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Good Evening VVV May the force be with you. Thursday, December 17, 2015 V V V PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1895 V V V The Salvation Army helps make holidays brighter WWW.EMPORIAGAZETTE.COM USD 251 planning moves forward By Jessie Wagoner [email protected] Kendra Johnson/Gazette By Brandy Nance [email protected] The Salvation Army Christmas distribution is taking place this week, making the holidays brighter for children and families in the area. Christmas distribution begins today in the Anderson Building on the Lyon County Fairgrounds. Today, food vouchers will be distributed, said Lt. Lynn Lopez, of The Salvation Army. A total of 850 vouchers will be given to those who signed up. The vouchers are good for a ham and other items a family might need. “This way the families can pick up what they need,” Lopez said. “If they need toilet paper, laundry detergent , shampoo. If they already have fo o d s t a m p s and they have enough food to take them into next year but they actually need those other items, it’s OK. We actually looked at those receipts (from last year). We actually kept track and kept a database of what people purchased on those vouchers and there was nothing outlandish on them. That did my heart good to Kendra Johnson/Gazette see that people were reasonable in what they purchased. They’re Suzanne Worthen-Miller and Debbie Ortega fill bags with items Please see Distribution, Page 3 needed for a family during The Salvation Army Christmas distribution on Wednesday. Plans to construct a consolidated kindergarten through 12th grade building in North Lyon County continue to move forward. The USD 251 Board of Education met Wednesday night with representatives from Universal Construction Company to learn more about possible building options. Universal Construction Company and Hollis and Miller architects arranged a tour for board members recently of two different schools. The tour allowed members to view different building materials and layouts. Board members shared their opinions regarding the tours Wednesday evening. The members felt the other schools were welcoming and buildings that students and staff would take pride in. They did however point out that they weren’t fans of polished concrete floors or wasted space. “Wasted space,” Sally Anderson, board member said. “We don’t want a bit of wasted space.” Universal Construction Company and Hollis and Miller are in the Please see 251, Page 3 The Force AwakenS By Jessie Wagoner [email protected] Excited Emporians are preparing for a big night — The opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The first showing of the movie at B & B Emporia Flinthills 8 Cinemas is at 7 p.m. today. Melissa Lowery, pop culture enthusiast, is one of many anxious fans planning to attend the first showing. “I haven’t bought my ticket yet,” Lowery said. “But now I’m second guessing myself. I want to be in the very very first showing of course, but I figure if I have to wait until 8 p.m. it will be okay.” Paul Farnsworth, district marketing and public relations manager for B&B Theatres, says that advance ticket sales have been available for eager moviegoers. “For proprietary reasons, I can’t divulge specifics about our presales,” Farnsworth said. “But suffice it to say that this film is slated to be the largest global opening of all time, and that may very well be true for B&B Theatres and our Emporia location as well.” Lifelong Star Wars fan, Daniel Stephens, purchased tickets for the 7 p.m. showing as soon as they were available. He plans to arrive early to visit with other fans. “Real Star Wars fans are a community of sorts,” Stephens said. “We understand one other, the language, the nuances. This is bigger than just a movie, it is the development of a lifelong relationship with these characters.” Lowery agrees, stating that one of the things she is most looking forward to is seeing how the characters have developed. “I’m really excited to see our old favorites on screen again,” Lowery said. “Han and Leia and Luke. I’m really excited to hear about Luke. And I’m really curious about all these new characters and how they are connected with the old characters.” Stephens plans to attend the movie with his children and wife — all planning to wear costumes depicting their favorite characters. “I remember my parents taking me to see the first movie when I was a child,” Stephens said. “Tomorrow I will take my sons. This is like reliving my childhood, I’m a kid again, I get to share their excitement.” The diverse cast, includ- ing a number of women, is a notable strength of the film highlighted by Lowery. While attending Comic-Con, Lowery saw Gwendoline Christie who plays Captain Phasma. Lowery describes the actress as “stunning.” Reviews of the movie, minus spoilers, began making rounds on the internet early Wednesday. Most were glowing, hailing the movie as “well worth the wait”. “Everything I’ve been hearing has been positive,” Lowery said. “I just heard a review on NPR and it was very very positive. The reviews have been encouraging. I’ve been impressed with all of the marketing thus far. I’ve been really impressed with the casting. I’m just excited.” The movie will be shown three times at 7, 7:30, and 8 p.m. today. The movie will continue with full sets of showtimes throughout the weekend and coming week. The Associated Press For a full listing of times visit www.bbtheatres.com. Monday, fans cheer in the stands at the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Force “We are super excited Awakens” in Los Angeles. The film opens nationwide on Friday. about the enthusiasm our customers are showing for the release of this film,