Arts + Culture

Fifty Years Strong

Since 1976, Manhattan's PRCA rodeo has shined as the brightest star of the summer Article by Tyler Jackson | Photography by Provided It’s a super hot, late July evening in the Flint Hills of Kansas. It’s that time of year where summer seems to just rise from the pavement. The smell of funnel cakes, burgers, kettle corn and all the fair-food favorites fill the blistering air. Carnival rides spin in the distance. The echoes of 4-H livestock shows drift across the fairgrounds. Cowboys, families...

Arts + Culture

Sailing The Flint Hills

Kansas wind, open water and a proud sailing tradition reveal an unexpected adventure in the heart of the Flint Hills. Article by Kenny Whitis | Photography by Tim Sigle | Sigle Photography On a beautiful day across open water, the Commodore calls firmly to his trimmer, “prepare to come about.” A few steady moments pass as the white sailboat with forest green accents holds its line. Then, swiftly, comes the next command: “Come about!” With a quick pull of a rope, the sails shift sides, the...

Travel

Visit Steamboat Springs!

A mountain escape for every season, Steamboat Springs offers snowy winter adventures, sunny summer exploration, and pure Colorado charm year-round. Article by Paul A. Danler | Photography by Randy Winkler & Provided Just over 600 miles, or a little more than nine hours west of the Little Apple, Steamboat Springs, Colorado feels like a world away. The drive itself is part of the adventure, carrying travelers from the rolling Flint Hills across the High Plains, through Denver, and into the...

Arts + Culture

Matt McMurray

As part of our continuing 2026 Men of Impact series, it is our honor & privilege to introduce you to Manhattan Hyvee's newest Store Director, Matt McMurray. - - - Matt McMurrayStore Director, Manhattan Hy-VeeFor Matt McMurray, returning to Manhattan as store director of Hy-Vee Store 1398 feels like a full-circle moment. Originally from Hutchinson, Kansas, McMurray came to Manhattan for school, built early roots in the community, and eventually began a Hy-Vee career that took him through...

Arts + Culture

Rob Wild

Rob Wild Agent, Wild & Associates LLC. American Family InsuranceBorn and raised in Essex, England, Rob Wild once dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player for his beloved Tottenham Hotspur. Instead, life led him on a journey centered around something even greater: helping people.After earning a degree in Sports & Exercise Psychology from the University of Chichester, Rob traveled the world before coming to America to work at a summer camp for children with disabilities. It...

Arts + Culture

Ronnie Grice

Q&A with Ronnie GriceChief of Police, Kansas State University (Ret.)Q: Where are you originally from, and what path eventually brought you to Manhattan?A: I grew up in a small rural farming community in Arkansas before attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I earned a degree in political science with a minor in pre-law. While I was in college, I worked for the school district, starting as a custodian and eventually working my way up to custodial supervisor and foreman. At...

Arts + Culture

Dennis Cook

Dennis CookDirector, Aggieville Business AssociationQ: You've become one of the most recognizable faces in Aggieville. For readers who may not know exactly what you do, how would you describe your job?A: I always tell people this isn't the mall, and I'm not the mall manager. My job isn't leases or contracts. My job is to be the district's liaison to everybody who impacts our businesses. That includes the City of Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas State University, Fort Riley, law enforcement...

Arts + Culture

Dan Michaels

Q&A with Dan MichaelsRadio DJ & Market Manager, Eagle Communications- - - Q: Most people around Manhattan know you as "DJ Dan," but let's start at the beginning. Tell us about growing up in Blue Rapids and the path that eventually led you to broadcasting.A: I grew up in Blue Rapids and graduated from Valley Heights High School in 1993. After graduation I joined the Navy because I thought that was going to be my career. Unfortunately, I received a medical discharge, so I came back home...

Arts + Culture

Jesse Perez Mendez

Q&A | Jesse Perez MendezProvost & Executive Vice President, Kansas State University- - -Q: Before becoming Provost at Kansas State, your career path took a few unexpected turns. What did you dream about becoming as a kid?A: I think I changed my mind every few years. At one point I wanted to be a stand-up comedian. Then I thought about becoming a priest. As I got older, politics really interested me, so I decided to go to law school because I thought I'd practice law for a few years...

Arts + Culture

Dr. Joseph Awika

Dr. Joseph AwikaDirector of K-State Food Science Institute Dr. Joseph Awika is an internationally-renowned food scientist, Director of K-State Food Science Institute, and the Head of Kansas State University’s Grain and Food Science Department. Born in rural Kenya, Dr. Awika left home for boarding school at just 12 years old, an endeavor made possible by his father’s sacrifice. In high school, he chose food science from a list of potential college majors, because of the potential to...