I prefer not to predict what will happen in 2006, but, rather, I would like to offer my prognostications for what will definitely not come about in the next 12 months. Here they are, in no particular order.

• The Kansas Legislature will not take action on any bills that actually affect citizens of the state until the latest possible moment, if even then. Those members of the House and Senate running for reelection will not want to do anything to hurt their chances.
• A casino will not be built in Marion County or even in neighboring Harvey County. No, hell will not freeze over. (See first item.)
• The city of Hillsboro will not choose to use the dirt from that big swimming hole west of town to build a sledding hill. Wouldn't that be awesome, though?

  In fact, why not dream a bit bigger and build a tow-rope system to take sledders to the top and buy a used snowmaking machine from a ski slope in Colorado?

  I don't think it will happen.

• The new arena in Wichita will not be built over the river, as one ex-county commissioner has suggested. Unfortunately, his inspiration has likely come too late. Personally, I like the idea. Why not think outside the box? (See previous item concerning dirt pile.)
• We will never see the price of gas dip below $2 per gallon again. I did, however, manage to purchase petrol in Denver a couple of weeks ago for $2.01.9. I figured I could go up there once every couple of weeks and fill up to save money. But, two days later, the price had gone up to $2.29.9 per gallon.

  By the way, who ever started that point-nine idea for pricing gasoline? Do the oil companies think we are being fooled? I've never seen bread at the grocery store priced $1.09.9 per loaf.

• This year will not see a marathon run through the streets of Hillsboro. The first Frostbite Four-Mile Jan. 1 was a success, however, bringing the number of official races in our fair city to two per year. About 35 runners, some from as far away as Arizona, participated in the event.

  Organizers considered changing the name to the Frostless Four-Mile due to the unusually warm temperatures for a New Year's Day. But, the beanies we gave away were already printed.

  Thanks to Randy Wiens and Matt Dalke and all the other volunteers who made the race a success. We'll probably try it again next year, but I seriously doubt we will have better conditions.

• The Kansas City Royals will not win the World Series. If they win more games than they lose for the season, that will be a major achievement.
• Speaking of winning games, I think it's safe to admit that the Kansas Jayhawks will not have their basketball winning streak over K-State ended...What?...It already happened? Never mind.

  KU's young squad has shown flashes of absolute brilliance, but the Jayhawks have also seen some severe scoring droughts. Both happened in last Saturday's game in Lawrence. The first half was more or less dominated by KU's offense. The second half featured a masterful zone defense by the Wildcats.

  That's why they lace them up and play the games.

  I don't think we'll be seeing either team in the national championship game this spring. But, hey, you never know.