New contagious diseases are scary. They frighten us because they are unknown and unpredictable - and media coverage can increase those fears.

Bob Strasner is an agronomist based in south central Kansas. He has over 30 years of experience in the farming, soil science and plant science business. His weekly column focuses on agronomy, horticulture, soil science, farming in general, rural-small town community life, some life-learned wisdom and a good dose of humor here and there.

Top articles and news from the Kiowa County Press in Eads, Colorado, for the week ending February 15, 2020.

The coronavirus outbreak in China will have an impact on the United States economy - however the recent trade war may have cushioned the blow.

The weather just keeps getting better throughout the weekend, with sunshine and 60 degrees by Sunday afternoon.

Scattered snow showers are possible from Monday into Tuesday, with the highest chance at 50 percent Monday night and temperatures dropping into the teens.

Wednesday night is looking like the coldest, with clear skies and temperatures near 10 degrees.

We will be on the rebound from February 21 through 24, with a nice warming trend to between 55 and 60 degrees during the day.

Pearls of faith from Pastor Richard Zabriskie.

Survivalism is a growing movement to actively prepare for emergencies. These can be related to weather, impending war, or ideological beliefs. It makes sense; anything can happen at any time. Anyone concerned about the future should read on: these must-have tools for survivalists will ensure safety in your home as well as in the Colorado wilderness during any emergency.

Among car and truck enthusiasts, there’s an ongoing debate over gasoline and diesel engines. For years, the gasoline engine was viewed as superior to the diesel, but that attitude is changing. Once only the domain of trains, semis, farm equipment, and heavy-duty pickup trucks, diesel engines are having a renaissance in the 21st century. Environmental concerns are one of the driving factors of this, unbelievable as it sounds. Diesel engines burn cleaner and more efficiently than gasoline engines.

From the 133-year history of the Kiowa County Press in Eads, Colorado.

Rural life and humor, with characters from the mind of Slip Randles.