Manhattan, KS June 2024

•

•

•

To Be A Good Man

In a town filled with good men, the importance of being one yourself isn't diminished; it's amplified. While it may be pretty simple to be a decent man, true character stands out like a beacon in the night. After all, character is defined by who you are when nobody is watching. Being a good man isn't just about avoiding wrongdoing; it's about actively contributing to the betterment of the community.

Being a good man means setting the standard, embodying virtues like honesty, integrity, and compassion. It means being a pillar of support for those around you, lending a hand when needed and offering guidance when sought. It means leading by example, inspiring others to strive for greatness in their own lives.

Ultimately, in a town full of good men, being a good man isn't just a choice; it's a responsibility—a commitment to uphold the values that make the community thrive and to leave a legacy of goodness for generations to come.

In this June issue, it was a privilege to highlight some of the great men of the Little Apple. The Sieben family, featured on the cover, is one of those families that you just love to see every time you cross paths. It was fun telling their tale! We also meet a selection of Manhattan’s Men of Impact. Each man in this magazine has helped, in his own way, to move the Little Apple forward. It’s such a privilege to highlight them in this issue. Then, of course, we want to say thank you to all the hard working men out there. Shoutout to those who get out of bed, never think twice, and do what they have to do to keep this country running. Day in, day out. Rain, snow, sleet or shine. It’s absolutely not easy. Seriously, thank you, men. Hats off. This Bud’s for you!

To end, being a good man is not merely a personal achievement but a noble responsibility. It is a commitment to leaving a positive legacy, enriching the lives of those around you, and leaving the world a better place than you found it—just like so many men in Manhattan will do.

Happy June!

Warm Regards,

TYLER JACKSON, PUBLISHER

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Tyler Jackson | tyler.jackson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Heather Hoffman | heather.hoffman@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Cooper Deters | cdet112@gmail.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tim Sigle | siglephoto@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kenny Whitis, Cooper Deters

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster Learn how

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The board of directors of the Girls On The Run 2: Tyson Neighbors gets the close, as the Cats get the win at Tointon Family Stadium 3: World Steak Grilling Champion, Sunny Lynn, at her grilling class at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool 4: Brothers Nick & Jake English played against each other during the KU/K-State series 5: Bioguard Pools trainer, Alicia Stephens, leads pool school at Energy Center-Manhattan Pool 6: It was a gorgeous weekend at the annual Dorothy Westervelt Geranium sale at Blueville Nursery 7: The 10th annual Girls on the Run 5k at KSU’s Memorial Stadium

Want to be seen in the magazine?

TYLER JACKSON

TYLER JACKSON

TYLER JACKSON

SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

KATIE RINIKER

KENNY WHITIS

business

Flint Hills Feast

The Flint Hills Feast is returning Friday, June 21st! Enjoy a spectacular evening celebrating the flavors of the Flint Hills. This culinary pop-up includes incredible food samplings from local artisans, spirit samples from Boot Hill Distillery, wine from Highland Vineyards and Winery, beer from Manhattan Brewing Company, and cocktails from MHK Caravan. Enjoy entertainment, including a beef cooking demonstration by Pacheco Beef and The Curious Plate, art viewing, and music by Tallgrass Express. Tickets: $110. flinthillsfeast.com

Remembering Phil Howe

Phil Howe, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and veteran, has passed away at 92. The founder of Kansas State Bank, Phil’s legacy in the Manhattan community extends far beyond his business endeavors. The Howe Family Foundation, founded by Phil and his wife Margaret, was the second supporting organization for the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, contributing millions to the local community. A Manhattan native, he served in the U.S. Army and on the KSU Foundation Board.

Manhattan's roofing experts, Ozone Roofing

Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, Manhattan’s Ozone Roofing specializes in roof storm damage, inspections, and insurance claims. Owned and operated by Tyler and Taylor Dye, they offer free estimates and a spectrum of roofing solutions tailored to every need. From residential to commercial projects, their expertise shines through, ensuring durable, weather-resistant roofs that stand the test of time. Ozone Roofing is the go-to choice for those seeking premiere roofing services in the heart of Manhattan.

Photography by Taylor Dye

— Steve Reichert

Brian spent almost 14 years serving the U.S. through the

Prior to leading the Manhattan office, Brian was a Project Executive leading a large portfolio of projects that were all shapes and sizes.

Brian and his wife moved to the region with their three school-age children in 2020 and have cherished all that living in Manhattan has to offer.

M E N OF IMPACT

We are honored to share the stories of men who are making a significant impact in Manhattan. Each of these men has a powerful story to tell. We are grateful to share a small glimpse into their lives and the work they do to make Manhattan a better place.

LEADERS IN THE MANHATTAN COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY COOPER DETERS & HEATHER HOFFMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SIGLE | SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jordan Smith Head

Coach, K-State Women’s Tennis

Becoming a full-time tennis coach wasn’t initially in Jordan Smith’s playbook. After graduating from University of Memphis, his sights were set on practicing law. Reflecting on his unexpected life path, Smith recalls, “When I was graduating, [The Racquet Club of Memphis] offered me a full-time job and I thought okay, it’s not a bad deal to save up and make some money now. I can just defer for a year, and then I just kind of fell into it a little more.”

Relocating from his hometown of Memphis to Manhattan to assume the coaching position at K-State, Jordan encountered a community uniquely dedicated to their university. He observes, “What surprised me the most is that everyone here, for the most part, is all in on K-State and there’s no thinking twice about it.”

Now in his ninth year leading the Wildcats’ tennis program, Jordan imparts invaluable wisdom to his athletes, urging them to embrace challenges fearlessly. “Don’t be afraid,” he advises. “You never know [when] that the one thing that you thought was so scary [will be] the thing that probably helps you succeed the most.”

Ben Sigle & Trey Vernon

Founders, Manhattan Running Company

Ben Sigle and Trey Vernon, the duo behind Manhattan Running Company, have a long history. Sigle, from Riley, and Vernon, from Fort Scott, first crossed paths their senior year of high school, when they met at a cross country meet.

After pursuing their respective business degrees from Oklahoma State, they transformed their shared passion for running into a tangible venture in 2008. Reflecting on their decision to establish Manhattan Running Company, Sigle remarks, “When you try to find something you want to do the rest of your life, you just try to find something you’re passionate about. And [for us] that was running and shoes.”

Their entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 2011, the duo embarked on another venture, founding Red Dirt Race Management. Vernon noted the evolution of their roles within their growing businesses, stating, “We’ve grown to where we’re more leading our staff. I think as we’ve changed and evolved from being the people who did everything for me now guiding those people to see our vision and take that and run with it.”

Dylan Roberts Owner, Campus Barbershop

Dylan Roberts, the seasoned barber at Campus Barbershop, is renowned as the exclusive barber for many in the Little Apple. His passion for barbering began early, cutting hair for friends on his front porch in Norwich, Kansas. Opting out of a traditional four-year college, Dylan graduated high school early and pursued his passion at the Old Town Barber College in Wichita at just 17 years old.

Upon moving to Manhattan, Dylan found his way to Campus Barbershop through a friend’s recommendation. Under the mentorship of then-owner Roger Allerheiligen, Dylan honed his craft. When Roger retired in 2014, Dylan took the helm, becoming the shop’s proud owner and operator.

Beyond his exceptional haircuts, Dylan provides patrons with warm camaraderie and engaging conversations. With a blend of technical skill, personality, and generosity, Dylan Roberts has become a beloved fixture at Campus Barbershop, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who sits in his chair.

Judge Meryl Wilson

Senior Judge & Retired 21st Judicial District Chief Judge

Born and raised in Manhattan, Judge Meryl Wilson has distinguished himself for his exceptional involvement in the community. As a student at K-State during the Vietnam War, Wilson joined the ROTC. After serving in the Army, he decided to attend Washburn University School of Law, his interest in law sparked by witnessing his grandfather’s legal practice in Alma.

His legal career flourished in Manhattan, where he and his wife Nancy raised six children, five of whom graduated from K-State. His dedication to the community extended beyond his law practice; he served on the Manhattan-Ogden School Board for nine years and taught Business Law at K-State. As a senior judge, he currently covers the entire state, stepping in when local judges are unavailable.

A highlight of his career was setting up a teen court to address juvenile justice issues. He empowered high school students to decide the consequences for their peers, promoting community service and accountability.

Johnny Taylor

Vice President, Serrano Group

Johnny Taylor is on a mission to transform the lives of young people, believing that the Job Corps can serve as a powerful tool for change. He describes it as a “zip code changer,” offering disadvantaged youth the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty by providing them with skills for well-paying jobs. Johnny’s dedication to this cause stems from his own experiences growing up in Gainesville, Florida, where he faced poverty firsthand.

As a young man, Johnny received a football scholarship to attend Kansas Wesleyan University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Education. After moving to Manhattan with his wife Debra, Johnny initially pursued a career in teaching and coaching. However, his passion for helping at-risk youth led him to the Manhattan Job Corps, where he eventually became a program director, a position he held for a decade. In 2021, he was promoted to Vice President of Job Corps Operations for the Serrano Group.

In his current role, Johnny oversees several Job Corps centers, including a newly established aviation mechanics program in Texas. Throughout his career, Johnny has served as a mentor and role model, inspiring young people to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.

Dr. Mike Hamler

Chiropractor, Alternative Health Care

Dr. Hamler’s journey into chiropractic care began after he was in a car accident at the age of 16, when he experienced firsthand the benefits of chiropractic treatment. Through osteopathic spinal manipulation by his family doctor, he experienced immediate relief. This experience ignited a passion within him, solidifying his decision to pursue chiropractic as a career. A Kansas City, Kansas-native, Dr. Hamler moved to Manhattan to work under the mentorship of Dr. Wertin at Alternative Health Care, who employed an innovative approach for precise spinal adjustments utilizing a handheld instrument.

Over the past 35 years, Dr. Hamler has found great joy and purpose in his work, as he has seen patients achieve reduced pain and improved mobility. He tailors his treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs, using a holistic approach to address underlying, often interconnected issues.

Things have come full circle for Dr. Hamler, as two of the doctors at Alternative Health Care, Dr. Zabel and Dr. Pearson, were both patients in the clinic when they were in high school.

Reflecting on the future, Dr. Hamler says, “As I step down or work less, the younger docs will take [the practice] over. That would be what I would love to see.”

Jeremy Meek & Ray Hanning

Founders, Top Shelf CBD

Jeremy Meek’s path from a curious college student to a CBD entrepreneur began in 1998 during his first year at Kansas State University. Intrigued by CBD’s potential benefits, Jeremy wrote a research paper on the topic.

Despite initial skepticism from others, he harbored a dream of opening his own store while he built a career in the social services field. In 2022, Ray Hanning, Jeremy’s friend since childhood, made a pivotal call to Jeremy, asking if he still wanted to open a CBD shop.

Together, Jeremy and Ray navigated the challenges of starting a new business, but the outcome has been worth it. For Ray, who brought a wealth a retail experience to the business, the shop has brought a newfound sense of purpose, as he helps customers find relief from health issues. He shares, “You have no idea how many people have problems with sleep. I’m glad that we can provide that relief.”

Owning a business in Manhattan has special significance for Jeremy. He says, “My family’s here, I went to school and college here, and I got married in this town. To have a business and be able to give back to the community that you grew up in—I think it is pretty special.”

CONTINUING TRADITION

ARTICLE BY KENNY WHITIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SIGLE | SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

On a serene Sunday evening, beneath a vivid spring sky, the Manhattan Country Club golf course gleamed in the gentle weather, creating the perfect backdrop for a gathering of the Sieben family. Spanning three generations, these men came together for a routine golf outing, enveloped in a light-hearted

The Sieben Family’s Path of Excellence

“Mike and Cheryl are as good as they get.”

- Shane Sieben

air of friendly competition. Amidst the lush zoysia grass, their laughter intertwined, forging bonds that will endure long after the final putt drops.

The Sieben family is a closely-knit unit, with each member bringing their own unique set of talents and passions. The patriarch of the family is Mike Sieben, a man known for his integrity and warmth. Born in 1949 in Winchester, Jefferson County, Kansas, he graduated from K-State in 1971 with a degree in physical education. After a brief stint in teaching in St. George, Mike began a career in the crop insurance business, a journey that spanned his entire career until his retirement in 2015.

During his college years, Mike crossed paths with Cheryl Brown at Kite’s Bar & Grill. Cheryl, from a family deeply rooted in college basketball, graduated from Dodge City High School before studying

family and child development at K-State. Their serendipitous meeting blossomed into a relationship, culminating in marriage and the joyful arrival of their two sons, Shane and Scott. Cheryl served at the director of the Aggieville Business Association, before pivoting to a career in the crop insurance business as well.

Reflecting on his sons, Mike, with an eight-iron in hand, remarks, “Shane and Scott are both the hard workers.” Then, with a laugh, he adds, “Thank goodness they got their work habit from their mother.”

Mike’s pride in his sons is evident. He remarks, “The success of both is just something that Cheryl and I are so proud of. People always tell us how good of kids they are. And I tell you, there is just something in your heart that goes ‘boom, boom, boom’ when you hear all of that.”

CONTINUED >

Shane, the elder son, is a dedicated educator and head coach for football and baseball at Rock Creek High School. A K-State alum, Shane has served as a history teacher for nearly a decade. With two state baseball championships under his belt, he fosters a culture of excellence and sportsmanship through meticulous guidance and unwavering encouragement. His influence transcends victories, leaving a profound mark on those he mentors. Shane and his wife Tori, have one son, Cooper.

Scott, the younger son, is a savvy entrepreneur, known for developing a thriving restaurant group celebrated for its culinary mastery and community involvement. With a commitment to excellence, he has cultivated a trio of establishments known for superb food and vibrant atmospheres. From the cozy ambiance of Mr. K’s to the charming allure of Rockin’ K’s, and the lively buzz of Kite’s, each venue reflects Scott’s dedication to creating memorable experiences. His entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach have garnered widespread acclaim, establishing him as a revered figure locally and beyond. Scott, also a proud K-State alum, received the K-State Entrepreneur Award in 2019. Scott can even be spotted behind the wheel of the MHK Trolley, an enterprise he also owns. Scott and his wife Lindsay, a K-State alumna, are proud parents of three sons: Kayson, Kolt, and Kade.

“People always tell us how good of kids they are. And I tell you, there’s just something in your heart that goes ‘boom, boom, boom’ when you hear all of that.”

- Mike Sieben

The Sieben family’s legacy carries on through their four grandsons, each with distinctive interests and dreams. Cooper, the eldest at 17 and soon to be a senior at Rock Creek, finds joy in baseball. Meanwhile, Scott’s younger sons each bring their unique qualities: Kayson shines with charisma, Kolt exudes spunkiness, and Kade lovingly observes his brothers and cousin. Mike remarks, “The oldest grandkid [Cooper] is a heck of a pitcher right now for Rock Creek. Then I’ve got these three younger ones growing up. So, Cheryl and I are going to stay young for a long time chasing them!”

On his family legacy, Shane reflects, “Being a Sieben is who I am. Family is everything to us. I was blessed to be raised in this family. Mike and Cheryl are as good as they get.”

Scott adds, “It truly was great being raised a Sieben. It really has been everything.”

The Sieben’s gatherings resonate with laughter, shared stories, and the strength of a solid family bond. With diverse accomplishments and shared values, the Siebens inspire others to pursue excellence, while treasuring the moments they share.

Elevate Your Impact with Parker Hannifin –Where Excellence Meets Innovation

We’re more than just a local manufacturer. Our passion lies in crafting high-quality hoses that redefine industry standards. We take pride in producing hoses that elevate performance, boost productivity, and ensure unparalleled safety. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond the ordinary, as we cater to both the industrial and hydraulic hose markets. At Parker, your work becomes a legacy, influencing and setting new benchmarks for quality and innovations. Where excellence is not just a goal but a daily commitment to revolutionize how hoses shape industries. Join us at Parker to help build the future of hydraulic hoses, making a global impact, one connection at a time.

ARTICLE BY KENNY WHITIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SIGLE | SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet Dr. David Wichman

Dr. David Wichman

The mission of Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions is to empower individuals on their journey towards mental and emotional well-being. At Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions, they strive to Free your Mind, and allow everyone to maximize their time on this earth. Life is short—let’s live it to the fullest!

FREEDOM BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS’ CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER IS BACK HOME IN MANHATTAN

Dr. David Wichman, is certified by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology – Psychiatry and is the co-founder and chief medical officer at Manhattan’s newest mental health clinic, Freedom Behavioral Health Solutions.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?

I was born and raised in Manhattan. I was born at the old St. Mary’s Hospital back in 1977, the son of Daryl and Jan Wichman.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.

I’m married to my wife Jackie. We have four very active kids. My daughter Lauren is 17, my son Ryan is 16, my son Jackson is 13, and Kingston is my youngest daughter, and she’s 11.

WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND?

Around my junior year of undergrad at K-State, I decided I wanted to go to medical school. So I took the MCAT and got accepted to University of Kansas Med Center in Kansas City. I went to KU Med and stuck around there for residency in psychiatry, but I’d always been interested in making my way back to Manhattan.

WHY FREEDOM BHS?

I think to be a fully encompassing psych clinic nowadays, you must do the mainstays of med management and psychotherapy. But, being able to offer the transcranial magnetic stimulation with the esketamine/Spravato therapy with virtual reality and augmented reality psychotherapy, and combining those all under one roof and having active psychiatric management with a treatment team while you’re doing those individual modalities is the way that you can actually create the best outcomes.

ARE Y’ALL ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?

Yes. We are accepting new patients, and we don’t have waitlists at this point. Our goal and vision when we started FreedomBHS was to do our absolute best to never have our wait list out past two to four weeks.

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT MANHATTAN, KANSAS?

It’s the people, plain and simple.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

Get fit for equipment.

01.

If you are buying clubs off the rack, you aren’t giving yourself the best chance for success. Golf technology is evolving every year, and although you don’t need to buy a new driver each year, if you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip. The clubs don’t swing themselves, so don’t neglect instruction and practice, but getting the right equipment is a vital piece of the puzzle.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. Generally, a $300 driver has a low-grade $15 shaft that you should change. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Get good golf instruction, REGULARLY.

02.

We’ve all heard someone say, “I should get a lesson sometime.” To be effective, you need regular lessons from a PGA certified pro, not just one lesson. Getting quality instruction from the same instructor can turn slices into draws and give you the confidence to play with anyone on any course. Years ago, golf instructors started instruction with chipping and putting and then graduated to the driver. Now, instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first. My friend regularly outdrives me by 50 yards, but my ball is in the hole first most of the time because of my training and practice on the short game.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

03.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads: Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

Practice your short game every day.

04.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

Instructors have been pressured to start with the driver because we all want to outdrive our friends. Resist that temptation! Get instruction on your short game and irons first.

events

LOCAL

JUNE 7TH

The Manhattan Symphony Orchestra: On Broadway

Anderson Hall, 919 Mid-Campus Dr, Manhattan, KS | 7:30 AM

Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of Broadway music! Admission is free. In case of rain, the concert will move to All Faith’s Chapel south of Anderson Hall Lawn. Free parking is available on the east side of campus, near McCain Auditorium and Anderson Hall.

JUNE 8TH

Wing Wars

Manhattan Brewing Company, 406 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan | 5:00 PM

Manhattan's inaugural chicken wing competition is on the horizon! Featuring a variety of Manhattan's finest eateries, discover which local restaurant serves the best wings in town. If you're a restaurant owner/manager looking to participate, please email info@mhkbeer.com

JUNE 10TH

Stand Out In College Admissions

Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS | 4:00 PM

Learn how highly selective colleges evaluate applications. Access free resources and gain valuable insights to boost your chances of admission to top-tier universities. Led by a Harvard graduate and former college scholarship reader, this event is ideal for rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and their parents. RSVP requested by not required: https://tinyurl.com/standoutmhk

JUNE 13TH-19TH

Juneteenth Celebrations

Manhattan, KS

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The Manhattan Juneteenth Committee has prepared an exceptional lineup of events for this year's celebration, including a fashion show, Run for Unity 5k, free fitness events, and movies in the park. On June 14th, head to City Park for the Grilling Contest to judge the best BBQ in Manhattan! To see all events, see facebook.com/mhkjuneteenth

JUNE 14TH

Hale Library Concert Series: Jazz in June

Hale Library, 1117 Mid Campus Dr N, Manhattan, KS

Join Paul Hunt on trombone, Wayne Goins on guitar, Beau Jarvis on piano, and friends for an enchanting evening of jazz. Relax with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in a cozy, cabaret-style setting.

JUNE 16TH

Father’s Day at the Sunset Zoo

Sunset Zoo, 2333 Oak St, Manhattan, KS | 9:30 AM

Celebrate Father's Day at the Sunset Zoo, where dads enjoy free admission with a paid admission! The Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

DONATIONS SUMMER DONATIONS SUMMER

While school is out for the summer of 2024, the Educator of the Month award is going to look a little different. Instead of choosing an educator to award, The Fridge will be making donations to the USD 383 FIT Closet!

The USD 383 FIT Closet & Clothing Exchange assists McKinney-Vento qualified/FIT students enrolled in the USD 383 school district by providing what they need to successfully integrate into school as well as find success in their educational journey. This assistance comes in the form of (but is not limited to) school supplies and school-appropriate clothing.