day – Deanna Bonn

Government Day in Butler County

Through a cooperative effort by the Butler County Administration, American Legion Posts and Auxiliary Units in Butler County, students from schools throughout the county convened in front of the Butler County Courthouse on Tuesday, November 16th to learn about the various functions of our county government and where tax dollars are invested.

Education is an important part of the mission of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary because a democracy depends largely on its people being informed.

The Government Day program is geared towards informing high school students enrolled in Government classes within Butler County.

Commission Chairman Jeff Masterson welcomes students.

Greeted by County Commission Chairman Jeff Masterson, the students were told how the day would unfold. They divided into several groups and rotated through stations throughout the day.

Those stations were composed of the different administrative, executive and legal offices within Butler County.

Group chaperones included members of the American Legion.

Students sat in the Board of County Commissioners meeting located on the fourth floor of the historic courthouse and heard from the County Commissioners and GIS Mapping Department’s Director Pam Dunham. She shared an abbreviated history of Butler County with the students in addition to quizzing them on some well-known, and some obscure, facts of the largest county in Kansas.

Commissioners welcomed students and shared about the roles in county government.

Students learning fun facts about Butler County.

At another station, students heard from Butler County Clerk, Tatum Stafford and her office. Students who were of voting age and unregistered, were given the opportunity to register to vote.

Students learned about the voting process through a mock election.

Emergency Management Director, Keri Korthals shared why the need for emergency preparedness was the responsibility of all the people.

Butler County Emergency Management Director Keri Korthals speaks to students at her station.

And the Public Works Department was stationed in the parking lot and gave students an opportunity to learn what the department is responsible for as well as learning about the equipment they use on a daily basis.

Public Works equipment in the parking lot.

Students learned about the equipment used by the Public Works Department.

Students also visited the Judicial Building and the Butler County Detention Facility.

For lunch, the students were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs at the Butler County Community Building. The lunch was hosted by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, and prepared by the Red Devil Chefs.

American Legion Auxiliary members hosted lunch.

Red Devil Chefs grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.

While there students heard from American Legion Post #81 Commander Steve Seymour, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #81 President Karen Hasting, District 5 Auxiliary President Tracy Kinnick and State of Kansas Department President Annette Scheaffer. Each of the American Legion and Auxiliary members spoke on the programs, like Government Day, provided by the organizations. One of the programs available to high school juniors is Boys and Girls State.

American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are summer leadership and citizenship programs for high school juniors, which focus on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics.

Concluding the program, Representative Will Carpenter shared why he entered public service and encouraged each of the students to get involved in local government.

World College Radio Day

Butler Community College Radio students participated in the 10th annual World College Radio Day by hosting 12 hours of live programming on KBTL 88.1 The Grizz on Friday, October 2, 2020. KBTL is one of over 600 college radio stations across the world to participate and is being recognized for participating in all 10 years.

The goal of World College Radio Day is to raise a greater, international awareness of the many college and high school radio stations that operate around the world. By encouraging people who would not normally listen to college radio, to do so on this day, World College Radio Day helps celebrate the important contribution of college radio.

According to their website, “The organizers of College Radio Day believe that college radio is one of the last remaining bastions of creative radio programming, free from the constrictions of having to be commercially viable, and a place where those involved in its programming believe passionately in its mission. College radio is the only free live medium brave enough to play unsigned, local, and independent artists on a regular basis. Indeed, many famous and successful bands today, owe their initial break to being played on college radio. Put simply, college radio is an important part of the media landscape because of its unique and fearless programming.”

The original idea for College Radio Day was conceived by Dr. Rob Quicke (General Manager, WPSC FM, William Paterson University, NYC market), and was founded in December 2010 by Quicke, who worked with Peter Kreten (General Manager, WXAV FM, Saint Xavier University, Chicago market) to help develop the idea.

Flag Day Observation

On Sunday, June 14th, in a joint venture between the American Legion, Elks and VFW, El Dorado residents gathered at the Bandshell in Forest Park to enjoy a patriotic program performed by the El Dorado Municipal Band.

A free hot dog dinner was provided as a part of the Flag Day Celebration.

Speaking to the audience, American Legion Post Commander Steve Seymour shared a few facts concerning the United States Flag.

More than 250 hot dogs were served at the Flag Day Ceremony.

Flag Day is celebrated each year on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The United States Army also celebrates

Flag Day is not an official federal holiday, however, it is at the President’s discretion to officially proclaim the observance. In a proclamation released by the White House, President Trump authorized the observance of Flag Day, this year and urged all Americans to pay tribute to our National symbol.

An Honor Guard presents the colors, prior to the performance.

“On Flag Day and throughout National Flag Week, we pay tribute to the American flag, the most recognizable symbol of the principles for which our Republic stands. For more than 200 years, the Stars and Stripes has represented liberty, justice, and the rule of law. Recently, as our Nation has come together to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, our flag has been a reminder of the courage, tenacity, and loyalty that define the indomitable American spirit,” read the proclamation.

“Our great flag causes us to reflect humbly on the immeasurable price that has been paid to keep it “so gallantly streaming.” Throughout our Nation’s history, proud patriots have nobly answered the call of duty when our country needed them most. The Star Spangled Banner serves as an everlasting remembrance of the sacrifices heroes of every generation have made in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our flag ensures that we never forget the incredible sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made to defend our liberty and way of life.

“This year, Old Glory has waved over millions of brave Americans fighting the invisible enemy, often at risk to their personal health and wellbeing. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare professionals have treated and cared for those sickened by the virus, and countless American patriots have provided critical goods and services to their fellow citizens in these uncertain times. These dedicated individuals have risen to the challenge, meeting the virus on the frontlines with the same conviction and unwavering determination that has empowered our Nation to overcome previous trials. Just as we prevailed in those struggles, we will emerge victorious against this new enemy and again raise our flag in triumph.

“The American flag represents the unity of our country and its people. No matter what may divide us, Old Glory should be revered and cherished, as a symbol of all that makes America the greatest country in the world. As we honor our beautiful flag on this day and throughout this week, let us vow never to forget the tremendous sacrifices made by patriots from generation to generation to ensure that the red, white, and blue continues to fly high and free. Today, and every day, I am proud to join my fellow Americans in standing tall and saluting our great American flag.”

Memorial Day Tribute

Members from the Captain Edgar Dale American Legion Post 81 in El Dorado, didn’t let a little rain on Monday stop them from paying tribute to their fellow brothers and sisters who have given their lives in service to their country.

On Friday and Saturday mornings, they decorated every veteran’s grave at Belle Vista, Walnut River and Sunset Lawns Cemeteries.

“We’re out here with family and friends and American legion family and friends putting flags on headstones and paying our respects to those who have gone before us,” said Post Commander Steve Seymour.

“We will walk the cemetery and put eyes on every headstone in hopes that we don’t miss one. If we do miss one, feel free to call us or stop by the office at the cemetery. We will leave some markers and flags with them.”
They don’t do it to be recognized, they do it to recognize and honor the brave men and women who died for our freedoms.

While the annual Memorial Day ceremony was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions, an American Legion Honor Guard performed a 21-Gun Salute and played Taps at Sunset Lawns Cemetery on Monday afternoon.

“We came to pay tribute to our fallen comrades, said Seymour. “We felt it only fitting since they laid down their lives for us. We can’t do a regular ceremony because of COVID-19 social distancing, but we felt that our brothers and sisters buried here deserve this tribute.”

Nations Wreaths Across America Day

National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 14, 2019, this year.

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. The ceremonies In El Dorado will begin at 12:00p.m.

Debbie Kellogg, left, Wreaths Across America founder, Morrill Worcester, center, and DeLane Kellogg, right.

The Kellogg’s pick up the wreaths from the Walmart Distribution Center in Ottawa. They will be delivering wreaths, along with their daughter, to the three El Dorado cemeteries, Sunset Lawns Cemetery, Walnut Valley Cemetery and Belle Vista Cemetery on Saturday.

Members and volunteers from the Captain Edgar Dale American Legion Post 82 and Auxiliary Unit 81 in El Dorado will be on hand to help lay wreaths.

According to Debbie Kellogg, there are currently 108 wreaths to be laid, this year.