(Audio version of this story can be found at the bottom of this page.)

SEDAN — The Kansas State High School Activities Association has honored two Sedan High School students whose friendship exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship.

In fact, the KSHSAA Spirit of Sport Award, which was given to SHS students Paul Buck and Zach Ford during a ceremony last Friday night, shows how one friend can be the “eyes” for another.

Buck, a freshman, and Ford, a sophomore, were selected for the statewide honor after KSHSAA learned of the two students’ unique friendship and teamwork — on and off the football field.

Buck has been blind since the age of 4, when cancer Read more

 

 Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Elk County Council on Aging along with Grace Med Health Clinic will be sponsoring a Dental Clinic at the Howard Housing Authority Community Room on Thursday, March 4.  This service is open to the public.
Dental hygienists will be available to offer dental cleanings.  The cost is $53 for ages 13 and up, and kids 12 and under are $38.
If you are 60 or over and do not have dental insurance ECCA has a very limited number of gift certificates available for $20 off.  These certificates are on a first come first serve basis and can be requested at the time you make your appointment.
You must call and schedule your appointment with Melissa Moreno at 374-2403.  Appointments only please, no walk-ins.

One of the signs of spring across Kansas is the Kansas State University Research and Extension’s wellness program Walk Kansas. The 2010 program will begin March 7 and continue to May 1.

Over the  history of the program, it has grown to more than 20,000 participants across the state of Kansas.  Each year, the participants form teams of six to log 423 miles, the equivalent of walking across Kansas.

Team members will tally minutes of heart-healthy aerobic exercise each week to mark their ‘walk’ across Kansas. They are also encouraged to count consumption of whole grains and fruits and vegetables to add healthy habits to their lifestyle. A weekly newsletter will be sent to each team member with nutrition and health tips and recipes.

More information about Walk Kansas is available at the local extension office and captain packets are available for teams. Registration will be due March 1. Stop by the Extension Office to learn more, or look on the website: www.walkkansas.org.

It’s being hailed as “The B-Fair” and high school students from across Chautauqua County will be involved in it.

The B-Fair is actually a business opportunity forum for Chautauqua County youth that will be hosted on Wednesday, March 10, by Sedan Floral and the local Kansas Hometown Prosperity group that was organized two years ago.

Carla Palmer is organizing the event along with Jonathan Cude’ who is manager of Sedan Floral. Read more

Jones and Brooks to open new store “99 Gas & Go”
Matt Jones and Rick Brooks have purchased the former Tom and Sue’s convenience store at the south edge of Sedan. They are in the process of gutting the entire building and will add new fuel pumps and all-new interior fixtures.

“Rick and I will be going to some trade shows to see what would work best for Sedan,” said Jones. “I think it will be a nice addition to the Sedan business community.”

Matt will continue with his investments and oil properties, and Rick will manage the business.

No exact opening date for “99 Gas & Go” has been announced.

**********
Steaks and drinks now available at Bucks’ BBQ Read more

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.

The 63rd Annual Meeting of the Elk County Conservation District will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Cox Building in Howard.  Registration will begin at 6 p.m.  A dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. A short business meeting will follow the dinner with award presentation to end the evening.

Tom and Janice Bills will be receiving the 2009 Bankers Award, Dale and Barbara Clubine will be receiving the 2009 Grassland Award and Ron Dellinger will be receiving the 2009 Wildlife Habitat Award.

Reservations are required.  Please call the District Office at 620-374-2511 by Feb. 5 to make reservations.

The Chautauqua County Conservation District Annual Meeting will be held on Feb. 20.  More details and information will follow in the next editions of the Prairie Star.  A special Soil Conservation Edition will also be published in the coming weeks.

Due to inclement weather, the Kansas Day celebration scheduled to be held in Sedan today, has been cancelled.  Sedan schools have also been cancelled. The event will not be rescheduled this year, but organizers will begin plans for the 150th birthday of Kansas that will be held next year.

The candidates for the Elk Valley High School 2010 winter homecoming are (back row) senior Justin Wallace, junior Jason Ledford, senior Joey Englebrecht, (front row) junior Leah Kimzey, junior Heather Beougher, and junior Monique Wade. Homecoming ceremonies are slated for Friday night during half-time of the boys’ basketball game.

This year’s West Elk winter homecoming candidates are (back row) Zach Carlson, Kevin Love, Bradley Linder, Miguel Zaragoza, (front row) Desiree Carter, Kayla Jacobs, Morgan Boles, and Sarah Taliaferro. The homecoming ceremonies will be held during the half-time of the boys’ basketball game at WEHS on Friday, Jan. 29… provided it is not cancelled because of snow.