Author: Rhonda Zellweger

City of Manhattan crews ended their holiday early yesterday. A crew was called in around 10 p.m. to staff nine trucks as road temperatures fell below freezing, causing some slick spots, especially on the west side of the city. They treated all slippery spots and primary routes to prevent refreezing as temperatures continued dropping overnight. Another crew is currently out checking all routes, and spot treating as necessary. The city’s main concern for this evening is the refreezing of wet and slushy areas, especially on bridges and elevated surfaces. Rotating shifts will continue to monitor and treat or plow as…

Walmart in Manhattan was crawling with Cops…N’ Kids this morning. The two partnered up for the 46th annual opportunity for kids to do some holiday shopping with a cop. Retired RCPD officer of 28 years, and current Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Deputy Rod Cook explains here: Agency representatives from Riley County Police, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s, St. Mary’s Police, Wamego Police, Kansas State University Police, and Kansas State Park Rangers shopped with about 140 children. While riding in the basket of a shopping cart, Kindergartener Dominic Galmore shares what he chose: Galmore’s partner and cart driver, RCPD Director Brian Peete, shares what…

Snow didn’t stop Santa Claus or patrons from visiting Sunset Zoo Saturday evening. Employees continuously shoveled and salted their Luminary Trail, allowing visitors to walk the holiday-lighted path and see all of the zoo’s holiday decorations. Marketing and Development Officer Melissa Kirkwood was pleased that Santa and his helpers made their way to Kansas safely. “He actually has been able to talk to them about some of the things they’ve done this year and how he’s been watching them,” she said. “From what I’ve heard, most everybody is on the good list.” 8-year-old Manhattan resident, Eleanor Yucel was excited to meet Santa. “I got to…

The first ever Kansas Holiday Market took place Saturday at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. More than two dozen vendors featuring Kansas-made goods set up booths, some inside the Discovery Center, others out on the sidewalk, to greet customers who braved the snow. Robin Schneider, a market shopper from Manhattan, says it was a great event to attend. “Of course we always want to support our local shops in Manhattan, but while we were stationed in Germany we always got to experience the outdoor markets and with the weather today and the little shops, we thought we’d come out, explore, and see what…

Apple, Cherry, and Oatmeal Pecan pies were the popular accompaniment to the Manhattan Barefoot Dixieland Band Sunday. The Riley County Genealogical Society hosted a lawn party. President Ginny Petersen explains. Listen here: Petersen says they have mainly Riley County records but also have records for six other local counties. They also assist in research for those without local ties. They have access to multiple online genealogical programs for the entire United States. One of their subscriptions includes worldwide research access. About 100 people attended the 3rd annual Pie Party, filling their yard with lawn chairs to enjoy the band performing…

All eyes were on Calvin Wilson as he slow-rolled into Manhattan’s City Park on Saturday. Wilson, of Junction City, drove his 1966 Ford Fairlane GT so he could show it off at the annual Yard Art Classics Car Club’s: Cars in the Park. Listen to Wilson describe his vehicle here: Wilson says the fundraising is great, but it isn’t his primary reason for participating. He likes his car and he likes seeing the other cars. He likes classic cars of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. Wilson stresses, “…but I do like my Fairlane.” Unfortunately Wilson was called into work, cutting…

The Be Able Community Center was mostly business-as-usual on Labor Day. The difference was a Monday BBQ. Executive Director Scott Voos says being available on holidays is important. Voos says, with other businesses and organizations closed today, it’s important to provide the support and fellowship…which often includes food. Voos says they usually have a BBQ on Fridays, but wanted to honor the occasion with an extra BBQ. He adds that although 15% of their clients are homeless, Be Able is a resource for the entire community. The center helps clients in their search for housing, work, and other resources. But,…

The Life Skills Program at Manhattan High School received a huge donation from a recent graduate Thursday evening. Logan Brooks, 18, chose his alma mater as the recipient of a project he’s doing toward his Eagle Scout. More than 20 scouts from Troop 284 helped bring the supplies into the school, which included laundry soap, cleaning wipes, granola bars, tissues, and more. Brooks says he found a list of needed supplies and his mother asked for donations at work. His parents helped him collect donations from the community on Saturdays. 0817 Brooks 2 Special education teacher and department head, Jamie…

The second annual Run for the Roses to benefit the Kansas State University Gardens saw a generous turnout Saturday including celebrity runners and walkers, taking advantage of a good spring weather morning. Jan Pishny and husband Lyle from Stillwell drove in Friday and Pishny finished first in her age group, but says she was more impressed with the gardens than her own accomplishment. “This garden is so beautiful. I’m glad they’re doing some renovations to it. It’s something they should showcase for the whole community,” she said. Also participating was 96-year-old Marvin Hachmeister, fresh off his whirlwind trip to Washington,…

Poyntz Avenue in downtown Manhattan was closed to traffic Saturday morning. Northview Elementary students ten-year-old Alina Flores and seven-year-old Valentina Flores explained why the street was closed.  The 6th annual Pink up the Pace 5K run and one-mile honor walk was well-attended despite the bitter cold wind. The sisters were with a group of nearly sixty Ascension employees and family members who participated to honor and support their friend. Manhattan resident and breast cancer survivor Karla Quick explains. Johnson Cancer Research Center Assistant Director Dr. Shanna Mittie is also a breast cancer survivor.  Mittie says all proceeds from the event…