Opinion

Dear Editor:

October is Bullying Prevention Month. In the 2014 Kansas Communities That Care Survey, more than 13,000 Kansas students stated they were bullied between one and two times per week, and approximately 2,500 students disclosed being bullied each day. Nationwide, around 160,000 U.S. children stay home from school each day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students (National Education Association).

The Osage County board members have made the final decision that will band all future mud runs in Carbondale. As citizens, we have the right to voice our opinion. These events are family oriented. Our children love them, charities benefit from them and the proceeds from the concession stand support our local educational funding. Is that not enough reason in itself to keep these events around? According to the board members, the answer is “no.”

Our family enjoyed the ski show presented by the Pomona Ski Club July 4. I wonder just how many people in Osage County are aware of this special group of people. It was amazing to watch the adults and youth working together to provide fun and harmony for the good of the club.

The members of American Legion Post 198 once again held a well-attended pancake feed May 24, which was enjoyed by many. God bless the veterans and God bless America.

On another subject, the planned roundabout on Highway 75 and Highway 31 is a complete terror. Couple that with the land being wasted to construct it, then think about the Kansas Department of Transportation’s plan to build a new Highway 31 from Osage City to Highway 75, and it makes one wonder what kind of leaders we have to propose such things.

I expected to write an editorial, or at least a story, about the Osage City Airport this week, which could meet a fateful vote at the March 11 city council meeting.

The decision there is one that should be given much thought, and time to consider the issue – to be sure all facts relating to the funding and future of the city are taken into account before decisions are made.

Osage City’s airport upgrade drawn hundreds of online comments, and plenty of dispute – one of many issues drawing dispute around the county.