Halloween is a highlight of fall, as children and even adults anxiously await October 31. Similar to the holiday season, people often decorate their homes for Halloween, and even do so well in advance of late October to maximize the amount of time they get to enjoy the trinkets and other items.
At first glance, soil sampling would seem to be a relatively easy task. However, when you consider the variability that likely exists within a field because of inherent soil formation factors and past production practices, the collection of a representative soil sample becomes more of a challenge.
Property crimes are perhaps more common than people may realize. Data from the Council on Criminal Justice indicates residential burglaries declined by 26 percent in 2023 compared to 2019. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation indicates there were nearly seven million property-related crimes committed in 2019, which means there were still more than five million such crimes committed in 2023.
The disciples cried out to Jesus, “Lord, increase our faith!” Jesus answered, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” Most of us would expect Jesus to talk about moving mountains. Instead, he chooses the ordinary mulberry tree — stubborn, persistent, sometimes a nuisance, sometimes a blessing. I grew up around mulberries: hollow trunks perfect for little children to climb inside, deep roots that sprang back twice as strong if you cut them out of the fence line, branches that sometimes wrapped themselves around old windmills. (A tall mulberry tree in the middle of a pasture has led me to more than one wrecked and grounded windmill, just waiting to be discovered and restored.) Depending on where they grew, mulberries could be shade trees or weeds. In the Holy Land, mulberries were often associated with sorrow or death. And yet today, mulberry leaves are being studied for their healing properties: regulating blood sugar, boosting immunity, even preventing cancer. What was once seen as a symbol of loss now becomes a source of life.
Halloween is an annual celebration that many children and adults look forward to each October. From the mysterious and the macabre to the goofy and gregarious, Halloween speaks to people in many different ways. And with the opportunity to accumulate several pounds of sugary treasure after a few hours of trick-or-treating, is it any wonder celebrants love Halloween?
The digital era has its benefits. People from all over are able to connect almost instantaneously. Computers have made fast work of many tasks that once took hours or days to complete. Information or even funds can be shared at the click of a button. But for all of the benefits technology has provided, there is a darker side to the connectivity of the modern world. What has become easier for the general public also has become easier from those looking to take advantage of others.
The Hiawatha Middle School Lady Red Hawks competed against Jefferson West on Thursday, Oct. 9.
These are the patrol statistics for the 3rd quarter of 2025. I have had a number of people that have expressed their appreciation for all that we do, and like to keep up on our specific activity. I have been engaged in many positive conversations and suggestions from the county residents. I appreciate all of your support and input as community safety partners.
The Hiawatha Lady Red Hawks hosted the Royal Valley Lady Panthers on Tuesday evening. The night was extra special as the Hiawatha Lady Red Hawk seniors were honored. Claire Twombly, Kaeleigh Ruckman, Quinn Boye, and Adison Williams were celebrated for their accomplishments. Chrissy Allen, Brylie Williams and Ashley Moreleda were also honored for their contributions.
The Hiawatha High School Red Hawk Cross Country Team traveled to Sabetha where the girls’ team placed first and there were seven individual medalists.