
Thompson is a licensed landscape architect who graduated from Kansas State University in 2005 with degrees in landscape architecture and environmental science.
He began working for the City in the Parks and Recreation Department in 2012, holding several roles that included park planner, senior park planner and assistant director, before being named interim director in May 2022.
Thompson served as the lead project manager for the new recreation centers, overseeing all phases of the process from initial feasibility studies in 2014 through construction and opening of facilities in 2021.
Prior to joining the City, he worked eight years in the private sector at engineering firms Schwab-Eaton and HNTB on numerous private development and public infrastructure projects in Kansas and Missouri.
“I am excited about this opportunity to work directly with the team in Public Works and assist Kevin with his transition into leadership of Public Utilities,” Thompson said.
“Manhattan has been my home for 20 years and I know the importance of the work that Public Works does for this community. I am committed to delivering those essential services efficiently and effectively. I am equally committed to our staff, to their training and professional development, and to building a positive work culture — all of which lays the groundwork for their performance and long-term success at the City of Manhattan.”
Thompson’s wife, Kathryn, is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma. They have a son, Emmett.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – August 14, 2024) — Interim City Manager Jason Hilgers announced today that Kevin Niles, who currently serves as Utilities Director for the City of Odessa, Texas, has been hired as Manhattan’s new Director of Public Utilities, with an anticipated start date of September 3, 2024.
Niles will oversee the recently reconstructed Public Utilities Department, which provides essential services for Manhattan and surrounding infrastructure.
“We welcome Kevin to the team and look forward to his leadership and oversight in delivering essential water and wastewater services to the community,” Hilgers said. “Kevin will join several experienced and highly valued personnel in our new Public Utilities Department.”
Niles has more than 10 years of experience in utility management. In Odessa, he is responsible for leading a department that operates five divisions, including a laboratory, water treatment, wastewater treatment, distribution, collections, and administration. He manages a $35 million budget and leads a team comprising 70 full-time staff.
His prior experience includes three years as the district manager for Stratmoor Hills Water and Sanitation District; six years as general water resources manager for Pueblo County, Colorado, for the Arkansas Groundwater Users’ Association; and one year as Parks and Open Space Director for the Cherokee Metropolitan District in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Niles holds a bachelor’s degree in political and economic studies from the University of Colorado, graduating in 2004, and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado. He has completed the Franklin Covey 4DX Management Training.
“I am honored and privileged to introduce myself as the new Utilities Director for Manhattan,” Niles said. “With a deep commitment to service excellence and sustainability, I am eager to collaborate with our dedicated team and engage with our community to ensure reliable and innovative utility services. Together, we will uphold our commitment to efficiency, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction. I look forward to working closely with each of them as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, striving to enhance the quality of life for all Manhattan residents. Thank you for the warm welcome, and I am excited to contribute to the continued success of our vibrant city.”
Under the direction of the Deputy City Manager, the Director of Public Utilities is responsible for leading, planning, and managing all activities and operations of the department and its six divisions, and oversees a team of 61 full-time employees. Public Utilities manages 30 million gallons of water per day, 11 million gallons of waste per day, 5,400 manholes, 280 miles of water mains, 260 miles of sanitary sewer lines, 26 lift stations, 20 underground wells, six water towers, and six booster stations.
Niles is married to his wife, Jami, and together they have six children and five grandchildren.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – August 2, 2024) — The City of Manhattan is pleased to announce that the City Commission will vote on Tuesday, August 6 to appoint Danielle Dulin to serve as Manhattan’s ninth City Manager, with an anticipated start date of Monday, October 14.
Dulin was selected following a nationwide search conducted by Strategic Government Resources (SGR) that produced a field of 50 candidates and an extensive interview process involving four finalists who visited Manhattan.
“The process went smoothly, and we were very pleased with SGR’s services. The high quality of our candidate pool speaks to Manhattan’s tremendous appeal,” said Mayor Susan E. Adamchak.
“Our community will benefit from Danielle’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership. I’m excited to work with her.”
Dulin has more than 10 years of municipal leadership experience in the greater Kansas City area, including her current role as City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri.
Prior to her tenure with Warrensburg, she served as Assistant to the City Manager for the cities of Lenexa, Prairie Village, and Mission Hills.
Dulin has an extensive background in capital project planning, economic development, community engagement, and negotiating complex agreements.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas.
“I am honored to be selected as the next City Manager for Manhattan,” Dulin said.
“I am excited to bring my passion for local government and commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents in Manhattan. I look forward to working with the City Commission, the City team, and our community partners to build on our success and secure our future. Additionally, we are thrilled to be moving back to the Sunflower State to be closer to our families.”
A formal contract of employment will be considered by the City Commission during the August 6 legislative meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 1101 Poyntz Ave.
“SGR is honored to once again partner with the City of Manhattan to find the best fit for this organization,” said SGR Executive Recruiter Lynn Barboza.
“We’re dedicated to recruiting innovative, collaborative, and authentic leaders for local governments, and we appreciate the opportunity to be part of this successful City Manager recruitment!”
Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers has been serving as Interim City Manager since April 2024, following the retirement of Ron Fehr after 24 years as City Manager and more than 42 years’ total employment with the City of Manhattan.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – July 15, 2024) — This year’s Furniture Amnesty Day (FAD) event will take place starting at 8 a.m. Friday, July 26 in City Park.
FAD is a free community event that gives people the opportunity to donate or pick up used furniture at no cost. Anyone can participate. There are no income requirements or forms to fill out to choose from the donated items.
Registration for furniture shopping begins at 8 a.m. in City Park. Free shopping will be scheduled in 15-minute time slots from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FAD participants can return to the park at their scheduled time and take home up to five (5) furniture items at no cost. Items in a set, such as a table and chairs, only count as one item. No additional paperwork is needed. Furniture will continue to be gathered and dropped off throughout the day, so there will always be a fresh selection of goods available. Shoppers must be able to haul away any furniture they select. Delivery service is not available.
This year, due to ongoing construction, Fremont Street still will be closed from 12th to 14th streets. Therefore, participants will need to access City Park from 11th Street via Fremont to Central Park Road. Parking will be available in the lots along North Park Road, south of the closed Fremont Street intersection.
“August is the most common month for people in Manhattan to move,” said Ryan Courtright, assistant chief of risk reduction for the Manhattan Fire Department.
“We used to see a lot of furniture abandoned at the curb every August. Since some refuse companies do not pick up those large items, we were issuing a lot of code violation notices and furniture just sat and deteriorated. Furniture Amnesty Day grew out of an idea to help solve that problem and get that furniture to people who could use it.”
Furniture can be donated in two ways: 1) residents within Manhattan city limits can sign up online by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 to have volunteers pick up their donated furniture at the curbside of their residence; or 2) donations can be dropped off at Miller Field in City Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 26.
Acceptable donations include: Sofas; couches; desks; recliners; dressers; headboards; chairs; entertainment centers; and end, coffee, and kitchen tables.
Donations that will not be accepted include: FAD will not be accepting mattresses, dishwashers, pianos, grills, refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions, monitors, computers, lamps, or other electronics. “Generally, we don’t accept anything that needs to be plugged in,” Courtright explained.
Volunteers are available to pick up furniture donations at the curb for anyone living within Manhattan city limits. Volunteers only will pick up a maximum of five (5) furniture items per location. Again, furniture sets such as a table and chairs still count as only one item.
To register for pickup service, please sign up online at cityofmhk.com/furniture or call the City Manager’s Office at (785) 587-2404 during regular business hours. The deadline to register for pickup service is 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 24. All items for donation pickup need to be at the curb by 7 a.m. Friday, July 26. Volunteers will not enter homes or private property to pick up donations.
Donations also can be dropped off at Miller Field from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 26. Any furniture left unclaimed at 4 p.m. on the day of the event will be open to the general public without registration. At 4:30 p.m., the event will end. Any remaining pieces will be hauled away by staff and volunteers. If weather prevents the event from taking place on July 26, it will be canceled.
It takes lots of help to make Furniture Amnesty Day happen. HandsOn K-State is organizing the volunteer effort again this year. Anyone interested in helping should fill out a volunteer form here. Volunteers can decide which three-hour shift works best with their schedule. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Manhattan’s annual Furniture Amnesty Day is hosted by the City of Manhattan, the Staley School of Leadership Studies at K-State, HandsOn K-State, and Konza United Way. For more information, please visit cityofmhk.com/furniture.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – July 11, 2024) — Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet the four finalists for the position of Manhattan City Manager from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, July 22 at Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 South 3rd Street.
During this reception, the public will have an opportunity to meet each finalist in an informal setting, ask questions, and share their feedback in writing or electronically.
The finalists were selected recently following a nationwide search that produced a field of 50 candidates from 23 different states. Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers has been serving as Interim City Manager since April 2024 following the retirement of Ron Fehr.
The four finalists have been invited to participate in the on-site interview process scheduled for July 22-23. This two-day process includes a community tour, interview/engagement sessions with the Mayor and City Commissioners, City leadership, and City staff, as well as the community reception.
Finalists
Jacob J. Wood has more than 15 years of local government experience, including more than 10 years in senior leadership positions. He currently serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Salina, where he is responsible for overseeing 12 city departments and a $160 million annual budget. Prior to his current position, Mr. Wood was the Assistant City Manager for the City of Hays from 2015 through 2019 and City Administrator for Oakley from 2012 through 2015. Achievements in his service to Kansas communities include leading the process of attaining over $28 million in federal grants and streamlining Salina’s financial management practices, budget process, and purchasing policies, resulting in an increased general fund balance from less than $10 million in 2019 to more than $20 million in 2023. Mr. Wood has been a member of the United States Army Reserve for more than 20 years, holding various leadership positions. His educational background includes a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science with an emphasis in Public Service from Kansas State University. He also has attended several Executive Education Programs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and was awarded an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership in 2018. Mr. Wood is a credentialed City Manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
Jamie Miller has more than 10 years of local government experience, which includes her last two years serving as the City Manager of Paris, Kentucky. In her current role, Ms. Miller is responsible for a $39 million annual budget and oversees a staff of 138 full-time employees. Prior to her current position, Ms. Miller held progressively responsible roles in the City of Port Orange, Florida, the third-largest city in Volusia County with a population of 65,000. She began her career with Port Orange in the Human Resources Department, and later was promoted to Financial Budget Analyst, Administrative Services Director, and Deputy City Manager. Recent achievements while serving the residents of Paris include the city’s being awarded $3.5 million in grants on a $4.6 million solid waste transfer site relocation project, development of the organization’s first Capital Improvement Plan, and increasing the city’s interest income by more than 700% through responsible investment strategies. Ms. Miller’s educational background includes a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stetson University. She is also LEAN Six Sigma certified (Yellow Belt).
Jason A. Gage has more than 25 years of local government experience, including 20 years as a City Manager. Mr. Gage has served since 2018 as the City Manager for the City of Springfield, Missouri, where he manages a $507 million annual budget and oversees a staff of 2,112 full-time employees. Previous senior leadership positions in local government include City Manager of Salina (2005-2018); City Manager of Stillwater, Oklahoma (2003-2005); Assistant City Manager of Salina (1999-2003); and City Manager of De Soto, Missouri (1994-1999). While serving as Salina’s City Manager, Mr. Gage led the organization through the Great Recession by introducing LEAN continuous process improvement as a tool to streamline operations and gain efficiencies while maintaining a sound fiscal position without layoffs or furloughs. In addition, during his tenure with the City of Springfield, he partnered with the county, business community, health systems, and media to ensure a unified message while protecting staff and providing continuity of services throughout the pandemic. Mr. Gage’s educational background includes a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Missouri Southern State College. Mr. Gage is a credentialed City Manager through ICMA.
Danielle Dulin has more than 10 years of local government experience, which includes her last three years serving as the City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. In her current role, Ms. Dulin is responsible for a $45.7 million annual budget and oversees a staff of 134 full-time employees. Prior to her tenure with Warrensburg, Ms. Dulin served as Assistant to the City Manager for the cities of Lenexa, Prairie Village, and Mission Hills, after getting her start in local government as a Graduate Management Intern for Johnson County. Recent achievements while serving the residents of Warrensburg include the development and execution of three educational campaigns for a 1/2-cent capital improvement sales tax renewal that passed with 65% voter approval, a $23 million revenue bond issuance for a wastewater treatment plant expansion (77% approval), and a $17 million general obligation bond issuance for street and road repairs (78% approval). Ms. Dulin also spearheaded “Rethink Maguire,” a corridor transformation project to upgrade the busiest arterial in Warrensburg. Her educational background includes a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Kansas State University. Ms. Dulin currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Missouri City/County Managers Association.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – June 10, 2024) — The City of Manhattan is pleased to announce the major phase of its multiyear levee improvement project is being completed later this month, allowing several beloved trails to reopen for use.
Starting Friday, June 28, the southern section of the Linear Trail from South Manhattan Avenue to the boat ramp at U.S. Highway 24 will reopen to public use after 2½ years of construction. The popular River Trails, located on the west bank of the Kansas River, also will reopen. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is wrapping up trail maintenance through this area and will continue to maintain the trails regularly in the future. (Work on the levee project is still ongoing north of U.S. 24 to Casement Road, and that section of Linear Trail will reopen later this year.)
“June is when we celebrate National Trails Day and this is a perfect time to reopen these popular trails to public use,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Aaron Stewart. “We would like to thank our terrific partners in the Public Works Department and Stormwater Division, as well ESI and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for their tireless efforts to restore these trails to a new condition.”
Most of the trail surfaces have already been replaced, but City crews will continue to perform maintenance and improvements prior to their reopening.
The public is urged to pay attention to the new rules and hours signage posted on the trails that also will have a web link and QR code for the City’s Report It app, which trail users can access to report issues and problems.
“We are truly committed to public safety on these popular trails as they reopen to the public, and we want to establish a new and renewed culture of care and appreciation for the trail surfaces,” said Parks Supervisor Casey Smithson.
“If you see something wrong or inappropriate while using the trail, please say something or Report It. Show respect for the trails — don’t litter, don’t walk on the trails when they are wet, stay off the sides of the levee. Following the posted rules and observing hours of operation will keep the trails safe for all.”
Smithson said that when the trails reopen, they will lack wayfinding signage, benches, and some other amenities users may have to come expect. New benches are scheduled to be installed in 2025, however, and all of the wayfinding signage is being redesigned.
Early users of the trails, once they reopen, should be aware that ESI will continue to do some final off-trail work on the bank slopes of the levee, but this will not impact use of the trails themselves. Whenever the City or ESI performs such work, users will be notified and the trail will be placarded for safety.
“We commend ESI for their quality work on this important project to raise the levee and refurbish it for the next generation,” said Stormwater Compliance Engineer Bill Heatherman. “We know this project has been a burden on our citizens, and we are glad to near the end of this complex and essential project.”
The levee project, administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), will substantially enhance the reliability and structural integrity of the Manhattan Levee system and increase the level of protection from flooding events along both the Big Blue River and Kansas River.
This project has raised the height of the levee, as well as replaced critical structures and equipment along the levee that were installed during the original construction project in the early 1960s.
About Linear Trail
The Linear Trail in Manhattan is a city path with both paved and crushed limestone segments that is popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
This family-friendly trail is more than 9 miles in length and circles the majority of the community. It follows the riparian corridors of the Kansas and Big Blue rivers, as well as Wildcat Creek.
There are several trailheads and access points for this popular trail, including Kimball Avenue and Hudson Avenue, 3131 Anderson Avenue, Richards Drive, U.S. 24 and Blue River, Temple Lane, Pecan Circle, and South Manhattan Avenue.
Linear Trail was closed for construction from South Manhattan Avenue to the Blue River Access Area (U.S. 24 Boat Ramp) from February 1, 2022, until June 28, 2024. The Linear Trail will remain closed from the Blue River Access Area north to Casement Road and Hayes Drive until later this year.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – May 29, 2024) — The Manhattan City Commission during a special meeting on Tuesday, May 28 voted 3-1 to appoint Jayme Minton to fill the commissioner vacancy created by Wynn Butler’s resignation.
Minton will be sworn in and take her seat at the regular City Commission meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. She will serve for the remainder of Butler’s term, which expires on January 6, 2026.
The City Commission chose to proceed with an appointment rather than a special election for reasons outlined by Mayor Susan Adamchak and affirmed by fellow commissioners at the meeting, including cost associated with a special election, short turnaround between primary and general elections, not delaying seating the new commissioner until January 2025, and the need to have someone seated soon due to the ongoing City Manager search.
Per City Code Sec. 2-16, the City Commission can fill this vacancy by appointment (by a majority vote of the remaining commissioners). Prior vacancies have been filled by appointment, except for last year’s election to fill the vacancy created by former commissioner Usha Reddi’s resignation, which aligned with an already scheduled local election.
In addition to suggesting some names for consideration, commissioners heard from several interested applicants for the position during public comment, Minton being one of those.
A native of the Perry-Lecompton area, Minton moved to Manhattan in 2005 to attend Kansas State University, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in sociology. After college, she started her career at the Flint Hills Job Corps and then Meadowlark Hills starting in 2010.
At Meadowlark Hills, Minton oversees the operations for home health, food service, independent living, campus sales, and several other service areas.
Minton has co-chaired the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Classroom-to-Career Partnership since its inception and is a member of the Chamber Membership Committee. She also has served on the Move MHK! Steering Committee and Manhattan Community Health Foundation Gala Committee.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – April 19, 2024) — The City of Manhattan’s Community Support Funds Advisory Board (CSFAB) is accepting online applications from social service agencies through Tuesday, May 21 to submit capital funding requests for their organization.
For 2024, $107,411 is available for the CSFAB’s capital funding program.
Social service agencies seeking funding assistance to complete capital improvements for their organization may request up to $10,000 for their project when completing the online application.
Following the application deadline, CSFAB members will review capital funding requests at their June 5 board meeting. Applicants will have the opportunity to be present and provide public comment related to their application.
Board members will provide funding recommendations to the City Commission for their final consideration at the June 18, 2024, legislative meeting. Grant agreements are anticipated to be executed in July for those agencies awarded funding. Awarded capital projects must be completed with 12 months of execution of any grant agreement.
In 2023, CSFAB adopted guiding definitions and standards that board members may use in determining eligibility for CSFAB funding. Those definitions and standards can be found here.
Any questions regarding the application, or other general questions, may be directed to the CSFAB staff liaison, Assistant City Manager Jared Wasinger.
In 2012, the City established a separate social services fund, generating money allocated from 1) voluntary donations from residents through utility bills, 2) rebates from credit card transactions through a voluntary purchasing card program for City vendors, and 3) rebates on City-issued credit cards from operational purchases carried out by City staff. The City Commission’s desire was to allocate these funds annually, when available, to assist social service agencies with completing one-time capital projects at their organization when funding may not otherwise be readily available.
CSFAB makes annual recommendations to the City Commission on how to distribute and grant social services funds to agencies and organizations, as well as recommends how to distribute and grant special alcohol funds to agencies and organizations.
The application process for annual funding requests for the 2025 budget year will commence in July 2024 with a separate application process. See approved CSFAB calendar for more details.
(MANHATTAN, KS – March 28, 2024) — The City of Manhattan will be host to a retirement reception for Ron R. Fehr, Manhattan’s eighth City Manager, from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18 in the City Commission Room at City Hall.
The public is invited to come and celebrate Fehr’s 42 years of hard work and dedication. There will be social time from 3 to 3:45 p.m., followed by a more formal program from 3:45 to 5 p.m.
After more than two decades of dedicated service to the City, Fehr announced in November 2023 that he would retire effective April 18, 2024, ending his 24 years as City Manager and more than 42 years with the City.
Fehr’s retirement marks the end of an era in Manhattan, as he has played a pivotal role in shaping the City’s growth and development since his appointment on April 17, 2000.
Fehr began his career with the City of Manhattan in January 1982 in the newly formed Parks and Recreation Department as the Forestry and Parks Supervisor. While in Parks and Recreation, he served as a Park Superintendent and six years as Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.
He was promoted to the position of Assistant City Manager in December 1992.
Throughout his tenure, Fehr served in various capacities, including as Acting Zoo Director, Acting Director of Human Resources, and Acting Director of Utilities (twice). He assumed the role of Acting City Manager in 1995 and again just before his permanent appointment in April 2000.
Upon Fehr’s retirement, the City Commission has appointed Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers to serve as Interim City Manager until a new city manager is hired and begins work.
A search for Manhattan’s next City Manager is under way to build upon Fehr’s leadership and continue the City’s trajectory of success.
The City Commission and its recruiting partners at SGR have been working with stakeholders to gather insight into the profile development for our next City Manager. SGR representatives were on site last week in Manhattan to meet with city commissioners, staff, and multiple other individuals and groups throughout the community. SGR is compiling this feedback and aims to present a draft job profile for the City Commission to consider sometime in April.
Following approval of the job profile, SGR will open the application period and begin the recruitment process.
(MANHATTAN, Kan. – March 25, 2023) — The City of Manhattan’s annual Spring Cleanup effort will take place in Manhattan starting Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5.
City crews will pass through each neighborhood, according to assigned days for pickup, and collect properly bagged and stacked yard waste, tree limbs, and branches. No other materials, such as trash, will be collected by the City.
Residents should follow these steps to ensure their items are picked up:
Place all yard waste (grass clippings and leaves) in yard waste paper bags, which are available at many local retailers. Any debris in plastic bags or containers will not be picked up!
Create separate piles for limbs and branches on the ground next to the curb so they can be picked up easily by a person or by a skid loader.
Do not place limbs or branches in the street or too far back in the yard, making them difficult for the loader to reach from the street.
Stack branches in a loose pile; don’t use rope or twine to tie them together. Do not mix scrap lumber or foreign objects with branches. Participating refuse contractors will pick up scrap lumber on regular trash pickup days and at regular locations.
Have items on the curb and ready for pickup by 7 a.m. on the scheduled day, according to the cleanup map provided in this release. (Note: The starting area and rotation are the same as last year, not years prior to 2023.) Crews will pass through each area only once!
City crews will not be performing any work on private property, and it is the responsibility of the property owner to move leaves and paper bags containing limbs and/or vegetation to the curb. This service is solely provided by the City.
In addition to the City haul-off effort, participating trash providers — Average Joe’s, B&L, Howie’s, Joe Mallon and Pick Pink — will pick up other trash and debris during their normal route, but only for their customers. Trash and debris must be stacked next to the location of regular trash pickup on the day of regular service. Residents without a contract for refuse services with one of these participating contractors are responsible for their own trash disposal.
The following items will not be collected during the cleanup event: major household appliances, tires, batteries, concrete or rock rubble, and construction or demolition debris. Household hazardous waste — paint, thinners, lubricants, herbicides, insecticides, etc. — also will not be collected and instead should be taken to the Riley County Noxious Weed Department, 6245 Tuttle Creek Blvd.
As depicted in the schedule map, the cleanup areas and dates are as follow:
Monday, April 1 — areas south of Anderson and west of Westwood
Tuesday, April 2 — areas north of Anderson and west of Seth Child
Wednesday, April 3 — all areas north of Anderson Avenue, between Seth Child and Manhattan Avenue
Thursday, April 4 — all areas north of Ratone/Ehlers, east of Manhattan Avenue and Tuttle Creek Boulevard
Friday, April 5 — all areas south of Anderson Avenue, between Westwood and Manhattan, as well as all areas southeast of Manhattan Avenue and Ratone/Ehlers
(MANHATTAN, KS – March 20, 2024) — The City of Manhattan is pleased to announce the Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan public input process will begin to wind down next week with a trio of public open house events at City Hall.
As the Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan is entering its final stage, please consider joining us at one of these upcoming events, all of which will be held in the City Commission Room at City Hall. City staff will be on hand to answer your questions and take feedback. Drop-ins are welcome!
“You will have a chance to flip through the proposed plan, review potential development scenarios, and look over amazing images of what a future downtown could look like in Manhattan,” said project leader Ben Chmiel, a senior planner with the City’s Community Development Department.
Upcoming in-person open houses (all at City Hall, 1101 Poyntz Avenue):
8:30 to 10 a.m. Monday, March 25
Noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27
5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4
Following these events, the Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan is slated to be presented to the City Commission for adoption in May. Stay tuned to the Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan website for more details on how to stay involved with the plan following its adoption by the City Commission.
(MANHATTAN, KS – February 6, 2024) — The City of Manhattan is pleased to announce the start of the East Manhattan Gateway Plan process next week.
What is your wish for future development along the U.S. 24 corridor and McCall Triangle? Do you want to see more jobs or businesses? Are you interested in more ways to get around by walking, biking, or transit? Are there opportunities for more community or green spaces? What about places to shop or dine?
The City needs you, your friends, and your neighbors to lend your voice to the future of the U.S. 24 corridor and share what stores, services, experiences, and businesses you would like to see in this area.
“We are just at the beginning of this process, so your input will guide the vision for this plan,” said project leader Ben Chmiel, a senior planner with the City’s Community Development Department, which is coordinating plan development.
Stay tuned to the East Manhattan Gateway Plan website for more details on how to become involved. You will have opportunities to provide your ideas online through surveys, interactive maps, and several community open houses.
Upcoming in-person community open houses (drop-ins welcome):4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, February 12Army National Guard, 721 Levee Drive4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 13Crestview Christian Church, 3940 Excel RoadFor more information, visit this webpage.
(MANHATTAN, KS – January 9, 2024) — City-operated buildings are closed Tuesday, January 9 due to winter weather and blizzardlike conditions.
This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Flint Hills Discovery Center, Sunset Zoo, all three recreation centers, and the Ice Rink. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Manhattan area until noon Tuesday, January 9.
All Parks and Recreation activities and programs scheduled for today have been canceled. This includes all activities at the recreation centers and Ice Rink. Eisenhower and Anthony Recreation Centers will be closing at 6 p.m. today. Douglass Activity Center will close at 5 p.m. today. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today also has been canceled, as well as the City Commission meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Heavy snow and strong winds are expected today through Tuesday, with total snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches expected. Winds gusting to as high as 45 mph will cause near-blizzard conditions and drifting snow.
Travel is expected to become very difficult. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Snow drifts might make roads impassable. These hazardous conditions are expected to impact Tuesday travel, as well.
Municipal Court will be closed Tuesday and any cases have been rescheduled to a future date. Payments may be made by deposit in the payment box outside the Courthouse or online.
Essential operations staff — including street and utility crews, park and forestry crews, and the Manhattan Fire Department — will remain available to respond for snow removal efforts and emergencies.
Online Utility Payments
City services will still be available online and by telephone. Please visit cityofmhk.com to find contact information. In order to make utility bill payments during City Hall closures, dial (785) 587-2480 and choose option #1 to use the automated system.
The Public Works Department started its 24-hour snow operation schedule today. Crews will work 24 hours, in 12-hour shifts each, for the duration of this winter storm. They began de-icing operations as soon as the snow began to cover the road surfaces.
Crews will continue to monitor streets and perform de-icing operations as long as there is precipitation falling and until all roads are safe and passable. The City will be treating and plowing major roadways first. Blizzardlike conditions and low visibility are expected today and Tuesday. Please reduce speed and use extra caution if needing to travel today or Tuesday.