The Scott County Record by The Scott County Record

The Scott City student body cheers on the Beavers at the Class 3A state basketball tournament on Wednesday

34 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 23 • Number 30

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Published in Scott City, Ks.

$1 single copy

Recycling center back in operation After being shut down for the past month, the Scott County Recycling Center is back in operation again. Instead of taking recycled material to the Northwest Kansas Regional Recycling Organization in Colby, the county is now working with Stutzman Refuse Disposal, based in Hutchinson. The county had to temporarily cease operation while a new compactor and baler were installed. The recycling center will now accept a wider range of material, including all plastic, along with books, glass jars and bottles, aluminum/tin/steel cans, food boxes, junk mail, office paper, magazines and cata(See RECYCLE on page three)

Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office, discusses irrigation depletion patterns across the groundwater management district during the annual meeting. (Record Photo)

LEMA goal will be to keep more small wells in production Cutting back on irrigation usage in order to extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer is only part of the challenge facing Groundwater Management District No. 1. Equally important is doing so while limiting the impact on the economy. That will be the goal of the GWMD board when it revives efforts to create a Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) later this year.

“It will be pursued this year,” assured board president Greg Graff during the district’s annual meeting held on Tuesday at Horace. The board’s original plan to form a LEMA was narrowly defeated two years ago by water rights holders in the five-county area. Efforts to bring a new LEMA proposal to stakeholders in the district have been put on hold while the Kansas Water Office was

completing its water model. The model provides a computerized look at the history of water usage in the district, weather patterns, recharge rates, etc., and through computer programs can offer analysis of how quickly water will be depleted - or recharge should irrigation usage remain the same or be altered by conservation efforts. Different scenarios were presented during the GWMD

annual meeting held at Horace. Graff says the board is considering conservation steps that will cut usage by 20 or 30 percent, but is leaning toward setting an annual usage cap of 12 or 16 total inches. Continuing to delay action at the district level is no longer an option, says Graff. “The state has been disappointed that we haven’t moved faster than we have,” he notes. (See GWMD on page 10)

Personal property assessment info is due Tuesday Scott County residents are reminded that personal property assessment sheets are to be turned in to the appraiser’s office no later than Tues., March 15 to avoid a penalty. Individuals must report property including: •Vehicles that are not tagged •Farm trucks •Aircraft •Boats and jet skis •Golf carts •Camper and misc. trailers •Mobile homes Businesses must report personal property that includes: •Equipment and machinery •Office equipment (computers, furnishings, etc.) •Anyone with questions can contact the appraiser’s office at 872-5446.

Honor Lawrence for service to Foundation, Scott County 4-Hers It isn’t enough to say that Gabe Lawrence has been a huge supporter of Scott County 4-H. “Gabe loves being around kids and doing whatever benefits them,” says Scott County FACS Agent Carol Ann Crouch. Serving on the Wm. Carpenter 4-H Foundation board of directors provided Lawrence the perfect opportunity to do that. “Everyone loves being on this board because the Foundation has money and they get to do so much for our 4-H youth,” Crouch points out. Lawrence, who resigned in 2015, was recognized earlier this week by fellow members for 20 years of service on the Foundation board. “During all the years you have spent with the 4-H Foundation, it was an honor and a privilege

to serve with you,” said board member Eilene Minnix when presenting Lawrence with a commemorative watch. Lawrence’s long association with 4-H began when his son, Chris, joined the organization and began showing livestock. They traveled to shows throughout Western Kansas in addition to Denver and the Kansas State Fair. There was one occasion, Lawrence recalls, when Chris missed having a grand champion lamb at the Kansas Junior Livestock Show “by that much,” he says, holding his thumb and forefinger about an inch apart. However, when Chris was bracing his lamb he raised the lamb’s front legs off the ground by about an inch. (See LAWRENCE on page two)

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

Sonic is ready for grand opening in Scott City Page 27

Gina Ramsey reads the inscription on a commemorative watch presented to Gabe Lawrence in recognition of his 20 years of service on the Carpenter Foundation board of directors. (Record Photo)

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-6 Calendar • Page 7 Lawn/garden • Page 8 Easter ham giveaway • Page 9 Youth/education • Page 11 LEC report • Page 12

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

Glen O’Neil era is over after first round loss at state tourney Page 19

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Highway funding, children’s programs at risk TOPEKA - Hundreds of millions of dollars that flow through state coffers each year that are earmarked for children’s programs, highways and economic development would no longer have that legal protection, under a bill being considered in the Kansas Senate. Instead, those funds that come from tobacco settlement money, the state lottery, sales taxes and other sources would all be folded into the state general fund so lawmakers could spend them as they wish, or use them as a regular way to close

what have now become routine budget shortfalls. Kansas Budget Director Shawn Sullivan said one of the main reasons that Gov. Brownback’s administration is asking for the bill is to quiet the criticism that’s often heard when money from those funds, particularly the highway fund, is “swept” into the general fund to fill in budget gaps. He says eliminating special revenue funds will increase transparency over how those monies are used and deflect criticism whenever the adminis-

Lawrence “As soon as the judge saw that he turned away. He said ‘A lamb has four legs. He’s meant to use them,’” Lawrence recalls. He had the opportunity to watch countless 4-Hers working with their livestock and taking them through the show arena at the county fairgrounds. “It teaches the kids a lot of responsibility,” he noted. But there was also another side to the experience. “When they realize that their animals are going to be butchered, I’ve seen a lot of tears flow,” Lawrence added with a grin. His involvement with the 4-H program continued when he was asked to join the Foundation board after Richard Randall stepped down. “When I first came on the board, Larry Huck said

tration “sweeps” those funds to balance the state budget. “This is taxpayer money,” Sullivan said. “This is not in some sort of special ‘Bank of KDOT.’ I think we need to work to get rid of that particular language, and I think something like this would assist with that.” Starting in July 2018, Senate Bill 463 would end the automatic transfer of more than $500 million a year in sales tax money into the state highway fund in the Kansas Department of Transportation. “The way that we do it now

(implies) that sales tax money is KDOT’s money, but it’s taxpayer money,” he said. “It is not the motor fuel taxes or gas taxes that have to stay in the highway fund.” It would also eliminate four other special revenue funds that receive dedicated revenue: •The Kansas Endowment for Youth (KEY) fund and the Children’s Initiative Fund, two related funds that receive about $50 million to $60 million a year from the state’s share of tobacco settlement money. And while the Children’s Cabinet,

which now supervises those funds, would continue to exist, its role would change so that it would only recommend appropriations up to $50 million a year for children’s programs. •The Economic Development Initiatives Fund, which receives more than $20 million a year in state Lottery proceeds. •And the Expanded Lottery Act Revenue Fund, which takes in about $82 million a year from casino gaming in Kansas. Sen. Ty Masterson (R-Andover), who chairs

(continued from page one)

it was my job to go visit with an individual about repaying his (college) loan to the Foundation. I said, ‘Thanks, Larry,’” the 76-year-old noted with a grin. “But I got (the money).” Without hesitation, Lawrence says his time on the board had been enjoyable. “I’ve liked helping 4-Hers do things and go to camps they might not otherwise have been able to afford,” he says. “I’ve been surprised at how many kids have come up and said thanks, that they wouldn’t have been able to go to camp or on a trip if it wasn’t for us.” Likewise, Lawrence has been able to see how Extension agents in other counties appreciate all that Scott County can do for its youth. “We’re lucky. We know we’re lucky,” he says. “I

Gabe Lawrence (front) was recognized this week by members of the Wm. Carpenter Foundation board of directors for his 20 years of service on the board. Current members include (from left) Eilene Minnix, Lance Huck, Gina Ramsey, Randy Rogers, Lisa Pearson and John Beckman. (Record Photo)

give credit to those who started this Foundation some 50 years ago. I don’t know that it could happen today. What a stroke of luck it’s been having this available to us.”

Lawrence says his greatest satisfaction comes from the connections and friendships he’s developed over the years with local youth. “Whenever I see a for-

mer 4-Her and they give me a war whoop on the street that has always made me feel good,” adds Lawrence. “I think it’s their way of saying that I made a difference.”

(See RISK on page 10)

The Scott County Record

Community Living

Page 3 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

There could be another reason behind fatigue We are now in March which means that spring is right around the corner. But March is also Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Month. According to the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association, CFS is a clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent or relapsing fatigue that has not been lifelong; is not the result of ongoing exertion; is not substantially alleviated by rest; and results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, social or personal activities. It also includes the occurrence of four or more of the following symptoms, all of which

must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue: •Impairment in shortterm memory or concentration severe enough to cause a substantial reduction in occupational, social, or personal activities; •Sore throat; •Tender cervical or auxiliary lymph nodes, muscle pain, multi-joint pain without joint swell-

ing or redness; •Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; •Un-refreshing sleep; and •Post-external malaise lasting more than 24 hours. Diagnosis of the chronic fatigue syndrome can be made only after alternative medical and psychiatric causes have been excluded. No diagnostic tests for this condition have been validated in scientific studies and no definitive treatments exist. Recent studies suggest that some persons improve with time but that most remain functionally impaired for several years.

Recycle (continued from page one)

logs, newspapers and inserts, office paper and paper bags. All of these items will be handled “single stream” meaning they don’t have to be separated, but can be put into the same recycling bins. The only exceptions are cardboard, which must be flattened, and shredded paper which must be bagged. The center will not accept plastic grocery bags, black plastic, motor oil containers, aerosol cans, styrofoam, electronics, ceramics/dishes, household hazardous waste, yard waste, light bulbs, window glass or mirrors. The center, located on south US83 Highway, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (including the noon hour). Bins will continue to be available outside for deposits during non-business hours.

Kaitlin Tinney and Cody Doll

Couple plans Aug. 26 wedding Galen and Arlene Doll, Healy, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their son, Cody, to Kaitlin (Katie) E. Tinney. Katie is the daughter of Russell and Sandra Tinney, Joplin, Mo. Katie is a 2006 graduate of McAuley Catholic High School and a 2014 graduate of Missouri Southern State University.

She is employed as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Cody is a 2005 graduate of Healy High School and a 2009 graduate of McPherson College. He is employed with Crossland Heavy Contractors in Columbus. The couple plans a May 21 wedding in Joplin where they will make their home.

Difficult to Explain Now that we have all that scientific information out of the way, CFS is very confusing and a problem for many. People of every age and gender can have CFS, though it does affect women at four times the rate of men. It’s most common in people in their 40s and 50s, but children can develop the illness, particularly during the teen years. The patient is so exhausted that they cannot function as normal and getting a “good night’s” sleep will not fix the problem. Initial studies of CFS prevalence indicated rates

of 7-10 per 100,000 people. More recent community-based studies have suggested rates of 200 or more per 100,000 people. So, it could affect two out of every 1,000 people, which means that in Scott County, there could be at least 10 people that have this problem. Although that number might not be significant, remember that it is a hard health issue to diagnose because, there are no physical signs that identify CFS. People who suffer the symptoms of CFS must be carefully evaluated by a physician. Common conditions that should be ruled out through a careful medical history and appropri-

ate testing include mononucleosis, Lyme disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, various cancers, depression and bipolar disorder. Research indicates less than 20% of CFS patients in this country have been diagnosed. CFS is not caused by depression, although the two illnesses often coexist. Recovery rates for CFS are unclear. Improvement rates varied from 8-63% in a 2005 review of published studies. For more information, the National Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association have a web site at http:// www.ncfsfa.org.

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

editorially speaking

Legislative brats:

Doing away with system of checks and balances

It’s tough being told that you’re wrong and there are rules to follow. Just ask any teenager . . . or Kansas legislator. In an apparent desire to erase memories of their teenage angst, a growing number of state legislators have decided it’s time to put the Kansas Supreme Court in its place. Tired of being told what to do when it comes to school funding . . . or for that matter anything else . . . ultraconservative Senators are pushing a measure in committee that would allow lawmakers to impeach a Supreme Court Justice, or Justices, for “attempting to usurp the power” of the legislature. In other words, legislators want to get rid of Justices who won’t rubber stamp their decisions. The three branches of government, with its system of checks and balances that were built into the U.S. Constitution and adopted by the state, apparently has no place in today’s political environment. Conservative lawmakers prefer to preach about the importance of the Constitution rather than live by its principles. The Constitution only matters when it favors their agenda. Setting the stage for the ongoing battle between Republican lawmakers and the judiciary, the state constitution requires the legislature to provide suitable funding for public education. The courts have ruled repeatedly over the past 25 years that this funding must be fair and equitable. In other words, students in districts large and small, poor and rich, should have the same opportunities for a quality education. Pretty radical, right? But that also carries with it a responsibility to provide adequate and equitable funding to assure every student in Kansas who attends a public school has that equal opportunity. The legislature has repeatedly failed that test over the years and rather than do what the Constitution demands, ultraconservative Republicans now want to get rid of Supreme Court Justices who don’t see the world the same way they do. “I believe the court has a tremendous problem with overreach,” says Republican Sen. Mitch Holmes, a sponsor of the impeachment bill. Holmes and like-minded legislators prefer Justices who are easily controlled and who operate in fear of being replaced if they should ever disagree with the governor or the legislature. Contrary to Holmes’ assessment, this isn’t about “overreach.” This is about dismantling the checks and balances that are essential to a fair and representative government. It’s about legislative brats who are angry because they can’t always get their way.

You’ve seen the commercials for JG Wentworth - “It’s my money and I need it now.” Gov. Sam Brownback is about to become a company spokesman. That’s the accusation being made by Shannon Cotsoradis, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children, who says negotiations are taking place behind closed doors which would allow investment firms to buy up the remaining money owed to the state through the tobacco settlement and, in return, the state would get a one-time check in the amount of $400 million. Cotsoradis didn’t divulge who had told her about the backroom negotiations while appearing before a Senate committee. And Republican lawmakers are playing dumb when confronted with the accusation, which is disturbingly easy for them. However, Eileen Hawley, the governor’s spokeswoman, did acknowledge that several months ago state officials heard a presentation about “securitization of future

Hiding the truth:

Pheasant hunt or political bloodbath?

Obama, not ideas, is the caucus spin from state GOP

When Kansas Republicans held their caucuses last weekend, they probably thought they were voting for Donald Trump or Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio to be the next President of the United States. You’d have thought state officials would have been beating their chests about Cruz more than doubling Trump’s vote total, or telling how the policies of one, or both, front-runners was going to somehow “make America great again.” You’d have been wrong. “This demonstrates the total dissatisfaction voters feel with the Obama administration and the sense of urgency to make a change in our country,” said Kansas GOP Chair Kelly Arnold in response to Saturday’s turnout. Who can blame him for making the caucus about Obama. That sounds much better than explaining how more than 35,000 Kansas Republicans supported a presidential candidate (Cruz) who wants to “carpet-bomb (the Islamic State) into oblivion.” And it’s much easier than trying to explain how more than 17,000 Kansas Republicans voted for a candidate (Trump) who promises to deport more than 11 million Hispanics back to Mexico. And it’s much simpler than explaining the nonexistent alternative to Obamacare which the Republican candidates have promised to deliver immediately following the repeal of Obamacare. The caucus wasn’t a rejection of the Obama Administration. It was a reflection of how shallow the political process has become within the Republican Party. Who needs to be a party of ideas when you can find success pedaling fear, hatred and bigotry?

Brownback wants his money now

Pheasants will be the prey during a hunt hosted by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback this week. But state lawmakers and Kansas Supreme Court judges could be Brownback’s targets later this year. At last report, Brownback planned to spend Tuesday and Wednesday hosting a “European driven” pheasant hunt at Flint Oak in southeast Kansas. Cost to rub elbows with the governor: $15,000 a person. And the proceeds to be used for? Well, the governor wasn’t saying. But some politicians told reporter Tim Carpenter they think Brownback will spend the funds given to his Road Map PAC to try to oust moderate Republican lawmakers in August primaries and most of the five Kansas Supreme Court

Where to Write

tobacco settlement money to Kansas.” In other words, the very thing that Cotsoradis is talking about. It’s easy to imagine Gov. Brownback and Budget Director Shawn Sullivan sitting in front of the TV at Cedar Crest one evening watching “Naked and Afraid” when a commercial airs with an opera cast of Vikings and one of them belts out, “I have a structured settlement and I need cash now.” Brownback and Sullivan immediately look at each other. “Bingo,” says Brownback. “I’m right on it boss,” replies Sullivan. JG Wentworth (or someone similar, without the cast of Vikings) meets with administration officials and they hear a very familiar story. “We have a structured settlement from the tobac-

another view by Yael Abouhalkah

judges up for retention this November. In addition, Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach has said he wants to get rid of four Supreme Court judges. So this week’s hunt could lead to a bloodbath for pheasants and lawmakers and judges. Now what exactly is a “European driven” hunt? Carpenter’s story called it “a prolonged slaughter.” But that sounds so . . . crass. Here, let the Flint Oak folks describe the “Open European shoot” that it offers in more soothing words: “The pageantry of this event makes each and every shoot unique because of the mix of par-

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

co companies,” explains Brownback. “We’re due to get $57 million a year until 2025. That’s $513 million.” “But we need cash now,” adds Sullivan, pointing out that, based on current revenue projections the state will finish in the red when the current fiscal year ends on June 30. The JG Wentworthtype individual grabs his calculator. He punches a few numbers and says his company is prepared to provide $400 million in cash “right now.” “I’m sure you can understand that being in this business, the $113 million in fees we would charge you is very reasonable. That’s a better rate than you’ll get for a title loan down the street,” said the company representative. “The important thing for you to focus on is the $400 million you get right now.” “Right now,” says Brownback with a huge grin. “Right now,” answers the JG Wentworth-type. “That would mean no

ticipants, the weather and a myriad of other factors . . . . The European has 39 blinds that surround the oak-covered hill. Pheasants are driven to flight towards the shooters. As the pheasants are harvested, the Flint Oak Retriever dogs are picking up birds for you. When the brace is over you move to a new blind and the fun starts all over.” Of course, it won’t be much “fun” for the pheasants. But the guys and gals with guns who paid $15,000 each to back Brownback’s PAC? That’s another story, as they shoot at helpless prey coming toward them. Which, come to think of it, is a pretty good way of looking at how Brownback is shooting down ideas to save the state’s financial situation.

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

more guaranteed money for early childhood education programs in the state,” noted Brownback. “But we’d get $400 million right now,” says Sullivan. “Besides, what do pre-schoolers need with $400 million or $500 million? Can we honestly say it will do them more good than us?” Unfortunately, what Cotsoradis is accusing the Brownback Administration of considering - and possibly negotiating isn’t new. In recent years, in order to meet cash flow problems, city and state governments around the U.S. have sold off building assets for quick cash, only to turn around and lease many of these same buildings. “This is tantamount to selling the family china only to have to rent it back in order to eat dinner,” says economist Yves Smith, author of the business blog Naked Capitalism. Brownback and Republican lawmakers are using similar fiscal shenanigans by borrowing more than (See MONEY on page six)

Earlier this year he reiterated his support for the reckless income tax cuts he pushed through the Legislature in 2012, giving unfair tax advantages to several hundred thousand LLCs. And in recent days he vetoed a bill that the GOP-dominated Legislature passed to try to rein in the governor’s ability to give away even more tax dollars to a questionable effort to attract the American Royal to Wyandotte County. Worst of all, the hunt follows by just days two more negative events in Kansas. First, February revenue figures came in nearly $54 million below estimates, prompting immediate Brownback-ordered cuts to higher education institutions. More budget reductions are ahead, too. (See HUNT on page six)

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

Requiem for a destructive billionaire by Emily Schwartz Greco

Aubrey McClendon’s 2013 Chevy Tahoe ignited after he slammed into an Oklahoma City overpass at high speed. Flames charred the brazen oil and gas executive’s body so badly that medical experts relied on dental records to verify that he’d died. One day before McClendon swerved to hit a concrete wall, a grand jury charged him with conspiring to rig bids for fracking leases. If convicted, the Chesapeake Energy Corp. cofounder could have spent a decade behind bars. It looks like he preferred suicide by SUV. “Executives who abuse their positions as leaders of major corporations to organize criminal activity must be held accountable for their actions,” said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer of the Justice Department’s antitrust division while announcing this unprecedented indictment on March 1. McClendon’s comeuppance was overdue. He was a Miley Cyrus businessman - a wrecking ball who blurred the lines between his own wealth and assets belonging to all Chesapeake shareholders. Both pools of money came from oil and gas fracking, the inherently destructive extraction method he championed. Drilling by injecting water, toxic chemicals and sand into the ground at a high pressure to fracture layers of rock has helped nearly double U.S. oil production and boosted natural gas output by 50 percent. It has also poisoned the environment, stoked climate change, triggered earthquakes, and made a small number of Americans filthy rich. McClendon leveraged his earnings to buy a stake in Seattle’s basketball team and duplicitously transplant it to Oklahoma City. He collected homes in places like Bermuda and Vail, along with antique maps and boats. At one point, he possessed 100,000 bottles of fine wine. The Oklahoman also splurged on his conservative political agenda, bankrolling rightwing candidates and helping to finance the misleading “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” attack ads that contributed to Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry’s 2004 defeat. He was also a self-serving philanthropist who gave the Sierra Club $25 million to support its anti-coal campaign. To its credit, the Sierra Club rejected his donations - which McClendon treated as an investment in boosting natural gas demand - after 2010. McClendon topped the AP’s list of the nation’s highest-paid CEOs in 2008, when his compensation totaled $112.5 million even as Chesapeake’s shares plunged 60 percent. Under his leadership, the company barely paid federal corporate taxes and became a leading purveyor of junk bonds. Chesapeake’s board booted McClendon in 2013 after the Reuters news service revealed that he’d treated the company’s coffers like his own piggy bank and made its employees work on his private ventures. Among those side businesses was a $200 million hedge fund that reaped profits when Chesapeake’s stock fell. Once the energy company made McClendon walk the plank, he boarded a golden yacht. Chesapeake gave its fired CEO 33 installments of $112,500, followed by a lump sum payment of $7.2 million and other gilded perks, according to Bloomberg. (See REQUIEM on page six)

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Trump’s America Candidate will lead us to a shining outhouse on the hill by Donald Kaul

When Donald Trump announced he was running for president, I mocked him. “Of the United States?” I asked. (I got a C- in Mockery when I was in college, unfortunately.) When he jumped into the lead almost immediately, I laughed. “The higher the climb, the harder the fall,” I said. (I did better in Pithy Quotations.) When the early campaigning found him doing well in such disparate states as Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina, I fell into denial. “He’ll never, ever be the Republican nominee,” I said. “Republicans are too sensible.” Then Super Tuesday happened and Trump basically wiped the floor with his opponents, who finally paused their fights with each other to join in a pathetic mass spitball attack on Trump. They were joined by the ghostly reappearance of Mitt Romney, who as usual, was a day late and a dollar short. So I give up. I’m now convinced that Donald Trump is going to be the Republican nominee for the presidency. Yes, of the United States. He crisscrossed the country and stitched together a diverse group of people - young and old, conservative and moderate, well-educated and “poorly educated,” Southern and Northern. They’re united by a single characteristic: They’re no smarter than a box of rocks.

That, it turned out, was enough. I don’t know whether it will be enough to beat Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders (if the Vermont senator’s unexpected Michigan win portends a real turnaround), but to tell you the truth I wouldn’t be surprised. Shocked, yes. Surprised, no. Well, you know what they say: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. In that spirit I would like to put forth the reasons that I, from now on, support Donald Trump. He’s inexperienced - and good for him, I say. The two most experienced presidents we’ve elected in recent times were Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon, and what did it get us? The war in Vietnam and Watergate. The next two most experienced were Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, both duds. And, don’t forget, George W. Bush came into office surrounded by what was described as a “dream team” of foreign policy advisers - Dick Cheney, Donald

Rumsfeld, and Paul Wolfowitz. Hello Iraq invasion and endless war in the Middle East. Experience is vastly overrated. Trump tells it like it isn’t. And he lies, but that’s good too. Why should we be the only country that tells the truth? Does China? North Korea? Iran? Russia? Don’t be silly. We need a leader who will match our enemies lie for lie, and Trump has shown a real genius for that. He can tell a lie and make it sound like an unpleasant truth. He has no respect for anyone - nor should he. The kind of people he hangs around with don’t deserve respect. A perfect example of that is Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey who endorsed Trump after ending his own bid. Christie immediately made himself useful by whacking Marco Rubio in a (See TRUMP on page six)

No words left to describe GOP charade by Jim Hightower

Help! We political wordsmiths are in urgent need of assistance from lexicologists. The Republican presidential primary has gone so far out, so beyond accepted boundaries of civic and civil behavior, that we’ve run out of words to describe the extreme weirdness. Words like bizarre, loopy, grotesque, burlesque, and freak show just don’t do justice to it. From the days of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, American politics has never been an endeavor for the delicate - it’s closer to a demolition derby than to a game of badminton. But still, the slur-fest and (See CHARADE on page six)

GOP, not media, to blame for Trump Establishment, candidates stood on the sideline too long For nine months, Republican leaders refused to take on Donald Trump when it would have done some good. Now that it may be too late, they’re blaming their own failures on the media. “The media’s pumping him up,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) complained. The Republican presidential candidate alleged that there’s a “weird bias here in the media rooting for Donald Trump because they know he’s the easiest Republican to beat.” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) agrees that the media have given Trump “hundreds of millions of dollars of free advertising,” a “massive in-kind contribution” that “helped create this phenomenon.” He even alleges that media outlets are holding exposés on Trump until he secures the nomination. Complaining about the media is an easy applause line for conservatives, and the news business no doubt deserves some blame for Trump’s rise. But if Cruz, Rubio and other GOP leaders are looking for the real culprits, they should start with themselves. Upset about the volume of coverage Trump has received? You might as well complain about the weather.

behind the headlines by Dana Milbank

News outlets (and their customers) love conflict: If it bleeds, it leads. If GOP rivals had taken on Trump early in the race, they would have received coverage, too. But they ignored him, hoping he would disappear, and so Trump had the cameras to himself for his outrages du jour. Coverage volume, meanwhile, is not necessarily a measure of success. Trump got 93 percent of coverage in the past 30 days, according to the LexisNexis Presidential Campaign Tracker. But on the Democratic side, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) got a virtually identical 92 percent. Also, it’s worth noting that all the issues Cruz and Rubio now bring up - bankruptcies, Trump University, his bigoted remarks, his autocratic instincts were covered by the press long ago. But Trump’s rivals declined to attack him. Recall the very first debate, when Fox News’s Megyn Kelly led off with a question noting that Trump has called women “fat pigs,” “dogs,” “slobs” and “disgusting animals.” Trump’s rivals were at most mildly critical of his misogyny. Or think back to another early debate, when CNBC’s John Harwood opened by

challenging Trump’s preposterous promises and asking: “Is this a comic-book version of a presidential campaign?” Trump’s rivals joined him in denouncing the moderators for being too tough. Looking back through my own coverage of Trump, I see a long list of unanswered pleas for the other GOP candidates to take on Trump. On Aug. 27, for example, I lamented the lack of “backbone” and the “virtual silence” of others in the field in reaction to Trump’s offenses. On Sept. 16, I pleaded for other GOP candidates to respond “quickly and consistently” to Trump’s bullying, and four days later I argued that if his rivals “take him on consistently and jointly . . . Trump’s moment will end.” But they didn’t. By Nov. 24, I despaired that “Trump gets ever more base in his bigotry - and yet, with few and intermittent exceptions, rival candidates, party leaders and GOP lawmakers decline to call him out. So he continues to rise.” Certainly, there’s a case to be made that the media - namely, Fox News - created Trump as a political figure before his candidacy. Beginning in 2011, Trump had a weekly segment on Fox’s morning show. The liberal watchdog group Media Matters calculates that Trump was on Fox’s evening and prime-time programs and Fox News Sunday 48 times between (See BLAME on page six)

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • March 10, 2016

To solve crisis, Brownback must reverse course Topeka Capital-Journal

The “real live experiment” Gov. Sam Brownback concocted as a conservative economic blueprint for Kansas has adversely affected too many lives. The time is now for Brownback to get real, disavow his pride and govern with common sense. Under his leadership, Kansas isn’t headed in the right direction. This plea comes from a

newspaper that endorsed Brownback’s re-election bid for governor in 2014. At that point, the Topeka Capital-Journal concluded it was too soon to declare that Brownback’s economic plan wouldn’t work. Not anymore. Evidence is abundantly clear. Had the governor demanded a stair-stepped tax reduction program, with smaller cuts imposed gradually, his tax revisions would have been

Trump drive-by, but did that make Trump grateful? No, he’s too big for gratitude. He treated Christie like the lackey he’d become. For me one of the great images of the campaign was Christie standing behind Trump during a rally, wearing that 1,000-yard stare one associates with a soldier who’s survived a bombing. Anyone who can reduce a bully like Christie to a hand-licking toady with such effortless ease can’t be all bad. Finally, Trump flipflops on issues - another strong point. We live in

(continued from page five)

volatile times that demand constant reassessment of one’s positions on issues. The king and queen of this technique are none other than Bill and Hillary Clinton, who are able not only to change positions on a dime but to occupy both sides of an issue simultaneously. Trump isn’t quite their equal yet, but he’s close. Now you see why I’m for The Donald. He’ll make America great again. It will be a shining outhouse on a hill. Donald Kaul is a retired Washington columnist for The Des Moines Register. He covered the capital for 29 years. dkaul1@verizon.net

Requiem He launched a new fracking company called American Energy Partners. But the 56-yearold former billionaire’s fortune was already dissipating when he perished, partly because of the collapse in oil and gas prices fracking brought on. The government has reportedly chosen to dismiss its indictment of McClendon while continuing to investigate whether the oil and gas industry is systematically ripping off landowners by rigging the bidding process for fracking leases.

Hunt

(continued from page five)

. . . a massive decline in revenue makes it impossible to compose a stable budget. Public schools lack necessary funding. The state highway system has been robbed of funds to fix shortfalls. Public safety has even been affected with job reductions in the Kansas Highway Patrol.

implemented at a pace the state budget could handle. Spending could have been cut gradually to more easily match losses in revenue. Instead, a massive decline in revenue makes it impossible to compose a stable budget. Public

schools lack necessary funding. The state highway system has been robbed of funds to fix shortfalls. Public safety has even been affected with job reductions in the Kansas Highway Patrol. Those who believe the state has a vested inter-

est in funding university and technical colleges now watch as those institutions face cuts. Those who believe people with mental illnesses or physical disabilities deserve compassionate help are appalled by limitations imposed on services. Yet Brownback won’t back down from his cornerstone policy, which eliminated state income taxes for 330,000 physicians, dentists, lawyers, farmers and other business

owners, and also lowered the individual income tax rates on Kansans. “This is an economic problem, not a tax policy problem,” Brownback said defiantly after yet another revenue crash in February stemmed from surprisingly shallow tax receipts from corporations, individuals and general sales tax. Brownback deserves credit for some measures (See REVERSE on page 7)

Where, oh where, are the leaders? The Marysville Advocate

“This is an economic problem, not a tax policy problem,” Gov. Sam Brownback said March 1 in response to the news that February’s tax receipts fell short $54 million. Does he think we’re stupid? Ever since the governor cut income taxes, Kansas has been running a river of red ink. To date, we’ve lost $1 billion in expected revenues. For this fiscal year alone, we’re $80 million short. The governor’s not buying it. “These numbers reflect a declining national and regional economy,” he said. No, they don’t. Kansas sits at the bottom of

Money

Chesapeake says the feds have granted it immunity. In the days following its co-founder’s death, the company’s beaten-down shares rallied. “The knowledge that the executive would no longer be able to exercise his influence on the company may very well have been a weight off investors’ minds,” observed Fortune’s Jen Wieczner. McClendon was apparently worth more to Chesapeake’s shareholders dead than alive.

$1 billion through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s T-Works program. This money is being used to close the ever-widening budget gap and keep state government operating. This has led critics to make reference to the “Bank of KDOT.” Apparently that description disturbs Sullivan who said, “We need to get away from the ‘Bank of KDOT’ language.” It’s not the practice of Emily Schwartz Greco is a long-term indebtedness former foreign correspon-

the nation in terms of stagnated growth. Brownback shakes his head and sighs heavily. No, no, no. Let me explain it to you, he says, taking a deliberate tone, as if talking to kindergartners. That tax loophole for 330,000 business owners has nothing to do with an underfunded state budget, he says. And those income tax cuts are stimulating the economy, he whines. “We’ve created 80,000 new jobs,” Brownback attests, cleverly omitting the fact that the state’s 0.5 percent job growth rate is ninth worst in the nation. The half-truths are beyond insulting. So what does he do?

He slashes $17 million from higher education, effective immediately. Looks like spring break may be extended - say until August. You’d think something could be done. Say, the Legislature would pass a budget that funds its obligations. You’d think. But that means standing up to Brownback. And so far, our Republicandominated Legislature has not shown the backbone. So that leaves us with decimated programs, no savings, and debts that extend deep into future generations. And we wonder why trust in government is at an all-time low. It’s called lack of leadership.

(continued from page four)

for short-term gain that bothers Sullivan - only the semantics. Given this administration’s recent fiscal history, it makes the claim by Cotsoradis not only possible, but plausible. The Kansas budget has become nothing more than one giant ponzi scheme in which money is shifted from one account to another in order to pay off creditors. Long-term debt is being acquired to meet immediate obligations and now we are quite possibly

willing to sell off assets at a sharply discounted price in order to pay our bills. There isn’t a banker in the country who would sign off on this if they had a customer walk into their office with a financial portfolio in similar disarray because of one simple fact. None of what the state is doing addresses the real problem. We have a tax policy that has destroyed our cash flow and is limiting the ability of government to do its job. The Brown-

back Administration and Republican leaders in the legislature might cobble together a patchwork plan that will get us through the end of the fiscal year - and possibly through the November elections - but what they’re doing is beyond unsustainable. It’s completely irresponsible. They aren’t planning for tomorrow. In fact, they could care less about tomorrow. They need their money and they need it now. Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

dent and financial reporter

(continued from page four)

Blame

January 2013 and April 2015. But then Fox News, like Republican officials and other conservative opinion leaders, lost control of the monster they created. There’s no question Trump’s run has been Yael Abouhalkah is a columnist for the Kansas City Star. He good for ratings and readcan be reached at abouhalkah@kcstar.com ership. But while this creates an incentive to cover Trump, it hasn’t translated to favorable coverage. The LexisNexis tracker finds that seven per-

Second, Kansas lost 4,000 jobs in January. Overall, the state gained only 1,400 jobs from January 2015 to January 2016. That’s a growth rate of a minuscule 0.1 percent, one of the worst in the country. The Sunflower State needs Brownback’s full attention right now. A pheasant hunt is not a good way to spend his time given the circumstances.

(continued from page five)

cent of the coverage of Republicans has been negative over the past 30 days, 11 percent positive and the rest neutral - virtually identical to the proportions for Democrats. The bigger problem among journalists covering Trump is the moral neutrality in the reporting. News organizations apply to him the same type of horse-race reporting that they do to conventional candidates: driven by

Charade hate-mongering of the campaigns being run by Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Daffy, Sleepy, Dopey, Curly, and Moe are extraordinarily excremental. Who could’ve thought that in 2016 a major party’s contenders for the presidency - not the presidency of some Phi

polls, defining who’s up and who’s down, who won the news cycle and who lost. Trump’s moves are often described as “brilliant.” But while it may be tactically brilliant of him to, say, propose a ban on Muslims entering the United States, it’s also deplorable. News organizations fear making such judgments would compromise their impartiality. But that’s a small

flaw compared with the chronic unwillingness of Republican leaders, and particularly Trump’s rivals, to take him on. Had they done so earlier, journalists would have followed their cues, and coverage would have been different. To blame the news media now for the GOP leaders’ own failings compounds their cowardice. Dana Milbank is a Washington Post staff writer

(continued from page five)

Kappa Bubba fraternity, but of the United States - would degenerate into wholesale racial and religious bigotry, cartoonish xenophobia, crude misogyny, tabloid conspiracy theories, mocking of the disabled, and schoolboy taunts about each other’s sweating, wetting of their pants, and the size of their private parts?

Worse than an embarrassment, their asinine antics are preying on people’s legitimate anger about being knocked out of the middle class by today’s power elites and being consigned to a future of poverty. To distract America’s hard-hit majority from looking up at these moneyed elites, the GOP’s candidates are telling us

to look down at “them” and to fear, hate, and denigrate everyone who’s “not like us.” A politics that convinces people that their lives can be better by making other people’s lives worse is a path leading straight down into the hell of an American fascism. Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

Knights of Columbus pancake/sausage dinner • St. Joseph Parish Center • Sat., March 12 • 5:00-7:30 p.m.

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Gay rights can infringe on religious freedom What would the world be like if we all stressed out over the water problems, and totally skipped out on all the other problems that take a major role in public life today? The article titled “Religious Freedom is not at Risk” in the last newspaper caught my attention. Haxton comments on prayer events and Bible studies in school, gay rights, and mentions several other things in his article. Are religious rights really a “non-existent problem” as Haxton writes? His comments about religious freedom would

editor’s mail imply that religion is just a belief. If it is okay for people to think that samesex weddings are right, good, and just, why is it “wrong” to believe that gay marriage is simply wrong? Haxton remarks that this is a matter of civil rights, but is it really? Being gay is a completely different matter than being white, black, or any other race out there! When a person puts his full trust on the Bible, he will realize that the Bible is strongly against samesex marriage. “If a man shall lie with

Reverse he has advanced as governor, some of which were thoughtful and overdue. He developed a plan for extending the Ogallala Aquifer, the lifeline for western Kansas farmers. He also invested, quite wisely, in technical education. Yet his vision for fiscal policy has been devastating, and has sometimes included methods usually not associated with conservatives.

mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination...” (Leviticus 20:13a) (See also Romans 1:2627). He will also realize that the Bible says that we should not be prejudiced just because of a person’s nationality or race. “God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth...” (Acts 17:26a). People are going to have different beliefs. Just because you strongly believe in your God or Gods does not mean that everyone else in the universe is going to agree with you any more than you agree

with them. Some people believe that one is born to be gay, some people definitely do not. Each person chooses what he wants to believe. In this aspect, religious freedom is not at risk, but it is when you take things a step farther. Usually, when people strongly believe in something, they want to carry it out. They want to demonstrate that they believe in a certain thing or way of life. When people believe that they are gay, they will show it in some way. Eventually, they may be involved in a gay marriage.

If a person does not agree with gay rights, his belief, also, will most likely come out sooner or later. This relevance may be in the act of refusing to do business with a gay couple, or it may be in a letter to the editor. To someone who does not believe in gay marriage, it is a religious freedom issue when he is forced to do business with gay couples. For someone who believes that gay marriage is okay, it appears to be a civil rights issue. In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that we should love everyone and treat them as you would want

eral tax change also has been mentioned, as well as a slow national economy and a weak regional economy. The excuses, however, grow old, especially when basic state services are at risk. This isn’t the executive leadership Kansans expected when they voted for Brownback in 2010. He won with 63 percent of the vote then. In 2014, he won with 49 percent.

To Brownback, however, that was a mandate to punch the pedal on his fiscal plan. Oh yeah, the plan was called an experiment. Whatever the terminology, it failed. Brownback, whose popularity rating is the worst of any governor in America, must realize this and reverse course before additional damage proves irreparable.

(continued from page six)

Huge risks were taken with the state’s finances, including a $1 billion loan to play the stock market and allow for payments into the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System to be skipped. Last year, $400 million was borrowed to divert more cash into keeping state government operations afloat. That figure represented about $150 million more

than legislators thought was under consideration. As revenue shortfalls persist, and the outlook for the state grows bleaker, Brownback and his staff usually find someone, or something, to blame. First, it was President Barack Obama because, well, if the campaign rhetoric works on voters, why not attach the same blame to failing tax revenue? Some sort of fed-

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to be treated. This means that it is right to love the person, but not agree, or love, what they are doing. Just as all politicians are not the same, neither are all Christians. Some walk the walk, and some merely try to convince others what they are doing is right. This is not how the Bible teaches Christians to live, but it is up to each individual to put the Bible to work in his own life. We cannot judge the whole Christian population by a handful of “pretenders.” Tyrah Dirks Scott City

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The Scott County Record

Lawn and Garden

Page 8 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

K-State releases Prairie Star Flower honorees

OLATHE - Some flowers are just born stars. Say, for instance, the glamorous-sounding “Glitterati Ice Queen” geranium. The flower, along with others that fared well in the Kansas climate for two consecutive years, has been named to the most recent Prairie Star Flower list of recommended annual flowers for Kansas. To make it to the list, plant breeders from around the world send flower seeds or rooted cuttings to a team at Kansas State University, who start them in greenhouses early in the spring. The plants are transplanted outdoors in different locations around Kansas when the weather warms. They’re evaluated throughout the growing season and ultimately

judged on their vigor, flowers and foliage. To be on the Prairie Star list http://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/ MF2769.pdf, a cultivar must perform well for two years, including growing and flowering abundantly with minimal care. That’s not always easy with Kansas’ sometimes challenging temperatures, winds and rainfall, or lack of. The flowers that made it onto the newest list thrived despite difficult beginnings. “Last year was a challenging year because of the wetter-than-usual (spring) conditions,” said Robin Ruether, Prairie Star program coordinator based at Kansas State’s Horticulture Research and Extension Center near Olathe. Like many

gardeners and landscapers last spring, her team had a difficult time finding conditions dry enough to get the plants in the ground. Some died, some performed ok and others thrived. The list includes flower name, cultivar or color, planting location such as “full sun” or “sun or shade,” and average height and width of the plant. It is also categorized into plants for flower display, plants for foliage display and plants for container gardens. When asked about trends in flowers, Ruether said pollinator friendly and drought tolerant are traits many gardeners look for. “There are a few new salvia additions to the list for 2016 that insects really love,” she said,

“Glitterati Ice Queen” geraniums have been added to the Prairie Star Flower list for Kansas.

adding that some cultivars of salvia, lantana and gomphrena, as well as the “Mojave” series of portulaca seem to like it hot and dry. Prairie Star is not a

commercial brand or product line, Ruether said. It tells what cultivars to look for, for example a “Surefire Red” begonia, rather than a generic begonia, because not all

begonias grow well on the Kansas prairie. Garden centers may not label plants Prairie Star, so she encourages gardeners to print the Prairie Star list and take it plant shopping.

St. Pat’s day signals potato planting time Mid- to late March is a good time for planting potatoes in Kansas. You need to use seed potatoes rather than tablestock potatoes. Seed potatoes have been inspected to be free of seed-borne diseases, are loaded with starch for rapid germination, and will readily sprout when planted. Cut seed potatoes into pieces so that you get about four seed pieces from an average sized potato. It is a good idea to cut the seed 2-3 days before planting and store the cut seed in a warm location. This encourages a protective coating to form over the cut surfaces to protect seeds from rotting in the ground. Plant a seed piece

potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, have a bright yellow color that holds through the cooking process. Some novelty potatoes are now available with a pinkish or purple colored flesh. However, this flesh about 1-2 inches deep, color is not stable when 8-12 inches apart in rows. cooked. It reverts to white. New, modern varieties of potatoes have shallow Planting Peas eyes, making them easPeas can be planted ier to peel and with less anytime now because they waste. Also, modern vari- germinate at cooler soil eties will store well with- temperatures than most out sprouting for longer other vegetables. When periods of time. soil temperatures exceed Red- or white-skinned 40 degrees, peas start to potatoes can be used for germinate. boiling, mashing, potato Plant peas about onesalad, etc. Russet-skinned inch deep in rows that are potatoes have a different close together. Pea vines starch texture so that they are flimsy, and two rows have a mealy, crumbly planted close together will texture when baked. support each other. This Yellow colored flesh is easier than building a

trellis or support for the vines. There are three main types of peas: garden peas (with thin pods and pea seeds shelled for eating), snap peas (with thick pods and pea seeds inside so they can be eaten for both the pod and seeds), and sugar-podded peas or snow peas (with thin pods used for the immature pods without enlarged seeds inside). Read the fine print on the variety package to see how large the vines will grow. Some peas have dwarf, small vines while others produce largevined plants.

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The Scott County Record • Page 9 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

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

Risk

GWMD

(continued from page one)

“They expected to see more happen once we were given the opportunity to establish a LEMA.” If the district takes no action, smaller producing wells will naturally be the first to be shut down because of inadequate pumping capacity. The result will be fewer wells on fewer acres and that, says Graff, will have a much greater impact on the region’s economy. “If we can manage this properly, we can keep a lot more wells pumping for a lot longer and maintain our entire economy better, Graff emphasizes. “The more acreage we can keep under irrigation the better off we all are.” Even if that amount is reduced. “A little bit of water in season can make a lot of difference,” Graff explains. “I can do a lot with six inches of water at the right time. When I drive through counties like Ness and Barton and see what they’re getting for rainfall, I think what we could do with that same amount of water given the way we’ve learned to manage our operations.” Breaking It Down With the water model complete, the GWMD now has the unique capability of breaking down water depletion trends and conservation analysis - to townships. “One thing we learned from the LEMAs is that one size does not fit all,” said Kyle Spencer, director of GWMD No. 1. “While the data can even be broken down into areas smaller than townships, it’s probably

Lane Latourneau, program manager at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, addresses issues regarding water use violations during the GWMD No. 1 annual meeting on Tuesday. (Record Photo)

not going to be as accurate as people would like, unless there happens to be a test well close by,” said Tracy Streeter, director of the Kansas Water Office. “Everyone would love to have data that would be specific to their farmland and their specific wells, but that’s not possible.” A general trend, based on the water model, indicates that at current pumping rates little will change in the availability of groundwater over the next 10 years. Through the normal course of usage, some wells will cease to pump adequate water and will be shut down. It’s in the following 10 to 20 years that the Ogallala will nosedive and the area will see a dramatic loss of irrigation. “Quite honestly, we’re probably a little better off in our district than in some areas,” said Graff. “That’s only because we’ve lost enough (groundwater) that we’re closer to sta-

Have questions about the Scott Community Foundation? call 872-3790 or e-mail: alli@scottcf.org

bilizing than, say, to the south of us. We’ve made adjustments and we’ve enacted water voluntary water conservation steps.”

a county standpoint and taking it down to the township level,” Graff explains. “A plan will be tailored for each county and for smaller areas in Developing a Plan those counties, if necesThe next step for the sary.” GWMD board will be to begin developing plans Producers are Ready for a LEMA. When the Graff feels that the board knows how much majority of water right water can be saved with holders and producers are different conservation ready for something to be plans they will take these done. to stakeholders at meet“We have people comings in each county. ing into the (GWMD) “We’ll tell producers office and asking why this is how much water haven’t we done somewe have to save in each thing yet. They’re right. county, this is how much It’s a shame we haven’t,” we have to save by town- Graff acknowledges. “We ship. How do you want to don’t want to push this off get it done?” Graff says. any further. “It’s going to get done, “Five years ago, the but we want to get feed- prevailing opinion was back from the people.” why are we messing with Once the board has this,” adds Graff. “I think gathered input, it will a majority of the people develop a plan and then now realize we have to do take it back to each coun- something. If we don’t, ty. then the state probably “We’ll have several will. It will be best to options of how we can arrive at a solution while achieve our goals - from it’s in our hands.”

(continued from page two)

the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said that when the governor or the Legislature takes money out of the highway fund to balance the budget, “it’s looked at as theft.” But if the money were given directly to the general fund in the first place, and the Legislature then appropriates what it thinks is needed in the highway fund, then it would be viewed as “normal.” But several organizations that rely on funding from those dedicated funds testified against the bill, arguing that it would put funding for those programs in jeopardy. Erick Vaughn, executive director of the Kansas Head Start Association, said merging the tobacco settlement money into the general fund could put future funding for early childhood education programs at risk. “There is no guarantee that future legislatures will appropriate money from the state general fund for early childhood programs,” he said. Setting aside tobacco settlement dollars in the KEY fund and the CIF designates them for their intended purpose.” Masterson took exception to that argument, saying legislators are elected by voters to make decisions about how money is spent. But Vaughn fired back, saying he believes there is another motivation for the bill. “The elephant that’s not being talked about in the room is the decreased revenues and needing to fill that hole,” he said. Masterson quickly interrupted, though, saying, “That’s your perception, that it’s somehow a drive toward revenues to fill a hole. That’s not what the bill does.” Shannon Cotsoradis, president and CEO of Kansas Action for Children, which advocates for children’s program funding, said she believes the administration’s real aim is to go even further, and includes plans to sell off the state’s future share of tobacco settlement money for a one-time payment, a process known as “securitization.” “It’s my understanding that a proposal has been developed to sell our tobacco settlement proceeds for $400 million, forfeiting the entire revenue stream upon which our entire early childhood system rests, at a time the state can least afford to pick up the tab for those programs,” she said. Asked later about that comment, Sullivan confirmed that the administration had received a presentation about securitizing the state’s future tobacco settlement payments, as 20 other states have done. “But that doesn’t mean we’re going to do it,” he said. Meanwhile, Travis Stryker, of the Kansas Society of Professional Engineers, said he feared the bill would threaten funding for the Kan-Grow Engineering Fund, which distributes $10.5 million in casino revenues each year evenly between Kansas University, Kansas State University and Wichita State University for their engineering programs. “It is essential Kansas has programs in place to create and retain a professional workforce,” he said.

Youth/Education

The Scott County Record

Page 11 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

Lawmakers propose rival school funding plans

Rival proposals for helping poor publicschool districts emerged earlier this week in the Kansas Legislature, with the chairmen of its two budget committees differing on how much the state would spend to meet a court mandate. Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Ty Masterson said he’s working on a plan for complying with a Kansas Supreme Court order last month by reallocating existing aid to public schools. The Andover Republican said he hopes it will be drafted yet this week. The House Appropriations Committee

already has agreed to sponsor a plan from Chairman Ron Ryckman, Jr., an Olathe Republican. He said his proposal will boost the state’s annual spending on schools by about $37 million, starting with the 2016-17 school year. Both plans would create winners and losers among the state’s 286 school districts by shifting money to poorer districts. Ryckman said he believes either would be acceptable to the court, which threatened to shut down the state’s public schools unless lawmakers act by July to fix flaws in how the state distributes more than $4 billion a year in aid.

Ryckman said he’ll propose increasing aid to test support for the idea within the GOPdominated Legislature amid the state’s ongoing budget problems. Masterson called his plan “realigning the current resources” to meet the Supreme Court’s concerns about state dollars being distributed unfairly. The senator said he believes that under his plan, about 100 districts would see their state aid increase, while 186 would see a decrease. Ryckman said 79 districts would lose aid under his proposal. The high court ruled in a lawsuit pursued since

2010 by the Dodge City, Hutchinson, Wichita and Kansas City districts. As part of their ongoing litigation, they challenged a school funding law enacted by Republican lawmakers last year. The law junked the state’s previous per-pupil formula for distributing aid in favor of stable “block grants” that essentially froze their state aid outside of contributions to teacher pensions. Gov. Sam Brownback and other Republicans complained that the old formula was too complicated and didn’t put enough money into classrooms. Last year’s law was meant to distribute dollars predictably while

lawmakers did a thorough overhaul. The statute expires in July 2017. But the Supreme Court said last year’s law shorted poor school districts $54 million during the 2014-15 school year, preventing the state from fulfilling a duty under the Kansas Constitution to provide a suitable education for every child. The high court has yet to rule on whether the state’s total aid for all districts is adequate. A lower court said last year that Kansas needed to boost its annual spending by at least $548 million. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley (D-Topeka) said a plan like Masterson’s that real-

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locates existing funds won’t survive a court challenge. “It’s a very bad idea, and it doesn’t come close to complying with the Supreme Court’s order,” Hensley said. He said the state must boost spending by almost $110 million, the amount the Department of Education estimates poor districts were shorted for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years under the court’s opinion. But attorneys for the four school districts in the lawsuit have asked the court to also require the state to make up the 2014-15 shortfall, bringing the total price tag to $163 million.

4-H Club News

Scott County youth donate $1,900 to Ft. Dodge soldiers

Vocalists and musicians from Scott Community High School and Scott City Middle School presented their winter concert on Tuesday evening. (Above) Male vocalists from grades 8-12 perform under the direction of Jodi Reese. (Right) Some members of the select group Encore who performed are (from left) Lizzy Eikenberry, Tre Stewart, Kaitlyn Wolkensdorfer, Daniel Nolasco and Josh Becker. (Record Photos)

Scott finishes 8th in Houston meat judging contest Kiersten Scott, formerly of Scott City, was a member of the Texas Tech meat judging team that claimed top honors in the spring show at Houston. Building on wins in Denver and Fort Worth, the Texas Tech University meat judging team made in a clean sweep for the spring judging season by taking both first and second place at the Houston

Livestock Show and Rodeo on Saturday. Unlike other shows, Houston allows schools to enter more than one team in the competition. The Texas Tech teams from the Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, took the top two spots over third-place

Colorado State University and Big 12 Conference rival Oklahoma State University in fourth. The Texas Tech Black team cruised to the overall win with 4,172 points while the Red team scored 4,109 points to edge Colorado State (4,108). As a team, Texas Tech swept the top two spots in four categories - overall beef,

beef judging, specifications and total placing. The Texas Tech Black team also finished second in beef grading, pork judging and reasons/questions. Scott, a junior, finished in eighth place with 1,039 points. That was only 13 points behind her teammate who claimed first place.

The monthly meeting of the Manning Jayhawkers 4-H Club was held on Feb. 8 at the William Carpenter 4-H Building. President Rachel Fisher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Flag Leader Bennett Frederick led us in the 4-H Pledge and the Flag Salute. Secretary Trella Davis called roll call which was answered to, “What is your favorite president?” It was answered by 20 members and one leader. Trella also read a thank you from the Colorado Adaptive Sports Foundation for helping with the fundraiser for the Denver Rolling Nuggets that helped Scott County 4-Her Nate Nowak. Community leader Stephanie Fisher announced that the Scott County 4-H Council donated $1,900 to the Fort Dodge Commissary to purchase items as needed. This money was raised from the pancake supper. Camp sign up will begin March 1. Under new business, Chance Jones brought some ideas about fundraising. It was decided to do a Little Italy Night to be determined at a later date. On the program, Trella Davis talked about her youth entrepreneur class. Cally Cramer showed how to make “Cutie Pies.” Marly Cramer talked about her snowflake ornament she made. Rachel Fisher talked about her science project on “Lies and Deception.” Next meeting will be March 14, 7:30 p.m., at the Wm. Carpenter Building. Cally Cramer, reporter

For the Record Senators introduce bill to repeal tax exemption The Scott County Record

Three influential Republican state senators Tuesday introduced a bill to repeal a controversial business tax exemption approved as part of Gov. Sam Brownback’s 2012 income tax cuts. Sen. Jim Denning, an Overland Park Republican, said the measure is needed to close a tax “loophole” that is costing “at least $250 mil-

The Scott County Record Page 12 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

lion” a year and wreaking havoc with the state budget. “It continues to make the budget unstable,” Denning said in a news release. “Given the rapid deterioration of the budget, I believe we have the votes to close the loophole and send the bill to the governor.” If that happens, Brownback has made it

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott City Police Department March 1: Interfering with a law enforcement officer was reported at 404 Manor Drive. March 1: Nicholas George was arrested for probation violation and transported to the LEC. March 6: Alan Bruner reported criminal damage to property. March 6: Jim Adams reported criminal damage to property. March 6: Angela Redmon reported criminal damage to property.

Scott County Commission Agenda Tues., March 15 County Courthouse 3:00 p.m.

Approve accounts payable Approve change orders

3:30 p.m.

Andrea Tucker to discuss vacancy of the health department building

4:00 p.m.

Refinancing bonds

4:30 p.m.

Public Works Director Richard Cramer

Agenda may change before the meeting. Contact County Clerk Alice Brokofsky for an updated agenda (872-2420) or visit www.scott.kansasgov.com

Public responds favorably to troopers with tattoos

In January, the Kansas Highway Patrol conducted an unscientific survey to poll the public’s perceptions of tattoos in law enforcement, as it related to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s policy on tattoos. The overall consensus on many of the questions was that people were not bothered by law enforcement officers’, or civilian workers’ tattoos, provided they are not offensive. The survey was open nationwide for anyone to

take, allowed for multiple entries. The agency is still evaluating its current tattoo policy. The Patrol formed a committee to evaluate the tattoo policy months ago, and they will soon provide recommendations to the superintendent concerning whether the current policy should be altered. The response to the survey exceeded expectations. During the 21 days the survey was open, 21,526 people responded.

clear that he’s unlikely to sign the bill. In a statement issued last week shortly after the Kansas Department of Revenue announced that February tax receipts had fallen $54 million short of projections, Brownback said, “I will not or call for a tax increase on small business in Kansas.” Brownback has often said that he would view

the repeal of the business tax exemption as a tax increase. In addition to Denning, Senate Vice President Jeff King, an Independence Republican, and Sen. Greg Smith, an Overland Park Republican, are sponsoring the repeal bill. It would do away with a provision in the 2012 tax bill that exempted more than 300,000 busi-

ness owners from having to pay income taxes on their non-wage business income. “The Legislature has worked aggressively to make Kansas the lowest income tax state in the region,” King said. “But we cannot lower taxes in ways that are unfair to hard-working Kansans.” All three of the repeal bill’s sponsors continue

to support the portion of the 2012 law that lowered individual income tax rates. Many Democrats and some moderate Republicans have said those reductions also should be reconsidered. The House Taxation Committee is expected to hold hearings next week on a bill that would repeal the business tax exemp(See REPEAL on page 13)

Avoid these common scams of 2015

The first full week of March is National Consumer Protection Week. While our office focuses year-round on protecting consumers from scams and rip-offs, this week in particular we remind Kansans to be diligent in keeping themselves safe. Here are some of the most common scams our office received complaints about over the past year. These scams have been around for years and yet we hear complaints about each of these nearly every day. So, stay on the lookout

commissioner’s corner Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer

for these ways the crooks are trying to get your money: •IRS/Government Imposter. In these scams, the fraudster calls impersonating a government employee. The most common one is a scammer impersonating the IRS saying you owe back taxes and needing you to pay immediately via your credit card or by purchasing a pre-paid card and

House passes bill to ban minors from tanning The Kansas House passed a bill Thursday that would ban people younger than 18 from using tanning salons. The 77-44 vote came one day after legislators engaged in a familiar debate, weighing House Bill 2369’s public health benefits against its infringement on personal liberties. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. Supporters of the bill lined up on one side, saying government has a duty to protect its youngest citizens from a product or service proven dangerous, much like it does by restricting the sale of tobacco or alcohol. “We clearly know

what causes most cases of melanoma, and it is clearly tanning beds,” said Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore, a Democrat from Kansas City. “This is not junk science. The jury is no longer out. The evidence is clear: Tanning causes cancer.” Opponents of the bill called it another example of “nanny state” legislation and said teens ought to be able to tan with parental consent. “Skin cancer is a tragedy, and to the extent we can avoid it, we should,” said Dick Jones, a Republican from Topeka. “But we should not be taking the responsibility away from the individuals and from the families.”

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

calling them back with the card number. Other variations include scammers calling saying you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay a fine. We’ve even had scammers call impersonating the attorney general’s office saying they were going to come arrest you if you don’t pay a fine immediately. Even the IRS does not use such threatening tactics to try to get you to pay up. Most often, when you owe money to a government agency, they are going to send you notices by mail. If you do get

something in the mail, it’s a good idea to look up that agency’s number in the blue pages of a phone book or on their official website and call to make sure it’s a legitimate letter. •You’re a Winner. This age-old scam still hasn’t gone away. Whether it’s a foreign lottery or a government grant, scammers are still luring people to send money with the promise of a future “prize,” if only they will send in the money to pay for the taxes or processing fees now. We always remind consumers that the Kansas (See SCAMS on page 13)

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

State lawmakers scrutinize sex education curriculum

Denise Mead panicked when she learned that her ninth-grade daughter, one of her seven children, was learning about safe sex in her Topeka High School health class, concerned that the curriculum would conflict with her Catholic values. “We are teaching our children that sex is a beautiful thing created by God,” Mead said. Under a bill that the House Education Committee approved last month, Kansas pub-

Scams Lottery is the only legitimate, legally operating lottery in Kansas, and you should never have to pay money upfront to claim a prize. •Card Services. One of our most common complaints is about these robo-calls claiming to be from “Card Services” wanting to help you lower your rates. This is a scam looking to collect your personal information, including your credit card numbers. The callers ignore the Do-Not-Call registry and even the requests from consumers to be removed from their lists. Often, the recorded message says to press 1 to speak to a representative or press 2 to be removed. We recommend you press no buttons and just

Repeal (continued from page 12)

tion and use the restored revenue to cut the statewide sales tax on food from 6.5 percent to 2.6 percent. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Hutton, a Wichita Republican, said lowering the sales tax on food is the best way to restore fairness to the tax system. But he anticipates there will be efforts to change that portion of the bill and instead use the money to prevent additional budget shortfalls. “Whether or not this ends up actually reducing the sales tax or not on food, I don’t know,” Hutton said. “It could get hijacked for (the) state general fund.”

lic schools would be required to get parents’ consent before students could enroll in sex education courses. The “opt-in” bill also would allow parents to review curriculum before enrolling their children in the classes. However, critics worry that the Kansas bill could undo historic declines in teen birth and pregnancy rates. Committee Chairman Ron Highland (R-Wamego) said the

bill likely would pass if it reaches a floor vote. Rachel Whitten, spokeswoman for House Speaker Ray Merrick, said the bill will be debated in the full House later this month. Most of the 286 school districts in the state currently have an “opt-out” policy, in which children are automatically enrolled in sex education courses unless their parents exempt them. Each school district chooses its own curriculum for fifth through 12th grade that

encourages students to abstain from having sex but also promotes using protection if students are sexually active. Mead teaches her children that sex should be saved until marriage and that it cements a man and woman’s relationship. She said she only received material about puberty and the dangers of drug use when she requested a copy of the curriculum from her daughter’s health teacher.

(continued from page 12)

hang up. Pressing a button will confirm to the robo-dialer that they’ve found a working number and someone who will answer their phone. They then sell this information to other scammers, meaning you’ll get even more calls. •IT Support. In this scam, the caller claims to be from a wellknown computer company telling you they’ve detected a virus on your computer and offers to help you remove it by connecting remotely to your computer. The irony here is that the scam artist is actually trying to install a virus on your computer to give them access to all your files and your personal information that is in them. The scammer may also

be trying to hack into your machine to send out spam emails from your account. If your computer really does have a problem, take it to a reputable, local computer repair shop. Never give a stranger access to your computer over the phone. •Utility Bill Collectors. Similar to the government imposter scam described above, in this one, the scammer is impersonating a utility company. Almost all of the major utilities in the state have been impersonated. The caller will threaten to shut off your electricity, water or other utilities unless you pay them immediately. Usually they want you to wire money or give them a prepaid card number. This makes

DL handbooks are free The Kansas Department of Revenue has eliminated the fee to purchase driver’s license handbooks at driver licensing stations throughout the state. The handbook outlines the Kansas’ rules of the road and includes information about applying for a driver’s license. It is also available online in PDF format at http://www.ksrevenue.org/pdf/dlhb.pdf.

it very difficult or nearly impossible to get the money back once it is sent. The scammers often target small businesses, where they know a business owner would rather pay than risk having their utilities turned off and have to close the business. Again, your best solution is to hang up. If you have questions about the status of your utility bill payments, call the utility directly at the phone number printed on your bill. More information on how to protect yourself from these and other scams is available on our consumer protection website at www. InYourCornerKansas.org or by calling our consumer protection hotline at (800) 432-2310.

Although her daughter assured her that the instructor only briefly discussed sex, Mead said she plans on removing her younger children from sex education classes in the future. “When people don’t give you the information that they’re covering, it seems like they’re hiding something,” Mead said. Bill Albert, the chief program officer of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy,

said teen births in Kansas are down 50 percent since peaking in the 1990s. He worries that the 40 percent of Kansas high school students who are sexually active will be robbed of information that helps them prevent pregnancies if the measure passes. “Kansas has seen nothing but declines in teen pregnancy year after year. Why would you want to tinker with success?” Albert said.

Pastime at Park Lane We offer our sympathy to the family of Geraldine Graves who passed away on March 4. Geraldine had lived at Park Lane for 12-1/2 years. We thank the family for the flowers brought to Park Lane in her memory. Joel Bryan led Sunday afternoon services. Residents played Wii bowling on Monday evening. Pastor Bob Artz led Bible study on Tuesday morning. Doris Riner and Elsie Nagel led the hymns. Russel and Mary Webster led Bible study on Tuesday evening. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran Bible study on Wednesday morning. Residents played bingo on Wednesday afternoon. Madeline Murphy and Barbara Dickhut were the helpers. Several residents played pitch on Wednesday evening.

Hit and Miss Band performs

The Hit and Miss Band from the VIP Center performed on Thursday afternoon. Margie Stevens, Arlene Cauthon and Melody Stevens were the musicians.

Residents play pitch, dominoes

Residents played pitch and dominoes on Monday afternoon. Dorothy King, Wanda Kirk, Joy Barnett, Madeline Murphy, Gary Goodman, Tara Williams, Jean Burgess, Mandy Barnett and Jake Gibson were the game helpers. Ladies were given manicures on Thursday. Trivia games were held on Thursday evening. Fr. Bernard Felix led Catholic Mass on Friday morning. Residents decorated cupcakes on Friday afternoon. Jim Jeffery was visited by Libbie Joles. Carol McKinney was visited by Brenda Tucker and Ziggy, Karen Harms, and Mary Lou Oeser.

Dorothy Fouquet was visited by Jon and Anne Crane, Mark Fouquet, Fritzie Rauch and Donna Gaschler. Delores Brooks was visited by Elsie Nagel, Charles Brooks, Cheryl Perry and Fritzi Rauch. Nella Funk was visited by Karen Harms and Mary Lou Oeser. Corrine Dean was visited by Kim Smith, Gerald Koehn and Dianna Howard.

The Scott County Record • Page 14 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Yvonne Spangler was visited by Yvette Mills, Jerica VanCampen and Bryer VanCampen. LaVera King was visited by Gloria Gough, Milt and Velda Riddiough, and Carol Latham. Cecile Billings was visited by Ann Beaton, Delinda Dunagan and Larry Billings. James Still and Mike Leach were visited by Rev. Don Martin. Louise Crist was visited by Patsi Graham. Cloide Boyd was visited by Kathy Harms, Jim and Mary Ann, Mary Clark and Denise Strecker; Miles, Colter, Emily, Dylan and Aurora; and Jade Crittenden. Lowell Rudolph was visited by Tom and Kathy Moore, LuAnn Buehler, Rev. Don Martin, and Steven and Mary Grigg. Kathy Roberts was visited by Mary Lou Oeser and Karen Harms.

Deaths Kris Keith Dexter Survivors include: one son, Howard Sheley, and wife, Phyllis, Hastings, Nebr.; one granddaughter, Jill Terrell, and husband, Mark, Chesapeake, Va.; two great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, two brothers and two sisters. Funeral service was held March 8 at Price and Sons Funeral Home, Scott City with Steve Payne officiating. Graveside service was at the Scott County Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Park Lane Nursing Home in care of the funeral home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Ks., 67871.

Maxine Pearl Binns Maxine Pearl Binns, 86, died March 9, 2016, at Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City. She was born July 17, 1929, in Sterling, the daughter of Walter and Pearl (Whittaker) Turner. Maxine was a lifetime resident of Scott City. She worked in nutritional services at the Scott County Hospital and St. Catherine Hospital, Garden City; and at the Added Touch, Scott City, for several years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Scott City, the Dietician’s Association, and was a Mary Kay representative. She married Allen Lee Binns on Feb. 7, 1949, in Ellsworth. He survives. Other survivors include: three sons, Mike Binns, and wife Debbie, Scott City, Tim Binns and wife Calene, Derby, and Julian Binns, and wife, Karla, Wichita; two daughters, Susan Irwin, and husband Harold, Scott

Lucille Dirks was visited by Dale and Vicki Dirks. Boots Haxton celebrated a belated birthday with her daughter Joni Pottberg from Salina and Miles Veeder from Dodge City. Bonnie Pickett was visited by Gloria Wright, Larry and Philene Pickett, and Gary and Sandy Schmidt. Albert Dean was visited by Mary Lou Oeser and Karen Harms. Dona Dee Carpenter was visited by Marvel Keyse, Gloria O’Bleness and Larry LaPlant. Lorena Turley was visited by Neta Wheeler, Tava See, Roy and Tina Turley, Tracy Hess, D’Ann Markel, Elizabeth Dearden; Tracey B. from Houston, Tex.; Mary Lou Oeser, Karen Harms, and Marilyn Waters. Vivian Kreiser was visited by Sharon Lock and Lorena Turley.

Clifford Dearden was visited by Kirk and Janet Ottaway from Hays. Arlene Beaton was visited by Aaron, Landry and Drylan Beaton; Margie Stevens, Charlene Becht and Colleen Beaton. Visitors of Edith Donecker were Phyllis Ruiz, Jera and Debbie Drohman, Sue Rogers, and Darin, Danica, Dale and Sydney Donecker. Elmer Erskin was visited by Harold Erskin from Mulvane; Rick and Sandy Kahl Kahl, Leasha Fox, Sharon Powers, Mindy and Haley Allen, Milt and Velda Riddiough, Colleen Dearden, Dave Powers, and Shirley Rogers from Valley Center. Darlene Richman was visited by Tina Turley. Thelma Branine was visited by Tania Fahring, Lance and Carol Ellis, Sherri Smith, Hunter Smith and Chandler Hornbostel.

Sr. Citizen Lunch Menu

Geraldine Graves Geraldine Graves, 95, died on March 4 2016, at Park Lane Nursing Home, Scott City. S h e was born May 16, 1 9 2 0 , in Lane County, the Geraldine Graves daughter of Thomas J. and Edna M. (Stone) Shull. Geraldine was a resident of Scott City from 1939-58, when she moved to Lane County with her husband, returning to live in Scott City in 1975. Geraldine was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Scott City. She married Blaine Sheley in February of 1940. He died in 1996. In June of 1958 she married Johnny Graves. He died March 22, 2001.

by Jason Storm

City, and Julie Janssen and husband, Troy, Scott City; one daughter-in-law, Laurel Binns, Scott City; two brothers, Clinton Turner, and wife Margaret, Scott City, and Clayton Turner, and wife, Wanda, Hope; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Richard Binns and Porter Binns; and one grandson, Matthew Binns. Visitation will be Fri., March 11, 10:00 a.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home, Scott City. Funeral service will be Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church, Scott City, with Pastor John Lewis officiating. Interment will be at the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Scott County Library or Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Ks, 67871.

Kris Keith Dexter, 69, died on March 9, 2016, at the Greeley County Hospital, Tribune. Kris was born Oct. 21, 1946, in Garden City, the son of Harry and Eleanor Mae (Browning) Dexter. He had been a Tribune resident since October 2015, moving from Garden City. Kris was a retired art teacher. He served his country in the United States Navy from 196871. He was a member of Tyrian Masonic Lodge

Week of March 14-18

No. 246 in Garden City and was a Knight’s Templar. He held both the Scottish and York Rites. Survivors include: two children, Amy Beth Herron, Dighton, and Kent Dexter, Dodge City; four grandchildren in addition to cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. At Kris’s request, his body was donated to medical research. Funeral services will be held at a future time and will be announced by Price and Sons Funeral Home, Leoti.

Merlin Leland Peter Merlin Leland Peter, age 69, passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016 at the Marquis Regency Care Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Funeral arrangements will be announced later with a full obituary.

Monday: Chicken patty, baked beans, deli fixins, Rice Krispie bar. Tuesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, whole wheat bread, peaches. Wednesday: Polish sausage, sweet potatoes, steamed cabbage, whole wheat bread, cinnamon apple slices. Thursday: Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, carrots, whole wheat roll, ambrosia. Friday: Fish sandwich or hamburger, broccoli-rice casserole, deli fixins, pears. meals are $3.25 • call 872-3501

The Scott County Record • Page 15 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Poll: Brownback, legislature less popular than Obama Gov. Sam Brownback and the Kansas Legislature have lower approval ratings in Kansas than President Barack Obama, according to a recent poll from Fort Hays State University. In fact, of all the public institutions and elected officials asked about in the poll, the one with the highest approval rating was one that Brownback and lawmakers spend a great deal of time attacking - the Kansas Supreme Court. That may not be saying much, given that only 45 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the Supreme Court. But at least it was higher than the 25 percent approval rating for the Legislature, or

Brownback’s 21 percent rating. By comparison, in the solidly Republican state of Kansas, 34 percent said they were either somewhat or very satisfied with President Obama. That may be of interest to Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio, who has been touting endorsements from Brownback and other GOP officeholders in the state leading up to Saturday’s Republican caucuses. Those were just some of the findings in the survey by FHSU’s Docking Institute of Public Affairs leading up to Saturday’s Republican and Democratic presidential caucuses in Kansas. In addition, in the sur-

vey of voters’ presidential favorites, which was released last week, the Docking Institute asked about a wide range of political and social issues. And, similar to the Kansas Speaks survey from last fall, it showed most Kansans are much more moderate in political ideology than their elected leaders. Increase School Funding Among the issues specific to Kansas: •77 percent said funding for public schools in Kansas generally should increase, and 63 percent want increased funding for their own local schools. •Two-thirds (66 percent) oppose the Legislature’s decision to allow concealed carry of

handguns without a permit or training requirements. Nearly half (49 percent) said they strongly oppose that decision. •Only 23 percent said they are “extremely” or “very” concerned that a terrorist attack will occur in Kansas, while 49 percent said they are “somewhat” concerned, and 28 percent said they are not concerned at all. However, when it comes to allowing Middle Eastern refugees fleeing war and persecution to come to Kansas, the poll showed Kansans’ attitudes line up pretty well with their elected leaders: 51 percent oppose such a policy, while only 36 percent support it. The survey also asked about several national

political issues. And again, it showed most Kansans to be more moderate, or even liberal, than their elected Republican leaders. •Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) said taxes should be raised on the nation’s top income earners, and more than half (57 percent) said large corporations should pay more in taxes. •Concern about the federal budget deficit was split about evenly, with one-third saying they are “extremely” or “very” concerned about it; another third saying they’re “somewhat” concerned; and about a third saying they’re not concerned at all. •More than half (53 percent) said they would support allowing a path-

way to citizenship for illegal or undocumented immigrants who have no criminal record. But a sizable number, 23 percent, support deporting all undocumented immigrants. •And nearly half (48 percent) said they oppose defunding Planned Parenthood, while only 35 percent support it. The other 18 percent had no opinion either way. The question is often asked how can the political views of elected officials be so different from those of the people they represent. The answer appears to be simple. “Average” Kansans don’t vote in primary elections where candidates are selected. Only the most passionate and partisan voters do.

Attend the Church of Your Choice

Moving on Up In the days before Jesus ascended to the cross and rose again from the tomb, Jesus walked up from Jericho to reach Jerusalem. Then they came to Jericho. And as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat along the way begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” - Mark 10:46-47 MEV The crowd does not respond well to Bartimaeus. They try to silence him as they are getting worked up, anticipating Jesus entering Jerusalem in triumph. Bartimaeus responds by turning up the volume, yelling all the more over the crowd, knowing Jesus will quickly be out of sight. Jesus responds by pausing at the foot of the mountain and calling Bartimaeus to move up the line to him. Jesus heals Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus follows Jesus up the mountain to Jerusalem. Bartimaeus is all of us. All of us have need of mercy from God. Mercy to forgive our sins. Mercy to heal our brokenness. Mercy to give to others. We are called to follow Jesus.

Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. So they called the blind man . . . - Mark 10:49 MEV I can almost see a wry grin on Jesus’ face when he stops, turns to the crowd trying to silence Bartimaeus, and instructs them to call out to Bartimaeus. Silencers are now callers. I can almost see a sadness wash over Jesus’ face, too. Perhaps Jesus kept walking because he was giving the crowd a chance to show mercy. Giving his followers a second chance to show mercy after they had tried to silence parents coming to have their children blessed (Mark 10:13-16). Perhaps Jesus was not waiting for Bartimaeus to call out louder, but for his people to call out in mercy. As we follow Jesus, are we known for our mercy? As people of God, are we known for pausing our plans to give God’s mercy to someone else? Are our eyes open to those who sit in the valley of despair? Are our ears open to hear their calls for mercy? Are our mouths open to call them up with us to where Jesus is? As Lent moves up to Easter, may you have mercy to spare. True triumph comes from shared mercy.

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, 9:00 a.m. • Fellowship, 10:15 a.m. • Sun. School, 11:00 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.

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

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

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 16 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Planned Parenthood getting funds despite threats

Kansas hasn’t cut off Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood even though Republican Gov. Sam Brownback declared two months ago that his administration would quickly end the funding, says one of the organization’s top officials. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri President Laura McQuade said that services are still being provided to Medicaid participants and state reimbursements are being made - at five clinics in Kansas and the Kansas City, Mo., area. She said her group expected to have been notified

Services continue in state despite Brownback threat by now by state health officials that the clinics were no longer considered Medicaid providers. “Whether or not it’s legal, whether or not it’s rational, whether or not it’s constitutional, those aren’t the guiding principles,” she said. As for a two-month delay, she said: “That’s not how it’s played out in other states.” Brownback’s spokeswoman said she was looking into the situation. Federal courts have recently blocked attempts to cut-off Medicaid funding for

Depression: a very treatable illness by the American Counseling Association

With most illnesses, it’s relatively easy to realize that something is not right. It might be a fever, that persistent cough, a sharp pain or any of a number of other symptoms. But depression, especially in its early stages, can be more difficult to recognize. That’s unfortunate, because as an illness, just like any other illness, it can become more serious if not treated and can lead to a variety of complications. And depression is most certainly an illness. While it may not be caused by a bacteria or virus, it can have just as serious an impact on a person’s life as cancer or any other major health issue. And depression, like any other disease, has a number of common symptoms that make it recognizable. What are those symptoms that should have you concerned? •When you experience changes in sleep or eating patterns •Having strong feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness •Finding yourself having trouble concentrating or making decisions •Experiencing a listlessness and lack of energy for no real reason •Losing interest or enjoyment from activities you usually enjoyed •Beginning to have negative thoughts that you’re no good or can’t do anything right •Having thoughts of death or suicide. While all of us can experience times when we’re feeling low and things just aren’t going right, clinical depression is when one or more of the above symptoms are being experienced over a period of time. If a person has been suffering from symptoms such as these for two weeks or more, it’s time to seek professional help. This can be difficult simply because someone suffering from depression may think that no one can really help and that nothing can be done to make things better for them. Such feelings are unfortunate because depression is highly treatable. A trained professional counselor may recommend a combination of counseling and medications to reduce and eliminate the symptoms of depression. (See ILLNESS on page 17)

Planned Parenthood in Arkansas, Louisiana and Utah. Similar attempts in Arizona and Indiana in 2011 and 2012 also were blocked by courts. Planned Parenthood’s national organization said that since August, seven states have moved against the group’s Medicaid funding. Brownback, a vocal anti-abortion conservative, declared in his annual State of the State speech in early January that he was acting to ensure “not a single dollar of taxpayer money goes to Planned

Whether or not it’s legal, whether or not it’s rational, whether or not it’s constitutional, those aren’t the guiding principles. As for a two-month delay: That’s not how it’s played out in other states. Laura McQuade, president Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri

Parenthood” through Medicaid. The next day, he sent a letter to Susan Mosier, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, directing her to terminate any provider affiliated with Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid participant. The health department released a statement Wednesday say-

ing it was “continuing to work through the proper procedure for terminating Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding eligibility in accordance with the law.” Several anti-abortion legislators said they expected Brownback to cut off Medicaid funding this spring through executive action or a budget

provision. “I’ve been surprised that we haven’t seen it yet,” said Sen. Garrett Love (R-Montezuma) and the leading sponsor last year of a first-inthe-nation law to ban a common second trimester abortion procedure. “I think Kansans want to see Planned Parenthood defunded.” Planned Parenthood provides services to Medicaid participants in Kansas at clinics in Wichita and Overland Park, as well as three clinics in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. The Overland Park clinic (See THREATS on page 17)

Bill would allow pharmacists to administer vaccines to children Would increase access, but physician groups have concerns Allison Kite Kansas Health Institute

A bill before the House Health and Human Services Committee would allow Kansas pharmacists to administer vaccines to children 6 and older. Kansas lags the rest of the nation for coverage rates of three recommended adolescent vaccines, which the bill would allow pharmacists to administer.

Allowing pharmacists to give more vaccines to children became a debate about access versus the fracturing of health care Tuesday in the House Health and Human Services Committee. House Bill 2646 drew support from pharmacist associations while groups representing doctors opposed it, citing concerns about record-keeping and continuity of care. HB 2646 would allow properly certified pharmacists to administer all vaccines to children 6 and older, opening the possibility of a slate of adolescent shots being given at a pharmacy rather than

a doctor’s office. Infant and kindergarten vaccines would not be included. Pharmacists can administer the flu vaccine to children six-years and older and can administer any vaccine to adults, according to the bill’s fiscal note. According to the Kansas Pharmacists Association, the goal of the bill is to increase access to vaccines. In 2012, two counties didn’t have a single physician serving them and seven didn’t have any primary care physicians. Lis Houchen, a representative from the National Association of

Chain Drug Stores, cited a 2004 study in her written testimony that said vaccination rates were higher in states that allowed pharmacists to administer vaccines. The study looked at rates of influenza vaccines for patients over the age of 65. She said the more flexible hours and increased access through pharmacists could raise vaccination rates in Kansas. Low Rates of Vaccination Kansas lags the rest of the nation for coverage rates of three recommended adolescent vaccines, which the bill would allow (See VACCINES on page 17)

Nursing homes say they will close without bed tax increase Andy Marso Kansas Health Institute

The leader of a group that represents Kansas nursing homes told state senators Tuesday that facilities will have to close if a bed tax increase doesn’t pass. Cindy Luxem, executive director of the Kansas Health Care Association that represents for-profit nursing homes, told members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee that it’s critical to pass

Senate Bill 457. The bill would increase a “bed tax” on nursing homes and use the proceeds to draw down more federal Medicaid funds, which would go back to the nursing homes in the form of payments for services provided to residents on Medicaid. Advocates for nursing home residents want future bed tax payments tied to quality improvement measures. When Sen. Laura Kelly (D-Topeka) asked about

that, Luxem said it was secondary to the fiscal urgency of the situation. “If we don’t have the money, senator, it doesn’t matter about quality,” Luxem said. “Because we will have to shutter our doors.” Nursing homes throughout the state have felt a financial pinch as a computer system switch delays thousands of Kansas Medicaid applications. LeadingAge Kansas, which represents nonprof-

it nursing facilities, joined Luxem’s group in telling senators that the federal money from the bed tax is crucial. The tax is set at $1,950 per licensed bed in skilled nursing facilities. Without any legislative action, that tax will end July 1. If the Legislature passes SB 457, the tax would be extended for four years and increased to $4,908 per bed, drawing down an estimated $70 million in federal dollars to boost (See BED TAX on page 17)

Specialty Care, Hometown Service

The Outreach Services Clinic at Scott County Hospital If you need a medical specialist, Scott County Hospital offers a variety of options for your care. Talk with your physician about a referral to meet with one of our visiting specialty doctors.

Cardiology Dr. Janif

Cardiology Dr. Thapa

Oncology/Hematology

Dr. Tibayan

Cardiology Dr. Ferrell

Orthopedics Dr. DeCarvalho

Cardiology Dr. Freund

Podiatry Dr. Burkey

Pulmonology/Sleep Dr. Ballard

SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL Leading You To A Healthy Future

Ear, Nose, & Throat Dr. Munson

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

Immunology/Allergy Dr. Faraci

Urology Dr. Lopez

Nephrology Dr. Baracaldo

Urology Dr. McDonald

Neurosurgeon Dr. Henry

Registered Dietitian & Diabetic Educator Courtney McCarty

Call (620) 874-4854 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

The Scott County Record • Page 17 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Threats performs abortions, but McQuade said Medicaid funds only cover services such as health exams, family planning services, and breast and cervical cancer screenings and treatment. A spokeswoman for the local Planned Parenthood affiliate, Bonyen LeeGilmore, said the organization wanted to ensure that its Medicaid patients knew they could still receive services at the clinics in Kansas. Since taking office in 2011, Brownback has repeatedly signed annual budgets with a provi-

sion blocking Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funds for providing non-abortion, family planning services under another federal program, costing it about $370,000 a year. However, Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid Missouri continued to receive Medicaid reimbursements, about $61,000 in the fiscal year ending in June 2015, according to the organization. Abortion opponents have touted their efforts to “defund” Planned Parenthood in Kansas,

Vaccines pharmacists to administer. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends four vaccines for teens: Tdap, meningococcal, human papillomavirus (HPV) and the flu vaccine. Kansas is about five percent behind the national average for the Td or Tdap vaccine, but the gap is worse for others, according to data from the CDC’s 2014 National Immunization Survey. The state lags the national average - 24.8 percent for Kansas to the nation’s 39.7 percent - and all but three states for girls receiving all three shots of

and in a Feb. 20 speech to a Republican breakfast hosted by the antiabortion group Kansans for Life, Brownback said, “We’ll finish the job this year.” Kansas has faced numerous federal and state lawsuits against abortion restrictions that have been enacted since Brownback took office. The attorney general’s office said this week that it has paid outside attorneys nearly $1.4 million to defend the state in those cases since January 2011. But the state also has prevailed multiple times,

including in Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit over a budget measures blocking it from receiving federal family planning dollars. A federal appeals court upheld the policy in 2014. On Wednesday, McQuade accused Brownback of making Planned Parenthood’s funding from Medicaid an issue to divert attention from the state’s ongoing budget problems. “You can never discount the fact that Planned Parenthood is a convenient target for Gov. Brownback,” she said.

(continued from page 16)

Seeking such help is especially important because depression, unlike the common cold, is not going to go away on its own. Rather, ignoring the symptoms of depression can often lead to more serious, even life-threatening, problems. If you, or someone close to you, is experiencing the symptoms of depression, talk to your family doctor, a professional counselor or your local mental health center about the help available.

(continued from page 16)

the HPV vaccine series For boys, the Kansas rate is 19.5 percent who complete the series versus 21.6 percent nationwide. Kansas ranks last in the nation, at 38.3 percent, for the rate of girls who get at least one shot in the HPV series. HPV can cause a number of cancers. Fractured Care During the hearing, doctor associations raised concerns that patients wouldn’t come in for examinations if they were able to get immunizations from a pharmacist. Vaccinations are an important reason to get

Bed Tax nursing homes’ Medicaid reimbursement rates. The bed tax was enacted in 2010, over the objections of some facilities with more private-pay residents that still have to pay the bed tax but don’t see the benefit of higher Medicaid payments. Mitzi McFatrich, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, told senators that from the

Illness

(continued from page 16)

children in the office for care, they said. Wakon Fowler, a physician from Pratt who testified on behalf of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians, said his concern wasn’t about the qualification of the pharmacists but the importance of providing consistent care. Another concern from doctors was communication between the pharmacy and physicians. The bill requires any pharmacist administering vaccines to report the vaccination to the patient’s primary care physician and “appropriate immunization registries.”

(continued from page 16)

beginning the intention was for nursing homes to use the extra Medicaid money to increase the quality care. But there’s been little oversight of the $120 million over the last five years. “No state agency has audited the nursing homes’ use of that money,” McFatrich said. She said Kansas ranks

among the worst states when it comes to antipsychotic use, and 219 of the state’s 342 facilities had deficiencies on their health inspections that recurred each year over the last four years. The results show that nursing home quality is not improving, she said. “They aren’t keeping that promise to older adults,” McFatrich said.

Introducing

Dr. Julie A. Munson Ear, Nose, and Throat Scott County Hospital would like to introduce one of our new visiting outreach physicians, Julie A. Munson, D.O. Dr. Munson specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical care of issues dealing with the ears, nose, and throat in patients of all ages. Speak with your family physician about a referral to see Dr. Munson at Scott County Hospital.

SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL Leading You To A Healthy Future

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

The Scott County Record • Page 18 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Congratulations! SCHS Beavers

in qualifying for the 2016 3A state tournament and for another outstanding season

Members of the 2016 Class 3A sub-state champion Scott Community High School basketball team are (front row, from left) Kyle Cure, Justin Faurot, Bo Hess, Drake McRae, Dylan Hutchins and Drew Duff. (Back row) Assistant coach Brian Gentry, Zach Carson, Jess Drohman, Marshall Faurot, Nick Nowak, Reid Brunswig, assistant coach Alex Hutchins and head coach Glenn O’Neil.

1st Place • Orange and Black Classic in Colby Class 3A Sub-State Champions Season Record: 18-6 We are proud of you. You are great ambassadors of your school and your community! Scott Cooperative Association

Stevens Veterinary Services

410 E 1st St. 210 W Meadowlark Ln., Scott City 872-5823 • 800-931-COOP 620-214-0469 • 620-872-2727 www.scottcoop.com

Scott City Chiropractic

Eisenhour & Graff

110 W 4th, Scott City 872-2310

509 Church St., Scott City 224 N. 4th St., Leoti 872-3471 • 375-2272

Chambless Roofing, Inc.

Faurot Heating & Cooling, Inc.

1102 S. Main St. 872-2679 or 800-401-2683

Midwest Energy 1301 S. Main, Scott City 1-800-222-3121 www.mwenergy.com

910 W. 5th • 872-3508

Vulgamore Family Farms

1550 W Road 70, Scott City 620-874-5075 www.vffarms.com

MTM Siding & Glass, Inc. 1130 W. Hwy 96 872-2315

State Farm Insurance Michael Trout, Agent 112 W. 3rd • 872-5374

michael@troutagency.com www.troutagency.com

Spencer Pest Control

Rodenbeek & Green Agency

J & R Car and Truck Center, LLC. 208 West 5th. • 872-2103 JRCARandTRUCK.com

Box 258 • 200 E. Rd. 140

habiger@wbsnet.org

872-2870

601 Main St., 872-5803 www.rgagency.com

Wheatland Electric

Wheatland Broadband

872-2156

620-872-5503

101 S. Main • 872-5885 www.weci.net

416 S. Main St. • 872-0006 www.wbsnet.org

Turner Sheet Metal

AgMax Crop Insurance

Dairy Queen

1851 S. Hwy 83 • 872-2954

815 W. 5th • 872-2900

1211 S. Main St. • 872-3215

Norder Supply, Inc. 4310 E. Hwy 96 872-3058

Scott County Hospital 201 Albert Ave., Scott City 620-872-5811 www.scotthospital.net

Dec-Mart Furniture

Millrod’s

Security State Bank

408 Main • 872-2449 decmart@wbsnet.org

201 Main, Scott City 872-5655

ADM Grain

Networktronic, Inc.

1-800-308-7536

D-214-0653 • M-214-0652

3171 W. Hwy 96, Scott City

1503 S. Main., Scott City 872-3393

www.pioncomm.net

325 Main • 872-2161

1711 S. Main St., Scott City

L&M Western Tire

872-1300

www.heartlandfoodsstores.com

40 Pitman Ln • PO Box 243 872-7222

Berning Farms

501 Main St. • 872-2143

402 S. Main St.

1314 Main St. • 872-5854

Helena Chemical

First National Bank

Shallow Water - 872-2174 Selkirk - 375-2574 Leoti - 375-4811

Platinum H Insurance

Wallace, Brantley & Shirley

Heartland Foods

506 Main, Scott City 872-7224

www.hughbinns.com

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. 105 E. 6th St. • 874-2428 scottcityhomeloans.com

710 W. 5th St. • 872-7199

BK Auto Body

Z Bottling Corp.

1301 South Hwy 83 620-872-3722

J.F. Beaver Advertising

Richards Financial Services

Joe and Jay Beaver Scott City • 872-2340

411 S. Main, Scott City 872-5949 richards-financial.com

Office Solutions, Inc.

Western State Bank

1007 N. 8th St., Garden City 620-874-0014 www.officesolutionsinc.biz

1425 S. Main St., Scott City 872-2227 • www.wsbks.com

Percival Packing

American Implement 807 N. Main • 872-7244 americanimplement.com

Best Western El Quartelejo Inn & Suites 1610 S. Main Street, 872-7373 www.bwelquartelejo.com

Bartlett Grain

907 W. 5th Street, 872-0100

305 W. Bellevue 872-3456

The Rec (Pool Hall)

HRC Feed Yard LLC

318 Main, Scott City

6550 W. Hwy 96 872-5328 www.hrcfeed.com

Braun’s Butcher Block 212 Main St., Scott City 872-7238

Midwest Mixer, LLC 40 East Rd. 160, Scott City 872-7251 • 800-280-7251 www.midwestmixer.com

Sports The Scott County Record

focused Lady Hornets have one goal in mind as they coast through sub-state • Page 21

www.scottcountyrecord.com

Thursday, March 10, 2016

one more time

Page 19

Bluejays fly past Beavers in OT

Scott City junior Justin Faurot turns around for a basket in the middle of the Sterling defense during first half action in the Class 3A sub-state championship game. (Record Photo)

Clutch 3s down stretch send SC to sixth straight state tourney When you think of threepoint shooters on this 57 year’s Scott Sterling Scott City 59 Community High School team, Justin Faurot isn’t the first name that comes to mind . . . or the second. Maybe not even the third. Sterling might have been thinking the same thing. But when the junior guard found himself unguarded after getting a pass in the corner, he didn’t hesitate to take the shot. “Coach said to hold off

shooting threes, but I was wide open and I figured if I hit this it’s a big momentum-changer,” said Faurot, whose team was protecting a 52-51 lead at the time. “You have to have the belief in yourself that you can hit that shot.” Faurot’s shot found nothing but the bottom of the net with 1:27 remaining in the Class 3A sub-state championship game on Saturday night, bringing a huge roar from Scott City fans. But it was far too early for Scott City fans to relax. Following a defensive stop,

the Black Bears were forced to foul and they put junior guard Bo Hess on the line where he extended the SCHS lead to 57-51 with a pair of free throws. The drama still wasn’t over as Sterling responded with a basket and on the inbounds play quickly fouled Faurot. He made both ends of a one-and-one that again put SCHS on top by six, 59-53, with only 31.6 seconds on the clock. Scott City fans could finally think about returning to the state tournament for a sixth consecutive time.

Sterling did add a pair of late baskets - the last one with only :02 left in the game. But when Scott City was able to get the ball inbounds to Dylan Hutchins, his missed free throw with 1.1 seconds remaining made no difference as the Beavers had captured yet another sub-state title. Faurot finished with 10 points - only his third time in double figures this season and he’s only made eight threepointers, but none were more (See CLUTCH on page 23)

The Hutchinson Sports Arena has come to feel like home court for the Scott Community High School boys. That happens when you’ve won 14 of your Scott City 40 Sabetha 43 last 15 games on that floor while playing in five state championship games. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and the Glenn O’Neil era at SCHS didn’t end with another Class 3A title, but with a heartbreaking 43-40 overtime loss to No. 2 seeded Sabetha in Wednesday’s opening round state tournament action. It was a game in which the Beavers were a frigid 2-of11 from three-point range in regulation. They were outrebounded 29-19. And yet they came agonizingly close to pulling off the first round upset when a 60-foot shot by junior guard Bo Hess bounced off the front of the rim just ahead of the fourth quarter buzzer. Another two inches and Scott City (18-6) would have kept their title hopes alive for the weekend. As it turned out, that was Scott City’s last and best chance at a win. Defensively, SCHS did an outstanding job of limiting the Bluejays (23-1) to just 32 points during the first 32 minutes. The game played out pretty much as O’Neil had expected. “We didn’t want to get into a running game because we couldn’t control the boards and they were big enough to throw over us on the doubleteams. This was the game plan we wanted to stick to and we did it pretty well,” said the head coach. It was a very methodical game by both teams with the Beavers showing a lot of patience on offense and playing the kind of tenacious defense they are known for. In a very low scoring first half, Scott City trailed at the break, 14-13. Packing the Zone With their size advantage, the Bluejays were content with packing their zone defense inside and forcing (See BLUEJAYS on page 24)

Lewis sends Hornets to state with buzzer-beater It’s no accident that Lake Lewis has established himself as a consistent three-point Dighton 48 shooter for the Sharon Sp. 47 Dighton High School boys. “Lake works hard after practice every night. He’s not a kid who beats his chest. He’s just a hard worker and you want to

see good things happen to a kid like that,” says head coach Dean Cramer. Good things did happen during the Class 1A-Division II sub-state championship game on Saturday night when Lewis drained a three-pointer just ahead of the buzzer to give Dighton a 48-47 overtime win over top-seeded Sharon Springs. It was the second time that Lewis had a chance to advance

the Hornets (16-6) to their first state tournament since 2013. Trailing by a point late in the fourth quarter, Dighton’s Tyler Lingg threw a cross-court pass to Lewis who was fouled on an attempted steal by Grady Hammer with only :15 remaining. Lewis, who finished the night with 12 points, hit the front end of a one-and-one to tie the game, but missed the potential game winner.

Sharon Springs missed a lastsecond basket to send the game into overtime. The game was knotted at 4545 when Dighton had the ball and designed a play for T. Lingg in the paint. On the missed shot, Lingg fouled Hammer who hit a pair of free throws with 8.6 seconds on the clock. Sophomore guard Jordan Horn drove the length of the floor before making a pass at-

tempt to Logan Lingg that was deflected out-of-bounds with just 1.8 seconds to play. Sharon Springs called a timeout to set their defense for an inbounds play. “I was glad they called a timeout because we didn’t have one,” says Cramer, who used the opportunity to remind his team they’d been in this situation before. (See LEWIS on page 20)

The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Outdoors in Kansas by Steve Gilliland

All you need to know about fishing I’ve always been somewhat cursed when it comes to fishing. From the time I was a kid, I could fish next to someone else, and using the same bait rigged the same way I’d catch one fish to their dozen. Once, Joyce and I anchored our boat on the same brush pile as some friends, even fishing with the same lures given to us by them, and caught nothing while they hauled in fish after fish. For those reasons I’ve shied away from fishing to this day. But now I’m retired, so it’s time to put on my big-boy bloomers and figure this fishin’ thing out. The Kansas Dept of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors. com is a goldmine of fishing information. Click on “fishing” at the top of the home page and a lengthy list of fishing related links opens on the left. There is a link called “learn about fish and fishing” that offers a list of 10 instructional videos on all different kinds of fishing here in Kansas. A link on “where to fish” shows the state broken down into five different fishing regions. Clicking on each region shows all KDWPT operated fishing waters in that region, city and county lakes included. Clicking on individual lakes or reservoirs opens up a page for each, complete with fish species in them and the latest fishing report there. Clicking on “reports and forecast” opens up a page with each fish species found in Kansas listed across the top, and a full page on how to read and interpret the information. (See FISHING on page 22)

OT loss in sub-state semis ends SC season

The Scott Community High School girls were supposed to be one-anddone in Class 3A sub-state tournament action. N o t only did the Lady Beavers Scott City 39 advance Lakin 40 to the semi-finals, but they were just 20 seconds away from an unlikely berth in the championship game. However, Scott City’s lack of big-game experience came back to haunt them at the end of regulation and in overtime during a 40-39 heartbreaking loss against Lakin last

Lewis “I told them we’d been in so many close games this year and not won that we were due to win this time,” said the head coach. In an identical situation in the third quarter, the Hornets tried to get the ball to 6-foot-5 junior Tyler Lingg breaking to the basket. Cramer figured the Wildcats would be looking for a similar play this time. He had Dylan Foos make the inbounds pass and put Horn and T. Lingg on the right side of the court. “I figured Sharon Springs would be looking for the ball to go to one of those two boys,” Cramer said. In order to prevent a possible drive to the basket, the Wildcats also switched to a zone defense for the inbounds pass. However, Lewis was always the No. 1 option. Foos was told by the coaching staff to take another step back from the baseline in order to give himself a better passing angle to his right where Lewis was breaking into the corner. In addition, L. Lingg set a screen along the baseline to briefly shield off the defender. Foos sold the fake to Horn and then turned the other direction where he made a perfect pass to Lewis who drained the

Thursday. “It comes down to knowing what to do in certain situations and we don’t have that experience,” noted head coach Sarah McCormick. “I’ll give the girls that this year, but they don’t get to use that as an excuse next year.” These two teams were expected to be evenly matched and that proved to be the case with 12 lead changes and 11 ties during the game. Scott City’s biggest lead of the second half was 28-25 following a basket by junior Kiana Yager with 1:37 remain-

ing in the third period. Baskets by Yager and Kaitlyn Roberts put the Lady Beavers on top, 35-33, with 4:18 to play. Missed opportunities, turnovers and fouls filled the final three minutes as Lakin tried to protect a 3635 lead. SCHS, which had been held scoreless for nearly four minutes, had a final opportunity to take the lead following a missed one-and-one opportunity by the Lady Broncs. Yager responded with a clutch three-pointer from the right wing with only :20 on the clock to give SCHS a 38-36 advantage.

It appeared that Scott City (7-15) would escape with the win after Lakin lost control of the ball. In the scramble that followed, Scott City’s Nicole Latta was whistled for her fifth foul which put Molly Hendrix on the line. She made both free throws to send the game into overtime. “It was a situation where we didn’t have to foul. Even if (Lakin) did get the ball they weren’t going to have an opportunity for a very good shot,” says McCormick. “It comes down to knowing the situation and what you can and can’t do.”

Three free throws accounted for all of the scoring in a chaotic overtime period. Yager, who led the team with 12 points, tied the game at 39-39 when she hit the first of two free throw opportunities. Two seconds later, a Scott City foul put Lakin back on the line where they regained a 40-39 lead with 1:55 to play. Both teams committed a pair of turnovers during the next 1-1/2 minutes. A Scott City foul put Lakin back on the line, but after two missed free throws (See SEMIS on page 22)

(continued from page 19)

winning basket which set off a huge celebration by the home fans. Huge Turnaround When the two Northwest Kansas League Schools met in late December, Sharon Springs was a 30 point winner. T. Lingg didn’t play in that first game, which contributed to the huge Wildcat win. But another huge factor in the turnaround was better defense, says Cramer. “Our game plan was to keep it in the 40s. They are an explosive team who can put together 10 or 15 point runs and we had to keep that from happening,” he says. The Hornets did that with solid defense that “didn’t allow straight-line penetration” and by keeping a hand in the face of their three-point shooters. While Sharon Springs was 10-of-31 from threepoint range they were only 3-of-19 from inside the arc. “We tried to take them out of their comfort zone. They weren’t used to running the offense. Sharon Springs is used to getting points in transition,” says the head coach. “I think they might have been a little surprised to see so much zone defense against their outside shooting.” Horn, who was 3-of-5 from beyond the three-

Big turnaround from earlier loss to Cats was a team coaching effort Rarely, if ever, are lessons learned from a 36 point loss. Dighton may be the exception. In their final regular season game, the DHS boys were thumped by Ness City, 74-38, but head coach Dean Cramer noted at the time his team could learn from the similarities between the Eagles and Sharon Springs. “We got beat pretty soundly, but it was also a chance for the boys to understand what I mean when I tell them to slow the game down. We got caught up in the (Ness City) game,” says Cramer. “We’d break the press and if the shot wasn’t there we wouldn’t pull it back out and set our offense. There were too many times that Ness City was able to take the ball the other way and they put together some big scoring runs.” The Hornets were much more patient against Sharon Springs. point line, finished with a team high 13 points. Foos put together an outstanding effort with 12 points (5-of-8 FG), including a pair of treys, to go along with five rebounds and four assists. T. Lingg was doubleteamed for most of the night, but still finished with nine points and nine rebounds. “Defensively, he was a presence in the middle. Sharon Springs had two guys foul out who were spending a lot of time guarding Tyler,” Cramer

Just as importantly, Cramer tapped into the knowledge of his former head coach and long-time DHS coach Gene Wilkens, who is currently on the junior high staff. “Coach Wilkens saw things in our zone defense that we need to do,” says Cramer. “Gene’s such a student of the game and he was able to point out things we could do differently with our offense and defense. “Between Gene, (junior high coach) Ben Wilkens and Coach Mack (Barnett) it was a team effort preparing for substate,” Cramer adds. “I realize I don’t know everything. I knew there was something missing, that we were giving up too many shots against our 2-3 zone. “Without the help of these three guys we wouldn’t have been in position to win. After that, it comes down to a great effort by our kids to do what they’d been taught.”

adds. Pull Away from Weskan It looked like the Hornets would cruise to an easy win in the sub-state semi-finals when they jumped out to a 22-10 first quarter lead against Weskan. However, the Coyotes were able to cut the lead to a single basket at halftime before Dighton pulled away in the second half, 63-49. “Tyler (Lingg) got into foul trouble and hardly played in the second quar-

ter. That allowed them to make their comeback,” says Cramer. “They also had some success getting the ball into the middle against our 2-3 zone and we had to make some adjustments to deny the ball to the high post.” Dighton held only a 3230 lead at halftime and 4540 after three quarters. Despite sitting on the sideline in the second period, T. Lingg led all scorers with 20 points (9-of16 FG) and 10 rebounds. Horn added 14 points and six assists.

The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Focused Hornets roll through sub-state Herman is The Dighton High School girls were heavily favored to win their Class 1A-Division II sub-state tournament. Anything short of a trip to state would have been a monumental upset. But that doesn’t mean the Lady Hornets were looking past their Sharon Sp. 28 competition. Dighton 55 “They were very focused,” said head coach Amy Felker following a 55-28 romp over Sharon Springs in the sub-state title game on Saturday. “We didn’t want a repeat of last year.” Felker was referring to their sub-state championship game loss against an Ingalls team they had defeated earlier in the season. There were no worries this time around. The Lady Wildcats provided only minor resistance to Dighton’s quest for a state tournament berth. By halftime, DHS owned a 31-18 lead and they blew the game open with a 17-5 scoring surge in the third period. With the Lady Wildcats focusing their defensive attention on junior guard Sara Cramer and junior center Jordan Speer, it paved the way for senior forward Dakota Hoffman to respond with a team high 17 points (8-of-10 FG) and six rebounds. “They were doubling down on Jordan and putting an extra girl on Sara,” says Felker. “If teams are going to forget about Dakota then she’ll attack the basket. Because teams are so focused on stopping Sara and Jordan it can create some matchup situations that Dakota can take advantage of.”

regional FT contest champ

In the Knights of Columbus free throw shooting contest, Kevin Herman, 13, was a first place winner at the regional level. Christian Wright, 14, was a runner-up in his adge division and Dylan Duff, 10, placed third. Herman advanced to the state contest held in Salina.

SC cheer squad tryout March 31 Tryouts for the Scott Community High School cheer squad will be held on Thurs., March 31, 7:00 p.m., in the high school gym. Interested participants can tryout for cheerleaders, yell leaders or the mascot. Practices will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 29-30, 6:30 p.m., in the gym. Information sheets are available at the SCHS and SCMS offices.

Dighton senior Dakota Hoffman grabs a rebound during the sub-state semi-finals against Western Plains. (Record Photo)

Despite the defensive attention, Speer finished with a double-double - 13 points and 14 rebounds - while Cramer added 12 points, six steals and five assists. “It was a good game for us heading into state,” Felker adds. “The girls executed well. They found the good shot and they didn’t force anything. We’re doing a good job of finding the open girls and attacking the op-

posing team’s weaknesses.” Roll Through Semis Dighton didn’t expect a serious challenge from Western Plains and they didn’t get one in a 62-22 blowout in the semifinals. The Lady Hornets pounced on Western Plains for a quick 13-0 lead with Cramer and Speer combining for 11 points. Speer ripped the Bobcat de-

fense for 15 first quarter points as DHS opened up a 23-6 cushion. Cramer, who was 10-of-14 from the field, finished with a game high 24 points, five rebounds and three assists while Speer added 15 points and five boards. Senior guard Kiara Budd collected 13 points, including 3-of7 from beyond the three-point line.

Bulldogs take a bite out of Dighton

Dighton High School got the kind of start it wanted in the opening round of the Class 1A-Division II state tournament. They just weren’t able to get the finish they wanted in a 46-32 loss to number-two seeded Attica on Thursday night in Dodge City.

The DHS boys (16-7) owned a 15-13 lead after one quarter but were limited to just 17 points the remainder of the night. Junior center Tyler Lingg, who was 4-of-5 from the field, led the Hornets with nine points and 11 rebounds, but was held scoreless in the second half.

Isaac Torson (2-of-2 FG) added seven points. The difference in the game was Dighton’s inability to take care of the ball - 21 turnovers - which also limited their offensive opportunities. The Hornets were just 12-of-28 from the field, including 0-of-7 from beyond the three-point line.

With only two offensive rebounds, the Hornets also had limited second-chance opportunities. Attica (22-2), on the other hand, had 44 shot attempts and drilled 5-of-19 from beyond the arc. All five of Attica’s longrange shots came in the first half.

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The Scott County Record • Page 22 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Next season could be special for the Wildcats Kansas State has the potential to be a formidable basketball team next season. Many facets have to blend together for the Wildcats, but if that happens, K-State has a chance to be special. Every exby ceptional Mac team has to Stevenson have one or two talented players who can be counted on in crucial games. Unlike football, college basketball teams can become competitive at the highest level with just one or two highly skilled players who are surrounded by proficient and effective players. Freshman Dean Wade (6-10, 225) is poised to become one of those extra-special players. Wade has had a productive season and could be voted Big 12 Freshman of the Year. But he has to make significant improvement between his first and second year with K-State. He has a perfect frame for basketball. Wade could easily put on 20-25 pounds of muscle through his arms and shoulders before the 2016-17 season. The youngster from St. John also has to become more assertive with his rebounding and offense. That usually happens to big kids between their freshman and sophomore years. Wade has an exceptional shooting touch and he has the tools to become an All-American type player. He isn’t there yet, but it can happen. K-State loses just two players of any note: guard Justin Edwards and forward Stephen Hurt. The young players have gained invaluable experience and the foundation is set for next season. D.J. Johnson is back and he and Wade will form a potent inside twosome. If Weber brings in two or more stellar freshmen, watch out for the Wildcats. Time for a Breather KU enters this week’s Big 12 Tournament (March 9-12) in Kansas City with what appears to be a certain number-one seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks won the undisputed Big 12 championship with a 15-3 record (27-4 overall). (See WILDCATS on page 25)

Semis the Lady Beavers had another opportunity for the win. Instead, SCHS committed its 25th turnover with :12 remaining. A quick foul put Lakin’s Paige Kirby on the line where she missed two free throws with 8.5 seconds to play. Scott City had one final scoring opportunity when junior guard Taylor Goodman drove into the paint and saw her shot attempt roll across the rim as time expired. “She took control of the situation and didn’t hesitate. I’m proud of her for that,” says McCormick. “That shot could have just as easily fallen.” Roberts and N. Latta finished with eight and seven points, respectively. A 43-34 rebounding edge for the Lady Beavers wasn’t enough to offset Lakin’s 9-of19 from the free throw line in

Fishing Clicking on each individual species at the top opens up a forecast page for that species in every Kansas lake and reservoir where they are found. Refer to the instruction page on how to interpret the information. Also shown on the site are all the Kansas waters where trout are stocked each fall and winter plus the trout stocking schedule actually showing when and how many trout are stocked in those waters. There’s also all the necessary

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the fourth quarter and overtime. Students of the Game “I know the girls are upset after the loss to Lakin. They should be,” McCormick says. “But that’s why you work on your game during the summer - so these types of losses don’t happen anymore. “That should be your motivation throughout the summer - to get in the weight room and to spend every opportunity improving your game. If they don’t touch a ball until November then we’re going to experience this all over again.” In addition, the SCHS head coach says her players - present and future - must become “students of the game.” “We haven’t known what to do at the right time, especially in tight games. That’s been an

Achilles heel throughout the year,” she points out. “They need to become a student of the game - watch it, practice it, play the game. Hopefully, we’ll learn what to do in those situations. “I’ve never questioned the effort. But we also have to play smart. We didn’t always do that against Lakin.” However, the seven wins was the most by the Lady Beavers in any season since 200910. This was also the first time Scott City had advanced to the semi-finals since 2009. It was the first part of a rebuilding process. “The biggest step during the past season was learning to believe in ourselves. I knew this would be the hardest thing for us - to know that we could win close games and compete against these teams,” McCormick says. “I was proud that

we were in more close games than blowouts.” The SCHS girls will be competing in a Cimarron summer league and it will also be an opportunity for incoming freshmen to begin competing at the high school level. “I’m excited about the incoming freshmen. There are girls coming into the program who are excited about basketball and have had a taste of winning,” adds the head coach. “It will only make us a better team to have these younger girls pushing the older girls for starting spots. “I’ve told the girls this was only step one. I’m really excited about where this program can be in a couple of years. We have girls who are really hungry for success and a community that is ready for us to be successful.”

and some even have a good population of crappie. You may have to do some detective work to find them as they’re sometimes behind farm buildings or in pastures, but you often have the whole place to yourself when fishing there. As note of caution though, make certain to get permission to fish farm ponds because they are usually on private property. Well it appears to me that my excuses for not fishing have disappeared like dust

in the Kansas wind, if they ever existed in the first place. Despite today’s technology and the “boat loads” of helpful information available to help, there is still no substitute for the guidance of a season Kansas fisherman. So if you’re new to fishing or just bad at fishing like me, find someone to mentor you. If you’re a successful fisherman, take one of us along as you Explore Kansas Outdoors.

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information about fishing seasons, limits and regulations, and even a list of all certified bait dealers in the state. If your fishing experience doesn’t have to include the roar and feel of a big boat motor pushing a tricked-out fishing rig across a large lake, and your catch doesn’t absolutely have to be walleye or striper, then I highly recommend farm pond fishing. Farm ponds are great places to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegills,

Steve can be contacted by email at stevegilliland@idkcom.net

The Scott County Record • Page 23 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Clutch huge than his clutch basket on Saturday. The win didn’t come easily for the Beavers. Then again, few have this season, despite putting together an 18-5 record. “Justin was feeling pretty good about the way he was playing. Sometimes when you’re playing good defense it will give your offense a boost of confidence,” noted head coach Glenn O’Neil. He says the key was Faurot’s quick reaction when he got the pass. “Most of the time this year when he’s missed a shot it’s because he caught it and then thought about shooting. He ends up with a bad shot because of the hesitation,” says O’Neil. “That time there was no hesitation. He just squared up and shot it.” A Miserable Start Scott City’s clutch shooting down the stretch was in sharp contrast to the way they started the game. The Beavers weren’t just missing from the field, but missing badly. Hess kept the Beavers in the game by repeatedly driving to the basket and scoring all 13 of his team’s points in the first quarter. “Nobody else was hitting anything and (Sterling) was giving me the lane,” says Hess. “I knew that I could take whoever was guarding me one-on-one.” While Scott City was struggling from the field it seemed that Sterling was nearly unstoppable. They drilled three three-point baskets in the first quarter and five in the first half. Twice they extended their lead to seven points following three-point baskets, the final time at 22-15. Hess, who finished with a team high 25 points,

(continued from page 19)

was shutout in the second quarter as the Black Bears’ defense collapsed more and didn’t allow him to get to the basket. “That’s when we needed to start hitting some outside shots so we could spread their defense out a little more,” noted Hess. Scott City finally found some success from the outside when Faurot hit a couple of baskets and junior guard Drew Duff hit his only two threes of the night. A pair of late baskets by Faurot and Kyle Cure cut the halftime deficit to just two points, 27-25. “I’ve never experienced anything like I did in the first half when I wasn’t making anything,” noted Hutchins, who was 0-of-8 in the half. “In the locker room at halftime my brother, Coach (Alex) Hutchins, said to keep shooting and to not give up. I knew once the first one went in I could make more.” In spite of a poor shooting half, the mood in the locker room was upbeat. “At halftime, we told the boys to put themselves in the other locker room and imagine how well you’ve played and you look up at the scoreboard and you’re only up by two,” said O’Neil. “We felt good to only be down by two and (Sterling) had to be wondering what they could do to create some separation.” As it turned out, that separation never occurred. But fans from both teams were treated to an exciting final 16 minutes that saw five ties and eight lead changes. Hutchins, who had been held scoreless for the first 21 minutes finally hit his first basket to tie the score at 35-35 which was the start of an 11-2 SCHS scoring surge to close out the third period. Hutchins immediately followed

SCHS senior Drake McRae hugs teammate Bo Hess as they celebrate their sub-state championship win and another trip to the state tournament. (Record Photo)

with a three-point bucket and Hess added a threepoint play to open up a 41-35 lead. A pair of Sterling free throws briefly slowed the scoring run, but Hutchins added another threepointer with only :04 left in the quarter and Scott City had clearly gained the momentum with a 44-37 lead. Sterling Comeback Just when it appeared Scott City was ready to seize control of the game, the Black Bears put together one final scoring surge of their own when they opened the fourth quarter with eight unanswered points, taking a 45-44 lead with 5:04 remaining. The Black Bears had scored two baskets to open the period when sophomore guard Kenan Comley picked off a pass near the top of the key to set up a fastbreak opportunity. However, as Comley neared the half-court line he pulled up with a foot injury. The SCHS coaching

staff felt there should have been a traveling or doubledribble call, but the officials instead gave Sterling a timeout. Comley, who finished with 17 points didn’t return to the game. With Comley on the sideline, O’Neil feels the team may have relaxed defensively and they paid the price by giving up another field goal and a pair of free throws. In fact, while SCHS was able to limit Sterling to just one three-pointer in the second half - after giving up five in the first half - Scott City didn’t do an effective job of keeping the Black Bears from driving to the basket. “Our defense in the second half wasn’t very good at stopping the dribbledrive,” noted Hess. “We kept bailing them out by fouling and putting them on the line.” Ten of Sterling’s first 18 points in the second half came at the charity stripe. When it came time to stop the Sterling scoring surge the Beavers finally looked down low

where senior center Drake McRae responded with a pair of huge fourth quarter baskets. McRae converted a three-pointer with 4:40 remaining that put Scott City on top, 47-45, and an assist from Faurot to McRae at the 3:14 mark tied the game at 49-49. Those were McRae’s only five points of the night. O’Neil felt there were more opportunities throughout the game. “The lack of offense in the paint was a result of the post people not working hard enough and the guards didn’t give them a chance to get open,” says the head coach. “They were getting caught up in the tempo of the game and rushing things.” With Sterling forced to guard against the threat of an inside game, Hutchins responded with a threepointer from the left corner that put SCHS on top to stay. Hess wasn’t surprised. “When Dylan started hitting his threes in the second half I knew we were going to win. And

the huge basket from Justin in the corner gave us the momentum we needed to finish it off,” says Hess. “We’ve been in these situations all year. We’ve had a lot of close games. It comes down to hitting some clutch baskets and then finishing it off with free throws at the end.” It’s a situation the Beavers have found themselves in frequently this season with nine of their 23 games decided by eight points or fewer. They were 6-3 in those games. “We haven’t been good enough to blow people out, with a couple of exceptions, so it seems that a lot of games come down to a span of about a minute when the score is tied and you either create enough separation to get the win or you don’t and you lose,” says O’Neil. On this night, the Beavers executed down the stretch to win for the 14th time in their last 16 games and advance to the state tournament for the 12th time during O’Neil’s 20 year coaching career.

The Scott County Record • Page 24 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Bluejays Scott City to beat them on the perimeter. “That’s how they’ve played everyone this season,” noted O’Neil. Lack of offensive execution and outside shooting were a problem throughout the night for Scott City. “We missed some early opportunities as far as throwing the ball to the post,” says O’Neil. Senior pivot Drake McRae converted a couple of interior passes into first quarter baskets, but he was shutout the remainder of the game. Likewise, the zone defense took away the ability of Hess to penetrate with any consistency. “We knew we’d have to hit our outside shots and pull them out (of their zone) so I could get my inside game going. Without the outside shooting I couldn’t drive in very well,” said Hess, who finished with 11 points on 3-of-7 from the field. Adding to the frustration were three uncharacteristic traveling calls against Hess. “For some reason I really struggled with that,” he said. It appeared the Beavers might be able to bring Sabetha out of their packed zone when senior guard Dylan Hutchins hit his first three-pointer to give his team a 3-2 lead. He added only one more three-pointer early in the second half on a tough 3-of-13 shooting night. Sabetha was just as ineffective with their outside game, but were able to offset that with an inside game that featured 6-foot-4 senior Calder Keehn who finished with a game high 19 points (8of-12 FG). The only other Bluejay in double figures was Caleb Strahm (6-3, senior) who was 4-of4 from the field for 10 points. “They were going to be tough to stop inside because they’re bigger and stronger than what

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we are,” said O’Neil. “We took four or five charges and I thought most of those were legit. But there wasn’t a whole lot we could do when the big boys got it down deep.” And yet the Beavers were able to stay within striking distance. They never led by more than three points (5-2), but never trailed in regulation by more than four points (25-21). Following a three-point play by Sabetha with 3:22 left in the third period, the Beavers never led again in the game, though they were able to pull even three times. The final tie came at 32-32 following a basket by Hess with 1:18 left in the fourth quarter. Sabetha was content with playing for the final shot and was able to get the ball to Strahm in the low post where he was fouled with 3.2 seconds on the clock. The Beavers had three timeouts remaining and O’Neil decided to ice Strahm. He called backto-back timeouts which led to a missed free throw by Strahm. O’Neil then called his final timeout and Strahm proceeded to miss the second free throw. Scott City grabbed the rebound and the ball quickly went to Hess who took a couple of dribbles and then launched a three-quarter court shot that looked like it would fall short of the basket, but hung in the air long enough to hit the top of the rim. Another two inches and the Beavers would have had a miraculous gamewinner. Trail Throughout OT Overtime belonged to the Bluejays who opened up a six point lead, 38-32, aided by two Scott City turnovers. Junior guard Drew Duff gave Scott City some life with his only basket of the night - a three-pointer with 1:02 on the clock that cut the deficit to 38-35.

SCHS junior guard Bo Hess shoots over Sabetha’s Johnah Montgomery during second half action in Wednesday’s state tournament quarter-final game. (Record Photo)

SCHS Player Stats vs Sabetha Scott City Justin Faurot Bo Hess Dylan Hutchins Kyle Cure Drake McRae Drew Duff Marshall Faurot

3 pt.

PTS

ORB

DRB

AST

Min

2-5 3-7 3-13 2-3 2-7 1-2 0-0

0-1 1-2 2-9 0-0 0-1 1-1 0-0

3-4 4-6 1-1 2-2 0-0 0-0 0-0

7 11 9 6 4 3 0

0 0 0 1 0 1 0

2 4 2 2 2 2 1

2 4 2 3 2 3 1

1 2 2 0 1 2 0

1 0 1 0 1 1 0

28:11 35:00 34:46 25:14 35:21 19:55 1:26

Junior guard Justin Faurot added a pair of free throws to make it a 39-37 deficit, followed by a quick foul and another free throw by Sabetha that put them back on top, 4037. A driving layup by Hutchins failed to crawl

in and at that point one could sense the game had slipped away from SCHS who again was forced to foul and twice put Sabetha on the line in the final 23 seconds where they extended their lead back to six points, 43-37. Following a three-

pointer by Hess with :06 remaining, Sabetha was able to stand out-ofbounds with the ball before throwing it in with one second to play and waiting for the clock to run off. Sabetha, who had been 3-of-12 at the free throw

line during the first four quarters made up for that in overtime when they were 9-of-12. “We gave ourselves a chance to win,” said O’Neil, who was coaching his final game for the Beavers. “That’s all you can ask.”

Scott City senior Dylan Hutchins and the coaching staff discuss what needs to be done defensively during Wednesday’s first round state tournament action in Hutchinson. (Record Photo)

The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Wildcats It’s time for Kansas and the league’s other six teams predicted to make the Big Dance to put up or shut up. The Big 12 has been widely acclaimed as the best conference in the nation. The proof is in the pudding. The Big Ten and the Atlantic Coast have plenty of quality teams, along with Kentucky in the SEC. And the Big 12 teams fell flat on their faces in last year’s tournament. As Coach Bill Self said of KU, “We’ve had some unbelievable regular seasons, but haven’t closed them all. There’s still something to be said about finishing strong and really performing our best from this point on.” Regardless of how KU does in the Big 12 tourney, the only thing that matters from here on is the Big Dance. The pairings will

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be announced this Sunday (March 13) and that’s always interesting. Since Self made Landen Lucas (6-10, 245) KU’s starting center, the Jayhawks have been playing winning basketball. They are especially tough when the three-point shots are falling. Self’s two point guards - Frank Mason and Devontʹe Graham - played superbly during KU’s 11-game winning streak. Small forward Wayne Selden hasn’t been consistent, but he played well in the Jayhawks’ hard-fought win against Iowa State. Perry Ellis and Lucas have firmed up the inside game; Ellis has been great scoring and passing and Lucas’s rebounding has been terrific. Small forward Svi Mykhailiuk and reserve forward Jamari Traylor are playing very well and

Takedown Kids Wrestling Western Kansas Classic March 6, 2016 6-Years and Under 43: Noah Wheeler pinned by Cal Schartz (Great Bend) 0:46; pinned by Adam Hawkins (Sublette) 2:34. 49B: Cooper Irvin dec. Cooper Schrag (Smokey Valley) 8-7; pinned Carson Lang (Hays) 0:45; dec. Ian Harmon (Gray Co.) 6-5; dec. by Chase Bell (Hill City) 4-0. Second Place 52: Kasey Rohrbough pinned Kenneth Walker (Hays) 0:32; dec. by Jacob Driggs (Phillipsburg) 9-3; pinned Charlie Pope (Hays) 2:23; pinned Tage Sullivan (Colby) 1:15; pinned Kirby Rohrbough (Scott City) 2:42; dec. by Slade Pickerill (Salina) 11-6. Fourth Place 52: Kirby Rohrbough dec. Charlie Pope (Hays) 6-3; dec. Collin Shockley (SW Grapplers) 8-4; maj. dec. by Tayson Guerra (Leoti) 14-0; pinned Kirby Rohrbough (Scott City) 2:42. 61: Easton Eisenhour pinned by Larry Jeremiah Jr. (Hutchinson) 2:26; pinned Bodie Millan (Jr. Indian) 0:55; pinned Tyler Weltzin (Smokey Valley) 2:24; dec. by Blake Stein (Great Bend) 13-10. Fourth Place 8-Years and Under 52: Trenton Frank dec. Aiden Shepard (Salina) 7-0; dec. by Brayden Pacheco (Greater Gold) 9-8; pinned Taber Howard (WaKeeney) 0:52; pinned Triston Tomlinson (Believers) 0:59; dec. John Svaty (Ellsworth Co.) 3-0; maj. dec. Jaxson Scott (Olathe NW) 8-0. Third Place 58: Tyler Roberts dec. Jack Carter (Norton) 8-6; dec. Christian Titus-Smith (Colby) 18-4; pinned Tanner Heincker (Derby) 0:59; maj. dec. by Tristen Cox (Brawlers) 9-0. Second Place 61: Blaze Gossman pinned by Matthew Long (Greater Gold) 0:38; pinned by Drake Alford (Ogden) 0:19. 61: Matthew Wheeler pinned Vance Loop (Hutchinson) 1:00; dec. by Blake Winsor (Pratt) 4-0; dec. Breck Rincon (Hutchinson) 2-0; dec. by Drew Streeter (Sunflower) 5-3. Fourth Place 67: Alexander Rodrguez dec. by Talan Sauvage (Oberlin) 4-1; pinned Matthew Weltzin (Smokey Valley) 0:53; dec. by Carson Reves (Wamego) 8-7. 10-Years and Under 73: Collin McDaniel pinned Dayton Bell (Hoxie) 1:55; tech fall A.j. Furnish (Brawlers) 17-1; tech fall Harley Zimmerman (Hays) 15-0. First Place 82: Case Armendariz maj. dec. by Kaden Garvalena (Dodge City) 11-2; SV Jacob Bedore (Plainville) 19-7; pinned by Gary Bowser (Clay Co.) 0:59. 90: Houston Frank pinned Michael Staab (Hays) 0:40; dec. by Garrett Urban (Norton) 4-0; dec. by Braxton Fritzler (Hays) 5-2. 12-Years and Under 76: Zach Rohrbough pinned Mason Bahnmaier (Sunflower) 0:52; maj. dec. Kaden Spragis (Great Bend) 16-6; dec. by Ty Adam (Salina)10-3; pinned Kaleb Stroda (Abilene) 1:27; tech fall Kaden Spragis (Great Bend) 15-0. Third Place 105: Kale Wheeler pinned Gabe Kerns (Plainville) 0:37; pinned by Rayden Wilson (Ogden) 1:46. Second Place 130: Ronnie Weathers pinned Mason Murray (Goodland) 2:50; pinned by Ethan Alquist (Clay Co.) 1:29; dec. by Donovan Balluch (Hoxie) 11-8. 165: Damian Ortiz maj. dec. by Colter Conger (Hays) 157; dec. by Brock Buresh (Phillipsburg) 6-3. 190: Jarron Gregory pinned by Declan Ryan (Colby) 2:28; pinned Declan Ryan (Colby) 2:09; pinned Declan Ryan (Colby) 2:41. First Place 14-Years and Under 115: Justus McDaniel pinned Colton Ketterl (Oberlin) 1:04; maj. dec. Jacob Sisson (Phillipsburg) 12-4. First Place 120: Kaden Wren pinned Denver Roths (Dodge City) 1:56; pinned George Weber (Great Bend) 3:53. First Place 150: Caleb VanDegrift pinned by David Waterman (Oberlin) 2:13; maj. dec. by Aaron Moss (Smith Co.) 12-3; dec. by Kreighton Meyers (Hays) 5-0. Fourth Place 160-165: Cale Goodman SV by Dawson Wuthnow (Abilene) 12-0; pinned Christian Ostrom (Plainville) 1:00; dec. Jonathan Ayala (Dodge City) 7-0. Second Place 235-Hwt: Luke Wright pinned by Dylan Warner (Hays) 2:48; pinned by Rylan Hays (Phillipsburg) 1:49; pinned by Connor Staab (Hays) 1:21; pinned by Eyann Zimmerman (Concordia) 0:31. Fifth Place

freshmen Cheick Diallo and Carlton Bragg are waiting in the wings. Diallo and Bragg are about to begin playing big-time basketball; they could really help KU in the Big Dance. Self has an opportunity to play his bench extensively in KC and he should use it. If he limits the minutes of his regulars, it will cut down the chances of injuries and keep all of the Jayhawks fresh for the NCAA Tournament, which starts just three or four days after the KC tourney. Shockers Must Wait Wichita State’s coaches, players and fans will be sitting on the edge of their seats when the pairings are announced this Sunday. And that’s unfair. Wichita won the Missouri Valley with a 16-2 record and they were 24-8

overall. The second place teams were 12-6, four games behind the Shockers. These postseason conference tournaments have just one validation: money. If WSU is left out of the NCAA Tournament because they didn’t win the MVC Tournament, it will mean their regular season was meaningless. Wichita had a horrendous shooting game in their MVC tournament loss to Northern Iowa; that can happen to the best of teams. The winner of the MVC tourney championship automatically qualifies for a ticket to the Big Dance and the Shockers may be left behind. Wichita State has a team that could win the whole thing if they’re hitting on all cylinders and they might not even get a chance. There’s no justification for that outcome.

The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Scott City junior Tyler Vondracek grimmaces as she completes a lift of 115 pounds in the bench press for a gold medal at the Golden Eagle Powerlifting tournament in WaKeeney on Saturday. (Record Photo)

Lady Beavers win 3 powerlifting titles Record-setting performances for Kough, Prieto in squat While still warming up for her first lift in the Golden Eagle Powerlifting tournament, Amanda Kough was certain about one thing. The Scott Community High School senior knew she already had a gold medal in the bench press. The rest of the competition had already dropped out by the time Kough was ready to compete at her starting weight. “That kind of surprised me,” admitted Kough, who picked up the first of her three gold medals on the day with a lift of 155 pounds. She was just as dominating in the squat where she tied the meet record with a lift of 280 pounds. She settled for third in the hang clean (130), but her three lifts were more than enough for Kough to finish as the overall champion in the 140-pound division with 565 pounds - 70 pounds ahead of her nearest competitor. While pleased with the overall win, Kough was disappointed in not breaking the squat record. “My squat max is 285. If I’d have done that I’d have beaten the record,” she says. However, the experience will prove valuable as Kough prepares for the Class 3A state meet to be held on April 2 at Conway Springs. “I learned that you have to block everybody out. To have some 270 people all looking at you can be a little nervewracking if you let it bother you,” she said. By the time she gets to state, Kough says her squat goal will be 290 pounds and she also expects to increase her strength on the bench press. Even though this was the first time that the seven SCHS competitors and Coach Todd Richardson had been in a powerlifting contest they had a dominating day with three individual weight class champions and a runner-up - all in the women’s division. Richardson wasn’t surprised. “I hand-picked these kids from my strength training class. They all work hard in class. They’re constantly pushing themselves to get stronger and I saw this as a chance to reward them for their work,” says Richardson. “And I wanted them to see how they stack up against other kids around the state.” As it turns out, they stack up

Tying the meet record for her weight division in the squat with a lift of 280 pounds is Scott City senior Amanda Kough. (Record Photo)

pretty well. Olivia Prieto (105) and Tyler Vondracek (132) were overall champions in their weight divisions while Cami Patton (123) was a runner-up. The bench and squat were consistently the top events for the Scott City competitors. As a group, they collected six gold medals in those two events, along with a silver and two bronze. Prieto Regaining Power Even at less than 100 percent, Prieto proved she was the class of the field. She easily won her weight division which included a record-setting lift of 185 pounds in the squat. She broke the old mark by 30 pounds. She added a gold medal in the bench (95) and was second in the hang clean (90). “Those are quite a bit under my maxes,” said the sophomore who missed about six weeks of class time lifting because of medical issues. Those are behind her and she’s hoping to be closer to full strength for the state meet which will see her challenging her maxes in the squat (195), bench (110) and hang clean (105). “It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot, but it can also be intimidating,” says Prieto, who said the most difficult part was making sure she did the squat correctly. “They made you go beyond parallel,” she said. “You don’t think about it when you’re in the weight room and working out with other kids, but here it can be the difference between whether or not you take first.” Prieto’s record-setting lift in the squat set the stage for an overall total of 375 pounds which was 50 pounds ahead of second place. Vondracek is Champion Vondracek, a junior, was just

as impressive in winning the 132-pound class with an overall total of 470 pounds - 35 pounds more than the runner-up. She turned in a gold medal effort in the squat (235) and the bench (115) and added a fourth place finish in the hang clean (120). “Tyler had an exceptional day,” says Richardson. “Her hang clean max in class was 110 and she beat that by 10 pounds and her max in the bench had been 110 and she beat that by five pounds.” He says the junior likely could have done even better than 235 in the squat, but with her final lift jumped to 250 pounds in an effort to get the meet record. “I think she could have lifted 240 or maybe 245, but I give her credit for going after the record,” Richardson says. Patton, another junior, had three lifts for a combined total of 420 pounds to finish as the runner-up in her division. She was a silver medalist in the

bench (130), to go along with lifts of 180 in the squat and 110 in the hang clean. The only boy able to make the trip was freshman Kyle Sherwood (198-pound division) who claimed bronze medals in the bench (250) and squat (380). Others competing, but not placing, were Delaney Kitch and Ashley Prewit. “Once we got through the early nerves everything went well,” says Richardson. “Once the kids started lifting they were really excited, especially when they saw how well they could do against everyone else.” The SCHS strength and conditioning instructor says there are other athletes who were interested in competing at WaKeeney but couldn’t because of conflicts. “The success we had at WaKeeney has created some excitement. The girls who went to WaKeeney have bought in and they’re excited about state,” says Richardson.

He already has athletes signed up for the state meet and is hopeful those numbers will grow between now and April 2. “I’m preparing individual workouts for those kids who want to compete at state. The kids we take we expect to do very well.” Richardson says the emphasis in strength training is to develop a work ethic that results in a strong program that benefits all SCHS sports. “I treat everyone who comes in here as an athlete. When you step into the weight room you’re expected to put in the effort, no matter who you are,” he says. “My goal is to build a powerlifting program that’s one of the state’s best so we can start competing at more events around the state.” Richardson would also like to see more powerlifting opportunities in Western Kansas and is hopeful of organizing a Great West Activities Conference powerlifting event in the next year or two.

Competing in the hang clean on Saturday in WaKeeney is SCHS junior Cami Patton. (Record Photo)

The Scott County Record

Page 27 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

Former SC native named Golden Plains VP Jennifer Noel has been named vice president of branch services for Golden Plains Credit Union, Garden City. A native of Scott City, Noel has worked for Golden Plains the past seven years, most recently as an assistant vice Jennifer Noel president. She has worked in the financial industry for the past 12 years. She attended Fort Hays State University and Wichita State University and took certified financial training courses where she received dual diplomas in commercial and consumer lending.

Sonic is back at last Kelly Hoeme (left), president of the local Sonic ownership group, and restaurant manager Paul Smull inside the kitchen area that was being completed this week in preparation for next week’s grand opening. (Record Photo)

Scott City opening is Thursday The last of the kitchen equipment was scheduled to arrive this week and a full staff has been hired for the new Sonic location on south US83 Highway in Scott City. Now all that remains is for the first hamburger to come off the grill and the first Beaver Slush to be served during the restaurant’s grand opening on Thursday. “People are anxious for us to open,” notes Kelly Hoeme, president of the partnership that owns the Scott City location and the recently opened Sonic at Holcomb. “I probably get asked three or four times a day when it’s going to happen.” The doors will open on March 17 at 6:30 a.m. and there will be an official ribbon cutting on Fri., March 18. Almost from the time the original Sonic closed more than two decades ago, Scott City residents have been hoping the drive-in chain would return. That was scheduled to happen more than two years ago when a group of local investors purchased a lot immediately south of Scott County Lumber with plans to bring back the franchise. Shortly afterwards, Love’s announced plans to build a truck stop/convenience store and local investors approached the company about putting Love’s and Sonic under one roof.

“It seemed like a natural partnership. Both corporations have their home offices in Oklahoma City and they’re right across the street from each other,” notes Hoeme. “I’m surprised it wasn’t done before.” The idea was so appealing to Love’s that it decided to build a Sonic in combination with their site near Holcomb. The Scott City investors were also involved with that project. Construction and opening of the Holcomb location proceeded well ahead of the Scott City site and that’s proven to be an advantage leading up to the local opening. “It’s helped a lot with employee training,” says Hoeme. The four assistant managers - Alex Rosas, Ronnie Youvon, Zach Duff and Megan Paschall - took part in an eight-week training program at Pratt in addition to working at the Holcomb site. The restaurant manager and an operating partner is Paul Smull who has past experience as a McDonald’s manager. He spent eight weeks in training at Sonic in Ellsworth along with working at locations in Pratt and Medicine Lodge. Investors in the locallyowned franchise include Kelly Hoeme, Stacy Hoeme, Dave Metzger, Ryan Roberts, Rohn Shellenberger, Hugh

Binns, Steve Prewit and Smull. In addition, there are 37 full-time and part-time employees. “And we’re still taking applications,” says Smull. While finding enough employees was an initial concern, Smull says they have been pleased with the response. He notes that they have learned from operating the Holcomb site how many employees are needed to adequately staff the restaurant. “As you’d expect, when you have inside dining it requires more employees on each shift,” says Smull. A New Concept Adding another dimension is Sonic’s relatively new concept of including inside seating with their restaurants. Drive-up, drive-through and inside seating are available at Sonic locations in Goodland and Norton, which have been converted from McDonald’s franchises which had closed their doors. “It seems to be more common where an existing building has been converted to a Sonic,” says Hoeme. While Sonic was built on a customer base that has been accustomed to ordering and eating from their vehicle, the concept of inside dining has gone over better than expected. Nearly 50 percent of the business at the

Holcomb site has been from customers coming into the restaurant. “We were surprised that it’s been that high,” said Hoeme. Scott City and Holcomb are the first two ground-up buildings where Sonic and Love’s are under one roof, but corporate officials with both companies have said more will follow. The two companies have no exact number of planned stores, though Sonic is opening 50 to 60 stores nationwide this year. The partnership could help bring each other into new states. Sonic is in 45 states, while Love’s is in 40. The Scott City location will have 14 drive-up stalls along with indoor seating for 35 customers. When customers begin lining up at the Sonic next Thursday, in addition to the traditional coneys and burgers, they can also order a Beaver Slush that is unique to Scott City. “We got together with Sonic to create a formula for our own slush,” says Hoeme. “We did the same thing at Holcomb with a Longhorn Slush. It’s a neat novelty.” In order to help reduce the glitches which come with any grand opening, Sonic will also provide an “A team of managers who will be on site and help things go as smoothly as possible,” Smull adds.

K-State seeks innovative business ideas Kansas State University is seeking applications from Kansas-based startups to participate in its third annual K-State Launch a Business program, powered by KS State Bank. Also known as LAB, the program, which provides entrepreneurs much-needed resources including facultyled courses, hands-on student research teams and access to the world-class Kansas State University alumni mentor network, is specifically intended for ear-

ly-stage companies. It is designed to provide the building blocks for turning a concept into a successful venture. As many as 20 highpotential startup ventures or concepts will be selected to participate in the Launch a Business program, including up to 10 companies from global food systems industries. “The LAB program allows us to share our expertise with the community,” said Chad Jackson,

director of the university’s Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship in the College of Business Administration. “Our faculty, alumni and students are incredible resources, and we are excited to ask them to volunteer to support the next great startup ventures.” Kansas-based startup founders with scalable, forprofit businesses or ideas have until April 11 to apply for the program. Criteria for selection

include identifying a real problem and an innovative solution, demonstrating the drive to succeed and ability to incorporate feedback, and showing commitment to the idea and the Launch a Business program. The program will take place from May 26 to June 23. Startups are not charged to participate in the Launch a Business program. More details, including the online application form, can be found at k-state.edu/lab.

We can’t keep waiting for a budget miracle

The Kansas House and Senate agreed on a budget during the week of February 15. That is an extraordinary event because it is likely that the legislature has never before agreed on a budget so early in the session. That accelerated sched- Legislative Update ule was made possible by the Rep. Don fact that we Hineman 118th District are now on a biennial budget cycle. The budgets for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 were first adopted during the 2015 session. That means that this year it was only necessary to revise those previous budgets to reflect changing circumstances since that time. But all is not well with the budget. As passed, the budget only allowed for a year-end cash balance of $6 million a miniscule amount when one is dealing with an annual state general fund budget of $6.3 billion. At the time I remarked that it appeared the budget was held together with baling wire and duct tape. Unfortunately it seems the baling wire has now broken and the duct tape has lost its grip. Last week, we received the unfortunate news that February revenues to the state were $53 million less than expected. The really troubling part is that disappointing revenue reports are now a recurring event. State revenues have come in below expectations in 11 of the last 12 months. Some folks have begun to blame the revenue estimating group for missing the mark with their past estimates. I believe that blame is misplaced. The estimating group has had an excellent record in the past of producing on-target revenue estimates. It is only since the tax cut of 2012 that the estimates have begun to diverge significantly from the actual numbers. I believe that tax cut is to blame for the estimates missing the mark in recent months. It represents a dramatic shift away from long-established state tax policy. That makes it very difficult to predict the outcome. When economists attempt to predict economic activity, they are really trying to predict human behavior. The bigger the change in the economic system or tax system, the harder it becomes to accurately predict the response of the people and the economy. The February report pushed the projected ending balance to a negative $47 million. That is a deficiency which must be corrected, because the state is required to have a positive ending balance at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. (See MIRACLE on page 34)

Knights of Columbus pancake/sausage dinner • St. Joseph Parish Center • Sat., March 12 • 5:00-7:30 p.m.

Farm

The Scott County Record

Page 28 - Thursday, March 10, 2016

News in animal industry is ‘shocked and flawed’ Dan Murphy Drovers CattleNetwork

There’s journalism. Then there’s sensationalism. Unfortunately, as 21st century news consumers we get too much of the latter, and not nearly enough of the former. Here’s the difference: Journalism seeks to convey perspective, putting isolated events, political

pronouncements and even scientific studies in context. Sensationalism, however, looks to slant information in ways that maximize shock value and titillate readers and viewers by spinning one slice of a story without regard to the backdrop against which all news unfolds. Here’s a great example of why so many people

ag briefs

NAP sign-up due March 15 March 15 is the deadline for the Farm Service Agency to accept applications under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for 2016-year crops. The March 15 closing date applies to many crops, including but not limited to: coarse grains, vegetable and melon crops plus, Amaranth, Chestnuts, Cotton, Pecans, Pumpkins, Safflower, Sesame, Squash, and Walnuts. Crops eligible for NAP benefits are limited to those not insurable in the county and are produced for food or fiber. Included as eligible crops are forage crops for livestock (mechanically harvested or grazed), also floricultural, ornamental nursery, turf grass sod, industrial crops and seed crops. Administrative fees are $250 per crop per administrative county not to exceed $750 per producer per administrative county with a $1,875 maximum fee for multi-county producers. Producers are limited to $100,000 in benefits per person per crop year, they must not exceed the $2 million gross revenue provisions, and they must comply with conservation compliance provisions in order to be determined eligible.

ARC/PLC sign-up begins

Enrollment is underway for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The enrollment period will continue until August 1. Producers made the choice between ARC and PLC previously, and the choice remains in effect through the 2018 program year. Producers must still enroll their farms with the FSA by signing a contract each year to receive coverage. If a farm is not enrolled during the 2016 enrollment period, producers on that farm will not be eligible for financial assistance from ARC or PLC programs should crop prices or farm revenue fall below the historical price or revenue benchmarks established by the program. The ARC and PLC offer a safety net to agricultural producers when there is a substantial drop in prices or revenues for covered commodities. For more details regarding these programs, go to www.fsa. usda.gov/arc-plc. Over $302 million dollars have been issued to Kansas producers through the ARC or PLC programs to offset revenue shortages for the 2014 program year.

often appear misinformed, or just plain old ignorant about the sciencebased issues that affect our lifestyles, as well as our political and regulatory machinery. Take a single study that points to a problem, then dream up a headline - which is as far as most folks ever get - that turns it into a crisis. The study in question investigated the impact of low-level chemical

residues found in treated sludge used as fertilizer on the reproductive status of sheep. A potentially serious concern? Certainly. But here’s the headline from Newsweek online: “Eating Meat Grazed on Human Sewage Might Lower Female Fertility.” Wow. Where to start? “Meat,” of course, does not graze on anything. Animals do, and whatever impact exposure to envi-

ronmental stimuli might have on their physiology isn’t automatically transferred to people. Second, livestock aren’t dining on human sewage. That’s is a deliberate twisting of reality to ratchet up the revulsion among readers. Yes, treated solids from wastewater treatment - known as sludge - is often processed into fertilizer typi-

cally applied to pastures, rather than row crops. So yes, residues from processed sludge may be present on pastures grazed by livestock, but already that’s a far cry from the implications of Newsweek’s headline. But the sensationalism didn’t stop at the headline. Instead Newsweek doubled down on the fear factor: (See FLAWED on page 34)

Lane Co. farmer, ag leaders push for open trade with Cuba Jordan Hildebrand Kansas Wheat Commission

Agriculture leaders representing America’s grain farmers and ag equipment manufacturers expressed their passion for overcoming obstacles to restore agricultural trade with Cuba during a U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) event at Commodity Classic. Ron Suppes, a wheat farmer from Dighton, and past chairman of U.S. Wheat Associates, spoke on behalf

of Kansas wheat farmers at the event. “Trade between Cuba and the U.S. is a win-win situation primarily because of the close proximity to one another,” said Suppes. “Fifty years is a long time. It is time to drop the embargo.” USACC members also spoke about the need to lift barriers with Cuba that will allow more U.S. commodities and other agricultural products to be imported by Cuba. “When someone talks about export opportunities, our ears

perk up. We don’t want to let them pass us by,” said Brett Blankenship, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers. “The administration has done what they can. The ball is in Congress. That’s why we are proud to be part of this collation to end the embargo. We all need to work together to ease trade restrictions.” Cuba is a logical market for U.S. food and agriculture exports with 11 million consuming citizens only 90 miles off the coast of the United States. Normalizing trade rela-

tions between the United States and Cuba will enhance Cuban citizens’ access to affordable food while providing the U.S. farm and business community with new market access opportunities. Liberalized trade will drive growth in both countries and allow the U.S. farmers, ranchers and food companies to efficiently address Cuban citizens’ food security needs. “Over the years, I have been able to visit domestic customers as well as international customers. I have been to a lot (See CUBA on page 29)

Cargill says its ready to cut antibiotic use in cattle by 20% Cargill, a top U.S. meat processor, is trimming the use of antibiotics in its cattle supply amid concerns among some doctors and consumers about risks to humans from antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The company on Feb. 26 started eliminating 20 percent of antibiotics deemed important for human medicine and farm animals from its four feed yards in Texas, Kansas and Colorado, according to the company. It is making the same reductions at four

Market Report Closing prices on March 8, 2016 Bartlett Grain Red Wheat............ $ 3.96 White Wheat ....... $ 3.96 Milo .................... $ 2.80 Corn ................... $ 3.40 Soybeans (new crop) $ 7.89 Scott City Cooperative Wheat.................. $ 3.93 White Wheat ....... $ 3.98 Milo (bu.)............. $ 2.81 Corn.................... $ 3.41 Soybeans ........... $ 7.90 Sunflowers.......... $ 13.85 ADM Grain Wheat.................. Milo (bu.)............. Corn.................... Soybeans............ Sunflowers..........

$ 4.06 $ 2.85 $ 3.45 $ 7.89 $ 14.35

feed yards operated by Friona Industries, which supplies Cargill with cattle. The changes affect about 1.2 million cattle annually, which represents about 18 percent of the cattle Cargill processes, according to the company. Cargill considered “customer and consumer desires to help ensure the long-term medical effectiveness of antibiotics for both people and animals,” said John Keating, president of Cargill’s beef

Weather H

March 1

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65 28

March 3

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68 26

March 6

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75 35

Moisture Totals March

0.00

2016 Total

1.14

Food Facts Americans consume 17.3 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year. The average American eats about 68 quarts.

business. Public health advocates, along with some lawmakers and scientists, have criticized the long-standing practice of using antibiotics in livestock. They argue that it is fueling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some agribusinesses have defended the practice as necessary to help keep cattle, pigs and chickens healthy and to increase production of meat for U.S. consumers. The U.S. Food and Drug

Administration in 2013 released voluntary guidelines for drug makers and agricultural companies to phase out antibiotic use as a growth enhancer in livestock. The agency said antibiotics could still be used to treat illnesses in animals raised for meat, but should otherwise be pared back by December 2016 under a program to keep them out of the human food supply. In its four feedlots, Cargill does not use antibiotics for (See CARGILL on page 29)

JONES CLUB LAMBS Call for an Appointment Today! Jeremy • 620-397-1638 Stefanie • 620-397-8075 Champions! County Fair bustn2kick@st-tel.net

The Scott County Record • Page 29 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Cuba

(continued from page 28)

of countries, including Cuba,” said Suppes. “The take-home from all these conversations is that ‘people are people.’ The number one concern is family; then comes religion, and then food and shelter. Politics are not usually toward the top of the list.” Cuba, which does not grow wheat commercially, is the largest wheat market in the Caribbean, purchasing most of its wheat from the European Union and Canada. This is in sharp contrast to many other markets in the Caribbean region, where U.S. wheat farmers enjoy a much larger market share. It has been estimated that American farmers could obtain up to 80 per-

cent of the market share under normalized trade. The USACC seeks to advance trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba by re-establishing Cuba as a market for U.S. food and agriculture exports. The USACC believes that normalizing trade relations between the U.S. and Cuba will provide the U.S. farm and business community with new market access opportunities, drive enhanced growth in both countries and allow U.S. farmers, ranchers and food companies to efficiently address Cuban citizen’s food security needs. Under current sanctions, U.S. food and agriculture companies can legally export to Cuba,

Lane County farmer Ron Suppes talks about the importance of expanding ag trade with Cuba during a U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba event.

but financing and restrictions limit ability to serve the ket competitively.

trade their marThe

USACC ultimately seeks to end the embargo and allow for open trade and investment.

GMO crops still tend to be all-or-nothing decision

To GMO or not GMO - that is the question on many farmers minds in 2016. The prospect of reduced input costs and potential for premium can be tantalizing, but is the risk of possible lower yields worth it? Maybe the better question is - why not do both? According to a recent Farm Journal Pulse poll, most farmers are not necessarily taking that approach, at least not yet. More than 1,500 farmers responded to the question, “What percent of your corn acres this year will be planted to non-GMO hybrids?” Four out of five respondents say they are in all the way - or not at all. Farmers gave the most common response as planting zero non-GMO acres, with 71%. Another 10% say they’re planting every acre to non-GMO hybrids.

Cargill growth promotion that are considered to be medically important for human health, a spokesman said. The changes come as Cargill has pared back parts of its businesses amid a rout in commodities markets.

That leaves 19% of respondents who say they’re doing a bit of both. One in 10 respondents say they are setting aside a small amount of their acres (1-25%) to nonGMO varieties. Another 4% are planting up to half, with 3% going non-GMO on 51-75% of their acres and 2% with 76-99%. Mike Preiner, vice president of product management at Granular, says there are five areas farmers should explore when deciding whether or not to plant non-GMO crops, and how much. 1) Assess potential higher premiums for nonGMO crops, which can range from $1 to $4 per bushel in soybean and $0.20 to $0.40 per bushel in corn. “Rising demand is being met by an increased supply, so premiums are likely to stabilize or go down,” Preiner notes.

2) Determine cost savings of non-GMO seed, which can range from $10 to $15 per acre in corn and $40 to $60 in soybean. 3) Review operational cost differences - extra time and costs associated with special handling and other procedures can range from $15 to $30 per acre, Preiner says. 4) Also review input cost differences, which can vary quite a bit by location. 5) Last but not least, review yield potential based on local pest pressures, management practices and other environmental factors. “Will non-GMO crops be more profitable for everyone? Of course not, especially given the recent downward trend of premiums,” Preiner concludes. Farmers need a take a comprehensive approach when making these decisions, he says.

Real Estate, Antique Tractors, Tools, Farm Equipment

Saturday, March 19 • 9:30 a.m. Location: 341 West Lincoln St., Dighton (Southwest side of Dighton)

Sunday, February Kennett L. Gustavson Estate • Karen Gustavson - Executor 2Real • 11:00 a.m. Estate (Sells at 11:00 a.m. at 341 West Lincoln St., Dighton, Ks.) Legal: Lot 6, Block 14, Watson 1st addition to City of Dighton, Ks. Description: This tract contains a 30 ft. x 45 ft. Morton building with 10 ft. roll up door, walk-in door, heat and ac, bathroom. Would make a nice shop or office area. Broker: Lawrence and Associates Realty • 513 Main, Scott City, Ks. 67871 • 620-872-5267

(continued from page 28)

Session #1 in town starts at 9:30 a.m. Session #2 starts at 12:00 noon at the farm. Farm Location: 9 miles south of Dighton to Rd. 60, 3 miles west to Ike Rd., 1 mile south to Rd. 50, 1/2 mile west and

1/2 mile south

Last year, the privately held trader streamlined its executive team to speed up decision-making and launched a restructuring that included job cuts. The company in the past year also sold its U.S. pork

business and said it will close its London shipping office. Last month, Cargill said it will stop selling fertilizer, seeds and crop chemicals to farmers in Central and Eastern Europe.

County Plat Maps By Western Cartographers Scott • Lane • Wichita • Ness • Logan Gove • Greeley • Finney • Wallace • Kearny Pick them up today at:

Tractors The following tractors need restored and are non-running: Twin City JD B (3) McCormick Deere (15) JD D tractors, including a 1932, all are not complete Allis Chalmers Oliver Hart Parr IHC Model 60 and other IHC tractors Parts And Repairs For Tractors Metal tractor wheels, front and rear, some painted and ready to go Wheel lugs Starters and generators Carburetors Magnetos Sheet metal and fenders Fuel tanks Gears Tools Rol Air dual stage air compressor, 200 gal. Jacks Carolina metal band saw

Large winch Floor jacks Olson metal band saw “A” frame Scroll saw Rolls of rubber belting Hydraulic jacks Metal shop table with vise Metal tables and stands Bar clamps Chains Bolt assortment Guardian Power drill press, floor model Antique And Collectible Forge and forge tongs Wash tubs Boilers RR baggage cart Old house jacks Fairbanks Morris “hit and miss” motor Several old Kohler generators Farm And Other Items 1985 Allis Chalmers Gleaner L3 combine, hydro, 25 ft. platform Snapper riding mowers Scrap iron

(3) Older boats with trailers and boat motors Farm Equipment JD 6000 self-propelled sprayer Overhead machinery carrier Flex King 7 x 5 sweep plow with chain pickers Shaffer 30 ft. offset disk 6 and 7 section Noble deep furrow drills Eversman land plane Several one ways Spray unit on trailer, 1,000 gal. SS tank, with 80 ft. boom Oswalt feed boxes Cattle working chute Wooden and metal fence posts Barbed and smooth wire Windmill tower (2) Cone bottom bins, approx. 300 bushel Vintage Tractors and Trucks The following tractors need restored and are non-running: Oliver 80 tractor (2) MH 44 tractors

JD D tractors Old IHC truck, early ‘60s with gravel box Several ‘40s and ‘50s trucks single and tandem axle, all need restored Metal implement wheels Salvage Semi loads of older farm equipment, one ways, chisel plows, rodweeder, drills, lots of scrap iron Truck frames Trailer frames Pipe and flat iron AC L combine JD 6600 combine Vehicles and vehicle parts Farm and Shop Items 500 gal. fuel tanks 1,000 gal. fuel tank Industrial metal band saw Filters and oil Alkota power washer Metal work bench Lots of other items Camper 1986 Fleetwood Regal 5th wheel camper, 32 ft.

Everything to be removed by April 5. Terms: Must show valid ID to register. 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. Lunch served. • Check us out: www.berningauction.com and facebook

406 Main • Scott City • 620 872-2090

The Scott County Record • Page 30 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Call 872-2090 today!

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Specializing in all coatings

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 10, 2016

Call 872-2090 today!

Per Week

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

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

Pro Health Chiropractic Wellness Center

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

www.reganjewelers.com

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

Services

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

Truck Driving

- B R A N S O N COLLECTOR car auction. Celebrating 38 years. April 15-16. Featuring Corvettes, Mustangs, Mopar, Jaguar, MG, Triumph. Consign your car today. 800-335-3063. www.bransonauction.com.

CONVOY SYSTEMS is hiring Class A drivers to run from Kansas City to the west coast. Home weekly. Great benefits. www.convoysystems.com. Call Tina, ext. 301, or Lori, ext. 303, at 1-800926-6869. ––––––––––––––––––––– 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. ––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

Education CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy equipment operator career. We offer training and certifications running bulldozers, backhoes and excavators. Lifetime job placement. VA benefits available. 1-866-3626497.

OUR HUNTERS will pay top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a free base camp leasing info packet and quote. 1-866-309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing. com.

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

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

For all your auction needs call:

(620) 375-4130

Optometrist

Auctions

Sports/Outdoors

Dr. James Yager

Dr. Jeffrey A. Heyd

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.

Russell Berning Box Q • Leoti

For Sale 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.

All Under One Roof

Revcom Electronics

20/20 Optometry

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

Complete family eye center! 106 W. 4th • Scott City • 872-2020 • Emergencies: 214-1462

SCOTT CITY CLINIC

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

1104 Main • Scott City • 872-2625

201 Albert Avenue (620) 872-2187 • www.scotthospital.net

Christian Cupp, MD

Thea Beckman, APRN

Elizabeth Hineman, MD

Megan Dirks, APRN

Matthew Lightner, MD

Joie Tedder, APRN

William Slater, MD FACS

Ryan Michels, PA-C

Melissa Batterton, APRN

Caley Roberts, PA-C

Scott City Myofascial Release Sandy Cauthon RN

Bolen Enterprises Prairie Dog Control

1101 S. Main, Scott City 620-874-1813

Call me to schedule your Myofascial Release

•34 years experience •Bonded/Licensed

Bob Bolen 785-821-0042 • Fax 785-852-4275

Retail

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

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

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

Networktronic, Inc.

Computer Sales, Service and Repair Custom computers! Networking solutions!

Northend Disposal A garbologist company.

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

Scott City • 872-1223 • 1-800-303-3371

Support your hometown merchants who back your school and community activities throughout the year!

Dining

Classifieds

The Scott County Record • Page 32 • Thursday, March 10, 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

Services

COLBY COIN AND GUN SHOW. Sat., March 12, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sun., March 13, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Colby Community Building. Admission, $4. For more information call 308-99531t1pd 2258.

C O M P U T E R SERVICES for PC and Mac computers. Computer repair and virus removal. Call or email Josh at OsComp to schedule an appointment. 24-hour help line 620-376-8660 or email josh_4974@hotmail.com. ––––––––––––––––––––– WANTED: Yards to mow and clean up, etc. Trim 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

Help Wanted FA R M W O R K E R , 5/1/16-10/15/16, Dennis Schoeling, Alva, Okla. One temp job. Drive trucks/tractors to perform crop raising duties. Field ready equip. Plant, cultivate, harvest crops using tractor drawn machinery. Operate, repair farm implements. Three months experience. Clean MVR, employment references, driver’s license, English required. $11.15/hr, ¾ work guarantee, tools/equipment/ housing provided, trans & subsistence exp reimbursed. Apply at Kansas Works, 620.227.2149. Job 3116t1 #OK1074902. –––––––––––––––––––––

FA R M W O R K E R , 4/17/16-11/30/16, Troy Kuck Silage Harvesting, Bertand, Nebr. Two temp jobs. Operate harvesting machines to harvest crops. Adjust speed of cutters, blowers, conveyors, and weight of cutting head. Change cutting head. Drive truck to transport produce and haul harvesting machines between work sites. Service machinery/make in-field repairs. Clean MVR, driver’s license, 3 mo exp, emplymnt ref required. $13.80/ hr-$1800/mo, ¾ work guarantee, tools/equip/ housing provided, trans and subsistence exp reimbursed. Apply at Kansas Works, 620.227.2149. Job #33 3116t1 5495.

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

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. 44tfc 397-5341.

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.

PRICE SLASHED!!!

19tfc

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

You have to see it to believe it! 3 + 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, custom oak trim and kitchen, COMPLETELY REMODELED! PLUS... 25’x36’ shop/garage with floor heat, 3/4 bath, living quarters, wood fence, storage shed, sprinkler, SA garage, and a nice building with FA-CA, office area, and plenty of storage.

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!

5 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, S/A garage, full basement, newer windows, paint, and flooring! Located in a nice neighborhood with low traffic!

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

6 acre horse property at edge of town! $44,500--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

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. SUBSTITUTE ROUTE Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, bus drivers for USD 620-874-2120. 41tfc 466 (Scott County). For ________________________________ applications and addi- PLAINJAN’S RENTAL tional information contact houses and duplexes. Stop Lance Carter at 620-872- by the office or call 6207655. 02tfc 872-5777. 05tfc

Agriculture

Pine Village Apartments 300 E. Nonnamaker

________________________________

PLAINJAN’S RENT-ASHOP IS OPEN! 2 sizes: 35’x30’ with 2 overhead doors and walk-in. 24’x30’ with one overhead door and one walk-in. Each insulated shop includes: over head and outdoor lighting, multiple 110 outlets and 220, nicely finished concrete floors, and all doors insulated. Great to store/ work on vehicles or run a business. Plenty of room to park cars and pickups inside. These are going fast! Call today! 8725777 or 800-235-6140. 3016tfc

Support Your Schools

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, 214-4188 • 214-2877

Dighton

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

The Scott County Record • Page 33 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Employment Opportunities Logan County Manor, Oakley, Ks needing

SUMMER HELP

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

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:

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”

2616tfc

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

17t2c

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 Information Technician - FT 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.

3016tfc

Lake Scott State Park is needing summer help at the Beach House. This is a seasonal job. Startes May 26 and ends Sept. 5. Work 10 hour days, Thursday - Sunday. Holiday work also needed. Holidays are Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Background check required. Contact Larry Eberle for application and more information 785-672-7000

31tfc

Pediatric LPN Full-Time / Part-Time Positions in Scott City Contact Page 620-225-8085 or apply online at www.accessiblehh.com EOE

3116t1

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

3116tfc

The Scott County Record • Page 34 • Thursday, March 10, 2016

Miracle Gov. Brownback immediately responded by making an allotment (reduction) of $17 million to the appropriation for regents institutions for the current fiscal year. That theoretically makes the projected ending balance a negative $30 million. It is quite likely that Governor Brownback will be forced to use his newly-granted authority to delay up to $100 million of state employer contributions into KPERS. In retrospect the prudent thing to do, if such

Flawed “Human sewage is some of the cheapest fertilizer a farmer can find,” the lead paragraph of the article stated. “It comes neatly packaged in pellets, which can be spread on fields to help grow the grass on which livestock will later graze. If you’re a meat eater, it’s probably best not to think about it. But if you’re a meat eater who hopes to have children, new research suggests you (and regulators) might want to take a second look at the practice.” Implication: If you eat meat, you’re probably sterile. That is as irresponsible as news reporting gets. The Real Problem The study in question was conducted by Prof. Paul Fowler of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, along with lead author Dr. Richard Lea of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham, and you know where that town’s located. The study ostensibly was designed to investigate the risks associated

(continued from page 27)

a dramatic change in tax policy was contemplated, would have been to initiate that change at a time when state cash reserves were large enough to effectively deal with unexpected shortfalls if things didn’t work out as expected. Instead the abrupt change in tax policy forced the state to quickly consume what cash balance we had at the time. Since then the budgets have been cobbled together with fee sweeps,

transfers from KDOT, decreased contributions to KPERS, and true cuts to many vital state programs. Most recently the Kansas sales tax was raised to second highest in the nation to avoid adjusting the income tax plan. So now the budget is underwater with nearly four months left in the current fiscal year. That means four revenue reports yet to go, and the trend has certainly not been our friend. The oil and gas indus-

(continued from page 28)

with grazing livestock on pastures fertilized with treated sewage sludge, which can contain residues of various chemicals present in virtually all municipal wastewater streams. The researchers switched a flock of sheep to sludge-fertilized fields in the last 2-3 months of the ewes’ pregnancy, and as a result, the number of eggs present in the embryonic ovaries was reduced. Yes, that’s a concern, and as Dr. Lea noted, “Since low-level chemical exposure poses a threat to human reproductive development, the consumption of products from animals grazing such pastures may be of considerable environmental concern.” Here’s the problem, which neither Newsweek nor a report on the study published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science bothered to reference: What residues, and what levels of residues are we talking about? That’s the key question. If the sludge in the study contained excessive levels of dioxin, for

example, that could be a serious risk to the sheep, and eventually to humans. But the key data point, the one factual piece of evidence that makes all the difference, is totally absent from the story. Here’s an even more salient point also totally absent from the reporting: If chemical contamination of treated sewage - assuming that residue levels were excessive impacted livestock, then the goal isn’t to stop eating meat from animals who might have been grazed on sludge-treated pastures, if it were even possible to segregate meat products in that manner. No, if this study’s findings are credible, then the imperative is to minimize the presence of those chemicals before they ever reach a farm field. That’s the issue: Why are unacceptable levels of chemical toxins present in wastewater, even after it’s been treated? This study sheds zero light on that issue, and thus it’s merely another sensationalized report taken out of context by researchers with an appetite for publicity.

try is in a major recession and agriculture is not doing well either. But the seeds of this fiscal crisis were sown long before those industries started to slump. It is increasingly evident that the income tax cut of 2012 went too far too fast, and the expectations for the economic growth it would produce were far too optimistic. There is no time to craft any sort of revenue plan which would provide relief over the next

four months. Any anemic revenue reports over that time must be dealt with by imposing even more harmful fund transfers or cuts to programs which vitally need the dollars remaining in their budgets. Reflect for a moment on how difficult it will be on those agencies and departments to absorb cuts so late during the budget year. And yet it must be done; there is no alternative. The time has come

to quit holding on to the vain hope that the tax cut will eventually work and the economy will grow accordingly. It is not happening, and it is now time for us to deal with that reality. Core governmental functions are now being seriously compromised and we can wait no longer for the miracle to happen. Rep. Don Hineman’s 118th District includes Scott, Lane and Wichita counties. He can be reached at 785-2967636 (Topeka) or e-mail: don. hineman@house.ks.gov

Sweet Savings

Buy of the Week!

Wednesday, March 9 - Tuesday, March 15

Shurfine

Ice Cream or

Frozen Yougurt

4-4.5 qt. pails selected

1314 S. Main, Scott City 872-5854 www.heartlandfoodsstores.com