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 ....
THE FAMILY of Beau Arndt for their perseverance through the unimaginable horror of Arndt’s death last Saturday at age 18. Arndt would have turned 19 on Tuesday. We wish the Arndt family the best during what will be an extraordinarily difficult holiday season.
- County investigators for their diligence in investigating Arndt’s death and locating the occupants of the pickup truck that fled from the scene of the shooting.
- The Regional Development Association of East-Central Kansas for its role in spearheading massive investment growth in Emporia and Lyon County. The group’s annual membership meeting revealed that capital investment in the area ballooned to $511 million in the past two years.
- Riverside Elementary School students, faculty and staff, and everyone who has helped them with their annual drive for needy families. The effort organizes donations of food, clothing, shoes and toys.
- Emporia Habitat for Humanity for building a home for Patricia Baray and her five sons, which was completed in time to serve as a wonderful Christmas gift. Emporia Habitat for Humanity has now constructed 13 homes.
- Emporia State forward Allie Renberg for being selected as last week’s MIAA player of the week. Renberg put up 26 points and snagged 12 rebounds in the Hornets’ 111-51 demolition of Central Methodist on Dec. 14.