Chat with the chief
Emporia Police Chief Gary Smith will be the guest for a Gazette online chat Tuesday afternoon. Smith will answer readers questions beginning at 1:30 p.m. on The Gazette’s Web site, www.emporiagazette.com.
Questions may be submitted in advance or during the chat. Free registration is required to participate in the chat
Law at the lakes
Officers of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks will be targeting underage drinkers again this spring on department lands and lakes, including Lyon State Fishing Lake, Osage State Fishing Lake, and Melvern and Pomona reservoirs. Similar efforts last year resulted in arrests for minor in possession and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Many cases of beer and hard liquor were seized last year. Minors caught were cited for violations. Several adults were charged with furnishing intoxicants to minors.
Church recognized
Saffordville United Methodist Church has been recognized by United Methodist communications as an official “Welcoming Congregation.”
“Welcoming Congregations” are a select group of churches nationwide that meet criteria including embracing newcomers and providing opportunities in discipleship, stated the news release.
“Open hearts, open minds, open doors” is the theme of the denominational effort, the centerpiece which is a series of national cable TV advertising, supplemented by regional and local church participation.
The Saffordville church is at 2450 YY Road, also known as the Lake Kahola Road, between Strong City and Emporia. The congregation supports a children’s ministry and Methodist Youth fellowship. Services combine traditional and contemporary elements. The church is handicapped accessible. The pastor is Lori Schwilling.