August 1, 2013 by The Scott County Record

Demo derby brings a big finish to Scott County Fair Page 17

30 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 20 • Number 51

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Published in Scott City, Ks

$1 single copy

Another record-setting year for SCH At a time when many small and medium-sized hospitals are struggling financially - either turning to local taxpayers for additional support or weighing the prospects of selling out to a larger health care provider - the Scott County Hospital continues to buck the trend. In six of the last seven years the hospital has recorded a gross revenue increase of at least $1 million and has established record-setting gross-revenue marks in each of the last 12 years.

Revenue hits $22.5M in latest fiscal year Compared to many hospitals in the region, SCH is on steroids with a record-setting $22.57 million in revenue projected for 2013. That’s a $3.4 million increase - or 17.6% - from the 2012 fiscal year and, if figures remain unchanged when the final audit is submitted later this year, will mean that hospital revenue has increased by more than $5 million in the last two

years. “We’ve had an extraordinarily busy year,” Burnett told county commissioners while reviewing an audit of the fiscal year which ended on June 30. An increase in revenue was no surprise given the sharp increase in business that the hospital and clinic have experienced since opening the doors of their new facility in April 2012.

The $3.4 million increase in revenue from last year’s record-high $19.18 million “is a tremendous jump for a single year,” noted Burnett. But he quickly adds it was also a record year for expenses which also jumped by nearly $3 million - to $17.03 million. As expected, that was led by employee salaries at $8.7 million which was $1.2 million higher

Rains provide drought relief

than the previous year. The hospital had a net “profit” of only $12,850, which wasn’t unexpected. With the move into a new facility, depreciation ($1.87 million in 2013) is up considerably from where it was in 2011 ($443,816). Most of the depreciation is naturally a “paper loss.” The addition of 1-1/2 more mid-level practitioners, along with another physician starting in September, put the $25.1 million in projected revenue for (See RECORD on page two)

County wind farms are moving forward

Officially, the drought hasn’t broken, but a gully-washer last Thursday evening that drenched the area with upwards of 3-1/2 inches of rain, followed by another inch on Wednesday of this week, has many area residents hoping that it may be the start of a trend. In between, the area received a couple of light rains that boosted the official Scott City rainfall for July to 4.87 inches - a sharp contrast to the .80 inches in July a year ago. This year’s total rainfall of 12.28 inches through the end of July is well ahead of last year’s 5.4 inches during the first seven months. Large portions of Scott and Lane counties have received four to five inches of rain since July 1, according to Walt Geiger, a meteorologist with the Western Kansas Weather Modification Program. “Although significant rain has been falling lately, the area has a long ways to go before we break the drought,” he says. According to the Palmer Drought Severity Index, many locations need approximately 10 inches of additional precipitation right now before returning back to normal. That ranges from 10.5 inches in west-central Kansas to 9.32 inches in southwest Kansas and 12.84 inches in northwest Kansas. “Although the chances of breaking the drought this year is highly unlikely, it is refreshing nonetheless to see widespread, rather than spotty, rains return to the area,” says Geiger. (See RAIN on page 30)

Bob Campbell staff writer

Piper Jessup, 2, Scott City, enjoys an unexpected stream of water outside the grandstand following the rain last Thursday evening. (Record Photo)

Poised to start a $300-million construction project in southeastern Scott County that would take a year to finish, a Massachusetts-based wind farm company has been temporarily stymied by its inability to secure a power contract. A second such plan in the county’s northwestern area is in an earlier stage but appears to be progressing. Competitive Power Ventures Director John Hafner, Boston., Mass., who recently met with Scott County commissioners, has not given up on commencing work by year-end. “The initial response was bad because a power company said they will not be moving forward with anybody right now,” Hafner said. “Kansas City Power and Light and Golden Spread Electric Cooperative out of Amarillo have issued RFPs (requests for proposals), and we’ll submit bids to them in competition with 20 or 30 other companies in the next two weeks. “We won’t build the wind farm without a contract. We don’t want to get folks spun up about the project’s moving forward if it’s not going to happen.” Hafner and CPV Vice President Mike Resca told county commissioners they had leased 15,000 acres about eight miles south-southeast of Scott City and want to build a 100-megawatt farm with 44 to 59 turbine towers. Hafner said his project, bisecting the east-west-running County Road 70 east of Shallow Water, would be adjacent to a transmission line owned by Sunflower Electric, although (See WIND on page 16)

Scott City property owners get 1.19 break in mill levy Even with some major city projects completed during the past several months, and with additional projects on the drawing board, Scott City property owners aren’t taking a big hit in the pocketbook.

In fact, the city’s mill levy will decline in 2014 thanks, in part, to higher property valuations and cash reserves which are able to offset some of the infrastructure costs. The mill levy for the pro-

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com

Scenes from the Scott County Fair parade Page 23

posed 2014 budget will dip slightly by 1.198 mills - to a total of 66.499 mills. The city’s property valuations climbed by just over $2 million to a total of $21.9 million. That means the city will re-

ceive an additional $115,157 from property taxes despite the lower mill levy. The $1.45 million in property tax revenue expected for the upcoming year accounts for only about 30 percent of the city’s projected ex-

penses. The rest is generated through a variety of user fees, water/sewer rates, sales tax and other revenue sources. Even with the construction of two water treatment plants total-

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-5 Calendar • Page 7 Youth/education • Page 9 LEC report • Page 11 Deaths • Page 14-15

Sports • Pages 17-22 Farm section • Pages 24-25 Classified ads • Pages 27-29 Seminar series • Page 30

Leoti coach returns to his Western Kansas roots Page 19

(See LEVY on page eight)

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Contractual losses deliver $6.7M blow to SCH

While the Scott County Hospital continues to have banner years financially, one area that continues to bleed a lot of red are the contractual adjustments. That’s another way of describing the money which isn’t reimbursed for charges billed to Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance companies. This past year, those adjustments cost the hospital more than $6.7 million. That’s an increase of $1.4 million from a year ago and it’s projected to climb another 10 percent, to $7.5 million in the upcoming year. The write-off from contractual losses represents about 30 percent of total hospital revenue, which Joe Meyer, chief financial officer, says is “typical.”

Often times, the hospital only gets 60-70 cents for each dollar in billed services to Medicare and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The reimbursement rate is only about 50 percent for Medicaid patients. What helps the SCH is the low number of individuals on Medicaid in Scott County - along with the major employers in the county offering good insurance plans for their employees. ”A lot of our feedlot workers have insurance plans that pay 80 to 90 cents on the dollar,” says Meyer. “Only about six percent of our business is Medicaid, which is terrific. When I was at Lakin, it was around 20 percent and Ulysses is higher yet.” Meyer says there’s no avoiding the fact that the

Record

SCH and other hospitals end up charging more to offset the losses that occur as a result of low reimbursement rates. “The charges for health care are astronomical because they’re based, in part, on what we know we’re going to get paid,” Meyer says. “The self-pay person is the one who gets hit the hardest because they’re paying 100 percent of their bill. “If insurance companies and the government would reimburse us a reasonable amount for everything it would reduce our costs and reduce our write-offs significantly.” Meyer is confident that the write-offs in the preliminary audit will be reduced when the final audit is completed later this year. Auditors have yet to

complete reports for Medicaid and Medicare which will include new “cost of care” figures for the new hospital. From JanuaryMay in 2013, Meyer says the hospital was being reimbursed by the government at a lower fee schedule.

“I’m estimating that we could get back somewhere between $300,000 and $500,000,” Meyer says. The hospital had $154,000 in debts that were written off as “charity care.” Often times, these are individuals who have reached agreement

with the hospital to pay off a portion of their bill (i.e., $800 of a $1,000 bill) and the hospital won’t make an attempt to collect the remainder. “Bad debts,” on the other hand, are projected at $395,000 this year, down from $427,329 the previous year. This can be the unpaid portion of an insurance deductible or co-pay for which an individual is responsible, but hasn’t paid. “These are people who may have insurance, but are unable to pay what the insurance doesn’t cover,” Meyer says. This also includes emergency room charges and other health care costs which remain unpaid and for which the individual has not made arrangements to reimburse the hospital.

“When I first came here (in October 2007) our gross revenue was just over $13 million,” notes Meyer. “We’re projecting more than that ($13.6 million) in outpatient revenue alone during the next year. What we receive from outpatient services alone is more than the entire revenue for a lot of hospitals.” Across the state, the only other hospitals experiencing growth similar to SCH are located in Larned and Hoisington. “I think that’s due to problems with the hospital in Great Bend,” Meyer speculates. “My understanding is that people from Great Bend are go-

ing elsewhere for medical care.” In September 2009, St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Larned was closed by the directors of the Central Kansas Medical Center, Great Bend, which operated the facility. At the time, the CKMC directors cited huge financial losses for their decision. The hospital reopened under the management of the Hays Medical Center and now, in terms of revenue, “they’re almost as big as we are,” Meyer says. Burnett says the hospital is looking at expanding its services in a number of different areas, including a pain management spe-

cialist and a sleep center. Meyer also feels that if the hospital were to add a permanent MRI truck, rather than having one available only on a parttime basis, it would also provide a significant boost in revenue. He said the hospital has a MRI truck on the premises part of the time, providing an average of 30 scans a month. “But we end up sending another 30 a month to Hays or Garden City. That’s particularly true with athletes who need to know right away the extent of an injury,” he says. “If we could keep those 30 right here it would more than pay for the cost of the truck.”

SCH History of Gross Revenue, Salaries Total Payroll

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Gross Revenue

$ 5,021,622 5,272,233 5,434,824 5,590,859 6,023,107 6,294,410 6,286,691 6,746,576 7,541,283 7,929,012 8,712,822 10,140,543

9,126,331 10,212,842 10,324,151 10,638,864 11,567,755 13,060,743 13,603,374 15,007,463 16,325,807 17,406,630 19,179,627 22,378,322

The hospital fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30

(continued from page one)

2014 well within reach, says Joe Meyer, chief financial officer for the hospital. That would represent a $2.5 million jump in revenue - or an 11.2 percent hike. “According to our auditors, an 11 percent growth may be conservative,” Meyer says. SCH board chairman John Fairleigh says they have been impressed with the management and growth of the hospital. “As a board, you tend to take for granted what’s happening out there,” he told commissioners. “It’s given myself and the board a huge appreciation for what these guys are doing. And it’s a credit to the forward-thinking people of this county who approved the bond issue which made this possible.”

enue is a huge increase in the number of patients being seen at the clinic and the hospital. Meyer says they were “shocked” at the increase in acute care business which climbed by nearly $500,000. While acute care only represents about seven percent of total revenue, it’s an area in which the administration has seen unexpected growth. Acute care patients are those which require at least an overnight stay in the 24-bed hospital. There were 504 acute care patient admissions during the past year which Meyer says hasn’t happened at SCH in more than 10 years. Acute care patient days reached 1,722 during the year, compared with 1,325 in the previous year. “There were a couple of times when we got calls Patient Count Up from Wichita or elsewhere The biggest factor driv- with people wanting to reing the increase in rev- turn home and needing a

bed (at the hospital). We didn’t have the room,” Meyer says. “There were also times when we had to turn people away who were wanting a swing bed. But those situations only came up a couple of times. We never had to turn anyone away who showed up at the hospital needing a bed.” Outpatient Services The economic “bread and butter” of the SCH remains its array of specialty clinics and outpatient services which generated $12.4 million in revenue during the latest fiscal year - an increase of almost $1.4 million from 2012.

$52,000 grant to WKCAC

Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, based in Scott City, has been awarded a $52,091 grant to support its services for abused children in Western Kansas. The grant is part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and was awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Friendship ‘Meals to Go’

Good for special diets • only $3.00/meal • Call 872-3501

What’s for Lunch in Scott City? Sun. - Sat., August 4 - 10

Majestic Theatre 420 Main • 872-3840

Hours

Lunch • Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Evenings • Thurs., Fri., Sat.5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Tues. • Open faced prime rib sandwich with fries, $10.95 Wed. • Club sandwich with chips, $6.95 Thurs. • Chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, $6.95 Fri. • Chicken enchiladas with rice and beans, $6.95

What’s for Supper? The Broiler

5 Buck Lunch

Mon. • Sat. 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sun. • 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

1211 Main • 872-3215

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Chili Cheese Dog • 1/4 lb Cheeseburger • 3 Piece Chicken Strips

with

Fries, 21 oz. Drink and Small Sundae

Small Julius and $ Fruit Smoothies

Buffet

11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

1304 S. Main • 872-5301

Break speci fast every als night .

Mon.• Chicken fry Tues.• Hamburger steak with mushrooms and onions Wed.• Fried chicken Thurs.• Mountain oysters Fri.• Seafood specials Sat. • Prime rib 102 Main St. • 872-5055

Community Living

The Scott County Record

Page 3 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

Wet weather brings mosquitoes out of hiding

Having finally received rain this past month, the mosquitoes are out. I know there were a few out before now, but they are really starting to thicken up. We need to protect ourselves from mosquito bites and the West Nile virus that they carry. The first thing you should do is eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Culex mosquito species, which carry the West Nile virus, rarely fly far from where they’re born. Adult females must bite

and draw blood in order to lay eggs - up to 300 eggs every few days during the female’s severalweek lifespan. The mosquito larvae don’t like fresh or running water. But, they’ll lay eggs almost anywhere water can stand long enough to become stagnant.

This includes such natural water collectors as ditches, low spots and decaying tree stumps. It includes clogged gutters, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, boat and pool covers, many toys, outdoor pet bowls, buckets and other containers, wheelbarrows, livestock tanks and unused tires. You can’t store an uncut, unpunctured tire outdoors without its collecting water. That’s a particular problem on Kansas farms, where old tire disposal can be com-

plicated and tire storage isn’t regulated. When Kansans can’t fill in or eliminate a water holder, other approaches may help: •Drain or empty the water once a week. In dog bowls, wading pools and birdbaths, for example, a once-a-week cleaning will ensure egg-stage mosquitoes never have time to reach maturity. •Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully. Where soils have high clay content, for example, irrigating slowly or irrigating

Contaminated produce is source of outbreak

A food safety expert is cautioning consumers to properly handle and prepare produce before eating. Although these practices are always important, extra caution should be taken as a result of a recent outbreak of the Cyclospora infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported more than 353 cases, most likely spread by consuming contaminated produce. “It is still safe to eat fresh vegetables, as the vegetables that caused the infection are likely no longer being sold,” said Londa Vanderwal Nwadike, Extension con-

sumer food safety specialist with Kansas State University. This outbreak is a reminder for consumers to use proper food safety handling practices when preparing and handling fresh vegetables, whether purchased at a grocery store, a farmers market, or raised yourself, she said. Proper food safety handling practices include: •Thoroughly wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds before (and after) handling or preparing any food. •Cut away any damaged or bruised parts of the produce. •Wash/rub down the produce under clean running water, even if you are going to peel it.

Recipe favorites . . . Classic Macaroni Salad

Prep: 20 minutes Ready in 4-1/2 hours Ingredients 4 cups 1 cup 1/4 cup 2/3 cup 2-1/2 tablespoons 1-1/2 teaspoons 1/2 teaspoon 1 large 2 stalks 1 1/4 cup 2 tablespoons

Cook: 10 minutes

uncooked elbow macaroni mayonnaise distilled white vinegar white sugar prepared yellow mustard salt ground black pepper onion, chopped celery, chopped green bell pepper, seeded and chopped grated carrot (optional) chopped pimento peppers (optional)

Directions Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight. Original yield: 10 servings

Shop Avon at home or in your oﬃce with personal delivery and guaranteed satisfaction. Sharla Osborn • 620-214-2114 Avon Independent Sales Representative

•Be sure to use clean water and clean the produce thoroughly. There is no need to use soap or produce rinses. •With items such as head lettuce, be sure to take apart the leaves and wash the individual leaves. •Use a vegetable brush to scrub the outside surface of produce such as potatoes and melons under running water. With Cyclospora, it usually takes one week from the time contaminated food is consumed until the person becomes sick. Symptoms of infection include persistent watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements, which can last an average of 60 days if not treated.

Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, stomach cramps and pain, bloating, increased gas, fatigue, and other flulike symptoms. As of July 26, the infections included 140 cases in Iowa, 71 in Nebraska, 92 in Texas, two in Missouri, and one in Kansas. At least 21 people have been reported to be hospitalized in three states. “Even though only two cases have been reported in Missouri and one in Kansas so far, there may be some consumers in these states that have been exposed to the pathogen. Anyone that is experiencing the symptoms listed above should see their health care provider, “ Nwadike said.

Rufenacht open house Sat.

Mr. and Mrs. George Rufenacht, Scott City, will observe their golden anniversary with an open house on Sat., Aug. 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m., at 1013 Kingsley, Scott City. The couple has four children, David and wife, Rosanne, Charlotte, N.C.,

Lisa Jacobus and husband, Dwight, Oakley, Theresa Willson and husband, Ray, Rineyville, Ky., and Ross and wife, Heather, Scott City. The couple requests no gifts, but cards may be mailed to 1013 Kingsley, Scott City, Ks. 67871.

several times lightly will allow the clay to absorb the water, rather than cause puddles and runoff. •Stock livestock tanks, ornamental ponds and the like with mosquito larvaeeating fish, such as goldfish. •Remove in-water plants from the edges of garden ponds to allow fish access to the larvae living and developing there. •Using a retail product to control mosquito larvae will be more effective and less costly than trying to control the flying

adults. Before considering a larvicide, however, make sure mosquito larvae are actually present. Use a white container attached to a pole to scoop up a water sample. In that kind of container, the wigglers (larvae) and the older tumblers (pupae) are easy to spot,” he said. The Extension publication “Pests That Affect Human Health: Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus” includes a complete listing of the avail(See HIDING on page 7)

Births PARENTS OF SON Taysen Ludowese, Goodland, is proud to announce the arrival of his brother, Coltynn Kale, born June 3, 2013, at Denver, Colo. He weighed 8 lbs., 15 ounces and measured 20-1/2 inches long. Coltynn was welcomed home by his parents, Travis and Crystal Ludowese, Goodland. Grandparents are Rex and Sandi Murray, St. Francis, and Glen and Janell Ludowese, Scott City. Great-grandparents are Twila Murray, St. Francis, and the late Milton Murray; Donna Ruddell, Goodland, and the late Richard Ruddell; Rosetta Tuzicka, Scott City, and the late George Tuzicka; and the late Jack and Vivian Ludowese.

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

editorially speaking

Budget time:

Mill levy cuts are good, but they can’t last forever

When tax statements are sent out later this year, Scott County taxpayers will hopefully appreciate the efforts of their local elected officials in holding the line on taxes. Each of the three major units of government have approved budgets that will reduce mill levies. Scott County cut its levy by .823 mills; Scott City by 1.198 mills; and USD 466 (Scott County) by 1.218 mills - a total reduction of 3.24 mills. Perhaps most impressive is that the county achieved that reduction with a loss in valuation of more than $8.2 million while the school district saw its valuation drop by almost $7.8 million. This demonstrates how conscientious our local officials are in managing their budgets. Unlike our state legislators who will “cut” taxes by shifting expenses to local units of government, once you get to this level there is no one else to shift those costs to. You either find a way to fund a program, or a job position, or you eliminate it. Even during the Great Recession, local government units have done an outstanding job of maintaining services for taxpayers while also addressing our infrastructure needs, such as the water treatment plants. In other words, they’ve done everything possible to be responsible stewards of our tax dollars while meeting the needs of our county, schools and city. However, just as a drought will eventually sap the soil of all its existing moisture and make crop production more and more difficult, local government faces a similar situation. You can only cut taxes for so long before you’ve reached a tipping point. Our infrastructure, the services provided and the people needed to offer those services require a certain level of funding. Tax cuts have been great. We all enjoy them. But, as we all know, nothing lasts forever.

Hero or villain?

Snowden forces overdue debate on personal liberty

Whether Edward Snowden is a hero or a traitor is the topic of continuing debate. What can’t be debated is the fact that, without Snowden we would know nothing of the massive electronic surveillance being conducted by the National Security Agency. Without Snowden we wouldn’t be having this debate about the extent to which we are willing to allow the government to intrude into our personal lives. Until Snowden came along, we didn’t know that the NSA is keeping a data base of all our phone calls. We didn’t know the government had the authority to monitor all of our private communications - even if we aren’t suspected of terrorist activity. We didn’t know that all this is given the green light by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court - the secret court that decides how far the government can go before its snooping violates the Constitution. And we didn’t know that when requests are made before the FISA court it was only hearing arguments on behalf of the government to justify the need for surveillance. For that reason, some are calling for security-cleared lawyers who will be given the authority to present arguments to the court against the government’s requests. All of this can get mired in politics and the emotional argument who wants to bear the blame if there is another terrorist attack. For that reason, some are willing to allow the government to do whatever it wants under the premise that it makes us safer. Others ask just how much of our personal liberties are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of “safety.” The difficulty of this debate is evident in the recent vote in the U.S. House to cut off funding for the NSA’s continued collection of phone data. The measure had the support of conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats, but suffered a narrow 215-205 defeat. It received bipartisan support from 94 Republicans and 111 Democrats. Interestingly enough, the bill was denounced by President Obama and Congressional leadership of both parties. This isn’t an issue that’s going away. We will continue to debate - as we should - how much the government should be allowed to probe into our lives. It’s obvious this isn’t a debate that will fall along political lines. Say what you want about Snowden, but without him we would still be in the dark and the government would be getting a free pass. Thank him or vilify him, but he also deserves our thanks.

No time to waste with a Plan B

Conservative Republicans in Congress are fighting back against those who dislike their efforts to shut down the government if they can’t bring an end to Obamacare. One of the objections being raised - even by some fellow Republicans - is what would be the next step if the government really were to shut down? “There is no Plan B, there is no ‘what if,” says one Republican lawmaker who asked to remain anonymous, and for good reason. Who in the Republican Party can afford to put their political career on the line by asking thoughtful questions or, for that matter, asking questions? Of course, Republicans are blaming President Obama because they don’t have an alternative plan. The anonymous Republican reaffirmed that his party and the conservative group Heritage Action have “no viable alternative” to the President caving in to their demands to repeal Obamacare. Once again, the President has shown his lack of

leadership by not allowing the repeal of Obamacare so that Republicans won’t be forced to show they have no plan for continuing the basic functions of government once it’s been shut down. This is the kind of mess we get into when we allow a foreign-born individual to become President. Republicans have been the Party of No Plan B for decades. It was Republicans who opposed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and the creation of Medicare. In more recent times they have opposed renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, voted against an international treaty that would give equal rights to persons with disabilities, they have voted against raising the minimum wage and they voted to cut food benefits for women and children. Kansas has joined a

number of states who are opposed to expanding Medicaid benefits for the poor under Obamacare. So what is their Plan B? “Under Plan B, these problems don’t exist, have never existed and will never exist,” explains a Republican strategist who also asks to remain anonymous. “The fact that women make only 77 cents on the dollar compared to men is only a problem if you think it’s really happening,” he says. “Which, of course, it isn’t.” In other words, you don’t need a Plan B for a problem which you are convinced doesn’t exist. This gets a little more complicated, however, when you try to take away benefits that people already have. Obamacare, for example, has already saved 6.6 million senior citizens more than $7 billion on their prescription costs by closing the donut hole. How do you convince the parents of 25,000 Kansans who are 25-years or younger that Obamacare needs to be repealed so

they can no longer get health insurance coverage under their parents’ plan? How do you convince people they should repeal Obamacare so insurance companies can still turn them away because of pre-existing conditions? That’s going to become a tougher sales pitch as more of Obamacare goes into effect. And, there’s that lingering question for Republicans, “Okay, if you do repeal Obamacare, what is your Plan B?” What’s just as disturbing as the absence of a Plan B is the fact that many of the people voting these conservative lawmakers into office don’t expect or want a Plan B. They are strangely content with a system in which the cost of health insurance is more than they can afford and in which insurance companies can be selective about whom they will insure. Congressman Tim Huelskamp and Sen. Jerry Moran can walk throughout the state and be greeted with “attaboys” be(See PLAN B on page six)

Obstruction is the new normal

The bad news is that approval ratings for both the president and Congress are sinking, with voters increasingly frustrated at the bitter, partisan impasse in Washington. The worse news is that in terms of admiration for our national leaders, these may come to be seen as the good old days. I’m an optimist by nature, a glass-half-full kind of guy. But try as I might, I can’t convince myself that Republicans in Congress are likely to respond any better to President Obama’s latest proposals on the economy than to the previous umpteen. I’m also pretty gloomy at the moment about the prospects for meaningful immigration reform - unless House Speaker John Boehner decides that passing a bill is more

Where to Write

another view by Eugene Robinson

important than keeping his job. “We should not be judged on how many new laws we create,” Boehner said recently. “We ought to be judged on how many laws that we repeal.” So much for faint hope. My fear is that stasis has become a structural feature of our politics. Nothing lasts forever, but this depressing state of affairs could be with us for quite a while - and could get worse. The public is not amused. Three out of four Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, while an NBC News-Wall Street Journal survey measured disap-

Gov. Sam Brownback 2nd Floor - State Capitol Topeka, Ks. 66612-1501 (785) 296-3232

proval of Congress at a stunning 83 percent. Obama’s approval rating has slid to 49 percent, the Post-ABC poll found better than the president’s political opponents are faring but hardly anything to cheer about. Here’s the basic problem: The Democratic Party seems likely to grow ever stronger nationally while the GOP remains firmly entrenched locally. This means the stubborn, maddening, unproductive standoff between a Democratic president and a Republican majority in the House may be the new normal. Demographic trends clearly favor the Democrats in presidential elections. Hispanics and Asian Americans, the nation’s biggest and fastest-growing minorities, respectively, both voted for Obama over Mitt

Sen. Pat Roberts 109 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4774 roberts.senate.gov/email.htm

Romney by more than 70 percent. This is not just a function of the GOP’s hostility to immigration reform, although that certainly doesn’t help. Republicans are also out of step with these voters on other issues, such as health care. And all too often they transmit a breathtaking level of hostility. A case in point is the recent allegation by Rep. Steve King (R-Ia.) that for every young undocumented immigrant who becomes a valedictorian, “there’s another 100 out there who weigh 130 pounds - and they’ve got calves the size of cantaloupes because they’re hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert.” Criticized by his colleagues, King insisted his comments were “factually correct.” (See NORMAL on page six)

Sen. Jerry Moran 141 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-6521 www.house.gov/moranks01/

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

A renewed battle to protect our voting rights by E.J. Dionne, Jr.

Attorney General Eric Holder has opened what will be an epic battle over whether our country will remain committed to equal rights at the ballot box. In a display of egregious judicial activism in late June, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. Holder made clear last week he intends to fight back. The struggle will begin in Texas, but it won’t end there. “We cannot allow the slow unraveling of the progress that so many, throughout history, have sacrificed so much to achieve,” Holder told the National Urban League’s annual conference. He wasn’t exaggerating the stakes. From the moment the Supreme Court threw out Section 4 of the act, which subjected the voting laws in states

and jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to Justice Department scrutiny, conservative legislators in those places gleefully signaled their intention to pass laws to make it harder to vote. In addition, Texas reimposed a redistricting map that a federal court had already ruled was discriminatory. These hasty moves were unseemly but entirely predictable, proving that Chief Justice John Roberts’s opinion in the case will become a Magna Carta for voter suppression. Without having to worry about “pre-clearance” from the Justice Department, legislators can go about their business of making it more difficult for voters who would throw them out of office to reach the polls - and of drawing racially gerrymandered districts that prolong their tenure. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg understood a logic here that

cally, but it is the best that can islature. It reads like a parody

. . . when a political party be done for now. It would be written for Stephen Colbert’s fares poorly with minority votbetter still if Congress reinstated show with its cornucopia of ers, it will try to turn them a revised version of Section 4. provisions that would make it away from the polling booths.

escaped Roberts. “A governing political coalition,” she wrote in her dissent, “has an incentive to prevent changes in the existing balance of voting power.” This in turn means that when a political party fares poorly with minority voters, it will try to turn them away from the polling booths. That’s what segregationist Southern Democrats did in the past. Many Republicancontrolled legislatures are doing it now. Holder announced he was using Section 3, a different part of the Voting Rights Act that was left standing, to ask a federal court to re-subject Texas to pre-clearance. It is a less efficient way to achieve what the pre-gutted act allowed automati-

In the meantime, the hope is to limit the damage of the high court’s folly - and perhaps give other states pause before they rush into new discriminatory schemes. “This is the department’s first action to protect voting rights following the (Supreme Court) decision, but it will not be our last,” Holder declared. His department is likely to move this week against the Texas voter-identification law and eventually to go to court against other states that pass comparable statutes. To get a sense of how bad these laws are, consider the bill, which should be called the Omnibus Voter Suppression Act of 2013, that Republicans recently rushed through both houses of North Carolina’s leg-

as hard as possible for African Americans, Latinos and young people to vote. As the Charlotte Observer reported, it shortens the early voting period, eliminates the opportunity to register and vote on the same day during that time, and ends preregistration for teenagers 16 to 17. The bill also prevents counties from extending voting hours when lines are long - which they will be with the cutback on early voting days. It not only requires photo identification but also narrows the list of what’s acceptable, eliminating college IDs, for example. Oh, yes, and remember the old civic tradition of using all avenues to encourage people to (See RIGHTS on page six)

We shouldn’t be making tax policy behind closed doors by Ryan Alexander

Higher education should be free by Jim Hightower

Well, finally! Hard-right congressional leaders and the Obama White House have agreed that interest rates on student loans should not double to nearly seven percent, as they let happen early in July. Instead, college students will be billed at a rate that will steadily rise to above 8 percent. This is progress? Well, yes - in that this year’s rate would drop to 3.8 percent. But, for the longer run, obviously not. Even capping the interest rate at 8.25 percent, as the White House demanded, is too high, for it still saddles students with a crushing debt of some $20,000 to 40,000 for a four year degree,

just as they’re getting started on their economic path. But worse, lawmakers are playing small ball, avoiding the big issue. Bickering over percentages shrivels the public debate to its most picayune and meanest point, which our socalled leaders seem to specialize in these days. They focus on the price of everything, without grasping the value of anything. And the value of a college education not only to America’s youth, but most significantly to our whole society’s economic and democratic future - is clearly established. So the big question we should be asking is this: Why isn’t higher education free? As Les Leopold of the Labor Institute

notes in a July 2 Alternet piece, “For over 150 years, our nation has recognized that tuition-free primary and secondary schools were absolutely vital to the growth and functioning of our commonwealth.” Today, open access to a college degree or other advanced training is as vital to America as a high school diploma has been in our past. Forget interest rates, our young people should not be blocked by a massive debt-load from getting the education that they need - but also that all of America needs them to have for our mutual prosperity and democratic strength. Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

We hear it all the time from policymakers. Trust us to do a better job for the taxpayer if we do it behind closed doors - less histrionics, less playing to the camera, less political posturing, and less need to appeal to constituents and special interests. What a load of . . . Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Hatch (R-Utah) are just the latest lawmakers to promise better results from the back room. In their laudable effort at comprehensive tax reform they have propounded a “blank slate” approach: eliminate all the breaks, loopholes and incentives from the code and start over. If lawmakers want provisions restored, they have to justify it. Great, sounds like the way we would do it. That is until Sens. Baucus and Hatch promised this week to not only keep lawmakers’ correspondence private, but to keep it secret for 50 years. As for voters interested in holding their representatives accountable for their actions? Sorry, Charlie, they have to wait 50 years. Fifty years is longer than Presidential records are sealed. It’s ludicrous. Furthermore, it’s 50 years too long. Tax reform is too important, has too great an impact on every citizen and on all facets of the economy to be done anywhere other than in the light of day. Taxpayers deserve to know

what tax policies their elected officials are advocating for in official correspondence. That point was hammered home in a letter 30 groups from the left and the right have sent the Senators And it’s available online. When policy gets made in the shadows, special interests hold sway. While some argue that secret correspondence will allow them to be more candid, it will also allow lawmakers to be less accountable. There have been news reports of a massive uptick in lobbying on tax issues. Those lobbyists are not talking to themselves, they are patrolling the corridors of power representing the special interests that are paying them. Fine, that’s their job and their constitutional right. But whatever comes out of all that effort, what lawmakers advocate for is something we all should know. Earlier this year, the House Ways and Means committee established several special working groups to review areas of tax policy and to accept input from other lawmakers and the public. We submitted our comments. And all of it was published on the committee’s web site. The Senate Finance committee should follow their lead. But this isn’t just on the Finance Committee leadership. Individual Senators can release their correspondence. Freshman Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have done so. Other Senators should do the same. (See DOORS on page six)

House GOP gripped by shutdown mentality House Republicans, in their final days at work before taking a five-week vacation, have come out with a new agenda: “Stop Government Abuse.” A more candid slogan might be: “Stop Government.” This is traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year, when the House rushes to complete the dozen annual spending bills so that the Senate can pass them before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. But there is no hurry this time. Instead of taking the lead on spending bills as the House traditionally does, lawmakers are instead proceeding with bills such as one “guaranteeing a citizen’s right to record conversations with federal regulators.” That legal protection for recording devices might be a

behind the headlines by Dana Milbank

fine idea. But the real “government abuse” is what the House itself is doing: Only four of the 12 appropriations bills have cleared the chamber so far. And because the House plans to be in session just nine days in September, that guarantees that government finances won’t be in order in time for the new fiscal year. House Republicans aren’t even trying to get the job done - which would seem to confirm the suspicion that they are precipitating a crisis. The budget and appropriations processes have been a

mess in recent years under both parties’ control, and there was no expectation this year would be different. But this time the slow walk serves conservatives’ singular purpose of undermining Obamacare. Because the appropriations won’t be completed by Oct. 1, Congress will have to pass a temporary extension, or “continuing resolution.” This kitchen-sink measure gives House Republicans the power to shut down the federal government if President Obama doesn’t agree to their demands - particularly the repeal of health-care reform. On Monday, leaders of influential conservative groups such as the Club for Growth, Heritage Action, Family Research Council, FreedomWorks and Americans for Tax Reform sent

a letter to House leaders begging for a donnybrook. “The best and last chance for House Republicans to stand up and thwart this law before its new entitlements kick in is during the upcoming funding debate,” they wrote, “and the House should live up to the moment and pass a bill funding the government but denying any funding for Obamacare.” Newcomer Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who is pushing for a shutdown showdown, spelled it out on Andrea Tantaros’s radio show: “We need 41 Republicans in the Senate or 218 Republicans in the House, to stand together, to join me” in saying that “we will not vote for a single continuing resolution that funds even a penny of Obamacare.”

Cruz has since taunted “scared” Republicans who oppose his idea and dismissed as “cocktail chatter” the notion that a government shutdown would be a bad move for Republicans. Happily, a number of Senate Republicans have called that idea daft. But it’s a different matter in the House, where the obsession with rolling back Obamacare takes on yet another form Friday with a vote on a bill blocking the Internal Revenue Service from implementing the health-care law. In that sense, the lack of urgency with which the House is handling the spending bills makes perfect sense: It gives Republicans another swing at Obamacare. So what if economic chaos is a side effect? (See MENTALITY on page six)

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Rights

(continued from page five)

Texas lawmakers weigh ban on women

Travis Perry register to vote, a favor- KansasWatchdog.org

ite cause of that famously revolutionary group, the League of Women Voters? This bill would ban paid voter registration drives. Throughout the world, our country proclaims its commitment to equal rights and broad democratic participation. We seem to be abandoning those ideals at home. You have to wonder what this will do to our witness on behalf of democracy. It won’t shock you to learn that after Holder made his announcement, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas condemned the Obama administration for showing an “utter contempt for our country’s system of checks and balances.” Actually, what Holder’s move shows is an utter contempt for efforts to deprive our fellow Americans of their right to cast a meaningful ballot. It is a contempt that all of us should feel.

Republican lawmakers in the Texas State Senate are proposing a precedent-setting new bill that would make it illegal for women to live in the state. Sen. Harland Dorrin-

Plan B

cause they will vote time and time again to repeal Obamacare. Gov. Brownback will likely be reelected to a second term because of his continued resistance to expanding health care to more Kansans under Obamacare. That’s great for the campaign trail, but not so great for the individual who’s health insurance company will no longer provide coverage because they have met their lifetime dollar limits? What is Plan B? They can walk into the E.J. Dionne, Jr., is a politilocal hospital’s emergencal commentator and longtime op-ed columnist for the cy room and rely on local Washington Post

Mentality (continued from page five)

“ ‘Irresponsible’ is a term that doesn’t go nearly far enough,” says Norm Ornstein, the American Enterprise Institute scholar who has become a scold of congressional Republicans. “You could say it’s a do-nothing Congress but that doesn’t do justice to it. These guys are doing something, which is to destroy the economic fabric of the country by holding the functions of government hostage to a non-negotiable demand to eliminate Obamacare.” In a sense, the inaction on spending is just another sign of the dysfunction in the chamber that has prevented negotiations on an overall budget framework, put bipartisan immigration legislation on ice and created a standoff on the farm bill that will, if not overcome, cause milk prices to jump to as much as $8 per gallon next year. But provoking a government shutdown would take things to a whole new depth. A shutdown is unlikely to achieve the goal of repealing health-care reform; Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), one of the top political minds in the House, cautions his colleagues that shutting down the government would be a “suicidal political tactic.” Polls suggest the same. But such calculations assume the shutdown crowd cares about the politics or the chance of success. For them, “stop government” is more than a slogan; it’s a way of life. Dana Milbank is a Washington Post staff writer and author

Normal And the GOP’s outreach to Latino voters returned to square one. None of this eliminates the possibility that Democrats will nominate flawed presidential candidates or that Republicans will nominate attractive ones. But all things being equal, the Democratic Party likely will go into presidential elections with a structural advantage. Eventually the GOP will be at pains to defend even Texas, the party’s only reliable mega-state. Yet the Republican majority in the House, ensconced by clever redistricting, will be hard to dislodge. Perhaps Democratic registration and get-out-the-vote efforts can reshape the midterm electorate enough next year to recapture the

Doors

son, one of the many prolife lawmakers backing the woman ban, crafted his bill after witnessing Sen. Wendy Davis filibuster an anti-abortion bill last month. “That was our moment to say, ‘Enough is enough,’ ” he said. “This comes

down to a choice between life and women, and we choose life.” Sen. Dorrinson said his bill would call for a twenty-foot woman-proof fence to be constructed along the borders of the state. “Women are great at

(continued from page four)

taxpayers to pick up the tab. Or you can jump right to Plan C. Simply go away and let us pretend that you don’t exist. The reason conservative Republicans have no Plan B is because they have jumped right to Plan C. So Republicans will continue to create gridlock in Congress because they are so opposed to Obamacare. Those on the right wing fringe of sanity are not only calling for a shutdown, they seem to be hoping for it. Like a child screaming in the middle of the aisle

at Wal-Mart because they didn’t get their way, these wingnuts are willing to throw their own tantrum because a law that will benefit tens of millions of people was passed by a majority of the members of Congress. Okay, visionary Republicans, you’ve had plenty of time to tell us how much you detest Obamacare. You’ve also had plenty of time to come up with an alternative. You know . . . a Plan B. Well, what is it? And no, you can’t jump to Plan C. Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page four)

majority. I wouldn’t bet the mortgage on it. It may be, then, that we’re in for a much longer period of divided government in which the principal way that Republicans can affect federal policy is through obstruction. The whole “party of no” thing is more than a meme; it’s a logical - if somewhat nihilistic - plan of action. Or inaction. Republicans know they cannot repeal the Affordable Care Act, for example, but they can hamper its implementation. They cannot impose their vision of immigration reform - all fence and no citizenship, basically but they can ensure that no reforms are approved. They cannot choose their own nominees for federal judgeships, but they can block Obama’s.

(continued from page five)

The last comprehensive tax reform was adopted in 1986. This came after several rounds of work by two different Treasury Secretaries, a Democratic House and a Republican Senate. There were closed door meetings and late night conversations, but much of the work was in the public and publicized. Locking Senators’ correspondence in a vault won’t make tax reform easier. The seminal work about the 1986 law was “Showdown at Gucci Gulch,” still one of the most instructive books on how the legislative process works. It was published in 1987, one year after the bill was passed. If Sens. Baucus and Hatch have their way, we’ll be waiting for their story to come hot off the presses in 2063. Ryan Alexander is president of Taxpayers for Common Sense

Commentators who criticize the president for not hosting enough cocktail parties or golf outings for Republicans are ignoring political reality. He has tried being nice, he has tried being tough, he has tried offering to compromise, he has tried driving a hard bargain. Nothing works if Republicans are committed to blocking every single thing he seeks to do. No wonder Obama chose to unveil his economic program while making what looks like a campaign swing. It will be the voters who eventually get us out of this hole. Unfortunately, that may take some time. Eugene Robinson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and former assistant managing editor for The Washington Post Have questions about the Scott Commnity Foundation? Call 872-3790

talking, but not at climbing,” he observed. But another GOP state senator, Cal Jamson, believes that the total ban on women goes “too far” and is proposing a less draconian bill that would allow some women to remain in the state as

guest workers. “Texas needs women to cook, clean, and cheerlead,” he said. “If they show that they can do those things and stay out of politics, there could be a pathway to citizenship.” Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author

Rap sheets are growing longer for NFL players It’s looking like the NFL may need to play year-round to keep its players under a little better control. The pressures of Western training camp and Skyline the long season by Bob Campbell are enormous, and the freedom of the off-season is proving more and more problematic to the 32 teams, 18 of which have had 31 players (as of July 25) arrested since the Super Bowl. The most serious case, of course, involves former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez, who has been charged in one murder and might be implicated in more. The Cleveland Browns lead the perps’ parade with five, followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with three and the New York Giants, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots with two each. There was one each from the San Francisco ‘49ers, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. Thirty-two were arrested all of last year. The Hernandez case is putting more heat on the dilemma, which some observers attribute to the players’ sudden riches after lifetimes in many instances of relative privation. They make an average of $2 million a year. But I wonder if it’s also related to the thousands of head blows players endure during 10 or 11 seasons in middle school, high school and college and then the heavier hitting in the NFL. Owing to their formidable appearances and ferocity of their game, football players don’t normally get much empathy, but it might be more insightful to consider the costs of what they do for a living. I would enjoy having a pro basketball player or baseball player in the neighborhood, but until the NFL figures out what’s going on, if a pro football player moved in, I’d try to stay away from him. It should be noted that the league employs 1,856 players, counting practice squad members, so the 30 or 40 getting busted each year only amounts to two percent of the workforce. The trouble is that most companies don’t have the visibility the NFL does. Every arrest makes news and the league is developing a severe image problem. Bob Campbell is a reporter and columnist for The Scott County Record. He can be reached at kansasnewz@att.net

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Hiding available products and their best uses, as well as in-depth information about virus-carrying mosquitoes. It is available at the county Extension office and the web at: http://www.oznet.ksu. edu/library/ENTML2/ MF2571.pdf. Insect Repellents Also, applying an insect repellent when outdoors may help with controlling mosquito bites. Repellents with DEET provide better coverage. One thought to keep in mind is that insect repellents with higher amounts of DEET in them do not necessarily provide better coverage, just longer. All products containing

(continued from page three)

DEET provide exactly the same quality of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. The only real difference between a product with 15 percent DEET and one with 45 percent DEET is the length of time that it provides the protection. Easy-to-find products with about 20 percent DEET give adults four hours of protection. Adults are advised not use products with more than 33 percent DEET. Children are more sensitive than adults to repellents, so caution should be exercised. Very young children often get enough protection from a simple drape of netting over their carrier.

Mosquito repellent that doesn’t contain DEET is not as effective. Also, wash the repellent off once you go indoors. Adults also must remember that applying sunscreen and a DEETbased repellent at the same time reduces the sunscreen’s effectiveness by as much as 33 percent. More frequent sunscreen applications may be necessary to prevent painful sunburns. For more information call the Extension office (872-2930) or stop by the courthouse.

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Tuesday

5 New Horizons 4-H Country Cousins 4-H City Council Mtg., 7:30 p.m.

Attend the church of your choice.

Turner Sheet Metal Wednesday

6 SCES Enrollment, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. County Commission Mtg.,1:00 p.m.

Thursday

7 SCES Enrollment, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. SCMS Enrollment, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Scott County Library Board Mtg., 8:00 a.m. Groundwater Management District LEMA meeting, Wm. Carpenter Bldg., 9:00 a.m.

Friday

Saturday

SCMS Enrollment, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

10 SCHS FFA Dist. Officer Conf. at Rock Springs

School Starts Tuesday, Aug. 27 Half-day

St. Joseph Parish Center 7:00 p.m.

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The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

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Dirt work began for construction of Dollar General’s new building at the intersection of 12th Street and US83 Highway in Scott City. (Record Photo)

Site preparation begins for Dollar General move Bob Campbell staff writer

Dollar General in Scott City is building a new store at the northwest corner of 12th and US83 Highway to replace the one it has operated at 311 N. Main since 2000. Bruce Davis Construction, Emporia, will take about two weeks to complete the dirt and concrete work. Afterwards, the Stava Building Corp., Tulsa, Okla., will need about two months to finish the building, which should put the completion

Levy ing about $3.2 million, and utility extensions to the Eastridge housing subdivision, the impact of those projects will be minimal on property taxes. Those projects are being financed through revenue generated by the water and sewer funds. Even among water customers, the impact won’t be noticed. When the bond issue to purchase the water system was retired two years ago, the city maintained its water rate structure knowing it had sewer plant projects on the drawing board. “Our rate structure includes bond payments for the (old) water system,” says City Clerk Brenda Davis. “Now we’re using that same rate structure to pay off new bonds.” Two other major projects include repairs to huge sections of concrete on US83 Highway between Fourth and 12th Streets. The state will pay for $200,000 in repairs through the KLINKs program while the city will pick up the tab for about $119,000 in additional costs. In addition, the city set aside $50,000 in 2013 and has budgeted another

in mid- to late October. Dollar General spokeswoman Kelsey Layer, Goodlettsville, Tenn., said the 7,200-foot store will be about the same size as the current one and will carry much of the same inventory. Layer didn’t know what will be done with the old building. “It looked like that relocation would better fit the needs of our customers,” Layer said about the move. “It will have a new layout and a different atmosphere, but you will still be able to go in there

and get your basic necessities.” Layer said an opening date at the new site hasn’t been set because the project could be delayed by weather. By the end of this year, she said, Dollar General will have 11,000 stores in 40 states, including the 635 it has opened in 2013. It has more than 230 in Kansas. The first Dollar General was opened in 1955 in Scottsville, Ky., by J.L. Turner and his son Cal, who within two years expanded to 29 stores with annual sales of $5 million.

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$65,000 in 2014 for construction of new water slides at the city pool. The slides are to be installed prior to the summer of 2014. The city’s cost for its self-funded health insurance program slipped by about two percent from 2013. The city’s “maximum exposure” for employee health insurance this year is $467,465 and will drop to $455,129 in 2014. The budget also includes a five percent pay increase for employees in 2014. Davis notes that the city continues to absorb higher costs for street work that, at one time, was paid for largely by the state. She says the state’s contribution to the special highway fund hasn’t changed for about 10-15 years. “Yet the cost of chip seal and materials for street work have continued to increase,” she says. While the council has been able to address infrastructure needs as they arise, Davis says the primary objective has been to “take care of our dayto-day needs and budget for emergencies, hoping that we won’t need it.”

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The Scott County Record

Youth/Education

Page 9 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

Plan ahead to manage back-to-school expenses

The USDA, which tracks the cost of raising a child in the U.S., reports families spent between $1,420 and $3,300 per child for clothing and educational expenses in 2011. With the beginning of the 2013-14 school year on the horizon, Elizabeth Kiss, K-State Extension family resource specialist, is encouraging families to start doing the homework needed to identify backto-school expenses, and to consider how to cover essential costs. To begin, Kiss suggested checking with local schools for a list of fees

(such as rental fees for books, a computer, band instrument or extracurricular activities); required supplies (from crayons to calculators) and extras such as immunizations, school and sports physicals, dress code or uniform, etc. Families also are encouraged to check the cost for school breakfasts and lunches, and eligibility to apply for reduced prices. Once aware of basic costs, she encouraged families to: 1) Invite children to help inventory school supplies (crayons, tablets,

backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.) left over from the previous school year. 2) Compare the list of what they have with what each child will need to begin a shopping list. Kiss advised “prioritizing expenses, as you would with any shopping experience,” and suggested watching for sales and advertised specials. In doing so, she noted that families will have to weigh savings at early sales with waiting for unknown price reductions closer to the first day of school or after school is in session. Larger families, neigh-

borhood friends or groups may be able to save by buying school supplies in bulk and dividing them, she said. If a school dress code allows, children may be able to continue wearing summer clothing during the first few weeks of the new school year. If so, families will be able to take advantage of sales on fall and winter clothes, as retailers close out the back-to-school shopping season, she said. While families may be able to postpone buying new clothes, parents are encouraged to check the fit and condition of

Young swimmer . . .

children’s shoes, and to make replacing shoes that are outgrown or no longer offering support a priority. A child’s age and stage in life will influence spending, said Kiss, who offered the example of purchasing fewer clothes and doing laundry more frequently for a child in the midst of a growth spurt. Older children may want fewer but more expensive clothes, and may be able to contribute to the cost of clothing and accessories. Consider alternative shopping sources, such as a neighborhood exchange, garage

sales and thrift stores, where gently used clothing can typically be purchased for significantly less. To simplify shopping: •Make a shopping list and take it with you. •Review priorities before entering the store, and keep your budget in mind. •Examining clothing construction and other merchandise (a backpack, purse or lunch box are examples) carefully before buying. •Checking care labels for clothes because drycleaning or other care requirements add to costs.

SCHS band camp will begin Monday Scott Community High School will conduct its annual band camp starting Mon., Aug. 5, and continuing through Friday. Instead of the camp being held at Camp Christy, band members will meet each day starting at 8:00 a.m. at the high school. There will be a meeting for all band members and parents on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the high school. The week will conclude with a performance exhibition on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the football field for the community. There will be a cookout at 7:00 p.m., followed by a swim party for the band members.

Three-year-old Kirby Rohrbough, Scott City, works on his swimming strokes with lifeguard Callan Rice during Red Cross swim lessons at the city pool on Tuesday. This is the final session of lessons for the summer. The final day that the pool will be open is on August 18. (Record Photo)

Enrollment begins Tuesday in USD 466 Fall enrollment for the Scott County (USD 466) school district will be held from Aug. 6-14. The enrollment schedule is: Scott City Elementary School: Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 6-7, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Scott City Middle School: Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 7-8, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Scott Community High School: Aug. 13: Seniors. 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:00 p.m. Aug. 13-14: Freshmen, sophomores and juniors. 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:00 p.m. Aug. 14: New students. 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:304:00 p.m. All enrollment forms are available on-line at www. usd466.com under the High School Column. Students are asked to fill out the form and bring it on the day of enrollment. “This will make your enrollment time go much faster,” according to SCHS Principal Shelly Turner. Physical forms are also available on-line. These will need to be completed before athletes can participate in fall sports practices.

The Scott County Record

For the Record

Special legislative session to review ‘Hard 50’ sentence

A special session of the Kansas Legislature will begin on Sept. 3 for the purpose of repairing the state’s “Hard 50” sentence. Attorney General Derek Schmidt requested the session following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that the current law is unconstitutional. Legal experts agree that the court decision renders the current Kansas “Hard 50” law unconstitutional because the sentencing decision is made by a

judge and not the jury. According to the Attorney General, the Legislature can cure the constitutional defect by adopting a relatively simple procedural fix allowing the jury to make the necessary factual findings before the “Hard 50” sentence is imposed. “The ‘Hard 50’ sentence is intended to remove the most dangerous and violent killers from society for at least 50 years,” said Gov. Brownback. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies

Scott City Council Agenda Mon., August 5 • 7:30 p.m. City Hall • 221 W. 5th •Call to Order •Approve minutes of July 15 regular meeting •Open budget hearing •Approve Ordinance No. 1144 (GO bonds) •Approve Resolution No. 2013-06 (GO bonds) •Discuss conditional use of airport for auto show at Showdown on the Plains BBQ •Open agenda: audience is invited to voice ideas or concerns. A time limit may be requested Pool Department 1) July pool update 2) Pool closing on Aug. 18 Police Department 1) Misc. business Parks Department 1) Misc. business Public Works Department 1) Discuss advertising for 50/50 cost-share for curb/gutter replacement bids Clerk’s Department 1) Misc. business •Close budget hearing •Approve 2014 budget •Mayor’s comments

across the state have urged the Governor to adopt the Attorney General’s recommendation. According to Schmidt, putting this issue off until the legislative session starts in January will “virtually guarantee” an increase in “the number of convicted killers who will be eligible for parole after only 25 years instead of after 50 years.” The cost of the session is about $40,000 per day. It is expected the special session can be completed in two days.

Crime victims receive $274K The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board awarded financial assistance to 126 victims of crime at its July meeting. Awards were made in 43 new cases. Additional expenses were paid in 83 previously submitted cases. The awards totaled $274,117. The Crime Victims Compensation program was established in 1978 to help victims of violent crime pay for their unexpected expenses such as medical treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages, dependent support and funeral costs. A state board determines claims that are eligible for payment and decides how much money will be awarded to each claimant. Awards are limited to a maximum of $25,000. The program is funded by a portion of assessed court costs and fines, inmate wages, parole fees and restitution paid by convicted offenders.

(First published in The Scott County Record Thurs., July 25, 2013; last published Thurs., Aug. 1, 2013)2t BEFORE THE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION DOCKET NO. 13-CONS-483-CWLE OF GRAND MESA OPERATING COMPANY LICENSE NO. 9855 FOR A LOCATION EXCEPTION FOR ITS CONSERVATION DIVISION GRIFFITH #2-23 WELL LOCATED IN THE SE/4 OF SECTION 23-T16S-33W, SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS. NOTICE OF APPLICATION State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas to all Oil and Gas Producers and Oil and Gas Purchasers, Royalty Owners, Landowners and all persons Whoever Concerned: YOU and each of you are hereby notified that Grand Mesa Operation Company, has filed an application with the State Corporation Commission requesting the Commission issue an order for a location exception. The lands affected by this application are as follows: Section 23-T16S-R33W, Scott County, Kansas. The Application is pending before the Commission and may be granted within fifteen (15) days from publication of this notice without hearing unless a written protest is received by the Conservation Division within said fifteen-day period. Any protests to the Application must be written and should clearly state the grounds of objection. The written protest should be mailed to the State Corporation Commission, Conservation Division, Finney State Office Building, 130 S. Market, Room 2078, Wichita, Kansas 67202. If a written protest is filed with the Commission within fifteen (15) days from the date of publication of this notice, this matter will be set for hearing on August 15, 2013, at 10:00 a. m., or as soon thereafter as it may be reached at the Commission Hearing Room, Kansas Corporation Commission, 130 S. Market, Room 2078, Wichita, Kansas 672023802. The time, date and location of this hearing may be revised without further notice. All parties in any wise interested or concerned shall take notice of the foregoing and govern themselves accordingly. By: John G. Pike, #9938 Withers, Gough, Pike, Pfaff & Peterson, LLC O.W. Garvey Building 200 W. Douglas, Suite 1010 Wichita, KS 67202 Attorneys for Applicant

The Scott County Record Page 10 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Hensley questions real reason for special session Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley raised questions about the upcoming special legislative session in light of new business being added by the Republican leadership. “I have supported the Attorney General’s request that the Legislature have a special session with the narrow scope of tightening up Kansas’ Hard 50 law,” said Hensley. “But now that Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce wants the Senate to vote on 19 confirmations in the special session. “This isn’t about being tough on crime. It’s about Gov. Brownback sneaking in his secret appointee to the Court of Appeals as fast and with as little public scrutiny as possible. This is a maneuver to get this controversy swept under the rug before next year’s election.”

Have questions about the

Scott Commnity Foundation? Call 872-3790

The Hutchinson News Is looking for a contract newspaper carrier for Scott City. For more information call Artie: (620) 669-7595. A dependable vehicle is a must. 51t3c

The Scott County Record • Page 11 • Thursday, August 1, 2013 (Published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., Aug. 1, 2013)1t

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

The governing body of VALLEY TOWNSHIP, SCOTT COUNTY, will meet on August 14, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the Shallow Water Community Center for the purpose of hearing and answering objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed use of all funds and the amount of ad valorem tax to be levied. Detailed budget information is available at the Scott County Clerk’s office and will be available at this hearing. BUDGET SUMMARY Proposed Budget 2014 Expenditures and Amount of 2013 Ad Valorem Tax establish the maximum limits of the 2014 budget. Estimated Tax Rate is subject to change depending on the final assessed valuation. 2012

2013

Proposed Budget 2014

Amount of Prior Year Actual Current Year Actual Budget Est. of Actual Tax Rate* Tax Rate* Authority for 2013 Ad Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures Valorem

Fund

Actual Tax Rate*

Tax

General

16,719 1.993 17,500 1.500 51,260

9,933

1.000

Totals

16,719 1.993 17,500 1.500 51,260

9,933

1.000

Net Expenditures

16,719

17,500

51,260

Total Tax Levied

17,012

14,717

Assessed Valuation 8,535,969

9,814,513

9,928,527

2011

2012

2013

Less Transfers

Jan. 1, Outstanding Indebtedness G.O. Bonds Revenue Bonds

Public Notice

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott City Police Department July 3: Brett Eisenhour was arrested for DUI and unlawful use of a turn signal. He was transported to the LEC. July 22: Gabriela Navarette was parking when his brakes did not engage. He struck a building with his vehicle. July 23: Ralson Hislop was southbound in the 100 block of Main Street when Robert Dague backed out of a parking space. As Hislop attempted to merge with traffic he was sideswiped. July 23: Lavera King was backing down an alley and struck a gas meter. July 23: Amanda Tucker was arrested for domestic battery and transported to the LEC. July 26: Criminal damage was reported by Owen Unruh. July 27: Ethan Pontious was arrested for driving on a suspended license and transported to the LEC. July 28: Kristofer Lauber was arrested for violation of a protective order and transported to the LEC. July 29: Preston Stewart reported a hit-and-run accident in the 500 block of Antelope St. Scott Co. Sheriff’s Dept. July 23: Brandon Hobbs was arrested for domestic battery and transported to the LEC.

(First published in The Scott County Record Thurs., Aug. 1, 2013; last published Thurs., Aug. 15, 2013)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN JEANNINE LEWIS aka JEANNINE LEWIS, DECEASED NO. 13-PR-10 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED You are Hereby Notified that a Petition has been filed on July 25, 2013, in said Court, praying for a final settlement of the estate, approval of the Administratrix acts, proceedings and accounts, allowance of expense, determination of the heirs entitled to the estate,

administration of the estate be closed, the Administratrix be discharged and released from further liability. You are hereby required to filed your written defenses thereto on or before August 27th, 2013, at 1:30 o’clock p.m., on said day, in said Court, in the City of Scott City, Scott County, Kansas, at which time and place said cause will be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon said Petition. JAN ACKERMAN Petitioner JAKE W. BROOKS ATTORNEY AT LAW 101 EAST SIXTH P.O. BOX 664 SCOTT CITY, KS. 67871 (620) 872-7204 ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER

Friendship ‘Meals to Go’ available from the VIP Center Individual frozen/sealed trays • Good for special diets only $3.00/meal • Call 872-3501

Lease Pur. Princ.

TOTAL

(Published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., August 1, 2013)1t

NOTICE OF 2013-14 BUDGET HEARING

*Tax rates are expressed in mills.

The governing body of Unified School District No. 466 will meet on the 12th day of August, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the Administration Building, 704 College, Scott City, Ks., for the purpose of hearing and answering objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed use of all funds and the amount of tax to be levied. Detailed budget information (including budget profile) is available at the district office, 704 College, Scott City, Ks., and will be available at this hearing.

Gary G. Schmidt Township Officer

(Published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., Aug. 1, 2013)1t

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING

The governing body of LAKE TOWNSHIP, SCOTT COUNTY, will meet on August 14, 2013, at 7:00 p.m., at the Shallow Water Community Center for the purpose of hearing and answering objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed use of all funds and the amount of ad valorem tax to be levied. Detailed budget information is available at the Scott County Clerk’s office and will be available at this hearing. BUDGET SUMMARY Proposed Budget 2014 Expenditures and Amount of 2013 Ad Valorem Tax establish the maximum limits of the 2014 budget. Estimated Tax Rate is subject to change depending on the final assessed valuation. 2012

Fund General

2013

Proposed Budget 2014

Amount of Prior Year Actual Current Year Actual Budget Est. of Actual Tax Rate* Tax Rate* Authority for 2013 Ad Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures Valorem Tax

13,151 1.998 15,450 1.500 27,320 13,151 1.998 15,450 1.500 27,320

Totals

Net Expenditures

13,151

15,450

27,320

Total Tax Levied

13,530

Less Transfers

6,374 6,374

1.000

9,225

Assessed Valuation 6,773,312

Jan. 1, Outstanding Indebtedness

Actual Tax Rate*

2011

6,151,385

6,375,274

2012

2013

G.O. Bonds

2011-12 Actual Fund

Actual Expenditures

Actual Tax Rate*

2012-13 Actual Actual Expenditures

Proposed Budget 2013-14

Actual Tax Rate*

Expenditures

Amount of 2013 Tax to be levied

Est. Tax Rate*

General

5,966,054

20.000

6,059,359

20.000

6,171,888

1,736,594

20.000

Supp. General (LOB)

2,048,688

18.554

2,049,065

19.233

2,130,743

1,962,796

21.471

548,507

6.000

Special Revue Adult Education

Bilingual Education Virtual Education

165,334

157,504

181,287

53,578

113,605

130,000

Capital Outlay

687,297

6.000

593,338

6.000

593,338

Driver Training

8,929

8,305

9,553

469,024

609,267

613,553

Prof. Development

49,942

40,835

30,000

Parent Ed. Program

13,500

Special Education

629,552

682,548

730,839

Voc. Education

214,844

224,753

223,916

467,138

423,232

250,455

Gifts and Grants

45,286

34,231

56,545

At Risk (4 Yr. Old)

69,400

81,959

83,379

At Risk (K-12)

694,386

654,288

670,298 595,637

Extraord. Sch. Pgm Food Service

Summer School

Area Voc. School Sp. Liab. Exp. Fund School Retirement Extra. Growth Fac.

Revenue Bonds

Spec. Reserv. Fund

Lease Pur. Princ.

TOTAL

BUDGET SUMMARY The “Amount of 2013 Tax to be Levied” and “Expenditures” (published below) establish the maximum limits of the 2013-2014 Budget. The “Est. Tax Rate” in the far right column, shown for comparative purposes, is subject to slight change depending on final assessed valuation.

*Tax rates are expressed in mills.

Mildred Dearden Township Officer

Federal Funds

KPERS Sp. Ret. Con.

571,248

513,480

Contingency Reserve

68,150

28,382

Textbook/Mat. Revolv

60,128

28,000

Activity Fund

22,890

34,478

DEBT SERVICE Bond/Interest No. 1

1,222,251

16.192

1,243,090

17.269

1,266,276

1,262,778

13.813

13,527,619

60.746

13,593,219

62.502

13,751,207

5,510,675

61.284

Bond/Interest No. 2 No-Fund Warrant Special Assessment Temporary Note COOPERATIVES Special Education TOTAL USD EXPENDITURES Less Transfers NET EXPENDITURES TOTAL USD TAXES LEVIED

District 11 AA Meetings

Scott City

Unity and Hope Mon., Wed. and Fri. • 8:00 p.m. 807 Kingsley Last Sat., Birthday Night, 6:30 p.m. All open meetings, 874-8207 • 874-8118

Tuesday • 8:30 p.m. United Methodist Church, 412 College A.A. • Al-Anon, 872-3137 • 872-3343

Dighton

Thursday • 8:30 p.m. 535 Wichita St. All open meetings, 397-5679 • 397-2647

1,947,535

1,630,059

2,137,999

11,580,084

11,963,160

11,613,208

5,282,595

6,119,823

5,510,675

OTHER Historical Museum Public Library Board Pub. Lib. Bd. Benef. Recreation Comm. Rec Com. Emp. Ben. TOTAL OTHER

195,500

2.000

205,000

2.000

196,000

182,836

2.000

24,200

0.250

25,700

0.250

24,600

22,854

0.250

219,700

2.250

230,700

2.250

220,600

205,690

2.250

TOTAL TAXES LEVIED

5,481,614

6,343,412

5,716,365

Assessed Valuation General Fund

83,899,741

94,750,463

86,829,707

Assessed Valuation All Other Funds

88,437,027

99,313,009

91,417,796

Outstanding Indebtedness, July 1 Gen. Oblig. Bonds

2011 12,310,000

2012 11,610,000

2013 10,765,000

Cap. Outlay Bonds Temporary Notes No-Fund Warrants Lease Pur. Princip.

1,001,399

899,099

799,978

TOTAL USD DEBT

13,311,399

12,509,099

11,564,978

*Tax rates are expressed in mills **Sponsoring district only

Mark Davis President

Susan Carter Clerk of the Board

The Scott County Record • Page 12 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Kansas doubles down on welfare fraud Dave Ranney KHI News Service

Convinced that potentially thousands of Kansans are cheating the state’s welfare system, officials at the Kansas Department of Children and Families in the last few months have more than doubled the number of people working in the agency’s fraud investigation unit from 11 to 24. “There is no formula for the perfect number of fraud investigators. We could certainly use more to combat the problem of fraud, however, budget constraints limit the number of people we can hire,” said Theresa Freed,

Critics say move is punitive toward the poor the agency’s chief spokesperson. Freed said the agency has “not calculated how much fraud may exist in Kansas,” but that federal officials estimate it is between 1-4 percent within the food stamp program. According to agency records, 318,988 Kansans - 176,417 adults and 142,571 children - were on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) last month. The average per-person benefit was $121. Also in June, 18,550

Don’t let stress control your life by the American Counseling Association

Stress has always been a part of life. In ancient times it might have been caused by a growling bear, while today it’s more likely to be a growling, demanding boss. Whatever the cause, stress is something we all experience, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. The answer is to learn what things cause us stress, how we respond to stress, and what we can do to better handle that stress. Some stress, of course, is healthy. It motivates us, gets us excited and gets us moving toward positive goals. But when stress causes negative reactions and leaves us feeling scared or physically and emotionally drained, it’s time to take action. Start by analyzing what stress does to you. Does it leave you feeling tense, cause a painful headache, or make you jumpy and snappy with others? Perhaps stress makes you quiet and listless? Either way, or anything in between, it’s not a good feeling. You can deal with that by taking physical action to take you away from the stress causing issue. If stress gives you energy, try something as simple as taking a walk or bike ride. If stress leaves you tired, try something calming, such as meditating for a few minutes or having a light snack. Such responses sound simple, but the point is to know yourself and to take action. As you begin to discover how you react to stress, you can also begin to analyze what stresses you. Are you afraid of looking incompetent at work, or of letting down your family or friends? Are you feeling that you’ve lost control of your environment (traffic jam stress, for example)? As you begin to identify what causes you stress, it’s also time to examine your priorities. What things are really important to you? Are there fears you have that lie beneath the situations that cause the most stress? As you begin to understand what causes you stress, you can take positive steps to deal with those issues. Maybe it’s an anxiety-provoking colleague you want to avoid. Maybe it’s learning to say “no” to situations that eat up your time but provide little personal benefit. You can’t avoid all stress but it shouldn’t be negatively affecting your life. A professional counselor can help you identify what causes your stress, and can help you develop strategies to avoid or better handle it. “Counseling Corner” is provided by the American Counseling Association. Comments and questions to ACAcorner@counseling.org or visit the ACA website at counseling.org

people received cash assistance that averaged about $111 per person per month. In addition, 8,163 families received childcare subsidies that averaged $353 per month. The federal government pays for most of the three programs, which last fiscal year cost taxpayers more than $537 million. “They all have potential for fraud,” Freed said, noting that last year the department’s fraud unit won 240 civil judgments against beneficiaries for the return of $941,000 in wrongfully obtained welfare benefits.

The fraud unit investigated 2,714 cases last year, up significantly from 1,213 the year before. The agency’s stepped up efforts have support in the Kansas Legislature. ‘Opposite direction’ But advocates for the poor and some experts on the topic of welfare fraud, said the problem is not as big as state officials and others claim. They say Kansas has beefed up its investigation unit even as other states have scaled back due to diminishing returns. Kansas is “going the

opposite direction other states are going,” said Kaaryn Gustafson, a law professor at the University of Connecticut and an expert on the nation’s welfare system. For example, Ohio and California, which have long had reputations for tough enforcement, recently have eliminated or reduced their welfare fraud units because they weren’t cost effective, she said. “California came to the realization that it was spending $60 million to go after $20 million of fraud and only recovering

a small fraction of that,” she said. Most SNAP and cash-assistance fraud, Gustafson said, is driven by families struggling to make ends meet combined with not being able to use their SNAP benefits to buy non-food items that most people consider essential. “Food stamps can only be spent on food,” she said. “So if people need things like laundry detergent, or diapers and they’ve already spent all of the cash benefits on housing or utilities, they’ll do things like buy frozen meat, sell it to a neighbor and use the proceeds to buy essentials.” (See FRAUD on page 13)

Mental health initiative is underfunded, say officials

Officials involved with preparations for Gov. Sam Brownback’s mental health initiative say the administration’s plan doesn’t include enough money to do what needs to be done. “There are things we could do regionally, but this money wouldn’t touch it,” said Peter Zevenbergen, chief executive of Wyandot Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides mental health and housing ser-

vices in Kansas City. Wyandot Inc. hosted a meeting recently for area officials to discuss this region’s component of the plan, which they are helping prepare for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Among the needs, they said, are a mental health crisis-stabilization facility with detoxification service and group homes for mentally ill people who need more structure and support than living alone

in an apartment. “The most glaring needs are the most expensive,” said David Johnson, chief executive of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in Lawrence. The plan they are preparing is part of a $10 million initiative Brownback announced earlier this year during a press conference at Wyandot Inc. The $10 million wouldn’t add to current state spending on mental health ser-

vices but would redirect some of it. Spurred in part by the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., administration officials said the initiative would aim to deliver intensive services to individuals who have resisted treatment and who are at-risk of institutionalization in a prison or mental hospital. Part of the plan is to establish five “regional recovery support centers” (See MENTAL on page 13)

Feds promote Obamacare as launch date nears for exchanges Federal officials have released a report on the benefits of Obamacare, breaking them down state by state as part of a public relations push in anticipation of the October launch of the reform law’s health insurance marketplace. According to the report, there are 326,885 currently uninsured Kansans who could receive coverage through the new insurance exchange, which is scheduled to begin processing applications Oct. 1 for coverage that begins Jan. 1. “Thanks to the health care law, the 86 percent of Kansans who have insurance have more choices and stronger coverage than ever before. And for

the 14 percent of Kansans who don’t have insurance, or Kansas families and small businesses who buy their coverage but aren’t happy with it, a new day is just around the corner,” said Kathleen Sebelius, former Kansas governor and secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Open enrollment in the marketplace starts Oct 1, but Kansas families and small businesses can visit HealthCare.gov now to find the information they need to prepare for open enrollment. According to HHS, of the 326,885 uninsured and eligible Kansans: •253,194 or 77 percent have a full-time worker in

Obamacare Benefits Already in Place •Kansas has received $1 million in grants for research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of the Health Insurance Marketplace. •Since the law allows young people to stay longer on their parents’ insurance policies, 25,000 Kansans have gained coverage. •As many as 1.2 million non-elderly Kansans have some type of pre-existing health condition, including 166,498 children. Thanks to the law, insurers can no longer deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition, like asthma or diabetes. And beginning in 2014, health insurers will no longer be able to charge more or deny coverage to anyone because of a pre-existing condition. •Because health insurance companies now have to spend at least 80 cents of each premium dollar on health care or improvements to care, or provide a refund, 83,742 Kansas residents with private coverage will receive more than $4 million in refunds from insurance companies this year, an average refund of $71 per family covered by a policy. •The law also bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits.

•216,644 or 66 perthe family. •140,169 or 43 percent cent are white, 28,236 or are between the ages of 18 nine percent are African (See PROMOTE on page 13) and 35.

The Scott County Record • Page 13 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

KanCare is requesting info from beneficiaries The Kansas Medicaid program (KanCare) is collecting household information from beneficiaries to meet federal eligibility guidelines mandated by the Affordable Care Act. In the coming days, about 130,000 households will receive a mailing ask-

Fraud “You always want to catch as much fraud as you can and you want to discourage it as much as possible,” said Don Jordan, former head of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, the predecessor agency to DCF. “But you’re also going to come up against a certain amount of diminishing returns. “By that I mean you can hire, say, 10 people to go after fraud, but that doesn’t mean you’ll catch twice as much if you hire 10 more people. At some point, you’re going to find yourself spending more and more money to find whatever fraud is there.” The 13 new positions at the DCF fraud unit are expected to cost about $486,000 in the fiscal year

Mental that would focus on crisis stabilization. Wyandot Inc. is coordinating the plan for a six-county region. The regional assessments are due Aug. 15, and KDADS officials have said the plans should be ready to implement by December. Officials at the Wyandot meeting agreed that providing psychiatric services to more people would be one of the best ways to target the funding. But even then, they said, melding that into a regional plan would be difficult because the needs vary within the six counties that include

ing them to list each person in the household who plans to file an income tax return in 2014. The mailing is being sent to pregnant women and lowincome parents with children in the program, not to elderly and disabled KanCare beneficiaries.

KanCare beneficiaries are asked to submit the information by Sept. 15. For new applicants, this information will be collected at the time of application. However, for current KanCare households, this information is needed in the system so

that the automated eligibility determination can work when the members are up for review. For those requiring assistance, phone numbers are provided in both English and Spanish. If members call the KanCare Clearinghouse and pro-

vide this information over the phone, the form does not need to be returned. KanCare members who need assistance can call 1-855-751-4012 for English, or 1-866-3055147 for Spanish. KDHE officials said that households not

returning the form by the deadline will have to be contacted for the information as part of their annual review. New Medicaid applicants will be required to submit the information via the Kansas Eligibility and Enforcement System (KEES) starting Oct. 1.

Promote

(continued from page 12)

that began July 1. Swipe Cards Most experts said the incidence or potential for welfare fraud was reduced - though not eliminated with the introduction of digital swipe cards several years ago. The cards make it harder to sell or misuse SNAP benefits than when the food stamps were paper coupons. The card will not let the holders convert their food stamps or child-care subsidies to cash. But, Freed said, there’s nothing to stop someone using their cash assistance to buy liquor, gamble or for adult entertainment. Not everyone with a benefit card is eligible for cash assistance, a childcare subsidy or SNAP. Most welfare recipients

(continued from page 12)

communities as different as Overland Park and Atchison. “We don’t make decisions as a region,” Zevenbergen said. But he said the brainstorming among the regional officials was helpful and could lead to more regional approaches in future years. Those at the meeting echoed criticism leveled by some at other regional meetings about the proposed funding for the initiative. The complaint has been that it in redirecting existing mental health dollars, the initiative would take away from other services.

Friendship ‘Meals to Go’ available from the VIP Center Individual frozen/sealed trays • Good for special diets only $3.00/meal • Call 872-3501

are only eligible for the food stamps. Freed said she didn’t know how many cases of cash-assistance misuse the agency had confirmed last year. “It is extremely difficult to prove that cash assistance withdrawn from an ATM was used to purchase prohibited items,” she said. Feeding the Family Critics of the beefed-up enforcement said it was misguided. Some said they believed it is intended to punish the poor. Dr. Sharon Lee is executive director at Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care, a safety-net clinic in Kansas City. “My whole day is spent with people who are on food stamps,” Lee said.

“I don’t hear them talking about selling their food stamps to buy booze, I hear them talking about how they’re not enough to keep their families fed.” Lee said she knew of one patient who had misused his benefits. “He’s disabled, he’s mentally ill,” she said. “He was getting about $100 a month in (cash) assistance, but he got cut off.” The man, she said, had been renting a cot under a stairwell in an older home. “Somehow, he ended up using his food stamps to pay for his cot,” Lee said. “So, yes, he abused the system. But I don’t begrudge him that and I don’t think anybody else would, either. It just amazes me that when government looks for ways to cut

fat from an already lean budget, it goes after the poorest of the poor. That seems wrong to me.” Marilyn Harp, executive director of Kansas Legal Services, questioned the need for more people in the fraud unit, saying the state already has adequate tools for ferreting out the problem through its access to federal tax and Social Security records. “Kansas families are desperate for the help provided by these programs as temporary aid in times of trouble,” Harp said. “The stigma created by suggesting that those who use these programs are guilty of fraud is not consistent with the idea of building strong Kansas families.”

American; 51,711 or 16 percent are Latino/ Hispanic; and 9,537 or three percent are Asian American. Most would be eligible for tax credits to help purchase the coverage, officials said.

The Scott County Record • Page 14 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Pastime at Park Lane Church services last Sunday were led by the Scott Mennonite Church. Monday’s pitch and domino game helpers were Madeline Murphy, Dorothy King, Hugh McDaniel, Joy Barnett and Mandy Barnett. Cookies were furnished by Nancy Koehn. On Monday evening some of the residents played Wii bowling. Tuesday Morning Bible study was led by Bob Artz with Doris Riner playing the piano and Karen Hoover singing. Tuesday afternoon’s entertainment featured Max Moomaw and Company. The group included Max Moomaw, Ed Gough, Maxine Wilson and Jo Fouse. Mona Spangler furnished the cookies. On Wednesday morning Fr. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran Bible study. There was bingo on Wednesday with Barb Dickhut helping. Madeline Murphy helped with cards Wednesday evening. Residents enjoyed watermelon on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning’s Catholic mass was led by Fr. John Kwaku Forkuoh. Chet Quance, Dighton, sang on Friday afternoon. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran services. Afterwards, he and his wife, Andi, shared slides and stories from their recent

Magic show at Park Lane Friday

Doc Anderson from the Scott County Fair performed magic and tried to sell his swamp oil elixir to Park Lane residents on Friday afternoon. Special thanks to the fair board for sponsoring this event.

Residents enjoy parade, Blue Steele

On Saturday morning many of the residents watched the county fair parade. The Blue Steele Band entertained residents on Friday afternoon. Band members include Mike Steele, Keith Steele and Daniel Dunn.

mission trip to Africa. To finish a busy Friday, Wii bowling was played. Park Lane would like to welcome new residents Betty Kennedy and Thelma Branine. Park Lane would also like to thank Logan and Jordan Dreiling for the wedding flower centerpieces they shared with us. Park Lane said goodbye to long-time resident Ruby Latham who passed away on July 25 at Scott County Hospital. Ruby had been a resident of Park Lane for over 19 years. A memorial was held for her on Thursday morning during devotions. Bruce Scott was visited by George Andrasek and Norman Keyse. Thelma Branine was visited by Chad, Karli, Sherri, Kendall, Cassidy, Chandler, Hunter and George Andrasek.

Rod and Kathy Haxton were visitors of their mother, Boots Haxton. Geraldine Graves was visited by Charlene Becht and Kasey Scammahan. Mildred Van Pelt was visited by David Van Pelt, Rev. Dennis Carter, Treva McCandless, Dottie Fouquet, and Ron and Ronna Cunningham. Jim and Yvonne Spangler were visited by Mona Spangler, Greg and Yvette Mills, Scot Aytes, Kenny and Andy Crow, Jerica VanCampen, Adalei Zeller, Jillian VanCampen; Will, Jagger and Danica; and Les and Mary Ann Spangler. Dona Dee Carpenter was visited by Pastor Dennis Carter; Lisa, Ashlynn and Grant Long; Roger and Jackie John; Todd, Kim, Sami and Abbi John; Larry LaPlant, Bill and Kandi John, and Taylor Goodman.

Lorena Turley was visited by Neta Wheeler, Tadd Gerschitz, Angel Salinas, Bud Weems, Penifer Keller, Maxine Binns, Emily Hess, Marilyn Waters, Arlene Cauthon and Tracy Hess. Harold and Ruth White were visited by Travis Jones. Dottie Fouquet was visited by Jon and Anne Crane, Tim Fouquet, Austin Rios, Carol McKinney, Ron and Ronna Cunningham, Jeff and Paula Naylor and family; Ben, Brandon, Heather and Andre Fouquet; Catherine Winter, Samantha and Landon Haney, Richard Wagner, Andre Reyes; Monica, Claire and Tim Fouquet; Ethan Noll and Mary Noll Stormont, Mike Fouquet; Shane, Becky, Emily, Marshall, Loren and Carson Faurot; Brian Cunningham; Stacy, Shelby, Alison, and Lexi; Sandra, Ellie and Bodie Higgins; Dean Fouquet, Kim Fouquet, Nathan Fouquet, Jeff Fouquet, Jordan Lynch and Trinity Evans. Judy Redburn was visited by Mary Torson, Evelyn Craig, Carol Ellis, Kris Lauber, Jeremy Fry, Jim Cooley, Tina Turley and Wendy Derstine. Melva Rose was visited by Tina Turley, Lorri and Laine Varela, Sonny and Virgie Redding, Robert and Irma McDaniel, and Lois McGee.

by Jason Storm

Pat Lewis was visited by Pete Steffens, Trisha Baker, Gloria Zapata, Mary Torson, Tim and Pat Percival, Kay Percival and Emily Wright. Kathy McKellips was visited by Tim and Pat Percival, Jennie Wolf, Micaela Freeman, Gabby Grindstaff and Lee Percival. Vivian Kreiser was visited by Larry and Sharon Lock, Larry Wing, Dustin Juleson, Tobbyn Hodgs, Nick Hodgs and Alaina Hodgs. Bonnie Pickett was visited by Margie Stevens, Larry and Gloria Wright, Kylie Wright, Treva McCandless, Larry and Philene Pickett, and Arlene Cauthon. Edith Norman was visited by Doris Riner, Sue Riner, Sara Shane and Sharilyn Wilken. Darlene Richman was visited by Mike Deschner and Phebe Unruh. Jim Jeffery was visited by Libby Joles, Pastor Dennis Carter and Hugh McDaniel Delores Brooks was vistied by George Andrasek, Charles Brooks, Dane and Cheryl Perry, Fritzi Rauch and Dottie Fouquet. Cecile Billings was visited by Ann Beaton, Delinda Dunagan, Linda Dunagan, Brecken Dunagan, and Tyson and Kinsley Nicholson.

Earl Gorman was visited by Pete Stephens, Jay Gorman, Loretta Gorman and Charlene Becht. Verna Willman was visited by D’Ann Markel, Bob Willman and Bill Willman. Pat Palen was visited by Linda Dunagan, Lila Carson, Evelyn Kulman, Lola Krause, Bill and Evelyn Kreutzer, and Jack and Sheri Rappier. Ann Tedford was visited by Mary Plum and Elsie Nagle. Harriet Jones was visited by Rev. Don Martin, Nancy Holt, Elsie Nagle, Travis Jones and Arlene Cauthon Herb Graves was visited by Cristina Thummel, Emily Wright, Tina Turley and Alex Snyder. Joyce Bohnert was visited by Glenda Graham and Tina Turley. Jimmy Dunkel was visited by Mona Spangler, and Allen Osborn. Mary Alice Lawrence King was visited by Shorty Lawrence. Mike Leach was visted by Linda Dunagan, Brecken Dunagan, Tyson and Kinsley Nicholson, and Rev. Don Martin. Lula Dirks was visited by Darla Luebbers, Willetta Payne and JoAnn Dirks. Mike Kitch was visited by George Andrasek, Charlene Specht and Sharilyn Wilken.

Deaths Ruby A. Latham Ruby A. Latham, 57, died July 25, 2013, at the Scott County Hospital, Scott City. She was born Jan. 18, 1956, at Scott City, the daughter of Roy and Jessie Lee Belle-White Ivey. A lifetime resident of Scott City, she was a cook and retail manager. She was a resident of Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City for the past 20 years. She was a member of the Immanuel Southern Baptist Church, Scott City. On June 10, 1973, she married Dearrell Tummons at Scott City. On May 25, 1978, she married Eugene C. Latham at Scott City. He died Nov. 2, 2000, at Scott City. Survivors include: one son, Steven, and wife, Samantha, Dodge City; one daughter, Glenda Griffin, and husband, Stacy, Garden City; four brothers,

Lottie E. Farr Roy Richard, Pembroke, Ky., William, Dighton, Jack, Scott City, and Anthony and wife, Elizabeth, also of Scott City; three sisters, Betty Bailey, and husband, Jim, Scott City, Peggy Cooper, Ponca City, Okla., and Bonnie Stewart and husband, Preston, Calhan, Colo.; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Jacquilyn Faye Ivey. Funeral service was held July 29 at the First Baptist Church, Scott City, with Rev. Robert Nuckolls officiating. Burial was in the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Ruby Latham Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington, Scott City, Ks. 67871. E-condolences may be given at www.priceandsons.com.

Dawn Marie Stephens Dawn Marie Stephens, 49, Marienthal, died July 29, 2013, at the Wichita County Health Center, Leoti. She was born Feb. 11, 1964, at Fargo, N.D., the daughter of Charles and Judy (Blatter) Rowe. She was a licensed practical nurse and had been a resident of Scott and Wichita counties since 2010, moving from Grand Junction, Colo. On May 27, 1989, she married Tracy Stephens at Hugoton. He survives. Other survivors in-

clude: one daughter, Misty Heinrich, Scott City; her mother, Judy Talbert, Scott City; two sisters, Stacy Pierce, Hugoton, and Kimberley Silva, Houston, Tex.; and two grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation and a private service will be held at a later date in Colorado. Price and Sons Funeral Home in Scott City is in charge of arrangements. E-condolences may be given at www.priceandsons.com.

Lottie E. Farr, 76, died July 28, 2013, at the Hays Medical Center, Hays. S h e was born April 12, 1937, at Caldwell, t h e daughter Lottie Farr of Otto Jayce and Alta Grace (Terry) Cash. A resident of Scott City since January of 1996, moving from Garden City, she was an activities director at Terrace Garden Nursing Home, Garden City, for eight years before she retired. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Beta Sigma Phi, both of Scott City. On Jan. 9, 1996, she married Marvin J. Farr at Garden City. He survives. Other survivors include: two daughters, Tesa Fansler, Sanford, Fla., and Shawna Angers, Haviland; seven sons, Brad Downum, Sealy, Tex., Bart Downum, Cy-

James Edwin ‘Tee’ Telander press, Tex., Scott Burling, LaFayette, La., Justin Fansler, Wichita, Courtney Farr, Lawrence, Jeremy Crist, Manhattan, and Jeff Kershner, Clarinda, Ia.; two sisters, Louise McGregor and Lucille Wolff, both of Caldwell; 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends She was preceded in death by her parents; one granddaughter, Amanda Downum; and one son, Justin Farr. Funeral service was held Aug. 1 at the First United Methodist Church, Scott City, with Fr. Don Martin officiating. Burial was in the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Lottie E. Farr Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington, Scott City, Ks. 67871. E-condolences may be given at www.priceandsons.com.

Senior Citizen Lunch Menu Week of August 5-9 Monday: Smothered steak, scalloped potatoes, cauliflower and peas, whole wheat roll, cinnamon apple slices. Tuesday: Roast turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, beets with orange sauce, whole wheat roll, fruit gelatin salad. Wednesday: Chicken pot pie, Capri vegetables, whole wheat bread, mandarin oranges. Thursday: Swiss steak with tomato sauce, baked potato, mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread, strawberries. Friday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans, tossed salad with tomato, green pepper and carrots, French bread, mixed fruit. meals are $3.00 • call 872-3501

James Edwin “Tee” Telander, 79, died July 26, 2013, at Reno, Nev. H e was born Aug. 4, 1 9 3 3 , at Clay Center, the son of Wi l l a r d ( P e t e ) James Telander and Juanita Telander. He was a Navy and Air Force veteran who served as a medic, 22nd Casualty Staging Flight, Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam, from January 1969-70. He retired from the Air Force after 23 years at the rank of Master Sergeant. He continued to work as a hospital services manager with Service Masters in Concord, N.H., New Orleans, La., Oklahoma City, Okla., and Wichita. Survivors include: four sons, Frankie, and wife, Carol, Johnny and wife, Berneta Rohrbough, Steven and wife, Angie, and

Phillip and wife, Maggie; four daughters, Sharon Beichle and husband, Larry, Debbie McDaniel and husband, Tony Graves, Tami Preston and husband, Jay, and Lori Blair and husband, Thad Cook; 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lee (Sperling) Telander; and one sister, Donna Mae Cinnamon. Visition will be Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m. Funeral service will be held Fri., Aug. 2, 1:30 p.m., at Downing and Lahey Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita. Burial will follow at the Kensington Gardens Cemetery. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. E-condolences may be given at www.downingandlahey.com.

The Scott County Record • Page 15 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Park Place People

by Doris Riner

How many of you got caught away from home or at the fair on Thursday evening during our toadstrangler rain. Several of us watched from our dining room and could hardly believe our eyes. You can bet it was the main topic of conversation at coffee on Friday morning. Each one had their own experience but none of us were caught out at the fair. Lou said the river (canal), outside his double doors was running as full as he has seen it. Along with the big rain came a few cooler days, but for fairgoers, it was a busy week. Not too busy for Edwin Allen. He and his family helper found time to move him into an apartment here. Yours truly likes it when my daughter, Trudy, is in town. We go out to lunch together and this last week she had three grandchildren here with her from Wichita. Speaking of eating, almost all of us like the newest way of choosing our meals. In fact we got to vote on whether we want to continue this way or go to the buffet type. Every meal we can choose from two choices of meat, vegetable and bread, (of course, most of us choose a hot roll, margarine and jelly). Those who eat breakfast and the evening meal also have two choices. Elvira Billinger made a quick trip to Garden City on Thursday morning. Betty Ohneck is facing back surgery in a week or so. Keep her in your prayers. Charles Norman was in Scott City on Saturday morning and brought his mother, Helen, from Dighton to watch the parade with us. Somehow, all of us missed them. Friday evening a lot of fun and activity were going on in the dining room. Lou Pfanenstiel was with the Paul Strickert’s and their grandchildren playing card games while Joe Beaver, Cliff Thon, and Gary and Beth Wilbur of Leoti, kept the pool table going. P.S. Beth was able to match any of them. Sherilyn Wilkens and her husband are here for the busy summer, but she finds time to come see her mom, Margaret Lee, several times a week. How ‘bout this cooler weather! It was kinda cool watching the parade Saturday morning wasn’t it?

Deaths Michael T. Truax Michael T. Truax, 41, died July 28, 2013, at the Scott County Hospital, Scott City. H e was born May 25, 1 9 7 2 , at Scott City, the son of D u a n e Michael Truax and Nancy (Batchelder) Truax. A lifetime resident of Scott City, he was a website designer and moderator. He was an Evangelical Christian and was the moderator of Ironman. com and Pillarofstrength. com. Survivors include: his parents, Scott City; one brother, Nick, Garden City; one nephew, Matthew Truax, Topeka; three uncles, Rollie Truax, Wil-

saw, Mont., Jeff Truax, Houston, Tex., and Gary Batchelder, Holcomb; two aunts, Sally Shipley, Rising City, Nebr., and Shirley Johnson, Lakewood, Colo. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Pearl Batchelder and Rollie and Florence Truax. Funeral service will be held Fri., Aug. 2, 10:30 a.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home, 620 N. Main, Garden City, Ks. 67846. Burial will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Garden City. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to the Michael Truax Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home. E-condolences may be given at www.priceandsons.com.

Many Social Security services on-line Social Security offers three popular means by which people can plan for their retirement and get assistance after retiring. The Retirement Estimator is an easy way to get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits. Just enter some basic information and the Estimator will use information on your Social Security record, along with what you input, to give you a benefit estimate on the spot. You also can experiment with different scenarios, such as changing your future earnings and retirement date. Check it out in English at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator or in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador. My Social Security is an online account that

allows quick access to personal Social Security information. During your working years, once you create your online account, you can view your Social Security statement to check your earnings record and see estimates of the future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits that you and your family may receive. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can sign into your account to view, save, and print your benefit verification letter, check your benefit payment information, and when necessary, change your address and phone number. You can also start or change your direct deposit information. Check it out at www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

The online Benefit Application is the most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement and spouse’s benefits. It’s so easy it can take as little as 15 minutes to apply online. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. Try it out when you’re ready to retire or just want to learn more at www. socialsecurity.gov/pgm/ retirement.htm. One can also visit www.socialsecurity.gov to view the online library of publications and hundreds of frequently asked questions.

Attend the Church of Your Choice

Elijah Delivers a Message Elijah, a Tishbite from Tishbe in Gilead made the decision to obey the LORD, the God of Israel. This Old Testament figure could’ve said, “no” when the LORD asked him to do many things that took him completely out of his comfort zone, but he didn’t. Elijah was reminded all his life that he was called to be one of the LORD’s. Elijah’s name actually means ‘The LORD is my God’. Imagine if your name was ‘The LORD is my God’. You’d be reminded every time someone said your name that you are called to be the LORD’s. How would you react if your parents named you ‘the LORD is my God’? Every time you got in trouble they said, “’The LORD is my God’ you better straighten up and obey me. Remember you are named after the LORD God of Israel.” The LORD, God of Israel, told Elijah to travel to Samaria to deliver a message to Ahab, the king of Israel. So, Elijah walked over 30 miles to do what the LORD instructed him to do. When Elijah stood before Ahab he said, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” (1 Kings 17:1) This wasn’t a popular thing to tell Ahab, the king of Israel. Ahab was a king who followed Baal gods. Ahab, even though he was the king of Israel, didn’t follow the LORD God of Israel. Ahab did evil things in sight of the LORD. The LORD was passing judgment on the wickedness of Ahab, no dew or rain for a few years until the LORD said it would rain. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:2-4). After Elijah obeyed the LORD then the LORD sends him away to a desolate place to drink out of the brook and to be fed by ravens. Imagine being fed by these predator birds, ravens. It’s not known what kind of meat they brought Elijah. Still, the LORD provided for Elijah. When we obey God He will provide for us! Maybe not like we want to be provided for but we know that He will never leave us alone! Amen?!?! Pastor Larry Taylor Gospel Fellowship Church, Scott City

Scott City Assembly of God

1615 South Main - Scott City - 872-2200 Ed Sanderson, Senior Pastor 9:00 a.m. - Pre-Service Prayer 10:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship Service and Children’s Church Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. - Bible Study and Prayer

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Prairie View Church of the Brethren

4855 Finney-Scott Rd. - Scott City - 276-6481 Pastor Jon Tuttle Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship: 11:00 a.m. Men’s Fellowship • Wednesday mornings Breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Held at Precision Ag Bldg. west of Shallow Water

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

A Catholic Christian Community 1002 S. Main Street - Scott City Fr. Bernard Felix, pastor • 872-7388 Secretary • 872-3644 Masses: 1st Sunday of month - 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Other weekends: Sat., 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m. Spanish Mass - 2nd and 4th Sundays, 1:30 p.m.

1102 Court • Box 283 • Scott City 620-872-2294 • 620-872-3796 Pastor Warren Prochnow holycross-scott@sbcglobal.net Sunday School/Bible Class, 9:00 a.m. Worship every Sunday, 10:15 a.m. Wed.: Mid-Week School, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Pence Community Church

Community Christian Church

8911 W. Road 270 10 miles north on US83; 2 miles north on K95; 9 miles west on Rd. 270 Don Williams, pastor • 874-2031 Wednesdays: supper (6:30 p.m.) • Kid’s Group and Adult Bible Study (7:00 p.m.) • Youth Group (8:00 p.m.) Sunday School: 9:30 • Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

12th & Jackson • Scott City • 872-3219 Shelby Crawford, pastor Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible Study, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday: God’s High School Cru, 7:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church

Immanuel Southern Baptist Church

803 College - Scott City - 872-2339 Kyle Evans, Senior Pastor Bob Artz, Associate Pastor

1398 S. US83 - Scott City - 872-2264 Robert Nuckolls, pastor - 872-5041

Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. • Worship: 11:00 a.m.

Sunday morning worship: 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study, 7:00 p.m.

Gospel Fellowship Church

1st United Methodist Church

Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

5th Street and College - Scott City - 872-2401 Dennis Carter, pastor 1st Sunday: Communion and Fellowship Sunday Services at 9:00 a.m. • Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. All Other Sundays • Worship: 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. MYF (youth groups) on Wednesdays Jr. High: 6:30 p.m. • Sr. High: 7:00 p.m.

First Christian Church

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

120 S. Lovers Lane - Shallow Water Larry Taylor, pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

701 Main - Scott City - 872-2937 Scotty Wagner, pastor Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:45 a.m. Wednesday is Family Night Meal: 5:45 p.m. • Study: 6:15 p.m. Website: www.fccscottcity.org

Elizabeth/Epperson Drives • Scott City • 872-3666 Father Don Martin Holy Eucharist - 11:45 a.m. St. Luke’s - 872-5734 (recorded message) Senior Warden Bill Lewis • 872-3347 or Father Don Martin - (785) 462-3041

Scott Mennonite Church

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

12021 N. Eagle Rd. • Scott City Franklin Koehn: 872-2048 Charles Nightengale: 872-3056 Sunday School Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Service: 7:00 p.m.

9th and Crescent - Scott City - 872-2334 Bishop Irvin Yeager • 620-397-2732 Sacrament, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 10:50 a.m. Relief Society and Priesthood, 11:20 a.m. YMYW Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.

Wind

The Scott County Record • Page 16 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Golden Spread or KCP&L could also be supplied via the line’s connection to the Southwestern Power Pool. “It’s a competitive marketplace,” he said. “Megawatt per hour prices were much higher in 2008-09, and there are a lot of projects in development, probably more than the current demand from some of the utilities,” he explained. Hafner said CPV still hopes to secure a deal and begin construction by December to qualify for the production tax credits that Congress has been renewing on a year-toyear basis. The plan will be reevaluated if he doesn’t get a contract until 2014 and PTCs are discontinued. PTCs are typically worth about $20 per megawatt hour for a project’s first 10 years. Scott County Commissioner Gary Skibbe said the commission was pleased with CPV’s initiative and that County Attorney Rebecca Faurot had been examining the associated road maintenance contracts. “I had hoped once they cleared all the hurdles, they would start progressing rather quickly,” said Skibbe. “Hopefully when one door closes, another one opens, so we will try to stay optimistic and go from here.”

opment manager for TradeWind Energy, Lenexa, said his firm will build 120 to 170 towers on 80,000 acres west of US83 Highway near Lake Scott State Park. Having bought the 200- to 300-megawatt “Wildcat Flats” project from Torch Energy, Houston, TradeWind has contacted some 100 property owners about leasing land, and it hopes to qualify for a 2013 PTC by either starting construction or expending five percent of the project’s expected $400 million cost this year, Barton said. Asked if TradeWind has had any problems selling its power, he said, “The price we receive has declined during the last couple of years, but that is one reason we look at the export market. “For our last three out of four projects, we have exported power to the southeastern U.S., so we look at this as a potential export project.” Barton said TradeWind has developed projects totaling one gigawatt of capacity, including Buffalo Dunes at Ulysses, Smoky Hills at Ellsworth, Caney River at Howard, Rocky Ridge at Rocky, Okla., and Chisholm View at Hunter, Okla., northeast of Enid. Along with 10 years of payments in lieu of taxes that the county would receive from the comNorthwest Project Brice Barton, devel- pany, possibly totaling

Plains has huge hike in wind energy

A classic car, tractor and motorcycle show will be held in the Bazine City Park on Sat., August 10, in conjunction with the Bazine picnic. Free registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with show entries entering at the north edge of the park.

The day will begin with a parade at 10:00 a.m., followed by a free barbeque at the park. A short poker run will be held in the afternoon with trophies and prizes awarded. Ness County Amusement Co. will open their

rides at 4:00 p.m. and the day will conclude with a free dance featuring the “Wes Cossman Band” and a fireworks display (weather permitting). For more information call 785-398-2347 or 785798-2070.

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The growth of wind power has been helped by federal tax credits and policies in many states, including Kansas, that require electric utilities to use a certain amount of renewable sources in their energy generation. Those policies have increasingly been challenged by lawmakers. In 2013, according to the report, legislators in 14 of the 29 states that have so-called Renewable Porfolio Standards (RPS), introduced bills that would lessen or eliminate them. Kansas was among the 14, though the bills failed to pass. The Federal Reserve’s 10th District includes Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Wyoming and Oklahoma. Of those seven states, only two do not have RPS. “States with RPS or goals had most (of the district’s) installed capacity by the end of 2012,” according to the report, “with Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado each having more than 20 percent of the district’s total installed capacity.” U.S. wind turbine manufacturing has grown along with the development of wind energy, according to the study, with manufacturers building plants near the wind farms to minimize transport costs.

around $300,000 per year, the property owners who leased their land would also get royalties. Landowners may earn from $3,000 to $5,000 annually for the life of the project for each wind turbine on their property, references indicate. Industry reports say wind farm companies were selling their electricity for $49 to $57 per MWH in 2009 and getting annual increases of two or three percent for 20 to 30 years with each tower making about $160,000 in yearly gross revenues. However, recent MWH rates have been a much less profitable $22 to $33. As a principal in Gray County’s Cimarron Projects, CPV sold that wind farm’s 165-megawatt Phase 1 to NextEra Energy Resources, Juno Beach, Fla., and the 131-megawatt Phase 2 to Duke Energy, Charlotte, N.C., Hafner said.

1913

U.S. wind energy production grew at a rapid pace between 2006 and 2012, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, with major increases in wind power production in the Midwest and Plains states, including Kansas. Economic conditions that boosted the cost of traditional electricity fuels coupled with federal and state policies attributed to the increase from 10,000 megawatts produced nationally in 2006 to an estimated 60,000 megawatts produced by the end of 2012, enough to power between 14 million and 24 million homes annually. By 2012, more than 11 percent of the electricity produced in Kansas was from wind turbines, according to the report penned by economist Jason P. Brown. Kansas was one of nine states where wind accounted for more than 10 percent of electricity production. But continued growth of wind power development remains in question because of possible changes in government policies and because the cost of natural gas has dropped significantly with the expansion of shale bed extraction. Gas-fired power plants generally can produce electricity at lower cost than wind.

Bazine hosts ‘Wheels in the Park’ Aug. 10

(continued from page one)

“Big City Pricing, Small Town Service!” 601 W. Kansas Ave., Garden City, KsAve., 67846 • 800-545-1039 • www.burtismotor.com 601 W. Kansas Garden City, Ks 67846

800-545-1039 www.burtismotor.com

5113

Sports

The Scott County Record

Page 17 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

smack down

(Above) Curtiss Chambless (711) delivers a big hit on Cody Kennedy during the pickup demolition derby on Sunday. (Below) Bobby Lorg is sandwiched between Ricardo Trujillo (1978) and Andrew Homer (34DD) during the feature race of the limited weld division. (Record Photos)

Kennedy regains derby title at Scott County Fair As a former demolition derby champion at the Scott County Fair, there’s no disputing that Cody Kennedy knows what it takes to win. But sometimes, experience alone isn’t enough. A little good fortune can also be helpful. Kennedy took advantage of a fortunate break during the pickup derby on Sunday night and pounced on that opportunity to secure his first county fair title since 2009. Kennedy was considered by some the favorite entering the pickup feature, but Ezer Palacois, Scott City, was running hard and delivering some big hits on the competition. It looked like Palacois had the strongest run-

ning pickup in the arena with only three pickups remaining. Kennedy had just knocked Curtiss Chambless, Scott City, out of the competition, leaving only Kennedy and Palacois. However, Palacois didn’t see that Chambless had been eliminated and coming from across the arena he delivered a blow to the rear end of the Chambless pickup that sent Palacois dangerously close to the north berm. It was a golden opportunity for Kennedy. “I was fortunate that he came into my area,” says Kennedy. “He came up to me afterwards and said he didn’t know that (Chambless) was out. It turned out to be a pretty big mistake.”

SRC volleyball

Girls in grades 1-6 can sign-up for fall volleyball offered through the Scott Recreation Commission. Deadline to sign-up is Aug. 14. Games will be held on Saturday mornings starting Sept. 7. Cost is $25 per player.

Flag, tackle football

Boys in the first and second grades have until Wed., Aug. 14, to sign-up for flag football being sponsored by the Scott Recreation Commission. Entry fee is $25 per player with games to be played on Tuesday evenings from Sept. 3 to Oct. 1. Deadline for youth in grades 3-6 to sign-up for tackle football is Aug. 6. Practices begin Aug. 12.

ond in the limited weld feature. Always in the mix for a derby title, Lorg spent a good deal of the race trying to protect his driver’s side front tire which appeared to be dangerously exposed to a hard hit that could take him out of the race. Once Scott City’s Brad Ludowese was eliminated in third place, Lorg and Lorg is Second Again For the second con- Ardon Jennings, Gorham, secutive year, Scott City’s were locked in a dual for Bobby Lorg finished sec- more than 15 minutes. With the back end of the Palacois pickup near the berm, Kennedy was able to use his momentum to push him over the top and out of the competition for another county fair title. Kennedy says his next competition will probably be the Fall Brawl in Cimarron.

It appeared that Jennings had finally gained the advantage when Lorg got too close to the west berm, facing toward the grandstand. Jennings made repeated attempts to push Lorg over the top, but Lorg was able to stop just inches away from being eliminated. Eventually, Lorg was able to work his vehicle away from the berm and had new life - but it was short-lived. Only a few minutes

after surviving the berm, Jennings delivered a hard hit to Lorg’s front end that blew a tire and ended the Scott City driver’s bid for another derby title. In the weekend warrior division, a pair of Syracuse drivers squared off against each other with Eric Smith defeating Jordan Groth for the title. Because of a quagmire in the arena following last Thursday’s three-inch rain, the figure-8 races were cancelled this year.

Duck breeding estimates are promising Duck populations are strong, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2013 Report on Trends in Duck Breeding Populations. The preliminary estimate of total duck populations from the traditional survey area (northcentral U.S., southcentral and northern Canada, and Alaska) is 45.6 million birds - a six percent

KDWP Report decrease from last year’s 48.6 million birds, but a 33 percent increase from the long-term average. In addition to estimating duck populations, the survey also examines habitat conditions. Habitat conditions during the 2013 survey were generally improved or similar to last year due

to above-average precipitation, despite a delayed spring throughout most of the traditional survey area. Most of the Canadian portions of the traditional survey area were rated as good to excellent, in contrast to 2012 when drier conditions existed across northern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Although the U.S. prairies received

record snowfall in April, habitat conditions were still rated only fair to poor, similar to last year. The total pond estimate (prairie Canada and the north-central United States combined) is 6.9 million, 24 percent higher than the 2012 estimate of 5.5 million ponds and 35 percent above the longterm average. (See DUCK on page 18)

Offensive changes give stars a chance to shine Throughout our history, Kansas City fans have demonstrated Inside a love and appreciation for dethe fense. Huddle That’s not to say we can’t with also appreciate an exciting of- the fense when one is put on the X-Factor field, like we saw during the Dick Vermeil era. resurrect the “Greatest Show on Head coach Andy Reid, with Turf: Part II.” an arsenal of offensive weapons Of course, it begins with at his disposal, may be about to quarterback Alex Smith who

could turn out to be one of the best off-season acquisitions by any team in the NFL. So far, during training camp, Smith has proven the skeptics wrong who doubted his accuracy and his ability to throw deep. During the first weekend of camp, Smith threw probably 150 passes without an interception - though free safety Kendrick Lewis would have had a

pick six if he hadn’t dropped the ball. On Friday, during the team’s first two offensive series, Smith was 13-of-13 while spreading the ball among 7-8 different receivers. Again, it was a reminder of former offensive coordinator Al Saunders and coach Vermeil who like to keep a lot of receivers involved in the offense. Three things have been most

impressive about Smith, other than his accuracy. First of all, he’s showing the patience to check down to his fourth and fifth options among receivers (yes, Reid’s wide open offense is putting that many receivers on the field at times). It’s such a difference from the Matt Cassel days when he would lock on one receiver as soon as they (See SHINE on page 22)

The Scott County Record • Page 18 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Another record year for Kansas Sunflower Games

Outdoors in Kansas

by Steve Gilliland

Squirrel season does exist I know of no wild animal in our society today more pampered than the squirrel. We buy corn to feed them and then buy feeders to hold the corn. We teach them to take peanuts from our hands, and I even heard of someone who had taught the little beggars to tap on the front door when they wanted a handout. Some years back I did a story about two local brothers who cash in on our squirrel feeding frenzy by growing and harvesting upwards of one thousand bushels of ear corn every year which they sell for squirrel corn. I have to admit squirrels are fun to watch as they roll around in those glass jar feeders and cling upside down to the side of a tree. But they have a dark side too. They eat the fruit off fruit trees, the grapes off grape vines, and they litter my front lawn with acorn shells from the nearby Pin Oaks. The bird feeder industry works overtime to make their products “squirrel proof,” but I doubt there is such a thing. They will chew on about anything, and I read where their appetite for electrical wiring has caused the shut down of the NASDAQ twice in its history. Our biggest deer feeder is made from a damaged poly-cart sitting high on a frame. The corn is distributed with a “slinger” that hangs below the polycart. A plastic funnel that comes from the factory with the device “funnels” the corn down to the blades of the slinger which throws it when the device runs. The squirrels have chewed away part of that plastic funnel, so now the corn just runs through it like water. That was the last straw, so here are some facts about squirrel hunting here in Kansas. (See SQUIRREL on page 22)

County Plat Maps Scott

Logan

Ness

Wichita

Gove

Wallace

Lane

Greeley

Finney Kearney

406 Main • Scott City 620 872-2090

Nicole Walker makes the final turn during barrel racing competition at the Scott County Fair.

Jett is top winners in draw pot roping Gene Jett was the top winner in the draw pot roping contest held during the Scott County Fair. Jett and Mike Wolf had the best overall time on three successful runs which combined for 28.723 seconds. Jett and Kalie Turley

Duck

also had three successful runs with a combined time of 28.821 seconds to finish in second place. Third place for the fastest time on a single run were Layton Wright/ Manual Costillo with 6.243 seconds.

(continued from page 17)

In the eastern survey area - eastern Ontario, Quebec, the Maritime Provinces and Maine - estimated mallard abundance is 500,000 birds. Habitat conditions across most of the eastern survey area generally were good with the exception of Maine and the southern Maritimes, which were rated only as fair. The report also notes: •Estimated mallard abundance is 10.4 million birds, similar to the 2012 estimate of 10.6 million birds and 36 percent above the long-term average. •Blue-winged teal estimated abundance is 7.7 million. Although this is 16 percent below the 2012 estimate of 9.2 million, the blue-wing population is 60 percent above the long-term average. Similarly, the green-winged teal estimate of 3.1 million is 12 percent below last year, but still 51 percent above the longterm average. •The northern pintail estimate of 3.3 million is similar to the 2012 estimate of 3.5 million and 17 percent below the long-term average. •Estimated abundance of American wigeon is 2.6 million and 23 percent above the 2012 estimate and similar to the long-term average. •The combined lesser and greater scaup estimate of 4.2 million decreased 20 percent from last year and is 17 percent below the long-term average of 5 million. •The canvasback estimate of 787,000 is similar to the 2012 estimate and 37 percent above the long-term average. The surveys are conducted by the USFWS and Canadian Wildlife Services’ Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, sampling more than two million square miles of waterfowl habitat across Alaska, the northcentral and northeastern United States and southcentral, eastern and northern Canada. The information guides the USFWS waterfowl conservation programs under authority of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The USFWS then works in partnership with state biologists from the four flyways - the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific - to establish regulatory frameworks for waterfowl hunting season lengths, dates and bag limits. The 2013 Kansas duck hunting season dates and bag limits will be approved at the Aug. 1 commission meeting in Yates Center. For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2013 Report on Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, visit www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

Miller Wins Barrels Top competitor in the open barrel racing was Cacee Miller (14.177 seconds) followed by Audra Koop (14.452). Other results are: 2D: Cacee Miller (14.837) and Cheyenne Veach (14.936).

3D: Leah Jennison (15.318) and Cheyenne Veach (15.607). 4D: Deb Lawrence (15.638) and Rochelle Miller (15.655). Winning the junior barrels was Izaac Rowton (17.015) followed by Megan Vance (23.809).

The 24th annual Sunflower State Games came to a successful close on July 28. The Olympic style sports festival drew 9,111 participants in 2013 which sets a new record for participation since the organization came to existence in 1990. Attendance increased by 396 athletes compared to 8,715 in 2012. In addition, 15 of the 46 sports contested set participation records as well. “We are extremely happy with the record attendance for the 2013 Games. The increase in numbers is a reflection of how serious Kansans are about increasing their health and wellness through participation in sports,” said Executive Director, Mitch Gross. The Games hosted 46 sporting events at over 35 locations in the Topeka and Shawnee County area from July 12-28. Official results for all events can be found online at www.sunflowergames.com. The 2014 Sunflower State Games will take place July 11-27 in Topeka. Support Your Hometown Merchants

The Scott County Record • Page 19 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Can KU’s Wiggins live up to the hype? Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where most it promises. - Shakespeare * * * Not since the fall of 1956 has any player joined the Kansas basketball team who created such high expectations and anticipation among Jayhawk fans. The player in 1956 was Wilt Chamberlain. by The expecMac tancy of great Stevenson play during the 2013-2014 season is focused on freshman Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins is not unaccustomed to media attention - far from it. Wiggins (68, 205) is, by far, the most heralded recruit of the Bill Self era. He has already garnered many 2013 national honors including: Mr. Basketball USA, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Naismith Prep Player of the Year, and the McDonald’s All-American team. In addition, before he’s ever played a college game, Wiggins is already being conceded the number one pick in the 2014 NBA draft. That’s excessive hoopla for an 18-year-old kid just out of high school. “It’s kind of weird to me because we’ve recruited other good players before, but we’ve never had anybody with this kind of attention. I kind of feel for him,” says Self. “He’s going to have to be able to tell people no, and we have to make it easier for him.” Self has tried to temper the expectations by noting that Wiggins is “going to go through ups and downs like everybody else.” He then adds, “but he’s as talented as any player in the country, because from a raw athletic ability standpoint, he can do some things that I’ve never had a player be able to do physically.” Wiggins is much more than a promising recruit. College freshmen face a huge transition, not the least of which are a high level of competition, raucous crowds and new coaches and new teammates. KU is going to have a terrific team, but it won’t happen overnight. Wiggins might take off right from the beginning; however, (See WIGGINS on page 21)

Faron Kraft looks on as members of his football team go through a strength and conditioning workout earlier this week. (Record Photo)

WCHS football coach returns to his Western Kansas roots Better pay and the opportunity to add athletic director to his job description were two good reasons for Faron Kraft to accept the football head coaching position at Wichita County High School. But they weren’t the main reasons. “I really enjoy the kids and the people in this part of the state,” says Kraft, who spent the past two seasons coaching football at Medicine Lodge. “The kids understand hard work and will buy into what you’re telling them. And the people in these communities are so supportive of their kids.” Nothing has changed that opinion since arriving at Leoti earlier this summer to run the strength and conditioning program and get an early start working with members of his football team. “These kids are hungry to win. They have done everything we’ve asked of them this summer,” says Kraft. “And when you look around at our facilities and see what this community has done to upgrade things around here you can tell they’re behind this program 100 percent. As a coach, that’s a great situation to be in.” A native of Utica and a graduate of Bethany College, Kraft originally returned to his home area as the head coach of the

Ness City/Dighton Titans in 2008-09. At the end of the second year, the two schools ended their cooperative agreement and Dighton returned to the eightman ranks in 2010. During his final two seasons, the Titans were 5-4 (2009) and the Hornets were 6-3 (2010) before he accepted the head coaching position at Class 2A Medicine Lodge. In his first season, the Indians ended a six-year playoff drought but lost to Wichita Collegiate in the opening round of post-season to finish 5-5. An injury-plagued second season saw Kraft and his Indians finish 3-6. “But we were very competitive,” he says. “Five of our losses during those two years were by a touchdown or less.” However, it was tough competing in a league which included perennial powerhouses Garden Plain and Conway Springs. “The biggest challenge when I arrived at Medicine Lodge was teaching the boys to be physical,” says Kraft. That’s something which he will bring to his new Indians. Kraft, 32, has had an opportunity to get his athletes into the weight room this summer and during Monday night workouts they were able to become familiar with the offense and defense. “During camp we built on

Parks is new WCHS head basketball coach

Walking the sideline at Wichita County High School boy’s basketball games this upcoming year will be Haydon Parks. Parks, a graduate of Bethany College, has accepted his first coaching position with the Indians. “When I interviewed here I really liked what I saw and the people I met,” says Parks. “It felt like a good situation for me coming out of college.” A graduate of Northern Heights High School, he played basketball at Johnson County Community College for one year before transferring to Bethany where he played two years of basketball and a year of football. Parks didn’t arrive in time to have a summer camp or to coach his team in any MAYB tournaments. “We had open gym on Tuesday nights and that gave me a chance to see the boys who will be playing for me this year,” says Parks. those fundamentals. I was extremely pleased with what we accomplished during the week,” Kraft says. “I’d say we have about 75 percent of our offense in and 50 percent of our defense, which is a pretty good start heading into two-a-days.” Another big challenge for the Indians was to improve on their numbers. They finished last year with 13 players on the team. “We’ve reached out to boys from the Hispanic community and I also have two Hispanic coaches on my staff, so that’s helped,” Kraft says. “We had 25 different boys at camp

and there’s another 15 on our radar. I’ll be surprised if we don’t have at least 30 boys out this fall. Given where this program has been the last couple of years, that would be a huge turnaround.” Kraft is also pleased with the progress he’s seen in the weight room. “We’re testing out next week. Our biggest thing was the lack of leg strength. Our leg and explosive lifts weren’t there to start the summer. We implemented a tough program and lifted hard all summer. I think we’ll see the benefits next week.”

The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Squirrel Squirrel season in Kansas opened June 1 and runs through Feb 28, which is extraordinarily long for any hunting season. Yet squirrel hunting seems tremendously underutilized in this state. Granted, we don’t have the woods and forests that make squirrel hunting so popular in some other states, but we do have plenty of squirrels (besides the zillions that inhabit our towns). From deer stands, I have often watched squirrels rustle about in the leaves beneath me, or heard them in the trees above and behind me as they scold me as an intruder, so I believe

(continued from page 18)

that our countryside has no squirrel deficiency. Smaller gauge shotguns and .22 rifles have always been the favored weapons for squirrel hunting, but many of the newer, airpowered rifles would be excellent choices as well. Check the hunting regulations for a list of legal harvesting methods. Naturally nut trees are the biggest draw, but in the fall and winter, Osage Oranges (Hedge Apples) become an important food source too. Squirrel hunting is a waiting game, so find a spot in the trees along the river or near a thick fencerow where small chips of hedge ap-

ple or nut shells litter the ground, and pick yourself a comfortable seat. Your patience will be rewarded as Mr. Bushy Tail will soon come out of hiding and begin scampering about, or scold you from a nearby branch. In either case, bide your time and you’ll eventually get a shot. Squirrel hunting is a good way to hone your rifle marksmanship, as they don’t stand still very long. Squirrel meat is very similar to wild rabbit, and can be prepared in the same ways. And even though cousin Eddy in the National Lampoon movie Christ-

mas Vacation says its high in cholesterol, it is not. So dust off the old .22, sight in the scope (or adjust the open sights for you purists,) and head to the woods. Find yourself a comfy’ seat against a big tree, and don’t be surprised if the serenity of the situation puts you to sleep. The worst case scenario will be some quiet time to yourself and a nice nap. The best case scenario will be both of the above plus a squirrel dinner. Either way, you’ll Explore Kansas Outdoors, so how can you lose? Steve can be contacted by email at stevegilliland@idkcom.net

Wiggins

The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

(continued from page 19)

there’s no certainty of that reportedly to be paid up front. happening. Fisher keeps a low Turnaround for KC profile and said after the Last year in the NFL, signing, “I’m just trying Indianapolis went from to play offensive line . . . I two wins the previous really love everything that season to an 11-5 record comes with it. It’s a very and making the playoffs. similar system to what I The Kansas City Chiefs ran in college.” could have the same kind Coach Andy Reid is of turnaround. pleased with the situation. The NFL isn’t like col“We were fortunate to lege. Pro teams can greathave a draft where there ly improve their ball clubs in one year with the help were a number of offenof an exceptional draft sive linemen who are firstround-caliber guys. That’s and free-agent pickups. KC drafted OT Eric what we need here, and Fisher (6-7, 306) with we have a good nucleus their number one pick in now,” said Reid. Kansas City’s full the recent draft and last week he signed a four- squad is in St. Joseph year contract for $22 mil- for their annual training lion, with $10 million camp grind. On the first

day of practice, 4,000 fans showed up. That’s the largest crowd ever for the first day of camp in St. Joe. Reid and General Manager John Dorsey have plenty of new faces in training camp. Among the newcomers are four talented free-agent acquisitions: WR Donnie Avery, TE Anthony Fasano, and defensive backs Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith. The Chiefs’ biggest offseason deal brought quarterback Alex Smith (6-4, 217) to KC. Smith was the number one choice of San Francisco in the 2005 draft and had been their starter until late last season. In order for KC to make the play-

offs, Smith will have to be a dominant quarterback. Kansas City had a number of quality players before Reid and Dorsey arrived. Among the most prominent are Pro Bowl linebackers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson and runningback Jamaal Charles. Hali has always been a leader with his enthusiasm and recently said, “Playing football and making money, that’s not the goal . . . it’s to win a championship here for the Chiefs.” Summer is flitting away and football season will be here before we know it. Here’s hoping the Chiefs can live up to preseason expectations.

Shine walked out of the locker room. Secondly, he’s already developing a chemistry with the receivers. He’s hitting receivers in stride, unlike the last couple of seasons. That should lead to a huge improvement in yards after catch (YAC) this season. And, finally, what has really been great is the ability of Smith to throw deep. There were a lot of skeptics who felt he wasn’t capable of doing that as a product of the West Coast offense. There’s still work to be done in completing some of those long passes, but that will improve as Smith becomes more familiar with his receivers. McCluster’s Role The lingering question that has hung over the head of Dexter McCluster since he was drafted by the Chiefs three years ago has been how best to utilize his talents. Is he a wideout? A slot back? Should he be used on punt and kickoff returns? It appears that Reid has settled on McCluster filling the same role of wideout DeSean Jackson at Philadelphia. He’s running deep routes, seam routes down the middle, slants and he’s also coming out of the backfield. And he’s caught just about

The Scott County Record • Page 22 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

(continued from page 17)

everything that’s been thrown his way. It’s been impressive. This could be McCluster’s chance to emerge as a star in the NFL, and he’s only going to get better as he and Smith continue to develop chemistry. But this isn’t going to be just the McCluster show. Don’t be surprised if Dwayne Bowe has a Pro Bowl year. He may finally live up to expectations after being a first round draft pick in 2011. While he’s had some terrific catches, Baldwin still has some hard-to-explain drops which have haunted him and Bowe during their careers. Other members of the receiving corps who will be expected to make contributions include Donnie Avery, Devon Wylie and second-year player Junior Hemingway. And our tight end situation could be the best it’s been since the departure of Tony Gonzalez. Anthony Fasano (free agent from the Dolphins) has been particularly impressive, along with rookie Travis Kelce (Cincinnati). We’re also seeing the return of Tony Moeaki who can, hopefully, stay healthy. Even for as good as Moeaki is, he may only

be the No. 3 man on this roster. Look for the tight ends to be a big part of the offense this season. A 2,300 yard man? And that brings us to the player who may not only be the MVP on this roster, but could become one of the top players in this league. Jamaal Charles (5-11, 199) has the potential to become a 2,300 yard player. Don’t be surprised if he rushers for over 1,400 yards and adds another 900 yards receiving in this wide open offense. We always knew he could run the ball, but now Charles is going to show his skills as a receiver. He will be complemented by rookie Knile Davis (5-10, 227, Arkansas) who is a slightly bigger version of Charles. He’s explosive and a good receiver out of the backfield, but he also has a problem hanging onto the ball. He could be special if he can eliminate the fumbles. Predictable? Boring? Methodical? This year’s Chiefs’ offense will be anything but that. The X Factor (Ty Rowton) is a former Scott City resident who has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a Chiefs Superfan

The Scott County Record

Page 23 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

Scott County Fair parade (Clockwise, from top) Scott County Library float; Country Cousins 4-H Club; the First Christian Church float; El Quartelejo Saddle Club wagon; a horseback rider shows his roping skills; Kylee (left) and Ashlee Logan in their unique buggy; and the New Horizons 4-H Club float. (Record Photos)

Parade Winners

4-H Floats Blue: Country Cousins 4-H and New Horizons 4-H. Non-Business Floats Blue: Scott County Library Red: First Christian Church Business Floats Blue: Security State Bank Red: First National Bank Horse and Buggy Blue: Kylee Logan

The Scott County Record

Farm

Page 24 - Thursday, August 1, 2013

Rocky road ahead for farm bill, but doable Farm bill politics this year reflect the broader political dynamics in Congress these days - the triumph of ideology over consensus, said a University of Nebraska-Lincoln public policy specialist. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives finally approved a new farm bill earlier this month, but one that stripped out the food-stamp provisions

ag briefs

LEMA meetings start Mon. Another round of meetings regarding the future of a Local Enhanced M a n a g e m e n t Area (LEMA) in Groundwater Management District No. 1 will be held at four locations within the district from Aug. 5-8. Meeting times and places include: Monday: 9:00 a.m. at the Lane County 4-H Bldg., Dighton. Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. at the Leoti community building, Wichita County fairgrounds. Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. at the Wm. Carpenter 4-H Bldg., Scott County Fairgrounds. Thursday: 1:00 p.m. (MDST), Greeley County 4-H Bldg., Tribune. There will be discussion on water conservation guidelines that have been proposed at previous LEMA meetings.

Federal crop insurance costs 2¢ per meal

The Congressional Budget Office’s latest 10-year budget projections show Americans spending two cents per meal to fund federal crop insurance. From 2000-11, federal crop insurance cost Americans one cent per meal. This one-cent increase comes despite the five-year, $100 billion per year farm bill. Only about 15 percent of the budget supports farm programs and crop insurance. In part, these rising insurance prices are the result of bad weather. The government spends roughly $8.5 billion per year on farm insurance while farmers pay $4 billion out of pocket to buy policies. The Senate’s farm bill creates a link between conservation compliance and crop insurance subsidies. Farmers with high-adjusted gross incomes will receive smaller subsidies than low-income farmers.

that have been part of the package for decades. The House bill now heads to an uncertain future in conference with the Senate version, which includes the nutrition elements. It’s likely to take many months to sort out, perhaps going past the ostensible Sept. 30 deadline to the “real” Dec. 31 deadline, said Brad Lubben, UNL public policy specialist.

The political environment has changed, Lubben said. Redistricting of House districts has made many of them less competitive between the parties. “Redistricting has left us with fewer competitive races and some members have to worry more about their primary races than the general election,” Lubben said. In that environment, members from

both parties are likely to take their cues from their respective political bases. That leads to increased ideology and less bridgebuilding consensus. Lubben pointed out that while conservative Republicans are taking the heat for the House’s split of farm and food legislation, liberal Democrats, too, have contributed to the current standoff. “Politically speaking,

the food side of the coalition abandoned the coalition too. Back in June, the food side was arguing they shouldn’t take any cuts and the farm side should shoulder all of the proposed budget cuts,” Lubben said. That bill proposed less than three percent in cuts for food programs and more than 10 percent in cuts for farm and conservation planks. It still

didn’t get enough Democratic support, Lubben said. As for what happens next, House Republicans are suggesting action on a nutrition-only bill that could also become part of the farm-bill conference process. If that fails, they could go into conference without an official position on the nutrition package. That could put (See ROCKY on page 25)

Activists: let’s keep fairs fair All across the nation youth can be found exhibiting 4-H and FFA projects at county and state fairs. Many of these young men and women will learn life lessons from showing their prized bovine, equine, swine, or maybe even a porcupine. Some will continue those lessons as they pursue careers in agriculture. All will be potential advocates for the industry. The majority of youth in America are not fortunate enough to participate in fulfilling activities like the bucket calf project or selling their blue-ribbon market lamb. However, those non-participants do get the opportunity to

Ag Commentary Wyatt Bechtel, asst. editor Dairy Herd Management

learn from their 4-H and FFA member counterparts when they attend a fair. Urban and suburban youth alike have the chance to see other kids in action as they fit and show livestock. It is a great learning experience for all. Animal activist groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have been trying for the past few years to step into state fair venues in nearly every area of the country to “educate”

children. Just this past month PETA was allowed to voice its opinion for the first time at the California State Fair with a booth illustrating the motive “to make kids wary of dairy.” The booth featured games to lure in kids and then detailed reasons why they should ditch dairy or meat products for a vegan lifestyle. I personally see nothing wrong with the booth, even though I do not support PETA’s philosophy. Fairs are completely pro-animal agriculture. All you have to do is take a walk down the midway to realize this. You’ll see people dining

on turkey legs, corn dogs and bacon-covered everything, all while 4-H and FFA members show off the fruits of their labor. I do have a problem with the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) suing the same California State Fair that was kind enough to open its doors to PETA. ALDF has sued the State Fair and the University of California Board of Regents for confining pregnant sows and nursing piglets in farrowing crates at an educational exhibit. Farrowing crates help protect baby pigs from being crushed by the sow, and give (See FAIR on page 25)

Cattle market is poised to make gains

The fed-cattle market probably is at or near the summer lows, and lower corn prices should support the calf and feeder markets in coming months. During the Cattle Feeders Business Summit in Denver, Cattle Fax senior analyst Kevin Good gave cattle feeders, weary of 18 months of losses, a

Land ownership reports are due The Scott County Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds foreign persons with an interest in agricultural land in the U.S. that they are required to report their holdings and any transactions to the USDA. Any foreign person who acquires, transfers or holds any interest, other than a security interest, in agricultural land in the United States is required by law to report the transaction no later than 90 days after the date of the transaction. Foreign investors must file Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) reports with the FSA county office that maintains reports for the county where the land is located. Failure to file a report, filing a late report or filing an inaccurate report can result in a penalty with fines up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land. For AFIDA purposes, agricultural land is defined as any land used for farming, ranching or timber production, if the tracts total 10 acres or more. Disclosure reports are also required when there are changes in land use.

little good news tempered with caution. Fed-cattle prices, Good says, have languished around $120 per hundredweight for about the past six weeks, and negative margins in the feedyards have pressured calf and feeder prices lower. Year to date, prices for 550-pound calves have averaged about $16 per

hundredweight lower than those during 2012 and prices for 750-pound yearlings have been down by about $14. Calf and feeder prices have gained strength in recent weeks though, and Good expects that trend to continue through the fourth quarter of 2013. Timely rains have fueled hopes for a big

Market Report Closing prices on July 30, 2013 Winona Feed and Grain Bartlett Grain Wheat.................. $ 6.81 Wheat.................. $ 6.81 Milo (bu.) ............ $ 5.81 White Wheat ....... $ 7.11 Corn.................... $ 6.51 Milo (bu.)............. $ 5.81 Soybeans............ $ 11.58 Corn.................... $ 6.51

Scott City Cooperative Wheat.................. $ 6.81 White Wheat ....... $ 7.11 Milo (bu.)............. $ 5.81 Corn.................... $ 6.51 Soybeans ........... $ 11.58 Sunflowers.......... $ 19.65 ADM Grain Wheat.................. Milo (bu.)............. Corn.................... Soybeans............ Sunflowers .........

$ 6.81 $ 5.81 $ 6.51 $ 11.78 $ 20.20

Royal Beef Corn....................

$ 6.59

County Plat Maps By

Western Cartographers Available:

Scott Ness Gove Lane Logan Finney Wichita Wallace Greeley Kearney

Pick them up today at:

406 Main • Scott City 620 872-2090

Weather July 23

July 24

July 26

July 28

July 25

July 27 July 29

July

86 87

66 2.20 59 58 64

.14

Moisture Totals

2013 Total

3.82

11.23

corn crop, and corn prices, which have averaged about $7.20 per bushel year to date, could decline by $2 per bushel or more by harvest time. Good warns though, that cattle feeders looking at higher fed-cattle prices and lower corn often watch potential profits swallowed by higher prices for replacement cattle.

As for those fed-cattle prices, Good says they likely are at or near the summer lows, with the market holding at around $119 per hundredweight compared with $113 a year ago. With a typical increase of 13 percent from summer lows to fall highs, prices should reach $132 to $133 this fall.

Workshop on combustible dust in GC In order to increase safety awareness at grain elevators, feed mills and other grain processing facilities, Kansas State University’s Department of Grain Science and Industry is offering workshops to address combustible dust hazards. The interactive workshops will create awareness regarding grain dust explosion hazards among workers and supervisors. The workshops are free. Workshops will be held at the following sites: •Tues., Aug. 13, in Garden City at the Southwest ResearchExtension Office. The course in English will be offered from 8:00 a.m. to noon and the Spanish course will be offered from 1:00-5:00 p.m. •Wed., Aug. 14, in Colby at the Colby Convention Center from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Grain dust explosions are caused by five factors: powder-fine grain dust, confinement of dust in an enclosed space, dust dispersion, an ignition source, and oxygen. Reducing combustible dust, keeping it out of the air and controlling ignition sources significantly reduce the probability of a grain dust explosion occurring. To register for any of the workshops, go to www.grains.ksu.edu/ igp and select the link under “Upcoming Short Courses.”

Iowa will need to import corn

Demand from the state’s ethanol and livestock operations are likely to require Iowa to import additional corn. The prediction was made by Ross Korves, economic policy analyst for ProExporter Network at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s Economic Summit at Iowa State University. This is the result of growing livestock operations and ethanol plants returning to full production. In addition to increasing demand, last year’s drought conditions were replaced by flooding this spring. Both weather conditions hampered corn yields which are above 2012 results, but still below average. Korves said Iowa will need an additional 221 million bushels of corn, which are likely to come from other states rather than other countries. The state produced 1.88 billion bushels of corn in 2012 and expects to reach 2.45 billion bushels this year.

The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Groups seek injunction against COOL As part of a lawsuit filed July 8 seeking to block implementation of a mandatory country-oforigin labeling (COOL) rule finalized by the USDA in May 2013, nine organizations representing the U.S., Canadian, and Mexican meat and livestock industries asked the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to grant a preliminary injunction. In the request, the

groups said that they had a high likelihood of success in their case and that enforcement of the rule would cause irreparable harm to the industry and have severe economic impacts that are not in the public interest. Plaintiffs include the American Association of Meat Processors, American Meat Institute, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Pork Council, National

Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, North American Meat Association, Southwest Meat Association and Mexico’s National Confederation of Livestock Organizations. The plaintiffs assert that they “are very likely to succeed on the merits and the Final Rule will likely be vacated. The injunction claims the rule exceeds the

authority granted to USDA in the 2008 Farm Bill and offers little benefit to consumers while fundamentally altering the meat and poultry industry. The plaintiffs assert that the new “Born, Raised, and Slaughtered” disclosures do not protect consumers. USDA proposed the new rule in March after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in response to a complaint by Canada

Local workshop aims Fair at improving soil health Producers seeking to improve their farm’s soil can attend a soil health training in Scott City. The workshop will be held on Tues., Aug. 6, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at the Wm. Carpenter 4-H Bldg. Keynote speaker will be Ray Archuleta, a national conservation agronomist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). “Soils are a living factory of macroscopic and microscopic organisms. Providing a good habitat for those organisms improves your soil,” says

Rocky them in a weak position in negotiations with Senate colleagues, Lubben said. Lubben said a nutrition- only bill that could get House approval likely would have even bigger cuts than the bill proposed in June, meaning it would draw few Democrats’ votes. But any package that emerges from conference with both farm and food-program planks is likely to be “a bill that (House Republicans) like even less” than what they’ve previously opposed. “It seems clear that the final version from conferencing with the Senate would be something left of what the House passed

Archuleta, who travels around the country presenting information and technology that can help farmers improve their soil health. Archuleta will demonstrate a simple way to test soils to determine how well they function. He will also show particiipants how to protect and improve the soil habitat. “At these workshops, we hope to change the way you view soils and improve your profit margin by applying agro-ecology principles,” says Dean Krehbiel, State Resource

Conservationist, NRCS, Salina. “We’ll discuss how farming practices affect soil quality as well as things you can do to improve the soil quality.” These meetings are an opportunity to learn more about the basics of soil function and biology, and how diverse cover crops can improve the soil’s ability to infiltrate water, resist drought and erosion, improve nutrient cycling, and produce healthy, abundant crops. For more information contact the NRCS in Scott City at 620-872-3230.

(continued from page 24)

in July and probably left even of what they failed to pass back in June,” Lubben predicted. Still, many conservatives are getting exactly what they sought, Lubben said. “Far right interest groups pushed for separating farm and food programs in the farm bill. They wanted an ideological debate on both parts,” he added. “Of course, some of those same conservative groups were then disappointed that the farm-only legislation passed the House without substantially more reforms and budget cuts than what had failed back in June.”

and Mexico that the existing country-of-origin labeling requirements violated the United States’ WTO obligations. In response, USDA made COOL requirements even more complex and discriminatory against foreign meat and livestock. Canada and Mexico have already made clear that the new rule does nothing to ease the concerns that prompted their original complaint.

(continued from page 24)

the pigs a warm, dry place to lie. Can you imagine the trauma children would experience if they saw and heard a baby pig being laid on by its mother? The Livestock Nursery Exhibit lets people - who would not otherwise get the chance - see pigs, cows and sheep give birth. This service is run by students and faculty from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who will spend their time caring for the animals and educating children about livestock. It is funny how ALDF, an organization that has been heavily involved with PETA in pursuing litigation against animal agriculture, would oppose this educational event. I guess the lesson to be learned is if you give an animal activist group a booth, they think they can run the fair. In Kansas, things have been similar to California. Last year, PETA was allowed onto the fairgrounds in Kansas, even though restrictions were placed on the group for showing images of animals being slaughtered and were held up after a lawsuit. The same problems with farrowing crates happened at K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State Fair Birthing Center in 2008. The decision was made to not show sows giving birth because of the outcry from animal rights activists. Now, five years later the Birthing Center is bringing back the popular display to educate Kansans. I was one of those Kansas kids who benefited from seeing the birth of baby piglets at this exhibit. Even being the son of a veterinarian and raised in agriculture, it was my first experience seeing piglets farrowed. I’m happy it is back and I know it will be just as educational today as it was when I was a youngster. Growing up in a beef-centric state like Kansas, most of my interactions with other livestock species happened at fairs. I saw dairy cows being milked at the parlor of the State Fair. I was able to help my friends bathe their hogs and sheep at the wash rack of the Greenwood County Fair. More than anything, I was able to share with my “town” friends what it means to care for livestock. ALDF and PETA want to continue to change the rules of the fair, when the primary purpose of the fair is to showcase agriculture and educate fair visitors. Hopefully, animal rights activists will keep fairs fair, but I doubt it.

“There are some very rural, very conservative districts where representatives voted against the bill both times. Are those districts that really dislike government spending more than they like farm programs? It could be.” The path ahead is challenging, but Lubben pointed out, “We are a step closer.” “I’ve been optimistic for two years that we would get a new farm bill done based on the fact that we know it’s got to be done,” Lubben said. “I’m still optimistic.” Then, he added with Raised on a ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas, Wyatt Bechtel a laugh, “maybe it’s not is an assistant editor for Dairy Herd Management and PorkNetwork well founded.”

The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Call 872-2090 today!

Per Week

The Scott County Record Professional Directory

There’s no beter way to reach your potential customers in Scott County and the surrounding areas.

Agriculture

Preconditioning and Growing • 45 Years Experience • Managed and owned by full-time DVM • 2,000 Head capacity Oﬃce - 872-5150 • Scott City

Jerry Doornbos, DVM Home - 872-2594 Cell - 874-0949 Stuart Doornbos Home - 872-2775 Cell - 874-0951

Sager’s Pump Service • Irrigation • Domestic • Windmills • Submersibles

t Paint i

Red

or any other color Paint inside and out residential, commercial, and industrial. Free estimates and 16 plus years of experience.

PC Painting, Inc. Paul Cramer 620-290-2410 620-872-8910 www.pcpaintinginc.com

Pro Ex II

Over 20 Years Experience

Professional Extermination Commercial & Residential

Medical

Specializing in all coatings

Area Mental Health Center SERVICES PROVIDED:

Marriage and Family Therapy • Individual Psychotherapy Psychiatric Evaluations • Drug and Alcohol Counseling Mediation • Child Psychology • Psychological Evaluations • Group Therapy Pre-Marital Counseling

24-hour Emergency Answering Service

210 W. 4th • Scott City • 872-5338

• Termites • Rodents • Soil Sterilization • Pre Treats • Lawn Care • Fly Parasites

Charles Purma II D.D.S. P.A. General Dentistry, Cosmetics, and Insurance Accepted

We welcome new patients.

John Kropp, Owner • Scott City 874-2023 (cell) • 872-3400 (office) • prox2@live.com

324 N. Main • Scott City • 872-2389 Residence 872-5933

Cell: 874-4486 • Oﬃce 872-2101

ELLIS AG SERVICES

Horizon Health

• Custom Manure Conditioning • Hauling and Spreading • Custom Swathing and Baling • Rounds-Net or Twine • Gyp and Sand Sales • Pickup or Delivery

For your home medical supply and equipment needs! We service and repair all that we sell. 1602 S. Main • Scott City • 872-2232 Toll Free : 1-866-672-2232

Call Brittan Ellis • 620-874-5160

Automotive Willie’s Auto A/C Repair

SPENCER PEST CONTROL

Pro Health Chiropractic Wellness Center

RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL

(Scott City Chiropractic) “TLC”... Technology Lead Chiropractic

Termite Baiting Systems • Rodents Weed Control • Structural Insects Termite Control

Willie Augerot Complete A/C Service Mechanic Work and Diagnostics Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Dr. James Yager • Dr. Marlyn Swayne Dr. Robert Fritz 110 W. 4th St. • Scott City • 872-2310 Toll Free: 800-203-9606

Box 258, Scott City • (620) 872-2870

404 Kingsley • Scott City • 874-1379

Turner Sheet Metal

Heating & Air Conditioning

Heating & Cooling Systems Since 1904

Optometrist 20/20 Optometry

Commercial & Residential 1851 S. Hwy. 83 • Scott City 872-2954 Shop • 1-800-201-2954

Dr. Jeffrey A. Heyd

Ron Turner Owner

Treatment of Ocular Disease • Glaucoma Detection Children’s Vision • Glasses • Contact Lenses

Complete family eye center! 106 W. 4th • Scott City • 872-2020 • Emergencies: 872-2736

Construction/Home Repair

CHAMBLESS ROOFING Residential

All Types of Roofing

Commercial

Cedar Shake and Shingle Specialists Return to Craftsmanship Attention to Detail and Quality Guaranteed 620-872-2679 • 1-800-401-2683

Walker Plumbing, Inc. Backhoe & Trenching services • Irrigation & gas leak repairs • Full-line irrigation parts T-L center pivot dealer Floor heat systems Pump & install septic systems Boring equipment

423 S. Mesquite Rd. • Scott City • 872-2130

Doctor of Chiropractic • Insurance Accepted 115 N. 4th Street • Leoti, KS 67861 Office: (620) 375-5222 • Fax: (620) 375-5223

Daniel R. Dunn, MD Family Practice

872-2187

William Slater, MD General Surgeon

Christian E. Cupp, MD Ryan Michaels, PA Family Practice

Precision Land Forming of terraces and waterways; feed lot pens and ponds; building site preparation; lazer equipped (Home) 872-3057 • 877-872-3057 (Cell) 872-1793

Brent Porter, D.C.

Scott City Clinic

Dirks Earthmoving Co.

Richard Dirks • Scott City, Ks.

Family Dynamics

Libby Hineman, MD Family Practice

Certified Physician Assistant

Megan Dirks, AP, RN-BC

Josiah Brinkley, MD Family Practice

Landscaping • Lawn/Trees

Berning Tree Service David Berning • Marienthal

620-379-4430

Tree Trimming and Removal Hedge and Evergreen Trimming Stump Removal

Fully Insured

Scott City Myofascial Release Sandy Cauthon RN

105 1/2 W. 11th St. Scott City 620-874-1813

Call me to schedule your Myofascial Release

Retail

Call today for a Greener Healthier Lawn

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

www.reganjewelers.com

Owner, Chris Lebbin • 620-214-4469

412 N. Main • Garden City • 620-275-5142

The Scott County Record • Page 27 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Call 872-2090 today!

Per Week

Professional Directory Continued

All Under One Roof

Revcom Electronics

Your RadioShack Dealer Two-way Radio Sales & Service Locally owned and operated since 1990

1104 Main • Scott City • 872-2625

PC Cleaning Services, Inc. We'll clean your home, business or do remodeling clean-up Available seven days a week! Paul Cramer, Owner

620-290-2410

LM Wild Animal Eviction Service Control, capture and removal of nuisance animals.

out ! Coyotes, pigeons, Let’s BOOcT ters it r ky s e p m e h raccoons, skunks, t snakes, rabbits and more.

Gene’s Appliance Over 200 appliances in stock! COMPARE OUR PRICES!

ON-LINE GOVERNMENT surplus sales. GovDeals.com. City, county and state surplus. Seized and confiscated property. Heavy equipment, trucks, vehicles, computers. www.GovDeals.com. 800-6130156, ext. 2. info@govdeals.com.

Legal

We have Reverse Osmosis units in stock. Remember us for parts in stock for all brands of all appliances. Sales and Service Days • Mon. - Sat. Deliveries • Mon.-Sat.

Largest Frigidaire appliance dealer in Western Ks. 508 Madison • Scott City • 872-3686

Brent Rogers

Sales Consultant b.rogers@officesolutionsinc.biz

Custom computers! Networking solutions! Mon. - Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 402 S. Main, Scott City • 872-1300

Truck Driving

CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy equipment operator training. Three weeks, hands-on program. Bulldozers, backhoes, excavators. Lifetime job placement assistance. National certifications. VA benefits eligible! 1-866-362-6497.

lmwildanimaleviction@gmail.com

Computer Sales, Service and Repair

Auction

Education

Lee Mazanec (620) 874-5238

Networktronic, Inc.

Kansas Classifieds Ad Network

The classified ads below are appearing in 147 Kansas newspapers with a total circulation of 500,000 the classified display ads appear in 142 Kansas newspapers with a total circulation of 457,000. KCAN line ad is $300 for up to 25 words and $12 each additional word. A 2x2 display ad is $800 per insertion and a 2x4 display ad is $1,650 per insertion. To find out more, contact The Scott County Record at 872-2090.

DIVORCE WITH OR without children, $125. Includes name change and property settlement agreement. Free information. Save hundreds. Fast and easy. Call 1-888-7890198. 24/7.

Homes Office (620) 276-3131 Toll Free 1-800-794-9052 Cell (620) 874-0014 Fax (620) 276-8876 1007 N. 8th, Garden City, KS 67846 www.officesolutionsinc.biz

Dining

M A N U FA C T U R E D AND modular homes. New and used. Singles and doubles. Use your land, cash or combination of both for down payment. Special financing for all types of credit. Habla Espanol. 866-858-6862. scottcountyrecord.com

EXPERIENCED FLATBED drivers. Regional opportunities now open with plenty of freight and great pay. 800-277-0212 or primeinc.com. ––––––––––––––––––––– PARTNERS IN EXCELLENCE. OTR drivers. APU equipped PrePass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 and newer equipment. 100% notouch. Butler Transport, 1-800-528-7825. ––––––––––––––––––––– TRAINING. Class ACDL. Train and work for us. Professional and focused training for your Class A CDL. You choose between company driver, owner/operator, lease operator or lease trainer. (877) 369-7885. www. centraltruckdrivingjobs. com.

For Sale

PIANO SPECIALS. Over 50 clean, pre-owned grand and vertical pianos by Steinway, Yamaha, Baldwin, Kawai and more. Starting at $688. Mid-America Piano, Manhattan, www.piano4u.com 1-800-950-3774. ––––––––––––––––––––– HAPPY JACK SKIN BALM. Stops scratching and gnawing. Promotes healing and hair growth on dogs and cats suffering from grass and flea allergies without steroids. Orscheln Farm and Home. www.happyjackinc.com.

Visit us at www.scottcountyrecord.com Services

C-Mor-Butz BBQ Barbecue, the only sport where a fat bald man is a GOD...

& Catering

Kyle Lausch 620-872-4209

Providing internet, phone, email, networking solutions, webhosting and IP-based security camera systems. (620) 872-0006 • 1-866-872-0006

Bryan Mulligan & Chris Price 620-874-8301 & 620-874-1285

www.cmorbutzbbq.com • cmorbutzbbq@gmail.com

Fur-Fection Remember the Breadbasket Donate today! 517 S. Main Scott City

District 11 AA Meetings

Scott City

Unity and Hope Mon., Wed. and Fri. • 8:00 p.m. 807 Kingsley Last Sat., Birthday Night, 6:30 p.m. All open meetings, 874-8207 • 874-8118

Tuesday • 8:30 p.m. United Methodist Church, 412 College A.A. • Al-Anon, 872-3137 • 872-3343

Dighton

Thursday • 8:30 p.m. 535 Wichita St. All open meetings, 397-5679 • 397-2647

Weekly Word Search Berning Auction “Don’t Trust Your Auction to Just Anyone”

For all your auction needs call:

(620) 375-4130

Russell Berning Box Q • Leoti

Northend Disposal A garbologist company. Scott City • 872-1223 • 1-800-303-3371

Acres Affair Afterward Agency Angles Annoy Ashore Cages Communication Congratulated Damaged Deals Desires Determining Diary Draws Electricity Examples Faded Firing Forts Going Great Guest Interest Loyal

Magic Mules Names Perch Pictures Pitch Radios Rains Rattle Reeds Regret Resist School Since Steel Tells Thanked Thing Unlike Warming Watched

Classifieds

The Scott County Record • Page 28 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Buy, sell, trade, one call does it all 872-2090 ot fax 872-0009

Card of Thanks The family of Ilene Wren would like to say Thank You to all our family and friends for the cards, food, prayers and thoughts during our time of loss. The family of Dorothy Bishop would like to thank family and friends for all the prayers, flowers, cards, food and acts of kindness during this time of loss. Janet and Gerald Kasten Leslie and Pat Bishop Laura and Charles Medina Barbara and Pat Ryan Larry and Cheryl Bishop Anita and Mike Ellis and families We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the following for their loving care of Ruby A. Latham: Park Lane Nursing Home for giving Ruby a home and a family of people to care for during the past 20 years. Scott County Hospital for the loving and compassionate care they have given Ruby over the years and for the wonderful care during Ruby’s passing. The nursing staff was very compassionate and hospitable towards the family during the last hours of Ruby’s life. The doctors who cared for Ruby each time she was in the hospital. Their care helped to comfort Ruby and give her peace. The community for their loving thoughts and prayers for both Ruby and her family during this time. The family of Ruby A. Latham Laid to rest on Monday, July 29, 2013

For Sale

Real Estate

Rentals

RENOVATED 4 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR SALE Brand new kitchen, new wood and tile floors, beautiful lighting throughout, french doors leading to a spacious backyard and patio, DA garage, main floor laundry, partial downstairs with half bath. Serious inquires call Dale Holterman, 620-874-1100. 47t5c

HIDE AND SEEK STORAGE SYSTEMS. Various sizes available. Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, (620) 874-2120. 41tfc ––––––––––––––––––– PLAINJANS has houses and storage units available to rent. Call 620-872-5777 or stop by PlainJans at 511 Monroe. 28tfc ––––––––––––––––––– TRAILER SPACE AVAILABLE for 16x80’, 14x70’ and double wide trailers with off-street parking. Call 620-872-3621. 45tfc

Pheasant Cove Apartments

• Apartments available • Rental assistance available

Call Clyde or Stephanie when you are ready to market your home, commercial property or farm real estate. We are in need of a large commercial building, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes. Also farmsteads with some acreage and larger acreages with or without inprovement.

Open to general public, singles and couples, housing project is now taking applications for apartments. Equal opportunity housing project.

THOMAS REAL ESTATE

1411 1/2 Myrtle Call 872-5458

www.thomasreal-estate.com

914 W. 12th St. Scott City, KS 67871 Clyde: 620-872-7396 • Cell 620-874-1753 Stephanie: 620-874-5002

For Sale By Owner

Protect our planet! Recycle with the Scott County Recycling Center.

Classified Ad Deadline: Monday at 5:00 p.m. Classified Ad Rate: 20¢ per word. Minimum charge, $5. Blind ad: $2.50 per week extra. Card of thanks: 10¢ per word. Minimum charge, $3. Classified Display Ad rate: $5.50 per column inch. Classified advertising must be paid in advance unless business account is established. If not paid in advance, there will be a $1 billing charge. Tear sheet for classified ad will be $1 extra.

Agriculture

Help Wanted

WANTED TO BUY: Stored corn. Call for basis and contract information. 1-800-5793645. Lane County Feeder, Inc. 32tfc ––––––––––––––––––– WANTED TO BUY: Wheat straw delivered. Call for contracting information. Lane County Feeders. 397-5341. 44tfc ––––––––––––––––––– CREWS AVAILABLE for field roguing. 15-years experience, references available. Jesus O. Castillo (620) 214-2537. 48t6p

PART-TIME OR AFTER SCHOOL help wanted at Gifts Etc. Must be at least 16 and available to work Saturdays. Send resume to 424 Main or email to mail@giftsetcks.com. 51t2c

32tfc

Under New Management

House for sale in Scott City

Pine Village Apartments 300 E. Nonnamaker

903 Myrtle. This adorable 2+2 bedroom house, 2 baths is perfect and affordable for a first-time homeowner. Just remodeled with new kitchen and stainless steel appliances. All new windows, doors, flooring and roof. Call for appointment: Clinton Construction (Darryl or Virginia) 620-872-5494 or 214-1456. 50t2c

Priced To Sell

4 bedrooms, 1 bath, quad level home with a 24x30 shop in back for Dad! $122,000

Apartments available for qualifying tenants 62+ or disabled with rental assistance available. Hours: Tues., 10:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. by appointment Call Steve 872-2535 or (620) 255-4824.

By the Lake

3 bedroom, 2 bath home at the State Park! FA-CA, front deck, steel siding, large DD garage, storm cellar, large lot. All on the east side of lake! $89,900.

Nice and Cozy

Move right into this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath, BRICK home! Cottage style kitchen, updated kitchen-living room 2002, basement 2003, windows 2004, newer FA-CA, wet bar in family room and much more. $147,900.

Lawrence

Garage Sale August 2 - 3 Garage Sale 807 S. Washington St. Fri., 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. • Sat., 9:00 a.m. - noon Clothing, children’s toys, a few baby items, and other misc. items.

Bring in your Garage Sales by Monday at 5:00 p.m. (No Rainy day refunds)

and Associates

Deb Lawrence, GRI Broker Shorty Lawrence, Sales Assoc. 513 Main • Scott City 872-5267 ofc. 872-7184 hm. lawrenceandassocrealty.com Sheila Ellis, Broker Assoc. 872-2056 Kerry Gough, Sales Assoc. 872-7337 Russell Berning, 874-4405 www.berningauction.com

Well-built home on double corner lot, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, lots of built-in storage, over 2,400 sq. ft., plus 3 season, screened porch, DA garage. Established yard with sprinkler system. Call 620-353-9933. 41eow

Business INDIVIDUAL OFFICE SUITES from one to four rooms available for lease. Leases starting at $250/month including utilities. Common areas available for use including reception and break rooms. Perfect for quiet small business or climate controlled storage. Former location of Scott City Chiropractic, 1101 S. Main. Call 2143040 for information. 27tfc

Services WANTED: Yards to mow and clean-up, etc. Trim smaller trees and bushes too. Call Dean Riedl, (620) 872-5112 or 874-4135. 34tfc ––––––––––––––––––– FURNITURE REPAIR and refinishing, lawn mower spring tune-up and blade sharpening. Call Vern Soodsma, 872-2277 or 874-1412. 36tfc ––––––––––––––––––– MOWER REPAIR, tune-up and blade sharpening. Call Rob Vsetecka 620-2141730. 36tfc ––––––––––––––––––– METAL ROOFING, SIDING, and TRIMS at direct to the public prices. Call Metal King Mfg., 620-872-5464. Our prices will not be beat! 37tfc

The Scott County Record • Page 29 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Employment Opportunities HRC Feedyards Is seeking qualified individuals for the following positions: Night Watchman We offer competitive pay and benefits, including health insurance, employee beef, and 401(k) profit sharing plan. Applicants can visit our main office (6 ½ miles west of Scott City on Highway 96) for an application. Contact Tom West, or Joe Megert at (620) 872-5328 for more information.

The Hutchinson News

Recycle

Must be able to work all shifts and some weekends.

Is looking for a contract newspaper carrier for Scott City. For more information call Artie: (620) 669-7595. A dependable vehicle is a must. 51t3c

GUEST SERVICES CLERKS NEEDED

Make a world of difference!

Please send a letter of interest and contact information to: Help Wanted P.O. Box 377 Scott City, KS 67871

51t2c

Help Wanted We are a Quality Driven Company looking for Quality Driven Employees in Western Kansas.

HRC Feed Yards, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Construction experience or Mechanical Aptitude preferred for Mill-Wright, Welding and Steel Fabrication duties.

P.O. Box 224, 6550 West Highway 96, Scott City, KS 67871 49t3c

Visit us at

Will train the RIGHT person.

scottcountyrecord.com

Prefer applicants with a clean driving record and current license. CDL is a PLUS.

Regional Manager

Top pay and benefit package DOE. Call Doug at Mill-Tech Services (620) 214-4745 for application.

MachineryLink, the leading and fastest growing provider of combine leasing programs to agricultural producers, is seeking a Regional Manager to be responsible for the sales strategy, execution and performance for western Kansas. This position works out of a home office and includes a vehicle with fuel card, laptop, iPad and expense reimbursement. For detailed information about this job, please visit www.machinerylink.com. To apply, please send resume to: careers@machinerylink.com or fax to 816-329-0307. EOE

49t4c

Housekeeping Aide Scott County Hospital is seeking a full-time Housekeeping Aide. This position requires a person who is dependable, in good health, energetic and who has high standards of cleanliness. Applicants for this position are required to be able to read, speak and understand English. Pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screening, immunization titer, physical assessment and TB skin test required. We are a tobacco free campus.

Park Lane Nursing Home “Quality Care Because We Care” Has openings for the following positions: 51t2c

Clinic Receptionist Scott County Hospital has an opening for a full-time Clinic Receptionist at the Scott City Clinic. Applicants must have excellent customer service and public relation skills. Computer proficiency essential. Some job duties include answering the phone in a busy physician’s clinic, scheduling appointments and re-directing calls. We offer competitive wages and excellent benefits. Pre-employment physical, physical assessment, drug/alcohol screen immunization titer and TB skin test required. Scott County Hospital is a tobacco free facility. Applications are available through Human Resources: Scott County Hospital 201 Albert Avenue, Scott City, KS 67871 (620) 872-7772 and on our website: www.scotthospital.net

We offer competitive pay and great benefits. Join us today! Applications available through Human Resources: Scott County Hospital 201 Albert Avenue, Scott City, KS 67871 (620) 872-7772 and on our website: www.scotthospital.net

Community People Quality Health Care 50t2c

Pre-Op/Post-Op/PACU RN Scott County Hospital Operating Room has an opening for a part-time Pre-Op/PostOp/PACU RN. Must be a RN. Will work 20 hours per week. No call or weekends. Must be flexible and a team player. We offer competitive wages and excellent benefits. Pre-employment physical, physical assessment, drug/alcohol screen and TB skin test required. Scott County Hospital is a tobacco free facility. Applications available through Human Resources: Scott County Hospital 201 Albert Avenue, Scott City, KS 67871 (620) 872-7772 and on our website: www.scotthospital.net Return completed applications to Human Resources.

Community People Quality Health Care 48tfc

49t4c

Community People Quality Health Care

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HR Benefits Specialist Scott County Hospital is seeking an HR Benefits Specialist. This is a full-time Monday Friday position. No weekends or holidays. Applicants must have competent reasoning and deductive thinking skills, and excellent customer service skills. The successful candidate will have proficient computer skills and be competent with Excel and Microsoft Word. Applicants must be responsible, dependable and interested in long-term employment. Associate degree in business, personnel management, human resources or 3-5 years of experience required. Primary purpose of position is to direct the employee benefit programs, personnel record management, orientation and on-boarding of new staff. We offer competitive wages and excellent benefits. Pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screen, immunization titer, preemployment physical assessment and TB skin test required. Scott County Hospital is a tobacco free facility.

Full-time night-shift RN/ LPN (10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.) Full-time night-shift CNA (Midnight-8:00 a.m.) Part-time evening shift CNA (2:00 - 10:00 p.m.) Shift differential offered for evening and night shifts! Please apply in person at: Park Lane Nursing Home 210 E. Parklane Scott City, KS 67871 Or visit us at our website: www.parklanenursinghome.org Fill out application and return to human resources.

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Registered Nurses Scott County Hospital is looking for full-time Registered Nurses to join our team of dedicated nursing professionals. PRN- RN opportunities also available. WE OFFER: • Diverse Nursing Opportunities • Experienced Nursing Administrative Staff • Excellent Ratios • Wages up to $28.62 for RN’s • PRN RN wage $30.00 (benefits do not apply) • Weekend Option Program (work weekends for six months at premium pay) • Shift and Weekend Differentials • Critical Staffing Pay • Call Pay BENEFITS: • Flexible PTO • Extended Illness Leave • Fully Paid Life Insurance • Fully Paid Long Term Disability Insurance • Partially Paid Health Insurance • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan • Continuing Education • Reduced Local Health Club Fees • Reduced Broadband Internet Fees Scott County Hospital is a 25-bed CAH located in Scott City, a progressive Western Kansas community of 4000. The friendly hometown atmosphere and newly built and renovated schools provide an excellent place to raise families. Make the most of this great opportunity! Pre-employment physical, drug/alcohol screen, TB skin test and physical assessment required. SCH in a tobacco free facility.

Applications available through Human Resources: Scott County Hospital 201 Albert Avenue, Scott City, KS 67871 (620) 872-7772 and on our website: www.scotthospital.net

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The Scott County Record • Page 30 • Thursday, August 1, 2013

Little Wolf a leader of elite, battle-tested warriors (Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories about the Northern Cheyenne exodus from Oklahoma to their homeland in Montana that began in late 1878. The Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork took place on Sept. 27, 1878, in northern Scott County. A two-day Battle Canyon Symposium will be held on Sept. 27-28 to commemorate the 135th anniversary of the battle. Saturday’s events will be held at the El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery.)

Bob Campbell staff writer

Called Ohcumgache, or “Little Coyote,” by his people and Little Wolf by the world, the chief of the Northern Cheyenne was a man of many dimensions. That he died of natural causes at age 84 may be one of the more remarkable, given the innumerable times his life was in danger. Born around 1820 in present day Montana, he led elite warriors known as the Elkhorn Scrapers during the Northern Plains Wars and fought in Red Cloud’s War and the War for Bozeman’s Trail from 1866-68. He was one of the “Old Man Chiefs” of the Council of 44 and held the tribe’s highest honor as its Sweet Medicine Chief, according to historians.

Rain Downpour at Fair A heavy downpour last Thursday evening delayed the start to the free Beefiesta barbeque at the Scott County Fairgrounds and forced a number of fairgoers to take cover during events which were already underway. The start of the barbeque was delayed for almost an hour when a temporary break in the rain led the Beefiesta Committee to open the serving lines to a steady stream of people who weren’t going to let the soaking rain keep them from enjoying great tasting beef. Another heavy downpour, this one much shorter than the first, led to a temporary break in the serving line before the rain finally passed over. The rainfall didn’t seem to have any impact on attendance. “The meat was already prepared. We had no choice but to go ahead with the barbeque and it seemed that most ev-

After the defeat of Chief Morning Star, or Dull Knife, in November 1876, Little Wolf was forced onto the Darlington Reservation in Oklahoma. In early September 1878, he and Dull Knife led 353 of their people through Kansas and Nebraska toward their ancestral homeland in southeastern Montana. Western artist Jerry Thomas, a Scott City native, said Little Wolf engineered defeats of cavalry in the battles of Little Sand Creek, near Freedom, Okla., and Turkey Springs, near Ashland, Ks., on the Cheyennes’ way to the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork in a setting now known as Battle Canyon, located north of Scott City. Referring to a battle on Dec. 21, 1866, near Fort Phil Kearny, Wyo., where Sioux and Cheyenne killed Capt. William J. Fetterman and 80 cavalrymen, Thomas said, “Fetterman got decoyed by Little Wolf like they were hoping to do at Punished Woman’s Fork.” Also called Famished Woman’s Fork by the Cheyenne, the area is believed to have gotten its name from the story of a woman who was attacked

who had real empathy for how the Cheyenne had been treated. “He was dismayed by what he was hearing and voiced his opinion, and then he was forced into battle,” he said. At the same time, Thomas notes that “it took an immense amount of fortitude and bravery for the Cheyenne to leave Darlington and know they were going to trek 1,500 miles, hopefully to go in peace but then to find themselves under siege trying to defend their women and children. “It was stunning what they were able to do.”

Little Wolf (left) and Dull Knife of the Northern Cheyenne.

there by her relatives. The Cheyennes had dug rifle pits on both sides of the ravine. The trap had been laid and for two days they waited for Lt. Col. William H. Lewis’ cavalry and infantry to arrive. Along with bows and arrows, they were armed with three buffalo guns (a Sharps and two Winchesters), and a variety of weapons from cowboys they had killed or captured. The cavalry and in-

fantry were using singleshot 45.70 rifles. “Little Wolf was seen counting coup (acts of bravery) during the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork by jumping the tongue of a wagon and charging down the creek,” notes Thomas. “To the Cheyenne and Plains Indians, it was more honorable to count coup than to kill a person.” Thomas said Lewis “was a very fine officer

Weather Assisted Escape Ramon Powers, Topeka, co-author with James Leiker of a book titled “The Northern Cheyenne Exodus in History and Memory,” said Lewis’s fatal leg wound during the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork “was not crucial” to the tribe’s escape. “The crucial thing was the cover of an enormous, very cold howling norther,” Power said. “The Army had them absolutely cornered and pinned down, but then that incredible storm came up. I think they were extraordinarily clever and lucky.

“If Lewis had not been hurt about four or five o’clock, chances are they would not have been able to hold out until darkness. Their luck was that they had the cover of the weather to sneak out of there up a little draw into the Smoky Hill River drainage.” Powers said the tribe “had been free to live their lives for a long period of time” before going to Oklahoma. “The disruption was a real jolt, and they were going to resist,’ he said. Dull Knife was the peace chief and Little Wolf the Elkhorn Scrapers military chief. Led by those two, the Cheyenne had a more sophisticated organizational scheme than some of the other tribes. “The young firebrands were not aware of this dominant industry society they were confronting, but Dull Knife and Little Wolf had gone to Washington in 1873 and were aware, to some degree, of this enormity of the country and power of the government,” says Powers. “They were simply trying to get back to their homeland, thinking perhaps the government would leave them alone.”

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eryone figured that out,” says Beefiesta Committee member Clint Pearson. “We ran out of sandwich buns, so we still had a good turnout.” Goat judging was underway at the show arena when the rain arrived, bringing a halt to the action. A straight-line wind drove rain into the west side of the arena, forcing everyone to take cover at the east end. Then the wind switched directions and forced everyone into the rain-soaked west end. Following a delay, the judging resumed with Kiersten Scott winning grand championship market goat. Later that night, Amelia Vasko captured grand champion honors with her market lamb. Showing the market swine on Thursday morning was Macy Davis while Hailey Dart repeated as winner of the grand champion market steer. The figure-8 races that were scheduled for Thursday were cancelled with

Taking cover under umbrellas while waiting in line during the Beefiesta barbeque last Thursday evening were Miguel Chavez (left) and Parker Nevills, both of Scott City. (Record Photo)

the arena under water. The tractor pull that was scheduled for Friday was cancelled. The ranch rodeo was

moved into the indoor arena on Saturday evening while the outdoor arena was in good enough condition for the demolition

derby on Sunday night. Rainfall reports on Thursday ranged from 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches for a fairly wide area around

Scott City with most of that coming in about an hour. The parched Lake Scott area received a twoinch rain.