As the Medicare open enrollment period approaches (Oct. 15-Dec. 7), now is the time for Kansas seniors and their families/caregivers to compare the benefits of Original Medicare plans versus Medicare Advantage. Accurate, helpful information is vital to making the best choice about which Medicare option makes the most sense for you or your loved ones.

Dear Editor: I want to thank the Israeli Military for some partial closure. In 1983, the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, was bombed by an Islamic Jihad Terrorist.

Dear Editor: I don't know much about a lot of things, but I do know a little about crime. Recently, it was reported by the FBI and politicians that the crime rate nationwide was down.

I want to take a moment to recognize my friend and co-worker Wes Higdon. I've known Wes for several years; however, only in the last few months have I really come to know him. Whenever I have seen Wes around town, I have been impressed by his positive attitude and glowing personality. Whether going all out for the holidays by decorating his car and wearing festive holiday headgear or putting on a puppet show at vacation Bible school, he always finds a way to make people smile.

Praise be to the teachers, coaches, and support staff! Teaching! Not for the faint of heart or weak of moral fibers or an average person. Teaching is more than a 9-5 job.

Dear Editor: As one of, if not the largest employer in Rooks County, everyone should always be interested in the annual meeting and election of the Board of Trustees of RCHC. However, since 2005, the elections have been uncontested and attendance at the annual meeting has been 'spotty' at best.

Dear Kaye, Firstly, I want to acknowledge your response to my 'Letter to the Editor.' I appreciate your use of genuine sources and information from reliable dietary programs and 'laying it all out,' per se. I also learned things our school does that I never would have known otherwise (I thought we were allowed only one trip to the salad bar; who knew?) I appreciate your effort in responding and using facts instead of opinions when it mattered.

The 'Letter to the Editor' in the April 11th issue of the Stockton Sentinel was very sad. To quote several alumni that read this and reached out to me (this one being the nicest one I can share), 'That was the most ignorant thing I have ever read! I would have withheld my name too.' At first, I just viewed it as a spoiled child's temper tantrum of 'I do not want to eat vegetables, and you cannot make me.' But after looking over our posters in the cafeteria, I saw that NONE of them are 'MyPlate' posters, except for one on the north board that explains what items are in each food group, and NONE of them speak of calories.

Dear Editor: April reminds us of our shared responsibility for the well-being and healthy development of children and families, which is crucial for the future health of Kansas. National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month is a perfect time to emphasize that prevention thrives on collaboration.

Dear Stakeholders of USD#271, The Board of Education wants to address some concerns which have arisen over the past few weeks. It has been a challenging time for all involved within our district.