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Frantz moves from pig exhibitor to show-pig provider

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Written by Frank J. Buchman Tuesday, 02 April 2013 12:08

With the home-raised grand champion barrow at the 2011 Kansas Junior Livestock Show in Wichita, Ethan Frantz (right) of Frantz Show Pigs at Hillsboro has been involved in producing and showing hogs all of his life. That experience is put to use raising pig prospects that he sells to youth exhibitors over a wide area. Firsthand experience gives the best perspective of the show pig industry.

Ethan Frantz of Frantz Show Pigs at Hillsboro is just a sophomore studying animal science at Kansas State University. But, he’s already had a lifetime of raising and successfully showing hogs.

“I’ve raised my own pigs to show,” said Frantz, as he took time out from work on a special undergraduate college research project. “When you win with one you’ve bred, birthed, grown, fit, shown and then sell for a...

Vannockers say youth can learn a lot showing hogs

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Written by Frank J. Buchman Tuesday, 02 April 2013 12:06

Brad and Becky Vannocker evaluate spring litters in the nursery at their Vannocker Show Pigs operation near Hillsboro.Frank J. Buchman photo<p>Brad and Becky Vannocker evaluate spring litters in the nursery at their Vannocker Show Pigs operation near Hillsboro. “The harder you work, the more you get done, and it’ll pay off down the line.”

Brad Vannocker at Hillsboro has that outlook on life, which has been applied and proven true in his family’s Vannocker Show Pigs operation.

“Of course, there are exceptions, but it’s always been our philosophy to keep working, and it’ll turn your way,” Vannocker added.

“We’ve seen every facet of the hog industry, and there’s been every extreme in profitability and hog type,” he said. “Over time, we’ve become strictly show-pig producers, which seems to fit us best.

“However, it’s even more about relationships than show pigs,” Vannocker added. “We’ve made so many friends and acquaintances throughout the Midwest from...

Physician joins staff at St. Luke hospital

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Written by Nicole Suderman Friday, 29 March 2013 14:20

Physician Paige Hatcher has joined the medical staff at St. Luke Hospital in Marion. She will begin her practice at the St. Luke Physician Clinic in October.

Hatcher practices full-scope family medicine, including pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, injury care, management of chronic disease, preventative medicine and geriatrics.

“We’re extremely pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. Hatcher,” said Jeremy Armstrong, chief executive officer. “Her training in both family practice and preventative medicine is not only a great fit for our patients, but also for St. Luke. She will offer an invaluable perspective as we plan and prepare for the future of health care.”

Originally from Haven, Hatcher graduated from medical...

Stay alert: Tornado season is here

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Written by John Schlageck Friday, 29 March 2013 14:19

If you’ve ever heard the stampeding sound of a tornado or been close enough to see fence posts, the side of a building or the steel of a grain bin twisting furiously as the dreaded black monster gobbles up the countryside, you’ll remember it always.

Kansas ranks third in the nation in the number of tornadoes with an average of 61 per year since 1950, according to figures by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Topeka. The most tornadoes occurred in 2008 when more than 180 tornadoes ravaged the Sunflower State. The fewest recorded were 14 in 1976.

Severe weather generally begins sometime after the first week of March in Kansas. Last year the tornado season began Feb. 28. Unfortunately, one of the eight tornadoes occurring that day...