This year, the organization has selected Jeff and Cheryl Sowder as this year’s Grand Marshals for the annual parade. The Sowders grew up in the Toronto and Eureka communities and graduated from Eureka High School in 1972. They were married in 1974 and will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary on Nov. 24. After getting married, they lived at ranch headquarters located 7 miles northwest of Toronto until moving to Eureka in 2020.

Black Gold Cattle Co was established in 1980 and consists of a commercial cow/calf operation with Angus and Simmental genetics. Son-in-law Jamie Nelson, daughter Stephanie, and grandchildren Corinne, Sutton, and Reid manage the ranch day to day. The ranch was awarded the 2017 Grassland Award for grassland stewardship.

Jeff and Cheryl purchased Sowder Seed Co in Toronto from his parents in 1989 and immediately changed the focus of Sowder Seed Co from a small town grain elevator/feed store that served local clientele to one that served the farmers and ranchers locally and throughout the Flint Hills of Kansas with their cattle feed and mineral needs.

(Courtesy photo) Today Sowder Seed Co includes “feed partners” in Madison, Burns and Strong City.

In 1984, they started Min Mix Products with a line of quality cattle minerals that are sold throughout the Flint Hills and in surrounding states. They purchased CW Feed Products in 1999, expanded its wholesale business to multiple states and, after moving to a different location, increased its retail trade base making CW Feed one of the leading retail dog and horse feed companies in the Wichita area.

Cheryl worked for Emprise Bank for 20 years before changing careers. She became a Farm Bureau Insurance agent in 1997 and served her many clients as their Farm Bureau agent for 24 years before retiring in 2020.

Both Jeff and Cheryl have been involved in national leadership roles with Shriners Hospitals for Children for many years. Locally, Cheryl has served and held many offices in the Greenwood Co Cattlewomen, PEO, Entre Nous, Garden Club, and the Greenwood County Extension board. Jeff served as President of the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association in 1993 and served as Secretary for ten years. He belongs to NCBA and the Kansas Livestock Association.

Additional details regarding this year’s annual event can be found on page 5, as well as in next week’s edition.

Halloween Dip With Carrots and Canapes 1. For the dip: Mash together avocado, garlic, lime juice, Tabasco, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a serving bowl until smooth.

2. Stir in chopped cilantro. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

3. To serve: Peel and cut two carrots into thick coins. Top with sour cream and then olive and grape slices.

4. Cut the remaining carrots into finger shapes. Use a paring knife to shave down their ends into nail beds. Make a thin incision at the end of the nail beds and slide a slivered almond into them to mimic fingernails.

5. Serve finger carrots in the prepared avocado dip with the carrot coins on the side.

County Deeds

Listed as printed on the document filed with the Greenwood County Register of Deeds Office

2026-1015: Quit Claim Deed - 4S Acres, LLC to Allimaco, LLC. Lot 13, Block 11, Original Town, Eureka, all grantor’s interest in party wall on north side of Lot 12.

2026-1017: Warranty Deed - Michael J. Nuessen to Dana Investments, LLC. Block 7, Bitlers 2nd Addition, Eureka, south 150’ of the E1/2 and south 90’ of W1/2 of Block 7 except west 75’ of south 90’ of W1/2.

2026-1022: Warranty Deed - Andrew S. Haag and Patricia Haag to Wesley E. Curry Trust, Anna K. Curry Trust and Curry Farm LLC. Section 26-22-11, part W1/2 SW1/4 21.62 acres more or less. Undivided 1/2 interest to Wesley E. Curry Trust and Anna K. Curry Trust and undivided 1/2 interest to Curry Farm LLC.

2026-1025: Quit Claim Deed - Christine Marie Waggoner, Misty Norton and James Norton to Christine Marie Waggoner and Cierra Waggoner. Lots 9-11, Block 11, Madison subdivision, Madison.

2026-1026: Warranty Deed - City of Severy to Avery Postelwait. Section 8-28-11, part SW1/4SW1/4, all their interest.

2026-1027: Warranty Deed - City of Severy to Erline Bogle White. Section 8-28-11, part SW1/4SW1/4, all their interest.

2026-1028: Warranty Deed - City of Severy to Trevor Brooks. Section 8-28-11, part SW1/4SW1/4, all their interest.

2026-1029: Trust Deed - Lonnie H. Bosley Revocable Family Trust to Michael A. Snyder Trust and Kary Lynn Biermaier Living Trust. Lots 1 and 15-16, Lookout Point Subdivision, Greenwood County, part Lot 1, together W E1/2 of vacated road and part Lots 15-16.

2026-1032: Rebecca A. Schaffer to Grady Derryberry III and Shelby Derryberry. Section 5-24-13, part SE1/4SW1/4. Lots 1-4, Block 1, Howells Addition, Virgil.

Criminal Court

GW2025CR168: State of Kansas vs. William Charles Looney, Order of dismissal due to plea negotiations in GW25CR145. Case dismissed.

GW2025CR203: State of Kansas vs. Edward John Crosby, Motion hearing scheduled 1/21/27, 9 a.m.

GW2026CR10: State of Kansas vs. Masen William Huddleston, Arraignment hearing scheduled 11/12/26, 9 a.m.

GW2026CR62: State of Kansas vs. Laketta Mitchell Ransom, Sentencing hearing scheduled 1/21/27, 9 a.m.

GW2026CR132: State of Kansas vs. Haley Rehna Jones, Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body. Surety bond posted, $5,000. First appearance hearing scheduled 11/10/26, 1:30 p.m.

GW2026CR179: State of Kansas vs. William Zachary Cheever, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Vehicle liability insurance, knowingly drive uninsured vehicle; Defective tail lamp on motor vehicle; Fishing licenses required. Plea entered, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license; Vehicle liability insurance, knowingly drive uninsured vehicle; Defective tail lamp on motor vehicle. Dismissed, Fishing licenses required. Journal entry of plea and sentence. Post disposition.

GW2026CR180: State of Kansas vs. Aaron Matthew Brymer, Possession of hallucinogenic drug; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body. Surety bond posted, $7,500. First appearance hearing scheduled 11/3/26, 1:30 p.m.

GW2026CR181: State of Kansas vs. Avery Lee Martin, Possession of hallucinogenic drug; Possession of marijuana. Surety bond posted, $5,000. First appearance hearing scheduled 11/3/26, 1:30 p.m.

Domestic Relations

GW2026DM17: In the matter of the marriage of Grace N. Tirrell vs. Gavin Layne Vickery, Marriage Dissolution/Divorce. Case dismissed, Order of inactivity dismissal.

GW2026DM41: In the matter of the marriage of Danielle Wilson vs. Troy Wilson, Marriage dissolution/ divorce. Case dismissed, Order of dismissal without prejudice.

GW2026DM56: Gregory L. Miranda vs. Hanna Dunn, Paternity. Custody hearing held 10/15/26. Review hearing scheduled 12/21/26, 2 p.m.

Limited Civil

GW2025LM264: Flyin’ 3 Veterinary Service, Inc. vs. Courtney Altis, Debt collection. Hearing result for summary judgment hearing on 10/15/26, failure to appear. Order granting summary judgment.

GW2026LM189: City of Madison vs. James Michael Carr, Debt collection, $253.44 plus interest and other costs. Answer hearing scheduled 12/10/26, 1:30 p.m.

GW2026LM190: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. vs. Robert Clark, Debt collection, $5,571.86 plus interest and other costs.

GW2026LM191: DNF Associates, LLC vs. Tiffany Lazar, Debt collection, $3,154.67 plus other costs. Answer hearing scheduled 12/10/26, 1:30 p.m.

GW2026LM192: Flyin’ 3 Veterinary Service, Inc. vs. Kathryn Stout, Debt collection, $214.06, plus interest and other costs. Answer hearing scheduled 12/10/26, 1:30 p.m.

GW2026LM193: Midland Credit Management, Inc. vs. Ashley Olson, Debt collection, $3,154 plus interest and other costs. Answer hearing scheduled 12/10/26, 1:30 p.m.

Marriage License Applications

GW2026MA24: Megan Rose Mattingly and Seth Robert Wright. Post judgment.

GW2026MA25: Allison Carol Carper and Aden Michael English. Post judgment.

State Tax Warrants

GW2026ST42: Kansas Department of Revenue vs. Code Red Scrubbers, Sales tax, Q1 January-March 2026, $486.01. Post judgment.

GW2026ST43: Kansas Department of Revenue vs. Code Red Scrubbers, Withholding tax, March and April 2026, $1,580.10. Post judgment.

Traffic Tickets

GW2026TR918: Jaxon Eric Swafford, Speeding, 87/65.

GW2026TR920: De’Ajah Sha-Mel Childress, Driving while suspended, first conviction.

GW2026TR921: Alejandro Nunez Hernandez, Speeding, 82/65; Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license.

GW2026TR922: Waleed Atta, Speeding, 89/65.

GW2026TR923: Krystal M. Aldrich, Speeding, 89/65; Improper driving on laned roadway.

GW2026TR924: Peggy Erie, Following another vehicle too closely.

GW2026TR925: Kenneth A. Jeter, Speeding, 83/65.

GW2026TR926: Jon W. Mills, Speeding, 82/65.

GW2026TR927: Dax Harvin, Failure to yield at stop or yield sign.

GW2026TR928: Bruce Leon Edris, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, first conviction, blood/ breath .08 or >; Transporting an open container.

The tradition began around 1989 as one of several efforts to help build a much needed parish hall. The women of the Sacred Heart Altar Society rolled up their sleeves and got to work, making noodles and preparing homemade dinners for events in and out of town.

“These women cooked elaborate homemade dinners for anyone and everyone to help raise money for the new hall,” recalled Karon Cornett, a longtime Altar Society member who helped carry on the tradition.

The dinners, noodles and other fundraisers helped make the parish hall possible. It was completed and dedicated in 1993, but thankfully, the noodle making was just getting started.

In those early days, homemade meant plenty of elbow grease. The dough was mixed and kneaded by hand, then fed through three hand cranked noodle rollers, all going at once. It was slow, physical work, but it left plenty of time to catch up on families, share stories and, of course, pray.

There was also good reason for the warning about flying dishrags. Members still remember Barb Beitz tossing hers across the kitchen toward the sink. Anyone who was not paying attention or quick enough to duck risked wearing it.

“They were very dedicated women, and it was a lot of fun,” Cornett said.

The women continued making noodles for parish dinners and began drying and packaging them in individual bags to sell through the church. After wearing out more than their share of household mixers and noodle cutters, they purchased a commercial pasta machine to ease some of the workload.

The machine received an official blessing from Bishop Kemme, who admitted it was the first noodle machine he had ever blessed. From then on, the ladies joked that they were officially making “Holy Noodles,” so the carbs do not really count.

The newer equipment saves time and a few tired arms, but the women still separate the eggs and yolks, measure the ingredients and oversee every batch. The machine may do some of the heavy lifting, but it still has not learned how to tell a good story or clean up after itself.

Every bag of dried noodles carries a label reading, “In memory of Claudine Meng.” Meng served as Altar Society president for more than 25 years and helped shape the ministry into what it is today. Her name honors the women who built the tradition and reminds those now carrying it forward.

The original evening chicken and noodle dinners eventually became Friday luncheons, with advance orders for chicken and noodles by the quart added along the way. On one autumn Friday each year, the parish hall becomes one of Eureka’s busiest lunch spots as local workers, neighbors and parishioners gather for a familiar homemade meal.

For years, the raffle featured handmade quilts donated by Sigrid Denchfield. It has since grown to include cash prizes, a custom fire pit donated by the Dehlinger family and cornhole boards donated by the Allen family. Long after the last dish is washed, the money raised continues working through funeral dinners, religious education, parish and altar supplies, scholarships, senior citizen services and other community support.

The equipment has changed, and some of the women who began the tradition are no longer here to tell their stories. Still, every batch carries something forward: a familiar technique, a remembered name, a shared laugh, prayers said in unison and a Sacred Heart tradition that keeps rolling along.

Pictured above from left to right are: Mary Francis Orth, Margorie Sanburn, Judy Arguelles, Sue Stephenson, Genieve Barnum, Barb Beitz, Betty McIntyre, Claudine Meng and Barbara Decker.

The next Sacred Heart Fall Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 514 N. Elm St.

(Article and photo submitted by Michelle Allen)

The Mustangs found the end zone repeatedly through the air and on the ground, while the Bulldogs answered with explosive runs of their own to keep the contest competitive through the first half.

Flinthills wasted little time making its presence felt. At the 10:37 mark of the first quarter, Beau Hall returned an interception for a touchdown. The twopoint conversion, a pass from Tripp Carney to Deken Girty was successful, and the Mustangs led 8-0.

The Mustangs added to their advantage at the 4:07 mark, when Kyoda Geis hauled in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Carney. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but Flinthills had established a 14-0 cushion after putting together a five-play, 39-yard drive.

Madison responded almost immediately. Just 21 seconds after the Mustangs’ second score, Mason McDonald broke free for a 20-yard touchdown. Cooper Luthi added the two-point conversion rush, cutting the deficit to 14-8.

Flinthills answered again late in the quarter. Carney connected with Hall on a 16-yard touchdown pass with 1:11 remaining in the first quarter. The conversion failed, leaving the Mustangs ahead 20-8 heading into the second quarter.

The Bulldogs continued to show its offensive potential in the second quarter, beginning with a big play from Luthi. At 9:54, Luthi broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown, then added the two-point conversion to pull Madison within four points at 20-16.

Flinthills maintained its offensive rhythm, however. Carney found Charles Farris for an 8-yard touchdown pass at 6:27, capping an eight-play, 42-yard drive that lasted 3:21. The Mustangs were unable to convert the two-point attempt, but they extended their lead to 26-16.

The Bulldogs refused to go away. McDonald punched in a 1-yard touchdown run with 2:38 left in the half, finishing a nineplay, 55-yard drive. Madison’s conversion attempt failed, bringing the Bulldogs within four at 26-22.

The third quarter belonged to the Mustangs as they added three touchdowns and held the Bulldogs.

Hall opened the scoring surge with a 5-yard touchdown run at the 5:03 mark. The Mustangs needed just two plays to cover 33 yards in seven seconds, turning another quick offensive opportunity into points. The conversion failed, making it 32-22.

Hall struck again at 3:24, this time scoring on an 11yard run, extending its advantage to 38-22 after another unsuccessful conversion attempt.

The Mustangs added one more touchdown just before the end of the quarter. With one second remaining, Farris broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run. Hall added the two-point conversion rush, pushing the lead to 46-22.

Both teams finished regular season action with a 6-2 record (4-1 in district play). With Marmaton Valley also finishing the season with the same records, the tie for district championship was broken by point differentials. Marmaton Valley was first, Flinthills was second and Madison was third.

Team Statistics

Flinthills Madison 21 First Downs 10 261 Yards Rushing 149 94 Yards Passing 43 4-1 Fumbles-Lost 4-3 13-110 Penalties-Yards 4-30 Both teams now turn their attention to an important Week 9 matchup on Friday, Oct. 30, as they begin the 8-player DII championships.

Flinthills Mustangs (62): The No. 2-ranked team in District 1 will host District 2, No. 3 Attica (4-4) on Thursday, Oct. 29, TBD.

Madison Bulldogs (6-2): The No. 3-ranked team in District 1 will travel to face District 2, No. 2 Hutchinson- Central Christian (7-1) on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m., at Hutchinson Community College.

Since Cross Country is still relatively new to the Bulldogs, several members moved up the leaderboard this season and Coach Jenn Boles made it a family affair with parents being able to help their kids place their names on the record board.

New all-time records set this year for the high school were: Matty Thompson (4th All-Time in the 5K) and Zach Suggs (5th All-Time in the 5K).

For the junior high 2-mile record it was Ryder Slate putting his name on the 4th slot for all-time fastest time and Joseph Brown 5th all-time.

For junior high runner Kiah Luthi, she got to put her name on the 1st line as she now has the alltime fastest time in the 2-mile race.

(Courtesy photo)

The lovely ladies of the Susannah French Putney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) met for their Sept. 18 meeting at the Butler County Historical Society in El Dorado. The tables were decorated in a patriotic theme. Hostesses for the meeting were Marsha Todd and Kay Catlin and members were treated with a delicious homemade pumpkin cake.

Regent Teresa Bachman called the meeting to order. Ann Wimberly, chaplain, shared a patriotic reading for the group. Regent Bachman shared the certificates earned by the group in the previous year. One certificate went to two individuals from the homeless support group of El Dorado. There was also a certificate given to the members for their outstanding amount of service hours to their communities. A special certificate was presented to Wimberly for outstanding greeting cards.

Also during the meeting, members signed many Christmas cards for veterans at the Winfield Veterans home, which is an ongoing endeavor of the group. The chapter is planning to visit the home for their November meeting in honor of Veterans Day. Also for Veteran’s day, members assist with the festivities in El Dorado, where there is a parade and a concert during the weekend.

The next meeting will be held at Cottonwood Falls for lunch and a tour of the Chase County Historical Museum, led by member Sue Ann Brown.

Members who attended the September meeting include, Regent Bachman, Kim Ring, Janet Green, Catlin, Carla Cook, Sigrid Denchfield, Wimberly, Todd, Loria Howard, Marilyn Seymour, Nita Whiteman, Connie Mitchell, Patty Goedecke, Martha Reidl, Debbie Keplar. Also attending were two prospective members, LeAna Mitchell and Kitty Evers.

(Courtesy photos)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. An estimated 320 fatal traffic crashes occurred in the United States in 2023, and 22,293 injuries happened when there was snow or sleet conditions at the time of the crash. It is essential that drivers prepare their vehicles for winter weather. Properly winterizing a car can help prevent breakdowns and accidents, and also potentially save drivers from being stranded in the cold.

Here are some winter car maintenance tips to consider before the first storm of the season, courtesy of AAA and State Farm.

• Test the battery. A driver needs a battery to be fully charged and in good condition to start the engine on cold winter mornings. Colder temperatures cause chemical reactions within the battery, which can make electricity slow down and hinder the vehicle’s ability to reach maximum power. Check the battery prior to winter, and replace it, if necessary.

• Check fluids. Part of winter preparation is ensuring that all of the car’s fluids are at the right levels and appropriate for low temperatures. This includes engine oil, windshield washer fluid, and antifreeze.

• Schedule a maintenance checkup. A mechanic can look at hoses and belts to check that they are in good working order. Cold temperatures can make belts and hoses more brittle and prone to breaking.

• Apply a windshield repellent. Scraping ice and snow off of windshields on winter mornings can be a frustrating and arduous task. Adding hydrophobic repellent like Rain-X to the windshield can make it easier to remove ice later on.

• Maintain tire pressure. As outside temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. Routinely check and inflate tires to the recommended pressure listed on a label located on the driver’s side door frame.

• Inspect the wiper blades. Seeing clearly out of the windshield is important for safe winter driving. In addition to a properly working defroster, drivers will need wiper blades that can remove rain and snow. If any streaks or skips occur while using the wipers, it might be time for a new set.

• Conduct a brake check. A combination of snow, moisture, and salt on roads can contribute to rust on brakes and rotors. Symptoms of brake issues include noises, sticking brake pads, and slower stop times. Before the thick of winter, drivers are urged to have their brakes checked by a professional.

Winter is on the horizon, and vehicle owners should prepare their cars and trucks now for the rough weather to come.

(Editor’s Note: Each week,The Herald poses a “Question of the Week” on their facebook page with many responding. Comments made on the posts, may or may not be factual in nature and are to be noted as that person’s comment only.)

Each week The Herald will ask a random question, both on the opinion page of the weekly paper and on The Eureka Herald Facebook© page. Responses should be mailed to PO Box 590, Eureka, KS 67045, e-mailed to news@eurekaherald.com with “Coffee Shop Talk” in the subject; dropped off at our office, 822 E. River, in Eureka or made on The Eureka Herald’s Facebook© page.

The “Question of the Week” for last week was: “What is the weirdest food combination that you secretly love?”

Following are the responses: Jennifer White* - “Cottage cheese and salt & vinegar chips!”

Phoebe Billbe* - “Buttercream frosting,flaming hot Cheetos,and dill pickles (all together)” Thelma Rotramel-Huffman* - “Phoebe Billbe, lol you are pregent.”

Phoebe Billbe* - “Thelma Rotramel-Huffman, well yeah… I started eating this in high school though..

Sweet & Spicy* - “Biscuit & Gravy w/ Tabasco & Strawberry Jam on top…… Sweet & Spicy….. lol!”

Kim Gorman* - “Sour cream and onion potato chips and a KitKat” Chris Hansel*- “Ranch and raisins…….”

Buffy Weber* - “LoMar cheeseburger with ketchup, mayo and peanut butter!”

Toni DeShane* - “Graham crackers with orange juice instead of milk, I will ONLY eat peanut butter sandwich either toasted with butter and jelly, or untoasted with ketchup.”

Yvette Danielle Alford* - “Pinwheels dipped in orange juice, popcorn and ketchup, raw beef and crackers, the list goes on. Oh, and one of my faves, toasted sourdough with butter, baked beans, ketchup and mayo” Kelly Kirkpatrick* “Yvette Danielle Alford, I’m dying at your list” Kelly Drake* - “Yvette Danielle Alford, you wonder whats wrong with you?”

Jenny Crisswell* - “Cottage cheese and mustard. Biscuit/gravy with ketchup” Alexandria Starr* - “Jenny Crisswell cottage cheese with mustard is so good!!” Ryleigh Smalley* - “Pickles, popcorn and cheese!”

Lois Close-Stewart* “My husband likes a fried egg sandwich with bacon and peanut butter topped off with a little siracha sauce..”

Margie Reaves* - “I put French fries on a hamburger, mayo and potato chip sandwich” Josh Chase* - “Pork rinds and fritos bean dip da bomb” Francie Gee* - “Chocolate ice cream and Orange sherbet together.. yummy!” Tami J. Hart-Hawthorne* - “Peanut Butter and Miracle Whip Sandwiches! Sounds disgusting, but my late friend Lynn Conover suggested them to me and they are so good!”

Lindsay Stapleford* “Tami J. Hart-Hawthorne I eat these quite often. My family thinks I’m crazy, but it is so good.”

Brandi Burke* - “Chocolate and beef jerky” Taylor Hunt* - “Brandi Burke how did you know both of my stage names?”

Angela Beatty* - “Salteen crackers and milk” Cassi Lynn Seeley* “Angela Beatty, I seriously thought this was a Wilma Knowles thing lol. My Grammy taught us this a million years ago and everyone I’ve ever told, thinks it sounds so gross” Angela Beatty* - “Cassi Lynn Seeley, my Grandpa Fred used to eat it. I love it.”

Do you have a recommendation for the “Question of the Week” please send it to Robin at news@eurekaherald.com, or stop by 822 E. River St., Ste 100, in Eureka.

Participating businesses were asked to complete an application through the Eureka Honors Club, who is organizing the event.

F o r more informa- tion or to fill out an application visit The Eureka

Herald, or email news@eurekaherald.com.