The 22nd Annual Freedom Fest Celebration is scheduled for November 8 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.! All fitness levels can participate in competitive or noncompetitive events, including runs or walks, cycling, disc golf, and more.
The 2025 Freedom Fest Events include: Wagon Wheel Freedom Run 5K (Virtual and On-Site), Freedom Rides: 20 Mile Ride (Virtual and On-Site) or 52 Mile Ride (Virtual only), Dynamic Disc Freedom Fest Open, Vigilance Martial Arts Norwegian Foot March (On-site only), Southern Star Warrior Spur Challenge (On-Site only) and the Freedom Fest Expo.
Registration for all events are now open. For more information on events, schedules and merchandise, visit Emporia Freedom Fest at emporiafreedomfest. org. Early bird registration ends on October 4.
Neosho Rapids Haunted House
The Neosho Rapids Haunted House will be held on October 18, 24 and 25. Ticket sales and concessions are from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Neosho Rapids Community Center, 238 N. Main. Hayrack rides to the haunted house begin at dusk. Tickets for the haunted house are $11. Receive a $1 off with a canned food donation.
Tractor Drive
The Flinthills Antique Power Association invites you to join them for their Fall Tractor Tour of Chase County on Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m. From Bazaar, they will loop 18 miles to historic Matfield Green and enjoy lunch. Then loop east to the scenic Sharpes Creek Road and return to Bazaar. This will be a total of 37 miles.
Tractors must meet some standards for safety and speed. For insurance purposes, drivers must be an EDGE-TA member or purchase a membership available that day for $35.
Too cute to spook? They have a kids trailer available with candy and coloring.
This event is sponsored by Neosho Rapids Lions Club, City of Neosho Rapids Community Projects, Neosho Rapids Parks Committee and Lyon County Fire District #5.
The Veterans of Emporia invite you to participate in this year’s Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11. The parade is at 9:30 a.m.
To participate in the parade, all entries must be received by October 15.
Please make their day and let your tractor join their bunch!
For more information, call Carl at 913-428-6124.
You can enter at https://visitemporia.com/veteransparade-forms/ or call the American Legion Post 5 at (620) 342-1119.
Storytime
Storytime at the Emporia Public Library will be held on Thursdays, baby 9:15 a.m., toddler 9:45 a.m., and preschool at 10:30 a.m.
Cloverleaf 4-H Club
By Clara Fischer, Club Reporter
The Cloverleaf 4-H Parent meeting was called to order by Amanda Storrer (President Emily Storrer’s mother). There were 28 members present tonight. Members held officer elections for the upcoming 4-H year. Club members shared what projects were displayed at the Kansas State Fair and how they did. Great job Cloverleaf! There are many upcoming events for 4-H, members pay attention to emails and the Facebook page. The meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm followed by recreation of “Line Up”.
FOOD PANTRIES
EMPORIA
The First Christian Church, is moving to 1702 W. 15th Ave., they will hold their Food Pantry on the last Monday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. or until food is gone. Enter on the west side of the building.
The First United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 823 Merchant, is open each Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. You are allowed to pick up food once a month.
LEBO
The Lebo Community Food Pantry located behind the Lebo Baptist Church is open Mondays 5-7 p.m., Thursdays 9-11 a.m., and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.-noon.
This is open to residents of 66856 and 66868.
HARTFORD
The Hartford Community Food Pantry, 201 E. Park Ave., will be open Wednesday, October 8 from 4-6:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clothing and some household goods are available.
This is open to residents of the USD #252 School District, Jacobs Creek and residents of Reading.
ALLEN
The North Lyon County Food Pantry is open Wednesday, October 8, from 4 - 6 p.m. Drive by the Allen United Methodist Church at 521 Grimsley Street and they’ll bring out a box of goodies to your car. This is open to residents of USD 251. A one-time form is requested.
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge announces cooperative farming opportunities near Hartford
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in Coffey and Lyon Counties, Kansas has a Cooperative Agricultural Agreement opportunity for the farming of 375.5 acres on the Refuge starting in March 2026 and continuing through December 2028.
The 375.4 acres of farm ground are available on the Refuge for cash rent. The Refuge plans to offer this farmland in two units through Cooperative Agricultural Agreements. These contracts will be awarded by the Refuge through a competitive bid process (cash rent per acre).
Sealed bids can be delivered by hand,
mailed to P.O Box 128 Hartford, KS 66854, or emailed to branden_doering@ fws.gov. All bids must be received by 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The bid opening will be held at the Refuge office at 530 W. Maple Ave., in Hartford, KS, and is open to the public. The opportunity will be awarded to the highest bidder. All applicants will be notified by COB October 15, 2025.
For more information or to obtain a bid package, please contact Assistant Refuge Manager Branden Doering at 620-3925553 ext 105.
DINING • ARTS • ENTERTAINMENT
BREAKFAST IN AMERICUS
Specials
Project Playscape will hold their monthly breakfast on Sunday, October 12, 8-11 a.m. at the Americus Community Center. Menu includes pancakes or biscuits and gravy with juice for $5 or pancakes, biscuits and gravy with juice for $7. To place a to go order, you can call 620-794-1685.
BINGO IN BURLINGTON
Join in on the bingo fun every second Wednesday of each month at the Rock Creek Country Club, 304 North 16th. Doors open at 5 p.m. Early bird starts at 6:30 p.m. Regular Bingo begins at 7 p.m. Concessions and bar service available. Floyd Lewis Foundation
TRACTOR DRIVE
Saturday, October 4, 2025 • 9:00 am
The Flinthills Antique Power Association invites you to join our fall tractor tour of Chase County, Kansas. From Bazaar, Kansas we will loop 18 miles to historic Matfield Green and enjoy lunch. We’ll then loop east to the scenic Sharpes Creek Rd and return to Bazaar. (37 total miles).
Tractors must meet some standards for safety and speed. For insurance purposes, drivers must be an EDGE-TA member or purchases a membership available that day. ($35)
Please make our day and let your tractor join our bunch!
For more information, call Carl at 913-428-6124
UPCOMING AUCTION! LYON COUNTY, KS
Vaughn-Roth Land Brokers is honored to represent the Madison Methodist Church with the sale of this beautiful Flint Hills pasture tract via online auction. The parcel is located between Madison and Olpe, 1-mile west of 99 Highway. Featuring stout unbroke open native grasses, three ponds, a springy draw, minimal brush/tree pressure, and 100’ of topography change, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
320 +/- Acres Rd 20 & Rd L - Madison, KS
Online auction beginning at Noon on 10/20/2025 with a dynamic closing to start at Noon on 10/23/2025. For more information, please visit our website or call Henry Ott at 620-437-7340.
MORSTORF ESTATE AUCTION #2
FRIDAY
34” rear rollers, inoperable • 22” backhoe bucket GUNS (SELL AT 11:00) Stored off premises. US Springfield 1878 rifle • S&W 22A, LR semi, new • Ruger SR9 9MM semi, new • JC Higgins
etc.
BB AND PELLET GUNS
At least 50, Daisy, Crossman, PowerMaster, Gamatic, from 1960’s up • BOW • Barnett Panzer crossbow with Bushnell scope AMMO (After the guns)
TELESCOPE
Celestron 5 Telescope by Celestron Pacific
Ranch Animal Stories & Music Pioneer Bluffs Fall Roundup
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 11, two special programs are planned for the annual Pioneer Bluffs Fall Roundup – with special appeal for those who love animals, ranching, and music.
The event will begin at 2:00 with a welcome and quick year-in-review. Then a panel of experienced veterinarians will take the stage for “Flint Hills Vets tell their Best Ranch Stories.”
These “ranch docs” will share memorable experiences –funny, wild, sweet – working with horses, cattle, dogs and people on ranches across the Flint Hills.
The panel will include Drs. Duane Henrikson of Emporia, Tom Jernigan of Council Grove, Bill Brethour of Wamego, Jessica Gernhard of Marion, and Audra Blasi of Council Grove.
For the finale at 3:30, the award-winning band “Jennylou and the Buckaroos” will perform, including three state champion instrumentalists along with vocalists Jennylou
and Josh Melcher, and comedic front man Ranger Stan Greer.
This is also a fundraiser for Pioneer Bluffs. One hundred percent of the proceeds that day will fund the barn repair and repainting. There is no admission fee, but guests are asked to consider a $25 or more donation.
Homemade cookies, fall snack mix, and apple cider will be served.
RSVPs are appreciated, but not required, and can be made to 620-753-3484, info@pioneerbluffs.org, or on the Pioneer Bluffs Facebook event page. Visitors are invited to come early to tour the grounds and see updated displays in the historic 1908 ranch house at Pioneer Bluffs.
A National Register Historic District, Pioneer Bluffs is located fourteen miles south of Cottonwood Falls or one mile north of Matfield Green on Flint Hills National Scenic Byway K-177 - 695 Kansas Highway 177. Find us at pioneerbluffs.org.
Carearc To Host Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic Oct. 3
CareArc will host its annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic on Friday, Oct. 3, offering community members a chance to get vaccinated with-out leaving their vehicles.
The clinic will run from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CareArc’s health center, 420 W. 15th Ave. Participants may drive under the westside canopy to receive their shot. No appointment is required, and the event is open to anyone ages six months and older.
The clinic will provide standard-dose flu vaccines only. High-dose, nasal spray and egg-free versions will not be available.
CareArc advises individuals with severe egg allergies to consult their primary care provider.
Holistic Christian Counseling Part 3
Today’s topic is called Theologically ‘Original Sin’. I talked last time how we sinned against an infinite and Holy God, soo many times, in soo many ways, and therefore, God’s solution was to send Jesus Christ the God-Man to pay our infinite debt of sins for us. However, we have another fundamental problem which led us to sinning soo many times, and that is, Adams first sin. The consequence of Adams sin in the garden of Eden, is that, we received his human sinful nature genetically.
Scripture says in Romans 5:12 “Through one man [Adam] sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned”. This “Sin” is a personified force or energy within Adams body that was passed down to all his children [the Entire human race] which causes our inward self, that is “us”, our soul, to obey its desires in our body!
In other words, we have this “Sin” in our bodies enslaving our souls to obey our bodily desires like sex, food , drink, and many other wants and passions and desires, so that, when we don’t receive what we want, we are jealous and covet and therefore steal, murder, and commit adultery to get what we want. People are hooked on drugs and therefore these vices bring us into bondage and slavery to demons and to these sinful bodily desires. Because of Adams first sin [Original Sin], we are enslaved to sin. Though we try not to sin, we keep on sinning. Though I try not to drink, I keep getting drunk! Though inwardly I feel it wrong to not covet, yet I desire what is not mine.
Paul the great Apostle says in the scriptures, concerning his own experience with sin: “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do [be righteous], that I do not practice; but what I hate [Sinning], that I do”. Now if I keep on sinning when I don’t want to and I can’t do the good I want, then, why is that? Or what causes me to do things I don’t want to do?
Scripture says, “It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” In other words this personified “Sin” enslaved me to it’s power, and this Power is over my body! Therefore Paul says in Romans 7:24 “O Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” You see, I’m not an evil person because I sin. Rather I sin because I’m an evil person. Me sinning did not cause me to get an evil nature, rather I inherited an evil nature from Adam, which is why I keep on sinning. Unless we deal with this fundamental problem concerning our sinful nature, it is vain to try to stop sinning without dealing with our human nature itself!
Christ deals with our sinful nature through the Cross. In other words, Jesus did not just pay my debt of sin, he also dealt with my sinful nature that causes me to commit sin! To be continued.
Austin Michaels an independent journalist
We
EMPORIA SENIOR CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS
603 E. 12th Ave • 620-343-3160
● Bingo is Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.; and Saturday, 4-6 p.m. - Volunteers are needed
● Every Friday is Brain Break Fridays from 10:00-12:00. For more information, call the center at number above.
● Hermes Footcare every Thursday. Call 316-260-4110 for an appointment.
● Lunch - Monday, Wednesday and Fridays - 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Adults are $5 with kids under five eating free. Cash only. Menu is on Facebook. Please call the senior center to reserve your meal. There will be no lunch on Sept. 17 and 19.
● Coffee and Chat, every Monday at 9:00
● Art with Carol, 2nd Thursday, 10 a.m.
● Art with Alice, August 20, 10 a.m.
● Flint Hills Country Jam (Live Music), third Sunday of every month, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
● Market in the Park! Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon (or sold out). They invite vendors to come set up a table for $15/Saturday. Call the center between 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. (M-F) to sign up.
Red Cross Needs Blood Donations
The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Here is a list of upcoming Blood Drives: October 2, Emporia High School, 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. October 16, Lyon County Annex, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
October 23, Emporia Presbyterian Church West Campus, 12-6 p.m.
October 24, Emporia Presbyterian Church West Campus, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Please help by making your appointment today at www.redcrossblood.org or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. With the app you can schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your miniphysical, and track your donations.
True Tales From The Tallgrass
Provided by the Lyon County Historical Society
The surprising thing about the North Lyon County Free Fair was that the fair entries were entered and judged two weeks prior to the entertainment activities. August 30 and 31 and September 1 were the days to display exhibits such as domestic arts, home canning, fruits and vegetables, baking, flowers and plants, grains, and 4-H booths such as sewing, meal service, gardening, and preservation. These entries had to be in place by 8:00 p.m. Thursday night and remain in place until 8:00 p.m. Saturday night. No premiums would be paid if items were removed early.
Crocheted lunch cloths could receive 50c for first place. First place patchwork quilts could receive $2.00 while embroidered bedspreads only received $1.00. Homemade soup and textile painting earned 75c for first place. Home canned string beans, beets, peaches, plums as well as jams and jellies earned 50c for first place. Piccallili, chili sauce and various pickles received a dollar for first place and 50c for second. Angel Food cake, devil’s food cake, chiffon cake and burnt sugar cake received $2.00 for first , but applesauce cake and sponge cake only earned a dollar.
However, Judge Parker gave $3.00 for Prize Winning Apple Sauce cake, and Violet Cowan awarded $2.00 for Prize Winning Burnt Sugar Cake. Claudia Williams gave $2.00 awards to boys and girls 16 years and younger for Angel Food Cake.
We noticed that the fair premium for first place vegetables, fruits, and flowers at the North Lyon County Free Fair in 1951 was 50c, except for Farm Units which earned $7.00! What were Farm Units? A collection of various entries? In the Grains list, corn won the highest premium, $2.00, whether white, yellow, hybrid or kafir corn. Milo, sorgo, and hegari only brought $1.00. Same for wheat, oats, pop corn, and dorso.
Again Farm Units won $7.00 – maybe this Farm Unit was a display of all types of grains. Under second year sewing a girl could receive $2.00 for prize-winning darning and patching, or for a simple dress and slip.
Best dresses for special occasions also won $2.00 prize money as did beginner’s foods such as puddings, cookies, or cupcakes. Certainly the fair was a time of high activity and great fun whether you were entering exhibits at the very last of August or attending the athletic events of the middle of September. Perhaps the time lapse for the two parts of the fair gave time to move all of the tables to make way for the games, races, and dances. We guess that John and Bertha Wingert of Dunlap attended this fair because their names were in the fairbook.
Flint Hills Senior Life Fair October 15, 2025 Life At Its Best
8:00 Vendor Booths Open
9:00 Blood Pressure Screenings begin (until 11:30am)
9:15 Education Session:
“Estate Planning and Elder Law” – Monte L. Miller, Miller & Miller Chartered
10:15 Break: Tour Vendor Booths
10:30 Education Session:
“Medicare Basics” – Karen Mayse, Senior Health Insurance Counselor, Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging
11:30 Entertainment: The Sunset Gals
11:45 Lunch: Provided by TNT Catering & Event Venue with Entertainment
1:45 Door Prize Drawings – MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!
2:00 Closing
2700 W. Hwy 50, Emporia, KS
FREE BP Screenings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. October 15th, 2025 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Entertainment Educational Sessions
Door Prizes
Exhibits
Fair Attendance is FREE
Lunch will be provided at a cost of only $10. Advance lunch registration required by October 10th
Lunch reservation forms are available at all Lyon County Senior Centers, Emporia Library, Emporia Rec Center, and Newman Regional Health Information Desk.
Sponsored by:
EMPORIA LIONS CLUB
The Emporia Lions Club will meet on Wednesday, October 1, noon at Emporia Senior Center. The cost of the meal is $5. The program is ESU Women’s Basketball Coach M J Baker.
Emporia Lions Club is a volunteer service organization dedicated to serving people. If you’re interested in joining the club, email them at emporialions@gmail.com. The Emporia Lions Club can be found on Facebook. The club has a PowerPoint about Lions they would be happy to share with anyone wanting more information.
104TH ANNIVERSARY
Join the Emporia Lions Club on October 3 from 4:306:30 p.m. at Commercial Street Diner to help them celebrate the 104th Anniversary of Lions Club. They will have free ice cream and cake.
AUXILIARY TO MEET
The VFW Post 1980 Auxiliary will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post #5, 2921 W. 12th Ave. All Auxiliary members are welcome.
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
Being a caregiver for a loved one can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Coffey Health System now offers a special program to help caregivers maintain perspective, step away for a while, and share their experiences with others who understand. Coffey Health System’s Mental Health Therapist Amy Osner will lead a Caregiver Support Group on the third Wednesday of each month at The Meadows in Burlington. There is no charge for participation. Respite care and activities will be available, if needed. Sessions begin at 6 p.m. at The Meadows, 1201 Martindale St. in Burlington. If you have questions about the program, call (620) 364-4556.
Osner is an experienced group therapy leader. She is a credentialed Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor.
VETERANS’ AFFAIR
Jamie Potter, Service Representative for the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, will visit the Greenwood County Courthouse in Eureka on the first and third Thursday; Coffey County Courthouse in Burlington on the second Thursday and the Morris County Courthouse in Council Grove on the second Tuesday of each month. She will be there from 1-3:30 p.m. She will go to Cottonwood Falls on an as needed basis.
Please call (620) 342-3347 in advance to ensure all information is readily available so all veterans, widows and dependents can receive better assistance.
SENIOR MEALS
Neosho Rapids Senior meals are served Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at noon. If you are 60 or older, a $4 donation is appreciated; meal is $7 for those under 60. For reservations or cancellations in Neosho Rapids call (620) 342-8232.
Olpe Senior Friendship meals are served on Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Knights Hall. If you are 60 or older, a $4 donation is appreciated; meal is $7 for those under 60. The second Monday of each month is the birthday dinner and games celebrating the birthdays of the month. For reservations or cancellations in Olpe call 620475-3384 between 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
North Lyon County Senior meals are available in Allen for grab and go or home delivery. Meals are available Monday through Friday and must be ordered by 11 a.m. the previous day by calling 620-528-3414. If you are 60 or older, a $4 donation is appreciated, meal is $7 for those under 60. Call for more information.
SOUP ‘N PIE SUPPER
Lyon County Republican Annual Soup ‘n’ Pie Supper, Sunday, October 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 5 Hall, 2921 W 12th Ave, Emporia. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Program begins at 5:30 p.m. Supper buffet, remarks by Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall, and a live auction.
Get your tickets now for Hope-A-Palooza 2025!
This 12th annual Hope-A-Palooza fundraiser, underwritten by Kansas Security, LLC will be held in Webb Hall at Emporia State University’s Memorial Union. The evening will include dinner, awards to recognize the contributions of supporters, an auction, and entertainment. This year, SOS is excited to welcome Ran’D Shine, an incredible magician and comedian whose performance promises to be both mind-boggling and highly engaging. Ran’D has performed in 27 countries, including military bases in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. He has also opened for Trevor Noah, performed at two presidential inaugurations, and appeared on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us. His combination of psychological illusions, sleight of hand, and captivating storytelling will have our guests on the
edge of their seats.
This year’s auction will feature a variety of items donated by local community members and businesses, including unique experiences like a salsa class for a group of friends, art classes, and a boat excursion. Gourmands will enjoy a chance to win a Cajun dinner for 8, treats from Sweet Granada, and a Buffalo Trace Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a custom flight board. Other items include a facial, massage, local art, donations from downtown businesses and more.
Enjoy cocktails starting at 5:00, followed by dinner, entertainment, awards, and the auction. Individual tickets are available for $75 each; whole tables can be purchased for $600 to ensure groups are seated together. Tickets are limited, so get your tickets today at www.soskansas.com/ hope-a-palooza.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of
great sponsors like ESB Financial, Lance Fullerton Auctioneer and Associate Broker for Heartland Land Company, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Kansas Security, LLC, KVOE, Lyon County State Bank, Navrat’s Office Products, Newman Regional Health, and Stormont Vail.
Hope-A-Palooza is the biggest annual fundraiser for SOS and raises critical funds to support SOS services. SOS’s mission is to empower and advocate for those affected by sexual or domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, child abuse and neglect, and the organization provides services in Lyon, Chase, Coffey, Osage, and Morris counties. SOS would not be able to support the needs of clients without the generosity of community and friends. We hope you plan to join in this celebration.
For more information on Hope-A-Palooza, contact SOS Community Relations Coordinator Hannah Crowl at 620343-8799 or hcrowl@soskansas.com.
COMMUNITY CAUSES
BREAKFAST IN MILLER
The Miller United Methodist men will hold their monthly breakfast on Saturday, October 4 from 7-10 a.m.
The menu includes biscuits and gravy, pancakes or waffles, sausage, eggs, cinnamon rolls, coffee and juice. Donation will be accepted. Carry out is available.
COUNTRY BREAKFAST
Lebo American Legion Post 323 will hold a Country Breakfast on Saturday, October 4, 7-9 a.m.
The menu includes biscuits and gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, coffee, milk and orange juice. A freewill donation will be accepted.
MEXICAN SUPPER
The Sacred Heart Catholic School will hold their 52nd annual Mexican Supper on Friday, October 10, 4:30 - 7 p.m. Enjoy two tacos, rice, chips and salsa, and dessert. Advanced tickets are $12 and at the door are $14. You can dine in, carry out or drive through. For tickets contact Sacred Heart School at 620-343-7394.
BISCUIT AND GRAVY BREAKFAST
The Olpe Knights of Columbus hold their biscuits and gravy breakfast on Sunday, October 12 and October 26 from 7:30-10 a.m. at the Knights Hall in Olpe. All proceeds from the freewill donations at the breakfasts benefit their local charities.
ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE
The North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Project, Inc. is collecting aluminum cans. Cans must be in a bag and dropped off at the North Lyon County Veterans Memorial Site, Bushong, in the caged area.
LOGAN AVENUE 5K
Logan Avenue Elementary School is hosting a 5k at 9 a.m. Oct. 18, beginning at the school. Logan Avenue PTA is looking for event participants and sponsors. Those interested in participating can register through the Emporia Recreation Center.
FAMILY BREAKFAST
The American Legion will host a family breakfast on Saturday, October 11. Menu includes all you can eat pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage, coffee, orange juice and more for $7.
Serving is from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Legion, 2921 W. 12th Ave. Proceeds will go towards updating American Legion facilities
GARAGE SALE
The United Women in Faith Garage Sale will be held Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4 at the First United Methodist Church, 823 Merchant, Emporia. On Friday, the sale will be held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Special bag sales will be held on Saturday. Furniture, toys, kitchen, linens, books. Christmas, holiday, florals, clothing for men and women, youth and children and so much more will be available. Proceeds benefit United Women in Faith local and global missions.
PENNY SUPPER
The Hartford United Methodist Women will hold a Penny Supper on Saturday, October 4. Serving begins at 5 p.m.
Some menu items include ham loaf, chicken pie, liver and onions, a variety of salads and vegetables, homemade rolls and cornbread, cake, homemade pie, homemade ice cream, and coffee or tea.
Join in good food and fellowship.
FALL FESTIVAL
St. Anthony’s Church in Strong City will hold its Fall Festival on Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Hall. The menu includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, roll, dessert and drink. Cost is $10 for adults and $5.00 for children (10 and under). A raffle and silent auction will be held. All are welcome!
BLESSING OF ANIMALS
The First Congregational Church, corner of 12th and State St., will have a Blessing of the Animals on Thursday, October 2, 5:30-7 p.m. on the front lawn of church. For everyone’s safety, animals should be leashed and/ or contained.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The First Congregational Church members will hold a Remembrance Service on Saturday, October 4 at 4 p.m. This will be a service honoring those in our lives we have lost and wish to remember.
The church is located at 326 W. 12th Avenue, Emporia.
Names to be read aloud during the service may be submitted to the church office by calling 620-342-6854, or email to firstcongregationalchurchemporia@gmail.com.
BAZAAR AND SOUP SUPPER
The Neosho Rapids Memorial United Methodist Women in Faith will hold their annual Bazaar and Soup Supper on Saturday, October 11 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Neosho Rapids Elementary School. The drawing for the quilt will be at 6:30 p.m. The supper includes a choice of soup or hot dog, dessert and drink. A freewill donation will be accepted. There will be a bake table with baked goods, candy and fresh vegetables. Also there will be pies for sale, a silent auction, cake walk and games for the children.
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Trinity Lutheran Church, Burlington invites you to join them for worship on Sundays at 9 a.m. with Bible Study and Sunday School following at 10:30 a.m. They are located at 902 Kennedy Street in Burlington. Their phone number is 620-364-2283. Additional information can be found at https:// www.tlcburlingtonks.org.
BABY CLOSET
The Baby Closet at the First Congregational Church, 326 W. 12th Ave., Emporia, will be open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and every Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. They serve infants through 5 years old. All items are free. Items may include the following as supplies permit. Diapers,wipes, five clothing articles, two miscellaneous items, one large item and two essential pantry items.
Donations will be accepted. You may call 620-342-6854 if you have questions.
‘Janice Borla & Friends’ Dinner/Concert
Coming To The Davis Theatre
The Emporia Arts Council will present “Janice Borla and Friends” on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Davis Theatre, 815 Commercial Street. The evening will include dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Catering will be provided by Radius Brewing Company. The doors will open at 5 p.m.
Vocalist Janice Borla is no stranger to Emporia. After performing at the Emporia Granada in 2019 and 2021, Janice moved to Emporia with her husband, the late Jack Mouse, in 2022. They presented their Holiday Jazz concert the following year. This will be her first performance without her beloved musical partner.
Janice’s recordings and performances have earned her consistently high praise for her beautiful sound, superb technique and imaginative vocal improvisations. She has been described as “a stunning singer with a lustrous voice and the technique, imagination and daring of the best improvising instrumentalists” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).
She ranked #6 in the world in the female jazz vocalist category the 2021 DownBeat Reader’s Poll.
For this concert she has planned a contemporary music program of jazz and non-jazz classics, combining selections from her recordings with material newly chosen for this performance and personnel.
Janice has gathered a quartet of esteemed jazz artists to join her. “I’m returning to the instrumentation I used on my earlier recordings. The guitar-vibraphone combination has always resonated with my vocal sound. It lends itself nicely to the intimate atmosphere of the Davis Theatre.”
To that end, she invited two longtime friends and colleagues who had helped create that sound. Fareed Haque is a modern guitar
virtuoso steeped in both classical and jazz traditions.
Voted “Best World Guitarist” by Guitar Player Magazine, his body of work spans a wide range of diverse musical styles.
Vibraphonist Brad Stirtz’s music career has spanned the globe, with concerts in Uganda, Trinidad and throughout the U.S.
Originally from Minden, Nebraska, Brad made the Chicago area his home, where he maintains an active schedule of performing, teaching and music ministry.
The remaining two musicians are new to her ensemble. Kansas City native Gerald Speits is one of the foremost bass players in the Midwest. Currently appearing regularly at the Green Lady Lounge, he can be heard on numerous recordings, TV soundtracks and
radio commercials.
Chilean percussionist Juan Paster, now based in Chicago, will offer a wide array of sounds and textures, in the absence of Jack’s more traditional drumming.
“At first I had planned to simply go without drums, as Jack is irreplaceable. But then Fareed suggested Juan as an interesting alternative, and I said, ‘why not?’”
This performance is cosponsored by Flashpoint Creative Arts, whose mission is to use the practice of improvisation to spark personal expression, confidence and creativity regardless of age or background.
Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at the Emporia Arts Center at 815 Commercial Street. For additional information, contact the Emporia Arts Center: 620343-6473.
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IT Support Technician
Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) is seeking an IT Support Technician to join our team. This position is responsible for supporting and maintaining college computer systems, desktops, and peripherals, including installing, diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and upgrading technical resources. The role also involves troubleshooting issues in a timely manner and providing user support as needed. This is an on-site position (not remote)
Responsibilities:
• Provide IT support for all FHTC employees.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot new and existing computer and network technologies.
• Support college computers, hardware, software, and networking. Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of related experience.
• Strong knowledge of PC and MAC hardware.
• Hands-on troubleshooting experience.
• Excellent customer service skills.
Compensation & Benefits:
• Hourly rate based on experience, starting at $15.90.
• Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
• Benefits include KPERS retirement plan and paid health insurance for the employee
Application Process:
Send your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to
Student Support Specialist (part-time)
Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) is seeking a part-time Student Support Specialist to assist ESL and GED learners in the Division of Industrial Technology programs. This role focuses on bridging learning gaps, supporting academic success, and fostering a supportive and welcoming learning environment.
This is a part-time position with scheduled work hours from 8:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, following the FHTC Academic Calendar (August to May). This position is supported by grant funding and is subject to annual renewal based on the availability of funds.
Responsibilities:
• Support students in classroom and lab learning, study skills, and technical vocabulary.
• Guide students on college expectations and workplace readiness.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify and address student needs.
• Encourage engagement, persistence, and confidence.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
Compensation:
• This position is not benefit eligible and the pay will be $15 per hour.
Application Process:
Send your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Human Resources at hr@fhtc.edu. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.
