The Little Apple Citizen Journal

September 26, 2025

The Little Apple Citizen Journal

Hi everyone!

Let us know what you want to know! We are here to serve! Even when we don't publish a news brief to email, we do update our website, so check in any time!

-Teri Hansen, teri@citizenjournal.us


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News

Kansas education employee sues state over firing for Charlie Kirk comment
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former Kansas Department of Education employee has filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was wrongfully terminated for a social media comment about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. Katie Allen, a research analyst, filed the suit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas. She alleges the
Manhattan Law Firm Awards Two Students $2,000 for Community Service
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Two college students received $1,000 scholarships from Manhattan-based Addair Law for demonstrating exceptional commitment to public service and community involvement. Peri Stevens and Andrew Navarro were named the 2024 Public Spirit Scholarship winners by the law firm, which doubled its award this year due to the quality
Manhattan Arts Center prepares for ARTini 2025 on Oct. 3
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan Arts Center will host its annual ARTini fundraiser Oct. 3, featuring local artists and bartenders collaborating on unique cocktail and art pairings in support of the organization’s educational programs. The event, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Union Hall at 328 Poyntz Ave., combines live
Riley County Police Make Arrests in Recent Vehicle Burglary Cases
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Police Department announced Monday it has made two arrests following a lengthy investigation into multiple vehicle burglaries that occurred over the past two months in the Manhattan area. Jesup McClelland, 25, of Manhattan, was arrested Sept. 23 at approximately 3:27 p.m. in the
Manhattan local news summary
Week of September 22 2025

Events

Manhattan to Host City Commission Candidate Forum Wednesday
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The public is invited to attend a City Commission candidate forum Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 5:30 p.m., hosted by the Downtown Manhattan Inc. Board of Directors. The forum will be held at Rocker’s II downtown event venue at 221 N. 4th St. Candidates will field questions
Pawnee Mental Health to Host ‘Inspiring Hope & Help’ Auction for Community Services
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Pawnee Mental Health Services will host its “Inspiring Hope & Help” auction Oct. 2-3 to raise funds for essential mental health services across 10 north central Kansas counties. The fundraiser features both a live auction Thursday, Oct. 2, at the K-State Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Ave., and an online
Kansas Forest Service Offers Tree Buyback to Combat Invasive Species
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Forest Service will host a Callery pear tree buyback event Oct. 4 in Manhattan as part of efforts to combat an invasive species that threatens native plant communities across the state. The event, scheduled for 2610 Claflin Road, will provide replacement trees to residents who have
Manhattan High dance team to host clinic for young dancers
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan High School Dazzling Blues Dance Team will host a dance clinic for children ages 4-12 on Friday, Oct. 17, from 9-11 a.m. at Manhattan High West Gym. The clinic costs $30 per child and includes instruction from the varsity-level high school dance team members. Participants
Riley Autumn Days Celebrates Community Spirit October 17-19
RILEY, Kan. — Riley is preparing to welcome visitors from across the region for Riley Autumn Days, a three-day community celebration running October 17-19 that showcases the small town’s charm during peak fall foliage season. Organized by the Riley Roots Collective, the event invites people to “explore, dine, shop and experience
Habitat for Humanity to host annual hoedown fundraiser at historic Flint Hills ranch
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Flint Hills will host its annual Habitat Hoedown on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the Lazy T Ranch - Adventures in the Flint Hills. The family-friendly fundraising event will feature live music from The Haymakers, pork and beef
Flint Hills Discovery Center to Host Bison, Beef and Bourbon Fundraiser
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation will host its annual Bison, Beef and Bourbon fundraising event Oct. 23 at the Stanley Stout Center, featuring local cuisine, craft cocktails and live entertainment to support youth education programs. The event, beginning at 6 p.m. at 2200 Denison Ave., will
Downtown Manhattan to host All Treats Day Halloween celebration
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Downtown Manhattan will host All Treats Day on Friday, Oct. 31, from 4-6 p.m. along Poyntz Avenue, inviting families to participate in a safe trick-or-treat experience in the heart of the community. The Halloween event encourages families to stroll down Poyntz Avenue, where children can safely trick-or-treat
Manhattan holiday festivities to feature open house, parade and special events
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Downtown Manhattan will host a series of holiday events throughout November and December, beginning with a Holiday Open House on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 409 Poyntz Ave. The Holiday Open House kicks off the holiday season by encouraging people to
Manhattan Community Health Foundation to host annual Crystal Gala Feb. 22
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The Manhattan Community Health Foundation will hold its annual Crystal Gala on Feb. 21, 2026 at the Kansas State University Alumni Center to raise funds for healthcare initiatives in the region. The gala supports the foundation’s mission to enhance community health by providing scholarships to healthcare professionals,

Kansas State University

Emmy winner Richard Thomas to perform ‘Mark Twain Tonight!’ at K-State
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas will bring “Mark Twain Tonight!” to Kansas State University’s McCain Performance Series on Oct. 2, nearly 50 years after Hal Holbrook first performed the show on the same stage. Thomas, beloved by generations for his portrayal of John-Boy Walton in “The Waltons,
KSU Gardens to Host Tropical Plant Sale Friday
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University Gardens will host a tropical plant and houseplant sale Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. as part of its September Stroll event. The Purple Thumbs garden group will sell plants from the K-State greenhouses, with most priced between $5 and $10. Organizers
Kansas State earns No. 3 ranking on Forbes’ best employers in Kansas list, No. 5 in Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University has been ranked No. 3 on Forbes’ list of best employers in Kansas, marking the highest ranking of any college or university in the state. The university moved up three spots from last year, matching its No. 3 placement in 2023 and 2021. This

Politics

Read more about how your elected officials are representing you in the Sunflower State Government Bulletin. Click here for easy access:


Opinion

KFB Insight: Attitudes for the best possible experience
By Jackie Mundt, Pratt County farmer and rancher

🌤️Weather

Weather graphic from the National Weather Service

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US news

Top 5 US news stories
September 24 2025
Top 5 US news stories
September 23 2025
Top 5 US news stories
September 22 2025

🌾KS news

Top 5 Kansas news stories
September 24 2025
Top 5 Kansas news stories
September 23, 2025
Top 5 Kansas news stories
September 22 2025
Top 5 Kansas news stories
September 19, 2025

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Contact: teri@citizenjournal.us

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