Jack Lindquist, Executive Director of the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, shares the 33-year history and impact of this regional leadership initiative. The program builds collaborative relationships across Geary, Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, and Morris counties to foster regional problem-solving and create positive change.

• Created 33 years ago through partnership between Fort Riley, Kansas State University, and regional Chambers of Commerce
• Nearly 660 graduates have completed the program since the first class in 1993-94 
• Participants develop regional networks and collaborative relationships across diverse communities
• Selection process targets emerging leaders already demonstrating leadership qualities
• Monthly sessions rotate through different communities covering topics like team building, conflict resolution, and advocacy
• Program runs September through February with graduation in Pottawatomie County this year
• Application deadline is July 20th with all materials submitted through frlp.org
• $600 tuition with scholarships available for nonprofit employees and small business owners

Applications for the upcoming class are now being accepted at frlp.org through July 20th.

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The YES Fund supports Manhattan's youth through after-school programming, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening the community since its founding in 1993 following devastating floods.

• YES Fund originated when community leaders recognized that youth lacked meaningful after-school activities
• Annual campaign generates approximately $300,000 for youth programs across Manhattan
• Supports diverse organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Manhattan Arts Center, and sports programs
• K-State education students volunteer with funded organizations, creating a university-community partnership
• Originally housed at the Manhattan Mercury through connections with the McCormick Foundation
• Now operates through the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, with major donors providing matching funds
• Campaign runs publicly from July through the first Sunday in September
• Organizations rely on YES Funding as part of their annual budgets for sustainability

Support the YES Fund campaign starting July 7th through the first Sunday in September to help strengthen our community by providing engaging activities for Manhattan's youth.

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Karla Hagemeister of the Flint Hills Breadbasket shares remarkable statistics about their new facility and the rising need for food support in Manhattan. After moving to a larger location in May, they're now serving record numbers.  With over 2,000 family visits in June alone, Karla reflects on both the community's generosity and growing economic challenges.

• The Breadbasket moved to a new, larger facility in late April, beginning operations May 8th
• Weekly visits have increased dramatically, with 601 families served in a single week
• Monthly household visits rose from 795 in April to 897 in June
• High housing costs and service industry jobs contribute to food insecurity in Manhattan
• Summer brings increased demand as children are home, while donations typically decrease
• SNAP benefits provide nine meals for every meal a food bank can provide
• A family of eight saved $1,000 in grocery costs in one month through Breadbasket support
• The organization welcomes K-State student interns who gain valuable nonprofit experience
• Volunteers are always needed to meet the growing demand

If you'd like to support the Flint Hills Breadbasket's efforts to combat hunger in our community, please consider volunteering your time or making a food or financial donation. Every contribution helps us serve our neighbors in need.

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The Salvation Army's 360 Life Center in Manhattan, Kansas, represents a groundbreaking approach to community service as the first rural pilot program of its kind in the United States. Director Susan Evans and volunteer Carla Johnson share how they've expanded from helping 25-30 people monthly to over 1,000 by identifying and filling service gaps through collaborative partnerships.

• The 360 Life Center approach allows flexibility to address any area of need without time limits
• Operation Street Outreach helps those living on the streets with immediate necessities and connections to services
• Center works collaboratively with numerous local organizations to avoid service duplication
• Special focus on helping those who fall between the cracks of traditional assistance programs
• Transformed froma  traditional thrift store to providing free donations to those in need
• Created an outdoor garden and hydration station accessible 24/7 during extreme weather
• Specific support for women, families, and individuals with criminal or addiction histories
• Veteran support services, particularly for women veterans

If you'd like to help, the Salvation Army currently needs water, Gatorade, tents, sleeping bags, and blankets. Drop off Tuesday-Friday 10-3 or Saturday 3-10 pm at 310 Poyntz, or call for pickup arrangements.

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The Art Press Fund is transforming Manhattan's cultural landscape by bringing diverse events to the community while renovating a historic Art Deco building into a 400-person indoor venue to complement their successful outdoor space.

• Eric Kleiner, musician with Headlight Rivals, leads the organization alongside Derek Richards and his sister
• The fund's three main goals include providing affordable/free entertainment for all ages, bringing diverse music genres to Manhattan, and creating year-round entertainment options
• The historic Ag Press building renovation will create a 400-person indoor venue expected to open in early 2025
• Arts in the Park concert series, now in its third year under Art Press management, continues a 50-year tradition of free community concerts
• The venue will host more than concerts, including art showings, speakers, and community meetings
• The organization seeks community support to continue growing its cultural offerings
• People can find information about upcoming events and support opportunities via "The Press" on social media platforms and the Art Press District website

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Rich Jankovich, Chapter President of the Fort Riley-Central Kansas AUSA chapter, explains the organization's mission to serve America's Army, veterans, National Guard, Reserves, and their families through education, professional development, and advocacy.

• AUSA's Fort Riley-Central Kansas chapter covers from east of Topeka to the western Kansas border, making it one of the largest chapters geographically
• The organization works alongside the Military Relations Committee and Military Affairs Committee to connect military and civilian communities
• AUSA has collaborated with General Perry Wiggins to implement reciprocal licensing laws for military spouses in professions like nursing and teaching
• Membership is open to everyone, not just those with military backgrounds
• The Army is celebrating its 250th birthday while AUSA marks its 75th anniversary with special half-price membership options
• Gary Sinise recently performed at Fort Riley with the Lieutenant Dan Band and spoke about the importance of simply "showing up" for military members
• Jankovich, though not a veteran himself, is driven by understanding the unique challenges military families face compared to civilian families

To learn more about AUSA or become a member, visit ausa.org, contact Rich Jankovich at [email protected], or reach out through the Manhattan or Junction City chambers.

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Michael Stubbs, president of Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards, shares the inspiring 20-year journey of preserving a historically and ecologically significant 165-acre park. From rescuing the land from potential development to creating accessible trails where visitors can experience wagon ruts from the 1840s and diverse prairie ecosystems, this volunteer-led effort showcases grassroots conservation at its finest.

• Original 30-acre site commemorated the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony and contained historic trail ruts, Underground Railroad connections, and Native American sacred sites
• Prairie Guards formed in 2005 when the state planned to return the undeveloped parkland to private ownership
• Volunteers purchased adjacent properties, eventually expanding to 165 acres when development threatened in 2019
• New improvements include an access road, ADA-compliant trails, water, power, and a specially designed parking area for all visitors
• The site serves as an educational resource for schools, libraries, and athletes while preserving one of Kansas' most diverse tallgrass prairie remnants
• Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards operates entirely with volunteers and no paid staff
• The name "Prairie Guards" connects to the original militia formed by Connecticut abolitionists who settled the area in 1856
• The original Mitchell farmstead, once an Underground Railroad station, will be open for tours during the 20th anniversary celebration

For more information about visiting Mount Mitchell Prairie, located at the junction of K-18 and Highway 99 (approximately 15 miles from Manhattan or 3 miles south of the Wamego bridge), join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.

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Manhattan Area Technical College has transformed from a vocational technical school into an enterprise center for workforce training, offering both traditional college pathways and flexible skills-based education through their Tech Plus program. The college boasts an impressive 98-99% job placement rate with graduates earning $50-70K+ right out of school, demonstrating the critical need for technical education in today's workforce landscape.

• Tech Plus program offers individual-facing, skills-based education without traditional college enrollment
• Easy online enrollment system makes signing up for classes as simple as shopping on Amazon
• 86% of graduates stay in the Manhattan area, creating significant local economic impact
• Regional Testing Center features eight national accreditations, attracting students from across the Midwest
• Nursing initiative has expanded to address critical healthcare workforce shortages
• AI cannot replace hands-on technical skills but creates new opportunities for technically skilled workers
• MATC proactively works with businesses to identify and address workforce skills gaps

Visit manhattantech.edu/techplus to explore our skills-based education options and enroll in courses today.

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Kitty Pursley joins us to discuss the third annual Little Apple Splash, the world's premier canine aquatics competition coming to Blue Earth Plaza this weekend, featuring dogs jumping from a dock into a pool competing in three disciplines. 

• Manhattan hosts the national competition as a qualifier for the world championship in Dubuque, Iowa
• Competition includes big air (long jump), extreme vertical (high jump), and speed retrieve 
• 295 entries will transform Blue Earth Plaza into "Dog Town" with competitors from across the country
• Free admission for spectators with events Friday (11am-6pm), Saturday and Sunday (9am-4pm)
• Various vendors include banks, K-State Vet Hospital, dog-related businesses, and food from Aggieville Brewing
• Special "Frankly Unacceptable" beer created for the event with $1 from each going to Bark Foundation
• Hy-Vee partnership creates "grab bags" for Prairie Paws Animal Shelter that shoppers can purchase and donate
• Launch party Thursday at 6pm at Aggieville Brewing's patio is open to the public
• Tyler Jackson joins to discuss his role in promoting the event through social media and event support

Join us at Blue Earth Plaza this weekend for this free family fun event!

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The Flint Hills Summer Fun Camp offers inclusive summer camp experiences for all children regardless of their abilities. Founded in 2010 by mothers of children with autism, the camp has grown to serve approximately 40 children from three school districts with professional staff and community support.

• Started in 2010 by mothers who wanted camp experiences for their children with autism
• Serves children ages 5 through high school with and without special needs
• Accommodates visible and invisible disabilities including autism, anxiety, TBI, and ADHD
• Staffed by certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and ABA providers 
• Runs six weeks during summer from 8am-4pm at Marlette Elementary
• Partners with community organizations like Beach Museum and the library
• Plans special events including sensory-friendly movie outings
• Currently in its 13th year with the potential to serve 44 children
• Welcomes new camper registrations throughout the summer
• Relies on community support and fundraisers to provide scholarships and activities

Visit flinthillssummerfuncamp.com to register your child or find information about supporting the camp. Join their fundraiser tonight at Raising Cane's from 3-10pm!

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