Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Winter Makes a Return to Western Kansas

For awhile, it has seemed that winter had decided to move on out of here.  Temps have been much more like what is associated with March instead of January.  I watched the noon news today and found out that winter is making a major return to Kansas this Friday.  Much of Eastern Kansas can expect rain.  Western Kansas could be on track for very significant snow and blowing snow.  If that is to be the case, we might want to tie up any of those things that we've been doing outdoors and prepare for cold and snow instead.  I recommend that if you live anywhere in Kansas, that you keep an eye open for winter storm reports, etc before you strike out.

VLE-B

Deer and Drought-Proof Plants

Here it is, not even February yet, and we are already having temperatures in the upper 60s and possibly 70s!  Incredible!  We have flowering plants coming up all over the place!  Our lilac bushes are beginning to bud too.  No.  I don't think winter is over yet but it sure does get you in the mood for returning to the yard and getting things ready for spring.

Last year, I did some research on what plants we could plant that would stand up to our summer heat and drought.  I found some plants but not what I would consider to be a whole lot of them.  Then this morning, I opened our email and discovered that we had a new email from Great Garden Plants.  One of their main topics this time is none other than "Deer and Drought-Proof Plants".  I was glad to see this.  Upon opening it, I was shocked at all of the flowers, perennials (plants that come back year after year), shrubs and trees that are now available for places like us in Zone 5.

In case you're interested, please go to http://www.greatgardenplants.com .  Once there, you'll find the following:

Deer and drought-proof plants (including flowering plants, shrubs and trees)

Collections

Hedge plants

Rose bushes

Shade perennials

Sun perennials

Trees and shrubs

In other words, they are spotlighting almost every type of plant out there.  Personally, we have ordered from this company before and have been quite pleased with their products.

Word to the wise:  Drought-proof plants still require watering from us for the first year.

VLE-B

Monday, January 30, 2012

Wichita County Spelling Bee

It is now official.  All contestants have now qualified for the 2012 Spelling Bee in Leoti.  Four students are chosen from each grade, third through 8th, to participate.  Last week, we learned that our daughter, Abigayle, would be one of the kids representing the third grade.  Today, we learned that our daughter, Leighlyn, would be one speller to represent the 8th grade.    The Bee will be held on Wednesday, February 8th.

VLE-B

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

  WE BOUGHT A ZOO, adaptation and drama, will be playing at the Star on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 3rd, 4th and 5th.  This movie which is based on a true story is rated PG for language and some thematic elements.  It opened in theatres on December 23rd, 2011.  Stars include Matt Damon, Colin Ford, Thomas Haden Church, Scarlett Johansson, etc.

Shortly after Benjamin Mee was widowed, he purchased a beautiful estate for his family just outside of the city.  Part of his new property was a 200 animal zoo that required much work.  Mr. Mee had to agree to care for the zoo before he was allowed to purchase the estate.  After that, his family, etc did just that.  They brought the zoo back to a great condition.

Showtime is 8:00 CST.

Adults, 12 and older:  $5.00
Children, 4 through11:  $4.00
Babies through 3-years-old:  F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also fairly priced.

WAR HORSE will be next to be shown at the Star.  It will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 10th, 11th and 2th.

See you at the movies!!!

VLE-B

Eggs on the Go

School day mornings are a hassle (or should I say, a hustle) around here.  After the girls have dressed, brushed hair and teeth, put on socks and shoes, etc, there is usually not much time for anything else before they run to meet the bus.  However, I just discovered an easy way to cook breakfast for them.

Take a washable coffee cup that will not melt in the microwave.  Spray the inside and bottom with PAM.

Crack open two eggs and put them into the cup.  Add just a bit of milk.  Stir for just a few seconds.

Now place them in the microwave and set them to cook for one minute. 

When the timer rings, pull the cup out.  Stir the eggs and then add shredded cheese, if desired. 

The eggs will be just like scrambled eggs.  The girls loved them and were able to get them all eaten before the bus arrived.

Of course, this is not just for students.  Its great for anyone needing a quick nutritious breafast.  Your kitchen mess is very minimal too.

VLE-B

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Looking for Some Fun?

The latest movie in the Sherlock Holmes series is playing at 8:00 CST at the Star Theatre in Tribune.  I've been told that this is a GREAT movie.

VLE-B

Upcoming Events

I mentioned information a few months ago about seminars and other events that are going to be offered to the public at Christ Covenant Church.

On Wednesday, February 15th, GAP will be showing the popular movie, COURAGEOUS, which was just released in 2011.  Everyone is invited to attend this.  For more information, please contact Youth Pastor Kevin Larson.

A seminar titled, Sticky Faith, will also be held at CCC for anyone interested.  Once I know when it will be offered, I will let you know.

You can contact Kevin or Bob at the church.  That phone number is 620.375.4228.

More meal providers are needed for the following Wednesday evenings:

April 25th

May 2nd

May 9th 

For up-to-date messages from GAP, please go to the Wichita County Schools Textcaster website and sign up for your FREE subscription at

www.leoti.org

You'll automatically be texted of these activities and school-related events including school closings,
etc.

VLE-B

Wonerful Meeting

We've all sat through one meeting or another that we just couldn't wait to be set free from.  This afternoon, approximately 3 dozen local parents met at Leoti's Christ Covenant Church to attend a meeting for parents of teens and pre-teens.  Author and world wide speaker, Mr. Rich Van Pelt, led us in the 3-hour class to become better parents.  This class was, without a doubt, one of the greatest that I have ever been included in.  Mr. Van Pelt was able to reach into our minds and hearts and help us to explore the ways that each of us can become the best parents possible.  And, as he explained, it is never too late to work on our parenting skills.  Our children will thank us someday for our efforts.  Even if they don't, they'll be better adults for what we have done.My only regret was that all parents could not attend this seminar in helping your child transfer into adulthood with this life-changing program.

If Mr. Van Pelt's name sounds familiar, it may be because he has written several books including HELPING TEENAGERS IN CRISIS.  People from around the world have gotten to know him through his work with Compassion International out of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  His Christian ministry with C.I. reaches out to children and adults from everywhere.  He recently returned from Haiiti.

Being a pre-teen or teenager in 2012 has never been as tough as it is today.  Every day, our children face a very scary world out there.  I grew up in the 60s and 70s and thought that growing up then was no walk in the park.  In comparison, I had it much better than most of our youth face today.  As parents, we can help our children to know the difference between black and white and to realize that there are also gray areas in our world.  

Did you know that less than half of our children in the U.S. today are being raised in homes with 2 parents?

Parents are the most important, valuable and influential people in our children's lives.   Therefore it is imperative that we be the best possible parents that we can be.  It is not always going to be easy to be that parent so we need to learn to accept positive guidance along the way.

Fewer children are being raised around extended family including grandparents, uncles, aunts, etc than ever before.

Here are a couple of books that we can read to help us guide our children successfully through the transition from being a child into a responsible and happy adult:



RAISING ADULTS by Jim Hancock


PARENTING WITH LOVE AND LOGIC



Entertaining videos by Jeff Allen are also available.  For more information, please go to

www.jeffallen.org .

Jeff Allen's inspirational work is not only directed towards childrearing but also to marriage, etc.  His videos are comedic but highly educational and are directed towards today and tomorrow.

I urge you to grasp your opportunity to attend any seminar with Mr. Van Pelt anytime it is offered to you.

VLE-B

Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Water is Flowing

For quite sometime, the City Council has been involved in bringing a filtered water system to City Hall.  As of today, Thursday, it is available.  I know few details other than you can purchase a gallon of this water for 25 cents.  The unit is located at the front exterior wall of City Hall.  Please bring your gallon jugs and try some.  For more details, please call the folks at City Hall.  Their phone number is 375.2341.  Office hours are from 8:00 to noon and from 1:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday.

VLE-B

Found

Two dogs have been found in Leoti on Wednesday.  They were together.  One appears to be a black lab mix and the other is a smaller dog.  Both are wearing blue collars.  Both dogs have been neutered.  At this time, they are being held in the City Pound.  For more details, please call City Hall at 375.2341.

Thank you

VLE-B

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

For Sale

We have a coffee table and its two matching endtables for sale.  These are elegant pieces.  One end table needs a bit of work.  We are asking $100.00 or best offer for the trio.  Each table comes with storage drawers.  Please call 620.375.8033 for more details.  These are available right now.

VLE-B

Another Blogging Moment in Time

I'm doing my best right now not to drive.  My neurologist has cautioned me against it until after my surgery.  Depending upon others to drive me from place to place is a real hassle.  I didn't know how much I relied on being able to drive myself around until I couldn't do it again.

My mom and I decided to run to Scott City for pizza this afternoon.  We decided that we would take our van and Mama would drive it.  All had gone well.  We went straight to Pizza Hut--no problem.  But after lunch, we decided to go to the Scott County Library.  Mama parked the van in front of the building, turned off the van before we attempted to exit the vehicle.  Thats when it happened the first time...we couldn't unlock the doors.  We've never had the problem before.  For several minutes, Mama poked the electrical button after she turned the van back on.  Still, it just clicked.  I don't know what she did but whatever it was, the doors were unlocked.  We assumed that this was just a one time thing.  We spent approximately an hour in the library.

Once we were finished, we returned to the van.  My mother could not wait to pick up a bowl of soup and a donut at a nearby convenience store.  Once we arrived there, my mom hit the unlock door button again.  And, again, the doors remained locked.  Over and over, she hit the button.  Over and over, the doors refused to unlock.  My mom then hit the electric button to open her window.  Once it was open, she reached out to try to unlock the door.  I told this lady with a masters degree in education, that the door would not open on either side if the lock is in place.  For some reason, she didn't believe me.  It was at that time, I discovered that four elderly gentlemen were taking glee at watching us struggle to get out of our vehicle.  I was SOOOO embarrassed!  When I pointed this out to my anguished mother, she took a look at the quad and urged them to come out of the store and help us get the heck out. Of course she would have felt awful had they been able to hear her. This really made me laugh even harder.  This really ticked Mama off even more.  LOL!!!

I don't know what happened but the doors FINALLY opened.  For Mama and me, it didn't happen any time too soon...

VLE-B

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

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

The Adaptation/Adventure/Sequel/Action, SHERLOCK HOLMES:A GAME OF SHADOWS, will be playing at 8:00 CST on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 27th, 28th and 29th.  This movie just opened on Christmas Day of 2011.  Stars include Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris, etc.

We all remember this famous sleuth as being the smartest man in the room, right?  That just might be a thing of the past now that Professor Moriarty has arrived.  He may be able to outwit Sherlock with his lack of conscience and threshold for evil...

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

Refreshments are also fairly priced.

Next up is WE BOUGHT A ZOO and WAR HORSE.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My family and I want to thank everyone who saved our mother and grandmother, Donna Lou Elder, today.  She had just begun eating lunch when she choked on a piece of lettuce.  The Heimlich Manuever was used and she was able to breathe again.  Fortunately, she was eating in the elementary school gym-a-teria. People came to her aid immediately. Since then, she was on oxygen for just a few minutes and she rested.  My mother is much better now.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B

Friday, January 20, 2012

Local Weekend Events

Here is the information that I am aware of that will be happening around here this weekend. 

Don't forget that the Western Stock Show in Denver continues today, tomorrow and Sunday.  I have posted more information about this in an earlier post.


FRIDAY

High School Basketball Tournament at Garden City Community College

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE will be playing at the Star Theatre in Tribune at 8:00 CST.



SATURDAY

Pet Vaccination Clinic at City Hall

High School Basketball Tournament at Garden City Community College

9:00 a.m., High School Junior Varsity Wrestling at Stafford

9:30 a.m. High School Varsity Wrestling at Atwood

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE will be playing at the Star Theatre in Tribune at 8:00 CST


SUNDAY:

Pet Vaccination Clinic at City Hall

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE will be playing at the Star Theatre in Tribune at 8:00 CST.



More information on the pet vaccination clinic and the movie is located in some of my earlier posts.  If you still want more information about the clinic, please call City Hall at 620.375.2341.

Thank you!!!

VLE-B



To Give Away

We have two guinae pigs who need a new home.  Neither is a year old yet.  They are very nice pets.

If you are interested, please call me at 375.8033.

VLE-B

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Surgery

I just received great news!!!  MY VNS surgery is now scheduled for February.  This surgery will help me fight my seizure activity and my Bi-Polar Disorder.  Such great news!!  I would greatly appreciate your prayers!

VLE-B

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

The Action/Spy movie,  MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCAL, hits the movie screen in the Star Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 22nd, 23rd and 24th.  Showtime is 8:00 cst.  Stars include:  Tom Cruise, Michelle Monaghan, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Jeremy Renner and Michael Nyqvist.  This movie has a rating of PG-13 and runs for 133 miutes.

Ethen Hunt (Cruise) is sprung from prison where he has served time for revenging the death of his beloved wife.  But is she really dead?  Once out, Hunt and his crew set right to work tracking down a Russian terrorist who has some evil plans for the United States...

Next up, is SHERLOCK HOLMES.  Coming soon, is WE BOUGHT A ZOO and WAR HORSE.

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

Refreshments are also fairly priced.

VLE-B

DASHBOARD

Attn: Wichita County Petowners

Do your dogs or cats need immunizations? This Saturday and Sunday, January 21st and 22nd, a walk-in clinic will be held at City Hall. A vet will be there from noon to 4:00 both days. The prices are great! For example, dogs and cats rabies shots will cost $15.00 each. De-worming of dogs and cats will be $4.00 each. Other vaccinations are also available. Remember that NO appointment is necessary.

For more information, please call City Hall at 375-2341.

VLE-B

Monday, January 16, 2012

My Status

Just letting you know that I currently have some issues and will be away from my blog for awhile. I will return someday soon.

VLE-B

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Exciting Games

Last night was Leoti's high school homecoming. Ecitement was bouncing off of the walls. Lakin came to Leoti. Stan and I spent most of our time in the lobby selling baked goods for the 2012 8th grade graduation. People came out and told us that we were having fantastic games. When all was said and done, both the A team boys and girls games woubd up in overtime. The end result? The Leoti Indians won both games! Yay!!1


VLE-B

Such a Great Thing

happened last night. As you know, I try to keep you abreast of what kinds of dgs are available for adoptin at the city of Leoti's dog pound. I just hate to know that there is someone there who would much rater be at home where they are a part of a loving family.

Last night, I discovered that earlierr this week, there were 2 Labradors and a small mixed breed there. Sometime this week, a couple came in who was thinkig of adopting a dog since theirs had just died. Once they saw the three dogs, they decided that they wantednall three f them. I am soooo happy that they adopted all of them that day!!!

So for the first time in a very long time, the poud is empty.

Thank you to everyone who adopts dogs anywhere from dog pounds, etc!

VLE-B

Friday, January 13, 2012

Baked Goods

will be available at the Wichita County Junior/Senior High School Concession Stand tonight. You can purchase them individually or by the dozen, etc. All proceeds will go to the 2013 8th grade graduation in May. As a parent of one of the soon-to-be graduates, I thank you for your contribution! I do not know all that will be available tonight but we ae taking banana~walnut cupcakes and fudge browines with NO nuts and spice cupcakes with NO nuts. Everything that we are taking will be sold individually.

VLE-B

Wichita County Indians Homecoming

is tonight when they take on the Lakin Broncos. Games begin at 5:00 CST.

Go Indians!!!

VLE-B

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

Just a reminder that the fun movie, CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED, will be playing at the Star Theatre toight, Saturday and Sunday. Showtime is at 8:00 CST. ore details on this movie are located in one of my earlier posts.

See you at the movies!

VLE-B

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Fire Weather Warning

Just wanted to let you know that the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Kansas. It will be in effect from noon, CST to 6:00 p.m., CST today. High winds and low relative humidity are responsible for this weather. Northwest Winds are expected to be from 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 45 to 50 mph. Relative humidity will be around 15%.

The wind will be dangerous for lightweight and high profile vehicles again today.

Be extra careful out there today!

VLE-B

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Closings

Martin Luther King Day is Monday, January 16th. This is a national holiday. Courthouses, including the Wichita County Courthouse, post offices and banks will be closed. If you have a question about your banking institution, you might want to give them a call. Many schools will be closed.

Wichita County Schools and the Leoti City Hall will be OPEN.

VLE-B

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

is coming up on Monday. A lot of you will be off from work and out of school for the day. I would love it if you made it a point to sit down with your family and friends and watch THE HELP. This movie is situated in the time period when MLK, Jr and many other activists were out there working and, in many cases, dying for civil rights. If people have not lived through those years, this movie will give them a great idea of what life was like back then. Though many black people were not treated as poorly as they were when they were slaves, they definitely were not treated as well as they deserved to be treated. Right now, this movie that I expect will take many Oscars, is available on Pay-Per-View.

VLE-B

7-Day Weather Forecast for Western Kansas

Today: Wind Advisory in effect through 6:00 p.m., CST. Very cold and windy. Snow flurries throughout the day. Highs will be in the lower 30s with lows around 8 degrees.

Thursday: Sunny with highs in the lower 30s. Expect NW winds of 15 to 25 mph speed. Highs will be in the lower 30s with lows around 13.

Friday: Mostly sunny with highs in the lower 40s 10 mph western winds

Saturday: Mostly clear with highs in the upper 40s and lows in the mid 20s.

Sunday: Mostly clear with highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 20s.

Monday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Sunny with highs in the upper 40s and lows in the lower 20s

Tuesday: Partly cloudy highs in the upper 30s and lows in the lower 20s.

VLE-B

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

The Animation/Adaptation/Kids/Family/Comedy/Sequel, CHIPMUNKS:CHIPWRECKED, will be playing at the Star Theatre in Tribune this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 13th, 14th and 15th. Showtime is 8:00 CST. This movie that was released on December 16th, 2011, is rated "G" for some mild rude humor.

Synopsis: Dave takes the Chipmunks and the Chipettes on a cruise. Once the cruise begins, so does the chaos. The boys and girls cause all kinds of trouble for everyone. Unfortunately, the chaos causes the ship to wreck...

Adults: $5.00
Children, 4 through 12: $4.00
Babies through 3-years-old: F--R--E--E

See you at the movies!!!

VLE-B

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Welcome Home, George Clooney!

Over the weekend, Ger Corrigan of the Corrigan Brothers, sent me an email highlighting their soon-to-be newest hit, WELCOME HOME, GEORGE CLOONEY! George, as you know, is a famous actor and humanitarian. His roots are in Ireland. Mr. Clooney will be visiting Ireland in April.

Go to the following website:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bR499X+8WY

You'll be glad that you did!

Thank you, Ger, for keeping me up on what is new with all of you!

VLE-B

Benefit for the Savoy Family

I posted an obituary here yesterday for the three members of a Garden City family who lost their lives over the weekend. A benefit has been announced to help the family.

It will be held on Saturday, January 28th, at Four Winds Bar and Grill which is located at 1604 W. Buffalo Jones Avenue in Garden City. Organizers hope that people will donate $5.00 or more for the family when they enter the building.

So far, the following bands are signed up for this event:

Fiz Gig
Guns on Mars
Trevino
Jeremy Petersen (She Said)
As the Days Die

Other bands are expected to sign up also.

Starting times will be announced soon.

If you would like to make other donations for the family, please contact Price and Sons Funeral Home of Garden City, Ks. That phone number is 620.276.2364.

VLE-B

Beautiful Website

One of my absolute besties just sent this website to me to check out. Ohhh, it is W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!! My favorite so far is this message:

"Please excuse our mess. Our children are making memories."

That brings tears to my eyes whenever I think of it...

Word of Warning: This is one of those places on the internet you cannot enjoy for just a few seconds. You'll want to stay there for HOURS! And why shouldn't we? It is cold outside. We might as well stay indoors and just soak up all there is on this website.

www.pinterest.com

While you're there, you'll smile, cry and laugh--all in just a minute or two. It is FABULOUS! I've never seen anything like it.

VLE-B

Mmm, Mmm...Good!!

One of our family's places we just LOVE to go to is Manitou Springs, which is just barely west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a lovely little town that has shop after shop after... Many of these shops sell various types of artwork that are created right there. Quaint restaurants are also sprinkled throughout town. They serve food from all around the world there. And don't forget that there are several springs located there. Each one's water tastes different from the next one. Ya' ought to try each of them. Years ago, my uncle, aunt and their children lived in Colorado Springs. Every week or so, they'd gather their empty jars with lids and go to Manitou Springs to bring back their favorite spring water. People still do that today!

We discovered a new shop last weekend. We'll definitely be visiting it again and again! It is called Goldminers Nuts and Candy. The owners, who have been in business there for decades, sell both their own candies and some candy that is made by other companies that we can't always find everywhere. For instance, they sell all flavors of Jelly Bellies. Just recently, they've opened a new shop in Fort Carson just east of Colorado Springs. They even sell fresh nuts that are warmed and ready to go when you get there. The day we were there, we tried cinnamon coated almonds. So good!


We purchased the BEST peanut brittle and fudge we've ever had there. The brittle is so nice and tender. You don't break your teeth off when you bite into it! It is wonderfully fresh!

This family owned and operated business is famous for their specialty chocolates, licorice from all over the world, jalapeno fudge, peanut brittle... They also sell novelty gifts. And don't forget that they sell candy covered ants, worms, etc!

If this sounds good but you're not going to be in Manitou right now, no problem! They're happy to ship their candy, etc to you!

Here are the particulars:

Goldminers Nuts and Candy
110 Canon Ave #B
Manitou Springs, Colorado 80829

Go to their website:


www.goldminersnutsandcandy.com


They also have a video in which the family walks you through their shop. If you're ready to make an order to be shipped to your home, send your email to


bettyboop7774@comcast.net


Or call them at the following numbers:

719.685.5302

719.248.7674

Tell 'em Lynn sent you!

Enjoy yourself!!!

VLE-B

Wind Advisory

for much of Western Kansas is in effect from 9:00 a.m., CST to 6:00 p.m., CST, on Wednesday, January 11th.

Expect sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts to 50 miles per hour. This can cause blowing dirt in open areas. Light weight and high profile vehicles may experience a loss of control of their vehicle.

VLE-B

New School Dress Code???

If you have seen some of the Wichita County Elementary School students this week, this question may have crossed your mind.

Monday was "Get a Kick Out of Reading Day". Students and teachers could wear any kind of boots to school that they wanted to that day.

Tuesday is "Snuggle Up with a Good Book Day". You got it. All students and teachers were invited to wear their night clothes to school. Abi thought that was pretty cool! She thought that kids could sleep in a little while longer since they didn't need to wear their regular clothes to school.

Wednesday is "Hats Off to Reading Day". Hats of any kind can be worn to school but please make sure that the hats are appropriate for youth.

Thursday is "Sock it to Reading Day". Send your student to school with mismatched socks, ugly socks, etc. Also, everyone is invited to donate a pair of new socks that will be kept at school. Sock Tree will be set up.

Friday is "Score with Books Day". Students should wear the school colors to school. A Read-In is also scheduled for the day. This will be great for another reason too. It is also the high school's Winter Sports Homecoming.

Elementary students will be performing at the high school gym from 6:10 to 6:15. Each student will get a free pass to the game that night.

January 9th through the 13th is Catch the Spirit of Reading Week. Students have really enjoyed all of this.

VLE-B

Upcoming School Events

Thursday, January 12th
4:00 p.m. High School Scholars Bowl at Hugoton

5:00 p.m. Junior High Basketball Game against Cimarron in Leoti


Friday, January 13th
WINTER SPORTS HOMECOMING
We play against Lakin. Games begin at 5:00 p.m. Elementary students will be performing Read Week at the high school gym that evening.


Saturday, January 14th
10:00 a.m. High School Wrestling at Scott City

8-11:00 p.m. Hollyball

VLE-B

Financial Aid Meeting

for college, etc will be held in the High School Library tonight at 7:00.

VLE-B

School Lunch Menu

Wednesday, January 11th
Chili
Cheese
Crackers
Cinnamon Stick
Carrot Sticks
Apricots
Milk

Thursday, January 12th
Hoagie Sandwich
Nacho Chips
Cucumbers
Bell Peppers
Peaches
Milk

Friday, January 13th
Hamburgers
Pickle Slices
French Fries
Sliced Tomato
Pears
Milk

The parents of Wichita County students are always invited to eat with their child. If you want to do so, please call the school office that morning and let them know you'll be there.

Elementary School: 620.375.2314
Junior/Senior High School: 620.375.2213

VLE-B

To Have or NOT to Have

THAT is the question. I am talking about none other than smoke alarms.

In a recent survey, 96% of all Americans who were questioned about whether or not they had smoke alarms in their homes, claimed that they did.

In a 4-year time period from 2005 to 2009, it was proven that having operable smoke alarms make a big difference in fire-related deaths. Two-thirds of the deaths occured in homes WITHOUT working smoke alarms. As for the deaths in the other third, one fourth of them had smoke alarms with dead batteries in them so they could not work. Many people replace their batteries twice a year. We have been replacing ours each time that we have time changes. A lot of fire professionals recommend that we change our batteries in smoke alarms every month. To be on the safe side, we are going to start doing this also.

Make sure that there is a minimum of one alarm on EVERY floor of your home.

Make sure that you post them high on your walls or on the ceiling. Remember that heat and smoke rise.

DO NOT post them around windows, air ducts or doors. Any air draft could cause a malfunction of your alarm.

Place one in the hallway next to each bedroom.

If you want to use an electric alarm that is wired directly into your home's electric current, hire a licensed electrician. Keep in mind that if your electricity is disconnected, your alarm will not work. In that case, I would recommend that battery-operated detectors be in use also.

There are different kinds of alarms available. They include the buzzer type, vibration and flashing lights kinds. If someone in your home has problems with their hearing, make sure you have the buzzer and at least one of the other two kinds.

I definitely recommend that every home have as many alarms as needed. Most are not that expensive. Besides, would you rather save the money that you would spend on an alarm in your pocket or would you prefer to save a life?

The choice is yours. Make the right one.

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Monday, January 9, 2012

Nichole, Bryn and Madelyn Savoy--Garden City

Nichole K. Savoy, age 26, died Sunday, January 8, 2012, along with her two daughters, Bryn & Madelyn, at their home in Garden City, Kansas. She was born December 16, 1985 in McCook, Nebraska, the daughter of Rudy C. and Patricia M. Kincaid Overton. Nichole was a receptionist at Midwest Body Shop in Garden City.

Bryn Abigail Savoy, age 6, was born August 15, 2005 in Wichita, Kansas the daughter of Mike & Nichole Overton Savoy. She was a 1st grader at Jennie Barker Elementary School and a member of the YMCA and Girl Scouts.

Madelyn Rae “Sissy” Savoy, age 1, was born June 26, 2010 in Garden City, Kansas the daughter of Mike & Nichole Overton Savoy.

They attended the Cornerstone Church in Garden City.

On August 15, 2005 Nichole married Kenneth Michael Savoy in Wichita, Kansas. He survives.

Other Survivors Include: Kenny & Carol Savoy of Holcomb, Kansas; Trish Cox of Bird City, Kansas: Rudy Overton of Baytown, Texas; Brandon Meith-Overton of Manhattan, Kansas; Kenzie Wick of Bird City, Kansas; Arleigh & Brenda Kincaid of Danbury, Nebraska, aand Ed & Marcia Overton of McCook, Nebraska.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on, Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Price & Sons Funeral Home in Garden City, Kansas with Pastor Neil Burum presiding.

There will be no public visitation at the funeral home.

Interment was held in the Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kansas.

The family requests memorials be given to the Savoy Family Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City.




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

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Jon David Kleymann--Tribune

(August 16, 1949 - January 5, 2012)

Jon David Kleymann, age 62, passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2012 at his home in rural Wichita County, Kansas. Jon was born August 16, 1949 in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Leo Raymond & Priscilla Kinlund Kleymann, Sr., he was a farmer/stockman and a lifetime resident of Greeley and Wichita Counties. Jon graduated from Greeley County High School in 1968 attended Hutchison Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas and the National Electronics Institute in Denver, Colorado. He loved to hunt, fish and ski, enjoyed life and people in general, especially his grandchildren.

Jon was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both in Tribune, Kansas.

On May 27, 1972, Jon married Michael Ann Elizabeth Degnan (Micki) in Garden City, Kansas.

Jon’s surviving family includes; His Wife, Micki Kleymann,Tribune, Kansas; Two sons and their wives, Jon Michael & Tiffany Kleymann, Tribune, Kansas, James & Wendy Kleymann, Tribune, Kansas; His Mother, Priscilla Kleymann, Tribune, Kansas; One grandson, Kade Kleymann, Tribune, Kansas; Two Granddaughters, Lily Kleymann, Tribune, Kansas; Quinn Kleymann, Tribune, Kansas; Two sisters and their husbands, Ann & Ron Corrigan; Blue Springs, Missouri, Valerie & Jerry Nordberg, Wichita, Kansas

His father, Leo R. Kleymann, Sr. and a brother, Leo R. Kleymann, Jr, preceded him in death.

Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. (M.D.T.) Monday, January 9, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tribune, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. (M.D.T.) Tuesday, January 10, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Benjamin Martin officiating.

Burial will be in St. Theresa Cemetery in rural Wichita County, Kansas.

Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday at Price & Sons Funeral Home in Tribune, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to the Jon D. Kleymann memorial fund in care of the funeral home.


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

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Warren James Koehn--Scott City

Warren James Koehn, age 77, passed away at his home in Scott City, Kansas on Saturday, January 7, 2012. He was born on May 17, 1934 in Montezuma, Kansas the son of Mano and Mabel Dirks Koehn. He moved to Scott City in 1956 and worked as a farmer.

He was a member of the Scott Mennonite Church.

On December 18, 1955 he married Verna Mae Unruh in Fairview, Oklahoma. She survives.

Survivors: One Son Gary Koehn, Chapman, Kansas; One Daughter Kathy Koehn, Haviland, Kansas; Two Brothers, Richard Koehn, Dodge City, Kansas; Arden Koehn, Montezuma, Kansas; Three Sisters Marcia Buller, Scio, Oregon; Verna Koehn Montezuma, Kansas; Karen Holdeman Farwell, Texas. Three Grandchildren, Two Great-Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his Parents, and a brother.


Funeral Services Scott Mennonite Church - Pence, Kansas 10:30 a.m. Wednessday January 11, 2012 Interment will be held at Scott Mennonite Church Cemetery, Pence, Kansas

Memorials may be given to The Scott Mennonite Church - Pence, Kansas or Gospel Tract & Bible Society in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home

Visitation will be held at Price & Sons Funeral Home - Scott City, 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Tuesday 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Church




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

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Upcoming Movies at the Star Theatre

There are some good movies headed for the theatre in Tribune! Here is a list of them:

January 13th, 14th and 15th
CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED Rated G


January 20th, 21st and 22nd
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCAL Rated PG-13


January 27th, 28th and 29th
SHERLOCK HOLMES Rated PG-13

Coming soon are these fine movies:

WE BOUGHT A ZOO

WAR HORSE

As always, showtime is at 8:00 CST.

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

See you at the movies!!!

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My Deepest Sympathy

goes out to the family of Kim Setty-Norton who passed away over the weekend. Many of us got to know her during her 24 year career as Anchor Lady of KWCH (the CBS channel out of Wichita, Kansas). She was a lady we could always depend on to give us trustworthy information on what was happening now. For more information, please go to her obituary on

www.hutchnews.com

Click on Obituaries.

When you have read her obituary, you can leave a message for the family, etc there.



The family suggests that if you would like to give a donation, that you donate to any of the following organizations:

1. Riverside Christian Church

2. Goodwill Industries

3. Victory in the Valley



To do this, please go to

www.resthavenmortuary.com



Rest in peace, Kim. You will definitely be missed.

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Update

I apologize for not posting anything for the past few days. I have quite a bit to post as soon as I have more time to do so. Please continue to stop on by!

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Wichita County Winter Sports Homecoming

will be held on Friday, January 13th.

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

Just a reminder that the Family/Childrens movie, HAPPY FEET 2, is playing at the Star Theatre tonight, tomorrow and Sunday. Showtime is 8:00 cst.

I have posted the movie's information on an earlier post.

Adults, 13 and older: $5.00

Children, 4 through 12: $4.00

Babies through 3-years-old: F--R--E--E

Refreshments are also very fairly priced.

See you at the movies!!!

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My New Discovery

I was having all kinds of problems falling asleep last night. Once I had watched about everything on HGTV and some shows that we had recorded on our DVR, I decided to go to the channel guide and see if I could find something interesting there. I HATE paid programming, and by that time, that was about all that was on. THEN I came upon OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). I had not seen anything on it yet. Once there, I found some really good shows on there such as Dr. Phil, etc. I LOVED it! PLUS...at least last night, there was N~O paid programming infommercials! YAY!!! I've done more research on this channel. Everything I found is totally positive. You just might want to check your local channel guide and see if OWN is available where you live. If it is, take a look at it. I hope that you're as impressed with it as I am!

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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Nifty Household Hints

Here are some dandy ideas for all kinds of household needs. Enjoy! Thank you, J, for sharing these simple but wonderful ideas with us!!!

Stick a straw through the center, from top to bottom, in a strawberry to hull it.

Rub a walnut that has been removed from its shell over scratches and dings in your furniture. The nut fills in the scrapes and other imperfections.

Want to stop a cut apple from turning brown? After you slice it, put a rubberband around it to hold the slices together.

Need more room in your linen closet? Then fold up your sheets and one pillowcase neatly. Place them into your other pillowcase and put into your closet. This also keeps the linens all together so that you can find them easily when you need them. Awesome!

Want higher volume from your iPhone & iPod? Put it into a bowl. The concave shape amplifies the music.

Store your plastic grocery, etc bags in an empty wet wipes container. Set it up so that the bags will come out through the hole at the top whenever you need it. This keeps them from falling all over the floor, etc. Much neater looking, too!!

Gonna be playing in the sand? Sprinkle baby powder on your skin ahead of time. The sand won't stick to you then.

Attach a Velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.

Storing gift wrap paper rolls getting you down? In a cabinet or closet, string a piece of wire from one side to the other. Stand your rolls behind the wire and in front of the wall. The wire will keep them in place so that they are not falling here or there.

Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose. Suction will pick them up but the stocking will keep them from going into the vaccuum bag.

Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.

Adhere magnetic strips to the inside of your medicine cabinet to store bobby pins, tweezers and clippers.

Use cheap shower caps to keep dirty shoes from rubbing on your clean clothes. Many hotels furnish their rooms with these caps.

A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy. Use magnets to hold the plastic cups down to make them tip-resistant.

Bread sack tags make the perfect cord labels. Write what the cords are from right onto your tag. This will really help out in such things as the cords behind your tvs, computers, etc.

Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones. Pour the batter into the cone and stand them in a muffin pan or on cookie sheets. Your kids will love them!

Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles.

Turn your muffin pan upside down, wrap cookie-dough over the top and sides of each muffin holder. After they are baked, you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream. I recommend spraying each one with PAM first.

Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.

Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering. Just hang however much of the guttering that you need on the side of a building or fence. Stack each gutter above the next but leave plenty of room between each piece of guttering for the plants to grow. Place the necessary amount of potting soil in each gutter. Now, you are ready to plant your seeds, bulbs or seedlings. Water when necessary. No longer will you have to get on your hands and knees to weed your garden!

Store your Christmas decorations in egg cartons. This will keep them safe and from getting stuck to one another.


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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Dennis Lee Cain--Lyons and Leoti

Mr. Dennis Lee Cain, current resident of Lyons, Ks and former resident of Leoti, passed away on December 29th. He was 62.

Mr. Cain was born on January 5th, 1949 to Arthur Lee and Parrie-Dell Randle Cain. On June 2nd, 1989, he married Margaret Ann Hughes from Leoti.

Survivors include his wife, daughter, Jonell Sekavec, sister, Dana Cain, and his three grandchildren, Kaden, Macon and Onna.

Graveside services were held at 1:30 today at Lyons Municipal Cemetery in Lyons.

Memorials may be given to MDS Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas.

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Max Strickert--Scott City

(May 31, 1945 - December 28, 2011)

On December 28th, we lost a lifelong friend to all, Max Strickert. He was born to Karl and Pearl Strickert on May 31, 1945 in Scott City, Kansas, a place that he held close to his heart for the rest of his life. In his younger days, he graduated from Scott City High with many friends that remained for a life time. From 1965 to 1969, he served in the US Navy and spending most of his time aboard the USS Porterfield, gaining the taste for the seas that never left him as sailing and boating formed the man he was. In 1967, he met his lifelong love Linda in San Diego , California and married her in 1968. Max and Linda began building a life together having their first child Carin Lynn Strickert later in 1968. In 1969, he joined IBM and moved to Los Angeles beginning his career with a twenty-five year stent with office machines. In 1971, they moved to Van Nuys , California and Max had his second child Todd Alan Strickert. In 1979, the family moved to San Pedro , California a place where he opened his own business and regained his passion for the sea. He loved sailing in the Pacific Ocean ; owning a series of sailboats and crewing on several Sailing Racing Crews. In 1987, Max was blessed with his first of six grandchildren Miranda, followed by Josh, Hope and Grace from Carin and Alan and Aaron from Todd. Max as a grandfather demonstrated an amazing amount of love and pride for his grandchildren. In 1990, he moved to Las Vegas , Nevada and pursued an adventure to find the perfect profession and lifestyle for Linda and himself. In 2001, Max and Linda joined Todd and his wife, Maureen in the purchase of a home in Fairfield , California where he watched his family grow on a daily basis. He showed great joy while living everyday life with his grandchildren. In 2010, Linda passed and Max’s demonstration of unconditional love and faithfulness was ended after forty-two years. He had a courageous five year fight with cancer that coincided with years of making lasting memories. During this fight, he continued to gain friends and loved ones in the Kaiser Permanente Chemo Department. We must give a special thanks to them for all their support and amazing care. He carried on with a passion for life and love just as he had done his entire life. Even during his struggle with cancer, Max created lasting memories of love and friendship in all the people who met and knew him. Max has left behind two sisters Karyl Holister and Laurel Binns and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in the Strickert and See Families along with the Vaught family members that were gained through marriage with Linda Vaught. He regarded and felt them to be blood relatives, one in the same always. He leaves numerous nephews and nieces in the Strickert and Vaught families that will remember him always as the happy sort he was. He will also leave behind those special friends that he shared his zest for life with. His two children Carin and Todd along with their spouses Jon and Maureen and six grandchildren will always love him and miss him dearly. Max’s Family will host a family dinner that is a celebration of life. Afterwards, we ask that all join us for a celebratory night of toasts and remembering for all that he touched. This will be at 6:30 pm on January 7th at one of his favorite places, the Blue Frog Grill in Fairfield , California In lieu of flowers, please help support Scott County Hospital/Caring Hearts Caring Hands. Donations can be sent, care of Laurel Binns 1011 College St. Scott City, Kansas 67871 Remember Hefeweizen over flowers.



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

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This Week's School Menu

Breakfasts

Breakfasts are always the same for the following days:

Mondays
Pizza or Cereal and Toast
Juice
Milk

Tuesdays
French Toast Stix or Cereal and Toast
Juice
Milk

Wednesdays
Sausage and Pancake on a Stick or Cereal and Toast
Juice
Milk

Thursdays
Blueberry Pancakes or Cereal and Toast
Juice
Milk

Fridays
Breakfast Bar or Cereal and Toast
Juice
Milk

Lunches

Tuesday
Frito Pie
Pineapple
Baby Carrots
Chocolate Chip Muffin
Milk

Wednesday
Meatloaf
Baked Potato
Green Beans
Peaches
Roll
Milk

Thursday
Chicken Strips
Dill Spear
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Oranges
Roll
Milk

Friday
Ribette on a Bun
Sweet Potato Bites
Strawberries and Bananas
Corn

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National Western Stock Show

This major event, the Super Bowl of Livestock, will be held from Saturday, January 7th, through Sunday, January 22nd. This is always held in Denver, Colorado. Many events including famous rodeos are planned. For more information, please go to

www.nationalwestern.com

Once there, you'll be able to purchase tickets, see the schedule, history, etc.

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Kansas Day

is on Sunday, January 29th. The day will be observed on Friday, January 27th, in Wichita County Schools.

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Kay Conference

is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25th. I have no other details on this.

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Wichita County Blood Drive

is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25th, from 10:30 to 2:30 at the WCJ/SHS.

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Junior High League Math Contest

will be held at 9:00 a.m., at Meade, on Wednesday, January 25th.

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Juniors Compass Test

Students need to be registered. The 1st half will be held on Wednesday, January 18th.

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Wichita County Elementary School Site Council

We will be meeting in the Teachers Workroom at 4:30 on Tuesday, January 17th.

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Hollyball

will be held on Saturday, January 14th, from 8 to 11:00.

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Wichita County High School Winter Sports Homecoming

is on Friday, January 13th, in Leoti. We will be playing against Lakin.

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Financial Aid Night for College

Tuesday, January 10th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Wichita County Junior/Senior High School Library

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Board of Education Meeting

Monday, January 9th, at 7:00 p.m.

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Booster Club Meeting

Sunday, January 8th:
7:00 p.m. at the Fire Barn

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Forensics Tournament

Saturday, January 28th, at Satanta

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Scholars Bowls

Saturday, January 7th:
9:00 a.m. at Elkhart

Thursday, January 12th:
Scholars Bowl at Hugoton

Wednesday, January 25th:
3:00 p.m. High School League at Satanta

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Wichita County Wrestling

Saturday, January 7th:
9:30 at Norton

Saturday, January 14th:
10:00 at Scott City

Saturday, January 21st:
9:00 a.m. Junior Varsity at Stafford
9:30 a.m. Varsity at Atwood

Friday, January 27th
3:00 p.m. at Hoisington

All games based on Central Standard Time.

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Junior High Basketball Games

Thursday, January 5th:
Game against Satanta has been postponed to Monday, January 23rd, at Home

Thursday, January 12th:
5:00 p.m. Junior High Basketball Game Against Cimarron at Home

Monday, January 16th:
5:00 p.m. Junior High Basketball Game at Elkhart

Thursday, January 19th
5:00 p.m.: Junior High Basketball at Southwestern Heights

Monday, January 23rd:
5:00 p.m. Junior High Basketball Against Sublette at Home

Thursday, January 26th:

5:00 p.m.: Junior High Basketball Game at Syracuse

All times are based on Central Standard Time.

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High School Basketball Games for January

Friday, the 6th:
5:00 p.m. Game at Satanta

Saturday, the 7th:
5:00 p.m. Game Against Deerfield at Home

Friday, the 13th:
5:00 p.m. Game Against Lakin at Home

Monday and Tuesday, the 16th and 17th: High School League Basketball Tournament at Lakin

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the 19th, 20th and 21st: High School League Basketball Tournament at Garden City Community College

Tuesday, the 24th:
4:00 p.m. High School Basketball Game against Tribune at Home

Friday, the 27th:
5:00 p.m. High School Basketball Game at Southwestern Heights

Saturday, the 28th:
5:00 p.m. High School Basketball Game Against Rolla at Home

Tuesday, the 31st:
6:30 p.m. High School Basketball at Dighton

All times listed are Central Standard Time.

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Upcoming Events at Wichita County Schools

Tuesday, January 3rd:
Wichita County Junior/Senior High School eligibility determined

Wednesday, January 4th:
7:30 a.m. PDC at Board of Education Office
Report cards distributed

Thursday, January 5th:
Junior High Basketball Game against Sublette has been POSTPONED until Monday, January 23rd. It will be held here.

Friday, January 6th: 5:00 p.m. High School Basketball Game at Satanta

Saturday, January 7th:
9:00 a.m. Scholars Bowl at Elkhart
9:30 a.m. High School Wrestling at Norton
5:00 p.m. High School Basketball against Deerfield at home

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Monday, January 2, 2012

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

The Sequel/Animation/Musical/Performing Arts/Kids/Family movie, HAPPY FEET 2, will be playing at the Star Theatre this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 6th, 7th and 8th. Showtime is 8:00 CST. This movie that opened on November 18th, stars Elijah Wood, Pink, Alecia Moore, Robin Williams, Brad Pitt, etc. It lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes. The rating is PG for some rude humor and mild peril.

Yikes! The Master of Tap has a real problem. His son, Eric, is CHOREO-PHOBIC! Reluctant to dance, Eric runs away and soon meets the Mighty Sven, a penguin who can actually FLY! Now, there is a new problem for the Master of Tap. He has to figure out how he can possibly compete with a guy who can fly.

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

Refreshments are always fairly priced also.

See you at the movies!!!

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Wicita County Fair

and the All School Class Reunion is this year. The dates are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th. If you need a local motel room, you need to call Hi Plains Motel asap. Their phone number is 620.375.2239 and 375.4438. There are a few bed and breakfasts here. I imagine they are already booked but I'll try to find out for you.

The fair's websites are

www.Leoti.info

and

www.WichitaCountyFair.com

You'll find lots of information there!

See you at the Fair!!!

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Outstanding Movie

On New Years Eve, the girls and I decided to see what movies were being offered on Pay-Per-View. We were glad to see that the 2011 hit, THE HELP, was available. We clicked on it and prepared to watch it.

Now I know that I have told just about everyone out there that our eldest daughter, Leighlyn, is color blind. In her blindness, she is able to see the colors, red, blue, yellow, green and all of the shades of each of those colors. So what makes her color blind? The fact that when she looks at a human being, they are all the same color. She looks into the interior of their soul--not the exterior that they became over the years. One of the reasons that her blindness developed was because, when she was just a kindergartner, she purchased her first book on the hero, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. That was just the beginning of her collection of his biographies that she continues to add to to this day.

So after THE HELP came out, it only made sense that she (and us) should watch this movie. My mother had already read the book and was totally impressed with every word written in it. So, anyway, the three of us curl up together and begin watching from the very beginning to the very end. Not once, did any of us get up to go to the bathroom, to get a drink, nothing. We were totally gripped by the movie. I do not know when the last movie was that we were so involved with the storyline.

As the story began unfolding, I was so disgusted at what Americans did to their own people. And this was AFTER President Abraham Lincon had lost his life because he was trying to free the slaves and give them lives filled with dignity. I cannot imagine what horror the slaves must have endured in a day to day basis. Honestly, I don't want to know.

Now I don't want any of you to get the idea that all white-skinned people were cruel and inhumane to the people of color. There were still a large number of them out there who were still fighting for their civil rights. Some of them were actually brave enough to walk side by side with them in peace marches, etc. That was a huge differnece than that what our laws dictated. I couldn't believe it when the movie pointed out that, at no time, was a dark skin to touch white skin. How absurd!!! When a black person served a cup of tea or coffee to his employer, etc, his/her skin could never come into contact with the white's skin.

People of color could not use the same bathroom as white people. Many employers of these people actually dedicated certain bathrooms for the total use of only their servants. Why? Because some whites believed that the colored people carried certain infectious diseases that the other races did not. Stupidity!

I was very proud of one white couple portrayed in this movie. I would have loved to have met them and others who reacted like them. The lady whom they'd hired to teach the wife how to clean, cook, do the laundry and ironing, actually treated her like a HUMAN BEING! Even crazier for that time period, they became FRIENDS!!! Wow! Its a wonder that their neighbors didn't tar and feather them and send them on their way elsehere! Their employee was actually invited to share meals with them on their very own dining room table. Today, a multitude of people of various races sitting at the table in the U.S., is no big deal. But can you imagine what kind of scandel that was back then??? Because of the beliefs and bravery of people like them, our world is changing and becoming the way God intended. Folks, we still have a long way to go though. You and I can both help to make it even better. We don't need a white world. We don't need a black world. What we do need is a grey world where all races are blended together and become one.


I could go on and on and on about the education that this movie provided us with but that would not be fair to you. I strongly urge that every red blooded American out there, no matter what color of skin you were born with, watch this movie and/or read the book. I believe that no matter who you are, your heart will crack or totally break as you do it.

My opinion of this movie? If you haven't already concluded that already, it was TOTALLY AWESOME!!! And as for my daughters, they felt the same way and were also shocked at how people with dark skin were treated. It makes all of us want to go out and do whatever we can to make others' lives happier and more complete. Each and every one of us should afford each and every civil right as the person next to us has.

Read this book or watch the movie...please. A whole new world will open up for you and how you may have felt.

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Sunday, January 1, 2012

Barbara Ann Shelden--Garden City

(September 15, 1944 - December 31, 2011)

Barbara Ann Shelden, age 67, died Saturday, December 31, 2011 at her home in Garden City, Kansas. She was born September 15, 1944 in Lakin, Kansas the daughter of Albert E. and Alberta M. Witman Miller. A resident of Garden City since 1968, she was an automotive parts manager.

On August 16, 1961 she married Ted Shelden in Lakin, Kansas. He survives.

Other survivors include: One Daughter, Teddi Shelden of Wichita, Kansas; Two Sons, Russell Shelden of Topeka, Kansas and Michael Shelden of Holcomb, Kansas; Her Mother, Alberta Miller of Lakin, Kansas; One Sister, Louise Miller of Lakin, Kansas; One Brother, Al Miller of Garden City, Kansas; Five Grandchildren and Three Great-Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father and a sister, Glenda M. Church.

The rosary will be held at 7:30pm, Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City, Kansas.

A Memorial Mass will be said at 10:30am on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Church.

There will be no calling times.

Private Family Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Lee Richardson Zoo Aviary in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City.


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

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Just a Reminder

that Courthouses, post offices and banks will be closed tomorrow (Monday). After tomorrow, life goes back to normal and our public offices will be open as usual.

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School Resumes

Christmas vacation ends in Wichita County tomorrow. Teachers will return to work tomorrow morning. School doors re-open on Tuesday morning at 8:00. Be extra careful when you are driving out there. Because we have spring-like weather headed our way, a lot of kids will be walking to school and back home in the afternoons.

In the beginning, after the blizzard ended, I saw no chance that we would see our snow melt before Spring. But since warmer temperatures made their way to us last week, a major melt-down is underway. Though there is still some snow on parts of the ground and we still have snowdrifts, everything is shrinking. Last night, someone was stuck over here in our neighborhood. I look for a good deal more people getting stuck for awhile.

Fortunately for us, a man arrived at our house the day before Christmas Eve with a handy, dandy Bobcat. He scraped our parking lot completely. The snow was piled up at the northern edge of our property which will be great for our Buffalo Grass when the moisture is absorbed into the ground there! The rest of our parking lot is completely dry now. We sure can't complain about that!

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There Really IS Light at the End of the Tunnel

and we can actually see it from where we are today!

Stan has just begun his 4th straight week at work this morning. Ordinarily, he has at least Sundays off. In many cases, he also has Saturdays off. Believe me, by the time that Friday arrives, he (and us) are ready for his days off.

He worked 7 days before the blizzard struck us. Since the blizzard, he has worked every single day. His normal work day lasts for 10-12 hours. Because of the storm, he worked extra hours. To say that he is exhausted, is a definite understatement.

For the past couple of weeks, he comes home every night, spends 1-2 hours with us and then is so tired, he has no other choice but to go to bed. We have really missed our family time together! But light is beginning to peek through again. Stan will continue to work through Thursday. He will have Friday, Saturday and Sunday off and we can hardly wait!!!

VLE-B

A New Year's Resolution

I was just reminded of an age-old saying that holds so much wisdom for every single day of our lives. Given the fact that a brand new year is still in its infancy, it just might be what you are interested into making a part of your life from this day forward. I'm definitely going to add it to my own life.



"The past is in the past.

The future is yet to be known.

Today is a gift which is exactly why it is called the present."



Happy New Year!!!

VLE-B