Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Wichita County Wheat Harvest

According to TV, Kansas' 2010 wheat harvest is approximately 55% finished as of this morning. It is definitely in full swing in Wichita County.

This morning, the girls and I counted 12 semi-trucks and several regular trucks full of wheat waiting in line to dump at either of the ADM elevators. We got a chuckle when we noticed that two drivers of two of the trucks that were waiting left their trucks to sit in the shade. Don't blame 'em a bit.

Boy, how times have changed in the past 10-20 years... I remember when lines of regular trucks seemed to extend for miles as they waited for their turn at the elevators!

Last week while I was out paying bills, a harvestor from out-of-town came into the office at Wheatland Electric to have his trailer connected to electricity. He said that he had a bunch of steaks rotting away without power. Fortunately, while he was filling out the necessary paperwork, Kelly was hooking up his trailer. I'm sure that his steaks were jst fine! LOL!

It took me back to the late 70s and 80s when my parents owned a widely used trailer park in Northern Leoti. Back then, harvestors would come to our house. My parents would lead them to the lots that they were to use. My parents rentedout a lot for $5.00 a day. If the harvesters needed 220 to run air conditioning, my parents charged them $7.50 per day. Even at those late rates, some people barked that they were too high. Nowadays, many property owners charge them for the lot. The water is included with the lot rent. If they want to be hooked up to electricity, the harvestor is responsible for that bill himself. I wonder sometimes about how much the daily rent is on a trailer lot now. Something tells me that it is probably a penny or two more than $5.00-7.50...

I miss seeing Daddy waiting in line in one of Ross McCowen's trucks... I miss seeing my uncles as they brought in their grain...

For a few years after the gas prices zoomed to the top, we noticed a large decrease in the harvest crews that went from county to county. This year, I've been told that the crews are on the increase again. Hopefully, that is a sign that our economy is getting better.

Remember that it is mandatory that we drive very cautiously this time of the year. Stop at each and every stop sign and check for other vehicles coming down the road. Major accidents are recorded every year at harvest time.

VLE-B
Yesterday morning, I received a call from Jason Archuleta who along with a coach from the High School are working with any of the Wichita County kids who will be in 7th through 12th grade this next year. They meet in the new weight lifting dome just to the north of the WCHS gym in the evening, Monday through Friday. Once there, they go through a program with weight lifting that is set up early on. Each student tells Jason or the coach what their reasons are for choosing to do weight lifting whether it be so that they will be better for sports next year, exercise, etc. At that point, the student is instructed on which machines to use, etc. The normal individual program lasts for 45 minutes.

After the student has completed his/her routine, they have the option to move to the gym and shoot baskets, play basketball, etc. Currently, the WCHS gym floor is being redone so the kids are being re-routed to the Wichita County Junior High Gym. Jason asked if Stan and I would be interested in chaparoning the kids there last night. We were only too willing to do our part.

This was our first time to experience the major changes that were done at the gym since authorities discovered that the roof that sheltered the gym was extremely faulty and in danger of falling in on anyone in the gym. At that point, school personnel determined that no other students would be allowed in the gym until the roof could be corrected.

The roof has now gone through the major repairs and the floor has been redone. I don't think that I have ever seen that floor looking so "perky". The shine is just beautiful! But before the wax was laid, a large medallion was placed on the floor. It looks soooo good! The home side of the bleachers now sports a nice score table that was previously practically invisible. It also has a large Indian head painted on it.

More importantly than the interior design of the gym was what happens on the glossy floor right now after the kids have completed their weight lifting system for the day. Last evening, approximately 15-20 kids showed up. For the first part of the evening they basically just did their own thing at one of the 6 available basketball goals. As the evening progressed, the kids formed two teams to play basketball with one another. These teams included kids from 7th through 12th grade in the 2010-2011 school year. One of the seniors there last night was Trae Bremer, Mindi Bremer's son. Anyone who lives in Leoti knows that Trae is an exceptional young man. I could go on and on about his amazing attributes. One of those things is the fact that he is a wonderful mentor to all kids in town. He is also an amazing basketball player. Last night, he showed the younger kids how to do this move and that move so that they will be better equipped for their own games. It was a real pleasure getting to sit on the sidelines and watch him interact with everyone. It was quite easy to see how much respect and admiration that each of these kids had for Trae! Today, less and less older kids seem to be making a positive difference for the younger kids. We're quite proud of Trae!!!

I asked Trae what his plans are for the future after high school. He told me that he is really interested in coaching and helping the kids from the sideline. Right now, he is anxious to see what college will offer him the "best deal". As we all know, college is anything but cheap.

Anyway, I am really happy that our school offers the weight lifting program and the option to play some basketball afterwards! It is far better than these kids getting into trouble or just sitting at home watching TV...

VLE-B

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Carol Berning's Wise Words

The Garden City Telegram of Garden City, Kansas published this comment that Leoti's City Council Person Carol Berning had sent to them in regards to her possible recall. I was and still am TOTALLY impressed with what she wrote. I feel it is important to pass this on to whomever is interested in reading it. It is time for us to put the bitterness and misunderstandings behind us and replace them with putting the pieces of peace back together. All Leotians deserve that. VLE-B


In an e-mail to The Telegram, Berning said, "The bottom line is that the recall vote will come and go and regardless of the outcome, the residents of Leoti, Kansas, will still have water, sewer, and sanitation services; just like they've been receiving all along. There will be work done on the streets this summer and fall, just as has been done in the past. There are city employees on staff that are willing and able to do the work set in front of them. The city is not in danger of losing any water rights on city wells, repairs are being completed on schedule. Leoti is and will continue to be a great place on the Great Plains."

Amen.

Former Leotian Has New Position in Garden City

Lona Sue is the youngest daughter of Pat and Donna Lou Elder of Leoti. (My baby sister!) Her maternal grandparents were Don and Vera (Stinchcomb) Pepper of Syracuse, Kansas. Her paternal grandparents were Roy and Helen (Graham) Elder of Leoti. Her honorary grandmother is Neva Elder-Kiefer-Duncan. Her son is Hunter Carson of Garden City.

FCEDC hires new business retention director Published 6/19/2010 in Local News By SHAJIA AHMAD mailto:sahmad@gctelegram.com%20

As a young girl, Lona DuVall would find herself studying print ads in magazines to decipher their subliminal messages and understand the creative process behind them, she said. Despite pursuing a musical degree in college, the new director of business retention at Finney County Economic Development said she suspected early on she'd end up working in the commerce industry. "I've always liked analyzing why things work the way they do," DuVall said. "I'd look at an ad, and ask myself, 'Why does that work? Why doesn't it?'" The western Kansas native, born and raised in Leoti, has lived in Garden City for nearly 13 years and was formerly branch president of People's State Bank, 122 W. Laurel Ave., in addition to working for attorneys in the area, she said. Working in the banking industry for most of her career has allowed DuVall to work with clients across the community and to train employees in her management roles, she said, skills she hopes to adapt to her new responsibilities in developing relationships with the existing businesses and industries and determining incentives and other assistance for businesses county-wide. Moving from the private to the public sector for the first time hasn't been an easy decision, due in part to the challenges of her new role, DuVall said; however, the business retention director added that she's excited to work with area businesses to ensure "they have the tools available to be successful and to grow or expand," in addition to fulfilling FCEDC's role in fostering an inviting business climate. "I want to put a focus on awareness of FCEDC's role in the community," she said. "People need to know what bang they're getting for their buck." FCEDC President Eric Depperschmidt said he believed DuVall's strong background in the banking industry, employee training programs and commitment to understanding business owners' needs are valuable assets. "I am excited to have Lona on the team and believe her knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to the growth of the existing business industries in Finney County," Depperschmidt said in a release. Liz Sosa formerly served as the corporation's director of business retention, since mid-2007, according to FCEDC officials. Add your Comment About This Story Read more: http://www.gctelegram.com/news/DuVall-business-retention-FCEDC-6-19-10#ixzz0sHDy9Y

Tribune--Movie--of--the--Weekend

MARMADUKE will be airing at 8:30 CST on Saturday, July 3rd, at the Star Theatre in Tribune. It will also play on Sunday, the 4th, but I will have to let you know when later. MARMADUKE is a family-friendly comedy that runs for 88 minutes. Stars include human cast members, William H. Macy and Judy Greer. Owen Wilson's voice is used for Marmaduke's character. Other stars lending their voices are Steve Coogan, pop star Fergie, George Lopez and the brotherly duo of Damon and Marlon Wayans. It is rated PG. This movie revolves around the canine comic-strip character, Marmaduke.

KARATE KID will be playing on Saturday and Sunday, July 10th and 11th. Tickets 13-years-old and over $5.00 Everyone else is $4.00

VLE-B

And, NOW, there are three...

Last week, the dome was raised and mounted on the second dome school in Leoti. As of this afternoon, there are THREE dome schools that are basically finished on the exterior. The third dome went up this morning. These guys are really moving right along! Of course, the interior work still needs to be completed. If you have a chance, drive by the junior high and have yourself a look.

I spoke with a representative of the school a few minutes ago. I want to pass the information that I learned on to you. During the past year, a large amount of people have asked me questions on this major project in Wichita County.

First of all, there are a total of 3 dome schools that are expected for many years to come. People have asked me if others would be started once these three were near completion. The answer is NO.

Secondly, people want to know when officials expect to begin school in the new buildings. Much interior work still needs to be finished. School will resume at the current grade school as always in August. The 2010-2011 school year should be the last for school there. Right now, it is expected that the new buildings will be ready for kids in the 2011-2012 school year.

I know that MANY graduates and former students of Wichita County Schools will be in town for the fair and class reunions. If you want to take a tour, contact people at the School Board Office or call them at 620-375-4677 to get a time scheduled. I think that you'll be quite positively impressed with how they look! We were shocked at how the interior looks at the weight-lifting room which was the first dome completed here. I know that I've had people tell me that they assumed that the inside of the buildings would be noisy. That is simply NOT the case. When we were there, we heard nothing from the outside world. It should be a very good environment for our students.

Thank you to Dr. Hardy, the Wichita County School Board and the voters of Wichita County who are making this a reality for our current students and the ones who will follow to attend school in a safe and tight environment!

VLE-B

Patriots Sale and Mini Shop Hop

The Prairie Flower Quilt Company of Leoti has much on the horizon to look forward to!

They have a sale going right now. All Patriot and Civil War fabric is on sale for $5.99 a yard. You must purchase at least one yard to get it at this price. The corresponding fat quarters are just $1.75.

They are planning their Christmas in July Mini Shop Hop on Friday and Saturday, July 9th and 10th. At that time, you can pick up your Kansas Troubles Christmas Shop Hop Kits featuring KT's Wrapped in Paisley fabric at Prairie Flower Quilt Company in Leoti and at Quilter's Stash in Syracuse. This particular quilt features a package in the center and an ornament border.

At 10:00 a.m., CST, they will be "unwrapping" their new Christmas fabrics, goodies and fabric collections. On Saturday, they will be having "Rulers Rule" demonstrations throughout the day.

There will be lots of fun, sweets and treats!

For more information, please call PFQC at 620-375-2044 or go to their website at www.prairieflowerquilts.com .

VLE-B
VLE-B

Update on our interior's heat

As you already know, our house has been horribly hot this summer whenever it is hot outdoors. To combat the heat, we decided to repaint our home's exterior from dark cocoa brown to a pale shade of yellow. So far, only the west and south sides have been painted. Yesterday, when it was 96 degrees outside, it was between 75 and 80 inside. What an improvement already! One day last week, it was 97 outside and a cool 94 inside. Imagine what it would have been if we had not had centrail air???

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What a way to wake up every morning!

I just have to share this with you... Anyone who loves dogs is gonna appreciate this one!

At night, our herd sleeps with us. I love it but I cannot say that Stan appreciates it as much as I do but he deals with it fine.

It is sooo kool to have the two babies, a Chinese Crested (hairless) and a little Chihuahua, curled up around my head and neck and the others clustered around my feet. Life is good...

Then, in the morning, as soon as I begin to stir, our Tilla (Chihuahua) is all over me giving me kiss after kiss and digging at me to wake up. The next thing that I know, the rest of the herd is awake and passing their love to me. Even covering my face with the bed clothes is not enough to keep them at bay!

As soon as I get out of bed, the "singing" begins. They are sooo excited to be going outside with me! As soon as we are in the yard, their singing metamorphasizes to barking. I guess that they are alerting the neighborhood that they are still alive and well--and back in charge!

Once we return into the house, they are just exhausted and gather around to take a quick nap.

Now...you see why I awaken with a good mood! Our dogs are just one facet of why my life is enveloped with such happiness!!!

VLE-B

Monday, June 28, 2010

Wanna stay in your mobile trailer during the fair?

If you do, call Bruce or Rhonda at Hi-Plains Motel. They have several lots available for the parking of campers, etc. Call them at 620-375-2239 or 375-4438.

See you at the fair!!!

VLE-B

Color Place House Paint

When we decided to purchase housepaint to cover our DARK cocoa-colored paint on our house, we expected to have to purchase a great deal of paint because of the fact that we were going to be covering such a dark paint with a pale yellow paint. We chose to purchase Wal-Mart's Color Place House Paint. A five gallon bucket cost us $53.00. I THINK that a gallon of it costs $12.00. We expected that it would take at least 2 and possibly 3 5-gallon buckets to cover our house's exterior.

We have been extremely surprised and happy that so far, we have used less than one half of the bucket to paint half of our house with the first coat. Surprisingly, very little of the brown is showing up. You really have to look close to see any of it. Of course, after the whole house has been painted with the first coat, we will apply the second coat just to make sure that we have good coverage.

I would advise that if you have any plans of painting your house that you pay close attention to the roller covers that you choose. They can make all of the difference in how well the paint covers. Our house is covered with Masonite siding so I purchased a 5/8" paint roller cover. It looks rather fluffy and is doing a wonderful job. Of course, you can purchase covers that are very thin or even thicker. Read on the cover packages to see just what kind of siding materials that cover is made for.

At this point, I would DEFINITELY recommend this Color Place Housepaint to others!

VLE-B

Painting has begun!!!

I mentioned here earlier that our house has been horribly hot this summer. We believe that most of the fault lies in us painting our house a dark cocoa brown last summer. So, we purchased a pale yellow paint last week and began applying it to the west and south sides of our house on Saturday. Yesterday's high in Leoti was 90 degrees. The warmest that our house ever got was a very comfortable 76. It was so cool in the house last night that we all slept with sheets, blankets and bedspreads on top of us. It was GREAT!

We plan on painting the other 2 sides this week. We have not begun painting the shutters or trim yet. Hopefully, the painting will be completed sometime this weekend.

I heard from a lady today that she had had the same problem awhile back. Her central air conditioner had a problem with it's fins. I think that we will contact our AC man and ask him to check it out also.

VLE-B

Wanted

There is a large family in Leoti who is in great need of a gas cook stove. It definitely does NOT need to be in perfect condition. If you have one or know of one that someone else has that needs to be sold at a low price or be given away, please contact me at 620-375-4584 or email me at slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Wichita County Fire Department and EMS

Leighlyn and I were downtown this evening when the fire whistle went off. Personal vehicles with flashing lights and sirens seemed to appear out of nowhere and rush to the fire barn where the volunteers would don VERY heavy rubber suits, hats, boots, etc and board the four fire trucks and speed to wherever the latest emergency was. (In this case, it looked like they were headed for Southern Wichita County. Wheat harvest is off to a flying start around here. It seems that during that time around here, several fires are activated in fields every year. Firemen were dispatched to two field fires in Wichita and Greeley County one afternoon last week.) Anyway, just a very few minutes after the firefighters received their call, they were loaded up and headed to the fire.

A strong sense of pride and admiration came over me as I watched all of these courageous men who left the COOL comfort of their homes with their families to go out and try to stop a fire from doing major harm to property, people or animals. Wichita County is blessed with an outstanding group of men and women who are there in our time of need whether it be fire, accident or some other health emergency. These people awaken from sound sleep some nights and are at the fire barn within 5 minutes ready to do whatever is necessary. The services that they provide is totally amazing! There isn't a single person on our crew who I wouldn' trust my life with.

Each and every single firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician undergoes many hours worth of training each and every year so that they are updated on the latest and greatest techniques available. Most counties in the state of Kansas receive moneies for their time that is spent saving lives, etc. That isn't the case in Wichita County. Each person is strictly a volunteer. If you require the services of am ambulance in Wichita County, you can rely on superb care AND you will not pay a single penny for the care that you receive! Other counties will bill you for the time and use of equipment during the time of your need.

My brudder-in-law, Leif Christensen, has been a part of the fire department for several years now. He loves being able to make a difference in people's lives! Our nephew, Hunter Carson, Rob and Lona Sue's son, idealizes his Uncle Leif and is following in his footsteps Later this summer, he will begin his service in emergency medical services in Garden City. We couldn't be any prouder of him!!!

Something else that happened this evening that made me VERY proud was how our local citizens who were in their vehicles handled this situation. Of course, it is Kansas state law that drivers pull to the side of the road so that emergency personnel can get to the "scene" as quickly and safely as possible. IF the citizens bother to pull over in other counties, they usually get right back out on the road again as soon as that particular vehicle passes them. Not in Leoti. Tonight, I counted seven vehicles that pulled to the side of 4th Street and stayed put until ALL vehicles had exited the fire barn and were enroute to the scene of the emergency. That says a lot for our locals, don't ya' think???

Anyway, thank you to the Wichita County Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services for all of the tremendous work that you do for all of us!!! For any of us who have health issues, we sleep better at night knowing that if we need you, you'll be at our side within a very few minutes after we ask for help...

VLE-B

Saturday, June 26, 2010

School reunions

Our class is having our class reunion during the fair. I have contacted as many people who I can find to invite them to our shing-ding. Three of us agreed that we needed to keep our costs down as much as possible so that everyone who wants to can attend our get-together. We decided that each single person can pay $5.00. Couples and families will attend for just $10.00. We've asked everyone to bring a casserole, etc, a bottle of pop and a bag of ice. We're having the get-together in a back yard so we don't have to worry about paying for rent of a building, etc. I think that we have the right idea! No one has complained to me that we are charging too much.

Today, I ran into a lady from Scott City. She told me that her class of 1979 is requiring that each classmate and guest pay $50.00 each. In her family, she has a husband and two daughters. That would cost her $200.00! Isn't that just RIDICULOUS??? As a result of the expense, many of her classmates have opted to not even bother coming to the reunion.

I'm certainly happy that we hve chosen to do things the way that we have...

VLE-B

Man, we have it good and don't even know it...

Stan's work boots served out every last penny of what he paid for them. Huge holes had appeared underneath and at the sides. He finally decided today that he was going to have to buy a new pair. We went to Garden City's Crazy House first. They are preparing to move to the new building and are having a sale to clear as much merchandise as possible before they move. Stan wasn't there long. As always, the western store was just as crazy as ever. Too many people. So, we decided to see what Wal-Mart had to offer.

While we were there, I saw several people who have major disabilities that they and others deal with each and every day. It made me realize just how very fortunate (I don't believe in luck) we really are.

I saw a young woman there who walked with no assistance even though her left toes faced her right toes every step that she took. Her kneecaps were just about facing one another. I've never seen a condition like this. I would guess that she was probably in her 30s. Though she had no walker, etc, she made her way through the store. Occassionally, she had to take the arm of another lady who was with her. You would think that a person with this kind of physical disability would be barely moving. Not this lady! I would say that she was just about as fast-a-walker as any other shopper there today. This lady really impressed me! She had a very nice personality and attitude and seemed as if nothing and no one was going to hold her back from a happy and productive life!

A short time later, Abigayle and I went to the ladies room at the back of the store. We saw a lady carrying her baby into the restroom. I was shocked at how heavy the baby appeared to be in the mother's arms. Then...I saw something that I will not forget for a long time to come. I have no idea how old the child is. The baby's head was larger than most adults heads. The baby's face was like everyone else's except for the fact that his/her forehead was probably at least 6 inches above the baby's eyes. The baby had a cone-shaped head with very long blonde hair. The back of the head was flattened. The rest of the body was the size of a 6-9-month-old baby. I felt so sorry for this little person and the family. The bulk of us fall apart if we have a simple, everyday headache. Imagine having a disorder such as that!

I saw a mentally disabled woman there. She was with her assistant going about her daily life. She appeared to be overflowing with happiness. It seemed that she had no idea that she was any different from anyone else. I am thankful for that!!!

Seeing these people really made me realize that I have no idea just how good I and most other people really have it. Instead, there are so many able-bodied people sitting at home each and every day watching TV, playing on the internet, etc as they wait for the post-man to deliver their latest welfare check and food stamps. Though they can and should be out working to support themselves and their family, they fall short and prefer to let everyone else support them.

The lady with the leg issue was visiting with another customer about her regular 40-hour-a week job. From the few seconds that I was around here, I could tell that she was a proud American who wanted to take care of herself and to do everything BUT be a burden on society. She acted as if she had no idea that she had a physical problem. To say that I was impressed is an understatement.

I have to think of what the future probably holds for the baby who I saw today. I doubt that there will be much of a chance for this poor little guy to be able to enjoy life as we know it. Can you imagine going to sleep every night realizing that tomorrow morning, you will wake up again and start the whole day over and not be able to do all that you would like to be able to do? Even the simplest of things like being able to take a shower and dress yourself when you want to and how you want to. So many people rely on others to do everything for them--feed them, bathe them, dress them, change their undergarments when they become soiled, get them out of bed, put them into bed...

Most of us, at one time or another, think that we really have it bad. Next time that it happens to me, I've gonna get out of bed, take a shower, dress myself, walk to the car and drive to Garden City just so that I can walk into Wal-Mart to have a look around to see others who make me realize that I don't have it nearly as bad as I thought I did...

VLE-B

Promising future

Just wanted to let you know that if you are out and about in Leoti, you ought to drive past the Washington-Ames House! Terry Haines and his assistants have replaced the roof on the house this week. It looks sooo nice! I know that much of the interior work could not be done until the roof was safe and sound.

VLE-B

Friday, June 25, 2010

Family swimming passes

The Wichita County Swimming Pool offers family tickets to anyone interested. For a family of two, the cost is $50.00 per summer. A family of three or more people pay $65.00 per year. For more information, please call 375-2600. They open every day at 1:00 CST.

VLE-B

Learned something new.

I was visiting with a medical doctor and learned something that I found to be quite interesting. Thought that you might also.

For some reason, we were discussing alcoholism and how it destroys the people affected with it--the person, family, friends, co-workers... She told me that MUCH research has been done on the matter for many years. Finally, now, doctors have discovered that it all goes back to a chemical in the brain known as Seratonin. Seratonin is known as the "feel good" substance in the brain. As long as the quantity is at a good level, we feel fine. If there is not enough, we become depressed. Too much of it makes as manic. Neither is a good thing.

As it turns out, researchers have found that people who do not have enough of it are prone to discovering that they feel better while they have alcohol in their systems. The reason for that is that the alcohol causes Seratonin to be released from the brain. Unfortunately, when the level of alcohol is reduced, the Seratonin release is also reduced. It is sent through the stomach to the liver and then out of our bodies through the kidneys.

The person then feels depressed and drinks alcohol again so that more Seratonin can be released and make them "feel better again". It is now believed that the bulk of alcoholics are people who do or do not realize that they suffer with depression tendencies.

So, now, research is suggesting that people who think that they might have evidence that shows that they have developed problems with alcoholism, should contact a mental health professional. Wouldn't it be great if by taking simple everyday anti-depressants could help alcoholics conquer their disease???

Just something that I thought you might enjoy knowing about...

VLE-B

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Unbelievable!

For the past couple of months, I have been ironing out the details of things that I need to do to get our Class of 1980's reunion off and running on Friday and Saturday, July 30th and 31st. I have been fortunate and have had little trouble catching up with many of the classmates. However, there were still many others who I and others have NO idea where they can be found.

A few of my friends advised me to check out the internet's White Pages. They were instrumental in me discovering the whereabouts of a couple of people. I even got to speak to one gal who I had lost touch with since the summer of 1980. We had a nice talk!

So, then, someone suggested that I attempt to find them on FACEBOOK. With FB, I found information on two other people. One man has a poplular name. I found a BUNCH of people with his name. Oh, boy... For some reason, I went to the first man and sent a short message to him. That was late yesterday afternoon. This afternoon, I received a response from him. Believe it or not, out of the 20 or so people with that name, the first man on the list was the RIGHT one!!! I am THRILLED! I have heard absolutely NOTHING from him since the very early 1970s. He explained to me that he often thinks of his time in Leoti and wonders what happened to everyone. We are planning on getting caught up very soon!

VLE-B

Mission Accomplished

This morning, contractors put everything into motion to "blow the latest dome school up". It worked! Shortly after 9:00, we drove past the building and got to watch the process for a few minutes before we had to get on the road to GC. It was really neat!

Tonight, we drove past the school again. The school is fully inflated now. Men were still working on the interior.

It is exciting seeing our new school project progressing so quickly! Many of the builders are from the cool states of Utah and Michigan. Can you imagine how our triple digit heat has affected them this week???

VLE-B

Wal-Mart

I had a doctor's appointment in Garden City this morning. It seems that whenever we are in GC, we can never stay away from Wal-Mart. That was the case again today.

We only had a few odds and ends that needed to be picked up. Before we did our shopping, I went to the beauty shop in the store and got a haircut. As usual, I paid for it with my debit card. No problem.

We picked up our groceries and went to the front to be checked out. Once all was rung up on the cash register, I used my debit card to pay. No problem again, right??? Wrong! The register kept saying that there was not enough money in my bank account to cover the purchases. NO WAY!!! I knew how much money was there and there was plenty to cover this expense.

Of course, a line of people had formed behind us. To say that I was embarrassed was a definite understatement. The nice clerk who was very polite and THEN told me that she was sorry but most debit cards were being rejected today because of some computer glitch that affected each and every Wal-Mart Store in the U.S. For some reason, a few seemed to work but the majority did not get through. Most of the credit cards were being accepted with no problems.

The clerk suggested that if I did not have cash or a checkbook, that I could use their handy-dandy ATM at the front of the store. No problem! I could do that. Wrong...again...

Shortly after I reached the ATM machine, the clerks' supervisor saw me and came over to explain to me that the ATM machine was not working today. At that point, I told her that I had a cart of sacks waiting for me and no way to pay for them because of the debit card situation.

She was very kind and apologetic for the mishap. She took me to a register that had not had the debit card problem so far today. Great! We were home free!!! Wrong, again! Once she tried to use our card to pay for the items there, the virus or whatever had spread to that register also.

By this time, I was flabbergasted. I had items, medications that I needed TODAY and had NO way to pay for them!!! Fortunately, my mother was there and saved the day!!! She ended up writing a check for our goods. Then...once home, we went to the bank and used the same debit card that was deemed worthless at Wal-Mart to withdraw the money to pay her back.

I am telling you all of this to warn you. The Wal-Mart supervisor told us that they have NO idea when the problem will be solved. It has been a MAJOR problem for them nationwide. She said that it could be fixed in a few minutes or a few days. The weekend is almost here and many Americans will be making their way to some Wal-Mart somewhere. If you are one of them, take CASH!!! That way, you shouldn't have to go through the grief and embarrassment that we did today!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Looking for a family that consists of one or two people...

A 3-year-old SPAYED Chihuahua is looking for a new home. She is a chocolate-colored short-haired dog. She loves cuddling and being held but prefers a home where only one or two people live. She had an accident quite some time ago and lost one of her eyes but does very well with out it now.

In recent years, it has been discovered that Chihuahuas are amazing dogs for people who suffer with allergies and/or asthma. They are also hypo-allergenic (don't bother people with allergies.)

If you are interested in giving this little gal a loving home, please call Pam at 620-278-3196. Currently, she is living in Sterling, Ks.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

DON'T FORGET!!!

Two more dome schools will be blown up on Thursday, June 24th, at approximately 9:00 a.m. as long as the weather permits. The domes involved are located directly north of the junior high. I have no idea how long this process will take. Everyone is invited to come and watch the action!!!

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Temporary Construction Assistance Needed Immediately

A major business in Scott City is preparing to do some major remodeling. Some temporary help is required to do the construction. If you are interested, please call Adam at 620-874-8216 for further information. The construction is set to begin right away and is expected to last for 4 weeks or so. As I understand it, no previous experience in construction is necessary. Only people who have not been arrested for burglary or other theft will be hired.

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Margit Dizmang

Just heard that Margit Dizmang has returned to her home in Leoti. Great news! She would love to have people drop by her house and share in some good old-fashioned conversation and laughter! She has alot of catching up to do...

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Puppies To Give Away

There are 4 Brittany Spaniel/Border Collie puppies to give away in Scott City. They are beautiful and are ready for their forever homes. Call Adam at 620-874-8216 for any additional details.

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Melba Lucille Monroe--Tribune

Mrs. Monroe was born on July 17th of 1914 in Hamilton, Kansas and passed away on June 20th of 2010 at the Greeley County Health Center in Tribune. She was 95-years-old.

She graduated from the Emporia State Teachers College with a degree in Business Administration in 1936. On August 22nd of 1938, she married Earl Crawford Monroe. He passed away on March 22nd of 2006. She was a homemaker and teacher in Tribune after she moved from Lyons, Kansas in 1950.

Survivors include one daughter; Carol E. Bloesser of Tribune, one son and wife, William E. and Lee of Norris, Tennessee, one daughter-in-law, Billie Monroe, of Wichita; 4 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 1 son, Craig, a brother and 1 sister.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. MST on Thursday, June 23rd, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tribune.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 MDT at the church.

Memorials may be given to the St. Joseph Catholic Church in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Want additional information on Lindsborg happenings, etc???

If you are interested in reading additional information on it's festivals, attractions, events, dining, shopping and/or lodging, contact them at

Lindsborg Convention and Visitor's Bureau

888-227-2227

cvbdir@lindsborgcity.org

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Scott's Hometown Foods

Back in the early '80s, Denny Kuhn from Scott City hired Scott Achenbach to manage his grocery store in Leoti. It was housed where Mel's is today. Since then, Scott and his family moved to Lindsborg where they own a wonderful grocery store. While we visited the store yesterday, we learned that they are actually famous for shipping authentic Swedish food around the United States. I wanted to pass that information on to you since Swedish food is not commonly found just everywhere. Here are examples of the food that they ship somewhere everyday:

Almond Paste (for marzipan candies, etc.)
Homemade Swedish rye bread
Fresh homemade potato sausage
Lingonberries (fresh or preserves)
Swedish pancake mix
Swedish crispbread
King Oscar Coffee
Homemade ostkaka
Jacobsen's cinnamon toast and snack toast
Bond Ost Cheese
Pickled herring in wine/cream sauce
Lutfisk (dried, fresh, frozen)

I strongly urge you to click on the store's website. At the top, you will find several topics you can click on. Go to the SWEDISH FOODS topic. Once on that site, you will find an AMAZING bevy of groceries available to be sent that I have not printed here. I think that you will be shocked at the vast amount of items that they carry that can be shipped to you!

Here is the store's website:

http://www.scottshometownfoods.com/

Here is the contact information that you will need to get your Swedish goodies on the road to you today:

785-227-2296

or email Scott at scott@scottshometownfoods.com

Enjoy!

VLE-B

Scheduled events in Lindsborg

July fourth--Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

August 28th--King Midas and the Mufflers Street Dance

September 11th--First annual chanber of commerce golf tournament.

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Lovely Road Trip

Yesterday, June 22nd, the girls and I picked up Mama, Lori and Lars and headed East. We started out to just go to McPherson for a doctor's appointment but once there, decided that we just had to go to LindsbOrg to take a look around. Everyone except for the girls and I had been there. They had been quite impressed with the town and wanted us to experience it also. I suppose that we spent at least two hours there. And yes, Folks, we really enjoyed this town of Swedish descent! Lindsborg is nationally known as "Little Sweden". You'll find restaurants, tea rooms, ice cream parlors there that specialize in authentic food straight from Sweden. And it is DELICIOUS!!! I don't know how many bed and breakfasts we saw there. All of them promised Swedish breakfasts. The charm in these B and B's spilled all of the way to the street and beyond... Further in this post, I will mention a few of them so that you can plan your own retreat to Sweden without having to cross the "Big Pond".

Something else that we saw which I, for one, was quite impressed with was their payphones. Yes, believe me, coin-operated phones still exist!!! Their's were in cubicles constructed of red metal or wood and alot of glass along their business district. Mama and Lori have spent a considerable amount of time in Europe. They assured us that these phone booths looked exactly like the ones that are sported everywhere in Europe. Really, kool!

Before we left town, we made a trip to Scott's Hometown Foods which is large grocery store that they had visited several times before. It was an actual joy to walk through this store. It had a section of the store set aside for only Swedish food items. In their meat market, they sold what looked like very large toothpaste containers. They held Roe (fish eggs) and Salmon. You just squeeze however much of the fish you want out of it at a time, put the lid back on it and place it in your refrigerator for the next time that you need it. Now, Lori's family likes this alot as the Swedish and Danish Foods are very similar. Leif loves the flavors of home! Unfortunately, they had just run out of the salmon but assured me that they would have more early next week. They give me their business card and told me to contact them and they would be very happy to ship anything directly to us. The lady told me that they ship many Swedish foods around the nation. I'll write a post about how to contact them also.

Too soon, our visit to Little Sweden came to a close and we headed back home. It was one of the best day trips that we have ever had! It is sooo wonderful to have such wonderful family members close-by to be able to do things such as this with!

Now, here is the B and B information that I promised you:

Seasons of the Fox
800-756-3596
Go to www.seasonsofthefox.com to take an interactive tour.
This B and B is handicapped accessable.

Swedish Country Inn
All furnishings were constructed in Sweden.
1-800-231-0266
www.swedishcountryinn.com
They also boast of a giftshop, sauna and their breakfast buffet that is also open to the general public. They serve breakfast from 7-10 Monday through Friday and from 7-11 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Many of the homes there are Victorian and anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE anything Victorian! They have an extremely charming business district. Everywhere you look it seems, you're going to see their famous Dala Horses. Dalas are sculpted horses that are then decorated anyway that you want them. For instance, a local bank had one that was decorated to look like dollar bills. Others had flowers, speckles--you name it, they had a dala there with it on it. Beautiful! They are one of the additions to the 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs.

VLE-B

Monday, June 21, 2010

CORRECTION on Dean Wiegers

The actual time for the ceremony is 2:00 CST on Saturday afternoon the 26th of June.

Sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused.

VLE-B

Dean Wiegers

Just received some special information on Wichita County's very special man, Dean Wiegers. For my entire life, I have always known that whenever something needed to be done--volunteer or otherwise--Dean was always ready and willing to do his part!

Now, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is honoring him as the Hunter Education Instructor of the year. In 37 YEARS, he has never once missed the chance to instruct 2 evening and 1 afternoon class every year. Outstanding record!!!

To celebrate this honor, all present and former instructors, students, family and friends are urged to come to Leoti's Museum of the Great Plains at 11:00 a.m., CST, on Saturday, June 26th, 2010.

Thank you, Dean, for outstanding sacrifice that you have made to anyone and everyone who wanted to learn safety and everything else involved in the fine sport of hunting!

VLE-B

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Laura V. Bauck--Leoti

Mrs. Laura V. Bauck was born on March 3rd, 1925 and passed away on Sunday, June 20th, at the Catholic Care Assisted Living Center in Bel Aire, Ks. She was 85.

Mrs. Bauck was born in Victoria, Kansas. On May 10th of 1948, she married Carl F. Bauck in Damar, Ks. She was a homemaker and farmer. They moved from Wichita County to Garden City in 1992. He passed away on July 18th of 2006. Mrs. Bauck then moved to Wichita in 2007. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Leoti. VFW Auxiliary.

Mrs. Bauck is survived by 1 son, James C., of Eastsound, Washington, 2 daughters; Connie Barnum of Wichita and Nancy Bauck of Los Angeles, California, 1 sister, Toni Campbell, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23rd at the Catholic Church in Leoti. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 on Thursday, June 24th, at the church in Leoti.

Burial will be at the St. Theresa Cemetary in Wichita County.

The family suggests that memorials be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church of Leoti or the Catholic Care Assisted Living Care Center, both in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes in Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

VLE-B

Saturday, June 19, 2010

A Couple of Things Most of Us Can Do At Home

More and more, Americans are learning that it is vital that we all do our part to clean and protect our world. As you already know, I am a MAJOR fan of HGTV (House and Garden Television). Today I was watching an episode of DESIGNED TO SELL. In it, a couple was really interested in doing their remodel work in ways that would cut down on waste as much as possible. I learned a couple of things that I found to be quite interesting. I plan on doing both sometime in the future.

Paint is actually a harmful substance unless you purchase the formula which is made to protect the world. I THINK that it is called Low VOC. When you go to your local hardware store, their emloyees will know what I am talking about. For YEARS, doctors have recommended that their pregnant patients not be in a room where fresh house paint is being used. The fumes can be hazardous to the unborn baby.

If you prefer not to use paint, try this technique to add color to your walls. Apply plaster. As I learned today, plaster consists of all natural ingredients--no chemicals. It is actually the first man-made substance on record. Applying plaster is no major ordeal. It is applied to walls by using trowels. It should be applied at the same thickness of a credit card. Once it dries, a nice soft color is produced. Eventually, when the house deteriates, the plaster will break down causing no pollution of any kind to the environment.

More and more, people are purchasing clear glass shelves to hang on their walls to display various items. Next time that you're in the market to do this, consider going to a recycling or salvage yard where old windows are kept. Purchase the window of your choice, take it home and remove the wood around the glass panel. It is quite easy to remove the thin wood that seperates one pane of glass from another. Clean the glass and set it on top of shelf brackets of your choice. You've succeded two things now. 1. You probably spent less money on your shelf than you would have if you had purchased a new one at the store. 2. You kept one more object from being placed in the landfill. Remember the three Rs: Recycle, Re-use and Reduce.

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Great New Service!

Today, with all of the problems of droughts and over-use of irrigation, etc, water is becoming more scarce and therefore, it costs more now to use water. I just hate it when I have just soaked our yard and gardens and then major rain appears right away. Now, we can avoid wasting water by clicking onto this website: www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/weather/tenday/67861&/swa=GardeningForecast&from=locator

On this site, you will learn how soon substantial moisture is expected in our area. I assume that this service is probably available in many places.

We're looking forward to using it!

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Want to Buy

We are interested in buying a bathtub or shower enclosure. We'd LOVE to be able to find a claw foot tub!!! We are also interested in purchasing a fairly small chest of drawers that could be converted into a vanity for a bathroom sink. None of these items need to be in excellent condition. Stan and I really enjoy doing restoration work! Three years ago, we were given a small chest that we stripped, did repair work and converted into a vanity for our main bathroom. It is GORGEOUS today! If you happen to have any of these items, please email us at slblaus@gmail com or call Stan or I at 620-376-8922 or 620-375-4584. Also, please let us know how much you want to sell these fixtures for.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Friday, June 18, 2010

A serious problem in Northwest Leoti

I hate to complain but sometimes there is just no way around it.

We live at 703 N. Second Street. Of course, it is a residential area and has the same traffic laws as any other residential section of town. As I understand, that means that it is okay to drive 25-30 mph down our streets. Ever since I became a mother, I have decided that that speed is simply too fast! Children are oftimes in the street walking, riding bikes, walking, PLAYING, etc. Where we live, quite a few drivers think it is perfectly acceptable to exceed the speed limit. Some of our neighbors are probably about the worst for having heavy feet.

Several years ago, the City erected a warning sign at the corner of "E" and Second Street that warns drivers that they need to drive slowly because of the very real possibility that children will be in the street. For a short time, the sign seemed to help but eventually, it might have well been taken down. Few people seemed to heed it's intent.

Late last summer, several new families moved into our neighborhood. They all seemed to have children who range in age from 2nd grade down to birth. Many of their parents pay very little attention to the dangers of allowing their offspring to play in the street. Still...the vehicles travel down our street at very high rates of speed. They are driving too fast to be able to stop in time to avoid striking a child. This past week, the danger has gotten worse. Some of those families do not have any kind of air conditioning in their houses. So, somewhere between 8:30 and 10:00 every morning, the kids come outside to play. They normally do not go back into their houses until almost dark. A good portion of the day is filled with children spending as much time playing in the street as they do in their own yards. Two different days this week, I have had to honk my horn so that I could back our van out of our parking lot. We have never had to do that before! I would speak to the parents of these children about this problem but most of them do not understand English very well.

I am quite positive that our neighborhood is not the only one in town that has this problem. I would just like to ask all drivers to slow down while they are driving in town.

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Wichita County Girl and Boy Scouts

When I was a child back in the late 60s and 70s, many people continued to use the old city park. As time passed, few of those people continued to grace the park with their presence even though the park had served Wichita County people for so many years. It was sad. Most people never paid much attention to it until it became news around town several years ago that a family of "hippies" had taken up housekeeping in the cub house. THEN...all of a sudden, people from all over town made drive after drive past the park to see if they could see some hippies!!!

Though I only had the opportunity to see these people once or twice, the rumors around town actually helped to breathe new life into this section of town! Since then, concrete walking paths have been added along with new BBQ grills, some new playground equipment, etc. I would love to see even more playground equipment added to the park. We attended a party of about 20-30 people there in May. It was great except for the fact that we had to furnish our own tables and chairs. It'd be great to see a few picnic tables placed there.

More and more families and couples are starting to spend more time at this old gem. Unfortunately, wherever people go, they leave trash behind them. Today, the Wichita County Girl and Boy Scouts spent around an hour gathering trash and disposing it. It is great to see our children taking responsibility for keeping our public areas clean! If you happen to know one of these kids or their sponsors, thank them for what they do!!! Praise is sooo much more beneficial than criticism and both the giver and the receiver appreciate it! Try it!!! The sponsors for the Girl Scouts are Kelly Matteson, Tammy Mason and Theo Volden. The only sponsors for Boy Scouts who I am aware of are Buck and Jaime Brown-Bishop. I am sure that there are others. I apologize for not knowing who they are...

I would also like to thank the City of Leoti Employees for maintaining the park so very well! Not every town has parks in such good condition...

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Two of the Lost Have Been Found!

Last night, I posted what classmates we are still trying to locate in time for them to come to Leoti for our class reunion. Thanks to two of you, TWO of those classmates have now been found!!!

Please take another look.

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Fresh Look

After having my own blog for a year as of next month, I decided that it was time for a fresh new look. What do you think of the changes? I REALLY need to know what you think so that I will know if I need to make any changes, etc.

As ALWAYS, I really appreciate your opinions even when they contradict what my beliefs on the matter at hand are. LOL!!!

Have a nice weekend and try to stay COOL!!! Temps in our area are supposed to be around 100! TOO hot for this old chub...

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Thank you!!!

I would like to thank all of the people who made the 2010 Vacation Bible School in Leoti a major success this past week!!! The kids had an absolute blast getting to know their Lord better!!! Most of us fail to realize that having the ability to have Bible School is a MAJOR PRIVILEDGE that most people throughout the world are not allowed to have.

Thank you to all of the soldiers, past and present, who have given us this right amongst so many others!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Newest school domes reaching maturity

On Thursday, June 24th, the newest school domes will be ready to be "blown up". Great progress has been and is being done on more domes. On the 24th, the domes will be inflated. After the inflation, workers will put all of their efforts into the finish work inside. The public is invited and encouraged to come and take a look!

You probably already know this. The construction company's home base is Utah. For the past several months, the construction workers have worked practically everyday from early morning to late evening to get their job finished so that they can return home to their loved ones. They are doing wonderful work!

I'd also like to suggest that you drive down Indian Road between the Junior High and the High School. Just behind where the Vo-Ag Building was, is one of the new domes. The construction group has just built a wall over the entrance that matches the gothic design done on the junior high building many years ago. I am quite impressed with the design.

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Take a sniff...

I just had the opportunity to be walking on Main Street today when I smelled something very sweet. I took a look around to see what I was smelling. It wasn't any flowers in the planters. Then, I noticed the trees that are planted next to the sidewalks. That's what it was! I cannot tell you what kind of trees those are but whatever they are, they are in full-bloom! To me, the blossoms resemble yellow honeysuckles. I don't know how long they'll be blooming so you might want to smell them soon!

While we are on the subject of the flower planters and trees on Main Street sidewalks in the business district, I want to make the comment that I, for one, really enjoy them! I also like the decorative light poles there! They all serve to make Leoti a nicer place to live.

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WCHS Class of 1980

It is hard to believe that our class graduated from high school 30 years ago! Given the fact that our class was one of the last big classes in Wichita County, we are having some difficulty catching up with everyone. If you are one of our classmates, please email me at slblaus@gmail.com or call me at 620-375-4584 or 620-376-8922 so that I can give you all of the information regarding our 30th year reunion.

We're very fortunate to have Blane Tripp, son of Lloyd and Barbara, as one of our classmates! He has been able to locate our very own Frank (Francis) Bowman whom left Leoti in the 1970s. We are hoping that he will be able to join us!!! We might just have to sick Blane on the other missing people!!!

Some classmates we have not located yet are as follows:
Nancy Guerra
Betty Lou Young (Dave Hudson's step-daughter)
Pam Hanson-Torson
Hortencia Vallejo-Garcia
Suzanne Cartright (John and Mary Herndon's granddaughter)
Sandra Lonneberger
Debbie Dirks
Valerie Dirks
Tammy Morman
Carol Beesley
Gwendolyn Hardin
Courtney Green
Carmen Cary
David Herndon
Alfredo Alvizo
Todd Barker
Galen Berning
Dexter Eck
Kurt Kurijiama. (Kurt's mother was a Gerstberger, I THINK.)
Bernie Hillstead
Reed Carrol

If you happen to know how we can contact any of these people, please let me know! ANY information would be helpful!!!

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Lesson Learned

A year ago, we decided that it was time to paint the exterior of our house. We went back and forth trying to decide what colors would be best. Eventually, we decided that we would paint with cream and cocoa colors. Now, you're probably thinking that we painted the body cream, right? Wrong! Our house was already cream-colored so we wanted to add some PIZAZZ to our home.

We definitely had pizazz! Our house really showed up in town!

At the time, we thought that we might have problems with the house absorbing too much heat but decided to do it anyway. Well, right now, 7:00 p.m., it is 93 degrees outside and a nice cool 90 degrees INSIDE!!! And before you ask, YES, we have central air conditioning, and YES, it has been running practically non-stop since about 8:30 this morning. Can you imagine our electric bill???!!! Yeppers, folks, we made a BIG mistake last summer...

Fortunately, most mistakes can be rectified. We are now going through the MANY paint chips that I have acquired through the years. We think that we are going to go with a nice light cream or maybe even white for the body. Then, we'll use a more pronounced color to paint the shutters, trim and to make a nice statement. Anyone out there wanna help??? LOL!!!

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Wichita County Community Foundation

Earlier, I gave information on the new flower garden at the courthouse. Since then, I received more information about the grant that was acquired to help cover expenses of shrubs, etc.

Carol Crowley-Laws submitted and received a grant from the W.C.C.F. It is a not-for-profit public charity formed to serve as a vehicle to accept contributions and establish endowments to support worthy projects and causes in Wichita County.

I ASSUME that people who want to donate money to this very worthwhile foundation or who need to ask for money for another project should probably call Sharla Droste-Krenzel who is the manager of the Wichita County Economic Development Committee. Her telephone number at her office is 620-375-2182. To apply for a grant in person or to ask any questions, her office is located in the former Wichita County Sheriff's Office which is just to the west of the west entrance to the courthouse.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Red Hat Purple Dress Gang

The next meeting will be held at 6:00 on June 21st at Charlie's in Leoti.

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Brett Todd

Brett Todd, son of Mike and Kay (Simons) Todd and the grandson of Mary Todd, is back in the hospital in Denver where he is expected to remain for 2-6 months as he undergoes more treatment for Leukemia. You can send your good wishes to him at the following address:

Brett Todd
c/o Presbyterian St. Lukes Medical Center
1719 E. 19th Avenue
Room 4209
Denver, Colorado
80218

Potluck picnic

Everyone is invited to meet at the Washington-Ames House in Leoti at 6:30 CST on Friday, June 18th. While you are there, go through the house and see what work has already been finished. The Cibulski family from Wisconsin will also be there. Many years ago, they lived in this house.

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Another interesting sight in dowtown Leoti, Kansas

As most Leotians have noticed at one time or another, many very large truckloads of various things are coming through Leoti several times a day now. I've mentioned several times before that I have seen some large sections of the windfarm stands getting "stuck" in the Broadway/Main intersection here. Sometimes, they are out of their fix within a few minutes. Others are still stationery for 30 minutes or longer.

Today, I and several other people around town saw a new twist on the matter. Two pilot vehicles and the semi-truck which was carrying one of the VERY large sections came to town from the south side of Leoti. Soon after they were in the city limits, the truck and the pilot car behind him, pulled to the south side of Main and sat there as the first pilot car went to the K-Store Convenience Store which is located on the southeast corner of the infamous intersection. The driver pulled in underneath the fuel tank canopy. Got out of his pickup and went to the back of his rig where a long "antenae" was extended upwards. Come to find out, this is NOT an antenae. Most of the pilot vehicles have them. They are actually measuring aparatuses. The driver read the measurement and called back to the truckdriver. The truckdriver and the pilot car moved back onto the highway and proceeded towards the intersection. Only this time, the truckdriver avoided the intersection mania by turning into the K-Store parking lot from the north-south side of the street. He drove under the canopy VERY slowly. We, the spectators, guessed that there was less than a 1 inch clearance between the bottom of the canopy and the top of the truck's load. Little by little, inch by inch, the truck made it's way under the canopy and back onto the west-east highway. Unfortunately, once the truck was on Broadway, it became stopped again in front of the Tom Thurman Tax Office. It didn't take long to get everything straightened up and headed down the highway again.

Things like this may not be interesting to most folks but to many people of Wichita County, it provides entertainment and something to talk about for days to come. LOL!!!

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Bistro Burgers

1 pound groundbeef
4 Kraft Deluxe Bacon Cheddar Cheese slices
4 onion slices (1/2 inch thick)
4 hamburger buns
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Heat grill to medium heat.

Shape meat into 4 1/2 inch patties. Grill 4-6 minutes on each side or until done the way that you like it. Top with the cheese. Grill 1 minute longer or until cheese is melted.

Meanwhile, place onions and buns, cut-size down, on grill. Cook 1-2 minutes or until onions are lightly browned and buns are lightly toasted, turning onions at least once.

Spread mayo on the bun then load the hamburger with melted cheese and onions on the lower bun. Top it with any other ingredients such as catsup, mustard, etc. Then, place the top bun at the top. Enjoy!

VLE-B

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Breaded Tenderloin Bites

Since Stan drives a truck for Seaboard Foods, we choose to purchase most of our meat from the company. One of our favorites is their tenderloins. Here is a recipe we dearly love! Both adults AND children appreciate it very much!

1 2-pound tenderloin
1/2 cup finely crushed saltine crackers or crackermeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. black powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk

1. Place crackermeal in a small bowl. Add all spices and mix well. Set aside.
2. In another small bowl, stir eggs and milk together. Set aside.
3. Cut tenderloin into bite-sized pieces.
4. Dip each piece of tenderloin in the egg mixture. Once coated, roll in the crackermeal mixture.
5. Fry in either a deep-fat fryer or a skillet with 1 inch of oil in it. Cook until thoroughly cooked. (It usually takes 10 minutes per small batch when we cook it in our deep-fat fryer.)

Serve with brown or white rice, french fries, tator tots, etc.

Mmm, mmm good!!!

VLE-B

Kathleen L. Snyder--Scott City

Mrs. Snyder was born on July 12th, 1915. She passed away at the Scott County Hospital on June 10th at the age of 94.

She married Frank H. Snyder on June 2nd of 1908. He passed away on August 10th of 2008.

Survivors include one son, Ray Lee Snyder of Salt Lake City, Utah and Bylle K. Snyder of Los Angeles, California, 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Her funeral services will be held at the First Christian Church in Scott City at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18th. Interment will be at the Scott County Cemetery.

Instead of sending flowers, the family suggests that you send donations to the First Christian Church in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home.

Obituary courtesy of Price and Sons Funeral Homes of Garden City, Scott City, Leoti and Tribune.

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Additional Information on Courthouse Flower Garden

As you drive by the Wichita County Courthouse, take a gander at the garden just to the north of the West Entrance. It has really been going to town with growth this summer! As I mentioned earlier, it was put in out of respect and memory of Karla Giesick-Ridder.

Today, I learned of more information in regards to it. I want to share it with you. Carol Crowley-Laws wrote and received a $5,000.00 grant to really fix the corner up that had only had a tree and weeds growing in it previously. In addition to the grant which was used to purchase shrubbery, etc., Sharon Altman, Wichita County Treasurer, purchased sosme tulip plants from the Tremor Foundation to be planted there. When Sharon celebrated her birthday, her friends purchased a Rose of Sharon for her. She elected to plant it right there in the courthouse garden.

Carol Laws has been dedicating her time and energy to weed and water the garden to keep it looking so good.

On the west side of the North entrance is a bench that was built by Don and Carolyn Waldren.

So, next time that you're out and about, take a look at the garden and bench. I am sure that you will be quite impressed!

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Where's George?

He'll be all over Leoti this weekend!

To meet him, everyone is invited to the new city park in Leoti at 5:00 CST on Friday, June 18th for a free barbeque. If you want to, you can bring food and/or drinks to share with everyone there. The meat will be provided along with potato salad, deviled eggs and 2 cakes. You are NOT required to bring food. Just come, learn and have fun!

Then on Saturday from 11:00 to 2:00, everyone is invited to Route 96 to their banquet room for lunch. You will be responsible for paying for your own lunch.

Several years ago, people organized a group of people to help "spend money" throughout the world. Contrary to popular opinion, this is NOT illegal. Those people write information on the dollar bills that includes the website. As of now, there are at least $1,975,000 dollars marked. There are 48,931 participants. At least 30 of those individuals will be coming to Leoti on Friday to keep things moving right along. They will be staying at Hi Plains Motel. Some of their money that has been marked will be spent there. More will be spent at Route 96. Those people are from all over the U.S.

Kansas is home to at least 1,892 participants. David Turley of Leoti is number 3. David is hoping that this event will become a yearly tradition in Leoti.

If you are interested in learning more, please go to www.wheresgeorge.com .

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Serious Car Accident in Wichita County

Last night, June 14th, a serious car accident happened on a dirt road in Wichita County. I do know that at least one person had to be life-watched. If I find out who was involved, I will post it here. In the meantime, please keep the victims and their families in your prayers.

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Dangerous Situation

Last Friday, a local man and his co-worker made a rushed trip to Garden City to assist his wife, son and mother-in-law who had just had a serious car accident. On their way back home, the men met a semi-truck. Practically immediately, there was a loud bang, then a hole in the windshield followed by the rest of the windshield being shattered. A very scary situation to be in! Come to find out, the truck evidentally threw a lug nut through the window. Fortunately, the man is a good driver and was able to handle the situation well. But, if that had happened to a less experienced driver, things could have been catastrophic.

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Monday, June 14, 2010

Shih Tzus for sale

Well, for over a week, I have been attempting to transfer some pictures on to my blog with no success so now I am going to give you the rest of the information. If you are interested in viewing the pictures, please contact Karla Sauer in Modoc, Kansas which is 16 miles east of Leoti.

Her email address is modocian@wbsnet.org . You can also call Karla at the following phone numbers:

620-872-2831 (Home)
620-874-5091 (Cell)

These little males were born on May 16th. Once you are able to see the pictures, you will see a chocolate colored puppy. He has already been sold.

These puppies are CKC registered. Their first set of shots will be given by the time that they are ready to go to their forever homes on July 11th. Karla is trying to sell them for $375.00 but may be willing to sell them for a little under that price.

We have bought 2 puppies from Karla and cannot say enough about the quality of dogs she raises.

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Motel Information

The Scott, Wichita and Greeley County Fairs will be upon us before we know it! Plus, the Scott County Alumni will be having a MAJOR reunion during the July 4th weekend. Many of you will be looking for a motel room. As I mentioned before, unless you already have a room reserved at Leoti's Hi-Plains Motel for our fair, chances are you're going to have to book a room somewhere else.

Hi-Plains Motel
Hot breakfast bar is FREE with your room rent!
620-375-2239
620-375-4438

WICHITA COUNTY BED AND BREAKFASTS:

Ken and Sue Schwindt's Pleasant Valley B and B
620-375-2874

Vic and Deb Case's B and B
620-375-4561

Leta Berning and Kathy Bangerter's B and B
620-375-2200

Here is information for lodging in Scott County, Kansas:

Airliner Motel
609 E. 5th Street
620-872-2125

Chaparral Inn Motel
102 S. Main Street
620-872-2181

Cowboy Cabins
508 E. 5th Street
620-872-5099

Best Western El Quartelejo Inn (NEW)
Indoor swimming pool
1600 S. Main Street
877-749-7373
620-872-7373
E-Mail: scottcitybw@yahoo.com

Lady Di's Court
1520 Court Street
http://www.ladydiscourt.com/
ladydis@pld.com
620-872-3348

Lazy R Motel
710 E. 5th Street
800-467-6607 For Reservations
620-872-3043

Marz Motel
1112 S. Main
620-872-2164

The Guest House
311 E. 5th Street
620-872-3559 or 620-874-1169
http://www.guesthousebandb.com/

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Scott County Historical Society and El Quartelejo Museum and the Jerry Thomas Art Gallery

Come check these out at 902 West 5th Street in Scott City. They are open from 1-5:00 Monday through Friday and from 2-4:00 on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from June through September. There is NO admission.

For more information, please call 620-872-5912.

You can also view the work of the famous Jerry Thomas by going to his website of jerrythomasart.com . Mr. Thomas specializes in wildlife and western art. You can also purchase his prints at the museum in Scott City.

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SAWYER BROWN CONCERT

Q-97 is bringing Sawyer Brown to the Dodge City Roundup Arena on Saturday, July 31st. Local ticket outlets are Denny's Thriftway in Scott City, Crazy House and Palace Computers in Garden City. Tickets will cost anywhere from $20.oo - 65.00. For more details, please call Q97FM at 620-225-0240.

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Dalton Days Wild West Fest

Interested in some education and recreation all wrapped up in one package? Then pencil this on your calendar.

Where: Dalton Gang Hideout around Meade, Kansas

When: June 26th-27th

What: Old West action including a fun run, chuckwagon breakfasts, kids games, parade, food, old west vendors, comboy ball, cowboy church, vintage baseball flintnapper

The Reenactment Guild of America Gunfights and Living History.

For more information, go to www.oldmeadecounty.com

Greensburg, Kansas Websites

Wanna know what is new and GREEN in Greensburg since the tornado basically leveled the Kansas town a few years ago? There are tours available for anyone who wishes to learn and see more. Here are the two websites that I am aware of:

www.greensburgks.org

www.greensburggreentown.org

Through the terrible tragedy that resulted in several deaths and many displaced people, the townspeople joined together to rebuild their town and their lives in the GREEN methods of the day. The entire United States and many foreign countries are keeping their eyes on Greenburg to see what new technology, etc we should all be using no matter where we live.

Check out these websites for more information!

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GUNSMOKE

Many of us, if we were lucky, got to know the characters--good and bad--of CBS' GUNSMOKE. The much-loved TV series will be celebrating it's 55th anniversary on September 3rd and 4th in Dodge City, Ks. Go to www.gunsmoke55th.org for more details.

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Southwest Kansas Website

If you want to experience SW Kansas, then go to www.tryswkansas.com to learn of various activities and places to check out.

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Mueller-Schmidt House Museum

Looking for something interesting to do? Then check this out in Dodge City. They are open daily in June, July and August. It is opened from 9-5:00 cst Mondays through Saturday. It is also open from 2-4:00 on Sundays. If those times don't work for you, call 800-653-9378 to schedule an appointment.

Go to their website at www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/

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Greeley County Fair

The Greeley County Fair is scheduled for August 4th through the 8th which is the week immediately after the Wichita County Fair. If I hear any other details, I will post them her.

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They're HOME!!!

Our campers including our daughter, Leighlyn, were delivered back home safely last night at 11:00. What a thrill it was to see her again!!! Getting caught up, kept all of us up until after 2:00 a.m. Good thing Stan didn't have to work today! LOL!!!

It is important that I thank each and every one of you who stepped forward and helped these 23 kids get to go to New Life Ranch in Colcord, Oklahoma which is very close to Tulsa. People supported this journey by purchasing Schwan's foods one Saturday, by buying burritos another day, by giving cash, etc. Thank you so very much!!! Though the kids were farther from home, they grew closer to God. It was an amazing 6 days for all. We also want to thank Kevin and Jill Larson, Matt Martin and Scott Hahn for driving these kids and their supplies to camp and back home again. By last night, it was easy to see that these people were exhausted and ready to go home. LOL!!!

Going to camp, they had no problems. Coming home was a different story. Kevin made the comment that it was wonderful how three vans and a trailer made the long trip to camp with no mechanical, etc problems. A few minutes later in Laverne, Oklahoma, that all changed. Belts in the van that he was driving broke.

But God did not just drop them in the middle of nowhere. It just so happens that Matt can fix ANYTHING! I am convinced that if he wanted to, he could probably put a dinosaur back together, resesitate it and give new life to it. LOL!!! In addition to Matt being there to fix it, it just so happened that God placed another mechanic just behind the travellors on their way home. When the 3 vehicles pulled over to the side of the road, so did he. He wanted to know if there was something that he could do to help.

Within 2 hours, all three vans were up and going again and were in better shape than before. But...right after they had driven through Dodge City, they encountered a herd of deer. Try as they could to avoid them, one decided to charge at one of the vehicles anyway. A very scary experience for everyone in the van. Bottom line, the deer lost and damage was done to the grill of the van which really upset the driver. They called the owners of the van and told them what had happened. The owners were quite good about the situation. The poor driver felt so bad about what had happened for the rest of the evening...

Anyway, it was quite easy to see that the Lord had everything in control. No one was ever injured in any way.

Praise the Lord!!!

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Saturday, June 12, 2010

FREE to good homes

Rick Harp of Leoti has six 6-week-old puppies to give to good homes. They are a lab-collie mix which will make them great family pets! Some are solid black. Others are black with white boots.

You can call about them by calling me at 620-375-4584. I will then contact Rick. He understandably prefers not to list his cellphone number here. Or, you can call him at City Hall, Monday through Friday. That phone number is 375-2341.

Thank you!!!

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

New Life Ranch Campers

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you who have taken time out of your busy schedules to send e-messages to our Leighlyn and the other kids who have been enjoying Christian camp around Colcord, Oklahoma this week!!! Those kids appreciate those notes so very much!!! (Leighlyn has saved all that were sent to her 2 years ago!)

Those printed messages are delivered to the kids right after lunch every day. Tomorrow is the last active day of camp for this week. Our children will be returning home on Saturday. I would recommend that if you want to send more messages. that you send them before noon tomorrow (Friday) so that the kids will still receive them.

In case you are interested in sending them, please go to www.newlifecamp.com . You'll find a place on the first page to click so that you can send your message. You DO NOT need to know what cabin any of the kids are in. Just click on DON'T KNOW. If you are interested, you can go through all of their pictures on this website. It is such a thrill to see the Leoti kids there having such a wonderful time!!!

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Cake mix banana/nut bread

1 package unbaked spice cake mix
1 package unbaked gingerbread mix
6 eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil
5 medium over-ripe bananas (mashed)
2 ozs. chopped pecans (optional)
2 ozs. chopped walnuts (optional)
1 cup raisins (boiled until tender) (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in order given in a LARGE mixing bowl.

Spray Pam in three loaf pans.

Pour batter into pans.

Bake at 375 degrees for one hour. Test for doneness with toothpicks.

Cool before slicing.

Can be frozen.

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Old-Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers

If you have no plans for Father's Day, June 13th, I suggest that you make your way to Lakin to enjoy some good old fashioned, fiddling, picking and singing. This is put on by the Western Kansas Chapter of Kansas Old-Time Fiddlers, Pickers and Singers. Everyone will meet at the Lakin Veterans Memorial Building at 1:00.

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Dollhouse Raffle

Loretta Riddiough donated a reconditioned dollhouse that was hers as a child to the Community Animal Care Program in Leoti. Tickets are now being sold. Contact Cyndy Fetty at 620-214-3154 to purchase these tickets. One ticket costs $1.00 or you can buy 6 for $5.00. All proceeds are used for the low-cost spay/neuter clinic of dogs and cats in Leoti. Dr. Doug Hilbig of Lakin is the veterinarian who performs these surgeries. The drawing will be held on June 29th.

The next clinic will be happening in the very near future. Keep watching for more information on this in my blog.

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JIm and Pat Dye

Jim and Pat Dye will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 13th, from 2-4:00 at the Baptist Church in Leoti. (In fact, they actually had their anniversary but chose to celebrate it publicly now.) All are invited to attend but they prefer that NO gifts be given.

Their children are Jeff Dye and Lisa Blau.

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Leoti City Council Recall

The recall committee of Leoti, Eugene Biel, Jeanene French and Jim Myers has sent an article to the Leoti Standard to be printed in the June 9th, 2010 edition of the newspaper. I am going to write it here for all to read, word for word. I do NOT want to take any chances of my personal opinions or reactions to be read here.

"The recall committee appreciates the citizens of Leoti who were willing to sign petitions to recall two council members and the mayor. We were successful in obtaining enough signatures to call for a vote, at the August 3rd primary, on whether or not to remove Carol Berning from the Leoti City Council. Due to primary election deadlines, we did not have enough time to obtain the necessary number of signatures on recalling councilman Roger Porter and Mayor Laura Medina. We could have continued to work on these recall petitions, however that would have called for a special election, and we did not wish to create added election expenses for our community at this time. We hope that citizens of Leoti will continue to keep informed on actions by the city council to address the financial and infrastructure problems facing our city, and will express their opinions through the ballot box on August 3rd." End quote

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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

FRESH AND HOMEMADE ENCHILADAS!!!

Just had to let you know that if you like authentic beef or cheese enchiladas, with or without onions, you need to call Amanda Rodriques-Altman. Her parents are John and Lupe Torrez-Rodriquez. You can reach her by calling 620-355-1741. Orders need to be turned in by Thursday, June 10th. They will be delivering them to your home on Friday around noon. If you live out of Leoti, give Amanda a call and see if you can meet her at her house or somewhere else.

Dozens cost $12.00 and half-dozens cost $6.00. Great prices!!!

We have purchased enchiladas from Amanda and her family before and let me tell you, they are DELICIOUS!!!

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They're EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, I posted here about the census lady who appeared to be looking for our neighbor all over in OUR yard. Well, she came back again this morning.

For some dumb reason, our herd refused to go out into the backyard. (Probably because she teased them yesterday.) So, I had to take them into the front yard to "take care of their business." We had just barely gotten out there, when the lady appeared to come out of NOWHERE. She came into our yard to talk to me. She had been waiting, or stalking would probably be a better word, for our poor neighbor to come home AGAIN. I explained to her that he works. She argued with me because he has two vehicles. So... he drives to work with other employees from the same business. Duh...

That's not stopping her! She's going to keep coming back until she talks to him face-to-face.

While I visited with her, I discovered that if she cannot find you at home, she goes to a neighbor to see where you work. Then...she goes to your workplace and asks to pounce on you there. She was miffed with Caprock office employees because they refuse to give her the information on their employees.

I spoke with another person who told me that she had been "stalked" by this same census worker at her workplace for three days in a row! And, come to find out, this lady had already sent her census back in as soon as she got it in the mail!!! There was absolutely NO reason for the census worker to be talking to her at all!

Anyway, I am going to be doing some research today to find out if there is some way we can get people like her stopped. This is ridiculous! If I learn something, I will let you know here. The government pays these people well. They receive a comfy hourly wage--approximately $15.00, 50 cents per every mile driven, $40.00 a day for expenses PLUS their motel rent is paid.

Given the fact that we sent our census information in months ago, I find it outrageous that these people walk through our yard looking at playground equipment, flowers, getting our dogs who are in there own fences upset, etc.

I welcome you to send in your feelings on the subject. And, if you have had your own experiences with census employees, good or bad, let me know.

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Monday, June 7, 2010

Activity or LACK of activity at Main/Broadway Intersection

For people who do not live in our neck of the woods right now, I will start by saying that MAJOR road construction is taking place on the highway between Lakin and Garden City. The 2-way highway is being converted into a 4-lane. It'll be great when it is finished but for right now, it is a major inconvenience for people who need to travel on that highway. Many semi drivers are being adviced to turn north at Lakin. They then travel to Leoti, turn east until they reach Dighton. At that point, they turn south. By doing so, they avoid the hub-bub in Garden City.

Many of those trucks are carrying equipment for windfarms. Believe me, the equipment is MUCH larger that what it looks like at the farm between Marienthal and Modoc when you're driving by! Making the turn to go east at our main intersection is a TIGHT turn. More than a couple have gotten wedged and stuck in the intersection.

Today, we watched one such truck that also had a long trailer attachment (axle)behind it, get stuck there. For 30 minutes, little movement took place. The truckdriver got out of his truck, walked to the back of the trailer and then lifted himself onto the attached trailer. From there, he was able to use the axle to slowly move the cargo trailer back towards the center of the highway. These axles are there to help whenever the truck becomes jack-knifed. The lady who was driving the pilot car behind the truck got out of her pick-up to help him. Poor thing! She was wearing a loose-fitting skirt and the wind was horrible. She had a terrible time keeping her skirt down where it belonged. Reminds me of my moo moo at the mailbox saga...

Eventually, the truck was completely straightened out and headed across the highway to Scott City.

Another exciting moment in downtown Leoti, Kansas...

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Surprising activity at the Blau house this morning

As you probably already know, census workers are being sent out all over Leoti right now. Some are not from Wichita County. We don't need to see a worker because we filled ours out as soon as it came in the mail. But, this morning, I was on a very important telephone call when I noticed that a lady from the census bureau was at our neighbor's house. Since he was at work, there was no one at home to answer the door. So...she proceeded to walk all around his house looking for him. I assumed that she would just go back to her vehicle. Wrong!

At the time, I was sitting in our dining room so I had a good view of all that was happening. Once she couldn't find him on his own property, she came to OUR property to look for him. Our clothesline was in her way so she bent over and walked under it. At this point, she was in OUR backyard. She made a round through OUR backyard taking in our vegetable garden, our daughters' trampoline and our two dogs that were in their yard. It was humorous watching her tour our yard!

Once she was sufficiently satisfied that Alec was NOT in our back yard either, she circled our house and began her search for him in the front yard. Once again, she stopped to admire our flower gardens and to look up into our red-bud tree that isn't doing too well right now--half of it died during the winter. Again, she failed to find Alec or anyone else for that matter.

After she finished making the tour of all that our property had to offer-- flowers, vegetables, grass, patio and a half-dead tree, she walked up to the top of our front porch and eventually got around to knocking and then ringing our doorbell and then knocking again at our front door. I can only guess that she was wanting to know if Alec was hiding in one of our corners or under the sofa or something. I cannot say for sure considering the fact that I did not answer the door. As I said earlier, I was engaged in a very important phone call from halfway across the nation and the people whom I was talking to would not have welcomed the interruption. Abigayle was here but was taking a VERY l--o--n--g bubble bath.

I must say that so far this Spring, we have seen two census workers performing their jobs in our neighborhood. The first was a man who went to a vacant lot across the street from our house. There was a very small tool shed on the lot. He knocked on the door several times before he figured out that "no one was at HOME". He then taped a note on the door to alert the "inhabitants" that he had been there while they were out. LOL!!! From there, he walked across the street to our house and asked Stan where the person (people) were from across the street. Stan couldn't help himself at that point. He began laughing and informed the census taker that that is not a house but a tool shed. The man responded with "Oh."

No. I cannot tell you who either of these people were. They were both strangers as far as I am concerned. I just thought that you might enjoy the story...

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New Life Ranch

Yesterday morning at 5:00, 23 campers along with 4 sponsors left Christ Covenant Church for New Life Ranch outside of Colcord, Oklahoma which is just a ways from Tulsa. These kids ranged anywhere from 3rd to 12th grade. They are either from CCC or the ever popular Wichita County GAP group. Sponsors who took these kids in 3 vans are Youth Minister Kevin and his wife, Jill , Matt Martin and Scott Hahn. They were to arrive at camp at approximately 4:00. Camp will not end until the morning of Saturday, the 12th. These kids couldn't wait to get started!

Though the kids are not allowed to receive or make phone calls or to use the computer, people are encouraged to send EMessages (personal email). And, believe me, the kids love to hear from us! If you are interested in writing to someone there including our daughter, Leighlyn, please follow these simple instructions:

1. Go to www.newliferanch.com

2. Slide down the left side of the page until you find SEND YOUR CAMPER AN E-MESSAGE. Click on it. A page will then appear that will ask you for your camper's cabin. Since we do not know what camper he or she is in, hit the square for DO NOT KNOW.

3. Just under that, type in your camper's first name. Below that, type in the camper's last name.

4. After that, you can type your message. Please keep your message including spaces down to 2,000 characters. (I learned the tough way that if your message is over that limit, you have to delete letters and or spaces. LOL!) You DO NOT have to send a message that long. And you can send as many messages as you want to. DON'T FORGET TO SIGN YOUR NAME AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR MESSAGE. The kids will want to know who sent the message to them.

5. When you are finished, click on SEND.

Your message will go straight to the office. It will be printed and given to your camper at lunchtime.

And, as I just said, send as many messages as you want. It really helps with the kids who are homesick. Leighlyn appreciated hers so much from 2 years ago, that she folded them gently and saved them. She just brought them out again a couple of days before she left yesterday.

Thank you so much for taking time to do this!!!

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Saturday, June 5, 2010

Thank you, Don and Carolyn!

For the past several years, Don and Carolyn Waldren have worked ALMOST tirelessly to groom the Wichita County cemeteries. They are so well known for all that they do. This past Spring, heavy rains fell and threatened to keep the Waldrens' mowers from doing their thing. Both Waldrens were so very concerned that the grass would be too high when people arrived to put out flowers, etc.

Well, last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend. When people arrived to the cemeteries, they found green grass that was perfectly immaculate. I have heard so many people comment on what an outstanding job they do yearround.

Don and Carolyn are also hired to keep up the Wichita County Courthouse and Sheriff's Office grounds as well as the interior of the courthouse. They never let us down. Everything always looks great!

If you haven't made a trip to the Wichita County Cemetery south of Leoti lately, you owe it to yourself to take a drive out there soon. Families have planted various plants such as tulips and irises at their loved ones' gravesites for years. This year's irises are the prettiest that I can ever remember out there.

While in town, take a gander at the garden just to the north of the Eastern entrance to the courthouse. It is beautiful! When Karla Giesick-Ridder passed away, the people whom she worked with and was so loved by, planted bushes and flowers there in her memory. There is a bench there also.

Anyway, thank you, Don and Carolyn, for each drop of tears, sweat and blood that you emit. We appreciate all that you do!!!

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Friday, June 4, 2010

To--Give--Away

We have a toilet riser that has been used VERY little to give away. We purchased it a few years ago after I had had surgery and mistakes had been done by the surgeon. It was used for less than a month and is still in excellent condition. This particular one sets just into the toilet and requires no tools to install. It is white. These risers are to enable people with knee, hip and other disabilities to use the toilet much easier. This one lifts people about 8-10 inches off of where the regular stool seat sets.

If you are interested, please call me at 375-4584 or email me at slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

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Thursday, June 3, 2010

Old Settlers Event in Ness City

In case you are interested in finding something to keep you occupied this weekend, you may be interested in heading to Ness City in Southwest Kansas. Thousands of people are expected to make the trip there to take in the 2010 Ness County Old Settlers Event. People have been putting this together for the past 2 years. The event will include historical presentations, entertainment, a large parade and class reunions.

The event that takes place every 5 years will celebrate it's 126th anniversary this weekend.

The kick-off parade took place this morning at 10:00. It was expected that 180 entries would be viewed. After the parade, the county's old settlers and century farms were recognized.

Musical entertainment will be produced at 7:00 every evening.

Friday events will include the arrival of the Pony Express and a Black Powder Shoot south of Ness City at the old gun club.

Miss Rodeo Kansas, Danielle Dinges, will give a presentation on Friday.

In addition to music, Friday night will be highlighted by a bank robbery gun fight.

A motorcycle poker run will begin at 9:00 in Bazine, a German immigrant presentation in Ness City at 9:30, a horse-shoeing presentation at 1:30 p.m. and a demolition derby at 6:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Ness County residents are putting together a vintage baseball team that will play at 10:30 a.m. at the Ness City Park on Saturday morning. They will be playing against a Jetmore team. Both teams will play with the old baseball rules and dress in the old uniforms.

A carnival will be on Wednesday,Thursday, Friday and Saturday in downtown Ness City. Part of the proceeds will go to the Old Settlers Organization.

A complete list of events is available at www.oldsettlersnesscounty.com Most events are free and located in downtown Ness City. All times are central standerd.

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