Manhattan City Digest

Manhattan Regional Airport Sets New Passenger Records

Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) achieved a historic milestone in 2025 by setting all-time passenger records for the second consecutive year, recording 83,220 enplanements and 166,623 total passengers on American Airlines. May 2025 stood out as a particularly strong month, marking the first time the airport exceeded 8,000 boardings in a single month. Beyond commercial traffic, the airport supported 30,568 aircraft operations, including 119 military and athletic charters, and completed significant infrastructure upgrades such as the opening of eight new general aviation hangars and the commencement of design work for the Taxiway Alpha reconstruction.

City Holds 5th Annual Summit on Leadership and Service

The City of Manhattan recently convened its 5th Annual City Summit, gathering staff from all departments to focus on professional development and public service strategies. The event featured a keynote address by Donnie Campbell, the math teacher and coach who inspired the character Ted Lasso, who spoke on leadership and teamwork, alongside an interactive session on interpersonal professionalism led by Carissa Sadique of Johnson County Community College. City Manager Danielle Dulin provided updates on upcoming developments, reinforcing the summit’s goal of placing community well-being at the center of city operations.

Interactive Mini-Golf Exhibit Opens at Discovery Center

From January 10 to May 10, the Flint Hills Discovery Center is hosting "Grassland Mini-Golf," an interactive exhibition that combines a nine-hole course with ecological education about the tallgrass prairie. Players navigate obstacles featuring nocturnal animals, streams, and fossils while learning about the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The experience is paired with a digital exhibit, "Stepping into the Prairie," which uses motion-reactive technology to allow visitors to simulate hopping across fields or triggering prairie fires with their footsteps.

Sunset Zoo Announces "Love Bites" Valentine’s Event

Sunset Zoo is putting a savage twist on Valentine's Day with its "Love Bites" fundraising event, where participants can name a hissing cockroach after an ex-partner to be fed to a Sloth Bear. Sales for the cockroaches began on January 20, offering a unique way for residents to celebrate or commiserate during the holiday season while supporting the zoo.

Annual Kansas Day Celebration Planned

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host its Kansas Day Celebration on Saturday, January 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to honor the state's history and culture. The event will feature live animal ambassador encounters, state symbol coloring activities, and storytelling sessions, all of which are included with regular admission to the center.

Winter Bird Watching Event Scheduled

Nature enthusiasts are invited to join retired Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte for a "Walk & Talk: Snow Birds" event on January 31 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.. Participants will explore Sunset Cemetery to observe winter bird populations, with registration required and fees set at $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Registration Dates Set for Summer Safari Camp

Sunset Zoo has announced that registration for its popular Summer Safari Camp will open on March 2 at 8 a.m.. The camp offers programs for children ranging from kindergarten through 5th grade, providing educational opportunities to engage with wildlife and nature.

Science Programs Announced for Young Learners

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is launching new educational programming, including "Preschoolers in the Flint Hills" and "Preschool Together," designed to introduce children ages 2.5 to 5 to the region's culture and ecology through hands-on activities. Additionally, the center will host "Camp Discover: Prairie Skies" on February 6, a day-long session for K-2 students focused on weather patterns and cloud identification.

City Advisory Board Positions Open

The City of Manhattan is currently seeking applicants to fill vacancies on several advisory boards and committees, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Historic Resources Board, and the Human Rights Advisory Board. Interested residents can view the full list of openings, which also covers business improvement districts and appeal boards, and apply directly through the city's website.

Ice Rink Season Concluding Soon

Residents looking to enjoy winter sports have limited time remaining, as the city's ice rink is scheduled to close for the season on February 7.

Source: MHK Insider Newsletter