Opinion columns reflect the opinion of the author and not the paper or its staff. Letters to the editor should be short and to the point, containing 500 words or less. Longer letters will be considered for guest columns as space is available. No candidate political endorsement letters. No poetry. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity, and grammar. Letters from public officials are edited for length, but not grammar and spelling. All letters must include printed name, signature, address, city, and include a verification phone number. Letters must be received by noon on Mondays to be eligible for print in the next edition. Email letters to: submissions@gardnernews.com. Mail letters to: The Gardner News, P.O. Box 303, Gardner, KS 66030