summer 2013
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Standard U.S. Postage Paid Permit 8 Eudora, KS 66025
a community guide
Pie Meet Eudora’s
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Eudora App?
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This app will keep users informed and allow them to share ideas on how well the city is serving its residents.
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www.cityofeudoraks.gov
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discover eudora
a note from the city Welcome to Eudora, Kansas! On behalf of the City of Eudora, it is an honor and a privilege to welcome you to our community. Members and visitors in our community enjoy our premier location, as it offers a small-town atmosphere yet its proximity allows residents access to big-city amenities. Our city is located about six miles east of Lawrence, Kansas—home of the University of Kansas—and 20 miles west of the metropolitan Kansas City area on Kansas Highway 10. Over the last year, our city has had significant developments. We adopted a new logo that represents the values of our residents and what makes our community unique. Through a referendum, residents approved a measure that changed the city’s form of government from a Mayor-Council to a Commission –Manager. The city improved its citizen engagement and communication by increasing its online presence in various social media platforms and publishing a weekly e-newsletter that provides updates and highlights on what is happening in and around the city. We believe that an informed citizen is a good citizen. The construction of the new public safety building that will house the police and fire departments is on schedule, and it will be opened this summer. With this state-of-the-art building, our residents and guests can be assured of the utmost safety. This spring, construction of a new park south of Eudora began, and it may be opened later this summer. A new trail project is currently underway and will be opened this summer as well. All these developments will increase the quality of life for our residents. Our city has a lot to offer for you and your family: good schools, quality city services and a state-of-the- art recreation facility along with numerous parks. These and many other amenities help make our community prosperous. We welcome you to Eudora! Ruth Hughs Mayor City of Eudora, Kansas
Summer 2013
Editor Katy Ibsen Designer/Art Director Shelly Bryant Copy Editor Christy Little Account Executive Joanne Morgan 785.832.7264 Ad Designers Jenni Leiste Chief Photographer Jason Dailey Contributing Writers Seth Jones Kimberly Stern General Manager Bert Hull
discover eudora a community guide
Chamber Board of Directors President Amanda Hermann- Amanda’s Dance Company President Elect Linda Langston- Eudora Wine & Spirit Past President Amy Durkin- Amy Durkin, Attorney at Law Secretary/treasurer Angie Miller- Eudora Community Learning Center At-large Director Tracy Trefz- Cutter’s Smokehouse Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Shaun Musick City Liaison Barack Matite
City of Eudora Administration Mayor Ruth Hughs Interim City Manager Mike Press www.sunflowerpub.com | lawrence, kansas
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contents
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departments
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features
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eat Cutter’s Smokehouse & Catering Co.
12 Keeping school safe
20 Let’s Kick It
play New Park
Eudora Schools benefit by having full-time mental health professionals in each school.
An improved soccer league may soon be Eudora’s favorite youth sport
16 Pie Ladies It’s always time for dessert when these Eudora sweeties get out their rolling pins.
22 Eudora’s Oregon Trail connection
10 attend Beyond Wine 27 chamber membership listings 30 quick guide
The long and dangerous journey out west went right by the area Eudora residents now call home.
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eat
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Meet the locals, Danny Strimple and Tracy Trefz, co-owners of
Cutter’s
Smokehouse & Catering Co. Danny Strimple and Tracy Trefz have a good thing cooking in Eudora. Together, the duo—friends for more than 30 years—are the heart and soul of Cutter’s Smokehouse & Catering Co., a barbecue restaurant serving ribs, brisket, pulled pork and a pork tenderloin so big you’ll need a friend to share it. For a long time Strimple has had a passion for smoking meats. In 2001, when his job at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant was about to end, he decided to start the business. Back then the restaurant was located in downtown Eudora. Today, the business has relocated to 20th Street, employs 14 people and was recently named “Business of the Year” by the Eudora Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a fun business. When you see the appreciation on people’s faces and they tell you thank you, things were great, we had a great time … that’s what it’s all about,” Strimple says. But Cutter’s is more than simply a restaurant. It’s also a live music venue, a bar and a catering business. On nights when a popular regional band is in town, the packed parking lot reflects the restaurant’s success. As far as a food recommendation, Strimple says they like to “brag about everything,” but their boneless ribs are especially popular, attracting barbecue fans from miles around. “I constantly have people ask me if we do competition cooking. I say yes we do; seven days a week,” Strimple says. “We don’t have time to go out on weekend competitions, but if we don’t put out a good product, people won’t come back. That’s competition enough for me.” The two both love their jobs, though it does take a lot of time. They each put in about 60 hours a week. The fact that they get along so well makes the long hours bearable. “I could not ask for a better partner,” says Trefz, a lifelong Eudora resident who started out at Cutter’s as a server and bartender 12 years ago. “When you work with someone long enough you get used to how they react. We’ve always worked well together.” The two have big goals for the future, including adding a banquet room for wedding receptions, a larger kitchen, a branded barbecue sauce and beef jerky. A lot of that depends on the economy. “Truthfully, one of the biggest challenges we have is getting the local people to stay in Eudora. … Everybody is guilty, including us,” Strimple says. “If we could get more of the local people to appreciate what they have in this town, the town would thrive a lot better.” However, they agree it’s an ideal place to do business. “It’s a friendly community,” Strimple says. “It’s a mile from my house to here, and no less than five people wave at you on your way to work or your way home.” Trefz echos that. “Any business that keeps you in the public, it’s the people. You change lives and they change your life. They touch you and you touch them.” story by
photography by
Seth Jones
Jason dailey
www.cutterssmokehouse.com
Tracy Trefz and Danny Strimple can be proud of what they built (and serve) at Cutter’s Smokehouse & Catering. The local barbecue joint is worth a visit for dinner and more.
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Anthony’s Diner Diner favorites 10 Ninth St. (785) 690-7788
Dairy Queen Frosty treats 1502 Church St. (785) 542-5050
Black Cat Cafe Breakfast and lunch 726 Main St. (785) 690-7084
Gambino’s Pizza Original pies 1402 Church St., Ste D (785) 542-2121
Cami’s Cake Co. Custom cakes and sweets 724 Main St. (785) 207-2103 www.facebook.com/camiscakeco
Jasmin Restaurant Mexican and Chinese fare 719 Main St. (785) 542-1111
C&S Market Grocery 1402 Church St. (785) 542-2727 Cutter’s Smokehouse & Catering Company Barbecue and entertainment 218 E. 20th St. (785) 542-1100 www.cutterssmokehouse.com
Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant Delicious Mexican 202 E. 10th St. (785) 542-3800 Pendleton’s Country Market Pick your own vegetables 1446 E. 1850 Road (785) 843-1409 www.pendletons.com Penny Annie’s Sweet Shoppe Candies and sweets 704 Main St. (785) 542-2111
Sonic Drive-In Quick bites 1420 Church St. (785) 542-1799 Subway Sandwiches 314 E. 15th St. (785) 542-2626
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“When you see the appreciation on people’s faces and they tell you thank you, things were great, we had a great time … that’s what it’s all about.” -Danny Strimple, owner
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Park New
Eudora is about to get a little greener—with a new park. A space south of the Eudora Middle School parking lot along Church Street (County Road 1061), will soon transform into Shadow Ridge Park. Families in the area will enjoy the new shelter area with picnic tables, a playground that will include a rope-climbing structure, nature play components, in-ground hill slide and sand play; and an oval walking trail surrounding the amenities that will be about one quarter-mile. “Its location provides good visibility and connection within the neighborhood, particularly the residential areas to the south and west,” says Gary Scott, director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Eudora. “It will serve as a walking trail site and connect the Shadow Ridge residential area to a trail system to the north.” In addition to the park, Bluejacket Park nine-hole Disc Golf Course is in the works. “Conceptual layout indicates Bluejacket Park as the site for this new, low-impact activity,” says Scott. “This course will be much enhanced after the growth of 20 new trees planted in September 2012.” Disc golf starter sets can be checked out at the Eudora Community Center for $1. story by
katy ibsen
www.eudoraparksandrec.org
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shadow ridge park master plan
bluejacket park disc golf layout
play
w w w . c i t y o f e u d o r a k s . g o v Amanda’s Dance Academy Dance lessons 1402 Church St., Suite 4 (785) 691-6314 www.amandadanceacademy.com BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery Award-winning locally made wines 1969 N. 1250 Road (785) 542-1764 www.bluejacketwinery.com CLO’s Midnight Farms Horseman day camp 2084-B N. 600 Road Baldwin City (785) 979-1889 www.midnight-farm.org Country Spa & Gardens Rejuvenating spa in the country 2152 N. 700 Road (785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com
Eudora Area Historical Society A step back in time 1428 Elm St. (Nottingham Elementary School) (785) 690-7900 www.cityofeudoraks.gov Davenport Orchards & Winery Award-winning locally made wines 1394 E. 1900 Road (785) 542-2278 www.davenportwinery.com Eudora Public Library 14 E. Ninth St. (785) 542-2496 www.eudorapubliclibrary.org Eudora Parks and Recreation For various parks and venues 1630 Elm St. (785) 542-1725 www.eudoraparksandrec.org
Twin Oaks Golf Complex Hitting the links 1326 E. 1900 Road (785) 542-2844 www.facebook.com/twinoaksgolfks Quilting Bits and Pieces For all your quilting needs 736 Main St. (785) 542-2080 www.eudoraquiltshop.com Rebel Roxie Rose 101 W. 10th St., Suite B (785) 550-6429 www.rebelroxierose.blogspot.com
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“It will serve as a walking trail site and connect the Shadow Ridge residential area to a trail system to the north.” -Gary Scott, Director of Parks and Recreation
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Beyond
Wine Two local vineyards offer a tasting of events in and around Eudora that satisfy more than just a taste for vino. BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery expanded its repertoire a few years ago with Music in the Vineyard. Expanding on the concept, BlueJacket Crossing will bring more events to its rows of grapes in 2013. Once a month, a representative from K&K Fly Fisher in Overland Park will provide fly fishing lessons at the vineyard. A small pond and country setting make for a perfect combo to learn this treasured sport. In addition to a light lunch, consider staying for an optional after-class wine tasting. Labor Day weekend will host the vineyard’s third-annual wine stomp supporting a local charity. Later that month, the annual Taste ‘N Tunes benefit for Toys for Tots will take place. The event will feature food from local vendors and various bands, and all ticket proceeds will go to support the local organization. Music in the Vineyard will groove on all summer. Visit the vineyard’s Facebook page for up-to-date event information. www.facebook.com/BJCWinery
story by
katy ibsen
Scenes from BlueJacket Crossing Vineyard & Winery, which perks up in the summer with various events.
w w w . c i t y o f e u d o r a k s . g o v Eudora Farmers Market Fridays June 28-August 30
Eudora CPA Golf Tour 2 Man Scramble July 26
Get your veggies from 4-7 p.m. at 1428 Church St. Family Fun Night Friday July 12, August 9 Games and activities abound for the entire family at Laws Field. Food vendors, informational booths, music and more. Bring a blanket and settle in. Event begins at 7:30, movie at 9:15. Eudora Horsethief 5k Run July 14
Eagle Bend Golf Course with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. $50 per golfer. Contact Jim Hopson for more information, (785) 691-9164 Pool Party July 26 As the Summer Reading Program comes to an end, readers will enjoy treats and certificates at the Rec Center. CPA Picnic July 26-28
This 5K race is also a fundraiser for the Eudora High School cross country team, which is USATFcertified. The course winds through both historic and modern parts of Eudora. Kicking off at 7:30 a.m. at the CPA park (Eighth and Main streets). www.eudoracrosscountry.com
The CPA Picnic, now in its 111th year, is a three-day celebration every July in historic Downtown Eudora. CPA stands for Cattleman’s Protective Association and began as a picnic to honor members of a group that protected Eudora from cattle rustlers and horse thieves in
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the late 1800s. The event includes a carnival, two different parades and a host of other activities for the entire family. Amanda’s Dance Academy summer camps all summer Workshops include Happily Ever After, Dance Diva, Choreography, Pre-Pro and Broadway Boot Camp. Visit www.amandadanceacademy. com for more information. Summer Reading Program all summer The Eudora Public Library kicks off with Dig Into Reading (lap reader through age 11) and Beneath the Surface (ages 12 and up). Visit the Youth Page at www. eudorapublilibrary.org for more information.
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keeping school safe Eudora Schools benefit by having full-time mental health professionals in each school
story by
Seth Jones
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It’s a subject that all parents worry about when they send their child off to school—is my child safe? It goes beyond bullying, fire drills or tornado drills. Given the recent events in Newtown, Connecticut, and even older events such as what happened at Columbine High School in 1999, parents often wonder what measures are being taken to ensure their kids are safe while at school. “Parents are very concerned about the safety of their students. The first thought is always on security,” says Eudora Superintendent Don Grosdidier. Going beyond security, Grosdidier and Eudora Schools are proud to have a program in place that is proactive in helping students deal with volatile emotions. All three Eudora schools enjoy the presence of a full-time employee from the Bert Nash Community Wellness Center. The WRAP program (Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities) places licensed social workers in the schools with easy access to students and parents. “People really begin to look at this and they understand the need for mental health services within society in general,” Grosdidier says. “The thing about WRAP is it brings those services directly to where the kids are—that’s in schools. I like to look at this as a preventative course of action. The more resources we can bring to bear on those issues, the less likely we are to have those events like what happened in Newtown.” Charlie Kuszmaul, WRAP program coordinator, says that having independent mental health professionals inside an entire school system is a rare occurrence. “[WRAP is] a collaboration between a mental health center and a school district where there are full-time professionals from a mental health clinic inside a school district at all times,” he says. “This just doesn’t happen very often across the United States.”
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Kuszmaul says that often people think children aren’t capable of having serious mental illnesses, but that isn’t so. “One-half of all lifetime mental illnesses start before age 14,” Kuszmaul says. “We deal with kids who have serious kinds of problems, even into grade school.” Amy Brown, WRAP worker at the high school, says she regularly sees serious issues, such as symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety. Less often would be even more serious issues, such as personality disorders and suicidal thoughts. Brown feels like the high school is her “second home,” and that by having her office there, students have someone outside of their teachers who they can easily talk to. “I’m not the authority, the teachers are the authority. I’m someone who is open to them that if they need someone to talk to, they can,” she says. “Students can speak to me freely because of that. Also, I understand why they do the things they do, because of my education. I don’t hold any judgment. I know there is a purpose for every behavior.” When anyone sees unusual behavior, from a teacher to a janitor, it gets reported to a WRAP worker; and Kuszmaul stresses, by being located in the school, it’s not a big deal to make a visit to one of his employees. “We want to reduce the stigma of mental health. We don’t want people to feel embarrassed. Part of our being in the schools is just to be a natural part of a child’s environment,” Kuszmaul says. “Going to the mental health center? That’s an abnormal thing for students and parents to do. If we can go where the children and the parents are, where they feel comfortable, they’re much more comfortable in accessing our services. We become a natural part of their life.” Lisa Moffitt, a parent of a first-grader and a soon-to-be kindergartner, wasn’t familiar with the WRAP program, but she was happy to hear it was in place. “I think it can only help, to have the added support,” Moffitt says. “I think Eudora is definitely moving forward in programs like this to make it more of an attractive place for families to send their kids to school.” “We’ve been able to bring these resources here to Eudora, and I think we want to continue to have access to these resources,” Grosdidier says. “We’re currently working to try to sustain that and continue what we believe is a very good program that’s needed for our students.”
“I think Eudora is definitely moving forward in programs like this to make it more of an attractive place for families to send their kids to school.”
-Lisa Moffitt, parent
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Beyond
WRAP School violence can be avoided by giving attention to students who needed greater support for their overall wellness and development. This is just one reason the Eudora School District has programs and tools beyond WRAP to identify and help students who could be at risk for anything from poor grades, to social isolation, to violent behavior. One of our tools is a Standard Assessment that teachers complete for each student. “A classroom teacher will spot children who struggle behaviorally,” says Christina Mann, director of student development and partnerships. “But some things are more subtle, and many times children suffer silently. Students deserve to be treated as a whole person with academic, social, emotional and behavioral strengths and needs, because these areas of our lives overlap and intersect. The assessments guide us to notice students in need and connect them with the services and skill-building that will improve their lives and the lives of those around them.” Teachers welcome the chance to help all students receive the support they need, especially if it means improving the safety of the classroom and school.
“We review a basic set of behaviors and attitudes for all of our students,” says Eudora Elementary teacher Niki Rheuport. “Of course, this process picks up students with behavior issues that we already are aware of. But more importantly, the results draw our attention to those quieter, more withdrawn students who might otherwise go unnoticed by a busy teacher. Referring those students to our counselor or psychologist in second or third grade could reveal serious issues that can then be addressed more closely by qualified professionals.” Student behavior also is a key component of a safe school environment. An evidencebased program, Positive Behavior Supports, is used across the district to establish and teach expectations to all students, such as how to behave in class, the hallway or the lunchroom. This system includes reinforcement for students who meet these expectations, as well as consequences and additional support for students who need more help or practice. “We use a curriculum in all of our schools to help students develop the social and emotional skills that they need to function and thrive in school and in life,” says Brenda
Wiley, the district’s social-emotional learning counselor. “When students develop critical skills, such as problem solving, impulse control, empathy, respectful communication and conflict resolution, our schools become a much more safe and secure environment.” Behavior issues often reflect deeper issues that a student is experiencing, from a need for more social and emotional skills to clinical depression and anxiety. That’s where the district’s support team comes into play. School counselors and psychologists, WRAP workers and others work with students who are identified through the regular assessments or Positive Behavior Supports model. “The school safety puzzle has a several pieces,” Mann says. “But unless we include basic social and emotional development as part of the educational mix, we won’t solve the root of school violence. What we are doing in our schools is fundamental to creating a sustainable, supportive environment where students and staff are safe, and free to learn.” www.eudoraschools.org
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Pie Ladies It’s always time for dessert when these Eudora sweeties get out their rolling pins
Count yourself lucky if you’ve experienced heaven, courtesy of Eudora’s pie queens. This trio of women, including a nonagenarian who has whipped up pies for nearly a century, counts among its collective culinary wonders the likes of chocolate crème, wild blackberry, peach and apple. But Mary Beem, Donna Oleson and Betty Slankard are as humble as … well … pie. They shy away from compliments about their baking talents. They swear on a stack of cookbooks that their pies are nothing special. And they readily share their secret weapon when it comes to baking the perfect pie—a dash of TLC. Known throughout Eudora in church circles, civic organizations and even the Chamber of Commerce as pie magicians, Beem, Oleson and Slankard’s creations are downright swoonworthy. Their pies boast impossibly buttery, flaky crusts and chunky, juicy, off-the-vine-fruit fillings so good even men of the cloth have told white lies to get a slice. Mounds of amber-tipped meringue cradle luscious pools of lemon; mountains of whipped cream adorned with curls are slathered over classic diner-style chocolate pudding fillings; and goldensugary discs of pastry covering up untold pleasures are among the pie queens’ specialties. Over the decades, Eudora has been the unofficial test kitchen for Beem, Oleson and Slankard’s pies. Somewhere in town right now a plate and fork is ready for a piece of homemade pie that represents a dose of comfort, a sweet tooth satisfier, a social calling card. Meet Eudora’s wizards of pie perfection. story by
photography by
Kimberly Winter Stern
Jason Dailey
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17 Automotive Serving Lawrence for over 35 years!
Main Location 23rd & alabama
Mary Beem Mary Beem offers her hush-hush advice for making the perfect pie. “Take it to someone when they’re hungry,” she laughs. “That’ll be the best pie they’ve ever eaten, guaranteed.” Beem, who learned how to make ethereal pies some 60 years ago from her mother, 98-year-old Fern Long, favors chocolate crèmes. “They’re easy to make and always a crowd pleaser,” admits Beem, a charter member of the Eudora Baptist Church who has plied congregants with countless pies. Beem says her neighbor, Gloria Bagby, makes a mean pie, too. “From scratch, of course,” she says. “There are quite a few good pie bakers in Eudora.” Beem’s original pie recipe came from the familiar red plaid Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that she received for a wedding gift as a young bride. “It’s been through a lot,” she says. “Once I left it by a burner, and it caught fire. The pages are splattered and stick together.” Beem doesn’t make homemade crust, but her fillings rival blue ribbon prize-winning pies. “My mom has made pies for 85 years,” says Beem. “I learned from her—you take your time, make it the best it can be.”
ABOVE INSET Fern Long and her daughter Mary Beem have enjoyed making pies together for years.
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Donna Oleson Call Donna Oleson Eudora’s piecrust cheerleader. Her love affair with pie started 30 years ago when she found a recipe for a foolproof crust in the Lawrence Journal-World. “It called for buttery Wesson oil and you made [rolling it out] it using two sheets of waxed paper,” says Oleson. “That crust was forgiving—you could always fix a mistake.” Oleson recalls the day Wesson stopped making the butteryflavored oil. But the innovator found a new method to keep rolling out beautiful crusts. “I devised my own concoction,” says Oleson, who has informally instructed many women and girls in Eudora on the finer points of crust construction over the years. “Orville Redenbacher popping oil mixed with regular Wesson oil.” Members of Eudora’s St. Paul United Church of Christ have eaten their weight and then some with Oleson’s chocolate pies. “For more than 25 years I’ve given away pies on Mother’s and Father’s Day,” she says. “When I was city clerk, the Chamber received lots of pies. I love doing it. People are so happy when they get a pie for any reason.” Oleson admits her first baking love was cinnamon rolls, but she says pie baking is firmly entrenched in her soul. She’s even won two second- and two third-place ribbons at the Douglas County Fair with her pecan and cherry pies. “That accomplishment,” says Oleson proudly, “was on my bucket list.”
“I love doing it. People are so happy when they get a pie for any reason.”
-Donna Oleson Betty Slankard Betty Slankard and her husband, Rex, celebrated 56 years of marriage in May. According to Slankard, their large family—including five children, 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren—are notorious pie maniacs. “When we get together for a birthday or holiday or really for any reason, there’s always a pie,” says Slankard. “And we have regular Pie Fests, where everyone brings a pie and we eat to our hearts’ content.” Slankard has a special Tupperware bowl in which she makes her from-scratch crusts. “Two cups flour, shortening and a quarter-cup water,” ticks off Slankard. “And the water must be ice-cold.” The Slankard clan doesn’t stop at plain old fruit pie. “Rex loves ice cream on his favorite peach pie,” says Slankard. “I like a warm slice of my wild blackberry with a scoop of ice cream. There’s nothing better than ice cream dripping down a slice of pie.”
TOP Donna Oleson is known for giving away pies on Mother’s and Father’s Day; secret is in the pie crust. BOTTOM Betty Slankard with her famed fruit pie.
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let’s
Kick It An improved soccer league may soon be Eudora’s favorite youth sport Laws Field was built for football, but on Saturday mornings in Eudora— it’s soccer central. Since 2007, the Eudora youth soccer recreation league has exploded from 10 teams to 25 teams. There are 257 kids in the program, from 3-yearolds up to eighth-graders. And there’s no sign the league is going to stop growing, with almost half of its current players being between the ages of 3 and 6. The success of the league is a result of several factors, according to Jim Kegin, Eudora Parks and Recreation’s assistant director. “I think it’s a nice, fun, safe environment for the kids,” Kegin says. “It’s nothing too competitive or too easy. The price could be right.” Eudora resident Tom Welsh has been coaching for four seasons, two of which included his sons. He says there’s been a noticeable improvement
in the league since the city’s parks and recreation department took over the league a few years ago. “It’s a lot better organized, and the quality of the players and coaches seems to be better,” Welsh says. “I’d still like to see it grow a little more, be more of a competitive league than a friendly league. But for being just city rec run, it’s not too bad. Any issues that come up, the guys who are running the league are there to answer questions anytime. Any problems that come up they fix, with quickness. They want everyone to have a good time and continue to come back and play.” The league attracts both local kids as well as kids from surrounding communities such as Lawrence, DeSoto, Gardner and Baldwin City. Allison Campbell’s son Reilly, age 5, is one of those kids. “We like it because it’s smaller and it seems more fun,” Campbell says. “We wanted
story by
photography by
Seth Jones
Jason dailey
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for his first time to do something more fun. He loves being with his friends, getting out there, getting active, and he really enjoys learning about the game.” Kegin says that basketball is still king in Eudora when it comes to the number of players. If soccer continues to grow at this pace, that could change. “Soccer is really growing. We’ve got some kids that are doing it privately now, going to the city, playing in more competitive club leagues, taking it to another level. Our high school team is going to benefit,” he says. “The league grows every single season.” Welsh, dressed in a Sporting Kansas City hoodie, is happy to see the league succeeding. But most of all, he’s happy to be able to coach his kids’ soccer teams. “They can have the same experiences that I had (with soccer). This is also something we can have together, and hopefully they can pass on to their kids when they get older,” Welsh says. His son, Tommy, age 7, still has plenty of energy despite having just finished his game moments earlier. His favorite thing about the league? “I like it that my dad coaches the team, because he’s a good coach.”
Move over, baseball and football, kid’s recreation soccer is the new popular sport.
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Eudora’s
Oregon Trail connection The long and dangerous journey out west went right by the area Eudora residents now call home. story by
photography by
seth jones
Jason dailey
The Oregon Trail, a 2,000-mile trail that led early settlers west to Oregon, is about 2-3 miles from downtown Eudora. Trail ruts are visible just south of Eudora city limits. Ben Terwilliger, Eudora Area Historical Society director, notes that although there is nothing to commemorate Eudora’s proximity to the historic trail, most residents have a sense that the trail was nearby. “Part of the trail is preserved on the (Dorothy) Akin Prairie Preserve, southwest of town,” Terwilliger says. “I believe it’s on private property, but you can see the ruts from the road.” Archival information also states that trails were quite close to town. It was reported in 1976, along with a collection of photos of the various ruts around town. The Oregon Trail predates the formation of the city— the Trail began in 1836, while Eudora was formed 20 years later. Still, the thought that some 400,000 early settlers drove their covered wagons near the area is a reminder of how rich the history is in the area.
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“It’s incredibly significant when you think about how Americans traveled to Oregon, and started settling those western states,” Terwilliger says of the trail’s place in American history. “Oregon wasn’t a part of the United States until 1848, but the trail started in the 1830s. Americans were encroaching on Native American lands and accelerating Western development at the expense of Native Americans.” The trail fell out of favor once the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869, making travel west faster, safer and cheaper. There are some historical documents that exist regarding the Oregon Trail and where it was specifically located in relation to current Kansas towns. Detailing areas where the Oregon Trail meandered through the country are two books: Oregon Trail Fords of the Wakarusa River, written by Ronald Becher and published in 1989; and the Bicentennial History of Eudora, published in 1976. Both are available for review at the Eudora Community Museum, in the Nottingham Elementary School building. Though much of the remnants of the Oregon Trail are on private farmland, locals can still get a glimpse of an important part of American history just by keeping their eyes fixed upon the horizon as they drive around the area. Add in some imaginary weary travelers in old wagons, and it’s not too hard to envision what the area looked like circa the 1830s.
eudora
historical society
www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?NID=100
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chamber membership The Eudora Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization founded in 1992. The chamber was organized to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the Eudora area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall prosper. Attention is given to community success in economic, civic, commercial, cultural, industrial and educational interests.
AuBurn Pharmacy Brad Archer 310 E. 15th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7575 Fax:.............................................. (785) 690-7577 www.auburnpharmacies.com
Learn more about membership at www.cityofeudoraks.gov
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center 1310 Winchester Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 843-9192 Fax:.............................................. (785) 843-2219 Email: talktobert@bertnash.org www.bertnash.org
A & A Lock & Key, L.L.C. 2064 N. 900 Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (913) 302-7500 Fax:.............................................. (913) 221-0380 Email: aandalockandkey@hotmail.com www.aandalock.com Air Filter Plus, Inc. 1205 Cardinal Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (800) 733-8011 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-3900 Email: customerservice@airfilterplus.com www.airfilterplus.com Amanda’s Dance Academy 1402 Church St., Suite B Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 691-6314 Email: amandadanceacademy@gmail.com www.amandadanceacademy.com Ameriprise Financial Vestana Ahlen, CFP 4550 W. 109th St, Suite 200 Overland Park, KS 66211 ................................................... (913) 239-2525 Email: Vestana.ahlen@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/vestana.1.ahlen/ Amy L. Durkin – Attorney at Law 702 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1234 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1235 www.durkinfamilylaw.com
Benchmark Construction 110 W. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1400
Bloom & Associates Therapy, PA 924 Locust St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3333 Fax:.............................................. (785) 865-3555 www.bloompt.com Byrne’s Pharmacy 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2533 Email: contact@byrnespharmacy.com www. byrnespharmacy.com C-Hawkk Construction, Inc. 527 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1800 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1025 City of Eudora 4 E. Seventh St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2153 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1237 www.cityofeudoraks.gov ClearCloud 6110 N. 9 Hwy Parkville, MO 64152 ................................................... (866) 642-9202 CLO’s Midnight Farm 2084 N. 600 Road Baldwin City, KS 66006 ................................................... (785) 979-1889 Fax:.............................................. (785) 865-5695 Email: farm@clokan.org www.midnight-farm.org
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Country Spa & Gardens 2152 N. 700 Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 883-4944 www.countryspaandgardens.com Cutter’s Smokehouse 218 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1100 www.cutterssmokehouse.com Douglas County Bank 1402 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 865-7676 www.DouglasCountyBank.com Edward Jones: Jeff Peterson 1800 E. 23rd St., Suite J Lawrence, KS 66046 ................................................... (785) 843-1371 ................................................... (877) 296-1373 Eudora Auto Parts 1006A Ash St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2230 www.eudoraautoparts.com Eudora Animal Hospital 1905 Elm St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3265 Email: info@eudoravet.com www.eudoravet.com Eudora Baptist Church 525 W. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2734 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2037 Email: churchoffice@eudorabc.org www.eudorabc.org Eudora Community Learning Center 1310 Winchester Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1278 Email: angie.miller@greenbush.org www.greenbush.org Eudora Eye Care 101 W. 10th St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-5522 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1013 Email: barnhartod@hotmail.com www.eudoraeyecare.com
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chamber membership
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Eudora Family Care 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2345 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1239 www.lmh.org
Eurotec Vertical Flight Solutions 1040 OCL Parkway Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 331-2220 Fax:.............................................. (785) 331-2221 www.eurotecvfs.com
Eudora Public Library 14 E. Ninth St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2496 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2496 Email: eudorapl@sunflower.com www.eudorapubliclibrary.org
Family Dollar 1501 Church Lane Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2316 www.familydollar.com
Hamm Quarry, L.L.C. 609 Perry Place Perry, KS 66073 ................................................... (785) 597-5111 Fax:.............................................. (785) 597-9914 www.nrhamm.com
Gambino’s Pizza 1402 Church St., Suite D Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2121 Fax:.............................................. (785) 841-1926 www.gambinospizza.com
Hi-Tech Antifreeze 530 South Main Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1230 Email: antifreeze@sunflower.com www.recyclingantifreeze.com
Gene’s Heartland Foods 1402 Church St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2727 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2932 www.eudora.heartlandfoodsstores.com
Holy Family Catholic Church 311 E. Ninth St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2788 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1908 Email: hfceudora@sunflower.com http://holyfamilyeudora.com
EudoraReporter.com Eudora, KS 66025 editor@eudorareporter.com www.eudorareporter.com Eudora School: Unified School District No. 491 1002 Elm St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-4910 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-4909 www.eudoraschools.org Eudora United Methodist Church 2084 N. 1300 Road, P.O. Box 520 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3200 www.eudoraumc.org Eudora Wine & Spirits 218 W. 20th St., Suite A Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7500 www.eudorawine.com
Glaser Williams 1125 John L. Williams Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7381 Fax:.............................................. (785) 690-7387 www.glaserwilliams.com H.P. Pelzer 1201 Cardinal Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-5700 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-5757 www.hppelzer.com
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Hair, Nail, & Tanning Company 800 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 690-7468 www.hairnailandtanningco.com
Honey Creek Disposal Service, Inc P.O. Box 1 Tonganoxie, KS 66086 ................................................... (913) 369-8999 Email: contactus@honeycreekdisposal.com www.honeycreekdisposal.com Jacque’s Place Salon 1402 Church St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................ .. (785) 550-5531 www.jacquesplace.com
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Jayhawk Dental, L.L.C. 826 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 843-9122 Email: jayhawkdental@sunflower.com www.jayhawkdental.com Kansas Secured Title: Douglas County 1410 Kasold Drive Suite A-18 Lawrence, KS 66049 ................................................... (785) 843-2830 Fax:.............................................. (785) 749-3129 www.kstdouglas.com Kaw Valley State Bank 739 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-4200 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2148 www.kawvalleystatebank.com Kenneth O. von Achen: Chartered Architects 40555 W. 103rd St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2410 http://kovaca.com Knology 1 Riverfront Plaza, Suite 301 Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 841-2720 http://kansas.knology.com Lawrence Memorial Hospital 325 Maine St. Lawrence, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 505-5000 www.lmh.org LMH Eudora Therapy Services 600 E. 20th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 505-2712 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1239 www.lmh.org Mateo Chiropractic 1402 Church St., Suite C Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-5400 www.mateochiro.com Medicalodges Eudora 1415 Maple St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2176 http://medicalodgeseudora.com
Mid-America Bank 3220 Mesa Way, Suite C Lawrence, KS 66049 ................................................... (785) 841-8055 Fax:.............................................. (785) 841-8280 Email: dbecker@mid-americabank.com http://mid-americabank.com/ Miller Agency Insurance 711 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2000 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-2370 Email: mai@sunflower.com http://milleragencyinsurance.com Minuteman Press of Lawrence 501 Gateway Drive, Suite B Lawrence, KS 66049 ................................................... (785) 842-2656 Fax:.............................................. (785) 843-9027 www.minutemanlawrence.com Mutual Savings Association 801 Main St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2123 www.mutualwave.com R.D. Johnson Excavating Co. 1705 N. 1399 Road Lawrence, KS 66046 ................................................... (785) 842-9100 Fax:.............................................. (785) 842-9113 www.rdjohnsonexcavating.com Rebel Roxie Rose P.O.Box 187 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 550-7785 Email: rebelroxierose@yahoo.com http://www.rebelroxierose.blogspot.com/ Rock Family Chiropractic 1402 Church St., Suite E Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2118 ................................................... (785) 542-1164 Shepard Plumbing & Construction 717 Main St., P.O.Box 235 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2737 St. Paul United Church of Christ Karen Troutman 738 Church St., P.O. Box 722 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2785 Email: stpaulucc@sunflower.com
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State Farm Insurance: Keith Nowland 2018 E. 20th St., Suite B Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-3276 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-3260 www.keithnowland.com Steelhead Recording and Guitar Kent M. Mulkey, Instructor and Engineer steelheadrecording@hotmail.com Sterling Readiness Rounds 112 E. 10th St. Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-1405 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-1410 www.readinessrounds.com Sunflower Publishing 645 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS 66044 ................................................... (785) 832-7257 Fax:.............................................. (785) 331-0633 Email: sunpubads@sunflowerpub.com www.sunflowerpub.com Twin Oaks Golf Complex 1326 E. 1900 Road Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2844 www.facebook.com/twinoaksgolfks Warren-McElwain Mortuary 1003 John L. Williams Drive Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 843-1120 Fax:.............................................. (785) 843-1182 Email: info@warrenmcelwain.com www.warrenmcelwain.com Watts Rental Properties 1009 E. 13th Court Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................ .. (888) 864-5508 Westerhouse, Inc. 104 W. 20th Suite 1 Eudora, KS 66025 ................................................... (785) 542-2707 Fax:.............................................. (785) 542-3002 www.westerhouse.com
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quick guide
Resource
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Website
Emergency & Medical Kansas Poison Control Lawrence Memorial Hospital www.lmh.org Kansas Crisis Hotline www.kcsdv.org Tip Hotline (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) www.accesskansas.org/kbi Child Abuse Hotline www.srs.ks.gov
Telephone 911 (800) 222-1222 (785) 505-5000 (888) 363-2287 (800) 572-7463 (800) 922-5330
City Services City Offices Fire & Medical Department Police Department Water & Electric Municipal Court Animal Control Building, Planning & Zoning Atmos (Gas)
www.cityofeudoraks.gov www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=67 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=77 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=79 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=75 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=92 www.cityofeudoraks.gov/index.aspx?nid=65 www.atmosenergy.com
(785) 542-2153 (785) 542-3653 (785) 542-3121 (785) 542-2153 (785) 542-4113 (785) 542-3121 (785) 542-3124 (888) 286-6700
Douglas County Services Douglas County www.douglas-county.com Douglas County Sheriff http://www.dgso.org/web/index.php (785) 841-0007 Douglas County Fire & Medical (785) 832-5259 Douglas County Health Department www.ldchealth.org (785) 843-3060 Douglas County Youth Services (785) 331-1300 Douglas County CASA www.dccasa.org (785) 832-5172 Cottonwood Inc. www.cwood.org (785) 842-0550 Bert Nash Community Health Center www.bertnash.org (785) 843-9192
Lawrence Information Lawrence CVB Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
www.visitlawrence.com www.lawrencechamber.com
(785) 865-4499 (785) 865-4411
www.eudorakschamber.org
(785) 542-1212
Living in Eudora Eudora Chamber of Commerce
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785-542-2121
1402 Church
(Next to Gene’s Heartland Foods)
W arren -M c e lWain Mortuary and Cremation Services
Owned and operated by Eudora and Lawrence families since 1904 www. warrenmcelwain.com Phone: (785) 843-1120 Lawrence, KS (785) 542-3030 Eudora, KS