Archive By Section - Viewpoint
Building hope
Habitat for Humanity doesn't give anything away. The nonprofit organization that builds affordable homes for people with lower incomes requires prospective home owners to put some "sweat equity" into the project. In other words, if Habitat volunteers are building a home for someone, the recipient is expected to help with the work.
An easy decision
Most parents do everything they can to protect their children by slathering on sunscreen, putting on bike helmets, and holding hands while crossing the street. They love that child more than life itself.
Ironic freedom
On Thursday, Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill that establishes "Celebrate Freedom Week" during the week of Sept. 17 and requires schools to teach students about the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence in grades K-8 each year during that week. (Sept. 17, 1787, is the date the U.S. Constitution was adopted in Philadelphia.)
Copper recycling
Copper recycling can be a good thing coming out of old air conditioning or plumbing during replacement. Copper is a non-renewable resource, and apparently recycled copper is worth nearly as much as new copper.
Lack of supervision is cause for concern
Perhaps a Congressional inquiry about the Internal Revenue Service providing extra scrutiny targeting political groups should not be a surprise.
Freedom of speech
Freedom of speech is a founding principle of our country. Freedom of speech also comes with responsibility.
Cool/Not Cool
The Imagination Playground is coming to Great Bend and will make its public debut during June Jaunt. The portable playground is a set of oversized blocks, lightweight but sturdy enough to build with. They were designed by award-winning architect David Rockwell, who was inspired by watching his own children play.
Time to grow up
Challenges. All of us have them. And, it is easy to sit around and point fingers and blame others for our failures. It is easy to throw out exaggerated or incorrect information and hope people will listen and take up our cause because of the passion behind our words. It is easy to become caught up in distracting and destructive banter. It is easy to become a fool.
Trash talk
The senior class president of Heights High School in Wichita was suspended for the rest of the school year after posting a bit of trash talk about the school football team on Twitter.
Logical flood insurance rules finally passed
At long last, Congress, yes that gridlocked legislative body in D.C., has made changes to the National Flood Insurance Program. Astoundingly, the new rules actually make sense.
Sharks vs. Jets it's not
On July 1, it will no longer be illegal to possess a switchblade knife in Kansas. Daggers, straight-edged razors and stilettos, once banned, will also be legal.
Attorney General requests additional funding for lawsuits
Kansas Attorney General, Derek Schmidt, has requested an additional $1.2 million dollars from the state legislature to cover potential lawsuits over laws passed this year, according to the Associated Press and the Topeka Capital-Journal.
Speedweek
The week usually starts on Sunday, or some would say Monday, but in Great Bend a new week starts tomorrow (Saturday, April 27).
Time for internet sales tax
Finally, Congress is considering an internet sales tax for items purchased online called the Marketplace Fairness Act. Traditional brick and mortar businesses must be breathing a sigh of relief.
They're all right
Next week, hundreds of our local students plan to donate some time to their home town. On Wednesday, April 24, Great Bend High School students will be taking part in Community Service Day. According to Community Coordinator Christina Hayes, who is working with GBHS teachers to organize this, there are some ambitious projects planned. Many will be doing cleanup and trash pickup, at the city entrances, the Expo grounds, the parks and ball fields and ...
Articles by Section - Viewpoint
Thanks, dad
Father's Day was founded in 1910 in Spokane, Wash., by Sonora Smart Dodd. Its first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Her father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there. After hearing a sermon about Jarvis' Mother's Day in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them. Despite support from President Woodrow Wilson, there was ...
It's not persecution
The Military District of Washington issued a statement concerning Master Sgt. Nathan Sommers, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army Band.
Phonegate
Edward Snowden's "crime," was warning his fellow Americans about a secret spy program conducted by his own government.
Common Core Standards make sense
The Common Core standards are being talked about a lot these days. The Common Core is simply a set of educational standards that are the same from state to state and are designed for students to be career ready when they graduate from high school. They are reasonable and make sense. The state legislature should let the state school board decide what is best for students.
Tax Troubles: Deep Cuts Hurt Most of Us
Enjoy your tax cut, Kansans.
Breastfeeding is best for babies
Breastfeeding is a normal and natural function and, since the beginning of time, has allowed human beings to get a good start on life. Not only are infants fed the healthiest milk designed for their bodies, they develop their first relationship.
Page 1 of 1
