Opinion
Public Mind
York is an asset to our city To The Sun: In the Nov. 26, 2011, Public Mind I wrote a letter, “Take Charge of our Community.” In that piece I asked the “vocal to minority to evaluate their approach and style at making Parsons a better place to live.” In addition I asked “the silent minority to demand more from these individuals and not allow them to convince you this community is dying a slow death.” Well, three months have passed and now these...
full story
This recall stuff has no obvious benefits
The national political climate, although often providing us all with some comic relief – sometimes even better than “Saturday Night Live” – apparently has some local fans. As if the divisive politics of Washington isn’t enough to tempt us to have a less than positive outlook on our country’s future, we now have some local folks jumping on the negative bandwagon. Three Parsonians have apparently decided that it is worth spending taxpayer dollar...
full story
The truth about lettuce
Dear Reno: I have read that iceberg lettuce is not the best type of lettuce to eat. Can you tell me which is the healthiest type of lettuce? Thank you.  — P.D.   Most people think of iceberg lettuce when they think of eating a salad, however, not all lettuce is created the same.   To make your salad healthier, start with using Romaine lettuce – the healthiest of all lettuce. The greener the leaves, the better it is for you. Romaine lettuce is...
full story
Regions complicate redistricting
TOPEKA — Regional differences are complicating a redistricting debate in the Kansas Legislature that political differences have already made contentious. State senators are reviewing proposals for redrawing their districts in committee and huddling over maps in pairs and small groups. Some Republicans want to use redistricting to maintain the GOP's dominance, but at the same time, some GOP conservatives worry about a bipartisan alliance cuttin...
full story
Five strategies to saving
One of the most important things you can learn in life is how to save money. It's the first step to getting where you want to be. Anyone can do it. You just have to put your mind to it. Try these five strategies to start your savings: Pay off high-cost debt: The best investment most borrowers can make is to pay off consumer debt with double-digit interest rates. For example, if you have a $3,000 credit card balance at 19.8 percent, and you pa...
full story
Farewell to a Farmer
To The Sun: Recently, the area community said goodbye to long-time McCune farmer Glen Crumpacker, who died on New Year’s Day. He was 79. I had met Glen and his dairy farmer wife Doris only once at church when Doris invited me home to Sunday dinner at their farm. Even then, in the early 1990s, the dinner table stretched around their big family. I still recall being introduced to everyone and trying to remember all the names. After dinner Dori...
full story
Our Past
These items were taken from the Sun’s editions 20, 30 and 40 years ago. Feb. 25-26, 1972 Top-seeded St. Paul captured a berth in the Class 1A high school regional basketball tournament at Chanute. St. Paul edged McCune 57-56. Jeff O’Bryan topped St. Paul with 22 points. Steve Ward added 18 points. McCune’s Clifford York scored 20 points, 10 in the fourth quarter. Gene Allen added 13 and Rick Shaffer 10. Chetopa exploded for all 11 points of t...
full story
News & Notes
Blood drive next week The first blood drive of 2012 for the Labette County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday at First Christian Church, 29th and Southern. All blood types are needed. Eligible donors should call (800) RED CROSS or go online to www.redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.
full story
Safety training should resolve issues
To The Sun: All the excuses don’t change the fact we lack management and supervision at the city level on a daily basis. This week, an article in the Sun said the city called the Kansas Department of Safety and Labor to self-report a worksite safety violation. Usually the procedure is they make a visit to the job site because of a complaint then issue findings. I agree that our safety ombudsman should have been able to see several violations...
full story
Feeding time influences calving
By Keith Martin Agriculture Wildcat Extension District-Labette A major portion of the losses in a cow calf herd occur at calving. Supervision of first calf heifers is a proven method to increase calf survival. In most operations observing birth is more easily done during daylight hours. A low cost, relatively simple way to reduce calving during night time hours is to feed cows at dusk. The explanation of why time of feeding can affect time of ...
full story
Score a food touchdown on Feb. 5
By Kylie Ludwig Family and Consumer Sciences, Wildcat Extension District-Labette Get ready for the second largest day for consuming food! That day is Super Bowl Sunday. Here are eight game strategies: 1. Defense! Reduce excess fat and calories with lower-calorie drinks and snacks. Don’t get tackled by large platters of food. 2. Look at the stats. The Nutrition Facts Panel shows calories and nutrient content. Eat from a plate, not the box. 3. ...
full story
Diet is the best potassium source
By Reno Jain Nutrition Columnist Dear Reno: Can you tell me about potassium, it’s importance to the body and how does one get it? Thank you.  — C.K. Potassium is a very important mineral that is needed to maintain good health. It helps with metabolism and several body functions. Eating a balanced diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, usually provides all the potassium a person needs. Many foods contain potassium. All meats, soy a...
full story
A Path for Community Building
By Anne Allen Parsons Area Community Foundation Why let the billionaires have all the fun? How to Give Like Gates and Buffett: Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates have recently challenged America’s billionaires to pledge to give away the majority of their wealth to charity either during their lifetimes or at death. Details of the pledge may be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.givingpledge.org" www.givingpledge.org. What is their motivatio...
full story
Barnett says he does offer solutions
I know little about what it takes to sell papers. However, facts twisted or taken out of context can start a good controversy. In a column last week, the Sun’s publisher wrote that I didn’t take the time to find out why the 16th Street sign was not working. I did my part by asking questions in a Parsons City Commission meeting as to why the hold up? I was told by Mr. Zaleski: the sign was not under contract and he didn’t want to run it withou...
full story
Soups can be a healthy alternative
By Kylie Ludwig Family and Consumer Sciences Wildcat Extension District January is designated as National Soup Month. What a great way to warm up on a cold winter day. It is an easy meal that can incorporate many healthy ingredients. Homemade soups can be even healthier by reducing or eliminating sodium and adding more herbs and spices for flavor. Leftovers from other meals can be frozen to make a soup later. Save bones from beef, pork, ham, ...
full story
Another day at the plant
By Robin Goddard Master Gardener Yes, it is January and I’ve had enough of this warm weather. We need snow and cold to keep plants and insects dormant, to promote spring bulbs to bloom and get moisture into the soil. Until then, there are things to be done in and out of your yard for preparation purposes. First, water all your late summer and fall planted trees and shrubs. Without snow or rain, they need you to provide them the water to survi...
full story
Reflecting on a new year at LCC
By George Knox Labette Community College president Ever since I can remember our family tradition has been to make new year’s resolutions. I have to admit that growing up in the 1960s I made my share of ”world peace” resolutions and those other resolutions that fit that stage of our life. I believe that as we mature or get older, whichever comes first, our resolutions become more grounded in reality. It is easy to get depressed by global terr...
full story
Barnett should help with solutions
By Peter Cook Sun Publisher I read in our paper the recent column rant from Parsons City Commissioner Frankie Barnett, and needless to say, it stimulated at least one of my thought processes. Commissioner Barnett and his wife came into my office a short time ago, and he assured me that he could back up all the statements he makes about Parsons, city government and his fellow commissioners. I do not doubt that. I admit I don’t know all the hist...
full story
Public Mind
Christmas auction a success To The Sun: We had a very successful Christmas auction for the Stella Wells Christmas Baskets program this year. This program provides a very nice basket of food for help those that need a little help in December plus a small gift for children age 16 and under. This year we made $42,245 from the generous people of Parsons who purchased trees and other items. We purchased food for $30,399.24 from out local grocery st...
full story
H.E.L.P. Committee is still meeting
By Kylie Ludwig Family and Consumer Sciences Wildcat Extension District-Labette Altamont's Hometown Economic Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.) committee met Wednesday night to review past discussions and move further into narrowing the focus on the best ways to help boost Altamont's economy. H.E.L.P is identifying businesses that are moving toward transition and those that are potential growth opportunities. The committee will eventually develop ...
full story