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City of Manhattan News

3 of 40 news items

  • Storm cleanup following severe weather in Manhattan

    (Manhattan, KS – April 19, 2026) City crews are continuing cleanup efforts Tuesday following a line of severe thunderstorms that moved through Manhattan on the evening of May 18. 

    The storms brought wind gusts up to 70 mph, nickel-sized hail, and as much as 3.5 inches of rainfall in some areas. Strong winds caused widespread damage, including downed tree limbs and trees and downed power lines across the community. 

    Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding on roadways in several neighborhoods, including the College Heights area. Public Works crews are working to clear stormwater inlets and pick up remaining debris in city streets.

    The Manhattan Fire Department (MFD) responded to 40 storm-related calls for service including reports of electrical fires, downed power lines, vehicles stuck in flood water, fallen trees on structures, and fire alarms. 

    MFD also responded to one structure fire at 2415 Charolais Lane. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from a single-family home.  All occupants were able to evacuate safely before firefighters arrived. Firefighters removed four cats and one dog from structure unharmed and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes.  Damage was estimated at $5,000 and the occupants were displaced.

    Five Manhattan Parks and Recreation Forestry crews worked through the night to clear storm debris and fallen trees from roadways. By 1:00 a.m., all major roadways were passable. Crews continued to work Tuesday to address remaining debris and tree damage throughout the city. 

    Residents may take storm debris to the Riley County Transfer Station located at 1880 Henton Road. There is no charge for residential yard waste. 

    Residents are reminded to use caution around storm damage, especially downed power lines, which should always be treated as live and dangerous. Call 911 to report downed power lines. Residents should not attempt to move limbs or debris that is in contact with power lines. 

    Storm season is active across Kansas, and residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts. City officials also recommend identifying shelter locations at home, work, and school and keeping emergency kits in vehicles and at home. During severe weather watches, residents should closely monitor changing conditions and be prepared to take action immediately if a warning is issued.  

    Find floodplain information and resources on the Know Your Flood Risk page at www.manhattanks.gov/knowyourfloodrisk

    Additional Info...
    City of Manhattan News
    Posted on May 19, 2026

  • June 16 Public Hearing for Edge 3.0 STAR Bond District

    The Kansas State University Foundation has approached the City of Manhattan with a request to establish a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district and a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) district to assist with the further development and construction of Edge 3.0, Champions Gate, the Bilbrey Event Center, and seating for the K-State Indoor Track facility near the northeast corner of College Avenue and Kimball Avenue.

    The City of Manhattan will hold a public hearing during the regular Commission meeting on June 16, 2026 regarding the proposed districts. At this stage, only limited details about the projects are available, and no final decisions have been made.

    If the proposal moves forward, there will be several additional steps, including future redevelopment plans, formal reviews, and opportunities for residents and stakeholders to provide input before any final action is considered.

    The City will also publish notices, notify affected property owners and occupants, and post the STAR bond hearing notice online to help keep the public informed throughout the process.

    See the City Commission May 05, 2026 agenda item and presentation here.

    City of Manhattan News
    Posted on May 11, 2026

  • Anderson Avenue Project Update

    (May 7, 2026) The Anderson Avenue project is on schedule and progressing according to plan. This is a two-year project expected to be completed in summer/fall of 2027. 

    Much of the work is underground for waterline (and some storm sewer).  The utility crews are smaller and the Contractor has two crews working at all times.  Due to the size of the project, they are in different areas and you may not see them at times when they are working on a side street.  The noticeable concrete paving crews are not present at all times.  

    The next portion of paving for Phase 1b, the two westbound lanes from Connecticut to Timberlane, will be starting soon and the public will notice more personnel and equipment.  When the total project is finished, there will be a new 24" diameter cross-town water transmission main in place; 8" water main and select storm sewer improvements to replace infrastructure that is 60 to almost 100 years old; plus new roadway and sidewalk. 

    Find more details about the work and project phasing at https://www.andersonwaterstorm.com/updates

    Additional Info...
    City of Manhattan News
    Posted on May 07, 2026 | Last Updated on May 07, 2026

Economic Development

3 of 4 news items

  • Recent Articles and Projects

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    Economic Development
    Posted on April 17, 2026

  • Upcoming Estate Events

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    Economic Development
    Posted on April 17, 2026

  • Check Out Our Local Vendors

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    Economic Development
    Posted on April 17, 2026

Flint Hills Discovery Center

3 of 4 news items

  • The Flint Hills

    The Flint Hills region is a band of hills stretching for several hundred miles in eastern Kansas to north-central Oklahoma, featuring the largest remaining tallgrass prairie eco-system.

    Flint Hills Discovery Center
    Posted on March 07, 2025

  • Flint Hills Education

    Explore more ways to teach and learn about the Flint Hills with our free teaching resources and information on field trips and outreach programs.

    Flint Hills Discovery Center
    Posted on March 07, 2025

  • Report a Concern

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    Flint Hills Discovery Center
    Posted on March 07, 2025

Manhattan Fire Department

2 news items

  • Two Rescued from Early Morning Fire

    (Manhattan, Kan., April 14, 2026) — At 6:13 a.m. on Tuesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 509 Pierre St. for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found a two-story residential building with smoke and flames showing from the second floor, and two persons on the porch roof.  A passerby had put up a ladder, climbed onto the porch roof, and helped an occupant out of a second-floor window and onto the porch roof.  The driver of Quint 2 raised a fire department ladder, allowing the two to come down.  Firefighters then entered the building to search for another occupant reported to be trapped inside.  Firefighters found the person unconscious on the second floor and quickly removed them from the building. Both occupants of the second-floor apartment were transported by Riley County EMS.

    There were four occupants of the building in total, with two escaping the first-floor apartment fire prior to the fire department's arrival.  The passerby was uninjured.  One dog was transported by Riley County Animal Control to Kansas State Vet Med.  Two dogs and a cat perished in the fire.

    The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 15 minutes. A total of 18 firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus, with the last units clearing at around 8:00 a.m.

    The building is a two-story residential structure with two apartments. Loss is estimated at $50,000 to contents and $75,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Helena Dace of Andover, KS. The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.  The Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office and Riley County Police Department are assisting Manhattan Fire Investigators with the investigation.

    The Manhattan Fire Department is an ISO Class I, career fire department, serving the City of Manhattan from five fire stations.  The department provides fire, emergency medical first response, technician-level hazardous material response, and technical rescue, including vehicle extrication, trench, high-angle, low-angle, surface water, structural collapse, and wide-area search.  The department serves as a Type I regional hazardous materials response team under the State Fire Marshal, primarily for 8 surrounding counties.  MFD is part of Northeast Task Force 2, a search-and-rescue/water-rescue team with other area departments, and is tasked with covering 23 counties for urban search-and-rescue response.

    Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/manhattanfiredepartment) and Instagram (mhkfiredepartment).

    "The mission of the Manhattan Fire Department is to be dedicated to helping others and preserving life and property by being well-trained in intervention, prevention, and education." 

    Courage - Honor - Compassion - Loyalty

    Manhattan Fire Department
    Posted on April 14, 2026

  • AC Unit Fire Causes Significant Damage

    (Manhattan, Kan., April 13, 2026) — At 4:04 p.m. on Monday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to 815 Moro St. for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found six air conditioning units on fire. The fire was contained within five minutes due to a quick response and knockdown. A total of 16 firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus, with the last units clearing before 5:00 p.m. The building was occupied at the time of the fire.  No injuries were reported.

    The building is a three-story, 23-unit condominium building. Loss is estimated at $70,000 for the AC units. The owner is listed as Anderson Brothers LLC, with the resident agent David Anderson at 539 Westview Dr. The cause of the fire was intentional, and Riley County Police Department filed an Aggravated Arson report.  

    The Manhattan Fire Department is an ISO Class I, career fire department, serving the City of Manhattan from five fire stations.  The department provides fire, emergency medical first response, technician-level hazardous material response, and technical rescue, including vehicle extrication, trench, high-angle, low-angle, surface water, structural collapse, and wide-area search.  The department serves as a Type I regional hazardous materials response team under the State Fire Marshal, primarily for the 8 surrounding counties.  MFD is part of Northeast Task Force 2, a search-and-rescue/water-rescue team with other area departments, and is tasked with covering 23 counties for urban search-and-rescue response.

    Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/manhattanfiredepartment) and Instagram (mhkfiredepartment).

    "The mission of the Manhattan Fire Department is to be dedicated to helping others and preserving life and property by being well-trained in intervention, prevention, and education." 

    Courage - Honor - Compassion - Loyalty

    Manhattan Fire Department
    Posted on April 14, 2026 | Last Updated on April 14, 2026

Parks & Recreation

1 news item

  • Warner Memorial Park Trailhead and Loop Project Completed

    (Manhattan, KS – May 7, 2026) The City of Manhattan recently completed the Warner Memorial Park Trailhead and Loop project, an improvement designed to create a connected trail loop within one of the community’s key natural area parks.

    A major element of the project is a new pedestrian bridge over the ravine in the middle of Warner Memorial Park which is now open to the public. The bridge allows park users to move more easily through the park and complete a continuous trail loop while preserving the area’s natural character.

    The project was identified in the Warner Memorial Park Master Plan, approved by the Manhattan City Commission in 2019, and supports improved public access and outdoor recreation in the park.

    “This project creates better trail connectivity in Warner Memorial Park while respecting the natural setting that makes the park special,” said Park Planner Alfonso Leyva. “The new pedestrian bridge is the key improvement that allows visitors to experience a connected loop trail through the park.”

    The project was awarded $97,200 in 2023 through the Recreational Trails Program. The grant is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks using Federal Highway Administration funding. The remaining project balance was paid through the City’s Recreation and Trails Fund.

    That local fund is supported by the 10-year Quality of Life sales tax approved by Manhattan voters in 2017. Of that funding, $2 million was earmarked for trails. Since approval of the sales tax, Manhattan Parks and Recreation has leveraged local trail funding to help secure $639,182 in grant funding. By the time the sales tax sunsets, the department expects to have invested nearly $3 million in trails.

    “This project is a strong example of how grant funding and local investment can work together to improve Manhattan’s trail system,” Leyva said. “It helps expand access to outdoor recreation and advances a community vision established in the park master plan.”

    Warner Memorial Park is an 89-acre natural area park located in the southwest quadrant of Manhattan. The parkland is owned by the City of Manhattan. Eighty acres were acquired through land donations and purchase in 1957, and the park was dedicated and opened in 1959.

    The park remains largely undeveloped and in a natural state. Existing amenities include mowed pathways, natural surface trails, the historic Military Trail, a park shelter and a nine-hole disc golf course constructed in 2010.

    Parks & Recreation
    Posted on May 08, 2026 | Last Updated on May 08, 2026
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