USD 383’s total enrollment is down 310 students this year, the second year in a row for a decline, according to a report at Wednesday’s school board meeting.

The total number of students enrolled from kindergarten to grade 12 is 6,155, Manhattan-Ogden assistant superintendent Nathan Downs said. The district takes an official headcount each fall on the 20th day of school. In September 2025, there were 6,465 students enrolled from kindergarten to grade 12.

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The Riley County Police Department paid Flock Safety $33,000 this year for access to its 11 surveillance cameras around town, according to documents obtained by The Mercury.

The police department in 2023 made an agreement with the company, which makes high-speed, computer-controlled cameras that capture license plate and vehicle information for investigations. The Mercury obtained that contract through a request under the state’s public-records law.

The initial order was for 12 months with a 24-month renewal term. That means the contract will be up for renewal at the end of 2026. The initial cost — that is, the total for the first year of service — was $43,400 and included hardware, an operating system and implementation services.

To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

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The Manhattan-Ogden school board on Wednesday night approved new paint and flooring at Marlatt Elementary.

The update includes $34,795 for a planned painting and flooring replacement project.

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A woman is suing a former Manhattan priest, Seven Dolors Catholic Church and its parent organizations because she said the priest made “unwanted sexual contact,” coerced and sexually harassed her. She says the church failed to protect her from the man after she reported his abuse.

The priest, Ryan Anthony McCandless, 44, was arrested in July and is still in the Republic County Jail. He is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a 6-year-old child in Belleville. He served in posts in Manhattan in 2021-23.

To view the full article visit theMercury.com.

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MHS principal Mike Dorst announced Tuesday his plans to retire effective this summer.

Dorst, 54, said in a statement that at the end of June he will have completed his 31st year in education, 21st as an administrator, 19th year as an administrator with MHS/USD 383, and eighth year as principal of Manhattan High School.

The post MHS principal Mike Dorst to retire July 1 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

MHS principal Mike Dorst announced Tuesday his plans to retire effective this summer.

Dorst, 54, said in a statement that at the end of June he will have completed his 31st year in education, 21st as an administrator, 19th year as an administrator with MHS/USD 383, and eighth year as principal of Manhattan High School.

The post MHS principal Mike Dorst to retire July 1 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

MHS principal Mike Dorst announced Tuesday his plans to retire effective this summer.

Dorst, 54, said in a statement that at the end of June he will have completed his 31st year in education, 21st as an administrator, 19th year as an administrator with MHS/USD 383, and eighth year as principal of Manhattan High School.

The post MHS principal Mike Dorst to retire July 1 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

The school board approved a $20,000 proposal for design services for a backup generator at Marlatt Elementary during its meeting Wednesday.

Board member Greg Hoyt moved to give final approval to a proposal submitted by LST Consulting Engineers of Manhattan for the Marlatt backup generator project.

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Homeowners will see an average increase of almost 8% in USD 383 property taxes next year.

The Manhattan-Ogden school board approved a plan Wednesday that includes a budget increase of 21%, from $125.4 million in 2025-26 to $152.1 million in 2026-27. That’s an increase of $26.7 million.

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The husband of a fired elementary principal went before the USD 383 school board Wednesday and demanded an investigation into the district’s treatment of alleged violations at other schools.

Dan Henke, who is married to former Marlatt Elementary principal Sheila Henke, spoke during public comment at the board meeting.

The post Former principal’s husband calls for investigation into other schools’ alleged policy violations appeared first on News Radio KMAN.