Flowers at the New Memorial

Special Thanks to everyone that has been involved with the planting, watering, and weeding of the flower beds at the new Veteran's Memorial in Jetmore. As you can see, there are still a few bulbs not up...which are marked with blue flags. I LOVE to walk by in the morning when the rose moss is open!

County Agent's Jobs are Varied

Last week Hodgeman County celebrated it's 5oth year of Hodgeman County Fair. I spent a little time watching our County Agent, DeWayne Craghead. His jobs were many...and varied! This shot especially caught my attention. DeWayne was providing first aid in the form of a few kind words and a well-placed bandaid. Thanks for all you do DeWayne!

Kenyon Nature Parkway

If you haven't taken the opportunity to take a few minutes and relax on the Kenyon Nature Park...you are really missing out! The wildflowers are now in full bloom and there are some wonderful spots along the trail to stop and rest a few minutes in the shade -- while enjoying the quiet surroundings and beauty of nature. I ran across the coolest little lizard on the path this week, but wasn't quick enough to catch his picture.

KNP is located in Jetmore, KS -- just off (surprise!) Kenyon Street. My favorite time of the day to walk it is in the morning, but anytime can give you a fresh appreciation for nature and some wonderful solitude. Enjoy!

Harvest America

Harvest is almost here in Hodgeman County! I will be the first to admit that I am not one of the "western Kansas Farm Girls" who grew up with harvest...but over the past 25 years I have grown to love this time of year. I took this photo on Saturday morning...just before the rains came. Today everyone is getting geared up, waiting until the fields dry out enough to get the machines in and start cutting. The fact that they are cutting in the next County over is making the guys pretty anxious. Kansas truly is the Breadbasket of America...and if you would like a great day-trip...head out west and spend some time watching the rows of gleaming combines cutting wheat in precision order. It's an amazing sight! Harvest, in Western Kansas, reminds me of New Years...it's both the end of one year's work...and the beginning of the next. Here's to a safe, bountiful harvest for everyone!

A Welcome Sight

I was thinking about blogs today, and thought that most of what I post is special events, and things that tourists might like to see. I wondered if everyone is like me, and sometimes what excites me the most is my community at night. You know, you've been on the road, off to meetings or wherever your life takes you...and you're driving home at the end of an evening. To me, there isn't anything more welcoming than the sight of Hanston up ahead. This photo was taken at dusk, as you can see -- the street lights are already on, and I was happy to turn into town and drive down the familiar, tree-lined streets of HOME. Dorothy had it right...there's no place like home!

Unique Shopping & Gifts in Jetmore

This beautiful beaded purse is one of the many unique gifts you can find at Country Keepsakes in Jetmore, KS. Country Keepsakes is conveniently located on 515 Mainstreet and they not only have unique crafts and gifts, but also boast an Art Gallery of works for sale, and an Indoor Flea Market!
If you happen to stop when they're closed, these wonderful ladies have their numbers posted and would be happy to try to accomodate you.
Below are some other items you'll find at Country

Keepsakes....

Visit Country Keepsakes on your next trip through Jetmore...or call Sandra Hastings for more information at 620-357-1046. Products change often...so you'll need to stop in and visit more than once!

Hodgeman County Recycles

Hodgeman County has a great recycling program...If you aren't into recycling yet...there's no better time than now! The recycling center (across from the Grocery store) in Jetmore is open 24-7. All boxes are clearly marked and Loyd has made it very easy for us to know what can be recycled and how to prepare it for recycling. The recycling bins in Hanston are located in the empty lot right behind the bank. There's a big orange bin and a separate "caged bin" for cardboard. Everything is well marked.

New to the program are the plastic grocery sack recycling barrels located at the Hanston State Bank, Jetmore Food Center, and Recycling Center in Jetmore. Recycling your used plastic grocery sacks is a great way to cut down on waste going into the landfill -- but you can also get reusable grocery sacks from Jetmore Food Center. Last fall the Jetmore Food Center and Economic Development gave away over 200 reusable grocery sacks! If you still need some, you can purchase them for only 99 cents at Jetmore Food Center.

Recycling is good for all of us...if you have questions about recycling...or suggestions to make our recycling program more user friendly...please let me know!