Thursday, June 30, 2011

Explanation

Last night, I wrote a lengthy post of another blog moment that I had last night. Though I had attempted to publish it, most of it was somehow deleted. I am busy right now but I will get back to that very soon. I apologize for this.

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Another Blog Moment

I have debated whether or not to share this with you. Ultimately, I decided to write it on here. Plenty of people were downtown when this happened so there were plenty of witnesses. I might as well tell you what had happened.

As you know, it has been HORRIBLY hot here. My heart problem has really been keeping me indoors for the past few days. The Buick needed some gas so I waited until 10:00 to take it to the convenience store. Fortunately, Leighlyn wanted to go with me. I drove up to the fuel pumps, turned off the car and attempted to exit the car. Stupidly, I, once again, parked too close to the pumps. But I was determined to

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Rocks

We are looking for rocks of any kind and color. If you know of any that need to be removed from where they are now, please leave a comment here, send an email to slblaus@gmail.com or call us at 375.4584 or 376.8922.

Thank you!!!

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Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

The dog days of summer have just begun. It is important that we know the symptoms to look for when we or someone else has been subjected to extreme heat.

When to Seek Medical Care
As with all other medical problems, a doctor should be called if you are not sure what is wrong, if you do not know what to do for the problem, or if the person is not responding to what you are doing for them.

Call a doctor for heat exhaustion if the person is unable to keep fluids down or if their mental status begins to deteriorate. Symptoms of this are shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain may indicate that the heat exhaustion is accompanied by more serious medical problems.

Suspected heat stroke is a true, LIFE-THREATENING medical emergency. Call for an ambulance and request information as to what to do until the ambulance arrives.

A person with suspected heat stroke (sun stroke) should always go to the hospital (or call for an ambulance) at once.

For heat exhaustion, a person should go to the hospital if any of the following are present:

1. Loss of consciousness, confusion, or delirium

2. Chest or abdominal pain

3. Inability to drink fluids

4. Continuous vomiting

5. Body temperature is more than 104 F (40 C)

6. Temperature that is rising despite attempts to cool the person

People who have ever had heat exhaustion or heat strokes have told me that they find that their ability to take extreme heat is worse than before. Be careful!!!

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Red Flag Warning

continues to be in effect until 6:00 p.m. tomorrow. Be careful with fire.

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Western Kansas Forecast

It is really cooling off out there! At 7:15, it is just 103 degrees outside. I hope that you are able to stay indoors and hope that your air conditioning systems are working well. We, people, who have various health issues need to make sure that we remain cool. If you need to stay with friends, family or in the motel, please do. Every year, our extreme heat kills many people. Don't be the next statistic.

The first number will be the forecast high for Northwest Kansas. The second number is for Southwest Kansas. Wichita County is in the central portion of Western Kansas. We should be somewhere in between those highs.

Thursday:
105/108

Friday:
97/109

Saturday:
100/106

Sunday:
103/106

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Enchilada Sale

You have until tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon to order your enchiladas that will be ready to eat on Friday, July 1st. And just think, your kitchen won't be heated up after cooking in these extra hot temperatures...

Meat and cheese: $15.00

Cheese: $17.00

Onions can be added at no cost.

Call Amanda Rodriquez-Altman at 620.355.1741. You can call her mom, Lupe, at 375.2028.

FYI, the Altmans have purchased the former Margaret Kirk home right next door to the fairgrounds. Their house will not be difficult to find.

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Leoti's Fuel Prices

I am happy to report that both of our local convenience stores have dropped their prices on fuel again. One dropped the price on unleaded gas to $3.51 per gallon! It has been a long time since we've seen prices on fuel toppling down so quickly. Not long ago, people in Wichita County were paying $3.89 plus per gallon. Some people had actually been paying a full $4.00 for their gas. I am positive that our farmers who are in harvest right now, are happy to see the price reduction.

I've been told that fuel prices in Eastern Kansas are lower than they are in Western Kansas.

Lets just hope that this trend continues. The price of automobile fuel will mean the difference between some families going on vacation or staying home this summer.

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Cool Down!!!

Wow! Just 30 minutes ago, it was 108 degrees outside. Now, at 3:20, the temperature has dropped to 107! Major cool down out there, folks! LOL!!!

Remember last winter when you complained about the cold?

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Just singing that little tune makes you feel cooler.

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Wichita County Free Fair

is going to be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th. Each ticket for the carnival rides will cost 25 cents and each ride only requires ONE ticket!!! Many other events will take place at the fair besides the carnival. Look for me to post all of those events as soon as I receive the pamphlet on them.

If you are coming in from out of town and have not found any lodging yet, please send me an email at slblaus@gmail.com or leave me a comment here and I will get that information to you right away!

Hope to see you there!!!

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Help Needed???

It is almost July already. Remember all of those projects that you decided you were going to finish this summer? Time is burning away so you might want to get to those as soon as possible.

Adam Blau is available right now to work on your plumbing, sheet rock, interior and exterior painting, cement work, landscaping, mowing... You name it and he can probably do it for you at very reasonable rates. The only thing that he cannot do is electrical work. Plus, he has great references from the people whom he has already worked for!

Give him a call at 620.874.8216. He lives in Scott City but is very willing to leave the county to work.

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Sea Squirts

Sea Squirts Life Jackets Offer A Fun & Functional Twist To Family Water Safety.

www.opacove.com

(Eugene, Oregon) – It is a uniquely designed swimming product that
creatively combines unsurpassed safety, comfort and fun all in one. Sea
Squirts are life jackets created to look like
different types of fish and mammals in the sea. The Sea Squirts design
includes a first-of-its-kind flexible fin on the back of each vest. That
patent-pending technology of the fun fin is not only entertaining for kids
as they splash and swim, it is strong enough to be grabbed, while also
holding the jacket neck, to pluck a little one out of the water in an
emergency situation.

Unfortunately more than 900 children drown each year in the United Sates. It’s the second-leading cause of unintentional death among children 1 to 14. In the case of drowning deaths from boating accidents, 90% of the victims were not wearing life jackets. That’s why it’s so important to carry life jackets that kids want to wear.

Until now, all children’s life jackets were designed as one-size-fits-all
and therefore had oversized arm holes. As a result, an uncomfortable groin
strap buckled between the child’s legs had to be used to keep the life
jacket from bobbing over the child’s face. That discomfort can often lead to a child removing the vest and creating a drowning danger. Opa Cove has
created three different life jacket sizes with varying armhole sizes – a
solution that please kids and parents alike. Now the buoyancy of the life
jacket is carried under the child’s arms instead of between the legs.

Sea Squirts come in several creative choices including: Clownfish, Great
White Shark, Pink Dolphin, Blue Dolphin, and Killa Whale -- with new models in the works. The patented Sea Squirts fun fish designs are kid-tested and parent-approved. The life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard certification.

The Sea Squirts product are fabricated with quality materials such as
neoprene outer shells, durable zippers & buckles, and they come with fun
fish character logos on the front that identify the fish design that the
products resemble. Sea Squirts become the favorite dress up toy for fun at the beach, pool, or even at bath time.

The Sea Squirts life jackets are Coast Guard certified as a Type III
Personal Flotation Device, ski vest or wake-boarding vest.
“We like to call it the best ‘fin-vestment’ you can make to keep kids safe
and happy in the water,” says Opa Cove President Richard Barbis. “The great thing about this product is that in the child’s mind they are not wearing it because they have to wear a life jacket or are learning to be stronger swimmers, but because they believe they are a shark or a whale or whatever fish design they are wearing.”

Sea Squirts Life Jackets:
MSRP $69.95 -- Street $49.95
The products are available at www.opacove.com .

Thank you, Todd, for sending this to us!

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6 Extraordinary 4th of July Free Shipping Deals

Hi Lynne,
Before you start making the potato salad or hanging the red, white and blue streamers, you might want to do a little online shopping. There are lots of good deals on the 4th of July, but we've picked out some that offer extra-special free shipping deals. Check them out at www.FreeShipping.org.

1. Kohl's
Free shipping on orders of $75 or more with the free shipping code SHOPNSHIP.

2. Macy's
Free shipping on orders of $99, plus 15% off your order.

3. Sears
Free shipping on orders of $99 or more with the free shipping code JULY4SHIP.

4. 6pm
Free 2-day shipping on orders of $100 or more. (offer starts on Fri, July 1).

5. REI
Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

6. JJill
Free shipping on orders of $100 with the free shipping code BEACH1.


Please feel free to share "6 Extraordinary 4th of July Free Shipping Offers" with your audience.

Thank you, Cailyn!

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Coleslaw Straight From Texas

1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix

1/2 cup chopped fresh

2 cans (11 ounces each) Green Giant® Mexicorn® whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons lime or lemon juice

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt


1. Toss coleslaw mix, cilantro and corn in very large (4-quart) bowl. Place oil, lime juice, cumin and salt in tightly covered container; shake well. Pour over coleslaw mixture; toss.

2. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours to blend flavors.

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Old-Fashioned Potato Salad (Gluten-Free)

Wouldn't this be good for the 4th of July? A tangy dressing makes this potato salad better than deli salad.


6 medium potatoes, peeled (2 pounds)

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing

1 tablespoon white or cider vinegar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

2 medium celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)

4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped

2 tablespoons sugar (optional)


1 Heat 1 inch water (salted if desired) to boiling in 3-quart saucepan. Add potatoes. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cook 30 to 35 minutes or until tender; drain. Cool slightly; cut into cubes.

2 Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper (sugar if you want to use it) in large glass or plastic bowl. Add potatoes, celery and onion; toss. Stir in eggs. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours until chilled.


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Beautiful People

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen"

Author unknown

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God's Rules

Rules from God for 2011
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7

3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen.. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!... To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!... Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6

God answers prayers.

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Fire Weather Watch

Last Monday, we received more than 3 inches of rain in Leoti. Today, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for much of Western Kansas including Wallace, Logan, Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Kearney and Finney Counties. Fires could erupt at any time between now and 7:00 p.m., CST on Thursday. Strong winds and low relative humidity are responsible for this warning.

Please be careful with anything flammable at this time. Simple backfiring of vehicles can cause major fires.

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Current Suicide Bombings Underway

This was just sent to me from CBS News with Diane Sawyer. It is extremely troubling news and even more so since we have at least one soldier from Leoti serving in Afghanistan. I ask for many prayers to be sent up. Thank you! VLE-B

Kabul Hotel Under Attack By Suicide Bombers
Intercontinental Popular With Westerners, Attack Still Underway

By NICK SCHIFRIN (@nickschifrin)
June 28, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan

In one of the most significant attacks in Afghanistan in the past few years, insurgents have hit a landmark Kabul hotel popular with foreigners with as many as 6 suicide bombers and gunmen, according to police.

At least one suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to the Intercontinental Hotel, and the attack is still ongoing. At least four explosions have been heard and gunfire continues.

A police official says there are at least 3 attackers, but the number could be double that. An Afghan news agency is reporting that at least 10 people have died, but that figure has not been independently confirmed.

It's not known if there was a particular target staying at the hotel, which sits on a hill above the city, or if the target was the hotel itself. The attack occurred while guests were having dinner and power to the hotel and the entire surrounding neighborhood has now been cut. Police have cordoned off streets leading to the hotel.

The Intercontinental Hotel is the most famous hotel in Afghanistan and one of the icons of Kabul, where many Westerners and Afghan officials stay and hold meetings.

Great Discovery

Social networks such as FACEBOOK are double edged swords. In some ways, they can be negative but in other ways, they can be quite positive. I have enjoyed finding and being found by people from my past. Many of my relatives and friends from yesterday and long, long ago have been discovered on FB. I found one person just last night.

I started high school in the fall of 1976. New to our school that year was an outstanding vocal music teacher. This was one of those teachers whom reached into you and pulled out every square inch of talent you had buried deep within you. He was just an amazing person. His first year here was just the beginning for how many students would want to be a part of his program in Wichita County. People knew that vocal music was not just a lazy boy (or girl's) class anymore. If you were signed up for vocal music, you were going to work. If you slouched, you heard about it. For the 4 years that I spent in his classroom, each class became larger than the year before it. We had well over 100 people in this classroom! I realize that some of you are probably snickering about the size of this class. For those of you, your towns and schools are probably considerably larger than Leoti's. In Leoti, that meant that well over half of our high school's population was enrolled in vocal music. Outstanding.

We produced great programs that our audiences craved. We also put on the most amazing musicals that were played to "sell-out" crowds. Our auditorium is quite large but more chairs had to be brought in to seat everyone who wanted to watch and listen. We always performed on a Friday and Saturday in November. Many times, people who came and watched on Friday, would return on Saturday just because the performance was so great.

Our teacher, whose name I am not mentioning here without his consent, had no problem convincing the Board of Education that we needed to take our show on the road for the last 3 years I was in high school. It took 2 big buses to take us to schools in Oklahoma and Kansas. We showed what we had to the students there and always recieved rave reviews from them. One year, we even performed for the Larned Mental Health Hospital. I think that we probably helped the patients there considerably.

Our teacher put his all into everything that he did. There were times, we feared he would have a stroke or heart attack. By the end of some of our performances and practices, his clothes would just be soaked from his perspiration. Because of his hard work that he put into all of this, many of our students went on to college with great scholarships in their hands.

Unfortunately, no matter how much he worked and tried to get great music out of us, it just wasn't a possibility. Some of us, plainly and simply, just had no musical talent. Hmmm...one of those few people was ME. Case in point, I remember one day in particular. We were practicing on the auditorium stage. Whenever we practiced there, we were close to putting on a public program of some sort. Mr. S. would be very keyed-up at that point because he wanted to deliver the greatest music performance--ever. He had gotten upset a few times with the Alto section for being offkey. I was an alto and decided to get everyone straightened out. LOL! To the girls around me, I suggested that they listen to me. I would sing even louder than normal so that they could get the idea of how we all needed to be singing. (I thought that I was an extremely talented musician--back then.) Ha! Ha! So the girls around me began just moving their lips for one song so that they could hear me and do better from that point on. LOL!!!!!!!!! Mr. S. waved his baton for all to quit singing. When everyone was quiet, he demanded that Elder (me) needed to just move my lips and let everyone else sing because I was horribly out of key. Mercy me! And here I had thought that I was gifted....... Ha! Ha! Looking back, that is absolutely one of my most memorable moments in high school.

Mr. S. wound up being one of my absolute favorite teachers during my entire 13 years of school. He was just one of those teachers who gave it his all and the students loved him for it. Mr. S. is now teaching in Eastern Kansas and I am sure that he is still putting on amazing performances back there.

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2 Mornings=2 Headaches

Normally, I am a person who has very few headaches which is fantastic. I have known so many people who are plagued with the worst of headaches, migraines, so I feel very fortunate. But yesterday and today, I awakened with the dog gone things. In my case, they should not last for very long.

When I stop and think about it, it is remarkable that headaches don't greet me every morning. Why? Because most of my headaches are brought on by my seizures. I know this to be a fact.

I had not one single seizure until August of 1981. I had gone to our local grocery store to purchase food and awakened in the hospital. Since then, I have had hundreds, if not thousands of them. Fortunately, our Dear Lord has blessed us with scientests who do wonderful research and doctors who know what medicines to give to us for practically every ailment out there.

One of the MANY prescription drugs I take every day is just for seizure control. Since 1981, I have taken several anti-seizure drugs but none worked nearly as well as the one that I have been taking for the past 8 years. A few seizures still manage to break through but not like they would be without medication. My neurologist who is an AMAZING doctor from Denver, decided to do a 48-hour EEG on me about a year after he prescribed this drug from me. The results shocked him (and me). He had never seen anything like that. Even though I am medicated against seizures, I still have about one hundred of them every night while I sleep. Can you imagine that??? Most of them never wake me up. Given the fact that I have one right after the other, you would think that I would wake up all night long and in the morning with headaches but I do not.

There is nothing that can be done about it. This drug is the best anti-seizure drug that I have ever taken and I cannot take any other anti-seizure drugs with it. Besides, the way that I look at it, is if most of my seizures occur after I am asleep and don't seem to cause me any problems during that time, why should I do anything different?

Someday a cure might be found for my disease that has brought on my seizures and heart problems. Please forgive me for not writing the disease here right now. I always butcher its spelling. Anyway, it causes aneurisyms. One was already produced in my heart. I continue to have CT Scans to look for more that are capable of being produced anywhere in my body from my knees to the top of my head. So far, this disease has only affected my heart and brain.

Very little research is done on this disease because so very few of us in the world actually have it. A cure in my lifetime will probably never happen but I am going to do my part in helping others who have it. When I die, my body will be donated to science for the research of this disease. Like Daddy said when he made the choice to donate his body, if he could save just one person from going through what he did, donating his body would be well worth it. I always recommend that others donate their bodies to science especially those who have rare disorders.

Aren't you just thrilled that I decided to share all of this with you this morning???

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Monday, June 27, 2011

Information Regarding Texting and Driving

In light of the recent news that Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY4), a victim of a texting while driving accident and a former nurse who has made public health and safety a hallmark of her tenure in Congress, has announced new federal legislation that would create a single national standard prohibiting the use of handheld mobile devices while driving.


Facts to note:

13 states have no laws addressing handheld voice calls: Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Ten states have no laws addressing texting while driving: Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and South Dakota.

Eight states have no laws whatsoever limiting the use of cell phones while driving, whether for voice calls or texting: Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and South Dakota.


Link to News Story: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/06/23/5594886.htm

The Last Word can be viewed here: www.textthelastword.com

Best,
Danielle


Danielle Mayer • Glodow Nead Communications • San Francisco • New York • Singapore


Thank you, Danielle, for sending this to us!!!

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

KUNG FU PANDA 2 will be playing at the Star Theatre in Tribune on Saturday and Sunday, July 2nd and 3rd, and will also be the afternoon matinee on Monday, the 4th. (More information on that on "Special 4th of July Lunch.) Each evening performance will begin at 8:30 CST. More information at the bottom of this post.

Synopsis: Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. He must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origin...

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Kids/Family, Animation and Sequel

Running Time: 1 hr. 31 min.

Release Date: May 27th, 2011 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence.

Distributors: DreamWorks Animation

Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen

Adults, 13 and older: $5.00
Children, 4 through 12: $4.00
Birth through 3-years-old: F-R-E-E

Refreshments are always very fairly priced also.

Our family is looking forward to running the theatre on Saturday evening! Hope to see you then!!!

The following weekend's movie will be HANGOVER 2. More information on that later.

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New Daily Deal Websites

We're all familiar with the standard coupons that continue to go strong, particularly since the inception of websites that make thousands of downloadable coupons available free of charge.

However the new daily deal websites like Groupon and LivingSocial have crossed over into uncharted coupon territory. Many claim these vouchers are no different than gift cards, yet they're subject to few or none of the same regulations.

How Gift Cards Changed
In case you missed it, federal gift card regulations underwent significant changes in 2010. Issuers now can't charge inactivity fees until one year after purchase, gift cards may not expire for five years, and information about fees and expiration dates must be printed clearly on the card.

Complaints About Group Buying Vouchers
In essence, a daily deal voucher works the same as a gift card. They both have an established, prepaid amount that can only be used on products from specific merchants. However, daily deal coupons vary widely in expiration dates and don't have set sales tax procedures, potentially putting the services in violation of several state laws. To save money it may be safer to purchase gift cards at a discount from sites such as GiftCardGranny.com.

The Responsible Party
Who's responsible when issues arise with your deal-of-the-day? There seems to be a disconnect between the issuer and the merchant. Technically, it's good for business when vouchers expire or go unclaimed. Businesses don't have to provide the goods and services, but still make money.
Groupon does send emails notifying customers their coupons will expire soon. Also, there are numerous stories of group-buying giants refunding money when merchants go out of business.

A Need For Uniformity
Since daily deals are new on the scene, more time is needed to see where responsibility for legal compliance lies. One popular solution is for deal providers to educate small businesses on local laws and regulations, since they're equipped with significantly more legal resources. This would help provide a uniform standard for consumers until the feds catch up.
In the meantime, read up on the deal-makers terms of service. It'll provide you with the nitty-gritty details of what can be expected if your offer goes awry.

Read more about group buying in the post "Daily Deal Strategies: 8 Tips to Get More From Group-Buying Sites."
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As a media expert source, Andrea has been featured on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. To view recent interviews or get more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com.

Thank you, Andrea!

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Mary Rose Blau-Billinger--Scott City, Leoti and Tribune

Mary R. Billinger - Scott City
(July 14, 1931 - June 21, 2011)

Sign Guest Book | Send Private Condolences | Send Flowers | Send Sympathy Card

Mary R. Billinger, 79, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. She was born on July 14, 1931 in Logan County, Kansas, the daughter of William and Gladys Marie Couch Blau. A resident of Scott City, Kansas since 1995 moving from California, she was retired from the medical supply manufacturing field.

Her memberships include the Community Christian Church of Scott City, Kansas and the VFW Auxiliary of Leoti, Kansas.

On December 22, 1969 she married Clarence A. Billinger in Littleton, Colorado. He passed away on January 17, 1978 in Anaheim, California.

Survivors Include One Son - Timothy Blau of Pauma Valley, California, One Daughter - Kimberly Billinger of Scott City, Kansas, Three Sisters - Della Heinitz of Leoti, Kansas, Maxine Peterson of Scott City, Kansas, Betty Elder of Tribune, Kansas, One Grandson - Harley Kingan of Scott City, Kansas, Two Granddaughters - Katherine & Travis McCue of Scott City, Kansas, Daylin Anderson of San Bernardino, California and One Great Granddaughter - Kassady McCue of Scott City, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Four Brothers – Rodney, Orville, Bill and Jim, and Two Sisters – Ruby & Dorothy.


Memorial Services withCommunity Christian Church in Scott City, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2011 with Troy Schroeder presiding.

Inurnment will be held in the Leoti Cemetery in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Community Christian Church of Scott City or Leoti VFW % Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas


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

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Robert V. Mulch--Scott City

Robert V. Mulch, age 70, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2011, at the Scott County Hospital. He was born May 22, 1941, at Scott City, Kansas, the son of Vernon and Atha (Miller) Mulch. A lifetime resident of Scott City, Kansas, he served the Scott City community for 20 years as the Municipal Judge.

He was a 1959 graduate of Scott Community High School, Scott City, KS. He initially attended Fort Hays State University for two years and then Washburn University for two years graduating in 1963 with a political science degree. He then went on to attend Washburn University Law School and graduated with his law degree in 1966. After college he was employed by the U.S. State Department and traveled the world visiting 35 countries. He was an Eagle Scout involved with scouting his entire live. He also served as the President of the Kansas Rural Center. He was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church, Scott City.

On July 4, 1981, he married Glenda Ann Roderick in Wichita, Kansas. She passed away on November 7, 1998 in Scott City, Kansas.

Survivors include: one daughter, Aimee Wilson and husband Kevin, Wichita, KS; three sons, Jason Biggs, Enid, OK, Morgan Mulch and wife Becky, Denver, CO, Evan Mulch and wife Jennifer, Cincinnati, OH; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and grandson Devin Wilson.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Carter officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Scott Community Foundation in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home in Scott City, Kansas.


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

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Happy Wedding Day

to Jeanette Tucke and Dennis Miller who made it official today! We wish you and your family great years ahead of you!!! God bless all of you!

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Skunk Alert

For the past two weeks, we have been smelling goody, goody, skunk drops, as my Daddy used to call it. So far, we have not seen any skunks. If you have smelled or seen them, call the people at City Hall and let them know. They may need to set up skunk traps. I, for one, am not offended by the odor. I am concerned about the rabies that so many of them carry.

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What's Next???

In the past couple of weeks, we have discovered that we have some major leaks in our roof, someone has keyed our van doors, our garden pond is full of smelly sludge, our central air could be doing a bit better job of cooling the house... Then today, we discovered that our TV which is less than 5 years old, is ruined and will never work again.

Wonder what is awaiting us around the next corner...

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Special 4th of July Lunch

As you know, money is being raised to purchase a digital projector for the Star Theatre. One fundraiser will be held on Monday, July 4th, from 11-1:00 MST (noon to 2:00 CST). A hot dog lunch which includes a hot dog, bag of chips and a drink will just cost you $2.00! Additional hot dogs can be purchased for just $1.00 each. The lunch will be held at the Tribune VFW which is right next door to the theatre.

After the lunch, walk next door to the theatre where a matinee of KUNG FU PANDA 2 will be shown at 2:00 CST.

Come on out and have a fun time!

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Did You Make Your Bed This Morning???

According to the Summer 2011 edition of REMEDY magazine, you are 19% more likely to have a good night's rest if you did. So, my recommendation is that our bed is made every morning.

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The Fourth of July

Before I go into any details, know that I LOVE and am VERY proud of these good ol' states here. That is why I become angered when I hear of our citizens talking down about the U.S. It is also why we fly our stars and stripes outside 365 days a year.

But.......even though I appreciate our country and would never want to live anywhere else fulltime, I dread the 4th of July every year. Doesn't make any sense that a person who loves and respects their country would not also appreciate it's birthday, huh? Here is my explanation. I hate listening to all of the bombs and firecrackers. I worry about the prospect of people being hurt by them. I worry that fires will be flared..... Even just the picnics that go along with that holiday turn me way off. Maybe if we were in a location other than the hot state of Kansas, I would enjoy them more.

As I watched the noon edition of the CBS news, I heard that Salina, Kansas will be allowing fireworks there this year for the first time in DECADES. They have some strict laws that I really liked and would like to see implemented in Leoti. The ONLY times that it is lawful to fire off any fireworks is from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the 3rd and 4th. Now that would be something that I would find appealing. I tend to think that a lot of dogs, cats and other animals would like that a lot better, too. LOL!!! Unfortunately, my thoughts are probably only what the minority of us would like so I guess that I better just get used to going with the flow...

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New Project

The weather is nice now (part of the time anyway). LOL! So I am ready to begin stripping off the enamel from the top of our dining room table. I REALLY made a mistake when I decided to cover the top of it with black enamel. I had seen this done many times on HGTV. People leave the legs, etc underneath the table in a wood finish but the top is painted. I liked the look! I liked it sooo well that I used it on our dining room table and on the tops of our coffee and end tables in the living room. I forgot to notice just one leetle thing. Most of the houses where this technique was being used was in contemporary styled homes and businesses. Our home is very traditionally styled.

So...sometime this week, the work will begin on the dining room table. That is where you come in. I need some advice. Enamel paint provides a harder shell than regular paints which is great whenever you are using it on furniture but it probably makes its removal more difficult. Am I right about that? Always before, I have used a great varnish and paint gel remover named Citrastrip. It is the orange gel that smells just like fresh oranges. It is not the least bit offensive. I have always been very impressed with its work. If you follow the directions and allow it to sit as long as is recommended, the paint and/or varnish come off smoothly and quickly. I have never used it on enamel though. Have you? I would really appreciate your feedback on this! Is there a better way to remove enamel? I also have an electric sander that I can use in stubborn areas.

Please send any of your tips to me at slblaus@gmail.com or leave a comment here. I REALLY appreciate your help on this!!!

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Update on the Homeless Couple in Leoti

Last week I mentioned that I was asking for some help for this couple. To my knowledge, none was given but someone may have contacted them directly. Anyway, they have chosen to move on. I wish them well.

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New Office on Main Street

For as long as I can remember, the former Hartloff Law Office was always beautiful but was one of those buildings that never seemed to change. I am not complaining. Some of our best buildings are gorgeous but always remain the same. For example, the White House in Washington D.C. We never turn on the evening news and hear that an architect and designers have been hired to re-vamp the stately old building. We never hear that they are discussing what new colors will be used for the body, trimwork and shutters, do we? No, of course not.

Liz Gould purchased the building a few months ago from the Hartloff Estate and practically immediately went to work making it her very own. New roofing has been done, the front door was taken out and a gorgeous door with a decorative glass center was hung in its place. Last Wednesday, the windows that she had ordered finally made it in. They were promptly inserted. I am ASSUMING that all of the energy has been shifted indoors.

We drove by her new accounting office late enough last night that we were able to see inside. The paint colors that she has chosen are just divine! I know that when everything is finished, we are all going to be very, VERY favorably impressed!

I try to post the buildings' on Main Street and Broadway's updates that provide better curb appeal. These property owners are investing some pretty nickels to achieve these looks and I think they deserve a pat on the back. They make a prettier town for all of us to live in PLUS they invite others to come to Leoti, have a cup of coffee and take a look around our fair town. When we are all working on our own business' and home's curb appeal, we are providing more reasons for people from other areas to want to move to a better life in Leoti.

Leoti has a wonderful health system, a great school connection and is one of the few communities in the nation right now that has an abundance of employment opportunities. Thank you, John and Liz, for doing your part in Leoti! They live in their very own park in far eastern Leoti and have really spruced up their office building on Main Street.

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Don't Forget to Get These Ordered!!!

If you have not already called Amanda about ordering her DELICIOUS cheese or meat and cheese enchiladas, you need to get that done before Thursday evening. She'll be cooking them on Friday and they'll be ready for you that evening. You can pick them up then or she will deliver them to people in Leoti. All of the information is posted in one of Friday's posts.

Thank you!!!

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Mercedes for Sale

There is a beautiful 4-door Mercedes waiting just for YOU in Scott City, Kansas right now. There is a mechanical problem though that you will need to fix. If you are interested in this gem, please call 620.874.8216. This is priced to sell VERY soon!

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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Scott City Prairie Antiques

Yesterday morning, we had some business that needed to be done in Scott City so all four of us drove over there. When we left home, we anticipated that we would be returning in about 1 1/2 hours. We had no idea that we would be stepping back into history while we were in Scott City...

We had finished our business and were on our way home when we decided that we would check out a business there that we had heard great things about from friends of ours. I am referring to Scott City Prairie Antiques which is located at 704 West 5th (West highway 96). This is the former Watkins Farm Supply Store. A beautiful lady named Robin owns the antique store. She is also affiliated with Leoti's new antique store on Main Street that is owned by Loretta Riddiough and Jana DeLissa.

Many stores and shops of this nature often lose my interest quickly as soon as I walk in and feel like the walls are going to close in on me. LOL! This shop was WONDERFUL! Though there were many antiques, etc to look at, they were set up just beautifully and spaced out so that there was plenty of space for people to walk around in.

There were beautiful and very old furniture, jewelry, knick knacks, dishes, china, exquisite silverware... Most were in excellent condition or just required minimal repairs. All were priced very competitively. We were just shocked at the fantastic prices! We ended up spending about 2 hours there! Robbin was so very knowledgable about the items and had such great ideas for displaying them at home, etc.

One thing that I have learned in my adult life is that a lot of younger adults think that new furniture, knick knacks, etc are always the best way to go. I imagine that we have gotten that idea because many of us received hand-me down furniture, etc as soon as we moved out of our parents' homes or got married. Those things may not have exactly been in the style that we would have appreciated at the time. So, our goal was to make enough money so that we could go out and buy the NEW stuff. I admit that I had the same viewpoints on the matter. My grandparents gave us a bunch of their furniture, antiques, curtains, bedspreads, etc when we were first married. How I wish that we had all of that back today! I am happy to say that we have retained the major amount of those articles. My grandmather had excellent sense and flare. Much of what they gave to us 30 years ago, still look great today.

Anyway, new furniture and products lack a certain something that only older items possess--history and character. Whenever I look at an antique, I like to remember the times when it was built and used.

If you are interested in meeting Robbin and seeing all that she has to offer, I want you to know that her shop is open 7 days a week from 1-7:00 pm., CST. If you have any questions, etc, please call her at 620.704.6306.
Tell her that Lynn sent ya'!

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Your Vote is Necessary

A survey was recently passed around to Greeley County residents in reference to the Star Theatre. The theatre's board members were interested in what could be done to increase the great popularity of their theatre. Some made various recommendations to the board. Here are the major recommendations:

1. The addition of a third night for the movies to be shown. The two nights most people were interested in were Thursday or Friday.

2. Some people thought that having a year-round opening time of 7:00 MST/8:00 CST would be best.

If my family and I were to vote today, we would vote in favor of having movies on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We would also go along with a year-round starting time of 8:00 CST.

Now, I would greatly appreciate it if you would send me your ideas to slblaus@gmail.com . I will then pass that information on to the Board. If you prefer, you can visit with the following people:

The Star Theatre Board of Directors

Diane Gentry, Chairperson
Howard Gibson, Vice-Chairperson
Bridgit Bockwinkel
Christy Hopkins
Jonathan Liu
Mark Rine
Monica Veleta

Your opinions really DO count!

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Garden City's Highway Project

For the past couple of years, this project that included a much-needed overpass has been a bit annoying to many of us. Well, we were down there last night and discovered that it is all but completed!!! The painting of the highway stripes (and maybe some traffic lights)was all that seemed to need to be finished. And let me tell you, it was well worth the mess and fuss! I cannot imagine that anyone would be disappointed in this finished project.

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Friday, June 24, 2011

Barbed Wire

Just wanted to let you know that we received a phone call just a few minutes ago from a lady who has some of it for us. We'll be picking it up sometime this weekend.

Thank you!!!

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Happy Birthday, Huntman!!!

18 years ago today, Daddy, Mama, Adam, Lori and I were waiting in the Tribune Hospital for Hunter Dane Carson to make his first appearance. Oh, did I forget to mention that his parents, Rob and Lona Sue, were also there somewhere? LOL! I will never ever forget tooking at Daddy's face with tears running down it when we heard Hunter's first cry. What an absolutely beautiful moment in time.

Life hasn't always been the easiest for our Hunter. Just before his 1st birthday, he was very seriously burned. The accident almost took him away from us forever. For the next month, Hunter lived in the Burn Unit in Wichita. What a joy it was when we got to bring him home!!!!!!!

Hunter will graduate from the Garden City High School next December or January. He is already taking college courses that will enable to get him out where he wants to be even sooner--in the medical field. He has completed his study with emergency medical services. He has passed all of his testing on the various techniques that he needs to do as a paramedic. Now he needs to go to Hays where he will take his final written test. He is also considering getting his nursing degree so that he can be a life flight nurse. If it had not been for the fine Wichita County EMS staff and the life flight nurses, he would not have been here today.

Hunter has been employed by Jones Construction for the past couple of weeks. He has been helping to move the playground equipment from the old school to the new school.

His Uncle Leif Christensen is an absolutely unbelievable uncle! Today, he called us to the grade school playground for "pinata (not coffee) break". Leif surprised Hunter with a pinata hanging from the Bobcat. Leif tied a piece of CAUTION tape around Hunter's eyes. Hunter had to swing and swing at the pinata with a baseball bat until it finally broke in half and candy went everywhere. Hunter loved it!!!

Happy Birthday, Huntman!!! We love you!!!

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Enchilada Sale in Progress

Folks, if you like enchiladas, you're gonna absolutely L-O-V-E these!!! You can choose from beef and cheese or just cheese. Onions are also added in at NO extra cost if you want them. Amanda Rodriquez-Altman will be selling these next Friday, July 1st. Your orders need to be in to her by the afternoon of June 30th (Thursday). By the way, Amanda's family recently purchased a house in Leoti. It'll be much easier to meet up with her now.

Prices:

Dozen Meat and Cheese: $15.00

Dozen Cheese: $17.00

You can call Amanda at 620.355.1741 OR call her mother, Lupe, at 620.375.2028.

These are the best, People!!!

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Barbed Wire

We are in need of just a bit of used barbed wire. If you have some that we could buy from you, please call us at 620.874.0698 or 620.376.8922. You can also email us at slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

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Explanation

I guess that I need to apologize for last night's post about "Dumbest". Seems as if someone thought that what I wrote was in poor taste. Honestly, I thought that the person on the mini bike was carrying out some kind of a joke. At least one of you thought that he was probably really heading somewhere and this was not a joke of some kind.

Again, I am sorry.

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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Christmas in July

If you are a quilter, (or want to be one), I recommend that you go to

www.prairieflowerquilts.com

to learn more about the following:

Christmas In July events - it's bigger and better than ever spanning 2 weeks!

Unwrapping Party Kick Off - Saturday, July 9, 10 a.m.

Christmas In July Project

The Whole Country Caboodle Trunk Show

12 Days of Christmas - 12 great deals

Customer Appreciation Giveaway - Saturday, July 23, 2 p.m.
Happy Quilting-

Belinda, Deb, Janet & Sharla
Prairie Flower Quilt Co.
102 S. Indian Road
Leoti, KS 67861
620.375.2044
www.prairieflowerquilts.com

Thank you, Sharla!

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Introducing (drum rollsssss) Dumbest!!!

In the mid 1990's, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels starred in the horrendously funny, DUMB AND DUMBER. Not many people who attended the hit movie were able to avoid at least one or two little chuckles. Many of us laughed until tears ran down our faces and our stomachs hurt. I was definitely one of those people!

Today, Dumbest, made the scene just east of Leoti. We were heading over to Scott City to spend the evening with our son and daughter-in-law. I was driving the van when I noticed a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g line of traffic coming towards us. Leading the MANY vehicles was a man driving a mini bike. No, I do not mean a motorcycle. I mean a very slow and very little mini bike. The motorized bike's rider was hugging the edge of the road. (If it had been me, I would have been completely off of the road.) LOL! Stan predicted that people riding regular bikes and possibly even walkers would have been able to pass the vehicle very easily. You could tell that he was barely moving down the road.

Now...this is when the story goes totally WILD! The rider "appeared" to be an adult male though I cannot say for sure. The person had trashbags full of stuff tied onto the bike. The temperature at that time was somewhere in the lower 90s--a bit warm by most people's standards. Still, that did not stop the rider from wearing a full stocking mask over his face. It was topped off by a motorcycle helmet. (I always appreciate it when I see motorcyclists and bike riders wearing helmets.) This man was being safe. The rest of his body was covered by a long black trenchcoat. It was sorta flapping in the breeze. Oh, my goodness!!! I have absolutely NO idea how that person was able to travel with all of that insulation all over him. Many people who were dressed like that would never have been able to handle the heat as well as he did. Personally, I would have fainted.

I am ASSUMING that this gentleman heard that Jim and Jeff were headed to Aspen to return a suitcase of money to its rightful owner. He must've wanted to join 'em there...

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Leoti's Fuel Price Drop

When Leoti's two convenience stores shut down for the night yesterday, the prices were higher than they were first thing this morning. Yesterday's unleaded plus fuel was $3.77 per gallon. This morning, that dropped to $3.62 per gallon. That 15 cent drop was a welcome sign to everyone-- except for maybe the ones who paid full price last night. LOL!

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Mustache or NO Mustache

Have you ever looked at a picture of Abraham Lincoln or another gentleman who had a beard but no mustache? I have and have wondered why if a man sported a beard, why would he not want a mustache to go with it. Well here is your answer! I learned it last night on Larry the Cableguy's great new and very informative (not to mention, HILARIOUS) series about America. While he was spending time with "Plain People", the people who are Amish, Mennonites, Brethren, etc who live in certain areas of our country such as in Pennsylvania, he asked one of the men that question. The man who was Amish and had a mustache-less beard explained that for MANY years, a good number of American people believed that the only men who should wear a mustache are the men who have been enlisted in the various military branches of the U.S. Therefore, a man who was entitled to wear a mustache was entitled strictly as an honor to that man. (As for us women with mustaches, unless we were or are in the military, we should probably shave them off. LOL!!!)

Anyway, I was really impressed with the reasoning of wearing mustaches. I thought that you might be interested in this also.

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Needed: House For Rent

If you have a house for rent in Wichita County, could you please send me any details that you want to? Our email address is slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

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Attention: Jerry B.

Jerry, I have been trying to post comments to your comment several times. I am not having any luck with it. I REALLY enjoyed hearing from you! I have emails of the fire while it was in progress but no after-fire pictures. I will get some pictures if you want me to. If so, please send me your mailing address to slblaus@gmail.com .

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Ways to Make Some Cash During Summer Vacation

Summer break used to mean fun in the sun for many students, but the tragically high cost of college tuition means many must keep their noses to the grindstone after classes have ended. The problem is actually finding work when you only have three or four months to spare.

With any luck, a school-year job may transition into full-time work, but that's a rarity. So how do you keep some cash coming in when jobs are few and far between? Here are 30 ideas for places to seek income and ways to create your own income.

1. Car wash and auto-detail technician
2. Security guard
3. Summer camp counselor
4. Lifeguard
5. Peace Corps worker
6. Deck waterproofer
7. Repair bicycles
8. Poop scooper
9. Amusement park carnie
10. Mow lawns
11. Landscape
12. Ranch hand
13. Farm worker
14. Computer troubleshooter
15. Pet sitter
16. Cruise worker
17. Nanny
18. Caddy
19. Paint houses
20. Sell gift cards online
21. Intern or office temp
22. Sports stadium and event concessionaire
23. Wordpress blog creator
24. Musical accompanist
25. Music tutor
26. Clean gutters
27. Run Errands
28. Walk Dogs
29. House sit
30. Weed gardens
###
Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, is available to share "30 Ways to Make Money During Summer Break" with your audience. Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more.

Please feel free to share this list with your audience.

Thank you, Andrea! You always have such great information for the rest of us!!!

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Additional Progress on the School

The people of Wichita County and surrounding counties have really enjoyed keeping up on the progress at the new elementary school. Some of the final work is now being done. Since the very beginning of the start of the school's work, Jones Construction of Leoti has been very involved. They have now been commissioned to tear down the old school's playground equipment and re-assemble it at the new school. If you have not been by the former school's playground, I'll tell you that as of Tuesday, the only things that remained in the playground were the basketball court and 1 slipper slide. Now if you go to the new playground you will see most of it back into place. Other pieces are being erected right now.

I have really enjoyed watching all of the construction since day one. One day in the 2009-2010 school year, one person from each grade school class was chosen to dig the first shovel dug holes of dirt to start production. Our Leighlyn was chosen from the 6th grade class for this event. Since then, we have been around the school a few times every week. Our brother-in-law, Leif Christensen, who is the foreman of Jones Construction, has been working on this project the entire time. Now, our nephew, Hunter Carson, who is the son of Rob Carson and Lona Sue Carson, is also working to help with the movement of the playground equipment.

The teachers and students of the new elementary school are already looking forward to the first day of school. It is easy to see why after we took the tour of the building!

So, if you are out and about, take a trip around the school and playground.

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Homeless in Leoti

A few months ago, we had a single person who was homeless. She had a job but did not make enough to pay rent. Since then, people from the community came together and provided a place for her to live. Thank you!!!

Now we have a homeless couple in town. They have not been able to find a job so they have no money to pay rent right now. If you have a job for one or both of them, please let me know. If you have a place for them to stay for a short time until they have some money coming in, please let me know.

I know where they are right now so I can get information to them fairly easily.

Again, thank you!!!

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Books Needed

I just heard from a local lady who is looking for some books for her children. The books needed are for the children (or other relatives) of alcoholics. These books will provide some much needed support for these children. If you have any of these that you would be willing to lend or give away, please call ME at 620.375.4584 or email me at slblaus@gmail.com . I will deliver these to the people in need. Please do not ask me who these are for. They prefer to be anonymous and I totally respect that.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

THANK YOU, C AND K!!!

As you know, we have been painting the exterior of our house. We actually started it last Summer and are FINALLY about finished with it except for just a small amount of trimwork. We had some paint (and alot of dirt) on the windows. Given the fact that they are considerably high and I have a blood issue that demands that I keep my feet flat against the ground, I have not been able to clean them. That is when our great friends, Cecelia and Karla, came to the rescue. They didn't mind climbing up on ladders and scraping the glass. After that, they used a fantastic foam glass cleaner that I use on glass, mirrors, countertops... It is called Stoner Premium Invisible Glass Cleaner. I purchase it in the Automobile department at Dollar General. It does the best job of cleaning without leaving streaks that we have EVER used! It costs less than $4.00 a can.

Anyway, the ladies did the exterior windows. I'll be doing the interior windows today.

Again, I just want to thank you, C and K, for the fine work that you did for us!!! Love you lots and LOTS!!!

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Last Saturday's Concert in Leoti

I just realized that I had forgotten to mention anything about the concert at a local bar last Saturday evening. Stan and I were exhausted after painting all day so we did not go. However, I did hear A LOT of great compliments and not a single complaint about the performance. In Leoti, that is something BIG. LOL! As in any location, it seems that most of us can speak a complaint before we can mention a compliment. From what people told me, the music and the socialization was just terrific. I, for one, would like to see things like this continue in Wichita County.

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A Reminder

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned to people on here that it is VITALLY important that we be VERY aware of what is going on around us at all times--especially during harvest. Every year, people are killed or seriously injured during those times. This morning, a majorly serious harvest accident occured in the Marienthal area. I am not going to speculate on who was in the right and who was in the wrong. I just want everyone to be even more cautious than normal. Fortunately, in this case, all people involved will be fine.

VLE-B

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A Western Kansas Rarity

Boy, it is WINDY out there today! No, that is definitely NOT the rarity in our neck of the woods. What is rare is the fact that our soil is so nice and wet! We still had some plants that needed to be transplanted. Earlier this spring, it looked like some of our gardens would be fine. Instead, the plants really took off and started crowding each other out. Leighlyn and I decided that since we had such an outstanding rain yesterday, this would be the time to move them. It seemed like we could dig for 10 feet before we found any dry ground. It was GREAT! What seemed stupid was the fact that we actually had to water them down after they were planted. Without the extra water, a lot of them would have surely gone into shock. We definitely would not have wanted that to happen.

I actually dug up a TREE and moved it with practically no tremendous effort. Several years ago, we had planted 2 Smoke Bushes. We planted them about 10 feet away from each other. Both survived but only one of them has grown. It is probably about 8 or 9 feet tall and is so healthy that its "smoke" blooms very well. The other one never gets any taller than 4 feet and never has any smoke. The only thing that I can figure out is that she short one does not receive as much sunlight as the other one. Today, I dug it up and moved it to a much sunnier location. Even though its roots were close to 2 feet long, digging that deeply was no big problem.

Early in the spring, Abigayle and I transplanted several currant bushes from our backyard. Their recovery has been slow-going. For awhile, I thought that we had killed them. Just when I decided to dig them up and trash them, leaves began to appear on all of them. We were SOOOOOOOO excited! (It doesn't take too much to get us that way. LOL!!!) Though they are starting to leaf out pretty well, they still have a long way to go to be as full as they usually are this time of the year. It is past time for them to bloom. Hopefully they will be in full bloom next year. They have the sweetest blossoms that attract beautiful birds and butterflies to our yard.

Well, gotta go. Still have some Vinca to get moved. Leighlyn and Abigayle can hardly wait! Ha! Ha!

VLE-B

Monday, June 20, 2011

Rain Totals

The Blaus' house rainguage caught a total of 3.10" for just today! Can you believe that??????? For the past 7 days, our yard received a whopping 4 inches and 60/100. See, folks! Our prayers definitely are answered!!! Thank You, Lord!!!

With the higher costs of water in Leoti, more of us are being more conservative with the amount of water that we use in our yards and gardens. Because of that, some yards have had very little "green" in them. Now, they are just gorgeous and very much alive! I predict that few of us in Leoti will feel the need to water this week. LOL!

VLE-B

Definition for P

Earlier today, I wrote about a gully washer in Leoti. Not everyone knows what that is. So this description is for P and others.


"Gullywasher: A heavy rain, downpour, cloudburst, deluge, waterspout, torrent, pelter, soaker."


The word, gullywasher, is not a term I use very often. LOL! Today as we watched sheets of rain falling around us, it is the first word that came to my mind. Ha! Ha!

VLE-B

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

Playing on Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th, will be WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. This hit of drama was released on April 22nd, 2011 and is rated PG-13 because of intense violence and sexual content. Stars include Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christopher Waltz, Paul Schneider, etc. This movie runs for 2 hours and 1 minute. Showtime is 8:30 CST.

Synopsis: A handsome veterinary student falls for a married circus performer in this romantic drama adapted from author Sara Grueis best-selling novel.

When Jacon (Pattinson) meets Marlena (Witherspoon), its love at first sight--their shared affections for an extraordinary elephant stirring profound feelings of compassion within both of them. Theirs is a love that could span for lifetimes, though the wrath of Marlena's dangerously domineering husband, August (Waltz), threatens to spell tragedy for all concerned.

Adults, 13 and older: $5.00
4 through 12-year-olds: $4.00
Birth through 3-year-olds : FREE

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

See you at the movies!!!

VLE-B

Duck Pond

Leighlyn and I just got back from work. While we were out, we took a drive past the drainage pond east of Leoti. For the first time in years, it is very full of water. Dozens of ducks were thoroughly enjoying it!

Most of the clouds are gone now and the sun is shining brightly. The only problem is that we are having lots of wind. They will help dry up the fields that harvestors are looking forward to cutting soon.

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Elder Family Picnic in Colorado Springs

An Elder family picnic is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd, in Colorado Springs. I know that some of our family members read my blog. If you would like for me to email the details to you, please email me at slblaus@gmail.com or call me at 620.375.4584 or 620.376.8922.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Flash Flood Warning: 1:43 p.m.

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GOODLAND KS
143 PM CDT MON JUN 20 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GOODLAND HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
LOGAN COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL KANSAS...
SOUTHERN SHERMAN COUNTY IN NORTHWEST KANSAS...
SOUTHERN THOMAS COUNTY IN NORTHWEST KANSAS...
WALLACE COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL KANSAS...

* UNTIL 730 PM CDT/630 PM MDT/

* AT 141 PM CDT/1241 PM MDT/...TRAINED WEATHER SPOTTERS REPORTED SLOW
MOVING THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS THE WARNED
AREA.

* RUNOFF FROM THIS EXCESSIVE RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLASH FLOODING TO
OCCUR. SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE...
EDSON...GOODLAND...KANORADO...MINGO...MONUMENT...OAKLEY...
RULETON...RUSSELL SPRINGS...SHARON SPRINGS...WALLACE...WESKAN AND
WINONA.

WATER WAS REPORTED OVER THE ROADS IN NORTHERN LOGAN COUNTY NORTH OF
RUSSELL SPRINGS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF SMALL
CREEKS AND STREAMS...HIGHWAYS AND UNDERPASSES. ADDITIONALLY...
COUNTRY ROADS AND FARMLANDS ALONG THE BANKS OF CREEKS...STREAMS AND
OTHER LOW LYING AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO FLOODING.

FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR IS IMMINENT. MOST FLOOD RELATED DEATHS OCCUR
IN AUTOMOBILES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS WATER COVERED BRIDGES...
DIPS... OR LOW WATER CROSSINGS. NEVER TRY TO CROSS A FLOWING
STREAM... EVEN A SMALL ONE...ON FOOT OR IN A VEHICLE.

VLE-B

Update on the Rain

First of all, when the heavy rain had fairly much subsided, I walked out to the guage to take a look at it. Leighlyn had mistakingly read it earlier. Instead of it being almost 2 inches, we had actually recieved 1.60--still alot. Approximately 30 minutes ago, we began having even more heavy rain. It is still raining heavily. In the past half hour, we have gotten another full inch of rain. Unbelievable! Just last week, everyone was complaining of the terrible drought and the poor crops. I'll have to go back on my blog to know for sure but I think we have now gotten at least 5 inches of rain! Praise the Lord!!!

For some farmers, wheat harvest in our area has begun. This will definitely slow that down. But, at the same time, our Fall crops were so thirsty. We need to be soooo thankful. This should really give them a great start! We just need to hope and pray that no hail comes along... So far today, I have heard nothing about any hail in our area. Gove County had at least one tornado on the ground. So far, we have been spared of the twisters here.

Once this rain ends, I'll tell you what the Blaus house has received. It looks like that might be awhile. For those of us who enjoy watching the ducks at the pond just east of Leoti, all of this rain should really help to make the water visible to us once again.

VLE-B

Gully Washer!!!

Stan called us from south of Leoti. He had been delivering feed just south of the Kearney County line. He called to ask me to bring him a dry shirt and a waterproof jacket. He had practically been drowned in the rain at the Staubel Farms north of Lakin.

Not long after he called, the rain started falling here. The girls insisted on going with me to meet him at Presto. The rain was coming down so heavily by that time, that I had crossed the center line on the highway and had not noticed. Pretty scary. By the time we headed back home, the Main and Broadway Streets were almost completely under water. What little traffic that was out was moving very slowly to protect vehicles' undercarriages, etc.

Once we were at home, we remained in the car until the rain had lessened a bit then we ran for the house. For a few minutes, the rain had been reduced to a heavy sprinkle. During that time, Leighlyn went out to check the rainguage. It showed that the Blaus house had received right next to 2 inches of rain in a very short amount of time! No wonder the roads are all flooded! Let us pray that this means that our drought has finally been broken. Praise the Lord Almighty!!!

Once we were in the house, we discovered that more leaks in the ceiling have sprung. We quickly gathered buckets and got them set up. Please pray that we get our roof fixed SOON. Thank you!!!

It is raining again now. Once it has stopped, we will post the full amount of rain that our rainguage caught.

VLE-B

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: 10:09 a.m.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GOODLAND KS
1009 AM CDT MON JUN 20 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GOODLAND HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
WICHITA COUNTY IN WEST CENTRAL KANSAS...

* UNTIL 1115 AM CDT

* AT 1007 AM CDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL...AND
DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED NEAR
LYDIA...AND WAS MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
LYDIA...LEOTI AND MARIENTHAL.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM...PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR LARGE
HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER...
PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING AND AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

VLE-B

Hail On Its Way

I just wanted to alert other people in Wichita County that a major storm complete with golfball-sized hail is on its way. Right now, very heavy rain is coming in from the Hamilton/Kearney County area. We're also under a severe thunderstorm watch until 3:00 this afternoon.

VLE-B

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Cortlandt Ingram

If you have lived in this part of the world, chances are that you have heard of Tribune (and Leoti's) Cortlandt Ingram. His parents are Eddie Ingram and Bev Case-Wenger. His grandparents are Dwain and Theoma Ingram of Tribune and the late Carl and Cloris Case of Leoti.

From a very early age, Cortlandt was instructed on how to make a violin (fiddle) sing by his Pop (Dwain Ingram). Today, he is a much-loved professional in Branson, Mo. He is now with the Presley's who had the very first country/western show on the strip of Branson.

Right now, if you'll go to the following website, you'll get to see for yourself just how gifted this young man is. You'll also see why he is such a crowd pleaser!


https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Presleys-on-RFDTV/34868821399


If you'll mark that you Like the video, you'll be able to see even more performances, etc.

VLE-B

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Catholic Church Destroyed

Sirens went off this evening and most of our volunteer firemen headed northwest of Leoti as quickly as they could. Evidentally, lightning had struck grassland. The end result was that the abandoned St. Teresa Catholic Church has now been destroyed.

Last Sunday, all of our kids and I drove past this church while we were out looking for Devil's Dip. Even though its stained glass windows had been removed, it was still a beautiful sight.

There is a cemetery just a few feet from the church. I have not heard any reports that it is in danger of any fire.

It is always a sad thing when historical buildings are destroyed. I feel especially sad for the people who attended church there. The good thing is that the church will live on in the memories of those people.

VLE-B

To-Give-Away

A family has 40 bottles of Gerber's 2nd Staged Baby Food to give away. Of course, it has not been opened. Its expiration date is February of 2012. If you can use it, please call 620.214.2918.

Thank you!

VLE-B

More Rain!

As I posted this morning, we received just a hair under 1 inch of rain here last night. It came in with a bunch of hail. A few of our garden plants were mowed down by it. Later this afternoon, we discovered that the hail had actually taken large splotches of paint off of one of our garden benches. At this time, I have heard of no details of any crop damage because of it.

We enjoyed spending the day together! It could not have been a more perfect day. The temperature never made it past the 70s. We had just a nice even breeze until this evening. We made the most of it. I managed to get all ofthe shutters painted. Stan and I got them all hung back on the house. What a relief that was! Stan has painted a BUNCH of the trim now. Adam got it started last weekend. It should not take us much longer to get the rest finished up.

I prepared more gardens for some heavy mulch that I should have had laid out over a month ago!!! I hope to get that done tomorrow or Monday.

The girls enjoyed being in the great outdoors today! Later, Leighlyn volunteered to help me to eat some weeds. LOL!

As the evening approached, a great number of clouds converged around and on top of us. Before we knew it, we were getting more beautiful rain. We never had any more hail this time. When the rain came to an end, Leighlyn and I checked the rainguage. We received another half inch at the Blaus house! Thank You, Lord!!!

Just before the rain stopped falling, the fire whistle blew. Evidentally, lightening struck somewhere in the Northwestern corner of Wichita County.

I'll tell you what. I could get used to having these rains around here. Our farmground and grasses are greening up beautifully. The moisture may have gotten here too late for the wheat crops but it will definitely help the other crops that will be harvested in the Fall. That is Great news!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

VLE-B

Great Idea For Wichita County

The school board here is requesting ideas for what we can do with the remainder of the former grade school that can continue to be used. A public meeting was held almost 2 weeks ago. We were unable to attend it. Sounds like many other citizens were also busy. From what we were told, very few people showed up to discuss the matter.

I had quite a talk with a local gentleman this morning. He had some great ideas that I want to suggest here. Folks, plainly and simply, if we don't start doing something soon around here, we are going to see more and more people leaving our fine county. Yes, we are seeing some more people moving in but at the same time, we're seeing others leave. I strongly believe that now since we have an extraordinary grade school and a great junior/senior high school, more families will be happy to move to Leoti. Not only are our school buildings superior to many around the nation, we also have fantastic teachers and administrators. The result is that we have a SUPERIOR school system. Our students excel. Unfortunately, it is going to take more than a strong school system to keep Wichita County thriving.

In recent decades, Leoti had a movie theatre, a skating ring, a bowling alley and frequent dances at the former American Legion Hall (where the museum stands today). We had a few grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, 2 automobile dealerships, a few new clothing stores, etc., etc., etc. The recreational options that we had back then helped to keep those businesses running smoothly. As we lost the recreation, we began to lose the stores that we needed here to keep our town alive. When that began to happen, more and more people left town--for good.

Do you have any idea how many people we have working at jobs at such places as Caprock and Seaboard who do NOT live in the county? Many more than I want to admit. Why do they not live here? It is because when they accepted their positions, they took a good look around Leoti. They noticed that we have a small amount of stores available. They also noticed that there was very little recreation available for themselves and their children. Once they knew that, they chose to purchase homes in Scott City. Now, they have good paying jobs and homes in a town where there is recreation.

The man whom visited with me this morning, told me that he would love to see the former school building used for such things as a dance hall where frequent dances would be held. He suggested that music from the 30s, 40s, 50s, etc music be played. Hispanic, square dancing, etc could also be held on a regular basis. Even the people who do not like to dance, could get together and just have a good time.

Why not have special gatherings for hamburger feeds, public barbeques...? If we had various public options such as these, the people of Wichita County, etc could get together, get to know one another better and have a great time! If we did such things as this, more and more people would want to move to Wichita County and STAY here! If we don't start doing something along this nature, Leoti will eventually dry up and blow away.

We have an OUTSTANDING county fair every July. People from all over the world come here because they have heard just how remarkable it is. People from our county enjoy getting together and having a good time with one another. But...we only have 1 fair that just lasts for 4 days every year. If we would come up with more reasons to get together more often, I believe that we would all be better off. Our businesses would flourish. Maybe new businesses would come in. Who knows? The possibilities are endless.

Just some thoughts that I wanted to put out there. Do with them what you want.

VLE-B

3-Day Temperatures

Folks, if you have outdoor projects that need to be done this weekend, you might want to do those today. Our high today is supposed to be around 85. Tomorrow's high is 94. If I read Weather Bug correctly, the high for Monday is 80.

VLE-B

Leoti's Storm

We were hit last night by a dramatic storm. The good news is that here at the Blaus' house, we received just a hair under a full inch of rain. So far, I haven't heard anything from others in town or in the country to hear how much others received. Meteorologists guage the size of hail from pea-sized (very small) to baseball sized which is quite large. Though I was unable to see the hail because I had taken my medicines earlier and they were knocking me out, I estimated that the hail that hit our house must have been the size of basketballs! No, not really, but it was quite large by the sound of it hitting our house and roof. Evidentally, it did more damage to our roof. Because we seem to have sprung another leak...

I went outsde this morning to take a look around and survey the damage. The good news was that it does not appear that it did any damage to our new paint and no windows were broken. I could tell just by looking at the roof that it was hit big time. The hail managed to just mow down some of our flower plants. Our rose bush which is planted up against our house, was damaged quite a bit. A couple of large branches were practically severed from the rest of the plant. I am hoping that if I pull it up with twine, we might be able to save it. Its roses were shredded.

Though I know no one who enjoys hail, there is one good thing about each and every hail ball, it melts and turns into the much needed water that we need around here.

VLE-B

Friday, June 17, 2011

Vacation Bible School

Bible School was held from Monday through today. There was a great turnout for it. The total number of kids from preschool age through 6th grade was 120. The least amount of kids to show up for one day was 102. The highest number was 109 for a different day. This year's topic was Panda Mania. The kids thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Jesus Christ and that no matter where we are or what we are doing, God is watching over each and every one of us. They were shocked to find out that even if each and every person on earth today, decided to pray to God at the exact same time, He would hear each and every word. It is totally dumbfounding that that is a reality...

This year was like many years before. Michelle Shepherd was the coordinator. She did a great job as usual. So did all of the parents, etc who volunteered to help.

Students were asked to donate pennies each day. (Unfortunately, my Abigayle forgot to tell us.) When all of the pennies were counted up, there was over $400.00 which was donated to a ministry to support victims of floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados, etc.

At 11:30 this morning, anyone interested was allowed to watch the musical program that the kids put on for us. Many of us were in agreement that this was absolutely the best program so far!

I hope that there will be as good of a turnout next year as we had this year. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and talents to this!!!

VLE-B

Fourth of July Hot Dog Lunch

You can't get any food much more American than a hot dog. The Star Theatre in Tribune will be sponsoring a hot dog lunch at the VFW in Tribune. (FYI, the VFW is right next door to the Star.) The proceeds will be used to help purchase the digital projection system that the theatre really needs. The lunch will be held from noon to 2:00 CST.

I will have more details on this lunch sometime after Monday.

I hope that many of us will come out and enjoy some hot dogs while we're helping with the fundraiser drive.

VLE-B

Upcoming Movies at the Star Theatre

Boy! Do we have a G-R-E-A-T list of movies coming up??? The answer is a resounding YES!!!

As you know, this weekend, we can all enjoy the hit, RIO. Each evening's showtime is 8:30 CST.

You can watch the mattinee of RIO on Thursday, June 23rd, at 2:00 CST.

****************************************************************************
June 25th and 26th: The movie many of us have looked forward to watching, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will be shown at 8:30 CST. Plus, you can watch it again on Wednesday, June 29th, at 11:00 CST.!

****************************************************************************
Saturday and Sunday, July 2nd and 3rd: KUNG FU PANDA 2 will be showing.
There will be a mattinee of KUNG FU PANDA 2 at 2:00 CST on July 4th. Don't forget to come to the VFW in Tribune for a hot dog lunch from noon to 2:00 CST. I will have more information on the lunch after Monday.

Anyway, don't forget to tell your family and friends about the great line-up at the Star!!!

See you at the movies!!!

VLE-B

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

Don't forget that the hit, RIO, will be playing at the Star on Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th. All of the details are located in an earlier post. Showtime begins at 8:30 CST.

See you at the movies!!!

VLE-B

Call 2 Fall

Just five minutes is all that is being requested. That's all we are asking: that you commit to spend at least 5 minutes on your knees before the Lord on Sunday, July 3rd, to seek God's face in repentant prayer on behalf of our nation. In fact, this "Call2Fall" on our knees in prayer for our nation is based on God's original call in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

To join this movement, visit Call2Fall.com and click "I'm in." When you do, you will see your first name and your state pop up on the front page of the website.

An estimated one million people joined in last year's Call2Fall. We already have over 800,000 signed up for this year's effort. Churches from all 50 states are holding a special emphasis on Sunday, July 3rd.
So please visit Call2Fall.com and click on "I'm in" and encourage your pastor to sign up your church as a host. There are many church-friendly tools and resources like this brief video that can help your church have a meaningful Call2Fall focus on Sunday, July 3. I hope your pastor and church will be a part.

We are on Facebook and Twitter, so spread the word by posting a message on your Facebook page or tweet about the Call2Fall if you are into Twitter. If you are really bold, check out our Call2Fall Gear that carries the message as well.

On Sunday, July 3rd, the very day before we celebrate our national "Independence," we need to re-declare our spiritual "Dependence" upon God! What could God do if millions of His people across America were to answer the Call2Fall and really mean it? I would love to find out, wouldn't you?

***************************************************************************

Thank you, Bob, for sending this to ys!!!

VLE-B

Live Concert in Leoti

In the mood for some music? Then go to the Beer Barn's concert tomorrow, Saturday, June 18th, to listen to the Smoking No Nos. The fun will begin at 9:00 p.m., CST and will end at midnight.

Tickets will cost $10.00 each. Free rides to and from the concert are available which I think is FANTASTIC! If you are interested in one, please call 620.874.4097.

Have fun!!!

VLE-B

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Adoptions Needed

There are several dogs in Leoti's dog pound right now. I've met a few of them and they are just TERRIFIC!!! If you have some love to give, please call City Hall at 620.375.2341 for all of the details.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VLE-B

Life in Kansas' Summer

B had great timing when she sent this to us today! Though we have had to deal with 100 degree weather already this year, we have many more hot days ahead. To top it all off, our air conditioner decided to bite the dust today. Ugh... To make matters even worse, the rain which we so despearately need, found its way into our house through the roof!!! Half of it has been reshingled. Now we have to shingle the rest of it... Bah, Hum Bug! Lynn

Dear Diary,

Just moved to Kansas! Now this is a state that knows how to live!! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. It is beautiful. I've finally found my home. I love it here.

June 14th:
Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live in an air-conditioned home, drive an air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this. I'm turning into a sun worshipper.

June 30th:
Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing the lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here.

July 10th:
The temperature hasn't been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least, it's kind of windy though. But getting used to the heat is taking longer than I expected.

July 15th:
Fell asleep by the community pool. Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body. Missed 3 days of work. What a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson though. Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this.

July 20th:
I missed Lomita (my cat) sneaking into the car when I left this morning. By the time I got to the hot car at noon, Lomita had died and swollen up to the size of a shopping bag, then popped like a water balloon. The car now smells like Kibbles and Bits. I learned my lesson though. No more pets in this heat. Good ol' Mr. Sun strikes again.

July 25th:
The wind sucks. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer!! And it's hot as hades.. The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts.

July 30th:
Been sleeping outside on the patio for 3 nights now, $225,000 house and I can't even go inside. Lomita is the lucky one. Why did I ever come here?

Aug. 4th:
Its 115 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to 85. I hate this stupid state.

Aug. 8th:
If another wise butt cracks, 'Hot enough for you today?' I'm going to strangle him. Darn heat. By the time I get to work, the radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like baked cat!!

Aug. 9th:
Tried to run some errands after work. Wore shorts, and when I sat on the seats in the car, I thought my rear end was on fire. My skin melted to the seat. I lost 2 layers of
flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs and bottom . . . Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried butt and baked cat.

Aug 10th:
The weather report might as well be a stupid recording. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. It's been too hot to do anything for 2 dog gone months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Doesn't it ever rain in this dad blasted state? Water rationing will be next, so my $1700 worth of cactus will just dry up and blow over. Even the cactus can't live in this unbearable heat.

Aug. 14th:
Welcome to HELL! Temperature got to 115 today. Cactus are dead. Forgot to crack the window and blew the darned windshield out of the car. The installer came to fix it and guess what he asked me??? "Hot enough for you today?" My sister had to spend $1,500 to bail me out of jail. Freaking Kansas. What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live in this darned state ?? Will write later to let you know how the trial goes.



LOL!!! Thank you, B, for sending this to us!!!

VLE-B

Undeemed Gift Cards

Hi Lynne,

If the answer to the question "What's in your wallet?" includes gift cards with a useless balance -- say $2.34 -- you'll be pleased to hear about a bill passed May 25 by the Oregon legislature. Fed up with the serious amount of unused plastic in their wallets, house members voted to require businesses let customers exchange their gift cards for cash, if the balance is under $5.

According to The Oregonian, the state's citizens are presently encumbered with $100 million worth of unredeemed gift cards.

It may not be long before other states follow suit but, until then, here are five ways to deal with pesky balances on those glorified plastic coupons.

1. Know The Balance
This is easier than it sounds. Check your gift card balance to determine if your balance is $2.50 or $25. GiftcardGranny.com, which also allows you to buy and sell discount gift cards, offers a simple method of checking your balance for more than 300 merchants. You could also call the retailer's 1-800 number, but this method could mean a lot of time spent on hold.

Some cards require you to register your card to check your balance, but this can be useful if that piece of plastic is lost or stolen.

2. Keep Track of the Balance
Some gift cards have a little box on the back where you can note your remaining balance. If your card doesn't have one of these, write the total amount on a sticky note and wrap it around the card.

3. Add to the Balance
Amazon and Walmart allow you to add any increment to a gift card, so if the balance is $2.95 and you want to make an online purchase, calculate the total cost at checkout then go back and buy a gift card for the remaining amount. With any luck, this policy will catch on with other merchants and services.

4. Know a Merchant's Policies
Some stores allow card holders to pay for purchases in multiple ways, so you can empty the card and fork over cash or use a credit card to complete the transaction. You'll also want to check whether a store takes less-frequently accepted gift cards, such as Discover and American Express.

5. Know Your Spending Habits
Will you likely spend $50 at a store and never visit again? Then purchase a card with a $50 balance and avoid a dangling balance. Merchants with whom you shop more frequently, such as grocery stores, may call for a $100 gift card, since you know you'll use up the balance. Keep in mind you can buy discount cards for less than the face value, which can save you anywhere from 15% to 50%.

Feel free to share these 5 tips with your audience.

Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch, is available to share "5 Tips For Using Up Your Gift Card Balance" with your audience for an in-studio, satellite or skype interview. Andrea has been featured as a media expert source on NBC's Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more.

VLE-B

To Give Away

If you are in the market for mailboxes, we have two to give away in front of our front yard. They belonged to our neighbors who have left town for good. They'll be there for a couple of days. The mailboxes come complete with posts. One is wooden and the other one is made out of steel.

VLE-B

LadyBug Flower Shop

For all of your floral needs, please call the girls at the LadyBug in Leoti.

620.375.2172.

They'll deliver!

VLE-B

Dale Joseph Biel--Leoti

(May 22, 1954 - June 14, 2011)


Dale Joseph Biel, age 57, lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita, Kansas. Dale was born May 22, 1954 at Leoti, Kansas, the son of Eugene & Billie Macku Biel. He had been a returning resident of Leoti since 2009 moving from Wichita, Kansas, and several locations in Wyoming and the United States. Dale enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting and socializing with his friends. He was an avid reader and was very proud of his work “growing” Wyoming thru construction.

Dale was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus both of Leoti, Kansas.

On April 7, 1972 he married Carol Carpenter in Leoti, Kansas. Dale’s surviving family includes- His wife Carol Biel- Wichita, Kansas A daughter- Jennifer & Gary Hartley- Wichita, Kansas Two grandsons- Levi Foust- Wichita, Kansas Josh Foust- Wichita, Kansas His parents- Eugene & Billie Biel- Leoti, Kansas Six brothers and sisters- Geri & Kenneth Lerman- Wichita, Kansas Jeannine Ross- Bar Harbor, Maine Dennis & Jean Biel- Wichita, Kansas Tina & Mark Swift- Gunnison, Colorado Rebecca Carter- St. Johnsville, New York Paul & Anita Biel- Hutchinson, Kansas

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 pm Friday, June 17, 2011 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 18, 2011 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Leoti, Kansas, with Father Benjamin Martin officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Friends may call from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Leoti, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Leoti E.M.T.’s or Victory in the Valley, Inc. in care of the funeral home.



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

VLE-B

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rain

We had another storm early this evening. There was a considerable amount of wind, some hail that was very small and some much-needed rain. Here at the Blau's house, we received .50. And, of course, we are so thrilled to have gotten it!!!

Thank You, God!!!

VLE-B

Thursday's Meeting

This is to notify our group that yesterday's postponed social hour has been rescheduled for tomorrow evening, same time, same place. See you then!

VLE-B

Life in Small Towns

We've already established the fact that there is basically no comparison between small towns such as Leoti and much larger towns and cities. I just wanted to post a couple of more pieces of proof.

Last week, a new home was moved into the country. The home was set up just off of the highway about 3 or 4 miles from Leoti. In cities and many other small towns, little notice would have been paid. That was not the case in Wichita County. As soon as people in town received the news, they loaded up their spouses, kids, the dog and cat and headed out to watch the entertainment. LOL! I'm not gonna lie to you. The girls and I picked up Mama and headed out to have our own look. People parked their vehicles just so that they could keep an eye or two or three or...on the situation. Work is continuing still today. Plenty of us are still making trips out to see what kind of progress has been made.

I have mentioned this before on here. You may have thought that I had found "peace" with it. I thought that I had too until this afternoon. I took Driver's Education in high school. At that time, we were told that it was illegal to make u-turns in the middle of a block. We were also told that we were not to be driving down the right side of the street or highway and then park on the left side. If it was against the rules in the latter 1970s, who legalized it now???

VLE-B