Author: Rhonda Zellweger

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…

Wamego held their 36th annual Tulip Festival over the weekend, despite Mother Nature’s attempt to interrupt the celebration. Wamego Chamber of Commerce Event and Tourism Coordinator Tegan Kreider downplayed the strong wind in true Kansan style. The tulips held up to the heavy rain and subsequent strong wind like champions. But vendors were physically holding their tents from blowing away in the 30mph wind, with gusts of 45mph Sunday. The previous day it was cold with heavy rainfall, which flooded tents causing a few of the more than 165 vendors to leave the park to protect their product. But most…

There was a crowd on the lawn of the Family and Child Resource Center in Manhattan Saturday morning. Julie Gibbs, Director of the Riley County Health Department explains. Inside the building, families could explore the services available and receive free goodies, while the Easter Bunny was outside dropping eggs and candy all over their yard. Ten-year-old Manhattan resident, Hana Alemie is one of the more than 400 residents who attended the new event. Alemie, a Northview Elementary student, didn’t hunt for treats herself, instead choosing to help her eight-year-old brother and five-year-old sister. Gibbs says she’s pleasantly surprised by…

The Student Union was the hub of the annual K-State Open House, but the wonderful smell before entering the building was thanks to Thompson’s BBQ Smokehouse. Registered K-State Caterer, Ervin Thompson, was cooking up and selling his delicious food to help the community. Thompson says he decided to help the shelters after learning they are in need of baby supplies. There’s still an opportunity to help out and enjoy some great food. Thompson says he will continue to support community members. He remembers how his community helped him when he was in need. The BBQ Chef is featured at many K-State…