Manhattan City Digest

Commission signals support for K-State Edge District development
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission voted 5-0 to approve a non-binding Resolution of Intent supporting the Kansas State University Foundation’s proposed improvements and development of the EDGE District along the Kimball Avenue corridor. The proposed additions include improvements to the Bilbrey Family Event Center and K-State Indoor Track facility, as well as Champions Gate, a year-round, multi-use development featuring residential, hospitality, dining, and green space on 15.71 acres across from the football stadium. The resolution authorizes city staff to engage with the foundation to explore economic development tools, such as STAR Bonds, Tax Increment Financing, Community Improvement Districts, and sales tax exemptions on construction materials to finance eligible costs using new incremental revenue.

Utility Billing urges customers to call regarding delayed water bills
MANHATTAN, Kan. — City officials are advising utility customers who have experienced delayed paper bills or delinquent notices due to U.S. Postal Service mail delays to contact Utility Billing directly. Customers who have already mailed payments or received late notices are encouraged to call 785-587-2480 during regular business hours to review their accounts. To avoid future delays, the city recommends switching to alternative payment methods, such as paperless e-billing, online or phone payments, automatic bank drafts, or using the City Hall dropbox.

City to host public meeting for Community Development Block Grant
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The City of Manhattan will hold a public meeting regarding the Community Development Block Grant 2026 Annual Action Plan on Thursday, Feb. 26. The session will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, located at 1101 Poyntz Ave..

Flint Hills Discovery Center offers ‘Moscato & Macrame’ adult workshop
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Local creatives 21 and older are invited to the Flint Hills Discovery Center’s Prairie Craft Collective for a "Moscato & Macrame" workshop on Sunday, March 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Led by VossomeKnots creator Emily Hageman, the social event will provide expert instruction, all necessary materials to create a macrame plant hanger, a goodie bag, and two drink tickets. Registration is $45 for members and $50 for non-members, with limited spots available online, by phone, or in person.

Sunset Zoo features maned wolves in upcoming Animal Tales event
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Sunset Zoo will host its "Animal Tales A-Z" program on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. in the Wild Wonders Room, focusing on maned wolves for the letter "W". The event includes a story, craft, and snacks, and is free with paid admission to the zoo.

Annual ‘Meet the Makers’ event returns to Discovery Center
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host its 11th annual "Meet the Makers" event from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20, running daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The free public event features live demonstrations from local creators, crafters, and makers, allowing attendees to interact with artists and see their work come to life. Standard admission fees apply for guests wishing to explore exhibits beyond the atrium.

Registration opens for Camp Discover spring break programs
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center is offering "Camp Discover" sessions for kindergarten through second-grade students during spring break, featuring a "Mixology" chemistry and art day on Friday, March 13, and a week-long "STEAM Break" from March 16 through March 20. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, providing hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities. Registration is limited and costs $30 for members and $35 for non-members per day, with scholarships available.

Sunset Zoo seeks teen applicants for Junior Zookeeper program
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Area teens between the ages of 14 and 17 are invited to apply for Sunset Zoo's year-long Junior Zookeeper program, which offers hands-on career experience and volunteer hours. Participants will work alongside zookeepers, educators, and grounds teams while engaging with zoo guests to build foundational job skills. Applications open online starting March 1 and are due by March 31.

Guided spring bird walk scheduled at Sunset Cemetery
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Retired Geary County Extension Agent Chuck Otte will lead a "Walk & Talk: Spring Birds" tour on Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Sunset Cemetery. Organized by the Flint Hills Discovery Center, the guided nature walk costs $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is required due to limited space.

‘March Animal Madness’ brings wildlife bracket battle to local brewery
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Science enthusiasts can test their wildlife knowledge at "March Animal Madness," a bracket-style showdown hosted by Sunset Zoo at Manhattan Brewing Co. on Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m.. As part of the Science on Tap series, attendees will predict the outcomes of hypothetical matchups based on animal survival skills and adaptations.

Flint Hills Discovery Center offers interactive preschooler programs
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center is hosting two educational programs designed for young children to explore the culture, history, and ecology of the region through hands-on activities, crafts, and stories. "Preschool Together," intended for children ages 2.5 to 4 accompanied by an adult, and "Preschoolers in the Flint Hills," for independent learners ages 3 to 5, both require pre-registration and cost $50 for members or $60 for non-members.

Parks and Recreation Department hiring for aquatic and concession staff
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department is actively hiring for multiple positions, including lifeguards, swim instructors, water aerobics instructors, concessions attendants, concessions team leads, and parks aquatics technicians. Interested candidates can view job descriptions and apply online at the department's official website.

City seeks applicants to fill vacancies on advisory boards and committees
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The City of Manhattan is encouraging residents to apply for vacancies across its numerous advisory boards and committees that assist the City Commission. Detailed information regarding each board, current openings, and the application process can be found on the city’s official website.

Source: MHK Insider Newsletter: February 20, 2026

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