Monday, January 31, 2011

Website for Kansas School Closings

Here is a website that will update you on your school district's closings due to weather, etc.

http://www.ksn.com/schoolclosings/default.aspx

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Website for Kansas Highway Conditions

Wanna know what the weather has done to roads and highways that you may be traveling on? Go to 511.ksdot.org . The Kansas Department of Transportation will update the road conditions on that site.

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Greeley and Scott County Schools

School has been cancelled for Greeley and Scott Counties for Tuesday, February 1st.

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Bloodmobile in Wichita County

The Bloodmobile was supposed to be at the Wichita County J/S High School tomorrow, Tuesday. Due to the weather, it has been postponed. Once I know when it will be re-scheduled, I will let you know.

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School Cancellation

YAY!!!!!! School in Wichita County has been cancelled for Tuesday, February 1st, because of weather.

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

TRUE GRIT will be showing at the Star Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, February 5th and 6th at 7:30 CST and at 11:00 a.m., CST on Wednesday, February 9th.

Fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross's father has been shot in cold blood by the coward Tom Chaney, and she is determined to bring him to justice. Enlisting the help of a trigger-happy, drunken U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, she sets out with him -- over his objections -- to hunt down Chaney. Her father's blood demands that she pursue the criminal into Indian territory...

Genres: Action/Adventure, Western, Adaptation and Remake

Running Time: 1 hr. 50 min.

Rating PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images.


Stars include Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Nicholas Sadler, Bruce Green (II)

At this time, we do not know what movie will be playing next in Tribune. As soon as I have that information, I will be posting it here for you.

Adults, 13-years-old and older: $5.00 each
4 through 12-year-olds: $4.00
Birth through 3-year-olds: F-R-E-E
Admission charges for mattinees is $4.00 for each person irregardless of age.

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A Little "Back Car" Humor

As I already told you, we made a trip to Hays to the hospital today. The weather was rough and roads were not as good as usual. On the way home, we got behind a semi-truck. There was quite a bunch of writing on its rear doors. One door's writing was "Drive safely. Heaven can wait." The other door said "Batesville Casket Company." Hmmm, as soon as we read all that was written, we passed the truck as quickly (and safely) as possible. LOL!!!

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Wichita County Basketball Games for Tuesday...

All of the basketball games have been postponed until Thursday, February 10th, because of weather.

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Monday Travel

Well, Mama, Lars and I drove to Hays this morning to pick Lori up at the hospital and bring her home. We were okay going to Hays. Once we got to Scott City, we turned north. A few miles south of Oakley, things took a turn for the worse. Heavy snow with strong winds blew all of the way to Hays. Before we left Hays, we picked up medicine for Lori and then headed this way. Coming home was considerably worse. Snow got heavier and heavier and winds got stronger. Ice formed on the passing lanes of I-70. Anyway, we arrived safely at home just before 6:00. We were very thankful that we arrived home before dark.

Anyway, I would strongly recommend that you gather weather information and road conditions before you strike out for the next couple of days.

Colby, Ks has already called school off for tomorrow, Tuesday. So far, that is the only cancellation that I am aware of. If Wichita County schools will be closed, I will let you know as soon as possible.

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Update on Lori

My mom and I are heading to Hays to bring Lori home today!!!

Thank you for all of your prayers!!!!!!!!!!

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LadyBug Flower Shop

For all of your floral and gift needs, call the girls at the LadyBug. They'll take good care of you! They have beautiful plants and flowers, etc., at great prices! They also accept VISA and MASTERCARD so that even people who do not live in Wichita County can call and have flowers, etc delivered.

Their phone number is 620-375-2172.

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FOUND!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Christensen cat, Charlie, has been found!!! Thank you to all of those who have looked for her!!!

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Shelia Pfanenstiel Hurtt and Koltin Hurtt--Leoti and El Dorado

(April 6, 1978-January 28, 2011)

Shelia Marie Pfanenstiel Hurtt, age 32 passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011 in Butler County, Kansas as the result of an automobile accident. She was born on April 6, 1978 in Leoti, Kansas, the daughter of Jerry Pfanenstiel and Vicki Berning Hahn. A resident of El Dorado, Kansas since 2008 moving from Scott City, Kansas. She was a teacher.

Koltin Ray Hurtt, age 15 months passed away on Friday, January 28, 2011 in Butler County, Kansas as the result of an automobile accident. He was born on October 21, 2009 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Aaron Hurtt and Shelia Pfanenstiel Hurtt. He was a resident of Eldorado, Kansas.

Shelia’s membership include the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Leoti, Kansas.

Survivors include One Son/Brother - Braylon Draper of Holton, Kansas, Father/Grandparents - Jerry & Dana Pfanenstiel of Scott City, Kansas, Mother/Grandparents - Vicki & Cayle Hahn of Leoti, Kansas, One Brother/Uncle - Brett Pfanenstiel of Ellis, Kansas, Grandfather/Great Grandfather - Lou Pfanenstiel of Scott City, Kansas, Grandparents/Great Grandparents - Edwin & Kathryn Berning of Leoti, Kansas, and Numerous Aunts & Uncles.

They were preceded in death by One Grandmother/Great Grandmother –Mae Pfanenstiel.

Memorial Mass will be held at the St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011 with Fr. Benjamin Martin & Fr. Warren Stecklein presiding.

Private Family burial will be held in the Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas at a later date and time.

Memorials may be given to the Braylon Draper Education Fund % Price & Sons Funeral Home.



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

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ICE!!!

Just a note to remind everyone in our area that if you have not already been out this morning, be careful! I am receiving reports that sidewalks and roads are very slick. So far at 8:12, it is 18 degrees outside. Tomorrow's high is supposed to be 4 degrees.

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Obituary in Hutchinson News

So far, Folks, this is all that I have on Shelia Pfanenstiel-Hurtt's obituary. As soon as I receive her official local obituary, I will post it here. Thank you! VLE-B


LEOTI - Shelia Marie Pfanenstiel Hurtt, 32, and Koltin Ray Hurtt, 15 months, died Jan. 28, 2011, in Butler County, as the result of an automobile accident.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Price and Sons Funeral Home, Leoti.



Obituary provided by The Hutch News.

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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Soldiers Angels and Living Legends

Here is a wonderful organization that all of us can join. Former Wichita Countian and my great friend, Chris (Campbell) Knowles, is a big part of it. Please go to the following website for more information:


http://soldiersangels.org/living-legends.html


Soldiers' Angels Network
" May no soldier go unloved. May no soldier walk alone. May no soldier be forgotten. Until they all come home."


An article about Soldiers' Angels support via our Living Legends team. What is Living Legends?

The Living Legends team conducts one of the most delicate and demanding missions of Soldiers' Angels: comforting the loved ones left behind when a warrior falls on the battlefield. Our goal is to make sure families and friends of America's fallen heroes know that they are supported and that their loved ones' sacrifices are honored and respected.


JOIN THE TEAM: http://soldiersangels.org/living-legends.html




Within days after Army Spc. Shane (Hasan) Ahmed was killed in war in Afghanistan, Bedford North Lawrence High School Director of Guidance Becky Sprinkle was surprised by the mail she began receiving. Sprinkle had been quoted in the Times-Mail in November as part of a story reporting on Ahmad's death just a few days earlier.

"After the article came out, I started to receive these cards and letters from all over the United States," Becky told me, explaining she had received about a dozen pieces of mail.


"Because I was quoted as a friend of the family, I started to receive these. ... I knew it had to be an Internet or a Facebook kind of situation."



The cards and letters have come from an organization called Soldiers' Angels.



"According to what I found on their website, they send packages to active military (members)," Becky said. "A small part of what they do is send letters and cards to families of fallen soldiers. ... They were sent to me, and I'm hoping they were also sent to his family."



But, Becky hasn't been able to talk to Ahmed's family and is hoping to reach them.



Ahmed graduated from BNL in 1997 and then went to Purdue University. He joined the Army in April 2007. But, along the way, the family had moved to Michigan.

Becky and many others who knew the family lost contact.



Becky's interest in talking to Ahmed's family isn't limited to wanting to make sure they see the Soldiers' Angels correspondence. She also wants to let them know of her hopes to see a local tribute established, not only for Ahmed, but also for U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Lane, the other former BNL student killed in active duty.

Becky said she hopes to create a wall of fame at the high school to honor Ahmed and Lane.



Her effort coincides with the approaching 20th anniversary of Lane's death in Iraq. He was killed in the ground war on Feb. 25, 1991. His parents didn't learn of his death until the night of Feb. 27, which was the same night President George Bush announced a cease fire.



On March 8, Day & Carter Mortuary was filled to overflowing with more than 400 people who came to pay their respects and say farewell to Brian Lane. Marines in full dress uniform — white caps, brass-buttoned black jackets and blue trousers — stood at parade rest along one wall of the mortuary as did 150 mourners who could not find seats. A Bedford city street later was named for him.



"I knew both soldiers personally through school," Becky said. "I just felt like there needed to be a tribute of some kind."



As Sprinkle works toward establishing that tribute, she also hopes to communicate with Ahmed's family to pass along the Soldiers' Angels cards and letters. "I have been holding on to these and I plan to forward them to the family as soon as they get in touch with me," Becky said. She has approached the funeral home that served the Ahmed family about helping her connect with his parents or his widow, Eva Vasquez of Lebanon, Tenn.



The cards Becky are intended to comfort the family.



One Soldier's Angel, Dr. Chris Knowles, wrote, "Know (that) Spc. Ahmed will always be remembered as an American hero for his sacrifice while serving his nation."



Casey Cloud wrote, "I cannot imagine what you must be experiencing at this time. What I do know is that Hasan was a wonderful, strong, honorable person. He used those strengths to become the brave soldier that he was."



Margaret Gore wrote, "We spread our wings to comfort your community in the loss of Shane Ahmed. This world is a lesser place because he is not among us.



Reading his life story, he was a true hero who gave his life for our freedom."


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Lost!!!

Leif and Lori Christensen's female short-haired cat has disappeared somewhere around the Sheriff's Office. She is black with white spots. Her name is Charley.

If you happen to see her, please call Lori at 620-874-0715 or Leif at 620-874-0421.

Charley is a big part of their family.

Thank you!!!

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Kansans Celebrate Kansas' Birthday

BY DENISE NEIL
The Wichita Eagle

Kansas turned 150 years old in style on Saturday, celebrating with parties all over the prairie. From Wichita to El Dorado to Topeka, residents of the Sunflower State honored its sesquicentennial with giant cakes, re-enactments — even a basketball game between the state's two biggest college rivals.

Kansas entered the union as a free state on Jan. 29, 1861, and 150 years later, proud residents and history buffs from border to border are planning a year's worth of activities to commemorate the anniversary.

But Saturday was the birthday, and there was cake to spare.

In Wichita, people paused from exploring Exploration Place's new shark exhibit to sing to the state and share in a Kansas-shaped cake.

In Ottawa, residents competed in a Kansas trivia contest and had cake. In Kinsley, locals expressed their feelings about Kansas in poetry and had cake.

And in Lansing, revelers competed in a Kansas cake-decorating contest.

There was also cake in El Dorado, where the staff of the Butler County History Center and Kansas Oil Museum drew several hundred revelers for a full slate of Kansas Day activities.

Grownups played "guess that Kansan," seeing if they could identify pictures of famous Kansans such as Gordon Parks, Amelia Earhart, Carry Nation and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Children played "pin the tail on the bison," made meadowlark-friendly bird feeders using pinecones and peanut butter, and colored pictures of cottonwood trees.

The highlight was a birthday serenade to Kansas and the cutting of a giant cake adorned with frosting sunflowers and the image of an ornate box turtle. Blue and yellow punch was served, too.

The museum has thrown a Kansas Day party annually for the past six years, said assistant director Lisa Soller, and the crowds are always big.

The sesquicentennial upped the interest even more, she said.

"Anytime there's a milestone, it's exciting," she said. "And this day should be exciting for the state of Kansas."

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Correction on New Veterinary Clinic in Leoti

I apologize for posting inaccurate information on this here yesterday. Though I do not have all of the details yet, I do know that the fencing that is being put into place right now at Second and "D", is going to be used for sick large animals. From what I understand right now, the clinic will not be built there.

As soon as I have more details, I will post it here. I apologize for the errors.

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Johnnie Zimbelman--Leoti and Scott City

(January 11, 1927 - January 26, 2011)


Johnnie Zimbelman, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on January 11, 1927 in Goodland, Kansas, the son of John H. and Martha Miller Zimbelman. In 1970 he moved from Sharon Springs, Kansas to Leoti, Kansas until February of 2007 when he moved to Scott City, Kansas.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and Lions Club both of Leoti, Kansas, and was a US Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict.

On July 26, 1953 he married Phyllis Eckert in Goodland, Kansas. She passed away on June 19, 2009 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include his One Son - Michael & Mary Zimbelman of Scott City, Kansas, One Daughter - Susan Zimbelman of San Jose, California, One Sister - Gladys Lampe of Sonnyville, California and Two Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, One Brother and Two Sisters.


Memorial Services will be held at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 5, 2011 with Rev. Dennis Carter presiding.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City or Leoti.

There will be no calling times.


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

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Sesame Pork Ribs

Wouldn't this be a great treat for Super Bowl Sunday???

These are simple to make but taste like you slaved over the hot oven to put them together.

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced OR 3 teaspoons ground garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
5 pounds bone-in country-style pork ribs
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted lightly
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

In a large bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. Add ribs and turn to coat. Place the onion slices in a 5 quart slow cooker; top with ribs and sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender.

Place ribs on a serving platter; sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

Makes 5 servings.

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Shredded Beef Au Jus

1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds)
2 cups water
2 teaspoons beef boullion granules
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
8 hamburger buns. split

Cut roast in half. Place it into a 4 or 5 quart slow cooker. Combine the water, boullion granules and seasonings; pour over the beef.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender. Remove beef; cool slightly. Meanwhile, skim fat from the cooking liquid.

Shred meat with two forks; return to the cooking liquid and heat through. Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup on each bun. Serve with additional cooking liquid on the side.

Makes 8 servings.

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New Website

I was sent a website for a bike tour from the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado. 2011 marks the 21st year for this business to be open. Go to:

http:www.web.me.com/bikithikit2010_bike_pikes_peak.Press_Release.html

Thank you, Tini!!!

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New Business in Leoti

I am so thrilled to see that a new business is in the process of being assembled in town as we speak!!! A veterinary clinic is being built on the corner of Second and "D" Streets. Given the fact that we live at 703 N. Second Street, we'll just have to walk our herd less than a block to see the doggie doctor! I've been told that the new doctor will be caring for large farm animals right down to the tiniest of dogs and cats. I do not know if she will be taking care of other pets.

As of this afternoon, much of the fencing has been put into place.

As soon as I know that the clinic is open for business, I will let you know here.

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Holden House Bed and Breakfast

I just received a BEAUTIFUL website that I want to share with all of you. Go to www.HoldenHouse.com for all of the details on staying at this Victorian bed and breakfast for your next romantic getaway, business trip or vacation. It is in Colorado Springs. You can also contact them by calling 888-565-3980.

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Correction on Auto Accident Information

Earlier, I reported that the accident was in El Dorado. I went to www.ksn.com and learned that it actually happened near Cassoday in Butler County. I apologize for any problems that this may have caused.

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LadyBug Flower Shop

For all of your floral and gift-giving needs, please call the girls at the LadyBug. They provide excellent flowers, plants, etc at excellent prices. They deliver.

The girls accept VISA and MASTERCARD. You can use these in their store or give the information over the telephone.

Their phone number is 620-375-2172. They are closed on Sunday.

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Fatal Accident

Word was received this morning that a well-loved former resident, Sheila Pfanenstiel, was killed in a car/train accident in El Dorado, Kansas last night. I apologize for not knowing what her married name was. Her baby, Colton, was also killed. Her parents are Jerry Pfanenstiel of Scott City and Vicki (Berning) Hahn of Leoti.

Once I have funeral arrangements, I will post them here.

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Various Sites to Take in in Colorado Springs, Colorado

I just received this information and want to post it for those of you who have contacted me and thanked me for the Colorado Springs information that I posted yesterday. Colorado Springs is less than 4 hours from Leoti. Maybe you would like to spend the weekend there sometime.

www.manitousprings.org

www.gardenofgods.com

www.sevenfalls.com

www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com

www.pikespeakcolorado.com

www.raftecho.com

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Winter Carnival in Grand County, Colorado

Quite a few people from Western Kansas enjoy outdoor winter sports. Because of that, I have decided to post this information on my blog.

Go to Grand County to partake in snowman building contests, teapot curling, parades, bed sled races, human bowling, Space Oddity Dancing and snow sculptures. This carnival will take place on Saturday, February 5th. For more information, go to www.grandlakechamber.com .

Dog sledding will be the name of the game on Saturday, February 19th. For more information on that, please go to www.rmsdc.com/new-site/race-info.html

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Winter Sports

Have an ankering to go skiing, snowshoeing, tubing or snowmobiling? Then don't come to Wichita County! LOL!!! However, you may be interested in heading for Grand County, Colorado. They have received much more snow than they have had in years! There is plenty of powder to go around.

Every weekend in February, you can stay in one of the ever-romantic, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, cabins or resorts. While you are staying in one of them, don't forget to take advantage of their F-R-E-E horse drawn carriage rides!

If you're interested in trout fishing, head out onto the ice and bring 'em in!

Two-for-one passes will be in effect on Sunday and Monday, February 13th and 14th. Buy one, get one free.

As of right now, Full Moon Skiing is planned for Friday, February 18th, or right around then anyway. The skiing will run from 5-9:00 Mountain Standard Time. You might want to call 970-627-8872 for more details on this.

For all questions involving lodging, restaurants, recreation, etc in Grand County, go to www.GrandLakeChamber.com

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Girl Scout Cookies For the American Troops

Thank you, C and P, for bringing this to my attention!!!

They wanted to know if it is possible to purchase Girl Scout cookies from Wichita County Girls Scouts and have them shipped directly to the troops. I did some research and got this answer that I am quite pleased with!

Local Girl Scout Leader, Kelly Matteson, told me that you can purchase these cookies from Leoti girls now. Then the cookies will be sent directly from the Garden City office to the overseas troops. So, any money that you spend on these cookies can help two great groups of people!

The sale will be on through Sunday, February 6th. If you do not know any Girl Scouts, please call Kelly at 620-375-4036.

Thank you!!!

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Last Night's Basketball Games

Leoti played Southwestern Heights in Leoti last night. Though I cannot give you the exact scores of the games, I can tell you that Leoti's Varsity and Junior Varsity Boys won their games. Both girls teams lost theirs.

Next Friday, the 4th, the Leoti Indians travel to Meade.

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Just a reminder...

THE LITTLE FOLKERS will be playing in Tribune tonight and tomorrow evening at 7:30 CST.

Adults pay $5.00
Children from 4-years-old through 12-years-old pay $4.00
Children from birth through 3-years-old get in for F-R-E-E.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Pre-Valentine's Day Entertainment for Adults Only

Give Chasity Reynolds-Fritzmeier a call at 620-927-0289 if you are interested in reserving a seat for the Assembly of God Church's Meal and Entertainment on Saturday, February 12th. Each person will be charged $8.00. Reservations are required. Chastity can give more details if you call her.

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Bloodmobile in Wichita County

Come to the high school gym on Tuesday, February 1st, from 9:00 to 1:00 to give blood.

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Girl Scout Cookie Sale

Cookie sales are in progress right now. If you live in the Wichita County area, call Girl Scout leaders, Kelly Matteson at 620-375-4036 OR Tammy Mason at 620-375-2133 to order some if you do not know any current Girl Scouts. They'll get you fixed up right away! The cookie delivery will be in February.

Thank you!!!

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Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is my absolute favorite place to vacation! It might be yours also. The beauty is unsurpassed. I just received information that you may also be interested in.

Go to www.COS.com and sign up for a F-R-E-E vacation guide that you can receive in the mail or in your email box. If you prefer, you can call 800-368-4748. Whichever you choose, you will have access to the following:

Deals and Coupons
Maps
Things To Do
Outdoor Adventure
Where To Stay
Dining and Nightlife
Arts and Events
Shops and Galleries
History and Heritage
Travel Tools

Enjoy yourself!

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Spring Just Around the Corner?

Well, Folks, I look at it this way. If we can't get any rain or snow, we might as well have warmer temperatures and Spring! LOL!!!

I received the latest e-newsletter from Great Garden Plants just a few minutes ago. I was THRILLED to discover that they are unveiling brand new plants this Spring such as Red Knee High Coneflowers, Little Lime Hydrangeas that will work for gardens from Minnesota to Florida and a new sun perrenial that does its best in heat and humidity and blooms for up to 5 months!

If you sign up for their e-newsletter which is F--R--E--E, you will have access to gardening tips, their blog and brand new garden designs. The news will be sent out to you automatically whenever it becomes available.

Right now, you can actually order your plants. They will be sent to you as soon as it is safe for them to be planted in your area!

Another thing that I am excited about is their brand new Glow-in-the-Dark Garden Collection! How splendid is that idea?

So here is what you do. Go to www.greatgardenplants.com and get started on planning your Spring garden! Or you can call them at 1-877-447-4769.


Have fun!!!

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Multi-Cultural Potluck Carry-In Supper

Come one! Come All to this supper on Tuesday, February 8th, from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Scott County High School. It will be held in the Commons Area. It would be great if everyone brought 1 main dish and 1 side or dessert that represents your authentic cultural food traditions. Drinks and table service will be provided. You will need to enter in through the doors to the office at 712 Main Street. This will also give you an opportunity to see the new high school!

This supper is open to people of all ages. For more information, please call Katie Eisenhour at the Scott County Chamber/Economic Development Office at 620-872-3525 or drop in to see her at 113 East 5th Street.

People who attend this will be able to get to know each other and learn more about the various heritages that make our country so very interesting!

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Hardtack

In honor of Kansas Day, tomorrow, I looked up a recipe that was quite common in the early days of Kansas. It is still made today but many people refer to it as Hardcrackers. This will be hard so you will probably want to eat it with hot broth or soup, coffee, tea or with your morning mush.

Not many people have this recipe around anymore. It kinda went out of style when our current day's saltine crackers came onto the market. I still remember my grandmother talking about how good the flavor was. I came across this recipe in a book that we purchased at Dodge City's Boot Hill and Front Street in 2008 when Bill Kurtis and Michelle M. Martin brought their The Prairie Table Cookbook out onto the market. Many of you will remember Mr. Kurtis from his TV series. We were able to spend some time with the authors which we really enjoyed. Anyway, this is just one of many recipes that are included in the book. Some of them, we have tried. Others, we will never try such as those whose main ingredient is raccoon! LOL!!! But if you are interested in trying some of these old recipes which produce food just as great as they did in the 1800s, get this book. You'll also get a history lesson that you may not have learned before. For instance, many soliders ate Hardtack as they made their way from one battle to the next. This food was easily cooked and traveled very well.

4-5 cups flour
2 cups water
salt

Knead all three ingredients together. Roll out on a greased pan. Cut into 15 pieces. Pierce holes into the dough with a fork or ice pick. Each piece should have 16 holes in it.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip to the other side. Bake for another 15 minutes. Reduce oven heat to 200 degrees. Continue to bake until all moisture has been removed from the crackers which will take 8 to 24 hours.

If you are just interested in making what I will call "Softtack" or Soft Crackers, I would recommend that you bake them for 15-30 minutes and forget about the drying out process. I have not personally tried this but it seems to me that this just might make this recipe into homemade crackers that can be eaten in any way.

Remember to eat the Hardtack with something liquidy or you will be in the same shape as many soldiers were back then--missing a tooth or two.

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Flour Tortillas

I got this recipe yesterday and tried it last night. This was our first time to make tortillas. It was not nearly as tough as I had anticipated. Plus, we all loved them! Maybe, you'll wanna try them for yourselves!

Since we never have lard or creamed shortening around the house, we elected to make the lowfat recipe which calls for margarine. Since we were out of margarine, we used butter. You decide for yourself which way you want to make yours. The lard actually makes it taste more like what you buy in the grocery store or from people who cook authentic Mexican food.

This recipe makes enough for 12 tortillas.

1 1/2 cups white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons of lard, creamed shortening, margarine or butter
1 1/4 cup warm water

If using a bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Add the lard or whatever you choose. Cut it until it makes little beads. Now add your water. Stir well until well mixed. Break up into 12 balls. Allow to just sit for about 15 minutes or longer.

Bread machine instructions:

I cheated. I just poured all of the ingredients into my machine, set it for the DOUGH cycle and let it do its thing! Then, I made the balls.

After you have allowed your balls of dough to expand somewhat, sprinkle a little bit of flour on whatever surface you will be rolling them out. In my case, I used a wooden bread board. It worked just great! You can also use wooden or plastic cutting boards, countertops, etc. Sprinkle a little flour onto the top of the ball to keep it from sticking to your roller. Roll each ball out until it is fairly thin--not so thin that when you lift it off of the rolling surface that it forms holes. If that happens, roll it back into a ball and start re-rolling it. Roll each tortilla into a circle. If this is your first time to make tortillas, don't feel bad if they are not perfect circles. It's gonna take a bit of practice for that! In my case, I doubled the recipe. The more I made the tortillas, the better that I got.

You will need a cast-iron pan or griddle of some sort to fry your tortillas. Cast iron holds the best heat so it tends to work much better than other skillets, etc. Lay your tortilla onto the griddle. Use a fork or spatula to flip it over. Once brown (not black) speckles appear on both sides, your tortilla is finished. This only takes a couple of minutes. The longer that you fry the tortilla, the crisper it will become. So, if you plan on rolling it up, keep it soft.

If using this as a main dish, fill it with your taco meat, cheese, etc. If using this as a dessert, fill it with pie filling, fresh fruit, jam or jelly. Roll them up. You can also sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on the dessert tortillas for extra zing.

Place any extra tortillas in an air-tight container or plastic bag.

Enjoy!

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Upcoming Event That Would Go Better With Ice???

Then go to www.dazzlingice.com out of Loveland, Colorado. I think that you will be quite impressed! These folks make Ice Sculptures, Ice Bars, Luges,
Themed Ice Carvings, Weddings, Corporate Logos, etc.

Thank you, Laurie P., for this information!

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January 30th through February 5th Wichita County School Events

Tuesday, 02/01: 5:00 High School basketball game against Dighton at home

Wednesday, 02/02: 7:30 a.m. PDC at school board office

9:00 a.m. Junior High League Basketball Tournament in Lakin

9:00 a.m. FFA Ag Sales at Garden City Community College

Thursday, 02/03: Regional Scholar's Bowl for the High School

1:00 p.m. Junior High League Basketball Tournament at Meade

Friday, 02/04: Students' Progress Reports are sent home

5:00 High School Basketball game at Meade

Saturday, 02/05: Regional Piano Festival

10:00 a.m. High School Wrestling at Leoti

1:00 p.m. Junior High League Basketball Finals at Southwestern Heights

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Kansas Day

Kansas Day is actually on Saturday, January 29th. Since there is no school on Kansas Day, the grade school students will be celebrating it tomorrow, Friday, with a variety of activities.

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WCHS Sports Schedule

Just a reminder of the high school's basketball game and wrestling meet on Friday, January 28th.

3:00 p.m.: Wrestling meet at Hoisington

5:00 p.m.: Southwestern Heights comes to Leoti to challenge the Leoti Indians.

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

Well, another week is coming to a close. I just wanted to remind everyone out there that THE LITTLE FALKERS are going to Tribune this Saturday and Sunday, January 29th and 30th. This comedy has a multitude of stars including Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand... The movie's information was posted earlier on my blog if you want to read it. Show time begins at 7:30 CST both evenings.

See you at the movies!!!

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

League Math Tournament

This morning, three Wichita County 7th graders and three 8th graders journeyed to Meade to represent their classes in the league math tournament there. One of the 7th graders who went was our daughter, Leighlyn. These 6 kids represented Wichita County very well! Five of the students brought home individual awards. As it turned out, Leighlyn shared her award with her 3rd cousin, Boone Steimel, of Stanton County. He is the son of Chris and Linda (Elder) Steimel.

I believe that these acheivements speak very well for the individuals involved and all of their math teachers who have gotten them this far. Wichita County has outstanding teachers.

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Great Gift Idea!

I just received this "recipe" this morning. I want to pass it on to you now. Wouldn't this be great to give to your children's teachers, hospital patients, etc?

1 cup concentrated liquid potpourri

2 envelopes Knox unflavored gelatine

Empty decorative jar

Starched lace

Ribbon

Heat potpourri until it is almost boiling. Remove from heat.

Now, add the gelatine powder. Pour into a clean decorative jar. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the jar and secure with a rubber band.

Either place in refrigerator for quick set or leave out overnight on counter. Cover with a piece of starched lace and wrap with ribbon to decorate it.

Before using, remove the plastic wrap and recover with the lace, etc.

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Ice Festival

I know that there is a considerable amount of people from Leoti who enjoy spending time in Cripple Creek, Colorado. That is why I decided to post this information.

The 4th Annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, February 12th and 13th and again on the weekend of February 19th through the 21st. You might want to attend both weekend's festivities as additional ice sculpting will be done during the week that connects the two weekends.

This year's festival features "Story Time". Ice carvers are incorporating their interpretations of classic literature into their art.

This event is family friendly. Several activities for children and adults include 2 ice mazes, an ice slide, a martini bar and retail and food vendors on the street and in the heated event tent.

The C.C.I.F. will be supporting a great community organization. To benefit the Children's Literacy Center, the C.C.I.F. will be holding a book drive. You can help by donating books at the event in the main event tent. The organization will accept books for all audiences.

For more information, go to The Fourth Annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival .

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Best Ever Cookie Recipe

These are oatmeal cookies with a punch of a variety of spices. I think that anyone who eats these, will love 'em!

Cookie recipe:

1 stick salted butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
1 cup raisins (optional)
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting recipe:
1 stick salted butter
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Preheat the oven to 350. Grease 1 or more cookie sheets.


Using a mixer, cream the butter, shortening and brown sugar. Add the eggs and beat until the mixture is light in color. Add the buttermilk.


Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice in another bowl; stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Fold in the oatmeal, raisins, walnuts and vanilla. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto cookie sheets. Bake until lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes.


Meanwhile, prepare the icing: In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Stir in enough water (3 to 4 tablespoons) to make the icing drizzling consistency. Drizzle on warm cookies fresh from the oven.

Don't forget to put the extra cookies into an air-tight cookie jar or plastic bag to keep these fresh and moist.


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Cleaning Tip

Wanna know what you can use to clean grout lines, corners, nooks and crannies, etc? Use an old electric toothbrush or buy a cheapie at such places such as Dollar General. You can usually buy one there for around $5.00 or just a little bit more. This also works well if you have a stubborn stain in laundry. Put your stain remover where it needs to be, turn on your toothbrush and scrub away!

To help the cleaning power of the brush, make up a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the surface that you want to clean. Now, turn on your handy dandy toothbrush and go to work! For extra brightening and freshening, allow the paste to sit in place for a little while before you brush it. When finished, rinse off the surface well.

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Ballet Lessons in Wichita County

Ballet lessons for the Spring session will begin on Tuesday, February 8th, in Leoti. The Wichita County Recreation Commission sponsors this program that is open to everyone from 4-years-old on up.

The first 4 weeks costs $25.00. The last 4 weeks costs $25.00. The program will end on Tuesday, April 5th.

4 and 5 year olds will have practice every Tuesday from 4-5:00.

Children who are 6, 7 or 8, will meet from 5-6:00.

People who are 9 or older will practice from 6-7:00.

Everyone meets at the Rec Center to practice.

If you have any questions, please call Sheri (Oberheim)Loy at 620-521-4628.

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Update on Lori

Thank you so very much to those of you who have asked us about Lori!!! She remains in Hays Medical Center. At this time, the doctors have not given her any idea of when she will be released to come home. She continues to battle a bunch of pain but is sounding better whenever we talk to her.

Earlier, I posted her hospital address on my blog. Lori would love to hear from you!!!

Please continue to keep her in your prayers!!!

Thank you!!!!!

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Mary F. Hutchings--Scott City

(September 5, 1925 - January 23, 2011)


Mary F. Hutchings, age 85, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at the West View Nursing Home in Derby, Kansas. She was born September 5, 1925 in Great Bend, Kansas, the daughter of Robert & Iva Clawson Brown. In 1954 she moved to Scott City, Kansas from Great Bend, Kansas, and then in 2010 she moved to Derby, Kansas to be closer to family.

Her memberships include the First Baptist Church of Scott City, Kansas.

On August 5, 1943 she married William E. Hutchings in Great Bend, Kansas. He passed away on May 25, 2007 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include her Two Daughters - Sheila Palkowitsh of Wichita, Kansas, Doris Messersmith of Ozawkie, Kansas, One Brother - Charles Brown of Great Bend, Kansas, One Sister - Barbara Wooten of Fort Worth, Texas, Five Grandchildren, Twelve Great Grandchildren, One Great Great Grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband and Three Sisters.


Funeral Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011 with the Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church % Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation wil be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m until 12:00 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church.



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

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Wesley W. Leadabrand, Jr.--Scott City and Lakin

(June 11, 1942 - January 23, 2011)

Wesley W. Leadabrand Jr., age 68, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on June 11, 1942 in Eaton, Colorado, the son of Wesley W. and Ruth Belle White Leadabrand Sr. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since June of 2006 moving from LaSalle, Colorado, he was a Mechanic and Feedlot Mill Operator.

His memberships include the NRA and he was a United State Navy Veteran. Wesley enjoyed hunting, fishing and all wildlife activities.

On March 13, 1969 he married Carolyn Reese in Sterling, Colorado. She passed away on January 24, 1988 in Lakin, Kansas.

Survivors include One Daughter - Weslyon Marie & Jeremy Fry of Scott City, Kansas, One Brother - David Leadabrand of Rocky Ford, Colorado, One Grandson - Andrew Fry of Scott City, Kansas and Numerous Nieces & Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents and Wife.

Funeral Services will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 28, 2011 with the Rev. Robert Nuckolls presiding.

Graveside services will be held at the Lakin Cemetery in Lakin, Kansas at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011.

Memorials may be given to the Welsey W. Leadabrand Memorial Fund % Price & Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday.



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

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Sloppy Joes With a Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That...

Wouldn't these be great to serve to your family and friends when they come over to watch the Super Bowl??? After the sloppy joe recipe, you'll find information on making your own onion straws!


For the Sloppy Joes:
1/4 cup canola oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, deveined and diced
1 red onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
24 slider rolls or sweet Hawaiian rolls

For the Onion Straws:

2 cups canola oil
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 sweet onion (Maui or Vidalia)
Directions
Prepare the sloppy joes: In a large saute pan over medium-high heat, combine the canola oil, bell peppers, jalapeno and onion; cook for 5 minutes. Add the beef and pork; cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat as it browns. Add the garlic. Depending on the amount of residual grease, you may need to drain some of the fat from the pan. Deglaze with the red wine, then stir in the remaining sloppy joe ingredients (except the rolls) and season with 1 tablespoon each salt and freshly ground pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick as it simmers, add up to 1 cup water to adjust the consistency. Toast the rolls and set aside.

Meanwhile, prepare the onion straws: In a medium sauce pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees. Whisk the egg and milk in a medium bowl. Mix the flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper in another medium bowl. Cut the onion in half, then slice into 1-inch-thick half rings; separate into short straw-like pieces. Add to the milk mixture to soak.

Once the oil is hot enough, remove the onions from the milk mixture, shake off excess and dredge in the flour mixture, 4 or 5 pieces at a time. Add to the pot and fry until golden brown; transfer to paper towels to drain.


Serve the sloppy joes on the toasted rolls and top with onion straws.

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Thank you!!!

I just realized that I never passed my gratitude and the gratitude of my family's on to Marqueeta Keeton and Terry Laws for being so wonderful last week when they took Lori to the hospital in Hays. It is great knowing that Wichita County has been blessed with the greatest EMTs around!!!

Again, thank you, Marqueeta and Terry!!! You made a difficult ride much nicer and more comfortable!

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Comments

I have decided to allow comments to be placed on my blog. I do require that you follow this old saying: "Keep what you say or write sweet. You never know when you might have to swallow them." LOL!

2. I am not going to require this but I would really appreciate it if you would include your name with your comment. Have some pride with what you write even if you are concerned that someone might take offense to it.

I realize that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, therefore, they should be allowed to state it.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Star Theater's Facebook Page

I just got the information that some of you have asked me for. When you want to view all of the information for Tribune's Star Theatre, type this information in:

www.facebook.com/startheater

This will take you directly to the Tribune theater's page. People who just tried to get on to this webpage, discovered that there are many theaters that are named Star.

Thank you, Catherine, for answering this question for us!!!

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Star Theatre Movie Passes

While we were working at the theatre last night, we learned of bulk movie passes that anyone and everyone can purchase. You pay one price, get a movie ticket that is punched by the cashier every time that you come to see a movie. You can also buy these passes and give them to your loved ones as a gift!

If you purchase a ticket for 5 movies for $20.00, you'll see an extra movie for FREE. Ordinarily, an adult would spend $25.00 for 5 movies if he paid for his tickets as he went to the movies.

If you purchase a ticket for 10 movies for $40.00, you'll get to see TWO movies FREE of charge. Otherwise, you would spend $50.00 for 10 movies. I assume that you can purchase one ticket and let the family share it. You should call the phone number at the bottom of this email to ask about that.

These prices are in effect for adults who are 13-years-old and older, however, children can use them also.

If you are interested in purchasing these tickets, please call the Greeley County Community Development Office in Tribune at 620-376-2548.

OR

you can drop by the Greeley County Community Development Office at 510 Broadway.

Just thought that you might want to have this information since these tickets can really save you some money!

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Kansas Food Bank

If you are interested in learning more about hunger in the state of Kansas, go to www.kansasfoodbank.org While you are there, you can see what you can do to help feed the hungry. They are always in need of donations of food and money. This is also where people should go if they are in need of services from the Food Bank. If you are wanting to volunteer to help, there is also a place where you can go to get signed up.

Thank you!!!

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Additional Information About the Star Theatre

For the past few years, a bunch of people have jumped into a massive renovation of the Star. The theatre is more beautiful than ever! If you have not already been there to take a look, you really need to. I am sure that you will be as impressed as we are!!!

Right now, the people at the theatre's helm, are in need of donations to purchase a digital projection system. Current estimates are between $85,000 and $100,000. Donations are greatly appreciated in making this a reality. Give a little or give a lot--whatever you feel you can offer. Every single dollar and cent is so important.

You can send your donation of any ammount to the following address:

Tribune Star Theatre
P.O. Box 368
Tribune, Ks.
67879

OR

You can drop them off at the Greeley County Community Development Office at 510 Broadway in Tribune.

If you send a check, please make it out to Growing the Vision Foundation. In the memo, write "digital theatre".

At this time, I would like to include the current Star Theatre of Tribune's Board Members:

Diane Gentry, president
Howard Gibson, vice president
Christy Hopkins, secretary
Monica Veleta, youth representative
Bridget Bockwinkel
Jonathon Liu
Mark Rine

Former Greeley County Community Theatre Action Team Members include:

Jeri Smith, Convener
Mary Baker
Elby Ellis
Jan Epp
Candi Farmer
Diane Gentry
Christy Hopkins
Jonathon Liu
John and Linda Peterson
PBL Wegener
Carrol Young

For the latest movie update, become the theatre's friend on Facebook. Or you can follow the Star on Twitter.

Every weekend, volunteers of the community run the ticket booth and the refreshment bar. Two high school girls take turns running the movie. They do an excellent job!

Just a few things that I wanted to point out about my all-time favorite movie theatre!!!

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Our Contribution

Last night was our first evening to give something back to the Star Theatre in Tribune. We loved being able to do so! We volunteered to work in the ticket booth and the snack bar. All four of us helped out. It was great knowing that we were able to give back to the fine people of the Tribune theatre! Plus it was a lot of fun!!!

If you would be interested in volunteering, please email me at slblaus@gmail.com or call me at 620-375-4584 or 620-376-8922. I'll give you the people's information you need to get started.

Thank you!

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New Medicine Planner

I just felt that I needed to blog this information for anyone out there who require daily doses of medication. I take A LOT of prescription drugs every morning and night. Rather than take a pill out of this bottle, 3 out of another bottle... it is much easier to set up my weekly doses. Then, I just take the medicine planner and remove each morning and evening's doses as needed.

Since 2002 when I began needing so many medications every day, I have used about 4 different planners. None of them impressed me as much as this new one that Danley found for me. It, too, is set up for 4 doses of pills every day for 7 days. But, it has room for a bunch of pills for each dose. What really makes this planner unique is the fact that each dose comes complete with a lid that is lifted by just pushing a button! This would be especially great for anyone who has arthritis, etc in his hands.

I assume that this type can be purchased anywhere. We found mine at Wal-Mart. Through the years, my former planner served me well. Then, about a month ago, the lids began breaking off of the planner. I am glad that we were able to find this planner to replace it!

Anyway, just something that I thought you might be interested in buying for yourself...

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

THE LITTLE FOCKERS, a comedy and sequel, makes its way to the Star theatre this coming Saturday and Sunday, January 29th and 30th. Each showing will be at 7:30 CST. Stars include Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Blythe Danner,Teri Polo... It is rated PG-13 because of mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content. The Little Fockers is classified as comedy and sequel. The first two hit movies in this sequel series were MEET THE PARENTS and MEET THE FOCKERS.

"The test of wills between Jack Byrnes and Greg Focker escalates to new heights. It has taken 10 years, 2 little Fockers with wife, Pam, and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get "in" with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, Jack's suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back..."

In addition to great admission charges, $4.00 for people 12 and under, $5.00 for people who are 13 or older and FREE admission to children 3 and under, you'll find that their refreshment prices cannot be beaten either.

See you at the movies!!!

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Sunday, January 23, 2011

My Sister, Lori Christensen

I have been receiving calls, email, etc from people who are concerned about Lori. She was taken by ambulance from Leoti to Hays Medical Center on Thursday evening. This time, the culprit was her appendix which was removed on Friday. The appendix was perforated (had holes in it which allowed poisons to seap into her system.) She is still not good. She is in a great deal of pain.

The good news is that she was moved from ICU to a regular room this afternoon.

Lori will REALLY appreciate knowing that you are thinking of and praying for her! Unfortunately, her throat is extremely sore from the breathing tube that was removed yesterday morning. However, if you will call Leif, he will be very happy to pass your good wishes on to her! His phone number is 620-874-0421.

At this time, her doctors are giving no indications as to when she will be able to return home.

If you would like to send cards, etc., please send them to the following address:

Lori Christensen
c/o Hays Medical Center
2220 Canterbury Drive--Room 233
Hays, Kansas
67601

Please pray for Lori!!!

Thank you to all of you who have been praying and have asked me about Lori!!! Your kindness has been GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!!

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Saturday, January 22, 2011

7-Day Forecast

Sunday: 41/19 Mostly Sunny

Monday: 44/20 Mostly Sunny

Tuesday: 44/23 Mostly Sunny

Wednesday: 46/21 Mostly Sunny

Thursday: 52/21 Mostly Sunny

Friday: 50/22 Sunny

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Wichita County Schools

Monday, January 24th, WCJSHS Eligibility
and
RBSES Site Council Meets at Grade School

Tuesday, January 25th, High School Basketball at Tribune, at 4:00

Wednesday, January 26th, Compass Test for Registered Juniors (2nd Half)

and

3:00 p.m., High School League Scholars' Bowl at Home

Thursday, January 27th: Nothing on Calendar

Friday, January 28th: RBSES Kansas Day Activities at RBSES

3:00 p.m., High School Wrestling at Hoisington

5:00 p.m., High School Basketball against Southwestern Heights at Home

Monday, January 31st: WCJSHS Eligibility

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Ruby M. Kauffman--Garden City

(October 5, 1917 - January 20, 2011

Ruby M. Kauffman, age 93, died Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Homestead Health & Rehabilitation Center in Garden City, Kansas. She was born on October 5, 1917 in Lane County, Kansas the daughter of Arthur & Velma C. Downs Wallace. A resident of Garden City since 1943 moving from Hutchinson, Kansas she had worked as a Certified Respiratory Therapy Tech for St. Catherine Hospital for many years.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Garden City, Kansas the AARP and the Finney County Senior Center. She volunteered at Fry Eye Associates and with several other local organizations.

On December 1, 1940, she married Hadley L. Kauffman in Garden City, Kansas. He died November 1, 1983 in Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors Include: One Daughter, Verla M. Reynolds of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky; Two Sisters, Rosalee Malaby of Glenwood Springs, Colorado and Mary K. Joseph of Garden City, Kansas; A Nephew, Charles Wallace of Garden City, Kansas; Nieces, Avis Wallace of Garden City, Kansas and Anita Wallace of Garden City, Kansas and Seven Grandchildren, Sixteen Great-Grandchildren and Eleven Great-Great-Grandchildren; And several other nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Charles, Harry & Hubert Wallace.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, January 24, 2011 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas with Rev. Brad Kirk presiding.

Friends may call from Noon-8:00pm Sunday @ the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.

The family requests memorials be given to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at the Finney County Senior Center in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.


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

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Darwin E. Bollinger--Scott City

(December 3, 1931 - January 20, 2011)


Darwin E. Bollinger, age 79, passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. He was born on December 3, 1931 in Farmington, Illinois, the son of Kenneth E. and Agnes E. Lafferty Bollinger. He was a resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1954 moving from Wild Horse, Colorado. Darwin was a Corporal in the United States Marines, a farmer, mechanic and harvestor.

After Darwin’s military duty he worked in the agricultural field in Scott City, Kansas. After retiring he harvested with Rohrbough Harvesting, where he enjoyed his many travels and meeting new friends.

His memberships include the First Baptist Church and the Lake Scott Car Club of Scott City, Kansas.

On September 3, 1954 he married Velda Faye McDaniel at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas. She passed away on December 10, 2005 in Scott City, Kansas.


Survivors Include his Two Sons - Kenneth & Kris Bollinger of Scott City, Kansas, Ricky & Jeanine Bollinger of Garden City, Kansas, Two Daughters - Starla Bollinger of Garden City, Kansas, Marletta & Ron Wilson of Ingalls, Kansas, One Brother - Alan & Jane Bollinger of Scott City, Kansas, Five Grandchildren and Three Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Three Sisters – Minnie Rose Thurman, Sue Bollinger and Carolyn Pumfrey, and a step father – Leonard Yowell.


Funeral Services will beheld at the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 27, 2011 with the Rev. Kyle Evans presiding.

Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church or Scott County Hospital CATS Channel % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City.

Visitation will be at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday.



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

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Leoti's Prairie Flower Quilt Company's 2nd Anniversary Celebration

I received information on some great upcoming events at PFQC but am unable to transfer the information to my blog. There is some wonderful information in the email so if you want to receive it in email form, please email me at slblaus@gmail.com and I will do my best to get it sent to you right away.

Thank you!

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Blog Announcement

Just wanted to let you all know that I may be away from my computer for awhile. One of my favorite people was taken by ambulance to Hays last night. If I need to go to Hays, I will have little or no access to my blog. If I go, I will resume my writing when I return home again. In the meantime, I would definitely appreciate any and all prayers.

Thank you!!!

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Weather Blink

I just signed up for this service that supplies viewers the following:

1. Web Search

2. Local Weather Forecast

3. The Weather Channel's Detailed Forecast

4. Radar

5. Allergy Report

6. Weather News

7. Road and Traffic Conditions

This is TOTALLY FREE!!!

www.WeatherBlink.com

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Kansas Kids Wrestling Practice

I just received word that tonight's wrestling practice has been cancelled. There was no school in Wichita County today.

Thank you, Leslie!!!

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

Don't forget that the hit, TANGLED, will be playing at the Star Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, January 22nd and 23rd. There will be THREE showings! On Saturday, you can see it at 7:30 CST. On Sunday, it will be shown at 5:00 CST AND at 7:30 CST.

See you at the movies!!!

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LadyBug Flower Shoppe

For all of your floral gifts, please give the girls at the LadyBug a call. Their phone number is 620-375-2172. They accept CASH, Checks, VISA and MASTERCARD. Over the phone orders are accepted. Their flowers and plants are just BEAUTIFUL and are extremely well-priced.

They also deliver your gifts directly to the recipient or to churches, etc.

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Margery Virginia Gorsuch--Leoti

(April 12, 1919 - January 18, 2011)

Margery Virginia Gorsuch, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the Wichita County Health Center in Leoti, Kansas. Marge was born April 12, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas the daughter of Dr. Herman Ellis & Myrtle Alene Garrison Johnson. Following graduation at Mount Hope High School in Mount Hope, Kansas, she attended Southwestern University in Winfield, Kansas; she then became the music instructor for the Bentley school system in Bentley, Kansas. On September 7, 1941 she married Jack Leroy Gorsuch at Mount Hope, Kansas. Marge then became a farm wife / homemaker and following sixty-eight years of marriage, Jack passed away on December 7, 2008 in Leoti, Kansas.

Marge was a very active member of the United Methodist Church in Leoti, Kansas, having served on nearly all the different boards and commissions serving her church and its district.

Marge’s surviving family includes- One son and his wife- Tim & Candy Gorsuch- Selkirk, Kansas Two daughters and their husbands- Jaclyn & John Gannon- Atlanta, Georgia Pamela & Jeff Menzie- Ulysses, Kansas Fourteen grandchildren and Nine great grandchildren A brother, Franklin Johnson and a son, Walter Gorsuch, preceded her in death.

Funeral services for Marge will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Leoti, Kansas with the Reverends Mike Howard and Glenn Fogo officiating.

Burial will be in Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas.

Friends may call from 5:00 pm through 8:00 pm Thursday and 10:00 am through 8:00 pm Friday at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.




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

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Economical and Environmentally Safe Method for Cleaning Your House, Etc.

I decided to gather more information on the usage of vinegar. Some cleaning formulas include water, salt or baking soda. Other uses require just pure vinegar. Most of the agents necessary are items that most of us keep at home anyway.

VINEGAR ACTUALLY DESTROYS MOST MOLDS, GERMS AND BACTERIA! How, you ask? The acidity of the substance is what kills it.

I was SHOCKED at just what all vinegar will clean for us (even our body)! You can use it to clean and deodorize your refrigerators and freezers, clean your kitchen and bathroom countertops, remove the filth from the inside of your oven door windows, laundry, remove lime deposits, removal of soap scum, etc., etc., etc...

Here are just 2 of the many great websites that you might be interested in checking into:

www.vinegartips.com/

www.vinegartips.com/cleaning/

Happy Cleaning!!!

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Question about Sunday's "Popular Recipe in These Parts"

Several of you have asked me if green chili sauce is the same thing as pork chili sauce. I have done research and discovered that the answer is "YES". You can purchase this in grocery stores everywhere in the U.S. and in some variety stores. If you are feeling ambitious, you can make it from scratch.

Hope that this helps! Most of the people who wanted to cook this dish were having no luck in finding cans or jars of pork chili sauce but they could find the green chili sauce.

Thank you to all of you who asked if the two were the same thing!

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Want to Buy

I am interested in purchasing a good, used vacuum cleaner for work. If you have one that you are interested in selling, please leave a comment here OR email me at slblaus@gmail.com OR call me at 620-375-4584 or 376-8922.

Thank you!

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Area Highways

Ice is causing major travel problems in our area today. The State has been spreading sand in some areas to help prevent accidents. Some vehicles are driving extremely slowly which can cause accidents very easily. Of course, bridges are even slicker. If you don't have to be out and about today, it might be better that you remain at home. At this time, I have heard nothing about any traffic accidents. Pedestrian accidents are a different story. I've heard stories of people from grade school age on to older adults falling outdoors today. To my knowledge, there have been no serious injuries.


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GAP and God Squad Announcements

Due to the ice, etc, officials have decided to cancel tonight's meetings.

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School Cancellations

Ness and Scott Counties have decided to close down school early today. Dighton is closing at 1:00. Scott City is closing at 1:40. So far, I have not heard anything about early closings in Wichita or Greeley Counties.

I'll keep you posted if I hear anything else.

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Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Real Life Continued

Earlier today, I copied an email from our email box to my blog. It was titled Real Life. I owe anyone who might have read it a BIG apology! I quickly read through it as an email. Unfortunately, I did not read it thoroughly. Tonight, I went through it and other email that we received today. I was horrified by some of the content of Real Life!!! I admit that there were some things I totally agree with such as

1. No job is beneath any of us.

2. None of us should expect to begin our careers right after high school and expect to be paid $60,000.00 a year right off of the bat.

What really blew me away tonight was when I read such things as having to clean up after children. I waited all of my life for children. Taking care of them is anything but a chore. I LOVE IT!!! My children are my gifts sent directly from God. I am actually one of those mothers who totally dreads my kids moving out when it is time to go to college.

The email mentioned that you're either a winner or a loser and that all begins in school. Oh, my gosh!!! PLEASE do not believe that that is what I am all about!!! I hated school with a passion!!! I never ever felt the urge to "apply myself". My grades showed it, too! LOL!!! The last thing that I wanted to be considered then or now was as a loser!!! Honestly, I really regret that I did not put more effort into my education.

Another thing is that my very own mother is a wonderful teacher and has been teaching since before I was born. That email would have really upset her. I, for one, am VERY happy that there is a large variety of "special classes" that are available to help all children learn. Every last one of us learns in our own ways. That is just one of the many things that makes us interesting!

Anyway, please accept my apology for that post that I copied here!!! Once I had it copied in a post, I should have gone through it and erased the things that I did not agree with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Super Saturday at Dollar General

Dollar General will be holding Super Saturday on Saturday, January 22nd. Right now, you will receive coupons at the bottom of your sales receipt. When you bring it back to the store on Saturday, it will be worth $5.00 off of a $25.00 or more purchase.

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Sunday Movie Mattinee in Tribune

Great news for those people out there who have told me that they would enjoy a good old afternoon movie mattinee! In addition to TANGLED being shown on Saturday and Sunday, the 22nd and 23rd, at 7:30 CST, it will also be shown at 5:00 CST on Sunday, January 23rd.

See you there!!!

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Air and Water Tight Food, etc. Storage Idea

My mother-in-law, Joyce Blau, John's wife, was ahead of herself going Green as we call it now. She went out of her way to come up with additional uses for everyday items so that they performed double duty before being discarded. I think that she would have loved this idea!!! You can use this bottle neck and lid over and over again!

Zippered food storage bags are great but they can be expensive if you need to use a lot of them. Here's a new idea that was sent to me via email that I just had to share with you! Thank you E.B.!!!

To incorporate these uses, you will need personal bottles from soda pop, water, juice, anything that uses a twist-on cap. The personal-sized bottles will be used for quart size bags. For gallon-sized bags, use 2-liter bottles, etc. Use a knife and cut the portion of the bottle that includes the neck and about an inch of the "fat" part of the bottle off of the bottle.

Now, place your food or whatever into a regular everyday food storage bag. Run the top of the bag through the bottle neck and pull the edges of the plastic bag around the bottle top. Once this is in place, take the bottle's lid and twist it over the bottle again. Now, your bag's contents are air and water tight.

Of course since I am a germ-a-phobe, I recommend washing the bottle neck and lid, inside and outside, drying them thoroughly before using for this technique.

Now, wasn't that easy???

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Coffee Pot Slow and Sluggish?

Well, CLEAN IT!!!

Danley has been complaining for the past few mornings that our coffee pot just keeps getting slower and slower... We've probably all heard that we need to run water with a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar through it to remove any lime build-up from time to time. I decided to go OVERBOARD with the amount of vinegar and I'm glad that I did! I filled the coffee pot carafe with approximately 1 inch of vinegar before I filled it up with water.

The first pot of vinegar and water that I ran through the coffee maker produced some great results! A BUNCH of big chunks and littler pieces came falling out of it. I decided to do it again. Again, I used the same ratio of water and vinegar. Still, I was astonished by the lime that was discharged. This time, a piece that was at least 1/4 inch around, of course it was jaggly so I cannot give you the EXACT measurements, was dislodged into the carafe. Each time that I ran the mixture through the pot, the machine became faster and faster. Now it is as fast as it was when it was new. If you decide to do this at home or at your office, remember to always flush the "used water" down the drain--don't re-use it in the coffeemaker. Use fresh water and vinegar each time. Once you are satisfied with the speed of your machine, pour another pot of straight water into the maker so that the machine will be vinegar free and will not cause you to have coffee with the delightful flavor of vinegar. LOL!

To maintain this newly found speed, we will be running at least a couple of tablespoons of vinegar through the coffeemaker at least once a month now.

Don't forget that vinegar is also great when used in dishwashers. Run a cup of it through an empty dishwasher at least once a month to remove any lime there. Some people have told me that they run vinegar through the dishwasher every time that they do a load of dishes. Just use your own judgement.

Vinegar is cheap and all-natural.

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Selkirk, Ks.

I just posted an article about the Wayside Chapel in Selkirk. I forgot to mention that Selkirk is just a few miles west of Leoti on Highway 96. Maybe you and your family might want to take a road trip and include this chapel as a place to take in.

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Selkirk's Wayside Chapel

Here is an article that was written in the Hutchinson News. VLE-B


Chapel keeps alive a WWII soldier's vow
Family has perpetuated patriarch's promise by taking care of landmark.By Amy Bickel - The Hutchinson News - abickel@hutchnews.com

SELKIRK - Deep in a foxhole with artillery firing around him during World War II, Willis Reimer made a pact with God.

If he made it home to the little town of Selkirk alive, he'd build a church, he silently prayed.



Nearly 70 years later, not much remains of this Wichita County town where Reimer grew up, except for a few houses, an elevator and a depot, along with what some claim to be the last hand-dug railroad well in existence.

But venture just a short way north off Kansas Highway 96, and passers-by will see that God answered Reimer's prayers and that the farmer didn't forget his vow.

For on the High Plains of western Kansas sits a small, redwood chapel with vaulted ceilings. Three antique pews from an old church in the county rest inside, along with a pulpit, a prayer altar and a guest book, as well as a blue-glass window outlined with praying hands.

It took 35 years, but on Christmas Eve in 1980, the family put a steeple on top of the structure the late Reimer named the Wayside Chapel - a chapel that is always open for those who want to traipse inside, said Reimer's niece, Beverly Whipple of Dighton.

"Some have accepted Jesus as their Savior here," Whipple said, adding that there have been a handful of weddings, and one of her children had her wedding reception around the chapel.

"He was a walking testament," Whipple said. "He came home from the war knowing God had saved him for a purpose."

Keeping a promise

Willis Reimer wasn't drafted into World War II.

His younger brother - Whipple's father, Keith - did receive a draft notice. But Keith, in his early 20s, had a young family. So the elder Reimer, in his mid-30s, offered to take his place, allowing his brother to stay home and run the farm.

"Instead of taking my young father, they took him," Whipple said of the military. "(Willis) went into the English Channel and fought on the front lines. He sacrificed a lot for my family."

He would send poems and letters back home to his mother. During his time in the war, he learned of the town's church being razed.

It saddened him, said his stepson, Karl.

But God was watching over him, Karl said. One night in the foxhole, Reimer heard someone tell him to get out.

A shell hit where he had been hiding.

When he came home after the war, he went back to the farm work, keeping his vow to himself.

A few years after Keith died, Willis Reimer married his late brother's wife, Janie, who was Karl's and Beverly Whipple's mother. He told her of his plan to build a church, and then helped her raise her five children on the farm west of Leoti.

Karl Reimer said his stepfather talked about building the chapel about 10 years before it happened, noting the project was something that stayed on his mind for all those years.

The year the chapel opened, more than a thousand visitors signed the guest book, Whipple said.

Testament

The weary traveler still comes to the chapel on occasion, which sits on the family farm where Karl Reimer lives and farms.

Caring for their father and grandfather's chapel remains important to the family.

With wheat harvest completed by July, Karl Reimer and his children decided to tackle repairing the roof of the 10-by-16-foot structure earlier this month.

Willis' grandchildren have especially taken ownership of the chapel, Whipple said. They spend time in it when they come home, as well as clean it and paint it, and when wheat harvest finished up in early July, some of the grandchildren helped reroof it.

A verse on the wall from the Book of Deuteronomy talks about loving God, Whipple said. And that was what her father did daily.

The chapel is a testament to a lot more than just a pact with God, Whipple said.

"It is a testament of his life."

IF YOU GO:The Wayside Chapel is a half-mile north and one mile west of Selkirk on County Road P. Also in the area is the Selkirk hand-dug well. The 1887 well is believed to be the last hand-dug railroad well in existence. An iron fence surrounds the 102-foot-deep, 24-foot-in-circumference well. Wire panels cover the well opening, but you can still look down and see the bottom.


Copyright 2011 The Hutchinson News, Harris Enterprises, MediaSpan

Friends

This message was at the bottom of an email I received today. I liked it and wanted to share it with all of you. In many ways, it is quite accurate.

"Be kind to all and for sure, be kind to your dog. It is probably the only true friend you have."

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Newspaper Article About Beverly Reimer-Whipple

The Hutch News, a well-known and respected newspaper in Hutchinson, Kansas, printed this wonderful tribute to Mrs. Beverly Reimer-Whipple, former resident of Wichita County. Locally, she is survived by her brothers, Mylan and Doreen Reimer and Karl and Mary Reimer, and a niece, Janea Porter. (I aplogize in advance! I probably mispelled Mrs. Porter's name something awful...) If you did not already know Beverly, after reading this article, you will feel like you always knew this extremely beautiful lady. She'll be missed tremendously by the many people who loved her...VLE-B


Wife, mother was always a teacher
Ordinary Lives
By Kathy Hanks - The Hutchinson News - khanks@hutchnews.com

DIGHTON - Teaching was more than a profession to Beverly Whipple. It was at the core of her being.
"That was who she was," said her daughter Wendy Miller.

Whipple, 67, died from injuries sustained Jan 2 when she was hit by a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck as she slipped and fell while closing a pasture gate on an icy and foggy night.

Despite retiring from teaching in 2005, after 35 years, she continued to be immersed in lifelong learning, helping her husband in his trucking business and cattle operation, taking up photography and teaching a Bible study.

"She never lost her curiosity and was still discovering the world around her," said daughter Tiffany Elf.

Ever the computer teacher, she didn't want technology to get ahead of her.

"She was always learning new things on the computer. She was on Facebook and wanted an MP3 player to keep up with the kids," said Randy Whipple, her husband of 26 years

For 35 years she experienced teaching at every level, from kindergarten through high school. She taught gifted education, computers, Title I, and primary-grades gym and music.

A fond memory for daughters Jeannie Holton and Wendy Miller was the year their mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Antioch, Neb., in 1981.

"It was as if we stepped back in time," said Holton. As the only employee, she was responsible for both teaching and cleaning the building. After that experience, she moved to Marienthal to teach. Friends encouraged her to attend a square dancing class. Randy was the teacher. They soon became dance partners and married on April 1, 1985.

Along with Randy, daughters Jeannie Holton, Wendy Miller, Andrea Bernard, Tiffany Alf and 11 grandchildren survive her.

With strong teaching instincts, she turned play with her family into a learning experience. Whatever they were doing together, it always seemed to become a lesson.

A memory for Bernard was having her mother there when her third baby was born this fall. Beverly had the other children in the yard raking leaves, teaching them the importance of doing chores. She then proceeded to jump in the leaves so they were buried up to their necks, teaching them the importance of fun.

"She was overwhelmingly creative," said Miller. "She was an outside-the-box thinker."

She didn't give her daughters answers but had ways of challenging them to come up with the answers. While she taught her daughters how to be mothers and teachers, they believe her greatest gift was her faith.

"She taught me about Jesus and took me to church, so that I had an understanding of who Jesus was," Holton said. "I was able to make it a part of my life in such a simple way that I am now able to share this with my children, helping them to have a relationship with our Lord."

Beverly's faith was a legacy her parents left her. She knew God was in control and working in her life.

She never met a stranger.

"Mom had so much empathy," said Elf. "She felt the hurt that people felt."

She reached out to everybody. On a whirlwind tour visiting all her daughters and grandchildren, she sat next to a woman on the train ride home. She befriended the woman and brought her to the Lord, Randy Whipple said. Beverly and the woman kept in touch and the family hoped to keep the relationship going.

"Everyone was family," Bernard said. Her daughters in-law and extended family became her family.

At her funeral, the sanctuary was filled with her family.

Only the Boys Will Play

Earlier, I mentioned that tonight was round 2 of the Stanton County Basketball Tournament. I received more information on that since then. Only the boys will play tonight. The girls had already qualified for the League Basketball Tournament so they did not play at Johnson last night. After tonight, the basketball games will be relocated to the Garden City Community College on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. As time goes by, I will do my best to update you on those times.

Thank you!

VLE-B

Additional Information on Dominos

You can get information on how to play certain domino games on the internet or in many cases, you can play online games of dominos. Your choice. Just google in "domino games". You'll find a multitude of listings for them. You can purchase dominos over the internet or buy at such stores as Wal-Mart.

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Dominos

I thought that games involving dominos were a thing of the past. Given the fact that I really hadn't heard much about them since I was a little girl when Daddy and Granddad played them, I just thought that they were stuck somewhere in history. They loved to play Moon. Guess I was wrong about that one too. Some friends of ours invited us and another couple over to play the domino game, Chickenfoot, last Friday evening. Danley nor I had ever played dominos before that evening. Oh, I take that back. When I was little, I thought that they made dandy building blocks. LOL!

Anyway, learning the game was easy and a lot of fun. Maybe you and your family or friends would be interested in trying out some of the old and new domino games.

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

Don't forget that the family favorite, TANGLED, is playing at the Tribune Theatre this Saturday and Sunday, January 22nd and 23rd. Each showing begins at 7:30 CST. Tickets for people 12 and under cost $4.00 each. Everyone else pays $5.00 each. Stan and I are also looking forward to doing our part by working at the theatre on Sunday evening!

See you there!!!

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Fog

At 7:00 this morning, I received word that fog in our area at least as far as from Leoti to Ulysses is very thick. Be careful if you must be out on the roads.

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Round 2 at Johnson

Basketball action at the Stanton County High School Basketball Tournament begins tonight.

Thank you!

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Followers

I understand that several of you are having trouble whenever you try to sign is as a follower on my blog. Please know that at this time, I am trying to find out what is causing the problems so that you can sign on easily. For those of you who have already signed on, can you please tell me if you had any problems? Can you give others any advice on how to get on?

I would really appreciate it!

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Monday, January 17, 2011

California's Future Superstorm???

I just came across this article and thought that I would post it here. Pretty scary, if you ask me...


"A group of more than 100 scientists and experts say in a new report that California faces the risk of a massive "superstorm" that could flood a quarter of the state's homes and cause $300 billion to $400 billion in damage. Researchers point out that the potential scale of destruction in this storm scenario is four or five times the amount of damage that could be wrought by a major earthquake.

It sounds like the plot of an apocalyptic action movie, but scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey warned federal and state emergency officials that California's geological history shows such "superstorms" have happened in the past, and should be added to the long list of natural disasters to worry about in the Golden State.

The threat of a cataclysmic California storm has been dormant for the past 150 years. Geological Survey director Marcia K. McNutt told the New York Times that a 300-mile stretch of the Central Valley was inundated from 1861-62. The floods were so bad that the state capital had to be moved to San Francisco, and Governor Leland Stanford had to take a rowboat to his own inauguration, the report notes. Even larger storms happened in past centuries, over the dates 212, 440, 603, 1029, 1418, and 1605, according to geological evidence.


The risk is gathering momentum now, scientists say, due to rising temperatures in the atmosphere, which has generally made weather patterns more volatile.

The scientists built a model that showed a storm could last for more than 40 days and dump 10 feet of water on the state. The storm would be goaded on by an "atmospheric river" that would move water "at the same rate as 50 Mississippis discharging water into the Gulf of Mexico," according to the AP. Winds could reach 125 miles per hour, and landslides could compound the damage, the report notes.

Such a superstorm is hypothetical but not improbable, climate researchers warn. "We think this event happens once every 100 or 200 years or so, which puts it in the same category as our big San Andreas earthquakes," Geological Survey scientist Lucy Jones said in a press release.

Federal and state emergency management officials convened a conference about emergency preparations for possible superstorms last week. You can read the whole report here."

(A 2005 California storm: AP)

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Sunday, January 16, 2011

Deluxe Ingredient

Someone mentioned that they like the previous recipe that I just posted here with the extra ingredient that turns these from the original to the deluxe. That ingredient is cooked and crumbled hamburger. If you want to try the deluxe recipe, cook your hamburger with a bit of chopped onion just before serving. Fry your tortillas then allow everyone to put the pork mixture onto their tortilla, THEN spoon on the crumbled hamburger followed by cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.

Thank you, Deb, for mentioning this also! There are definitely people out there who LOVE the deluxe recipe!!!

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Popular Recipe in These Parts

This is a Mexican recipe that is quite popular around here. People from all over come to Southwest Kansas just so that they can order these at a VERY popular restaurant. A friend of mine just gave me her recipe for this. You might want to try it for yourselves and see how well it compares to the original. We're going to!!! I thought that the former residents of Kansas who now live in other parts of the world would appreciate getting this recipe so that they can eat these at other times than just when they are in Kansas.


3 pounds pork roast

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 chopped onion

2 chopped jalepenos (if you enjoy hot, hot food)
__________________________________________________________________
1 can Rotel

2 cans pork chili sauce

1 can crushed tomatoes
__________________________________________________________________


shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

shredded or finely chopped lettuce

chopped tomatoes

hot sauce (optional)

Place your raw roast into your crockpot. Add the onion, garlic powder and jalapenos if you want to use them. Cook until done. Using your spoon and fork, tear the roast apart until it is at the point that it can be put on tortillas--there should be no large pieces left that could choke anyone. Leave in crockpot.

Now, add your Rotel, chili sauce and can of crushed tomatoes. Cook the whole batch together all day OR all night until very tender and the flavors have mingled well. All day is sufficient if you will be eating it for your evening meal. If you will be serving it for lunch, let it cook all night.

When about ready to serve, fry your flour tortillas in a skillet with cooking oil of your choice. Set aside to drain any excess. Allow each person to garnish their tortilla and meat mixture with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. Have hot sauce available for anyone who might want to use it.

Enjoy!!!

Thank you, Amy, for sharing this with us!!! I am sure that many of us will be adding this recipe to our favorites!!!

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Trying to Sign In?

I have received email from people who are having a difficult time of getting added on as a follower to my blog. If you are one of those people, send your name and email address to me at slblaus@gmail.com so that we can get you on as soon as possible.

Thank you!!!

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Outstanding Accomplishment

Our nephew, Hunter Dane Carson, passed his Practicals Test and is now on his way to becoming a full-fledged EMT (emergency medical technician). Hunter is only 17-years-old!!! As soon as he is 18, he can be certified. His proud parents are Rob Carson of Leoti and Lona Sue Elder-Duvall of Garden City.

Hunter is a junior at Garden City High School.

His family could not be any prouder of him if we tried!!!

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

New Look

I have just made alterations to the look of my blog. I decided that it was about time we had some changes here. Hope you like the new look!

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New Rules

After writing my previous post a few minutes ago, I went into my settings to update my comment taking. I decided to try something a bit different than just blocking all comments. NOW, you can continue to leave your comments BUT ONLY IF you are signed in as a member of my blog. All of a sudden, I will know EXACTLY who you are and so will everyone else who reads your comments! You and I will then be on nice and level ground. You won't be able to hide your identity from now on.

Not already a member? The instructions are located here. Email me if you have any problems. I will talk you through it. An advantage as being a member is that an email will be sent directly to your email box alerting you that I have made a new post.

Hopefully, hurt feelings will be spared now. Until just the past couple of weeks, negative comments were at a minimum. It was nice when we all played nicely with one another. LOL!

As far as the old comments are concerned, they will remain in place for people to read when they read that particular post. Maybe someday, I will reconsider my decision on this matter and re-open the opportunity of non-members to leave comments. We'll just have to see how that plays out.

Thank you for joining me on the blog!

VLE-B

Future Comments

Today has been a day of anger, sadness and dismay at the hands of the people who read my blog and leave negative comments. Though I had thought of the majority of the people who read my blog as my friends, I now realize just how totally wrong I really was. Some of you are downright bloodthirsty.

You attacked me and my family. You even spoke total untruths about my daughters who mean the world to me. Saying what you did, did not only hurt and anger me, it also deeply hurt other people in my life. As a result of all of this, no one will be allowed to leave any kind of comment on this blog. If you want to go out and spew your untruths, your venom on others, go to other blogs. Better yet, why don't use enact your own blog so that others can come along and blast your writings with anger and hatred. I could say that I will do the same to yours as you did mine, but I refuse to lower myself to your level. I am the kind of person who believes in principals and morals. I detest seeing others hurt people. How that can be fun or pleasuarble in any way, shape or form, is totally beyond my comprehension. I've always heard and believed that there is no person out there who is capable of such cruelty than a child. Now, I wonder just how accurate that really is. For an adult to say anything so detrimental about children is just plain SICK!!!

Honestly, I have always enjoyed, to a certain degree, all of the comments that you have made to me via my blog. From now on, if you want to say something either for or against my writings, HAVE SOME GUTS!!! Send me an email, call me or come over and talk to me about it. It is sooo easy for me to read your comments of ridicule, feel piercing pain in my heart from what you wrote and yet have no idea who it is that thinks so very little of me. By dumping my ability to receive comments on my blog, I am leveling out the playing field. Now...you will have to face me directly to scorn me. Doesn't that sound a whole lot fairer to everyone concerned???

My contact information is always listed on my blog. You can email me at slblaus@gmail.com OR call me at 620-375-4584 or 620-376-8922.

I wholeheartedly expect and welcome those of you who think so little of me and my blog to discontinue coming to my blog. GREAT!!! Believe me, I will not miss you here!!! I only want the people who enjoy my blog and my character to continue reading what I write. My blog has allowed a good number of you and I to become friends that I otherwise would never have gotten to know otherwise. I am soooo thankful for you!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Lynn

Ruby Lee Mulch--Garden City

(November 23, 1932 - January 12, 2011)


Ruby Lee Mulch, age 78, died Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Medicalodge Nursing Center in Dewey, Oklahoma. She was born November 23, 1932 in Hutchinson, Kansas the daughter of Karl and Caroline Seitnater Kemper. She was raised in Garden City, Kansas and later graduated from Garden City Community College with her Associates Degree in Business. She had lived in various places before returning to Garden City, Kansas where she worked as a bookkeeper for Kemper Electric and had recently moved to Dewey, Oklahoma to be closer to her daughter.

Ruby was a member of the Episcopal faith and was interested in politics, news and keeping up on current events. Her family always came first but she also loved her cats, Mr. Daisy & Boots

On December 30, 1951 she married Lowell Everett Mulch in Raton, New Mexico. He died July 19, 2010 in Garden City, Kansas.

Survivors Include:

One Daughter, Cindy (& Gary) Deckinger of Coffeyville, Kansas; One Grandson, Todd Deckinger of Long Beach, California; One Brother, Sam Kemper of Garden City, Kansas and One Sister, Cathy (& David) Scott of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Brian Mulch and a brother, Gilbert “Gib” Kemper.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas.

Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Doctors Without Borders in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.



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

VLE-B