Pastoral Commentary: Where grace meets tragedy
“Tomorrow, if all literature was to be destroyed, and it was left to me to retain one work only, I should save Job” ~ Victor Hugo
Jennifer Stultz
Stay away from canning frozen foods
MANHATTAN – Freezing is often the quickest way to preserve fresh food from a garden or farmers market, but Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee said consumers should be cautious if thinking about canning that same food later on.
Deal Yourself a Winning Fair this year in Pratt
Last week the Maker Zone at the Pratt Public Library was busy with young people who came in to create decorative playing cards that will be part of the 2025 Pratt County Fair. This year’s fair theme is Deal Yourself a Winning Fair, and participants in the card challenge were given a chance to let their creativity take over as they made cards for a special class at this year’s event.
Kiowa County bridge repair adds drive time for detour
A bridge needing repair in Kiowa County, Kansas has created a KDOT detour that adds drive time to those traveling U.S. Highway 183 for the next several weeks.
This summer play tennis
Parents across America face a familiar challenge every summer: how to keep children active, engaged, and away from the hypnotic glow of screens. Among the many summer activities available, there’s a meaningful solution in your neighborhood -- one that offers lifelong benefits for you and your child.
Pratt leaders support Revenue Neutral Rate increase
Pratt City commissioners expressed support for an increase to the revenue neutral rate for the city at their regular meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025. This means that the city will seek to tax at a rate that will generate more income than in the preceding year.
Crossing the Threshold: The riches of God are all around us
Have you ever noticed that after rain, the garden plants just seem to skyrocket in growth? Or the corn plants in the field across the road grow what looks like feet instead of inches overnight? It is incredible what happens when rain falls. Yes, one might water the garden every day from the hose, but when rain falls from heaven, amazing growth happens. To me, that noticeable difference between just water and rain from above has to be attributed to God.
Celebrating 100 years at Elm Mills
Elm Mills is one hundred years old. What a credit to the place. A celebration of the one hundred years took place on the Fourth of July weekend. After being acquainted with Elm Mills for a number of years through friends, etc. we joined as members around 1990. Also, my Father-in-law used to travel to that area many years ago when he sold groceries to the stores in the area. He told us stories of when it was a public swimming area, and he could stop when he was traveling there and enjoy.
Political picnic provides fellowship and candidate sharing
On Saturday, July 12 at 6 p.m. the Kingman County Democrats hosted a picnic for south central Kansas residents to meet, greet, and listen to candidates running for Kansas state elected offices. With three speakers at the picnic, as well as beef burgers, plenty of side dishes, and a turn-out of around 50 people, Pratt County residents joined with Kingman County citizens at the Cunningham park to fellowship and find out more about certain candidates.
Summer is for Vacation Bible School
The halls of Calvary Baptist Church in Stafford were filled with joy and excitement as Wonder Junction Vacation Bible School (VBS) welcomed 57 young participants this past week. The program, designed for children from ages four through sixth grade, offered a unique blend of Bible-based learning and engaging activities.