Drew Horton is an outstanding music educator who inspires students through creativity, exploration, and diverse musical genres. He encourages all students to develop their talents and fosters strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and families. As the district’s co-lead Music Teacher, he actively participates in social emotional learning activities and small groups. Beyond the school day, Drew showcases his musical talents through
Mrs. Matthews is an outstanding educator and support for all students and staff at Bluemont Elementary. She serves as a mentor teacher to interning student teachers helping to shape and grow future educators. She has stepped up to support teachers in the classroom by co-teaching, planning lessons, and assisting in prepping materials and lessons for long-term substitutes. Mrs. place because of her influence on our staff, students, and families.
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Thankful
In February of 2006, I arrived to Manhattan, Kansas with literally $100 in my pocket. I came for a job that was stable, but I was the real wild card. At that time, it wasn’t just the physical journey that felt uncertain, but life itself. I was a 21-year-old community college dropout without any concrete plans besides selling paint. Manhattan, with its blend of small-town warmth and the lively spirit of Kansas State University, felt both foreign and oddly familiar. Thankfully, I have always believed in God and trusted that things would somehow fall into place.
I’d taken a chance, (literally) gotten the heck out of Dodge, and left behind what I knew for the promise of something new. Each wrong turn became an unexpected lesson, and every small victory — gas bought with my dwindling cash, a kind word from a stranger, another opportunity - helped accelerate my path.
I learned to rely on resilience, and slowly began to build a life from almost nothing. In Manhattan, I found purpose, friendship, incredible opportunities, and the sense of home I needed. I never had a perfect plan or flawless direction. God just kept showing me the way.
This magazine has been an exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey. I saw an opportunity to highlight the unique culture, stories, and the vibrant people of this town. Launching a magazine was no small feat, but the incredible support from my parent company, City Lifestyle, and all the townies have made it all worthwhile.
In this ‘Thankful’ issue, it doesn’t get much bigger and better than NBAF and McCownGordon. Thank you to Dr. Alfonso Clavijo and the staff at NBAF for a journey into a truly world class facility. Congratulations and thank you as well to McCownGordon Construction, and for letting us write your 25th anniversary story. What an honor for both.
Also, it was an honor to bring back to life the words of the late Roger Schultz. A man that could be on Manhattan’s Mt. Rushmore, the note of wisdom he left for his family before passing away in 2009 is certainly worth sharing. It was written in his obituary, “Roger lived the true American dream of moving to Manhattan with nothing, to building a successful and highly respected business (Schultz Construction).” That's the type of legacy we should all strive for.
The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility leads cutting-edge research to protect U.S. agriculture and public health
McCownGordon Construction: Building Excellence
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader: McCownGordon Construction celebrates 25 years of business in 2024
“The most important lessons you have learned in life’ from the late Roger Schultz
The Flint Hills Discovery Center, McCownGordon Construction’s very first project in the Manhattan. This dynamic space celebrates the region’s natural beauty, culture, and history, fostering community engagement and education.
“Would
city scene
1: Congratulations to McCownGordon Construction on celebrating 25 years as a company! 2: The Manhattan, supporting Kansas Big Brothers/Big Sisters was a great success! 3: Dale Owings leads a bourbon tasting at The Manhattan for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters. 4: Beautify your home this winter with help from the Blueville Nursery Garden Store! 5: A packed crowd watches volleyball at the Morgan Family Arena 6: DJ Giddens carries the ball for K-State in the win against Oklahoma State 7: Willie The Wildcat rides into Bill Snyder Family Stadium during Harley Day
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business monthly
Inspiring Hope & Help, a benefit for Pawnee Mental Health
Inspiring Hope & Help, formerly known as Driving The Dream, is the largest annual benefit supporting Pawnee Mental Health, an organization dedicated to providing essential mental health services in the community. The event raises funds to expand access to care, ensuring individuals and families facing mental health challenges receive the support they need. Dinner & Live Auction. Thursday, November 7th at the K-State Alumni Center. Seating is limited, get tickets at pawnee.org
Earn tax credits with a new fireplace from Energy Center-Manhattan Pool
Purchasing a wood burning fireplace from Energy Center-Manhattan Pool can qualify homeowners for valuable tax credits, as many energy-efficient models meet federal guidelines for energy conservation. By installing an eligible fireplace, you not only enhance the comfort and warmth of your home but also reduce energy costs. Tax incentives reward investments in energy efficiency, helping homeowners save on taxes while contributing to environmental protection and long-term savings. See store for more details. 528 Pillsbury Dr.
Tailgate packages now available at Aggieville Brewing Company!
Aggieville Brewing Company offers convenient tailgate packages, perfect for K-State football fans. It includes everything you need: BBQ, sides, plates, napkins and sauce. Whether you’re tailgating at the stadium or hosting at home, Aggieville Brewing Company provides everything you need to elevate your experience. With customizable options to suit any group, you can enjoy great local brews and food while cheering on the Wildcats in style! aggievillebeer.com
Photography by Aggieville Brewing Company
Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts
ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY
The art of gratitude can be healing well beyond the month of November, but this is a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.
1. Five things that make you happy instantly:
2. Did you get any pleasant surprises today?
3. Did you do any acts of kindness today?
4. What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself?
5. Five personality traits you're grateful for:
6. Favorite song and how does it make you feel?
7. One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face:
8. List something good that caught your attention today.
9. What nice thing did another person do for you this week?
10. What's something you did for another person this week?
11. Three things you own that make your life easier:
12. How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant?
13. Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them.
14. What are you most thankful for in your life?
15. Name three of your significant accomplishments.
16. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited:
17. Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too?
18. What's your favorite holiday and why?
19. What friends are you most grateful for having in your life?
20. What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today?
21. What are you grateful for in your career?
22. Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active.
23. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for:
24. Three things you love about your town:
25. List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them?
26. What meals do you enjoy most?
27. Something you saw this week that melted your heart:
28. A time when someone went out of their way to support you:
29. A happy memory from childhood:
30. Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.
THE NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY LEADS CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH TO PROTECT U.S. AGRICULTURE AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Guardians of Biosecurity
Standing on a verdant 48-acre site near K-State’s campus, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility’s serene setting belies its critical mission: to protect the United States against animal diseases that threaten our food supply and public health. Opened in 2023, NBAF is a cutting-edge research facility tasked with preventing outbreaks before they occur.
At the helm of NBAF is Dr. Alfonso Clavijo, an accomplished researcher and public health leader in the fields of diagnostic virology and infectious animal diseases. A native of Colombia, he was recruited to build the first program to diagnose and manage foot-and-mouth disease in Canada. He later expanded his work to include emerging zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, which can spread from animals to humans.
As the Director of NBAF, Dr. Clavijo oversees a growing team of scientists and engineers dedicated to NBAF’s mission. “We have about 300 people here now, and we will grow to more than 400, including both scientists and operations staff,” he says. “The level of responsibility we have is enormous. We want to make sure that nothing from inside gets out, and that we are able to diagnose, research, and train effectively to protect the country.”
CONTINUED >
Owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), NBAF brings together two key agencies to tackle this mission: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). APHIS focuses on diagnostics, training, and emergency response, while ARS leads research and development efforts to find solutions, such as vaccines, that can prevent or contain outbreaks.
Dr. Clavijo emphasizes the importance of this collaboration. “We are fortunate to have both agencies working here. It’s a complementary relationship, combining research with practical application,” he says. This partnership allows NBAF to address animal and public health threats from multiple angles, which improves the country’s ability to respond to potential crises.
The facility aims to understand the epidemiology of emerging diseases and how they affect both animals and humans. By studying the patterns of disease transmission, NBAF scientists can identify high-risk areas and develop innovative strategies to prevent the spread of these diseases. These efforts are supported by the use of artificial intelligence and bioinformatics to predict and track disease outbreaks in real-time.
NBAF holds the distinction of being the first facility in the country with Biosafety Level 4 capabilities for large livestock. These labs are designed to prevent any chance of exposure to pathogens, ensuring maximum safety for the public. Their safety features include airtight rooms, specialized ventilation systems, and rigorous procedures for anyone leaving the labs. Dr. Clavijo emphasizes that all staff members undergo extensive training to ensure they are fully prepared to work in such a complex environment.
While NBAF’s primary focus is to protect U.S. agriculture, it is committed to engaging with the Manhattan community. Dr. Clavijo recognizes the importance of transparency and building trust with the public, especially given the complex nature of the work conducted at the facility. He emphasizes that the facility’s work is not classified, and the work conducted at NBAF is published in scientific journals and shared at conferences. "Our mission is for the public good, and we want to be as transparent as possible," he explains.
Many stakeholders have been invited to visit the facility, including the containment spaces, before the facility becomes fully operational. These tours are an opportunity to see firsthand the safety measures in place and meet the scientists and staff who are working to protect the country. “We want our stakeholders and the community to know they are welcome to ask questions and share any concerns they might have,” says Dr. Clavijo.
Through engaging with students at science fairs, summer STEM programs, and other initiatives, NBAF seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists. “We want young people to see that the work scientists do has a real impact,” Dr. Clavijo explains. Through outreach efforts, NBAF aims to show students that careers in biosecurity, research, diagnostics and animal health are accessible. Dr. Clavijo encourages young people interested in potentially working in the fields of biosecurity or agro-defense to foster their curiosity and persistence. "Don’t be afraid to look
beyond what you know. Ask questions and keep that curiosity alive. Find a mentor who can guide you in the right direction."
Looking ahead, Dr. Clavijo is optimistic about the future of NBAF due to its people. "We are already part of the future. The facility will evolve, but the real impact is in the people we are developing here—the scientists, engineers, and experts who will protect the country from emerging diseases," he says. "We are building a team that will continue to push the boundaries of science and technology to keep our country safe."
From our firm foundation 25 years ago, our unwavering focus has been on creating a people-first approach to serving our clients. The Kansas Business unit is grateful for the opportunity to partner with local communities to deliver the best building experience .
BUILDING EXCELLENCE
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader: McCownGordon Construction celebrates 25 years of business in 2024
In 1999, the average cost of a gallon of milk in the United States was around $2.84, while gasoline was priced at approximately $1.17 per gallon. That year, Tiger Woods claimed his first PGA Championship, and Napster revolutionized the music industry with its file-sharing service. The New York Yankees won the World Series once again. Amid these events, Pat McCown and
ARTICLE BY TYLER JACKSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY & PROVIDED
Building Johnny Kaw Plaza
“Seeing people flourish in their careers and advance forward is the best thing about McCownGordon.”
—Todd Knight, SVP, Regional Leader, Kansas
Brett Gordon embarked on an adventure that would ultimately transform the landscape of cities and positively impact thousands of lives.
Over the years, Pat and Brett built a strong relationship while working together at a few different construction companies. This relationship eventually inspired them to start their own company, aiming to deliver construction services in an innovative, new way.
Sitting at Pat’s kitchen table with a yellow legal pad, they sketched out their business philosophy and vision. Among the key principles they outlined were “honesty and integrity,” “planned growth,” and “entrust and reward employees.” However, the driving force behind all their goals was a singular focus on “customer satisfaction."
Given the often confrontational nature of the construction industry, where clashes between design
firms and contractors are common, Pat and Brett wanted to take a different approach with their new company. Their vision centered on an improving the experience of all the parties throughout each project. They figured that if everyone was successful, each enterprise would run more smoothly and be delivered at a better cost and timeframe, improving the experience for all.
In addition to defining their business philosophy and vision, they established their core values: integrity, performance, and relationships. Integrity builds trust and accountability, ensuring honesty in every action. Performance drives excellence, motivating individuals and teams to deliver results with dedication. Strong relationships, rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, create lasting connections that foster growth and collective success.
The Manhattan staff in 2016
Top and Bottom: Aggieville Parking Garage
McCownGordon Construction was founded in 1999 in Kansas City, Missouri, starting with a small but dedicated team. Early on, they recognized and recruited top talent, including Ramin Cherafat, who would later play a key role in the company’s leadership. Not long after its inception, Chris Stanton joined the estimating department, helping to strengthen the company’s project management capabilities. Nichole Waring became McCownGordon’s first intern. Over time, several other key team members became integral to the company's growth. After a decade of steady expansion, McCownGordon broadened its services across the region, delivering exceptional work and earning a reputation for satisfied customers throughout the Midwest.
McCownGordon’s first project in Manhattan was the construction of the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Sourcing local resources was a key priority, with over 85% of the building materials and labor coming from within 50 miles of the city. The project took approximately a year and a half to complete, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in April 2012. As the museum neared completion, McCownGordon secured the contract for the K-State College of Engineering expansion and renovation. With support from partners and the city of Manhattan, this pivotal project gave McCownGordon the confidence to expand their reach. In 2014, they capitalized on this momentum by opening their first regional office in Manhattan.
Over the past decade, McCownGordon has served as the general contractor for numerous projects across the Little Apple. They led the expansion and renovation of Manhattan High School, built recreational centers at Anthony and Eisenhower Middle Schools, and constructed the Aggieville parking garage along with the parkscape on North Moro. On Kansas State University’s campus, they completed significant projects like the Morris Family Multicultural Student Center and the loge boxes at Bramlage Coliseum. McCownGordon has truly integrated into the community, becoming as familiar as any local company.
“The people are just amazing. We exude our core values and build rock solid relationships with individuals that we get to work with and improve ourselves in our performance.” —Brian Fuemmeler, Manhattan Market Leader
Five years ago, the company further expanded its reach by opening a regional office in Wichita. Having already collaborated with several local clients and architects, the company was encouraged by its partners to establish a presence in the Air Capital. Although Wichita wasn't initially part of their plan, a market study and community interviews revealed that McCownGordon’s methods and approach would be a strong fit for the area. Five years and 80 employees later, it’s clear the decision was a successful and strategic move.
After successfully launching two regional offices, McCownGordon shifted its focus to an even larger market. A market study of the top 50 construction markets in the country narrowed the options to five regions where their services
would best align with local clientele and industry demand. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex consistently stood out as the top choice. In 2021, they opened their third regional office in Plano, Texas. Beyond opening offices and celebrating anniversaries, one of the most significant milestones in the company’s history occurred in 2015. That year, Pat and Brett sold the company to the employees, transforming McCownGordon into an employee-owned company through the establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This structure gives employees ownership stakes, aligning their interests with the company’s success. The ESOP fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and dedication, while offering long-term financial benefits tied to the company’s growth.
As McCownGordon celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of excellence in the construction industry, its core values have remained steadfast. From its humble beginnings, the company has grown into an industry leader, driven by integrity, performance, and strong relationships. This milestone highlights their ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and community involvement. With nearly 1,400 successfully managed projects and close to 600 employees across four offices in three states, the company is now setting its sights on becoming a billion-dollar-a-year business by 2025.
Ramin Cherafat serves as the CEO, while Chris Stanton, the company's longest-tenured employee, holds the role of Senior Vice President of Preconstruction. Nichole Warning, who began as an intern, is now a 20-year veteran and Senior Project Manager. Remarkably, many of the key employees who were part of the company’s early days are still with them today.
As for Pat McCown and Brett Gordon? It’s clear they never set out to simply build buildings—they set out to build people. In the construction world, few have achieved more than these two pioneers.
Manhattan High School
ARTICLE BY TYLER JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS
'Recall for me the most important lessons you have learned in life' from the late Roger Schultz
Before the late Roger Schultz, founder of Schultz Construction, passed away in 2009, he left a heartfelt, handwritten note to his family. This note outlined six of the most important lessons he learned in life. This personal message encapsulated the values that guided him—values like hard work, treating others with respect, and living with purpose. His family treasures these words as a lasting reminder of Roger’s wisdom, and he would have loved to have shared them with the Manhattan community. It serves as a powerful legacy, complementing his impact on the Little Apple through Schultz Construction and the newly dedicated, 76.5 acre Roger Schultz Community Park, ensuring his influence is felt for generations to come.
“RECALL FOR ME THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED IN LIFE”
1. Spend time with your kids when they are young – youth doesn’t last very long and they’re grown up before you know it.
2. Don’t allow drugs, too much alcohol, or smoking to dominate your life. You’ll feel much better without it.
3. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated – with dignity – it makes you and them feel much better.
4. Work hard and stay focused on what you are doing. Good things will come if you are patient and stay consistent.
5. Go to church and pray & talk seriously to God. Set examples for others to follow.
6. Do the best you can to get along with and love your spouse, and all family members.
Roger Schultz Community Park
Shirley & Roger Schultz
dip -giving
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
garlic herb feta dip
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
fig & honey brie
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
directions:
Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions:
Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
events
NOVEMBER 9TH
44th Annual Buttons & Bows
National Guard Armory, 721 Levee Dr, Manhattan, KS
Kick off your holiday shopping with a variety of handcrafted items! The sale will feature handmade jewelry, ceramics, quilts, home décor, wearable art, and more. The event runs from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, offering plenty of time to find unique gifts. Admission: $2.00 (cash only).
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Parade
Poyntz Ave: 3rd Street to 11th Street | 9:30 AM
Join us in honoring our nation's service members at the Veterans Day Parade, spanning from the Manhattan Town Center on 3rd Street to City Hall on 11th Street along Poyntz Avenue. Celebrating the American Legion’s 150th and the Veterans of Foreign Wars' 105th Anniversaries, this event is the largest celebration of service in Kansas.
NOVEMBER 16TH
K-State Football vs. Arizona State: Fort Riley Day
Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Celebrate and honor the Soldiers and family members from Fort Riley, Kansas! Fort Riley Day hosts hundreds of soldiers in a day-long tribute to partnership between the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley and K-State.
NOVEMBER 22ND
Home for the Hoilidays
Manhattan Country Club, 1531 N 10th St, Manhattan, KS | 5:30 PM
Formerly Festival of Trees, this event is crucial in supporting the Flint Hills Volunteer Center’s programs, benefiting 750 volunteers and nearly 60 nonprofits. Admire beautifully decorated trees, while enjoying a delicious buffet and a silent auction. Attendees can bid on unique holiday displays and auction items, making it a perfect opportunity to support the community while celebrating the holiday spirit. flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/events/home-for-the-holidays
NOVEMBER 29TH
9th Annual MHK Turkey Trot 5K
Aggieville, Manhattan, KS
This Thanksgiving 5k is a beloved tradition for many Manhattan families. Starting in Aggieville, the scenic route winds through City Park and along Poyntz Avenue before finishing back in the 'Ville. Proceeds benefit the Flint Hills Breadbasket, supporting its mission to combat food insecurity by providing much-needed assistance to Riley County residents, especially during the holiday season. mhkturkeytrot.com
NOVEMBER 30TH
Santa's Luminary Trail
Sunset Zoo, 2333 Oak St, Manhattan, KS | 5:30 PM
Embrace the holiday spirit at the Sunset Zoo's magical celebration! Venture outdoors onto the Africa Trail for the enchanting Luminary Trail. Take photos with Santa, partake in family-friendly activities, enjoy story time and animal encounters, savor holiday treats to the tune of festive music, and take home a goodie bag. Kids (3-12): $6; Adults (12+): $11.
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