Kansas Klips
Nicodemus documentary filming wraps up
NICODEMUS — The “Ellis to Nicodemus: The Last Trek of the Journey to Nicodemus” documentary film was shot on locations on the actual trail, and at the Mound south of Damar. Property owners Leroy Walz and cousin, Al Longstaff collaborated with long-time friend and historian, Angela Bates of Nicodemus, to film footage of their farmsteads.Also Brian Simeau gave permission to use his property to film a scene where settlers for the first time viewed Nicodemus in the distance. Nearly 70 people were involved in the project, including re-enactors, horsemen, wagoneers, assistants, and a catering crew. Descendents were asked to volunteer as actors for the production and several have participated, coming from as far away as Cincinnati, Houston, Sacramento, Atlanta, and various places in Kansas. Angela had a vision years ago to create and shoot a film depicting the migration of her ancestors to Nicodemus, but only in the last 10 years discovered the actual wagon ruts along the trail were discovered. The film is expected to be released in 2023. (Plainville Times)
Stadium dedication held at Norton Community High School
NORTON — Norton Bluejay fans gathered at Travis Field on Friday evening, Sept. 9, to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of fourth-generation newspaperman and longtime Bluejay Sports Reporter, Richard “Dick” Boyd as the football stadium has been dedicated and named Dick Boyd Stadium. Boyd served as the editor and publisher of the Norton Daily Telegram for 32 years before selling the newspaper in 2002 with the understanding that he would continue to cover local athletics, which he did for another 18 years before his death in June of 2020. Over the course of five decades, Boyd missed attending and covering just six Norton Community High School Norton Community High School Bluejay football games. During the dedication ceremony held on Friday, Sept. 9, Dick and Mary Beth’s son, Larry, welcomed Norton Bluejay fans to Dick Boyd Stadium, where a 27-foot banner now graces the front of the announcer’s booth which overlooks Travis Field. Larry stated the naming of his dad’s favorite place in the world, in his honor, is an action that has deeply touched the Boyd family. (The Norton Telegram)
Phillipsburg rodeo’s Pink Night campaign raises nearly $19,000
PHILLIPSBURG — Nearly $19,000 was raised at this year’s Kansas Biggest Rodeo for area residents undergoing cancer treatment. During the rodeo’s annual Tough Enough to Wear Pink night, $18,826 was donated to the Hope in the Heartland fund. For every person wearing pink to the rodeo on August 4, the rodeo committee donated one dollar to the fund. In addition, five area businesses matched the rodeo’s donation: Amber Wave, B&B Redimix, Inc., Farmers State Bank, Rodgers & Associates, and Shearer Clearing Services LLC. Kansas Biggest Rodeo began its Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign in 2006. Since then, over $138,000 has been raised, helping more than 130 people. Hope in the Heartland funds are available for people in the north-central Kansas/south-central Nebraska area undergoing cancer treatment. (The Advocate of Phillips County)
Crafting a cow
HUTCHINSON — Crafting one of her favorite animals out of butter does not feel like a job to Sarah Pratt, the official butter sculptor of the Kansas State Fair. Every other year, the state fair has the sculptor form a cow, honoring where the reusable butter came from. In the alternate years, she can create whatever she wants, such as the buffalo at the 2021 state fair. When she was a teenager, Pratt used to visit Norma Duffield “Duffy” Lyons, the first butter sculptor at the Kansas State Fair. Pratt, who lives in West Des Moines, apprenticed under Lyons, of Toledo, Iowa, for more than a decade, eventually becoming a sought-after sculptor. Each year, Pratt, a teacher by trade, travels to the Iowa, Illinois and Kansas state fairs, often sculpting cows. Her first year at the Kansas State Fair was 2016. In addition to the cow, this year Pratt planned to place a cat, a sunflower, and perhaps a loaf of bread. Pratt works four, 12-hour days in the 38-degree cooler, maneuvering 700 pounds of reusable butter into her sculpture. (Hutchinson News)
