Attorney General Steve Six announced late Wednesday that Morgan Wade of Chautauqua County has been sentenced to life plus 55 month for killing his estranged girlfriend.

Wade was found guilty on August 6, 2008, of first degree premeditated murder and aggravated burglary in connection to a June 19, 2004 home invasion in Cedar Vale. Wade entered the home his estranged girlfriend, Kellye Juul, and shot her. She died of the gunshot wound while be flown to a Wichita hospital.

Wade was originally tried and convicted in 2005, but the conviction was overturned on appeal by the Kansas Supreme Court due to a technicality.

Do you know someone battling cancer? Are you looking for a way to help? Did you know that nearly all of those newly diagnosed with cancer and receiving chemotherapy will need blood or blood products at some point during their treatment? The Red Cross says one cancer patient can use between 10 and 20 units of blood for treatment.

Whether you know someone fighting cancer or not, please help celebrate life and help conquer cancer by donating blood at the Sedan Community Building on Monday, Sept. 29 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE. Give hope, give life.

The Chautauqua County Community Response Team (CERT) is sponsoring free training classes beginning Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. in the court room of the Chautauqua County courthouse in Sedan. Participants must be at least 18 years old and complete 20 hours training to be a CERT member.

The program is designed to educate citizens about the hazards that could arise in their community; provide instruction in lifesaving skills and organizational tools for community members to lend support to first responders; provide immediate assistance to victims; and organize spontaneous volunteers during widespread emergencies.

For more information on how you can be a part of this much needed community service contact Larry Robinette at 620-725-5805, Shirley Mertes at 620-762-0194 or Marvin and Shirley Shultz at 620-758-2824.

More than 40 community leaders and citizens attended Monday’s kick-off of the Kansas Hometown Prosperity project that has been started in Chautauqua County.

Public officials, chamber and ecoonomic development leaders, education professionals, students and citizens heard Carla Palmer and Jack Newcomb describe the program as an opportunity to sustain the good life in this rural area and create new opportunities so that young people can remain here to make their livings.

“This program was started in Nebrska and we are using it as a guide,” said Newcomb who is Quad County economic development director. “In most cases it requires thousands of dollars to have access to the resources to make it happen, but we have some good partners to work with us.”

He referred to the Kansas Farm Bureau and Southern Kansas Telephone Company as examples of such partners. He also said the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, USDA Rural Development and Kellogg Foundation would provide their resources as needed.

Palmer, who resides in Peru, said Sedan was one of only three Kansas communities chosen to participate in this program, the others being Atwood and Onaga.

“We want your input and your involvement,” she said.

She introduced committee members already involved: Ben Allen, Jim Bruner, Jonathan Cude, Austin Floyd, Tim Hills, J.D. Rector and Allen Zadorozny.

After enjoying a hamburger cookout, the group broke into four groups to discuss the following subjects: Youth Involvement led by Linda Fadeley, Leadership led by Lana Everett, Entrepreneurship led by Roland Leniton and Wealth Retention led by Lonnie Stieben.

After individual discussions, the groups reconvened to give their reports and determine how best to proceed. A report is being written to provide direction as the KHP project moves forward.

Newcomb listed four factors that are chief concerns to everyone living in rural Kansas:
1. The historical out-migration of young people.
2. The loss of farms and small businesses.
3. The erosion of leadership capabilities.
4. The generational wealth transfer.

Palmer and Newcomb were back in Sedan on Tuesday to follow up their Monday meeting and to help develp strategies for advancing the Kansas Hometown Prosperity project.

Kansas Hometown Prosperity is a bottoms-up, community-driven collaborative that will work toward four basic goals: Preserving a portion of the capital wealth that will leave rural Kansas with the passing of the current generation of landowners; fostering entrepreneurship to create sustained economic opportunity; implementing innovative strategies and concepts to retain young people; and formal leadership training to harness and unleash the innate talent and enthusiasm that exists in rural communities.

Palmer emphasized that meaningful change must start locally — within the community. That’s where this project starts — men, women, students and families with an emotional and very personal stake in the future of their local community.

Newcomb said he was also working with the Elk Konnected organization in Elk County and they are following similar strategies as they work to bolster their countywide community.

Palmer today said she was happy with the turnout of Chautauqua County residents and their enthusiasm for the project.

She spent Tuesday in an information-sharing meeting with other leaders and a follow-up meeting will be called sometime in November. Also, a countywide survey will be taken by HTP members in the near future to help determine needs and strategies.

For information, contact Carla Palmer, 620-725-4199.

A charity shoot will be held at Flint Oak on Sunday, Sept. 28. All proceeds will go toward purcasing Automated Defibrillator Units for all of the Elk County Sheriff, Elk County Fire Department units and all Elk County schools.

For information contact Roger Rankin, 620 642-3271 or Brenda Edwards, 620 658-4401. Whether you are a shooter or not, your contributions and involvement will be appreciated. They are hoping to apply for a grant to go along with their fundraising.

Homecoming week activities at Sedan High School are being held to bolster school spirit this week.
Events culminate with the crowning of the SHS Fall Homecoming king and queen at 6:15 p.m., Friday at Prather Field (see photograph on page 1 for king and queen candidates and members of the homecoming court).

A homecoming dance will be held after Friday night’s Sedan/Oswego football game.

The theme of this week’s activities is “Devils Get Your Game On,” and school hallways are festooned with decorations from various board games and card games.

Activities this week have been centered around themes for each school day. Monday was Game Day, whereby students wore sports jerseys and uniforms. Tuesday was designated Twister Day, where students dressed in a specific color to represent their class. Wednesday (today) is Monopoly Day, and Thursday has been designated as Operation Day.

Friday will be Blue and White Day, whereby students and faculty are encouraged to wear school colors.

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The Sedan Booster Club will be serving a pre-game dinner on Friday evening beginning around 5:45 p.m. in the Sedan High School parking lot.

The group will be serving a sloppy joe plate which includes chips and beverage. Donations will be accepted.
Attend and sign up for the great Blue Devil door prizes which will be given during half-time.

A busy and full week is planned for Sedan school in preparation for the homecoming festivities with the traditional spirit week for students and decorating for the homecoming parade which is scheduled for Friday afternoon in the downtown area.

The Lady Blue Devils will travel to Udall for a volleyball match and the FFA attended a Greenhand Conference in Cherryvale on Tuesday.

Jr. High will be busy on Thursday night with a volleyball match hosting Elk Valley and Mound Valley and the Jr. High football team will be on the road to play at Labette County with Mound Valley.

Bring your family to enjoy dinner and the coronation ceremony of Sedan High School’s 2008 Homecoming Queen and King. The ceremony will begin around 6:15 p.m.

Following these festivities, the Sedan Blue Devils will host the Oswego Indians as they work to add another win to their record. Come out and have fun in supporting and showing your Sedan Blue Devil Pride!

For more information contact Dorie Tucker 620-249-3535.

All plans have been finalized for Saturday’s Elk River Festival to be held at the Elk County Courthouse Square in Howard. The event is sponsored by the Howard Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s festival will celebrate the completion of the Jackson Park Memorial Walking Trail. The fundraising activities for the park began at last year’s festival. Thanks to the efforts of many people in Elk County and beyond the walking trail is well underway to becoming a reality.

During the festival, food, games and entertainment will be going on all day and night. Another great barbecue dinner and concert are also planned. The Howard Chamber of Commerce is still calling for the talented people of the area and surrounding states to come and show their arts and crafts and have fun.

All this week, the medallion hunt is being held. Each day, you may visit local businesses to obtain the clues that will lead you to the Indian Medallion. You must display your 2008 Elk River Festival Button to receive the clues. The winner will receive $50.

The first clue was given on Monday at Batson’s Drugstore and Family Market and the last clue will be released on Saturday, Sept. 27, if necessary. The cash prize will be given on Saturday, Sept. 27 after the parade and the winner must display their button. The medallion will be hidden on public access property within the city limits. No digging or climbing, and any damage to property will result in disqualification. The actual size of the medallion is three inches round and is a copy of an 1877 Liberty Indian head one cent piece. A special mark on the coin will guarantee authenticity.

When the medallion is found or for any questions, call John and Linda Cooke at 620-374-2540.

Purchase Elk River Festival buttons at any local merchant in Howard or the Howard Chamber of Commerce for $1.

To kick off the Elk River Festival, there will be a grand opening of the Jackson Park Walking Trail on Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. The trail is located just behind Twilight Manor between Washington and Randolph. The ribbon cutting will be followed by a walk around the quarter mile track that will last until 10:15 a.m. All participants in the walk or run must have an Elk River Fest button to participate and will receive a ticket for a chance at winning a free cake at the cakewalk.

Morning events will begin with a breakfast of biscuits and gravy from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Cox Building.
Chili cooking will begin at 9 a.m. on the courthouse lawn with a cake walk following at 9:30 in front of the city building. The quilt show display will open inside the courthouse at 10 a.m., and at the same time the parade line-up and registration will begin. The parade will follow at 10:30 a.m.

Following the parade at 11:30 a.m. the chili cook-off tasting will begin on the courthouse lawn with the pet show contest at noon.

Bingo, horseshoe pitching, and kids games will all begin at 1 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. A women’s pancake race will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Wabash and Randolph. At 2 p.m. the ice cream freeze- off tasting will take place on the west courthouse lawn, followed by the talent show at 3 p.m.

The Benson Museum will be open from 4-5 p.m. for free tours. At 5:30 p.m. the barbecue dinner will be served on the courthouse lawn with a charge of $7 for adults, and children 10 and under for free.

Charlotte and Terry Crane with the Country Heartbeats will be in concert at 6:30 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. A free-will donation will be accepted.

A petting zoo, hosted by the West Elk FFA Chapter, will be held throughout the day on the northwest corner of the courthouse lawn.

Stop by the courthouse basement to view the traveling exhibit, “The Flint Hills: A Kansas Treasure,” which will feature 30 large prints featured in National Geographic magazine of the Flint Hills area.

For more information visit the Howard Chamber of Commerce or call John or Linda Cooke at 620-205-7061 or 620-374-2540.

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The internationally renowned National Geographic pictures of the Flint Hills, famous from their publication in the magazine, will be on display in the Elk County Courthouse on Sept. 27. The display consists of 32 pictures published in National Geographic in May 2007.

If you have not seen these pictures of our area, join us at the Elk River Festival where the entire collection of posters will be visible on the first and third floors of the courthouse. Photographer Jim Richardson captured perfectly the year round beauty of the Flint Hills. Join us on the courthouse lawn for the Elk River Festival all day on Sept 27.

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Remember to bring your favorite quilt to the Elk County Courthouse on Sept. 27, during the Elk River Festival. Entry time is 9:30 to 10 a.m. Ribbons and monetary prizes will be given. Patrons do the choosing, so be sure to cast your ballot. Pick-up time is 3 p.m.

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Don’t miss the third Annual Women’s Pancake Race at the Elk River Festival at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
The event has become quite popular wince $150. in awards such as savings bonds, gasoline, food gift certificates and groceries are earned by the winning contestants.

This year the first six ladies that cross the finish line of the 225 yard rase course, will receive these prizes.
All entrants must be 21 years of age, wear a colorful apron and furnish their own skillet. (The pan cakes will be furnished). Each contestant must flip their pancakes one time in the flipping zone and finish the race with the pancake in their skillet.

The entries will be taken at 1 p.m. at the festival headquarters in the Courthouse park. The more contestants we have; the more fun we have. Be there and enjoy the race.

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The American Legion Carter-Rader Post 149 and the American Legion Auxiliary are working diligently toward building its Veterans Memorial in Jackson Park in Howard.

Tickets are on sale now for a special raffle. The drawing will be held during the Elk River Festival , Sept. 27. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

First prize is a Patriotic Quilt, second prize is a $25 roll of President James Monroe dollars, and third prize is an attractive bottle decoration with interior lighting.

A Chautauqua County man charged with rape and kidnapping of a 14-year-old Sedan girl in 2007 has pled no contest prior to the start of a jury trail on Monday, Sept. 22.

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six said that Aaron Terning was scheduled to have a jury trial start on Monday but that the Chautauqua County man pled no contest to the charges of rape and aggravated kidnapping prior to the trial. Therefore, Terning was found guilty of the two charges.

He will return to Chautauqua County Court in early November to be issued his prison sentence.

Stephen Greger, the other defendant in the case, was sentenced to 330 months for the aggravated kidnapping in May 2008.

See You At The Pole will be held on Wednesday morning, Sept. 24 at 7 a.m. This event will be led by student members of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend this event that began in 1990. Students and adults around the world will gather simultaneously around the flag pole to pray for their schools, communities, nation, and world. There have been between 60-70 people in attendance and this year it would be great to see over 100 people there.

This year’s theme is “Connect” - “Speak, for your servant is listening!” from I Samuel 3:10.

There will be donuts and milk/juice served after the prayer time and everything will be finished by 7:40 a.m. Support the youth of our school with your presence at the pole.

The Sedan Area Chamber of Commerce will once again sponsor the City Wide Garage Sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3-4. You can add your name to the city wide list and map by contacting Kate Stettler at the First National Bank of Sedan.

There will be a $2 fee to be listed which needs to be paid at the time you sign up. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. Maps of the city with listings of the garage sales will be available at First National Bank, Bank of Sedan, Chautauqua County Treasurer’s office, Gift Gallery, Ranch Restaurant, Green Door Restaurant, and One Stop, beginning Thursday, Oct. 2.

The St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Bike-A-Thon will be held in Sedan on Saturday, Sept. 20. Children will be out collecting donations from people to sponsor them in their endeavors to raise money for St. Jude’s research.
Sedan has held a Bike-a-Thon for over 20 years. The records available for the past 16 years show that over $32,000 has been raised. St. Jude’s is a place where no one is turned away for treatment, regardless of the ability to pay.

Organizers ask that those donating be generous when a child approaches you to sponsor them as they make lap after lap around the school building. Each lap will count as a mile.

Registration for the Bike-a-thon will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the event will actual begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon. Riders will be able to ride at their own pace and will be encouraged to stop and rest with refreshments being available.

Anyone wishing to help may contact Rosie Sweaney at 725-5740.

Nearly 80 students enjoyed the first “5th Quarter” party of the season as it was held after the home football game on Sept. 5. The students meet at the First Christian Church after each home Friday night game and enjoy food prepared for them, games and an opportunity to talk with each other. The 5th Quarters last until 11 p.m. and are open to any Sedan Jr. and Sr. High School student.

Sandy and Cody Williams are in charge of the football season 5th quarters while Donnie and Brenda Underwood are in charge of the basketball season.

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) sponsors the 5th quarters with help from parents and community people.

The 5th Quarters are possible because of the generosity of the community people. If you would like to donate, contact Rosie Sweaney at 725-5740 or you may leave a donation with Brad Loyd at the First National Bank.
Anyone wanting to help with a 5th Quarter by preparing food or supervising can contact Sandy Williams or Brenda Underwood.

The Elk County Crop Walk will be held at the West Elk Track on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.

The Crop Walk is well supported locally with about 20 walkers raising over $2,000. The majority of the money is sent to Church World Service for farming and water conservation work overseas, although persons donating money can select how to best use their donation. Twenty five percent of the funds raised will be donated to the Elk County Ministerial Alliance to use for our local food bank.

Last year the Crop Walk helped over 100 Elk Countians have a meal in a time of need. Help support those in need in both Elk County and beyond. Find a person who is walking for Crop Walk and offer to support them financially or with cookies or beverages at the track. Or come, walk, and eat a cookie for every round on the track!

See any Elk County minister for more information or call Shirley Black at 374-2503.

It is “Fall Kickoff” time at the Burden United Methodist Church where the sixth Annual Spirit and Tailgate Sunday will be held Sunday, Sept. 28.

The morning service, which begins at 10:45 a.m., will be honoring our district’s student athletes, their coaches and sponsors with introductions by Superintendent Marian Hedges. Pastor Jimmy Taylor will bring the message.
Central School’s music director and F.C.A. sponsor, Ed Shubert, will bring special music and lead the congregational singing.

Guitarist and singer Joe McBee, Central alum, will share special music.

Following the worship service, lunch will be served on the church lawn, tailgate style, in team colors for: Central Jr. and Sr. High, KSU, OSU, Cowley College and Southwestern College. Games will follow the meal.

Anyone wanting to compete in the hotdog-eating contest is welcome.

All parents, youth and supporters are invited to attend the service and lunch in celebration of the important part that sports plays in school spirit and in developing good teamwork in our communities. Dress casually in your favorite team colors.

Several journalists from around the world visited Sedan on Friday, Sept. 5, on a FAM Tour (familiarization tour) sponsored by the Kansas Department of Travel and Tourism. The group traveled to several locations in Kansas, making Sedan one of the towns to visit.

Eric and Nancy Anderson of Scotland, Jacie Sheckler-Finch and Beth Reiber of Kansas, along with the Kansas Department of Tourism marketing manager Richard Smalley, made up the group.

The award winning journalists all write for travel guide books, magazines and newspapers world-wide, including Frommer Travel USA, Japan, Hong Kong, and Europe, AAA Home and Away, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, and more.

This group is one of several journalism groups that have visited Sedan over the summer.