Manhattan City Digest

City Commission Approves $1 Million+ in Agency Funding

The Manhattan City Commission has allocated over $1 million to local service agencies for 2026. The approved plan distributes $557,500 to 18 social service agencies and $550,000 from the special alcohol fund to 15 agencies focused on substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention. The allocations follow recommendations from the Community Support Funds Advisory Board.

Floodplain Planning Work Session Set for December 9

The City Commission will meet Tuesday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room (1101 Poyntz Avenue) to review floodplain planning and mitigation strategies. Residents may attend for public comment or submit questions via email to city staff.

Free Christmas Trees Available This Weekend

Manhattan Parks and Recreation hosts the 10th annual Red Cedar Holiday Harvest on Saturday, December 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Roger Schultz Community Park. Residents can cut down free Christmas trees using handsaws (chainsaws prohibited). Manhattan Fire Department and Parks staff will assist. Britt's Farm will provide hayrack rides and sell goods.

Weekend Activities for Families

Sunset Zoo - Animal Tales: The zoo's "Animal Tales A-Z" series features Red Pandas on Saturday, December 6, at 1:00 p.m. in the Wild Wonders Room. The free program (with paid admission) includes stories, snacks, and crafts for early childhood learners and all ages.

Flint Hills Discovery Center - Parents' Day Out: A supervised program for ages 6-12 runs Saturday morning, offering crafting and gift wrapping activities. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Registration required with limited spots.

Snow Removal Reminder

The City's Risk Reduction division reminds property owners and tenants to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks within 36 hours after precipitation stops, per Manhattan city code. Failure to comply may result in city abatement with costs assessed to property owners.

Holiday Food Drive Discounts

Through December 31, visitors to Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo receive $1 off admission for each non-perishable food donation. All donations benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket.

New Year's Eve Celebration: Dream Builders

The Flint Hills Discovery Center hosts its family-friendly "Dream Builders" bash on December 31 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The event features food, music, crafts, exhibits, and a balloon drop at "Kids' Midnight" (8:00 p.m.). Tickets are $22 for members, $28 for non-members. Pre-registration required.

Winter Break Camp Registration Open

"Camp Discover" at the Flint Hills Discovery Center offers STEM day camps for kindergarten through second grade during winter break. Sessions run December 22-23 and December 29-30, exploring "Machine Mania" and "Engineer It" themes. Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members per session.

Advisory Board Positions Available

The City of Manhattan seeks applicants for openings on the Board of Zoning Appeals, Aggieville Business Improvement District, Human Rights Advisory Board, Historic Resources Board, and other committees. Applications available online at the city's website.