Letters to the Editor

The Rawlins County Square Deal welcomes letters to the editor. They will be judged for brevity and good taste and will be subject to editing. A letter that may be libelous will not be published. Letters to the editor must be signed.

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Recruiting new volunteers

By Kathy Davis-Vrbas

?This community absolutely shines in the month of May. Typically, we graduate students we know are going out into the world to accomplish great things. We welcome alumni back to their hometowns, which we have spruced up in anticipation. We make plans for summer celebrations, as well as lining up activities for our kids. We are a small population, doing great things. It’s a fine time to be in Rawlins County, Kansas.
However, the busy-ness of May can make veteran volunteers yearn for extra hands to help carry the load. Working together on community events constitutes a large portion of our social life in our small towns, that is true. But it takes time, thought and muscle to keep alive regular events like the After-Prom Party, Rotary Auction, scholarship awards programs, Rod Run, Alumni reunions, Swim Team, Summer Recreation and Vacation Bible School and to hold special celebrations, like McDonald’s 125th birthday party — while coping with spring farming, business, home and garden chores.
Seasoned and sagging volunteers are frequently longing for help. As we search out new recruits to share in the fun, here are a few suggestions.
• Don’t be an “ageist”: In other words, we shouldn’t overlook any potential volunteer because of his or her age. Younger people may be inexperienced, but they have inspiration and energy to offer. Older people may not be super peppy or familiar with the latest trends, but they have wisdom and skills to bring to the table.
• When an eager newbie offers a suggestion, vow that you will not to murder that enthusiasm with any these statements: “We’ve never done it that way”; “We tried that once and it didn’t work”; or “We always do it this way.”
• Don’t be afraid to change it up. People love traditions and look forward to them. But if an old practice has lost its effectiveness, be bold! Try something new!
• And finally, here’s a tip that’s just a matter of etiquette: When you invite a person to join your committee, refrain from voting him or her in as president at the very first meeting.
(However, if that person shows up for the second meeting, it’s open season.)

— Letters to the Editor —

Christians are persecuted, reader states

To the editor:

?Christians persecuted in the United States of America? This is surely a misprint. The cold, hard facts are that the Obama Administration, in conjunction with the Pentagon, has publically called out and threatened Christians in the military for sharing their faith with their fellow soldiers and what is the punishment for these High Crimes and dastardly, cowardly treasons acts? Courtmartial, dishonorable discharge and prison time.
Chaplains in the military are so encumbered that many are leaving the service. This is intimidation and persecution in the most egregious form, from our nation that was formed around the concept of freedom and especially the freedom of religion and free speech.
The question has to be asked, why is this government so afraid of Christians and Christian precepts? These precepts are at the very core and foundation of the United States America. Our Pledge of Allegiance proclaims “One nation under God” and our currency reaffirms our corporate dependence “In God we trust.” Our President and each legislator placed their hand on God’s Holy Word, the Bible and swore to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States of America and our Bill of Rights, and yet they have taken every opportunity to break and dishonor their vow and to dishonor the citizens of the United States.
There has always been persecution of Christians, starting with Christ himself. We should not be surprised then when an evil government seeks to eliminate freedom of religion, the sanctum of free speech and our right to defend ourselves. After all, this government considers Christians to be a threat to this government and classifies Christians in the same category as terrorists that maim and kill.
Our forebears shed their blood so (We/I) could have freedom without government interference. Was the blood that was shed to purchase these freedoms shed for naught? Will persecution and government control worsen? As Christians, we should resist this persecution, even as our forefathers did, but by God’s grace, we can also rejoice that we are considered worthy to suffer for Christ.

Kent Voorhies

Fill out the survey

To the editor:

?In the next two weeks, each household in Rawlins County will be receiving an income survey. This survey is part of Community Development Block Grant initiative. The county and the cities, Atwood, Herndon and McDonald need to prove that a percentage of the population qualifies as low to moderate income. If we meet this qualification, the individual cities and the county are eligible to apply for grant monies.
In the past, CDBG grant money has been used to pay for the firehouse in McDonald, the Rawlins County Health Center clinic renovation and the Atwood Downtown Beautification project. The income information is kept on file and used in the years to come as cities and the county continue to seek funding to help pay for our cities' and county’s infrastructure.
Here are important things to know about the survey:
It is a short, one-page survey that asks for the number of families living in your household, the number of people in each family and a range of your 2012 gross income, i.e. if your total family income is below, between or above the income figures listed.
We need information about every household, not every resident. Time and effort have gone toward creating the most accurate mailing list possible, but mistakes happen. If you receive a survey addressed to the wrong name, please fill it out. We still need your household information.
Results of the survey are confidential. Rachel Finley, the elected Rawlins County clerk, along with a representative from NW KS Planning and Development Commission and a representative from the KS Department of Commerce, are the only people who will have access to the master list, connecting your survey to your name and address.
The survey is a simple but important way to ensure that Rawlins County continues to be a great place to live. Please take five minutes to fill out the survey and mail it back in the postage paid envelope by June 1.

Jessica Mews
Rawlins County Economic Development