Mike Kyllonen has joined the team at Keller Motors as of August 2024. As the new Apprentice Technician, he will work to develop skills in automotive detailing and paint preparation.

The Council of the City of Woodston met in the Council Chamber at the City Hall on Monday, January 13th, 2025. Mayor April Yakish called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast 1 ½ cups warm water In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and yeast. Pour in warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until well com- bined. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl and allow it to rise at room temperature for 3-4 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 15 hours. Scoop dough onto a floured work surface and shape it into a ball. Sprin- kle a tiny bit of flour on top of the dough ball and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover the dough lightly with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for 30 min- utes. Meanwhile, place an empty dutch oven/cast iron pot, with the lid on, into the oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Remove the covering from the dough ball. Lift the parchment paper and dough ball up and place them inside the cast iron pot that’s been preheating in the oven. Cover with lid and return to oven to bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake uncovered for 12-15 more minutes until golden on top. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool on a wire cooling rack. Store bread in an open paper bag on the counter for up to 1 week. Here are my Instagram and Facebook links. I’d love to connect with some new friends in this “we have to eat at the same two restaurants because there aren’t any others” town. Instagram - lemonsand- kiwicompany Facebook: Birdie Lynn McReynolds Email: stacimcreynolds @gmail.com

INVICTUS REIMAGINED. In 1875, British poet William Ernest Henley wrote Invictus, a poem reflecting his indomitable spirit in the face of suffering. Stricken with tuberculosis, he endured the amputation of his left leg around age 20. His words, especially in the final stanza, have inspired many: 'It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.' Henley's words embody the secular humanist mindset—one of self-reliance and defiance. While perseverance is commendable, Scripture teaches a deeper truth: ultimate strength comes not from within but from God. Here is a reimagined version of Henley's poem from a biblical perspective: 'No matter how narrow the way, Or how my sins condemn my soul, Christ is the Master of my fate, My Shepherd, who makes me whole.' Here are 3 Biblical Truths that starkly contrast Henley's humanism. (1) God, Not Man, Holds the Future. Henley claimed to be the master of his fate, yet Scripture teaches that the Lord directs our steps: 'A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.' (Prov. 16:9). Trusting in God's sovereignty brings peace that self-reliance never can. (2) Salvation Is Through Christ, Not Self-Determination. Henley dismisses the 'strait gate,' likely a reference to Matthew 7:14: 'Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.' No amount of self-mastery can save a soul - only genuinely trusting Christ can do that. (3) True Strength Comes from God. Human willpower has limits, but God's strength is eternal and unlimited: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Philippians 4:13) Instead of captaining our own souls, we should entrust them to Christ, our Good Shepherd. Henley's words may inspire resilience, but true victory is found in surrendering to God. Who is the captain of your soul today?

If you read Chapter 5 of the Book of Acts, you will see the tragic story of Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. It is a story of the early church's internal and external problems. Inside the church, there was dishonesty, greed, and administrative headaches. Outside, the church was being pressured by persecution. It was a time of both spiritual growth and turmoil.

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By Linda Melton Phone: 785-994-6370 (home) or 785-476-5206 (cell) My writings evidently have a following, and some have been inquiring about and missing my weekly contribution. I could blame the winter blues or a fancy name for seasonal affective disorder.

It would be nice to have your church, your organization, or even your family be of one mind and have no discord, but we just don’t see it that often. This is especially true as the group grows in size.