Opinions

Dear Savvy Senior, How do Social Security spousal benefits work? My wife, who’s approaching age 62, has had a few small-paying jobs over the years, but spent most of her time as a homemaker. What is she entitled to? Primary Breadwinner Dear Breadwinner, Spousal benefit questions are among the most frequently asked and confusing parts of Social Security.

During my years on the City Council here in Haysville, I have always been impressed by the hard work and dedication of the people in our city departments. I want to take some time and shine a light on these wonderful people and the departments that make this city run pretty darn efficiently. Some of our departments, such as the police, public works, and recreation, are wellknown, being in the eyes of our community. Some of our other departments, such as administration services and the city clerk, are also very important to the smooth functioning of the city. I want to highlight all these terrific departments.

November is my favorite month of the year, and not just because it’s my birthday month. I love November because of Thanksgiving meals.

Two weeks ago I noted a special night for Kim and me as I took her to go see one of my favorite bands from many years back. On Saturday night, we had a similar experience, this time with the Vets Aid Concert spearheaded by none other than Joe Walsh of the Eagles.

It's been an odd little fall this year. And when I say “odd little fall,” the emphasis is on little.

I'm not sure how familiar people in this part of the world are with Waymo, the driver-less, autonomous “robotaxi” company created by Google. I've seen these when visiting the West Coast, especially in and around San Francisco.

After a stop-and-go start to fall harvest because of weather and breakdowns, we’ve finally found our groove in November. The wheat is now in the ground; the cattle have been sent off to winter pasture and the clear and sunny days have allowed us to keep the combines in the fields.

Kim and I got our anniversary weekend started a little bit early with a concert on Thursday night a week ago. A band that I've been a fan of for almost five decades now, Asleep at the Wheel, was back in town for a concert at The Cotillion.

Even if fashion has turned its proverbial posterior away from wearing knee-length shorts in public, I am a traditionalist who embraces the items still hanging in my closet—all of which are at or below the knee.

I got a unique opportunity this past Friday night to be back on the sidelines of a high school football game, thanks to my musically talented grandson. That doesn't immediately sound like it makes any sense, but it actually does.