After my rant on dog walkers sans poop picker-uppers, I figured there would be some fallout (so to speak). And the HDN readers did not disappoint.

The first communication came in the form a phone call from brother Mark in Texas. He reported, "The dog gods must know I'm your brother! I went out to the mail box this morning and was greeted by a large fresh present."

One of my neighbors across the ditch let me know he would now walk his dog back and forth in front of my house until, well, you know. More than one reader warned me I would most likely have a lot more of the stuff in my yard from now on.

It seems there is no middle stance on this issue; you're either on one side or the other. I was applauded by many folks (who usually looked around before weighing in on the issue) agreeing with my views on this sticky subject.

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Dottie has been trying to get me to plant a yard for almost 15 years. Last fall, she said, "Do you want your granddaughter playing in a yard full of stickers?"

Done.

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This past weekend took us to Wamego and points east and west as son Kevin and Kori Wells were wed. A poignant sidebar was they wed on the day of Kevin's late grandparents, Neal and Helen Stephens. Kevin and Neal were buddies and, although he didn't plan purposely to share his grandparent's anniversary date, he was pleased it worked out that way.

Wamego is a cool, friendly town. As you wait to cross the street, the cars always stop. Everyone waves. It has a rich history, from the Columbian Theatre to the Oz Museum to a restored section of the town from the 1800s and much more. Oh, and a great golf course.

Former residents of Hays and good friends, Bob and Mary Johnson, opened their home to our family for the weekend.

It was fun getting together with Kori's parents, Bryan and Sue, and meeting their family, especially their family's rock star, "Grandma."

Friday's rehearsal dinner was in Topeka at the Kiku Restaurant. They cook at your table and our cooks were hilarious. Duly note this stop next time you are in Topeka.

The wedding was in the Danforth Chapel on the K-State campus. It only holds 60 people and it was full. And then back to Wamego for the reception at the Columbian Theatre. Everything went great.

Congratulations, Kevin and Kori.

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Another clever reader commented on my last column, "Oh, does everything have to be about your bowels and nether regions?¬ No wonder the HDN has to edit you so assiduously."

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Our area lost a great entertainer on June 18th. John Jacques Jr. passed away at the far too young age of 65.

The last time I visited with John was at Daryl Haselhorst's wake. Afterwards, Dottie told me that John had told her that we are all too busy. We work too much and don't do the important things like getting together with friends and family. Needless to say, his passing was a sad reminder of that conversation.

My family first met John through The Chosen Few, a very popular area band from the '70s. John and his brother Bob were the mainstays of the group. My brother Lyle played bass for them and later, my brother Dale played drums. I sent the obit out via e-mail to some people that live away from Hays.

Fulton Calvery, one of Hays' all-time greatest guitar players responded, "I played bass with them one night for a wedding back in 1977. It was a four-hour gig ... we practiced for 30 minutes. Then John said, "That's enough. You don't want to be over-rehearsed. They sounded good -- I tried to follow best I could.¬ I was not the least bit over-rehearsed."

Brother Lyle wrote, "He was truly a loved and respected talent. I think we all lost a very good friend last week. All good people go to heaven, but the great ones get to go first."

After hearing about John, my brother Mark sent this, "I went home Friday and put the practice tape of Lyle and John on the big stereo and Missie and I listened from front to back!¬  This had to be taped over 30 years ago. It had some truly priceless tunes! Even had a bonus on it when John did both parts on the Waylon and Willie tunes!"

On a personal note, I loved to watch John play guitar and sing and listen to his banter with the crowd. He was a performer; a true entertainer. Above all, I remember him playing his fiddle and The Orange Blossom Special. The phrase "unbridled enthusiasm" comes to mind.

We have a long weekend coming up. In John's memory, let us all remember what is important.

Glenn Staab, a lifelong Hays resident and former city commissioner, sells insurance and real estate and is the Democratic Party chairman for Ellis County. elcodemo@odsys.net