Photo By Norma Dunning
In a newly redone building, the Manhattan Salvation Army was able to move back into their home at 310 Poyntz.
After the fire in 2012, the Salvation Army has had a nomadic existence, moving from one location to another, until their building was fixed.
On Saturday, that move back became official with a ribbon cutting ceremony, placing the Salvation Army back in the prominent downtown area.
Tom Phillips, Kansas Representative, was in attendance and took some time to comment about the fact that they are where they should be, available for all.
Wynn Butler, Mayor Pro-Tem, also made a few comments about how an “unfriendly action” was made towards the Salvation Army, but they came together and made it through.
Though the first floor was completely redone, the second floor still needs work to make it available. Right now, only stairs leads to the second floor where soon the chapel will be located.
With the fire behind them, focus is to the future and Lieutenant Kirsten Aho, core officer here in Manhattan, mentioned they have a couple of programs coming up including the start of their Pathway of Hope, which will be a more intense case management program, and then they will begin a mentoring program in the fall for children ages 8 to 12 called Sunbeams and Explorers.
