Opinion

The good news is that there seems to be a rising tide of folks interested in regenerative methods of farming in the region. Apparently there are more than 100 local sources of fruits, vegetables and livestock being produced with sustainable methods locally.

“The most important election of our lifetime” was a phrase heard often in 2020. It is a far more accurate statement now.

Dear Readers: Thank you for all your responses to “Letting Go Is Hard to Do.” We have undeniably wonderful parents among our readership. Here are two of my favorite letters.

As the Biden administration calls for an investigation into rising gas prices and begins tapping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help slow rising gas prices, it is important to pull back the curtain on the ideologically driven processes the administration is using to justify these bad policy decisions.

As the secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, I regularly talk with farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners, and other stakeholders across the state. Sadly, the issues of ag stress, mental health and even suicide have been at the forefront of many discussions over the past three years.

Sometimes I wonder why folks decide to get angry about one thing or another. It is clear to me what bothers one may not bother someone else. What accounts for the difference? It could be family of origin or even the size of that family. I always like to joke that I feel uniquely set up for ministry and life in general because of my family. I am the third of four boys, and that means I have a good sense of humor and can take a punch. It most circumstances things roll off my back easily.

Going through dozen of tubs full of Christmas decorations brings memories of mom, but also makes me wonder why I have so much stuff, as I could never use it all. Mom was the queen of décor and so much of what I still have, she made herself.

Dear Annie: Both my adult daughter and her husband are employed. Since they do not cook, when my husband and I visit them, which is approximately four times a year, they send out for food and ask us to pay our share of the bill, or, on occasion, she will use my credit card to pay for the whole bill. When we go out to eat at a restaurant, I always pick up the check, which I feel is almost expected on their part.