Pats on the Back
Friday, June 19, 2009
THE EMPORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT, which is starting a contact register for all local businesses. The businesses may file a list of contact phone numbers with the department for use in emergencies.
• The organizers of all the events in and around Emporia last weekend. In case you’ve forgotten, Madison had its Madison Days, Cottonwood Falls has the Chase County FolkLife Festival and the Kansas City Symphony performed its annual Symphony in the Flint Hills.
• Kenneth Bingman, Patrice Powell McCrary, Leslie Nicholas, Jerry Parks and Steve Rapp, the five teachers who will be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame at Emporia State University this evening. They represent the best in a profession noted for excellence and dedication.
• The Emporia A-16 Blue baseball squad, which handily won the Jock’s Nitch Classic over the weekend, beating Manhattan Manko Jr. 12-1 in the championship game.
• Ray Owens, who is retiring after eight years as Emporia High School’s head softball coach.
• The winners of Emporia Main Street awards at the organization’s annual meet. High Gear Cyclery & Fitness was named business of the year, Tracey Graham was the volunteer of the year for her work with the Farmers Market and The Gazette’s own Chris Walker was advocate of the year.
• Speaking of the Farmers Market, it deserves a pat, too. With the growing season in full swing, the growers have started a Wednesday night market to complement there Saturday morning market.
• Former Emporia State University pitcher Trent Lare, who has joined a Class A farm club of the New York Yankees.
• The city of Emporia and the Emporia Recreation Commission, which have finally reached an agreement for sharing responsibility for maintaining and operating the Jones Aquatic Center.
Patrick S. Kelley
Editorial Page Editor