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 ...
GARY STINNETT, who took part in the National Drag races in Topeka at Heartland Park. Stinnett is currently ranked 11th in the Super Comp series.
• Jerry Olmsted, who was named the new Business Associate of the Year by the Emporia chapter of the American Business Women’s Association.
• Mike Shown and his company, Flatland Racing, which is expanding into a new 4,800-square-foot building on Graham Street.
• The Chase County Courthouse and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, which were named as finalists in the 8 Wonders of Kansas competition.
• Beta Sigma Phi sorority, which used proceeds from its annual golf tournament to buy children’s supplies for Social and Rehabilitation Services.
• Fletcher Harder, who won the Trusted Choice Junior Golf Classic in Topeka. The win qualified Harder for the state finals.
• Erica Mahan, who is competing in the Miss Kansas Pageant this weekend in Pratt.
• Bryant Linsey, Taylor Barker, Jimmy Michal, Andrew Weiderholt, Jordan Stout and Jacob Stewart, who will play in the 8-Man All-Star Football game in Beloit. Linsey and Barker will play football for ESU.
• Organizers and donors who are helping raise money for the Corner House. Corner House needs to raise $92,000 in 23 days in order to receive $450,000 in challenge grants. Corner House is a half way house for people who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions.