DICKINSON COUNTY

NEWS-TIMES
CHAPMAN
ENTERPRISE
HERINGTON
AND SURROUNDING
COMMUNITIES

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022 Vol. 133, No. 12 $1.50

News Bal-A-Vis-X offered in Abilene

briefs
Democrats host
candidates, free
dinner
The Dickinson County
Democrats invite the
community to a free pulled pork
dinner and candidates night
from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct.
22 at the Abilene Recreation
Center, 1020 N.W. 8 th Street in
Abilene. The event will feature
music from the Serenity String
Band and the opportunity to
talk with candidates, including
Jeanna Repass, Secretary
of State; and Chris Mann,
Attorney General.
“The 2022 general election
is critically important if we
are to keep Kansas moving
forward,” said Rebecca Perkins,
Dickinson County Democratic
Chair. “This is an opportunity to
speak with the candidates one-
on-one while enjoying food and
conversation with neighbors
from across the county.”
Admission to the dinner
is free, and reservations are
requested but not required.
Reservationsfor the event
can be made via email to
dkcodems@gmail.com or by
calling 785-479-6700.
By Gail Parsons
DCNT News Editor
Using beanbags and small rubber
balls Bal-A-Vis-X exercises helps
create pathways in the brain to help
the body function better.
Tom Schwartz, Neighbor to
Neighbor board president, started
leading the exercises at Neighbor to
Neighbor three years ago and recent-
ly four more people were trained so
they could offer more sessions.
Schwartz first became aware of
Bal-A-Vis-X when he worked as
a physical education teacher in the
Abilene school district.
“I had always wanted to be trained,
so that I could use it in my PE class-
es and use it with kids that needed
help but there was never enough
money to train me,” he said.
Eventually he became a principal
and still convinced it was a worth-
while program, he found funding
to send a couple of teachers for the
training.
“They did it in their classrooms
with students that were having dif-
ficulty with reading or behavior,” he
said.
Bal-A-Vis-X stands for balance,
auditory, visual, exercises. Accord-
ing to the program’s website, the
exercises address visual tracking
deficiencies and auditory impreci-
sion, impulsivity, balance and anx-
iety issues.
“I knew kids … that sometimes
their brain hasn’t developed to the
point where they’re ready to read
and with Bal-A-Vis-X, by doing the
exercises across the midlines … you
could help not only with their read-
ing but behavior,” he said. “There’s
a lot with Bal-A-Vis-X that helps
train the eyes and a lot of kids don’t
have eye development to allow them
to read.”
Sometimes the difficulty in aca-
demics stems from not being able to
visually line up what is on the paper
or in the book, he said.
“Sometimes their eyes cannot get
back to the left side of the page cor-
rectly,” he said. “They miss some
of the words or they can’t see the
whole word. It’ll affect math too
because the numbers aren’t lining
up.”
The frustration can end up rolling
over into behavior problems.
Bal-A-Vis-X exercises consist of
creating rhythm and patterns with
the balls and beanbags.
“It made a lot of sense to me on
how to train the brain to work bet-
ter with, not only balance and body
movement but just how the brain
functions,” he said.
While it was the benefits for chil-
dren that first attracted Schwartz Gail Parsons
to Bal-A-Vis-X, the benefits are DCNT News Editor
far-reaching for other demographics Everette Needham, 3, watches his grandmother, Carol Need-
as well. ham, do a Bal-A-Vis-X exercise with Neighbor to Neighbor board
president Tom Schwartz. Schwarts teaches Bal-A-Vis-X every
See ‘Bal-A’ Page 6
Thursday at Neighbor to Neighbor.

Bereavement
support class
to meet
Home Health and Hospice
of Dickinson County partners
with Community Bible Church
GriefShare program to offer
bereavement seminars in
Abilene. The next class is from
1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at
Home Health and Hospice, 1111
N. Brady, Abilene.
The topic is Loss of Spouse.
Susie Gassman, bereavement
coordinator, serves as the group
facilitator and Anita Williams is
the co-facilitator.
These gatherings are designed
to help individuals work through
the period of transition, allow
time for sharing personal
experiences and feelings,
and provide guidance toward
learning and coping skills.
The public is welcome
to attend the free sessions.
Persons interested in attending
are encouraged to bring
along a supportive person. To
register visit mhsks.org/home_
health_hospice and click on
“Bereavement Support” under
Hospice Services.
For more information call
Home Health and Hospice
County health assessment
targets eight priorities
By Gail Parsons
DCNT News Editor
Housing and mental
health again show up
on the Dickinson Coun-
ty Community Health
Needs Assessment’s pri-
ority list.
The Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act
require not-for-profit hos-
pitals to conduct a CHNA
every three years — the
last one for MHS was in
2019. At that time hous-
ing and mental health
came in at second and
fifth respectively as pri-
orities — this year those
issues are the top two.
“The focus on the
housing issue was re-
By Gail Parsons ally that we don’t have
Soleyah Brittian puts together an Al Green’s salad at the adequate housing for
Hapisoul Juicery and Café. Named for the soul singer and low-income families,”
songwriter who has 11 Grammy Awards, was inducted into said Haley Jones, MHS
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is a Kennedy Center director of development
Honors recipient, the salad has a base of organic spinach and marketing.
tossed with a house white balsamic dressing and topped Although housing is
not an issue hospital staff
with candied walnuts, craisins, pickled onions, crumbled can address it plays a role
feta, baby heirloom tomatoes and fresh avocado. in the overall health and
ecutive officer.
“We are getting ready
to incorporate mental
health into our Heartland
Healthcare Clinic,” Cour-
tois said. “What we are
hoping to do … is reach
people early in their men-
tal health, as opposed
to later when they have
bigger problems. We’re
hoping to affect people’s
mental health positively
earlier, with better results,
doing it in our clinic.”
In the 2019 survey,
drug abuse and mental
health were split into two
categories, for 2020 they
were combined.
“Drug abuse plays into
the mental health area,”
Jones said.
Over the past couple of
years, COVID-19 ended
up exasperating mental
health issues.
Dental care was an-
other priority but like
housing, Jones said oth-
er agencies in the county
will need to take the lead
on recruiting dentists.
and be able to exercise
and not have to drive
somewhere.”
Insurance and Med-
icaid expansion are
also topics the hospital
is working to address
through advocacy and ed-
ucation.
“A lot of people don’t
understand Medicare Ad-
vantage,” Courtois said.
“While it sounds really
good, you get a fairly
cheap premium, you end
up being a lot more re-
sponsible for your bill
than you would on tradi-
tional Medicare. These
people are stuck with the
bill — they can file for
financial aid with the hos-
pital but we would like
to help them understand
the differences and make
sure their providers are in
the network.”
Rounding out the top
eight priorities were
childcare and food inse-
curity. Neither of those
issues is directly related
to hospital operations but

New café focuses on

of Dickinson County at
(785) 263-6630.
Free workshop
health, wellness, flavor
offered for rural
caregivers
The University of California,
San Francisco is offering a
free online workshop to help
rural caregivers. The project
is funded by the National
Institutes of Health.
The workshop includes
training on how to reduce stress,
manage the difficult behaviors
of your friend or family member
with memory loss, and plan for
the future. You will also get
See ‘BRIEFS’ Page 2
By Gail Parsons
DCNT News Editor
Hapisoul Café and Juicery,
which opened Sept. 13 at 118
NW Second St., Abilene, is
more than just a restaurant —
menu items are chosen with
the customer’s health in mind
as well as flavor.
“We are offering a wellness
hub where we prioritize eating
well as a way to feel better,”
said owner Soleyah Brittian.
“What we eat matters, it can
either deplete our energy and
weigh us down and make us
tired or, it can give us energy
which is what food is meant
to do.”
With menu items like the
Real OJ — a pressed juice
with carrot, apple, orange,
ginger and lemon; and the Pur-
ple Haze — a blended shake
with blueberries, strawberries,
banana and a choice of coco-
nut water or almond milk and
chocolate or vanilla protein,
See ‘HAPISOUL’ Page 3
health equity of a com-
munity. The CHNA was
compiled by VVV Con-
sultants LLC of Olathe.
In their report, it states
health equity means “ev-
eryone has a fair and
just opportunity to be as
healthy as possible. This
requires removing ob-
stacles to health, such as
poverty, discrimination,
and their consequences,
including powerlessness
and lack of access to good
jobs with fair pay, quality
education and housing,
safe environments, and
health care.”
Mental health is an is-
sue the hospital can and
is addressing said Harold
Courtois, MHS chief ex-
Number eight on the
list was the accessibil-
ity of physical activi-
ty options. The lack of
options in a community
leads to increased obesi-
ty, thus is a health con-
cern, which MHS has
worked to address.
“One of the items that
we did, and spent a lot of
money on the Blue Cross
Blue Shield grant, was
our new walking trail
here on the east side of
town,” Courtois said. “In
this area, there is no oth-
er way to exercise unless
you drive across town. I
understand that Abilene
is not a big town, but a
lot of people just want
to walk near their homes
MHS can and has worked
on the peripheral of both.
At one time the hospi-
tal operated a childcare
center, they have since
come to an agreement
with the Abilene Child
Learning Center to offer
them a lower, long-term
lease on the building to
offer childcare.
To address food inse-
curity hospital staff have
donated to organizations
like Neighbor to Neigh-
bor and Catholic Char-
ities, both of which are
tackling those issues.
For the next eight
weeks, the Dickinson
County News-Times will
take an in-depth look at
each of the priorities.

Fun Facts About October What’s in this edition: Fertilizer prices

* Every year, October ends on the same day as February.
* The Anglo-Saxons called October “Winterfylleth” — it means
Mediacre open enrollment
The price of
“fullness of winter”. The reason they called it that? It’s because fertilizer de-
October has the first full moon of the winter season. Page 5 tells pends on many
* The traditional flower of October is the calendula — it you what you variables. See
symbolises comfort, healing, protection, and grace. need to know,
* The birthstones for October are the tourmaline and the opal. page 10 to find
and what chang- out how reduc-
Tourmalines are believed to help you stay calm while under es to Medicare
pressure, bring peace and tranquility, and defeat negative ing application
will mean for could increase
emotions like jealousy and anger. On the other hand, opal gem-
you and your profits.
stones are believed to cure eye infections, strengthen memory,
calm nerves, and enhance creativity. family.
(prestouniverse.com/my/blogs/story-fun-facts-october)

Subscribe to our e-Edition online at dickinsonnewstimes.com

 NEWS
Page 2 Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Obituary Funds benefit accident victims

Eldon Lorein Hoover
April 26, 1929 - Oct. 1, 2022
Eldon Lorein Hoover
was born on April 26,
1929 and passed away
October 1, 2022 at Ascen-
sion Via Christi Village
in Manhattan, Kansas.
Eldon was the eighth of
nine children born to Da-
vid Breckbill Hoover and ELDON HOOVER
Susan Page Hoover on
the family farm in rural
Detroit, Kansas northeast of Abilene, Kan-
sas. Eldon grew up in the Moonlight Com-
munity and attended the Moonlight Grade
School. He graduated from DCCHS (Dick-
inson County Community High School,
Chapman, Kansas) in 1947. On October 16,
1949 he married Nelda Marie Marts and to
this union were born four children, Susan
Marie, Sheryl Christine, Connie Jane and
Steven Craig.
As a youth, Eldon attended the Bethel
Brethren in Christ Church north of Detroit,
Kansas and was a member of Sutphen Mill
Christian Church, Chapman, Kansas. Eldon
farmed northwest of Chapman, Kansas for
70 years and loved farming and tending the
land. He always said he would farm until he
was 90 years of age. He was able to plant,
harvest and truck his last crop of wheat to
Chapman Coop Elevator in 2016 at the age
of 87. He said retirement for farmers was
farming. During his farming career, Eldon
served as a board member on several farm-
ing cooperatives.
Eldon was preceded in death by his par-
ents, his daughter Susan Marie Hoover,
his brothers Paul Hoover, Dean Hoover,
Dale Hoover and Robert Hoover, his sis-
ters Irene Hoover, Miriam Nichols, Vio-
la Boles and Doris Larson. Also preced-
ing him in death were his sisters-in-law,
Jean Hoover, Helen Hoover and Phyllis
Hoover; his brothers-in-law Loren Nich-
ols, George Boles and John Larson. Sur-
vivors include his wife of 72 years Nel-
da Hoover, his daughter Sheryl & Dale
Wilson, Manhattan, Kansas; his daughter
Connie and George Poland, Junction City,
Kansas; his son Steven and Debra Hoover,
Shawnee, Kansas. Eldon is survived by
his six grandchildren and 14 great grand-
children: Jesse and Ashley Poland, and Courtesy photo
their children Thatcher, Easton, Talia, Employees of Memorial Health System wore blue jeans at work, in September,
Boaz and Samuel; Eric Brown and his for a Jeans Day fundraiser. Employees who made a donation of at least $5 were
daughter Ava Grace; Kevin and Rebecca allowed to wear blue jeans on Fridays. A donation of $820 was presented to Sam
Poland and their children Kade and Quinn; Owens of Solomon. This past summer, owens was in a vehicle accident where
Andrew Brown and his daughter Ariane, he sustained multiple injuries that left him in critical condition. While stable now,
“Ari”; Abby (Poland) and Daniel Anderes he has a long recovery ahead that includes extensive therapy and doctor visits.
and their children Archer, Leo, Della and The money raised will go towards helping his family with the cost of his treat-
Charles; Sarah (Poland) and Ryan Wood- ment. Jeans Day was organized by the MHS Employer of Choice committee.
ruff and their daughter Estelle. Also sur- Pictured, from left, are Loretta McMillen, EOC committee member; Marci Alcorn,
viving are numerous nieces, nephews, ex- Owens’s mother; Coraline Alcorn, Owens’s sister; Owens; and Kesa Frank, EOC
tended family and friends. committee member.

Law Enforcement Report

Military retirees invited
Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department
Sept. 19 to Oct. 3
Accidents
Sage Road, criminal littering
Sept. 30, 10:45 p.m., 205, E. Fourth
St., intoxicated driver
to appreciation day
Special to the DCNT affairs, legislative issues, or emailing usarmy.riley.
Sept. 20, 1:30 p.m., 2400 Jeep Rd., Oct. 1, 4:54 p.m., 212 S. Garfield St., casualty affairs, long-term rso@army.mil. Lunch res-
William Robert Morris lot 10, disorderly conduct Fort Riley will host its care insurance and other ervations must be made by
Sept. 30, 8:08 p.m., 2200 Avenue first full-service Military topics of concern to mili- Oct. 15.
and Fourth Street, Sony Gay Anders Arrests Retiree Appreciation Day tary retirees. Many veter- Visitors to Fort Riley
Sept. 29, 7:45 a.m., 2500 Mink Rd., Oct. 2, 3 p.m., 109 E. First St., Daniel since 2019 on Saturday, an service organizations who don’t have a Depart-
Loran Robert Luthi Thoma Lipinski, failure to appear Oct. 22. Military retirees will be on hand to provide ment of Defense ID card
Sept. 19, 10:05 a.m., 1600 Jeep Rd., Oct. 2, 2:07 p.m., 109 E. First St., of all services, and their information to attendees. will need to stop by the
Shadd Wayne Snyder Shawn Duane Marfise, failure to spouses, widows or wid- The public health team Visitor Control Center,
Sept. 24, 12:02 p.m., 2300 Highway appear owers are invited to Ri- from Irwin Army Commu- Exit 301 off Interstate 70,
4, Ty Johnathan Sill-Sheppard Sept. 28, 4:25 a.m., 109 E. First ley’s Community Center, nity Hospital will provide to get a one-day pass. The
Sept. 24, 3:48 p.m., 275 Interstate St., Daniel Marshall Aguirre, parole 446 Seitz Avenue, Fort vaccinations from 11 a.m. Visitor Control Center
70, Constantin Mirea, Parker Rushton violation Riley. Doors open for to 3 p.m. for influenza, opens at 8 a.m. on week-
Norton, John Patrick Norton, Amy Jo Sept. 25, 2:30 ap.m., Highway 18 registration at 7:30 a.m. shingles, and pneumonia. ends. Passes can be ob-
and the program will be- The lunch hour will in- tained in advance by vis-
Norton and Mink Road, Thomas Dalton Fox gin at 8:30. clude entertainment from iting https://pass.aie.army.
Sept. 23, 8:47 a.m., 900 1400 Ave., Jr., driving while license canceled, Throughout the day an area barbershop quar- mil/riley.
Daniel Thomas Long suspended, revoked guests will hear the lat- tet. Attendees may pur- For questions about Fort
Sept. 26, 2:20 a.m., Caramel Sept. 25, 12:41 a.m., 2200 Barn Rd., est information on TRI- chase a box lunch for $10 Riley Military Retiree Ap-
Boulevard and Fair Road, unknown Courtney Adele Bishop, possession CARE, Medicare, Irwin in advance by calling the preciation Day, call the
Sept. 30., 10:44 p.m., 200 Fourth St., of opiate, opium, narcotic, or certain Army Community Hos- Fort Riley Retirement Ser- Retirement Services Of-
Kyla Marie Hasselman stimulant; possession of drug pital services and other vices Office at 785-239- fice at 785-239-3320 or
paraphernalia health care issues, veteran 3320 or (785) 239-3667, 785-239-3667.
Reports Sept. 25, 12:16 a.m., 300 W. Fourth

Practice of giving free

Sept. 20, 12:42 p.m., 176 2200 Ave., St., Taylor Raye Glaze, possession of
burglary marijuana
Sept. 30, 1:57 p.m., 408 S. Tell St., Sept. 24, 9:20 p.m., 1743 Old

utilities questioned
officer report Highway 40, Sawyer Logan Rayburn
Sept. 19, 11:25 a.m., 600 Union Rd., Crandell, possession of marijuana;
officer report criminal use of weapons, possession
Sept. 22, 11:33 a.m., 301 Opal Rd., of firearm by person addicted/use
No. 18, theft controlled substance; possession of By Gail Parsons City Manager Brandon a few years of submitting
Sept. 21, 4:39 p.m., 409 Pine St., drug paraphernalia; maximum speed DCNT News Editor Dross. Totals for the others the letter, board mem-
officer report limits were not available. bers were verbally told it
Sept. 23, 4:32 p.m., 211 NE Sixth Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m., 109 E. First St., The Family Resource wasn’t necessary. The city
St., officer report Christian Charles Nondorf, aggravated Exchange in Herington continued with the contri-
Sept. 23, 5:17 p.m., 400 S. Bridge indecent liberties with a child, helps households with a Background butions every year despite
St., officer report intercourse with child 14<16; sexual variety of financial needs In 2012, city officials not having the letter.
Sept. 24, 8:53 p.m., 771 S. Bridge exploitation of a child; offender >18 including utilities. In a city supported the FRE’s
St., officer report prompt performance <14 where $500-a-month elec- move out of a city-
Sept. 24, 11:43 p.m., 300 W. Fourth Sept. 27, 11:04 p.m., 2643 Quail tric bills are not uncom- owned building and Questioning the
mon, they will often dole into a new place. At the
St., drug investigation Rd., Jessica Endrea Huwiler, failure to
Sept. 25, 12:26 a.m., 2200 Barn Rd., appear out hundreds of dollars a non-profit’s original lo- practice
drug investigation Sept. 24, 1:43 p.m., Highway 18 and month. In September alone cation, the city gave an While previous discus-
Sept. 25, 3:23 a.m., 2617 Quail Rd., Solomon Road, Monty Dean Smith, FRE gave about $1,000 in in-kind contribution of sions about the utility bill-
No. 12, domestic disturbance probation violation utility assistance to help space and utilities. When ing practices at commis-
Sept. 25, 3:14 a.m., 214 N. Second Sept. 24, 11:11 a.m., 403 E. Wyatt Herington residents. they moved, according sion meetings in August
Now there are questions to a letter from then-city and September included
St., Hope, assist St., Bo Timothy Brandes, violent manager Ron Strickland, all five entities that receive
Sept. 27, 10:13 p.m., 2617 Quail offender registration act about how they will pay
their own electric bill. the city agreed to pay free electricity, the Oct.
Rd., battery Sept. 23, 3:40 p.m., 109 E. First St., The city covers the up to $2,500 in utilities 4 agenda singled out the
Sept. 29, 12:01 a.m., 1309 NW Kristopher David Cowart, probation cost of utilities for FRE, each year. However, a FRE. After hearing from
Second St., officer report violation the library, museum, fair caveat was that the FRE several residents who ex-
Sept. 29, 4:51 p.m., 301 Opal Rd., Sept. 22, 2:32 p.m., 511 NW 14th St., building and the recre- was to submit an annual pressed support for the
lot 28, officer report No. 11, Angela Marie Bailey, breach of ation commission’s por- request for the funding at FRE, Mayor Eric Gares
Sept. 29, 6:54 p.m., 301 Opal Rd., privacy; disseminate sexual media of tion of the Hilltop Rec budget time. clarified his stance.
lot 22, child abuse person 18+ years Center. However, that That hasn’t happened for “When I originally
Oct. 1, 10:56 a.m., 2650 Avenue and practice has recently several years. brought up a discussion
come under question by When asked about the regarding utility billing
city commissioners. letter at the City Com- practices, it was not just
Information contact: mission’s Oct. 4 meeting, to aim at any one organi-
Of the five agencies, the
Lorine McKeeman, FRE’s utility bill is the Family Resource Ex- zation,” he said. “There
785-598-2399 highest — year-to-date the change board president are five organizations that
city has paid $2,600, said Phyllis Perry, said her un- we currently pay utilities
ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR derstanding was that after See ‘UTILITIES Page 3
ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY CHURCH
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2022 General Public
5-8 PM Transportation
Briefs/Page 1_______________
BUS
Dinner Served 5-7 PM support from other caregivers For information, go online to Main, Broadway west to Fifth
Beef and Noodle Dinner; Homemade and trained staff. caregiverproject.ucsf.edu and Street
Pie; Drinks (Take Out Available) Because it is online, the complete an eligibility survey, Oct. 1 through 18 — Main
workshop is accessible to or call toll-free 1-833-634-0603 street north to Logan, First street
QUILT RAFFLE MONDAY - FRIDAY caregivers whenever they want or email caregiverproject@ucsf. east to C Street
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. it, day or night, accessed on edu. Oct. 19 — Main street north
Beautiful hand crafted quilt donated by $1.50 One Way computer, tablet or smartphone. to Logan Street, D Street east
Steve and Deanna Dunkel
Need not be present to win!!
$3 Round Trip Caregivers are eligible if
they live in a rural area, care City to sweep to Commercial Street including
Logan’s Pointe
ALSO, SILENT AUCTION AND BAKE 785-258-2956 for someone with memory streets Oct. 20 — Trapp Street north
SALE!! Curb to Curb Service loss, have internet access, and The Herington street to Wyatt Street, Seventh Street
Wheelchair Accessible provide care for at least 10 hours sweeping schedule is as follows: west to 10th Street
Location: 210 W. South Street First Come, First Serve per week.Those who participate Oct. 12 — Trapp street north Oct. 21 — Wyatt Street north
Enterprise, KS Supported by KDOT, will be asked to complete four to Main Street, Broadway east to to Burns Street, Eighth and
Raffle tickets will be available City of Herington, Fares and surveys on their caregiving H Street Ninth Street
during the dinner. General Donations experiences and will receive up Oct. 13 — Trapp north to Oct. 14 and 28 — All the
to $80 in cash. uptown business district
 NEWS
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022 Dickinson County News-Times Page 3

Railroad receives $30,000 for improvements

Special to the DCNT cost to cover a new generator, new the late Bob and Patricia Schmidt season has been one of the rail-
The Abilene and Smoky Valley HVAC systems for both passenger/ of Hays. Schmidt was a success- road’s best in its 28 years of op- Thursday
Railroad has received a significant dining cars and a new, more de- ful Kansas broadcaster and ca- eration, as passengers from 34 Oct. 13
financial gift from a Kansas foun- pendable audio system. ble operator, who founded Eagle Kansas counties, 40 states and Bal-A-Viz-X, Neigh-
dation, which focuses on provid- “These improvements are long Communications, a chain of em- 10 foreign countries have rid- bor to Neighbor, 8003
ing financial assistance to commu- overdue,” said Boelling, “and ployee-owned radio stations in the den A&SV excursion and dinner N. Cedar, Abilene.
nity projects in Kansas, Nebraska, when this deal is finalized, we will three states. In the Abilene area, trains so far this year. Since 1994, There is no cost but ap-
and Missouri. The Hays-based immediately begin the process of Eagle owns KJCK AM/FM and the railroad’s inaugural year, over pointments are neces-
Ross E. and Patricia A. Schmidt installing the new equipment.” KQLA-FM in Junction City and 280,000 passengers have ridden sary for a 15-minute ses-
Foundation awarded $30,000 to Boelling added that the new Manhattan, and KINA-AM and on the A&SV, including 13,000 sion. Call 785.280.0437
partially meet the cost of making equipment is being purchased from KSKG-FM in Salina. elementary school children. to schedule a time.
much-needed improvements to the local vendors, and he hopes to “Bob Schmidt was a community “Passengers and diners have put 10:15 a.m. Storytime
train’s electrical, heating and cool- have the new equipment installed broadcaster who spent his entire up with some really inconvenient at Chapman library
ing and audio systems. in time for upcoming scheduled life working for the betterment of power outages and air condition- 6 p.m. Bingo at Amer-
The gift was announced Oct. 6 dinner trains and special holiday Kansas communities,” said Gary ing failures this summer,” he said, ican Legion, 501 Sun
by A&SV President and General passenger excursions. Shorman of Hays, president of “so this financial support from Lane, Herington; social
Manager Ross Boelling, who said The Schmidt Foundation has the Schmidt Foundation. “We are the Schmidt Foundation, as well 6 p.m., early bird 6:45
the Schmidt grant is being matched awarded startup money to com- happy to invest in organizations as from all who have donated to p.m., regular 7 p.m.
by local fundraising efforts. munity projects across Kansas, such as the Abilene and Smoky a special fund we set up for this 6:45 p.m. Woodbine
Lions, at Woodbine
Boelling said the A&SV organi- Nebraska and Missouri in areas Valley Railroad that provide an project, have made a significant Cafe
zation has successfully completed of economic development, edu- educational focus and an econom- contribution towards making fu-
a three-month local campaign to cation, the arts, and health care. ic spark for local communities.” ture A&SV trains more comfort- Friday
raise the other half of the $60,000 The organization was founded by Boelling said the 2022 tourism able and enjoyable.” Oct. 14
9 a.m. Veterans’ cof-
fee for all veterans and
Hapisoul/Page 1_______________ Utilities/Page 2________ their spouses, Taste of
Home, Herington
the goal is to provide flavorful food and it this far without their assistance,” for. We also charge every- you guys don’t pay your 6:30 p.m. VFW Bingo
drinks made with fresh ingredients. Brittian said. body else in full for their utilities and then the hos- at VFW Post 1281, 101
“Food is calories, calories is energy — Elizabeth Weese, Community Foun- utilities. The city does not pital does — they’re im- E. Main, Herington; ear-
our food is meant to be a way of energizing dation executive director, said the foun- have a policy on how to portant to the community,” ly bird 6:30 p.m., regu-
us and I think that food can be our medi- dation, through its new program, Invest give donations to nonprof- said Commissioner Vance lar: 7 p.m.
cine,” she said. “There’s a lot of healing Dickinson County, could be the loan guar- its or how to give utility Donahue. “The church- Saturday
properties to fruits and vegetables and just antor for Hapisoul. assistance to nonprofits or es — they’re important to Oct. 15
cutting out a lot of the processed and pre- “Ms. Brittian was also able to negotiate a anybody for that matter.” this community … they’re 11:30 a.m., 1:10 p.m.,
servatives and unhealthy fats can benefit lower interest rate because of our backing Gares said he does not paying their utilities. I just 3:30 p.m., Old Abilene
our health as well and make us feel better.” and support,” Weese said. “We are thrilled want the city to give free want something fair across Gunfighters at Old
to provide this type of investment support utilities without a policy inthe board and I want to
Getting fruits, veggies for Dickinson County. place to quantify how an know the standard. I know
Abilene Town
The US Department of Agriculture rec- “It is also delightful to have a local organization qualifies for we have a (nonprofit) day- Sunday
ommends five servings of fruits and veg- establishment that offers freshly made the donation. care that’s crucial to this Oct. 16
etables daily. The Center for Disease Con- juices that contain nutritious ingredients community, they’re paying Woodbine Festival
trol says only one in 10 Americans reach which you know your body needs, and their utility bills. So, That’s 1:10 p.m., 3:30 p.m.,
that recommendation. I am addicted to the avocado toast, it is Does FRE deserve where I question why you Old Abilene Gunfighters
“Nobody wants to eat a plate of vege- get the Get Out of Jail Free at Old Abilene Town
tables and fruits every day,” Brittian said.
truly yummy.”
free electricity? Card when other nonprof-
“But, if you take the product and put it Environmentally friendly Perry told the commis- its (don’t).”
sion about the breadth of
Monday
Oct. 17
through the juicer, it extracts all of the nu- In addition to giving people healthy
trients and you don’t have to weigh your- choices for their bodies, Brittian is making services the all-volunteer 9 a.m. Veterans’ cof-
self down with digesting all of that.” healthy choices for the environment. organization provides and Moving forward fee for all veterans and
their spouses, Pin Up
The shakes are also made with fresh “Ever since I was young, I’ve been very to whom. In answering a After a lengthy discus-
produce and have the added bonus of environmentally conscious,” she said. “As question she had heard pri- sion, Commissioner Debra Cafe, Herington
extra protein. I grow older, I realized that not very many or to the meeting, she said Urbanek made a motion 6:30 p.m. USD 487
“A lot of adults don’t get enough pro- other people are, especially in the Mid- one-third of her 12-person to keep everything status Board of Education
board lives within a 15- quo, and grandfather the Meeting
tein, especially as we age,” she said. west. I wanted to bring that to the area at 7 to 8 p.m. Elder Sup-
The USDA recommends 46 grams daily least make people consider their choices mile radius of Herington, five agencies in, at least
which is their service area. until a policy is developed. port Group at Cham-
for women and 56 for men. and think about how much plastic we use ber Boardroom, 106 N.
Beyond the shakes and juices, Brittian throughout our day-to-day lives.” “Philanthropy starts at Attorney Brad Jantz
home and home for us who said he could develop Broadway, Herington
offers a food menu, which she plans to Nearly all of the packaging for to-go 7 p.m. DAV Meeting,
change monthly and offer new season- items are compostable. The smoothie do not live in Herington is a draft policy to bring
that 15-mile radius,” she to the commission at its Ashland Community
al items using as much locally produced straws are bamboo and juice is served Church, 2151 W 32nd
products as possible. in glass bottles, which can be returned said. “You may not come Oct. 18 meeting. Ave, Manhattan, KS
“We’re serving a market that might not and washed and sanitized — similar to to our town; you may not Commissioners agreed
otherwise be served, such as gluten intol- milk bottles. have been there for years a policy is not a bad idea Tuesday
erance or vegan vegetarian,” she said. “But “Plastic shows up in our human bod- but we do consider you but remain at odds with Oct. 18
we also have items that serve people who ies,” she said. “We use so much plastic part of our family.” who should qualify for 5:30 p.m. City Com-
don’t have dietary restrictions.” that we have plastic in our body. I think Giving figures from the assistance. mission Meeting at Her-
that that can be a huge contributor to dis- past few years, she said. “I think if we were to ington City Hall, 17 N.
From dream to reality ease and cancers and things like that. So In 2019, of the 283 fam- look at whether we make
ilies, the FRE helped, five a policy or not, or grand-
Broadway
6 p.m. Ladies Auxil-
Brittian, said she has always tried to lead we try to use sustainable packaging as
a healthy lifestyle. She moved to Abilene much as possible.” were from outside the father these five in … is iary monthly meeting at
12 years ago, she saw the void of healthy city limits; in 2020 four everyone looking at what American Legion Hall,
choices in dining. When she opened the of the 956 were not in is put back into the com- 501 Sun Lane, Her-
HapiSoul Yoga studio she first tested her Herington; in 2021 three munity?” Urbanek said. ington
theory that a juicery and healthy-options of the 270 were not in the “[FRE] pays sales tax on 6:30 p.m. Bereave-
Café would be something people would city; so far this year they every little thing that they ment Support Group at
have helped two that are sell (at the thrift shop FRE Home Health & Hos-
appreciate in Abilene. pice Conference Room,
“I started making juice at home for my not in the city limits. operates) — that comes
But, by including the back to the city, the food 11 N. Broadway, Her-
Yogi’s at the studio to see if it would go ington
over well, and it was a big hit,” she said. 15-mile radius, they can vouchers, the gas vouch-
offer help to those who ers, everything goes back 6:30 p.m. Tacos and
Having an official kitchen went from Trivia Night at Kansas
dream phase to reality when Ortus Café would not otherwise fall into this community.”
in a service area for oth- She wants her fellow Coffee & Ice Cream,
closed leaving a prepared space. 428 N. Marshall St.,
“I fell in love with this space when er similar organizations. commissioners to think
Additionally, the vouchers about the importance of Chapman
Ortus was here — it is gorgeous,” she
said. She was also able to weave her they give are only for use the work the FRE does Wednesday
love of music into the theme. Records in Herington. and have compassion and Oct. 19
decorate the walls and menu items have By Gail Parsons Among the services FRE empathy for those who re- 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
a musical connotation. Al Green’s salad, a base of organic provides, besides utility ceive the help. Catholic Charities Mo-
spinach tossed with a house white bal- assistance, are bus passes, Donahue on the other bile Outreach, St. An-
When she learned the space was avail- dental care, glasses, pre- hand said he has respect
able she reached out to the Community samic dressing and topped with candied scription assistance, gas to and appreciation for the
drew, Fourth Street,
Foundation of Dickinson County, which walnuts, craisins, pickled onions, crum- Abilene
help people get to work, work of the FRE and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. free
helped her secure the loan to cover starting bled feta, baby heirloom tomatoes and and rental assistance.
costs and get the doors open. fresh avocado. knows they are a valuable haircuts for children and
So for this year they asset to Herington; how- adults, by appointment,
“I don’t know that I would have made have given 58 food as- ever, in the interest of fair- call 785.200.6750,
sists; $2,124.54 in vouch- ness he questions why only Neighbor to Neighbor,

Kids in crisis: Mental health issues rising

By Debra Johnston, M.D.
Prairie Doc.
It’s tempting to blame the
pandemic
for the
dizzying
rates of
mental
health
concerns
among
American
teens. We
are all familiar with the
impact Covid is having on
our lives, and the disruption
it continues to cause in
the lives of young people.
Kids witnessed vehement
disagreements between
neighbors, friends, and
family over the decisions
that had to be made in
response to the pandemic,
and felt the stress at home
as parents faced economic
and work changes, all
without many of their usual
o our sponsor!
support systems.
However, rates of men-
tal illness among children
and adolescents have been
steadily rising throughout
the last decade. In 2019,
nearly 20% of deaths in
the 10-24 age group were
suicides and nearly 16% of
high schoolers had made
a suicide plan. Even back
in 2019, more than one in
three teens suffered per-
sistent feelings of sadness
or hopelessness.
Covid may have
thrown gasoline on this
particular fire, but make
no mistake, the fire was
already burning.
Some groups have been
disproportionately affect-
ed by this crisis, as with
so many others. Risk is
increased by factors that
include, but are not limited
to, gender, race, socioeco-
nomic status, gender identi-
ty, sexual orientation, social
support, and family history.
I don’t think it has ever
been easy to be a teenag-
er. As the brain matures
it starts to wrestle with a
more nuanced and sophis-
ticated understanding of
the world, and of the self.
Today’s teenagers face
nearly inescapable social
forces, from the carefully
curated lives influencers
display on social media, to
anonymous bullying from
strangers on the internet, to
the always-on news cycle
that shows them violence
and disaster 24 hours a
day. However, there is a lot
more speculation on what
is behind the rise in mental
distress in our teens than
there is actual science.
Fortunately, there is some
research to guide us mov-
ing forward. As always,
prevention is key. We can
bring wellness initiatives to
young people, so they can
build skills to help them
navigate difficult situations
and manage challenging
emotions. We can protect
them from bullying and
discrimination. Parents can
attend to their own men-
tal health and role model
See ‘DOC Page 6
ers to Barnes Heartland these five organizations get 8003 N. Cedar, Abilene
Foods in Herington; utility help. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$4,311.39 in FRE funds; “Let’s go back to how American Legion
distributed $817.12 in you guys voted when it monthly meeting, Amer-
funds from Catholic Char- came to raising the util- ican Legion Hall, 501
ities; purchased $2,399.35 ities,” he said. “I’m the Sun Lane, Herington
worth of Food from Kan- only commissioner who
sas Food Bank; and dis- voted every time against
tributed 5,800 pounds of raising utilities. But now
food. They have served when somebody is try-
133 adults, 124 children ing to be fair across the
and 68 families. board you’re sitting there
The commissioners did saying, ‘Well, they get a
not question the need for pass.’ Why don’t we give
and the benefit of the FRE. the school a pass? They are
However, one commis- crucial. Why don’t we give
sioner pointed out there St. Paul Church (a pass),
are many other agencies they do a lot for the com-
that do good work but they munity. Where do we draw
don’t get free utilities. the line? That’s all I’ve
“I don’t understand why been asking.”
ESTATE SALE –
819 Paint Road - Hope, Kansas
October 21 and 22 from 8-5 each day.
The estate of Eldon and Pat Riffel and a
farmstead filled with treasures. Items
for sale include collectibles,tools, furniture,
Thank you
antiques, appliances, books, clothing, If you would like to become a sponsor,
gardening tools, and much more. contact DCNT at (785) 366-6186 or
office@dickinsonnewstimes.com
 OPINION/COMMENTARY
Page 4 Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Supply chain holds up highway construction

By Jan McCormick paid them for their long nine feet high, will carry Chesser, Lori Cregan, They lived in the rural
DCNT Columnist journey. I have sold more about three times the wa- Robert Meek, Tom Meek Abilene area all their
merchandise in the past ter volume of the former and Neil Miller. married life.
100 years ago, 1922 5 days than I would or- bridge and is expected to On Oct. 8, Marymount Edith was quite a gal.
Mr. Carroll dinarily sell in three prevent overflows, such Alumni will celebrate the She was fiercely inde-
says: “I want months. Furnishings as have occurred in the 100th anniversary of the pendent and told it like it
to thank all etc, amounting to cold weather. The work past. The bridge is ex- opening of Marymount was! At the same time, she
those who have about $7,000 still on has been delayed by a pected to be completed in College. Several Chap- knew no strangers and
helped to make hand. lack of railroad cars for about 10 days. man alumni will attend! would check on her fam-
That’s a lot of mer- Two-lane highway as ily and friends and take
this Closing
Out Quitting chandise and fur-
the shipment of chat ma-
terials, but Mr. Stout said the main road from Chap- 25 years ago, 1997 food to them often. Edith
Business Sale nishings on hand. the company has been man to Junction down to Stanley and Edith and Stanley worked side
such a gigan- Now you see why promised that the situa- a narrow, one-lane road Scripter, Abilene, will by side all their married
tic success. I the Carroll’s were in tion will be remodeled would be tight. With the celebrate their golden life. She passed away at
want them to JAN MCCORMICK business so long — and that shipments will construction on I-70, we wedding anniversary with the age of 96 years. Stan-
come back and they worked with the begin at once. Prelimi- are becoming very fa- an open house at the In- ley passed away in 2004.
buy more—I want them customer! nary concrete patching miliar with this highway dustry Community Cen- Quote of the week:
ter on Sunday, October 5.
to bring along a friend
75 years ago, 1947 on the highway has been again.
Hosts for the occasion are
“It must be October, the
or two because I know it
will save them many dol- Asphalt mat surfac- completed and the com-
pany now is pouring con- 50 years ago, 1972 their children, spouses,
trees are falling away and
showing their true col-
lars. May people came ing for Highway U.S. 40 Five Chapman students and grandchildren. Stan- ors.”~ Charmaine J Forde
between Chapman and crete for the new bridge
20, 30 and 40 miles, and near the Wahle farm. The are enrolled at Mary- ley Scripter and Edith janmccormick@rocket-
I know the bargains they Junction City is expected bridge, 20 feet long and mount College, Salina, Fouse were married Oc- mail.com
bought at our store well to be completed before this fall. They are Herb tober 4, 1947, at Clyde.

Miseries From Hay Fever

By Frank Buchman mercilessly initiated back again. too bad. This year at the end of smirking under their breath
DCNT Columnist his parents to set up Pills and then August, hay fever symptoms making fun due to lack of un-
a doctor’s appoint- capsules be- set in and continued to get derstanding about the prob-
“Tis the sea- ment. came readily worse and worse. lem.
son for sneez- No immediate available at the Life became what seemed Uncertain exactly the cause,
ing, running family members had expe- drug store, or even on the gro- almost unbearable with the fall but it has to do with certain
nose, itching rienced such issues, so they cery shelf. allergy issues becoming near- weeds, pollen, native grass
eyes, and con- thought it might be something High priced but worth it for ly debilitating. Red bandanas heads, maybe falling tree
gestion.” serious. While that might be an ailing one who got quick were called into frequent us- leaves. It seems when hay fe-
It’s hay fever considered true for those suf- relief upon swallowing the age wiping nose and eyes. ver comes, about anything can
or fall allergy fering, the doctor pacified all over-the-counter remedy. When working seven pas- set it off even household and
time, whatever FRANK BUCHMAN with a drug prescription. That went on for must be tures of calves through the barn dust.
the health nui- Uncertain how that little pill five decades when suddenly chute, young energetic hired In the past the problem will
sance should be labeled. knew what it was supposed to for unknown reason there was cowboys couldn’t compre- generally leave as soon as
Whoever has had such issues do, but the troublesome prob- no hay fever. Evidently, old hend. The old wannabe was there’s a hard frost. Anticipat-
knows they’re not any fun, yet lem soon disappeared. age had outgrown the allergy just sitting around sneezing, ing that time.
those without the health prob- Still every Labor Day or of younger days. blowing nose, wiping eyes, Reminded of Jeremiah
lem just can’t understand it. thereabouts, the same sneez- Then last year there was holding a wet rag to his nos- 30:17; “For I will restore
In early grade school days, ing, running nose, itching some sneezing and running trils. health unto thee, and I will
their son’s itching eyes rubbed eyes, tired feeling would come nose in September, but nothing More than likely, they were heal thee of thy distresses.”

Brakeman dies after fall from train

By Mark Will missed by the crew un-
DCNT Columnist til they arrived at White
City some twenty miles
east of here. There, they
125 years ago, met the westbound crew
and informed them of the
1897 absence of the Brakeman
A N -
OTHER
and told them to keep a
good lookout for him. On
RAIL-
ROAD
reaching the trestlework
two miles east of Her-
ACCI- ington, the train hands
DENT — discovered Mr. Barthman
Charles lying on the ground at the
Barth- foot of the embankment,
man, a dead. The general suppo-
brake- MARK WILL
sition is that he fell from
man on the train, landing upon his
the Rock Island, met with head as there were sever-
a fatal accident last Fri- al gashes on his head and
day night. He went out face and the back part
of Herington on the east- of the skull was broken
bound freight sometime in. His lantern, badly
in the night and was not smashed in the fall, was
still in his hand.
100 years ago,
1922
BALLANTYNE CO.
NEW HOME — Frank
Grass is pushing work-
men right along on the
new building for the Bal-
lantyne Hardware Co. (4
West Main). It will be as
nice a building as there is
in town and will make a
fine location for his live
hardware firm. The build-
ing next to it for the Ho-
gan Stores Co. (2 West
Main), is also showing
signs of early completion
and that corner will be a
lively one with these two
firms holding it down.
75 years ago, 1947
NEW BUILDINGS
SURE SIGN OF PROS-
PERITY IN
INGTON — Thousands
HER-
of dollars are being spent
on new businesses in Her-
ington. Mr. Tatge is build-
ing a new building on the
old Ninneman court on
South First street, which
was a WWII trailer camp.
This building will be
used for repairing farm
implements and automo-
biles, and for warehouse
space. Joe and V. J. Kasha
have built a 20 ft by 40 ft
building with plate glass
fronts at the Kasha Phil-
lips “66” station on South
Fifth Street is also build-
ing 8 or 10 cabins to the
back of these buildings.
B. H. See, who owns the
Texaco filling station and
café on South Fifth street
is also adding new build-
ings, including 8 cabins
which were part of the
hospital unit at the Air
Base. On West Walnut,
Charles Liggett is prepar-
ing to build a new restau-
rant and beer parlor. At
South C and Catalpa, the
work on the footings is
nearly complete for the
hospital site.
50 years ago, 1972
WALK FOR HUN-
GER — Students, Facul-
ty members, and towns-
people assembled at the
Fairgrounds parking lot
Sunday for the “Walk for
Hunger”. More than 200
people took part in the
“Walk” which was over a
14-mile course. Sponsors
paid the walkers from 2
cents per mile to $2.00
per mile. The walk was
sponsored by the Student
Council of Herington
High School in conjunc-
tion with CROP with the
money collected going
to the sponsors’ favorite
charity.
Herington Historical
Society & Museum, 800
S. Broadway. Hours: 1
to 5 p.m. Tuesday through
Friday.

Amendment 1 upends state’s Amazing creation

checks and balances Rev. Connie D. Wooldridge
Chapman United Methodist Church

By Patrick R. Miller
For Insight Kansas
Kansans will soon vote on
Constitutional Amendment 1
(also called HCR 5014), which
creates a “legislative veto.” At
stake is an important but dull
topic to most — checks and
balances.
Civics 101 time.
Legislatures make laws,
often using vague language.
Governors and the state agen-
cies they direct (the “executive
branch”) create concrete rules
and regulations to implement
those vague laws.
Government agencies are the
“bureaucracy,” and most gov-
ernment workers (e.g., police,
child welfare workers, food in-
spectors, teachers, or soldiers)
are “bureaucrats.”
You probably remember
checks and balances. Gov-
ernors can veto bills that the
legislature passes, but a su-
permajority of legislators can
override that veto and make
that bill law. And, if the exec-
utive branch develops rules or
regulations that the legislature
dislikes, then the legislature
can pass a bill overturning
those and override a governor’s
veto of that bill.
That’s how Kansas works
now.
Amendment 1 changes that
process to give the legislature
relatively more power over a
governor, altering traditional
checks and balances. It allows
the legislature to “veto” execu-
tive branch rules or regulations
by a simple majority vote. No
supermajority required. No gu-
bernatorial veto.
Kansas adopted a legislative
veto in 1939. However, the
Kansas Supreme Court ruled
it unconstitutional in 1984 as a
violation of separation of pow-
ers and checks and balances.
Amendment 1 overturns that
ruling.
There isn’t much campaign-
ing around Amendment 1. One
pro-amendment special inter-
est group is targeting voters
with emotional mailers about
“red rape” and unchecked bu-
reaucrats, plus some question-
ably honest arguments about
the Kansas legislature’s actual
power. That’s sadly standard
practice in the politics industry,
especially in political advertis-
ing.
A legislative veto sounds
harmless, but there are some
real concerns.
First, it upends traditional
checks and balances. The leg-
islature currently has the power
to stop rules and regulations by
passing a law. However, if you
prefer the legislature to have
more power than it does now,
then you might like a change.
Second, it might become
another tool for partisan and
ideological warfare. In Kansas,
that realistically means a very
See ‘INSIGHT’ Page 6
One of my favorite HGTV shows was Junk Broth-
ers. It was about two creative craftsmen who raided
the trash piles of residential neighborhoods. Each
week each of the brothers on the show picked some
discarded item from the curb and hauled it into the
shop. That’s when the fun began. Each brother had
CONNIE
a vision for what the discarded junk could become.
WOOLDRIDGE
Step by step he cut, striped, planes, hammered, and
whatever else you can imagine until his vision was
fulfilled and his find was recreated and repurposed.
Then the men put the new creation into the truck and hauled it back to
the place where it was found. When the original owner answered the
door, they found that which they had discarded. Their trash had become
a thing of value.
This is not unlike what can happen to you and me. Jesus is the cre-
ative restorer. We are found beaten down and discarded. We feel worth-
less and we are destined for nothing of note. But Jesus the restorer has
a vision and a plan. He seeks us out and offers us new life. When we
agree, he takes us from the heap that is our existence and remakes us
into something beautiful and something useful.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has
passed away, behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17RSV
Connie D. Wooldridge
785-922-6563
785-212-0947 cell

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 OPINION/COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022 Dickinson County News-Times Page 5

Letter to the Editor Medicare open enrollment

Support for Amendment 1
Dear Editor lations before they are adopted. The Kan-
By Haley Jones
Special to the DCNT
up to see doctors in
your network.
• If you go on vaca-
How does this happen?
Most Medicare Advantage
plans own pharmaceutical
Kansas agriculture helps to feed, fuel, and sas legislature has recognized the potential Medicare open enroll- tion and you are out companies. By shipping
clothe the world. Members of our organiza- damage an uninformed agency action can ment for 2022 coverage is of your network, you drugs directly to the pa-
tions include farmers, ranchers, and compa- cause. October 15 through Decem- are not covered. tient, and bypassing hos-
nies directly involved in agribusiness. We This spring, with the intent to create ber 7. It is so important to Prior authorization ap- pital safety checks, they
proudly stand together as the voice of agri- transparency and allow affected parties the know what you are getting proval for most tests and can collect more revenue
culture to promote and protect agriculture in opportunity to discuss the benefits and con- with the healthcare cover- treatments. What does for themselves. Safety
our great state. sequences of proposed regulations, Kansas age you select, and if your this mean? measures performed by
Under our system of government, the lawmakers passed HCR 5014. The bill asks trusted providers are in the • Prior authorization the hospital include check-
authority to create laws should be held by Kansas voters, through a November ballot network that you choose. can have long wait ing temperature control,
the state legislature — those people directly question, to adopt an amendment to the Memorial Health Sys- times. Until you are medication authorization,
elected by, and answerable to, Kansas vot- Kansas constitution that would allow the tem wants you to call them authorized, you are medication reconciliation,
ers. Too often today, however, executive legislature to reject any proposed agency before you select ANY going without care. and a check of medication
branch agencies pass rules and regulations regulation that is not consistent with legis- Medicare Advantage plans. Depending on the safety guidelines.
that have the force and effect of law. Lead- lative intent. The amendment will restore
ers of these agencies are not elected and are balance among the three branches of gov- These plans have lower health concern you Medicare Advantage
not directly answerable to the people. ernment, and ensure legislative authority is premiums and are some- are facing, this could plans can surprise enroll-
In Kansas, agency regulations that exceed appropriately vested in the legislature, as times even free; some of be detrimental. ees by how fast the costs
the legislature’s intent cannot be stopped by our constitution originally required. them even include vision Approval to see special- can add up. One example
the legislature without passing a bill that A ‘YES’ vote on the ballot question in and dental benefits. They ists. What does this mean? is hospitalization costs. If
can withstand a Governor’s veto. This un- November approves the proposed amend- look great compared to • More waiting for ap- you have Original Medi-
usual circumstance was set in place follow- ment to the Kansas Constitution and pro- Original Medicare when proval to see a special- care it comes with a Part A
ing a court ruling. It cedes law-making au- vides the public a voice in opposing any they offer these additional ist while your health deductible. If you are ad-
thority from the legislature to the executive unreasonable or unnecessary agency rule or coverages. However, when concern worsens. mitted to a hospital, there
branch and diminishes our system of checks regulation. A ‘NO’ vote allows state agen- more serious health issues Plan benefits may change are no copays for the first
and balances. cies the discretion to expand bureaucracy arise, seniors find them- annually. What does this 60 days. In contrast, the
Kansas agriculture recognizes the import- and grow the regulatory state, leaving an selves paying even more mean? Medicare Advantage plans
ant role regulatory agencies play in support- expensive lawsuit that many cannot afford out-of-pocket expenses • Just when you be- often charge a daily copay
ing our industry, and we support reasonable as one of the only relief mechanisms. when they have Medicare come used to what which can add up quickly
regulations on agriculture. Farmers, ranch- Vote ‘YES’ on the HCR 5014 ballot ques- Advantage Plans. you are getting with resulting in a higher charge
ers, and agribusinesses frequently work tion in November to help ensure Kansans Kansas hospitals have ex- your insurance, then than what you would have
with regulatory agencies to identify issues have every opportunity for success free perienced many Medicare it could change on paid for the copay with
and work toward compliance. At times, from bureaucratic red tape. Advantage enrollees that you. That change Original Medicare.
however, executive branch agencies mis- Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Associa- are denied necessary care. could be a doctor you When shopping for
interpret or exceed the authority granted to tion, Kansas Association of Wheat Grow-
the agencies by the legislature. In these rare ers, Kansas Cooperative Council, Kansas Medicare Advantage plans are seeing moving Medicare, Memorial
instances, the legislature must be allowed to Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Grain have several disadvan- out of network forc- Health System wants you
halt harmful regulations by a majority vote. Sorghum Producers Association, Kansas tages and they come with ing you to seek care to be well informed and
Kansas is one of only 16 states not requir- Livestock Association, Renew Kansas Bio- rules that must be followed with another doctor. consider comparing the
ing its legislature to approve agency regu- fuels Association whereas Original Medicare Those additional benefits two plans. While Medi-
does not. Some examples could end up costing you care Advantage can look
include the following: more than you budgeted appealing, it could end

National School Bus Safety Week

Limited number of for. What does this mean? up costing you thousands
network doctors, hospi- • Enrollees who think of dollars which you did
tals, and specialists that they are getting not budget for. Memorial
October 17 - 23, 2022 Medicare Advantage en-
rollees must see. What
a good deal with
Medicare Advantage
Health System is happy to
answer any questions you
Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is does this mean? because it comes have while you consid-
an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, • The doctor you may with additional ben- er what plans are best for
teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested par- want to see, may not efits like dental, vi- your healthcare needs and
ties - to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote be in your network, sion, and hearing are we want to help you make
school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week. and if you see them, almost always met sure that your doctors are
you could pay large with high out-of- in your network. Memori-
Year-Round School Bus Safety Tips out-of-pocket
penses because you
ex- pocket copays. Also,
once certain amount
al Health System is here:
Caring for You! Call us
Getting Ready for School at driveways and alleys. Exaggerate your head are not covered. of coverage is ex- 785-263-2100.
• Have your children put everything they car- turns and narrate your actions so your child • You may have to ceeded, the enrollee
ry in a backpack or school bag so that they knows you are looking left, right and left. travel long distanc- is responsible for Haley Jones is the Di-
won’t drop things along the way. At the Bus Stop es to see a doctor in 100% of the costs. rector of Development &
• Encourage them to wear bright, contrasting • Have children wait in a location where the your network. Medicare Advantage Marketing at Memorial
colors so they will be more easily seen by drivers. driver can see them while driving down the • Travel expenses add plans risk patient safety. Health System, Abilene
• Make sure children leave home on time so street. Try to avoid waiting in a house or car.
they can arrive at the bus stop before it is due, • Do not let children play in the street. Playing
ideally at least five minutes early. Running af- with balls or other toys that could roll into the
ter or in front of a bus is dangerous. street is also dangerous.
Walking to the Bus Stop Getting On and Off the Bus
• Walk young children to the bus stop or en- • Warn children that if they drop something
courage children to walk in groups. There is getting on and off the bus, they should never
safety in numbers; groups are easier for driv- pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver
ers to see. and follow the driver’s instructions.
• Practice good pedestrian behavior: walk on • Remind children to look to the right before
the sidewalk, and if there is no sidewalk stay they step off the bus.
out of the street. If you must walk in the street, • If you meet your child at the bus stop after
walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to school, wait on the side where the child will be
the edge of the road as you can. dropped off, not across the street. Children can

ENTERPRISE
• Stop and look left, right and then left again if be so excited to see you after school that they
you must cross the street. Do the same thing dash across the street and forget the safety rules.

COMMUNITY CHURCH
Senior Center Menus
Abilene Senior Center
100 N Elm St. • Abilene • 785-263-7059
Chapman Senior Center
439 S Marshall • Chapman • 785-922-6958
Thank you for your continued Solomon Senior/Friendship Center
support! 119 W 4th Ave • Solomon • 785-655-9435
Friday, Oct. 14 Wednesday, Oct. 19
Pfizer & Moderna Fish Sticks, Scalloped
Potatoes, Peas & Car-
Chili & Crackers, Broc-
coli, Pears, Cinnamon
COVID Vaccines rots, Mixed Fruit, Bis-
cuit
Roll
Thursday, Oct. 20
offered weekly Monday, Oct. 17 Chicken Drumstick,
Pork Loin, Scalloped Pasta Salad, Stewed
at Kays Potatoes, Beets, Grapes, Tomatoes,
Biscuit Bananas,
Pharmacy Tuesday, Oct. 18 Biscuit Alida Upland
Cooperative Parish
Beef Tips in Gravy,
Ages 12-17 must be Mashed Potatoes, Peas,
2243 3300 Ave., Junction City
11 a.m. Worship Service
accompanied by a parent Applesauce, Cookie, First Baptist Church
Bread 201 E Hawley St., Herington
Call 785.258.3703 Hilltop Community Center
9 a.m. Connection Section
Coffee & Fellowship
for details! 2 South A St. • Herington • 785-258-2956 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for
adults and children
Friday, Oct. 14 Tuesday, Oct. 18
Kay’s Pharmacy Pepper Beef Patty, Pota- Spaghetti with Meat
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
First Christian Church
785-258-3703 to Wedges, Cooked Car- Sauce, Italian Vege- 15 S. First St., Herington
kayspharmacy@gmail.com rots, Garlic Sticks, Fruit tables, Garlic Bread 9:30 a.m. Sunday School
2 West Main, Herington, KS 67449 10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship St. Paul Lutheran Church
Dessert Sticks, Fruit 114 N. Eighth St., Herington
Monday, Oct. 17 Wednesday, Oct. 19 Grace Baptist Church 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Class
117 E. Third St., Chapman 11 a.m. Worship/Communion
Chicken Tenders, Tater Baked Ham, Scalloped
Cremation Services starting at $1600 Tots, Green Beans, Potatoes, Buttered Corn,
9:45 a.m. Bible School
Sutphen Mill
10:45 a.m. Worship/Service
Compare the Prices Experience the Savings Wheat Roll, Grapes Hot Roll, Poke Cake Christian Church
Our Redeemer Lutheran 3117 Paint Rd., Chapman
Jost Crematory Thursday, Oct. 20 802 E. Trapp, Herington 9:30 a.m. Sunday School
Serving Families with Dignity and Grace Taco Salad, Chips and 8:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Salsa, Cookies, Fruit St. Paul Lutheran Church United Methodist Church
www.jostfuneralhome.com 114 N. Eighth St., Herington 210 W. South St., Enterprise
DICKINSON COUNTY 9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Class 9 a.m. Adult Sunday School

NEWS-TIMES
620-382-5115 11 a.m. Worship/Communion 10:15 a.m. Worship
Hillsboro, Kansas If you would like to help sponsor our area churches or would like
Jared Jost & Amy Richmond 785-366-6186 • 6 South Broadway • Herington your church’s hours listed,
crematory operators dickinsonnewstimes.com contact us at 785-366-6186 or email dcnewstimes@outlook.com
 YOUTH
Page 6 Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Centre elects homecoming royalty Chapman team brings

home first place By Cindy Zumbrunn
Special to the DCNT
The Chapman Cross Country junior var-
sity boys brought home first place from the
Ellsworth Invitational Tuesday, Oct. 4.
Seventh grade girls (2 miles)
9th Liberty Cuevas 15:17 (medal)
10th Cambree Obermeyer 16:01 (medal)
15th Addalynn Casey 17:33
Seventh grade boys (2 miles)
20th Bryar Cochran 17:03
Eighth grade girls (2 miles)
11th Abbie Whitworth 17:06
Eighth grade boys (2 miles)
4th Cael Rowley 13:35 (medal)
5th Ethan Falls 13:38 (medal)
8th Slayde Crouse 13:54 (medal)
12th Roper Woods 15:13
Varsity girls (5K)
7th Jade Beary 22:57 (medal and season
PR)
12th Paisly Jaderborg 24:09 (medal)
13th Courtney Adams 24:11 (medal)
Junior varsity girls (5K)
3rd Alyssa Calovich 26:53 (medal)
4th Carly Thurlow 27:03 (medal)
5th Kinsey Thurlow 27:27 (medal and
season PR)
Varsity boys (5K)—3rd place of 6 teams
1st Drew Elliott 17:07 (medal)
5th Darren Klukas 17:52 (medal)
13th Dereck Klukas 19:26 (medal)
26th Taryn Hoffman 21:11
32nd Kaden Hitz 21:40
38th Justin Blocker 22:37
Junior varsity boys—1st place of 3 teams
2nd Hunter Taphorn20:32 (medal)
6th Travis Leasure 21:21 (medal)
7th Seth Crouse 21:42 (medal)
9th Ethan Calovich 22:07 (medal)
12th Ben Phillips 22:27 (career PR)
13th Cyras Wyma 22:30
15th Charlie Strauss 22:45
16th Joey Alonzo 22:51
24th Donovan Brabender 25:07
39th Cole Randle 33:10
Comments from Coach Cindy Zum-
brunn: “Brought home some more hard-
ware after running on a hilly course (there
is sometimes some debate on which course
is hillier—Wamego or Ellsworth). The kids
worked hard and did well. We are having
a few injury/health issues, but working on
getting them healed up.
Next up: North Central Kansas League
at Concordia on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Courtesy photo
Centre High School elected Matthew Basore and Brooklyn Smith its homecoming
king and queen.

4-H Reports
By Hayden Zerbe
Club Reporter

The Solomon Wranglers 4-H club held its officer elections at the Sept. 18 meeting
at the Solomon Junior High Commons. New senior officers are as follows: president,
Hayden Zerbe; vice president, Kyle Ryan; secretary, Abigail Zerbe; reporter, Brooklyn
Brozek; treasurer, Kierstyn Coup. Junior officers will be elected at the October meeting.
Leader Stacey Zerbe handed out ribbons from life skills and photography judging
at the Central Kansas Free Fair. Breken Coup, qualified for the state fair photography
judging team. She also reminded members to get their pin applications completed and
turned in. Leader Marcia Ryan had sign-up sheets for the next year’s club program book
for project talks or demonstrations and reminded members to complete their thank you
cards.
Under new business, officers were elected and each member who had projects at the
Kansas State Fair stood up and gave an update on how their projects ended up at the fair.
Abigail Zerbe motioned to adjourn the meeting, Kierstyn Coup seconded the motion
after saying the club motto, “To make the best better” motion passed 12-0.
CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN
1. Towards the mouth or oral region 1. Genus of owls
5. A way to season 2. Hindu queen
Insight/Page 4____ BAL-A/Page 1_ 8. North-central Indian city
12. Emaciation
3. Cain and __
4. Hindu female deity
14. Actress de Armas 5. Islamic calendar month
conservative Republican leg- power special interests “People with Parkinson’s is 15. A way to score in basketball 6. Changes posture
islature vetoing actions by that dominate the leg- who I’m working with most- 16. Odd 7. More stubborn
a Democratic governor like islature. For example, ly right now, but I’ve worked 18. Scripting languages on IBM ma- 8. Give work to
Laura Kelly. Partisan readers if interests that are with kids, six years old and chines 9. Round maps of the Earth
probably see the stakes here strongly opposed to I’ve worked with kids in their 19. A right of local jurisdiction 10. Gathered fallen leaves
20. Hard, colorless compound
for their party teams. environmental regula- 90s and just anybody in be- 21. Diving seabird 11. Popular credit card
Third, the legislature tion have a strangle- tween,” he said. 22. Wild goat of the mountains 13. Separation of church and state
could cripple the ability hold over the legisla- One of the reasons he want- 23. Not shortened 17. Founder of Sikhism
of a governor to imple- ture, then they have an ed to start offering it at Neigh- 26. Someone who learns from a 24. They __
ment laws. Legislatures easier path to stopping bor to Neighbor was to target teacher 25. Where you find the milk
30. Is inclined 26. Institute legal proceedings against
cannot implement laws government regula- the older population. 31. Still asleep 27. The neural structure consisting of
themselves. If the leg- tions around things like “By training the body to 32. Antidepressants (abbr.) the brain and spinal cord
islature becomes super clean drinking water or move better then the brain 33. Town in Surrey, England 28. Expresses surprise
activist in using a leg- ground contaminants. could be more automatic about 34. Indian music patterns 29. Have a debt to
islative veto, then how Ultimately, Amend- the differences in their weight 39. Birth control means 35. Businessman
much will laws actually ment 1 is about how shifts, we can help people keep 42. People tend to be on one 36. State on India’s western coast
get enforced? much you trust the Kan- from falling and breaking a leg 44. A way to keep meat moist 37. Practice of managing financial
46. Home of the Crimson Tide risks (abbr.)
Fourth, it puts more sas legislature. If you or hip,” he said. 47. Pasta type
burden on the part-time want a more powerful 38. Patty Hearst’s captors
49. Late 1990s rapper 40. Put into service
legislature to solve legislature, then voting Bal-A-Vis-X sessions 50. One circuit of a track
Sessions are about 20 51. Surrounded by water 41. 10-year periods
problems. Legislatures “yes” on the amend- 42. Crony
are often better at say- ment may be for you. minutes long and sched- 56. Late “Growing Pains” actor
Thicke 43. Surgical clamp
ing “no” than saying However, if you trust uled between 1 and 5 p.m. 44. Leave unable to move due to lack
Thursdays. Space con- 57. Married couples say it
“yes” to difficult poli- the legislature less and 58. Drool of wind
cy solutions. Think of prefer more traditional straints keep the sessions 59. Sicilian city 45. Where rockers work
all the problems that checks and balances, one-on-one but Schwartz 60. Airline worker perk (abbr.) 47. Valleys
fester while legisla- then voting “no” might said he can work with two 61. Grayish-black mixture 48. Ancient lyric poem
tures don’t act. If a leg- suit you better. It’s your at a time. With additional 62. Systems, doctrines, theories 49. Wise men
islature vetoes execu- choice, Kansas. people trained other ses- 63. Midway between east and south- 52. It lights a room
sions will be offered in east 53. Assert
tive branch action to Patrick R. Miller is 64. Athletes who get paid 54. Fifth Roman Emperor
address problems, then an Associate Profes- Dickinson County. People 55. Ancient Greek city in Thrace
who in government is sor of Political Sci- can make an appointment
solving problems? ence at the University call (785) 200-6750.
Fifth, it might em- of Kansas.

Doc/Page 3____ Girl Scout Troop

healthy self-care. We
can fund our schools
adequately to be the
safety nets we expect
them to be for our chil-
dren and families.
Those who are al-
ready facing moderate
or severe mental health
issues, whether chil-
dren, teens, or adults,
need treatment. Access
to that treatment needs
to improve, and we as
a society need to re-
ject the stigma around
seeking those services.
Mental health treat-
ment is as essential as
cancer treatment.
There is no quick fix
for this challenge, but
our youth need us to rise
to meet it.
Debra Johnson, M.D.
is part of The Prairie
Doc® team of physicians
and currently practic-
es family medicine in
Brookings, South Dako-
ta. Follow The Prairie
Doc® at www.prairied-
oc.org and on Facebook
featuring On Call with
the Prairie Doc® a med-
ical Q&A show provid-
ing health information
based on science, built
on trust for 21 Seasons,
streaming live on Face-
book most Thursdays at
7 p.m. central. Text Lauren @ 785-512-0413 for more info
20109 Registration
6:30 p.m Sunday, October 16th
****
VFW Hall 101 E Main St,
Thank you to our sponsor
Herington, KS 67449
only
$25/year
With the support of sponsors When there is a fifth week in
*Financial aid available to those the Dickinson County News- the month the puzzle is chosen
who qualify Times prints a different type of at random.
puzzle each week.
Week 1: Sudoku If you would like to become
Week 2: Crossword a sponsor, contact DCNT at
Week 3: Word Search (785) 366-6186 or
Week 4: Cryptogram office@dickinsonnewstimes.com
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 Dickinson County News-Times Page 7

Call 785-366-6186 or Email office@dickinsonnewstimes.com to order your directory ad!

Misc.
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STEVE CRICHTON Insurance
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Help Wanted
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Sat 9 am - 12 pm
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Plumbing & Appliances Firearms sales & services
110 E. Main, Herington gunsmithing, hydro-dipping,
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8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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 NEWS
Page 8 Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Special to the DCNT

Centre High School volleyball team for the 2022-2023 school year was: front row, from left, Sydney Smith,
Addie Makovec, Lily Hauck, Allie Stuchlik; middle row, Sarah David, Anna Godinez-Vinduska, Hailey Barton, Special to the DCNT
Jenaya Plett; and back row, Coach Trevor Siebert, Olivia Carlson, Payton Svitak, Emilee Remmers, Kenide Centre High School fielded a cross country team with
Steiner, Shae Marshall, and Assistant Coach Rachelle Siebert. one member this year, sophomore Kaitlynn Bina.

Send your stories & news to:

office@dickinsonnewstimes.com

LEGAL NOTICE
(First published in the Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday, October 12, 2022)
ORDINANCE 1875

Dan Morton | Courtesy photo

The pool tournament at the Abilene Senior Center started out close, but ended up
with a 24 to 17 win for Dee Rodda’s team Oct. 6. Her team members were: seated
Carole Brazil, Rodda, Carol Wenger and Art Freeman. Standing are Bob Brazil, Rudy
Peterle and Steve Sheaffer. Sheaffer was the top player with no losses. In charge
of the other team was Mike Taplin. His selected team members were Duke Scheidt,
Dan Morton, Frank Frey, Joe Hess and Barth Amend. Sondra Messenger kept
score. The next tournament is at 11:45 p.m. Oct. 20.

The goal: Make every day Put

the Brakes on Fatalities Day
Oct. 10, was Put the
Brakes on Fatalities Day.
Braden, telling me he was
hit by a semi… I share our the impact of traffic
It’s a nationwide cam-
paign encouraging mo-
story for several reasons
but mostly because Bra-
crashes:
In 2020, 425 people died
torists, passengers, pe- den was wearing his seat in crashes in Kansas, ac-
destrians and cyclists to belt, and I believe the seat cording to KDOT.
use caution every day and belt saved him from being According to the Nation-
help prevent fatalities. thrown from the vehicle.” al Highway Traffic Safety
As part of the campaign, Reno County 911 dis- Administration, 38,824
the Kansas Department of patcher Megan Miller: “It’s people died in crashes
Transportation and its trans-
hard not to get emotionally across the nation in 2020
portation safety partners attached. … When it comes – an average of 106 traffic
have been publishing blogs to kids, that’s a rough one.” deaths a day.
to share the experiences of Lt. Tanner Blakesley: “I Inattention has been
motorists, first responderswas a road trooper in the the biggest factor in all
and emergency dispatchers. Topeka area for two years Kansas crashes for many
The entire blog series can when I woke up in a ditch. years, accounting for al-
be seen http://kansastrans-The driver of the vehicle most one in five crashes.
portation.blogspot.com. we had stopped was stand- To avoid distractions, the
ing over me, asking me
Their words tell the if I was okay. I realized I
experts say: Keep your
eyes on the road. Hands
had been hit by my patrol
impact, in personal car after a passing vehicle
on the wheel. Mind on
driving. Remember this:
terms, of crashes. A struck the rear of my car at
full highway speed. Since
The average time a per-
son’s eyes leave the road
few examples :
that day, I have become
a strong enforcer of the
while texting and driving
is 5 seconds – enough time
Debbie Lee, mother of ‘Move Over Law’.”
Braden Woodson: “The to traverse a football field
voice on the other end was Numbers showing at 55 mph.

ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS

(First published in Dickinson County News-Times Wed., October 12, 2022)
Sealed bids are now being accepted by BC
Motors for the following vehicles:
1998 Chevrolet 1500
VIN#1GCEC19R3WR143002
2006 Dodge Ram
VIN#1D7HU18276J189676
2010 Buick Enclave
VIN#5GALVCED4AJ125642
Sealed bids are due by Friday, October 28, 22
at Noon and can be mailed or delivered to:
BC MOTORS
902 E Trapp St.
12-14 Herington, KS 67449
HOURS | MON-FRI: 9-6 | SATURDAY: 9-NOON
 NEWS
Page 9 Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022

Strong Flint Hills Ranch Heritage, ‘Jimmy’

Had ‘Eyes In The Sky’ Airplane Career
By Frank J. Buchman
DCNT Columnist
“Jimmy Alexander wasn’t a cow-
boy.”
That’s despite strong Flint Hills
ranch heritage, dad Bud and broth-
ers Bobby and Wayne, Kansas Cow-
boy Hall of Fame inductees.
The Alexanders were recog-
nized as cowboys, even ornery
ones, a genetic trait brother Jim-
my did inherit.
Oh, Jimmy Alexander knew the
cowboy life — working hard and
providing testimonies for the Hall
of Fame inductees.
But airplanes were Jimmy Al-
exander’s love in life from a very
young age.
Upon his recent passing, Jimmy’s
airplane shenanigans were retold,
some even unveiled.
Nephew and niece Tom Alex-
ander and Barb Lerner remember
their uncle flying between the Bob-
by Alexander home and the wind-
mill. They could see Jimmy’s ornery
grin in the airplane going over the
Flint Hills east of Council Grove,
According to legend, Jimmy
flew home to visit parents Bud and
Maude north of Council Grove.
He flew his plane straight up
into the air until the motor stalled
out, roll the plane over, and come
shooting down like a corkscrew.
Kicking the plane back on, Jim-
my pulled the plane up just before
hitting the ground. Mom scowled
while Dad smiled.
His brother Bobby, renowned
rodeo cowboy and pasture manag-
er, pretty much refused to fly with
Jimmy’s daredevil piloting. One
time, Bobby and wife Georgie were
stranded coming back in their pick-
up from a Texas rodeo. Jimmy flew
them home like a nice brother.
The ornery pilot knew every lit-
tle airport in the southwest. Jimmy
flew his great-nephew namesake
Jimmy Lerner, now of Council
Grove, from Texas and Oklahoma
to help Grandpa Bobby Alexander
look after Flint Hills cattle.
After the Katy Railroad stopped
service, Jimmy used that aban-
doned track strip as the Alexander
Ranch Airport in the mid-’50’s.
He’d fly over the top of Rex Mate-
rials to land at the airport being
just feet above townsman Lowell
Scripter as he flew by.
Genetically inherited wheel-
er-dealer, Jimmy sold airplanes to
both Jimmy Dean and Roy Clark.
“He’d let Aunt Barb and family fly
in them before delivering,” said Jim-
my’s great-nephew Bobby Alexan-
der of Alexander Artworks. Bobby
Alexander is Tom Alexander’s son,
whose dad is the Jimmy’s brother
Bobby. “Jimmy sold the first air-
plane Kansas bought for Governor
Docking and flew celebrities like
Burl Ives and Mickey Mantle.”
One time his airplane shut
down in the air and Jimmy had to
land it in downtown Wichita. His
only option was “The Big Ditch”
on the Arkansas River Floodway.
Jimmy’s family said he admitted
that was one of the scariest mo-
ments of his life.
Jimmy was Buzz Ropers’ flight in-
structor and referred him to Ralph
Booker, McPherson refinery presi-
dent, to be the company pilot. So,
Buzz moved his family from Texas
to Kansas for this job. They attend-
ed church with the Booker family
and, Colleen, Buzz’s daughter, met
Mr. Booker’s son Jason.
“Colleen and Jason now live in
Council Grove, and Colleen’s sister
is manager of the McPherson Air-
port,” Bobby related
James M. Alexander was born
Dec. 6, 1930, at Council Grove, and
died Aug. 4, 2022, at Wichita. The
funeral was at Country Acres Bap-
tist Church with the United States
Navy Honor Guard conducting
graveside services.
“The preacher had some good
things to say as my cousins did as
well,” Bobby said.
Jimmy recorded his autobiogra-
phy, History of James M. Alexan-
der, dated June 29, 2012.
“World War II from about 1942
on would find a young cowboy ear-
ly teenager living on the ranch at
Council Grove, but always with his
mind and eyes on the skies.
“My fervent interest in anything
that flew by caused some dismay to
my dad who now had another son
in training as an Air Corp pilot.
Brother Wayne was my hero.
“I begged three bucks off a reluc-
tant dad for the first PT-19 ride and
I knew I had to have more of this.
Dad was afraid of airplanes, but cir-
cumstances changed. Twenty years
later I would fly him to Kansas
City for cancer treatments in a new
Cessna 310. He really enjoyed it.”
As a 16-year-old, Jimmy went
to work scrubbing and fueling air-
planes for 50 cents an hour in order
to ride in an airplane for $7 an hour.
He attended airshows, learned pi-
loting from ex miliary instructors,
and finally got a solo flight.
Serving in the Navy from 1948
to 1949, Jimmy hoped to fly, but pi-
lots weren’t needed, so he took an
early discharge. He worked at the
Beechcraft plant near Herington
and managed to, “Shag a job on a
flightline for six years. Wow, what a
deal,” he said in the recording.
Meanwhile Jimmy got a private
pilot license and partnered buying
a J-3 Cub airplane for $500.
He was flying over the Flint Hills
and decided to impress his brother
who was checking pasture cattle.
“I proceeded to land in the pas-
ture only to smack a large rock. Em-
barrassment turned to the situation
at hand.
“Farm boy improvised with my
brother mending the right wing
with a hedge post and flew it away.
Whew lesson learned.”
With Beechcraft closing at Her-
ington, Jimmy was promoted in
transfer to Wichita expanding time
in the air with more new airplanes.
Through promotions, Jim-
my became an instructor and
worked endless hours with com-
mercial flights.
He worked at Emporia in 1958
crisscrossing the entire country for
$500 a month.
No end to stories, monotonous
to lay readers, excitement galore
for Jimmy flying, selling, and every-
thing airplanes.
He worked for Cessna 23 years
“meeting many fine people,” be-
coming an airplane salesman giving
up on working for an airline.
“I found it a good place to enjoy
flying while being rewarded if you
worked hard,” he said.
Frequent sales trips included
stops at Council Grove home.
“My parents always watched
me depart and were beginning to
accept the notion that airplanes
weren’t so terrible. Strange but
not terrible.”
He formed a corporation with
his wife Sharon and remained in
the airplane trading and broker-
ing business.
“I guess I would have to say it has
been a pretty good ride. I am blessed.”
On April 2, 2011, James M. Al-
exander was presented the Wright
Brothers Master Pilot Award from
the Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration. It
recognizes “Fifty Years of Dedicat-
ed Service in Aviation Safety.”
“Jimmy was just a super cool
guy,” Bobby said. “I remember him
taking me up in his plane when I
was six years old.
“I thought then and still do to
this day think Jimmy was one
of the coolest people I have ever
known. Uncle Jimmy was some-
one you just wanted to be around,
he made everyone feel special and
appreciated.”

(Courtesy photo)
Jimmy Alexander was born
with heritage to be a Flint
Hills cowboy, but “his eyes
were in the sky.” Council
Grove native, Alexander had
(Courtesy photo) (Courtesy photo) a lifelong career doing about
Sons of Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee Bud Alexan- “Oh, what an ornery threesome;” family was always close and very everything that could be done
der, Jimmy, Bobby, and Wayne Alexander grew up on a Council important toJimmy Alexander. He’s with his big brothers Bobby and with airplanes. Yet, he always
Grove ranch. Bobby and Wayne continued the cowboy profession Wayne front and center at an Alexander Reunion in 2010. retained close Flint Hills fam-
renowned in rodeo competition, while Jimmy claimed a “blessed” If it would fly through the sky, Jimmy Alexander wanted to be in the ily and area ties.
life involved with all aspects of airplanes pilot seat.

‘Micro’save yourself some

time baking fresh cookies
By Lindsey Young
When I was little, my dad would
wake up early every morning, pack
his lunchbox and head out for work.
I probably wouldn’t have cared at
all about what was in that black plas-
tic box if it weren’t for the Tupper-
ware bowl of sandwich cookies in the
pantry. Dad would normally toss a
couple into the lunchbox for a sweet
ending to what I’m assuming was a
meal of a bologna sandwich.
For me, the bowl represented a
Microwave Cookie definitely going to keep that in mind
Foundation issues cause
Ingredients the next time I am craving something problems all over the house.
sweet but don’t want to bake an en-
• 1 tablespoon butter tire batch of a dessert. SCHEDULE YOUR
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar I also thought this recipe would FREE INSPECTION
• 1 teaspoon milk be great for kids to help make when
• 4 tablespoons flour Santa comes in a few months. This
• dash of salt would be the perfect type of cookie
• 1-2 tablespoons chocolate to dip in a glass of milk.
chips Overall, I’m glad my sister and
I didn’t know that we could make
Mention Promo Code ‘GET250’
Directions cookies with only our microwave.
In a small bowl, melt the butter. I’m sure we would have gotten in Foundation Repair Sinking Concrete

clandestine mission to sneak a treat
every once in awhile. This worked
out well for me until my younger
Mix in the brown sugar until it is well
incorporated, and add in the milk,
flour and salt. Continue mixing un-
even more trouble. I mean, if the Basement
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kid couldn’t keep cookie crumbs off
her face, who knows what would
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sister discovered my scheme, and I
had to include her in my raids in ex-
change for her silence.
To her credit, she never ratted me
out—on purpose—but her method of
eating any chocolate cookie usually
ended with a ring of crumbs around
her mouth that Mom astutely noticed
every time. In later years, we’d get
away with sneaking a cookie or two
when we’d come home from school
to enjoy while we completed home-
work assignments.
This week, my mind was blown
til the mixture comes together into a
dough. It should be Play-Doh consis-
tency—not dry and crumbly but also
not too sticky to handle. If the dough
won’t come together, mix in just tiny
splash of milk until it does. If it is too
sticky, mix in just a tiny bit of flour
until you can roll it in your hands.
Once you reach the desired consis-
tency, fold in the chocolate chips.
Place the dough onto a small piece
of parchment paper on a micro-
wave-safe plate and press it down
into a circle until it is about one-half
have happened with gooey chocolate
chips. (Sorry, Sis.)
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Spice Up Your Life is a weekly rec-
ipe column by Lindsey Young, who
describes herself as an enthusiastic
amateur cook and can be reached
through her website at spiceupkitch-
en.net.

Are you at risk?

when I realized we could have got-
ten away with an even tastier snack
if only we had known that you can
bake a chocolate chip cookie in the
microwave.
The recipe I tried out this week
came from an online video from
John Nonny of “The Pun Guys.”
You can find him on Facebook at
facebook.com/johnnonnyofficial/. I
added extra milk and a dash of salt
in my version.
inch thick.
Place in the microwave and cook
on high for one minute. Allow the
cookie to cool a bit before enjoying.
Get Screened for Risks of Stroke
Was this the best cookie I have ever and Cardiovascular Disease
had? Nope. I can definitely make
vastly superior batches in the oven. Strangely enough, this chocolate
chip cookie was made in the micro-
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However, it was a pretty darn good
cookie overall, and between mixing wave. It comes together easily and Package for $149
and “baking,” I was able to accom- is a good way to enjoy a sweet treat
plish it in under five minutes. I’m without making dozens of cookies.
 Agriculture
Page 10 Dickinson County News-Times Wednesday,Oct. 5, 2022

Wheat Scoop:
Kansas wheat leaders sign purchase
letter of intent with Taiwan Flour Mills
Association
By Julia Debes
Kansas Wheat

For audio version, visit kswheat.com.

Kansas agricultural leaders inked a deal with a Tai-
(Courtesy photo) wanese delegation on Sept. 16 that will directly benefit
With uncertainty in high fertilizer costs, reduced application rates can sometimes actually increase crop profit- wheat producers, thanks to a commitment to purchase
ability, according to Nick Paulson, University of Illinois agriculture economist. 69.8 million bushels of U.S. wheat, worth approximate-
ly $567 million from U.S. farmers over the next two

Pessimistic Uncertainty In High Fertilizer Costs

years.
Kansas Wheat Commission Chairman Gary Miller-
shaski, who farms in Kearny County, signed a joint let-
ter of intent with representatives from the Taiwan Flour

While Reduced Applications Could Increase Profits

By Frank J. Buchman
DCNT Contributor
“As every farmer knows,
fertilizer prices are high, of-
ten at all-time record levels.”
Bad as it is, the outlook for
fertilizer price reduction is
low, most likely the opposite.
That’s the analysis last
week from Nick Paulson,
University of Illinois agri-
culture economist.
“While fertilizer prices
have declined since spring,
they remain high, signifi-
cantly above a year ago,”
Paulson said. “Therefore,
reducing rates where practi-
cable seems prudent.”
Some fields will have soil
test levels above those that
will cause a yield response
from phosphorus and potas-
sium applications.
“Significantly reducing or
eliminating applications in
these fields makes economic
sense,” he said. “Likewise,
nitrogen applications above
recommendations can sub-
stantially reduce returns.
Changes in nitrogen prices
until spring will be influ-
enced by variations in corn
and natural gas prices.”
Fertilizer prices remain
at high levels going into
the fall of 2022. Anhydrous
ammonia prices continue
to surpass all-time highs
reached during the 2008 fi-
nancial crisis.
In the fall of 2008, anhy-
drous ammonia reached a
high of $1,161 per ton An-
hydrous ammonia prices
have exceeded the 2008 pre-
vious record since October
2021.
Anhydrous ammonia pric-
es were over $1,600 per ton
through April 2022, falling
to $1,153 per ton on August
25, 2022. Then, anhydrous
ammonia again increased,
reaching $1,318 per ton on
Sept. 22.
Phosphorus and potash
fertilizers also remain at
high levels. Phosphorous
was over $1,000 per ton in
June 2022, but last month
prices had dropped to $947
per ton.
Potash prices have re-
mained relatively stable at
high levels, with a price of
$857 per ton reported on
September 22, 2022.
“While ammonia and
phosphorous prices have de-
clined since spring, current
fertilizer prices are higher
than last year,” Paulson said.
Last year, fertilizer prices
increased from fall 2021 to
spring. Farmers who pur-
chased fertilizer later gener-
ally had higher costs.
“I do not forecast a similar
trend in 2023,” Paulson said.
Anhydrous ammonia gen-
erally has lower costs per
pound of actual nitrogen
when compared to either ni-
trogen solutions or urea.
“The use of different nitro-
gen sources or eliminating
nitrogen stabilizers because
of post-plant applications
will alter costs,” he said.
Corn and soybean yields
are not dependent on phos-
phorus applications if lev-
els exceed somewhere be-
tween 60 and 70 pounds per
acre. If soil tests are above
that level, phosphorus ap-
plications are not needed to
maintain yields.
Similarly, corn and soy-
bean yields are not depen-
dent on potash applications
when potassium levels ex-
ceed between 360 and 400
pounds per acre.
“Many fields have soil test
levels above those where
yields will respond to fertil-
izer applications,” Paulson
said. “In these situations,
cutting or eliminating appli-
cations is warranted in any
year, particularly in high-
price years like now.”
Farmers may be reluc-
tant to forgo fertilizer ap-
plications on rented farm-
land, as agreements may
specify nutrient test levels
be maintained.
“Revisiting those agree-
ments seems warranted if
soil test levels are above lev-
els where yield response ex-
ists,” Paulson said. “Neither
the farmer nor the landowner
receives any gains from this
application.”
Moreover, a reduction in
fertilizer applications would
be preferred from an envi-
ronmental standpoint.
“Higher soil test levels
potentially increase phos-
phorus and potassium run-
off if soil erosion occurs,”
Paulson said.
Even if soil test levels are
below response levels, re-
ducing phosphorus and po-
tassium applications may
still be warranted.
Many farmers apply ni-
trogen at rates above poten-
tial profitability. Data from
Precision Conservation
Management confirms that
profits can also sometimes
be increased by reducing
nitrogen applications.
Some farmers are consid-
ering waiting until later in
the spring, with hopes that
nitrogen prices will decline.
“Anhydrous ammonia
prices are highly related to
corn and natural gas prices,”
Paulson repeated. “Current-
ly, corn and natural gas pric-
es are at high levels.”
September 2022 corn
prices were only slightly
higher in 2012 and 2013.
Current natural gas prices
have been at levels not ex-
ceeded since 2009.
“As a result, one should
expect to see high anhy-
drous ammonia prices,”
Paulson said. “If anything,
anhydrous ammonia prices
are low relative to current
corn and natural gas pric-
es. Historical relationships
suggest anhydrous am-
monia prices near $1,400
while current anhydrous
ammonia prices are near
$1,300 per ton.”
Both corn and natural gas
prices could decline into
spring. “Of course, much can
change between now and
spring,” Paulson said.
A cold winter likely
would lead to higher natu-
ral gas prices. Events in the
Ukraine-Russia war also will
have a bearing on prices.
“Splitting nitrogen pur-
chases is a sound risk man-
agement strategy in this situ-
ation,” Paulson said.
However, for farmers con-
cerned about applying nitro-
gen post planting, a new crop
insurance, Post Application
Coverage Endorsement
(PACE), is available.
“Fertilizer prices remain
high and will result in high
fertilizer costs for 2023,”
Paulson said. “So, reduc-
ing rates seems prudent in
several situations.”
Phosphorus and potassium
applications can be reduced
or eliminated if soil test lev-
els are sufficiently high.
“Nitrogen rates should
be applied at maximum re-
turn to nitrogen levels,” he
said “Significant uncertainty
exists concerning fertilizer
prices moving into spring.”
Mills Association. Through the letter, Kansas wheat
farmers committed to continuing to grow high-quality
wheat supplies, while importers and suppliers working
in Taiwan will privately negotiate the terms, quantities,
prices and conditions for the purchase and sale of wheat.
“While we may face challenges on our farms in terms
of weather and market volatility, we are committed to
growing the best quality wheat possible, and we will
continue to be the world’s most reliable choice,” Mil-
lershaski said in remarks to the delegation. “I’m hon-
ored to sign this agreement representing Kansas wheat
farmers, the largest producers of hard winter wheat in
the U.S. It is meaningful to all farmers in the U.S., espe-
cially for those of us in the state of Kansas.”
Taiwan is the sixth largest U.S. wheat export mar-
ket, thanks in large part to nearly six decades of work
through U.S. Wheat Associates and its legacy organiza-
tion to establish a long and beneficial history of coop-
eration between Taiwan’s flour milling industry and the
U.S. wheat industry. Since first establishing a promo-
tional office in Taipei, Taiwan has purchased more than
45 million metric tons (1.65 billion bushels) of U.S.
wheat, according to U.S. Wheat Associates.
Taiwan has also sent 13 agricultural trade missions
to the United States since 1998. This year’s mission
included stops in Washington, D.C., for meetings with
leaders from the U.S. wheat and grain industry. Fol-
lowing these meetings, the flour milling group visited
Kansas, Idaho and Oregon for a firsthand look at U.S.
wheat production and to meet the people responsible for
supplying high-quality wheat to Taiwan. The trade team
visit included a stop at the Kansas Wheat Innovation
Center in Manhattan.
In addition to the intent to purchase U.S. wheat in
2023 and 2024, the Taiwanese delegation also signed
Letters of Intent with the U.S. Soybean Export Council
and the U.S. Grains Council to purchase soybeans and
corn. The overall estimated commitment in the three
letters totals $3.2 billion.
Together, the biennial goodwill mission showcases
the economic benefits to Kansas farmers, agribusiness-
es and rural communities from decades of agricultural
trade.
“This has been a challenging year on Kansas farms,”
Millershaski said. “We have faced an extreme drought,
inflation, market volatility, and increased input costs
and availability. In these uncertain times, what wheat
farmers need are partners and long-term trade agree-
ments that benefit both U.S. farmers and international
wheat buyers. Your commitment to purchase U.S. wheat
sends a strong message to our farmers that we will have
a market and incentives for Kansas wheat farmers to
continue to grow the best quality wheat to hold up our
end of that agreement.”
Learn more about the Taiwan Goodwill Mission at
https://www.uswheat.org/wheatletter/taiwan-team-
signs-letter-of-intent-to-purchase-69-8-million-bush-
els-of-u-s-wheat/

Low demand for plant-based meat Four county youth bring home
top awards from livestock show
Bruce Shultz finding out the same thing. Beyond Meat
DCNT Columnist has partnered with McDonald’s to create
In early October the the McPlant burger. As reported by CNBC
news of JBS, the world’s in July, McDonald’s rolled out the addition
largest meat processing to the menu in roughly 600 locations in Special to the DCNT
company, getting out of February. Their study discovered a much (HUTCHINSON) – The Kansas Junior Livestock Show started in November 1933,
the plant-based protein lower demand than expected. Though the drawing 500 exhibitors and more than 1,000 head of livestock to the Wichita Forum.
market caught my eye. two companies did sign a three-year com- Since then, the 90-year-old event has stayed true to its heritage by continuing to be the
This story, reported by mitment to sell McPlant burgers in the Eu- largest youth livestock show in the state. This year, more than 700 exhibitors entered
The Denver Business ropean market. Of the five countries in this 1,422 animals in the show, which was held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 in Hutchinson.
News noted that JBS test, Beyond Meat reported good sales in Jackie Sleichter from Dickinson County showed the fourth overall heifer, which
BRUCE SHULTZ
started Planterra about only two countries, the UK and Austria. was the champion Percentage Simmental and earned $400.
two years ago. Planterra Beyond Meat has seen its stock price go Abi Lillard of Dickinson County guided her 260 pounds dark crossbred to the grand
opened a processing facility in Denver, em- from an opening price on Jan. 3, of $65.68 champion market hog title, which earned her $2,000.
ploying approximately 120 people while to a closing price on Oct. 7, of $14.24. The reserve grand champion market lamb, a 135 pounds blackface, was shown by
marketing its brand OZO. These are only two segments of the story Raine Garten of Dickinson County. The lamb earned $1,000. A total of 222 lambs
JBS is a smart and well-funded compa- concerning plant-based protein. The fact is were shown. The market lamb show was sponsored by Cargill.
ny. They took the route of investing in what that Americans like real meat. While some A ewe led by Raine Garten from Dickinson County bested 139 others to take su-
was believed to be the biggest challenger to people will prefer plant-based burgers to preme champion honors in the commercial breeding ewe show. Garten’s ewe gar-
real meat. Many companies in other indus- real burgers, this is a smaller group than nered a $500 premium. Cargill sponsored both breeding ewe shows.
tries have done the same thing. Shell Oil, anticipated. I am a rancher and we eat meat
for instance, bought a 44 percent interest in all the time. If I want a carrot I will eat a Answers from crossword on Page 6
US solar firm Silicon Ranch in 2018. That carrot. When I want a burger I will eat a
SOLUTION 26. SCHOLAR 58. SLAVER 7. BALKIER 36. GOA
same year they invested $20 million dollars burger. I do not eat a burger shaped like a ACROSS 30. LEANS 59. GELA 8. ASSIGN 37. ALM
in an India-based renewable energy com- carrot with orange food coloring and chem- 1. ORAD 31. UNAWAKE 60. ZED 9. GLOBES 38. SLA
pany, Husk Power Systems. Large mul- icals I cannot pronounce to pretend I am 5. RUB 32. SRI 61. EMERY 10. RAKED 40. UTILIZE
tinational companies, whether publically having a carrot. As a rancher, I am encour- 8. AGRA 33. ESHER 62. ISMS 11. AMEX 41. DECADES
traded such as Shell, or privately held such aged by these events and the knowledge 12. TABES 34. RAGAS 63. ESE 13. SECULAR- 42. PAL
as JBS, have the resources to hedge their that as a whole our nation still enjoys real 14. ANA 39. IUD 64. PROS ISM 43. ALLIS
15. SLAM 42. PAYROLL 17. NANAK 44. BECALM
bets and invest in potential competition. family farm-raised meat. So I ask you all to 16. UNEVEN 44. BASTE SOLUTION 24. ARE 45. ARENAS
JBS still is invested in plant-based products celebrate with me and go enjoy a delicious 18. JCL 46. ALABAMA DOWN 25. DAIRY 47. VALES
in both Europe and Brazil. However, JBS juicy steak. 19. SOKE 47. VERMICELLI 1. OTUS AISLE 48. EPODE
made the decision that plant-based protein Bruce Shultz ist the vice pPresident Na- 20. SILICA 49. MACE 2. RANI 26. SUE 49. MAGI
is not the profitable venture that they first tional Farmers Organization 21. AUK 50. LAP 3. ABEL 27. CNS 52. LAMP
thought it might be in the US. http://www.nationalfarmers.com 22. IBEX 51. ISLAND 4. DEVI 28. HAH 53. AVER
23.UN- 56. ALAN 5. RAJAB 29. OWE 54. NERO
Other plant-based protein companies are bshultz@nfo.org ABRIDGED 57. I DO 6. UNCURLS 35. ARB 55. DRYS