Q and AThanks go to KDOT for signs

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 18, 2008

Question: Who is responsible for the beautiful signs on Interstate 70 and the Kansas Turnpike that say, "Welcome to the Flint Hills?" - R.D., Silver Lake.

Answer: It was a project of the Kansas Department of Transportation with a lot of organizations involved.

"They are the latest state effort to celebrate and promote the Flint Hills," said Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Deb Miller when the four signs were installed and dedicated last fall. "The welcome signs will help the millions of travelers who pass through this area get a sense of the magnitude of the land they are crossing."

The four signs are located on I-70 near Maple Hill and Junction City and on the Kansas Turnpike near Emporia and Cassoday.

The signs are made of native limestone and each is 25 feet wide, nine feet tall and weighs 30 tons.

Olson Associates of Overland Park designed the monuments and R.F.B. Construction Co. Inc. of Pittsburg constructed and installed the signs.

The project cost approximately $294,000 using Federal Transportation Enhancement Funds.

"These monuments demonstrate the power of collaboration in pursuit of common goal," said Linda Craghead, executive director of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition. "In this case, it was a shared love of the Flint Hills by citizens of the 22 Flint Hills counties."

Agencies involved in the project credited Gov. Kathleen Sebelius for leading the state's initiative to rise awareness in the Flint Hills.

They cited the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, which stretches from Council Grove to Cassoday on K-177, which has been designated a national scenic byway, and the Native Stone Scenic Byway that runs from near Alma to Dover, as showcases of the region.

Question: A friend of mine in Topeka sent me some cookie recipes from your newspaper's "Cook of the Month." The story says she sells the cookies. Can you tell me how to reach her? - L.V., Valley Falls.

Answer: You probably are referring to Teresa Covert who sells cookies under the name, "Aunt T's Sweet Creations," and was featured several weeks ago.

You may call her at (785) 357-6568.

She said her most popular sweets are chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Question: Are there any international travel clubs in Topeka that provide regular meetings where one can see films and hear stories about such travel? - R.S., Topeka.

Answer: We could find only one that has regular meetings.

It is sponsored by the Topeka Downtown Lions Club and you may call Steve Page at 273-9993 for information and meeting schedules.

If you have a question for retired Capital-Journal newsman Dick King, call 295-5610 and leave a message or write to Dick King, The Topeka Capital-Journal, 616 S.E. Jefferson, Topeka 66607.