The Scott County Record

34 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 23 • Number 33

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Published in Scott City, Ks.

$1 single copy

Refinancing bonds will save $1.8M

Leprechauns beware: Legendary creatures elude creative efforts of first graders Isaiah Martinez has never seen a real, live leprechaun, but he knows they exist.

His fellow first graders at Scott City Elementary School are equally convinced after some close calls with leprechaun traps that the students have built over the last couple of weeks.

As students walk past his elaborate trap he explains how it works. At one end of a length of string is a weight and at the other is a large cup held in the air by a dowel rod.

Under the weight is a piece of gold.

“When the leprechaun moves the weight to get the gold, the cup falls on top of him,” says Martinez as he demonstrates.

While the idea was good, apparently leprechauns are very quick. Martinez shows a small note that was left behind which says, “You didn’t catch me, but you were as close as can be.”

“Maybe next time,” says the sevenyear-old with a grin.

The leprechaun traps were a project of all three first grade classrooms.

“It was something different that could involve the parents,” noted first grade teacher Kendra Stoppel.

A wide variety of ideas for leprechaun traps can be found on the internet and no two traps constructed by SCES students were the same.

However, they all shared a couple of characteristics. There had to be some-

thing gold to attract a leprechaun and there had to be green.

“It’s important to have green paper,” explained Katie Weathers, who showed that if a leprechaun got a little bit careless he would knock the stick loose that was propping up her trap.

Hunter Wells tried to appeal to a leprechaun’s sweet tooth by leading him into his trap with a trail of marshmallow treats. An irresistible shamrock with a blinking light would seal the deal.

Once a leprechaun grabbed the shamrock it would spring the trap.

Kayden Holstein knows a leprechaun had been near her trap because (See BEWARE on page 18)

(Above) Isaiah Martinez demonstrates how a cup will drop on a leprechaun when he moves a weight covering a piece of gold.

(Left) Lily Wycoff puts a gold coin near a trap door in hopes of luring a lebrachaun.

(Record Photos)

06 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Krehbiel retiring after 34 years with Scott Co. Extension Page 27

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-6 Calendar • Page 7 Lawn/garden • Page 8 Youth/education • Page 11 LEC report • Page 12 Deaths • Page 14

Church services • Page 15 Health care • Pages 16-17 Sports • Pages 19-26 Farm section • Pages 28-29 Classified ads • Pages 31-33

Scott County taxpayers will save $1.8 million on bond payments for the Scott County Hospital following the county commission’s renegotiation of bond interest rates.

The $1.8 million in savings will be spread over the life of the bonds which are due to be paid off in 2040.

However, the overall savings could be even larger should the county decide to “sunset” the one percent sales tax that’s currently being applied against the hospital bonds.

“As it now stands, we’ll be able to retire the bond one year ahead of schedule,” says Commission Chairman Jim Minnix. “At that time, the commission will also have the option of sunsetting the sales tax a year early.”

When the $24 million in bonds were originally issued in 2010, the average interest rate was 4.72 percent. The bonds have been refinanced at 3.25 percent interest.

The overall economy in the nation is contributing to the historic low rates.

However, the county has also seen its bond rating through Standard and Poor’s improve from A+ to AA-. They are among only 13 counties in Kansas with a bond rating that high.

“We went through an interview process of about an hour where we explained how we were handling our cash carryover, our budgeting process and our long-term outlook,” says Minnix. “They apparently liked what they saw and heard.”

When the lower interest rate takes effect later this year, the county had the option of reducing its annual payments slightly or keeping the payments the (See REFINANCING on page two)

Ogallala levels steady in GWMD

The break in drought conditions last year had an obvious impact on the production of wheat and fall crops.

It also meant that homeowners were able to cut back on water usage for their lawns.

But that’s not the only place that increased rainfall was noticed. When the Kansas Geological Survey began collecting data from test wells this winter the findings were just as significant.

Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer under Groundwater Management District No. 1 held steady with an average decline of only about five inches.

That’s in sharp contrast to an overall decline of five feet during the severe drought that lingered over the region from 2010-14.

The district includes Scott, Lane, Wichita, Greeley and Wallace counties.

“This is kind of what you’d hope to see when there’s a break in the drought,” noted Brownie Wilson of the KGS during the Groundwater Management District annual meeting. “There were even some areas where we actually saw a slight increase in the water table.”

(See GWMD on page 10)

Patience is rewarded for new SCHS boy’s hoops coach Page 19

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Senate leader critical of plan to fix budget gap Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle expressed her criticism of a proposal being weighed by Gov. Sam Brownback to sell off the state’s proceeds from a legal settlement with tobacco companies.

“I think that’s a desperate move. And I just don’t think the legislators are going to vote for it,” Wagle (R-Wichita) said this week after it was revealed by the Topeka Capital-Journal that Brownback presented the idea to Wagle and other legislative leaders earlier this month.

Kansas currently uses the

tobacco settlement money to fund children’s programs.

Banking giant CitiGroup presented the idea of selling off the state’s share of a 1998 settlement with tobacco companies on the bond market as a way to get an influx of cash into state coffers in October. Rhode Island used CitiGroup to issue $621 million in bonds last year through its share of the same tobacco settlement.

The governor’s office said last week that no action was taken as a result of the October meeting, but the Capital-Journal

Refinancing same and eventually cutting a year off the bond schedule.

The commission chose the latter since it offered the greatest overall savings.

At the present time, the county still owes $20.675 million for the new hospital.

Annual bond payments in the first year of the refinanced bonds start at $783,156 and climb each year, eventually reaching $1.78 million in 2039.

The county had considered approving the refinancing plan a week earlier, but hesitated because of a slight increase in interest rates.

The rates dropped a fraction of a percent during the week and “we decided it was a good time to pull the trigger,” Minnix said.

“Right now, these interest rates look pretty

reported that the governor had presented the plan to legislative leaders at a closed meeting on March 2, a day after it was announced that the state had missed revenue estimates by more than $50 million in February, plunging the state back into a budget hole.

The governor’s chief of staff, Jon Hummel, and spokeswoman, Eileen Hawley, acknowledged the meeting but would not say whether bonding the tobacco settlement was Brownback’s preferred course of action to fix the budget hole.

(continued from page one)

good. Hopefully, we feel will apply “what we think the same way 20 years is reasonable” toward the from now,” he adds.

Law Enforcement Center bond issue, says Minnix.

Courthouse Because the county has Remodel, LEC just negotiated one bond County taxpayers will issue, it is required to wait also benefit from the early several months before retirement of bonds that it can do so again with were issued for remodel- another bond issue. The ing of the county court- hospital bonds were a top house and for the Law priority given the amount Enforcement Center. of money involved and When oil/gas valuathe potential savings. tions took a huge jump If the county can get a in 2015, the commission similar 3.25 percent interdecided to use it as an est rate on the LEC bonds, opportunity to put aside extra money toward bond Minnix estimates the savings over the life of the payments.

The 2015 budget bond issue at $200,000 to included $600,000 to $300,000.

“Right now, our idle retire the remaining balance on the courthouse funds are earning (an remodel project. That debt interest rate of) only about will be retired this sum- 6/10 of a percent,” notes mer - four years ahead of Minnix. “It makes a lot more sense to use this schedule.

In addition, the com- money to retire debt on mission has set aside an which we’re paying up to additional $180,000 and five percent (interest).”

“I would reinforce that the Governor and legislative leadership continue to have ongoing discussions about a variety of solutions for the budget shortfall,” Hawley said in an e-mail.

“No decision has been made and one is not likely to be made until after the April consensus revenue meeting,” she said, referring to the meeting in which the state’s economists will revise revenue projections.

Rep. Ron Ryckman (R-Olathe), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said last week that

he did not want to discount any options for closing the shortfall, including using the settlement money to issue bonds. However, he said he would want to safeguard the children’s programs currently funded by the annual payment the state receives for the settlement.

Wagle said it would require legislation to do this and doesn’t think it would find enough support in the Legislature to pass.

“I think most of our legislators are very concerned of being structurally in a deficit situation right now,” she said.

Easter egg hunt Saturday

Because of inclement weather, the Easter egg hunt that was to be held in Scott City last weekend will be held on Sat., March 26, 1:00 p.m., at Patton Park.

There will be separate hunt areas designated for youngsters who are three-years and under, ages 4-5, 6-7 and 8-10.

The Easter bunny will also be available for photos.

March 31 deadline for tags

Persons whose last name begins with the letter B are reminded that license tags must be purchased

by Thurs., March 31, to avoid a penalty.

Tags are due for autos, light trucks, motorcycles and motorized bikes.

License tags can be purchased at the county treasurer’s office.

Tags must be renewed during April for persons whose last name begins with C or D.

Community Living

The Scott County Record

Page 3 - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Retirement planning especially important for women Women usually earn less than men, but live longer. Many women also interrupt their work life or career to care for children or elderly parents, and that will likely mean fewer contributions to Social Security and 401(k) or other retirement savings.

While many will want to continue working to allow retirement savings to build, some may not be physically able to continue working or may not have access to job opportunities that pay a living wage.

Women typically have three primary choices for funding retirement income: •Social Security contributions,

or

•Access to a pension,

•A do-it-yourself plan with regular contributions to investment tools such as a 401K or an IRA. Since Social Security is intended to supplement other income, pensions and previous retirement benefits that may be shrinking - or disappearing, the do-it-yourself plan becomes essential in preparing for a secure financial future.

It’s critical for women - and men, for that mat-

ter - to save and invest to provide income for retirement years when income typically shrinks and expenses for health care can increase.

If you’re not already a savvy money manager, now is the time to learn all that you can about managing money, saving and investing. It is important for single women, but also for women who may have a healthy marriage or relationship, to have assets in their name.

Sometimes women who believe that they and their spouse will face the future together find themselves stretched financially due to an accident, illness or the end of a relationship and division

vice/investment providers to check opportunities available.

•Make an appointment with the local Social Security office to check your status and estimated benefit; keep this and all other records in a financial notebook.

•Think ahead. What if you or a family member lost his or her job unexpectedly? Were injured in an accident and couldn’t work? Or, diagnosed with a severe chronic illness?

How much money do you have in reserve? And, how long can you stay afloat?

•Don’t plan to retire?

Can’t picture getting older? Try looking around the community (or your planned retirement destination) and visualize the

life you’d like to lead.

Doing so can provide an incentive to add to a retirement account regularly. If getting a late start, don’t be discouraged. It’s never too late to start saving, and, equally important to keep investing for your financial well-being.

More information on money management, including Kansas’ participation in Kansas Saves, is available online: kansassaves.org. Here you can find info on how to get out of debt, save for a home or auto purchase.

I can also provide you with some great resources and organizational ideas to get started. I have a great example of how to get your financial documents in order.

Still time to sign-up for Walk Kansas

Study club lesson on GMOs in food

Patsi Graham hosted the High Plains Study Club on March 17.

President Susie Gooden opened the meeting with the group reciting the Club Collect and Flag Salute.

Patsi Graham’s devotion came from a favorite book, “The First Easter,”

by Peter Marshall.

Lucky Dip was won

by Karen Compton and will be brought to the next meeting by Dorothy Spitzer.

Celia Fouser gave a conservation report on genetically modified organisms. GMOs are the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal.

Many people don’t realize they’ve been consuming foods with GMO ingredients for years.

The meeting was turned over to Trudy Eikenberry.

She modeled clothing that is good for gardening - a hat that gives protection from the sun; a vest that has lots of pockets; and rubber shoes for easy cleanup.

Trudy’s love of gardening began with her grandmother’s flower garden.

Everyone gardens for different reasons - to get outside; watch things grow; and work in the soil.

Pictures from the Schreiners Iris Garden in Portland, Ore., were shown. It was apparent the growing conditions must be close to perfect because it was lush and green with beautiful flower beds.

Dessert was served by Celia Fouser.

of assets that erodes their financial foundation.

To build a more secure future, start with a financial health check-up: •Set up a financial notebook or file box, and take stock of finances, including money in, money out, regular expenses, current account balances, debt load and current insurance policies. Do you, for example, have mortgage insurance in the event a spouse or partner, who also is contributing to monthly payments, dies unexpectedly?

•Track expenses and look for ways to reduce and eliminate debt and unnecessary expenses that could go toward retirement savings.

•Survey financial ser-

Teams are forming and registration is open for the Walk Kansas program, which this year runs April 3 through May 28. It is open to all Kansans.

The K-State Extension program involves teams of six people working toward a common goal typically to walk at least 150 minutes per person per week either together or individually - which

Kaitlin Tinney and Cody Doll

Couple plans May 21 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.

Vallejo is ‘Outstanding Sister’ Alpha Omega met on March 10 at Barb Summers.

Roll call was answered by 17 members to, “What is your favorite ice cream?”

After the business meeting, Annette Orr led a game of “2 rights, 1 wrong.”

Paige Vallejo was named “Outstanding Sister.”

Kate Macy gave an educational talk about Weight Watchers.

The meeting was adjourned with the closing rituals.

Refreshments were served by Shirley Suppes.

is the equivalent of walking the 423 miles across Kansas over eight weeks.

Other options are available for those wanting a greater challenge.

Information and registration is available on the website www.walkkansas. org. Sign up is requested

by March 25. Registration is also available at K-State Extension offices.

Don’t have enough friends, colleagues or

family members to form a team of six? Kansans can register as an individual and will be added to a team.

There is a small fee for adults, but children and teenagers (through high school age) can participate on teams for free by registering at a local Extension office.

In cases where a teacher is registering students, the teacher is not charged.

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, March 24, 2016

editorially speaking

Doing it right:

County, state are contrasts in responsible government

Due to sound money management and a careful eye on the budget, Scott County taxpayers will save just over $1.8 million on bonds issued to pay for the new Scott County Hospital.

There’s a possibility the county commission will add to those savings by another $200,000 to $300,000 later this year when it refinances bonds that were issued for the Law Enforcement Center.

And these savings are on top of the interest that taxpayers won’t have to pay when the county retires bonds this summer for the courthouse remodeling project. That debt is being retired four years ahead of schedule.

Now compare that to the fiscal disaster that continues to unfold in Topeka.

How is all of this possible?

1) The commission didn’t slash property taxes (or any other taxes) with the false assumption that doing so would open the flood gates to new businesses pouring into Scott County.

2) Commissioners didn’t get caught up with the influx of tax dollars from a sharp increase in oil/gas valuations. They realized that what goes up will probably come down. They are using that bump in revenue, not to slash taxes in the short term, but to help reduce long-term debt.

3) Because of good management, Scott County saw its Standard and Poor’s rating climb from A+ to AA-, which helped the county to negotiate a lower interest rate on the hospital bonds.

Meanwhile, the state has seen its bond rating lowered to AA from AA+. The reason, according to S&P, is the state’s unbalanced budget caused by income tax cuts signed into law in 2012.

4) The county is using its cash reserves to retire debt ahead of schedule on the hospital, Law Enforcement Center and courthouse remodeling project which will reduce interest payments.

The state has no cash reserves. It’s forced to borrow over a billion dollars which will result in millions of dollars in interest costs for Kansas taxpayers.

And if that isn’t enough, state lawmakers want local units of government - particularly schools to draw down their savings so they can eventually find themselves in the same disastrous predicament as the state.

Scott County and the State of Kansas offer two contrasting styles in how government can best serve the needs of its constituents. One is very functional; the other is dysfunctional.

You decide which is which.

Blame game:

Presidential candidates, GOP set tone for violence

It seems that everyone has an answer for what, or whom, is responsible for the violence that has become an expected feature of Donald Trump campaign rallies.

Ted Cruz blames President Obama.

Marco Rubio blames Obama and the media.

Trump blames Bernie Sanders.

Exactly what, you might ask, has the President done to incite violence at Republican events?

Rubio referred to a speech in April 2011 in which President Obama said the GOP’s budgeting vision “is less about reducing the deficit than it is about changing the basic social compact in America.”

Yep, them’s fightin’ words all right.

To be honest, we’re not sure anyone attending a Trump rally would even understand what was being said by the President, let alone be angry enough to throw punches because of them.

The problem for Republicans isn’t with Obama, Sanders or the media. They are a victim of their own political gamesmanship.

For years, they’ve complained about big government, railed against Roe v Wade and promised that free trade agreements would be great for everyone. They created the Tea Party environment with their dog-whistle attacks against an illegitimate President who was born in Kenya, by blaming illegal immigrants for our problems, inventing rampant voter fraud and building a fear of Muslims, Sharia Law or anything else that too many don’t want to understand.

Donald Trump is telling the Republican base what it wants to hear. Trump’s campaign stops are one step shy of a KKK rally, but that doesn’t appear to slow his march to the White House.

Kansans obviously have no trouble jumping on the Trump bandwagon. He was a runner-up in the state’s GOP caucus and he has received the endorsement of Secretary of State Kris Kobach.

Establishment Republicans - from Bob Dole to Mitt Romney - are embarrassed that it appears Trump will be the party’s standard bearer this fall.

They should be ashamed of a Republican Party whose tactics allowed this situation to occur in the first place.

So who’s guilty of overreach?

For years, ultraconservative lawmakers and elected officials have been preaching the gospel of government Overreach with respect to anything concerning President Obama, the EPA, the Department of Education and the Supreme Court (U.S. or Kansas).

In short, if it involves a decision that our Kansas Congressional delegation, or Gov. Sam Brownback or right-wing lawmakers in the state legislature don’t like, the choir begins singing “Overreach” in unison.

So what’s it called . . .

•when a property tax lid is passed that will limit the taxing authority of cities and counties?

•when school districts are told they aren’t intelligent enough to make purchasing decisions and those decisions might best be handled by going through the state?

•when schools might be forced to clear out their carryover funds and transfer that money to the state?

•when cities, counties and schools can’t make

decisions locally that would put limits on the sale of junk food?

•when the state tells public universities they have no option but to allow concealed carry weapons on campus even as an overwhelming majority of staff members and students oppose the law?

•when legislators decide that it’s up to the state - not local school districts - to decide what restroom a transgender student should be allowed to use?

If it waddles and quacks like overreach, then it must be overreach.

In other words, we can live in a nanny state so long as conservative Republicans are the ones tucking us in at night.

And Republican nannies are very uncomfortable with sex - how it’s taught, if people of the same sex are having it with each other and, of

course, what to do about those who are conflicted by their sex. In a nanny state the laws of man are far more powerful than the laws of nature.

If there’s anything about sex that makes some of us uncomfortable our nanny state will write a new law that makes us or them - feel better.

Conservative legislators, for example, are proposing a law that will require transgender students to use the restroom of the sex they were at birth - not what they presently are.

“All this is going to do is single out and isolate trans kids in high school and it’s going to make them vulnerable to attack, bullying, injury or possibly worse,” said Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas.

In addition to that, it’s also saying that local school officials aren’t smart enough to handle this situation on their own.

It’s what we commonly refer to as overreach.

As another example, 31.3 percent of Kansans are considered obese - the 13th highest rate in the

nation. If our state’s economic rank was on par with our obesity rank, Brownback would probably be tossing his name into the upcoming Republican presidential convention as a compromise candidate to replace Trump.

At the very least he’d be greasing the wheels for a presidential run in 2020.

A number of Kansans see obesity as a problem and are trying to implement programs that promote healthier habits among young children and teenagers. Some schools have decided to limit the types of snacks and drinks that are available in vending machines on school grounds.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, which does a lot of the thinking for Kansas legislators who don’t have the time or ability to think for themselves, said the ultimate goal of those wanting to tackle the obesity epidemic is to enact zoning and licensing laws which will prohibit where fast food restaurants can be located.

(See OVERREACH on page six)

Legislative garbage in, garbage out On Monday, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed Senate Bill 334 into law. It requires the state attorney general be given notice anytime a court or other party plans to challenge the validity or constitutionality of any state statute.

The new law will ensure the state’s top law officer has the chance to give his or her input regarding any challenge.

Given the collective mentality of this state’s current Legislature, Attorney General Derek Schmidt simply should plan to be on-call 24/7.

Bills related to religious freedom as long as you’re Christian, shortchanging public schools and universities, transgendered persons’ lavatory privileges, access to safe abortions, sweeping funds previously allocated for other purposes, and attacks on

Where to Write

another view by Patrick Lowry

the judicial branch are just a few of many areas in which Kansas should expect legal challenges.

Should the attorney general need more specificity, we shall oblige.

Schmidt needs to begin planning a defense of Senate Bill 439. This two-page piece of legislative retaliation expands the spectrum of reasons a Kansas Supreme Court justice might be impeached.

An amendment added in the four constitutional officers of the executive branch so it wouldn’t appear the high court was the lone target. As the attorney general is one of those officers, Schmidt likely is watching this bill closely.

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

SB 439 purports to clarify what sorts of high crimes and misdemeanors for which a justice could be impeached. The Kansas House, which has the sole power to impeach, will be looking for such offenses as: •“attempting to subvert fundamental laws and introduce arbitrary power;” and •“attempting to usurp the power of the legislative or executive branch of government.”

In other words, the Kansas Supreme Court had better find favor with all the craziness passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor - or else.

This bill is the codification of wildly unsubstantiated conspiracy theories dearly held by individuals who claim to be protecting the Constitution but in reality have no idea what the document contains.

Sen. Pat Roberts 109 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4774 roberts.senate.gov/email.htm

As reported in the Topeka Capital-Journal: “The power of the Kansas Legislature is the ultimate check against officials of the executive and judiciary branches of state government from attempting to usurp the power of the people of Kansas and is a fundamental component of the constitutional system,” said Sen. Greg Smith (R-Overland Park).

The Kansas Constitution already gives the House the power to impeach. What this potential law does is give the House powerful and arbitrary discretion upon which to start such proceedings.

This piece of legislation, like so many others concocted by the governor and ultra-conservative allies in the Statehouse, will be found unconstitutional.

(See GARBAGE on page six)

Sen. Jerry Moran 141 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-6521 www.moran.senate.gov/public/

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Brussels attacks bring out worst in Cruz, Trump

by E.J. Dionne, Jr.

Sudden, horrific events in the middle of a presidential campaign provide an X-ray of the instincts and thinking of the candidates. We can see what their priorities are and pick up clues about their character.

The terrorist attacks in Belgium brought out the worst in Ted Cruz and Donald Trump.

Cruz demonstrated that his only focus right now is to find ways of out-Trumping Trump. He seeks words that sound at least as intolerant and as dangerous to civil liberties as the formulations that regularly burst forth from the Republican front-runner.

Thus did Cruz declare: “We need to empower law enforcement to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized.”

He happily intruded on Trump’s trademark issues by emphasizing the need to seal the nation’s southern border against “terrorist infiltration,” and by declaring that “for years, the West has tried to deny this enemy exists out of a combination of political correctness and fear.”

Cruz touched so many hot buttons that it’s a wonder he did not have to wrap his hands in heavy gauze. And it tells us something about how far the Republican Party has veered to the right that its more moderate conservatives, including now Jeb Bush, have decided that Cruz is their best hope to stop Trump.

It is hard to imagine Bush offering sentiments about Belgium remotely similar to Cruz’s.

But being more out there on

these matters than Trump is, as the man might say, a huge reach.

The big winner of Tuesday’s Arizona primary actually complained that the United States is a land where the rule of law prevails.

“They don’t work within laws. They have no laws,” he said of the Islamic State on NBC’s “Today” show. “We work within laws.”

He said we should change our statutes to permit waterboarding.

Not content to imply that he’s for torture, he embraced it outright. He insisted that it could have helped prevent the attacks in Belgium. Speaking of Salah Abdeslam, the terror suspect captured last week, Trump told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer: “Well, you know, he may be talking, but he’ll talk a lot faster with the torture.”

A girl at the vigil site at Place de la Bourse in Brussels.

But a new terrorist episode was not enough to induce Trump to back away from his statements to The Post editorial board on Monday denigrating the United States’ commitment to NATO. At a moment when we should be declaring solidar-

ity with our European allies, Trump seems ready to do the opposite.

You don’t have to be a socialist to share Bernie Sanders’s view that Cruz’s proposal to single out a religious group (See ATTACKS on page six)

Obama’s visit to Cuba will hasten freedom

by Eugene Robinson

behavior on all sides. But the current crisis is very specific: A xenophobe who makes scapegoats of racial and religious minorities is threatening to take over the Republican Party and to throw the country into turmoil - and Ryan isn’t denouncing him, or even saying he won’t support Trump.

Instead, Ryan spoke of the need to “raise our gaze and aim for a brighter horizon. Instead of talking about what politics is today, I want to talk about what politics can be.”

But while Ryan gazes, his party and his country - burn.

Ryan, I believe, is a decent man.

His aides tell me he’s in a tight spot, and it’s true: As chairman of the Republican convention, he will be the enforcer of rules if Trump’s claim to the nomination is challenged - hence Ryan’s desire, as he puts it, “to be Switzerland, to be neutral and dispassionate.”

Also, he clearly would, despite his demurrals, like to be the consensus nominee.

The historic visit of a sitting U.S. president to Havana - which should have come a halfcentury sooner - will almost surely hasten the day when Cubans are free from the Castro government’s suffocating repression.

President Obama’s whirl- . . . the U.S. wind trip is the culmination of policy of his common-sense revamping prohibiting of U.S. policy toward Cuba. economic and One outdated, counterpro- social conductive relic of the Cold War tact between Americans remains - the economic embar- and Cubans go forbidding most business was, to the ties with the island nation - Castro brothand the Republican-controlled ers, the gift Congress won’t even consider that kept on giving. repealing it.

But Obama, using his executive powers, has been able to reestablish full diplomatic relations, practically eliminate travel restrictions and substantially weaken the embargo’s grip.

All of which is long overdue. The United States first began to squeeze the Castro government, with the hope of forcing regime change, in 1960. It should be a rule of thumb that if a policy is an utter failure for more than 50 years, it’s time to try something else.

I say this as someone with no illusions about President Raúl Castro, the spectral but still-powerful Fidel Castro or the authoritarian system they created and wish to perpetuate.

Hours before Obama’s arrival Sunday, police and security agents roughly arrested and hauled away members of the Ladies in White dissident group as they conducted their weekly protest march. This time, U.S. network news crews happened to be on hand to witness the ritualized crackdown.

I wrote a book about Cuba, and each time I went to the island for research I gained more respect and admiration for the Cuban people and more contempt for the regime that so cynically and capriciously smothers their dreams.

Those 10 trips convinced me, however, that the U.S. policy of prohibiting economic and social contact between Americans and Cubans was, to the Castro brothers, the gift that kept on giving.

I saw how the “menace” of an aggressive, threatening neighbor to the north was used as a justification for repression. We’d love to have freedom of the press, freedom of association and freedom of assembly, the government would say, but how can we leave our beloved nation so open, and so vulnerable, when the greatest superpower on earth is trying to destroy our heroic revolution?

Most of the Cubans I met were not fooled by such doublespeak. But they did have a nationalistic love for their country, and their nation was, indeed, under economic siege.

There are those who argue that Obama could have won more concessions from the Castro regime in exchange for improved relations.

But this view ignores the fact that our posture of unmitigated hostility toward Cuba did more harm to U.S. interests than good.

Relaxing travel restrictions for U.S. citizens can only help flood the island with American ideas and values. Permitting such an influx could be the biggest risk the Castro brothers have taken since they led a ragtag band of guerrillas into the Sierra Maestra Mountains to make a revolution.

(See NEUTRALITY on page six)

(See CUBA on page six)

Pickpockets are prowling the airport

by Jim Hightower

If you take the word f-r-e-e and rip the “r” out of it, what do you get?

Two things, actually: One, instead of “free” you get “fee” - and then you get mad.

This is happening to millions of airline passengers who’re discovering that the advertised price of a ticket is not the half of it. Beaucoup fees have been added, charging us for items that previously were (and still should be) free.

People’s rage-ometers zing into the red zone when they see that these fees-for-former-freebies will often more than double the cost of a trip.

Like diabolical bankers did years

ago, top executives of airline corporations have learned to goose up prices and profits (as well as their own pay) by nickel-and-diming customers. Only, their fees are way more than nickel and dimes.

For example, if you schedule a flight, but something comes up and you have to change the time, day, or destination of your trip - BAM! - airlines zap you with a $200 fee.

Basically for nothing! Computers quickly make the change, costing the corporation a mere pittance, but rather than graciously accommodating your need and making you a satisfied customer, they pick your pocket and make you angry.

Gouging and infuriating ticket buyers might seem like a poor busi-

ness model for the long run, but airline CEOs these days insist that their duty is not to please consumers, but only to make their major stockholders happy by maximizing their short term profits. And, indeed, the ripoff is very lucrative for the corporate elite - airlines pocketed nearly $3 billion last year just from fees they charged passengers who needed to alter their flights.

To curtail this “Great American Plane Robbery,” several senators have proposed a “FAIR Fees Act.” For information contact Sen. Ed Markey’s office: 202-224-2742 or www.markey.senate.gov.

Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

This is no time for neutrality Ryan took a cowardly approach on Trump dilemma Before House Speaker Paul D. Ryan’s “Address on the State of American Politics” Wednesday, an aide went to the microphone to instruct the crowd.

“You don’t have to save your applause to the end,” said the aide, Caleb Smith. “If he says something you like - clap. You know? You can stand up. It’s fine.”

Forgive me if I don’t join in the ovation.

Ryan’s speech had the promise of boldness: Would the highest-ranking Republican in government, and the man many Republicans would like to see as their presidential nominee, finally denounce the racist demagogue who threatens to take over the party of Lincoln?

Alas, no. Ryan tiptoed, floating an alternative to Donald Trump’s hatred but not mentioning the big-

behind the headlines

by Dana Milbank

oted billionaire by name.

“Instead of playing to your anxieties, we can appeal to your aspirations,” the speaker said. “We don’t resort to scaring you; we dare to inspire you.”

“If someone has a bad idea,” Ryan lectured, “we don’t insult them into agreeing with us.”

And who, pray tell, might be the target of this generic piety? One young man, after Ryan’s prepared remarks, asked about the presidential race.

“I’m not going to ask you to name names,” he began.

“I’m not going to,” Ryan interjected.

Ryan went out of his way to distribute blame. “How many of you find yourself shaking your head at what you see from both sides of the aisle?” he asked.

That, Mr. Speaker, is weak.

There is, in general, plenty of bad

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • March 24, 2016

Now our legislature wants to control the restroom John Schrock

Two newly released bills in the Kansas Legislature throw a hissy fit over the possibility that some students will use transexuality as a rationale to be “peeping toms” and enter the opposite sex restroom for prurient interests.

Not only would such a spur-of-the-moment excuse not be accepted by any competent school administrator, no young-

ster would want to falsely claim that label.

To solve this non-problem, these bills go back a century to recognize only the sex “identified at birth by a person’s anatomy.”

Legislators appear clueless that for some children, that is exactly the problem.

When a couple is expecting, and they don’t yet know the sex of their child, the first words they want to hear at childbirth is whether “It’s a boy” or

. . . having some form of sexual or gender ambiguity is more common than all cases of Down Syndrome and cystic fibrosis combined. Therefore nearly everyone knows someone who secretly has some form of gender or sexual ambiguity; they just keep it hidden.

“It’s a girl.”

But sometimes the doctor has to say “I’ll get back to you on that.”

Sometimes genitalia are ambiguous - not clearly male or female.

Physicians can look at chromosomes, biopsy gonads, and check hormone levels to make an

initial assignment - but it remains tentative.

This initial assignment may not match what the child will come to “feel.”

Testosterone or estrogens cause a brain difference in the second half of our fetal development that will only express itself a few years later - usually

Republicans refuse to create even one job

by Andy Borowitz

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) - Contradicting their professed interest in creating jobs, Senate Republicans resolutely refused to put even one American to work this week.

The Republicans, in fact, went to extreme lengths to prevent a single job from being filled, thus risking being called job-killers during an election year.

Overreach We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but those restrictions already exist.

The vast majority of Kansas communities already have zoning laws which determine where restaurants - or many other commercial establishments can be located. They also give local residents the right to protest any changes to those restrictions.

These are decisions which can best be made by our local residents, our city government and our zoning boards. We don’t need interference - or

Cuba Why would they now take this gamble?

Because they have no choice. The Castro regime survived the collapse of the Soviet Union - and the end of huge annual subsidies from the Eastern Bloc - but the Cuban economy sank into depression.

Copious quantities of Venezuelan oil, provided by strongman Hugo Chávez (who was Fidel Castro’s protege), provided a respite. But now Chávez is gone, Venezuela is an economic ruin and

that G.O.P. senators did not want to do anything to contribute to the improving jobs picture while Barack Obama is still President.

“Under President Obama, the economy has added over nine million jobs,” one insider said.

“The last thing the Republicans want to do is give him credit for one more.”

Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author

(continued from page four)

should we say overreach - from ALEC or state lawmakers.

Should we want to limit the size of soft drink beverage cups that can be sold, or require only fresh fruit to be sold at our school’s vending machines, that’s our decision.

Just like it was our decision years ago to ban smoking in local restaurants. Our city council in Scott City, with the support of their constituents, did what they thought was right. That was true of many communities across the state.

Neutrality But to preserve his neutrality, and his presidential prospects, Ryan is making a corrupt bargain. There is no neutrality between good and evil.

At the moment, the man Ryan refuses to denounce is warning to “spill the beans” about GOP rival Ted Cruz’s wife - threatening an unspecified smear after a group unaffiliated with Cruz issued an ad featuring an old fashion photo of Trump’s wife.

Trump is also supporting Cruz’s proposal that the United States “patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods” while also reiterating his support for torture and for banning Muslims from entering

“You have a job opening and a highly qualified applicant, but you’re blocking the applicant from taking the job?” Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said.

“That doesn’t sound like you’re very interested in creating jobs.”

While voters across the country questioned why Republicans would refuse to let even one American find employment, Washington insiders speculated

We didn’t wait for state lawmakers to do the bidding for the tobacco industry and try to pass legislation preventing us from taking action on the grounds we need to have “consistency and uniformity” in every community, as Wichita Republican and ALEC member Rep. Gene Suellentrop argued in hopes of prohibiting local control with respect to junk food.

At any time should we believe our county, city or school district officials have overstepped their authority, the public is wel-

come to attend meetings and voice their displeasure.

They can also make their feelings known at the next election.

The real danger in Kansas comes from having a governor and a legislature representing a minority of Kansans who are determined to impose their fiscal folly and moral values on the majority.

That’s the worst kind of overreach and Kansans cannot afford to remain silent.

Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page five)

the country.

Yet the Swiss Ryan this week disagreed with those who say Trump is authoritarian. Trump reported that Ryan, in a private phone call, “couldn’t have been nicer.”

Ryan’s event was ideal positioning for a nominee-in-waiting. He stood in front of five flags and behind a lectern labeled with the Twitter-friendly labels @SpeakerRyan and #ConfidentAmerica. Two hundred interns filled the seats in the Ways and Means Committee room, where Ryan once presided. He wore a favored baby-blue tie, which brings out his eyes.

Rep. Elise Stefanik

(R-N.Y.), 31, the youngest woman to be elected to Congress, introduced him as a “happy warrior” and repeatedly called him Paul. The speakership “was a job he didn’t ask for but answered the call to serve,” she said.

Ryan, owning his establishment manacles, recalled that it was “a big deal” to be on Ways and Means.

“We treated each other with respect. We disagreed without being disagreeable,” he said, contrasting that with the toxic discourse undermining government. “We don’t have to accept it, and we cannot enable it,” Ryan said.

Yet Ryan IS enabling it.

“What role do you think members of Congress have in bringing the nation together?” one of the interns asked.

“It is not our job simply to say we are just as angry as the rest of everybody else, to put gas on the fire,” he said. At another point, he asserted: “I think how we conduct ourselves is very important, and we set an example and lead by example.”

Right. But leading by example means denouncing and disowning the demagogue in our midst.

This is no time to play Switzerland.

Dana Milbank is a Washington Post staff writer

(continued from page five)

Cuba has no choice but to monetize the resource it has in greatest abundance, human capital.

From the Castros’ point of view, better relations with the United States must now seem unavoidable.

It is possible that Raúl Castro, who has promised to resign in 2018, will seek to move the country toward the Chinese model: a free-market economic system overseen by an authoritarian one-party government.

Would this fully satisfy those who want to see a free Cuba? No. Would it be a tremendous improvement over the poverty and oppression Cubans suffer today? Absolutely.

Fidel Castro will be 90 in August; Raúl is just five years younger. At some point in the not-too-distant future, we will see whether Castroism can survive without a living Castro. Anyone who wants U.S. policymakers to have influence when

that question arises should applaud Obama’s initiatives.

And speaking of applause, did you see the rapturous welcome the president and his family received in Havana?

Cubans seem to have a much more clear-eyed - and hopeful - view than Obama’s shortsighted critics.

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

between the ages of four and eight.

Dr. John Money at Johns Hopkins University was the first to specialize in these ambiguities beginning in the 1950s.

Among his many patients, their feelings of masculinity or femininity usually aligned with their attraction to the opposite sex - but not always.

Men vary from masculine to effeminate; and men attracted sexually to other men are

not always effeminate.

Women exhibit a range of femininity; and women sexually attracted to other women are not necessarily masculine.

To separate the scale of masculine-to-feminine from sexual ideation, John Money borrowed the term “gender” from its use in language.

And look around at this wonderful variation in gender identity that enriches our society.

(See RESTROOM on page 7)

Garbage

(continued from page four)

It isn’t fair, isn’t based on sound legal reasoning, and attempts to pervert what the Kansas Constitution states. And, of course, it passed the Senate 21-19 with Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell, joining the majority.

There simply is no way SB 439 will pass constitutional muster. Attorney General Schmidt, prepare your input.

Patrick Lowry is editor of the Hays Daily News

Attacks for special police treatment is “unconstitutional” and “wrong.”

Hillary Clinton responded characteristically on Wednesday with a policy-heavy speech.

She upbraided Cruz, saying that he was “treating American Muslims like criminals,” which was both “wrong” and “counterproductive.” She also condemned torture “anywhere in the world.”

Before the age of Trump, we valued sobriety in leaders when the country faced severe challenge. Clinton and Sanders apparently still think we do. But in the Republican primaries, sobriety has gone out the window.

The one Republican hopeful who hasn’t gotten that message yet is John Kasich. True, he did some partisan pandering, saying President Obama should not have gone to a baseball game in Cuba after the attacks. If he were president, Kasich added, he would have canceled the rest of the trip and returned to the White House to organize new anti-terrorism efforts.

But overall - and this is to his credit - Kasich’s reaction to Belgium contrasted sharply with the extremism of his competitors.

(continued from page five)

“We are not at war with Islam, we are at war with radical Islam,” he said.

“In our country, we don’t want to create divisions.”

In a more functional democracy, the campaign might provide the occasion for a serious debate on Obama’s strategy against the Islamic State (which, by the way, is what Clinton tried to start). Should the United States be more aggressive, or would such an approach, as the president seems to believe, lead us into unsustainable commitments? And how can we promote greater intelligence cooperation across Europe and give our allies a lot more help?

But such a discussion would not provide the incendiary sound bites that so much of our media seem to encourage and that Republican primary voters seem to reward.

With large parts of the Republican establishment giving up on Kasich and embracing Cruz as the last anti-Trump hope, we can now look forward to a GOP race to the bottom in which fear itself is the only thing its leading candidates have to offer.

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

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

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Restroom Not every boy is a John Wayne nor every girl a Marilyn Monroe. There is a gradation to gentler boys and to “tomboy” girls that greatly enriches our cultural life.

The proposed legislation’s reference to anatomy-at-birth ignores the complexities of gender and sexuality that have become solid science over the last 60 years.

Yes, usually XY chromosomes result in a male, and XX chromosomes cause a female. But there are variations from XO to XXY, XXYY, XXXY and others. One-out-of 5,000 have XO, one out of a thousand are XYY, one out of 500 are XXY, and some persons are a mosaic of XY and XO. There are many thousands of Kansans affected by

Friendship ‘Meals to Go’ available from the VIP Center Individual frozen/sealed trays • Good for special diets only $3.25/meal • Call 872-3501

(continued from page six)

unusual chromosomal, anatomical and hormone variations.

What appears to be an anatomically normal baby girl can have XY chromosomes in every cell and possess testes; but the testosterone produced is ignored by body cells that lack receptors. The external anatomy of this XY baby appears completely female at birth.

Every boy has a small amount of estrogens produced by fat and other tissues. And every girl has some testosterone produced by the adrenal glands. These hormones vary in amount, personto-person and over our lifetimes. Uncle Joe may have smoother skin. Aunt Louise may grow a slight mustache.

Finally, there is the recent brain research of Dick Swaab and his team.

They located a section of the brain hypothalamus that varies in size with masculinity and femininity. The brain of an anatomical boy who felt he was a girl since age six, had the nerve center of a normal girl.

This is not true of homosexual men, which is additional biological proof that gender identity does not always match with sexual anatomy or ideation.

Most biology students come away from this knowledge thankful that their chromosomes match their anatomy that matches their hormones that matches their brain development. And a few

are thankful that, perhaps now, others will understand the situations when these do not match.

Altogether, having some form of sexual or gender ambiguity is more common than all cases of Down Syndrome and cystic fibrosis combined.

Therefore nearly everyone knows someone who secretly has some form of gender or sexual ambiguity; they just keep it hidden.

This current legislation, the “Student Physical Privacy Act,” is based on outdated, simple-minded ideas.

It’s 19th century thinking that perpetuates intolerance based on ignorance.

John Schrock trains biology teachers and lives in Emporia

872-2090

March-April We’re here for you

872-5328 Sunday

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

Monday

27 Attend the Church of Your , Choice.

Tuesday

28

Wednesday

29 SCHS Bsb. vs TMP, 4:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday

Thursday

30 “What’s Our Vision” meeting @ SCHS Commons, 6:00 p.m.

SCHS Forensics @ Oakley, 2:00 p.m.

No School

SCHS Cheer Tryout Practice @ SCHS Gym, 6:30 p.m.

SCHS Cheer Tryout Practice @ SCHS Gym, 6:30 p.m.

SCMS Art Festival

4

SCHS Bsb. @ Lakin

Friday

31 SCHS Bsb. vs. Goodland, 4:00 p.m.

SCHS JV Track Meet @ Larned, 3:00 p.m.

3

No charge for community events

SCHS Softball @ Goodland, 4:00 p.m.

SCHS Cheer Tryouts @ SCHS Gym, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday

1 SCMS GWAC Music Festival @ GCCC, 9:00 a.m.

SCHS Regional Music Festival @ GCCC

SCHS Track @ Ulysses, 3:00 p.m.

Diamonds and Champagne @ Majestic Theatre, 6:00 p.m.

Survivor Health Fair @ SCHS, 8:00-Noon

State Powerlifting Class 3A @ Conway Springs, 9:00 a.m.

Genelle Krehbiel Retirement Reception @ Court House, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

5

SCMS Art Festival

6

7 SCMS Track @ Norton

2

SCHS Golf @ Lakin

8

HS ACT @ SCHS

9

Billy Allen Products, Inc. The complete

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The Scott County Record

Lawn and Garden

Page 8 - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Plant a pollinator garden, enjoy the benefits

by Melinda Myers

Whether planting a garden, enjoying the beauty of your landscape or sitting down to a delicious meal, you have bees, butterflies and other pollinators to thank.

These essential members of our ecosystem are responsible for much of the food and beauty we enjoy each day.

Unfortunately pesticides and habitat loss are threatening their existence. There is something you can do to help. Turn your garden, backyard or balcony into a pollinator’s habitat.

Plant a variety of flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the season. Planting masses of natives, herbs and other pollinator favor-

ites like sedum, zinnias, alyssum, cosmos, and columbine will attract these beauties to your landscape.

Include a variety of day and night blooming flowers in a variety of colors and shapes to support the widest range of pollinators. But don’t let a lack of space dissuade you; even a window box of flowers can help.

Keep your plants healthy and blooming with proper care. Match the plants to the growing conditions, provide needed water and fertilize with an organic nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite (milorganite.com) when needed.

You’ll promote slow steady plant growth that is less susceptible to drought and pests. Plus the slow

release low nitrogen won’t interfere with flowering which is essential to the health and well-being of our pollinators.

Supplement pollinators’ diets with a bit of rotten fruit. And be sure to provide trees, shrubs, parsley, dill and other plants that caterpillars, grubs and the immature stage of other pollinators prefer to feed upon.

Put away the pesticides and tolerate a few holes in the leaves of their favorite plants. With a diversity of plants you can easily overlook the temporary leaf damage. Plus, this is a small price to pay for all the benefits they bring to the garden.

Provide pollinators with shelter from predators and the weather.

Include a variety of trees,

shrubs and perennials.

Leave patches of open soil for ground nesting bees and some leaf litter to shelter some butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinating insects.

Supplement natural shelter with commercial or homemade nesting boxes. You’ll find doit-yourself plans on the internet from various educational sources.

Puddles, fountains, birdbaths and even a damp sponge can provide needed water. Include water features with sloping sides or add a few stones to create easier access.

Or sink a shallow container of sand in the ground. Keep it damp and add a pinch of sea salt for the butterflies and bees.

Your efforts will be rewarded with greater

A monarch butterfly on a tithonia blossom.

harvests, beautiful flow- butterflies visiting your ers and colorful birds and garden.

Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds and Blooms magazine

‘Cultivated’ carrots more pleasing for gardeners

Unless you want to grow orange, “hairy” forks or golf balls, cultivate soil 8-10 inches deep before planting carrots this spring.

“Many soils in our region compact very easily, and carrots that develop in hard, compacted soils will be misshapen,” said Chuck Marr, horticulturist with Kansas State University Extension.

In fact, Marr recommends that Kansans not even try to grow long, thin carrot varieties.

“Good short, fat vari-

eties include Red Cored Chantenay and Royal Chantenay.

Miniature varieties include Sweet-nShort, Gold Nugget, Little Finger and Tiny Sweet.

A good moderately long variety is Scarlet Nantes,” he said.

The best planting time for carrots is late March to early-April for a spring crop or early August for a fall harvest.

“Most varieties need 55 to 60 days to go from seed to maturity. Yet, carrots are most tender and sweet when harvested in

cooler weather,” Marr said. “So, it’s fortunate they can withstand a light freeze.

“You don’t have to cover a spring-planted crop if we get a late cold snap. You actually can mulch fall-planted carrots with straw and harvest, as needed, until the ground freezes solid in midDecember.”

He suggests the following steps for raising carrots from seed to a goodtasting source of vitamin A: •Plant seeds one-fourth

What a difference a year makes We run on it. We play on it. And sometimes we lie down and dream on it.

It’s easy to take that grass underfoot for granted, especially when temperatures are mild and rains are plentiful.

A few steps through the year, however, will help fortify the green carpet we call lawns through tough times, according to Kansas State University horticulturist Ward Upham.

He offers the following March and April reminders on caring for a coolseason lawn.

March Spot treat broadleaf weeds if necessary. Apply the treatment on a day that is 50 degrees or warmer.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as rain or irrigation within 24 hours of

application will reduce the The preventer needs to be treatment’s effectiveness. watered in before it will start to work.

One-quarter inch of April Apply crabgrass pre- water will be enough to venter in April. If you water in any of the prodhave redbud trees in your ucts mentioned in this area, take note of when calendar. Remember that they’re in full bloom. a good, thick lawn is the That’s an easy reminder to best weed prevention and apply crabgrass preventer. may be all that is needed.

(spring) to one-half (fall) inch deep in moist soil, sprinkling carefully to avoid excessively crowded rows.

The rows themselves can be just 12 inches apart.

•Until the seeds germinate, avoid heavy watering, which can form a crust on the soil surface.

•Be patient. Particularly

in spring, carrot germination sometimes is slow and uneven •When the weak, spindly seedling plants have emerged, thin so the strongest are 1-2 inches apart.

•Weed carefully while the plants are young, to remove the carrots’ competition.

•Dig or pull the roots about two months after

planting, when they reach the desired diameter.

•Cut the tops to within one-half inch of the root top and store in plastic bags in a refrigerator.

“If you don’t use them up quickly, eating them raw and cooking them in stews and casseroles, you’ll find that carrots can store well for quite a long while,” Marr said.

The Scott County Record • Page 9 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Lee Fund awards $11,200 in grants Four local non-profit organizations have been awarded a total of $11,200 in grants through the Margaret Lee Estate Fund administered by the Scott Community Foundation.

Receiving the first in what will be an annual distribution through the fund are the First Christian Church ($3,360), Scott County Library ($2,612), New Hope Children’s Farm ($2,612), and Scott County Historical Society ($2,614).

Kenneth and Margaret Lee lived in Scott City for most of their married lives after moving from Long Beach, Calif., in 1948 where Kenneth was enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Kenneth was a native of Williston, N.D. Margaret Lee, daughter of Clarence and Rosa Dickhut, was born and raised in Scott City where she graduated in 1940.

She attended Kansas State University before enlisting in the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1943 where she was assigned to the Roosevelt Base in California.

During this time she met and married Kenneth on May 26, 1947.

After returning to Kansas, Kenneth and Margaret owned and operated Lusterite Cleaners for 18 years. Following closing the cleaners in 1970, Kenneth operated a feedlot cleaning service and was later employed

by Koch Industries.

Kenneth was an active member of the Shriners and was elected to serve as a Scott County commissioner.

Margaret was employed as a business manager at the Scott City Clinic for 15 years and active in a number of community organizations.

She was a member of the First Christian Church, Scott Unit E.H.U., Scott County Historical Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Homebound (delivering books to the elderly), and served on the board of the Area Mental Health Center.

Kenneth and Margaret raised five children, including Greg, Sharilyn (Wilken), Mary (Berning), Nancy (Engquist) and Richard.

Accepting a grant on behalf of the Scott County Historical Society are (front row, from left) Marilyn Dryer, Richard Duff, Patsi Graham, Jeanie Cutler and Julie Niehage (SCF community development coordinator). (Back row) Marilyn Kendrick, Brinlee Griffith (SCF assistant), Ernie Smith, SCF executive director Ryan Roberts, Jerry Thomas and Marian Nolan.

(Right) Receiving a grant on behalf of the First Christian Church are (from left): Ryan Roberts (SCF executive director), Pam Caldwell (SCF assistant director), Pastor Scott Wagner, Julie Niehage, Garee Geist-Smith and Steve Payne.

(Below) Niehage presents a grant to representatives of New Hope Children’s Farm (from left) Deb Smith, Mary Berning and Mark Berning.

Scott County Library board members and staff accepting a grant from the Lee Fund are (from left): Griffith, Hugh McDaniel (SCF board member), Velda Thomas, Millie Dearden, county librarian Lori Hawker, Barb Ryan, Kaitlyn Wolkensdorfer, Roberts and Niehage.

Tree transplants need no competition For newly planted young trees, something amazingly simple can make a big difference in how well they thrive.

Maintaining either bare soil or a three-inch-deep mulch layer around each transplant’s trunk can improve some growth factors by up to 300 percent.

Foresters and horticulturists have long believed that limiting turf and weed growth under new tree plantings is a good idea.

Horticulturists at Kansas State University have conducted research on trees in bare and mulched plots and compared those with the outcomes for trees growing in

unrestricted lawn - grass right up to the trunks.

The research has included separate plots for three Kansas turf favorites: tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and bermuda grass.

They followed recommended mowing practices for the tree groups with a lawn grass growing underneath.

After two years of this treatment, the horticulturists measured and harvested to see how well the trees had grown. Their results showed: •The mulched and bare-soil groups had done equally well.

•Measured six inches above ground level, the

trunks of the no-turf trees were half again (150%) as wide as the trees in bermuda grass and twice (200%) as wide as the trees surrounded by tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.

•In turn, the trees on no-turf plots gained more woody mass. The redbuds ended up with an average 300 percent weight advantage. The pecans were 200 percent heavier than their kin in the turfed plots.

•Calculated leaf area was 200 percent larger for the redbuds and pecans without grass competition. Calculated leaf weight - which indicates

food-making capacity was 300 percent higher.

The horticulturists suspect that the younger the transplant, the more important applying their research results could be for top tree performance.

Nonetheless, any tree should benefit, because lawn mowers and trimmers remain a top cause of health- and even lifethreatening tree damage.

Researchers recommend, however, that tree owners use mulch to control weeds, rather than a herbicide to maintain a bare planting area. Many herbicides can drift, causing problems for nearby plants.

Non-selective herbicides can kill tree seedlings and lawn turf as well as weeds.

Besides, mulch helps insulate soil and thus moderates the results of extreme air-temperature swings. Plus, it helps soil conserve water.

However, mulch layers and tree trunks must not be in contact. Over time, that kind of closeness and moisture retention can foster disease and insect pests around a tree’s trunk.

To avoid such problems, the mulch layer must leave several inches of “doughnut hole” surrounding the woody plant.

GWMD Wilson says the results are compiled from 1,400 wells tested annually by the KGS. In order to provide consistent data, the wells are measured during the winter when there is no irrigation activity.

“About 80 percent of the wells are measured within a two-week period,” Wilson noted. “And I’d say a majority of them are measured within about an hour of the time they were measured last year.”

There’s little doubt the reduced drawdown of the Ogallala was greatly aided by rainfall across Western Kansas that Wilson says averaged 50 percent greater than normal. ”And we got it at the right time,” he said.

“Above normal precipitation levels in May and July during the growing season, and in some places again in August, really helped to ease pumping demands, which led to an overall reduction in waterlevel declines.”

After another very dry start to the year, the spigot was turned on with large parts of Southwest and Western Kansas seeing rainfall amounts 400-600

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

(continued from page one)

percent above normal.

Most of the state is no longer considered to be under drought conditions, Wilson said, although a few small areas are still classified as abnormally dry.

Temporary Reprieve Wilson said the moisture provided a temporary reprieve and doesn’t eliminate the need for water rights holders in the region to reduce usage.

He pointed out that in 2005, the biggest share of GWMD No. 1 had a saturated groundwater thickness of 50-100 feet. By 2015, that had been cut in half.

“Most of the district has seen at least a five to 10 foot decline,” Wilson said.

In most of Scott County the loss has been about 20 percent. Across central Wichita county there are areas where the groundwater has nosedived by more than 50 percent.

Even if an area only sees a 1-2 percent annual drop, GWMD Board President Greg Graff noted that over the course of 10 years that adds up to

a 10-20 percent decline.

He said last year’s good news will not slow the board’s plans to create a Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) and present a plan to stakeholders that will outline reductions in water usage.

“Between 1982 and 2012 we’ve lost 32 percent of the irrigated acreage in our district,” emphasizes Graff. “It’s only going to get worse. We can’t put this off any longer.”

Across the Region Water levels in the 1,400-well network, as a whole in 2015, declined an average of 0.37 feet, which was the smallest decline since 2009. From 2010 to 2014, the average annual levels fell, cumulatively, 7.21 feet. The last positive water-level change was in 1997 when the network average rose about 3 inches.

Most of the wells in the network monitored

by KGS and DWR are within the boundaries of the state’s five groundwater management districts (GMDs).

Southwest Kansas

GMD No. 3 wells continued to register the greatest average decline, although the 0.84-foot decrease in 2015 was a marked improvement over the previous five years.

Collectively, the district saw nearly a 15 foot decline in its wells from 2010-14, including a 2.15-foot drop in 2014.

Since 1996, the average water level in the GMD has dropped 38 feet.

The district includes all or part of Grant, Haskell, Gray, Finney, Stanton, Ford, Morton, Stevens, Seward, Hamilton, Kearny and Meade counties.

Northwest Kansas GMD No. 4 was the only region to experience a greater average decline than the year before, although the difference was not significant. In 2015, the average level fell 0.58 feet - nearly equal to the average of all annual declines since 1996 - compared with 0.43 feet in 2014.

The GMD covers Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, and parts of Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Graham, Wallace,

Logan and Gove counties.

Big Bend GMD No. 5 is centered on the Great Bend Prairie aquifer underlying Stafford and Pratt counties and parts of Barton, Pawnee, Edwards, Kiowa, Reno and Rice counties.

The average groundwater level there fell 0.38 feet after falling 0.60 feet in 2014 and rising 0.53 feet in 2013.

Groundwater levels in the Big Bend district are more responsive to large rain and snow events than in Western Kansas because normal precipitation rates rise from west to east. The water table is also nearer the surface there, which increases the chance that water percolating through the ground will reach the aquifer.

In the past 20 years, average annual levels increased seven times in GMD No. 5, including 3.14 feet in 2007 when torrential summer rains and flooding occurred.

Equus Bed GMD No. 2 is a major source of water for Wichita, Hutchinson and surrounding towns.

The average water level there rose 1.45 feet in

2015 after dropping 1.23 feet in 2014 and rising 2.81 feet in 2013.

In 10 of the past 20 years the average level rose, keeping the longterm water level of the Equus Beds relatively steady.

“Given that the Equus Beds is on the eastern edge of the High Plains aquifer system, it typically has much higher recharge rates because it receives higher precipitation amounts and the water table is very close to the land surface,” Wilson said.

“It can be subject to stress from continued drought conditions like we saw in 2011 and 2012, but overall it is managed as a sustainable system.”

The KGS measures approximately 550 wells in Western Kansas each January, and DWR staff from field offices in Stockton, Garden City and Stafford measure about 850 in western and central Kansas.

Most of the wells, spread over 48 counties, are used for irrigation and many have been measured for decades.

Irish for a day

Even though he’s Czechslovakian by heritage, Rob Vsetecka of Scott City said “everyone’s Irish for a day” as he made the rounds on St. Patrick’s Day last week.

(Record Photo)

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Youth/Education Dancers win top awards at Odyssey contest The Scott County Record

Page 11 - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Young dancers from Scott City and Dighton captured several top awards during the Odyssey Talent competition held on March 19 at Century II in Wichita.

Ten girls from Susan’s School of Dance in Dighton were among the competitors from Kansas and Oklahoma.

Tristan Wilson performed her self-choreographed contemporary solo to “I Was Here,” in the senior division. She received a Platinum award which is the top honor.

Wilson also competed in the senior tap category with her self-choreographed solo to “Lose Control.” She was awarded a High Gold (first place) award.

Amelia Ramsey performed her junior prep solo in the jazz division to “Bad Blood,” which was choreographed by Wilson. Ramsey received a Gold (second place) award.

In the teen jazz division, May von Leonrod performed her solo to “Footloose,” choreographed by Sadie Stanley. She received a Gold (first place) award.

Allie von Leonrod, Hannah Tucker and Payton Suppes competed in the junior lyrical trio division with “Hide Away,” choreographed by Wilson. These dancers were awarded a High Gold.

“Dear Future Husband” was performed by Alonna Speer and Tyler Schmalzried in the teen jazz duet category. This dance, choreographed by Wilson, earned a High Gold award.

Finishing up the day in the lyrical small group junior division were Allie von Leonrod, Alonna Speer, Amelia Ramsey, Erika Stewart, Hannah Tucker, Misti Wick, Payton Suppes and Tyler Schmalzried. They performed to “These Four Walls,” and earned a High Gold award.

This dance was choreographed by Wilson.

All the performers have qualified for the national competition to be held in Oklahoma City in June.

The dancers are under the direction of Susan Wilson, Dighton.

Lake Wide Awake conducts meeting at Park Place The Lake Wide Awake 4-H Club met at Park Place on Feb. 8. We brought in desserts to share with the residents.

Everyone enjoyed cake in honor of Paige Hoelting’s birthday, cheesecake or pie. It was fun visiting with the residents.

We held our meeting while everyone was enjoying dessert. Waylon Ricker led the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge.

Roll call was answered by seven members and four club leaders. Toni Glenn read a “thank you” note our club received from the Denver Rolling Nuggets for our financial support.

Alyssa Storm gave a project talk on citizenship and about the CIA trip she is scheduled to attend. Paige led everyone in a game of 4-H trivia.

Several of the Park Place residents played the trivia game with us.

The March meeting was held at the Wm. Carpenter 4-H Building.

Alyssa Storm, reporter

Area dancers participating in the Odyssey competition were (front row, from left) Erika Stewart and Allie von Leonrod. (Second row) Amelia Ramsey, Misty Wick and Tyler Schmalzried. (Third row) Alonna Speer, Payton Suppes and Hannah Tucker. (Back row) May von Leonrod and Tristan Wilson.

House rejects bill to repeal Common Core TOPEKA - After the Kansas House spent more than three hours Tuesday debating a bill that would have repealed the Common Core curriculum standards for English language arts and math in the state, it failed to receive first-round approval by a vote of 44-78.

House Bill 2292 would have repealed the current standards, effective July 1, 2017, and it would have required the Kansas State Board of Education to develop new standards by that time.

In addition, though, the bill would have prohibited the use of any “federally-provided or required” set of standards, and it would have given the Legislature authority to review and approve any new standards the state board submits.

County 4-H Club News

Supporters of the bill called the Common Core standards an example of federal government meddling in state education policy.

But opponents said repealing the standards would have put Kansas out of step with the rest of the nation, and would have put Kansas students at a disadvantage when taking college entrance exams that are designed around the Common Core.

An indicator that the bill had little support in the House came early when a majority voted not to accept the committee report, a routine procedure that allows the House to debate the bill as it was amended in committee.

GOP leaders then considered sending it back to committee.

But opponents of the bill later

reversed their move and agreed to have a full debate.

Kansas was one of the states that took part in a consortium that developed the standards in 2008 and 2009. They were intended to raise academic standards nationwide to ensure that students would be prepared for college or the workplace by the time they graduate high school.

They replaced standards in place in many states that critics had argued were disconnected from the expectations of higher education and the business world.

The Kansas State Board of Education formally approved them in October 2010. But soon thereafter, the Obama administration made adoption of the standards, or others like them, a condition for states to qualify for certain kinds of competitive

grants, leading to charges within conservative circles that they were part of a federal effort to take over state education policy.

Rep. Amanda Grosserode (R-Lenexa) argued that the new standards are unpopular among parents and teachers throughout the state. But many opponents argued just the opposite, saying the parents and teachers they talk to fully support the new standards.

Opponents also argued that the bill might be unconstitutional because the Kansas Constitution gives the state board general authority for supervising K-12 education. And they said abolishing them would put Kansas students at a competitive disadvantage because many national tests, including the ACT and SAT, are designed around the Common Core.

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Kasasa and Kasasa Cash are trademarks of BancVue, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.

For the Record Senate approves acceleration of property tax lid The Scott County Record

Senators sought Tuesday to accelerate a clampdown on city and county property tax increases, passing a bill after hours of debate.

House Bill 2088 moves up the implementation of the property tax lid from 2018 to 2017. The lid, placed into law last year, requires voters to approve property tax increases above the rate of inflation.

The Scott County Record Page 12 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

The Senate approved the bill on a 24-16 vote after a debate that stretched for more than four hours.

Senators slogged through a number of amendments seeking exemptions to the bill’s requirements.

The legislation already provided some exemptions. Construction of new buildings, increases in personal property valuation and property

that has changed use wouldn’t trigger the cap.

Court judgments, federal mandates and bond and interest payments also wouldn’t trigger the lid.

Senators sparred over an amendment brought by Sen. Tom Hawk (D-Manhattan), that would exempt the National Bio and AgroDefense Facility from Manhattan and Riley

County’s property tax lid.

Hawk pointed to the facility’s importance to the state and the additional business it is expected to attract to the area.

“We want to be very careful about what could happen with this particular tax lid relative to this jewel of investment in our state,” Hawk said.

Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce

Bill allows memorial signs for DUI victims in Kansas

A bill was signed into law earlier this week allowing signs listing the name and age of people killed by drunken drivers to be placed along Kansas highways to memorialize the lethality of impaired driving.

A bill unanimously approved by the Senate and House reflects concerted effort to gain approval of the program

by Barby Jobe, whose daughter, Kylie, was killed in a traffic accident five years ago, along with Kyle Thornburg.

“It is an honor to be here today to witness signing of this legislation,” Jobe said.

She said the road signs would serve as a personal reminder of the loss of Kylie Jobe, 20, and Thornburg, 22, in a twocar crash on Interstate

Scott County Commission USD 466 Board of Education Scott City Council Wed., March 30 • 6:00 p.m.

SCHS Commons Area Working dinner and discussion on “Visioning” to involve local elected officials and members of the community.

No action will be taken.

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record Thurs., March 24, 2016; last published Thurs., March 31, 2016)2t NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR ZONING VARIANCE Notice is hereby given that the Scott City Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on April 14, 2016, at 7 p.m., at the Scott City Council Meeting Room at City Hall, 221 West 5th Street, Scott City, Kansas, to consider the following agenda items: 1) Application for variance by Abram and Elizabeth Wiebe to allow a front porch wider than allowed by ordinance on: Lots Seven (7), Ten (10), and North half (N/2) of Eleven (11), Block Four (4), McLain, Swan & Sangster Addition to the City. (904 S. Glenn) All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at such hearing.

Dated: March 18, 2016 Rodney Hogg, chairman Scott City Planning Commission

70. She said the broader message shared with other motorists could be more significant.

“These are deaths that don’t have to happen,” Jobe said. “If it can cause one person to think about giving up their keys, or calling a friend, or calling their mom, or someone to pick them up and make a difference, their life will continue to shine.”

Gov. Brownback said enactment of Senate Bill 245 would permit private groups or individuals to finance placement of signs as reminders of the cost of impaired driving.

One-third of Kansas traffic fatalities involved drunken drivers, while 20 percent of children under the age of 12 killed in traffic accidents in Kansas were in drunk-driver crashes.

50 tons of personal documents disposed of March 6-12 in Kansas Kansans safely disposed of more than 50 tons of personal documents during National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

“The documents dropped off have now been safely destroyed and are out of the reach of identity thieves,” said Schmidt.

More than 2,100 Kansans dropped off 100,281 pounds of documents at 12 locations across the state.

This year’s total far surpassed last year’s record of 36 tons of documents.

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott City Police Department Feb. 28: Aggravated battery and disorderly conduct was reported.

March 21: Luis Aguilera-Macias, 23, was arrested for DUI and racing on the highway. He was transported to the LEC. March 22: Bradley Hernandez, 25, was arrested on a Scott County warrant and transported to the LEC. Scott County Sheriff’s Department March 17: Amanda Dearden reported domestic battery.

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(R-Nickerson) warned the bill would specifically exempt Riley County, making the bill nonuniform among counties and allowing individual counties to opt out of the bill’s requirements.

Sen. Carolyn McGinn (R-Sedgwick) put forward an amendment to exempt emergency services spending from the lid. She argued local governments

should retain control over spending. Senators adopted the amendment, 22-17.

“I think voters are smart enough to know who they vote for back home,” McGinn said.

The Senate briefly debated an amendment to cap increases in state spending at inflation.

Sen. Michael O’Donnell (R-Wichita), who offered (See TAX LID on page 13)

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record Thurs., March 24, 2016; last published Thurs., March 31, 2015)2t NOTICE OF HEARING Pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2237 IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE INTEREST OF: Dennesse Duarte-Vasquez, female Year of Birth: 2007 Case No. 15-JC-10 Teresita de Jesus Vasquez, female Year of Birth: 2000 Case No. 15-JC-09 TO: Parents of Denis Alberto Duarte, parents of Nora E. Vasquez, parents of Maria Teresa Perez Chavez, parents of Tulio Hernan Vasquez Martinez and Tulio Hernan Vasquez Martinez and all other persons who are or may be concerned You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed in this court alleging that the child named above is a Child in Need of Care. The Court may find that the parents are unfit by reason or conduct or condition which renders the parents unable to care properly for a child, the conduct or condition is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future, the parental rights of the parent should be terminated, and a permanent custodian should be appointed for the child.

A hearing on the petition is scheduled for the 18th day of May, 2016, at 1:15 p.m. At the hearing the Court may issue orders relating to the care, custody and con-

trol of the child. The hearing will determine if the parents should be deprived of their parental rights and the right to custody of the child.

The parent(s), and any other person having legal custody are required to appear before this Court on the date and time shown, or to file your written response to the petition with the Clerk of the District Court prior to that time. Failure to respond or to appear before the Court at the time shown will not prevent the Court from entering judgment as requested in the petition, finding that the child is a Child in Need of Care, removing the child from the custody of parent, parents or any other present legal custodian until further order of the Court, or finding the parents unfit, and entering an order permanently terminating the parents’ parental rights.

An attorney has been appointed as guardian ad litem for the child: Colton Eikenberry, 310 Court St, Suite 8, Scott City, Ks. 67871, (620)872-0300.

You have the right to appear before the Court and be heard personally, either with or without an attorney. The Court will appoint an attorney for any parent who desires an attorney but is financially unable to hire one. The Court may order one or both parents to pay child support.

Date and time of hearing: May 18, 2016, at 1:15 p.m.

Place of hearing: 303 Court Street, Scott City, Kansas 67871 James R. Collins Judge of the District Court

The Scott County Record • Page 13 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

County Commission March 1, 2016 Scott County Commissioners met in a regular meeting with the following present: Chairman James Minnix, Commissioner Gary Skibbe; and County Clerk Alice Brokofsky. Member Jerry Buxton was absent.

•Emergency Management Director Larry Turpin said a disaster drill will be held in the county on April 12.

•Scott County Hospital CEO Mark Burnett and chief financial officer Joe Myers presented the 2015 audit report. There was discussion of the growth and the need for more space at the hospital. Burnett said the hospital board has given approval to have a consultant develop plans for expansion.

•Rebecca Faurot, Pam Caldwell, Carol Ann Crouch, Ryan Roberts and Kay Harkness discussed the pending move into the building formally Compass Behavioral Health. There was also discussion on how the building will be furnished. The departments involved are to join together and discuss what furnishings will be moved and what will need to be replaced. The commission has set a tentative date of April 15 for the move.

•Public Works Director Richard Cramer said the landfill has passed inspection and no violations were noted.

•The following road permits were approved: Palomino Petroleum: road crossing into location.

S21, T17S, R34W. K3 Oil and Gas Operating Co.: electrical service to site. S4, T17S, R32W and S5, T17S, R32W. Dreiling Construction: cable for AT&T. S29, T19, R33W and S30 Midwest Energy: private yard line. S14, T18S, R31W. •Cramer and the commission discussed a $6,500 bill the road department had received for engineering expense for drainage on K96 Highway and Kansas Avenue. Commissioners advised Cramer to consult with Scott City Mayor Dan Goodman and Public Works Director Mike Todd regarding payment. The drainage problem occurred when the new annex was platted for the City.

•A Zella Carpenter Fund check for $5,580 was approved for December assistance to Park Lane Nursing Home.

•The commission agreed to pay half the cost of the Fourth of July fireworks display in the amount of $1,805.

•The following change orders were approved and signed: Add A&D Enterprises $ 41.02 Add Ramon Ayala-Borunda $ 85.66 Add Richard L Duff $ 198.72 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 3,480.06 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 3.40 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 3,235.64 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 21,515.90 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 227,983.06 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 196.28 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 23,389.26 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 788.10 Add Tallgrass Interstate Gas Trans $ 9,044.30 •The county will lower mileage reimbursements from .585 cents per mile to .54 cents per mile.

•Sealed bids were opened to replace four air conditioning units at the former clinic. They were: Faurot Heating and Cooling $ 24,533.32 Turner Sheet Metal $ 18,536.00 The Turner Sheet Metal was accepted.

Tax Lid

(continued from page 12)

the amendment, said the Legislature should hold themselves to the same standards they expect from cities and counties.

Sen. Les Donovan (R-Wichita) expressed skepticism. He wondered about the state’s ability to comply with rulings from the Kansas Supreme Court on school finance. A future ruling could force lawmakers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more in school funding.

“I just wonder why we came forward with this when we’re dealing with cities and counties and all of a sudden it’s the state,” Donovan said.

AG Schmidt warns of new phishing scam

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt warns businesses to watch out for a new scam aimed at acquiring employees’ personal information.

The scam involves someone sending to an employee an email that purports to be from the business’s Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer and requesting sensitive employee information, including tax forms such as W-2s.

The emails appear to come from the CEO or CFO’s email address, but are actually “spoofed” addresses. The employee thinks he or she is providing information requested by a senior official at the company, but in fact the replies - including the requested personal information - are unwittingly sent to the scammer.

This information can then be used by the scammer to commit identity theft.

Schmidt’s office said they were aware of at

least three Kansas organizations that have been hit by this scam in the past week.

“As we get closer to the tax-filing deadline, these types of scams are on the rise,” Schmidt said. “If an employee receives an email of this type asking for sensitive records, he or she should always confirm that the person they are sending the information to is who they claim to be. Do not just reply to the email.”

More information on staying safe from scams is available on the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www.

InYourCornerKansas.org or by calling (800) 4322310.

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

Pastime at Park Lane The Pence Community Church led Sunday afternoon services.

Residents played pitch and dominoes on Monday afternoon. Game helpers were Joy Barnett, Madeline Murphy, Gary Goodman, Dorothy King, Hugh McDaniel and Mandy Barnett.

Residents played Wii bowling on Monday evening.

Pastor Bob Artz led Bible study on Tuesday morning. Doris Riner and Elsie Nagel led the hymns.

Naomi Teubner played a variety of hymns, Irish songs and Easter songs on Tuesday afternoon on the violin, the piano and the recorder. We didn’t get the name of the lady that furnished cookies but they were delicious and everyone was thankful she brought them.

Russel and Mary Webster led Bible study on Tuesday evening.

Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran Bible study on Wednesday morning.

Residents played pitch on Wednesday evening.

4 honored with March birthdays

Holy Cross Lutheran Church hosted the March birthday party on Wednesday afternoon. Guests of honor were Elvira Billinger, Wilda Jantz, Kathy Roberts and Charlotte Utley.

Hosting the party were Warren, Andi, Andrew and Bethany Prochnow, Hope Wiechman and Carolyn Wilson.

Andrew, Bethany, Hope, and Andi sang while Carolyn played the piano. Everyone enjoyed different varieties of cakes.

Music groups entertain

The Wright Brothers performed on Friday evening. Wanda Wright furnished cookies for everyone.

The Blue Steele Band performed on Saturday afternoon. They played a variety of hymns, folk songs, and 1950s and 1960s music.

Ladies recieved manicures on Thursday morning.

Residents played bingo on Thursday afternoon.

Mandy Barnett was the helper.

Residents played trivia games on Thursday.

Fr. Bernard Felix led Catholic Mass on Friday morning. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran services in the afternoon.

Deaths Hereford, Tex., Cleta Jasper, and husband Herman, Colorado Springs, Colo., Gertrude Weinzerl, and husband, Pat, Kansas City, Mo., Linda Giachino, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Joe Betzen, and wife, JoAnne, Lees Summit, Mo.; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Jerry Ridder; one grandson, Traci Pfannenstiel; and one granddaughter, Ann Luebbers.

Vigil services will be Mon., March 28, 7:00 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marienthal.

Funeral services will be Tues., March 29, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Benjamin Martin officiating.

Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Marienthal.

Memorials may be sent to Wichita County Health Center Long Term Care, St. Mary Catholic Church, or St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, all in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 202 N. 4th, Leoti, Ks. 67861.

Todd M. MacDonnell Todd M. MacDonnell, 61, died March 7, 2016, at Via Christi St. Francis Medical Center, Wichita.

H e was born June 22, 1954, in Waltham, Mass., the son of T h o m a s Todd MacDonnell A. and Joan (Lister) MacDonnell.

Todd was a resident of Scott City since 1976. He was a flooring contractor.

Todd married Connie L. McCarty on July 23, 1977, in Scott City. She survives.

Other survivors include: one son, Travis MacDonnell, Scott City; one daughter, Amber

by Jason Storm

Dottie Fouquet was visited by Jon and Anne Crane, Mary Stormont and Ethan McDaniel.

Delores Brooks was visited by Charles Brooks, Cheryl Perry, Betty Morgan and Fritzi Rauch.

Lawana Rothers was visited by Kim Smith.

Thelma Branine was visited by Lance and Carol Ellis, Stephanie Harms, Hadley Harms; Kristi, Raelyn and Cooper Keifer; and Karli Koci.

Lorena Turley was visited by Neta Wheeler, Emily and Bo Hess, Rex Turley and Tracy Hess.

Clifford Dearden was visited by Kirk and Janet Ottaway.

Corrine Dean was visited by Mandy Kropp, Damian Ortiz, Madeline Murphy, Ron Hess and Dianna Howard.

LaVera King was visited by Carol Latham and Gloria Gough.

Cloide Boyd was visited by Junior and Sharon Strecker, Dick and Jackie; Chasen and Halle; and Karla Glunz.

Kathy Roberts were visited by Aaron and Mandy Kropp and Damian Ortiz.

Nella Funk was visited

by Margie Stevens, Judy Kitch, Nancy Holt, Aaron and Mandy Kropp and Damian Ortiz.

Mike Leach and James Still were visited by Rev. Don Martin.

Bonnie Pickett was visited by Gloria Wright and Larry and Philene Pickett.

Boots Haxton was visited by Rod and Kathy Haxton.

Vivian Kreiser was visited by Sharon Lock.

Albert Dean was visited by Margie Stevens.

Arlene Beaton was visited by Ann Beaton and John Beaton.

Lowell Rudolph was visited by Elizabeth Dearden, Kathy Moore, LuAnn Buehler, Amanda Dearden; Jeff, Brenda and Elizabeth Buehler; Larry and Suzie Buehler, Tom Moore, Chuck Kirk, Jon Buehler, Larry and Connie Knobbe, and Rev. Don Martin.

Edith Donecker was visited by Mark and Lisa LaMasters, Garden City; Matt Young, Dodge City; Sue Rogers; Sheila, Abbey, Haley and Lucas Rupke; Matt, Brooke, Quinten and Griffin Bayer; Nicole and Keller Turner; Jim and Cheryl Donecker, Wichita; and Terry Donecker, Healy.

Doris Riner was visited

by Trudy Eikenberry and Bill and Sue Riner.

Elmer Erskin was visited by Rick and Sandy Kahl, Colleen Dearden, Harold Erskin, Bill and Sue Riner, David and Sharon Powers; Mindy, Cole and Haley Allen; and Bill and Kirsten John.

Cecile Billings was visited by Ann Beaton, Larry Billings and Delinda Dunagan.

Yvonne Spangler was visited by Bill and Lynette Payne and Mary Ann Spangler.

Darlene Richman was visited by Tina Turley.

Carol McKinney was visited by Connie Gruver and Tava See.

Sr. Citizen Lunch Menu

Anna Christine Ridder Anna Christine Ridder, 91, died March 22, 2016, at Wichita County Health Center Long Term Care, in Leoti.

S h e was born March 6, 1925, in Garden Plain, the daughter of Wil- Anna Ridder liam and Catherine (Ven John) Betzen.

Anna was a farm wife and a resident of Wichita County since 1930.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Marienthal, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Leoti, St. Mary Altar Society, and Daughters of Isabella.

Anna married Joseph John Ridder, Jr., on Nov. 27, 1945, in Marienthal.

He died Oct. 27, 2003.

Survivors include: three sons, Dan Ridder, Leoti, Jim Ridder, and wife Geraldine, Lenexa, and Chuck Ridder, Marienthal; two daughters, Mary Sue Luebbers and husband Dennis, Hutchinson, and Bonnie Pfannenstiel, Leoti; five siblings, Clarence Betzen,

We thank the family of Dixie Keksi for the flowers they brought to Park Lane in her memory.

Jim Jeffery was visited

by Nathella Humburg, Ness City, and Libbie Joles.

Louise Crist was visited by Tara.

Dona Dee Carpenter was visited by Larry LaPlant and Gloria O’Bleness.

The Scott County Record • Page 14 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

MacDonnell, Scott City; mother, Joan MacDonnell, Scott City; one brother, Richard MacDonnell, and wife Maureen, Colorado Springs, Colo.; one grandson, Kade Kingston, Garden City; and two granddaughters, Alexis Long and Kierra MacDonnell, both of Scott City.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral service will be Sat., March 26, 2:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, Scott City, with Rev. Scott Wagner officiating.

Memorials may be sent to the Todd MacDonnell Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Ks. 67871.

Friendship ‘Meals to Go’ available from the VIP Center only $3.25/meal • Call 872-3501

Week of March 28-April 1 Monday: Shepherd’s pie, carrots, whole wheat roll, gelatin with pears.

Tuesday: Hot chicken salad casserole, rice, tossed salad, banana muffin, creamy fruit salad.

Wednesday: Barbeque pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, cole slaw, mandarin oranges.

Thursday: Hot open face turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, gravy, spinach salad, applesauce. meals are $3.25 • call 872-3501

You can help . . .

Donations being accepted at First National Bank, Security State Bank and Western State Bank in Scott City to assist the family of Todd MacDonnell with medical and funeral expenses.

The Scott County Record • Page 15 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

‘myRA’ is a new option to encourage retirement saving

by Chad Ingram Social Security district manager

Achieving financial security is an important part of enjoying a satisfying retirement. Social Security has many tools to help you plan for your future.

A great first step is to visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. With a “my Social Security” account, you’ll get immediate access to your personal Social Security Statement, your earnings record, and an estimate of your retirement benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70.

You can also verify your earnings are correct, since we base your future benefits on your earnings record.

When you open a “my Social Security” account, we protect your information by using strict identity verification and security features. The application process has built-in

features to detect fraud and confirm your identity.

Your personal account can help you figure out how much more you might want to save for your future, but it can do a whole lot more.

For example, in the District of Columbia and several states, you can request a replacement Social Security card online - find out if you can at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

In addition to using your personal account, you can prepare for a secure retirement by visiting www.myra.gov. There, you’ll find myRA, a new retirement savings option from the Department of the Treasury for the millions of Americans who face barriers to saving for retirement. “myRA” is a simple and secure way to help you take control of your future. It makes it easy and affordable to start saving for retirement, even if you

can save only a little bit right now. It’s designed for people who don’t have a retirement savings plan through work, or lack other options for saving.

If you already have access to a retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), learn more about that plan because it might offer matching contributions or other benefits. “myRA” helps workers grow their money faster than they can with most traditional savings accounts, and there’s no risk. Since it’s not tied to a particular employer, workers can hold on to their myRA account when they move from one job to another.

Attend the Church of Your Choice

What was He thinking?

We have come to the last days before Jesus dies.

Soon Jesus sits with his disciples and overviews why everything is about to happen.

Stunned questions and objections burst out as they struggle to keep up with what Jesus is saying. What Jesus is saying is not completely new, but it is seemingly the first time that they have pulled back from the “Hosannas” and big crowds to let his words sink into their souls. It is the first time they set aside time to hear Jesus better. (Sounds like the purpose of Lent, doesn’t it?)

Soon Jesus asks his disciples to pray with him. He asks three times because they keep sleeping. Alone, Jesus continues praying in the garden for a way without the cross. Though an angel is sent to strengthen Jesus, there is not a recorded answer from the Father in heaven.

Jesus seems alone to make the choice of the cross.

Or perhaps returning to buoyant crowds for popularity and safety in numbers. Or perhaps slipping away unnoticed to regather himself for another push at getting his message across. Or perhaps simply ending all the injustice and violence in the world right now by deploying 12 legions of angels.

The moment came. Judas approached. Disciples startled awake. Soldiers leaned forward menacingly.

The choice had to be made.

What was Jesus thinking at that moment? Scripture tells us.

1) And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. - Hebrews 2:1-3 NIV Jesus was thinking of the joy on the other side of the cross. No denying the pain of the cross. Concentrating on the joy of the Father’s arms around you and me as we walk into the Father’s house forever. Holding on to those earlier words, spoken more than once from the Father, “This is my son. I love him. I am pleased with him.”

What are you thinking when times get painful? Do you find joy in the words of God? Receive strength that God sends you?

It is how Jesus went through pain, and I recommend following him.

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 24, 2016

Rankings show health disparities remain among Kansas counties door to Johnson County, the state’s top performer.

Gianfranco Pezzino, senior fellow and strategy team leader at the Kansas Health Institute, said the big story in the annual rankings is the disparity from county to county.

“We have deep, deep differences among the poorest and the richest counties, and so as a consequence also among the healthiest and the least healthy counties,” Pezzino said.

He sees two main factors causing the variation among counties.

“The two best predictors of good or poor health are economic situation and

Economic status, education linked to better health Bryan Thompson KHI News Service

New county health rankings tell the same old story in Kansas.

The southeastern corner of Kansas remains the state’s least healthy region, according to the rankings released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

However, the Kansas county at the bottom of the list - Wyandotte - is next

education, and those two are very much linked to each other,” Pezzino said.

People with less education are more likely to have jobs that don’t provide economic security, he said, and that leads to what some researchers call “toxic stress.” As a result, they’re more likely to make lifestyle choices - smoking, for example -

that are less healthy.

“The cumulative effect of living a stressful life really takes a toll on people,” Pezzino said. “And when you are poor, that toll is even bigger. You are under continuous stress.

Once again, you don’t know what you’re going to feed to your children this evening for dinner.

Adjusting to changes with your internal clock Have you reached 100 and are still counting sheep?

March is National Sleep Awareness month Scott Community Foundation Healthcare Committee and is all about raising concerns and issues with sleep.

Are you getting enough sleep? Do you know how much sleep you should be getting?

Nine hours is usually enough for adults, but depending on the age and person, more or less time might be needed. The older you get the less sleep you tend to need and vice versa.

One part of sleep awareness is knowledge about how your sleep may be affected by changes in the environment.

With the recent change to daylight savings time, it’s important to consider how this can affect our sleep. Moving our clocks, watches, and cell phones in either direction changes the principal time cuelight-for setting and resetting our 24 hour natural cycle, or circadian rhythm.

(See CLOCK on page 17)

(See HEALTH on page 17)

Lawmakers may OK amphetamines for binge eating Kansas doesn’t automatically allow physicians to prescribe amphetamines if the FDA approves them for a certain condition. The Legislature has to approve changes to the list of approved conditions, which include narcolepsy, “drug-induced brain dysfunction,” attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,

Allison Kite KHI News Service

The Kansas Legislature is moving toward lining up with the Food and Drug Administration on allowing doctors to prescribe amphetamines for people with binge eating disorder, but not everyone sees the change as a positive development.

Dealing sensibly with your teen’s mistakes by the American Counseling Association

Every teenager will goof up sometime, make mistakes, act stupidly or perhaps try something which will put him or her in real danger.

And, as a responsible parent, it’s going to drive you crazy. When you find out what has occurred you feel your blood boil, want to scream and wonder how badly you’ve failed as a parent.

But in most cases, what has happened isn’t about bad parenting or raising a really not-verybright child. Rather, what you’re seeing is a teenager being a teenager.

It’s a time when your teen, developmentally, is supposed to be moving away from your care and protection. It’s perfectly normal and it’s what we all want to have our children do successfully, unless you’re looking forward to your kid at 48-years-old living in your basement rent-free and playing Xbox 20 hours a day.

While it’s important to recognize that it’s normal for your teen to be testing limits, it doesn’t mean you should have to look away when he or she makes a serious mistake. But rather than exploding (usually to a blank stare or that infamous “whatever” response) you can be much more effective (See MISTAKES on page 18)

obesity and treatmentresistant depression.

Senate Bill 465, which the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee passed to the full Senate this week, would add binge eating disorder to that list.

Binge eating disorder involves eating large amounts of food even when the person isn’t

hungry, with a feeling of being unable to control how much one eats. In 2015 the FDA approved one type of amphetamine, with the brand name Vyvanse, to treat binge eating disorder. It does come with a label warning of the possibility for misuse and addiction, however.

Kansas also allows

other uses if the Board of Healing Arts determines that amphetamines are safe and effective for treating a condition that isn’t specified.

The board has approved Vyvanse for treating binge eating disorder, but many providers may not know that, said Ron Hein, legislative counsel for Shire, which makes Vyvanse.

That makes it necessary to add binge eating disorder to the list, he said.

Pros and Cons The Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine, mental health advocacy organization Pathway to Hope, National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliate in Johnson County (See EATING on page 18)

House bill blocks local effort to curb junk food consumption Jim McLean Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas House has approved a bill to prohibit city, county and school district officials from adopting certain types of healthy food policies.

The bill - House Bill 2595 - passed 89-34. It now goes to the Senate.

The measure would prevent local officials from restricting the sale of so-called junk food at restaurants, grocery stores and other retailers. It also would preclude policies that require businesses to provide consumers with more nutritional information about the food and drinks they sell.

It mirrors model legislation developed by the

The problem with this bill is that the language is incredibly broad. There could be a lot of unintended consequences.

- Ashley Jones-Wisner, a lobbyist for KC Healthy Kids

American Legislative Exchange Council, a controversial organization that works with corporate executives and state lawmakers to develop business-friendly policies.

The bill is being pushed

by Republicans seeking to build a firewall in Kansas against policies being implemented in other areas of the country to restrict the sale or require more extensive labeling of high-calorie foods and drinks.

They cite former New York Mayor Micheal Bloomberg’s failed attempt to regulate the size of sugary drinks as an

example.

Supporters also want to head off any effort to use zoning and licensing laws to limit where fast food restaurants can locate.

They say Kansas needs a statewide policy to create a predictable environment for businesses.

“What we’re looking for is consistency and uniformity,” said Rep. Gene Suellentrop, a Wichita Republican and ALEC member said during debate on the bill.

But opponents charge the bill is a solution in search of a problem.

They say cities, counties and school districts aren’t

contemplating the kind of policies the bill is intended to block.

And they fear it will disrupt more modest local efforts to promote healthy eating and curb the state’s rising obesity rate, which at 31.3 percent ranks as the nation’s 13th highest.

“This bill would, I think, be harmful to hundreds of innovative and evidence-based programs and initiatives designed to improve the health of Kansans, especially children and teens,” said Rep. John Wilson (D-Lawrence) who works for a nonprofit organization focused on reducing childhood obesity.

Wilson said he fears the bill will have “a chilling effect” on efforts under (See JUNK 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 24, 2016

Alliance forming to push for Medicaid expansion A new organization is forming to strengthen the lobbying effort for Medicaid expansion in Kansas.

The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas will focus on passing an expansion bill in 2017, not in the waning days of the current session, according to Billie Hall, the chief executive of the Topeka-based Sunflower Foundation.

Hall is urging individuals and organizations

from across the state to join the alliance so that it can mount a strong lobbying effort next year.

“This conversation must continue through the summer and fall so that we can make a difference in 2017,” she said.

The alliance’s website is designed to “bring the voices of Kansans into this important policy discussion,” Hall says.

In addition to Sunflower, several foun-

Clock

Junk

(continued from page 16)

This makes our internal clock out of sync with our current day-night cycle.

In general, “losing” an hour of sleep in the spring is more difficult to adjust to than “gaining” an hour in the fall. An “earlier” bedtime may cause difficulty falling asleep and increased wakefulness during the early part of the night.

If you have insomnia or are sleep-deprived already, you could experience more difficulties. In this situation, you could see decreased performance, concentration and memory during the workday, which is common to sleep deprived individuals. You also may experience fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

All of these are more likely if you consume alcohol or caffeine late in the evening.

In general, people adjust to the time change within a few days. You can help this by decreasing exposure to light in your home during the evening, exercising, trying to have a consistent sleep schedule and reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine.

Health

(continued from page 16)

“And you don’t know if you’re going to have any kind of job that will allow you to pay rent next month. So the level of stress becomes really high. Every smoker will tell you, the first thing they do when they feel stress is reaching out for a cigarette.”

Pezzino said Wyandotte County has the highest smoking rate in Kansas and poor performance on a host of other measures. While officials and community leaders in Wyandotte County are working to address those issues, it takes time to see a change in the ranking.

“We call these the 2016 rankings. In reality, the data that’s based on spans from 2007 to 2014 - and that’s just for a few measures in 2014,” Pezzino said.

“Recent efforts, even if they have produced results, those results are not captured in this report.

It may take a full generation before they can really see the results of their investment. But they’re doing wonderful things, and they’re really addressing the right factors.”

Support Your Hometown Merchants

way in Lawrence and Douglas County to create a healthy food environment. He said communities should be free to pursue such comprehensive approaches because the environments in which people live and work can “make it easy, hard or impossible” for them to make healthy choices.”

Ashley Jones-Wisner, a lobbyist for KC Healthy Kids, a nonprofit advocacy organization, said she is concerned the bill will hinder collaborative efforts to increase access to healthy foods in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

“The problem with this bill is that the language is incredibly broad,” JonesWisner said. “There could be a lot of unintended consequences.”

Jones-Wisner is particularly concerned about language in the bill that prohibits cities and counties from using permitting and licensing policies to address “food-based

dations are funding the alliance.

The website features a list of 70 current alliance members, which include a wide range of large and small advocacy groups, health care providers, unions and foundations.

To date, the Kansas Hospital Association has been the most visible advocate of expanding KanCare, the state’s privatized Medicaid program. It has funded

research detailing how expansion could benefit health care providers and the Kansas economy. It also has commissioned multiple surveys, each of which has shown that a majority of Kansans support expansion.

However, those efforts have failed to substantially move the needle on the issue. Gov. Sam Brownback and Republican legislative leaders remain steadfast-

ly opposed to expanding KanCare coverage to an estimated 150,000 Kansans, most of whom are low-income but nondisabled adults.

“It was Obamacare that caused the problem.

We should not expand Obamacare to solve the problem,” claims Brownback.

Brownback disputes claims that expanding KanCare would bolster the finances of many

struggling Kansas hospitals and could have prevented the closure last fall of Mercy Hospital in Independence.

Kansas is one of 19 states that have rejected Medicaid expansion.

Missing out on the first three years of expansion has cost the state more than $1 billion in additional federal money, according to the KHA, which keeps a running total on its website.

(continued from page 16)

health disparities.”

“This bill could effectively tie the hands of local governments trying to retain local grocery stores in rural areas,” she said. “It could also potentially harm the work that we’re doing in urban areas to try and attract grocery stores and increase food access in low-income (urban) areas.”

During a committee hearing on the bill, Jason Watkins, a lobbyist for the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, said advocates needn’t be so concerned.

“Nothing in this bill says that a nonprofit can’t do education about lifestyle choices with their members,” Watkins said.

Still, Rep. Erin Davis (R-Olathe) was uncertain about whether the bill would allow school districts and local health departments to continue nutrition education programs. So she offered an amendment to ensure that educators could continue

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

to teach children that “an apple is a more healthy choice than a (Hostess) Ho Ho.” Opponents applauded the amendment, which passed on a voice vote, but said they remained concerned that the bill could prohibit school districts from limiting the availability of non-nutritious items in vending machines.

Introducing

Dr. Matthew Henry Neurosurgeon Scott County Hospital would like to introduce one of our new visiting outreach physicians, Matthew Henry, M.D. Dr. Henry, a member of the Abay Neuroscience Center, specializes in back & neck pain, head injury, and other neurological conditions.

Speak with your family physician about a referral to see Dr. Henry 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 24, 2016

Jaden Dirks demonstrates how his trap works while (above) Darby Hawkins (left) and Riley Osborn show their leprechaun traps.

(Record Photos)

Beware “all the gold rocks had been scattered around when I got back from (spring) break,” she says.

“I think I was pretty close to catching him.”

The mischievous leprechauns also made it to

(continued from page one)

other classrooms in the first grade wing.

“A leprechaun messed up our room,” says Riley Osborn. “Our chairs were moved, a calendar was upside down and our stuffed animals were on

Mistakes by reacting calmly.

How? Start by not confronting your child when you are wild with anger.

Instead, when you first see your child after whatever has happened, communicate calmly that you plan to discuss this situation later.

Set a time to do so.

Then take a walk or do something to relax and give yourself time to prepare your response thoughtfully, rather than emotionally.

When you’re calm, sit down at the appointed

the floor,” he says.

And, once again, he eluded capture.

Darby Hawkins even provided directions on her trap. A big arrow with the words “Get Your Gold Here” was an attempt to

(continued from page 16)

time and discuss what happened and why it troubles you. This is not a time for shouting or displays of violence. It’s a time to communicate rationally.

Share your feelings with “I” statements, such as “I felt very angry and disappointed when I learned...” Explain as calmly as possible why what they did has upset or possibly scared you.

A next step is to impose a meaningful and appropriate consequence. Don’t try and impose vague or endless punishments (“You’ll NEVER drive

my car again!”) which clearly are not possible to meet.

Instead, let the consequences show that you truly were disappointed and concerned, but that you want your child to know that once he or she pays the price for what happened, you’re confident future behavior will be more responsible.

“Counseling Corner” is provided by the American Counseling Association.

Send comments and questions to ACAcorner@counseling.org or visit the ACA website at counseling.org

get the leprechaun’s attention. Once he grabbed the bucket with the gold chocolate it would collapse on him.

In the event he should ever come face-to-face with a leprechaun, Osborn

Eating and Kansas Psychiatric Society submitted written testimony in favor of the change.

Vishal Adma, president of the Kansas Psychiatric Society, said psychiatrists had to use medications off-label if therapy didn’t help their patients with binge eating disorder, so having an approved medication will make it easier to come up with the right treatment plan for each patient, he said.

Not all providers were enthusiastic, however.

Tanja Haaland, program director at the

said he knew just what to do.

“You have to stare at him and you can’t blink,” he explained. “If you do that then you get his gold and three wishes.”

And what happens if

you blink?

“He turns you into a bug,” he added matter-offactly.

The leprechauns were too smart this year, but next St. Patrick’s Day they had better beware.

(continued from page 16)

Eating Disorder Center of Kansas City, said the clinic doesn’t plan to use medication to treat binge eating disorder because of concerns it wouldn’t address the factors underlying the disorder.

Two studies suggest short-term benefits from Vyvanse, said Debra Safer, an associate professor who studies binge eating disorder at Stanford University Medical Center.

The studies found that 50 percent of people who received the highest dose, 70 milligrams, didn’t

binge eat in the final week of the study. The percentage was lower for people receiving lower doses.

Kansas health care providers also are divided on the potential for addiction.

Vyvanse is particularly appealing because it loses its potency if a patient grinds it up to snort or inject, making it more difficult to abuse, Adma said.

Haaland said she is concerned that people who already are dealing with a compulsion, such as binge eating, may be vulnerable to chemical dependency.

Sports The Scott County Record

stellar career WSU’s Ron Baker ends college days, prepares for possible NBA future • Page 24

www.scottcountyrecord.com

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 19

High hopes for SCHS track seniors

SCHS senior Drake McRae competes in the finals of the 110m high hurdles at the Class 3A state meet last season.

(Record Photo)

One doesn’t get too many second chances in life.

Scott Community High School senior Drake McRae is hoping to make the most of his as he enters the upcoming track season as one of the top 300m intermediate hurdlers in the state.

That’s despite not having a state medal to show for that lofty expectation. McRae entered last year’s Class 3A state meet as the No. 1 ranked hurdler in Kansas only to false start in the prelims.

He’ll have a chance at redemption now that Scott City

has remained in Class 3A for perhaps its last season.

“He has a chance at a gold, but there are no guarantees.

There are still some pretty good kids out there,” notes head coach Jim Turner.

McRae was a sixth place medalist in the 110m high hurdles (15.94) last season and is the only individual state medalist on the boy’s roster.

Senior Cooper Griffith was a state qualifier in the discus last season, finishing 12th in the state meet (131-0) and could emerge as one of the state’s top throwers as the season pro-

gresses.

“He’s already throwing around 135 (feet) which is pretty good this early in the season,” says Turner.

He has hopes that Griffith could be throwing over 150 feet by state.

Scott City has established a reputation for state championships in the 4x400m and 4x800m relay. They captured gold medals in both events last year with times of 3:28.16 and 8:25.48 at the state meet.

A repeat in either event won’t come easily.

(See TRACK on page 20)

SC baseball will lean heavily on defensive play When your pitching staff is largely unproven and your offense has been inconsistent, there’s just one area on which to hang your baseball cap to start the season . . . defense.

With most of Season Opener the infield intact Tues., March 29 • 4:00 p.m. from a year ago, SCHS vs Hays-TMP first year head in Scott City coach David Dirks feels his team may be up to the challenge defensively.

“We have a lot of experience, at least with our infield, and we’re going to be counting on that. Hopefully, our pitching and hitting will develop and take some of the pressure off our defense,” says Dirks.

The defense is anchored by junior first baseman Kyle Cure who earned Great West Activities Conference first-team honors last season.

He’ll be joined by returning third baseman Chase Rumford, Justin Faurot (second base/ shortstop), Aaron Hoopes (second base) and Kevin Aguilera (catcher).

“Our infield will change depending on who’s pitching,” notes Dirks.

Drew Duff will return to left field, but the other two outfield positions are still up for grabs.

“We’ll be moving several boys around and see who fits best, but we have some boys who can cover the field well and have pretty good arms. I feel we’ll be pretty solid,” Dirks says.

(See BASEBALL on page 21)

All-League first baseman Kyle Cure will anchor what the Beavers hope will be a solid defensive team this season.

(Record Photo)

Brian Gentry coaches his junior varsity basketball team earlier this season. He will be the new SCHS boy’s basketball head coach starting in 2016-17.

(Record Photo)

Gentry’s patience rewarded with hire as SC hoops coach USD 466 didn’t have to look far when deciding who would replace Glenn O’Neil as the next boy’s basketball coach at Scott Community High School.

They looked one seat to his right along the bench and named Brian Gentry the successor to one of the top programs in Kansas.

While there were quite a number of applications for the position from inside and outside the state the decision was a pretty easy one to make, says SCHS Activities Director Randy Huck.

“Brian has been with Coach O’Neil for all these years. With Brian, it would be an easy transition,” noted Huck.

But there was another factor that may have played an even bigger role in the final decision.

A few years ago, Gentry was offered the job as head coach for girl’s basketball, but said at the time he wanted to remain O’Neil’s assistant.

“What impressed me is that he wanted to stay with Glenn and keep learning,” says Huck. “I think this has worked out well for everyone.”

Gentry’s patience has been rewarded by landing one of the top coaching jobs in the state.

And it’s a challenge he feels prepared to take on.

It’s unbe“When I came lievable what here (in 2006) my you learn from mindset coming being around out of college was Glenn (O’Neil). to become a head You learn so coach anywhere. much about Having played col- game preparation, how to lege ball and being handle differaround college ent situations, coaches, I felt it was how to deal something I could with off-thestep into easily,” court issues.

Brian Gentry recalls the 33-yearSCHS coach old.

“I think I could have done it then, but not nearly as well as I feel I’m capable of doing now. That’s a result of coaching with Glenn.”

Gentry said he’s had opportunities to coach elsewhere, but after his first three years in Scott City “it started to set in with me that I’m in a pretty good situation here,” he says.

“I could coach somewhere else, but I also knew that I could learn a ton by staying where I’m at and it’s worked out.”

Gentry worked his way up through the ranks, coaching the freshman program before becoming the junior varsity coach and O’Neil’s top assistant three years ago. Working with O’Neil has been an invaluable experience while the Beavers have appeared in the state tournament in each of the past six seasons, playing in the title game five times while winning four championships.

“Over the last six years I’ve learned so much about the preparation, the scouting and the game planning. When you compete at the state level and can be in the locker room and are part of the atmosphere, it’s the kind of experience that I want every kid to have who plays for me. I was part of that as a player and as an assistant coach. It’s unbelievable.”

However, the knowledge gained while an assistant at SCHS has been more than about the Xs and Os, says the new head coach.

“It’s unbelievable what you learn from being around Glenn,” he says.

“You learn so much about game preparation, how to handle different situations, how to deal with off-thecourt issues. When you’re right out (See GENTRY on page 26)

Beavers need a renewed commitment to staying on top It’s time for Scott Community High School athletes to get serious about what it takes to be state champions.

I know. We have six state championship banners that have been earned since 2012, in addition to state runner-up finishes in football and basketball and top five finishes in crosscountry and wrestling.

You’re probably thinking we

got thumped on the head at a Trump rally.

What Rod could we Haxton, sports be talking editor about?

It’s simple. Success is never god-given. It doesn’t come just because we happen to put on a jersey with a certain name.

Past success is no guarantee of future success.

We say this, not just because there will be a coaching change in our football and boy’s basketball programs, though that is a factor. But if we don’t recognize there will be some new challenges and start adapting we could be in for a rude awakening sooner than we think.

Here are some important things to consider:

Coaching Change As everyone knows, we have new head coaches in football and boy’s basketball next season. We have complete confidence in Jim Turner as the football coach and Brian Gentry as basketball coach.

But their job will be huge - not just because of whom they’re following, but because some teams may view change

in our program as an opportunity for them to enjoy success they haven’t had before.

One remark made by coaches who inquired about the SCHS vacancies was, “If O’Neil’s leaving then the cupboard must be bare.”

That’s a natural response.

That’s usually how it works.

That’s not the situation here, (See BEAVERS on page 26)

The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

SC cheer squad tryout is March 31

state qualifiers

Outdoors in Kansas by Steve Gilliland

Nature’s little drummers

Whether it’s fishing along a deserted stretch of riverbank, or attempting to sit motionless and silently under a tree or bush awaiting a spring gobbler, I’ve always noticed that there seems to be an apparent abundance of woodpeckers in the spring.

I’m not complaining, mind you as their staccato hammering is a nice percussion addition to nature’s spring symphony. It’s just that I seem to hear so many more of them in spring than any other time of the year.

Well, I believe I’ve found the answer to my question, and here’s a little “woodpecker 101” to boot.

Wo o d p e c k e r s are found everywhere on the planet except Australia, New Zealand and Madagascar. The largest is the great slaty in Southeast Asia that can grow to 20 inches long, and the smallest are only 3-4 inches long and belong to a group from South America called the piculets.

Kansas is home to about a dozen species.

Woodpeckers mate for life, and after eggs are laid, both parents help with incubation.

They are omnivores, meaning they eat most anything, and their diet includes insects and insect larvae, tree sap, seeds and nuts.

Most woodpeckers have long tongues to reach deep into holes to extract insects and larvae. That tongue can be as long as four inches on certain species and when not in use it’s actually stored, wrapped around the back of its head in a special sort of pouch between the skin and the skull.

Woodpeckers are easy to spot in flight as they have a very different and distinct flight pattern. They flap their wings three times and then glide,

(See DRUMMERS on page 22)

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.

Takedown Kids Wrestling Club team members traveled to Goodland for their district tournament last Saturday with the top four finishers in each weight and age division advancing to the state tournament in Topeka this weekend. Qualifying for state from Scott City are (front row, from left) Trenton Frank, 1st; Matthew Wheeler, 2nd; Collin McDaniel, 1st; and Zach Rohrbough, 3rd. (Back row) Jarron Gregory, 2nd; Kaden Wren, 1st; Kale Wheeler, 2nd; and Houston Frank, 3rd.

(Record Photo)

Track Half of the 4x400m relay graduated with Trey O’Neil and Brett Meyer.

Meyer, who also anchored the 4x800m relay, was a gold medalist in the 800m.

Returning on the 4x400m are seniors Wyatt Kropp and McRae. Three members of the 4x800m return with Jess Drohman, Irvin Lozano and Adrian Ruelas.

The question surrounding Kropp is how quickly he can get into shape. Due to shoulder surgery, he didn’t compete in wrestling this season.

(continued from page 19)

“He’s looked pretty good in practice considering he hasn’t done anything for the past three or four months,” noted Turner.

Drohman, who had an outstanding cross-country season last fall, could find his way onto the 4x400m relay. Other possibilities are sophomore Jarret Jurgens and freshman Wyatt Hayes.

Jurgens, however, is still bothered by an ankle that he broke last fall during football.

“It’s bothering him now and it’s affecting his running,” says Turner. “We

want to make sure he’s running smooth by summer and that he doesn’t injure himself some other way because he’s favoring a bad ankle.”

Ready to step into the 4x800m lineup will be freshman Jack Thomas who ran a career best 2:12 while an eighth grader.

Another prospect is Conner LeBeau.

“By mid-season we may have some other options in the 4x400 and 4x800 with our younger kids,” Turner says. “It takes awhile to see where their strengths are.”

Two other freshman who could help the Beavers out this spring are Marshall Faurot (hurdles, pole vault, high jump) and Hayes (triple jump, relays).

Freshman Jaren Berning has also looked strong so far during practice in the middle distance events and could challenge for a spot on the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

The Beavers will open their season with a freshman/sophomore meet at Larned on Tuesday followed by the Ulysses Invitational on Fri., April 1.

Fishing regs slow spread of Asian Carp PRATT Many anglers remember when the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) changed bait regulations in 2012 to limit the use of wild-caught bait to within the drainage where collected as well as the 2013 amendment to lessen restrictions for bluegill and green sunfish. The intent of these regulations was to prevent the spread

KDWPT Report of aquatic nuisance species such as Asian carp, white perch, and zebra mussels. Sampling conducted earlier this year appears to show that anglers adhering to the bait regulations helped slow the spread of Asian carp through Kansas waters.

In July 2015, KDWPT partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to sample 11 locations from six river basins throughout Kansas to detect the presence of environmental DNA (eDNA) left behind by bighead and silver carp (collectively known as Asian carp). Over a three-day span, two field crews, each comprised of two KDWPT Aquatic

Nuisance Species (ANS) program staff and one USFWS staff, collected 204 eDNA samples. An additional USFWS crew, manning a portable trailer with cooled centrifuges, prepared the samples for shipment to and processing by the USFWS Whitney Genetics Lab in LaCrosse, Wis. Results were released to KDWPT earlier this (See CARP on page 22)

Don’t miss the Easter egg hunt in Scott City • Sat., March 26 • 1:00 p.m.

The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Orr to continue volleyball career with Dodge City CC There was no doubt in Madison Orr’s mind that she wanted to continue her volleyball career beyond Scott Community High School.

There was also little doubt that her next destination would be Dodge City Community College where she has been offered a scholarship for the 2016 season.

“I knew I wasn’t ready to be done with volleyball and I wanted to further my career,” says the senior.

Orr says she didn’t give a lot of thought to playing at the college level until the end of her high school career when she realized “I wasn’t ready for it to be over.”

She considered Hutchinson Community College and Fort Hays State University before settling on DCCC. The decision was pretty easy after visiting the campus and working out with the team.

“I think I can help the team right away,” says the 17-year-old.

As a left-handed player, the DCCC coaching staff feels that Orr can make an impact as a right side hitter.

“My plans are to begin working out with the team this summer,” Orr adds.

Baseball Faurot will be in the starting rotation, along with Gustavo Gonzales and Hoopes. Gonzales (1-4) is the only starting pitcher with a win who is returning from last year’s 5-16 squad.

Short on both experience and wins, Dirks says the good news is that he will have pitchers who are stronger and more mature than a year ago.

“Hopefully, that will result in more success,” says Dirks.

In addition, the Beavers will need to find depth.

With two double-headers next week, they will need at least one more arm and possibly two or three, depending on how many innings and pitches will be required of the starters.

“That’s another reason why we need to play well defensively,” says the head coach. “We can’t give teams four or five

Madison Orr is joined by her parents, Steve and Annette Orr, as she signs a letter-of-intent to play volleyball next season at Dodge City Community College. Also looking on are her SCHS coaches Megan Gentry (left) and Shelby Kite.

(Record Photo)

(continued from page 19)

who have been gone for the music cruise.

1 Drew Duff Jr. “Until we get every2 Justin Faurot Jr. 7 Seth Cardenas Jr. one here at the same time, 8 Leonel Castillo Jr. it’s pretty hard for me 9 Kevin Aguilera Jr. to know who can play 10 Gustavo Gonzalez Jr. 11 A. Depperschmidt So. where,” Dirks says.

No.

Player

Yr.

12 14 15 17 21 23 24 33 34 43

Rafael Estrella Trevor Roberts Sahil Anil Aaron Hoopes Jose Trejo J. Hundertmark Jordan Wagner Chase Rumford Todd Morris Kyle Cure

So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

Coaches:

David Dirks Dustin Hughes

outs in an inning and force our pitchers to make more pitches than they have to.

I don’t know that we have anyone on our staff who can pitch seven innings, especially to start the year.

Adding to the challenge for the new coach has been spring break along with several players

No Power in Lineup Another mystery is whether or not the Beavers can find some power - or at least some consistency - at the plate.

Gustavo (.333) is the only returning player on the roster who hit above .300 last season. Of his 17 hits, 13 were singles.

Cure hit .286 and had 20 hits, but only one was for extra bases.

Duff (.128) is the only returner with a home run.

“My biggest emphasis will be on consistency at the plate,” Dirks says.

“We need to put a bat on the ball and force the other team to play defense.”

The Scott County Record • Page 22 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Opening week is rough for Big 12 teams Seven ships were part of the Big 12 convoy that set sail on March 17. At the time, they were acclaimed as the best ships on the ocean. by By dusk Mac on March 20, Stevenson only three ships remained. The other four had been torpedoed.

Kansas, Oklahoma and Iowa State prevented the conference from once again being embarrassed with their advancement into the Sweet 16.

Kansas was magnificent in the first half of their 7361 win against Connecticut which helped to erase bad memories from early tournament exits of the last two seasons.

“It has a different feel to me because these guys played lights out the first half and at halftime they are chewing on each other because a couple possessions they didn’t execute right.

I think that’s good,” said head coach Bill Self.

Center Landen Lucas (610, 245) has been the stabilizing force for KU during their 15-game winning streak. He was dominating in the paint against UConn, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking three shots.

Everyone in the starting lineup played well except for guard Frank Mason who had an atypical game. He made a number of inexcusable turnovers (four) that turned into easy baskets for UConn. Mason was 1-of-8 on field goal attempts and 0-of-4 on three-point shots.

“I thought he quit being aggressive and lost a little focus so we were just trying to get him back,” said Self. “The strange thing is Devonté (Graham, 13 points) was on, Wayne (Selden Jr., 22 points) was on, Perry (Ellis, 21 points) was on . . . but Frank, that was about as poor an offensive game as he’s had.

We’ve got to get him back next week obviously.”

On the plus side - and it’s a huge plus - small forward Wayne Selden is on a roll again and the Jayhawks need him to continue if they’re going to win four more and claim the crown.

If the Hawks defeat Maryland on Thursday they will play in the regional championship game on Saturday.

(See BIG 12 on page 23)

Drummers then three more flaps, then glide, etc. until they reach their destination. This flight pattern never changes.

I’m sure we’ve all seen woodpeckers hanging vertically from the side of a tree as they dig for insects, and they’ve been specifically designed for all aspects of that job. The toes of their feet point both forward and backwards to hold them in place, and they have long stiffened tail feathers that prop them up like leaning against the back of a chair.

Carp month and are available at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ fisheries/eDNA.html, but to summarize, none of the samples collected contained Asian carp eDNA. ANS program coordinator Jessica Howell has a good guess as to why.

“We believe the bait regulations have had a positive impact on protecting our natural resources from ANS such as Asian carp, as evidenced by the apparent lack of spread of bighead and silver carp throughout the state,” said Howell.

She went on to add that locations such as Atchison State Fishing Lake and the Kansas River above the Bowersock Dam in Lawrence are areas we would have expected to see positive samples if the fish were moved upstream. Instead, these popular fishing loca-

(continued from page 20)

Their beaks are long, slender and uniquely self-sharpening, and the machine-gun-like sound we hear them making as they drill for insects and grubs is known as “drumming.”

Woodpeckers brains are protected by special air pockets in their skulls that cushions each blow as they drum, which can be 20 times per second and amount to more than 10,000 times each day.

I’ve always thought that woodpeckers hammered away on trees and poles solely to

search for insects and larvae, but I’ve learned that’s only part of the story. Both male and female woodpeckers drum, and besides digging for food, they drum to excavate den holes in dead trees, which they do anew each year.

Since woodpeckers do not have vocal songs, they drum to communicate, and to establish territories and attract mates if they don’t have one. So it all fits that I would hear them more often now in early spring as they prepare new nests,

establish their territories and communicate to prospective mates.

Ya’ know, the Kansas outdoors is one huge classroom, and it’s great when I learn something from what I write.

And by the way, the most famous woodpecker of all times, Woody, turns 76 this year. That’s a lot of drummin’!

Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors!

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

(continued from page 20)

tions were negative for eDNA, despite downstream populations where reproduction by the fish has been documented.

Regulations were changed because ANS, including Asian carp and white perch, can easily be confused with similarlooking native species by anglers catching bait. Small bighead and silver carp look very similar to native gizzard shad. White perch look very similar to native white bass.

When the KDWPT Commission amended the regulations in 2013 to allow bluegill and green sunfish to be moved, part of the decision was that bluegill and green sunfish do not look like invasive fish currently in Kansas (bighead carp, silver carp, and white perch).

Anglers and boaters should be aware of Kansas regulations enacted to prevent the

spread of aquatic nuisance species, including: •Wild-caught bait must be used in the common drainage where collected and may not be moved upstream of a dam or natural fish barrier. Bluegill and green sunfish collected from non-designated aquatic nuisance waters may be possessed as live bait anywhere in the state.

•No live fish may be taken from designated aquatic nuisance waters, including sport, non-sport, and baitfish.

•Anglers fishing with bait purchased from a commercial dealer must have the receipt in their possession while fishing with purchased bait.

•Boaters must pull drain plugs and drain livewells and bilges before transporting their boat on public highways.

•It is illegal to possess certain species or to release wild-

life on department lands or waters, federal reservoirs and navigable publicly owned rivers.

KDWPT recommends that all water users clean, drain, and dry all equipment after each use to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Clean: Remove all plants, animals and mud; thoroughly wash everything, especially crevices and hidden areas.

Drain: Eliminate all water before leaving the area, including livewells, ballast and engine cooling water. Dispose of unused bait on land or in an approved bait receptacle.

Dry: Allow five days for your equipment to completely dry before transporting to other waters. If you cannot wait five days, clean your boat with high-pressure hot water (140 degrees for 10 seconds of contact).

The Scott County Record • Page 23 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Big 12

(continued from page 22)

In some respects, the pressure is off the Jayhawks. When a team reaches the third game of the tournament and has won their conference championship, they have had an exceptional season.

KU certainly has a shot at winning it all again.

Coach Self’s consistency continues to amaze with each passing season.

Kansas City Royals begin defense of their World Series championship at Kaufmann Stadium in less than two weeks. KC plays their World Series opponent - the New York Mets - on April 3 and 5.

Manager Ned Yost has named Yordano Ventura as KC’s opening day starter and the Mets will go with their ace, Matt Harvey. Ventura’s spring Ventura Could be Ace training outings have been It’s hard to believe the promising. If he could be-

Takedown Kids Wrestling Kansas Kids District 4 Championships March 20, 2016 • at Goodland 8-Years and Under 52: Trenton Frank pinned Evan Mireles (SW Grapplers), 2:51; maj. dec. Christopher Evans (Hutchinson), 8-0; pinned Braydon Pacheco (Greater Gold) 2-0. First Place 61: Matthew Wheeler pinned Larry Jeremiah, Jr. (Hutchinson), 0:22; dec. Vance Loop (Hutchinson), 6-0; dec. by Blake Winsor (Pratt), 2-0. Second Place 67: Waylon Ricker dec. by Mathew Mcconnaughy (Team Lightning), 6-1; dec. Talan Sauvage (Oberlin), 4-3; dec. by Luke Kerns (Team Lightning), 7-2; dec. Alexander Rodriguez (Scott City), 4-3. Fifth Place 67: Alexander Rodriguez dec. by Luke Kerns (Team Lightning), 8-4; pinned Kale Kern (Hoisington), 1:38; dec. by Mathew Mcconnaughy (Team Lightning), 7-2; dec. by Waylon Ricker (Scott City), 4-3. Sixth Place 10-Years and Under 73: Collin McDaniel pinned Connor Wikoff (Greater Gold), 0:33; dec. Joseph Ord (Chaparral), 3-2; dec. Kobe Otero (Greater Gold), 7-2. First Place 85: Houston Frank pinned Ryan Gonzales (Dodge City), 1:38; dec. by Colin Kleysteuber (Greater Gold), 5-0; pinned Damien Quint (Pratt), 1:37; pinned Mason Urban (Oberlin), 2:47. Third Place 12-Years and Under 76: Zach Rohrbough dec. by Kaiser Pelland (Pratt), 6-2; pinned Conner Lanning (Colby), 0:53; maj. dec. Dj Knox (Goodland), 15-6; pinned Kaiser Pelland (Pratt), 3:12. Third Place 105: Kale Wheeler pinned Karsen Scheuler (Hutchinson), 2:27; dec. by Scott Heilman (Great Bend), 8-2. Second Place 165: Damian Ortiz pinned by Hagan Booi (Colby), 0:40; pinned by Colter Conger (Hays), 2:12; maj. dec. by Brock Buresh (Phillipsburg), 12-4; dec. by Ethan Clark (Chaparral), 2-0. Fifth Place 190: Jarron Gregory pinned Hannah Lampe (Syracuse), 2:47; pinned by Brecken Webber (Sublette), 1:18; pinned Declan Ryan (Colby), 0:48. Second Place 14-Years and Under 115: Justus McDaniel pinned Aidan Stephenson (Oakley), 1:08; pinned by Braydon Lemuz (Larned), 3:53; injury default to Jonathan Ortiz (Lakin); injury default to Aidan Stephenson (Oakley). Sixth Place 120: Kaden Wren tech fall Jaden Atwood (Smith County), 15-0; pinned Trenton Howell (Stockton), 0:16; pinned Creighton Newell (Hays), 1:04. First Place 150: Caleb VanDegrift dec. by Jadon Koehler (Pratt), 9-5; dec. by Alexavier Rodriguez (Greater Gold), 3-1 OT; dec.

Aaron Moss (Smith County), 6-4. Fifth Place

come the Royals’ ace and that would solidify the pitching staff.

Kansas City is going to miss Ben Zobrist at second base. Even though Zobrist just played part of last season, he was instrumental in KC’s great finish. The hope here is that Christian Colon can beat out Omar Infante and become the regular second baseman.

Infante has never lived up to his expensive expectations in KC.

One significant aspect of the Royals hasn’t changed. They have a defense that is the envy of their rivals in the American League Central.

As good as KC’s defense was last season, this year should be even better because of the experience and maturity of the regulars. Barring serious injuries, this will be another great season for the Royals.

Fishing Report Scott State Lake Updated March 18 Crappie: fair/good; most up to 10 inches. Shore fishers fishing minnows or jigs under a bobber off the dam face or boat fishers drifting jigs or minnows in open water on the main body of the lake.

Largemouth bass: good; up to 5.5 lbs. Spinnerbaits, soft plastic baits and swimbaits fished along brushy or riprapped shorelines and around the fish attractors.

Sunfish: good; up to 8 inches. Anglers report catching fish up to 7 inches fishing small jigs around the fish attractors.

Saugeye/walleye: fair/good; up to 7 lbs. Walleye and saugeye are spawning right now. Casting brightly colored jigs and crankbaits along the dam face and adjacent shorelines at night can be good.

Rainbow trout: fair; 13 inch average. The fourth and final stocking of the 2015-16 trout season was planned for the week of March 21. About 750 trout will be stocked in the Barrel Springs pond.

As with other Type 2 trout waters across the state a trout permit is required to fish for and possess trout at this water except that anglers 15 and younger can fish trout without a trout permit if they adhere to a 2 fish per day creel limit. All residents 16-74 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.

Although the bite has slowed, anglers can catch a fair number of fish on the right day. Fishing powerbait or salmon eggs and corresponding imitations has been best.

General comments: Release all walleye/saugeye and largemouth bass less than 15 inches.

Please discard all leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water.

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

a lasting impact Baker’s Shocker career was one for the record books

For the past four years, Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet have been the faces of Wichita State University basketball.

It began with a magical run to the Final Four in 2013 when the backcourt tandem and their teammates literally shocked the NCAA basketball world with their upset wins over No. 1 ranked Gonzaga and Ohio State (ranked No. 7).

There was that memorable press conference following the second round win over Gonzaga when Baker concluded his remarks with, “Scott City, I love you.”

Scott City returned the love by declaring “Ron Baker Day” with a community-wide pep rally on the high school grounds.

Perhaps, even more remarkable, Baker and the Shockers proved that 2013 was no fluke.

In 2013-14, they became the first team in NCAA history to finish the regular season 31-0 and climbed to the No. 2 spot in the national rankings.

They eventually stretched that to a record-setting 35 consecutive games before losing to Kentucky.

By now, the backcourt tandem of Baker and VanVleet had not only

become the iconic faces of WSU basketball, but also the team’s heart and soul.

They returned to the NCAA Tournament and have been consistently ranked in the top 25 in each of the past two seasons.

Reflecting on his four years at WSU, Baker is still amazed at the career he’s enjoyed and the impact of Shocker basketball across the nation.

“It’s pretty stunning,” admits the former SCHS standout who was a senior on the Beavers state championship team in 2011.

“It’s amazing to get texts and e-mails from friends and people I know and it seems that wherever they go, once something is said about Kansas someone will ask about WSU and mention my name. It can be pretty mind-blowing.

“I just happened to be the kid who was on CBS for four weeks,” he says, referring to WSU’s NCAA Tournament run in 2013.

But it wasn’t just what happened during that memorable season. It’s the fact that Baker and the Shockers have remained in the spotlight for the past three years by playing at a level unmatched

Senior guard Ron Baker goes to the basket during Saturday’s NCAA Tournament action against the University of Miami.

(Photo courtesy of The Wichita Eagle)

in WSU history.

Not bad for a threesport athlete from Western Kansas who barely got any notice from a Division I program when he graduated from SCHS. A ‘Changing Point’ While Baker was being recruited by some Division II and small DI programs, his goal was to play at the highest level and WSU was the only one that stepped forward with an offer. If Baker was willing to pay for his first year of college, he

was promised a scholarship the following year.

That was good enough for Baker who used his red-shirt season to adjust to Division I competition.

“Being a walk-on, there were times early on that I wasn’t sure if this was for me,” recalls Baker. “By the end of the season, I was playing well on scout team. I was gaining confidence and realizing that I could play at this level.”

Head coach Gregg Marshall and his staff saw the same thing and the following year Baker

became a starting guard.

Even though he was a red-shirt sophomore, Baker established himself as a reliable starter during WSU’s run to the Final Four where they lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Louisville. Had a couple of questionable calls gone Wichita’s way, the Shockers could have been in the title game.

Baker shined in the national semi-final game, scoring 11 points.

“When we got back to Wichita, some of our seniors were going to

NBA camps and their agents were asking about me, which surprised me,” Baker says. “And my coaches sat down with me and asked how I’d gained the confidence to play as well as I did (against Louisville).

“All season we’d been hearing about how great Louisville’s backcourt was and about their fullcourt press and when I saw I could bring the ball up the floor against their press that gave me a real shot of confidence. That (See BAKER on page 25)

Joining in the fun during NCAA Tournament action are members of the Baker family (from left) - Audra, Renee and Neil.

(Photo courtesy of The Wichita Eagle)

Baker

The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

(continued from page 24)

was a changing point in my life.”

The Right System Baker feels that all the elements came together in the right place at the right time for himself and WSU. At the top of that list would be the arrival of Marshall who, in many ways, has a philosophy that Baker had been accustomed to at the high school level.

“One thing that stands out most with Coach isn’t that he expects you to be perfect, but if you play hard and are coachable this is a system in which you can shine,” Baker says. “Playing hard has come natural, whether it’s been for my parents or for Coach (Glenn) O’Neil.

“Marshall’s offensive system will cut up defenses and you have to do your job, whether it’s as a decoy or a screen. It’s the little things that make you shine as a player.

“The system is good for guys who like to play defense, are physical and like to have fun,” he says.

“That’s why I was able to grow and have so much success. Coach does such a great job of teaching the game, whether it’s in the film room or on the court.”

A Great Partnership Of course, it’s been almost impossible to mention Baker without saying VanVleet - and vice versa. They have often been referred to as one of the best - if not the best - backcourt tandem in Division I basketball.

“Growing up around the game like I have, knowledge of the game and how it should be played is something that’s come pretty natural,” Baker says. “I’ve always taken knowledge of the game pretty seriously.

Fred is the only player I’ve ever played with who shared that same level of knowledge.

“When we were on the court together, I knew exactly what he was going to do when he had the ball and what spot to be in.

That’s made playing with him so much fun.”

And the fact that both players bring the same level of intensity to both ends of the floor.

“We do whatever the game calls for. We don’t worry about offense if our job is to hold someone else down to 10 points,” says Baker. “When it’s our job to shutdown someone defensively, we don’t mind. I enjoy playing with someone who thinks that way.”

A Final Season Perhaps just as impressive was the fact that both players decided to return to WSU for their senior seasons.

While the prospect of getting back to the Final Four and continuing to improve his skill level were big factors in Baker’s decision, he says there was one more important element.

He wanted to have fun.

“As a junior, there was a lot of talk about whether or not I’d leave (at the end of the season). It

A Career to Remember 2013

4-1

2014

1-1

2015

2-1

NCAA Tournament Highlights Defeated Gonzaga in second round, 76-70 Defeated Ohio State in regional final, 70-66 Lost to Louisville in national semi-final, 72-68 Defeated Cal Poly in first round, 64-37 Lost to Kentucky in second round, 78-76 Defeated Kansas in second round, 78-65

In 2013, Wichita State reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, winning the West Regional with victories over the No. 1 team in the nation, Gonzaga, the No. 7 team in the country, Ohio State, the No. 20 team in the country, Pittsburgh In 2013-14, the Shockers became the first Division I team to finish the regular season 31-0. The Shockers ran the table with the 2014 Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament, winning all three games by double digits. This was the first time Wichita State won the Valley Tournament since 1987.

The Shockers received the No. 1 ranking in the Midwest Region. WSU became the first team in the history of college basketball to advance to a record of 35-0 (a mark matched

by Kentucky in the 2014-15 season).

WSU’s overall record in NCAA Tournament play is 17-14 with nine of those wins during the Baker/VanVleet era.

Baker finished his career as the school’s No. 8 scorer of all time (1,635 points) and ninth in total assists (345).

causes you to lose focus at times,” Baker says. “I knew there wouldn’t be that distraction this year.

I made a great decision to come back. This was the most fun of my life.

“I met When Fred a n o t h e r and I were g r o u p only 18 on of great this campus, g u y s there was no c o m i n g way you could into the have told us p r o g r a m what we’d and I’ve accomplish been able over the next four years to build and expect relation- us to believe s h i p s you. What w i t h we did durt h e m . ing that time Had I left was almost for the unheard of.

Ron Baker NBA I wouldn’t have been able to do that and enjoy the adventure.”

At the same time, there were some frustrations with the season that saw WSU getting off to a 2-4 start and dropping out of the top 25 for awhile.

Their loss in the semifinals of the Missouri Valley tournament nearly cost them a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

“It was hard to figure out. We had some of the best, high-level practices since I’ve been in college.

People would never see that,” says Baker. “But we couldn’t always carry that over to our games.”

He attributed that inconsistency to a young team that had to make the adjustment to playing in front of thousands of sometimes hostile fans and against teams that are very good at scouting their opposition.

“I don’t blame our youth, but for some reason we couldn’t capitalize on all the hard work we were putting into practice,” Baker says. “It’s too bad, because this was one of the best character teams I’ve ever played on.

Everyone worked hard and they got along.”

Baker was perhaps more frustrated with the NCAA Tournament committee that forced them into a play-in game against Vanderbilt.

“I thought the regular season showed how strong we were as a team,” said Baker about their regular season conference title. “I think the committee does a poor job of evaluating teams and their schedules. It’s not just us, but look what they did to quality teams like Monmouth (University) and St. Mary’s. Both of them did just what the committee suggested, they played very tough non-conference schedule and they had quality wins.

And neither one made it into the tournament.”

Baker doesn’t put that

Baker is all smiles as his team nails down a win over Arizona in the NCAA Tournament.

(Photo courtesy of The Wichita Eagle)

on the “mid-major” stigma.

“I think that label is going out the window since there are so many mid-majors who are doing so well, at least when it comes to basketball,” he observes. “It’s not a term we use around here.

Marshall refers to us as a non-football BCS school.”

Baker said that while there was obvious disappointment in the season and career-ending loss to Miami, “I’m not going to let March 19 define my career at WSU.” “At the time I was pretty broken down and depressed. I obviously felt we hadn’t accomplished our goal in returning for our final year,” he notes.

“But then I began to put it into perspective. When Fred and I were only 18 on this campus, there was no way you could have told us what we’d accomplish over the next four years and expect us

to believe you. What we did during that time was almost unheard of.

“It’s almost impossible to find four-year basketball players who can accomplish what we did, not just individually, but also as a team.”

With all the success that he’s enjoyed on the court over the last four years, Baker says what he’s enjoyed most is the relationship he’s built with VanVleet and roommate and teammate Evan Wessel.

“I’ve been blessed to go through four years in this program with those two guys - for us to be in the same place at the same time,” he says. “It’s pretty neat how dominoes can fall in the same direction and a lot of good things can happen.”

It has also been said there will come a time when Baker’s No. 31 is hanging from the rafters of the Roundhouse.

“To be a part of WSU for not only four years, but the rest of your life would be special,” says Baker. It would show that you accomplished something that very few other guys have ever done - that all your hard work paid off.”

Exploring the NBA After putting his NBA aspirations on hold for a year, Baker is now busy preparing for the next phase in his career. He expects to hire an agent within the week and then prepare for the NBA combine to be held in Chicago from May 11-15.

After that will be the draft on June 23.

“I feel pretty confident that I’ll get drafted in the first two rounds, but it’s impossible to say where I’ll land,” Baker says. “My goal is to play basketball and to hopefully be financially secure when I leave the game.”

Baker tries to squeeze between two Arizona players for a loose ball during tournament action.

(Photo courtesy of The Wichita Eagle)

The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Gentry (continued from page 19)

of college you aren’t thinking about those things. All I was thinking about was winning basketball games.

“There’s so much more to running a successful program that Glenn has established over the last 20 years.”

High Expectations With that success comes high expectations from the community and Gentry understands that.

“I’m going to put more pressure on myself than anybody else will,” he emphasizes.

“There’s not going to be a standard that’s higher than what I set for myself. But that’s always been true, going back to my playing days.”

That’s also part of the reason why he waited for this job.

“If I were to go back home and take a (coaching) job, it’s kind of a ho-hum, ‘great, glad to have you’ kind of thing. But there isn’t the standard of excellence that’s been established here. That’s a huge part of the challenge,” Gentry says. “Can I rise to that level?”

While it’s a challenge on one hand, there’s another element to the level of continued success which Gentry says helps to make his job a little easier.

“The idea of winning and being a state champion is instilled in these kids from the time they’re young. They believe from an early age that they’re going to be winners,” notes Gentry. “And they can’t wait to become Beavers. I had third graders this year who were telling me they couldn’t wait to play for Coach O’Neil.

“That desire and that passion begins early and I owe Glenn a big thanks for getting this program on the right track.

I want those kids to feel the same excitement and anticipation about playing for me.”

Thinking Like Champions That success has also established an expectation of being in the state basketball tournament every year.

“For some kids it might seem automatic, like it’s on the schedule every year and we’ll be there,” Gentry says. “Of course, it takes hard work and they start to understand that by the time they get into high school.”

There’s no mistaking, however, that success breeds more success.

“When we’re in a close game, like the sub-state finals (against Sterling) our kids have devel-

Beavers but you can rest assured that’s the perception elsewhere and other football teams will be competing against SCHS with a new level of confidence.

We will have to prove ourselves all over again to some programs, especially against football teams we haven’t played in a long time - such as Hays and Wellington - or who we’ve never previously played, such as Concordia.

Holcomb is coming off a state championship season, while Ulysses and Hugoton were each in the playoffs.

Those will be tough games that could be even tougher next year.

New SCHS head coach Brian Gentry (left) and assistant coach Alex Hutchins observe pre-game drills during the Class 3A state basketball tournament recently in Hutchinson.

(Record Photo)

Brian Gentry’s Background Home: Valley Falls. He was a starter on the Valley Falls High School team that qualified for the Class 3A state tournament, losing to Osage City in the semi-finals. As a senior, his team was a runner-up in the Class 2A state tournament.

Education: attended Neosho County Community College (2001-03) where he played basketball. Earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Fort Hays State University where he played two years of basketball.

Experience: He joined the SCHS staff as an assistant coach, coaching the freshman team from 2006-2013. He’s been the junior varsity coach and varsity assistant coach since the 2013-14 season.

oped the mindset that we’re going to find a way to win,” Gentry points out. “Teams that aren’t used to being in that situation have kids who are worried about what mistake they’re going to make to give it away.

“When you believe in yourself, good things are going to happen more times than not.”

No Big Changes As Huck There’s not mentioned, a going to be smooth transi- a standard tion was one that’s higher reason for hir- than what I ing Gentry and set for myself.

But that’s along with that always been comes a con- true, going tinuation of back to my what’s been playing days.

Brian very successful Gentry in the past.

“As far as the (offensive) sets we run and the pace of the game, I don’t think things will look different,” Gentry says.

“But there will be some differences. No two coaching styles are exactly the same.

“From a personality standpoint I think we’re very similar.

We’re both very passionate, we both feed off a lot of emotion and we try to get players to feed off our energy. But a fan walk-

ing into the game isn’t going to see something they haven’t seen before.”

And Gentry is also confident the players will make an easy adjustment to the coaching change, especially since he’s worked closely with them as the JV head coach and the varsity assistant.

“I know the boys, they know me and they seem excited. As soon as it was known that I would be the head coach, I got texts from several players saying they were anxious to get started,” Gentry says. “I think it will be a smooth transition given the personnel we have in the program.”

Perhaps the biggest worry, especially following a highly successful coach, is patience from the fans and community.

“You don’t want to be in a situation where you worry that one false step, one bad move and people will start questioning your ability to coach or start jumping ship. We’ve got great fans in Scott City and I feel they’ll give me every opportunity to prove myself,” Gentry says. “As long as everyone is on board and believes in me as much as the players, then we’ll be okay.”

Gentry acknowledges he’s in a unique situation.

“A lot of times you don’t take over a program with the idea of just sustaining where it’s at, but sustaining this program where it is wouldn’t be such a bad thing,” he points out. “I’ll feel very, very good if we can be in the state tournament each of the next six years and win three or four state championships.”

a former SCHS graduate who returned to Scott City a year ago after being a head coach for one season at Minneapolis.

“With him coming back this past year it’s given us a chance to connect. He is a very intelligent kid, but I knew that already,” says Gentry, who coached Hutchins during his freshman year.

“I think he’s even a better coach than he was a player. He Setting Goals analyzes things from every anThat doesn’t mean Gentry is gle. It will be huge to have him going to make any predictions on the staff.” about number of wins in a season or state championships. No Summer Preparation coach is going to do that.

Gentry and his players will But Gentry does have expec- have a busy summer of MAYB tations for his players and what tournaments in addition to sumpeople will see from his teams. mer league play in Garden City.

“There are three things which Despite returning four sewill be at the core of what I ex- niors who saw a lot of varsity pect in order for us to be suc- action on a team that finished cessful,” he emphasizes.

18-6, the Beavers still have 1) Relentless effort.

Hugoton and Holcomb on their “If our kids can give relent- league schedule and will likely less effort every day in practice have to go through one of them and every game I expect the in sub-state tournament play. wins and losses to take care of Given the size advantage themselves.” those two teams have over 2) An uncommon commit- SCHS, which also proved to ment to your teammates and be a huge factor in Scott City’s program, on and off the floor. opening round state loss to Sa“That means doing the right betha, Gentry’s top priority will things over the weekends and be to develop more players into during the summer while away ball handlers who can spread from the floor,” he explains. the floor and take on opposing 3) Accountability. players one-on-one.

“That means being a great “We may not get a whole lot teammate and being account- bigger in the paint, but we have able to your teammates,” says to learn how to play bigger and the head coach. “If we take care stronger,” adds Gentry. of those three things everything “We’ve got to make the comelse will fall into place.” mitment to get better if we’re Moving into the role as junior going to continue having the varsity coach and Gentry’s top success that these boys and the assistant will be Alex Hutchins, community are used to having.”

(continued from page 19)

Leadership Concerns We will have some holes to fill next year that’s true any year - but a big concern for the coaching staff will be leadership.

The Beavers have been very fortunate over the years - and in recent seasons in particular - to have great leadership on the field. Some players provided a vocal kick in the butt - some demonstrated their leadership by example - but they were boys you knew you could count on night in and night out.

Who is ready to assume that role in 2016-17?

That’s a huge question and one which Turner can’t answer right now.

He will be meeting with next year’s seniors

(maybe he already has) so they have a better understanding of what’s expected of them.

Leadership can’t wait until next fall. By then it’s too late. It begins this spring and is firmly established in the weight room over the summer.

Strength Training And speaking of weights, strength and conditioning coach Todd Richardson is making a huge effort to build the SCHS program into one of the best in Western Kansas if not the state.

He has big plans and we like his enthusiasm.

He would like to have strength training competition return to Scott City, perhaps with a GWAC

tournament. That would be a great start.

He’s also trying to build excitement and participation in attending the state powerlifting tournament. We know that’s a huge challenge because of scheduling with other spring sports, but we would like nothing more than for Scott City to once again be a state powerhouse like we were during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

There’s no question that the early strength training programs established by former head coach Dave Dunham provided the foundation for our state championships and it’s just as important today.

If we want to win

state championships and remain a state power, it requires a commitment in the weight room - not just during the summer but throughout the year.

Staying Hungry And finally, we have to be hungry - not “I lost 15 pounds in wrestling hungry” but the type of hunger that comes from wanting to be the best.

It’s one thing to win a state championship. It’s another to continue playing at that level and being able to take on all challengers. When you don’t think you have to keep working as hard because you’re already at the top, that’s when someone’s going to knock you off your perch.

We didn’t win our state championships by being content. We won them because losing was unacceptable - because we had coaches who wouldn’t accept anything less than our best.

SCHS has a great coaching staff. That isn’t changing.

For the athletes who will continue to wear Beaver blue next season, the road to a potential championship begins now. What we do between now and next fall will determine whether or not SCHS will continue to put championship caliber teams on the field, the court and the mat.

Now you have to ask yourself: are you up to the challenge?

The Scott County Record

Page 27 - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Krehbiel retiring after 34 years with Scott Co. Extension For more than 34 years, it’s been almost impossible to think about Scott County Extension without also thinking of Genelle Krehbiel.

Her friendly greeting on the telephone or in the office is often times the first impression visitors have of county Extension.

For 4-Hers and their parents, she’s been a familiar face to answer their questions or inform them of upcoming events.

“It will be different coming to work and not having Genelle in the office,” says Extension Agent John Beckman who has been here since 1992.

Krehbiel’s final day as office manager will be on Thurs., March 31.

“I can’t imagine working in a better place with better people for all these years,” says Krehbiel, who began her long tenure with the Extension on March 3, 1982.

As a stay-at-home mom raising four children, Krehbiel says she began working for Extension in order to help the family’s finances. She stayed because she loved the people she worked with and community members connected with Extension.

When she began working in the office, the Extension agents were Al Maddux and Cloris

Genelle Krehbiel retirement reception Thurs., March 31 • 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Extension Office in the Scott County Courthouse

Schumacher. Betty LaToush became the FACS agent two years later. The only other Extension agents during that time have been Beckman and Carol Ann Crouch.

“My kids started with the Lane County 4-H program, but when I started working here they joined Scott County 4-H,” says Krehbiel. “It didn’t take long to realize there was something different about 4-H here.

The program offered so much more for the kids.

“I was impressed with the Scott County 4-H program 34 years ago and it’s only gotten bigger and better.”

One of the biggest changes she’s seen in 4-H over the years is that kids - and their parents - are limiting the number of projects they are involved with.

“There was a time when kids might be involved in as many as 10 projects and that can be a little overwhelming. Now I’m seeing kids focus on two or three things they can do really well and that they enjoy,” Krehbiel observes. “As a for-

Genelle Krehbiel is retiring from the Scott County Extension office.

mer 4-H mother, I think that’s a good thing.”

Of course, Krehbiel has also seen first-hand the benefits that come from having the local 4-H Foundation.

“This is a big reason why we can do so much for our kids,” she says.

While she admits to being a little biased, Krehbiel has no hesitation in claiming that “some of the best kids you can find are in 4-H.” “These kids are the cream of the crop and you’re reminded

of that when they go on trips to Topeka or Washington, D.C. They make you so proud of how well they represent our community,” she says.

Having been around the Extension program and 4-H for more than three decades, Krehbiel has seen a number of second generation families going through 4-H and participating in the Scott County Fair.

“I thought about that a couple of years ago while watching Asher Huck show a steer at the fair,” recalls Krehbiel.

(Record Photo)

“It brought back memories of when his father (Lance) was in 4-H.” In 2006, she was recognized as the “Classified Employee of the Year” by Kansas State University Extension.

Krehbiel says she decided to retire in order to spend more time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“But I’m really going to miss my job,” she adds. “I feel so blessed that this was a part of my life.”

Love’s, Sonic open doors in Scott City Love’s opened its doors for business on March 17 along south US83 Highway in Scott City.

“This location will fit in well with our growing network of stores in the area,” said Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Love’s Travel Stops.

Love’s opened a travel stop in Holcomb in January. A Love’s Country Store opened in Garden City in February.

The 24-hour, 4,000-squarefoot facility adds approximately 30 jobs to Scott County.

Professional drivers can take advantage of two showers and 53 truck-parking spaces.

The new Sonic Drive-In is the latest in a line of new drivein formats. Sonic offers the traditional drive-in model with 14 stalls, a drive-thru option along with indoor seating for 35 customers.

The restaurant has 37 fulltime and part-time employees.

In addition, the Scott City franchise is locally-owned.

Investors include Rohn Shellenberger, Ryan Roberts, Hugh Binns, Stacy Hoeme, Kelly Hoeme, Dave Metzger, Steve Prewit and Paul Smull.

They also own the recently opened franchise in Holcomb.

Following a “soft” opening last Wednesday, Sonic opened to the general public on Thursday and the response was huge.

“We nearly ran out of hamburger buns, but other than that everything went great,” says restaurant manager Paul Smull.

“Love’s has been a great partner for the Sonic brand,” said John Budd, chief development and strategy officer for Sonic. “We look forward to serving Scott City guests for many years to come.”

The latest stores in Scott City are part of an aggressive expansion by both corporations.

Sonic is opening 50 to 60 stores nationwide this year.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Love’s has more than 370 locations in 40 states.

During Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremonies at both locations, donations were made to USD 466 (Scott County) and to the Scott County Library.

Love’s donated $1,000 each to the Scott City Elementary School’s SCORE after-school program along and to the county library.

Sonic donated $2,000 to the school district.

The Scott City Chamber of Commerce welcomed Sonic to the local business community with a ribbon cutting last Friday. Chamber members joined by partners in the locally-owned franchise are (from left) Tyler Kough, Rohn Shellenberger, Stacy Hoeme, Kelly Hoeme, Hugh Binns, Sonic manager Paul Smull, Chamber Director Lindsay Singley and Tom Shirley.

(Record Photo)

A ribbon cutting was held for the Love’s Travel Stop that opened its doors last week on south US83 Highway in Scott City. Chamber members along with Love’s staff are (from left) Tom Shirley, Chris Johnson, Raymond Kirk, Crystal Wright, Chamber Director Lindsay Singley, Love’s general manager Mark Miller, Love’s operations manager Kim Gilbert, Love’s district manager Mario Perez and Tyler Kough.

(Record Photo)

Farm

The Scott County Record

ag briefs

Kansas cattle on feed up 4% Kansas feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.16 million cattle on feed on March 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

This inventory was up four percent from last year.

Placements during February totaled 375,000 head, up six percent from 2015.

Fed cattle marketings for February totaled 345,000 head, down three percent from last year.

KSU webinar on ultra-high density grazing

Great Plains Grazing team member and Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation consultant, Hugh Aljoe, will present “Ultra-High Stock Density Grazing: 5 Precautions Before Implementation,” a free webinar on Tues., March 29, 1:30 p.m.

The webinar is open to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of a practice known as “mob grazing.”

It is hosted by Great Plains Grazing, a USDA coordinated agricultural project.

Webinar participants can expect to learn: •infrastructure needs; •setting production goals and measuring them; and •differences between stocking density and grazing intensity.

Ultra-high stock density grazing is the management tool of grazing livestock in much higher-than-normal concentrations to achieve landscape-focused objectives. The long-term goal is to enhance soils, forages and livestock production.

Such grazing is usually expressed in pounds of liveweight per acre at a given moment in time. Depending on the environment and forages, ultra-high stock densities are usually in excess of 100,000 pounds of animal live-weight per acre with some graziers exceeding 1 million pounds per acre thus requiring multiple moves to fresh pasture daily.

Aljoe serves as a pasture and range consultant across its 47-county service area, in Oklahoma and Texas.

Page 28 - Thursday, March 24, 2016

Aqueduct is still part of water debate The Legislature moved forward on a pair of water-related bills earlier this week, even as debate over the wisdom of building an aqueduct across the state continued.

The aqueduct is not formally part of Gov. Sam Brownback’s 50-year water plan, but officials from a groundwater management district in southwest Kansas want to explore it as an option to divert Missouri River runoff to their moisture-starved region.

The Senate gave initial approval Monday to a bill that would set up a regulatory framework for the Kansas

Department If we have of Agriculture the water out to appropriate (in Western waters that oth- Kansas), if erwise would this could leave the state - keep us alive, that’s good despite several for Kansas. senators’ conRep. Ralph cerns about the Ostmeyer R-Grinnell aqueduct project and what it could mean.

“This is a first step toward building a canal across Kansas,” said Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Republican from Hiawatha in the northeast part of the state.

Pyle said he was worried about the groundwater management district in southwest Kansas applying for a “vast

amount” of water.

The southwest Kansas agriculture sector relies heavily on the Ogallala Aquifer, which is becoming depleted from overuse.

Sen. Carolyn McGinn (R-Sedgwick) said new water appropriations could infringe on the supply of existing water rights holders.

“I’m concerned that we are probably massaging water law a little bit too much and a little bit too quickly,” McGinn said.

Sen. Larry Powell (R-Garden City) said fears expressed by McGinn and others about the bill affecting Kansans with

more senior water rights were unfounded.

Powell’s district is in the heart of the area that would benefit from the 360-mile aqueduct, which is estimated to cost $18 billion to build and another $400 million annually to maintain.

But Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer (R-Grinnell) said the western water shortage should be considered a state concern, not a regional one, because of its implications for the economy.

“If we have the water out there, if this could keep us alive, that’s good for Kansas,” Ostmeyer said.

(See AQUEDUCT on page 29)

Senate blocks bill to override state GMO laws The U.S. Senate last week blocked a bill that would nullify state and local efforts requiring food makers to label products made with genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, as the industry races to stop a Vermont law from taking effect July 1.

The proposed legislation, from Republican Sen. Pat Roberts, comes amid growing calls for transparency in the U.S. food system. Labeling advocates oppose the bill because it leaves the decision to disclose GMO ingredients to the companies whose products contain them.

The bill is known as the Biotech Labeling Solutions Act by supporters and the Deny Americans the Right to Know,

or DARK, Act, by opponents.

Proponents Major food, of the legisla- farm and tion failed to biotech seed obtain the nec- companies essary 60 votes spent more than $100 to advance million in the the bill in the United States Senate, with 49 last year fightyes votes and ing labeling efforts . . .

48 no votes.

Roberts vowed to keep fighting as the deadline looms for Vermont’s law - which requires labels on food products containing GMOs - to take effect.

Connecticut and Maine have passed GMO labeling laws similar to Vermont’s, but those are on hold until other states enact similar measures. GMO

labeling bills are pending in 31 states.

The United States is the world’s largest market for foods made with genetically altered ingredients. Many processed foods are made with soybeans, corn and other biotech crops whose genetic traits have been manipulated, often to make them resistant to insects and pesticides.

Major food, farm and biotech seed companies spent more than $100 million in the United States last year fighting labeling efforts, according to the Environmental Working Group, which opposes the Roberts measure.

GMO labeling foes include trade groups such as the Grocery

Succession planning offered through Kansas ag mediation

MANHATTAN - Kansas farm and ranch families continuously look at best options for feasibility and profitability. They attend educational meetings, try out new practices, assess any risks involved and talk with their neighbor or consultant.

They make numerous decisions from day to day that will affect the operation both now and in the future.

Future sustainability of the farm or ranch also depends on whether the family has planned for succession.

The average age of U.S. producers continues to rise and families will need to explore options for the transitional feasibility of current and future operators.

Succession planning is a step-bystep process where families work

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together to develop a plan to incorporate the next owner and pass on knowledge and resources that will sustain the operation.

Farm and ranch families may be uncertain of how to begin developing a succession plan and need guidance moving forward. This is where a succession planning facilitator plays a key role.

“The facilitator can help the family identify strengths, barriers and opportunities as they pass the farm business on to the next generation. They guide family members to resources and individuals who can help them find the information they need to develop an effective succession plan,” said Jerry Jost, facilitator and mediator for Kansas (See PLANNING on page 29)

Manufacturers Association, whose members have included PepsiCo and Kelloggs, and BIO, which includes Monsanto/ Dow AgroSciences, and other companies that sell seeds that produce GMO crops among its members.

They say labeling would impose speech restrictions on food sellers, burden consumers with higher costs and create a patchwork of state GMO labeling policies that have “no basis in health, safety or science.”

Some high-profile companies are not waiting for federal lawmakers to act, however.

Whole Foods Market, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Campbell Soup already have begun labeling or abandoning GMOs.

Market Report Closing prices on March 22, 2016 Bartlett Grain Red Wheat............ $ 4.02 White Wheat ....... $ 4.02 Milo .................... $ 2.90 Corn ................... $ 3.50 Soybeans (new crop) $ 8.15 Scott City Cooperative Wheat.................. $ 3.99 White Wheat ....... $ 4.04 Milo (bu.)............. $ 2.90 Corn.................... $ 3.50 Soybeans ........... $ 8.15 Sunflowers.......... $ 14.30 ADM Grain Wheat..................

Milo (bu.).............

Corn....................

Soybeans............

Sunflowers..........

$ 4.12 $ 2.90 $ 3.50 $ 8.15 $ 14.80

Weather H

L

P

March 15

58

33

March 16

58

31

March 17

65

20

March 18

38

27

March 19

45

20

March 20

55

14

March 21

80

23

.32

Moisture Totals March

0.32

2016 Total

1.46

Snowfall: March 18

1-inch

Food Facts The United States provides about one-fourth (25%) of the world’s total supply of fresh peaches.

The Scott County Record • Page 29 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Western Ks. wheat may avoid major damage from March freeze Minimum air temperatures across Kansas dipped well below freezing March 19 and 20, which could pose a problem for some of the state’s wheat crop, said Mary Knapp, assistant climatologist with the Weather Data Library at Kansas State University.

Most of the state was exposed to minimum temperatures below freezing, with the exception of small isolated pockets. The western half of the state had minimum temperatures below 24 degrees, the threshold below which there can be damage to the wheat’s growing point when at the jointing stage of development.

“Even more concerning, the far western fifth of the state had minimum temperatures in the single digits,” says Knapp.

The risk of damage to wheat is a function of the minimum temperature and duration of time spent at potentially dam-

aging temperatures, said Romulo Lollato, K-State wheat production specialist.

In this case, counties along the western border, neighboring Colorado, were exposed to as many as 27 hours below 24 degrees during a four day period. In general, the western half of the state had more than 11 hours of temperatures below 24 degrees.

On the other hand, many counties in the eastern one-fifth of the state did not have a single hour below 24 degrees.

The coldest night in the period was on March 19-20.

“Temperatures were below 24 (degrees) on that night for as much as 12.3 consecutive hours. The western third of the state, where about 40 percent of the wheat is grown, experienced colder temperatures for longer durations than other areas of the state,” Knapp says.

Aqueduct

(continued from page 28)

The water appropriation bill, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2059, still needs House approval.

The Department of Agriculture has opposed the measure, arguing that legislators should wait for a conference of governors from affected states - as called for in Brownback’s water plan - before giving Kansans the right to divert water.

“We don’t know how much of the Missouri River is Kansas’ portion,” said Lane Letourneau, the department’s water appropriation manager.

Letourneau said Brownback and the leader of the Kansas Water Office are still in talks with counterparts in other states to come to a collaborative agreement on how to use the Missouri River. But there’s no certain date for formal meetings yet.

Meanwhile, with House passage Monday, two other bills that are part of Brownback’s 50-year plan are now heading to the governor’s desk: •Senate Bill 329 would help farmers who switch from flood irrigation to pivot irrigation in the middle of multiyear water use agreements to adjust those agreements without paying another application fee.

SB 329 bill passed unanimously in both chambers.

•Senate Bill 330 would establish a “conservation reserve enhancement program” to encourage voluntary stream bank preservation, which prevents erosion that leads to sedimentation of streams and reservoirs.

Letourneau said it is a necessary measure to preserve water quality and keep sediment out of reservoirs.

SB 330 passed unanimously in the Senate and passed 96-26 in the House.

While temperatures this cold are not uncommon for this time of the year, the wheat crop is well advanced throughout the state this year due to a relatively warm winter, and producers who have jointed wheat might be concerned with possible damage to their crop.

Likelihood of Damage Different stages of wheat development vary in their sensitivity to cold temperatures, Lollato said.

“Where the developing head is already above ground, in the jointing or later stages, cold temperatures can damage the developing wheat head.

The threshold below which economic damage can occur when wheat is jointed is approximately 24 degrees.

“Additionally, temperatures need to be sustained at levels below 24 degrees for a minimum of two to three hours to

be potentially damaging to the developing head,” he said.

The risk of freeze injury is probably greatest in south-central Kansas, particularly in Harper, Barber and Sumner counties, and possibly surrounding regions, adds Erick DeWolf, K-State Extension plant pathologist.

In addition to being exposed to a longer period of below 24-degree weather, the crop was also more advanced.

Counties in Southwest Kansas bordering Oklahoma might also see damage in the more advanced fields that have the growing point above ground.

Although other scattered cases of freeze injury might be observed in more advanced fields throughout Kansas, the risk of severe freeze injury in other areas of the state appears to be low, Lollato said.

The extent of a pos-

Planning Agricultural Mediation Services, a program administered by K-State Extension.

“Facilitators help families set an agenda and guide the process for planning their succession,” says Jost.

While the facilitator remains neutral with the

An example of freeze damaged wheat.

sible freeze damage will depend on several variables, including canopy density, soil moisture, crop residue and wind speed.

As a result of so many interacting variables, evaluating only air temperatures may not completely reflect the conditions experienced by the wheat crop.

While air temperatures reached critical levels for damage, soil tempera-

tures at a two-inch depth were above 32 degrees all across Western Kansas, and in most cases above 40 degrees in other regions of the state, Knapp said.

“Higher soil temperatures may have helped buffer the cold air temperatures experienced, minimizing possible injury to the wheat crop, especially where the developing head is below ground and therefore insulated,” she said.

(continued from page 28)

content of the discussion, they help everyone keep track of the substantive issues and options raised by the family as they chart their path forward.”

Trained facilitators have experience working with Kansas farm and ranch families. They offer guidance and support as

families cultivate options for creating a succession plan. Facilitation services can be requested by calling Kansas Agricultural Mediation Services at 800-321-3276.

Families may also visit the succession planning website and navi-

gate through a variety of resources, such as “Transition Planning: 12 Steps to Keep the Family Farming” and more topic-focused areas such as estate planning or “FamilyTALK.” The website is available at http://www.ksre.kstate.edu/kams/.

County Plat Maps

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

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

406 Main • Scott City • 620 872-2090

152 Acres Lane County, KS

,Inc.

+/-

Selling ABSOLUTE-No Minimum, No Reserve!

Meet-n-greet Thursday, March 31 • 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• aircraft on display

• drawing for 3 free Stearman rides Auction

RVE RESE O N m,

!

E T OLU

NE of 6-20-30

u

inim

NO M

ABS

Bidding will not end prior to Tuesday March 29, 2016.

Agent: Mark Faulkner

Call to Bid! 620-356-5808 120 S Main Street, Ulysses, KS

www.FaulknerRealEstate.com

e e r Fot dogs s h drink soft

• fungicide • foliar fertilizer • herbicides • insecticides • cover crops

Call 620-872-3000 Ben McNary 970-402-6799 John Holzmeister 785-672-0147

$

7

The Scott County Record • Page 30 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Call 872-2090 today!

Per Week

The Scott County Record Professional Directory

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

Agriculture

Preconditioning and Growing

• 45 Years Experience • Managed and owned by full-time DVM • 2,000 Head capacity Office - 872-5150 • Scott City Stuart Doornbos Home - 872-2775 Cell - 874-0951

Pro Ex II

Sager’s Pump Service

Over 20 Years Experience

Professional Extermination Commercial & Residential

• Irrigation • Domestic • Windmills • Submersibles

Cell: 874-4486 • Office 872-2101

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

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

Construction/Home Repair

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

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

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

CHAMBLESS ROOFING Residential

All Types of Roofing

Commercial

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

RTRex Turley, Plumbing Master Plumber Residental and Commercial Plumbing

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

Marienthal, Ks.

620-909-5014 (H) • 620-874-4128 (C)

SPENCER PEST CONTROL

Automotive

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

Faurot Electric, Inc. Office • 620-872-5344 Jeromy Lisenby • 620-214-3247

P.O. Box 14 • Scott City

Landscaping • Lawn/Trees

Berning Tree Service David Berning • Marienthal

620-379-4430

Tree Trimming and Removal Hedge and Evergreen Trimming Stump Removal

Fully Insured

Contact:

SCOT AYTES • 874-1646 t Paint i

Red

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

$

7

The Scott County Record • Page 31 • Thursday, March 24, 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

Dr. James Yager 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

Russell Berning Box Q • Leoti 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

Sports/Outdoors Truck Driving 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.

––––––––––––––––––––– WORLD’S LARGEST gun show. April 2-3.

Saturday, 8:00-6:00; Sunday, 8:00-4:00. Tulsa, Okla., Fairgrounds.

Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show. Free appraisals. Bring your guns. www.TulsaArmsShow. com

Auctions - 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.

(Scott City Chiropractic) “TLC”...

Technology Lead Chiropractic

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.

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

1104 Main • Scott City • 872-2625

For Sale BABY GRAND PIANO, $1,988. Decorative oak spinet, $1,288. Loaded Yamaha Clavinova, $2,288.

Steinway grand, $9,988. Over 140 more great deals at Mid-America Piano, Manhattan, 1-800-9503774. www.piano4u.com.

––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

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.

––––––––––––––––––––– OTR LEASE and company driver employment opportunities available.

Class A CDL + 2 years experience required.

Benefits start date of hire.

Exceptional pay, benefits, new equipment. 1-800709-8997.

––––––––––––––––––––– BUTLER TRANSPORT. Your partner in excellence. Drivers needed.

Great hometime. $650 sign-on bonus. All miles paid. 1-800-528-7825. www.butlertransport.com.

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.

Is your subscription paid?

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 24, 2016

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

REDUCED!!!

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.

Help Wanted

Rentals

FA R M W O R K D E R , 5/15/16-12/15/16, Prevost Harvesting, Canton, OKla. Nine temp jobs.

Operate harvesting machines to harvest crops in OK/KS/NE/SD/ND. 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. Driver’s license, Clean MVR, 3 mo exp, English required. $11.15/ hr-$3000/mo plus R and B, depending on location, ¾ work guarantee, tools/ equip/housing provided, trans and subsistence exp reimbursed. Apply at Kansas Works, 620.227.2149.

Job #1076472.

3316t1 ––––––––––––––––––––– EXPERIENCED AUT0 MECHANIC WANTED! Must have own tools, reliable transportation and valid drivers license. Salary commensurate with job experience. Benefits included. Apply in person at Bretz Inc., 640 West Long, Dighton, Ks, or call Russell at 620-397-5329.

1 BEDROOM APPARTMENTS for rent. Call 620-874-8353.

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3216t2

––––––––––––––––––––– SUBSTITUTE ROUTE bus drivers for USD 466 (Scott County). For applications and additional information contact Lance Carter at 620-8727655.

02tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– CDL DRIVER WANTED for a paving company.

Can be a Class A or Class B license. For more information, call 620-8740596.

3316t6

Agriculture WANT TO BUY. Stored corn. Call for basis and contract information.

1-800-579-3645.

Lane County Feeders, Inc. 32tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– WANT TO BUY. Wheat straw delivered. Call for contracting information.

Lane County Feeders.

44tfc 397-5341.

________________________________

HIDE AND SEEK STORAGE SYSTEMS. Various sizes available.

Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, 620-874-2120.

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Apartments available for qualifying tenants 62+ or disabled with rental assistance available.

Hours: Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. by appointment Call Steve 872-2535 or (620) 255-4824.

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________________________________

PLAINJAN’S RENTAL houses and duplexes. Stop by the office or call 620872-5777.

05tfc ________________________________

PLAINJAN’S RENT-ASHOP New Introductory Pricing! We can build an office to suit your needs.

This includes AC and heat if wanted. Each Rent-AShop comes with 110 and a 220 electric, overhead lighting, full concrete floor, exterior dawn-dusk lighting, insulated roof and exterior walls. Call today at 620-872-5777.

3316tfc

Services 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 ––––––––––––––––––––– YARD SERVICES. Will trim and haul pampass grass. Call Rob 620-2141730.

3316t1

Farm Services House for Sale CUSTOM HARVESTING WANTED! Wheat, corn, milo, etc. Book acres for 2016. References available. Call Dave Duffek at 402-641-0503.

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

FULL-TIME FARM AND SEASONAL HARVEST HELP wanted!

Truck driving experience required. Call 620-8745160 for more informa3216t2 tion.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING for sale.

133x45 ft. (approx.) round top building. Serious inquiries only. Seller is a real estate agent selling own property. 874-5109 or 874-2124.

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3216t ________________________________

Pine Village Apartments 300 E. Nonnamaker

Real Estate

Support Your Schools

50’ x 62’ Lester Building, turn key, just move in!

3 overhead doors (2-14’H x 16’W), with openers, insulated with tube heat. 1/2 bath with washer/dryer hookups.

Sewer dump inside for RV or 5th wheel.

Covered awning, nice corner lot, great access!

NOW $145,500!!!

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

County Plat Maps

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

406 Main • Scott City • 620 872-2090

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, that’s ours.

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church basement (use west door).

412 College, Scott City.

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

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

Al-Anon at same time and location.

Contact: 874-0472 or 872-3137. 25tfc

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 24, 2016

Employment Opportunities Logan County Manor, Oakley, Ks needing RN, LPN, CMA and CNA shifts.

We are a 45-bed long-term care facility.

We offer competitive wages, KPERS, health insurance, excellent PTO and paid membership to our Wellness Center.

Contact Diana Dible at: 785-672-8109

EOE

3116tfc

SUMMER HELP

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

SCOTT PRO NEEDS YOU! Scott Pro is accepting applications for: Lead Maintenance Mechanic Day Time Float Night Shift Mixer (4p.m. - 4a.m./M-TH) New starting wage!

Wage evaluation at 90 days.

Health/Life/Dental/ST.LT Disability are offered!

Apply in person at 810 E. 1st or call 620-872-2189

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 704 College, Scott City, KS 67871

3316t2c

17tfc

PARK LANE NURSING HOME SCOTT COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Scott County Public Works is accepting applications for: Equipment Operator This job will include tasks that require routine manual labor.

Must have a Class A CDL Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Must be able to walk distances over 200 yards.

Drug testing required Starting salary depends on experience.

Benefit package offered!

Applications may be obtained and returned to: Scott County Public Works 481 E. Rd. 160 Scott City, Ks 67871 620-872-2202

3316t2

Has openings for the following positions: Full-time Dietary aide/Cook (All Shifts) New Base Wage Full-Time CNA - Night Shift Part-Time CNA - Days and Evenings FT/PT Housekeeping (New Base Wage) Shift differential pay offered for evening and night shifts!

Great opportunity to serve the elderly of our community!!!

Willing to work with student schedules!

Great benefits package!

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”

3316tfc

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 Dietary Aide - FT A.M. Cook - 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.

3316tfc

The Scott County Record • Page 34 • Thursday, March 24, 2016

Berry memorial donations

Bill would require parental consent to withhold ‘life-sustaining’ treatment

Friends and former classmates of Colter Berry held a coyote calling fundraiser in February with proceeds to donate the Scott County/County fire departments and the SCHS ag and woodworking departments. A $3,000 donation was made to each recipient. Another donation was made to the Berry Memorial Fund. There were about 24 teams in the competition with plans to hold the event again next year. (Above) Aaron Rosin (front, center) presents a donation to City Fire Chief Ken Hoover (left) and County Fire Chief Vernon Storm. Others on hand were (from left) Myles Glunz, Devin Wackerla, Colby Dunagan, Jace Gibbs, Brantley Shearmire and assistant fire chief Harold Irwin. (Record Photo)

Dale Jessup (far left), FFA sponsor and ag shop instructor at Scott Community High School, accepts a $3,000 donation from Dunagan, Gibbs, Rosin, Wackerla, Shearmire and Glunz.

(Record Photo)

State restricts funding for Planned Parenthood Kansas legislators are moving to make permanent an annual budget policy that prevents the state from providing federal family planning dollars to Planned Parenthood.

The Senate approved a

bill Tuesday on a 32-8 vote, sending the measure to the House.

The legislation deals with federal family planning dollars for non-abortion services.

Lawmakers have

included a provision in the state’s annual budgets since 2011 saying that money must go first to public health departments and then to hospitals.

The goal was to prevent any of the funds

from going to Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, which also provides abortions.

Putting the policy into state law means lawmakers won’t have to keep renewing it.

The Senate has advanced a bill that would forbid hospitals from withholding lifesustaining treatment from children without permission from a parent or guardian.

Senate Bill 437 would prohibit a physician or health care facility from withholding life-sustaining treatment or placing a do-not-resuscitate order on someone younger than 18 without parental permission.

If the parents disagreed, they could petition a district court to settle the case, with the presumption in favor of continuing treatment.

The bill would create exemptions if reasonable medical judgment determined a treatment was “futile,” meaning the patient’s death isn’t likely

to be hastened if he or she doesn’t receive it, or “medically inappropriate,” meaning that offering treatment puts the patient at a greater risk of death than withholding it.

Sen. Jacob LaTurner (R-Pittsburg) said some parents have discovered that facilities placed donot-resuscitate orders on their special needs children without permission.

He said he didn’t know of any examples in Kansas.

Sen. Laura Kelly (D-Topeka) said she didn’t think anyone was opposed to the “intended consequences” of the bill, but she is concerned it could have effects the state hasn’t anticipated.

She said she is concerned other stakeholders weren’t included in the conversation about the bill.

In the event of an actual tornado sighting there will be a steady five minute blast from the Scott City siren.

Following the five minutes, the siren will not sound again until the “all-clear” which will be a steady one minute blast.

Thank these Sponsors for Wind & Wheels:

Thank these Sponsors for Wind & Wheels:

American Implement

Wheatland Electric

Farm Bureau Financial Services

Cargill Stabel Family Farms

Western State Bank

Kearny County Feeders

Saturday, April 16 starting at 9:00 a.m.

Wichita County Fair Grounds, Leoti

Enter to win 1 of 4 Meet and Greets with Logan Mize or JDB!

Advanced Concert Tickets

$20

• Wheatland

Electric Grandstand • Cargill

$25

$5 or 3/ $10

• StabelVIP Family

Farms $35 at the Gate

• Kearny Tailgate begins at 4:00 p.m. • Gates Open 6:00 p.m. • Concert 7:00 p.m.

County Feeders Concert Sponsored by Scott Coop

Grill provided • Tickets available at The Library and Extension Office in Leoti or www.musicforblake.ticketleap.com