Opinion
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...
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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. ...
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What is quinoa?
    Dear Reno:  What is quinoa, what are its nutritional benefits and how does one use it? Thank you. — J. D. Although quinoa is thought of as whole grain, it is actually the grain-like edible seeds of the chenopodium plants, cultivated originally in the Andean regions of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. The nutrient composition is very good as compared with common cereals and grains. It is also easy to digest and tolerate. Quinoa is a co...
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Hydrangeas are full of blooms
I received a beautiful gift of hydrangeas from our daughter, Janna.  She drove down for Father's Day and brought this bouquet of large, purple and orchid blooms, which grow on the same bush, and some hot pink ones.  Just like me, she doesn't know which of the at least four types they are, but they are like the old, white-ball ones. She said she has had them about four years and didn't fertilize them. They never before had the bright colors or ...
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Ziplines offer speed and scenery
Zipline rides are among the many fun and heart-pounding activities you can plan on a day trip to Missouri. In southwest Missouri, the Branson Zipline Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve offers a variety of zips. The site’s fastest run is the Blue Streak Fast Line, which will have you about 150 feet off the ground and moving at super fast speeds. Oh, and don’t forget the dismount, it’s a 100-foot vertical “free fall.” Northwest of Branson, in ...
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Public MInd
To The Sun: Blood drives are held to unite donors while helping to save lives. My hope is that all eligible blood donors plan on participating in the upcoming blood drive on June 27 and 28 at the First Christian Church in Parsons. Jerry Lilley, a friend of so many here in Southeast Kansas and past longtime administrator of the former Labette County Medical Center, has been diagnosed with carcinoma of the liver and is in the process of being p...
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Public Minds
Blood drive coming June 27-28 To The Sun: Summer is here and many people and families are looking forward to vacation, summer jobs, spending more time with family and friends and other relaxing and fun activities. As we enjoy the beautiful weather and all of the wonders and miracles of this awesome time of year, let's not forget the many people who are unable to enjoy life because of health-related problems that require blood and blood product...
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Barnett tells her side of events
I would like to set the record straight and tell about the trash truck employee that our city manager brought to everyone’s attention in last Thursday’s Parsons City Commission work session. Our house received an anonymous call around 7 a.m. Nov. 19, 2011. Frankie took the call. A person who preferred not to identify himself told Frankie there was a city employee working who was intoxicated. This employee was driving a city trash truck. The ...
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Shrub has lovely, rose-like blooms
For some time, I have tried to remember the name of a lovely flower Mary Hughes and I found in a Joplin greenhouse many years ago. We bought some, brought it home and planted it in beds around the Parsons Municipal Building. It was an immediate  success.  Because I am having “writer’s block” today, I am reaching back for material, and I remembered, the flower is lisianthus. I  doubt you will run across it, but early the following year, we aske...
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Pack for picnics without pathogens
Summertime eating events can lead to food-borne illness. Bacteria grow fast in the heat and humidity, and clean water and refrigeration can be hard to find. Find out how you can keep food safe to eat when you’re in the heat. — When planning a picnic, barbecue or camping trip, find out if there will be a source of safe drinking water. If not, take water for preparation and cleaning. — Pack plenty of plates and utensils, along with disposable wa...
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Bumper wheat crop could be a gift
Bumper Wheat Crop Provides Opportunity for Giving What wonderful news for our hardworking grain producers that this year’s wheat crop is one of the best ever. Their crops are crucial to the very survival of life on earth, and I’d like to take this opportunity to give my deep thanks and appreciation for our growers’ labors. If you are an operating farmer, this might be a good year to explore the option of giving a portion of grain directly to t...
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What is white wheat flour?
White whole wheat flour!   Dear Reno: Recently while shopping for groceries, I came across packets of white whole wheat flour in the flour section. What type of flour is this and how can I use it? Thank you. — J.R. According to recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Americans need to increase their daily intake of fiber, from an average of 15 grams per day to 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women, with somewhat lower amount...
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Public Mind
Your vote matters To The Sun: We vote for many reasons and will often choose a candidate who vows to support the U.S. Constitution. Of course, these individuals seem to forget that their oath of office requires them to swear or attest that they will “protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Once elected, they will pledge to uphold some unelected person’s tax or social policy. It is extremely important that each voter become e...
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Grilling tips reduce cancer risks
Summer picnics, get-togethers and tailgating are a great time to hang out, enjoy the weather and grill some delicious food. However, some studies suggest there may be a cancer risk related to eating food cooked by high-heat cooking techniques such as frying, grilling and broiling. Meats that are fried or grilled, especially when cooked until extremely well-done or charred, contain the highest levels of heterocyclic aromatic amines. HAA are pot...
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Why should I review my estate plan?
Almost everyone is familiar with the need for an annual physical checkup. Time takes its toll on some other very important parts of our lives as well. And though it does not generally require the attention of an annual review, such as a visit to the doctor, our estate plans should be reviewed on a regular basis. Less than 50 percent of the people in the nation have a will. More alarming is the fact that a large percentage of the estate plans i...
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Raw Milk Causes Most Dairy-Related Outbreaks
In a 13-year review of foodborne illness outbreaks related to milk, the rate of outbreaks from raw or unpasteurized milk was 150 times greater than pasteurized milk across the country. In states that sell raw milk legally, the rate of foodborne illness is more than twice the rate than those states where selling raw milk is illegal. The study included 121 dairy-related disease outbreaks, which caused 4,413 illnesses, 239 hospitalizations and ...
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New Building is Center for Excellence in Healthcare Education
The Labette Community College Foundation has raised more than $10.4 million to successfully complete the Pathways to the Future Capital Campaign. The campaign projects include constructing a new Health Science facility, increasing endowed scholarships and funding deferred maintenance on current facilities. The incredible vision of the LCC Board of Trustees, the college foundation, and administration has once again proved just how great this ...
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Columnist returns to PK home
Home again, and back in my own bed. Those are the sweetest words I know. OK, it was just two days, but I told you all how nervous and afraid I was. I've been home a week, have no appetite but I must say the purpose was to rid my back side of extreme pain and so far I have no complaints, aside from an icky feeling, maybe caused by anaesthesia. You don't hear much about this kind of surgery, but when I told my doctor I would not consider having ...
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Travel Activities for Young Children
Wildcat District Extension Agent 
Crawford County Office Traveling with young children on family vacations during the coming summer months can create frustrations for both the children and adults if not prepared for the trip. But with preplanning and a little creativity, travel time may become part of the fun of the trip, which provides quality family time spent together. If you are traveling with an infant or toddler, you may want to conside...
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Public Mind
To The Sun: The members of the Parsons BARC Club wish to thank the citizens of Parsons for their generous donations that have enabled the club to install the second piece of the agility course at the Parsons Dog Park.  In addition to the A-frame, the club now has a teeter-totter constructed by members of the woodworkers group in town. We would especially like to thank Raymond Newby, John Arabia, Bob Brown and Don Combs for their expertise and...
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