Growing up in Kiowa, Kansas, where he graduated from Kiowa High School in 1967, Dr. Keith Ballard always likes to return to his hometown area. This time he returns as commencement speaker for Burlington High School's (BHS) graduation, which is Thursday at 7 p.m.

His ties to Burlington are significant, as he married Christie Castle, a 1968 BHS graduate. Christie is the daughter of L.E. Castle (and the late Joan Castle) who was a longtime Burlington vo-ag instructor.

Now married 45 years, Keith and Christie have three adult children who are all married and have given the couple eight grandchildr...