Nevada Daily Mail: Columns: Leonard Ernsbarger

Receiving an education at Black School (10/14/09)
As I related to you in the past I attended a one-room school for eight years to obtain my elementary education. As I told my children when they were young and I tell my grandchildren now, I was in the same classroom for eight years -- which makes them look at me in a strange way...

Meeting the future (10/07/09)
A comment made by several people in the last few days is, "the chicken was good." They are talking about the delicious barbecue chicken served by the 4-H members and their families at the Vernon County Youth Fair Grounds last Saturday evening. This is a major fund raising event for the Vernon County 4-H Council...

Supporters say fair tax will restart American economy (09/30/09)
A major pet peeve that I have is the expense necessary to determine how much income tax needs to be paid. This is in addition to the time and energy it takes to get the necessary information. Then there is the fear of something getting overlooked, which could end up causing a penalty. In many ways our system of paying income tax is highly unfair...

McGennis Youth Center barbecue and auction to be held Sept. 27 (09/23/09)
A front page article published in The Nevada Daily Mail last Thursday was "McGennis Youth Center set for Sept. 27." This was also announced in the news on the local radio station. As result of this publicity, I thought about using a different topic for this column. However the McGennis Youth Center is a favorite subject of mine, so I decided that this would still be my topic this week...

Performing arts -- a legacy of excellence (09/16/09)
There are many great things in this community that are often taken for granted. They do not just happen, they happen because of concerned citizens who make them happen, often over several years. One of these is the Community Council on the Performing Arts and their fine performances at the Fox Playhouse. I am impressed every time I go to one of the performances...

Drug testing policy has become a necessity in schools (09/09/09)
Recently, as school was getting started, the Nevada R-5 Board of Education established a policy for random drug testing for students in high school and middle school. Those participating in extracurricular and co-curricular activities had to complete a form stating that they agree to participate in the random testing program. The school board did the right thing in establishing this program...

A train wreck maybe coming (07/22/09)
Last week in the column I said that I thought that local papers should have only local information in them, not national. One reader informed me that she likes to get national news in the local paper as this is the only paper that she reads. I appreciated the feed back since I knew she had read the column...

Standing on thin ice (07/15/09)
It is my opinion that information in local papers should deal with local issues and not national. However, there are some things that do occur on the national level that tremendously affects us locally. Perhaps a subject as selected today is best to be not used...

Habitat for Humanity: Building house number 11 in Nevada (06/24/09)
Last week the Nevada Rotary Club Citizen of the Year Award was presented to a worthy recipient, Bob Beaver, retired educator and a community volunteer who's been especially active with Habitat for Humanity. Many of us receive awards and many others do work deserving of honors. ...

Leave it up to George (06/10/09)
You have heard the old expression, "leave it up to George." This is an expression that has often been said when there is something to be done and no one wants to do it, or they expect someone else to do it. Well, what happens if George does not want to do it?...

Opal Gould: The final page has been turned (06/03/09)
During my extension career, I had an opportunity to work with a large number of wonderful people. Opal Gould was among those I worked with during my early years in Vernon County. I am sure that she was not only recognized for her tenure of 4-H leadership, but also as an outstanding 4-H leader. She is an example of the many high quality 4-H leaders who have provided leadership to 4-H and have had a major influence on others as a leader...

Helping others to grow (05/06/09)
The Master Gardener program is one of the many good programs that the University of Missouri provides. This is a program that began approximately 25 to 30 years ago and has developed into a major program. I remember when Harry Veith was establishing it in the Jackson County area. He was one of the early leaders of this program for the state of Missouri...

McGennis Youth Center is for all kids -- Part II (04/29/09)
This is a continuation of the last column published two weeks ago. When I started that column, I did not plan to make it in two parts. As I said, the Youth Center is of utmost importance to me, so no wonder that it requires more than one column. In March the annual meeting of the McGennis Youth Center was held and the annual report was presented. We ended with the discussion of the caretakers report as reported by Scott and Tina Sudkamp. Most of their report was in the previous column...

McGennis Youth Center is for all kids (04/15/09)
One of the favorite topics that I personally prefer for these columns relates to the McGennis Youth Center. The board recently had their annual meeting while I was out of the country (literally). The officers were re-elected: President, Robert Wills, Rich Hill; vice-president, Virginia Habjan; secretary, Debbie Balk, Rich Hill; and treasurer, Carla Armentrout...

Bring them in (04/08/09)
As a community we are situated in a good location plus we have many things that are going good for the community. We are heading for a great future and the task we have is to get ready for what is coming in the upcoming series of positive events. The financial slow down that is being experienced as a nation and as a world is affecting this community. ...

Experiencing a tour of Italy (04/01/09)
It was beyond my imagination that I would ever go to Italy. It would be like a dream to make the trip and to see the historical European country. We went and it seems like it was a dream, but it was real. We knew that TeamBank was having a group go on a trip to Italy, but we had not given it any thought. ...

Special chamber of commerce banquet recognitions (03/18/09)
For the last two weeks I have been writing about the community pacesetters who recognized at the recent chamber of commerce banquet. In addition to the pacesetter awards, several other awards presented. Giving recognition to those who have had accomplishments is an acknowledgment, by the chamber, of high achievements and of those who are doing special things for the community. ...

Pacesetters of the community, part 2 (03/11/09)
Among the pacesetters awards recently presented at the chamber of commerce banquet was the Agri-business Pacesetter awarded to Hardin Farms, they were recognized for providing classroom agriculture education. Michael Brown, representing Ag Provision, LLC, the 2007 Agri-business Pacesetter, presented the award. He said, "The benefits of this type of ongoing education are not just for the student as it benefits the entire community as a whole."...

Pacesetters of the community recognized (03/04/09)
An important event of the community each year is the Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce awards banquet, which was held Saturday night at the Eagles Lodge. More than 200 had made reservations to attend. The pacesetter awards are a great way of recognizing special businesses, organizations and persons who are outstanding. ...

It is unbelievable (02/25/09)
Short jingle, short jingle, short jingle, short jingle -- that was the sound of the telephone ringing our number when I was growing up. The rural phone line was a party line -- when it rang four shorts that meant that the telephone was for us, as our number was 6704. One of our neighbors on the same line had number 6711. That meant when you called their number you cranked the ringer on the wall phone one long and one short. The long was a longer crank or the ringer...

Proposed Extension cuts uncalled for -- Part 2 (02/18/09)
This is a continuation of last week's column which was about the 50 percent cut that Governor Jay Nixon had proposed for the University Extension budget. Such a cut would be significant and certainly not called for. Here is a major program that has an direct effect on many citizens in the state and on a much larger number indirectly. A cut of this type would gut Extension as we know it...

Proposed extension cuts uncalled for (02/11/09)
It was a great surprise to me when Steve Moyer, Nevada Daily Mail reporter, called me and informed me that Governor Nixon has proposed cutting funding to the University of Missouri Extension Service by 50 percent. A cut might have been expected and has happen frequently during the past 30 years, but not 50 percent at one time...

Blame the author (02/06/09)
Last week, we lost an American literary legend, John Updike. At age 76, he was considered one of our country's most prolific writers. Like all of us who put ourselves in print for others to read, Updike was not immune to considerable and sometimes vicious criticism. On behalf of Mr. Updike, and all writers I applaud each and everyone of you...

Prairie Pride's equity drive ending (01/28/09)
One of the greatest things that has happened here in the history of Vernon County has been the development and establishment of Prairie Pride Inc. This biodiesel plant is a major industry located in the Deerfield area. It is in operation and will continue to be important to the area economy in the future...

Myths and realities behind rising food prices (01/21/09)
A lot of discussion these days includes alternative energy and the sources for the energy. The idea is to move away from fossil fuels to improve the environment. One of the sources of energy that we are hearing about is wind power. It sounds good and can help to provide energy. ...

Economic conditions are a challenge (01/14/09)
We are living in interesting times. It was beyond imagination that our economy would go south as it has over the past few months. Yet, this is an experience in life that we can learn from. When we look back, there were adequate signs that we should have been aware that a major down cycle was coming...

Thoughts for 2009 (12/30/08)
This is the last column for me to write this year -- since it is scheduled to be published on the last day of 2008. It will be next year before I write another one. A great thing about this time of the year is the large number of good football games to watch on TV. There are a numerous bowl games -- perhaps too many. If there were fewer they would have more meaning. Still, it is good to watch a large number as we have the opportunity. It is especially fun when the team I favor wins...

There will be lots to do here in 2009 (12/10/08)
Almost any where you go, including Nevada, you may hear people say there is nothing to do. That will not be true in Vernon County in 2009. With the year winding down and a new year to begin shortly. It is only appropriate to look at 2009 and visualize all of the events that will take place...

Here We Go Again (12/03/08)
A subject that came under much discussion last week was the sudden resignation of the city manager and questioning who the city council was going to name as the interim city manager. There has been an element in Nevada that was against anything that Bill McGuire did. ...

Amanda Wolfe receives 4-H community service award (11/19/08)
At the 4-H recognition night held Saturday night in the home economic building at the Vernon County Youth Fairgrounds 4-H members and volunteer leaders were recognized for their achievements during the year. It is amazing what many of these young people are accomplishing and the great service that volunteers are rendering to young people and to the community...

Open enrollment starts saturday for Medicare part D coverage (11/12/08)
A new season starts this Saturday. Not only is it the first day of the firearms deer season, but it is also the beginning of the open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription coverage. The open enrollment period will end on Dec. 31. What this means is that those on Medicare may sign up for Medicare Advantage programs during that time, change plans, or leave a Medicare Advantage plan to go back to original Medicare...

There is a season for everything (11/05/08)
"Glorious" is the way one person described the recent days. Never fear, we are in Missouri and it will change. We do not realize how great it is to live in an area where there are four season a year. Several years ago we spent some time in Arkansas. ...

Don't like it, but life goes on (10/29/08)
It has been several months since I have written a column about diabetes, even though many readers have said that they especially read the columns about diabetes. Recently, I had a request to write another column on this subject. It does not seem possible, but it has been a little over 12 years since I was diagnosed with diabetes. ...

You never know (10/22/08)
When you see someone, or are with someone, you never know that it might be the last time in this life experience that you will see that person. This happens to people quite often. Still, unless it happens directly to you, it is generally not given much thought...

Many medicare options are available (10/15/08)
The number of people on Medicare keeps growing as more people reach Medicare age. There are many options now available and they are good quality options. The annual enrollment period will be from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, when those on Medicare may enroll in Part D prescriptions or into Medicare Advantage programs with an effective date of January 1, 2009...

Keeping It Green -- National 4-H -- Part 2 (10/08/08)
Although there are many subjects to choose from for this column, it only seems appropriate to continue the discussion from last week. This week, Oct. 5-11, is the observance of National 4-H Week. This program has and is making a major impact on many young people in this area and there is still the potential to enroll more into this program...

Keeping It Green-National 4-H Week (10/01/08)
The week of Oct. 5-11 is National 4-H Week with the theme of "Keeping it Green." As you might expect, this means a number of different things. The program keeps evolving by providing programs that are timely and important for the development of boys and girls in society...

Friends are priceless (09/17/08)
One of the songs we often sang in college at the church student group had lyrics that said that new friends are silver and old friends are gold. This song indicates that friends are valuable. They are priceless. During my life I have become acquainted with a large number of people. ...

Cancer Relief Dinner Dedicated to Founder (08/27/08)
On Aug 23, 1987 the Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund was established through the efforts of Jody Renwick and financial assistance from the Finis M. Moss Charitable Trust. Last Friday night more than 300 dedicated volunteers and supporters of the Vernon County Relief Fund attend a fund raising dinner at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles lodge to raise money to help the fund help local people and to honor the work of Jody Renwick to develop the fund...

Voters to consider increasing support services for senior citizens (08/01/08)
Tuesday is an important date for the citizens of Missouri; it is the date to go to the polls to vote. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to vote and it is also a responsibility. We live in a democracy and the way to keep this type of government, eligible voters need to vote...

Life education experiences shared to encourage others (07/25/08)
Dr. Karen Hargus Biehl, formally from Nevada, e-mailed me last week information about her achievements in education, with the idea that her experiences can show that it can be done and in hopes of encouraging others to go for their dreams. The 1977 graduate of Nevada High School has recently completed her doctoral degree in Pharmacy, reaching a major achievement...

Memories made at the fair are priceless (07/16/08)
Another Vernon County Youth Fair has now become history. Fair board members have expressed that the fair was a good one and successful. The weather cooperated and there were good crowds. It certainly was highly successful and an event that is good for the youth and all who are involved. An event of this type is successful as result of a large number of people having input into the occasion. It is a tradition that started in 1946 as a 4-H and FFA show and it remains strong...

Local youth take pride in the fair (07/09/08)
It is the first full week in July and this week the Vernon County Youth Fair is being held, which is rather early for this important event. The youth fair provides many great experiences for the participants. It is something that many will remember for a life time. It offers many learning opportunities and it provides fun for the young people. The weekend edition of this paper contained a youth fair special which included information for the fair and provided the schedule for the events...

Trophy Dash Kiss (07/03/08)
In the early 60s, my parents became regular spectators at the Nevada Speedway. It was a great treat for a kid back then as it is still today. For close to 50 years Saturday nights in Nevada have always included stock car racing. One of my favorite parts of the venue was the Trophy Dash. It was a big part of the weekly spectacle of racing in Nevada...

Celebrating Golden Anniversary with Family Cruise (07/02/08)
Last week at this time we were on a five day Western Caribbean Cruise which involved our entire clan of 15. Words can not adequately express the feeling of having an adventure of this type with the entire family. It was one of the most wonderful and meaningful things we have ever done...

Champion Diamonds is a gem for Nevada (06/25/08)
Just south of Nevada city limits there is a special sparkle that comes as a result of the precious diamonds, a baseball diamonds complex -- Champion Diamonds. This is a precious treasure that has been provided to this community. This is the 10th year for Champion Diamonds, yet for many of us it seems new. ...

Meet the artist Gary Hawk (06/18/08)
Gary Hawk, of Iola, Kan., is internationally known for his country, western and wildlife art. Many in this area are familiar with him and his art. His art work is being featured at the Vernon County Arts Council gallery at the Carnegie Building, located at Ash and Austin in Nevada...

An outstanding citizen was selected as Citizen of the Year (06/11/08)
When thinking about who should be Citizen of the Year it is often difficult to choose just one person. Frequently, it is easy to overlook a person who should be awarded this type of special recognition. This year the Nevada Rotary Club chose a person who is well deserving of this special recognition -- Pat Chambers, a man I look up to for what he has accomplished...

The cowboys and cowgirls are arriving (06/04/08)
For a number of years, this first week of June is when the rodeo is held in Nevada sponsored by the Vernon County Youth Fair Board. Once again this traditional event will be held this week, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, which is the 17th year for the fair board to be sponsoring the rodeo. As a result both professional and amateur cowboys and cowgirls are and will be arriving in Nevada...

Unofficially, summer has begun (05/28/08)
Memorial Day is the time when it is unofficially considered as the beginning of summer starts. Often through the years it has rained on Memorial Day has often been called Decoration Day. This term has not been used as much in recent years as it was about a half century ago...

Taking eye glasses to others (05/21/08)
Each year Nevada Lions Club collects a large number of used glasses. These glasses are collected to be sent to third world countries where people cannot afford glasses and to give them an opportunity to see. I asked my cousin Bob Hawk, Iola, Kan., to give a report of his experience in being involved in taking glasses to another country. ...

Schowe and shine to be held Saturday (05/14/08)
Dr. Ron and Linda Schowengerdt with their staff will be hosting the 2nd annual Schowe and Shine Auto Show this Saturday, May 17, at their office located at 1701 W. Austin Blvd, Nevada. The show will benefit the Nevada Area Habitat for Humanity. Last year the event was held for the first time and it was successful, which pleased the sponsors. ...

Edmonds was needed (05/07/08)
There are people who serve others in our society whom we never properly thank or to show them our appreciation. Instead of praising others and giving them encouragement there is a tendency to tear down or to talk down our leaders. A few weeks ago after the city election and the reorganization of the city council a picture was in the Nevada Daily Mail showing Bill Edmonds receiving a plaque as a matter of appreciation for his service as mayor. ...

Flowering trees add beauty to the landscape (04/30/08)
Occasionally, a reader will ask what I am going to write about this week. Many readers have no clue as to what I am going to write. It may come as a surprise to these readers that I might not know myself. The subject planned for this week has been postponed after I have seen many beautiful flowering trees in recent days and weeks...

4-H was in action during 2007 (04/23/08)
It was a pleasure to have Don Henderson and his wife stop by for a cup of coffee last week. He had called the prior week to let me know he was scheduled to be in town. Don is with the Missouri 4-H Foundation and had served as director prior to going part time...

Health Fair provides education (04/16/08)
As you know my career was in extension giving leadership to 4-H. Do you know that when the program was in its early development it was called 3-H, standing for Head Heart and Hands? It was not long before the fourth H was added, standing for Health. The early pioneers in this youth movement recognized the importance of health to the youth involved and to their families...

People Helping People (04/09/08)
Last week the Ozark Food Harvest Mobile Food Pantry came to Nevada for the distribution of food and supplies. This is the second time for the Mobile Food Pantry to come to Nevada -- the first time was two months ago. It has been nearly two months since Jerry Janes talked to me, about the involvement he and others from the Rotary Club gave people in Vernon County with the first visit of the Mobile Food Pantry. ...

The Usual Pitch (04/03/08)
When the word "pitch" is used in the month of April, one generally figures it is about baseball. Well, that is not the kind of "pitch" I am referring to here. I am making my usual "pitch" regarding our upcoming Tuesday, April 8, elections. Before I started this article, I read "Be A Responsible Citizen By Voting," in Wednesday's Nevada Daily Mail Opinion Page. My fellow columnist, Leonard Ernsbarger, made many good points in his article...

Be a responsible citizen by voting on April 8 (04/02/08)
Next Tuesday is when we have the opportunity to go to the polls and vote for school board and city council members. This is an important election and it is important to cast votes to select the candidates that will be best for the community. Within the county there is at least one issue that most likely will draw a large vote and there are several different elections including the R-1 school district and water district...

Chamber Pacesetters honored part 3 (03/19/08)
Columns for the past two weeks have discussed the Pacesetter awards presented by the chamber of commerce earlier in the month. There were other awards in addition to Pacesetter awards that were presented to those well deserving of special recognition...

Chamber Pacesetters recognized, part 2 (03/12/08)
Recently the Nevada/Vernon County Area Chamber of Commerce awards banquet was held with more than 200 in attendance -- another successful annual event. Last week the column included discussion on the Individual Pacesetter Award which went to Terry Ramsey. This column will continue the discussion about the awards...

Chamber Pacesetters recognized (03/05/08)
The place to be in Nevada Saturday night was at the Eagles Lodge for the annual chamber of commerce banquet with a theme "Aloha Nevada." Kathi Wysong, director, described the even as great food with tremendous chamber enthusiasts. The pacesetter awards are a great way of recognizing special businesses, organizations and persons who are outstanding. ...

Grocery shopping has changed (02/27/08)
In a conversation with Bernice Bell, a greeter at Wal-Mart, she made a statement that life use to be simpler. She said that when she was young they went to a grocery store at Prairie City with a list and those at the store took the orders for groceries and went back and got them for the customer. Now, everyone is pushing carts all over the store...

Thrashing Was Hard Work -- Crews Were Well Fed (02/20/08)
If you have not read Neoma Foreman's Country Connections "Shocking Oats" in last Thursday's paper, then you need to go back and read it. She has a well written column about the way farming was at one time in this area. It is a column that needs to go into the archives of the museum as it contains good historical information. Many readers have expressed that they like to read her columns, because they remind them of their country experiences...

A lady bug may be a boy (02/06/08)
In the past I have used stories that our oldest granddaughter, Heather Ernsbarger, had written. Readers were amazed at the talent of her writing for her age. She also demonstrated a great amount of creativity. It has been sometime since I have used anything that she has written...

Dealing with diabetes: Another amateur chimes in (02/02/08)
I always read Leonard Ernsbarger's columns in this newspaper, because he is, and probably always has been, one of Nevada's faithful and tireless pillars. And I always read his columns on the topic of diabetes, because I, too, have suffered for one year less than half a century from the same disease Leonard has...

Dealing with diabetes -- it does not get any easier (01/30/08)
After having diabetes for several months, years, it appears that it would become easier to deal with it and to manage the chronic disease. Apparently, it never gets easy. Diabetes affects each individual in a different way. What might work for one person will not always work for another person...

Fall prevention promoted by veterans Clinic (01/16/08)
Recently during my appointment at the Veterans Clinic, I was asked if I had fallen in the past year. I had to think about that before answering that I had not. Still, I have fallen in the past and it is easier to fall and the landing is harder than it use to be. Getting up is also a greater challenge...

Economic development depends on everyone (01/09/08)
There is a community that has several things going for it, and many people would like to live in the community, if only they knew about it. Among the things that are going for it includes a new biodiesel plant about to go into full production, a new jail will be built this year; the school system has recently expanded its facilities and the sewage system is being upgraded with a new plant to be constructed. ...

Wishing for a goat for Christmas (12/19/07)
We are about to celebrate another Christmas, the most important holiday of the year, which causes a person to ponder many different thoughts. It is a time when the entire nation pauses to celebrate; a time when we remember the gift that was given to us which came as a baby. Christmas is the time set aside to remember this birth...

Only a few days are left (12/12/07)
Whether you are talking about the number of days left for shopping before Christmas, the number of days left in 2007, or the Open Enrollment Period for Plan D and Medicare Advantage Private Fee For Service, there are not many left. The conception of times changes as a person has more years behind them. As a child, it seemed that Christmas would never arrive. Now, it seems like that we only got over last Christmas and it is about to arrive once again...

University of Missouri Extension is important to Vernon County (12/05/07)
Using science-learned knowledge, University of Missouri Extension engages people to understand change, solve problems and make informed decisions. This is a statement on the University of Missouri Web site. Another statement says that University of Missouri Extension is a partnership of the University of Missouri Campuses, Lincoln University, the people of Missouri through county extension councils and the Cooperative State Research of the U.S. Department of Agriculture...

Habjan honored for 35 Years of 4-H Leadership (11/28/07)
Most readers are aware that my career was in giving leadership to 4-H, being assigned to Vernon County in 1961. One year a young lady came into the office and offered to be a chaperone on one of our 4-H trips. This lady, showing much enthusiasm had been a 4-H member in Kansas and wanted to get involved...

Katherine Kerbs receives award for 4-H community service (11/21/07)
In many ways, this has been a great 4-H year in Vernon County. This was especially apparent on Saturday night, during the 4-H recognition night held at the youth fair home economics building. A large number of awards were presented to high-achieving 4-H members who had major accomplishments...

Storing up for the winter (11/14/07)
About 50 to 70 years ago and years before that, it was certain death for a child to have Type 1 diabetes and for people who developed Type 2. In recent years it has been possible to provide care that helps people with diabetes. Many are now able to live a normal life by keeping the diabetes under control...

Seniors have choices (11/07/07)
People on Medicare have a large variety of choices that can be made. Right now there is a great amount of advertisements for Medicare Advantage Plans and for Plan D Plans. The reason is that Open Enrollment Period is from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. It is a time to review what you have and to evaluate other choices...

Dairy industry is evolving in Missouri (10/24/07)
When I grew up on a dairy farm, 20 to 30 milk cows were considered as a large operation. Milk was picked up at the farm in 10 gallon cans. There were a large number of dairy producers. As a result of growing up milking cows, I have continued my interest in dairy farming. ...

Reel endowment put to good use (10/24/07)
One of the greatest things that happened during my extension career was Helen Reel’s donating a farm to the University Extension Endowment Fund. Helen was impressed with the extension youth program and the gift of a farm for the youth in the area by Mary McGennis was a model for her. She had a special interest in young girls who we would now refer to as being high risk...

This is National 4-H Week (10/10/07)
This week, Oct. 7-13, the 4-H members in this area join with 4-H members throughout the nation in observance of the annual National 4-H Week. The theme is "4-H SET" standing for science, engineering and technology. That certainly sounds like 4-H is more than just cows and cooking, and it is...

The Community Will Live With It (10/02/07)
Certainly, you have heard about the addition of a swimming pool to the YMCA. The original plan, as indicated by a brochure on my desk, included a six-lane pool, 25 yards in length, which could have been used for competition events. Several individuals made concentrated efforts to raise the funds for what was expected to be the cost at that time. ...

Marjorie McGennis was an active lady in life (09/26/07)
Perhaps she was not well known in the Nevada community, but the late Marjorie McGennis was well known in the Rich Hill community and to many people elsewhere. Born April 20, 1912, the 95 year old left this life experience recently on Sept. 17, 2007...

It is not like it used to be (09/19/07)
A visitor in my office recently made a statement that you cannot do things like you did 10 years ago. He included farming in this that farmers cannot do things like they did 10 years ago. I commented to another visitor about what the previous visitor said. He added it is not the same as it was 6 years ago...

Kissing the Blarney Stone -- Part III (08/22/07)
This is a third and final column about a trip my family recently took to Ireland. In many ways it seems like a dream. It was a wonderful experience, and it provided wonderful memories. A portion of what we experienced and the sights we viewed has been shared with you, in this column some more of these will be shared; but even then, there will be significant events and sights not included. In sharing something of this type, it is difficult to know where to begin -- and where to end...

One-half second makes a difference (07/18/07)

County fair is highlight of the summer (07/11/07)
This week is an important week in the lives of the exhibitors at the annual Vernon County Youth Fair. For Spencer Thompson, president of the Vernon County 4-H Council, the county fair is the highlight of the summer. Many others are in agreement with him...

Know how to protect your eyes (06/27/07)
Each person has only one set of eyes and it is important to protect them. According to Jeremy Fast, optometrist, the number one cause of blindness for ages 20 to 75 is diabetes. Fast was the speaker at a recent group diabetic education meeting held at the Vernon County Senior Center...

Volunteers Make It Happen (06/20/07)
This past week the community had what appeared to be a highly successful Bushwhacker Days celebration. It is good for the community to hold events of this type. Since the community honored me, it is only appropriate to express some of my thoughts. Words are not adequate for sharing my feelings. ...

The triumph and tragedy of the orphan trains (06/13/07)
This week our second granddaughter (in age), Christie Ernsbarger, is in Washington, D.C. as a participant in the National History Day, representing the State of Arkansas. Recently, she completed eighth grade and is participating in the junior division with an individual performance...

Neptunes practice begins (05/23/07)
With the Nevada Neptunes, there is competition, but the point is not so much the competition as it is to have fun. Still, the participants have to put a lot into it. As a result, they will receive a great experience that will be meaningful to them. The interest and participation in the Nevada Neptunes is growing. ...

Farmer's Market returns to the Square (05/09/07)
Once again it is the season for the Farmer's Market. The first day for the market is this Saturday, May 12, beginning at 8 a.m. this is good for the community, good for the producers and great for the consumers. It is a place where local growers can market their products and a place for buyers to buy good nutritional local products...

Learning leadership, citizenship and life skills (05/02/07)
The title for the Missouri Center for Youth Development 2006 Annual report is "4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills." This title summarizes what 4-H is all about. The report provides a snapshot of 4-H in Missouri...

Good Things Happen in Vernon County (04/25/07)
Hummingbirds were observed on Monday, so that fun of watching birds is coming back once again. They have not been observed at the feeders, but that does not mean they have not been at the feeders. It would be nice if the birds could report to us about their trips, since they left last fall. A person wonders where they went and how they know to come back. It takes an effort to keep them fed properly, but they are a great pleasure...

Diabetic Care for Dummies (04/18/07)
Most people are aware of the series of books for dummies. These publications cover a number of subjects such as a variety of books relating to the computer. There is "Football for Dummies," "Baseball for Dummies," "Food for Dummies" and the list goes on...

McGennis Youth Center Celebrates with a 40/40 Program (04/11/07)
A great facility we have in Vernon County is the McGennis Youth Center, located north of Metz. Though it is not known by many folks, to me it is one of the greatest things that we have. Last week, the column was, "Keeping the Dream Alive." It contained information from the board�s annual report with information about the dream Miss Mary McGennis had for the center when she donated 160 acres of land to the youth in the area and how that dream is being kept alive...

Keeping the Dream Alive (04/04/07)
It has been 40 years since Mary A. McGennis gave 160 acres of land to be used by the youth in this area. Forty years already? For many of us it does not seem to be that long. That was the beginning of the McGennis Youth Center and since then it has received a great amount of use, which will continue in the future...

Chamber promotes, recognizes education (03/21/07)
Education is of utmost importance in our community and is recognized as an important enterprise by the chamber of commerce. A silent auction was held during the recently held awards banquet. There were approximately 150 items auctioned off, the largest number ever contributed by many businesses...

Well-deserved recognition given to area businesses (03/14/07)
This is a continuation of last week's column relating to the recent Chamber of Commerce 2006 Awards Banquet. Those in attendance were actively participating in the Casino and the silent auction. There was a pause in those activities when it came time to present the awards...

Chamber of commerce awards banquet was highly successful (03/07/07)
It was large. It was fun. The food was great. Special recognition was presented to the stars. It was a good place to be. It was the recently held 2006 Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Nearly 300 people were in attendance at the event, making it the biggest yet. ...

'It's nasty' (02/28/07)
A good way to describe the current Vernon County jail is with the words used by one citizen, "It's nasty." Perhaps this is as apt a description as one can express for the county jail that has been in its current location since the '60s. Back then, it was thought of as being a great building for the jail. Still, there are those who recognized that it has never been a good jail...

Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (02/21/07)
"Diabetics need to take an active role in their own health," said Michael Crim, D.O., Nevada Medical Center, at a diabetic group education meeting held Monday at the Vernon County Senior Center. Diabetics often do not take enough ownership in their own health. ...

Leonard At Large
Leonard Ernsbarger