2010 Sedan Ministerial Alliance Lenten Luncheon Series

On Wednesday, Feb. 17 at noon, the Sedan Ministerial Alliance began the 2010 Lenten Luncheon series at First United Methodist Church.  This year’s theme is, “Where in the World is God?” and a light lunch will be served at each participating church.
There will be no charge for the meal, but donations will be taken to benefit the ministries of the Area Ministerial Alliance.  The schedule is as follows:
Feb. 24 - First Christian Church
March 3 - Sedan Assemblies of God
March 10 - Epiphany Episcopal Church
March 17 - First Christian Church
March 24 - Seventh Day Adventist Church
March 31 - First Baptist Church

The series will conclude with a Good Friday service on April 2 at 1 p.m. at the Sedan First Baptist Church.  Pastor John Warring will be bringing the message.  No meal will be served at that time.  For further information, please contact Pastor John Warring at 620-725-3606.

To most local residents, “Hubbell’s Rubble” is just a pile of scrap metal, creatively fashioned into Jerry Hubbell’s idea of artwork.

Some may even call Hubbell a sculptor when they see him welding on an old bicycle or piece of farm equipment and squnting one eye to make sure it turns into something recognizable.

Regardless, the vacant lot loaded with Hubbell’s Rubble gains lots of attention for the community which boasts it as a tourist attraction on the town website.

But last week, Hubbell raised some eyebrows when his handmade collection of metal artwork gained the attention of the Wall Street Journal. A front page article featured several Kansas roadside sculptors, each one no doubt smiling at the honor.

As Wall Street Journal writer Stephanie Simon wrote: “For the most part, the sculptors of the Kansas roadside Read more

The Prairie Star has released a PDF available online containing the special soil conservation pages from the Feb. 17, 2010 edition.

Click on the graphic below to download a PDF that contains all eight pages, including photos, stories, and advertisements!

(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

 

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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.

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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 National Weather Service in Wichita will present its annual severe weather seminar — “Storm Fury On the Plains” — at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Sedan.
The public is invited to attend.

A similar program will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Cinema 8 in Winfield; 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24 at the Eureka High School; and at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, at the Cox Building in Howard. Read more