I had the oppportunity to speak to a Junior High class about media and communications job opportunities. It gave me a chance to look back over my career, the choices I made,the places I have been and the results of it.
When the students asked me what my favorite part of the job was, I replied that I love interviewing people because we have assumptions and prejudices in our minds from experiences that filter how we see the world.
If you could see their faces when I explained that my family came here illegally in canoes in the night, they were shocked. When they heard that INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) came and picked them up and they had to reenter the country legally, I saw connection.
That’s what it is all about right? Connection?
I took interpersonal communications classes in college and I love to find ways to connect with people.
I love hearing their stories, their battles, their experiences. I love listening when people reach out to help each other. I love our school for building relationships with each other. And the teachers, paras, and coaches that take time to include everyone they can.
One day these students will graduate high school and head out into the world to carve their own paths
Some may think I can’t wait to get out of this little town.
But having lived in large cities with a lot of awesome things like art museums and foods from around the world, I still choose Syracuse. I choose people, relationships, and sunsets.
The coolest part of speaking at the class was reaching these young adults and hopefully making an impact on their lives. Every one of us makes a difference, good or bad. Sometimes both. I get it right sometimes and sometimes get it wrong. It’s called humanity.
My daughter played Amazing Grace on the piano at church Sunday. When she finished she said I made a mistake. I told her it is Amazing Grace not Amazing Perfection.
I hope this week, this month, this season, as we walk into the holidays, we remember we all make a difference. And I love the holiday season because it tends to bring out more grace. Look around, someone is admiring you or someone may be misunderstanding you.
Watching these teachers, paras, coaches, bus drivers, and school staff help guide our children is incredible. I love how they give their all to helping the students build each other up, connect, and pursue a positive future.
As the season of Thanksgiving is upon us, maybe take time to thank one of them, buy them a drink.
“When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
- Albert Camus
It is a beautiful, rainy Wednesday morning as I write this. Gentle rains have fallen all over our county, polishing the trees with a shiny luster, washing away the dust and dirt, and giving our crops a push. I tried to take photos of the rain for the newspaper but nothing... [More]
It’s May! April showers bring May flowers! We got rain!! Over an inch in the northern part of the county. In town, I have dandelions. They don’t look pretty. I mow and they still come up. I am torn about dandelions. Dandelions are a healthy, nutrient rich food.... [More]
We are nearing the end of April. Showers are in the forecast for the next few days. Rain in southwest Kansas is a beautiful gift to be treasured! Life has been crazy, which has become the norm for me. Between sheep, work, my daughter’s track meets, and everything... [More]
It’s early Wednesday morning at 4:40 AM, as I sit in bed sipping a large cup of coffee writing a few notes on my phone to finish this week’s paper. I walked into church Sunday. I saw the message, Hallelujahs and headaches, and I laughed. That is the theme of... [More]
It’s bug season in western Kansas. It sounds like drops of rain falling but really it’s bugs hitting your windshield of your car or pickup, and they are a pain to clean off. But they are also a sign of warmer weather here! For a while now, I have been in a funk... [More]
Happy April! There is wind, rain, and snow in our forecast for the next couple of days. Happy spring in western Kansas. LOL. I have never been a big fan of April Fools Day but this year in particular April 1 was a rough one. It started off with a lot of gratitude... [More]
Happy Spring! Happy warm temperatures. Happy sunshine without extreme wind days! It is supposed to be 88 degrees today and tomorrow. Doesn’t that sun feel good? And how wild that a week ago there was still snow on the ground. It may sound crazy but I appreciate the... [More]
Does anyone remember the short story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry? It is one of my favorites. If I recall correctly, the couple sells their most treasured possessions to secretly buy each other Christmas gifts. Again it has been many years since I read the story, but... [More]
The Hi-Plains League has announced recipients of all-league basketball honors. The selection process begins when individual coaches submit names. The players are then voted on by the other HPL coaches. However, coaches may not vote on their own players. Syracuse High School... [More]
Small but Mighty! That is the name high school Head Cheerleading Coach, Marcos Valadez put on the 2024-2025 squad last summer, “We may not have the numbers, but our team has overcome adversity and is always stepping up to the challenge.” Proving this, the Syracuse... [More]
The Syracuse Bulldogs Ladies Varsity Golf Team took first at their season opener in Stanton County on Tuesday afternoon. They shot a team score of 207 at the Prairie Pines Golf Course in Johnson. The varsity team is Lanee Owens, Bronwyn Lewis, Sammy Schwieterman, Maddy... [More]
Qualifying members of the high school track team traveled to Hill City Thursday, May 16 to compete in the 2-A regional meet against 15 teams, Ellinwood, Ellis, Hill City, Hoxie, Lincoln, Meade, Medicine Lodge, Oakley, Plainville, Smith Center, Stanton County, Sublette, Thomas... [More]
The Syracuse High School boys golf team battled breezy conditions on Monday May 13 competing in the 2-A Regional meet on their own Tamarisk Golf Course. Adjusting to windy conditions and competing at home paid off for the Bulldogs Monday, placing second, qualifying... [More]
State golf on Monday had the Varsity Bulldogs miss playing in the finals as a team by one stroke. They finished seventh out of twelve teams. On Day 1, Brody Keller shot a 92 missing day two by two strokes. Ian Brummett shot a 95, Mason Scott and Johnny TeVelde shot... [More]
Junior High Boys Basketball A, B, and C teams travelled to Elkhart on Monday, November 21. The A team won 41-34, B team won 26-21, and C team lost to Elkhart 13-20. Head Coach Vance Keller said, “Elkhart was a tough win for both the A and B teams but both grinded... [More]
The Lady Bulldogs were undefeated during the Border Wars, defeating Eads on Friday, 42-7 and Walsh on Saturday 62-5, bringing their record to 3-1. But the winner wasn’t announced until Tuesday evening. Syracuse Athletic Director Josh Johnson explained, “It came down... [More]
Drive ten miles north of Kendall where the blacktop ends, where the dust of the county dirt road flies. Travel a few more miles and on the Kearny County side of the border you will find the Horton Farmstead. Trees, farm equipment, a small backyard playground, barns, and a small,... [More]
Syracuse resident Marvin and Janet Weis returned home last week to find a package waiting at their door. Marvin was sure Janet had ordered something online. When they got inside and opened the manila envelope, Marvin was shocked to find he had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal... [More]
“Since I moved back here, everything is falling into place.” Diena Schwieterman, 1986 SHS graduate made the decision to move home. “As soon as I made the decision, it seems like everything began falling into place.” Diena... [More]
Syracuse Bulldogs power lifting successful season is ending with nine athletes qualifying for the state meet Saturday, March 29 in Conway Springs at 9:00 AM CT, 8:00 AM MT. Qualifying are Natalia Figueroa, Stella Simon, Deena Rochat, Angel Peralta, Angel Ramirez, Will Roberts,... [More]
Scams. Hackers. They are everywhere. They call your phone, text a simple hi, email you from what looks like a reasonable business. They are out for your money or your identity. We often think they get other people, not us. Local resident Ronna Simon is exasperated.... [More]
On Friday night, the stands were filled with students, parents, and spectators out to enjoy homecoming against the Sublette Larks. The pep rally started off the afternoon with contests and games to get the students excited. The JH Pep Band played, the cheerleaders performed,... [More]
If you think you have seen a little spaceship on the streets around town, you are not alone. Many of us have wondered what this new contraption is and how it works. According to City Administrator, Brian Bloyd, it is the new Ravo R5 street sweeper. “This replaces... [More]
In the last year and a half, Dairy Specialists has grown from working with three dairies to 15, and they have quickly outgrown their space. They found a larger facility in Ulysses with 12 acres that is centrally located to the dairies they service. No employees have to... [More]
Angela Rose Bennett, 41, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025 at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She was born on September 27, 1983 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to David Lynn and Teresa Gwyn (Carmin) Bennett. Angela graduated high school in Wichita. She worked at The Boys Home and... [More]
Jason Wayne Helton, 55, of Salem, Arkansas, passed from this life on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Salem, Arkansas. Jason was born March 5, 1970, in Syracuse, Kansas to James “Jim” Wayne Helton and Barbara Louise (Todd) Helton. Jason worked in southwest Kansas for Syracuse... [More]
Goldeen Rose Claypool, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother. passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, in Cheney, Kansas, at the age of 93. Born on September 3, 1931, in Syracuse Kansas, Goldeen was the daughter of Glen "Bill" and Byrdine Hartshorn. She was preceded... [More]
A Celebration of life for Harvey Drake will be held at Garden Valley Church in Garden City, Kansas on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Ensz officiating. Inurnment will take place at Hartman Cemetery in Hartman, Colorado. Per Harvey’s... [More]
Kathryn Jeanette McCracken, 83 May 2nd, 1941 – April 16th, 2025 Services for Holly, Colorado resident, Kathy McCracken will be held at the Holly Methodist Church, in Holly, Colorado on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Kathy Leathers officiating.... [More]
Miguel V. Baeza, husband to Carmen (Nieto) Baeza, father, grandfather, brother, businessman, and jack of all trades passed away on April 9, 2025. He was 68 years young. Born on September 11, 1956, Miguel immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 in search of a... [More]
Raymond Dwight Lohman entered this world on February 12, 1948 at Donahue Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, Kansas. Dwight peacefully passed away on April 7, 2025 at the age of 77 surrounded by friends and family at the Hamilton County Hospital, Syracuse, Kansas. A... [More]
Hall Funeral Home 949 Main Street Waldoboro, Maine 04572 Dateline: Washington It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Terry “Stringbean” C. Wade, who left us on March 29, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on June 9, 1955, in Garden City, Kansas,... [More]
©2025 The Syracuse Journal. Powered by Pluto Sites.