The Scott County Record by The Scott County Record

34 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 23 • Number 30

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Published in Scott City, Ks.

$1 single copy

Hospital revenue a record-setting $26M Gross revenue climbs for 10th consecutive year Annual audit reports are hardly the kind of documents that generate excitement. That may be particularly true for rural hospitals who are often short on physicians, short on patients and, ultimately, very short on revenue. The Scott County Hospital

financial reports are one of the rare exceptions. Hospital CEO Mark Burnett could hardly contain his enthusiasm as he was passing documents around the table to county commissioners. Once again, gross revenue (before expenses) has climbed to a record-setting level for the 10th consecutive year since Burnett became the CEO in 2006. Total revenue of $26.12 million represents a 10.3 percent climb from last year’s

$23.73 million. That compares with $11.5 million in gross revenue during Burnett’s first year as CEO. “What we pay in salaries ($10.01 million) is nearly what our total operating revenue was 10 years ago,” noted Chief Financial Officer Joe Meyer. Making the revenue increase even more impressive is that the hospital had to spend $1 million to upgrade its technology system to adapt to changes in billing for Medicare and Medicaid

services. The hospital also purchased its own MRI unit that became operational in January of 2015. While the cost was more than $500,000, the hospital saw that offset by $228,000 in tax credits. The remainder is being paid for by the hospital. “In a way, this is old news,” noted Burnett, who pointed out the audit is for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015. “We’re nearly done with the

next year and it’s looking even better.” In each fiscal year since 2006, the hospital’s year-to-year gross revenue has increased by more than $1 million from the previous year with the exception of 2008. This past year’s increase of $2.4 million in gross revenue is the second largest, trailing only the $3.2 million increase from 2012 to 2013. Daniel Dunn, a retired physician who is now a hospital (See HOSPITAL on page 10)

April 15 is target to relocate local agencies Scott County officials have set April 15 as the date when several local agencies can begin relocating. That’s the tentative completion date for renovation of the former medical clinic which will become the future home of Compass Behavioral Health, the Scott County Health Department, Russell Child and Development Center and Scott (See RELOCATE on page two)

Housing, ag land values continue climb

Scott City Elementary School fourth grader Macy Brown has her hair styled after the Cindy Lou Who character as part of Dr. Seuss Week. SCES students are participating in a number of activities throughout the week. (Record Photo)

When appraisal data begins arriving in the mail to Scott County property owners the news shouldn’t be too surprising. Home values continue to climb due to steady demand and agricultural land values will also be sharply higher. With the sharp decline in commodity prices over the last few months, the continued rise in ag land values may be hardest to digest. Scott County Appraiser Randy Sangster says values have climbed by another 15-20 percent this year. “What producers have to keep in mind is that use-value data is based on an eight-year average and the information is based on $6 wheat,” says Sangster. “In another couple of years, as current commodity prices are figured into the average, those values will drop.” (See VALUES on page three)

LOB is no longer a ‘luxury’ for schools When a new version of the public school finance plan was adopted in 1992 - one that met the approval of the Supreme Court - it included a provision known as the local option budget (LOB). At the time, the local property tax load for schools was set at 20 mills - a significant reduction for most districts. Those property tax dollars were sent to the state to be redistributed on a “fair and equitable” basis according to the finance plan

Funding now essential to everyday operations that had also included factors such as transportation costs, atrisk students, etc. The LOB was a means by which districts could levy additional property taxes beyond the statewide levy and that money would remain local. The idea was that it would provide those districts with the opportunity to go “above and beyond” with the one-time purchase of sup-

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

Area residents can participate in presidential caucuses Page 27

plies and programs that would enhance learning. In the Scott County (USD 466) school district, for example, the first major purchase with LOB funding was a computer technology lab at Scott City Middle School. The reliance on LOB money has changed dramatically in the two decades since. In the Scott County district,

for example, the LOB originally raised $565,000 in the 1995-96 school year. However, in the years since, as school districts were seeking additional funds in response to per-pupil state funding that either did not meet rising costs and, in some years, actually declined, the legislature agreed to allow schools more flexibility in raising money through

their lob. The LOB maximum is currently 33 percent of the general fund budget, though the Scott County district is 30 percent. In the 2015-16 budget, the LOB provides $1.5 million in funding. As for being limited to luxuries, that option fell by the wayside years ago. “I don’t know how we’d get by without it,” says Supt. Jamie Rumford.

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-6 Calendar • Page 7 Easter ham giveaway • Page 8 Youth/education • Page 11 LEC report • Page 12

Deaths • Page 14 Church services • Page 15 Health care • Pages 16-17 Sports • Pages 19-26 Farm section • Pages 28-29

3 Scott City grapplers are bronze medalists at state Page 19

(See LUXURY on page two)

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Luxury LOB money is used to pay for fuel, utilities, instructional supplies, insurance, some technology and salaries for some administrators, the counselor, librarian and nurse. “There are some legislators who consider librarians and counselors as luxuries,” says Rumford. “I wouldn’t agree with that.” LOB a Necessity In the Wichita County school district (USD 467), Supt. Keith Higgins says the district would be in dire financial straits without the LOB. The district’s LOB level is set at 30 percent of the general fund. That results in a local tax levy of 21.891 mills which generates $1.14 million in the current budget. Nearly the entire amount goes into everyday operations, says Supt. Keith Higgins. That breakdown includes: •$35,000: instruction. •$275,000: general administration (salaries, benefits, telephone, equipment. •$180,000: electricity •$15,000: natural gas •$60,000: new vehicle •$210,000: bilingual education

(continued from page one)

School Year 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Base State Aid $ 3,600 3,600 3,600 3,626 3,648 3,720 3,770 3,820 3,870 3,863 3,863 3,863 4,257 4,316 4,374 4,012 3,937 3,780 3,838 3,838 3,852

If base state aid per pupil had kept pace with the Consumer Price Index, in 2013-14 it would have climbed to $6,001.12, according to the Kansas Department of Education

•$80,000: vocational education •$272,727: at-risk education Once those expenses are removed from the LOB levy, that leaves the district with just $14,013. “Those expenses are all necessary for the operation of our district and the education of our students,” says Higgins. “Once you take out those costs, that doesn’t leave much for the extras the LOB was

Relocate

(continued from page one)

County emergency management. Scott County Extension and Scott Community Foundation staff met with county commissioners on Tuesday to discuss the possible moving date so they could also make plans to relocate their offices. Both will be moving into the building being vacated by Compass while Scott County Attorney Becky Faurot will relocate her office into the courthouse basement where the Extension office is currently located. SCF Director Ryan Roberts said they were wanting to know when Compass would be vacating the building so they could begin some updates, such as new carpeting and new furnishings. “We’ll be paying for those ourselves,” noted Roberts. Likewise, FACS Extension Agent Carol Ann Crouch was hoping they could be in their new office space no later than June 1. County Commissioner Gary Skibbe said the plan is for Compass to move out of the building in stages, so as rooms are vacated the Foundation and Extension staff could begin moving into that space or make improvements as needed. “Something would really have to fall off the rails in order for you not to be in that building by June 1,” Skibbe said.

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originally intended to be ing expenses. used for.” A huge share of the general fund budget covLOB in Dighton District ers staff salaries and benJust as with all other efits. schools across the state, “Most of our LOB Dighton has seen its reli- money goes toward textance on LOB money grow books, supplies, utilities over the past two decades. and similar expenses,” When the LOB was says Freeman. “These first initiated for the 1993- aren’t extras. They are 94 school year it repre- necessary for us to opersented only 10 percent of ate the district.” the general fund budget. Today it represents 30 Property Tax Flip percent. Looking back at school To meet that funding finance history, when the level, property owners in original plan was adopted the Dighton school district in 1992 in response to a were initially going to be ruling from the Supreme assessed a levy of about Court, the statewide 15.5 mills in the 2015- mill levy was 32 mills. 16 budget. However, the It climbed to a high of state legislature created 35 mills (1994-96), but an “extraordinary needs” was reduced to 20 mills fund which districts could in 1998 where it has apply for if they had a remained since. sharp decline in proper“The goal,” says ty valuations or a sharp school finance expert enrollment increase. Dale Dennis, Deputy Because of the huge Commissioner of drop in oil/gas valua- Education at the Kansas tions, the district received State Department of $150,679 in extraordi- Education, “was to lower nary needs money. That property taxes.” reduced the LOB levy by While the legislature four mills. succeeded in doing that The local levy, plus at a state level, school extraordinary needs fund- districts were left with ing, provide just over no option but to begin $683,000 in LOB reve- turning to the LOB for nue. more revenue. As a result, Supt. Randy Freeman the drop in the statewide says 100 percent of that property tax levy has been goes into general operat- offset over the years by an

increase in property taxes to fund the LOB. In 1992-93, school districts had the authority to enact a LOB of up to 25 percent of the general fund budget, “but few were there,” says Dennis. It wasn’t necessary at the time. “But as base state aid failed to increase at the rate of inflation, districts were forced to increase their LOB percentage,” Dennis says. Today, Kansas schools are raising just over $1 billion in LOB money through local property taxes. At the same time, Dennis emphasizes that the LOB would not be such an essential part of the budget for school districts if the legislature had fulfilled its obligation. When the statewide plan was put into effect in 1992-93, basic state aid was $3,600 per pupil. Had the legislature increased funding based on the Consumer Price Index, basic aid would have climbed to $6,001 in 2013. Instead, basic aid in 2014-15 - which remains in effect for 2015-16 - is $3,852 per student. And that’s a reduction from a high of $4,400 in 2008-09.

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The Scott County Record

Community Living

Page 3 - Thursday, March 3, 2016

Renowned KC musicians to perform in Scott City Two jazz musicians who have performed on Broadway in addition to being regulars on the jazz scene in Kansas City will be the featured entertainment at The Majestic in Scott City on Sat., March 12. Grisha Alexiev, a drummer and composer, along with Diana Herold, who is accomplished on the vibraphone and marimba, are being sponsored by the Scott County Arts Council. Alexiev and Herold have long-time ties with Kansas City jazz musician Ron Carlson who

performed for several years in a band with local band director and musician Clint Raynes of Scott City. “Ron credits dad with breaking him into the Kansas City jazz scene,” says Raynes’ daughter, Amy France. When Raynes and France, learned that Alexiev and Herold would be performing in Albuquerque, N.M., they decided to pursue a bigger plan - to establish Scott City and The Majestic as a stopover for musicians traveling from the Kansas City area to Denver and

the Southwest. “I want to establish a place in Western Kansas where people can hear great, live music,” says France. “We have some pretty strong connections with the Kansas City jazz community.” While Herold and Alexiev are rooted in jazz, they will offer a variety of music that includes a mix of easy listening “with a New York twist,” Broadway show tunes and, of course, jazz. “It will be real similar to what we’re already doing at The Majestic,” noted France, referring to

performances by herself and other area musicians and vocalists on the second Saturdays of most months. While the Saturday shows also include many standard jazz tunes, the group also features music from a variety of artists ranging from Allison Crouch to Bill Withers. “Our hope is that we can build a listening audience who will want to Jazz drummer Grisha Alexiev will be performcome out and hear these ing at The Majestic in Scott City on March 12. great musicians throughout the year,” says France. with and meet Scott Com- made by calling The MaWhile in Scott City, munity High School musi- jestic. The performance is France says Herold and cians. free. Reservations can be Alexiev also hope to work

Start spring clean-up in your garage March is Tomato Month, but to me, it is too early to talk tomatoes. So, let’s talk about cleaning the garage. Keeping your garage and driveway clean will enhance your home’s appearance. But, only in America do most of us keep our garage full of junk and leave vehicles worth thousands of dollars parked on the drive or out in the street. Let’s take advantage of the beautiful weather that is sure to come our way and get those garages organized. To begin, remove everything that you possibly can out of your garage so you can give everything a good sweep down.

Values Sangster says there were a few instances where irrigated farm ground climbed as much as 28 percent, but the bulk of the values are 17-18 percent higher. While residential property values continue to climb, the address con-

Begin with the walls and tops of shelves and work your way to the bottom. If you have items that can’t be moved (like a freezer or work bench) take a shop vac and reverse the air flow and blow them clean from behind and underneath. Once everything is wiped down free of dust, you can organize the things that must go back in. Get yourself organized. Make sure that you have

adequate storage space and a space and place for everything you intend to keep. If you need more storage than what you currently have, adding shelves and such, buy or rent a separate storage facility or better yet, get rid of some things. Start organizing the items (or what most of us call junk) into piles. This really needs to be done before you bring items back into the garage. Organize according to items that you want to give away/get rid of, throw away or save. Even if an item is perfectly good, don’t keep it if you don’t plan to use it. Decide if you want to

(continued from page one)

tinues to play a big part in determining by how much. In a few neighborhoods, home values are about seven percent higher, but in others the increase might only be three percent.

“These are averages,” reminds Sangster. “If your home value is nine percent higher then it means that someone down the street saw their value rise by maybe five percent, or vice versa.” Commercial property values remained stable.

donate them to a local thrift store, recycle or sell them. The Scott County landfill is open to anyone. Call the landfill at 872-2202 if you have questions. There are also regulations on disposing of chemicals, so be aware of how you are handling them. For items you are keeping, put them away properly and label storage containers. This will save a lot of time and energy the next time you are hunting for something. When deciding whether or not to keep a seldomused item, ask yourself if it’s been used in the past year. Of course, it’s always helpful to store more fre-

quently used items on the garage wall, such as rakes, shovels and lawn chairs. Hanging bikes is often recommended to get them out of the way, but this doesn’t work well if the bike belongs to a younger member of the family. The garage is one of the greatest clutter magnets of the house. To keep the garage clean and clutter free, get the family involved in cleaning it up. I do this and it does make a difference. If you need help, we often have 4-Hers who need a fundraising project and this might be something they could do. For assistance call the Extension office (8722930).

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, March 3, 2016

editorially speaking

Bleeding Kansas:

Red ink continues to flow for misguided tax policies

Just as Kansas lawmakers plugged a $200 million hole in the state’s fiscal dike - just to keep the budget in the black until June 30 - this week the dike sprung another $54 million leak. That’s how much February revenue numbers were below their estimates - estimates, we might add, that had already been revised downward to keep them from looking as bleak as expected. But here’s the good news. It’s not the fault of Gov. Brownback and his ultraconservative ideologues in the legislature. Gov. Brownback issued a statement immediately claiming that the steady diet of lower state revenue is “an economic problem, not a tax policy problem.” Senate President Susan Wagle added that, “Taxpayers are not in the mood for another tax increase; we must further reduce spending.” Neither are taxpayers in the mood to have their schools underfunded, highways in disrepair and social services that fail to meet the needs of our youth and our elderly . . . but that’s exactly what we’re getting with a governor and legislative leadership who see gutting government budgets as the only way to remedy their fiscal folly. Gov. Brownback can continue to throw out his bogus numbers about 80,000 new jobs and the number of new businesses that have supposedly come to Kansas. But the bottom line is the state has had to borrow $1 billion from the Bank of KDOT to stay afloat and month after month state revenue has continued falling short of projections. And did we mention that the Supreme Court has given the legislature until June 30 to arrive at a solution to its school funding dilemma? Brownback, Wagle and their cohorts have repeatedly pointed the finger of blame for the state’s fiscal mess at anyone and anything else when, in reality, they only have themselves to blame. Unfortunately, until they accept responsibility and offer real solutions, Kansas will be forced to pay the price with a government that’s incapable of providing the level of services we’ve come to expect, and through higher local property taxes as cities, counties and schools are forced to pick up the slack. We were once known as “bleeding Kansas.” When it comes to a failed tax policy, we still are.

No surprise:

GOP establishment has itself to blame for Trump

The so-called Republican establishment is in turmoil as it watches Donald Trump march forward as the party’s likely presidential nominee. Trump, however, isn’t the problem. He’s a symptom of the GOP’s strategy of defy and belittle President Obama at all costs. It stems from the first inane utterance of “I want my country back” that came from poor, uneducated white voters - the ultraconservative Republican base - practically the day after Obama was elected. Rather than pursue an agenda built on sound economic and social policies that could benefit tens of millions of Americans, the GOP chose a path of distrust, hatred, bigotry and, most important of all, greater economic wealth for the onepercenters. And while bigots and racists aren’t going to change, even they can’t be fooled 100 percent of the time. Seven years later they have started to ask, “What has the Republican Party done for me?” The answer is obvious. The resulting anger and distrust created a huge opening for someone like Trump. They aren’t looking for a deep thinker (Trump’s not), they aren’t looking for specific answers (Trump doesn’t have any), but Trump does provide what they want most - an outlet for their frustration and affirmation that being a racist is okay. The voting base that the Republican Party has counted upon for the past couple of decades has finally turned on them. The tail is wagging the establishment dog. Just as moderate Republicans have been reduced to a powerless minority in the Kansas Legislature because of financial support from the Koch brothers and other ultraconservative forces, the same has occurred at the national level. Efforts to label John Kasich and Marco Rubio as “moderates” are completely inaccurate when one studies their policy positions and votes they have taken as lawmakers. They only appear moderate when compared to the likes of Trump and Ted Cruz. Trump may be a problem for the Republican Party, but he’s not the problem. What we’re seeing is the result when a political party has been sustained by hatred, bigotry and anger rather than ideas and solutions. You reap what you sow.

The real world of school funding There are two political worlds in which we live. There’s the world where we can deport nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants, tax cuts will always (always!) lead to balanced budgets and no one would be crazy enough to elect Donald Trump president. And there’s reality. It would probably scare the bejesus out of us if we knew how few in America are living in the latter. In Kansas, we have ultraconservatives in the governor’s office and in the legislature who are creating their own reality when it comes to the state budget, the courts, expanding Medicaid, welfare assistance and, of course, public education. That was on display during a recent town hall meeting when Sen. Mitch Holmes (R-St. John) defended state funding - or lack of - for K-12 education. Holmes is puzzled as to why the state could provide about $950 million for public education in 1992, increase that to just over $4 billion in 2015,

and yet schools are still complaining about being underfunded. Holmes also likes to claim that the courts have given their stamp of approval to how much local property tax support (i.e., local option budget) meets an acceptable standard of equitable funding. Kansas school districts can place an additional levy on property taxes that amounts to between 25 and 33 percent of the general fund budget. In Scott County, for example, a 30 percent LOB levy amounts to $1.5 million. We admit that the funding of education in Kansas is complicated. We can understand why most people might be confused about how funds are redistributed to local schools. But willful ignorance by our state legislators is inexcusable. Two areas, in particu-

lar, seem to have created the most confusion for Sen. Holmes. First of all, we agree that state spending for public education has increased significantly over the past 25 years. That’s attributable to many factors - more students, more students with special needs (at-risk, English as a Second Language, etc.), new building construction, and higher operating costs (transportation, health insurance, utilities, salaries, etc.), just to name a few. This isn’t news to anyone who operates a business or manages a household. The old finance formula addressed these needs but we had too many state lawmakers, like Holmes, who felt it was far too complicated for them to understand. A much easier concept for them to grasp is to freeze school spending for a two year period with a block grant program and pretend that operating costs won’t increase during that time. Of course, it’s not based on reality, but it’s simple

and with too many of our legislators we have to keep things very simple. Holmes is right when he says the acceptable level of local funding whether it be a 25 percent or 33 percent LOB - is not written into the constitution. What he ignores is that the LOB has been an escape clause for the legislature to avoid doing its job. Rather than increase funding at the state level to keep pace with rising costs, the legislature has instead given local districts the option of increasing the burden on its taxpayers. When it was initiated in 1992, the primary intent of the LOB was to allow a district to make one-time purchases or to do things which go above and beyond everyday operations. Over the years, the LOB has gone from paying for extras to a necessary component required to fill the funding gap between what the state is providing and what is actually needed. Today, the LOB helps pay for staff salaries and (See FUNDING on page six)

A lot at stake in Apple privacy fight Civil liberties fans in the United States recently got an unlikely champion: the CEO of Apple. In a high-profile spat with the White House, Tim Cook has emerged as a leading spokesperson against the Obama administration’s efforts to weaken Americans’ constitutional protections and civil liberties. In particular, Cook is fighting a federal order that would force Apple to create software to bypass the iPhone’s security features - and give the FBI access to the phone and everything on it. He sent a letter to all Apple users explaining the company’s position and promising to keep up the fight. Here’s what’s at stake. The FBI is investigating last December’s mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. It wants access to the iPhone

Where to Write

another view by John Kiriakou

used by suspected terrorist Syed Rizwan Farook, who carried out the shooting together with his wife ,Tashfeen Malik. But here’s the controversial part: The feds basically want Apple to create a software “backdoor” that would allow the FBI to access the phone’s information remotely. The FBI insists this is a one-off request. But that’s ridiculous: Once created, the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices. Indeed, the FBI is already seeking access to iPhones in nine other cases. The constitutional implications are chilling. If the government gets its way, nothing would be private. With a secret order

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

from a judge, your phone company or manufacturer could have to provide all the information on your phone to the FBI, including call logs, text messages, emails, chat transcripts and even photos. They won’t just find out if you’re talking with “terrorists,” of course. Are you calling a secret girlfriend or boyfriend? Are you talking with an abortion provider - or a psychiatrist? What kind of porn do you look at? If it’s on your phone, the government would get to know about it. Nothing would be private. Nothing would be sacred. And worse yet, those same tools the FBI wants could easily fall into the hands of hackers, criminals, or even foreign intelligence services. Once Pandora’s box opens, there’s no closing it. There’s another issue at

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

play here, too: The FBI dropped the ball on Syed Rizwan Farook months ago, so now it’s trying to cover its mistakes. Federal law enforcement officials told CNN in December, for example, that Farook had been in touch with “more than one terrorism suspect” the FBI was already investigating. That was well before he carried out the shootings. Why wasn’t the FBI intercepting his communications then, when they could’ve gotten a warrant? Why was there no authorized surveillance? It’s because the FBI botched the case, and now they’re trying to make up for it by turning Apple and privacy - into the bad guys. We should support Apple and its efforts to protect our privacy. We’ve already lost many of our (See APPLE on page six)

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

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Truth behind Kansas’ food stamp experiment by Barbara Shelly

Gov. Sam Brownback is talking up another of his Kansas experiments. He calls it “lifting people out of poverty.” Others prefer to describe it as “kicking people off of food stamps.” Either way, it’s getting a lot of attention, mostly because of a report recently made public by the Foundation for Government Accountability, an advocacy group in Naples, Fla., that seeks to block Medicaid expansion and urges states to tighten eligibility for social service pro-

grams, among other things. Brownback touted the report at a news conference Thursday. Kansas, he said, would become a nationwide model. Articles appearing on conservative websites are predicting the same thing. But the report and the Kansas experiment have some problems. Three years ago, Brownback became one of the first governors to end a waiver that exempted certain people from completing work requirements in order to obtain food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits, for Supplemental Nutrition

The finding that the average annual incomes of the former SNAP recipients increased by 127 percent also sounds encouraging - except that the actual increase was from $2,450 to $5,562, about 50 percent of the federal poverty level. A year after being removed from the food stamp program, most of the 13,000 people were still deeply poor.

Assistance Program. Almost all states used the waiver as a way to cope with high unemployment during the Great Recession. On Dec. 31, 2013, nearly 13,000 Kansas SNAP recipi-

ents found themselves cut off from food aid. Or “freed from welfare,” as the report’s authors explain it. The exiled recipients are “able-bodied adults without children,” an easy target for welfare opponents. The very label makes them sound like potato-chip-munching couch surfers, although their reality is much more complicated. Brownback’s order required them to attend job training programs or work for at least 20 hours a week to qualify for more than three months of food stamps over a three-year period. That sounds reasonable, and

it is the federal standard for states without waivers. Few people would argue that people are better off receiving food stamps than working, and in fact most SNAP recipients do work. The problem occurs when groups like the Foundation for Government Accountability suggest that abruptly booting people off aid programs will reap magical results. Brownback’s administration used Social Security numbers to track how many “able-bodied” SNAP recipients found jobs once they left (See TRUTH on page seven)

Dixie rules over the GOP

Paying for low-wage pollution

by E.J. Dionne, Jr.

by Liz Ryan Murray

The Super Tuesday primaries underscore how super Southern our presidential nominating process has become. This makes our way of picking standard-bearers unrepresentative of the country as a whole. In particular, it sharply reduces the influence of the great American Midwest even though the region’s states are among the most important general-election battlegrounds. Southernization is a special problem for Republicans because their Southern supporters tend to be far more socially conservative than the rest of the party or the country. Southern politics is also more deeply polarized around race, giving backlash candidates a leg up. The GOP’s slide rightward creates electoral difficulties for it in presidential elections and is the central factor in Washington’s inability to find consensus on much of anything. True, the whole carnival starts in Iowa, which is as Midwestern as you can get. But the caucus system gives more conservative Iowa Republicans an outsize influence because white evangelicals play a disproportionate role in what is a relatively low-turnout contest. It is to the evangelicals’ credit as democratic citizens that they organize, mobilize and participate. But their civic virtuousness only makes the final result less reflective of opinion in the party, in Iowa itself and elsewhere. New Hampshire comes next, and its voters frequently reach verdicts at odds with those Iowa renders. This means that South Carolina often plays a tiebreaking role on the GOP side. Talk about shifting the dialogue right: The site of the opening skirmish of the Civil War is not only one of the most conservative states in the nation; it is also one of our most racially divided politically. All of one percent of this year’s Palmetto State Republican primary voters were African American, according to a network exit poll - yes, one percent. Some 96 percent were white. The matter of diversity is why the Southernized process is less problematic for Democrats. Having the South vote early gives the party’s large and loyal African American constituency a significant role in choosing a nominee. In Hillary Clinton’s sweep of Saturday’s South Carolina Democratic primary, black voters cast about 60 percent of the ballots and gave her a margin of roughly 6-to-1 over Bernie Sanders, according to exit polls. Pushing Nevada’s voting dates up has diversified the calendar a bit, but now we confront

onstrated: that Trump is not an authentic conservative. I’m not sure about the effectiveness of this line of attack. It should be clear to everyone by now that Trump is offering himself as a strongman who transcends ideology. Perhaps what Cruz was really trying to do was shore up his own support in his home state of Texas, where losing could well be fatal to his campaign. Rubio, on the other hand, frantically tried to out-Trump Trump. The barrage of carefully prepared one-liners began at the debate, when Rubio said, among other things, that if Trump hadn’t inherited a fortune from his father, today he’d be “selling watches in Manhattan.” Rubio also accused the business mogul of lying, of having no health-care policy, of running a “fake school” that cheated students out of thousands of dollars (the defunct “Trump University”), of taking an “antiIsrael position” in the Middle East - the list went on and on.

Imagine if a corporation set up shop in your community and immediately dumped toxic sludge in your local waterways and buried radioactive waste next to your biggest playground. You and your neighbors, I bet, would demand full compensation from that corporation to pay for the clean-up and public health costs. You’d have a strong case. What about corporations that pollute communities not with chemicals, but with poverty wages? The impact can be every bit as toxic, and yet companies that pay low wages get off scotfree. In fact, their CEOs usually get bonuses. Economic justice activists across the country are fighting back against this outrage. They’re demanding that corporate polluters pay a price for low wages. In the Chicago area, for instance, Cook County commissioners are considering a bill that would slap fees on corporations employing more than 750 workers at less than the local living wage - currently $14.57 per hour, or $11.66 with health benefits. Under this proposed Responsible Business Act, companies would pay the local government $750 per employee each year for every dollar their wages fall below the living wage. The bill would generate an estimated $580 million in the first four years. Community stakeholders would get a voice in deciding how to spend this revenue to help low-income residents. For example, some of that money might boost health care options, pre-trial services, and housing assistance. Why not just raise the minimum wage? In an ideal world, it would be the best solution. That’s why “Fight for $15“ campaigns are catching on. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Americans still live in places where wages won’t lift working families out of poverty anytime soon. Low-wage employer fees provide a good alternative by targeting the large corporations that can afford to pay their workers more, but are choosing to drive low-wage pollution instead. This approach encourages these companies to raise wages while leveling the playing field for the businesses that are already taking the high road. As long as poverty wages persist, we’ll all pay the price. Poverty wages leave workers with too little buying power. Local businesses suffer when local people can’t afford to buy their products and services. And young people suffer, too. Researchers have linked high poverty rates to lower

(See REALITY on page six)

(See LOW-WAGE on page six)

(See DIXIE on page six)

Source of right-wing grouchiness by Jim Hightower

I’ve found it! I’ve discovered the original document framing the tea party’s political creed. Tea-infused Republicans are the “anti” party - anti-science, anti-public, anti-worker, antienvironment, anti-Obama . . . anti-anti-anti. Where does all this bombastic negativity come from? It turns out that their sour philosophy is rooted in “Horse Feathers.” It’s a 1932 Marx Brothers musical comedy that features Groucho belting out a song with these lyrics: “Your proposition may be good But let’s have one thing understood Whatever it is, I’m against it! And even when you’ve

changed it Or condensed it I’m against it!” So it’s no surprise that the GOP’s Senate leaders and presidential seekers have taken a preemptory “we’re agin’ it,” head-in-the-sand stand against anyone President Obama would nominate to fill the current Supreme Court vacancy. We won’t let logic, fairness, or our duty to the Constitution reverse our petulant, purelypartisan, knee-jerk “NO,” they vaingloriously proclaim. Maybe if he nominates a corporation to sit on the court they’d change their tune, but otherwise . . . no! Actually, their recalcitrance is no surprise, for the right wing has been an obstructionist group throughout our history. Indeed,

there wouldn’t even be a USA if the reactionaries of the 1770s had won the day. Their Tory faction adamantly opposed Jefferson, Adams, Washington and the other “radicals” who broke from the British Monarchy to forge our independent nation. And they’ve fought every progressive advance since - abolition of slavery, extending the vote to women, protecting the rights of labor, civil rights, Social Security and Medicare, women’s rights, gay marriage, etc., etc. So the “Grouchos” of today are just singing the same old reactionary song - still trying to shove America back into a monarchy of the rich. Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

GOP race has become embarrassing reality TV The race for the Republican presidential nomination couldn’t possibly get any more bizarre, appalling, puerile, embarrassing, self-destructive or . . . . Hold on, this just in: It did. When have we ever seen such a shameful and low-minded spectacle? Comparison to the seriousness and decorum of an elementary school playground is an insult to second-graders. What this campaign needs is a timeout chair, or perhaps a stout wooden ruler for rapping knuckles. I suppose we have to begin with Donald Trump’s slowness in rejecting praise from former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke, who announced he will vote for Trump in a rambling, hate-filled Facebook post on Friday that denounced “the Jewish tribalist takeover of our media” and “the crimes (of) Jewish predator banks.” Trump finally disavowed Duke late Sunday, but only after a day of hemming and hawing. He later claimed that he hadn’t understood the original ques-

behind the headlines by Eugene Robinson

tion, blaming CNN for providing him with an allegedly faulty earpiece. In the meantime, however, his opponents pounced by making clear that they wanted to have nothing to do with white supremacists. The back-andforth drew attention to the fact that white-power and other nativist groups see Trump as something of a champion though some leaders, including Duke, wish he were not so supportive of Israel. That, believe it or not, was the most substantive exchange among the candidates since last Thursday’s debate, when Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz ganged up on Trump in a palpably desperate attempt to keep him from running the table in the Super Tuesday primaries. Cruz continued to argue what has already been amply dem-

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • March 3, 2016

Lawmakers shouldn’t be waging a standards war by John Schrock

Anti-Common Core sentiment in the Kansas Legislature has resulted in another bill that would direct Kansas schools to develop new standards - yet again. This action appears driven by a general antipathy for the federal government’s 15 years of meddling in state education policy. Education has always been and remains a “state’s right.” President

Apple (continued from page four)

Bush extorted policy compliance by tying it to federal Title money. While Common Core was developed by the chief school officers state commissioners and superintendents across the country - it became a federal curriculum when it was tied to federal education money under the Race to the Top competition. Despite renaming No Child Left Behind as the Every Student Succeeds Act, the NCLB poli-

. . . even if you legislate that we teach that the earth is flat, evolution is wrong, and global warming does not exist, the competent professional teacher is not going to comply. What teachers teach in the classroom is dependent on their professional training. Simply, a science education has more power than legislators or state board members.

cies and curricula have become embedded in state education regulations in 43 states. That includes Kansas where the College and Career Ready Standards are Common Coreinspired.

Funding

After hearing a Common Core opponent from Wisconsin testify, the Kansas House Education Committee took the anti-Common Core HB 2676 and moved it into Substitute House Bill 2292. This

bill also requires that Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs be aligned with the newly-required Kansas standards. While this anti-fed action is simple-minded knee-jerk politics, the opposition’s sky-is-falling response is hardly more credible. Both sides are under the illusion that changing paperwork dramatically changes teaching practices in the class-

room. Both sides are wrong. In 1987, the State Board of Education was one of the first states to mandate sex and AIDS education. In 2005, the KSBE removed this state mandate. Those teachers who had previously included sex education before 1987 taught it competently before, during and after the mandate. Those who were not well-trained in

Holmes’ understanding of school finance becomes even more troubling. During a recent town hall he claims that he has “never supported increasing local funding for schools. Me and all rural legislators have voted against increasing the local option budget.” That’s an interesting comment and even Dale Dennis, Deputy Commissioner of Education at the Kansas State Department of Education, is confused as to what votes Sen. Holmes is referring to. But, for the sake of argu-

ment, let’s say that you get your wish, Sen. Holmes. LOB funding is eliminated. You’ve just eliminated $1,061,277,923 in LOB money that Kansas schools need to keep their doors open. What now? Or perhaps it means we must all live in the ultraconservative world where underfunding all Kansas schools satisfies the new definition of “equity.” Sorry, Sen. Holmes, that’s not a place where I choose to live.

(See STANDARDS on page 7)

(continued from page four)

programs essential for a legislature to meet the In other words . . . and civil liberties since the Sen. Holmes, you may state constitution’s definischool district. September 11 attacks. It’s Sen. Holmes is mis- tion of equity. It had con- want to pay particular time to turn the tide. attention to this . . . the Our privacy is worth taken if he thinks this tinued to evolve over time process has been given a in order to maintain equity funding gap between the fighting for. haves and the have-nots constitutional green light to the best of our ability. John Kiriakou is an associ- by the courts. Quite to the Over the years, how- has continued to grow. ate fellow with the Institute contrary, this is one of the ever, the concept of equity And that means students for Policy Studies with the benefit of that issues at the heart of the has been lost in the legadditional funding have ongoing court battle. islature’s desire to walk a huge advantage over If Sen. Holmes would away from its funding students from poorer disbother to read the history obligations. The LOB has tricts. of school funding in Kan- also provided wealthier (continued from page five) This is the equity issas rather than his Repub- districts with the ability sue to which the constitueducational achievement lican talking points, he to raise significantly more tion refers and which the and poor health. And would realize that when money than districts with- courts have repeatedly poverty wages make high the finance plan was ad- out the same property tax asked the legislature to poverty rates inevitable. opted in 1992 it was a base or economic devel- remedy. Low-income people, concerted effort by the opment. And here is where especially in communities of color, also face a far greater risk of being arrested and jailed for minor offenses, leaving them with even higher barriers Super Tuesday. It includes to future economic opporprimaries in Alabama, Artunities. kansas, Georgia, OklahoWho subsidizes these ma, Tennessee, Texas and poisonous poverty wages? Virginia. by Andy Borowitz Taxpayers. Yes, this SouthernTo keep their families MOBILE, ALA. (The Borowitz Report) - The fried, hickory-smoked healthy and safe, lowRepublican front-runner, Donald Trump, said mix is leavened by priwage workers have little on Tuesday night that he was “tremendously maries in Massachusetts choice but to turn to pubrelieved” that the recent controversy linking him and Vermont, caucuses in lic assistance programs. Colorado and Minnesota, to the Ku Klux Klan had apparently not hurt him Reforms like Cook Counand, on the Republican with voters in Alabama. ty’s Responsible Business side, a “preference poll” “I’m not a worrier by nature, but I must admit Act could help us recoup in Alaska. I was worried about this,” Trump told reporters. some of these costs. But there’s a reason “The minute that that KKK business started up, Large corporations are the day is often called my main fear was, ‘I sure hope this doesn’t upset “socializing labor costs,” the “SEC primary,” after voters in Alabama.’ ” sums up Will Tanzman of the Southeastern college After the Alabama returns came in showIIRON, the Illinois-based sports conference. economic and social jusing him romping to an easy victory in the Not until March 8 does tice organization that’s Yellowhammer State, Trump said, “I sighed a a big Midwestern state part of a growing movehuge sigh of relief.” (Michigan) vote, and not ment for the Responsible Trump pointed to exit polls showing that 97 until March 15 do Illinois Business Act. percent of Alabamans who voted for him were and Ohio weigh in. WisConnecticut activists consin doesn’t hold its aware that he had been praised by the former pushed a similar bill last primary until April 5, and KKK leader David Duke “and voted for me year. A new law in that Indiana will not be casting anyway.” state mandates the creits ballots until May 3. “The fact that they knew I was endorsed by ation of an advisory board The Dixiefied calendar the KKK but were able to look beyond it says where workers will join is now an issue in Repubsomething great about them,” he said. “I guess I employers, public assislican presidential maneuwas worried about nothing.” tance recipients, elected vering, with the possibility officials, and other stakethat the Midwest would be Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author holders to develop recomfurther disenfranchised. mendations for how the governor and state legislators can address the public (continued from page five) cost of low-wage work. Activists and elected officials elsewhere, inHe mocked Trump’s why, because the podiTrump, of course, cluding Colorado and demeanor and appearance. um goes up to here. . . . responded in kind. This, New York, are also exAfterward, although Maybe to make sure his ladies and gentlemen, is ploring the possibility of such a thing seemed pants weren’t wet, I don’t what the Party of Lincoln applying low-wage emimpossible, things got know.” has been reduced to. ployer fees. worse. Rubio went into Since then, Rubio has Rubio finished the These campaigns aren’t flat-out “yo’-momma” said that Trump flies weekend with this riff, about demonizing public mode. around on “Hair Force which sounded suspiassistance. In the richest At a rally, Rubio gave One”; ventured that country in the world, we ciously like . . . well, you this description of Trump “some would say” Trump should have a safety net decide: “He’s like sixbackstage at the debate: is a “lunatic” much like strong enough to ensure two, which is why I don’t “First, he had this little North Korean leader Kim that all our most vulnermakeup thing, apply- Jong Un; said Trump has understand why his hands able people live in dignity. ing, like, makeup around “the worst spray tan in are the size of someone That ought to be a matter his mustache, because he America” and “should who’s five-two. Have you of national pride. had one of those sweat sue whoever did that to seen his hands? They’re But a system that lets mustaches. Then, then, his face”; and called the like this. And you know overpaid CEOs underpay he asked for a full-length Republican front-runner a what they say about men workers and then get taxwith small hands.” Pause mirror. I don’t know “con artist.” payers to foot the bill for the damage that results? None of us can take any pride in that.

Low-Wage

Trump relieved that KKK ties did not hurt in Alabama

Dixie

Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page five)

Republican honchos may have presided over a party that “brought to life” and “fed” the “Frankenstein monster” they see in Donald Trump. Never mind. The feckless establishmentarians now have the temerity to tell Ohio Gov. John Kasich that he should do his part in their belated anti-Trump operation by dropping out in support of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio - even though Rubio has yet to win a single primary. Kasich is saying no dice, and he is wholly right to insist that his own base be heard from before he calls it a day. There’s a strong case that Kasich is far better prepared to be president than Rubio is, and that Kasich’s tonally (and, to some degree, substantively) more moderate brand of conservatism has more appeal outside Republican ranks than Rubio’s narrow conservative orthodoxy.

In any event, it’s clear that if the GOP powersthat-be forced Kasich out before Michigan and Ohio voted, they would be confirming for all to see that their party has room only for Southerners (Rubio and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas) or, in the case of Trump, Northerners who speak the Republican South’s language on immigration, race and nationalism. High-minded thinkers regularly bemoan the sharp polarization of American politics and wring hands earnestly over why this has come to pass. One of the principal causes is the Southernization of Abraham Lincoln’s party, and our primary process makes it only harder for those who would reverse the trend.

for effect. “You can’t trust them.” Rubio managed to lower himself, and the debate, beneath even Trump’s level. But I’m not sure there was much of a choice. Trump is threatening to effectively lock up the nomination before Rubio even notches his first primary victory. While Rubio was teasing and taunting, Trump was racking up bombshell endorsements - most notably from ex-candidate Chris Christie, who had vied with Rubio for the

votes of establishment Republicans. Christie’s support helps make it safe for others to join the Trump bandwagon; Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama climbed aboard Sunday. Trash-talking, alliances, conspiracies, betrayals this whole campaign has become a reality-television show. The problem is that it’s on every single channel.

E.J. Dionne, Jr., is a political commentator and longtime op-ed columnist for the Washington Post

Reality

Liz Ryan Murray is policy director for National People’s Action

Eugene Robinson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and former assistant managing editor for The Washington Post

Moving? Contact The Scott County Record to update your address, so you don’t miss your paper.

P.O. Box 377, Scott City, Ks. 67871 • 620-872-2090 • www.scottcountyrecord.com

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Truth

(continued from page five)

the program, as reported to the state’s Department of Labor. “The results were remarkable,” exulted the report. They do sound dramatic. Three months after the work requirements were reinstated, half of the ablebodied adult recipients had left the SNAP program. Their participation

is now 75 percent lower than before the order. Six in 10 of the recipients found work within a year, and overall the group’s income rose by an average of 127 percent. All good, right? But upon closer examination, the results lose some luster. It is not exactly a revelation that the number of unemployed people in

Standards sex education adopted anemic Sex Respect programs and dropped the topic as soon as the mandate ended. Policies changed. Classroom practices did not. In 1999-2000, I was on the Science Standards Committee that rewrote the second revision. That was the time the State Board removed the evolution section and made national news. Two years later, after another board election, evolution was returned. When Kansas biology teachers met for their annual meetings, it was obvious that removing evolution from the standards had increased, not

the SNAP program plummeted after the governor decreed that recipients must work or get out. The same goes for the finding that able-bodied adults who continued to receive benefits worked more hours and earned more money than before Brownback’s order. Those outcomes are exactly what the requirements decreed. The finding that almost

60 percent of able-bodied adults on food stamps were employed a year later is good news. Able-bodied adults without dependents have never been the slackers that welfare opponents make them out to be. Most of those who seek benefits cycle in and out of low-paying jobs. The finding that the average annual incomes

(continued from page six)

decreased, the extent evolution was taught in biology classes. With the highest belief in evolution of any state surveyed, Kansas biology teachers integrated evolution into every lesson they taught. The late Professor John Moore of UC-Riverside told me to expect the Board action to cause an increase in evolution teaching. He was correct. It is difficult for folks in high positions to realize that in a profession, practice is not determined by directives from above, but by the education of the professionals. Education schools also appear gullible to this “better education through

paperwork” myth. But even if you legislate that we teach that the earth is flat, evolution is wrong, and global warming does not exist, the competent professional teacher is not going to comply. What teachers teach in the classroom is dependent on their professional training. Simply, a science education has more power than legislators or state board members. There is only one worldwide universal science. It is the same chart of chemical elements that hangs in classrooms worldwide. And gravity does not work differently in Russia. I have no love of the educationist Next

Generation Science Standards that omit animals, plants, microbes and human anatomy and physiology. But good biology teachers go ahead and teach this content anyway. Professional teachers can ignore the NGSS and they can ignore any new Kansas standards as well. Kansas does not need to waste $9 million and two years of professionals’ time writing more standards. Indeed, issues such as this are the jurisdiction of the State Board of Education. They are none of the Kansas Legislature’s business. John Schrock trains biology teachers and lives in Emporia

of the former SNAP recipients increased by 127 percent also sounds encouraging - except that the actual increase was from $2,450 to $5,562, about 50 percent of the federal poverty level. A year after being removed from the food stamp program, most of the 13,000 people were still deeply poor. The reality for most people is much tougher. Forty percent of the exiled SNAP recipients were still unemployed after a year. It’s ludicrous to think that many able-bodied adults would forgo honest work for a monthly food stamp benefit of around $160. People seek assistance for a reason. Research has shown that at least a third of adults without dependents who seek food stamp assistance suffer from a physical, mental or psychiatric disorder. They don’t qualify for disability, but they’re not turning cartwheels either. As a group they have low education levels. More than a third have felony convictions. Six in 10 have no valid driver’s license, and almost half lack access to reliable transportation.

Sunday

Monday

6 Attend the Church of Your , Choice. SCHS All School Play, 2:30 p.m. Chuck Bonner, Artist Reception @ Prairie Museum of Art and History, Colby, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Wednesday

SCMS Cheer Tryouts SCMS Cheer Tryouts

City Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. SCHS All School Play, 7:30 p.m. Adult Coloring @ Scott County Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

13 Daylight Savings

1851 S. Hwy 83 Scott City, Ks 67871 (620) 872-2954 • 800-201-2954

7 BOE Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Spring Break

No charge for community events

Turner Sheet Metal Tuesday

Swim Team meeting @ SCHS, 5:30 p.m.

Barbara Shelly is a columnist for the Kansas City Star

872-2090

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Obviously they would all be better off with good-paying jobs. But that requires a huge lift in the form of education, training, transportation and other services. Kansas, which can’t meet basic expenses, is in no shape to provide that help. The Foundation for Government Accountability report notes that roughly half of the former SNAP recipients who found jobs earned enough to climb above the federal poverty level. Their move from welfare to work saves Kansas taxpayers almost $50 million a year, it says. And almost comically, in light of recent Kansas tax policy, the report notes that the income gains from former SNAP recipients “are estimated to increase state income tax collections by up to $1.3 million per year.” More than 300,000 Kansas business owners are exempt from paying any state income taxes, with no expectation that they create jobs or anything else. But at least the poor are paying more. That’s what victory looks like in Sam

Thursday

9 SCMS Cheer Tryouts

SCHS GWAC Forensics Class 3A State Basketball @ @ Colby Hutchinson Preschool Parents as Educators Literacy Night, 6:00 p.m.

Friday

10 SCMS Cheer Tryouts Adult Coloring @ Scott County Library, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

SCMS Cheer Tryouts Diana Herold and Grisha Alexiev End of 3rd Nine performing @ The Weeks Majestic, 6:00 p.m. Class 3A State Basketball @ Hutchinson

Class 3A State Basketball @ Hutchinson

SCMS 8th Choir Concert with SCHS, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday

Class 3A State Basketball @ Hutchinson

SCHS Festival Concert Band/Choir, 7:00 p.m.

Spring Break

St. Patrick’s Day

Spring Break

Billy Allen Products, Inc. The complete

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The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

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Start early by seeding cool-season crops indoors A few abnormally warm days might have gardeners thinking ahead to spring planting. Most cool-season crops should be started from seed in February and no later than early March. According to Kansas State University horticulture specialist and Master Gardener coordinator Ward Upham, gardeners who start vegetable plants indoors should list the seeding dates on a calendar so plants are ready to transplant to the garden at the proper time. To do this, select a transplant date for a particular fruit or vegetable, and count back the number of weeks necessary to grow it. If gardeners are interested in starting onions from seed, they should do that immediately. “Onions are one of the first plants to be seeded for transplanting, because they take a significant amount of time, six to eight weeks, to reach transplant size,” Upham said. “They can be set out relatively early - late March in much of eastern and central Kansas.” Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and lettuce are typically transplanted in Kansas in late March or early April. It takes eight weeks to get from seeding to transplant size. Other popular crops grown in Kansas include peppers and tomatoes. Those are not transplanted until early to mid-May. Therefore, they would need to be seeded in midto late March. Upham said growers have a window of time, a week or two earlier or later, for seeding. Those living in different climatic regions might want to adjust their seeding times; for example, gardeners in southern Kansas could start seeds a week or two earlier, while those in northern Kansas may want to wait a week later. Use Quality Seed Upham recommends buying seed from a reputable source, including garden centers and seed catalogs. Check the package date to make sure it was packaged for the current year.

“Though most seed remains viable for about three years, germination decreases as seed ages,” he said, noting some exceptions. Seed from members of the carrot family, which includes parsnips and parsley, are usually only good for less than two years. Using saved garden seed is a possibility when starting plants indoors. Upham said that seed stores best in cool, dark and dry locations. For those who are unsure of viability of their seed and have plenty on hand, Upham said there is an easy method to test it: •Place 10 seeds on a paper towel moistened with warm water, and cover with a second moistened towel. •Roll up the towels, and place them inside a plastic bag with enough holes for air exchange but not so many that the towels will dry quickly. •Place the bag in a warm location, such as the top of the refrigerator, and remoisten the towels with warm water as needed. •After the first week, check the seeds for germination. Remove sprouted seed, and check again after another week. This will give a good estimate for the percent germination. Sowing and Growing Upham said gardening soil should not be used to germinate seed indoors. It is typically too heavy and may contain disease organisms. Use a media specifically formulated for seed germination. Seed starting mixes usually contain a mixture of peat moss and shredded pine, among other ingredients that are lightweight, hold a lot of water and oxygen, and are sterile. Horticulture agent Dennis Patton said a downside to seed starting mixes is they usually don’t contain many nutrients. He recommends that at least once a week gardeners incorporate a water-soluble fertilizer when watering their seeds and starter plants. Keep the soil moist, as this allows for germination. Using clear plastic

wrap over the top of the containers can reduce the amount of watering needed. The plastic can be removed once seeds begin to germinate. “Then once they’re up and growing you may want them to dry out slightly between watering,” Patton said. “Water saturation can lead to rot issues.” “Another tip is don’t water if you’re going to turn the lights off,” he added. “If you water, that plant will push a little bit of growth. Water and fertilize going into a light to keep that transplant sturdy.” Most plants will germinate in either darkness or light, but be sure to allow for light once emergence occurs; lighting the plants well is a major key to growing success, Patton said. “I think when people have grown transplants indoors and have not had success, they may have been relying on the old, ‘put it in the south windowsill’ method,” he said. “But, there’s not enough light intensity for a long period of time to grow a great transplant that way. Most gardeners who are growing their own starts are using ordinary shop lights that are available from any home supply or hardware store.” How close that light is from the top of the growing plant and how long the light is left on also determines starter plant success. The rule-ofthumb is the light should be about two inches, and no more than four inches, from the top of the plant. Gardeners may need chains or another method to raise or lower the height of the light as the plants grow. Leave the light on at least 14 to 16 hours per day, Patton added. This will give gardeners that nice, short, stocky plant that is desired to transplant outdoors. Another item to consider is that while germination often requires warmer temperatures than found in most homes, plants can be grown at cooler temperatures of 65-70 degrees during the day and 55-60 degrees at

night, Upham said. A heating mat may be required to assist with germination, or put the container closer to the celling or on top of the refrigerator for more heat. To help the plants transition well in the garden once transplanted, growers should brush over the plants with their hands daily to help them become stockier, Upham said. About two weeks before transplanting, the plants will need to be “hardened off.” “Plants grown inside will often undergo transplant shock if not hardened off,” Upham said. “Plants are hardened off by moving them outside and exposing them to sun before transplanting occurs. Increase the number of hours and degree of exposure over the twoweek period.”

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Hospital board member, said the auditing firm also works with many other hospitals throughout the state, which prompted him to ask how SCH is doing in comparison. “He told me that he couldn’t name another hospital that’s doing as well as ours in a community this size,” Dunn said. “I felt that was a pretty significant statement coming from an outsider.” Burnett said their ability to have six mid-level providers on staff, along with three physicians in the clinic, have been a huge asset. “For a long time we were short on mid-levels, so we feel very fortunate to have this many. It’s relieved a lot of stress on our doctors and it allows us to see a lot more patients,” Burnett said. The projected trend of continued growth bodes well for the addition of one, and possibly two, more physicians. One physician is currently under contract to join the local medical team in September 2017, “but there’s a possibility he might be here sooner,” Burnett said. Dr. Dunn said at one time there was concern with how long it would take for a new physician to build up their patient base. “Today, the demand is so great that a new physician will be instantly busy,” he said. Another huge asset that has contributed to the hospital’s continued growth is the number of specialists who are regularly in Scott City. “We’re continuing to add new specialists. And these are top-flight people in their field,” says Burnett. “I’ve had more than one specialist say that their practices at home are boring. It’s the same old thing,” adds Dr. Dunn. “They like coming here because it’s interesting and they love our facilities and the people.” Accounts Receivable While revenue continues to climb, so does the amount of money that’s not collected for services which are billed. The biggest contributor to this is referred to as “contractual adjustments” which climbed by nearly $1.3

The Scott County Record • Page 10 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

(continued from page one)

‘Net’ revenue reflects the high cost of SCH operation While the hospital’s gross revenue of $26.19 million catches a lot of attention, “as it should,” Scott County Hospital CEO Mark Burnett also points out that most of that money disappears once expenses are figured in. That leads to a “net” revenue picture that looks significantly different. For example, contractual adjustments through Medicare/Medicaid, along with bad debts and charity care reduce that revenue figure to $17.48 million. Add in employee salaries and benefits of $12.46 million and hospital revenue is reduced to just over $5 million. By the time other costs are calculated into the budget - ranging from pharmacy medications to the operating room to housekeeping - along with depreciation, the hospital ends up showing an operating loss of $1.9 million. “Of course, that’s a loss on paper, but it shows how significant our expenses are in an operation like this,” says Burnett. “Even when you have another impressive year like we just had, you always feel a little uneasy because the costs continue to climb almost as fast as our revenue. We’ve been able to stay a couple of steps ahead with respect to revenue, which puts us in a lot better position than a lot of rural hospitals.” million this past year - to a total of $7.75 million. These adjustments are on bills submitted for patients who are on Medicare, Medicaid or have private health insurance. The federal government pays a fixed amount for medical care which falls well short of the actual cost of services billed. The hospital receives about 50 percent of their billed charges for a Medicare patient and only about 25 percent for someone on Medicaid. At the end of the year, the hospital turns in reams of cost reports that provide detailed information of how much it costs to provide medical care and the federal government uses this data to determine what it will reimburse. If it’s determined that the hospital was overpaid, this amount will be returned. If the hospital was underpaid, the reimbursement rates will increase the following year. Meyer points out that when the new hospital was constructed, that cost is now figured into the reimbursement schedule. “In other words, Medicare is helping pay for our new hospital,” said Meyer, who noted that will remain a significant part of the reimbursement rate for 5-7 years following construction - or until about 2019. Meyer says the reimbursement for Medicare

patients is about 10-15 percent higher now than it was in the old hospital since it had no depreciation value. Since about half of the business in the hospital side of the operation is Medicare, that can add up to significant dollars. With Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the reimbursement rate used to be about 90 percent, says Meyer. Now the hospital and clinic get about 65-70 percent of what it bills for services. “A lot of the commercial insurers in the county, which includes our feedlot employees, reimburse us about 90 percent,” Meyer adds. “We’re lucky to be in a county with a lot of commercial insurance.” Bad Debts on the Rise In addition, the hospital provided $148,645 in “charity care.” This is a program that benefits Scott County residents. According to Meyer, the entire bill may be forgiven for some individuals while others will

pay for services on a sliding scale, based on their income. And, of course, there are always bad debts which are written off. These can include people who make no effort to pay their bill, or pay only a small portion. It can also include those individuals who do have insurance, but are unable to pay the deductible. Bad debts were $804,288 during the audited year, compared to $744,574 the previous year. The auditors, however, did draw attention to the $4.7 million in accounts receivable - an increase of more than $860,000 from the previous year. Meyer traces a lot of the problem to the changeover to the new computer billing system. “It was supposed to make collections easier, but that hasn’t always been the case. You make the slightest error when entering data and it will hold up payment until you find the problem,” says Meyer. He said that after the computer system was installed in November of 2014, “we didn’t get paid hardly anything in December and January” while the bookkeeping department was adjusting to the process. “It was frustrating for us and for the patients who didn’t get their bills until maybe two months later, but it was something we expected,” Meyer says. “Most of the high increase we saw (in accounts receivable) was a one-time thing.” At the same time, there are other factors which contribute to the non-payment or delayed payment of bills which isn’t going away soon. Due to the rising cost of health insurance, many people now have a higher co-pay and deductible. When they get

SCH History of Gross Revenue, Salaries Total Payroll 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

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 8,582,596 10,163,959 11,647,838 $12,468,011

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 22,365,571 23,733,469 26,193,859

Total payroll includes employee benefits The hospital fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30

bills from the clinic or hospital, their portion of the cost is much greater than they’re accustomed to paying. “Where they might have had a $500 or $1,000 deductible in the past, they now have a $5,000 deductible,” Meyer noted. “It’s amazing how much more we’ve seen this happening over the past five years. “It’s something that people have to get used to. Everyone has to learn to set back more money for a health care emergency.” Medicaid Expansion Commission Chairman Jim Minnix wondered how much revenue the hospital and clinic could gain if the state were to agree to expand Medicaid coverage for those individuals who currently aren’t eligible. Meyer noted that Scott County is in a unique situation where very few patients rely upon Medicaid coverage. “It’s only about six percent of our business (at the hospital),” said Meyer. “The clinic is a little higher than that, but it’s not significant.” At the same time, Meyer says Medicaid expansion could be worth more than $100,000 annu-

ally to the hospital. “I can see a lot of rural hospitals who will suffer if Medicaid isn’t expanded,” said Minnix. Burnett said that the added revenue would be beneficial for many hospitals. Because of this lost revenue, he said “the ice is starting to crack” around them financially. Cash Reserves The hospital has also seen its cash reserves increase significantly over the past decade while moving into a new facility and doubling its payroll. When Burnett assumed duties as CEO in 2006, the cash-on-hand was $2,150. “That may have been a little generous,” said Dr. Dunn. “We were operating in the red.” That amount climbed to a high of $4.78 million in 2013, but dropped to $3.18 million at the end of the 2015 fiscal year because of the computer and MRI purchases. Even with more than $3 million in reserves, Minnix pointed out that is only enough operating capital for two months. “We’d like to get that to six months. Then we’d have even more to smile about,” said Minnix. “That’s the goal,” replied Burnett.

SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL Leading You To A Healthy Future

201 Albert Avenue Scott City, KS 67871 • (620) 872-5811 www.scotthospital.net

Help Us Find a Doctor and Scott County Hospital is searching for additional family practice with OB doctors to join our medical team. If you know a doctor or someone about to complete medical residency, here’s your chance to earn $10,0001. • Refer a doctor to SCH (they must indicate that you referred them on their application) • If the doctor you referred signs a contract with SCH, you will earn

$10,000

Any person who refers a qualified physician (medical doctor) to Scott County Hospital who then agrees to a contract of employment will receive a referral bonus of $10,000. All persons, including current employees of Scott County Hospital, are eligible for the referral bonus. I. Receivership of the $10,000 bonus will be contingent on: 1) The qualified physician signing a contract of employment with Scott County Hospital, 2) The qualified physician serving a minimum of one-year in his/her role with Scott County Hospital, and 3) The qualified physician making reference to the person who referred them to Scott County Hospital on his/her application for employment. II. For any employee or non-employee of Scott County Hospital who makes a referral of a qualified physician which meets the aforementioned qualifications; a referral bonus of $10,000 will be paid as follows: 1) A $2,500 referral bonus will be paid following the initial signing of a contract by a referred qualified physician. 2) An additional $2,500 referral bonus will be paid after the physician has worked at Scott County Hospital for six months in good standing. 3) A final $5,000 referral bonus will be paid after the referred physician has completed one year of service in good standing with Scott County Hospital. III. All referral bonuses awarded to current employees will be included in their monthly paycheck and are subject to taxation. Referral bonuses awarded to non-employees will be paid in full via check from Scott County Hospital. It will be the responsibility of the receiver of the bonus to claim taxes. IV. Only one person per doctor referred is eligible for the referral bonus. V. Scott County Hospital Employees only: Any physician who has already been recruited, contacted, or made a visit to SCH during the past 12 months is not eligible. 1

The Scott County Record

Youth/Education

Page 11 - Thursday, March 3, 2016

Kansas BOEs hire more staff, cut administration

A new report released by the Kansas Association of School Boards shows that Kansas school districts have added almost 4,000 teaching positions since 1998, an increase of nearly 13 percent, or four times the rate of student growth. Over the same period, districts have reduced the number of superintendents by nearly seven percent and principals by six percent. That has allowed districts to reduce class size and add teachers for special education, kindergarten and early childhood programs, and other special services, according to

KASB executive director John Heim. “In fact, Kansas now has one of the lowest pupil to teacher ratios in the nation,” he says. “Those facts cast a different light on recent statements from the Kansas Policy Institute and some legislators claiming that school administrative salaries have skyrocketed at the expense of teachers and classroom instruction.” For example, a blog by KPI said that in Kansas “pay raises to superintendents and principals far outpace those to teachers.” It also questioned the priorities of local school

boards “when pay increases are disproportionately higher to those who are not in the classroom.” “At KASB, we advocate on behalf of local schools boards, so we decided to take a comprehensive look into the issue,” explains Heim. “What we found is that the data are more complex and provide a different picture than what has been alleged.” Research specialist, Ted Carter, went as far back as he could to where he thought data could be reliably compared; from the 1997-98 school year up to the present. The increased number of teachers and decreased

number of administrators shows up in the total amount that school boards spend on salaries. For teachers, the salary amount has increased 70 percent, while for principals it’s been 48 percent and superintendents it is 43 percent. “These facts may also explain why the average salary of a principal and superintendent has increased a little more than the average teacher’s salary: Administrators are supervising more people,” Heim says. The average number of teachers and students per principal and superintendent has increased significantly, while the average

SCES fourth graders learn about FFA

number of students per teacher has decreased. In addition, many additional teachers hired during the period may be new to the profession, and receive lower salaries than returning teachers. This reduces the overall average, but doesn’t reflect how local boards are compensating experienced educators who remain in the classroom. This salary and workforce data shows school boards have been reducing the number of administrators in order to hire more teachers and paraprofessionals, which in turn reduces the ratio of students per teacher. “Does that sound like

a commitment to try to help every student succeed? We think it does,” emphasizes Heim. According to the most recent data, on 14 measures of student success, only seven states had better performance on a majority of those measures. All seven provided more total funding per pupil than Kansas. In fact, 26 states spend more per pupil than Kansas. “Instead of criticizing local school boards, we think they deserve praise for doing exactly what is needed to be good stewards of taxpayer funds and provide an outstanding product,” Heim adds.

2 area students on Washburn Dean’s honor list

Two area students were named to the fall semester Dean’s Honor Roll at Washburn University, Topeka. Honor students include Allison Miller, Leoti, a student in the School of Nursing; and Nicole Walker, Scott City, who is enrolled in the School of Applied Studies. To be named to the list, a student must be enrolled in at least 12 semester credit hours and maintain a grade point average between 3.4 and 3.99.

N a t i o n a l FFA Week was observed from Feb. 22-26 and as part of the observance the Scott Community High School chapter held a recruitment day for SCMS students. (Right photo) Cooper Griffith (left) and Abe Wiebe visit with students about the opportunities available to them through FFA. (Above) In addition, fourth graders from Scott City Elementary School were given a tour of the welding shop. Other activities during the week included t-shirt day, a faculty breakfast prepared by FFA students and “dress like a farmer day.”

For the Record Senate bill targets municipal traffic ticket fees The Scott County Record

TOPEKA - A Kansas Senate committee is considering a bill that would force cities and counties to turn over to the state more of the revenue they receive from traffic tickets. Under Senate Bill 403, discussed by the Senate Ways and Means Committee, any traffic ticket money revenue that exceeds 10 percent of a

The Scott County Record Page 12 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

municipality’s annual revenue would go into the state’s general fund. Also, municipal courts would have to hand over 70 percent of all revenue they collect from traffic violations on highways. The City of Lawrence is one of the entities fighting against the legislation. Lawrence officials sent written testimony to the Senate committee, say-

Scott City Council Agenda Tues., March 7 • 7:30 p.m. City Hall • 221 W. 5th •Call to Order •Approve minutes of Feb. 16 regular meeting and Feb. 3 special meeting •Resolution to re-fund PBC bonds •Approval of KDHE consent order for city’s water supply •Tobi Boller: NexTech 1) Server and internet security agreement •Darin Neufeld: EBH Engineer 1) Dirt/cement work for taxiway at airport •Scott Rec Commission reps to present water conservation plan •Fire Chief Ken Hoover 1) Approve storage building in southeast corner of fire station parking lot •Approve sale of building at 12th St. lift station •Review proposal for Fourth of July fireworks •Approve 1/2% sales tax funding •Requested dates to use Patton Park March 19: Easter egg hunt June 5: Bark for Life (Relay for Life) June 11: Bluegrass and BBQ\ June 18: Relay for Life July 3: Pence Church ice cream social July 23: Beefiesta tasting booths Aug. 20-21: Lake Scott Rod Run Sept. 24: Whimmydiddle Chamber of Commerce movies in the park will be June 5, June 24, July 3, Aug. 5, Aug. 19 •Open agenda: audience is invited to voice ideas or concerns. A time limit may be requested Pool Department 1) Review bid to replace coping/gutter stone at city pool Police Department 1) Request to attend TAC training on March 9 Parks Department 1) Misc. business Parks Department 1) Misc. business Public Works Department 1) Misc. business Clerk’s Department 1) Misc. business •Mayor’s comments

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott City Police Department Feb. 19: Bradley Hernandez was charged with interfering with a law enforcement officer. Feb. 21: Marci Burgess, 49, was charged with driving while her driver’s license was cancelled/suspended/revoked. Feb. 22: Galen Rohrbough, 61, was arrested for distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of hallucinogenic drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the LEC. Feb. 24: Gage Malchow, 24, was arrested on a warrant for probation violation and transported to the LEC. Feb. 24: A hit-and-run accident was reported in the 600 block of north US83 Highway. Feb. 24: A report was taken for theft of property/ services in the 300 block of North Main Street. March 1: Armando Alvarez reported criminal damage to property in the 400 block of E. 6th Street.

ing the practice would be costly to implement and a burden on city staff. It would require new software to track the locations of citations, the testimony stated, and staff would be forced to allocate time to complete more financial reports for the state. It’s also simply “unfair,” states the letter, signed by Mayor Mike Amyx.

“It is not the local governments, or its taxpayers, that caused the state’s financial crisis,” the letter reads. Eric Smith, legal counsel for the League of Kansas Municipalities, was one of a number of people who showed up to testify against the bill. Nobody spoke in favor of it. “I’m not sure what

this bill’s intending to do except take money,” Smith said. Any courts that don’t comply would be shut down until they do, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported. The City of Lawrence took issue with the penalty, saying in its testimony that it’s “deeply disturbing.” “To suspend a munici-

pal court’s jurisdiction will only harm the innocent victims of crimes who will be further inconvenienced by delays and a transfer to District Court,” the letter reads. Kansas City Municipal Court Judge Maurice Ryan said the legislation would cost his court $330,000 annually, on top of the more than $500,000 (See FEES on page 13)

Division of Vehicles launches teen driver safety program in Ks. The Kansas Division of Vehicles has teamed up with State Farm and Cenex to launch a new program that provides parents and guardians with a simple, easy-tofollow plan designed to help teens develop safe driving habits. “According to the CDC and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, young drivers in Kansas, between the ages

of 16- and 19-years-old, are more than twice as likely to crash as drivers in other age groups due to inexperience,” said Director of Vehicles, Lisa Kaspar. “Parents play a critical role in their children’s education and this guide encourages parents to expose teenagers to a variety of enhanced supervised driving experiences to help them become

Public Notice (First published in the Scott County Record on Thurs., Feb. 25, 2016; last published Thurs., March 3, 2016)2t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS Case No. 15-JC-11 NOTICE OF HEARING Pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2237 IN THE INTEREST OF M.A.S. Date of birth: 3-29-2000 Female TO: Brian Garza or Bryan Garza and Parents of Brian Garza or Bryan Garza and all other persons who are or may be concerned: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed in this court alleging that the child named above is a Child in Need of Care. The Court may find that the parents are unfit by reason or conduct or condition which renders the parents unable to care properly for a child, the conduct or condition is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, the parental rights of the parent should be terminated, and a permanent custodian should be appointed for the child. A hearing on the petition is scheduled for the 8th day of March, at 9:15 a.m. At the hearing the Court may issue orders relating to the care, custody and control of the child. The hearing will determine if the parents should be deprived of their parental rights and the right to custody of the child.

The parent(s), and any other person having legal custody are required to appear before this Court on the date and time shown, or to file your written response to the petition with the Clerk of the District Court prior to that time. Failure to respond or to appear before the Court at the time shown will not prevent the Court from entering judgment as requested in the petition, finding that the child is a Child in Need of Care, removing the child from the custody of parent, parents or any other present legal custodian until further order of the Court, or finding the parents unfit, and entering an order permanently terminating the parents’ parental rights. An attorney has been appointed as guardian ad litem for the child: Doug Spencer, P.O. Box 247, Oakley, Ks. 67748. You have the right to appear before the Court and be heard personally, either with or without an attorney. The Court will appoint an attorney for any parent who desires an attorney but is financially unable to hire one. The Court may order one or both parents to pay child support. Date and time of hearing: March 8, 2016, at 9:15 a.m. Place of hearing: 303 Court Street, Scott City, Ks. 67871 James R. Collins Judge of the District Court

knowledgeable and safe drivers.” The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program guide is packed with information and lessons on driving basics, parental pointers, and licensing qualifications that are helpful to parents of new drivers. The program is supplemented by the RoadReady mobile app, which can easily and accurately track the required super-

vised driving time of 50 hours, including 10 hours of night driving. Last year, more than 43,000 Kansas teens sought instruction (learner’s) permits, and the department wanted to provide parents with a resource geared toward skill development and expanding the conditions and time that teens drive with their parents prior to driving independently.

The Scott County Record • Page 13 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Legislative proposal would redefine abandoned property A home in Topeka’s Oakland neighborhood dated to the turn of the 20th century and featured natural green limestone and striking woodwork. But the crumbling foundation couldn’t be saved, so the house was torn down and a new Habitat for Humanity home will be built in its place. A Kansas Senate bill would allow nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity to gain control of such abandoned houses and reha-

Political signs not allowed on highway ROW It’s a sign of the season - campaigning to support your favorite political candidate. However, if those plans involve placing a political sign, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) says to make sure it’s not located on highway right of way. All right-of-way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes. Political campaign signs or billboards are prohibited on the state right-of-way. When KDOT maintenance crews find political or business advertising on state right of way, the signs will be removed immediately without notice. Signs will then be taken to the closest KDOT sub-area office where they can be picked up by the owner with the agreement they will not be placed on state right-of-way again. Political advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. However, people erecting signs on private property must first obtain permission from the property owner.

bilitate them before they are beyond repair. Critics, however, worry the measure would unfairly target disadvantaged people who can’t afford to maintain their homes. The bill would change the definition of abandoned property to include blighted real estate that has been unoccupied for a year. A local government or nonprofit organization could request temporary possession of the property from a district court to use

it for housing or public parks. Current law only allows organizations, and not local government, to request temporary ownership of homes that are two years tax delinquent and vacant for 90 days. The legislation gained bipartisan support from state senators who voted 32-8 in favor of the bill last week, sending it to the House for further consideration. Rep. Stan Frownfelter (D-Kansas City) who

USD 466 Board of Education Agenda Mon., March 7 • 7:00 p.m. Administration Building • 704 College •Presentations 1) CTE •Comments from public •Recognition of persons/delegations present 1) High Plains Co-op - Eric Erven 2) NW Ks. Tech. College - Mark Davis 3) Administrative reports 4) Additional

proposed the bill, said he has six abandoned homes in his neighborhood and worries that children who play in them will get hurt. “There are health issues, infestation, kids doing things that they shouldn’t be doing in there,” Frownfelter said, adding that the measure allows cities to address blighted neighborhoods and abandoned buildings. Janice Watkins, executive director of Topeka Habitat for Humanity, said the legislation also could

Fees

save homes and provide more housing options for low-income communities. “I think it’s a monumental step in expanding housing opportunities for individuals as well as revitalizing neighborhoods in need,” Watkins said. Topeka Habitat for Humanity attains some of its land as gifts from owners. High school students and volunteers help build the homes, but they can still cost about $90,000 to construct. Danny Jones,

construction manager for Topeka Habitat, said he hopes the bill will help defray costs for the organization. Sen. David Haley, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas, worried that the measure would allow the local government to seize private property without repaying the owners. Damron said the bill safeguards owners by allowing them three months to repair their homes.

(continued from page 12)

in revenue the city already sends to the state from traffic ticket revenue. “This bill, as presented . . . is a cure looking for a disease,” Ryan said. He said the disease is when cities such as Ferguson, Mo., collect inordinate amounts of

revenue from traffic violations and perpetuate a cycle of poverty. Several opponents of the bill testified that no Kansas communities are comparable to Ferguson. “We do not know of a city that’s receiving 10 percent,” said Ed

Klumpp with the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police. Law enforcement groups and other local government entities, including the Kansas Association of Counties, spoke against the measure.

•Financials 1) Treasurer’s report 2) Bills payable •Consent agenda 1) Approve previous minutes 2) Approve summer driver’s ed program •Consider items pulled from consent agenda New business 1) Approval of 2016-17 calendar 2) KSDE audit 3) Discussion of football stadium upgrades 4) Discussion of insurance bids 5) Discussion of 403b providers 6) Approve special meeting on March 30 for “Visioning” with city and county groups at SCHS commons area •Executive session 1) Non-elected personnel •Resignations/hires •Executive session 1) Negotiations •Additions, if any •Adjournment

Shop Tools, Lawn and Garden, Household Saturday, March 12 • 10:00 a.m.

Location: 507 Jefferson St., Scott City Mark and Terri Fouquet - Owners DeWalt battery operated Shop Items tools Extension cords Saw horses 220 volt extension cord Stow electric concrete Metal work bench with vibrator vise Milwaukee heavy duty (2) Extension ladders 28 ft. chop saw Universal propane heater Craftsman 6 1/8” jointer/ Milwaukee Sawzall tools a.m. planer Sunday, February 2Other • 11:00 Lawn and Garden Power-Mate 3 table Quinstar 42” cut, zero turn saw, 10” riding mower with bag Mechanics tool chest, Snapper 30” cut riding 22-drawer mower with bag Small roll around tool EZ Rake power lawn rake chest Pull type lawn cart Several small tool chests Gas powered weed eaters Lots of hand tools, Battery operated weed wrenches, screw drivers, eater sockets, etc. JD, Snapper and Lawn Boy Propane bottle, 20 gal. self propelled walk behind Window screen roller mowers and table McCulloc gas powered Craftsman 2/3 hp belt/ lawn edger disc sander Poulin chain saw 1/2” Wards gear drive drill Shovels, rakes, hoes, etc. Power Craft 230 welder Solo back pack sprayer Small electric hand tools Leaf blowers Rigid pipe cutters and JD 524 self propelled, walk threaders behind, snow blower with Red Devil paint shaker chains, cab Metal shelving units Household Repair Items (2) Craftsman shop vacs Sheets of ply wood and Hydraulic jacks particle board Ratchet straps Aluminum storm doors Roof jacks (some new) Gas cans Hollow core wooden doors AC gauges (new) “C” clamps Larson storm door (new) Cutting torch and gauges

Garage door, 10 x 7 Counter tops Vanity with sink (new) Sheet rock Bryant forced air heating units, 2 years old Overhead furnace (6) Window AC units, 110220 volt Various wood pieces Electrical wiring supplies Mercury vapor lights (new) Plumbing supplies Light fixtures Spools of wire Florescent lights Asphalt shingles, 10 squares Metal window awnings Wood sealant “Z” brick and ceramic tile Nails and fasteners Household Items Lamps Oil lamps Luggage Panasonic vacuum sweeper RV washing machine Games Baking dishes Pots and pans Tupperware Small electrical appliances Wooden bowls Holiday decorations Cutlery Pictures Books Oster kitchen center

Step stools Plastic shelving 2-drawer file Goofus glass plate Tea pots Brass items Baskets Heaters Oric air purifier JD toy pickups, set of 4 Die cast cars Other toys Apartment size refrigerator Motorcycle Helmets Folding tables Wooden magazine racks (4) drawer file cabinet JC Penny sewing machine Yarn and knitting Dogwood pattern dinnerware set Furniture (2) Metal office desks Maple desk Maple small dining table with 4 chairs Maple corner desk with 3 drawer chest Mable top end table Small tables and stands Maple gossip bench Light green lift chair Entry table Oak coffee table Entertainment center Wooden tea cart Wooden straight chairs

Terms: Must have ID to register, no exceptions. Cash or approved check day of sale. Everything sold as is. No warranties expressed or implied. Not responsible for theft or accident. Announcements day of sale take precedence over printed material. No lunch. Check us out: www.berningauction.com and facebook

Pastime at Park Lane Church services last Sunday were led by the Church of the Nazarene. On Monday evening some of the residents enjoyed Wii bowling. Tuesday morning Baptist Bible study was led by Bob Artz. Doris Riner played the piano and Elsie Nagel led the singing. Afternoon bingo game helpers were Madeline Murphy and Mandy Barnett. Tuesday evening Bible study was led by Russell and Mary Webster. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran Bible study on Wednesday morning. Manicures were given to the ladies on Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon was a rousing game of “Name That Tune” with trivia to follow.

Residents enjoy pitch, dominoes

Monday afternoon pitch and domino game helpers were Dorothy King, Wanda Kirk, Lynda Burnett, Joy Barnett, Madeline Murphy and Mandy Barnett.

Moomaw, Gough play guitars

Max Moomaw and Ed Gough played their guitars for the residents on Wednesday afternoon.

On Friday morning Fr. Bernard Felix led Catholic mass. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran services in the afternoon. The residents enjoyed chocolate ice cream Friday afternoon. Park Lane would like to thank Beth Kershner for donating the Girl Scout cookies. Lorena Turley was visited by Neta Wheeler, Rex Turley and Bo and Tracy Hess.

Dorothy Fouquet was visited by Mark Fouquet and Jan and Anne Crane. Lawana Rothers visitors were Gene and Von Dyne Williamson. Carol McKinney was visited by Tava See and Connie Graves. Corrine Dean was visited by Ron Hess and Dianna Howard. Nella Funk was visited by Lois Modlin, Margaret Snyder, Sheela Boyd and Kay Harkness.

Deaths Henry Forrest York Henry Forrest York, 92, died Feb. 27, 2016, at the Scott County Hospital, Scott City, Ks. H e was born Fri., Jan. 4, 1924, in his grandp a r e n t ’s h o m e north of Forrest York Shields. He was the second of three children born to Henry Herman and Alberta Olive (Brown) York. Forrest attended country school at Fairview Public School No. 38 in Gove County. He moved in with his grandparents, Ford Albert and Winnie Olive Maxwell Brown, at Healy to attend high school where he graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1942. He attended Kansas State University briefly prior to his enlistment in the Naval Air Force. He served as a Naval Air Force cadet from September 1943 until October 1945 when he was discharged following the end of World War II. Following military service, he returned to the family farm north of Healy where he continued farming with his father and brother, Dwight. Forrest married Gladys Marie Watt in her parent’s home north of Healy on Dec. 22, 1946. They were the parents of Forrest Michael, Mary Cathleen, Curtis LeRoy and Kenneth Wayne. Gladys passed away on April 25, 1985. On Nov. 24, 1987, Forrest married Pamela Faye Jennison and helped raise her sons, Paul Andrew and Neil Siegrist Wilson. Forrest fathered boys in excess of 50 solid years,

including six exchange students and housing Norman Oscar Brown as he completed his senior year in high school at Healy after his family moved from the community. Norman always held a very special place in Forrest’s heart. Forrest served as past president of the Healy Rural High School board and then the unified board of USD No. 468, Healy Cooperative Elevator board, and was a charter member and past president of Lane County Feeders. Following their father’s death in 1957, Forrest and his brother, Dwight, managed the farming and ranching operation as York Brothers, including their sons over the years. Although he always preferred being where he could see his cattle and land while listening to KXXX, he did enjoy brief travel adventures, especially if children, grandchildren or greatgrandchildren were at the destination. The Panama Canal, cruising along the Volga River in Russia, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls were favorites. Survivors include his wife, Pamela Faye Jennison, Healy, Kansas; son, Mike and Jan York, Healy, and their children Jessica and Samuel Franco and grandson Torren of Santa Teresa, N.M., Samantha and Barry Sands and grandchildren Tre,

Issaiah, Jayce, Airess and Auzten of Humble, Tex.; son, Curtis and Mary York, Healy, and their children, Maranda and Randall Cersovsky and grandchildren Landon and Ana of Scott City, and Colton York of Dighton; son, Kenneth and Janet York, Healy, and daughter Mariah York, Healy; step-son, Paul and Reagan Wilson and their children, Genesis and Jericho of Stratford, Okla.; stepson, Neil Wilson, Healy; one sister, Maxine Wilson, Dighton; one brother, Dwight and Mary York, Oakley; one step-brother, Rex and Margaret Wilson, Marion, Ks.; and one stepsister, Amy Willis of Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Gladys; one daughter, Cathy Smith; his first grandson, William Vernie Smith; two step-brothers, Dean Wilson and Keith Wilson; and two stepsisters, Delila Speer and Janie Johnston. Funeral service was held on March 2, 2:00 p.m., at the Healy United Methodist Church with Rev. Bud Tuxhorn presiding. Interment was at the Healy Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Healy United Methodist Church Window Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Ks 67871.

The Scott County Record • Page 14 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Yvonne Spangler was visited by Yvette Mills. LaVera King was visited by Kylan Stroud, Stelio Kontos, Velda Riddiough, Carol Latham, Marsha Holloway, T.J. Holloway and Loni Wessel. Cecile Billings was visited by Ann Beaton, Delinda Dunagan and Linda Dunagan. Louise Crist was visited by Nancy Holt, Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, Kay Mohler, Carol Davey, Albert Dean, Ilene Minnix, Don Williams, Jean Burgess, Terry and Sue Rose, and Tara Williams. Lowell Rudolph was visited by LuAnn Buehler, Jon Buehler, Tom and Kathy Moore and Rev. Don Martin. Dona Dee Carpenter was visited by Gloria O’Blenness and Larry LaPlant.

by Jason Storm

Edith Donecker was visited by Brent and Sue Rogers; Jeremy, Nicole and Kallyn Turner; Phyllis Ruiz, Jim and Cheryl Donecker, Madeline Murphy, Justin Donecker, Lori Hawkins; Chase, Krystal, Trenton, Charlotte and Graham Frank; DeAnn Markel and Arlene Cauthon. Lucille Dirks was vsited by Vicki Dirks and Jim and Mary Ann Unruh. Arlene Beaton was visited by Margie Stevens. Geraldine Graves was visited by Charlene Becht. Bonnie Pickett was visited by Larry and Gloria Wright, Eli and Ethan Wright, Margie Stevens, Larry and Philene Pickett, and Jim and Marylan Unruh. Vivian Kreiser was visited by Sharon Lock and Lorena Turley.

Clifford Dearden was visited by Tava See and Janet and Kirk Ottaway. Jake Leatherman was visited by Jim and Mary Ann Unruh. Doris Riner was visited by Bill and Sue Riner; Brent, Mindi, Griffin, Finley, Gradin and Kaitly Edwards; Derek and Janelle Riner, Jan Bollinger, Trudy Eikenberry and Jim and Mary Ann Unruh. Elmer Erskin was visited by Sandy Kahl, David and Sharon Powers, Kayla Dearden, Krissa Dearden, Jim and Mary Ann Unruh, Eileen Powers, Piper Fox, Lonny and Colleen Dearden, Bill and Kirsten John, and Harold Erskin. James Still and Mike Leach were visited by The Rev. Don Martin, and Linda Dunagan. Darlen Richman was vsited by Phebe Unruh.

The Scott County Record • Page 15 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Local artist is featured at Prairie Museum in Colby Following up on his one-man art show in Montezuma, Chuck Bonner is the featured artist during March at the Prairie Museum of Art and History at Colby. Bonner’s artwork will be on display through April 15. An artist’s reception will be held on Sun., March 6, 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the museum.

A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a Master’s degree, Bonner has been creating art his entire life. The Colby exhibit, entitled “Stylistic Variations,” explores various art styles and media which Bonner uses. It is somewhat of a retrospective show, but also incorporates new pieces recently completed.

Bonner, along with his wife, Barbara Shelton, own and operate Keystone Gallery, an art gallery and fossil museum located 22 miles north of Scott City on US 83 Highway. For further information, contact Bonner (620872-2762) or Ann Miner at the Prairie Museum of Art and History, (785460-4590).

Sr. Citizen Lunch Menu Week of March 7-11 Monday: Chicken tetrazzini, winter mix vegetables, tossed salad, whole wheat roll, strawberries and bananas. Tuesday: Meat loaf, potatoes Romanoff, carrots, whole wheat roll, plums. Wednesday: Barbeque pulled chicken, sweet potato fries, three-bean salad, pears. Thursday: Roast pork with gravy, mashed potatoes, spinach, whole wheat roll, apricots. Friday: Salmon patties or sloppy joes, macaroni and cheese, capri vegetables, poke coke. meals are $3.25 • call 872-3501

Attend the Church of Your Choice

Who’s on the bubble? Who is on the bubble for March Madness? While some basketball teams win their way into the NCAA tournament, others have to wait to be chosen. Winloss records, strength of schedule, and sometimes history of program all come into play for deciding who gets an invitation to the Big Dance. The Apostle John watches a similar bracketology underway: Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. - Revelation 5:1-3 NIV Who will be chosen to open the scroll? It is a bracket of one. Check heaven first. You expect angels to be above the bubble at this point in history. Mighty archangel Michael steps up, and then is turned away. God’s loudspeaker, archangel Gabriel, also gets turned away. All

across heaven the bubble is burst. No one is worthy to be No. 1. Check earth next. Apostle John seems a possibility since he has been called into heaven. Apostle Paul has been called into heaven, too. All across earth the bubble is burst. No one living is worthy to be No. 1. Check under the earth. Perhaps David, the man after God’s own heart. Perhaps Stephen the Martyr. Refusing Hitler from the tourney of the worthy is understandable, but what about Mother Teresa? All across the grave the bubble is burst. No one is worthy to be No. 1. Until Jesus. He alone is worthy to be praised. Why is he worthy? Because he died for our sins; beat death, hell, and the grave; upset sin’s grip on you and me. This Easter season remember that the reason for Jesus’ death was for the victory of our life. Paul wrote about the victory celebration in honor of Jesus being chosen No. 1: Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. - Philippians 2:9 NIV

Pastor John Lewis, First United Methodist Church, Scott City

Scott City Assembly of God

Prairie View Church of the Brethren

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

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 • Tuesday breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Held at Precision Ag Bldg. west of Shallow Water Wednesday Bible Study, 7:00 p.m., at the church

St. Joseph Catholic Church

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

1398 S. US83 - Scott City - 872-2264

Kyle Evans, Senior Pastor Bob Artz, Associate Pastor

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 John Lewis, 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

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

Scott Mennonite Church

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

12021 N. Eagle Rd. • Scott City

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.

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

Franklin Koehn: 872-2048 Charles Nightengale: 872-3056 Sunday School Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Service: 7:00 p.m.

Holy Eucharist - 11:45 a.m. St. Luke’s - 872-3666 (recorded message) Senior Warden Cody Brittan • (913) 232-6127 or Father Don Martin • (785) 462-3041

The Scott County Record • Page 16 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Gov touts welfare reform, many still struggle 51% who landed jobs still remain below poverty line Megan Hart Kansas Health Institute

Gov. Sam Brownback made his case Thursday for why Kansas food stamp reforms should be a

national welfare-to-work model, even though the study he used to support his claim showed almost 80 percent of Kansans affected remained in poverty. The governor touted his administration’s policies - including reinstating a work requirement

Data from the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Kansas Department of Labor, which the right-leaning Foundation for Government Accountability analyzed dating back to President for a report, showed Lyndon B. Johnson’s “war incomes rose 127 percent, on poverty” in the mid- on average, for the rough1960s. ly 41,000 Kansans who

A true measure of success would be the number of Kansans leaving public assistance programs because they earn too much to qualify. These policy changes do not promote self-sufficiency - they only force some of the state’s poorest Kansans to go hungry. Shannon Cotsoradis, president/CEO Kansas Action for Children

for food stamp recipients - as an alternative to what he described as a series of failed welfare programs

no longer receive food stamps, Brownback said. “This is success,” he said. “The objective here is to get people out of poverty.” As of the fourth quarter of 2014, about 79 percent of Kansans who had lost food stamps remained in (See WELFARE on page 18)

Problems with Medicaid eligibility Being ‘anti-social’ leave Kansans without health care doesn’t make one Andy Marso Kansas Health Institute

Thousands of Kansans seeking Medicaid benefits are being forced to wait months because of continuing problems with a new computer system and a change in the state agency responsible for handling some eligibility determinations. The application backlog began to form in July when state officials moved Medicaid eligibility processing to the longdelayed Kansas Eligibility Enforcement System, or KEES. The software

. . . since Jan. 1, (KDHE) has instructed every Kansan having problems with Medicaid processing to call the KanCare Clearinghouse - a single 800 number associated with a small KDHE outpost of 336 state and contract employees at Forbes Field in Topeka. But the calls are often of little help. “They’re telling me it’s like a four-hour-plus process to get ahold of a person, and then getting your answer is a nightmare,” says Shari Coatney, president and chief executive of the SKIL Resource Center, which serves Kansans with disabilities in southeast Kansas.

switch forced employees to use dozens of timeconsuming workarounds to make the system function. Then on Jan. 1, the state transferred all Medicaid eligibility determination for elderly and disabled Kansans from the Kansas

Department for Children and Families to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Organizations that serve those populations say that since then, their clients have been improperly dropped from Medicaid, which in

Kansas is a privatized program called KanCare. But they’re not the only ones reporting problems. Pregnant women traditionally had little trouble getting Medicaid in Kansas. They are presumed eligible, and by law their applications are sent to the top of the list. But late last month the Wyandotte County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Board warned legislators that even those applications, which used to take 7-10 days to process, are now taking three or four months. (See MEDICAID on page 17)

Health care reform, costs of care are a concern to Kansans Bryan Thompson KHI News Service

A new poll from NPR, Harvard University and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation explores Americans’ experiences with the health care system in the two years since the Affordable Care Act was fully implemented. Kansas was one of seven states singled out for closer scrutiny. And while much of what Sunflower State residents said followed national trends, there were some notable exceptions. Of all the states surveyed, Kansas is where the Affordable Care Act is the least popular. Robert Blendon of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health was primarily in charge of conducting the poll. He said of Kansans surveyed, 26 percent thought things improved as a result of the ACA and 13 percent thought their own lives were helped. “But in terms of the

Perceptions of the Affordable Care Act’s impact on survey participants or as they perceive it impacting people they know in Kansas.

Directly Helped

No Direct Impact

13%

Individual

26% overall figures, people were much more negative about the impact on Kansas as a whole and about individuals,” Blendon said. More than a third of Kansans surveyed - 39 percent - thought the health care law has been detrimental to the state. That compares with 27 percent nationwide. Blendon sees two main factors behind these numbers for Kansans. There is “a real concern, greater than the other states, about the cost of

Directly Hurt

The people of Kansas

health care for them and the state,” he said. “And the other is this sense of concern that many Republicans have that the law wasn’t the right thing to do. The two together is why I think Kansas stands out as being more critical of the ACA than other states.” The Kansans with the most negative views about the health care law tend to be older than 65, live in rural areas and identify as Republican. They also say their health care costs are unreasonable and they

have experienced serious financial problems as a result. The extent of their worry about costs surprised Blendon. “Kansans are much more concerned about rising health care costs than people in other states,” he said. “They think they’re going up. They’re more concerned about the future.” The finding that a lot of Kansans are not happy with the Affordable Care Act comes as no surprise (See REFORM on page 17)

capable of violence

The recent tragedy in Hesston has again brought mass shootings into the spotlight, this time frighteningly close to home. I want to preface Compass Corner Kent Hill, LCP my comments by sayregional director ing that I have never Compass Behavioral Health interviewed Cedric Ford, nor am I privy to any information about this incident other than what is reported in the media. In a previous article we talked about the “profile” of a mass shooter. In some ways, Ford is consistent with that profile: reports by a girlfriend indicate he was depressed and abusing substances. He seemed fascinated with guns. On his Facebook page he had pictures of himself holding an assault rifle, as well as driving while he has an automatic pistol lying on his thigh. Yet in other ways, Mr. Ford does not represent the typical culprit of mass shootings. For example, he was black, while the majority of these perpetrators are white. Given the media reports, it also seems likely that Ford also had some pronounced anti-social personality traits. There tends to be some misunderstanding about this diagnosis. Often times I hear people say something like, “My husband is anti-social.” What they usually mean is that that person is a-social. They don’t like to be around groups of people. They tend to prefer solitary activities. They are the antithesis of a social butterfly. This is very different from anti-social personality disorder. The DSM-5 defines this disorder as “ . . . a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation (See VIOLENCE on page 17)

Hospice training offered in Scott City on March 11-12 St. Catherine Hospice will be holding a hospice volunteer training session at the Scott County Library on Friday and Saturday, March 11-12, The Friday session is from 6:00-10:00 p.m. and Saturday will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attending the program is not a commitment to become a hospice volunteer. Individuals can assist hospice in several ways, including •Office/administrative help •Special events •Comfort zone staff •Spiritual support, and more Some of the training topics will include Hospice Philosophy and Concept; Communication Skills; Team Building Skills; Family Dynamics; Cultural Diversity; Spiritual Needs of the Dying; Grief and Bereavement, and more. There is no cost for the training. A light meal will be provided Friday evening and Saturday noon. For more information and to register contact Gina Cash at 800-281-4077 or 620-272-2519.

The Scott County Record • Page 17 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Shift Medicaid expansion talk from ‘eggheads’

Proponents of expanding Medicaid eligibility in Kansas need to change tactics and prepare for a long process, a health policy researcher told them Wednesday. Len Nichols, director of the Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics at George Mason University in northern Virginia, said Kansans who currently oppose expanding Medicaid

aren’t likely to be persuaded by statistics from “eggheads” like himself. “They don’t believe the sources you trust,” he told those at a Topeka forum, the third in a series hosted by health nonprofits, hospitals and several chambers of commerce. “You need people on the ground.” Gov. Sam Brownback has said any proposal to expand Medicaid in

Kansas must have a work requirement and be budget-neutral. The ACA requires the federal government to fund 100 percent of the cost of expansion from 2014 to 2016. That percentage would begin to drop in 2017, reaching a low of 90 percent in 2020. The Kansas Health Institute estimates that expansion initially would extend coverage to

Reform Violence

approximately 150,000 Kansans, including about 63,000 who are now uninsured. Nichols said Kansas, like the United States as a whole, has become politically polarized in recent years, and anything linked to President Barack Obama will be unpopular in some communities. Finding common ground on an issue like Medicaid expansion requires build-

ing a coalition of doctors, hospitals, health insurers and large employers - a process that took four years in his home state of Arkansas, he said. “What makes these conversations possible is trust,” he said. “There are people in every community that people trust.” Frustration with the process frequently entered into discussions from a panel of stakeholders

who took the stage after Nichols spoke. Terry Deschaine, a trustee at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Wellington, said he thinks the debate isn’t likely to change unless the composition of the Legislature does first. “We have changed this legislation to meet every objection the Legislature has, and the Legislature still refuses to have that conversation,” he said.

felon to possess firearms. Maybe he charmed her into doing this. Maybe he threatened and intimidated her. I feel very confident that regardless of his methods, he experienced no remorse for his actions. In addition to deceitfulness, anti-socials often times have spotty work histories; usually not staying employed at one place for an extended period of time. Their relationship histories are also marked by infidelity, irresponsibility and violence. An anti-social may have numerous girlfriends/ boyfriends, but if their significant other is not completely loyal to them they become enraged, and possibly violent. They do not see this as a glaring double standard. This leads to the ques-

tion of rehabilitation. Namely, can someone with anti-social personality disorder be taught to work and play nicely with others. There is a bit of a debate here. Some experts argue that this is one of the rare diagnoses in which psychotherapy is actually contraindicated. In other words, therapy teaches them certain social skills which enable the person to be a more effective sociopath. Others contend that a strongly behavioral approach can be effective in modifying their actions. Almost everyone agrees that focusing on their behavior is key, and attempting to “teach” them empathy is about as effective as trying to solve an algebra problem by chewing gum.

(continued from page 16)

to Mike Walker, assistant director of the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. The institute has been doing its own polling of Kansans for seven years. “We did see in our own data that Kansans were not favorable toward ACA overall,” he said. “There was a large portion that were favorable, but the majority of folks were not.” Walker said Kansans almost always vote Republican. What’s more, he said, President Barack Obama is not popular in Kansas, and that carries over to his signature health care law, informally referred to as Obamacare. “A lot of Kansans just seem to dislike Obama, more specifically,” he said. “So I think those two things sort of lay a foundation for just opposing something that a Democratic president might come up with, and especially Obama.” Walker said while it’s clear that Kansans are concerned about health care costs, it’s not clear whether those cost increases are real and actually caused by Obamacare. “My experience tells me that people that have experienced their cost going up, or perceive that their costs are going up, are more likely to be vocal about the issue and complain about the ACA,” he said. “Folks that aren’t impacted by it aren’t going to say anything about it.” If costs are increasing significantly, Walker said, it might be because people have more comprehensive coverage now thanks to the ACA - something they may not appreciate until they get sick or injured. Walker said the health reform law is complicated, and it’s understandable that people might be confused about it, especially with persistent attacks on Obamacare from the state’s political leaders. “But I kind of think that people don’t want to understand these issues, because it runs like a brick wall against their support for the Republican Party and their opposition to Obama in general,” he said. Walker said the real test will be to see how Kansans’ attitudes toward the ACA evolve over time as they have more experience with the health reform law and the health care system. Support Your Hometown Merchants

of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood.” These individuals are also sometimes referred to as sociopaths. Notable examples include Ted Bundy, Mafia contract killer “Iceman” Richard Kuklinski, and more recently Bernie Madoff. Sociopaths seem to have no conscience. They violate others and feel no remorse. After they are arrested they may be sad, or express sorrow, but they are sorry they were caught, not for the actions that led to their arrest. They are upset with the consequences of their behavior (getting fired, their significant other leaving the relationship, going to jail), but are not genuinely remorseful for

what they did to produce those consequences. However, a lack of conscience (or superego as Freud termed it) does not completely account for their actions. Their brains are truly wired differently. Specifically, they do not experience anxiety and fear the way the rest of us do. Most of us would develop a plethora of neurotic symptoms if we had engaged in numerous illegal activities and were waiting to get caught (worry, hypervigilance, insomnia, lack of appetite). Meanwhile, the antisocial experiences no such symptoms. If anything, they experience a rush over their antics. And once the adrenaline wears off they sleep like babies.

Medicaid “This delay in service is highly detrimental to pregnant women, new mothers, newborns and infants,” the review board’s community action team told the Joint Committee on Home and Community Based Services and KanCare Oversight on Jan. 22. “If pregnant women are unable to present a medical card to initiate medical treatment, then prenatal care becomes delayed or nonexistent.” Aaron Dunkel, KDHE deputy secretary, told the group he’d look into the problem. KDHE spokeswoman Sara Belfry said the department has about 10,000 Medicaid applications pending, which is up from about 6,000 prior to taking on DCF’s eligibility responsibilities. Belfry said “a number of factors” contributed to the backlog, including the open enrollment period for insurance through the healthcare.gov marketplace, which refers some

This is a large part of why they are so convincing, and as such, are masterful con men. Most of us experience a considerable amount of anxiety when knowingly lying to someone (this is the premise upon which polygraph exams are based). But someone with anti-social personality disorder has no such anxiety, even when in the midst of a complete prevarication. For example, Madoff lied to numerous people, for years, to get them to invest in his Ponzi scheme. These were intelligent people. But he was that convincing. Cedric Ford convinced the mother of his children to provide him with guns, even though they both knew it is illegal for a

(continued from page 16)

Kansans to Medicaid. Meanwhile, since Jan. 1, Belfry’s department has instructed every Kansan having problems with Medicaid processing to call the KanCare Clearinghouse - a single 800 number associated with a small KDHE outpost of 336 state and contract employees at Forbes Field in Topeka. But the calls are often of little help, said Shari Coatney, president and chief executive of the SKIL Resource Center, which serves Kansans with disabilities in southeast Kansas. “They’re telling me it’s like a four-hour-plus process to get ahold of a person, and then getting your answer is a nightmare,” she said. Officials with the Kansas Health Care Association, which represents for-profit nursing homes, and LeadingAge Kansas, which represents nonprofits - both of which rely heavily on Medicaid tell similar stories.

Cindy Luxem, president and chief executive of KHCA, said as nursing home residents wait for or lose their Medicaid coverage, the facilities her organization represents are feeling the financial pinch. Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Hospital in Gardner has more than $1 million in unpaid services, she said, while several other facilities are eating thousands of dollars in unreimbursed costs. “Those are the kind of outstanding monies these homes are being asked to carry right now because of inefficiencies in the frickin’ system,” Luxem said. “Our providers need to get paid, otherwise there’s no reason to stay in the KanCare program.” Rachel Monger, director of government affairs for LeadingAge Kansas, said her organization’s members started reporting similar problems around the time KEES went live that have “steadily worsened” since then.

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The Scott County Record • Page 18 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Welfare

(continued from page 16)

poverty, however, and 71 percent were in “severe poverty,” meaning they had annual income below $5,885, which is half of the poverty line for a single adult. The report didn’t track poverty data in 2015. Incomes among those Kansans did rise 127 percent by the end of 2014, on average, increasing from $2,453 per year to $5,562 per year. The federal poverty line for a single adult is $11,770 a year. The report tracked adults, without disabilities or dependents, who no longer received food stamps after Kansas reinstated a requirement that they work at least 20 hours per week or participate in certain job training programs. Generally, the people tracked for the study left the food stamp program for one of three reasons: •They obtained a job and earned too much to remain eligible. •They were disqualified because they failed to get a job. •They consistently worked less than 20 hours a week.

did better, with average incomes of $13,304. Still, 51 percent of those who landed jobs remained below the poverty line and 30 percent remained in “severe poverty.” Shannon Cotsoradis, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children, said she is concerned that more Kansans are being disqualified from food stamps because they aren’t working enough hours than because they are earning too much. “A true measure of success would be the number of Kansans leaving public assistance programs because they earn too much to qualify. Instead, the data presented today shows that Kansas adults are losing food assistance because they aren’t able to find enough work and earn too little,” Cotsoradis said. “These policy changes do not promote self-sufficiency - they only force some of the state’s poorest Kansans to go hungry.” The report showed 59 percent of the 12,859 Kansans in the first group removed from food stamps found jobs within one year - meaning about 5,272 still were unemMany Still in Poverty ployed a year after their Those who found jobs last food stamp payment.

Some former recipients reported earning $40,000 or more per year, but a larger percentage found work in traditionally lowwage industries. About 19 percent had jobs in food service, 16 percent were working in retail and 7 percent worked in nursing and residential care facilities. Brownback said reinstating the work requirement has succeeded because it has moved more people out of poverty than the “big government” policies that it replaced. It wasn’t clear what data he used for comparison. He said that although he won’t be satisfied until all Kansans are living above the poverty line, “this is something that has worked and is working.” Brownback suggested U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan might consider the Kansas program as a model for federal reforms. Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer also recently visited Ohio to tout Kansas’ changes to public assistance. “People who used to be dependent on government are finding more than just a way out of poverty,” Brownback said. “They find dignity and selfworth.”

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Sports The Scott County Record

streaking SCHS junior varsity boys finish season on four game win streak • Page 20

www.scottcountyrecord.com

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Page 19

3A Sub-State

SC girls stun Jays

bouncing back

Scott City 195-pounder Cooper Griffith gets a second period fall against Donovan Duncan (WathenaRiverside) during Saturday’s state tournament action. (Record Photo)

Matmen recover at state for 3 bronze medals Scott City entered the Class 3-2-1A state tournament with high expectations. Not only were they looking to claim a couple of individual titles, but they also had their sights set on contending for a team crown. Those hopes quickly faded on the opening day of tournament action in Hays when Scott City’s top three prospects for

gold medals were each eliminated in the quarter-finals. “We went from thinking we could maybe win the whole thing to just trying to prove that we belonged here,” said head coach Jon Lippelmann following Friday’s action. The Beavers made their long climb through the consolation bracket on Saturday, moving up 17 spots and landing in fifth

place - missing a third place team plaque by only five points. Stringing together four consecutive wins and claiming third place finishes were seniors Zach Tucker (113) and Cooper Griffith (195) along with sophomore Jarret Jurgens (145). Adding a sixth place medal was freshman Theron Tucker (106). “We saw there was no one

on the backside who was better than us,” said Lippelmann, referring to his three bronze medalists. “Does that mean there was more than one kid on the front side who was better than us? It’s possible, but I don’t believe so. “Friday was as disappointing for the boys as it was for me, but I’m happy with the way (See MATMEN on page 26)

feeding the beast

play out their final season with O’Neil as the head coach. It was an occasion not lost in the excitement of post-season play as Scott City honored the winningest coach in SCHS history following the win over Lyons. O’Neil was recognized with the presentation of a plaque by the SCHS cheerleaders and a 15

Beavers corral Broncs in semis

minute video that featured three former players. While acknowledging that the past 20 years may seem like a long time, “it’s gone by quick,” said O’Neil before a large crowd that remained after the game. While he will become the head football coach at Topeka (See BEAST on page 20)

(See BRONCS on page 23)

SCHS freshman Marshall Faurot passes to a nearby teammate after diving for a loose ball during first half action against Lyons in the Class 3A sub-state tournament on Monday. (Record Photo)

sub-state tournament game. It was a Scott City win. Only one time since the 199697 season have the Beavers been eliminated in the opening round of post-season play. And head coach Glenn O’Neil was on the bench. It was a sight that SCHS fans were seeing for the last time in the SCHS gym as the Beavers

(See SC GIRLS on page 21)

Scott City knew that playing Lakin on their home floor in the sub-state semi-finals would be a huge challenge. It was. M o r e importantly, the Beavers 54 were up to the Lakin Scott City 64 challenge in a 64-54 win on Thursday that leaves them one game shy of their sixth consecutive state tournament appearance. The Broncos were expected to be a tough matchup on their home floor and behind the 39-point performance of senior guard Ryder Yakel they were able to stay within contact of SCHS throughout the game. Every time it looked like the Beavers might try to pull away it was usually Yakel who came up with a key basket, including six treys in the first half. Scott City’s biggest lead in the first half was 10 points, 14-4, following a basket by senior Drake McRae midway into the opening period. The Yakel-led Broncs - who were 7-of-12 from beyond the arc in the first half - battled back to take their only lead of the game, 31-30, on a threepoint basket by Hunter Kirby. Both teams entered the locker room knotted at 31-31 following a free throw by SCHS junior Bo Hess. “Our game plan at halftime was to shut down Yakel,” said assistant coach Brian Gentry.

Hutchins scores 18 first half points

There was a beast on the floor in Monday’s Class 3A sub-state opener, but it wasn’t the Lions. It was Scott Community High School Lyons 23 senior Dylan Scott City 57 Hutchins who ripped Lyons for 18 first half points as the Beavers coasted to a 57-23 win on the home floor. “Dylan was hot early and we kept feeding it to him,” explained junior guard Bo Hess as he and his teammates took advantage of Hutchins’ hot touch from the field along with some stingy defensive play. The Beavers provided fans with what they’ve come to expect during head coach Glenn O’Neil’s 20 years with the program. First of all, the Beavers were on the home floor. Only once during the past two decades have the SCHS boys not hosted a first round

The Scott Community High School girls entered uncharted territory on Tuesday night - a basketball season that’s longer than 21 games. The Lady Beavers put together an outstanding fourth Scott City 45 Cimarron 34 quarter and stunned No. 2 seeded Cimarron, 45-34, on their home floor in the opening round of the Class 3A sub-state tournament. “I still can’t stop smiling. It’s hard to believe we did it,” said senior guard Nicole Latta who scored nine second half points, including five in the final 1-1/2 minutes that put the game away. It was the first time since 2009 that the Lady Beavers (7-14) have advanced to the sub-state semi-finals.

The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Outdoors in Kansas by Steve Gilliland

Pepe Le Pew, we smell you

A term often used around Christmas and Thanksgiving is “seasonal smells,” meaning scents like pumpkin pie, roasting turkey and the scent of pine - pleasant fragrances that we associate with that time of the year. We are entering a time of the year that also has a specific essence associated with it that is not quite so pleasant. Anyone who has set foot outside lately and has a nose on their face has noticed the air of late smells slightly more “skunky” than usual. Also at this particular time of the year, dead skunks seem to litter the roadside. Welcome to skunk breeding season in Kansas! For our pungent friends the skunks, breeding season begins at the first sign of spring warm up, usually late February and early March. Skunks are among the most den-dependent furbearers, meaning that more than many other furbearers, their lives rely on them having a permanent den from which to come and go daily. Skunks do not hibernate, but become very inactive during the heart of winter, when a den becomes very important. Communal denning is common during this time, and a dominant male will often share a den with a dozen or more females during this time of inactivity. Their breeding season is fast and furious, but very short, so keeping oneself close to as many females as possible pays big dividends for male skunks when skunk love is in the air. All right, so this is skunk breeding season, but I’ve always wondered why that means we have to smell them so much more than usual. (See SKUNKS on page 22)

JV closes season with 4 game streak Brian Gentry has no trouble identifying the one area where his junior varsity boys have shown the most improvement this season. “We’ve made a lot of progress with our defense,” says Gentry. “Our rotations were more crisp at the end of the year.” Their last four opponents won’t argue with that assessment. The Beavers buried Goodland in the season finale, 51-28 after limiting the Cowboys to just 11 first half points. They were just as impressive in their final home game, a 51-28 win against Ulysses. Those two wins capped a four game win streak to finish off an 11-6 season. “It came down to defense the last three games,” says Gentry. “Once we put consecutive stops together then our offense was able to put together some scoring runs.” Plus it also feeds into Scott City’s strength. “These guys are better in transition than in the half-court offense,” Gentry says. Roll Over Tigers Scott City put on a defensive clinic against Ulysses, limiting the Tigers to just one field goal in the opening period and building a 30-8 lead at halftime. Freshman Marshall Faurot provided an offensive spark in the first quarter with a pair of treys and he scored all of his game high 12 points in the first half. “Marshall had to be-

Beast Seaman next fall, O’Neil assured SCHS fans that “I’ll always bleed Beaver blue.” The only ones feeling blue most of the night were the visiting Lions who had no answer for Scott City’s pressure defense which limited them to just five field goals through the first three quarters. With the game tied briefly at 4-4, Hutchins began his 18 point barrage with a three-point basket and three consecutive free throws after being fouled beyond the three-point arc. He added another basket for his

SCHS sophomore Reid Brunswig chases down a loose ball during action on the home floor against Ulysses. (Record Photo)

come one of our main scorers and he’s shown that he can score in a number of different ways,” says Gentry. “But I feel we saw improvement from everyone in their own way.” A Slow Start The Beavers were able to build only a 12-9 first quarter lead against Goodland before seizing control of the game. They limited the Cowboys to just three field goals during the next 16 minutes. Sophomore guard Nick Nowak and Faurot scored six points each in the opening quarter and Faurot continued his offensive pace with seven more points in the second quarter. Faurot finished with a game high 15 points.

Sophomore pivot Zach Carson scored all of his 10 points in the second half. Adding eight points each were Guido Lotti and Nowak. Despite their defensive play, Gentry says the team has to improve on their communication. “Once we get that down it will shore up our rotations even more,” he says. Offensively, Gentry says they need to know when to push the ball on offense. “We’ve always had athletes who could run the floor with Marshall, Jess (Drohman) and Nick. They want to get out and run,” Gentry says. “It’s a matter of knowing when it’s time to go and when to

Ball Handling a Must Looking ahead to next season, with some of these boys hoping to see more varsity time, Gentry says the emphasis has to be on improved ball handling. That’s critical as he looks at who accounted for Scott City’s six losses. Five came against league teams Holcomb and Hugoton. “They both have size, so if we aren’t going to grow more then we have to get stronger,” Gentry says. “Guys will have to step up and give us more

offensively. We have to play at a faster pace and in higher scoring games.” One way to offset the size advantage is by having several players who can handle the ball well. “If you are confident handling the ball you can accomplish great things on the floor. When the ball comes to you, you aren’t in reaction mode but in attack mode because you know you have the ability to put the ball on the floor and either get to the basket or create for someone else,” Gentry emphasizes. “If we can do that better as a team - get four or five boys who are excellent ball handlers, that makes us dangerous. That makes us tough to guard.”

With SCHS on top 5013 to start the final quarter, a running clock was in effect for the remainder of the game. It was a memorable sub-state game for Hutchins who finished with 20 points. “There were a lot of gaps in their defense and I was able to drive in more than I usually do because they were sitting back,” he said. “I probably should have made a couple more baskets because every shot I took was open, but I’m pretty happy with 18 points in the first half. “This was the first time

we’ve played a complete first half and followed it with a complete third quarter,” added Hutchins. “There have been several times this year when we’ve played a good first half and then come out slow in the third quarter. To close it out after three quarters was pretty nice.” However, Hutchins and Hess were in agreement that the Beavers could have played better. “The one thing we didn’t do well was box them off the boards,” said Hess. “They still got quite a few offensive rebounds, but they weren’t able to finish.”

pull back on the reins and play under control. “We gained a better understanding offensively of knowing where our shots are coming from.”

(continued from page 19)

eighth consecutive point, followed by field goals from Justin Faurot and Hess that finished off the 12 point scoring burst. For all practical purposes, the game was over by the time Hutchins added another field goal to put his team up 18-6 at the end of the opening period. “We had a really good first quarter,” understated Hess. “We were able to put pressure on them. They didn’t have very good ball handlers and we were able to force them into some turnovers with half-court pressure and full-court pressure.” Following a pair of Li-

ons free throws to start the second period, Scott City closed out the half with a 14-2 blitz that put them on top at halftime, 32-10. Midway into the third quarter, Coach O’Neil began clearing his bench and giving his younger players a chance to experience a sub-state tournament. With varsity and junior varsity players rotating in and out of the lineup, the Beavers closed out the third period with 11 unanswered points that included a three-point basket from freshman guard Justin Faurot and three-point baskets by Drew Duff and Jess Drohman

The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

SC traveling to WaKeeney for powerlifting

Scott City head coach Sarah McCormick and Kaitlyn Roberts (right) join team members Madison Orr (far left) and Bailey Latta in celebrating Tuesday’s sub-state win over Cimarron. (Record Photo)

SC Girls Protecting a 30-28 lead with just over five minutes left in the game, Scott City opened up a 38-30 advantage two minutes later and never led by less than five points the rest of the night. Having seen so many games slip away from them in the final quarter this season, head coach Sara McCormick said it finally felt good to see the team respond well down the stretch. “All those close losses this season finally paid off tonight,” she said. It was also critical that the Lady Beavers not dig themselves into an early hole. In fact, SCHS owned a 14-7 lead following a basket by Kiana Yager with 6:27 left in the first half. That’s when the momentum shifted toward the Lady Bluejays when they closed out the half with an 11-1 scoring blitz. Cimarron (14-7) finally began to establish an inside game by getting the ball to senior Korina Bailon. “Our goal was to stop (Bailon),” says McCormick. “She’s not a real big post player,

(continued from page 19)

but she knows how to use her body and get to the free throw line. In the last game we played, she had 16 points and 13 came from the free throw line.” Bailon fell short of those numbers this time around, but still got to the free throw line where she was 10-of-17. On the other hand, she was scoreless on five attempts from the field. “I told the girls to stop fouling her. Box out. She’s not going to make every single shot. Boxing out was the key,” says McCormick. Strong Third Quarter Cimarron’s biggest lead was four points, 19-15, early in the second half. SCHS was still trailing, 21-19, with less than three minutes remaining in the third period when Scott City put together a huge scoring run that was sparked by senior Madison Orr and their pressure defense. Yager and N. Latta took turns scoring baskets during an 8-0 scoring run. The final two baskets during that stretch were set up by steals by Madison Orr who also contributed a basket to

open the fourth quarter that put Scott City on top, 29-26. Orr started in place of center Paige Winderlin who didn’t make the trip because of illness. “Madison understands our defense. She was a natural person to take Paige’s place,” McCormick says. “She’s a good shooter, but the main thing I was needing from her was defense and rebounding. She did a great job.” With Scott City owning a 3028 lead with 5:07 remaining, sophomore guard Bailey Latta kept attacking the basket which led to a two minute span during which she scored eight of her team high 14 points. Latta started the scoring blitz with a field goal, followed by two missed free throws. The sophomore then connected on six consecutive free throws on three trips to the line, opening up a 38-30 cushion with 3:18 on the clock. N. Latta followed with a free throw and then forced a turnover near midcourt that led to a fastbreak layup and a 41-33 lead with only 1:08 to play.

When those two points went on the scoreboard, Latta said she “definitely” knew the Lady Beavers were going to be advancing in sub-state play. SCHS was an impressive 11of-12 at the charity stripe during the final 4:08. “We haven’t always been solid at the free throw line,” says McCormick. “I reminded the girls they have to come after us, so shoot with confidence and they did.” The key for Scott City, says Latta, was maintaining their composure. “We finally settled down when we had the lead,” she says. “Keeping our emotions together was kind of tough during the last few minutes. We kept control of the ball and we ran our offense.” The Lady Beavers will return to action on Friday when they face Lakin (11-9) in the semifinals to be played at Lakin with tipoff at 7:30 p.m. Lakin was a 43-40 winner when the two teams met in Scott City earlier this year.

Scott Community High School will be sending seven athletes to the Golden Eagle Powerlifting competition on Sat., March 5, in WaKeeney. Lifting begins at 9:00 a.m. Men’s and women’s divisions will be competing in the squat, bench and hang clean events. “For myself and all of the kids going this will be our first competition. It will be a good learning experience for them,” says SCHS strength and conditioning coach Todd Richardson. Freshman Kyle Sherwood will be the only boy making the trip. Girls representing SCHS will include Ashley Prewit, Delaney Kitch, Kami Patton, Tyler Vondracek, Olivia Prieto and Amanda Kough. “I think some of these kids can do very well based on what they’ve lifted in my class,” says Richardson. Prieto, who only weights about 105 pounds, could do extremely well in the lightweight division in all three lifts. “She has squatted 195 pounds, which is pretty impressive for someone her size,” Richardson says. Kough, a senior, is also expected to do well in all three lifts, but could be a standout in the squat with a maximum of 260 pounds. The coach feels that Patton could place high in the bench and hang clean. Sherwood, who will compete in the 198-pound division, has a personal best of 375 pounds in the squat. “For a freshman, that’s not too bad. This is mainly a chance for him to get some experience,” says Richardson. “I could see him doing extremely well in powerlifting competition in another year or two.” The Class 3A state competition will be held on April 2 at Conway Springs.

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The Scott County Record • Page 22 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Jayhawks primed for strong run in post-season Kansas University’s basketball team has won or shared 12 consecutive Big 12 championships. T h i s by week’s win Mac over Texas Stevenson gave them the undisputed league crown. That’s miraculous. UCLA holds the all-time record, which is 13 straight. Kansas plays its last regular-season game this Saturday (March 5) against Iowa. “Now my concern is making sure we stay hungry, because when you put such an emphasis on - ‘This is our goal’ - and then you accomplish the goal . . . are you still hungry to keep moving forward?” said head coach Bill Self. “The great teams do. It remains to be seen if we can be a great team. I think we’ll do the right thing.” Now it’s time to focus on KU’s status for the NCAA Tournament. It appears that the Jayhawks are a cinch to land a number-one seed, regardless of how they perform in the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City (March 9-12). The postseason conference tournaments are fun for the fans, but they are absurd after the long grind of the regular season. Self could use an extended rotation of 10-12 players in the KC tourney. That would cut down on the chances of a crippling injury and have his team rested and ready to cut a rug at the Big Dance. After the 67-58 win against Texas Tech last Saturday, two things were evident. The regulars played tired basketball and smallforward Svi Mykhailiuk is coming on strong at just the right time. He hit all five of his three-point shots against the Red Raiders. This is a good time to appraise KU’s record in the NCAA Tournament during the stretch of 12-straight league titles: 2005: Kansas lost to Bucknell in the first round. 2006: KU lost to Bradley in the first round. 2007: The Jayhawks won three and then lost to UCLA in the regional finals. 2008: Kansas won the national championship. 2009: KU won two and then lost to Michigan State. (See HAWKS on page 23)

Class 3A Sub-State • Boy’s Division Feb. 29-March 5 • at Lakin 1) Scott City (15-5)

1) Sterling (19-1)

Mon., Feb. 29 • 6:00 p.m. at Scott City

57-23

8) Larned (4-16)

Thurs., March 3 at Lakin

Mon., Feb. 29 • 7:00 p.m. at Lakin

Scott City 64-54

62-39

5) Lyons (7-13) Saturday, March 5 7:30 p.m. at Lakin

2) Sterling (15-5) Mon., Feb. 29 • 6:00 p.m. at Sterling

65-35

7) Scott City (6-14)

Thurs., March 3 at Lakin

Mon., Feb. 29 • 6:00 p.m. at Larned

6) SW Heights (10-9)

Sterling 68-64

Skunks After all, they certainly don’t spray their girlfriends do they? Maybe it’s some kind of ritual mating dance that ends each time with a poof into the air? The answer is simple, and as a trapper I should have figured it out. At this time of the year, male skunks might roam as far as five miles in one night looking for eligible ladies, and since all male skunks are currently of the same mind, the chances are pretty good males will encounter each other on their quests. And then, just like a bunch of jocks fighting over the cheerleaders after the junior high dance, someone’s gonna’ get sprayed! Figure this happening several times a night for a few weeks with all the male skunks in Kansas and you have the answer. With that solved, what about the reason for finding so many dead skunks along the road right now?

3) Lakin (10-9) Mon., March 1 • 7:00 p.m. at Lakin

Larned 57-37

Sterling 53-21 Fri., March 4 6:00 p.m.

Lyons 55-47 Saturday, March 5 6:00 p.m. at Lakin

2) Cimarron (13-6) Tues., March 1 • 7:00 p.m. at Cimarron

Sterling

7) Syracuse (10-9)

4) Syracuse (9-10) Tues., March 1 • 6:00 p.m. at Syracuse

Lakin

5) SW Hts. (11-8)

3) Larned (13-7)

Tues., March 1 • 7:00 p.m. at Sterling

Scott City

8) Lyons (5-15 4) Lakin (12-7)

Class 3A Sub-State • Girl’s Division March 1-5 • at Lakin

6) SW Heights (6-14)

Scott City 45-34 Fri., March 4 7:30 p.m.

Lakin 53-26

(continued from page 20)

I’m glad you asked, because I’ve found some interesting takes on that question too. First and the most obvious part of the answer is simply the fact that all male skunks in the kingdom are draggin’ main street right now lookin’ for girls, so the law of averages says that many will get flattened. There’s possibly more to the answer though, and that calls for a little skunk psychology lesson. Skunks have few natural enemies and can turn even the biggest bully around on a dime with just the lift of their tail. This seems to create in them a certain cocky attitude that appears to be present even from birth. Skunks will not back down from anything. It’s as simple as that. Couple that with the fact that male skunks have a onetrack mind this time of year, and if they even notice a car coming at them, they possibly see it as just another bully that will turn and run with the lift

of their tail. That all equals a flat skunk! Another interesting suggestion says that skunks have black eyes that do not reflect light well like the eyes of most other animals, possibly making them hard to spot ahead of time. By the way, if you, your dog or your car ever happen to get sprayed directly by a skunk, here is a recipe for a deodorizer that really works, and yes, I know this from experience. That’s another story in itself. Mix together one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and one teaspoon liquid dish soap (Dawn works well). Mix this up just before use and don’t leave any leftover. Bath yourself or the dog and scrub the car with this concoction. Skunks are amazing critters that have amazingly soft, luxurious fur (once you get past the smell) and whose potent, pungent essence is invaluable to the fur-trapping industry as an additive to trapping lures.

Trappers who extract the pure skunk “quill” from the animals can expect to get one to two ounces per skunk, and at about $20 an ounce that’s pretty good gas money. Skunk essence enhances and magnifies other fragrances and is actually used in very minute amounts in perfume. Some years back there were rumors that someone was developing an aerosol spray from skunk essence called “Skunk Power” that could be used by women against an attacker. I couldn’t verify its existence but what a good idea! Native Americans are said to have used skunk oil as a healing balm and liniment. I knew our Native American ancestors were tough, but that fact gives me a whole new respect for them. So there you have it, a little Pepe Le Pew 101 so-to-speak. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors! Steve can be contacted by email at stevegilliland@idkcom.net

The Scott County Record • Page 23 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Bluejays whip Hugoton; Broncs wrap up perfect league slate Behind an offense that was nearly unstoppable in the first half, the Scott City Middle School eighth graders whipped Hugoton on the home floor, 49-37, in a game that was not as close as the final score might indicate. Hugoton entered the contest with just one loss, but they were no match for the Bluejays who pounced on them early for a 19-4 lead and were in control the remainder of the night. Combined with a 27-8 win in their season finale at Goodland, the Bluejays wrapped up a 15-1 season and were unbeaten in the Great West Activities Conference. “We played well in the first half and the defense helped tremendously,” says head coach Gil Lewis of the Hugoton rout. While SCMS has looked good offensively most of the season, Lewis feels the defense has been their strength down the stretch. “They’re starting to realize that when they follow their assignments in a matchup zone it’s pretty darn hard to score against

Hawks 2010: The Jayhawks lost to Northern Iowa in the second round. 2011: KU won three and then lost to Virginia Commonwealth. 2012: Kansas won five and lost to Kentucky in the championship game. 2013: KU won two and then lost to Michigan. 2014: The Jayhawks lost to Stanford in the second round. 2015: Kansas lost to Wichita State in the second round.. KU’s overall NCAA Tournament record during this magical string of Big 12 titles is 24-10. Considering the parity in college basketball, that’s satisfactory. What are the odds that Kansas will tie UCLA’s record of 13 straight conference championships in the 2016-17 season?

(continued from page 19)

Scott City was fairly that jump-started an 8-0 effective at doing that in scoring burst. the second half, limiting Hess, who finished him to 17 points. More with a career high 27 importantly, they didn’t points, scored six unanallow a three-point basket swered points - the last during the final 16 min- two coming at the charity utes. stripe which opened up “The guards made Scott City’s biggest lead the difference on top,” of the night, 59-48, with explains Gentry. “We 1:24 on the clock. shaded him to his left side. At that point, it was just He doesn’t shoot quite as a matter of taking care of well going to his right. the ball and not allowing Credit Justin (Faurot) and Yakel to slice into the lead Dylan (Hutchins) with from the three-point line. some good defense in the The Beavers accomsecond half.” plished both objectives. Any momentum that A pair of Yakel free the Broncs may have throws cut the margin to had at the end of the first 59-52 with :38 to play. half quickly disappeared However, the Beavers behind a 5-0 scoring burst were able to put the game by Scott City to open the away with their final five third period. Hutchins, points coming at the free who contributed to his 13 throw line. point total with a three“The boys played hard point basket at the 4:36 tonight. Justin (Faurot) mark which extended the played his tail off,” says lead to 39-33. Gentry. “He took on a big Lakin was unable to get role defensively and he closer than three points responded.” the remainder of the night. The Beavers (17-5) will The last time was a 51-48 now face Sterling (17-5) spread following a bas- in the sub-state champiSCMS eighth grader Hunter Yager drives around a Hugoton defender durket by Yakel, but McRae onship game on Saturday ing recent action. (Record Photo) quickly followed with a in Lakin. Tipoff is at 7:30 them,” he says. began to understand their someone else on the huge rebound and putback p.m. “Our big guys are good role and learned “they floor,” he says. at the rim and our guards can’t chase after the ball” “We lost one game by Friendship ‘Meals to Go’ available from the VIP Center are quick and agile.” on defense. one point and I’ve always Individual frozen/sealed trays • Good for special diets He’s particularly “They learned how to said that a one point loss is only $3.25/meal • Call 872-3501 pleased that the guards take the pass away from on the coach,” says Lewis.

(continued from page 22)

Don’t bet against them. Dyson’s Time has Come In McComb, Miss., last December, the City Council changed the name of Warren Street to Dyson Drive. This is where Jarrod Dyson grew up. His fame in McComb grew by leaps and bounds during the Royals’ drive to a World Series title. Dyson came up with one of his famous quotes following the honor, saying, “I’ve got a street named after myself . . . there’s no speed limit, no speed limit on me. Why’s there going to be one on my road?” Jarrod Dyson (5-10, 160) is 31-years-old and has earned the chance to be KC’s regular right fielder. He’s been a parttime player for six years.

Every time Dyson gets on base, he’s a threat to score and he puts the opposing defense in a state of panic. During his major league career, Dyson has been successful on 146of-169 base-stealing attempts. That’s as good as it gets. And Dyson has a lifetime batting average of .255, which is above respectable. Dyson is a talented bunter, but he needs to improve that skill. If he gets a chance to play every day, his .255 BA will improve. Hitting in baseball is somewhat like playing golf: If you play just once or twice every 10 days, your timing and hand-eye coordination isn’t what it should be. Dyson is in his prime and 2016 can be a great season for him.

The Scott County Record • Page 24 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

a trio of bronze medalists

‘Third became my new first’ Once you’ve stood at the top of the podium at the state wrestling tournament, if you’re fortunate enough to return for another year there’s only one goal that will satisfy you . . . to once again win a state title. Coming off a state championship season as a junior, Zach Tucker was poised once again to compete for another title. And while he lost a tough decision to Norton’s Skylar Johnson in the regional finals, Tucker wasn’t phased. He was anxious for a rematch in the 113-pound finals at Hays last weekend. Unfortunately, that opportunity never took place. A disappointing 10-1 loss in the quarter-finals to Jordan Priddy (Silver Lake) ended Tucker’s hopes for a championship repeat. “I give him credit. They had a game plan for me and I never had a

chance to work my stuff,” said Tucker. It was probably a good thing that Tucker didn’t have to return to the mat until Saturday to resume action on the back side of the bracket. “I had to sit around a long time after the loss and gather my emotions,” he said. “It was very disappointing, but I told myself that finishing third sounded a lot better than not placing at all. “Third became my new first and that is what motivated me,” Tucker says. The senior left no doubt that he was the best wrestler in the consolation bracket, pinning Chandler Schoenberger (Russell) in just 1:44 before once again facing a familiar opponent in Oakley’s Estin Slack. “We’ve seen each other so many times over the years that he pretty well knows everything I’m going to do,” noted Tucker.

After jumping out to a 5-0 first period lead, Tucker ran into a little trouble in the third period when a reversal and twopoint near-fall saw Slack cut the lead to 5-4. An escape by Tucker and a takedown by Slack knotted the match at 6-6 before a reversal by Tucker with :31 remaining gave him an 8-6 win. Tucker (34-5) coasted through his final two matches - a 5-0 decision over Kolby Beitz (Eureka) and an 11-6 decision against Holden Butler (Council Grove). The win over Butler was particularly gratifying. “I’ve been wrestling him in tournaments for years and years. The only time I’d beaten him was the very first time we wrestled when I was about eight-years-old,” Tucker says. While the weekend fell short of his ultimate goal, Tucker was pleased with how he responded on

Senior Zach Tucker locks up a cradle and prepares to take Holden Butler (Council Grove) to his back for near-fall points during the consolation finals on Saturday. (Record Photo)

Saturday. “Backside wrestling is some of the toughest because everyone knows that one more loss and their season is over,” he said. “You have to go out

there and be ready for anything.” Looking back on his career, Tucker has no regrets - even when he recalls barely weighting 90 pounds during his first

two years in high school. “I’m happy I wrestled the first two years underweight,” he says. “It gave me some motivation to kick some butt when I got to weight.”

Jurgens takes it down to the wire in consolation finals

Sophomore Jarret Jurgens gets a good view of Noah Hansen’s (Plainville) shoulders as he tightens up a pinning combination during a consolation round match on Saturday. (Record Photo)

It was a big enough surprise that Jarret Jurgens didn’t make it to the championship semi-finals. It was a bigger surprise what kept him from getting there. Kolby Droegemeier (Wabaunsee) rode the strength of two first period takedowns to build a 4-1 lead and held on for a 9-7 upset in Friday’s quarterfinals. Jurgens is nearly flawless on his feet which made the early deficit a big surprise. And while he got a takedown of his own in the second period to tie the match at 5-5, he was never able to get the lead after giving up a pair of reversals. “It was all mental,” says the 145-pound sophomore. “I wanted to wrestle, but for some reason I didn’t feel the urge to dominate and I felt that was the difference. I needed to come out with more

energy in the first period and it cost me.” Like his teammates, Jurgens was able to respond with a huge day on Saturday, winning all four matches on the back side of the bracket for a bronze medal - but not without a little drama. In the consolation finals, Jurgens faced T.J. Ragnoni (Bennington, 36-4) and trailed 3-1 entering the final period. Despite getting an escape, Jurgens was unable to find an opening for a go-ahead takedown. It was a very frustrating final period for Jurgens who felt he was forcing the action in an attempt to get a stalling call against Ragnoni who kept backing away. “There wasn’t a warning for stalling?” Jurgens said in disbelief afterwards. “I was trying to get the (See JURGENS on page 25)

Griffith loses, wins on last-second takedowns Throughout most of the season, Cooper Griffith had been the name at the top of the 195-pound rankings in the Class 3-21A division. Even when Norton’s Gavin Lively made the last minute move from the 182-pound division for the regional tournament and defeated Griffith in a match that had been tied until the final seconds there was always the feeling that state would be different. It would be Griffith’s opportunity to capture that elusive gold. Instead, a stunning loss in the quarter-finals forced the SCHS senior to readjust his goals and he was able to put together an outstanding stretch of wrestling on Saturday to claim a third place finish in the state tournament. “It was pretty disappointing to lose when I did. I’d always imagined what it would be like to be in the state finals, but it felt good to finish my career with four wins,” says Griffith. The stunner came against Kody Collins (Doniphan West) in a match that slipped away

from Griffith in the final seconds. “I really felt like I was controlling the match and pushing the tempo,” says Griffith. “I’d get in with a shot and he was really good at keeping his hips off the mat and on top of mine. He was long and wrestling a style that I’m really not used to seeing.” Despite repeatedly getting in deep on Collins’ legs, Griffith was able to get just two takedowns. However, the last one came with :37 remaining in the third period that put him on top, 8-7. However, Collins was able to get an escape with :15 remaining and a takedown in the final second ended Griffith’s title hopes. “After the match was over I was feeling pretty sorry for myself,” admits Griffith. “But I had to tell myself to suck it up. The team needs me and I had to be ready to lead my team on Saturday. I had to come out with more focus on Saturday. In the first two rounds it’s either win or go home, so I had to start strong if I wanted to get into the medals.” The senior opened consolation action with

Scott City’s Cooper Griffith turns Seth Fouts (Douglass) to his back for a third period fall at the Class 3-2-1A state tournament in Hays last weekend. (Record Photo)

a second period pin against Donovan Duncan ( Wa t h e n a - R i v e r s i d e ) and followed with a 3-0 decision against Levi Mendoza (Hillsboro). That set up a rematch with Marion’s Tyler Palic who Griffith had decisioned in the finals of the Norton tournament. Palic held a 3-1 lead after the second period before Griffith was able to

get an escape early in the third period. Palic, however, was content with keeping it a 3-2 match and keeping his distance. He got hit with a warning for stalling which set up an opportunity for Griffith to finally get inside for a takedown with :32 remaining in the match. However, the referee ruled that Griffith had stepped outside the

ring before getting Palic to the mat - a decision which head coach Jon Lippelmann disputed. “That was a little controversial,” noted Griffith. “After that, I needed to push the tempo a little more and try to get the stalling call. I think the ref knew he’d messed up and he gave us a pretty quick call. It was the right call, but it was a pretty quick

call.” The stalling call against Palic resulted in a penalty point and tied the match at 3-3. Both wrestlers then returned to the center of the match with only :07 on the clock. “He took a quick shot right off the whistle with no real set up. That made it an easy shot for me to get a good sprawl, get (See GRIFFITH on page 25)

The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Jurgens stall, pushing and attacking and hoping I’d get something.” There were only four seconds on the clock when both wrestlers were brought back to the center of the match for a final start in the neutral position. It didn’t appear there would be enough time for a desperation takedown. “He tied up real hard and I tried a throw-by. I’d done the same thing earlier and I got beside him, but I couldn’t hook the leg or anything, so they didn’t give me the takedown,” Jurgens says. “This time he was pushing hard so when we

Griffith

(continued from page 24)

tied up, I hit the throwby and he went straight down. I was able to lock up the hands, but I wasn’t sure (the officials) were going to give it to me.” Initially, the lead official waved off the takedown, saying that time had expired. It was only after a conference of more than a minute with the second official on the mat that the takedown was awarded. Jurgens’ road into the consolation finals wasn’t quite as nerve-wracking. He rolled to a 4-1 decision over Donivyn Will (Brookville-Ell Saline), a 7-2 decision over Noah

SCHS Wrestling Class 3-2-1A State Tournament February 26-27, 2016 • at Hays Team scores: Norton 121, Rossville 117, Marysville 73, Smith Center 68.5, Scott City 68, Riley County 59, Hoxie 58, Silver Lake 52, Wabaunsee 50, Chaparral 49, St. Marys 45, Royal Valley 43, Wellsville 42, Eureka 38.5, Douglass 38, Council Grove 36, Oakley 36, Bennington 33, Hoisington 33, Plainville 32, Beloit 31.5, Highland Park 31, Atwood 30, Russell 30, Ellis 29, Marion 29, St. Francis 28, Lyonsn 27, Belleville-Republic County 25, Burden-Central 25 106: Theron Tucker pinned Graham Hathaway (Uniontown), 0:30; pinned by Dalton Ware (Royal Valley), 4:22; dec. Braiden Lynn (Cimarron), 8-4; dec. Kristopher Nolde (Larned), 3-2; pinned by Ryan Ware (Wellsville), 0:10; pinned by D. Ware (Royal Valley), 1:26. Sixth place 113: Zach Tucker pinned Chris Goans (Lyons), 0:52; maj. dec. by Jordan Priddy (Silver Lake), 10-1; pinned Chandler Schoenberger (Russell), 1:44; dec. Estin Slack (Oakley), 8-6; dec. Kolby Beitz (Eureka), 5-0; dec. Holden Butler (Council Grove), 11-6. Third place 132: Jack Thomas dec. by Colton Hutchinson (Smith Center), 5-1; dec. Brandon Brownlee (Sabetha), 7-3; dec. by Tucker Rhoades (Hays-TMP), 10-1. 145: Jarret Jurgens pinned Zane Colson (Mankato-Rock Hills), 2:56; dec. by Kolby Droegemeier (Waubaunsee), 9-7; dec. Donivyn Will (Brookville-Ell Saline), 4-1; dec. Noah Hansen (Plainville), 7-2; dec. Trenton Wright (Norton), 6-3; dec. T.J. Ragnoni (Bennington), 4-3. Third place 152: Wyatt Hayes dec. by Chase Prester (Russell), 3-1; pinned Blake Hollandsworth (Caney Valley), 0:35; pinned by Clay De Waal (St. Francis), 0:41. 182: Tre Stewart pinned pinned by Michael Delaney (Central-Burden), 5:10; dec. Jacob Box (Royal Vallely), 3-2; pinned by Macoy Raines (Oakley), 2:58. 195: Cooper Griffith pinned Seth Fouts (Douglass), 5:54; dec. by Kody Collins (Highland-Doniphan West), 10-8; pinned Donovan Duncan (Wathena-Riverside), 1:48; dec. Levi Mendoza (Hillsboro), 3-0; dec. Tyler Palic (Marion), 5-3; pinned Fouts (Douglass), 4:31. Third place

Takedown Kids Wrestling Redskins Battle in the West February 28, 2016 8-Years and Under 58B: Tyler Roberts pinned Vonyea Harvey (M.A.A.C) 0:27; pinned Wyatt Mannel (Liberal) 0:51; pinned Emmit Blackmore (Hugoton) 0:11. First Place 10-Years and Under 79: Zach Roberts pinned by Ethen Allen (Greater Gold) 1:58; pinned by Tommy McClure (Hugoton) 2:21; pinned by Julian Harvey (Liberal) 0:26. Fourth Place Kansas 6 and Under and Elementary State February 28, 2016 6-Years-and-Under Age Division 49: Kasey Rohrbough pinned Brock Malone (Emporia) 0:42; dec. by Zephry Landoll (NEK Elite) 7-5; tech fall Brody Schmitt (Colby) 18-2; pinned John Zuspan (Chaparral) 1:20; pinned Elijah Torrez (Jr. Wildcats) 1:29; pinned by Thayne Pfizenmaier (Clay Co.) 2:44. Elementary Division 60: Matthew Wheeler pinned Laythan Vice (Bluestem Jr.) 2:17; tech fall by Nick Treaster (Newton) 16-0; dec. by Christopher Smith (Parsons) 8-3. 75: Zach Rohrbough pinned Cannon Carey (Augusta) 1:58; dec. by Ayden Flores (KS Young Guns) 6-0; pinned Tristen Givens (Lion Elite) 0:26; pinned Braden Wilson (Abilene) 0:45; dec. by Colin Bybee (Newton) 4-0. 80: Conner Armendariz pinned John Hoover (Bonner Springs) 2:04; pinned by Wyatt Weber (Great Bend) 2:44; SV by Drayden Reiter (Allen Co.) 16-4. 105: Kale Wheeler pinned Matthew Johnson (Great Bend) 0:46; pinned Ethan Cunning (Bobcat) 0:58; dec. by Daigan Kruger (Ogden) 7-0; pinned Dylan Gantz (Pratt) 1:24; dec. Ethan Cunning (Bobcat) 4-2. Third Place 120: Leightyn Heim dec. by Matthew Lancaster (SW Timberwolves) 3-0; dec. Trent Spiker (Team Hawks) 4-0; dec. Koby Kidd (Pittsburg) 2-0; pinned by Matthew Landcaster (SW Timberwolves) 1:30. Fourth Place 130: Ronnie Weathers pinned Cade Carson (Smoky Valley) 0:33; pinned Brandon Doles (Louisburg) 3:39; pinned by Kobi Lawrence (Lion Elite) 1:30. Second Place

Scott City Stars 2016 Missouri Valley District Championship February 19, 2016 • Wichita Boy’s Division 50 yd. Freestyle 13-14 years: Connor Cupp, 1st, 25.80. 100 yd. Freestyle 13-14 years: Connor Cupp, 6th, 59.70. 200 yd. Freestyle 13-14 years: Connor Cupp, 7th, 2:14.70. 100 yd. Breaststroke 13-14 years: Connor Cupp, 5th, 1:19.28. 100 yd. Backstroke 13-14 years: Connor Cupp, 4th, 1:05.53. 100 yd. Butterfly 13-14 years: Connor Cupp, 1st, 1:05.91.

Hansen (Plainville) and slipped by Trenton Wright (Norton), 6-3. The third place finish moved him one spot higher on the podium than where he stood as a freshman. “It took awhile to regroup mentally after the loss (on Friday),” says Jurgens. “I came here with the hope of wrestling (Corey Tyler, St. Marys, 43-0), but if I couldn’t beat (Droegemeier) then I probably couldn’t have beaten Tyler because Tyler dominates him.” Jurgens (21-3) said he was prepared for a tough day in the consolation bracket.

“I knew I’d have to be ready to wrestle hard in every match. And I did. Every single match went three periods,” he says. “I didn’t feel too good about the first day, but I feel good about how things finished up.” As the top returning medalist on next year’s squad, Jurgens says he’s already anxious to see what the Beavers can accomplish. “With all the kids we have coming up, I think we can do very well at 4A next year, if that’s where we end up,” he says. “The next couple of years are looking pretty good.”

(continued from page 24)

my hips behind his and get the takedown,” says Griffith. He was able to accomplish that and get the takedown just before time expired. Griffith (35-5) finished his high school career with a third period fall against Seth Fouts (Douglass) who he had pinned in his first match on Friday. Saturday’s strong finish helped to take some of the sting out of Friday’s disappointment. “With the consolation semi-final match it finally hit me that this is the last time that I’m wrestling,” said Griffith. “Football has always been my favorite sport, but I’ve spent more time wrestling than anything. I started when I was five-years-old and I’ve been doing it for 13 years, summer camps and time in the wrestling room. “I knew that I’d get to play football again, but this was last time for competitive wrestling. I wanted to make sure it ended the right way.”

Matmen they responded on Saturday. They were focused and they were ready.” That focus, however, seemingly occurred about 24 hours too late. “It was like nobody was prepared,” said Jurgens. “I remember last year at state time it was a whole different mental approach. Last year, even as a freshman, I felt so motivated to come out here and wrestle. This year, I didn’t feel it.” That wasn’t lost on Lippelmann who said that was a concern in the week leading up to the state tournament. “I had worries about my older kids all week long about not being focused,” said the head coach. “Next time we have to find a way to make sure that we’re focused coming into this thing. “I honestly don’t think that anyone beat us,” says Lippelmann, referring to his three bronze medalists. “We absolutely did not do what it takes to win. That’s on us. That’s what we have to alter. “It’s not that we didn’t want to win or know how to win. But we didn’t dream about it, eat about it, talk about it, do it. That’s what we have to change.” A Quick Start The Beavers couldn’t have asked for a better start to the tournament when Theron and Zach Tucker collected falls over their opponents in less than a minute. Freshman Jack Thomas, despite being a regional champion, ran into a very tough opening round draw against Colton Hutchinson (Smith Center). Hutchinson had defeated Thomas in overtime earlier this season and was considered one of the top 132-pounders in the state, despite a surprising fourth place regional finish. Thomas dropped a 5-1 decision which put him in the consolation bracket. Hutchinson went on to finish third in state. Freshman Wyatt Hayes (152) also lost a tough 3-1 decision in the opening round to Chase Prester (Russell) who claimed a bronze medal on Saturday. Junior Tre Stewart (182) lost his first round match by a fall. The quarter-finals dealt a fatal blow to Scott City’s hopes for team hardware when all four first round winners were defeated. Still Alive on Sat. The only good news for the Beavers was that all three matmen who dropped their first round matches defeated their opponents in the first round of the consolation bracket on Friday evening. Thomas rolled to a 7-3 de-

The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

(continued from page 19)

cision over Brandon Brownlee (Sabetha, 28-15), Hayes needed just 35 seconds to pin Blake Hollandsworth (Caney Valley, 31-16) and Stewart was a 3-2 winner over Jacob Box (Royal Valley, 41-6). However, all three lost their second round consolation matches on Saturday morning. T. Tucker (21-19) continued to work his way through the back side of the bracket with an 8-4 decision over Braiden Lynn (Cimarron) and a 3-2 decision over Kristopher Nolde (Larned). He dropped his final two matches by falls against Ryan Ware (Wellsville, 32-9) and Dalton Ware (Royal Valley, 40-9) to finish sixth. “My main goal was to place. I knew I’d have to win a match or two on the front side for that to happen. I knew it would be tough if I had to do it all on the back side,” said Tucker. “I experienced different styles of wrestling. I know what I have to do to prepare for next year.” With only two seniors on the state roster, the future looks bright for the Beavers. “I was proud of the younger guys for being here. We usually don’t have to count on freshmen so much, but this year we really needed them to pull their weight and they did it all season, so I’m real proud of what they accomplished,” said Griffith. Lippelmann says some changes will likely be on the horizon as he looks at ways to prepare the team for next season, whether it remains in Class 3A or makes the move up to 4A which is expected. “We got to get people excited. They need to be as excited about wrestling as we are,” says Lippelmann. “We need to get the ones on the fence to come out so we can build some things. “It’s going to take some change in our ways. There are some camp things, participation things that we need to get going. We need to get them on the mat more and facing competition so they can build confidence in themselves.” He says it’s not only important for the SCHS program, but for Western Kansas teams who want to maintain their dominance in the sport. “We need to make sure that we keep these titles in Western Kansas. Rossville made a big run at winning it this year. Give them credit. We’ve seen this coming,” says the head coach. “You don’t want to see the dike starting to leak because it will break after that. The teams back east have the money, the people and the opportunity to wrestle more than we do during the off-season. We have to do something to get that dike plugged now,” he adds.

(Above) Freshman Theron Tucker locks up a cradle on Cimarron’s Braiden Lynn on his way to an 8-4 decision in consolation round action at the Class 3-2-1A state tournament on Saturday. (Below) Freshman Jack Thomas comes out the back door for a reversal during a 7-3 decision over Brandon Brownlee (Sabetha) during Saturday’s state tournament in Hays. (Record Photos)

The Scott County Record

Page 27 - Thursday, March 3, 2016

What are Kansas’ votes worth in caucuses?

With the Kansas caucuses on Saturday, some voters may wonder how much their vote actually affects the presidential nomination for the Republicans and Democrats. It’s probably more than you’d think. Kansas is the fifth most influential caucus for both parties, according to a new calculator by Time Labs, which is part of Time magazine. * * * How do I caucus? In Kansas, Republicans vote in the caucus through secret ballots, while Democrats vote in person.

Those who wish to participate in the Democratic caucus can register to vote or change their party affiliation at the caucus. Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m., and the caucus will start at 3:00 p.m. Democrats must go to the caucus site in their state Senate district. To determine what Senate district you live in, look on your voter registration card or go to myvoteinfo.voteks.org. To vote in the Republican caucus, you had to be a registered Republican by Feb. 4. You’ll need to take a government-issued ID to the polls.

Ballots can be cast between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Republicans can attend a caucus at any of 102 sites across the state, although participants are urged to do so in their home county if possible. * * * How does the calculator determine the rankings? It estimates the ratio of pledged delegates to voters, using historical data. Those states with higher ratios are considered more influential. The calculator also considers when the state holds its caucuses or primaries. The earlier the primary or caucus, the more

influential it is. That’s because Impact for Democrats there are more delegates that This year, Kansas will award haven’t been allocated early in 33 pledged delegates for the Democratic nomination. the game. Looking at historical data, Kansas had a voter turnout Impact for Republicans of more than 36,000 in 2008. Kansas will award 40 pledged Kansas is the 16th state to vote delegates in 2016 toward the in a Democratic caucus, when Republican nomination. there will still be nearly 75 perHistorically, there was cent of delegates left. a voter turnout of just under Top five states for the 30,000 in 2012, with 1.34 del- Republican nomination: Maine, egates per 1,000 voters. Kansas District of Columbia, Alaska, is the 17th state to vote, with its Hawaii and Kansas. Republican caucus. There will Top five states for the still be nearly 69 percent of the Democratic nomination: delegates left, according to the Nevada, Washington, Maine, calculator. Alaska and Kansas.

Republican Caucus Finney County: (with Scott County) Garden City Comm College’s Endowment Rm 801 Campus Dr Garden City Lane County: Dighton High School 200 S Wichita Ave Dighton Wichita County: (wityh Greeley County) Wichita County Senior Center 108 S Indian Rd Leoti,

Scott, Finney counties What Sunflower State voters should to caucus in GC on Sat. know when participating in a caucus Scott County Republican Party Chairman Sheila Ellis announceds that Scott County is joining with the Finney County Republican Party for the presidential caucus on Sat., March 5. Kansas’ caucus is the first event following the March 1 Super Tuesday and prior to the second Super Tuesday on March 15. “The caucus gives all registered Republicans the opportunity to cast their ballot for the Republican Presidential nominee of their choice and help determine which candidate receives the votes of Kansas’ 40 delegates at the Republican National Convention,” says Ellis. Voting in the caucus is open to all registered Kansas

Republican voters. Republicans will caucus in the Beth Tedrow Student Center’s Endowment Room (SW corner of the campus) at Garden City Community College. The doors will open for check-in at 9:30 a.m. and the voting process will begin at 10:00 a.m. In order to participate in the caucus, participants must be registered Republicans and provide a photo ID at the caucus location. After checking-in, voters may hear short presentations by representatives of each candidate and then receive a ballot to vote.” Additional information such as frequently asked questions and all caucus locations can be found at www.kansas.gop .

Area Democrats to caucus in Hoisington The Democratic presidential caucus for registered voters living in the 33rd Senate District will be held on Sat., March 5, 3:00 p.m., at the Hoisington Activity Center. Participants must be in line to check in or register between 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Participants must be registered Democrats, and may register or change affiliation on that day at the door. Counties included in the 33rd District are Barton, Hodgeman, Ness, Pawnee, Rush, Scott, Lane and that part of western Rice. For more information contact Brock McPherson, Barton County Democratic chair: mcpmcvlaw@carrollsweb.com or 620793-3420.

If you’re a Republican . . . What happens at the caucus? The chair of the caucus will call the meeting to order. Representatives from various campaigns can present information about their candidate. Ballots will be distributed to voters. * * * When will the results be known? The caucus chair will announce the results of their caucus after all of the ballots have been cast and counted. The state party will post statewide results on the party website as they are received and verified. ksgop.org * * * How does my vote count? As the Kansas GOP website explains it, “delegates are representatives of the caucus voters.” There are 40 delegates and 37 alternate delegates. * * * Where do the caucus meetings take place? Venues include schools, churches, restaurants, armories and even hotel lobbies.

If you’re a Democrat . . . Who can take part? You must be a registered Democrat to vote, and you can actually register at the caucus. Aside from that, caucus voters must be eligible to vote in state of Kansas and be 18-years-old by November 8, 2016. * * * What happens at the caucus? Eligible caucus goers divide to form presidential preference groups. If a preference group does not have at least 15 percent of total caucus goers, voters can join another preference group or try to bring more people into their group. Delegates are then awarded to the preference groups based on their size. * * * When will results be known? Around 9:00 p.m. * * * How does my vote count? Democratic Party officials will allocate 33 of the 37 delegates based on the caucus votes. Of the 33, eleven are awarded proportionally statewide, while 22 are awarded by congressional district. Four are “super-delegates” and are unpledged.

The Scott County Record

Farm

Animal nutrition fundamentals is KSU on-line course MANHATTAN - Animal nutrition can be a complex subject. To help shed light on some of the basics, the IGP Institute at Kansas State University will present online training this spring through its Fundamentals of Animal Nutrition course. Many wonder why some nutrients are more important than others, how some animals utilize feeds better than others, and what value they should give to various ingredients when making purchasing decisions. These topics and more will be addressed throughout the course which is April 25-May 20. The sessions are designed for professionals who are interested in attaining an understanding of animal nutritional requirements and the digestive systems of production animals. To register, visit www.igpevents.grains.ksu.edu. Registration deadline is March 18. The main focus will be on the elementary principles of farm animal nutrition, including anatomy, nutritional digestion, absorption, metabolism, and a general overview of the nutrients necessary for animal growth and development. By the course’s end, participants will understand how an animal’s digestive system and nutritional requirements influence the ingredients and makeup of feed. The course is a five-week, self-paced, online training, including lectures and readings designed for industry professionals. For information about registration, contact Brandi Miller at bmmillerk@ ksu.edu or call 785-532-4053.

Page 28 - Thursday, March 3, 2016

Prepare your livestock operation for new VFD ruling MANHATTAN - While the new veterinary feed directive (VFD) drug ruling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration went into effect Oct. 1, 2015, livestock producers can expect to see new labels for medically important antibiotics used on the feed of food animals by Jan. 1, 2017. Mike Apley, professor of production medicine and clinical pharmacology at Kansas State University’s College of

Veterinary Medicine, said that while the new labels may be about a year away, he encourages livestock producers to use 2016 to start planning ahead with their veterinarians, and to build the necessary veterinary-client-patient relationship, if not already in place, that this ruling requires. The new ruling will demand some veterinarian and client interactions that weren’t required before regarding the use of medi-

cally important antibiotics in feed and water, said Apley, a veterinarian who specializes in beef production medicine. The use of these antibiotics in feed will require the authorization from a veterinarian via a VFD and sent to the feed mill or wherever the medication is being purchased. The use of medically important antibiotics in water will require a veterinary prescription.

“For example,” Apley said, “ranchers who are used to using chlortetracycline in mineral to control anaplasmosis in cattle, or feed yards using tylosin to control liver abscesses, veterinarians will now need to authorize those uses based on the label.” These VFDs work similarly to prescriptions given for other products used in livestock. The veterinarian will learn about the producer’s operation, (See RULING on page 29)

Weather’s impact on alfalfa weevil

MANHATTAN - The alfalfa weevil can wreak havoc on an alfalfa field, so it’s important for growers to know all current methods of controlling and preventing them. The weevils are incredibly durable and can survive low temperatures, said Jeff Whitworth, Kansas

State University associate professor of entomology. “The alfalfa weevil is a cool-weather insect, so that means it does best between 45 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit,” Whitworth said. “Once it gets too warm, it ceases activity, and once it gets below 45 degrees, it will

cease activity.” However, just because the temperature has dropped, doesn’t mean that the weevil is gone for good, he said. It has a knack for being able to survive in relatively extreme temperatures for a creature of its size. Adult weevils are only

about three-sixteenths of an inch long. “Anytime the temperature is less than 45 degrees, the (alfalfa weevils) crawl down into the leaf litter around the soil. They don’t really hibernate; they just become inactive,” Whitworth (See WEEVIL on page 29)

Early spring-like weather good for all but wheat The weather over the past two weeks has been uncharacteristically warm for this time of year in Kansas. While many are enjoying being outdoors, this early warm spell has raised concerns for winter wheat across the state. Romulo Lollato, assistant professor in the Kansas State University

Department of Agronomy, said warmer temperatures often lead to accelerated wheat crop development. This could mean that the wheat will break out of dormancy and possibly green up earlier than normal. In fact, producers in north-central Oklahoma have recently reported

KDA agribusiness workshop in Colby

The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) will host an Agribusiness Development Workshop on Thurs., March 10, 1:005:00 p.m., at the Thomas County Office Complex, 350 South Range Ave., No. 12, Colby. This workshop will provide Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with resources, and current business development and organizational contacts to assist with startups or expansions. Featured speakers will represent Thomas County Economic Development, Colby Chamber of Commerce, Network Kansas, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Small Business Development Center, SureFire Ag Systems, USDA and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

certain wheat varieties reaching the first hollow stem stage, said Lollato, a wheat and forages production specialist for K-State Research and Extension. This is something to watch, as it’s relatively close to the Kansas border. During the week of Feb. 15-21, temperatures

in Kansas averaged 5.1 degrees warmer than normal. Western regions of the state had readings in several locations of 90 degrees and above. Those high temperatures, coupled with very low humidity, produced an increased drying stress on the crop, according to

GWMD annual meeting will be in Horace on Tues.

Trends in groundwater levels and water depletion maps will be among the information presented to those attending the annual meeting of Western Kansas Groundwater Management District No. 1 to be held on Tues., March 8, 2:00 p.m. (CT), at the Barrel Springs Hunt Club, Horace. Giving presentations during the program will be: •Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office. •Brownie Wilson with the Kansas Geological Survey. •Mike Meyer with the Division of Water Resources who will discuss water conservation areas.

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

•Jon Aguilar, with Kansas State University, who will discuss research on mobile drip irrigation and moisture sensors. Kyle Spencer, GWMD director, says those attending will also be able to view maps that show the percent of groundwater depletion in the district, saturated thickness levels and average irrigated usage per acre over the last 10 years broken down to townships. The business meeting will also include an update of district activities, including the weather modification program, along with the election of board members from Wichita and Lane counties.

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the Kansas Weather Data Library. Lollato said this early warmth bears watching but might not prove detrimental to the wheat crop. There are more factors to consider when predicting the weather’s effect on wheat yields, such as how quickly freezing weather returns after a string of

warm days and the growing stage the wheat is in when that happens. “Say that freezing temperatures return (within a few days), most of the wheat may still be in tillering stage or just past tillering,” Lollato said. “During this stage, the developing head is still

Market Report

Weather

Closing prices on March 1, 2016 Bartlett Grain Red Wheat............ $ 3.74 White Wheat ....... $ 3.74 Milo .................... $ 2.76 Corn ................... $ 3.36 Soybeans (new crop) $ 7.63 Scott City Cooperative Wheat.................. $ 3.72 White Wheat ....... $ 3.77 Milo (bu.)............. $ 2.76 Corn.................... $ 3.36 Soybeans ........... $ 7.63 Sunflowers.......... $ 13.70 ADM Grain Wheat.................. Milo (bu.)............. Corn.................... Soybeans............ Sunflowers..........

$ 3.85 $ 2.81 $ 3.41 $ 7.63 $ 14.20

(See WEATHER on page 29)

February 23 47 25 .06 February 24 56

February 25 46 18 February 26 63 20 February 27 77

February 28 71 31 February 29 70 28 Moisture Totals February

0.84

2016 Total

1.14

Food Facts Darker green lettuce leaves are more nutritious than lighter green leaves. In the United States, lettuce is the second most popular fresh vegetable.

The Scott County Record • Page 29 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

It’s ‘business as usual’ for cattle market Derrell Peel Oklahoma State University Extension

Feeder and fed cattle prices are currently at roughly the same levels as in late 2013. In the intervening 26 or so months, cattle markets have been on a roller coaster that took cattle prices higher, faster than ever imagined, followed by a sharp correction in late 2015 that was more abrupt and severe than anyone could anticipate. This has left cattle producers cautious and somewhat hesitant about what to expect going forward. One of the challenges through this period has

Proposal would offer national, voluntary rules been the fact that many of the cattle and meat market indicators, patterns and relationships have behaved very unusually leaving producers and analysts at a loss to understand and anticipate market movements. Recently, however, there are number of indications cattle markets may be returning to somewhat more typical behavior. After the worst year ever in 2015, feedlot margins are moving back to levels that will lead to positive returns for feedlots. This process is not complete and will likely

Weather below ground, so it’s protected. In that case, most of the damage occurs to the leaf, mainly leaf burning on the leaf tips, so it’s mostly cosmetic.” “Now, if these freezing temperatures return in maybe a few weeks and the crop is already at jointing - where the developing head is above ground - then we do have some temperature thresholds we need to be looking for,” he added. “Generally, we say that if temperatures are between 15 and 25 degrees for a long period of time, that developing head can be damaged when wheat is jointing.” This early breakout of dormancy and early green

Weevil

continue through the next few months. Within feeder cattle markets, the margins or value of gain across weights just recently has adjusted to reflect feedlot cost of gain. The value of gain calculates to a 70-80 cents-per-pound range over the past couple of weeks. This suggests that feedlots are pricing feeder cattle in a manner that reflects equilibrium across weights. This is the first time in many months that the value of gain in feeder prices is consistent with broader cattle market con-

ditions. Wholesale Markets On a very different note, wholesale beef markets appear to returning to patterns not seen for many months. So far in 2016, middle meats are advancing or holding value relative to weaker end meats. This long term tendency for middle meats to be the strongest part of carcass value has been reversed much of the time in recent years, going back to the recession in 2009. Retail beef prices peaked in mid-2015 and are working lower as

Ruling

(continued from page 28)

up could cause the wheat crop to begin using water it had saved for later in the season, now. “If we are starting to use the moisture now early in the growing season, we may be hurting our yields later on, in case the spring turns out dry,” Lollato said. “In case the spring turns out to be of good moisture and good precipitation distribution, this may not be a problem.” Disease Concerns The mild late-winter weather may also increase the chances of disease problems in this year’s crop carrying over from last year.

“There is the potential for increased overwintering of the disease,” Lollato said. “Producers probably still have fresh in their mind the last growing season where wheat stripe rust was really bad across the state. “Often spores of wheat stripe rust will not overwinter as far north as we are here. But with these warm temperatures, if the spores are there and if there’s enough moisture, they may overwinter. It’s not a bad idea to go out and check for that possibility.” “There have been reports in Texas and Oklahoma of stripe and leaf rust, so it is something that (Kansas) pro-

(continued from page 28)

said. “When it warms active for a majority of back up, they start mov- the year. “We have put out fall ing and start laying eggs.” treatments, where we tried to kill the adults in the Hardy Creatures The survivability and fall before they lay the determination of alfalfa eggs. The problem with weevils to lay eggs is that is timing,” Whitworth what makes them a trou- said. “The difficulty with blesome pest, Whitworth these fall treatments is said. From October to that insecticides aren’t March, the weevils lay very effective when the eggs, which will hatch temperature drops below anytime the temperature 45 degrees.” Therefore, insecticide is above 45 degrees. “I’ve seen eggs hatch effectiveness can be an as early as late February issue when temperatures and continue on through fluctuate regularly. In May, because some of addition, fall treatment those eggs that were laid tends to kill off beneficial in October and November insects that help control developed enough that non-beneficial insects on they started hatching in an alfalfa field, he said. It’s also important to February,” he said. note that alfalfa weevil The eggs can be difinsecticide isn’t systemficult to find, as they are ic, meaning that it only laid in the stem. This can make finding the right affects weevils that come time to treat them also into contact with the spray. This can be troudifficult. blesome, according to “Whether (the stem is) Whitworth, because when horizontal or vertical, the it’s less than 45 degrees alfalfa weevil will still lay the weevils hide under the eggs inside that stem,” the leaf litter and don’t Whitworth said. come into contact with the insecticide. Fall Treatment The biggest prob- Treatment Timing lem, Whitworth said, is The current inclination finding the right time to for alfalfa growers will treat them. Treating them be to treat the weevils at before they can lay eggs the first sign of damage might seem like a good in early spring. However, option, but this method Whitworth recommends has proven difficult to waiting until later when time accurately. Because there are more weevils of their hardiness, alfalfa present. weevils tend to be out and “Those first few larvae

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will feed a little bit, but there’s more to come,” he said. “Wait until you have a 50 percent infestation, meaning 50 percent of the stems are infested with live larvae. That’s probably a good time to spray.” Visit the K-State Research and Extension Bookstore online (http:// www.bookstore.ksre.ksu. edu/pubs/MF2999.pdf) or the local Extension office for more information.

beef production begins to grow. Similarly, the ratio of retail beef prices to pork and poultry prices pushed to unprecedented levels over the past two years and has now peaked and is adjusting to more typical levels. Retail meat price ratios have reflected strong beef demand, but retail price ratios returning to more typical levels is an indication of more relative stability in meat markets. Finally, perhaps the most obvious sign of relative stability is the fact that feeder and fed cat-

ducers need to be aware of,” he added. “That’s not to say we need to go out and spray, but it is something to be aware of and scout the fields.” Unfortunately, there is not much producers can do to protect against this early green up and breakout of dormancy, because it is a weather issue. Lollato suggests that knowing the status of the crop is the best bet for producers to manage their situation. And remember, warm weather doesn’t guarantee a poor yield. “I think we’ve had a successful growing season so far, but there is a lot that could still happen at this point,” Lollato said.

assess the medical challenges and then prescribe antibiotics if needed, according to what is stated on the labels. Apley added that some practices producers may be doing on their operations currently could be costing them more than benefiting them. For example, some practices that are not included on labels, and are therefore illegal today (and will continue to be after the labels begin to require a VFD), are using tetracyclines in feed to address foot rot or pinkeye. “These just aren’t on the label, and extralabel use in the feed is illegal,” he said. “There are some antibiotic uses cow-calf

tle and beef markets are exhibiting mostly seasonal behavior so far in 2016. Dramatic price trends, both up and down over the past couple years have overshadowed seasonal market tendencies. Though cattle and beef prices are expected to trend lower over the coming months, that trend will not be pronounced and markets are expected to behave much more seasonally. While cattle and beef markets will no doubt continue to experience volatility, it is encouraging that many of the internal market indicators are swinging back to more typical levels.

(continued from page 28)

producers and cattle feeders might be doing that from now on are going to need authorization, but they may find a veterinarian says ‘no’ because it’s not needed, not effective or not legal.” Once the connection with a veterinarian has been established, it’s time to begin planning for the next year. Start thinking ahead about what issues may arise, what issues may require antibiotics and talk to your veterinarian about scheduling time to meet about the VFDs. “Start planning with your veterinarian, and be ready if maybe something you have done for years has to change,” Apley said.

The Scott County Record • Page 30 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Call 872-2090 today!

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The Scott County Record Professional Directory

There’s no better 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 Stuart Doornbos Home - 872-2775 Cell - 874-0951

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• Irrigation • Domestic • Windmills • Submersibles

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

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

Construction/Home Repair

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

ELLIS AG SERVICES • Custom Manure Conditioning • Hauling and Spreading • Custom Swathing and Baling • Rounds-Net or Twine • Gyp and Sand Sales • Custom Harvesting Call Brittan Ellis • 620-874-5160

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

RTRex Turley, Plumbing Master Plumber Residental and Commercial Plumbing

Water Systems, water lines, sewer cleaning faucets and fixtures, garbage diposals and more

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620-909-5014 (H) • 620-874-4128 (C)

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Automotive

RESIDENTIAL – COMMERCIAL Termite Baiting Systems • Rodents Weed Control • Structural Insects Termite Control Box 258, Scott City • (620) 872-2870

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Berning Tree Service David Berning • Marienthal

620-379-4430

Tree Trimming and Removal Hedge and Evergreen Trimming Stump Removal

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SCOT AYTES • 874-1646 t Paint i

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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

Medical

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

We welcome new patients. 324 N. Main • Scott City • 872-2389 Residence 872-5933

The Scott County Record • Page 31 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Call 872-2090 today!

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Professional Directory Continued

Brent Rogers

Sales Consultant b.rogers@officesolutionsinc.biz

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

For your home medical supply and equipment needs!

1602 S. Main • Scott City • 872-2232 Toll Free : 1-866-672-2232

Pro Health Chiropractic Wellness Center

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

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

Services

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

110 W. 4th St. • Scott City • 872-2310 Toll Free: 800-203-9606

$10,000 OFF doubles and $5,000 off singles. Lenders offering $0 down for landowners. Call about the Breeze. Over 2,000 sq. ft. under $80,000. 866858-6862.

T R A N S F E R VEHICLES. Drivers with CDL A or B to transfer vehicles from local body plants to locations throughout U.S. No forced dispatch. Run as much as you want. Safety incentives. Apply online at www.mamotransportation. com under Careers or call (918) 519-4852 and speak with Zena. ––––––––––––––––––––– CONVOY SYSTEMS is hiring Class A drivers to run from Kansas City to the west coast. Home weekly. Great benefits. www.convoysystems.com. Call Lori at 1-800-9266869, ext. 303. ––––––––––––––––––––– DRIVERS. Class A CDL, 23+. End dump/ hopper experience. No recent tickets/accidents. Out one week at a time. Competitive pay, bonuses, raises. Call MBI 316-8319700, ext. 107.

EARN $500 a day. Insurance agents needed. Leads. No cold calls. Commissions paid daily. Lifetime renewals. Complete training. Health and dental. Life License required. Call 1-888-7136020.

For Sale

Education

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

For all your auction needs call:

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Optometrist

Truck Driving

S T O R A G E CONTAINERS. 20 ft., 40 ft., 45 ft., 48 ft. and 53 ft. centralcontainer.net or 785-655-9430.

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Homes

Help Wanted

Horizon Health We service and repair all that we sell.

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.

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Retail

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

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Classifieds

The Scott County Record • Page 32 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

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

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: $6.00 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.

Notice

House for Sale

WOULD THE LADY who called Renberger Jewelry in Ness City to have a grandfather clock repaired please call back? 29tfc 785-798-2880.

1-3 BEDROOM, 1 bath, FH/A, basement, new roof, large yard. Call Mike 23tfc 620-874-2425.

Help Wanted FA R M W O R K E R . 4/4/16-1/31/17, Kyle and Kevin Barrington, Bradley, Okla. 10 temp jobs. Operate harvesting machines to harvest crops in OK/TX/SD/MT. Adjust speed of cutters, blowers, conveyors, and weight of cutting head. Change cutting head. Drive truck to transport produce and haul harvesting machines b/w work sites. Service machinery/make in-field repairs. $10.86/hr-$3000/ mo plus R&B, depending on location, ¾ work guarantee, tools/equip/ housing provided, trans and subsistence exp. reimbursed. Apply at Kansas Works, 620.227.2149. Job #OK1074305. 3016t1 ––––––––––––––––––––– FULL-TIME CUSTODIAN for First Baptist Church, Scott City. Applications may be submitted in the church office at 803 S. College, Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m. 3016t1

Agriculture WANT TO BUY. Stored corn. Call for basis and contract information. 1-800-579-3645. Lane County Feeders, Inc. 32tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– WANT TO BUY. Wheat straw delivered. Call for contracting information. Lane County Feeders. 397-5341. 44tfc

Real Estate COMMERCIAL BUILDING for sale. 133x45 ft. (approx.) round top building. Serious inquiries only. Seller is a real estate agent selling own property. 874-5109 26tfc or 874-2124.

Rentals 1 BEDROOM APPARTMENTS for rent. Call 620-874-8353. 21716tfc

––––––––––––––––––––– HIDE AND SEEK STORAGE SYSTEMS. Various sizes available. Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, 620-874-2120. 41tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– PLAINJAN’S RENTAL houses and duplexes. Stop by the office or call 620872-5777. 05tfc

––––––––––––––––––––– SUBSTITUTE ROUTE bus drivers for USD 466 (Scott County). For applications and addi- _________________________________ tional information contact PLAINJAN’S RENTLance Carter at 620-872- A-SHOP IS OPEN! 2 7655. 02tfc sizes: 35’x30’ with 2 overhead doors and walkin. 24’x30’ with one overServices head door and one walkC O M P U T E R in. Each insulated shop SERVICES for PC and includes: over head and Mac computers. Computer outdoor lighting, multiple repair and virus remov- 110 outlets and 220, niceal. Call or email Josh at ly finished concrete floors, OsComp to schedule an and all doors insulated. appointment. 24-hour Great to store/work on vehelp line 620-376-8660 hicles or run a business. or email josh_4974@hot- Plenty of room to park cars and pickups inside. mail.com. ––––––––––––––––––––– These are going fast! Call WANTED: Yards to mow Today! 872-5777 or 8003016tfc and clean up, etc. Trim 235-6140. smaller trees and bushes too. Call Dean Riedl, (620) 872-5112 or 8744135. 34tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––– FURNITURE REPAIR and refinishing. Lawn mower tune-up and blade sharpening. Call Vern Soodsma, 872-2277 or 874-1412. 4015tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– MOWER REPAIR, tuneup and blade sharpening. Call Rob Vsetecka at 620214-1730. 4515tfc

Logan County Manor needing

RN, LPN, CMA and CNA shifts. We are a 45-bed long-term care facility. We offer competitive wages, KPERS, health insurance, excellent PTO and paid membership to our Wellness Center. Contact Diana Dible at: 785-672-8109

EOE

Pine Village Apartments 300 E. Nonnamaker

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

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church basement (use west door). 412 College, Scott City.

3+2 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, full basement with three escape windows, S/A garage, covered back patio, privacy fence, corner lot.

Margie Berry, Broker • 872-5700 Brett Berry, Sales Assoc. • 316-258-3387 Tracy Chambless, Sales Assoc. • 874-2124

Al-Anon at same time and location. Contact: 874-0472 or 872-3137. 25tfc

Room to Room!

With 3,000 sq. ft., everybody will have their own space. 2 + 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, den, newer windows up, newer FA-CA, appliances, and family room. PLUS... large lot, DA garage, BRICK, REALLY COOL DECK!!! $156,500!!!

NEW (2014) 50 X 64’ metal building in EXCELLENT condition! Tube heat, bathroom, sewer line for camper drainage, and MUCH MORE!!! Call for your private showing! 6 acre horse property at edge of town! $14,000--Call for details!!!

Lawrence 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

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

Dighton

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

The Scott County Record • Page 33 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Employment Opportunities PARK LANE NURSING HOME Has openings for the following positions: Full-time RN/LPN Full-time Dietary aide/Cook Full-time CNA/CMA Full-Time Housekeeping 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Shift differential pay offered for evening and night shifts! Please apply in person at:

S E N JOLUB S B C Driving M LA

for the PURPLE!

Jeremy • 620-397-1638 Stefanie • 620-397-8075

Park Lane Nursing Home 210 E. Parklane Scott City, KS 67871 Or visit us at our website:

www.parklanenursinghome.org “Quality Care Because We Care”

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SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Scott County Sheriff’s Department is accepting applications for: Jailer Applicants must be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Looking for someone who is a team player. Must be willing to do shift work including days, nights, holidays and weekends. Background checks and UA’s completed on all prospective applicants. Applicants must not have any felony or misdemeanor charges or convictions. Scott County offers an excellent benefit package that includes BCBS health, KPERS, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and furnished uniforms and equipment. Starting wage $12 per hour. Will train the right applicant. Applications may be obtained at and returned to: Sheriff Office 602 W. 5th, Scott City • (620) 872-5805

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SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-PROFESSIONAL Do you enjoy working with kids in an educational setting? Would you like the working hours of a school day? Unified School District No. 466 is seeking HPEC Special Education Para-Professional in the high school. This position works with students. For more information and applications please contact: Susan Carter Board of Education Building 17tfc 704 College, Scott City, KS 67871

SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL HAS OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS PATIENT CARE Acute Care RNs Float RN C.N.A.s - FT and PT Outreach/Specialty Clinic RN Physical Therapist Respiratory Therapist Clinic Medical Assistants Clinic RN and LPN - FT Circulating/Pre-Op/Post-Op/PACU RN Applicants for these positions 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. We offer competitive pay and great benefits. Applications are available on our website at www.scotthospital.net or call 620-872-7772 for more information.

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The Scott County Record • Page 34 • Thursday, March 3, 2016

Scott Coop Association 59th Anniversary Open House 4 Day Truckload Tire Sale Mon.-Thurs., March 7-10

Marienthal - Monday, March 7 • Scott City - Tuesday, March 8 Shallow Water - Wednesday, March 9 • Pence - Thursday, March 10

Come in for

Coffee

FREE “Door Prizes”

Pop

Come eat lunch at Coop!

Donuts

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

Popcorn

FREE Hamburgers and Hot Dogs!

welcome

Feb. 25 - March 25 10% Discount on All Firestone Farm Tires!

FirestoneAg.com

IR 31 Battery Blems

$ See us for all your Bulk Fuel and Bulk Oil Needs

Irrigation well service

LOWEST PRICE IN YEARS!

Don’t miss out on these great items!

3/8” Round Rebar Electric Fence Post

$ 15

•3/8” X 4’ •Rust-resistant finish Unbreakable, Snap-On Insulators RP-25N for Round Post $5.25 (25/Pkg.) #48-9276

T Post - 1.33 GA

T H E

L E A D E R

I N

T H E

F I E L D

All In-store hardware items and tires

off

Cooking Pellets

Irrigation Sprinkler Tires

FarmBoy Irrigation 11.2 x 38 TT4 PLY 11.2 x 24 TT4 PLY

20580 $ 90 133

Fuel, Air, and Oil Filters Stock up now on all the oil, air and

4 Feet • $390

fuel filters you will need in the months ahead

5 Feet • $440

ALL FILTERS ON SALE!

5 1/2 Feet • $535 Wood Post 3 1/2 - 6 1/2 • $1250

20 lb. bag

Come out for food, fun,

PH 8A (Ford) • PH 1218 (Chevy)

Only $3.75

each case lots limited to inventory

Save now on all your filters

and deals!