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As I write this on Wednesday, and a much-needed summer rain falls outside, I'm thinking of the very wise prediction Tim Schmidt made last week as the Bieker Boys gathered in the office reception area lamenting on the lack of moisture.

Tim profoundly remarked, "After every drought, it rains."
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Speaking of wise men, Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson made an excellent choice in appointing 3 1/2-term Ellsworth legislator Josh Svaty as secretary of Agriculture. This was a great move for Kansas.

Thanks to the Gov and thanks to Josh for his service to my great state.
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Dottie and I took in the performance of Jimmy Dee and the Fabulous Destinations at the Wild West Festival. These guys started playing together more than 30 years ago; they've been in different bands, but have reunited and in my humble opinion are better than ever.

Congratulations and thanks to Jimmy, Anthony, Tim, Bill, Joe and Ray for a great show. (Full disclosure: The band dedicated "Let It Be Me" by The Everley Brothers to Dottie and I, as it was our anniversary. It was beautifully done and much appreciated, but in no way swayed my favorable review of the show.)
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My three buddies and I celebrated the 20th annual "Brad Who?" Weekend a few weeks ago. An annual event of golfing, eating, visiting and beverages.

After a great lunch at the Ellis Country Club, we teed 'em up. The course is in fantastic shape. "Hats off" to course superintendent, Neil DeWerff.

Saturday, we played The Fort. Although you can now drive up to your ball in the all the fairways, there are some issues with some of the greens on the back nine. You have to read your putt like you are playing miniature golf.

And the Oklahoma rough (it's as high as an elephant's eye). We invoked the "first white ball rule." If one hit in the rough, they could play the first white ball they found with no penalty. The first time I looked for my ball in the rough, I discovered a snake. The search was over. A white ball was tossed from pocket; and the ball was about the only white thing around me at the time.

All in all, the annual event was again a great success.
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This is a little late, but a great big salute to the firefighters attending the Memorial Day service at the courthouse. It was a hot day, and I saw them check on at least three different people that got a little too much sun.

One veteran in the color guard was sent to the hospital. The firefighters methodically went about their work as the ceremony continued.

Another impressive ceremony, made more so by what looked like record attendance.
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I have often written on the pride I take in my hometown. We are far from perfect, but those of us who live here have a pretty sweet deal.

Two weeks ago, my daughter Michelle and I collaborated on a column. Thank you so much for all of your kind remarks. To answer the most-asked question, I'm sure we'll do another one in the future.

We wrote about Teresa Boos and her fight with cancer. She has a Web site at sanctuaryfriendsnetwork.com. Teresa has authored a book called "The Little Handbook of Cancer Etiquette: Help and Hope for the Journey." Readers from all over the U.S. have ordered the book.

But here's the part that made me most proud of my city. On July 13, there was a blood drive in Teresa's honor and a goal was set. A goal that was smashed by Teresa's friends and supporters; some that, most likely, have never met her but wanted to help.

Now that is news worth reporting.