Opinion

Neighbors
Dorothy Nalley – special to the De Soto Explorer
October 8, 2009
The De Soto United Methodist Church had a very successful Fall Festival. They told me the good was excellent and lots of pretty crafts were purchased.
Swine flu might not be what’s really on our minds
October 8, 2009
In recent weeks there’s been a paranoia in the office that I, too, have shared. Everyone seems to be so on edge about the swine flu that many of us have believed we were catching it with the slightest sniffle, scratchy throat or body ache.
Another black eye
By John Beal
October 7, 2009
In August of 1896 William Allen White was fit to be tied. Accosted by an angry populist mob on the streets of Emporia, he stormed into his office at the Emporia Gazette and wrote an editorial that he headed, “What’s the Matter with Kansas?”
Neighbors
Dorothy Nalley – special to the De Soto Explorer
October 1, 2009
The De Soto Methodist Church will have its annual fall festival Saturday at the church. There will be crafts and various ethnic foods for sale. They are asking for volunteers to prepare food and crafts and work the event. Those interested are asked to contact Bernice Casey.
Letter: Keep bike ban on 83rd Street
October 1, 2009
83rd Street from Cedar Creek to almost Kill Creek is not suitable for bicycle travel. Even in a car you have to deal with those going that speed and the truck traffic. The hills interfere with sight distances, especially when cresting a hill to find something in the road going 5mph.
The homeless are among us
By John Beal
October 1, 2009
e came walking out of the early-morning darkness like an apparition from another world, and, in a sense, he was. We passed in silence; then he was gone. I turned, and saw him walking away, vanishing back into the darkness from which he came.
Neighbors
Dorothy Nalley – special to the De Soto Explorer
September 24, 2009
Jackie Helms, the “Quilt Lady,” will discuss De Soto United Methodist Church will present “Prairie Flowers, a Year on the Plains” at the church from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. She will also bring her churches of Douglas County quilt to display. Bring a morning snack and enjoy this interesting and talented woman.
De Soto needs to develop a spooky past
By Elvyn Jones
September 24, 2009
It seemed like the minute swimming pools closed for the season, I started seeing sales promotions for Halloween. It could be just the conditioning from a childhood of reading spooky stories or perhaps there is something honestly unsettling about fall with wind whistling through bare limbs and dead vegetation, but I too feel the Halloween spirit as the leaves start to turn, the shadows lengthen in the afternoons and the air chills.
Letter: Salvation Army responds to recession
September 24, 2009
The Salvation Army Christmas season is just around the corner. We are thankful to everyone in the community who last year gave so generously and from the heart. We couldn’t continue to serve those in need without your help!
Letter: Success comes from working together
September 24, 2009
I would like to thank the citizens of Kansas for the opportunity to work with you the past nearly eight years while I was associated with USDA Rural Development
Neighbors
Dorothy Nalley – special to the De Soto Explorer
September 17, 2009
Ken Grenz was the guest minister Sunday at the De Soto United Methodist Church in the absence of The Rev. Jerry Vaughn. Becky Miller brought the children’s message for Sunday.
Debate requires participants shut up and listen
September 17, 2009
The country was treated last week to two examples of unrestrained egos. Like the craziest of fans crying for an umpire’s blood at a baseball game, Congressman Joe Wilson and rapper Kanye West both felt empowered to hijack a moment and an audience that was not theirs. In their megalomania, their opinions and their emotional responses were all that mattered.
Neighbors
Dorothy Nalley – special to the De Soto Explorer
September 10, 2009
The De Soto Methodist Church reading circle will meet on Sept. 15 in their church parlor at noon. They will discuss the Green Books Guides entitled “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Energy”. Copies are available in the church’s library. Bring a sack lunch if you wish to and join in the discussion.
Never Forget: Cousins know the real you
By John Beal
September 10, 2009
I’m not sure there’s any better advice than to stay on the good side of your cousins. This pearl of wisdom occurred to me this morning as I was thinking about the family reunion I attended over the weekend.