Opinion

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

Each Gospel writer presents Jesus in a unique way. Last week, we saw Him introduced by John as the eternal Word, light and life. Today we turn to Matthew’s Gospel, which begins not with a birth account, but with a list of names: Jesus’ genealogy through his earthly father, Joseph (Matthew1:1-17).

To modern readers, this might seem like a dull start, filled with seemingly irrelevant details. But throughout the Old Testament, especially 1 Chronicles, there’s an emphasis on genealogical detail. In a Jewish context, Matthew’s ancestry of Jesus serves vital purposes. It links Him to Israel’s history, affirms His identity as Messiah, and teaches lessons about God’s character.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Janeth Vazquez, Liberal City Commissioner

I just want to take a moment to congratulate all of the candidates who participated in the SCCC Board of Trustees and School Board candidates forum on Oct. 7.

Regardless of the outcome, you are all winners. In today’s political environment, it’s not easy putting yourself out there, and that alone shows true bravery and dedication to our community.

I also want to encourage those in our community: if you’re not happy with the decisions being made, get involved. Run for an elected position or serve on a board or committee. We need more people who care enough to step up and be part of the solution. I’ll be more than happy to help anyone who wants to take that step.

Once again, congratulations to all the candidates, and thank you for your willingness to serve and make a difference.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Carolyn Huddleston, Liberal

Well, friends, I wanted to share a bit more about that bonus money going to staff of Cimarron Basin Community Corrections. As I said in my last letter, the staff there received bonuses in four of the last five years, and they totaled $80,000.

Where did this money come from? According to April Warden, the Seward County Administrator, it came from program fees and alcohol and drug test fees. So if you had to pay supervision fees there, if you attended an alcohol and drug treatment group or paid for some other class at Cimarron Basin Community Corrections, or if you took an alcohol or drug test there and paid a fee, YOU were making a contribution to these staff bonuses.

GUEST COLUMN, Glenn Brunkow, Kansas Farm Bureau

This has been quite a year, and all the stress can take quite a toll. Trade uncertainty, poor grain prices, increased fertilizer cost, higher interest rates ... the list goes on and on. Couple that with Mother Nature and her droughts, floods and winds, it is a lot for any of us, but I do not need to tell you that.

We all know that farming and ranching is a physically demanding occupation, but the mental side of it is even more demanding. We have been taught from an early age that we never share our problems with anyone else. Figure it out on our own because no one else wants to hear about your problems. I do not say this very often, but our parents and grandparents were wrong. Keeping all that stress inside is the worst thing you can do for your mental health.