MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

We introduced a few weeks ago some ways that American colonists' thinking shifted in the 1700s, embracing optimism and revolutionary ideas. The Enlightenment and a religious renewal of faith known as the Great Awakening, played roles. Political thought in England became the practice more in the colonies than it did in the mother land, leading to more representation for the common people. As we also discussed, the French and Indian War was a pivotal event, when colonists celebrated their shared victory over France, then were disappointed with new British policies.

Some background: a longstanding cultural antipathy began between England and France in 1066, when William the Conqueror led his army against the Anglo-Saxons to become king of England. He had no direct blood claim, only unsubstantiated pledges to justify his campaign. When Pope Alexander II declared him the rightful heir, English nobles accepted his reign, but numerous tensions remained.

RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator

We did it.  As of 1:30 a.m. Friday night/Saturday morning of Week 12, the 2026 Kansas Legislature has officially adjourned “sine die.”  While that Latin term technically means “without a date” set for return, the formal Motion actually states that we will reconvene for 2027 at 2:00 p.m. on the second Monday in January (the 11th).  This “Veto Session” was true to its intent and purpose, with our having overridden 19 of the 28 bill rejections by the Governor and another 15 of the 33 line items that were stricken from the Budget.   She did manage to prevail on two measures that were not addressed because of a shortage of votes in the House -- as well as four of the spending sections that could not muster a 2/3 margin for approval notwithstanding her lack of signature, but overall it was not a good two days for our Chief Executive.  I heard someone comment on the elevator, “Isn’t it incredible that in a government with three co-equal branches, she should try to veto the entire Legislative Budget?”

GUEST COLUMN, Greg Doering, Kansas Farm Bureau

Spring can be a trying season in the Flint Hills. The temperature fluctuations and swirling winds make picking out the right jacket nearly impossible on any given morning. And if it happens to be nice enough to not need any extra layering one morning, you’ll likely need it by late afternoon.

The fickle weather is what makes the truly beautiful spring days so enjoyable. The kind where a light breeze is needed to temper the warmth of the sun because the treetops are still a tangle of tender limbs and buds, but not a shroud of leaves to offer any shade. Even cloudy days bring hope of gentle rains that tame the dust and fuel an explosion of vibrant colors.

L&T Publisher Earl Watt

Rex Petty became the pastor for Faith Tabernacle in the 1980s, and he became more than just a servant to a congregation.

I believe it’s safe to say that Pastor Petty was the community’s pastor.

From the time he started his service he went outside the walls of the church to touch others.

One of the earliest works for Pastor Petty was showing movies in Light Park before modern technology. He showed movies with projectors and a tarp hanging between trees, and anyone who came was welcome.