Hometown
Connections FALL EDITION
A Venue With a View
Escape to Gyp Hills Ranch
FOOTBALL COVERAGE SCHOOL NIGHT RECIPES
INDUSTRY NEWS
Rural Connections BY MIKE ROMANO, CEO NTCA–THE RURAL BROADBAND ASSOCIATION
America at 250: Building Connections That Last
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very community has a story to tell, and at NTCA, we’re honored to help our members tell theirs. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it’s worth remembering that much of our nation’s story started in rural America, and the heartbeat of our great country can often be heard most loudly in the spaces between the biggest cities. You can see this spirit clearly in small towns and rural communities where generations of Americans have come together to build the infrastructure, roads, bridges and yes, communications networks, that provide a reliable foundation for civic engagement, commerce and connection. For generations, local providers stepped forward to make sure rural America stayed connected with the rest of the country and the world when others wouldn’t. They invested in the infrastructure their communities needed to grow and thrive. As technology evolved, so did those networks. Today, our nation’s small, community-based broadband providers are delivering robust and reliable high-speed broadband that powers education, healthcare, agriculture, public safety, small businesses and countless opportunities. Throughout that journey, NTCA has been proud to advocate for the policies that make those investments possible—and help them provide connections that last for generations. As we think about what will help America thrive from coast to coast, far beyond the celebration of its 250th birthday, those will matter even more. Together, we’ll continue building connections that will take us into the next 250 years.
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Protect the Keys, Not the House
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hen it comes to cybersecurity, do you become overwhelmed by the idea of protecting dozens of accounts? Online banking, shopping sites, streaming services, social media and more. It can seem daunting. Try thinking about protecting the key, not the whole house. Just a handful of accounts unlock nearly everything else in your digital life. If criminals gain access to one of these “master keys,” they may be able to reset passwords, impersonate you or access sensitive information. The most important key is your email account. It’s where password reset links are sent, making it the gateway to many of your other accounts. Your mobile phone number is another key, since it’s often used to verify your identity. If you use a password manager, it deserves extra protection because it holds the credentials to many of your accounts. Finally, your financial accounts should always have the strongest safeguards available. Start by creating a strong, unique password for each of these accounts and turning on multifactor authentication whenever it’s offered. Then make sure your phone and computer stay updated with the latest security patches. You don’t have to secure every digital door at once. Protect the few keys that unlock everything else, and you’ve taken one of the biggest steps toward keeping your online life secure.
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FROM THE CEO
Opening New Chapters
FALL 2026
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It is distributed at no charge to all SC customers.
Recently, there have been concerns about reading levels among students and young adults. While those discussions are important, I prefer to focus on the opportunities ahead. Reading is one of the most valuable skills we can encourage, whether it begins with a parent reading a child a bedtime story, a young reader discovering a favorite author or an adult learning something new. Reading does more than help us understand words CARLA SHEARER on a page. It fuels creativity. It encourages curiosity. It Chief Executive Officer teaches us to think critically and consider different perspectives. Those skills are valuable in school, at work, in church and throughout our daily lives. As they have for generations, libraries play a vital role in rural communities, but now opportunities extend far beyond library walls. Online resources provide access to digital books, research tools, educational courses and information on almost any subject imaginable. This is one of the many ways broadband quietly supports our communities. A student can access learning materials after school. A small-business owner can research new opportunities. A farmer can explore the latest agricultural practices. Someone considering a career change can take online classes or earn certifications without leaving home. The technology is not the destination. It is simply a tool that helps open doors. Of course, reading is not limited to formal education. It can even bring families together. Some of the most meaningful lessons begin when parents or grandparents share stories with children and encourage them to ask questions. We believe SC’s role is to support opportunities that strengthen the communities we serve. Because we are local, we focus on long-term investments that help our neighbors succeed today and in the future. Reliable broadband is one part of that commitment, helping connect people to the resources they need to learn, grow and pursue their goals. I am grateful for the educators, parents and community leaders who encourage a love of reading. Their efforts help shape stronger communities and brighter futures. At SC, we are proud to support that work and remain committed to keeping our communities connected to the opportunities ahead.
Jesse Blasi Iuka Exchange
Reading, learning and opportunity
ew skills have greater meaning in our lives than the ability to read. Long before we choose a career, start a business or learn a trade, reading helps us make sense of the world. It opens doors to knowledge, sparks imagination and gives us the tools for lifelong learning.
VOL. 2, NO. 3
Hometown Connections is a quarterly magazine published by SC, © 2026.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Brent Garvie Burlington/Byron Exchanges Justin Koblitz Hazelton Exchange
Joel Forester Kiowa Exchange Josh Buck Lake City/Sun City Exchanges Dan Hrencher Sharon Exchange Mike VanCampen Turon Exchange
215 S. Iliff St. P.O. Box B Medicine Lodge, KS 67104 877-723-6875
hellosc.com
Produced for SC by:
On the Cover:
Gyp Hills Guest Ranch owners Andrea and John Fisher, seen here with their dog, Mags, see their business as a way to share the beauty of the area with others. See story Page 12.
Photo courtesy of Becki Clouse Photography
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M³ Publishing Spotlights Local Sports Newspaper group inks a new legacy for local journalism Story by JOHN CLAYTON
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Jason owns with his wife, Stephanie. M³ Publishing owns The Attica Independent, The Gyp Hill Premiere in Medicine Lodge, The Harper Advocate, The Cunningham Courier, The Derby Informer, the Kingman Leader-Courier, The Western Star & Protection Press, serving Coldwater and Protection, and the Medford Patriot-Star in Oklahoma. The company focuses on community-first coverage. “I’m kind of a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none,” Jason says. “I got my start in sports, so when I got out of coaching, I started an online newspaper down in the Houston area in 2003.”
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
While providing local news and sports coverage, M³ Publishing is also keeping newsprint alive. The media group nearly doubled its size with several recent community newspaper purchases. “At the end of the day, there’s just something about holding a product in your hand—something you can feel and interact with,” Jason says. “There’s just so much screen time and there’s only so much of that the human mind and body can withstand before it needs physical interaction. So, I think people saying the newspaper industry was dead was sort of shortsighted when it
Photos courtesy of Bob Morris
ason Jump’s career included a stint in coaching, and his path in journalism began in sports, so it’s not surprising the newspapers he owns feature stories about football and other competitions. “When I was growing up, I always wanted to see the newspaper, especially in the summertime,” Jason says. “We didn’t have anything else, so if you wanted to see that you hit a home run, or if your buddy hit a home run across town, you looked in the newspaper. That’s what I remember.” Every football season, game stories join the local news coverage of M³ Publishing, the media company
M³ Publishing co-owner Jason Jump reviews photos for a sports page layout. 4
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comes to everybody wanting everything in a digital medium.” However, Jason knows the challenges newspapers—especially in small communities—are facing. But he also knows if those papers fail, many of those communities would have no coverage of local government and officials, schools and sports. “We feel like it’s an important part of the community, and we take a lot of pride in being a community-minded organization,” Jason says. “I’ll be matter-of-fact, every newspaper we’ve taken over except for the very first one we bought, had we not taken it over, it would have closed down, and these communities would no longer have newspapers.”
2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Several schools—including the state-champion six-man team—are on the move for 2026. Others are retooling to compete for district and state championships. M³ Managing Editor Bob Morris helps us take a look at the season:
CUNNINGHAM The Wildcats are making the move to eight-man football and couldn’t have picked a better way to exit the six-man stage.
The Greenbacks, led by head coach Brent Hoetling, reeled off eight straight victories and made it to the semifinals of the Class 3A state playoffs in 2025. Pratt finished 9-2 overall and fourth in the Central Kansas District.
Six-Man Coach of the Year Lance McGuire led Cunningham to a 12-1 record.
Leading rusher Cade Liggett is expected back for his junior season after gaining 1,077 yards and averaging 8.2 yards per carry with nine touchdowns. He also threw for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Chieftains finished 9-2 in six-man play and were a perfect 4-0 at home on their way to the substate playoff round. Weskan defeated South Barber, 26-21, in the playoffs. “They have the bulk of their roster coming back, so they’ll be one of the favorites in six-man this season,” Bob says. “It’ll be interesting to watch.”
ARGONIA-ATTICA South Barber’s Cody Shklar finds room to run during a football playoff game against Pawnee Heights.
The Titans made it to the second round of the Eight-Man Division II playoffs. Bob says the Titans should be improved after a third-place district finish in 2025. “There are a bunch of freshmen and sophomores from Attica, so they should be a better team this year,” he says. “They’ll probably challenge for the district title. They’ll be a little more experienced.”
SKYLINE Kingman’s Gabe Andersen gets the handoff from Logan Birkenbaugh during a 2025 game against Belle Plaine. SC
PRATT
They won the six-man state championship last year with a dominating 51-8 victory over Weskan. It was the Wildcats’ fourth straight championship game and their second title since the six-man division was established in 2022.
SOUTH BARBER Cunningham’s Tyler Osner joins his teammates in tackling Tescott’s Joey Stirn.
On offense, quarterback Matthias Bair returns along with favorite receiving targets Adler Nelson and Aiden Becker.
The Thunderbirds graduated just one senior from last season’s 4-5 team.
CHAPARRAL The Roadrunners move to Class 2A Division 8 this season and are a favorite to win the district following last year’s 5-4 campaign. Senior quarterback Daniel Schmidt led the team with seven rushing touchdowns and 10 passing, while averaging 5.9 tackles per game on defense. Kicker Kenny Diaz hit 22 of 23 point-after attempts and four field goals. “They have some good players returning,” Bob says. “Diaz is one of the best kickers in the state.”
MEDICINE LODGE Robert Smith takes over as head coach this year for a team that lost 14 seniors to graduation. The Indians finished with a 4-5 overall record last season in Class 1A in the Central Plains League.
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Caboose Serves as
Mighty Little Lifesaver Story by MELANIE JONES
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he train caboose served many purposes throughout history, but the earliest was as a home for the brakemen who walked along the outside of the train to set the brakes on each car. They worked in all types of weather, risking falls and injuries to make sure every car was safely stopped. That job is long gone, replaced by air brakes. Today’s working trains don’t have cabooses. But a stationary caboose in Medicine Lodge is still saving lives, just as the brakemen of the past did. Stationed at 501 S. Main St., the caboose serves as a crisis kiosk—a private place where people experiencing a mental health emergency can reach out for suicide prevention resources or get help in other ways.
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“As a rural community, local resources are limited,” Medicine Lodge Police Department Investigator Tonia Brown says. In fact, there is only one mental health provider in the city. Meanwhile, the kiosk provides an accessible entry point for people seeking help and offers a safe, private place to call 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline. Tonia says that private call can make a huge difference for someone contemplating self-harm. Suicide prevention is especially important to Tonia, a suicide loss survivor—the term for a From left, City Administrator Brian Withrow, City Council Member and DCCCA representative Julie Warner, Ashley Taylor, Wendy Crenner, Shelly Hansel, Tonia Brown, Police Chief John Defore and Dawn Jones all helped turn the caboose into a crisis kiosk.
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WHY THE CABOOSE? DCCCA, a nonprofit organization based in Lawrence, works to improve the safety, health and well-being of individuals, families and communities through prevention, treatment, family support and community-based services across Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Through DCCCA’s prevention efforts, the Barber County Health Department, led by Administrator Dawn Jones, had an opportunity to apply for a Peer-to-Peer Navigator grant. The health department agreed to serve as the umbrella organization for the grant and partnered with the Medicine Lodge Police Department to help bring the crisis kiosk project to life. About that time, the planners learned of a handful of other places in Kansas that developed suicide prevention crisis line centers. “They just needed a small place to put a phone and some handout literature,” Medicine Lodge Police Chief John Defore says. Planners considered it ideal to put the crisis kiosk at a highway intersection to make help available for folks coming through the area and to provide greater visibility for locals. John met with DCCCA’s Julie Warner and City Administrator Brian Withrow to discuss a location, and they identified the empty caboose as the perfect spot. The caboose is on a highway, the city already owned it, and no one had a day-to-day use for it. “It was like light bulbs going off in the room for us,” Julie says. “It’s been really cool to watch it come together.” The kiosk didn’t grow in isolation. Besides assistance from DCCCA, the police department and the health department, the kiosk received support from Barber County United, SC and Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital.
HOW IT HELPS The response won’t be one-size-fits-all. For some individuals, a call to the crisis line may be enough. While
From left, Ashley, Tonia and Shelly check out the pamphlets available inside the caboose. Tonia will be responsible for making sure they are in stock at the start of each shift. SC
it’s anonymous, the organizers would like to be able to contact people later to make sure they’re doing OK and are connected with long-term help. When people enter the caboose during a crisis, they’ll find a landline phone provided by SC. “That’s just a true blessing to our community,” Julie says. The phone will immediately connect those seeking help to the 988 lifeline. “It’ll start off that way, but gosh, I sure hope that it evolves into if you have food insecurities, you can stop in there. If you have a domestic abuse situation that you’re trying to get away from, please come there,” Julie says. Tonia will be the police department’s point person for the kiosk. She’ll make sure all the literature is stocked and check if anyone is using the caboose at the beginning of each shift. She knows she’ll encounter different situations and has a plan for each, including domestic violence calls. “Our top priority is the caller’s immediate safety,” she says. “We will arrange a discreet meeting place if needed, connect them with local domestic violence services, protection orders, shelters and provide ongoing referrals and follow-up support to ensure their continued protection.” Julie says the organizers have tried to think through every scenario of what people could need. The caboose is stocked with print resources for every type of situation, including scams, and there are even coloring books in case the person in crisis needs to bring children along. “I kind of envision it to evolve as we get going,” Julie says. John agrees. “If they go in there for one thing, maybe they’ll see something that helps them with another problem they’re having," he says. “A lot of folks who are contemplating harming themselves have a lot of outside factors that are pushing them. If we can have some other avenues of help, maybe that will save one person.”
Photos courtesy of Becki Clouse Photography
person affected by another individual’s suicide—both personally and on the job. She has been trained in prevention since 2016.
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Officer Craig Hadsall serves as resource officer during the school year and as a sergeant with the Harper County Sheriff’s Department during the summer.
Holding the Line Resource officer helps parents navigate online hazards
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arper County School Resource Officer Craig Hadsall knows keeping children safe online can be a tough challenge for parents. His goal is to make that a little easier. “Parents simply don’t understand the dangers and don’t feel equipped or confident enough to enforce safety measures, but they must be able to deliver a ‘hard no’ to their children regarding much of this,” he says. Harper County now enforces a no-electronic devices policy. That means students cannot access their cellphones, smartwatches or earbuds during the school day.
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Kansas joins 27 other states enforcing the bell-to-bell electronics ban this school year. In addition to eliminating distractions, many policymakers, educators and parents felt the move was necessary to help improve students’ well-being and social interactions.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY Ultimately, it comes down to keeping children safe online. Craig is always available to offer help and support for parents facing pushback from their children over the new electronics policy. But his ultimate goal is providing the information and tools they need to navigate today’s online world.
Online caution is critical for all ages. “We just need to hit the brake pedal a little bit with social media and with all these things,” Craig says. “We need to understand them, and we need to incorporate them into our lives because that’s the world we’re living in. But at the same time, these are adult platforms that minors just aren’t ready for.” The starting point is open communication at home. This has been key with Craig’s two sons, Ty, an Oklahoma State freshman, and Trace, a Chaparral High junior, who know they have to agree to certain conditions to use their personal devices. SC
“My own kids were exposed to things I wish they hadn’t been, but there were lots of conversations leading up to it so when things happened, they felt comfortable enough to come to us so we could work through it,” Craig says. Each school year, Craig shares personal safety presentations with students, but it’s parents who need to learn the ins and outs of online safety, he says. Parents must be aware of the dangers and how to navigate the changing platforms so the family can tackle the process together. “We wouldn’t teach our children to avoid cars while crossing the street by simply letting them try it out for themselves the first time,” Craig says. “Why do we do so with technology?”
STAYING CONSISTENT
Photos courtesy of Becki Clouse Photography
Craig hopes to expand parent education this year to keep promoting the importance of communication and responsible navigation. The statistics he shares can be overwhelming and slightly terrifying. “I always feel a little bad afterward, because I know the parents walk away completely scared
out of their minds,” he says. “But I don’t feel I’m doing it justice if I dumb it down.” In addition to encouraging communication, Craig urges parents to engage in consistent oversight and “hold the line” for their children to be successful and safe. “You know what the right thing is when it comes to discipline or following the rules or policies in play. That’s the line, and every time we repaint the line farther back, it’s really hard to enforce,” he says. “Hold the line, and they’ll meet it. It’s not going to be easy, but are you going to parent as a parent or parent as a friend? We know what happens when we parent as friends.” If parents don’t take a vested interest in holding the line at home, Craig says, it’s so much harder for teachers and schools, and the child is the one who suffers. Craig knows keeping children safe online is an ongoing challenge, but it’s one he readily accepts. “There really isn’t any other option the way I see it,” he says. “You can be part of answers and part of solutions, and I’m glad it’s those things that fill my cup.”
CYBERSECURITY TIPS TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN KEEP PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVATE: Never share your name, phone number, address, school or age with anyone online. STRANGER DANGER: Do not chat, share photos or play with people you don’t know in real life. Never agree to meet up with someone you speak with online. GUARD YOUR PASSWORDS: Never share your passwords with anyone other than your parents. ASK BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD: Get permission from your parents before clicking a link for apps or games. BE KIND: If you wouldn’t say something to a person’s face, don’t type it. Treat everyone with respect.
ASK FOR HELP
School Resource Officer Craig Hadsall is available to answer questions, offer advice or present information.
You can reach him at chadsall@harpercountyks.gov. Craig, second from left, meets with Chaparral High School educators, from left, Sheldon Patton, Trisha Moritz, Chris Whetzel, Chloe Twyman and Curt Miller. Craig serves the students at Chaparral Junior/ Senior High School, as well as those at Anthony Elementary.
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Adobe Stock photo by Spectral-Design, Accountanz
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Stay Aware Defending against the latest cybersecurity threats Story by MATT LEDGER
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n 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance began recognizing October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Much has changed since the infancy of the internet, and everyone should remain vigilant when using a connected device. As the number of cybersecurity threats increases, strong defenses become even more important. Once, spelling mistakes or nonstandard email addresses might have signaled a scam attempt. Now, the efforts are increasingly sophisticated, including the use of the latest digital innovations with the rise of tools powered by artificial intelligence. In 2023, a cyberattack breached the Kansas state court system, compromising the personal data of 150,000 people, according to a state legislative report. The Kansas Office of Judicial Administration enhanced its security protocols to reduce the possibility of it happening again. According to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report, more than 1 million complaints were filed last year, with $20.877 billion in losses detailed. Among cyberthreat complaints reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, also called IC3, 39% involved data breaches and 36% involved ransomware, with 63 new ransomware variants identified. Phishing and spoofing messages are the most frequently reported cybercrimes, but the extensive list of crimes detailed in the FBI’s report includes everything from ransomware to credit card fraud. The full FBI report, along with a variety of other cybersecurity resources, is available at ic3.gov. It’s also the site to register a complaint if you’ve been a victim of a cybercrime. Here are some easy-to-follow steps you can take to keep your personal information—and your financial future—safe.
NEVER CLICK SUSPICIOUS LINKS If you receive a message purporting to be from a company you do business with containing a link urging you to go to the business website to update or confirm your account, do not click that link. It may take you to a phishing site built to steal your information. If you’re unsure if the message is legitimate, contact the sender directly by phone or through an official website or email address.
CHECK THE SENDER Scammers count on people quickly skimming through their inboxes. Check the email address or phone number carefully. A small typo, extra character or slightly off domain name are still common red flags.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS Using the same password across multiple accounts makes it easier for scammers if one account is compromised. Instead, use a password manager app, which encourages the use of long, unique passwords that provide a greater defense. Device operating systems typically offer free options.
STRENGTHEN SECURITY FEATURES Use spam filters, enable multifactor authentication where available and keep your devices updated with the latest software and security patches.
ENABLE FRAUD ALERTS Credit card companies alert you to any fraudulent charges as they occur. To take it a step further, consider placing fraud alerts with the three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. SC
SC Now Offers Managed IT Services Let us help support your IT staff
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ou’ve trusted SC to keep your phones connected and your internet running. Now, we’re extending that same local commitment to something businesses around our region need more than ever—a reliable technology partner who handles information technology so you don’t have to.
WHAT IS A MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDER? Instead of someone who’s there only when your system has trouble, you have a dedicated team watching over your entire technology environment every single day. We catch problems before they cause downtime, keep your systems up to date and make sure your data stays safe.
WHAT WE OFFER Our managed services cover the full range of what modern businesses depend on: Device and network management: We remotely monitor and manage your computers, servers and network equipment. If something goes wrong at 2 a.m., we know about it before your staff walks in later that morning. Microsoft 365 and cloud services: We deploy, manage and support your Microsoft environment. Whether you have five employees or 500, we keep your cloud running smoothly.
Cybersecurity: Threats are real, and they target businesses of every size. We provide email filtering, multifactor authentication, security awareness training and endpoint protection to keep your team and your data safe. We help businesses meet security frameworks including HIPAA, CMMC, NIST, CJIS, PCI and federal safeguards requirements for CHASE WEBER financial institutions. Director of IT & IT help desk: Your employees get Managed Services fast, friendly support from people who know your environment. No more waiting on hold with a national call center that’s never heard of your town. Compliance and documentation: For businesses operating under regulatory requirements—whether that’s HIPAA for healthcare, CMMC for defense contractors, CJIS for law enforcement adjacent organizations, PCI for businesses handling payment cards or federal safeguard requirements for financial institutions such as banks and credit unions—we help you meet those standards and maintain the documentation to prove it.
Many businesses have an in-house IT person or a small internal team, and that’s a great asset. But even the best IT staffs have limits. Vacations happen. Tickets pile up. Specialized projects fall outside their expertise and after-hours coverage is hard to sustain. That’s where co-managed services with SC shine. Rather than replacing your existing IT staff, we work alongside them.
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Co-managing is our preferred model because it works. It respects the investment you’ve already made in your IT staff while making sure no single point of failure puts your business at risk.
WHY SC? What sets us apart is simple: We’re local, and we’re already here. SC has served this region for decades. We combine that community presence with enterprise-grade tools and
the same platforms used by large corporations, but we deliver it in a way that fits the budget and pace of a regional business.
READY TO LEARN MORE? If you’re a business owner or manager curious about what managed IT could look like for your organization, we’d love to have a conversation. Reach out to SC and ask about our managed services offerings.
Adobe Stock images by Who is Danny, Olga
ALREADY HAVE IT STAFF?
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Gyp Hills Getaway
Family ranch blends hospitality, history and breathtaking scenery Story by LAZ DENES
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or travelers seeking rolling prairie landscapes and a slowed-down pace, a dirt road outside Medicine Lodge leads to all that and more at one of South Central Kansas’ most unique destinations. Gyp Hills Guest Ranch has been a popular venue for weddings, family reunions, hunting trips and corporate retreats for more than a decade. Nestled beneath the scenic red and white gypsum formations that give the Gyp Hills their name, the ranch grew from a desire to preserve agricultural heritage while sharing one of Kansas’ most beautiful landscapes. “We love the Gyp Hills, and we wanted people to get to enjoy them,” says Andrea Fisher, who owns and operates the ranch
with her husband, John. “There really hadn’t been a lot available in our area that allowed people to experience them beyond simply driving through.” The property has deep ties to the Fisher and Lonker families. Andrea’s parents, Don and Barbara Lonker, owned the ranch for decades. In the late 1990s, they built a large barn to host cattle sales for the ranching operation. No one imagined the structure would someday become a place for celebrations. But after attending an agritourism workshop in 2012, the families were inspired to convert the barn into an event center and create lodging opportunities for guests.
The transformation included converting a ranch house into a five-bedroom guest lodge, adding campsites and remodeling the former cattle-sale facility into a modern venue while preserving its rustic character. The first guests arrived in fall 2015.
PRESERVING HISTORY While the venue offers modern comforts, its walls also tell the story of the generations who worked the land. Much of the weathered wood came from the Lonker family’s original homestead barn and chicken coop. An antique hayloft door salvaged from the historic structure now serves as a centerpiece inside the event center.
Gyp Hills Guest Ranch has been hosting weddings and business events since 2015.
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That decision proved especially meaningful when the Anderson Creek Fire swept through the region in 2016 and destroyed the original homestead barn. “We got that wood just in time,” Andrea says. “We felt like we were able to preserve a little bit of that history.” Visitors can also find generations of family cattle brands incorporated into the venue’s fireplace, creating a visual connection between the ranch’s past and present. Today, the ranch remains a working cattle operation while John continues his career in cattle reproduction and agricultural sales. Andrea is principal at Medicine Lodge Grade School.
MORE THAN WEDDINGS Although weddings remain a significant part of the business, Gyp Hills Guest Ranch has evolved into a destination for a wide variety of gatherings. Guests can choose from multiple lodging options, including the ranch house with its bunk-style rooms attached to the event center, RV hookups and campsites. Some groups reserve the entire property for a weekend retreat. “We’ve been able to provide a place for people to celebrate special moments,
reconnect with family or even come together during difficult times,” Andrea says. While wedding season keeps the ranch busy much of the year, autumn brings another major draw. Hunters travel from across the country to experience the region’s renowned outdoor opportunities, many returning year after year. October has become one of the busiest months on the calendar as hunting and wedding seasons routinely overlap. The Fishers’ sons, Luke, Kirk and Jake, along with Luke’s wife, Brooklyn, and their son, Behren, have become increasingly involved in the operation, which now includes guided upland bird, waterfowl and deer hunts. “We have several guests who make annual trips and have standing reservations,” Andrea says.
CONNECTED COMFORTS Modern connectivity plays a critical role in the guest experience. Reliable internet service provided through SC allows guests to remain connected while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the ranch. Whether visitors are working remotely, hosting business presentations or sharing
photos from a wedding weekend, dependable wireless internet helps bridge the gap between rural charm and modern expectations. “Because of SC, we’re able to provide modern-day amenities in our rural setting,” Andrea says. The ranch’s wireless network even extends to camping areas through outdoor equipment installed as part of SC’s fiber infrastructure. As Gyp Hills Guest Ranch enters its second decade, the operation continues to evolve. The next generation is already helping carry the vision forward, ensuring the ranch remains a place where visitors can experience the beauty of the Gyp Hills and create lasting memories, beginning with their greeting when they arrive. Known affectionately as the ranch’s unofficial welcoming committee, Mags, a friendly black Labrador, has become one of the property’s most beloved hosts. Much like the Fisher family, Mags is always ready to make visitors feel at home. That’s exactly the experience the Fisher and Lonker families hoped to create—a place where Kansas hospitality, ranching heritage and breathtaking scenery come together, one gathering at a time.
SC’s high-speed broadband is available throughout the guest ranch and cattle operation thanks to an outdoor access point on the main building. SC
Photos courtesy of Becki Clouse Photography
Andrea and John Fisher review upcoming reservations at their ranch, which includes an event space that can host 120 guests.
GYP HILLS GUEST RANCH
3393 SW Woodward Road, Medicine Lodge
620-242-7643 gyphillsguestranch.com Follow Gyp Hills Guest Ranch on Facebook. 13
MIDWEST KITCHENS
School-Night
Scrambles
Adobe Stock photos by hanahal, Ирина Гутыряк
Quick and satisfying recipes for family dinner time
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or many families, September means fresh school supplies, the morning rush to get everyone to class on time and, of course, the dreaded question—what’s for dinner? Between carving out time to cook and navigating pantry options, finding the right answer isn’t always easy. These quick and easy recipes will keep everyone at the table happy, even on a busy school night. Photography by Mark Gilliland Food Styling by Rhonda Gilliland
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CREAMY TOMATO TORTELLINI WITH SPINACH 1 20-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce ½ cup heavy cream 4 cups fresh spinach ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain the tortellini and add it to the skillet, tossing until coated in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. This recipe offers a nice contrast to the other dishes in the lineup—it’s meatless, family-friendly and has a rich, comforting flavor while still taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. SC
TERIYAKI MEATBALL BOWLS 1 24- to 26-ounce package frozen fully cooked meatballs 1 cup teriyaki sauce 3 cups broccoli florets 2 cups cooked white or brown rice 2 green onions, sliced 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) Prepare the rice according to package directions if it is not already cooked. Meanwhile, place the frozen meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat with ¼ cup water. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add the teriyaki sauce and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring until the meatballs are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly. Steam the broccoli until tender. Divide the rice among serving bowls and top with the teriyaki meatballs and broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN WITH ROASTED POTATOES AND CARROTS 4 boneless chicken thighs 1 pound baby potatoes, halved 4 medium carrots, sliced 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 425 F. In a small bowl, whisk together
the Dijon mustard and honey. Toss the potatoes and carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper on a sheet pan. Arrange the chicken thighs among the vegetables and brush them with the honey mustard mixture. Roast for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F and the vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.
CHEESY BLACK BEAN AND RICE SKILLET Heat the olive oil in a large 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups cooked rice 1 cup salsa 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon chili powder Salt and pepper to taste
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skillet over medium heat and cook the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the black beans, rice, salsa, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook for several minutes until heated through. Sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve on its own or with tortilla chips. 15
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