Manhattan local news summary

New Manhattan Commission Seated; Adamchak Elected Mayor Amid Calls for 'Culture Shift'

Outgoing Advice: Challenge the Status Quo

Tension emerges over upcoming Law Board appointment

Longtime City Clerk Brenda Wolf honored upon retirement

Commission dissolves Douglass Recreation Board in split vote

Parks and Rec enters deal for 'Gatorade Field' naming rights

Commissioners support grant application for Raising Riley program

Commissioners discuss animal control service gaps

New Manhattan Commission Seated; Adamchak Elected Mayor Amid Calls for 'Culture Shift'

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission underwent a major reorganization Tuesday night, unanimously electing Commissioner Susan Adamchak as mayor for 2026 and swearing in a trio of new members who pledged to shift the body's culture. Outgoing Mayor Karen McCulloh passed the gavel to Adamchak and was subsequently elected mayor pro tem. The meeting formally seated the winners of the November election: top vote-getter Larry Fox (approx. 3,700 votes), Jim Morrison (3,500 votes), and Andrew Von Lintel (2,700 votes). They replace departing commissioners Peter Oppelt, Jayme Minton, and John Matta.

Outgoing Advice: Challenge the Status Quo

MANHATTAN, Kan. — In his farewell remarks, outgoing Commissioner John Matta—known for his fiscal conservatism—urged the new board to break from established norms. Matta advised the commissioners to "buck tradition," specifically regarding the automatic rotation of the mayoral seat, and to be more skepticism of city staff. "Demand that staff find efficiencies rather than cutting services when budgeting," Matta told the incoming board, encouraging them to assert their authority over administrative recommendations.

The call for a change in governance style resonated with the incoming members. Newly sworn-in Commissioner Andrew Von Lintel echoed Matta’s sentiments, signaling his intent to improve how the city interacts with its residents. Von Lintel stated his hope that the commission would "listen and take public comments seriously," suggesting a departure from recent practices and a move toward a more responsive, resident-focused governing style.

Tension emerges over upcoming Law Board appointment

MANHATTAN, Kan. — A potential conflict surfaced regarding a vacancy on the Riley County Law Board, a body with significant control over the local police budget. During the city manager's briefing, one of the new commissioners suggested appointing another new commissioner to the seat. However, Mayor Susan Adamchak announced she is considering appointing herself to the position to gain familiarity with the board's operations. The commission is scheduled to settle the appointment at a special legislative meeting on Jan. 13.

Longtime City Clerk Brenda Wolf honored upon retirement

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission issued a proclamation honoring City Clerk Brenda Wolf, who is retiring after more than 30 years of service to the City of Manhattan. Karen McCulloh declared Jan. 9, 2026, as Brenda K. Wolf Day. Wolf, who served as deputy city clerk for 25 years before becoming city clerk, was recognized for her institutional knowledge and role in modernizing city records and election processes.

Commission dissolves Douglass Recreation Board in split vote

MANHATTAN, Kan. — In a 3-2 vote, the commission approved dissolving the Frederick Douglass Recreation Complex Advisory Board and amending the bylaws of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to absorb its representation. The decision aims to streamline operations and address chronic quorum issues. Commissioners Karen McCulloh and Andrew Von Lintel cast the dissenting votes; McCulloh argued the neighborhood deserves a distinct voice, while Von Lintel opposed the specific requirement to mandate two representatives from Ward 1.

Parks and Rec enters deal for 'Gatorade Field' naming rights

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The commission voted 5-0 to approve a five-year sole-source agreement with Pepsi-Cola of Manhattan to provide beverage products for city concession stands. As part of the agreement, Pepsi will secure naming rights for a field at the Steel and Pipe Supply Ballpark, to be named "Gatorade Field." The deal includes a $4,000 annual contribution to the parks department.

Commissioners support grant application for Raising Riley program

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Riley County Commission, composed of Greg McKinley, Kathryn Focke, and John Ford, convening as the Board of Health, authorized the Raising Riley program to submit a grant application for fiscal year 2027 to the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund. Raising Riley Director Jan Scheideman presented the request for $975,083 in Early Childhood Block Grant funds, an increase from previous years. The application requires a local match from Riley County in the amount of $126,195, which Scheideman noted is an approximately 30 percent reduction from the previous year's request. Raising Riley provides childcare scholarships, training and parent education for local families.

Commissioners discuss animal control service gaps

MANHATTAN, Kan. - During administrative discussion, commissioners addressed confusion regarding the transition of animal control services at the start of the new year. Commissioners noted reports that the Riley County Police Department had issued a notice indicating limited animal control services until Jan. 5. One commissioner reported receiving complaints from residents stating that dispatchers were unable to assist with animal calls during the first few days of the year, attributing the issue to the transition period and staffing challenges at the start of the budget year.

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