In the spirit of the season, we’re excited to share these heartwarming letters from Santa’s mailbag with Ottawa Herald readers. Letters submitted this year were written by students from Central Heights Elementary School as well as other local children who wanted to reach out to Santa before he hitched up his sleigh and headed off on his biggest night of the year.
Small businesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities. There is something to be said about being on a first-name basis with a local restaurateur or another small business owner, as such familiarity often translates into exemplary service.
In the late-1950s and early-1960s after Ottawa school students would get out for Christmas break at noon - and we wouldn’t go back until Jan. 2 - we would start making luminaries with sandwich sacks, sand and candles along with our neighbors in the 13th and 14th blocks of South Oak. My brother, David, and I would take the luminaries and put them on the driveway and our curbs. After it got dark, everyone in the neighborhood would light them. We would also bake cookies, too. Along with our parents, we would go and see our Ottawa or Garnett grandparents. - Marsha Hermreck, Ottawa
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reported the following calls for service on Dec. 19.
Dear Readers, It’s one thing to heed the warnings and think you’re ready for the first winter storm of the season and quite another to have three cats jump on your head at 2am because a big cold wolf of a Northwind is huffing and puffing and trying to blow the farmhouse down. All six paws on my face were quite cold, and it was so drafty, I thought for a moment that the wind was coming right through the walls. I pulled out another quilt and we curled up together, soon toasty warm and sleeping obliviously the rest of the night through the weather.
“Remember the reason for the season.” The comment has often been repeated, but in reality, who has given much thought to what it means? Christmas is supposed to be a birthday party celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, savior of the human race. That is readily forgotten by way too many, and more concerning not even known by perhaps the majority.
During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, the Ottawa Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, during the Taking Down DUI traffic enforcement campaign.
The West Franklin girls basketball team ended the 2022 portion of its schedule Friday with a 49-29 loss to Chase County. The Falcons were led… Login to continue reading Login…
Buddy Welch’s voice echoed in the ears of many Central Heights students beyond their high school years. The legendary teacher, coach and administrator touched many lives throughout his 48-year stint in the school district.
After three-straight losses this season, the Ottawa High School Cyclones boys basketball team wanted to win its last game before the Christmas break. And as the final seconds ticked away Friday night in Paola, the Cyclones did just that, coming out on top 5147 over league rival Paola High School.