New school year begins, providing opportunities to try new things

Thursday marked the first day of the 2026-2027 school year for USD 423 Moundridge. Students loaded onto buses and took part in back-to-school assemblies, and teachers met their new classes.

It’s an exciting time when a new chapter of life starts.

As such, this is a prime opportunity to remember that everyone needs to step out of their comfort zones and be open to new experiences.

As Larry Alton suggested in an article published by The Huffington Post, trying new things can help individuals overcome their fears, develop a deeper understanding of who they are, and spark their creativity. The result can be increased happiness, which means, according to Juan Pablo Zapata at the University of Washington School of Medicine, symptoms of anxiety and depression can be combated.

Furthermore, researcher Barbara Backer Condon highlighted that trying new things can restrain boredom and lead to self-improvement. One’s confidence can be boosted too.

Also, individuals can help themselves professionally by being open to new ideas and experiences, which is particularly important during times of crisis and upheaval.

To be successful in a new venture, though, it is important to practice mindfulness and be intentional about what you try, and don’t worry about being perfect, as Kristi Hedges wrote for Forbes.

For these reasons and more, trying new things and opening up to experiences is incredibly rewarding, so be bold and go for it.

Above all, though, have a great school year, and “be true to your school!”

— TRV

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UPCOMING EVENTS
(Aug. 28-Sept. 5)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• 1 p.m., K-12 Dismissal (USD 423)

• 1 p.m., MS Fall Sports Pictures: FB, VB, XC (Moundridge Middle School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 6 p.m., HS Football Jamboree (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 6:30 p.m., Live music from: Kimberly Meyer (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Saturday:

• 9 a.m., HS Volleyball Tournament (Inman High School, 404 S Main St, Inman, KS 67546)

• 6 p.m., Live music from: Foolish Endeavors (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Sunday:

• Church Services

  • Eden Mennonite Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (401 18th Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • First Mennonite Church of Christian

    • 10:30 a.m. (719 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Garden Community Church

    • 10:15 a.m. (6520 N. Halstead Rd., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Grace Crossing

    • 10 a.m. (111 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Shepherd’s Field Family Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (515 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • United Methodist Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (226 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • West Zion Mennonite Church

    • 10:30 a.m. (101 S. Washington Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

Monday:

• All Day, 4-year-old Pre-K Begins (Moundridge Elementary School, 207 S Drucilla Ave.)

Tuesday:

• All Day, 3-year-old Pre-K Begins (Moundridge Elementary School, 207 S Drucilla Ave.)

  • No 4-year-old Pre-K

• 7 p.m., Karaoke at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• All Day, 4-year-old Pre-K Meets (Moundridge Elementary School, 207 S Drucilla Ave.)

  • No 3-year-old Pre-K

Thursday:

• All Day, All Pre-K Meets (Moundridge Elementary School, 207 S Drucilla Ave.)

• 4 p.m., MS Volleyball (Ell-Saline Jr.-Sr. High School, 414 Anderson St, Brookville, KS 67425)

• 4 p.m., MS/HS Cross Country (Smoky Valley High School, 1 Viking Blvd, Lindsborg, KS 67456)

• 6 p.m., MS Football (Ell-Saline Jr.-Sr. High School, 414 Anderson St, Brookville, KS 67425)

Friday:

• All-Day, 5th Grade Instrument Try-Out (Moundridge Middle School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 7 p.m., HS Football (Sterling High School, 308 East Washington Avenue, Sterling, KS 67579)

• 6:30 p.m., Live music from: Rylan Unruh (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Have an event you would like listed?

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Moundridge Community Calendar

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During their conversation, they discussed how their first year as Moundridge principals went, what was on the horizon for this year, what led them to become principals in the first place, and how they view their roles as building leaders.

Primary elections held, constitutional amendment defeated

Republican voters accounted for most ballots cast in the Aug. 4 McPherson County primary, while voters across the county rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have changed how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected.

The unofficial election-night results released by the Office of McPherson County Clerk Hollie Melory show 7,504 ballots cast countywide, including 5,201 Republican ballots, 1,569 Democratic ballots and 734 nonpartisan ballots . . . (read more)

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• Fall activities set to start as facility improvements begin

• Nearly 1 in 4 students are chronically absent from school – kids who feel happy and safe are less likely to miss class

UPCOMING EVENTS
(Aug. 21-28)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• All Day, HS Theatre Camp (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 9 a.m., National Senior Citizens Day in Moundridge celebration (Pine Village Wellness Center, 86 22nd Ave.)

• Noon-6 p.m., Moundridge Community Blood Drive (Pine Village Wellness Center, 86 22nd Ave.)

• 7 p.m., Live music from: Jaron Bell (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Saturday:

• 7 p.m., HS Back-to-School Bash hosted by FFA (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 6-6:30 p.m., MES PATT on the Playground (Moundridge Elementary School, 207 S Drucilla Ave.)

• 6:30 p.m., Live music from: Avenue 22 (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Sunday:

• Church Services

  • Eden Mennonite Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (401 18th Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • First Mennonite Church of Christian

    • 10:30 a.m. (719 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Garden Community Church

    • 10:15 a.m. (6520 N. Halstead Rd., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Grace Crossing

    • 10 a.m. (111 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Shepherd’s Field Family Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (515 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • United Methodist Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (226 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • West Zion Mennonite Church

    • 10:30 a.m. (101 S. Washington Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

Monday:

• 6 p.m., Moundridge Public Library Board Meeting (411 N. Christian Ave.)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• 2-3 p.m., 7-12 Supply Drop Off (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 4-5 p.m., 4-5 Teacher Meet & Greet (Moundridge Middle School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 4:30-5 p.m., 6th Grade Orientation (Moundridge Middle School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 5-6 p.m., PreK-3 Teacher Meet & Greet (Moundridge Elementary School, 207 S Drucilla Ave.)

Thursday:

• All Day, K-12 First Day of School (USD 423)

  • 1 p.m., Dismissal

Friday:

• 1 p.m., K-12 Dismissal (USD 423)

• 1 p.m., MS Fall Sports Pictures: FB, VB, XC (Moundridge Middle School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 6 p.m., HS Football Jamboree (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 6:30 p.m., Live music from: Kimberly Meyer (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Have an event you would like listed?

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Moundridge Community Calendar

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Moundridge council delays decision on scooter, e-bike regulations

Moundridge city officials aren’t ready to put the brakes on electric scooters and e-bikes, but they aren’t ready to give them a free pass, either.

The Moundridge City Council continued its discussion Aug. 10 about how the city should regulate scooters and electric bicycles, ultimately taking no action while City Attorney Ann Elliott works on possible changes to the city’s ordinance . . . (read more)

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• ‘End of Summer Bash’ taking place Aug. 14

UPCOMING EVENTS
(Aug. 14-21)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• 7-9 p.m., End of Summer Bash (Moundridge Swimming Pool, 400 S. Washington Ave.)

• 7 p.m., Live music from: Fallis Stockham Syndrome (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Saturday:

• 6 p.m., Live music from: Rachel & Griff (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Sunday:

• Church Services

  • Eden Mennonite Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (401 18th Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • First Mennonite Church of Christian

    • 10:30 a.m. (719 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Garden Community Church

    • 10:15 a.m. (6520 N. Halstead Rd., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Grace Crossing

    • 10 a.m. (111 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Shepherd’s Field Family Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (515 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • United Methodist Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (226 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • West Zion Mennonite Church

    • 10:30 a.m. (101 S. Washington Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

Monday:

• All Day, HS Theatre Camp (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

Tuesday:

• All Day, HS Theatre Camp (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• All Day, HS Theatre Camp (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

Thursday:

• All Day, HS Theatre Camp (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

Friday:

• All Day, HS Theatre Camp (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

• 9 a.m., National Senior Citizens Day in Moundridge celebration (Pine Village Wellness Center, 86 22nd Ave.)

• Noon-6 p.m., Moundridge Community Blood Drive (Pine Village Wellness Center, 86 22nd Ave.)

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

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On these rare occasions when the stars align and everything the Plains Pilot does is published on the same day, Plains Pilot Radio airs special episodes called FLUKE FRIDAYS.

In this episode of Plains Pilot Radio, host Todd R. Vogts turns the interviewing duties over to Moundridge resident and friend Dave Stos, and Todd shifts over into the hot seat, answering all the questions Dave can throw at him.

MHS theater prepares to make a splash with ‘SpongeBob’ musical

Moundridge High School’s auditorium will soon be the site of “nautical nonsense” when the stage is transformed into Bikini Bottom for the theater department’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical.”

Wildcat thespians will perform their show about the titular anthropomorphic sponge and his crew Nov. 14-15 . . . (read more)

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UPCOMING EVENTS
(Aug. 7-13)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Saturday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Sunday:

• Church Services

  • Eden Mennonite Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (401 18th Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • First Mennonite Church of Christian

    • 10:30 a.m. (719 S. Christian Ave., Mounridge, KS 67107)

  • Garden Community Church

    • 10:15 a.m. (6520 N. Halstead Rd., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Grace Crossing

    • 10 a.m. (111 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • Shepherd’s Field Family Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (515 Cole St., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • United Methodist Church

    • 9:30 a.m. (226 S. Christian Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

  • West Zion Mennonite Church

    • 10:30 a.m. (101 S. Washington Ave., Moundridge, KS 67107)

Monday:

• 5:45 p.m., Moundridge City Council Meeting (225 S. Christian Ave.)

• 7 p.m., Board of Education Meeting (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Noon, Moundridge Chamber of Commerce Meeting (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

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Be politically active, not politically divisive

Civic engagement is crucial for our democracy to function properly, and one of the ways to engage is to cast a ballot in an election as part of our democratic rights and civic duties.

Here in Kansas, we will soon have the opportunity to cast our ballots in the 2026 primary elections as part of the promise of self-governance afforded to us by the United States Constitution and our political system.

It’s an important election . . . (read more)

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UPCOMING EVENTS
(July 31-Aug. 6)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Saturday:

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Grand opening of Verity Health & Aesthetics (131 S. Christian Ave.)

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Monday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Tuesday:

• All Day, Kansas Primary Elections

  • Go vote!

• All Day, Sports physicals due

• 3-7 p.m., Student enrollment and payment night (Moundridge High School, 526 Cole St.)

• 7 p.m., 7-12 fall sports meeting (Moundridge High School, 526 Cole St.)

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Have an event you would like listed?

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Moundridge Community Calendar

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During their conversation, they discussed how Azzarito's experience of providing play-by-play calls for Moundridge High School sports as the "voice of the Wildcats" revealed a passion that has led him down a potential career path and secured him a job when he becomes a Fort Hays State University Tiger this fall.

Electric scooter discussion rides into Moundridge City Council meeting July 13

At almost any time of day, it's common to see children and adults alike gliding down Moundridge’s streets on electric scooters or battery-powered bicycles.

The technology has arrived quietly, yet it has inspired an audible discussion, which is why electronic conveyance—or, micromobility—devices were a hot topic during the July 13 Moundridge City Council meeting . . . (read more)

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• Softball clinic held

• Foot fetish ends courtship

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UPCOMING EVENTS
(July 24-30)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Saturday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Monday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Have an event you would like listed?

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Moundridge Community Calendar

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Wheat harvest records below-average yields, weather sets stage for fall crops

Farmers in the area have largely wrapped up the 2026 wheat harvest, and the yields varied widely.

Bryson Huxman, a second-generation farmer who owns and operates Happy Hallow Ag in rural Moundridge with his wife Grace, said he saw average to below-average yields from his more than 500 acres of wheat.

According to Adam Butler, vice president of grain operations at Mid-Kansas Cooperative in Moundridge, producers saw everything from 10-50 bushels per acre . . . (read more)

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• Moundridge Historical Association announces 2026 Annual Meeting set for July 20

• Moundridge marks Independence Day

• High winds cause localized damage July 4

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• Everyone wants to think they’re open‑minded – here’s why most people aren’t

UPCOMING EVENTS
(July 17-23)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Saturday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Monday:

• 5 p.m., Moundridge Recreation Commission Meeting (Greer Auditorium, 321 E. Cole St.)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Have an event you would like listed?

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During their conversation, they discussed the Kings' homemade ice cream-fueled community-building effort, which they called "Wedel on Wednesday."

Grasshopper donates money to MRC for new press box

The Moundridge Recreation Commission softball and baseball fields will soon have a new space for controlling the scoreboards and overseeing the games.

On Thursday, Nathan Guyer, a production specialist at the Grasshopper Company, presented MRC Director Jeremy Moore with a check for a donation from Grasshopper to cover the cost of a new press box. Moundridge City Administrator Jeremy Johnson also attended the ceremony . . . (read more)

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UPCOMING EVENTS
(July 10-16)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• Noon, Moundridge Chamber of Commerce Meeting (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

• 6-8 p.m., Moundridge Community VBS (West Zion Mennonite Church, 101 S. Washington Ave.)

Saturday:

• All Day, ACT Testing

• 6:30-8:30 p.m., VBS Pool Party (Moundridge Swimming Pool, 510 Adams St.)

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Monday:

• 5:45 p.m., Moundridge City Council Meeting (225 S. Christian Ave.)

• 7 p.m., Board of Education Meeting (Moundridge High School, 526 E. Cole St.)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Thursday:

• 10-11 a.m., Books on Blankets (Moundridge Public Library, 411 Christian Ave.)

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

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Fireworks sales underway for 4th of July holiday

The night sky will soon be illuminated with bursts of color as fireworks explode, marking the Fourth of July.

Moundridge residents can purchase their aerial effects from multiple locations in town.

As of Thursday afternoon, sales hadn’t exploded yet . . . (read more)

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UPCOMING EVENTS
(July 3-9)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• All Day, Independence Day (observed)

Saturday:

• All Day, Independence Day

  • U.S. Semiquincentennial

  • 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Monday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Karaoke at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• 6-8 p.m., Moundridge Community VBS (West Zion Mennonite Church, 101 S. Washington Ave.)

Thursday:

• 10-11 a.m., Books on Blankets (Moundridge Public Library, 411 Christian Ave.)

• 6-8 p.m., Moundridge Community VBS (West Zion Mennonite Church, 101 S. Washington Ave.)

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

Listen to Plains Pilot Radio!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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During their conversation, they took a deep dive into making beer, Smith's journey into running his own business and his goal of bringing people together.

Locals tinker with trains to make a model museum display

Though we recently reported on the Moundridge Historical Association tearing down the barn that had been part of its display, the MHA is also building something new.

Several individuals are constructing a model train display in the museum building.

The model train will run around a track that winds through various scenes, including several recognizable landmarks from Moundridge.

The model train track was donated by Peter Preheim, who lives in Pine Village. Several others have also contributed pieces to the display, as well as time and labor.

A handful of locals work on the project every Tuesday morning.

If you have the chance, I encourage you to stop in and see what they are building. It’s pretty cool.

— TRV

Latest Stories

from plainspilot.com

• City Council approves purchase of home for EMS housing

• Senior Ella Schrag wins 2A speech title

• Youngsters demonstrate athletic ability at Moundridge/Goessel Youth Track Meet

• MHS boys finish 3rd, girls tie for 7th at 2A State Track

• Moundridge Museum tears down dilapidated barn

• Outgoing superintendent: ‘I have loved every second at USD 423’

• Unearth a story this summer at Moundridge Public Library with reading program

• Looking for love online requires sense of humor

• Making Moundridge High School Debate and Forensics hex-worthy

UPCOMING EVENTS
(June 26-July 2)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• All Day, Sign up for “2026 Moundridge Community VBS”

  • Registration Form

  • Dates: July 8-9 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Saturday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Monday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

    • And tell your friends to do the same!

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia Contest at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• All Day, USD 423 Moundridge Online Enrollment (opens)

  • Can be completed in the PowerSchool app or via a web browser

Thursday:

• All Day, Sign up for “2026 Moundridge Community VBS”

  • Registration Form

  • Dates: July 8-9 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

Listen to Plains Pilot Radio!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with us on social media!

Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky

Raising funds for their future

It was heartening to see a group of youngsters selling lemonade across from Greer Auditorium June 12. One parent told me they were doing this as part of their annual effort to raise funds for Cradle to Crayons Childcare.

According to one person who bought a cup, the beverages were tasty, so kudos to the kids and everyone involved.

That’s a sweet way to raise money.

— TRV

Latest Stories

from plainspilot.com

• NEW PODCAST: Creating a ‘Hub’ for the Community

• New water backflow ordinance enacted

• USD 423 adopts ParentSquare communication platform, approves softball bleacher purchase

• Sewer line being rerouted around Greer Auditorium

• Slate of summer activities underway

• PHOTO GALLERY: MHS commencement exercise held May 16

• Moundridge brings residents together with annual event

• Achieving dreams by heeding history’s rhymes

UPCOMING EVENTS
(June 19-25)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• All Day, Juneteenth

• 8:45 a.m., KSN Summer Road Trip stops at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

• Noon-6 p.m. Moundridge Community Blood Drive (Pine Village, 86 22nd Ave.)

Saturday:

• 8:45 a.m., Moundridge Lions Club Youth Fishing Derby (Pack Park, 809 Koehn Ave.)

Sunday:

• All Day, Father’s Day

Monday:

• 6 p.m., Moundridge Public Library Board Meeting (411 N. Christian)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia Contest at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just go to work and then relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just go to work and then relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

  • Seriously! We want to create the most complete community calendar in town! Send us your event details!

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

Listen to Plains Pilot Radio!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with us on social media!

Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky

Though the conversation went many different directions, there was one common thread woven throughout the discussion, and that was how important it is to continue strengthening the community in Moundridge.

Plains Pilot Radio is a bi-weekly podcast brought to you by The Plains Pilot, which is a monthly free newspaper in Moundridge, Kansas, and surrounding areas. New episodes hit the airwaves every other Friday, and it is hosted by Todd R. Vogts, who is the Plains Pilot editor and publisher.

More news and information is published frequently online at www.plainspilot.com and weekly via the Plains Pilot Signal newsletter (https://plainspilotsignal.com).

Plains Pilot landing in driveways today

The big day has arrived. As you can tell by Kolten’s face, we’re excited!

As you read this, hopefully we’ll be tossing one of the papers he’s buried under into your driveway. Or maybe we’ve already hit your house. Or we will be soon. Or, at least, you’ll be heading to one of our newsstands around town (e.g., The Hub, Goering Hardware, Citizens State Bank, Moundridge Food Market, Pine Village) to grab a copy.

Of course, you can read the print edition online, too. Just click the following link: The Plains Pilot for June 12, 2026

And don’t worry, all the stories in this edition will be published online over the coming days.

Regardless of how you read it, though, my family and I thank you. We appreciate your support and for being willing to go on this journey with us.

We hope you enjoy The Plains Pilot!

— TRV

Latest Stories

from plainspilot.com

• EDITORIAL: Charting a course for community connection

• PHOTO GALLERY: Black Kettle Festival

• Kansas educators, task force members wrangle over data as school funding hangs in the balance

• Sramcbled wrods: the real reason you can still read jumbled text

• What courage is, how to build it and why you should take a risk

UPCOMING EVENTS
(June 12-18)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• Noon, Moundridge Chamber of Commerce Meeting (The Hub, 100 S. Christian Ave.)

Saturday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

Sunday:

• All Day, Flag Day

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

Monday:

• 6 p.m., Moundridge Recreation Committee Meeting (Greer Auditorium, 321 E. Cole)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia Contest at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just go to work and then relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just go to work and then relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

UPCOMING:

• June 19 at noon-6 p.m., Community Blood Drive (Pine Village, 86 22nd Ave.)

• June 20 at 8:45 a.m., Youth Fishing Derby (Pack Park, 809 Koehn Ave.)

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

Listen to Plains Pilot Radio!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Connect with us on social media!

Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky

Black Kettle Festival begins today

It’s that time of the year! The annual Black Kettle Festival is here!

Starting today at 3:30 p.m. and ending Saturday around 2 p.m., the festival will feature a variety of fun, family-friendly activities for the community to enjoy.

A full list of events can be found via the Moundridge Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook Page or the Black Kettle Festival and Car Show Facebook Page, and you could also check out the “Upcoming Events” near the end of this email.

A few events of note include:

• Community Dinner at 6 p.m. today at the Citizens State Bank Garage, hosted by the Bradbury Group

• Street Dance with live music from Llew Brown Band at 7 p.m. today, taking place just south of the four-way stop

• 22nd Annual Black Kettle Car Show at 8 a.m. Saturday, happening downtown

• Annual parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, which will start at the north end of town and travel south on Christian to the four-way stop

• Chalupa lunch at 11 a.m. Saturday, being served at West Zion Church

• Moundridge Lions Club Smokin’ Showdown BBQ contest at noon Saturday in front of the Moundridge City Office

Of course, there is a lot more happening too, so make sure you go out and celebrate our community with your neighbors.

I look forward to seeing you all there!

— TRV

P.S.—See that photo above? I shot it on June 4, 2009, while covering the Black Kettle Festival when I worked for The Ledger. Digging that photo out was a fun stroll down memory lane.

Plains Pilot Radio is on the air!

Season 1, Episode 1

Listen here!

Also find us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify!

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from plainspilot.com

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• Invasive pest that threatens livestock, pets found in Texas calf as Kansas tracks situation

• Buzzing to volunteer? Kansas looks for help with Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas

• Older Americans who vote live longer than those who don’t – new research

UPCOMING EVENTS
(June 5-11)

Moundridge Community Calendar

Today:

• 6-8 p.m., Community Dinner hosted by The Bradbury Group (Citizens State Bank Garage)

• 6-8 p.m., Frozen Refreshments from Chill (downtown)

• 7-10 p.m., Street Dance w/ live music by Llew Brown Band (south of 4-way stop)

Saturday:

• 7-9:30 a.m., Senior Center Breakfast (Senior Citizens Center)

• 7:30-11:30 a.m., Ridge Run hosted by HS Cross Country Team (Moundridge High School)

• 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 22nd Annual Black Kettle Car Show (downtown)

• 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Craft Vendors (north of The Hub)

• 8 a.m.-noon, Farmer’s Market (Goering Hardware)

• 8-10 a.m., Coffee with the Cats (The Station)

• 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Beer Garden hosted by The Hub (downtown)

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Bounce House hosted by the Moundridge Chamber of Commerce (downtown)

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Next-Tech (downtown)

• 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Free Flights for Youth ages 8-17 hosted by EAA Chapter 1240 Young Eagles (Moundridge Municipal Airport)

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Moundridge Lions Club Smokin’ Showdown BBQ contest (Moundridge City Office)

• 10-11 a.m., Parade (proceeds south on Christian to 4-way stop)

• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Chalupa Lunch hosted by West Zion Church (West Zion Church)

• 2 p.m., BBQ Contest and Car Show Awards (downtown)

Sunday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

Monday:

• 5:45 p.m., Moundridge City Council Meeting (225 S. Christian Ave.)

• 7 p.m., Board of Education Meeting (526 E. Cole)

Tuesday:

• 7 p.m., Trivia Contest at The Hub (100 S. Christian Ave.)

Wednesday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just go to work and then relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

Thursday:

• Nothing that we know of, so just go to work and then relax?

  • Or, if we are missing something, send us a news tip at plainspilotnews@gmail.com!

Have an event you would like listed?

Contact Us: plainspilotnews@gmail.com

Moundridge Community Calendar

Connect with us on social media!

Facebook

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Bluesky

Plains Pilot Radio is a bi-weekly podcast brought to you by The Plains Pilot, which is a monthly free newspaper in Moundridge, Kansas, and surrounding areas. New episodes hit the airwaves every other Friday, and it is hosted by Todd R. Vogts, who is the Plains Pilot editor and publisher.

More news and information is published frequently online at www.plainspilot.com and weekly via the Plains Pilot Signal newsletter (https://plainspilotsignal.com).