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MORE THAN 20,000 vehicles were counted driving through Pratt’s Lemon Park during this past Christmas season, their occupants likely taking in the beauty of the many light displays put in place each November and taken down the first week of January.

Big night at the Front Porch January 13 - Come to the Front Porch at 115 E. Fourth Street, for free food, fun and fellowship in a worshipful atmosphere at 6:30 p.m.

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.

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.

TOPEKA, KAN., - The Kansas Chamber Monday announced the 17th edition of its Annual Business Leaders Poll found after nearly two years of COVID-19, the state’s business community is largely back to normal but is struggling with the quality of the Kansas workforce.

The Stafford County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 in the Commission Room in the Annex. Chairman Grimmett called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.

Sunflower Senior Center started off 2022 with a “bang”. A breakfast-themed supper with many delicious casseroles, waffles, biscuits and gravy plus waffles were enjoyed by 16 seniors. Noise makers and “poppers” helped with the festivities.

As we ring in the new year, news of increasing COVID cases and schools moving to remote learning across our country is in the headlines. Like many of you, I find myself constantly focused on the negative things that could happen. We have been in crisis mode for so long, it just seems like second nature. Obviously at school we need to anticipate situations that may arise so we are ready to face them. Being prepared is a good thing, but dwelling on the negative is not.