Manhattan City Digest

City commission opposes Green Valley incorporation

The Manhattan City Commission voted 5-0 on June 2 to approve a resolution opposing the proposed incorporation of the City of Green Valley in Pottawatomie County. Incorporation would form a new city government for the Green Valley area, giving it authority over local matters such as elected leadership, zoning and certain municipal services rather than remaining solely under county jurisdiction. The commission's action reflects concerns that a new city could complicate future development, fragment service delivery and create inconsistent governance, and that it could undercut Manhattan's significant infrastructure investments in the area, including utilities and fire protection. City Manager Danielle Dulin said the resolution aims to protect the city's infrastructure investments along the Highway 24 corridor toward Pottawatomie County. Commissioners affirmed support for continued collaboration with the county, focusing on commercial and industrial growth along the U.S. 24 corridor rather than unilateral annexation of neighborhoods. The resolution will be submitted to the Pottawatomie County Board of County Commissioners ahead of a public hearing on the incorporation petition scheduled for June 11; more information about county commission meetings is available at https://www.pottcounty.org/148/Board-of-County-Commissioners.

Manhattan firefighters honored for life-saving residential rescue

Mayor Susan Adamchak recognized Manhattan Fire Department Captain Kyle Voth, Driver AJ Brinkman, Driver Cole Hiatt and Firefighter Mason Herzog during a City Commission meeting for their rescue of an unconscious occupant during a residential structure fire in the early morning of April 14. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor; two people had escaped to the porch roof, but another was reported trapped inside. Voth, Brinkman and Herzog advanced through intense heat and smoke with a hose line, located the victim on the second floor and brought the person outside for immediate care from Riley County EMS. The victim has since made a full recovery.

Aggieville garage offers free parking through 2027

Effective Monday, June 1, the public can access free parking in the Aggieville garage 24 hours a day, seven days a week without registration. The change, which also allows back-in parking, is expected to remain in place through 2027 while Moro Street is under construction. Vehicles are limited to 48 continuous hours in a single spot unless using a reserved stall, and long-term parking is prohibited. Reserved stalls are available for those who want a guaranteed space and exemption from the 48-hour limit. Once the Moro Street project is complete, the city will present a comprehensive parking plan for Aggieville, nearby neighborhoods and City Park for City Commission review. More information is available at https://www.manhattanks.gov/3832/Aggieville-Parking.

Manhattan public works projects map restored

A map detailing current, future and completed public works projects in Manhattan is available again after staff in the city's Geographic Information Systems department rebuilt the tool. The previous version was rendered unusable by software support changes, but the new map again provides project locations, descriptions and updates for the Manhattan area. A link to the map is available from the public works page of the city's website.

Kansas Department of Transportation hosts U.S. 24 Corridor open house events

The Kansas Department of Transportation will host two open house events from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 22 and 23 to share information and gather public input on the U.S. 24 Corridor Management Plan. The June 22 event will be held at the Wamego Senior & Community Center, 501 Ash St. in Wamego, and the June 23 event will be held at Pottorf Hall in Manhattan's CiCo Park. The same information will be shared at both events. Area residents will receive a KDOT postcard with details about the open houses, a link to project information and an online survey, which will be available through July 8.

City of Manhattan to launch OPAL permitting system June 29

The City of Manhattan will launch its new Oracle Permitting and Licensing (OPAL) system on Monday, June 29, to modernize how it manages permits, licenses, planning and zoning applications, inspections and code enforcement. The platform is intended to provide a more user-friendly online experience for residents, contractors, developers and businesses. To help users transition, the city will offer public information and training sessions during the week of the launch to assist with creating accounts and learning the system. A new Business & Development section of the city's website will launch in the coming weeks with OPAL information, and a public update on the system, including the go-live date and next steps, will be shared during the City Commission work session June 9.

Sunset Zoo hosts Little Cub Club for toddlers twice a month

Sunset Zoo invites toddlers to the Little Cub Club, held at 11:30 a.m. on the second Thursday and Saturday of each month. Each session features an interactive storybook adventure, a craft and an encounter with a friendly animal ambassador to help children learn and play. Every participating child must be registered and accompanied by an adult, though adult admission is free. More information is available at www.sunsetzoo.com.

Manhattan Parks and Recreation releases 2026-27 fall and winter activity guide

The 2026-27 Fall and Winter Activity Guide from Manhattan Parks and Recreation is now available, with upcoming programs and events for Recreation, the Ice Rink, the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo. The guide can be viewed online at mhkprd.com/activityguide, and fall registration opens June 15.

Flint Hills Discovery Center to host National Prairie Day event

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host a National Prairie Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6, featuring activities and educational programs for all ages to celebrate the grasslands ecosystem. Visitors can take part in a live animal meet and greet with Flint Hills animal ambassadors, prairie coloring pages, a reading nook and more. All activities are included with regular admission or a Flint Hills Discovery Center membership.

Team USA watch party scheduled at Anneberg Park

A Team USA watch party will take place at 8 p.m. June 12 at Anneberg Park in conjunction with the ManHATtrick soccer tournament hosted by SKV earlier that day. Attendees can cheer on the team and purchase concessions, including beer and seltzers sold by Manhattan Brewing Company; no outside alcohol is permitted.

Sunset Zoo offers daily Animal Spotlights

Visitors can see their favorite animals in action during daily Animal Spotlights at Sunset Zoo, where a different animal receives special enrichment at its habitat at scheduled times each day. A complete list of participating animals and times is available at www.sunsetzoo.com.

Flint Hills Discovery Center to host Drinks with Dinos

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host Drinks with Dinos, a prehistoric happy hour, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19. Attendees can explore the exhibits and enjoy beer, wine or punch from a cash bar provided by Manhattan Brewing Company. All activities, excluding alcohol, are included with regular admission or a membership. The come-and-go event requires no pre-registration, outside food is welcome, and it is open only to adults 21 and older; proof of age may be required.

Source: MHK Insider Newsletter

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