Manhattan City Digest
Spring cleanup yields 140 tons of debris
City Commission updates public comment procedures
The Manhattan City Commission will implement new public comment procedures beginning April 14 under Resolution No. 040726-B. The updated policy limits speakers to three minutes per agenda item and establishes a 30-minute total cap for open public comment, unless extended by the mayor or a commission majority. Residents must sign up in advance with the city clerk, state their name and residential address, and limit remarks to city business. Remote public comment will no longer be permitted except as a reasonable accommodation, and all participants are required to maintain civil decorum.
Spring cleanup yields 140 tons of debris
Manhattan public works and parks crews have collected approximately 140 tons of yard waste and debris during the city's annual spring cleanup event. Street Superintendent Dan Tyson expects the operations to finish early next week, noting that crews have completed routes for the first three scheduled days and are 25% through the fourth day's routes despite light rain. The municipal effort clears residential neighborhoods while helping keep storm drains functioning properly.
Manhattan hosts Kansas firefighters conference
Firefighters from across the state are gathered in Manhattan for the 2026 Kansas State Firefighters Association Annual Conference, held April 9-12 at the Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan. Gov. Laura Kelly delivered welcoming remarks during the opening ceremony of the event, which provides professional development, training and networking. The Manhattan Fire Department is hosting the conference, with organizing efforts led by Capt. Tyler Budke and the Manhattan Firefighter Relief Association Board.
City approves advisory board appointments
The City Commission approved several board and committee appointments this week, including terms running from May 1 to April 30, 2029, for Historic Resources Board reappointments Garric Baker and Michael Hoover, and Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board new appointees Debbie Nuss and Peter Oppelt. Additionally, Dantia MacDonald was reappointed to the Partner City Advisory Board for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2029. Board members volunteer professional expertise and community perspectives to guide municipal planning, preservation and civic engagement.
Flint Hills Discovery Center hosts adult-only Putts and Pints
The Flint Hills Discovery Center will host Putts and Pints, an adults-only evening event, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 16. Attendees 21 and older can explore exhibits and play minigolf while enjoying a cash bar provided by Manhattan Brewing Company. Preregistration is not required, outside food is welcome, and all nonalcoholic activities are included with regular admission or center membership.
Manhattan Brewing Company to host Terra Trivia
Mother Earth will be the focus of Science on Tap: Terra Trivia at 7 p.m. April 15 at Manhattan Brewing Company. The trivia night will test participants' knowledge of animals, ecosystems and the planet.
Annual Flint Hills Festival set for May 2
The annual Flint Hills Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 2 at Blue Earth Plaza, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, children's activities and community groups. Admission to the festival and the Flint Hills Discovery Center is free, courtesy of Visit Manhattan and the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, though some vendors and specific activities will require payment.
Sunset Zoo to host free open apiary session
The Kansas Honey Producers Association will host a free open apiary session at 2 p.m. April 18 at Sunset Zoo. Bee enthusiasts can suit up and learn about hive life by registering in advance at nikkibfarm@gmail.com and entering through the zoo's Oak Street side gate. Participation in the apiary event does not include regular admission to the zoo.
Source: MHK Insider Newsletter
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