USD 383 Superintendent Eric Reid will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. Reid announced his plans during Wednesday night’s Manhattan-Ogden board of education meeting, asking board members to accept his resignation effective at the end of the fiscal year. Reid said he has spent 30 years in public education, including 16 years as a central-office administrator. Reid began his current role in July 2023, taking over for Marvin Wade. Before that, Reid had been assistant superintendent at Manhattan since 2015. He also served as superintendent of USD 327 Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
Author: Megan Moser
The RCPD is investigating an arson case in Manhattan involving a pickup truck that was reportedly set on fire. According to the RCPD, officers filed a report just before noon Monday in the 1900 block of Hunting Avenue. A 35-year-old man was listed as the victim after an unknown suspect reportedly set fire to his 2014 Ford F-150. The total estimated loss is approximately $15,000. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RCPD or Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips submitted through Crime Stoppers could qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
More staff members? Early interventions? New regulation spaces? Parent resources? Officials are weighing what ideas will have the most impact as the USD 383 school district looks to improve its systems for students with behavioral problems. The Manhattan-Ogden school board this week met with administrators to discuss what it calls “positive behavioral interventions and supports,” or PBIS, a framework designed to establish consistent expectations, reinforce positive behavior and improve student outcomes. District administrators and staff members on Wednesday outlined efforts to improve behavior management, expand collaboration among school personnel and provide more resources for students and families. Their goals include…
FORT RILEY — Readiness is perishable. The Iron Rangers had that in mind Wednesday as they conducted live-fire training at Fort Riley’s Douthit Gunnery Complex. Their official title is the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment — part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
USD 383’s total enrollment is down 310 students this year, the second year in a row for a decline, according to a report at Wednesday’s school board meeting. The total number of students enrolled from kindergarten to grade 12 is 6,155, Manhattan-Ogden assistant superintendent Nathan Downs said. The district takes an official headcount each fall on the 20th day of school. In September 2025, there were 6,465 students enrolled from kindergarten to grade 12. The biggest decrease came in the elementary schools, which went from 2,966 in fall 2025 to 2,761 in 2026, a decrease of 205 students, or nearly…
The Riley County Police Department paid Flock Safety $33,000 this year for access to its 11 surveillance cameras around town, according to documents obtained by The Mercury. The police department in 2023 made an agreement with the company, which makes high-speed, computer-controlled cameras that capture license plate and vehicle information for investigations. The Mercury obtained that contract through a request under the state’s public-records law. The initial order was for 12 months with a 24-month renewal term. That means the contract will be up for renewal at the end of 2026. The initial cost — that is, the total for…
The Manhattan-Ogden school board on Wednesday night approved new paint and flooring at Marlatt Elementary. The update includes $34,795 for a planned painting and flooring replacement project. The board gave final approval to a proposal from Anderson Knight Architects of Manhattan for the project. The motion passed 6-0, with board member Kristin Brighton not present. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
A woman is suing a former Manhattan priest, Seven Dolors Catholic Church and its parent organizations because she said the priest made “unwanted sexual contact,” coerced and sexually harassed her. She says the church failed to protect her from the man after she reported his abuse. The priest, Ryan Anthony McCandless, 44, was arrested in July and is still in the Republic County Jail. He is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a 6-year-old child in Belleville. He served in posts in Manhattan in 2021-23. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.
MHS principal Mike Dorst announced Tuesday his plans to retire effective this summer. Dorst, 54, said in a statement that at the end of June he will have completed his 31st year in education, 21st as an administrator, 19th year as an administrator with MHS/USD 383, and eighth year as principal of Manhattan High School. “As I reflect on those years, I am filled with an incredible amount of gratitude for the opportunity I have had to serve our school and community,” Dorst said. “Serving as the principal of MHS has been one of the greatest professional privileges of my…
The school board approved a $20,000 proposal for design services for a backup generator at Marlatt Elementary during its meeting Wednesday. Board member Greg Hoyt moved to give final approval to a proposal submitted by LST Consulting Engineers of Manhattan for the Marlatt backup generator project. During discussion, board member Curt Herrman explained that Marlatt serves as the district’s “hot site,” meaning it houses an exact copy of the district’s computer system. To view the full article visit theMercury.com.