Newsletter-Late-Week

Fire losses in Dodge affecting Pratt

After a fire early Sunday morning in Dodge City killed three people, a Facebook post from MidTown Garage (923 W. 5th Street) in Pratt indicated that those lost in the fire were well known in the area. Subsequent condolences confirmed that the losses of Ismael, Ruth, and Daniel Marquez did indeed hit close to home.

Read MoreFire losses in Dodge affecting Pratt

Mural grant to be applied at Merchant Park in Pratt

Pratt’s Merchant Park will soon have new mural. IMPACT Pratt has secured approval for a $5,924 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity. IMPACT stands for Investing in Meaningful Projects and Community Togetherness and is a brand new organization founded in 2025. Their mission is is “to enhance Pratt’s small-town charm through beautification, revitalization, and community connection.”

Read MoreMural grant to be applied at Merchant Park in Pratt

It is National Newspaper Week

As we celebrate the 85th anniversary of National Newspaper Week from October 5-11, 2025, it’s crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role local journalism plays in shaping informed communities. By providing citizens with the facts they need to make informed decisions, local reporting empowers individuals to take an active part in their daily lives.

Read MoreIt is National Newspaper Week

Gray Photography Studio is home to art classes and more

A temporary building constructed in the 1800s is now open for art classes, historical research, and may soon even be available as an Air BnB, if local artist Carol Long has anything to do with it. Known as the Gray Photography Studio, the unique building at 116 N. Main in St. John has gone through many phases of use, disuse, dilapidation, rediscovery, and renovation. On Saturday, last week, several classes of students benefited from the dedication of a revolving art committee that has followed a vision of Long and others to make the building into a community art center.

Read MoreGray Photography Studio is home to art classes and more

Pratt County K-State Research & Extension to host Open House and Elections

The public is invited to an Open House at the Pratt County Extension Office, 824 West First Street, on Tuesday, October 14 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All will have a chance to learn more about county 4-H clubs and programs and how to join Pratt County 4-H. This will also be a great opportunity to sign up for upcoming workshops and see all of the resources that the Extension Office has to offer.

Read MorePratt County K-State Research & Extension to host Open House and Elections

Fall homecoming plans put into action this weekend in Pratt

USD 382 Fall Homecoming plans have been made and will be set in motion this weekend in Pratt. The pep rally and the presentation of high school royalty and court starts at 1:30 p.m. in the PHS gymnasium. A parade starts at 3 p.m. down Main Street of Pratt, starting at 5th Street going to 2nd Street, followed by the 2025 Greenback Hall of Fame Induction for former student Ken Jones takes place on Friday, October 3, 5 p.m. at the Vernon Filley Art Museum on Jackson Street. The Greenback football team takes on Wichita Collegiate at 7 p.m. on Zerger Field, and a homecoming dance for Pratt High School students will take place Saturday, October 4.

Read MoreFall homecoming plans put into action this weekend in Pratt