Finally, a good deal for the silly-product buyer

Fearless Farm Frau

Written by Shana Thornhill Tuesday, 19 March 2013 13:35

Most of you know that going to the store with small children can be quite the adventure. If they’re not touching everything in sight, they’re asking for something. “Can we get this?” is repeated ad nauseam.

Some of their requests are a little outlandish. I really don’t think that a 5-year-old wants that tin of caviar.

That habit seems to perpetuate itself into adulthood. It’s easy to justify this or that, just because. Personally, I don’t spend much money on fancy shoes, manicures or makeup simply because the chickens really aren’t that impressed when I do.

My purchases tend toward the practical: farm implements, tools, boots and jeans. But, give me a seed catalog or show me some chickens or horse tack, and I could...

Read more: Finally, a good deal for the silly-product buyer

Turning 30 a ‘surprise’ transition

Lipstick & Pearls

Written by Malinda Just Tuesday, 19 March 2013 13:36

It’s the start of a new decade this week. I turn 30. Over the past days, a few friends asked if I was doing anything special to celebrate. The answer: not really. At least nothing big.

My mom and I are going shopping without kids. (So I guess that’s pretty big in and of itself. I won’t have to chase kids out of the clothes racks. Or continually repeat the phrase “stay with me.” My mom won’t try to run away from me.... At least I don’t think she will.)

Anyway, I figured the big day would arrive. I would pour myself a big cup of coffee, sit down at the computer and receive my Facebook well-wishes with a gratified status update. I would fill both daughters’ cereal bowls at least three times each. And maybe I would also...

Read more: Turning 30 a ‘surprise’ transition

Fracking could drain reservoir level

Staff Soapbox

Written by Jerry Engler Tuesday, 02 April 2013 11:54

You’d think this was an old problem that was solved years ago with construction of Marion Reservoir.

I have talked to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers people in the past who said water supplies for communities like Marion and Hillsboro are minor compared to the total volume of water that passes through Marion Reservoir.

But there is a new potential high-water-use demand, already begun, that could greatly draw down county reserves in the future.

It’s horizontal oil drilling, or “fracking,” which could use huge quantities of water. One such well being drilled already draws water from a creek flowing into the reservoir, its neighbors said.

According to analysis by Stephen Ellis with Morningstar Inc., a licensed index provider for...

Read more: Fracking could drain reservoir level

Advice every student should hear

Free Falling

Written by Bob Woelk Tuesday, 09 April 2013 12:47

Almost by accident, I was listening to a group of radio and TV gurus discussing the topic, “What’s ahead in the job market?” at a Kansas Association of Broadcasters student seminar and career fair in Topeka last week.

The accidental part is that Hillsboro High School does not have a broadcasting program. I was actually there to take part in a workshop on 21st Century Journalism, a class I teach that launches students into yearbook and newspaper.

The opening session was a panel discussion among the movers and shakers of Kansas broadcasting: Kyle Bauer of KCLY/KFRM, headquartered in Clay Center; Nate Hill of KSNT/KTKA TV out of Topeka; Jim Ogle of WIBW TV in Topeka; and Ron Covert of Cumulus Radio, the Topeka-area equivalent of...

Read more: Advice every student should hear