The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2025 #36 7-2-25

VOLUME 2025     JULY 2     NUMBER 36

President Greg McCune welcomed all, and Craig Cox gave us the following daily reflection that was followed by the flag salute.

LIBERTY! No peace without freedom, a revision of Patrick Henry’s address to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775. “No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights: and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.” “Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free - if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending – if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained – we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!” “There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable – and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come! It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace – but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

ACHES & PAINS: Be kind always and remember to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy each day!

PROGRAM: Craig Cox introduced our speaker today, Evan McMillan, Public Works Assistant Director/County Engineer for Riley County. Evan grew up in Wichita Kansas, where he attended Bishop Carroll high school. He is the middle child of three and was raised a K-state Wildcat. Along with his other siblings, Evan attended Kansas State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in civil engineering and Masters in Structural Engineering. After graduation, Evan moved to Little Rock Arkansas where he worked for 3 years as a bridge designer before moving back to his Alma mater in 2021. Prior to moving to Arkansas, Evan met his fiancé Maddie, who is originally from Manhattan is now a practicing PA in the area. Evan is passionate about helping others and working hard to provide value to the community. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hunting and fishing, and spending time with friends and family.

Today, Evan gave us some perspective on the Sales Tax Projects. Riley County has 230 miles of roads, 130 bridges, 370 large culverts and 3700 small culverts. Many county roads need to be reconstructed to minimum modern design standards, over 20% of all county bridges and culverts are deficient and need to be replaced and increased traffic and heavier truck loads have accelerated road and bridge deterioration.

• Age of Structures
• Bridge lane widths too narrow
• Poor visibility on narrow roads
• Inadequate road shoulders
• Obstacles near the roadway bridge abutments, trees
• Sharp curves
• Steep roadside slopes
• Weight limit restrictions on bridges

Local sales tax allows for infrastructure improvements, without increasing property taxes. Smart growth, community benefit and financial responsibility. Grants (KDOT Cost Share, KLBIP and Off-System Bridge Program) have all been applied for in the past year for infrastructure projects. Current bridges to be worked on, Crooked Creek Rd, Green-Randolph Rd, Kansas Ave, Lasita Rd, Silver Creek Rd and Sunstead Ln. Culverts to be worked on, Airport Rd, Halls Ravine Rd and S 32nd St. Current Roadway Projects are K13/US24 Intersection as well as K113/US 24 Intersection, both will be roundabout intersections. After their completion, the Marlatt Ave corridor will have upgrades. Lastly, the 2025 asphalt overlays include, Rosencutter Rd, Henton Rd, Moehlman Rd, South Manhattan Ave, Stagg Hill Rd and Skyway Dr.

Future projects include: Bridges – 56th Ave, Airport Rd, Swede Creek, Stockdale Park Rd, Caley Rd, Vilander Rd, North Otter Creek Rd, Bala Rd and Fairview Church Rd. Culverts – Fairview Church Rd, Jerusalem Rd, LK & W Rd, Skow Rd and Tabor Valley Rd. Asphalt Overlays – Winkler Mills Rd and Fancy Creek Rd.

There is so much more information out there that Evan shared and if you would like to read more, I would suggest emailing Evan at emcmillan@rileycountyks.gov

Manhattan Optimist Club was once again voted BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATION – keep up the great work!

Marketing Campaign is on Facebook and there have been Radio Ads. Look and sound great, be sure to share on Facebook.

Social Committee: Save the date, July 22nd at 3:30, tour the KSU Volleyball facility and Olympic training facility then head over to Rockin’ K’s for Happy Hour and perhaps dinner.

Save the date for the Fall Social at Optimist Park. September 21st at 5:00pm (more information to come)

T-Ball is going well – thanks to all helping out.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.

SAVE THE DATE: Tour of KSU Volleyball and Olympic Facilities July 22nd

JULY 9 – NOON MEETING: Program: Nick French, Asst. Director, Accord Hospice: Topic: “Overview of Accord Hospice Services & Community Support Events”

JULY 9 – NOON MEETING: Program: Nick French, Asst. Director, Accord Hospice: Topic: “Overview of Accord Hospice Services & Community Support Events”

JULY 16 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Judge John McNish, Magistrate Judge, 21st Judicial District: Topic: “21st Judicial District Legal Activities”

JULY 23 – NOON MEETING: Program: Megan Lewis, Director, Riley County Community Corrections: Topic: “Riley County Community Corrections”

JULY 30 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Jacob Galyon, Will Habiger, Sherie Taylor, Riley Co. Geographic System: Topic: “What’s Happening with the GIS”