With the Westmoreland tornado and Burkland fire, Pottawatomie County had more than its share of emergencies this year. The outstanding coordination efforts of the Emergency Management Department did not go unnoticed. Emergency Management Director Jennifer Merrow was named Emergency Management Professional of the Year by the Kansas Emergency Management Association (KEMA). KEMA President Jillian Rodrique presented Merrow with the award at this week’s county commission meeting. The award is presented to an emergency management professional who has been an outstanding leader for a number of years, who exemplifies the ideals of professional public service, has high principles of community preparedness, meets the KCEM certification, and has a personal dedication to the safety of their own community. “That is absolutely true about Jennifer,” said Rodrique. “Working in Northeast Kansas I have gotten to work alongside her and I’ve definitely seen this. I know how hard she works to build that Emergency Management program.”
Source: themercury.com

Manhattan’s new city manager says she’s looking forward to working with local leaders to improve the community. Danielle Dulin on Monday introduced herself to officials from several regional agencies at the monthly intergovernmental meeting at K-State and said she’s excited about getting started. “The vibrancy of this community immediately draws you in and the energy that is here,” Dulin said. “That’s what draws you in.” Dulin began her new position Oct. 14. She earned her bachelor’s degree from K-State in 2007 after growing up in southwest Kansas. After working two years for the Federal Reserve in Kansas City, she earned a master’s degree in public education from the University of Kansas in 2011 and went to work in the city government of Mission Hills. She then moved on to Prairie Village and eventually Lenexa. Before Manhattan city commissioners hired her, she was the city manager of Warrensburg, Missouri, a city of about 20,000 people.
Source: themercury.com