Communities & Governement
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9A
Since 1938 The Lyons State Bank has played a vital role in Rice County Progress By Paul Jones Despite the sad and untimely death of its president, Dan Snyder, January 7, at age 54, The Lyons State Bank, a 74-year-old institution that now includes the Little River State Bank, will continue as in the past. And, the Snyder family, which has been part of the bank since its inception in 1938 and among major stockholders since 1951, will continue its presence. Karen Snyder, widow of Dan Snyder, who has been with the bank for 30 years, and serves as executive vice president, secretary and cashier, will still have an active day-to-day role, and will continue to live in Lyons with their two daughters, Jadyn and Julianne. Dale Snyder, former president, now of Hutchinson, his twin brother, Don Snyder, former vice-president now living in Clinton, MO, and David Snyder, son of Dale and brother of Dan, now living in Cottonwood, AZ, will continue as board members. New officers will be elected at the annual meeting Tuesday, January 31. The Lyons State Bank was started in 1938, in a 25-foot storefront building on East Avenue North, at the northeast corner of the square. It eventually expanded into quarters which had housed a shoe store, and in 1955, on the site of
the fire-destroyed Avery grocery store, constructed a large half-block-long new building, facing on Main Street. It eventually purchased a building which had at one time housed the Fox Theatre, and turned it into a much-used community room for other groups and organizations. It was the first Lyons financial institution to operate a drive-through facility, building one located in the 100 block of North Grand in 1961. The bank has grown to have total assets of $95 million. It acquired both the Little River State Bank and the Lindsborg State Bank in 1995, and sold the Lindsborg operation in 2011. Officers in addition to Karen Snyder are John Wempe, chief executive officer and chief lending officer; Mike McCormick, vice-chairman of the board and senior vice president, and Charlotte Gates, senior vice president. In addition to Dale, Don and David Snyder, members of the board of directors are Wempe, McCormick, Lee Scheufler and Judy Neuschafer. Dan Snyder died January 7 of medical complications of a viral infection. He had served as bank president since 1992, but had worked in the family bank since childhood, starting in such jobs as janitor. He graduated
from Lyons High School and attended Hutchinson Community College and Emporia State University, and in his adulthood graduated from the Graduate
School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He was a past president of the Lyons Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of
the Rice County District Hospital board of directors. He was a past president if Kansas Agricultural Rural Leadership and a former board member of the Kansas Bankers Association.
Undersheriff Cody Goforth, Sheriff Dale Higgins, and Deputy Jeff Link talk about working in the Rice County Sheriff’s Office. Higgins has served as the Sheriff of Rice County for 27 years, and brings 37 years of law enforcement experience to Rice County.
Higgins has served Rice County 27 years as Sheriff Rice County Sheriff’s Office has been in its new facility since October 2001. The facility was built to provide a much safer environment than the original building that had been in use as the Sheriff’s Office and jail since 1927. The top notch facility is not only safer for those who are incarcerated but also the detention center employees. By statute the Sheriff is responsible for the operation of the county jail and this is why the two buildings are often found in close proximity of one another. The facility employs 13 detention officers, six full time officers (including the Sheriff and Undersheriff), three part time deputies, and six employees who work in the dispatch center. The detention center has industrial-sized washing
and drying machines for all the facility’s laundry needs. It also boasts its own kitchen which is run by a private company that uses inmates to assist in the preparation of food. Currently the detention center holds 30 county offenders, and 30 out-of-county prisoners. Mainly the facility holds Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) inmates, and Department of Correction inmates. The jail takes inmates from other counties, primarily Sedgwick and Johnson counties, and collects money from the other counties for the amount of space the prisoners use. Dale Higgins has served as Rice County Sheriff for 27 years, and carries 37 years of law enforcement experience. In the Sheriff’s Department
the officers carry a combined total of 121 years of experience. Dan “Dan-O” Evans is the department’s veteran, serving Rice County as a Deputy for 30 years. Cody Goforth has acted as Undersheriff for a year and a-half now and stated that he enjoys his line of work. “My job is ever changing and exciting as it goes from day to day,” said Goforth. Undersheriff Goforth also noted how the crime rate has increased in the past couple years due to the economy. “It’s safe to report that there’s been an increase in the crime rate of Rice County,” said Undersheriff Goforth. “Copper and other precious metals have gone up in price, leaving many people the victims of thefts.”
The Lyons State Bank 101 East Main
Lyons, Kansas 67554
800.656.2313 www.lyonsstatebank.com
24-Hour ATM at Main Bank Entrance
24-Hour Telephone Banking 866-400-3288
Little River State Bank A Branch of The Lyons State Bank
310 Main Little River, Kansas 67457
620.897.6218 www.littleriverstatebank.com Member
FDIC
10A Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Communities & Government
G
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
, KANS O E S E A N S E
• GATEWAY TO KANOPOLIS LAKE •
In geological circles, the area is known as the Geneseo Uplift. The town overlooks the Little Arkansas River valley to the south, while not far to the north the water flows to the Thompson Creek and into the Smoky Hill River. The high ridge between the two river systems was found to be ideal for railroad development.
Residents and Non-Residents Enjoy Playing Golf at the Geneseo Golf Course. The Geneseo Library offers a children’s book section (bottom left) as well as an adult section (bottom right).
GENESEO PUBLIC LIBRARY The Geneseo Public Library is open 15 hours each week; Monday from 9 to 12 and from 1 to 5; and Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. The library has its own collection of material, and can order materials from other sources for the use of patrons. It is served by the SCKLS organization for Kansas and receives books periodically. We have two computers for patrons to use; the computers are served by HCI with fiberoptics. We have a Book Club which meets once a month to discuss a book each member has read. We have sponsored a spelling bee for the past two years and will be announcing a date soon for 2012.
• GENESEO MAJOR EVENTS • • Easter Egg Hunt Sponsored by the booster club • Memorial Day All Classes Reunion Weekend Alumni Banquet • 4th of July Free Hog Roast/ Baseball game/Fireworks Display • Halloween Party at the the Mini Park • Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Church • Santa Claus comes to the LTC Building Steak Night Every 2nd Saturday of the Month at the American Legion Weekly Morning Coffee at the 55+ Club on Tues. Weekly Bible Study at the Church on Monday
In 1886 two major companies, Santa Fe and Missouri Pacific, vied for control of the land that was to become Geneseo. The Missouri Pacific ended up building the crossing for the two tracks. A third railroad, The Salina, Sterling and El Paso was built to link Wichita with the main line of the Missouri Pacific. A group of investors associated with the line soon recognized the potential of the crossing site, and formed the Geneseo Town company on November 20, 1886. The name had been chosen from the hometown of Major E.C. Moderwell, a partner in the company. His hometown of Geneseo, Illinois, had in turn taken its name from Geneseo, New York, a name of Iroquois origin, meaning “shining valley”. Geneseo, Kansas now overlooks the shining valley of the Little Arkansas River. The town grew at a phenomenal rate. A reporter from the Leavenworth Times of March 15 stated, “Geneseo may well be called the infant wonder of Kansas...One going there will be surprised. We ourselves expected to find a town of 100 people, and a few board shanties but instead, we found a thriving, bustling little city, and increasing every day. The town has three hotels and THEY ARE CRAMMED all of the time with men looking for locations. On July 15, 1887, Geneseo became an incorporated city of the third class with a population of over 600. With the railroad, a new era had dawned on the prairies. Until a school could be erected, classes were held in the new Opera House. Both Presbyterians and Methodists constructed churches. School classes were later moved to the Methodist Church until the new $10,000 school building was opened in 1889. Geneseo served many ranches, providing supplies, recreation, and a shipping point for livestock. The Geneseo Light Plant started operating in 1905 in the evening until midnight and would begin again at 5 a.m. until no longer needed for light in the morning. The first successful oil well was in 1934 and the Geneseo field soon became the boom that everyone hoped for. Much of the local economy developed for and became dependent upon the oil industry. The city built the water tower in 1935. Largely due to oil the people of Geneseo experienced dynamic renewal right in the middle of a national depression. In 1938 the new water system was put to the test. A fire totally destroyed two cafes and damaged several other businesses along the west side of Main Street. It was felt that the new water system had saved most of the block and kept the fire from spreading into the next block. As with any community in the Midwest, population and vitality have been in decline since perhaps the mid 1950’s. Geneseo is typical ‘small town America”. It is a nice place to live and raise a family. Though not as big as it once was, Geneseo has always remained modern and progressive. It looks confidently to its future while treasuring the past. By being selective about the preservation of the old and implementation of the new, Geneseo will remain a secure, yet fascinating place in which to work and live.
Be a Part of The Community Organizations of Geneseo! • Booster Club • Book Club • Golf Club United Methodist Women • Ladies Thanksgiving Club (LTC) • 55 + Club
THE CITY OF GENESEO AND THESE GENESEO AREA BUSINESSES AND ENTITIES ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE GENESEO COMMUNITY AND INVITE EVERYONE TO COME SEE WHAT MAKES THIS RICE COUNTY COMMUNITY SPECIAL!
S & S Distributors, Inc. D AU E R
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Communities & Governement
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 11A
New American food items offered along with the tradition fresh Mexican Menu at El Portrillo El Potrillo has been serving fresh mexican food in Lyons since 2007, and now have hamburgers and steaks included on the menu. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, El Potrillo always has lunch and dinner specials available. Along with their wide selection of traditional mexican cuisine, they have a vast selection of imported and domestic beer. El Potrillo claims that anything cooked on the grill is their specialty. Items like
Santa Fe Chicken and Steak Burrito are popular choices. There are just as many options on the kids menu, serving quesadillas and multiple other items. The wait staff is comprised of four waitresses and one waiter, and three cooks who are dedicated to making traditional cuisine staff in the kitchen. El Potrillo will be having specials on Valentine’s Day, and will have a completely new menu with old favorites within the next two weeks.
Rodeo Action at the Bar K Bar Arena adjacent to The Celebration Centre.
The Celebration Centre is a diverse complex offering many amenities and accommodations The Rice County Community Foundations’s Celebration Centre Community Building is located on the east edge of Lyons on Highway 56. The Centre boasts a large parking lot, walking trails, the Bar K Bar Arena and Annex. There are multiple rooms in the facility that can cater to any needs such as weddings, anniversaries, auctions, birthday parties, and graduation recepetions. The Jack Janssen Hall can comfortably accommodate over 400 guests and features surround sound speakers so the toast will always be audible. The hall also has a fully licensed commercial kitchen, so meals may be catered at the time of the event. The A.L. Branson Conference Room is a great place for small private meetings. The east room is used for a variety of meetings, dinners, and reunions and includes a serving bar with a mini kitchen for any need. It has re-
cently hosted a Local Area Network party and can seat up to 150 people. The one-half mile Walking Trail is woven among the bird baths, trees, and flowerbeds. Park benches can be found on the trail and a gazebo for community members to relax in and enjoy nature. There are a total of four life size bronze statues that can also be found while wandering the trail. The Bar K Bar Arena boasts several large roll-up and walk-in doors and is equipped with indoor stalls, bucking chutes, wash racks, and a timing and sound system. The arena measures 225 feet by 115 feet, and the annex features meeting rooms, a check-in foyer, concession stand, handicap accessible showers and restrooms, and R.V. parking. The Rice County Farm Bureau Conference Room located in the Annex seats 50 people, with the meeting room able to hold a conference with 10 to 15 people. Employees of the Centre encourage community members to come on out and celebrate.
adjoining the Community Building is a half-mile concrete walking trail surrounded by trees, flower beds bursting with color, bird baths, benches, and a 21 foot gazebo.
celebration centre
the Celebration Centre Community Building is located on the east edge of Lyons in Rice County and is easily accessible from all directions.
adjoining the Community Building is a half-mile concrete walking trail surrounded by trees, flower beds bursting with color, bird baths, benches, and a 21 foot gazebo.
“Buddies”
the Celebration Centre Community Building is located on the east edge of Lyons in Rice County and is easily accessible from all directions.
“Puppy Love”
Things to look for this next year are the addition of firearms, new hand and power paper sand paper display, redesigned tool, electrical and plumbing section as well as a section for outdoor sporting goods, Huddleston said. They also have added an expanded assortment of Shark Bite and Pex Plumbing fittings. Sporting goods will include camping equipment and fishing gear just to name a few. Huddleston said the first six months was hard on the family. While he was here getting things off the ground, his wife, Danica and children, Hayden and Addyson were still in Colorado. Slowly things came together and they were able to purchase a home in Lyons and Hayden started pre-kindergarten at Park Elementary School. “I grew up in a small community and am excited to raise our children here,” Huddleston said. “The community has been great and welcomed our family with open arms.” While the interior of the store continues to take on a newer look Huddleston remains true to his promise, keeping Woydziak Harware everything it was and more, a family-oriented atmosphere where everybody knows his or her customers, a key to the future and its continued success.
Statues given in memory of loved ones.
Now - a 215’ x 300’ iNdoor agriculture areNa adjaceNt
By LouAnn Cobb It’s been just over a year since Jason Huddleston, co-owner of Woydziak Hardware, moved to Lyons from Wheatridge, Colo. Everything is just as he imagined 12 months ago, having an independent store that works with do-ityourself customers and contractors. “Customer support and sales have remained solid during this first year of transition,” Huddleston said. “It took eight long months but we are now able to get our FFL license and back in the firearms business.” This past year we made our garden area friendlier and increased our overall line of pets, he said. Our reptile line now includes bearded dragons, chameleons, water dragons and our small animal line features gerbils and hamsters. We have expanded our saltwater fish line and redesigned our entire fish display. We even sell crickets.” Huddleston said. “It is still a work in progress. Slowly the store is being arranged to make it more customer friendly.” The paint department is now located in the front of the store, allowing staff to service customers quicker, “not to mention it let’s them know we are in the paint business,” Huddleston said.
celebratio
two life-size bronze sculptures adorn the head of the trails.
Huddleston continuing transition as co-owner manager of Woydziak Hardware
• SATURDAYS FOR DELICIOUS STEAKS •
the Celebration Centre Jack W. Janssen Hall seat are available with rental of
...briNg tHe WHole Family
the Celebration Centre Community Building’s Jack W. Janssen Hall seats 400. tables and chairs are available with rental of room.
a KdHE fully licensed commercial kitchen is available for meal preparation. Meals may also be catered with your choice of caterers.
audio, video and projection equipment are also available for rental.
celebration cent celebration cent two life-size bronze sculptures adorn the head of the trails. “Puppy Love”
elebration centre Woydziak Hardware
“Buddies”
a KdHE fully licensed commercial kitchen is available for meal preparation. Meals may also be catered with your choice of caterers.
FREE
oliday
Free $10 Gift Card With The purchase of $25 or more*
the East Room has a serving bar and mini kitchen.
The Rice County Community Foundation Building is handicap accessible and a smoke-free facility.
We Are Proud To Be A Part of Rice County Progress
the Celebration Centre East Room is carpeted and comfortably seats 150 for a sit down dinner.
S ale! in the Store 6tH 2-6 p.m.
the front lobby welcomes guests with a chandelier, oak wood trim and vaulted ceiling.
the Celebration Centre Community Building’s the Celebration Lyons, KSCentre Community Building is the Celebration Centre E Statues given in audio,seats video150 andfor pro Jack W. Janssen Hall seats 400. tables and chairs located on the east edge of Lyons in Rice County comfortably memory of loved ones. are also availab are available with rental of room. and is easily accessible fromCommunity all directions.Building is the Celebration Centre Community Building’s the Celebration Centre the Celebration Centre Jack W. Janssen Hall seats 400. tables and chairs located on the east edge of Lyons in Rice County comfortably seats 150 fo are available with rental of room. ape Measure and is easily accessible from all adjoining directions.the Community Building to the Now - a 215’ x 300’ iNdoor ag isadjoining a half-milethe the front lobby First 100 concrete walking trail welcomes guests Community Building stomers, surrounded by trees, with a chandelier, is a half-mile t. Nov. 26 the front lobby ....Where Service and Commitment Count flower beds bursting oak wood trim and concrete walking trail u#337576 welcomes guests with color, bird baths, vaulted ceiling. surrounded by trees, with a chandelier, benches, 21 foot flower and bedsa bursting oak wood trim and gazebo. with color, bird baths, vaulted ceiling. the Celebration Centre Community Building’s Centre Community Building is benches, and a 21 foot the Celebration Centre East Room is carpeted and Jack W. Janssen Hall seats 400. tables and chairs edge of Lyons in Rice County a KdHE gazebo. comfortably seats 150 for a sit down dinner. two life-size bronze are available with rental of room. ble from all directions. fully licensed (excludes firearms & ammo) sculptures adorn the commercial kitchen a KdHE . head the trails twooflife-size bronze adjoining the is available for meal fully licensed the East Room sculptures adorn the “Puppy Love” Community Building preparation. commercialMeals kitchen has a serving head of the trails. is a half-mile the front lobby may also be catered is available for meal bar and mini concrete walking trail “Puppy Love” welcomes guests with your choice of preparation. Meals kitchen. The Rice surrounded by trees, with a chandelier, maycaterers. also be catered Community Foun flower beds bursting “Buddies” oak wood trim and with your choice of is handicap with color, bird baths, vaulted ceiling. The Ric caterers. Statues given in and benches, and a 21 foot Community Fou “Buddies” audio, video and projection equipment memory of loved ones. smoke-fre gazebo. is handica are also available for rental. Statues given in an audio, video and projection equipment memory of loved ones. smoke-fr a KdHE are also available for rental. e fully licensed Now - a 215’ x 300’ iNdoor agriculture areNa adjaceNt e commercial kitchen is available for meal Now - a 215’ x 300’ iNdoor agriculture areNa adjaceNt preparation. Meals may also be catered with your choice of
Please Contact Cheryl Miller for more information Phone: 620-257-5390; Cell: 620-727-5173 director@celebrationcentreofricecounty.com
Dates and Community Events 12A Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Communities & Governement
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Come Come To To • Parks • Parks Little • Pride Little • Pride • Faith • Faith River, • Community River, • Community Come • Education • Education Kansas Kansas
n May - Congregational Church large yard sale l Day weekend - community hosts Suicide Trail Run
members of the Little River and Rice County Community
River
880
nity located unty.
Proudly supporting the city of Little River
To esses More than twenty businesses • Parks areare partpart of the More than twenty businesses of the Little Little live and • Pride LittleRiver Rivercommunity. community. Important Dates and Community Events • Faith Dates and Community Events mily! ImportantRiver, • Community • Education Kansas • Parks
Guardian of the Little Arkansas River Guardian of the Little Arkansas River Rice County Builders, Inc. Mark Konen • Russel Stephenson • Chad Stephenson
•
Donald L. Teeters www.sccmortgage.com
P.O. Box 128 • Little River Ph: 620-897-6271 Toll Free: 800-847-5874 • First Saturday in May - Congregational Church large yard sale Fax:620-897-5212 • FirstofSaturday May - Congregational large Trail yardRun sale • Saturday Memorial in Day weekend - communityChurch hosts Suicide Email: dteeters@sccmortgage 620-897-6260 202 Main 620-897-6249
• Saturday of Memorial Day weekend - community hosts Suicide Trail Run Wo r l d o f O p p o r t u n i t y
Little River, KS 67457 877-577-9002
Sponsored by these proud members of the Little River and Rice County Community
Come To • Parks Little • Pride • Faith River, • Comm • Edu Kansas Sponsored by these proud members of the Little River and Rice County Community Proudly supporting the city of Littlesupporting River Proudly
City of Little River Guardian of the Little Arkansas River • Pride
the city of Little River City of Little River Founded in 1880 More than twenty businesses are part of the
• Community Founded in 1880 Friendly little community located community. Little River within Rice County. • Education Friendly little community located Important Dates Community Events 22 LocalRice Businesses within County.•and Faith • First Saturday in live May - and Congregational Church large yardDonald sale L. Teeters Great Place to Rice County Builders, Inc. 22 Local Businesses • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend community hosts Suicide Trail Run • Quality of Life Donald L. Teeters raise a family! Rice County Builders, Inc. Mark Konen • Russel Stephenson • Chad Stephenson
www.sccmortgage.com
P.O. Box 128 • Little River Ph: 620-897-6271 Toll Free: 800-847-5874 www.sccmortgage.com Fax:620-897-5212 Email: dteeters@sccmortgage P.O. Box 128 • Little River
Great Place to live and BYmembers THESE PROUD MEMBERS OF THEand LITTLE BUSINESS COMMUNITY 125THIS MainPAGE Street • P.O.proud Box 126 • 620-897-6260 Sponsored by SPONSORED these of the Little River RiceRIVER County Community raise a family! WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS! The Monitor-Journal OswalProudly t Auction & Realsupporting ty Mark Konen • Russel Stephenson • Chad Stephenson
202 Main 620-897-6249 Little River, KS 67457 877-577-9002
125 Main Street • P.O. Box 126 • 620-897-6260the City of Little River Ph 620-897-city 6354 of Little River
Wo r l d o f O p p Ph: o r t u620-897-6271 nity
ADM GRAIN
202 Main 620-897-6249 Little River, KS 67457 877-577-9002
Founded in 1880
Friendly little community located within Rice County.
22 Local Businesses
Great Place to live and raise a family!
125 Main Street • P.O. Box 126 • 620-897-6260
Cell 620-897-7500 Email oswaltauction@lrmutual.com oswaltauction.com
P.O. Box 56, 250 Main Street, Lit le River, KS 67457
Toll Free: 800-847-5874 Fax:620-897-5212 the communities Email:Serving dteeters@sccmortgage
P.O. Box 337 340 Main Street Little River, KS 67457 s 102 Ranchland Dr., Inman, KS 105 Main • Little River • 897-6226 800.324.4623 fax 620.897.5220 321 N. Ave. North • Lyons, KS • 257-2386 www.raleighinsurance.biz
Rice County Builders, Inc.
of Little River, Windom and Andover Published weekly 248 Main Street P.O. Box 68 Little River, Ks 67457 620-897-6234 themonitor@lrmutual.com
Wo r l d o f O p p o r t u n i t y
Rice County Builders, Inc. Mark KonenL.• Russel Stephenson • Donald Teeters Chad Stephenson www.sccmortgage.com 0 / "OX s ,ITTLE 2IVER Ph: 620-897-6271 Toll202 Free: 800-847-5874 Main Fax: 620-897-5212
Little River, KS 620-897-6249 202 Main 620-897-6249 World of Opportunity 877-577-9002 Little River, KS 67457 877-577-9002 Email: dteeters@sccmortgage.com
Donald L. Teeters www.sccmortgage.com
P.O. Box 128 • Little River Ph: 620-897-6271 Toll Free: 800-847-5874 Fax:620-897-5212 Email: dteeters@sccmortgage Wo r l d o f O p p o r t u n i t y
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Communities & Governement
Woydziak
Bolen Office
109 W. Ave South 620-257-2131
123 W. Ave South 620-257-5004
The Lyons State Bank 101 E. Main 620-257-2313
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 13A
Mike’s T.V., Furniture & Appliance 106 E. Ave South 620-257-2777
We Support LyonS & rice county progreSS
State Farm
Hairtenders
Dwayne Edwards & Terese Meredith
100 E. Ave South
126 E. Ave South 620-257-3106
620-257-3001
Edward Jones
Sherman Insurance 620 · 257 · 5537 Sherman Barber shop
Pat Fulton
Financial Advisor
620 · 257 · 5251
113 West Main 620-257-3334 Member SiPC
104 E. Ave South
Minix Travel
ARMAR Boutique 128 E. Ave. S.
103 E. Ave North 620-257-2502
620-680-0642
A Moment In Time
Robertson Termite
201 W. Ave South 620-204-0884
102 E. Ave South 620-257-2012
Shelter
Home Mart
Insurance
®
120 W. Commercial
620-509-7878
113 E. Commercial
620-257-3591
Adams, Beran, Brown & Ball 108 W. Commercial
620-257-5155
the MerchantS, profeSSionaLS & BuSineSSeS DoWntoWn & arounD the Square, LyonS
First Bank 201 E. Ave South 620-257-2321
Birzer
Funeral Home
214 W. Ave South 620-257-2211
Jones Oil 223 E. Ave. North 620-257-3191
D&J Country Lyons Federal Garden 200 E. Ave South 205 W. Ave South 620-257-3222
620-257-3551
14A Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Communities & Governement
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Sonic celebrates 35 years in Lyons in May 2012 On May 5, 2012, Sonic will celebrate its 35th Anniversary in Lyons and the public has been given a heads-up to look for specials prices on their burgers, give-a-ways, t-shirts, and a grand-prize drawing. Sonic has a wide variety of menu items. Whether it’s the new hotdog line that brings a variety of tastes from all over the nation, their golden brown fries and chicken strips, or their tasty burgers that draws customers in, Sonic has something for everyone. Happy Hour runs every day, Monday through Sunday between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m., where customers can purchase any drink at half the price. On May 15, 2012, it will be Darren Clark’s 15-year anniversary as general manager for Sonic. Clark
has worked at Sonic for a total of 20 years, starting during high school. Sonic employs a total of 28 full-time and parttime employees, and the home office is located in Oklahoma City, where the business started in 1959. In 1953 an early version of Sonic opened in Shawnee, Okla. It was named the Top Hat Drive-in and was opened by Troy Smith. The business changed its name to Sonic in 1959. In the 50s, Sonic’s use of curb side speakers allowed customers for the first time to order without having to leave their car, earning the slogan “Sonic, service at the speed of sound.” With great food, at good prices, it’s no wonder the business has been here so long.
Sonic employees Barb Clark, Haida MacLaver, Marie Wilbur, and owner Darren Clark line up behind a row of signature red trays.
Sonic is ideally located for local and highway traffic with its Highway 56 address. It is the after game hangout for kids and families, both local and visiting, and attracts guests passing through Lyons on the busy roadway. During Happy Hour, it can be tough to find an open parking spot.
Monday ~ Thursday 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday ~ Saturday 7 a.m. - Midnight Sunday 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Communities & Governement
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 15A
March will mark the 99th year for Lyons Federal Bank By Paul Jones Nearing the beginning of its 100th year in existence, the Lyons Federal Bank has reached a record capital level of more than $8 million. It was begun March 12, 1913 with capitalization of $13,500. As of December 31, 2011, total assets of the bank have grown to more than $77 million. Federal regulations require banks to have at least six percent capital compared with assets. Lyons Federal now has more than 10 percent. LFB is a mutual organization, meaning there are no stockholders. In a sense, the corporation is owned by all of the bank’s customers. Because there are no dividends paid, Lyons Federal is able to support a vast variety of
community activities. During the past year it donated nearly $30,000 to support local projects such as the Rice Community Healthcare Foundation for additional equipment for the Lyons Rice County District Hospital; funds to support its annual scholarships for Lyons High School valedictorians and salutatorians from the Don Turner Memorial program; free use of the east half of a building at 201 West Main for the annual use by the local Goodfellows organization; and support of many other community activity projects in need of financial assistance. Now having occupied new Lyons facilities for two and a half years, Lyons Federal has two additional locations — the Quivira Federal Bank in Bushton and a branch of Lyons
Federal in Ellsworth. It has an automatic teller machine (ATM) in the 200 block of West Main in Lyons, near the former temporary bank home occupied while the new building was being constructed. The bank, which has had four names, beginning in 1913, as the Lyons Building and Loan Association, and continuing through Lyons Savings and Loan Association and Lyons Federal Savings before becoming Lyons Federal Bank early last year, now occupies the same site as its former headquarters, although in a much larger building, with new features. When the former home was built in 1969, the firm had six employees; it now has 14 full-time and two part-time employees.
The new building has a second story community room, complete with a small kitchen; has a full-staffed drive-in window to serve two drive-through lanes; and provides a larger teller line, which still features sitdown transactions. The bank is actually in its third building, having been started in a structure on East Avenue North, just south of the Lyons Post Office. The original organization was begun to provide a safe and profitable place for savings and investment accounts, with those funds being loaned on homes with the express purpose and idea of making the community, as nearly as possible, one largely of home owners. Over the years, the bank’s
business has evolved into one which is engaged in all forms of consumer and commercial loans, including cars and trucks, machinery, personal expenditures, agricultural land and operating expenses, and livestock. Key personnel are Kevin McClure, president and chief executive officer; Shane Edwards, vice-president and chief lending officer; Cathy Shanelec, vice president and chief financial officer; and Scott Winter, vice president and commercial loan officer. Members of the board of directors in addition to McClure are Dwayne Edwards, chairman; Paul Jones, vicechairman; Dr. Kent Hanson; and Dan Shanelec.
Rice County Emergency Services Dispatch operates out of Rice County Detention Center Complex The Rice County Dispatch Center is located in the front section of Rice County Detention Center right next to the Sheriff’s Office. The dispatch center has a total of six employees who switch between three eight hour shifts, ensuring that someone will be there whenever a county resident dials 911. Dispatch Center Director, Josh Michaelis, went on to explain that there are more people using cell phones to dial in emergencies and ex-
plained how that worked. “If you’re on a cell phone it actually directs you to the dispatch center that you are closest to through cell phone towers,” said Michaelis Michaelis also noted how it was more difficult to get information in an emergency from a cell phone because they can not track the signal like a land line. In bigger cities, dispatches are able to triangulate the signal by tracking three towers that the call went through then finding out
the latitude and longitude where the call was made. In Rice County, employees of the dispatch center will first receive a “phase 1” call, which will give them the phone’s number and the tower that it passed through. Then they can receive a “phase 2” call, which enables them to track the cellular phone through land based GPS that sends its position to a satellite. When asked if he enjoyed his job Michaelis smiled and said, “Truly. The dispatch center
serves as the hub for Rice County activity, and you’ll never know what kind of call you will be processing. We get to transfer all the calls from the public and in essence are the first-first responders in many situations.”
LITTLE RIVER -The community of Little River in eastern Rice County, near the Little Arkansas River, was established in 1880. With a present population of approximately 600, it is a community with a lot of civic pride. In 2011 the city now added new infrastructure (concrete curbing, streets, etc.) for twentyfive lots on the west side of town. In an area known as “Clutter Hill” the Little River Development Co. along with the community of Little River recently neared completion of the first phase of the development with the addition of the sewer, water and gas utility. Seeding of the area will commence when the weather permits. Two homes are going up on the lots which are marketed through Oswalt Auction and Real Estate. They are zoned for single family dwellings and duplexes. The city building is located at 125 Main
Street. The mailing address is P.O. Box 126, Little River, Kan. 67457, and the business phone number is (620) 897-6260. E-mail may be sent to cityoflr@ lrmutual.com. Other city phone numbers include Fire Department, 911; Police, (620) 897-6444, and the City Shop, (620) 897-6279. The Little River Community Library is also located at 125 Main Street. Founded in 1932 the library offers a variety of programs and services. For hours and additional information, call (620) 897-6610. In recent years the city completed an expansion of its waste water treatment facility. The first business established in Little River was a general store owned by C.A. Walker. The downtown area is clean and neat with new sidewalks and well painted buildings and Alber Park at Main and Prairie offers a gazebo
for quiet visits in its shade. The city park, located in the 300 block between Clinton Street and Eagle Street offers a well kept area for picnics and other gatherings. The first Saturday in May, the Congregational Church has a large yard sale, and on the Saturday of Memorial weekend, the community hosts the Suicide Trail Run, which is attended by runners from across Kansas and nearby states. The community has three churches, Congregational United Church of Christ, 410 Clinton, (620) 8976413; Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 455 Harrison, (620) 8976443; and United Methodist Church, 405 Harrison, (620) 8976460. Other organizations in Little River include Lions Club, American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge.
implemented in today’s dispatch system.” It seems safe to say that the dispatch center has advanced a lot over the years, especially when considering that there was no “911” in Rice County until 1992.
In business since 1973
Jerald and Pam Minix have been active in business and the community
Jerald and Pam Minix began their business careers in Lyons on December 1, 1973 in one of the offices they still occupy at 107 E. Ave. North. Jerald became the American Family Insurance representative as of that date. Pam soon joined the office as a secretary and followed as a fully licensed agent, also. They remained as capMarci Heath is one of six employees who work at the dispatch center in tive agents for 11 years Rice County. Dispatch center employees answer any emergency calls followed by 10 years of Minix Insurance that are made and send out the corresponding units to the scene. Service. In 1984 they incorporated under the name of Minward, Inc., a combination of
Little River a community with great schools, and enjoyable living
Michaelis also admitted that the job was more than he thought it would be at first. “Technology has changed from where we were, to where we are today. And much more technology is
their two last names. During the next several years they owned and operated the Credit and Collection Service Bureau and covered Rice and Ellsworth counties. They acquired Minix Travel in 1994 and Minix Realty in 1997. During the past 35 years they have both completed their college degrees from Sterling College and Jerald completed his master’s degree from Fort Hays State. Lyons has been a great community for them to be self-employed and they have been good citizens
as well. Jerald currently serves on the Lyons City Council as Councelmen and was a school board member for 10 years, 6 as president. Also, he was mayor of Lyons during a pretty difficult period of transition. Pam is very involved with fund raising for special projects for the Good Samaritan of Lyons. Over the past 5 years she has helped raise over $60,000 for the Trails at the Center. They love to travel but are always glad to come home to the community they love.
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For over 13 years we at Minix Realty have specialized in turning our customers' and clients' dreams into reality. Whether you are looking for a starter home, a dream home, or investment property, we will help you find it at an affordable price. Each of our agents has 18 or more years of real estate experience. We have lived in Lyons since 1965, so we know the local market and the local market trends. You can trust our judgment and our many years of real estate experience.
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16A Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Communities & Government
Lyons News • Plains & Progress
Strength That Stands The Test Of Time. Serving Lyons & The Surrounding Communities For More Than 98 Years.
Growing with Lyons and Rice County...
PROGRESS Quivira Federal
200 East Ave. South (620) 257-2316 125 N. Douglas, Ellsworth (785) 472-4496
Bank
Quivira Federal Bank 209 S. Main, Bushton (620) 562-3616
Give us a call today at (620) 257-2316 or on the internet at www.lyonsfed.com