Opinions

The ubiquitous image of a farm includes a red barn, which historically took that shade because iron oxide, or rust, was added to the linseed oil to prevent mold and fungus. It also added the red hue that became synonymous with barns.

This week, I’ve been pondering the saying, “familiarity breeds contempt.” I’ve been in and out of newspapers for most of my professional life. If I’m being completely honest, it is surprising to find myself back in a newsroom.

Welcome to our annual Progress Edition! The I-R staff likes to pause once a year to take a look at what’s going on in our county. Over time, changes happen, but sometimes it’s easy to overlook them.

A little over five years ago, the world as we know it changed forever when COVID-19 swept across the globe bringing fear, uncertainty and drastic countermeasures with it.

The Smoky Hills Community Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Caring Families of Ellsworth County Fund, a new endowment dedicated to ensuring local children and families have the resources they need for years to come.

A few weeks ago, the shoe was on the proverbial other foot.I found myself sitting cross-legged on my bed, being interviewed by a reporter from a Detroit newspaper.As a full-time newspaperwoman, sometimes I forget what it’s like to be interviewed for a story.

Idrove my kids to school one morning a few weeks ago. As we drove to town, we passed a farm pond that had the remains of a homemade hockey rink pulled onto the wheat surrounding the pond.

Writing last week’s headline about the grant for Kanopolis’ water tower brought such a smile to my face.I’ve been covering this Kanopolis City Council for a few years. The proposed water tower has been on the agenda since day one of my coverage. It was the item that would never go away.

Editor/ PublisherSunday night, I stayed up past my bedtime, catching up with a college roommate.While I attended a parochial school from K-12, I treasure the years I spent at K-State. I especially value my roommates.We were an eclectic collection of individuals.

As I think back over the first two months of 2025, I have witnessed so many moments of people helping others. This has brought to mind the words of Martin Luther King Jr.