Author: Rhonda Zellweger

The Riley County Police Department celebrated Captain Josh Kyle Friday, with a couple hundred of his closest friends. Kyle followed his father’s and grandfather’s paths. He is now retired after serving the community for 31 years. County Commissioner and Law Board member John Ford spoke to KMAN about Kyle’s service to the community. Ford agreed that the community would benefit when asked if Kyle should run for a political office. Kyle, who was a finalist for the RCPD director position earlier this year tells KMAN he is not interested in pursuing public office at this time, but will instead seek…

K-State’s Hale Library recently celebrated bringing back their Concert Series with a new musical composition. “Hale! Hale! Hale!” was composed by Planning and Assessment Librarian, Laurel Littrell. The work is comprised of three movements, each honoring a place in time. Littrell explains: She’s referring to the fire at Hale Library on May 22, 2018. K-State’s Faculty Brass Quintet premiered the new work at this year’s first performance of the Hale Library Concert Series. Friends of the K-State Libraries organizes the annual series. Littrell was honored when the organization asked her to create the work. The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance…

Local celebrity C Clyde Jones celebrated turning 100 years old on Wednesday. His celebration was held over the summer, but he’s now being showered with gifts and well-wishes from around the globe. Jones never planned to make Kansas his home when he accepted a job at Kansas State University. While his party was being planned, he was told he had to pay for the party in a special currency. On his 100th birthday, Jones summed up his journey to Manhattan. The next day he said he doesn’t remember it ever being so cold in Manhattan, noting the high temperature was…

Fort Riley is taking families on a magical trip to the North Pole Saturday. Child & Youth Services Outreach Director Christian Bishop is excited about the hot chocolate bar and more. The Flint Hills Community is invited to the free event. Just stop by the Visitors’ Center at Henry Gate. Bishop says there’s something for everyone, and a chance to visit with some special guys. The Polar Express is on post at 6620 Normandy from 2 to 5 p.m. Bishop says make a day of the visitor pass, and stop by other fun spots on base. 

The calendar is packed full of celebrations at the Flint Hills Discovery Center this month. The Center hosted Breakfast with Santa last Saturday. The Breeden Family was happy to visit with Santa and learn more about the Flint Hills. The Zimmerman Family are members of the Discovery Center. Santa is visiting the Center again December 10th, but the breakfast is sold out. However, there’s a Family New Year’s Eve Celebration planned for Saturday December 31st 6:30 to 9 p.m. Curator of Education Sally Dreher talks about the event. The Center also hosts Day Camps for Kindergarteners through 2nd graders…

Friday evening brought bitter cold wind to Manhattan, but hundreds turned out anyway for the 21st Annual Spirit of the Holidays Lighted Parade. The route started at 3rd and Poyntz, turned onto 11th, then ended on Fremont at City Park. The nearly 70 entries decorated their vehicles and walking members in lights. USD 383 was represented throughout the parade. Manhattan High School’s Marching Band played many holiday songs while glide-stepping in formation.  A school bus decked out in lights was filled with bus drivers throwing candy to the crowd. Mayor Linda Morse appreciates the awareness the parade brings to the…

Riley County Commissioners have proclaimed November 2022 as Native American Heritage Month. Commission Chair Greg McKinley says the State of Kansas is historically home to many native nations including – the Kaw, Osage, and Pawnee. Nathan Dixon accepted the honor on behalf of the Native Americans of Riley County. McKinley noted that Kansas is currently home to four federally recognized native tribes: Prairie Band Potawatomi; the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas; the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; and the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska. McKinley also proclaimed Small Business Saturday is November 26. Here is a couple…

The Lakeside Heights Sewer District #3 and the University Park Water District #4 projects continue to face challenges. Between a 43% increase in costs, and enduring six years of little progress with a lack of accurate and complete information, the projects are likely to be abandoned. Another Public Hearing regarding the special tax districts was well attended Monday at the Riley County Commissioners Meeting. Riley County Deputy Counselor Craig Cox delivered grim news to the property owners. Some residents asked about a variance, but the county cannot approve variances beyond State limitations, which is 0.8 acres minimum for a water well or…

A status hearing was held Tuesday for a pair of former Wamego school teachers accused of unlawful sexual relations with a former student. 51-year-old Allen Sylvester and his 55-year-old wife Deborah Sylvester appeared before Pottawatomie County Judge Erich Campbell, but neither defendant spoke as the decision was made to move the case forward. The couple will next appear in Pottawatomie County District Court for a Feb. 10 preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Allen Sylvester was arrested in late May for the December 2019 offense. He was also arrested in June for a September 2020 offense of the same charge in…

K-State’s College of Education recently recognized a local teacher with a $5,000 community service stipend. A nationally board-certified math teach at Manhattan High School was recently recognized for her outstanding and impactful educational initiatives beyond the classroom. Jancy Davis is developing after-hours math tutoring and assistance for students in both face-to-face and online formats. She’s also offering high school students international travel opportunities during summer break. Davis is one of only eight Kansas State University College of Education alumni across Kansas to receive the community service stipend award from the Today’s Teacher Program. The program enhances K-State’s teacher preparation by…