We had the privilege of attending a sunrise service this past Sunday to remember and reflect on the empty cross and empty tomb that symbolize the hope and new life that we can have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I took this picture with my cell phone as we were on the hilltop waiting for the sunrise. It was overcast, and storms were brewing to the south. But, as you can see, there was a break in the clouds right where the sun would be coming up.

As you go through this year, think back to Easter and the life that we have through our risen Lord.

- Dan

No set of pictures would be complete without a picture of Riley, The Dog. Right now he’s almost full grown, but just over 3 lbs. K-State fans should pay close attention to the purple harness he is wearing. We finally found one that was small enough at Pets N Stuff in Westloop in Manhattan.

Yep, he’s a pretty good puppy!

- Dan

Who would have predicted this…

And such was the scene following the K-State v. KU basketball game on Valentine’s Day, where K-State came out victorious.

…and the crowd rushed the floor.

Thanks to Warren Parker who took this shot with his Galaxy S phone from the upper levels.

- Dan

First Snow of 2011

We finally got the first snow of the season in Riley County. It started snowing late Sunday night and went on throughout the day on Monday. The sun is shining today, but it’s cold outside today.

My measurements show over 7″ of the white stuff.

Most schools in the area had classes cancelled yesterday, and many of them are closed again today.

Just remember this picture next July when the temperature is over 100 degrees!

Happy sledding!

- Dan

Bethlehem Revisited

Every year, on the first weekend of December, over 1500 people take time to enjoy Bethlehem Revisited. It is hosted on the Judd Swihart farm just north of Keats in Riley County. The picture you see above (provided by Ed Thompson) is of the gathering of the cast prior to the start of the event.

Bethlehem Revisited is a 45 minute walking tour taking the visitor through the story of redemption, beginning with the prophets and then on to the life of Christ. It’s well worth your time to

The K-State Collegian newspaper had a very good article this year covering more details of Bethlehem Revisited, the history and the purpose. Take a look…

See you next year!

- Dan

Farmers & Ranchers of Kansas Farm Bureau

This past weekend was the 92nd annual meeting of Kansas Farm Bureau. This has been hosted at the state office in Manhattan for the past several years. More that 1000 Farm Bureau members from the 105 counties attended.

Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agriculture advocacy organization. At the annual meeting, these Farm Bureau members determined the resolutions that will act as their guide in the upcoming year as they advocate for agriculture  in Washington and Topeka, and before local bodies of government.

Take the time today to thank a farmer or rancher for their work in producing food for your family.

- Dan

Oh, Suzanna

The Riley County High School vocal department presented their Fall Concert on October 18. I’m a little slow in getting a portion of the video uploaded to YouTube. That means that I’m playing fast and loose with my definition of Picture.

We were all listening to this Stephen Foster song sung as a choral arrangement and noticed the soloist stepping forward. Expecting further singing in the same style, we were surprised to hear something a little different.

I hope you enjoy it!

- Dan

There’s a Storm Brewing

September is not normally known as a time of severe weather in Riley County. This picture was taken from the west parking lot of Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The football game between K-State and UCF was postponed for almost 90 minutes while this storm passed.

I thought this was a pretty awesome cloud. My youngest son was working parking and took this picture.

That’s just one more way to enjoy Life in Riley County!

- Dan

Friday Night Lights

The beginning of school brings the Fall sports. Fall sports brings football. Riley County High School and Clay Center met last Friday night.

The stands were full on both sides of the field.

The fans cheered.

The band played.

Points were scored.

In all it was a good time.

If you get a chance, head out to the local high school and watch some football. It’s not as precise as you might see with NCAA or NFL, but it’s every bit as exciting.

- Dan

That Time of Year

You see it all throughout Riley County. Children of all ages are heading back to school. Riley County Grade School is but one school where this is happening.

Many children are excited about the start of a new school year. There are new teachers and new students.

As you drive the roads of Riley County, you should be watching carefully for students. Busses are running. High School and college students are driving. Sometimes you will even pass a gaggle of runners working on Cross Country.

It’s a great time of year. Hope you enjoy it, too.

- Dan