December 2021

Learning from China: Black Friday sale on November 11 mostly online

December 1, 2021

The U.S. “Black Friday” appears to have started back in 1961 when Philadelphia police described the heavy commercial traffic that followed the Thanksgiving holiday. Businesses began using the term in offering special discounts on that day and it became a nationwide promotion effort by 2003–2004. Because some folks couldn’t shop during that day, or didn’t find what they were shopping for, the National Retail Federation invented Cyber Monday (that followed Black Friday) in 2005. However, Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. Commonwealth countries had long observed Boxing Day and related sales events.

Booster reaction not overly significant, vaccine benefits many

December 1, 2021

I got my COVID booster shot recently at the Pratt County Public Health Department. The nurse who administered the shot said that I was receiving the half dose of Moderna vaccine that was authorized by the FDA for persons who had already received two doses of the same vaccine.

December 1, 2021

Have you had a vehicle that you wanted to keep in pristine condition? You don't park it amongst the other vehicles, you park it far away so there would not be a chance for a door ding. What happens? Another vehicle is parked next to it when you return.

We have reason to be thankful daily, not just on one day of the year

December 1, 2021

"Neither snow, nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night……" That was kind of our motto recently when we had a short day trip planned and the wind was more than blowing and the temperature had dropped. But we went anyway. First stop was Pawnee Rock in Barton County.

Kiowa County Senior Center plans Lemon Park Lights visit next week

December 1, 2021

Patrons of the Kiowa County Senior Center will be taking a short trip to Lemon Park in Pratt on Saturday, Dec 11 to see the lights and to eat at the Dragon’s Den afterwards. Please call senior center Director Kari Kyle for details and seating availability: Greensburg office 620-723-2288, cell 620-518-0758.

4-H Holiday Guide contains fun, educational activities for the season

December 1, 2021

The holidays are fast approaching, and you may find your children at home and looking for ways to occupy their time. Kansas 4-H youth development specialist Beth Hinshaw knows how important meaningful family time is during the holidays, and how it may be a challenge to come up with ideas on how to spend that precious time together.

USD 422 Board of Education hears about free passes for senior citizens

December 1, 2021

The USD 422 Kiowa County Board of Education met several times during the month of November to hear about and approve on-going school activities as well as conduct regular business for the district. On November 8, board members approved payment of November bills in the amount of $359,775.79, then approved the following appointments for the 2021-22 school year: Brian Deterding – Title IX coordinator; Travis Powell and Stephanie White-Neuhold – Title IX investigators (for their respective buildings); and Mark Clodfelter – Title IX decision maker.

Arrowhead West, Inc. celebrates 45 years of disability services

December 1, 2021

On November 9, Arrowhead West, Inc. (AWI) an agency that serves those with intellectual and developmental disabilities or delays, celebrated 45 years of support in western and central Kansas.

Kansas lawmakers pass a bill to allow vaccine mandate exemptions

December 1, 2021

TOPEKA — Republicans in the Kansas Legislature used a one-day special session to pass legislation aimed at circumventing Democratic President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The bill approved late Monday is now headed to Democratic Gov.

Grant allows FHSU to continue de-escalation training for law enforcement

December 1, 2021

Fort Hays State University police officer Jonathan Rupp said his de-escalation training helps him in the line of duty. Rupp is one of four FHSU police department personnel to have already received training offered by the Regional De-Escalation Training Center established at FHSU in August 2020.