Customers flocked to the new Culver’s restaurant in Manhattan Monday, for its grand opening. The company, famous for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard opened its newest location at 529 McCall Road. Owner/Operator David Gemoll says they’re excited to welcome all of their new customers. Doors opened at 10 am, but customers were lining up at 5:30 A.M. to be among the first to try the new restaurant. The Wisconsin-based company has over 900 locations and has been in business since 1984, with revenues of $3.2 billion annually. Gemoll says a big focus is on handcrafted freshness and hometown hospitality, and…
Author: Bernie Fancella
Friday marked the end of the MLK Observance Week at Kansas State University with the annual laying of wreaths at the MLK bust outside of Ahearn Fieldhouse. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr has a deep connection to K-State, as it was the last university he spoke at before his assassination in April 1968. Each year, the university honors Dr. King’s legacy with a ceremony. This year, one of the organizers was K-State’s Student Belonging and Inclusion Assistant Vice President Mirta Chavez: The university has memorialized Dr. King with a bust outside of the Ahearn Fieldhouse. Associate Professor in the College of…
Kansas Day was celebrated early Saturday at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The official date for Kansas Day is January 29, the date Kansas became the 34th state admitted to the union in 1861. Event Supervisor Jonathan Mertz brought out the state reptile, the ornate box turtle as well as the center’s bar tiger salamander. Volunteers, like Jack Sytsma, were on hand to answer questions, help with crafts, and show off the bison exhibit. Attendees were encouraged to complete a scavenger hunt, with three of the Kansas state critters on hand. Seasonal Educator at the Discovery Center Kaylynn Hendricks: In…
The Flint Hills Regional Council has announced a new Executive Director. Michael (Mike) Couch has been named the Director of the organization. Couch had previously been a Superintendant for USD 364, 109, and 474, as well as teacher and principal. He has attained a Masters Degree in School Administration, and a Bachelors Degree in Eduction. Couch says, “I am eager to be a part of a team that works to accomplish the Flint Hills Regional Council’s mission to provide servies of mutual benefit to the region.” The Flint Hills Regional Council is a voluntary service association of local Kansas governments…
The conflict between Junction City and Geary County over EMS and Fire service continues. Geary County Commissioners heard a presentation Tuesday by Finance Director Tami Robison making the case for the City asking for an overpayment to continue services. Last week, the City Commission gave an ultimatum to the county to pay the requested bill by February 20 or lose services. County Commissioner Alex Tyson expressed frustration over the matter. County Commissioner Trish Giordano.. The Commission moved to authorize the county counselor’s office to pursue available remedies to resolve the ongoing dispute.
The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition is hosting a kickoff event for Dementia Friendly Manhattan. Director Debbie Nuss says the initiative was created to make the community more aware of people living with memory loss, noting 10% of the national population. This year’s event will feature guest speaker Susan McFadden, author of Dementia Friendly Communities. After training, businesses will be given a decal to display that they are a Dementia Friendly Business. The event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Rocking K’s Meeting Room on Kimball Avenue.
A week delay didn’t stop the Manhattan MLK Community Festival from celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among the presentations Saturday at the Manhattan Arts Center was an awards ceremony for the students who submitted art and writing for the yearly contest. Manhattan MLK Memorial Committee Chair Kevin Bryant explains how the contest works. This year’s theme was explained by Education Director for the Manhattan Arts Center Susanne Glymour. “Quilting and sewing are my main forms of therapy,” said Dr. Patricia Dozier on Saturday during the Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration. Dozier was one of three…
The Riley County Law Board completed the first performance evaluation of RCPD Director Brian Peete Tuesday. Peete, who was hired in December 2022 at a salary of just over $160,000, recently completed his first year of a five year contract. Salary details weren’t immediately provided from the Law Board Secretary Tuesday, but after an executive session Tuesday, the board unanimously supported an update to Peete’s contract, which includes a 6.5 cost of living adjustment and 3.4% merit raise, in line with RCPD personnel. The overall raise totals 9.9%. Afterward, Peete expressed his thanks to the Law Board and the community.…
The area is expected to see another winter storm Thursday night into Friday, and some bitterly cold temperatures will follow. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect Thursday evening through noon Friday, while a Wind Chill Watch takes effect Friday night through noon Tuesday. Kansas Mesonet Manager Chip Redmond says the track of storms is mostly uncertain, but he is expecting the storm to follow the same track of the storm earlier this week. Redmond explains the main concern with this system. Temperatures are expected to fall rapidly following the storm, continuing into early next week. Redmond says while the…
Daytime warming centers are available across the community, for those needing relief from extreme cold temperatures. Among them is the Be Able Community Center at 431 South 5th Street. Executive Director Scott Voos says this time of year tends to be one of the busiest times for the organization. The organization came about during another cold spell that hit Manhattan, the Polar Vortex in February 2021. Voos says various safety and emergency services in Manhattan have put together a system for safe shelters when the weather becomes dangerous and they’re happy to provide this service. For those needing further accommodations,…