Sedan High School will hold its winter homecoming this Friday night, Feb. 12, during the halftime of the varsity boys’ Sedan/Caldwell basketball game. Queen candidates are seniors Chelsie Wade and Kristi Loftin. King candidates are seniors Casey Spurlock, Garrett Bane and Scotty Mitchell.The royal court will consist of (front row from left): Baylee Williams, Melissa Miller, Chelsie Wade, Kristi Loftin, Sarah Buck and Meleena McGarity. Blue Devil gentlemen (from left): Kristopher Smilko, Scotty Mitchell, Trae Smith, Garrett Bane, Brady McCoy and Casey Spurlock. Those pictured who are not candidates will serve as escorts on Friday night. In addition, Nikki Cunningham and Isaiah Smilko will serve as kindergarten escorts.

Legislative report not considered a formal plan but a guide for future discussions

BY ANDY TAYLOR
Prairie Star

A Kansas Legislature audit report concerning consolidation of Kansas school districts as a cost-savings measure is generating ample comments in school board offices and in the state capitol this week.

The report, issued late Monday by the Legislative Post Audit Committee, was requested to determine the cost savings that could be derived if more Kansas public school districts were to consolidate or merge.  Lawmakers emphasize that the report is not a proposed plan, nor even a specific legislative bill; the audit report is merely a guide to examine for future discussions.

However, the audit report does provide some suggested hints at possible consolidations of school districts as a way to save millions of state tax dollars. Read more

A special meeting of the USD 282-West Elk Board of Education has been called for next Monday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the board office at Howard.

The board will discuss potential sites for four modular classrooms which were purchased at Monday night’s regular meeting.

The four mobile units will comprise eight classrooms including restrooms in each modular and will be purchased for a total price of $244,779. Read more

Recently the Central Elementary students collected coins in an effort to help relieve the suffering in Haiti. The Central “Coins for Haiti” service project was a huge success. Central Elementary students were able to collect $675.88 throughout this donation project to send to Haiti. Students recorded 100% participation in all classes, preschool through 6th grade.

“Central Elementary students have always tried to do their best to help others that have endured misfortune. In the past Central Elementary students have collected coins for the Greensburg tornado victims, Hurricane Katrina victims, and by collecting treats for our troops fighting overseas,” said Marian Hedges, Elementary Principal/Superintendant USD 462. Read more

Two cafes in the adjoining Elk County communities of Elk Falls and Longton opened during January.

The Elk Falls Cafe, owned by Ted and Jo Roe, is now open each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 to 3.

The Roes have lived in Wichita for many years where both of them worked for Mennonite Housing. She still works there and Ted recently quit his job so he could work on opening the Elk Falls Cafe. They also own a home near the cafe.

The Elk Falls Cafe features mostly soups, sandwiches and other “non fried” culinary fare.

Meanwhile in nearby Longton, Mary and Jack Vestal held their grand opening of the 160 Drive-In last weekend.

Mary manages the cafe assisted by Amber  R. Rodriguez.

The 160 Drive-In, 202 W. Second, is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. To phone in orders call 620 642-2200.

They offer a full menu including burgers and other sandwiches, chicken, shrimp hot dogs, grilled fish, corn dogs and more.

Longton also is served by existing eateries — Rick and Debbie’s Cafe and the Lion’s Den, along with convenience food at Kirk’s Mini-Mart.