January 2022

Office Solutions works behind the scenes to help everyone have a better day at work

COMPANIES like Office Solutions are essential for a wide range of businesses, from schools to hospitals. One local business, Office Solutions, provides furniture, equipment and IT support. Their showroom in Pratt is located at 301 S. Main St., and their main office is located in Medicine Lodge at 116 N. Main St. They also have another office in Garden City at 1008 W. Mary St. – all of which are listed on the company website at www.Officesi.com.

Read MoreOffice Solutions works behind the scenes to help everyone have a better day at work

Revised COVID protocols in place for USD 382 schools

TO START OFF the new year, revised COVID protocols were put in place for USD 382 schools as students came back to school January 3. Previously, preK-4th grade students who were first contacts to someone with COVID resulted in a 10-day quarantine. However, the revised protocols have altered that quarantine to just 5 days. Parents of children in this age group received a letter outlining the changes on January 4 via the USD 382 communication network. The letter of understanding from the administration stated that if parents agree with this new protocol, then they would be comfortable with picking up their child from school in case of a first contact incident.

Read MoreRevised COVID protocols in place for USD 382 schools

Seen some interesting things around here lately

I sometimes wonder about the significance of Pratt’s motto: Gateway to the High Plains. On one hand it sounds like the beginning of a great adventure, much like that of the pioneers who traveled through on horseback and in covered wagons about 150 years ago. On the other hand, it rather makes me think living here is kind of a gateway to something more, like going from rural living to a more citi-fied existance, or the other way around, on a small scale.

Read MoreSeen some interesting things around here lately

Important days in January remind us of violent threats

JANUARY 11 and Super Bowl Sunday are two important days to keep in mind each year. One is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and the other is the largest human sex trafficking event of the year in the United States (Lapchick). Human trafficking is a crime and, by definition, is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons for the purpose of exploitation (DOJ). Through false promises, manipulation, and violence, traffickers can trick, lure, and exploit their victims for sexual work, forced labor, or organ removal and selling. Victims usually experience physical and psychological abuse in the hands of their captures, are sleep-deprived, and constantly hear of threats of violence against family members to deter noncompliance of the victims (Glowbalact). They are deprived of their personal rights, freedom of speech, independence, and self-respect. The fastest-growing criminal industry in the world is buying and selling people (DOJ).

Read MoreImportant days in January remind us of violent threats

Kiowa County Senior Center shares weekly menus

MENUS FOR THE COMING WEEK: Monday, Jan 17: Chicken Alfredo, Fettuccini Alfredo, Broccoli, French Bread, Fruit Cup Tuesday, Jan 18: Chili, Mixed Vegetables, Cinnamon Roll, Fruit, Crackers Wednesday, Jan 19: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Green Beans, Fruit, Roll Thursday, Jan 20: Pizza Casserole, Mixed Vegetables, Vanilla Pudding, Garlic Bread Friday, Jan 21: Enchilada, Cheese dip, Side Salad, Pineapple, Tortilla Chips The menu is subject to change even more so in these uncertain times with shortages for supplies. Please remember the menu is subject to change.

Read MoreKiowa County Senior Center shares weekly menus