Opinion
Rites of passage masks on exhibit
The newest special exhibit at Chanute’s Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum is “Artful Initiations: Dancing into Adulthood.” This exhibit is located in the second floor Selsor Art Gallery and can be viewed by visitors through July. Curator Jacque Borgeson wrote the following information about “Artful Initiations”: “An initiation, also called a rite of passage, is a ritual event that marks a person’s progress from one status to another. It...
full story
Common thread shared by women of the world
Earlier I shared information about the ACWW, Associated Country Women of the World, conference I and several others from this area attended, in Hot Springs, Ark. As I checked the program, women from at least 36 countries were registered. Previous conferences hosted in the USA were 1936, Washington D.C.; 1989, Kansas City and then this year in Hot Springs. Three years ago the conference was in Turku, Finland, and in 2004 in Tasmania, Austral...
full story
Field bindweed can put garden in real bind
Which is worse in a garden or flowerbed – field bindweed or Bermuda grass? It’s pretty much a toss up in my opinion. Both can be a real pain and extremely hard to get rid of, especially for homeowners, but there are options. For bindweed control in the garden, there are two solutions - one, take all or a portion of the garden out of production for a time and use solarization or two, use Glyphosate. Solarization uses the energy from the sun ...
full story
Governor key figure in Kansas tax increase
TOPEKA (AP) — Gov. Mark Parkinson deserves the biggest share of the credit — or the blame — when Kansas increases its sales tax in July to shore up its next budget. The Democratic governor pushed the Republican-controlled Legislature to raise taxes to avoid cuts in aid to public schools and other government programs. Consumers will pay a penny more for each dollar they spend at a store, hotel or restaurant. Parkinson built his credibility ...
full story
Women of the world evening to remember
Last week I shared information with you about the Associated Country Women of the World organization and the tri-annual conference, held in Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 21-28. It was such a wonderful experience, meeting women from so many different countries. Ninety percent spoke English. When I asked how they learned English, they said that there are several language choices available in their schools. English is one of them and one they h...
full story
To Kylie, as you graduate from high school
On your first birthday, I wrote a letter to you. After a year of many “firsts” – crawling, walking, getting your first tooth, saying your first word – I was overwhelmed with emotion. As is my way, I wanted to put those feelings into words on paper. Now, with another important “first” taking place as you graduate from high school, I am again writing a letter to you. The sentiments are similar in many ways: I still experience much the same a...
full story
Graduation’s my favorite time of year!
Last night more than 380 Neosho County Community College graduates walked across the stage at the Memorial Auditorium and received their diplomas or certificates. I really look forward to graduation each year. One of the perks of being the president of the college is getting to shake the hands of each and every student who has reached this milestone. Graduation is one of the most important days in their lives, and I am so proud to be a small...
full story
Tri-Valley committed for people to be a part of community
While most people have heard of Tri-Valley Developmental Services, the perception and knowledge of the agency is likely formed by local newspaper articles, word of mouth, or you may know someone whose son or daughter is served in one of the programs. One of the services that we provide that very few people have heard about is our supported employment program. When someone new enters our services, they are given several options if they wish ...
full story
As the weather turns warmer, there’s always one thing you can count on
As the weather turns warmer, there’s always one thing you can count on. I’m referring to the sight of individuals zooming around town on their motorcycles. Weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds and showing off their toys, this is the time of year when you see more and more of them on the road, cruising up and down the main drags of town on those small, fast and shiny sport bikes. I have to admit it, whenever I see those guys fly pas...
full story
Library gearing up for summer
With summer fast approaching, the library is gearing up for summer – children, programs, prizes, reading and more programs! This year’s statewide theme is “Make a Splash,” which is especially appropriate as we all look forward to the opening of the new swimming pool. And while we want everyone to enjoy the pool, we also hope you will make full use of the public library and the summer fun we are planning. Summer will kick-off at the library ...
full story
Fire department problems
While Mayor Watson Stewart expressed himself last week as satisfied generally with the efficiency of the fire department, the same feeling of confidence is not enjoyed by his 2 colleagues on the city commission, Emery W. Nobles and Dr. R. A. Light, according to information considered reliable. Following publication of a story in last Saturday’s Tribune to the effect that considerable criticism of the fire department had been heard on some o...
full story
Spring has been busy for Chamber
Whew! It’s been a busy time for the Chamber! We spent the past month working hard to promote Chanute in many different ways. On April 24, the 8th annual Chamber Business Expo was held as part of the Safari Days Festival. With 40 vendors on hand there was a wide array of products and services being showcased. As noted in last month’s column, we encouraged merchants to sell their products as part of their Expo activities and hope attendees t...
full story
Vision Chanute teams help with pool, rec campaigns
Vision Chanute is pleased with all that has happened regarding the city pool and recreation center. Vision Chanute was a sponsor of the Vote ‘Yes-Yes’ campaign to promote voting for the quarter cent sales tax to pay for the construction of the aquatic center and the quarter cent sales tax to provide monies to the recreation center. Even though the second quarter cent sales tax did not pass the community has stepped up and supported the effor...
full story
Well water for city?
City Engineer Young was this morning instructed by the water committee of the city council to invite Prof. W. C. Hoad of the state university to attend the meeting of the council next Monday evening and address the members upon the best plan of securing a pure water supply for Chanute. Prof. Hoad is a state sanitary engineer and a member of the state board of health. He is an expert on water supply. This action by the water committee is in...
full story
Kansas House fails to override governor’s veto on abortion law
John Milburn Associated Press Writer TOPEKA (AP) — The Kansas House failed to override Gov. Mark Parkinson’s veto of a bill that would have rewritten the state’s laws on late-term abortions, falling two votes short on Friday. The measure could have discouraged any doctor who provides late-term abortions from establishing a practice in Kansas following the murder last year of Dr. George Tiller. His Wichita practice was one of the few in th...
full story
Major annual events successful
The museum’s two major annual events occurred earlier this month. I sincerely appreciate everyone who participated in our Fundraiser Gala Party and last weekend’s Safari Film Festival. This festival showcases the Johnsons’ exceptional wildlife films and attracts visitors from across the country. This year was no exception with participants from Michigan, New York, Ohio, and throughout Kansas. It is an opportunity for our widely dispersed ho...
full story
NCCC goes green
Neosho County Community College is embracing Green! Over the last couple of years the College has focused on becoming the place to be if you want to train or get a degree in the new green technologies. We have received several grants totally $236,000 to develop curriculum, certificates and degrees and seminar in green technologies. NCCC has developed a strong program in Energy Auditing and Energy Management. The curriculum in these two pr...
full story
School superintendent acts as fireman
L. H. Petit, superintendent of the city schools, appeared in a dual role at the Junior college fire Tuesday, April 27, 1937. He was the hero and the only victim. First to go into action against the blaze, he was also first to quit the field after the victory had been won, fleeing from those who wished to commend him for his valiant services. It must be admitted, however, that this was not entirely because of innate modesty, but because he ...
full story
Education is the word in 2010
Main Street has been working hard since 1994 to build a better downtown. Our efforts have and are paying dividends, but our work is never done. We set goals each year at a board retreat in the late fall for the following year. Our main goal this year is to educate our downtown building owners and retailers how to do a better job to be successful and about the importance of maintaining our historic buildings. We have received a USDA Grant an...
full story
Spring cleaning: More than just a household chore
Spring has officially arrived. Hopefully the weatherman agrees. As spring arrives each year, a sense of new energy and hope awakens — the spreading of green across lawns and pastures, hearing the birds reappear with song and watching all the colors erupt through the blossoming flowers. Spring also brings the urge to rid our life of “stuff,” be it yard waste from last season or the closet packed full. People tend to get the urge to clean som...
full story