Warming shelter is open in Manhattan

   The Four Points Sheraton in Manhattan at 530 Richards Drive has opened one of their conference rooms as a warming center effective immediately. Chairs will be provided and the facility will be open 24 hours a day. Anyone who needs shelter from the extreme cold is welcome. The hotel is also offering rooms at a reduced rate for those who need longer term accommodations. Riley County Police Department will have a presence at the shelter.

People contact the desk of the hotel by phone at 785-539-5311 for more information.

People in need of shelter are asked to enter through the main doors or use the conference center entrance to the west. Social distancing and masks will be required for those who stay in the group shelter area. Those who need longer term accommodations are encouraged to stay in the rooms.

“Many families have frozen and broken pipes, or furnaces that stopped working, and they are in need of safe places to stay,” said City Manager Ron Fehr. “It is not safe to be without heat in these extreme conditions. The community is extremely grateful for the generosity of the Four Points Sheraton and their staff.”

A wind chill warning remains in effect for the area until noon on Tuesday, February 16. Dangerous cold with wind chills as low as 25 to 35 degrees below zero is are expected along with additional snowfall possible. Please use extreme caution.  The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.