Opinions

This week’s edition of the Ellsworth County Independent-Reporter could be dedicated to an issue that has challenged local leaders for decades. For years now, those with an eye to growth have wrestled with housing — too few houses, affordable housing, rental houses, too many houses ...

Gen. Philip Sheridan thought his 1868-69 winter campaign against the Cheyenne would open the way for the safe settlement of western Kansas, but the Dog Soldier warrior society proved to be much more resilient than Sheridan had anticipated.

The Kansas legislature officially adjourned the 2019 session this past week. While the last day is generally ceremonial, this year held more activity.

Gen. Phil Sheridan’s Winter Campaign against the Cheyenne came to a close the later part of March, 1869. The surrendering Cheyenne were sent to Camp Supply. Gen. Custer’s Seventh Cavalry turned north toward Fort Hays.

Sitting in the choppy waters of the English Channel the day before D-Day, 20-year-old Pvt. James R. Lambeth wondered what would happen on the beaches of Normandy.

My mother used to joke that she could barely find the kitchen when she and my father were married more than 60 years ago. Over the years, she sharpened her culinary skills so that by the time I was old enough to notice, she had made peace with the gas stove in the kitchen of our Indiana farm home.

Trouble came to Kansas Territory almost before the ink had dried on the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Most of the early settlers were from Missouri with a decidedly proslave influence.

Ellsworth received good news this past week and it came — from all places — the federal government. The city was one of three Kansas communities to receive supplemental funding at 100 percent for improvements to its airport. Put another way — the FAA will provide $9.

Most everyone has heard of Bill Nye the Science Guy, but in the 1880s another Bill Nye was just as popular. He gained notoriety as a humorist staged from a little newspaper he had launched in Laramie, Wyo. The Boomerang was named after his favorite mule.

Pity the poor public servant. Legislators, Commissioners, and agency managers must sort facts and opinions to make the best decisions for the public good. It is critical to hear from the public — and then sort through those comments carefully, thoughtfully, and compassionately. They’ll get advice.