Opinions

The new year is already off and running, and as we look ahead to the months before us, one phrase continues to come to mind: Growing Together. It feels especially fitting as we reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate the strong work happening today and look forward to what’s next for USD 327.

On the same night, two school boards with education centers in Ellsworth County embarked upon two very different journeys.While the Ellsworth-Kanopolis-Geneseo USD 327 Board of Education began its hiring process Jan.

I have a few favorite calls when it comes to basketball officiating.Last week, I commented in the stands to another observer when I saw the backcourt violation. “That’s my second favorite hand signal,” I said.Shortly after, I saw my very favorite: the shot clock violation.

Most coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs’ new stadium on the Kansas side of the state line has sensibly focused on either the competition between Kansas and Missouri or the related financing of the stadium with public funds. Those concerns matter most politically and fiscally.

Anew year is here, and with it, the city of Ellsworth will usher in a new police chief. We will also see changes happen for our city councils and school boards, as new members walk into new roles.Some of our public governing bodies have been fairly “spicy.

The Christmas season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It brings with it a natural pause — a moment to breathe, reconnect and remember what matters most.

An interesting fact about me is that I lived with a Jewish family in college. The woman I rented a bedroom from was a single mom in need of a little extra income. I had all the amenities of living with a family and the added bonus of learning about another culture.

It’s hard to escape AI these days. Artificial intelligence.Wait, let’s punctuate it correctly: “intelligence.”There, I feel better already.But it’s everywhere. Lurking in my email inbox, offering to “explain” an email to me. Further attempting to offer suggestions for me as I type a response.

I enjoyed my drive to work Monday morning. It was the perfect snow. One I could enjoy as I drove, watching puffy white snow drift slowly to earth.There was no slipping, sliding or colorful language regarding others driving on I-70. Everyone seemed to be on their best behavior.

Dear Editor,I enjoyed your editorial “What Defines ‘Home’?” in Oct. 16 issue of the Independent-Reporter. You mention Wichita, the place you grew up, and write, “Do I consider it my hometown? I’m not sure.”I feel the same way about the place I grew up, St. Joseph, Mo.