Opinion

A fortnight of insomnia
By Elvyn Jones
August 27, 2008
I attended a meeting last week at which a number of those present were complaining about lack of sleep. It seemed the Olympics were so compelling they couldn’t stop watching. They just had to see how the gymnastic competition ended or who won a swimming competition
Eudora blessed with Lauber’s years of service
August 21, 2008
A community is fortunate when a new resident arrives who can provide a needed service. It is doubly fortunate if that new citizen takes an active interest in the community. It is truly blessed if during the resident’s long life, the person — through entrepreneurial skill and foresight — invests in the community in such a way that it improves that city’s quality of life.
Pets can stir hornets nest
By Matt VanderVelde
August 21, 2008
So, just before my noon lunch break, I armed myself for the worst-case scenario. Hives of wasps are not pleasant memories for our family. One evening, as my daughter was cleaning out one of her sheep jugs, we heard a blood-curdling shriek. Katie was sprinting toward open country, wasps in hot pursuit. One flew under her shirt and was stinging her repeatedly. Luckily, she survived with Benadryl and baking soda poultices.
The sensibilities of the past can’t be shared
By Elvyn Jones
August 14, 2008
I work with a bunch of kids. That is, the four people I share an office with are somewhere between 20 and 30 years old. To a baby boomer, that’s young.
Joint traffic study of turnpike traffic necessary step
August 14, 2008
Douglas County Commissioners agreed this week to split with the city of Eudora the cost of a traffic study to determine the traffic consequences in Eudora and Douglas County of new Kansas Turnpike interchange near Tonganoxie. The Eudora City Council had requested the county pay for half of the $17,580 study.
Vacations nice, but home best
By Matt VanderVelde
August 7, 2008
Taking a vacation, which really is getting away for more than just a long weekend, is what the doctor might prescribe for the working weary. Having not much time to do such a grand thing when one owns a business, my family and I ascribe to treating ourselves to at least one vacation a year.
Actions can make KDOT’s mistake less hazardous
August 7, 2008
We were reminded last year with the collapse of the bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis that our infrastructure needs periodic upgrades. That point was reinforced last week with the release of a report that many of our bridges are in need of repair. Locally, we are witnessing one the most active, and disruptive, construction seasons in years as the city reconstructs Main Street and its sidewalks in a job made more complicated and intensive by the need to replace outdated and substandard stormwater sewers under the street.
Attitude change should remain as gas prices fall
July 31, 2008
In the past two weeks, the steady increase in gas prices has started to abate to the point that motorists have been treated to the welcome sight of actual lower pump prices. For some time, experts have said supply and demand didn’t fully explain the constant increases in crude oil prices that flowed down to pumps. It would be a comfort if the falling prices reflect a rational market-driven pricing structure and are not just a temporary respite.
Eudora seems overdue for satellite office
July 24, 2008
The Douglas County Treasurer’s Office in recent years has opened satellite offices at various locations in Lawrence. It has also unsuccessfully in the past located such an office in Baldwin City, an endeavor it is giving another attempt with a site in the Baldwin grocery store.
Revenue needs shouldn’t sway law enforcement
July 17, 2008
The Eudora City Council and its administrator are in an unenviable position as they prepare a 2009 budget. They are hardly alone in being caught of short by the severity of the current housing downturn, as a look at current national headlines indicates.
Friends lost and newfound
Dad’s soft heart makes him hero at home
By Matt VanderVelde
July 17, 2008
You could guarantee you’d see Sandy about once a month at our door for more prescription diet for “Willie the Wildcat.’’
Timing makes grant’s success more meaningful
July 10, 2008
The announcement last week that Eudora USD 491 was awarded a $745,000 safe schools/healthy students initiative federal grant that is renewable for up to four years had special significance as it came one day after Don Grosdidier took over the reins of the district as superintendent with the departure of Marty Kobza.
The Eephus Pitch
By Caleb Regan
July 3, 2008
Listening to sports talk radio the other night, one host — and I can’t remember who, but it’s not important anyways — was taking calls and emails about the Olympics. His whole perspective, and many of his callers’ perspectives, was that no true American sports fan cares about the outcome of the Games.
Common sense, clean up needed with fireworks
July 3, 2008
Fireworks are such an ingrained tradition of the Fourth of July and so easily obtained that bans are futile. That does not make them a good thing.
IRS spins Karmic wheel
By Elvyn Jones
July 3, 2008
The letter I got from the IRS in the mail Monday looked like a check. It was about 7 seven inches long and 3 inches wide and tear-off perforated edges on both ends. It even said “Stimulus check.” But it wasn’t my much-anticipated personal boost to our slumping economy.

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