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Written by Editorial Board
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Friday, 12 March 2010 08:00 |
The Miami County Commissioners voted Wednesday afternoon to allow fireworks sales in the county outside city limits and growth areas. This is a step in the right direction. In many instances, an activity is regulated or prohibited because of a small, loud group, while the silent majority pays the price. Fireworks regulations are no different. Drive down the street of any town in Kansas that has not banned fireworks and it’ll be apparent that a large portion of the population thoroughly enjoys celebrating Independence Day loudly.
Besides providing more options for fireworks stands, the commissioners’ actions will provide a new, though small, source of revenue for the county. Removing senseless revenue-stifling regulations like these are a good move on the part of any governing body.
If this can be done at the county level, one has to wonder if there are any unneeded regulations stifling revenue for the state or even federal governments. Perhaps it’s time to review a few old restrictions that might have been put in place to silence a small, loud group of people shouting ‘there ought to be a law.’
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Written by Mike Epler
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 08:00 |
It seems the promise of warmer temperatures has finally come to fruition. Now that we can work outside, it will be amazing how much we can find to do around the yard. February and March are prime times to prune trees in Kansas, so K-State will be offering a tree pruning school right here in Miami County. 
The class will start at 1:30 p.m. March 24, and will be taught by Dr. Bill Reid, who is the pecan and nut production specialist for Kansas State University’s Horticulture Department. Dr. Reid will use live pecan trees as his “subjects” for the class, and will gear the class primarily toward pruning and training nut producing trees. The fundamentals of pruning nut trees can be applied to about any deciduous trees though, so all are encouraged to attend. This pruning school is free to attend, and will be at Brad and Lila Carter’s farm at 11469 W. 335th St., Paola, KS 66071. The farm is about 1.5 miles west of U.S. Highway 69 on 335th St. Call the Miami County Extension office if you have any questions about the class.
While we’re on the subject of finding things to do outside now that the weather is beginning to improve, I want to discuss fertilizing pastures and hay fields with nitrogen. Now is the time to put nitrogen on pasture or hay ground. Anytime in February would have worked too, but that really wasn’t an option due to the weather. The good news is that you still have all of March (and early April) to apply nitrogen.
I always encourage everyone to take a soil test every two or three years to know exactly what their field needs, but if you haven’t sampled, there is still one sure bet: Your grass pastures and hay fields need nitrogen on an annual basis for optimum grass growth.
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Written by Staff
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 08:00 |
Dear Editor,
For some time now our family has been in awe of the love and support going on around us for our daughter Sadie Olson. Now a first-grader at Cottonwood Elementary, Sadie has battled a brain disorder and its complications for several years. It has been an unimaginable journey, which has been lightened by this community and her school family.
Countless times her school has rallied around her to inspire her to continue fighting. The most recent show of love was through the Slices for Sadie event. As parents, we were brought to tears by the generosity and compassion of so many young hearts.
The support hasn’t stopped at the schools either. It has literally poured out from this community. From the Miami County Vipers swim team, the MOMS club, to the Heads Up support group, it has been amazing. The acts of kindness, friendship and support have acted as pillars holding us up when we have so desperately needed it. For that we are so very grateful.
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Written by Jan Sykes
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 08:00 |
A positive attitude. We all pay lip service to it, but few of us pull it off in these tough economic times. When we run out of personal crises to anguish over, we can find fodder in the long, cold winter. 
The media’s constant attention on the lifestyles of celebrities gives us the impression we have been gypped. The celebrities celebrate winter holidays on sandy beaches. They have nannies to help them raise their children. They have personal trainers come to their homes three times a week to exercise their already-toned bodies. Their money seemingly buys their way out of life’s difficulties.
So how do the rest of us maintain positive attitudes during our budget-pressed adversities? My father, one of the few remaining members of the “greatest generation,” can show us how.
When told that chemotherapy and radiation were the only treatments for his newly diagnosed lymphoma, he didn’t blink. Despite his age (91), he chose to start the rigorous treatments immediately. Smiling, he stated evenly, “I win either way. If the treatments work, I live. If they don’t, I go see [my wife] who is waiting for me on the other side.”
Yes, my dad finds the silver linings in the clouds, but his version of a positive attitude doesn’t deny the brutality of the storm cloud itself. He simply faces storms with grace, humor and good spirits.
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Written by Editorial Board
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 08:00 |
It was a good day for Paola on Saturday, and not just because the spring-like weather gave everyone a chance to enjoy some fun in the sun outdoors.
Members of the Paola Volunteer Fire Department officially introduced their new home to the community Saturday afternoon during an open house for the city’s recently completed fire station.
The community came out in droves to see first-hand how an old school building was transformed into a fire station and to meet the local volunteers who help keep the city safe.
All the volunteer firefighters, each dressed in their official uniforms, were beaming from ear to ear throughout the day, and why not? There certainly are a lot of positives surrounding the new station.
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