What an amazing five years this has been!
My very first major story, right after I started at the Great Bend Tribune in April, 2009, was the opening of the fabulous Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Fascinating exhibits line the gallery, explaining the history of Cheyenne Bottoms and its importance in the world of birds.
That day, the entire facility was crowded with people, and former Gov. Mike Hayden spoke. Many had worked for years for that day, and the center is a dream come true.
It was such a pleasure to witness history unfolding. I’ve seen members of the only natural flock of whooping cranes left in the world, met fellow nature lovers, and was a member of the Golden Belt Leadership class that formed the Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms. I suggested the second grade Wetlands Education Day and today, it has become an annual event that educates some of our youngest citizens across the board about the importance of the Bottoms.
Although I have lived in Barton County since 1990, I had never spent a lot of time in the small communities. They have so much to offer and it has been a pleasure meeting those who make things happen.
Attending the annual Ellinwood After Harvest Festival is great fun and if you’ve never gone, mark the dates on your calendar. Watching the progress of the Historic Wolf Hotel as it has changed from a dilapidated building to a happening place is definitely a highlight of my time here. Of course, Miss Sally the mannequin and her adventures have been my secret pleasure. She now gets invited on dates and for tea. Chris McCord is the energizer bunny who is returning the hotel to its rightful place as the cornerstone of the community.
Hoisington offers such a progressive spirit, and viewing the intricate pole art is a must see. Claflin has such a distinguished downtown and new businesses.
I have learned so much about the central Kansas and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. My second major story was about Edward Schwartz and the price he paid in the Korean War on a bitter winter day. His remains were returned to his Hoisington home after years in a shallow grave on a lonely hill in Korea, and he was buried with honors on Memorial Day, 2009.
Someone who has become a good friend once called me nosy, and it is indeed true that I am interested in just about everything. I prefer to call myself curious.
Thomas Cooney was born in 1917 in Ellinwood. The Captain’s remains were never recovered after he was killed in action in Korea by a sniper while checking on the men in his platoon. Plus, his name was missing from the war memorial in Ellinwood.
Cooney’s name came to light as a result of research by David Ames and John Ames  who were scouring the Internet for veterans from Ellinwood. However, his family could not be found as they moved away long ago.
And so began a journey that is the highest of the high lights from my time here. After a news tip, I set to work with a single-mindedness that I’m known for. A few days later, I received a return email from Cooney’s sister Louise Guyette and his children and family were found. It was indeed a great pleasure when to meet 20 members of Cooney’s family who flew to Ellinwood from both the east and west coast to hold a ceremony for this brave man. His name is now in its rightful place on the memorial.
So many ordinary people in the area are doing extraordinary things.
Covering the brave father who lost his beloved son to suicide and the strong woman who shared her story of abuse, all in an effort to help others, was an honor. Thank  you for trusting me with your stories.
I have made many lifelong friends that I truly value, those that are here now and those that are gone. Joe and Don, I miss you.
Friday was my last day at the Tribune. I begin a new chapter at the Hays Daily News as the government reporter on Monday.
And so it also to you, the readers, I bid adieu.