Court officers honored
The Kansas Association of Court Services Officers has recognized two Emporia State University graduates for outstanding professional services. The awards were presented Thursday at the association’s annual awards dinner in Hutchinson.
Ruth A. Wheeler of Emporia, court administrator for the 5th Judicial District, earned the group’s Distinguished Service Award. Since May 2008, she has served the 5th district, which covers Lyon and Chase counties. In 1988, she began her career as a court services officer in the 4th Judicial District, which comprises Coffey, Osage, Anderson and Franklin counties; in late 1994, she became the district’s chief court services officer.
In the court services association, she has served as president, secretary, training chairperson and a member of the executive board.
She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State.
Another ESU graduate, Nicki B. Taylor-Morris, earned recognition as a co-recipient of the Rick Land MXTE Award, which salutes officers who show mental toughness and extra effort. She shared the award with Brandi J. Hake. Both are court services officers in the 12th Judicial District.
Altitude set to open
A ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Altitude at Cole’s is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday at Cole’s, 707 Commercial St. The Emporia Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau will be host for the ceremony.
Altitude at Cole’s, which occupies the upstairs of the building, is described in a news release as “an upscale lounge bar offering top-shelf liquors.” The club, which is open only to those 21 and older, has set its grand opening for Friday. RSVPs to owner@colesemporia.com are required for those who want to secure a spot on the grand-opening guest list.
Stephen Cole owns Cole’s and Altitude at Cole’s.
President-elect
Vicki J. Worrell, associate professor of health, physical education and recreation at Emporia State University, is the new president-elect of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Worrell was elected at the organization’s national convention in Tampa, Fla.
As a national spokesperson for the American Alliance, Worrell will be addressing the organization’s role in advocating for well-balanced high quality daily physical education programs in our nation’s schools so that all children are given the opportunity to achieve their physical and academic potential.