The Little Apple Citizen Journal
October 1, 2025
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-Teri Hansen, teri@citizenjournal.us
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News
Preschool owners, employee face criminal, civil charges over alleged child abuse
WAMEGO, Kan. — The owners and a former employee of the now-closed Brilliant Beginnings 2 preschool face both criminal and civil legal proceedings related to allegations of child abuse and neglect that occurred in spring 2024. Sharlee Serb of Wamego, who worked as a teacher at the preschool, has been charged
Teri Hansen
Riley County Reports Two New COVID-19 Outbreaks
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County health officials confirmed two new coronavirus outbreaks Wednesday at the Smith Scholarship House and Via Christi Village. Via Christi Village, a Manhattan independent and assisted living facility, has seven active cases. The Smith Scholarship House, an all-male scholarship and cooperative living residence at Kansas State University,
Teri Hansen
Manhattan Parks and Recreation Launches Sportsmanship Initiative
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan Parks and Recreation has introduced “Sportsmanship Sundays,” a weekly initiative aimed at promoting positive behavior and respect in youth sports programs across the community. The program, announced Sept. 28, is designed to reinforce the department’s mission of building healthy communities through people, places and programs by creating
Teri Hansen
Manhattan Pursues Major Infrastructure and Development Projects Across City
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The City of Manhattan is advancing multiple infrastructure and planning initiatives designed to modernize the community and accommodate future growth, with projects ranging from downtown revitalization to transportation corridor planning. Current Projects Aggieville Infrastructure Redevelopment Work resumed in May 2025 on a major infrastructure and streetscape improvement project
Teri Hansen
Manhattan Man Enters Plea Deal on Fentanyl Charges
Gary Keith Bouck Jr., 52, pleaded guilty to distributing 10 or fewer units of fentanyl and using his phone in the commission of a drug felony. The first count reflects a decrease from Bouck’s original charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 units of fentanyl. He was arrested
Teri Hansen
Riley County police report multiple arrests over weekend
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County Police reported multiple arrests and incidents over a three-day period from Sept. 27-29, 2025, according to the department’s daily media reports. The incidents ranged from traffic violations to violent crimes across Manhattan, Ogden and surrounding areas. Assault and Battery Cases Officers responded to an aggravated assault
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
Alpha Delta Pi hosts 51st annual pumpkin patch fair
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Alpha Delta Pi at Kansas State University will host its 51st Annual Pumpkin Patch Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Manhattan Town Center. The event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Wichita and the Alpha Delta
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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
Teri Hansen
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,
Teri Hansen
Kansas State University
Kansas Board of Regents Approves K-State Campus Master Plan
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas Board of Regents has approved Kansas State University’s Campus Master Plan, a comprehensive vision for the future development of its three campuses over the next 10-15 years. The plan outlines how the Manhattan, Salina and Olathe campuses will evolve to enhance infrastructure, foster research and boost
Teri Hansen
Cargill Donates $1 Million to K-State Agriculture Initiative
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Cargill has contributed $1 million to Kansas State University’s Agriculture Innovation Initiative, bringing the university within 5% of its $210 million fundraising goal, officials announced. The donation pushes Cargill’s lifetime giving to the university past $10 million, marking a philanthropic milestone for the agribusiness company. The Agriculture Innovation
Teri Hansen
Kansas State launches institute for financial literacy education
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University has established the Institute for Financial Education and Prosperity to help educators across Kansas teach financial literacy skills to high school students preparing for workforce and adult financial responsibilities. The institute responds to Kansas’s 2021 requirement that all high school students complete a half-credit financial
Teri Hansen
Kansas State climbs 42 spots in national value ranking
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University jumped 42 places to No. 88 among Best Value Schools in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, marking one of its most significant improvements in recent years. The university also advanced across other major categories, rising seven spots to tie at
Teri Hansen
Kansas State celebrates 110th homecoming with ‘K-State of mind’ theme
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State University will celebrate its 110th homecoming Oct. 5-11 with the theme “K-State of Mind,” highlighting experiences that define the university community. The week marks K-State’s 110th Homecoming celebration. Homecoming is a universitywide celebration coordinated by the K-State Alumni Association’s Student Homecoming Committee. “This year’s theme incapsulates
Teri Hansen
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: Better times ahead
It’s hard to imagine waking up and going to work on payday only to find you have less money than you started with at the beginning of the pay period. That’s the reality many farmers are facing as fall harvest enters full swing in Kansas. Almost every acre
Teri Hansen
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