New owners
Kari and Randy Stookey purchased the Diamonds by Design business earlier this year and renamed it Kari’s Diamonds by Design. The Stookeys also have added tuxedo rentals at the store, 802 W. Sixth Ave.
Kari Stookey began her career with a national chain jewelry store in Independence, Mo., and later was manager of a jewelry store in Salina. She joined her family’s jewelry business in Topeka in 2003, after she worked with other national jewelry store chains. Also working at the store is Kathy Zwolenski, who has more than 12 years of jewelry experience in Emporia.
For information, call 342-3899 or log on to www.karisdiamonds.com
Award
Corinne Carr, owner of Special Blessing’s Childcare in Emporia has recently been awarded a National Accreditation from the National Association of Family Child Care, stated the press release. Carr has provided care in her home for 17 years. Special Blessing’s Childcare serves children birth through five years old using the Creative Curriculum, a program “enhanced by field trips and connections with families and community members. Nutritious meals are served as part of the First Choice Food Program and children are provided opportunities to try a variety of foods from many cultures,” Carr is a member of Child Care Provider’s Coalition of Kansas, the Butler Community College Association for Early Childhood Education and Partnership in Learning and Advocacy for Young Children.
Certified
Barbara Fowler, social studies teacher at USD 253 Emporia Middle School received notice in late October that she once again had “achieved the highest honor of the teaching profession,” with the renewal of her National Board Certified Teachers certificate, stated the news release. Fowler’s certificate area was in social studies-history and early adolescence. Roger Caswell is the director of the Emporia State University program which assists teachers who work toward certification.