I didn’t realize just how badly I wanted it until that exact moment they told me I couldn’t have it ever again. Honestly, I didn’t even miss piloting. At least I didn’t think I missed it. I went 18 months without so much as sitting in the cockpit, and with nary a complaint.  more

The Pittsburg Area Young Professionals (PAYP) recently announced the success of their Christmas bike drive, which aimed to raise enough money this year to buy 100 bicycles for local children in need. PAYP exceeded that goal, collecting enough to give away 103 bikes this holiday season.  more

Freedom of expression is intrinsic to the workings of a functional democracy, and I would not advocate for the censorship of the hucksters, deceivers, manipulators, or even the tabloids that exploit our innate interest in gossip.  more

This week could mark the most consequential development on the U.S.-Mexico border since January 2021, when President Joe Biden essentially opened the nation's doors to millions of illegal border crossers. more

"TRUMP IN TROUBLE" That's the headline over a USA Today story reporting that in their latest poll, only 31% of Republicans want Donald Trump as their nominee in 2024, while 61% prefer someone else. more

After sending out queries for Wheeler’s memories a couple weeks back, Janette Mauk, crack reference librarian at Axe Library Special Collections, sent me an old article from this newspaper penned by longtime reporter John K. Hay.  more

K-State Research and Extension will be hosting The Power of Negotiation and Communication, a Land Leasing Series. This program will cover farm leases of every type and prepare attendees, both landlords and tenants, to create intelligent and fair leases. more

Everybody enjoys baking and decorating cookies for the Christmas season. For many households it is a family tradition that will hopefully be passed down to future generations, as these traditions become memories that will last a lifetime.   more

After looking over last year’s letter, I can’t help but wonder if it somehow got misplaced. I understand — I’m notorious for “losing” things that later show up in the weirdest places. more

Do you need a holiday timeout? When we are in the eye of the storm, aka the lull between Thanksgiving and December celebrations, it helps to step off the conveyor belt of planning, cooking, baking and entertaining. more