Funeral for a friend

Matt Keenan Tom Brokaw's literary works, beginning with his 1998 publication of The Greatest Generation brought focus to a group of men and women who, born in the 1920's, came of age at time when the needs of others took priority over their own. Largely focusing on the World War II veterans, Brokaw's book noted that these adults "stayed true to their values of personal responsibility, duty, honor and faith." Religion was central to everything ...

The Wetland Explorer - Nature Deficit Disorder

By Curtis Wolf KWEC site manager How many of you remember catching tadpoles in a local waterhole, catching fireflies on a summer night, picking and eating wild mulberries, or even just laying in the grass watching clouds roll across the sky. If you remember doing these things as a kid, I bet you are smiling right now. Now, think about how many of these activities you have seen your children regularly ...

A white knuckled cab ride: tips and tricks for survival

Distracted driving and the attendant risks is all the buzz these days. But separately consider the hazards sometimes presented by cab drivers whose driving habits prompt fibrillations. Combine these two and you have a column.

Saint Francis offering free training course for individuals interested in becoming foster parents, b

Saint Francis Community Services (a provider of foster care, adoption, and family preservation services) will offer a free, 10 week course, Partnering for Safety and Permanence - Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (PS-MAPP), for individuals interested in becoming foster parents. The course begins Aug. 4 and will be held every Thursday for 10 weeks from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Saint Francis Community Service office, 1508 Main Street, Great Bend.

Extension intern shares with seniors

Rena Berrett, summer extension intern, will share information about the agricultural exchange she has participated in during a program at 1 p.m. on Monday, at the Great Bend Senior Center. Berrett, who grew up in eastern Oregon, has spent the past school year as a Kansas State Wildcat, pursuing a degree in Agriculture. The similarities and differences between the two states will be highlighted by Rena. She will also share highlights from the Ag trip ...

New Icon for Healthy Eating

The past 50 or more years have brought a multitude of ways to teach and reinforce the concepts of healthy eating. When I was in the elementary grades the 'carrot lady' would come and visit our school lunchroom in Washington, at least once a year. Her message was one that stuck in my memory; "eat first what you don't like and then what you do like, and your plate will be clean." The 4-H foods ...

Fluids important to manage heat, humidity safely

The final day of the Barton County Fair last Sunday proved to be a hot one. 4-H families worked together to serve the beef barbecue to more than 1,400 folks either in Expo I or the handy drive through. Ice tea was a popular choice; more than 60 gallons were prepared and consumed. Water cooler fans inside the building took the edge off of the triple digit heat. The hard working clean up crew ...

A COUNTRY EDUCATION

Looking at the griddle-flat sandy farmland with its golden stubble fields surrounding the former Wheatland School, it is easy to see how the school got its name.

Five Generations

Derrick R. Wheeldon promoted

Recently promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, Lt. Col. Derrick R. Wheeldon is Chief, Strategy and Policy Branch, in the Plans Division of the Intelligence Directorate,

College Orientation for your freshman: separating fact from fiction.

Our third son Robert had KU orientation last week. He brought back a notebook "New Student Orientation Guide." The inside page said "Welcome to KU." Glossy with a big Jayhawk on the front, he dropped it on the dining room table where it didn't move. Untouched by human hands. Until last Friday, that is. I grabbed it between innings while watching the Royals play the Cubs. Aided by an adult beverage, cooler climes, and Bernie at my side, I struck pure gold.

National Festival of Breads seminar

Five experts in the field of nutrition and baking will offer free educational seminars during the second National Festival of Breads, June 25. The Educational Seminar session, each which last about 45 minutes, begin at 9 a.m. at the Airport Hilton Inn, 2098 Airport Road, Wichita. The seminar is free and open to the public.

Summer’s winged bounty

By Pam Martin Kansas Department Wildlife, Parks and Tourism educator With butterfly weed's orange flowers now in full bloom and butterflies approaching their peak populations it's prime time for butterfly watching. Just watching butterflies brings back childhood memories. I've been chasing butterflies since I could hold a net and run. Over the years, I've learned to look for butterflies sipping nectar from flowers so I don't have to expend as much energy or risk a ...

Bike Across Kansas Times 2

It was an awesome ride! Of course I am talking about the 2011 version of Bike Across Kansas. Returning to work Monday, after a week of riding our tandem bike from border to border, my mind was filled with great memories of people and places. Hats off to the committee of volunteers who plan and support the ride for the 800+ participants. The communities that we lunched or stayed overnight at showered our group with ...

Have a happy Fathers’ Day

When you are 52, your dad is 30 years older and still works every day, Father's Day is already special. Still, if I had a dream day as a dad, it would go something like this:

Hekele graduates from basic training

Army Reserve Spec. Tiffany J. Hekele has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

4-H shooters place 2nd at state

The Barton County team of Ryan Kohman, Parker Smith, Katelyn Reh and Lake Lyman placed 2nd in the state at the recent State 4-H Air Rifle Competition. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders to attain knowledge and develop essential life skills.

Timothy and Amy Frieb give back to local community through Fontanelle Hybrids FOCUS Grant

Timothy and Amy Frieb recently presented the Hoisington Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troop 7130 with a $2,500 FOCUS grant through Fontanelle Hybrids.

Lots to Celebrate in May

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! The month of May has arrived and that means a frenzy of activity for families who are celebrating Mother's day today and graduations now or in the weeks ahead. I am truly blessed to have my mother-in-law, daughter, and granddaughters close by. It is a joy to spend time together at a moment's notice. Hopefully your weekend plans include some good family time with plenty of hugs.

“Celebrate Wheat” Quilt Block Challenge announced

The theme for the 2013 Barton County Fair quilt block challenge is "Celebrate Wheat." Coordinated by members of the Central Kansas Thread Benders quilt guild, the contest is open to anyone who sews. Kits are available for pick up for $3 at the Barton County Extension Office, 1800 12th Street in Great Bend. Each kit contains two fat eighths of fabric. Each of these fabrics must be used in the final block as well as ...

Volunteers in Action News

The "Check Out Hunger" food drive for the Community Food Bank of Barton County was a huge success. RSVP volunteers partnered with 6th grade students from Holy Family School, a local Brownie troop, and Barton County Youth Care manned tables at Dillon's on 10th Street and Walmart on Saturday, April 6th. Persons entering the stores received a handout about the Community Food Bank with a grocery list of needed items. The volunteers collected 1,749 lbs ...

Wisconsin cheese in another form ... where have you been?

When our son Connor moved to Madison two years ago I was prepared for an introduction to all things Wisconsin. This was not entirely a blank slate - I was schooled on Fez and Red Forman from "That '70s Show," heard a little bit about their governor and some yelling that went on up there. But I didn't appreciate a food delicacy that has awakened taste buds left for dead long ago.

Is Planting a Garden in Your Future?

With temperatures dipping down into the 20's and snow and sleet falling from the sky less than two weeks ago, it is hard to believe the date on the calendar. For those who like to play in the dirt and plant a garden, you know that it is time to be planting certain vegetables or the heat of the summer will create another problem. Many peoples' past includes spending time working in the family garden. ...