The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #43 7-29-26
VOLUME 2026 JULY 29 NUMBER 43
President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, Bill Wisdom gave us another wonderful morning reflection and that was followed by the flag salute. (Please step up and give Bill a break, share your reflections with the group!)
ACHES & PAINS: Remember those less fortunate, those suffering and those doing the very best they can.
PROGRAM: Craig Cox introduced Joshua Gering, EMS/Ambulance Assistant Director. Josh lived in Lawrence, attended KU and Baker Universities then moved to Michigan where his wife was attending school; she is now an attorney. They moved back to Kansas in 2012 and has been with Riley County EMS since 2017. Josh has a passion for helping people in need, he got into this career to serve the public. Officials at EMS said his leadership and compassion are reflected in others.
- Training and Conference Room
- Full-time staffed ambulance crew with an on-duty supervisor
- Backup ambulances housed on site
- Living quarters for on-duty EMS staff
- Apparatus bay for vehicle housing and maintenance
- Modernized administrative office space
Since settling into the facility over the summer of 2025, RC EMS leadership has highlighted a significant technology upgrade alongside the physical move. Assistant Director, Josh Gering noted that supply chain and medication management processes – previously paper-based – have transitioned to a modern, technology-supported system as part of the move.
On December 4, 2025, the Riley County Board of Commissioners approved a broader reorganization that builds on the new facility. Riley County EMS, Riley County Fire District #1, and Riley County Emergency Management will merge into a single department: Riley Conty Emergency Services.
- Transition begins in 2026, led by current EMS Director, David Adams as Director of the consolidated department
- Director Adams will maintain offices at both the new EMS HQ (1115 Charles Little Road) and the new Emergency Management/Fire District #1 HQ
- The consolidation eliminates one department-head position, saving the county and estimated $120,000 per year
- 2026 savings will be lower than the full run-rate, since both outgoing and incoming directors will be involved in the transition for approximately 9 months.
In September 2025, county commissioners approved a $2.8 million contract with BHS Construction to remodel the former EMS station at 2011 Claflin Road. That building will become the new headquarters for Emergency Management and Riley County Fire District #1, keeping the property in continued public safety use rather than sitting vacant.
- Headquarters/Station #1 – 1115 Charles Little Road (the new facility)
- Station #2 – 1101 Poyntz Avenue (Manhattan Fire Department Station Two, City Hall)
- Station #3 – 6215 Tuttle Creek Boulevard – (Riley County Public Works Facility)
- Station #4 – 1715 S. Airport Road, Manhattan
If you have any spare quarters, try to get them to Heather before August 12th, or bring them to the August 12th meeting for the Laundry Love program. Assisting those in need with laundry services.
Save the date: Aug 20th, Trap Shoot Park – RSVP to Brad Claussen
Save the date: Sept 5th, Parking at CNB for the first KSU Football game
Save the date: Sept 20th, Annual Picnic at Optimist Park with more information to come.
Save the date: Oct 24th, Annual Chili Crawl (see Bill Wisdom for more information)
Just Try It Youth Triathlon-more information coming soon.
Be watching for a Social Committee Survey coming out soon.
Additional Football Game parking possible in November.
GUESTS: No additional guests were present this morning.
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed
