Discover Eudora is an official publication of the City of Eudora, the Eudora School District and the Eudora Chamber of Commerce, with editorial, design and advertising placement provided by Sunflower Publishing.
City Liaison Zack Daniel
Chamber Liaison Meagan Cox
School District Liaison Albania Andrade
Editor Gina DeBacker
Art Director Alex Tatro
Copy Editor Leslie Clugston Andres
Advertising Angie Taylor
Photographers Fally Afani
Jason Dailey
Carter Gaskins
Cindy Higgins
Writers Fally Afani
Amber Fraley
Cindy Higgins
Rochelle Valverde
www.eudorakansaschamber.com
From morning bus rides to hot lunches and evening clean-up, the staff behind the scenes keeps the school district running strong
Justin Lee, Eudora’s new fire chief, ignites a communitycentered vision for the department
From blacksmiths-turned-“horse doctors” to today’s modern clinic, Eudora Animal Hospital’s 50th anniversary is a chance to revisit Eudorans who made animal care their calling
President Meagan Cox www.cityofeudoraks.gov
Mayor Tim Reazin
City Manager Kevyn Gero
www.eudoraschools.org
School District
Superintendent Stu Moeckel www.sunflowerpub.com
Director Bob Cucciniello
Publisher Bill Uhler
All material and photographs copyright Sunflower Publishing, 2025.
For editorial queries: Gina DeBacker (785) 832-7106 gdebacker@sunflowerpub.com
For advertising queries: Angie Taylor (785) 832-7236 ataylor@sunflowerpub.com
Eudora chamber gala
Story and photography by Fally Afani
The Heartbeat of Eudora’s Schools
From morning bus rides to hot lunches and evening clean-up, the staff behind the scenes keeps the school district running strong
Walking through the halls of any school in Eudora is an unforgettable experience. The district's principals, teachers and administrative staff go above and beyond to foster curiosity, engagement and a welcoming environment for their students.
This dedication reflects the district's promise to create a culture of belonging—one that extends to every adult in Eudora's schools, including the staff who work behind the scenes. These are the people students see when they start their school day and the last people they talk to before they go home. They drive students where they need to go, keep everyone fed, and maintain a clean and healthy environment. Their work often goes unnoticed, but they are the glue holding everything together.
To understand the full impact of these staff members, let’s take a look at who a child interacts with during a typical school day, starting with their morning bus ride.
A Day in the Life
Kylee Foster’s friendly face greets kids first thing in the morning. She is one of Eudora’s many bus drivers, and her expertise is transporting children with special needs. By ensuring their safety and providing a familiar presence, bus drivers play a vital role in a child’s school day.
Foster’s day centers around children, but she also takes on myriad responsibilities in the office. As the special needs transportation coordinator, she is in charge of coordinating bus routes. She also looks forward to chatting with her boss and coworkers throughout the day but says that seeing “her kiddos’ faces” is the highlight.
“I’ve always been a kid person. They mean a lot to me,” Foster says. “[The bus drivers] are the beginning of each child’s day, so it’s up to us to start it right.”
A full day of learning starts with a good school breakfast. At Eudora Schools, every student from pre-K through 12th grade can start their day with a free breakfast. In the afternoon, a nutritious lunch is also critical to their success. Heidi Hoover, the kitchen manager at Eudora Elementary School, says her day always begins the same way: making enough breakfast to feed 400 students. Her job involves managing staff, ordering food, keeping everything running smoothly and, of course, making school meals. Her coworkers refer to this part of the day as “making the school smell good.”
“[The bus drivers] are the beginning of each child's day, so it's up to us to start it right,” says special needs driver Kylee Foster.
Opposite page: Eudora school district staff members gather on the playground. From left: Chuck James, Jessalyn Dondlinger, Nicole Parks, Stacey Heck, Heidi Hoover.
Hoover finds her work deeply personal. “I was one of those kids who didn’t always have the best food growing up,” she confides. “Being able to make sure that these kids have a good breakfast and a good lunch is important to me.”
Eager to move her family into the Eudora school district, Hoover started working for the district a decade ago. “My son was getting ready to start sixth grade in Lawrence, which would have been a really big school,” she says. “We wanted him to go to school in a smaller town.”
Today, she says she has found her calling with food and nutrition services. “Kids need a good breakfast and a good lunch in order to stay focused and get their schooling done,” she adds.
As a child’s school day continues, staff continue to brighten every student’s day with personal touches that often go unnoticed, whether it’s a chat between classes or an inspirational message posted for everyone to see. Stacey Heck, one of the school’s custodians, is the artist behind Eudora Elementary’s bulletin board, reminding students that “We are helpful. We do our best. We are patient. We are a team. We work together. We are successful.”
The custodial staff is a tight-knit group. They keep schools clean and hygienic, support a child’s ability to focus on their studies, and go the extra mile to ensure the school day is pleasant for students and teachers alike. Heck, for example, likes to make sure teachers have a stress-free workspace. “I empty trash out of the classrooms, wipe down the desks, and
vacuum and mop the entryways, staff bathrooms and classrooms,” she says. “Some of the teachers really appreciate it, and they show you by keeping their room clean.”
Jessalyn Dondlinger, the head custodian at Eudora Elementary, is a ball of energy. She’s only half-joking when she says she runs laps around the building to keep everything in order. “I get the building started,” she says. “I open everything up, turn the lights on, run through the rooms to check that they’re cleaned and tidied, and I make sure the cafeteria area is ready for kids to come in.”
She also tackles necessary repairs, such as paint touchups or raising desks, calling herself a “maintenance worker inside a big building.” She loves to work out in her spare time, so she enjoys the physical tasks that come with the job. “It keeps me moving constantly … by the time I look at the clock, it’s time to go home,” she explains.
Every Eudora school district employee is essential, not only to the school’s operation but also to the experience of every child and educator. From her spot in the kitchen, Hoover sees the difference each staff member makes. She describes it simply: “It’s a circle. Everybody here has something to do to make sure these kids are better off and are learning and developing.”
Her words reflect the district's promise and the culture of belonging it strives to create—reminding us that when every employee contributes, every student feels supported, valued and prepared to thrive.
The bus drivers for the Eudora school district are ready to start another day of school. Photo by Albania Andrade
By the Numbers
District Staff Members
*This number includes interlocal staff, or employees who rotate between the three districts, as well as Rule 10 coaches, part-time employees, after-school program employees and extended-day aides. Without these employees, the number would be 283.
Who’s Who?
Transportation Staff
Jerri Ahrens
Jennifer Akers
Ann Basel
Michele Cleveland
Sue Cooper
Melissa Copp
Rachel Cullison
Alisha DeMaranville
Paige Dudley
Traci Dudley
Kylee Foster
Heather Grant
Jamie Grant-Hamm
Jess Hamm
Tammy Hodges
Tricia McCoy
Ashley McGhee
Jill Moore
Carie Moore-McKenzie
Pennie Neff
Sheldon Sorenson
Robin Starling
Kathy Wagner
Custodial and Maintenance Staff
Jessalyn Dondlinger
Brent Dubois
Bob Gassert
Stacey Heck
Ally Hedrick
Annie Hedrick
*These numbers include full and part-time employees.
Zack Herries
Robert Johnson
Ken Latshaw
Brad Nottingham
Daren Pippert
Perry Sheppard
Kevin Reed
Steve Rife
Food and Nutrition Staff
Carolyn Brown
Brenda Cannon
Sue Cooper
Michelle Criqui
Jamie Davis-Watson
Connie Hadl
Cathy Hofmeier
Heidi Hoover
Skyler Hoover
Ramona Kemberling
Allison Lane
Connie Larson
Yolanda Martinez
Carie Moore-Mckenzie
Jennifer Mosier
Ashlee Parks
Debra Scrivner
Kolten Scrivner
Chris Smith
Sondra Vick
Lori Walker
Left: The Eudora school’s custodial staff, including Stacey Heck (left) and Jessalyn Dondlinger, support a child’s ability to focus on their studies.
Right: To keep kids focused, Eudora school’s food and nutrition staff (Heidi Hoover, left, and Nicole Parks) prioritize feeding kids.
Story by Rochelle Valverde Photography by Jason Dailey
Passing the Torch
Justin Lee, Eudora’s new fire chief, ignites a community-centered vision for the department
There are a few ways one could measure fire chief Justin Lee’s recent move to Eudora. There are, of course, the actual miles traveled—about 1,400, from the rolling hills of New England to the plains of the Midwest. But perhaps the more telling metric is the change in scale: from 50 square miles down to 3.
Although Lee’s former district, Hope Valley, Rhode Island, and Eudora are similar in population, Hope Valley’s population is spread out over 50 square miles while Eudora’s is spread over just 3. That difference is one that Lee says he feels every day.
“It’s more of a connected community here, which I enjoy,” Lee says. “It’s nice that you can walk anywhere. You can walk to Gene’s Heartland Foods and pick something up or downtown and get an ice cream at Main St. Scoops & Sweets. I like that. That’s a first for me, having a small community like that.”
Helping People
Lee was introduced to firefighting early in his life. Originally from New Milford, Connecticut, Lee worked as a ranger for Boy Scouts of America after high school.
It was then that he was handed an application to join the local volunteer fire department in Hope Valley. The fit ended up being just right.
“I like that, as a firefighter, you’re helping people and doing things with your hands,” Lee says. “You keep busy, and it’s always something different. You’re always learning new skills.”
Over 30 years, Lee rose through the ranks, serving as a lieutenant on the special hazards unit and the ladder company, and, after his promotion to captain, as the department’s training officer. Most recently, he spent 10 years as Hope Valley’s fire chief.
The learning component of the job is what first brought him to Eudora. As part of a team of instructors, Lee helped develop a course about creating mentoring programs for the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The team taught all over the country, including a visit to Eudora last March. Later, when Lee saw the city was looking for its next fire chief, he submitted an application.
“I’d been [in Hope Valley] for 30 years,” Lee says. “I was ready for a change.”
Lee’s firsthand experience in various roles in volunteer departments is what Eudora Mayor Tim Reazin says made him a strong match for the job. Reazin, a Lawrence-Douglas County firefighter who volunteered with Eudora for 11 years, says Lee’s rise from volunteer to chief gives him a deep understanding of the nuances of volunteer life.
“As our department is mostly a volunteer department, to have somebody with the experience base who’s worked with volunteers and as a volunteer historically, I think gives him a better understanding of what the challenges might be,” says Reazin, who took part in one of the interview panels for the position.
Understanding the inner workings of a department may be critical, but equally important is a vision that goes beyond the firehouse walls.
Vision for Growth
Developments such as the nearby Panasonic battery plant in De Soto and new housing projects in Eudora have positioned the community for significant growth. And when such growth occurs, Reazin says, the incremental and long-term planning needs to already be in place.
Since starting his new position in March, Eudora's new fire chief, Justin Lee, says he’s been impressed by the Eudora Fire Department’s work culture.
“When someone calls 911, it’s potentially the worst day of their life or their family member’s life,” Reazin says. “You expect professionalism. You expect folks to show up.”
The fire department currently operates with two fire engines, two chief vehicles, one brush truck and an ambulance, which was added in 2017. The chief and the assistant chief are the department’s only full-time employees; the department otherwise relies on a combination of part-time employees and volunteers, of which there are about 25. Eudora lacks the population, call volume and tax base to support full-time staffing, a situation that is common across the United States, Reazin says.
“There is such a great population in the U.S. that still needs volunteers, but some days you wish you had a full-time staff,” Reazin adds. “Ultimately, we as a commission are working toward a way to make those services better for the community and to make it safer for that group of firefighters and [first responders].”
“As the city grows and call volumes increase, it is crucial to balance full-time, part-time and volunteer staffing to ensure adequate emergency coverage,” Lee explains. “A combination department can help provide the city with the flexibility to increase full-time staffing while relying on volunteer firefighters for the foreseeable future,” he adds.
When that emergency call comes in, Lee’s goal is to be ready, both now and in the future. He likewise emphasized the fire department’s need to have a long-term plan for staffing and equipment that will meet the demands of future growth.
“[My goal is] to keep preparing us for the future,” Lee says. “The area is growing, and I want to make sure we’re ready to meet those needs. We have the Panasonic factory, and a lot of people working there are going to want to look [for homes] in the area.”
Growth and costs are a balancing act, Lee adds. His goals will also include working with city
leaders to ensure they have everything needed to successfully plan for the long term. As part of that effort, the fire department is in the process of conducting a review that will assess metrics such as call volume, response time, Geographic Information System data, equipment and fire trucks. Known as a Standards of Coverage report, this review will give a comprehensive, outside look at the department and what it needs to meet the goals of Eudora’s strategic plan, Lee says. He hopes the report will be complete by the end of the year.
People Make a Place
Lee has stayed in the fire service for more than three decades for one reason—the people. This includes his colleagues in the fire department and the community they come together to serve.
Since starting his new position in March, Lee says he’s been impressed by the Eudora Fire Department’s culture, where people enjoy training, work well as a team and support one another. He’s also found plenty of moments to connect personally with Eudora residents, from taking a student to school in a fire truck as part of a PTO event to a chance run-in with the wife of a man recently taken in for treatment.
“I asked how he was doing,” Lee recalls. “I really enjoy that kind of interaction … the relationships you build within the community and the friendships you build within the fire service.”
Reazin says Lee is already finding his place in Eudora, building good communication with city department heads and showing a commitment to working with the city commission on budget and planning issues.
“It feels like he’s settled in well to the community,” Reazin says. “He’s purchased a house in town. I’ve seen him out and about and involved in activities.”
As Eudora plans for growth—and prepares for the growing pains that will inevitably come with it—Lee will play an important role in keeping the community he now calls home a safe one.
Story by Cindy Higgins
Doctoring Animals
From blacksmiths-turned-“horse doctors” to today’s modern clinic, Eudora Animal Hospital’s 50th anniversary is a chance to revisit Eudorans who made animal care their calling
This year marks the Eudora Animal Hospital’s 50th anniversary. When Dr. Ron Lee first opened the practice on 525 Main Street in 1975, he was the only provider. Dr. Paul Grosdidier joined him in the practice eight years later.
A 1974 graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Lee says he moved to Eudora because he wanted to open his own business in a small town. “My wife also wanted to be near Tonganoxie, where she grew up,” he adds.
“Jim Hoover gave me a business loan, and Calvin Kastl rented me 1,000 square feet across from the [grain] elevator where my clients, the farmers, [worked],” Lee recalls about buying the hospital’s first building. “Calvin went way out of his way to help me develop my own floor plan. ... It was a perfect location to get started.”
Lee’s business outgrew its location in just six years. When he decided to relocate near the new Kansas Highway 10, he faced some difficulty. “The property owner wouldn’t sell to an outsider,” he says. “But Mike Westerhouse bought land there and sold some to me at cost.”
Decades before Lee opened his practice in 1975, a number of men treated animals in Eudora. The first, George Boutwell, a former state veterinarian
of California who left Los Angeles after the suspicious death of his wife, set up shop in 1894. He soon moved on to market his “Dr. Boutwell’s Texas Fever Cure” in southeastern Kansas.
Throughout the 1890s, C.B. McClelland traveled from Lawrence to Eudora each Thursday to treat the city’s animals. As a graduate from the four-month Chicago Veterinary School, McClelland was one of the few veterinarians from Eudora’s early days who held a degree; most were self-taught.
According to Lee, there was no baseline standard of training for Eudora’s earlier selfproclaimed veterinarians. “They were at different skill levels with varying personalities and experience,” he says.
J.E. Watts, for example, learned how to treat horses working as a long-time blacksmith and “veterinary horseshoer.” According to a 1912 issue of Eudora Weekly News, Watts, in his popin visits to Dan Kraus’ livery, treated “sideliners, bolters and hard pullers on the bit” whose teeth were “the cause of numerous disease and disagreeable habits.” He also brought his own ointment to cure horses’ hoof ailments.
In 1900, W. R. Shannon, originally a farmer and blacksmith near Black Jack, bought a set of veterinary tools and started to call himself
Opposite page: Most veterinarians in Eudora's early days were self-taught. For example, many learned how to treat horses working as long-time blacksmiths and “veterinary horseshoers."
“Doctor Shannon, Veterinary Surgeon.” He traveled from Wellsville to Eudora each Saturday to work at Kraus’ livery, southwest of present-day Pilla Park, to examine horses’ teeth and castrate colts and mules. By 1910, Shannon moved to Eudora and lodged at the now-demolished Bismarck Hotel, formerly located on 6 West Sixth Street.
In the book, Memories of Bismarck Hotel, author Mary Knisely wrote that Shannon “constantly smelled of the pungent odor of the stable. … His room was never cleaned, and it was so crowded with objects that it was scarcely possible to get to the bed. Old Doc seldom changed his clothes (or his bed linens) and he reeked of veterinary medicines.”
Eventually, Shannon expanded his services when the state livestock commissioner asked him to test cattle for tuberculosis, vaccinate hogs for cholera and inspect livestock for interstate shipment. He continued working until his death in 1928 at age 66.
After Shannon’s death, I. J. Pierson, an animal-care practitioner from Lawrence who “disposed of small animals left on the streets,” increased his presence in Eudora and treated horses at Kraus’ livery.
In 1909, A. W. Chinn, a Kansas City stockyard veterinarian, opened an office at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Main Street. Chinn left to work in several Kansas towns—shining shoes, shoeing horses and ministering for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
These stories of Eudora’s early animal doctors highlight how far the profession has come. Reflecting on the five decades since he opened his practice, Lee sees equally dramatic changes. He says one of the biggest changes he has noticed in veterinary medicine is today’s diagnostic equipment. “Nowadays, [doctors] rely on X-rays and bloodwork whereas I learned to diagnose through physical exams,” he says.
Another difference he has seen is in his clientele. “When I started, I treated livestock 80 percent of the time and small animals [the
Licensed veterinarians who have worked in the Eudora Animal Hospital—past and present—include Ron Lee, Paul Grosdidier, Mike Tarrant, George Schriener, Jon Haggard, Curt Wisnewski, Doug
Skivers, Natalee Beck, Guy Shain, Timothy Lavin, Darrin Olson and Matthew Kelso.
Dr. Ron Lee (left) opened Eudora Animal Hospital 50 years ago. Dr. Paul Grosdidier (right) started working there eight years later.
other 20 percent]. Now, it’s probably reversed,” he explains. “Houses have replaced the small farms.”
Today, Eudora Animal Hospital is located on 1905 Elm Street, where it has been since 1988. Lee, who retired more than a decade ago, cherishes the time he worked there. “How fortunate I was to have a career in veterinary medicine and bond with clients,” he says. “I liked being asked for dinner after taking care of a cow and sharing a shot of brandy. I enjoyed the people who brought in baked goods and produce to share and getting to know whole families.”
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The Eudora Animal Hospital's first building, 525 Main Street.
Calendar of Events
OCTOBER
4
Eudora Fest
The city’s 29th annual fall celebration with vendors and free musical performances runs all day downtown. Facebook: Eudora Fest
7
Coffee Connections
Eudora Chamber of Commerce hosts an informal monthly gathering of members and guests from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. eudorakansaschamber.com
10 No School
Eudora Schools USD 491 holds conferences and work days; no classes for elementary, middle and high school students. eudoraschools.org
10
Homecoming
Eudora High hosts Independence for the annual homecoming football game. eudoraschools.org
16–17
No School
Eudora Schools USD 491 holds conferences and work days; no classes for elementary, middle and high school students. eudoraschools.org
25
Downtown Eudora Trunk or Treat Downtown merchants treat children to Halloween candies and goodies in a safe environment open to all. Look for Downtown Eudora Trunk or Treat on Facebook. eudorakansaschamber.com
NOVEMBER
3
No School
Eudora Schools USD 491 holds professional development day; no classes for elementary, middle and high school students. eudoraschools.org
4
Election Day
4
Coffee Connections
Eudora Chamber of Commerce hosts an informal monthly gathering of members and guests from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. eudorakansaschamber.com
20
The Perfect Storm
Eudora Area Historical Society, in partnership with Humanities Kansas, offers a free presentation at the Eudora Community Center about the Dust Bowl in Kansas. cityofeudoraks.gov/100/EudoraCommunity-Museum
24–28 No School
Eudora Schools break for Thanksgiving holiday. eudoraschools.org
29 Holiday Market
Eudora CVB and Eudora Chamber of Commerce host local vendors offering holiday craft items at the Eudora Community Center. eudorakansaschamber.com
30
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Lighting of holiday tree in downtown Eudora eudorakansaschamber.com
DECEMBER
2
Coffee Connections
Eudora Chamber of Commerce hosts an informal monthly gathering of members and guests from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. eudorakansaschamber.com
22–31
No School
Eudora Schools break for winter holiday. eudoraschools.org
JANUARY
1–6
No School
Eudora Schools break for winter holiday. eudoraschools.org
15
Historical Presentation
Eudora Area Historical Society, in partnership with Humanities Kansas, offers a free presentation at the Eudora Community Center. cityofeudoraks.gov/100/EudoraCommunity-Museum
19
No School
Eudora Schools USD 491 observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. eudoraschools.org
FEBRUARY
3
Coffee Connections
Eudora Chamber of Commerce hosts an informal monthly gathering of members and guests from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. eudorakansaschamber.com
9 No School
Eudora Schools USD 491 holds in-service work day. eudoraschools.org
Eudora Chamber of Commerce holds its annual gala for members and announces the Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and Citizen of the Year awards.
MARCH
3
Coffee Connections
Eudora Chamber of Commerce hosts an informal monthly gathering of members and guests from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. eudorakansaschamber.com
Eudora Schools USD 491 holds spring break. eudoraschools.org
19
Historical Presentation
Eudora Area Historical Society, in partnership with Humanities Kansas, offers a free presentation at the Eudora Community Center. cityofeudoraks.gov/100/EudoraCommunity-Museum
Photography by Carter Gaskins
Inside the Winner’s Circle
Meet the winners of this year’s Eudora chamber gala
On April 5, 2025, the Eudora Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala to celebrate the achievements of previous years and honor the winners of this year’s awards. The three categories included Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
“Our annual gala is more than just a night of celebration,” says Meagan Cox, chamber president. “It’s an opportunity to bring together not only our business community but also residents in Eudora. This special evening raises funds to provide scholarships for two graduating Eudora seniors, helping invest in the next generation of leaders. It’s also our chance to recognize and honor the outstanding individuals, nonprofits and businesses that have gone above and beyond this year through our ‘Of the Year’ awards. Together, we celebrate community, achievement, and the bright future ahead.”
As the chamber prepares for the nomination and voting process for next year’s awards ceremony, we spoke to this year’s winners about the significance of the award and their ongoing work in the community.
And the award for Citizen of the Year goes to …
Jason Musick, co-owner of Barbwire Barbecue
Jason Musick and his twin brother, Jay Musick, co-own Barbwire Barbecue, serving traditional, slow-smoked meats with a gastro twist to Eudora residents. Beyond barbecue, he dabbles in many community initiatives: he is president of the CVB, sits on the CPA committee, is on the chamber’s programs committee and is currently running for city commissioner. Raised in Eudora, Musick earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in hospitality management from the University of North Texas. After working in the restaurant industry in various cities, he returned to his hometown, where he opened Barbwire. It started as a food trailer in 2016, then opened as a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2020—at the height of the pandemic. He talks with us about the award, his goals for next year, and how to get involved in the Eudora community.
Discover Eudora (DE): What were some of the biggest challenges you faced opening Barbwire Barbecue in 2020?
Musick: It was really about assuring people that they could still have fun in the midst of the pandemic. Thankfully, barbecue lends itself very well to carryout. But the biggest challenge was learning to understand the Eudora economic climate. When we first opened the restaurant, we were only open for dinner. But people encouraged us to open for lunch, which led to a lot of long days in the beginning.
DE: What does the recognition from this award mean for you?
Musick: For me, this is a dual recognition. I may be the face of Barbwire, but when I’m out and
And the award for Business of the Year goes to …
Impact Martial Arts
Formerly Forge Martial Arts, Impact Martial Arts prides itself on teaching more than kicking and punching—they strive to positively impact lives. Located at 104 West 20th Street, the dojo offers classes for all ages and skills. Tonya and Karl Bolte became the owners and head instructors in 2021 although their family has been attending since the gym’s very first class in 2014. (Tonya proudly touts her son as part of the “founding 50.”) The staff at Impact is dedicated to promoting health and fitness while developing confidence, discipline, character, focus and respect. Tonya talks with us about giving back to the community, staying motivated and the life lessons that have come from teaching martial arts.
Discover Eudora (DE): What does the recognition from this award mean for Impact Martial Arts?
Tonya: It caught me off guard. Impact has been open for 10 years, but I’ve been the business owner for four of those years. Since becoming owners in December 2021, we have made it a point to give back and stay involved in the community. It felt like a full-circle moment for all of our hard work.
DE: How does Impact Martial Arts stand out in the Eudora community?
Tonya: Even though we are located in Eudora, we serve a lot of the surrounding communities, including Tonganoxie, Linwood, De Soto, Baldwin and Bonner Springs. We’re sort of a melting pot for people who want to experience martial arts, and we’ve built some really strong relationships with kids and parents we would have otherwise never met. Also, we make it a point to always talk with our kids about making
an impact, no matter how big or how small. We’re always looking for ways to serve our community.
DE: How does Impact Martial Arts give back to the community?
Tonya: We are a year-round collection site for the Eudora Food Pantry, and we make a significant push three times a year. During last year’s holiday season, our focus was on creating shelf-stable side dishes for Christmas dinner. We collected items to make to-go boxes stuffed with foods like yams, mashed potatoes and gravy. This spring, we held a March Madness contest pitting our four main classes against each other to see who could bring in the most items—and as martial artists, we take competition seriously, especially our black belts! In the summer, we like to get our campers involved in a service project. This year, we made birthday kits for the pantry: We collected cake mixes, frosting cans, sprinkles and decorations, and we packaged everything in disposable cake pans. Right now, we are collecting school supplies for the Eudora School Foundation.
DE: How do you keep yourself and your students motivated?
Tonya: It’s all about changing things up while building those basics. Our grandmaster always says there are 10,000 ways to teach a front kick, so make sure you don’t teach a front kick the same way 10,000 times. There are some days when the motivation is just not there—that’s human nature—so variety is helpful. Also, our competition team has been giving some of our more competitive kids new targeted goals to work toward, aside from their big goals of winning titles and doing well at tournaments. These smaller goals help them stay motivated and work harder.
DE: What’s the most important life lesson martial arts has taught you?
Tonya: Perseverance. Whether you’re on the mat, are a business owner, a mother or just an adult, the path we choose in this life may not be the path we need, and it’s important to learn how to get through that.
DE: What goals do you have for the next year?
Tonya: We’re looking to grow and build our next leaders. To meet this goal, we’re expanding what we offer. We recently started offering classes for homeschool students because we would really like to reach out to those families and provide them with more opportunities. And to help our competitive athletes grow as martial artists, we started a competition team over the summer.
DE: If you could snap your fingers to solve one challenge in Eudora, what would you solve?
Tonya: One of the things that is lacking in Eudora is space for hosting big groups. We have places like the Rec Center and The Lodge on Main, but when Impact hosts its annual Christmas dinner, we have to travel to a different town. I always keep as much as possible in Eudora, but we simply can’t fit 70 to 80 families for a sit-down dinner.
And the award for Nonprofit of the Year goes to …
The Senior Foundation
The Senior Foundation was founded in 2019 on the guiding principle that the more active we are, the healthier we stay—both mentally and physically. Ruth Hughes, founder and current president of the foundation, and Mary Kirkendall, former founder, recognized the need for senior transportation and wanted to establish a senior center that would host events and organize trips. Together, they formed a team to create the foundation. This tax-exempt, nonprofit organization provides opportunities, programs and experiences to enrich the lives of Eudora’s retired community through trips, activities, transportation support and a brimming social calendar. We talked with Hughes and foundation member Annie Bryant about their dreams for the foundation and the needs of the retired community in Eudora.
Discover Eudora (DE) : What are some of your favorite services that the Senior Foundation offers?
Bryant: Our trips have been so much fun. Last year we went to Branson, and we are taking a trip to Nashville this September. We also put together a very elegant sit-down Christmas dinner for our seniors. Our first dinner was last year. We decorated a room at the Rec Center, and the high school culinary class served the food.
Hughes: We’ve also worked with the Senior Resource Center in Lawrence to get Senior Wheels to provide transportation in Eudora. That has been such a positive thing for our community, and I love that it has provided so many opportunities for seniors to get out of their houses.
Members of the Senior Foundation, from left: Annie Bryant, Sally Pennington, LuAnn Pascal, Caren Rowland, Carlene Hurtig, Marie Walther, Ruth Hughes.
208 W. 20th Street | Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-5152
www.wolffauto.com
DE: What does the recognition from this award mean for the Senior Foundation?
Bryant: It lets us know that we are doing our job. We’re very active, and we’re doing a good job of getting our name out there. If people know a senior who might be lonely, be it a parent, grandparent or next-door neighbor, they know they can come to us.
Hughes: It was such a wonderful thing to be recognized. The board is made up of eight people who work really hard, and we appreciate it when someone says, “We see what you’re doing. Thank you.”
DE: What is something people don’t realize about the needs of the retired community?
Bryant: Many seniors feel like nobody listens to them. They no longer feel relevant. When they can no longer drive themselves or no longer have family living nearby, they tend to stay home. We try to provide them with opportunities to keep moving and stay engaged … to keep the life lights on, you know?
Hughes: Being in fellowship with other people keeps us healthier. The seniors who are a part of a community are more likely to live longer.
DE: What are the foundation’s main goals for the next year?
Bryant: We’re always working on improving housing and transportation. Our volunteer drivers take people to doctor’s appointments or to the grocery store—if a senior can’t drive, we can get them where they need to go.
Hughes: Yes, we actually want to work with the city and the Rec Center to get our own van for our seniors that is more comfortable and easier to use. It would open up a whole new world for our seniors who don’t have access to transportation or can’t make it up the big stairs in the van we use. Of course, our biggest goal is always to get people to come out and have fun with us.
DE: If you could snap your fingers to solve one challenge in Eudora, what would you solve?
Bryant: Housing. I would love to see a gated, nomaintenance retirement community in Eudora. And if I could snap my fingers, it would have a secure pool and clubhouse with nice little villa homes. I’d move there in a minute.
Hughes: You know what else we want? One of those communities to build an indoor pool where seniors could practice water aerobics year-round.
DE: Who else in Eudora deserves recognition for all of their hard work?
Bryant: I have come to really appreciate our historical society. Ben Terwilliger has talked with our group a couple of times. That kid is so knowledgeable; I’m always amazed at what I don’t know about Eudora.
Hughes: Our community of volunteers and the local businesses who support activities in Eudora and 501(c) (3) organizations—they help make Eudora a great place to live.
DE: If someone wants to volunteer more in the community, where would you point them?
Bryant: The museum takes volunteers, as does the library, Eudora Giving Garden, and Meals on Wheels … and we could certainly use volunteer drivers for our van.
Hughes: Homestead of Eudora, a senior living community, and Medicalodges Eudora, a nursing and rehabilitation community, needs volunteers. So does the Eudora Food Pantry, an amazing organization of people dedicated to serving our community.
DE: What is the most heartwarming moment you’ve experienced working for the Senior Foundation?
The Senior Foundation provides opportunities, programs and experiences to enrich the lives of Eudora’s retired community.
Bryant: I’m a senior myself—I’ll be 72 this year—but when members of our foundation call me to ask a personal question, it warms my heart to think that they think of me as a friend. I know that I’m going to do whatever I can to help them with their problem, whether it’s tell them where to get tablecloths or give their outof-town family members an Airbnb recommendation.
Hughes: It’s heartwarming when our seniors get excited about our speakers or any of the events we put on. Some of them will immediately ask what we’re doing next month, which shows they’re invested and that what we do truly means something. I have made so many senior friends and have enjoyed spending time with them.
Defiantly Making Lives Better
Defiant Fitness expands its space and launches a new meal program, embracing nutrition as a key component to fitness success
Story by Amber Fraley
Photography by Jason Dailey
Ty Hendon, co-owner of Defiant Fitness, holds certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, trauma-informed yoga, nutrition, and integrative-health coaching.
Afew years ago, husband-and-wife team Ty Hendon and Nicole Babb needed a professional and personal change. They were working corporate jobs in Oregon when Ty, who has a military background, went on a veterans’ retreat. He spoke with one of the mentors about his passion for fitness and nutrition, and they began to think about how Ty might turn that passion into a business. Coincidentally, Nicole had recently been laid off from her job.
When Ty returned from the retreat and discussed his idea for a new fitness and nutritionbased business with Nicole, the couple agreed to take a chance—Ty already had extensive knowledge in personal training, fitness and nutrition, and Nicole had a master’s degree in food science.
“I figured, she’s got the knowledge of foods and creating recipes … we can do this together,” Ty says.
The couple launched Defiant Fitness as an online coaching platform in Oregon, where they created exercise and diet plans for clients, along with weekly online check-ins about weight, energy levels, mood and nutrition.
A year later, in 2023, they relocated to Eudora and took the business with them. But it soon outgrew its online platform, and the couple felt they could help more people with a physical presence in the community. “In February 2024, we started in a shed in our yard,” Nicole recalls. They quickly outgrew their shed and moved to 20th Street in October 2024.
Running a brick-and-mortar business has proven to be a good move—Defiant is once again expanding. Moving to 1904 Elm Street, a few doors away from its current location, the larger space will offer more room for classes and feature a newly renovated kitchen—a necessity for the gym’s next step, on-the-go meals.
Armed with expertise in food science, Nicole will prepare a variety of fresh, healthy foods, ranging from subscription-based meals to graband-go options. The goal is to provide a complete health solution. For example, members who
recently finished their early morning workout can grab a healthy breakfast sandwich on their way out the door, Nicole explains.
Excited to create her own recipes using the safety knowledge she’s gained working with food in a corporate setting, Nicole also plans to cook personalized dishes that fit into a client’s health plan. “It will be like life coaching, but slightly more healthcentered,” she explains.
“Word of mouth has been huge,” Ty says about the gym’s ongoing success. “Overall, everybody who knows about us has been happy with what we’re doing.”
One of those people is realtor Megan Cox, who has been a client with Defiant for about six months.
“Defiant Fitness has not only helped me start seeing real transformations in my muscle mass, but I’m noticing the difference in my everyday activities too,” she says. “Clothes are fitting better, mentally I’m in a better place. I have also noticed that my body is stronger when I move staging furniture, work at our new property, or even play golf.”
Ty holds certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, trauma-informed yoga, nutrition, and integrative-health coaching. Currently, Defiant offers adult fitness classes for a variety of abilities, including highintensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training.
“The small-group HIIT and strength classes put people of all ages and skill levels in the same room,” says Karen Page, a member of Defiant Fitness and a local business owner. “You learn fast … and get that extra nudge from a group setting. It’s structured, scalable and a lot more motivating than going at it alone.”
Defiant also offers a youth athlete class for kids who play sports. “No matter what sport they play, we want to evolve those skills,” Ty says. “It’s a lot of change of direction and speed work.”
Ty takes his role as a personal trainer seriously. “I firmly believe in meeting my clients where they are physically, mentally and emotionally,” he says. “Every person is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses and aspirations, and their journeys toward improvement will differ.”
"I firmly believe in meeting my clients where they are physically, mentally and emotionally. Every person is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses and aspirations, and their journeys toward improvement will differ."
–Ty Hendon
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 large can green enchilada sauce
• 1 medium can salsa verde
• 2 (7-ounce) cans diced green chilies
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans or any other white beans
• 1¼ cups frozen corn
• 2½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1½ teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (8-ounce) block of light cream cheese, cut into cubes (optional)
When it comes to cooking for clients, Nicole has her go-to proteins and veggies. “I like chicken—I think it’s the most versatile and reheats the best. I also really like beans because they’re a great source of protein, fiber and complex carbs, and because they’re super versatile and budget-friendly.”
In this set-and-forget, one-pot meal, Nicole uses a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, but she says that a stovetop or regular slow cooker will also work.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In an Instant Pot, on the sauté setting, toss oil with onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
3. Turn off sauté setting and add enchilada sauce, salsa verde, green chilies, beans, corn, chicken and spices. For a thicker, creamier chili, add cream cheese. Cover and pressure cook, using quick or natural release, for at least 30 minutes.
4. Give it a good stir, then serve immediately. Alternately, keep warm until ready to serve. Plate with optional toppings.
Beyond coaching that focuses on the body, Ty and Nicole offer integrative health coaching, which addresses behavior and mindset. “It takes into account all aspects of your fitness, nutrition, home life, sleep, work-life balance,” Ty says. “We integrate it into your overall vision for your life. It’s a very client-driven process.”
Ty and Nicole say they have felt welcomed into the Eudora community and have forged valuable relationships.
“By taking the time to understand each client’s background, experiences and ambitions, I can better support them in their growth,” Ty says. “My goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where my clients feel valued, understood and empowered enough to thrive.”
“Ty and Nicole don’t just count reps—they coach. They meet you where you are and make fitness accessible for the whole town,” Page adds.
When asked what makes their gym “defiant,” Ty puts it simply: “We like to do things outside of the box. We’re not a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all type of gym. We care about the individual and the results that they want.”
So far, taking the leap of leaving the corporate world is working out not just for Ty and Nicole but also for Eudora.
“There’s nothing better than being able to make a good end product that you’re happy about and help the people in our community,” Ty says.
Currently, Defiant Fitness offers adult classes for a variety of abilities, including high-intensity interval training and strength training.
Doctors who truly know you. Our board-certified primary care doctors not only know their patients, they know the whole family. From babies to seniors and everyone in between. It’s what you can expect from your community healthcare system. Doctors who are here with you.
“ Practicing Family Medicine here means caring for neighbors and friends.”
Dr. Joe Hawkins at Zeb’s Coffeehouse
Country Road Farms countryroadfarms@yahoo.com 785-615-1290 facebook.com/2014countryroadfarms
