Each Friday, The Gazette salutes those who make Emporia and the surrounding area a better place to live and work. Give these folks a pat on the back ...
JEFF LARSON, who was appointed by the governor as a new judge for Lyon and Chase County, replacing John Sanderson, who retires next month. Larson has been practicing law since 1987.
• ESU student Jesse England, who was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from The Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America. The scholarships are usually awarded in April, but the president of Fenton Art Glass was so impressed with England’s work that he was awarded the scholarship right away.
• Mary Helmer, who will take a new position as the new assistant state coordinator for the Kansas Main Street. Helmer has been the Emporia Main Street director for 10 years.
• Joe Markowitz, who finally received a Purple Heart for injuries he received in World War II. It took 65 years to receive his medal.
• ESB Financial, which has been awarded a five-star rating for strength and stability by an independent bank-rating firm. This is the 58th consecutive quarter ESB has received a five star rating.
• Emporia High wrestlers Justin Rose and Sal Tovar, who won titles at the Emporia High’s winter classic.
• North Lyon County students who exceeded state expectations on the Adequate Yearly Progress scores. The district as a whole scored 25.7 percentage points higher than the goal set by the state.
• Malik Livingston, who won the Geography Bee at Lowther South Intermediate School.