Columnist discusses olive oil
Dear Reno: I know olive oil is good for health, however, I am really confused about the different types available. Could you please explain? Thank you. — J. F
Olive oil is obtained from olives and has been used extensively in the Mediterranean region since hundreds of years ago. One can see olive orchards while driving through the countryside in Italy, Greece, France, Portugal and Spain. Olives are also cultivated in California.
The Internati...
Public Minds Support Umbarger
To the Sun,
Sen. Dwayne Umbarger has been forced into a race with another sitting senator due to redistricting. Were it not for that fact, Umbarger would easily win this race, as he has all of his others. Why has he been supported so strongly? Because he always remembers that he represents the people who put him in Topeka.
During this past legislative session Umbarger got crosswise with the conservative Republican Party becaus...
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Jeff King, Pete Journot, Fred Moulton, Ann CharlesThe Parsons Sun
Public Minds Vote to recall York
To The Sun:
Do not be confused about the recall of Greg York, a Parsons city commissioner and the current mayor. This question is on the ballot for the primary election on Aug. 7: “Shall Greg York be recalled from the office of Parsons City Commissioners? Yes/No.”
This means if you wish for York to be removed from the city commission, you must vote yes.
Do not let anyone confuse you on this important matter.
My family has...
Public Minds Youth donate to PALS
To The Sun:
Kids do the nicest things.
A couple of weeks ago Girl Scout Troop 70308, about five of them, along with their leader, Kim Bartelli, spent several hours in front of the local Wal-Mart collecting donations of supplies and cash for the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter. Together with the cash and supplies, they donated more than $200. I understand one of the young ladies took up a separate collection on her own. How aw...
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Wanda Newland, Paul Unrau, Mary Kinsch, Craig Sonka, David Torbett, Mike WomeldorffThe Parsons Sun
Dry Weather Increases Health Threats to Livestock
Long periods of dry weather can affect livestock in a variety of ways in addition to the more obvious forage and water shortages. The prevalence of problems associated with blue green algae, nitrates, and prussic acid all increase because of hot, dry weather.
Blue Green Algae blooms are favored by warm stagnant water. Despite the name the organism that causes the problem is actually a photosynthetic cyanobacteria not algae. The breakdown of ...
Public Minds Public library director defended
To the Sun:
I am writing in response to a recent letter criticizing Parsons Public Library Director Jean Strader. To his credit, the writer did end his letter with a constructive suggestion for how to address his particular problem. I can only say that rudeness is not a typical trait of Jean’s. On the contrary, I believe that she is by far the best library director Parsons has had in the 36 years that I have ...
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Pamela Cress, Gary Wall, Douglas Heiskell, Ann Charles, Cecil Fish, Dwayne Umbarger, Steve Miller, Vern Swanson, Herb Bath, Mike Flood, Randy JohnsonThe Parsons Sun
Reno Jain All about artificial sweeteners
Dear Reno: There are many artificial sweeteners available nowadays. How safe are they and can they be used on a daily basis? — W.K.
Consumers have a number of choices to satisfy their “sweet tooth.”
There are two main groups of sweeteners – nutritive and nonnutritive.
1. Nutritive sweeteners occur naturally in foods or maybe added during processing or preparation of foods – natural sugars, table sugar, calori...
Garden Guide Recently I read an article in the Tulsa World and learned something new.
I have written here before that hostas are candy for slugs and snails. Slugs are slimy snails without shells that feed at night and leave a slimy trail. They will eat holes in the centers of leaves, ruining them for this season. An easy cure is to buy slug pellets, (which will poison your pets unless you sprinkle them carefully, deep in the foliage or under garden s...
Public Minds Swimming lessons at city pool
To The Sun:
I want to recommend the swimming lessons provided by the Parsons Recreation Commission at Parsons Municipal Swimming Pool. For the past three years they have been consistently excellent. Robin Oldham has been in charge during that time and has a well trained, experienced staff.
They balance learning with fun, and children come away feeling comfortable in the water, knowing how to swim, and familiar wit...
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Megan Hughes, Chris Beneke, Sam Blubaugh, Eileen GofourthThe Parsons Sun
Top-notch group comes to Parsons I admit it. I am a fan of the Oak Ridge Boys and have been for several decades. I’ve been to several of their concerts, and they continue to impress me with their energy, their musical blend and their positive attitudes.
Long story short; I’m going to be in the audience when they come to the Parsons Municipal Auditorium on July 21. For what it’s worth, I think everybody who lives in and around Parsons should consider it.
I know it’s not rock ‘...
Neglect The $15 million albatross hanging around the necks of Parsons citizens results from neglect in city government.
A 2011 EPA inspection found numerous violations at the city’s wastewater treatment plant and this report prompted action by city staff and an announcement that these fixes will cost taxpayers millions over the next five to 13 years. While the city’s wastewater consistently meets state and federal guidelines, the EPA report still pain...
Make saving for emergencies priority Make Saving for Emergency Fund a Priority
Most people know they should save, yet can easily identify reasons or excuses for not saving.
“Money’s tight, yet concerns about employment and job security amidst rising prices make saving a priority,” said Carol Young, Kansas State University Research and Extension financial management specialist. “Pay yourself first to save regularly and build a more secure financial future.”
For many, saving regula...
County may be headed to drought Wheat harvest turned out to be record-breaking for Labette County, with an earlier-than-ever harvest date, high yields and ideal weather. However, after a rain-filled spring, Labette County (along with the rest of the state of Kansas) appears to be headed into a drought situation similar to last year.
Labette County reached D1 (moderate drought) status last week, according to the online U.S. Drought Monitor at http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/. ...
Water, water, water plants, flowers What should I suggest for you to be doing? “Water, Water, Water.” Then go in the house and cool off.
I must say, I thought the weather and the full moon on the Fourth of July were delightful. We went to a really fun hot dog picnic at a private home with the best view of a wonderful fireworks display. The hostess had filled her planter with a rose-colored, bushy petunia, very colorful.
This year, I bought a few purple trailing petunias, and th...
Public Mind To the Sun:
My husband (Commissioner Frankie Barnett) took quite a bashing June 18 at Thursday's work session from the city manager and the other commissioners.
You all had your say ... then when it came time for Commissioner Barnett to respond, you (Mayor Greg York) said, "We are done with this." You did not allow him to speak, yet you continued. You were out of order when you continued to say you would like to get a directive against Barnett...
Public Mind Response to recent column
To The Sun:
In the June 30-July 1 edition of the Parsons Sun, publisher Peter Cook cited several things he thought were negatives concerning transfer of the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant (KSAAP) to the Great Plains Development Authority (GPDA) and concluded “maybe we ought to just let the Army keep the place…” Anyone who has followed or been involved with the transfer process understands how complicated it really is, ...
Fireworks, the arts, health care and sewerage
• The Fourth of July is Wednesday, and Parsons eagerly anticipates a fireworks show.
The show is outstanding for any city, much less a city the size of Parsons. There are no tax dollars at all that go into the fireworks show. Credit for that show should be given to Sonny and Sophia Zetmeir of Grandview Products and to Bill and Louisa Wiener of Power Flame for financing it, and to Jim Zaleski and the Parsons Chamber of Commerce for coordinat...
Summertime Safety for Young Families
Wildcat District Extension Agent
Crawford County Office
June is Safety Awareness Month, a good time to take note of summer time safety tips for family members.
Doctor’s offices and emergency rooms often see an increase in visits during the summer months when family members are more active and outdoor activities increase. Many of these visits may be avoided if family members give extra time and attention to safety during this busy time of ye...
Bagworms are back
Recently I visited the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan and saw small bagworms inching their way along fencing, bags in tow, trying to reach their next floral victim. After reading the latest Kansas State University Research and Extension horticulture newsletter, I wanted to share the following information:
The normal recommended “treatment window” for applying insecticides to control bagworms is during the last week of June and first week of July. T...
Public Mind Your vote matters
To The Sun:
There are many issues to be concerned about when voting for an elected official. One issue that is of paramount importance, no matter your age or your vocation, is education. All of us have experienced the American school system. It might have been a positive experience or a negative experience. You might still be in school, perhaps furthering your education or changing careers. You might have children in school. ...
