Editor’s Note — Over the next few weeks, the staff of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter plans to review the local news stories of 2019. Here is the first installment of stories that appeared on the pages of the I-R.

January

Wreaths of Honor

Rosemary Watrak of Lenexa and Tammy Stefek and Pat Walker, both of Ellsworth, prepare some of the 270 wreaths to be placed on the graves of veterans. This was the first year for the wreath laying, which was limited to veterans buried in Ellsworth’s two cemeteries. VFW Commander Doug Stefek said organizers hope to expand the program and recognize veterans in other cemeteries in 2019.

The beer could be stronger in April

In April, near beer — often referred to as 3.2 beer — could turn into the real thing, according to a new state law discussed by Ellsworth City Council members at their Dec. 26 meeting.

Acting city attorney Patrick Hoffman said the Kansas Legislature approved a bill that allows for an “enhanced” cereal malt beverage license in communities that revise their ordinances to accommodate the change.

Water game plan

In Ellsworth, water has been a concern for several years as city leaders searched for additional resources to meet demand. But about six years ago, city council members ramped up their efforts while revising the community’s water conservation plan and policies.

Crowd seeks answers on schools

Several patrons of the USD 112 School District voiced concerns during the 101 minute-long meeting called to discuss possible cutbacks in the 2019-20 school year.

Wilson officials hear school concerns

A community meeting is planned for 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at the Wilson School Commons concerning proposals under consideration by the USD 112 board of education for saving money to help solve the district’s budgetary problems.

Just Like Mom’s Cooking

As Louis “Butch” Brown, the most recent cook at the Ellsworth Senior Center, prepared his famous Mama Mia’s Cranberry Relish for the next day’s Community Thanksgiving Dinner, his thoughts turned to a special person — his mom, Leda Minarani. She passed away in 2007, just a few days before Thanksgiving — and was buried the day after the holiday.

Owner works to keep small-town business going

Rick Weigel’s health was deteriorating. For months now, Weigel and his doctors couldn’t find the source of his illness, which was taking a toll on the local grocer, his family and his business, Wilson Foods. But if his health issues weren’t enough, there were the stressors that go hand in hand with running a small business. Weigel couldn’t help but feel like he was being tugged back and forth between running a business he could be proud of, and conserving what little energy he had left.

Lawmakers play catchup with state programs

Kansas has a new governor in Democrat Laura Kelly, a former state senator from Topeka. She has promised not to support a tax increase; however, Rep. Steven Johnson, an Assaria Republican who continues as chairman of the House Taxation Committee, said a major issue this session will be a $100 million windfall to the state treasury resulting from changes to the federal tax code.

School meeting draws crowd

The Wilson School commons was filled to capacity Friday as young and old alike turned out for a community meeting to discuss possible cuts being considered by the Central Plains USD 112 board of education.

Prochaska honors daughter with chaps business

As Sara Prochaska emerged from the grief of losing her 14-year-old daughter, D.J., in a tragic motor vehicle accident, she couldn’t help but think about a conversation they had in the weeks before her death. At the time of the October 2002 accident, D.J. had recently won the Miss Congeniality title during the Miss Central Plains Rodeo Association competition. As part of her wardrobe, D.J. wore patriotic-themed western chaps designed and sewn by her mother.

Chamber plans a reverse raffle

When Tami McGreevy and members of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce board started planning this year’s meeting, they knew they wanted something different, something outside of the box. They wanted to shake things up beyond the same dinner/program format offered to chamber members year in and year out.

Foundation opens 2019 grant season

The Smoky Hills Charitable Foundation is accepting online applications for spring grants through Friday, March 15.

Wilson Foods moves forward

Wilson Foods is open for business — and plans to stay that way. That was the message Rick Weigel and his family, owners of this town’s only grocery store, delivered Monday night to a crowd of 70 plus people packed into the tight confines of Wilson City Hall.

Board changes school role

After several weeks of debate, the Central Plains USD 112 board of education made a decision during a special board meeting Monday in Holyrood on the building configuration for the 2019-20 school year. By a vote of six to one, approval was given to a motion by Tony Zink, board vice president, to change the role of Central Plains Middle School in Bushton to an intermediate school for Central Plains students in grades four, five and six, and transfer Central Plains students in the seventh and eighth grades to Central Plains High School in Claflin. In addition, if at all possible, junior high sports and activities will remain in Bushton for as long as possible.

Government shutdown creates future uncertainty

Nearly 24 hours before the federal government shutdown ended Friday, Kansas Farm Service Agency officials announced county local offices would reopen. USDA officials closed Farm Service Agency offices nationwide on Dec. 28, a decision affecting Ellsworth County farmers and ranchers unable to make loan payments or enroll in certain programs.

Glaser is Citizen of Year

Surrounded by family and friends Saturday night, Ellsworth banker Curt Glaser was recognized as the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. Glaser was nominated by Stacie Schmidt on behalf of the Smoky Hill Development Corporation. Glaser has been a board member for more than 20 years.

Ellsworth Childcare moves forward

The center serves 49 families and 75 children in Ellsworth, Rice, Lincoln and Saline counties and employs a staff of 26.