A Keenan/Griswold moment in time for the holidays

Things always seem to happen to me. Bad things. Like what happened a week ago Sunday while I was doing something very important in the garage of our rental house. A rental that has a few mechanical issues, like a door to the garage that doesn't shut properly. A solution squarely within the wheelhouse of some husband's. "Door latch problem! Let me get my door jam tools!" That dad has things I don't have, like, ...

Moving time: Anyone got any Tylenol?

Last month we joined many other parents in our demographic by moving to a smaller home. This was our fourth move in 25 years. It was different from the others, however. You see, there are moves in the early years, when your kids are toddlers and all your possessions can fit in a pickup. Where the furniture is particle board and weighs 30 pounds. It's not really moving; it's a fun adventure when people pitch ...

Beware of the Skunk

If you are out walking near Vets Lake at dusk or beyond, you may want to be wary of a skunk in the neighborhood. Last week my husband, John, and I were on our bike running errands and noticed something dark moving down the street ahead of us. At first John thought it was a raccoon, but when it turned around, we noticed a definite white stripe down its' back. It was a skunk and it was too close for comfort!

RSVP Column

It is not too late to make an appointment to have RSVP volunteers assist you with Medicare Part D during the open enrollment period that lasts to Dec. 7th. So far we have been able to identify plans that were less expensive for most of the Medicare beneficiaries that we have helped. The savings have varied from $200 to $2,100 annually depending on individual circumstances. Even if you have been satisfied with your current plan, ...

Blake Family Four Generations

Long-distance family ties subject of programs

The holidays are just around the corner which means it is the perfect time to tell you about the Extension educational program titled, "Loving Long-Distance: Families Separated by Distance." Our world has certainly changed since I was a youngster. Growing up on a farm in Washington County, all of my grandparents were within 10 miles of our home so we spent lots of time together on weekends and holidays. Nowadays, families may be separated because ...

Extension Elections

Each fall, the Barton County Extension Council holds an election to fill positions on our various program development committees. Mark Monday, Oct. 29th on your calendar and stop by the Barton County Extension Office at 1800 12th Street to cast your ballot. Election time is 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Any Barton County resident who is at least 18 years of age may vote in this election.

Trip provided great learning and scenery

Narrowing down a highlight or two from our (my husband John, and me) recent trip east is difficult. The first leg of the trip was to participate in my national association meeting in Columbus, Ohio. I would say the highlight of those four days was the opportunity to share my educational fact sheet and leaders guide with forty-four agents from sixteen different states. The response was positive; they were especially glad to receive the entire ...

The Wetland Explorer

One of the best parts about working at Cheyenne Bottoms is talking with visitors that stop here. One thing staff at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center have noticed is that almost everyone has a story about Cheyenne Bottoms. If you follow the news items posted in the Great Bend Tribune, you know that most stories about Cheyenne Bottoms logically include information about birds, bird-watching, hunting, and wildlife; that is what Cheyenne Bottoms is famous for. ...

Celebrate Family and Community Education Week October 14 - 20

Happy 76th birthday FCE! A visit to the web site of National Association for Family and Community Education shows such a positive organization; one that cares about families and communities. The organization has gone through several name changes in its long history; some of you remember the Home Demonstration Units and Extension Homemaker Units of the past. Through all of this the mission to strengthen individuals, families and communities through continuing education, developing leadership and ...

A college partnership for the ages

In the universe of partnerships, you find outliers in all fields. Bill Gates and Paul Allen changed the world of technology, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis entertainment, and Harry and Marv reminded us of the brilliance of stupidity. But none could rival the collaborative genius of what began two years ago in Lawrence with Big Red and Tommy Keenan.

Reflections on the 35th class reunion, GB 1977

Last weekend I attended my thirty-fifth high school reunion. Joining me was my high school classmate and one of my friends, John Holt. Just as we did for our 30th, the itinerary included a visit with a mentor who remains a spiritual influence in our lives – Sister Mary Rose Engle, our Principal at St. Patrick's in 1965 and a Dominican sister for 75 years. Her residence at the Dominican Convent is across the street from the home where I grew up.

Local 4-Hers do well at Kansas State Fair

Today is the last day of the Kansas State Fair! If you haven't had a chance to travel to this showcase of Kansas talent, put it on your bucket list for next year. If you are heading that direction, your first stop should be 4-H Centennial Hall located in the northwest corner of the state fairgrounds.

HEAD OF THE CLASS

Unified School District 428 proudly welcomes 27 new educators to the district. Mandy Adams has been hired to teach world history, geography and U.S. history at Great Bend High School and brings almost 10 years of experience with her from schools in Missouri and Oklahoma. She calls Butler, Mo., home and completed a BS of education degree at University of Central Missouri and a master's of education in secondary administration from William Woods University. She ...

Stitches in time

eedlework has long been a past time of women of the prairie. It provided a creative outlet and beauty during the harsh life in the Great Plains and still today, is the hobby of choice for many.

Poaching Veterans’ Pensions

Veterans and their families are a target for some dishonest advisers who are claiming to offer free help with paperwork for pension claims. The scheme involves attorneys, financial planners, and insurance agents trying to persuade veterans over 65 to make decisions about their pensions without giving them the whole truth about the long-term consequences