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USD 400 Gifts Replacement Turf and Costs Toward New Track at Anderson Stadium on Bethany College Campus
May 20, 2020
LINDSBORG, KANSAS, May 13, 2020- In the midst of the cancellations, postponements and quarantine resulting from the unforeseen COVID-19, a demonstration of commitment, community resolve and partnership has been forging in the background. As of May 11, the Board of USD 400 approved a gift for the costs to replace the synthetic turf at the Clyde and Glenn Lindstrom Field, and also toward the costs of the track, both at Anderson Stadium on Bethany College campus. Bethany College and Smoky Valley schools have shared these facilities for more than thirty years pursuant to use agreements. The various recreational teams organized through the City of Lindsborg also enjoy the track and field.
Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Interim President of Bethany College notes that while COVID-19 has created challenging times, “community partners such as USD 400 have demonstrated a true commitment to the future of Bethany and the entire Lindsborg community with their investment in the turf and track.”
Bethany and USD 400 have been in discussion about the turf and track replacement for a few years now, as it was known the surfaces were close to exceeding their recommended lifespan. When COVID hit, the college administration took some time to carefully reevaluate the project. However, a commitment to the safety of all athletes combined with the fortune of special funds provided the opportunity to move the project forward. According to USD 400 Superintendent, Glen Suppes, “the district’s Capital Outlay funds allow for capital physical improvements but cannot be utilized for daily operational expenditures. We are grateful to have a wonderful working relationship with Bethany College, and the opportunity to spend our budgeted Capital dollars on the new turf in an effort to assist our students as well as our college athletes. Although general fund dollars may be limited later this fall and programs or positions may be greatly affected because of the effects of COVID-19, capital improvements will continue to move forward. Replacing the unsafe turf and track is an anticipated expense that must be addressed.”
“Facilities are such an integral part of athletics in not just the collegiate setting, but in all levels of sport. The safety of all student-athletes is our top priority, and we are very thankful for the strong working relationship and partnership with USD 400 that is allowing for the necessary capital improvements. In addition to ensuring a safe playing surface, these improvements will also play a pivotal part in both recruiting and retention for many of our programs. The partnership between Bethany, USD 400, and the City of Lindsborg truly demonstrates a commitment to the tradition of excellence and future of sport for the Swedes, Vikings, and the Smoky Valley,” commented Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics at Bethany College.
While COVID requires communities and businesses to be prudent in spending, moving forward with community investment is equally important. “In this difficult time in many communities throughout our state, Lindsborg continues to look for ways to keep things moving forward,” stated Lindsborg Mayor, Becky Anderson. Mayor Anderson further commented, “the cooperation between USD 400 and Bethany College is another shining example of working together. The leadership of both institutions searched for a way to provide a much needed improvement to athletic facilities at Bethany College.”
The turf replacement will start in the next few weeks and the track will be replaced in the fall. Both USD 400 and the Smoky Valley School District look forward to a shared use of the facilities for years to come and Mayor Anderson thanks both for “continuing this legacy of community cooperation.” To borrow from the City of Lindsborg CVB, who is currently showcasing Lindsborg’s collective unique small-town offerings as “Lindsborg Lemonade,” this is a true case of making lemons into lemonade.
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah. Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.
This semester, the department continues its tradition of offering a wide variety of performances, from student and faculty recitals to large-scale ensemble concerts. These events provide opportunities for the Lindsborg community and surrounding areas to experience the vibrant cultural and artistic contributions of the college.