“Did you hear what happened in Quinter yesterday??”

If you were on any form of social media, or watching any statewide news, our little town was mentioned quite frequently. I am saddened by a society that seems to have become so hungry for the negative aspect of a single event that rippled out into our state through the news about our little QUINTER. A news event was shared thousands of times and folks share it saying: “this happened in MY hometown” to the replies of crying emojis and “OMG”‘s……and “pray for Quinter”.

Here’s my take: It’s sad that tragedy hit Quinter in the last 2 days …..but that isn’t the story I hope that is remembered – not by a long shot.

I want to challenge you to think about what REALLY happened in Quinter yesterday. Please think about this…….

In the last 36 hours, within the Quinter and Gove County Communities – processes operated like a well oiled machine. Like a puzzle, the necessary pieces came together (much of it behind the scenes) to manage a frightening series of events. These events tapped about every resource in our town and county, from Doctors and Nurses – to kind folks bringing sandwiches, pizza, and bottled water to Police / Firemen / EMS standing blocking intersections in town.

I want folks to remember that selfless people stood to assist in whatever capacity was needed – without any question at all. I know it was frustrating not to get back into homes, or to the bank or post office, but honestly, I heard very few complaints. The City received hundreds of offers of help via text, phone call, email or messaging. THIS is what yesterday needs to be about – about what went right in a very wrong situation.

If you have time – please thank the business owners that let their volunteers protect our city yesterday. Thank those that had to close their doors yesterday and lose revenue to ensure the safety of those who were in town trying to do business. Thank your City Marshal Rodney Salyers, County Sheriff’s Dept, Fire and EMS who have not slept in nearly 40 hours. Thank your Doctors and Nurses. The Sheriff had a grandson born yesterday and he popped in only long enough for a photo with the new baby because he was not about to leave his post serving his county. Thank the Kansas Highway Patrol, KBI and Gove and Oakley dispatchers who worked tirelessly around the clock for Quinter.

And I don’t think I’m out of line to speak for the agencies listed above when I extend the biggest thanks of all to citizens and businesses in Quinter, who – with very little grumbling, came together to support the process that has led to returned peace and safety in our town. Thank you for the calls, texts, food, drink, encouragement, kindness and constant checking in (especially about our Fire guys) throughout this event. This is the part of the past two days I want each of you to remember. I wish this was the side of the story that we were hungry to hear. ♥

I wish I would have had a camera yesterday, Veteran Fireman Jim Blackwill was leaning against the stop sign at 4th and main, in his HOT rescue gear taking a bottled water from someone in a dark blue pickup. This is who we are, this is what identifies us. I don’t know that I’ve ever been more proud to live in Quinter.

Like the social media posts yesterday asking for prayers for Quinter – I’d add the following: If praying is your thing, then yes, pray – but pray that our awesome greatness continues to outshine the bad (just like it has the last 2 days). We don’t need prayers for the negative event – lift Quinter in prayers (or positive vibes) of adoring appreciation for the continued selflessness of its citizens.

“To be doing good deeds is man’s most glorious task” ~ Sophocles

Ericka Nicholson is the Quinter city manager and a Quinter EMS volunteer. She is a former executive director of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.