Manhattan City Digest
Manhattan Proposes Flat Mill Levy in 2027 Budget
MANHATTAN, Kan. — City staff will present a proposed 2027 budget at the Tuesday, June 30, Commission meeting that holds the mill levy flat while limiting the overall increase to 2% despite high inflation. The draft raises General Operating Fund expenditures and reallocates an additional $3.4 million toward the bond and interest fund. Residents can follow budget discussions June 30, July 7 and Aug. 11, with final adoption set for Sept. 15 to meet state requirements.
Storm Debris Cleanup Expected to Finish by July 2
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Crews were about 70% finished with the Wednesday cleanup zone at the end of June 25 and expected to reach 90% by June 26, with the north central area around Browning Street north of Kimball Avenue among the hardest hit by the storm. Work will continue into the following week, with crews aiming to complete the final neighborhood by July 2, depending on remaining debris and weather. Residents with additional debris may drop residential yard waste free at the Riley County Transfer Station, 1881 Henton Road, open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; call 785-565-6290 with questions.
Manhattan Sets Fireworks Rules for July 4 Holiday
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Seasonal fireworks sales are permitted within the city from noon July 1 through midnight July 4, and fireworks may be discharged on private property only from 8 a.m. to midnight July 1-4. Fireworks are barred on public streets, sidewalks, parks and other public places, sky lanterns are banned, and Kansas law prohibits bottle rockets. Officials urge residents to light fireworks outdoors with adult supervision, keep water nearby, ignite one at a time, never relight malfunctioning fireworks and soak debris before disposal. More information is available at manhattanks.gov/2116/Fireworks-Safety.
Sunset Zoo Director Publishes Gorilla Sleep Study
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Sunset Zoo Director Dr. Kaleigh Reyes published a research article titled "Novel investigation of western lowland gorilla sleep architecture" in the journal Folia Primatologica, described as the first known documentation of gorilla sleep behavior and architecture. Reyes served as first author and lead investigator on a study that researchers say may also inform understanding of human sleep and behavior. The work was completed in collaboration with the Comparative Cognition Laboratory at the University of Neuchâtel and Basel Zoo in Switzerland and the Sleep and Evolution Lab at the University of Toronto in Canada.
Manhattan Welcomes Nine Paid Summer Interns
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city is working with nine paid interns this summer across the Public Works, Public Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Fire Services and Human Resources departments, supporting special projects and daily operations. Undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students are participating and gaining hands-on experience in local government. "We are grateful for the energy, talent and fresh perspectives these interns bring to City operations," said Public Utilities Director Randy Dewitt. New intern openings are posted each spring at manhattanks.gov/jobs.
Manhattan Launches Online Permit Portal June 29
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city's new Online Permit and License portal launches Monday, June 29, modernizing how it manages permits, licenses, planning and zoning applications, inspections and code enforcement. Training sessions will help residents, contractors, developers and businesses create accounts, and a new Business & Development section on the city website aims to ease development projects. Sessions are set for June 29 at 11 a.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall and 4 p.m. at MFD Headquarters, and June 30 at 8 a.m. at MFD Headquarters and noon online, with registration required only for the virtual session.
Free 'Jurassic Park' Showing Set for Blue Earth Plaza
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Parks and Recreation will host a free showing of "Jurassic Park" at 7:30 p.m. June 27 at Blue Earth Plaza, billed as a companion to the Flint Hills Discovery Center's Roar and Explore Dinosaur exhibit. Beer, wine and punch will be available for purchase from Manhattan Brewing Company, and no outside alcohol is allowed.
Cardboard Boat Regatta Returns for July 4
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation will host the Star Spangled Spectacular at 8 a.m. July 4 at the City Park Waterpark, featuring a cardboard boat regatta for youth, adult and corporate teams. Participants race handmade boats for prizes, and the foundation invites families to register through its website.
Sunflower Summer Free Admission Returns July 9
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas Tourism's Sunflower Summer program returns July 9, offering Kansas residents free admission to attractions statewide through Aug. 2. Participating Manhattan locations include the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Sunset Zoo. Details are available at sunflowersummer.org.
Fire Department Joins Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Fire Department is again taking part in the 23rd annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, a competition among local first responders to recruit the most blood donors. The drive is set for July 23 and July 24 at St. Thomas More. Donors can schedule appointments at RedCrossBlood.org, through the Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, using sponsor code ManhattanKS.
Flint Hills Center Hosts Adult Dinosaur Happy Hour
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host Drinks with Dinos from 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 15 and Aug. 19, a come-and-go event featuring the dinosaur exhibits and a cash bar from Manhattan Brewing Company. All activities except alcohol are included with admission or center membership. The event is for adults 21 and older only, no pre-registration is required, and outside food is welcome.
Sunset Zoo Pelicans Inspire July 18 Painting Class
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Sunset Zoo will host Painting with the Animals at 11 a.m. July 18, a 45-minute session led by the zoo's father-son white pelican team, Doug and Dinsdale. Participants will learn facts, view artifacts and create their own paintings, with all supplies provided, then can explore the zoo while artwork dries. Registration is available at sunsetzoo.com.
Source: MHK Insider Newsletter, City of Manhattan, Kan., June 26, 2026.
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