Manhattan City Digest

City crews continue cleanup after severe Manhattan storm

City crews are making steady progress cleaning up after severe thunderstorms moved through Manhattan on the evening of May 18, 2026, bringing wind gusts up to 70 mph, nickel-sized hail, and as much as 3.5 inches of rain. The strong winds caused widespread damage, prompting the Manhattan Fire Department to respond to 40 storm-related calls for service regarding electrical fires, downed power lines, fallen trees on structures, fire alarms, and vehicles stuck in floodwater. Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Forestry crews began clearing roads immediately, making all major roadways passable by 1 a.m. on May 19. Riley County residents can take non-commercial yard waste and storm debris from private property to the Riley County Transfer Station at 1880 Henton Road at no charge.

Fire crews extinguish structure fire on Charolais Lane

The Manhattan Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 2415 Charolais Lane, where firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from a single-family home. The occupants had safely exited the building before crews arrived, and firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze within 10 minutes. Crews rescued four cats and one dog from the structure unharmed. The fire caused an estimated $5,000 in damage, and the home's occupants were displaced.

Manhattan recognizes National Public Works and Utilities Week

The Manhattan City Commission issued an official proclamation recognizing National Public Works and Utilities Week during its May 19 meeting. Mayor Adamchak read the proclamation, praising the crews for keeping the city running and noting that the health, safety, and comfort of the community greatly depend on their facilities and services. To celebrate the week, public works and utilities crews joined the season's first Third Thursday event, where community members gathered to visit with neighbors, view heavy equipment, make crafts, and hunt for ninja turtles in the storm sewer. The city is inviting residents to attend additional Third Thursdays events throughout the season.

City maintenance technician Alejandro Gonzalez returns from overseas military deployment

Alejandro Gonzalez has returned to his position as a maintenance technician with the City of Manhattan's Public Utilities Department after completing an 11-month active duty overseas deployment with the U.S. Army Reserves. Gonzalez, who maintains the city's water and sanitary sewer systems, credited job skills courses he took when initially preparing to leave the Army in 2024 for his smooth transition into public service, describing his return to utility work as an easy transition with supportive city staff. Originally from the Las Vegas area, Gonzalez was stationed at Fort Riley until 2024 and said Kansas was his first military duty station and a place he is now glad to call home. Sewer Maintenance Supervisor Travis Garlock praised Gonzalez's professionalism, focus and steady leadership, noting that while he is quiet, colleagues should not be afraid to say hello. More information about joining the municipal workforce is available at www.manhattanks.gov/jobs.

City waterparks to open on May 23

All three waterparks in the city will open on Saturday, May 23. City Park Waterpark will be open daily from 1 to 3 p.m. CiCo Park Waterpark and Northview Waterpark will both be open Monday through Friday from 1 to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.

Memorial Day observances scheduled at Manhattan cemeteries

The upcoming Memorial Day celebration in Manhattan will feature multiple observances at local cemeteries. Pearce-Keller Post 17 will host a service at Sunset Cemetery, 2000 Leavenworth St., with the Manhattan Municipal Band performing at 9:30 a.m. and a ceremony following at 10 a.m. near the Gold Star Family Memorial. The Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road, will host a program at 10 a.m. featuring guest speakers and military honors, and a public observance is scheduled for 11:40 a.m. at the Fort Riley Post Cemetery, 193 Huebner Road. VFW Post 1786 will conduct a ceremony at noon at Valley View Cemetery, located on Highway 24 east of Manhattan. The Manhattan Municipal Band will hold a patriotic salute at 7:30 p.m. at the Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park.

Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs exhibit features animatronic prehistoric creatures

The "Roar & Explore with Dinosaurs" exhibit, created by the Miami Children's Museum, transports visitors to the prehistoric age with animatronic dinosaurs displayed in vivid habitats featuring lifelike movement and sound. The immersive experience showcases creatures ranging from the long Diplodocus to the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, and includes a Velociraptor nest scene with a hatching baby Velociraptor. Young explorers can also dig into the dinosaur age by piecing together a 3D dinosaur skeleton puzzle and uncovering fossils in a dig pit.

Manhattan Parks and Recreation to host free screening of Jurassic Park

Manhattan Parks and Recreation will host its next Movie in the Park featuring a free screening of "Jurassic Park" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Blue Earth Plaza. Beer, wine and punch will be available for purchase from Manhattan Brewing Company.

Flint Hills Discovery Center to host National Prairie Day

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host National Prairie Day on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees of all ages can celebrate the grasslands ecosystem with fun activities and educational programs, including a reading nook, prairie coloring pages and a live meet-and-greet with Flint Hills animal ambassadors. All activities are included with regular admission or an FHDC membership. As an addition to the day's activities, the center will host a Make It! Workshop where children ages 2 to 17 and an accompanying adult can build their own stick horse, with a cost of $20 for FHDC members and $25 for non-members. The program is scholarship-eligible, spots are limited, and pre-registration is required online.

Wine in the Wild tickets on sale for June 6 event

Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual Wine in the Wild, scheduled for 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Sunset Zoo. This year's "Around the World" theme is inspired by the upcoming international soccer tournament in the Kansas City region and will feature wines from across the globe, including selections from local Kansas vintners. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sunsetzoo.com/wine.

Manhattan Parks and Recreation announces 2026 Arts in the Park summer concert series

Manhattan Parks and Recreation will kick off its Arts in the Park summer concert series on June 5, 2026, taking place every Friday night throughout June and July at the Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park. A songwriter's tent will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the main concert at 7:30 p.m. Residents can view the full 2026 summer lineup online at www.mhkprd.com/aitp.

Source: MHK Insider Newsletter

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