EDITOR’S NOTE: Each Friday, The Gazette salutes those who make Emporia and the surrounding area a better place to live and work. The following folks deserve a pat on the back ...
William Earl Rainsbarger, who will receive his Eagle Scout Award at a ceremony on Saturday. His Eagle project was to lead a team of 20 volunteers in designing and building a 20-foot sidewalk at First Friends Church.
Gary Stinnett, who won his fourth NHRA Lucas Oil Super Comp world championship. He has won more Super Comp World Championships than any other driver in the history of Super Comp Racing. He won world championships in 1998, 2005, 2010 and 2011.
Jose Soto, who won driver of the year for Thomas Transfer and Storage. He was chosen out of 6,000 drivers and drover more than 64,000 miles with a perfect safety rating.
Barb Fowler, who was named October Teacher of the Month from Gambino’s Pizza and 96.1 The Wave.
Kelsey Balcom, who has been named MIAA’s Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Week.
Tyson Foods, which donated $23,895 to the City of Emporia for an outdoor warning notification system at Las Casitas Park.
Organizers and participants of the Emporia Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. The Parade Marshal Award went to Flinthills Mall. The Parade Committee Award went to Sacred Heart School. The Chamber Award went to the Emporia Polar Plunge Committee and the Mayor’s Award went to Flint Hills Antique Power Association.