A father and son are silhouetted against a shimmering lake while fishing over the weekend
30 Pages • Four Sections
Volume 23 • Number 34
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Published in Scott City, Ks.
$1 single copy
No state funding changes for area USDs School districts in Scott, Lane and Wichita counties will see little or no change in state aid for public education under the new finance plan approved by the Kansas Legislature. Supt. Jamie Rumford of USD 466 (Scott County) was still studying the changes earlier this week and what the newest figures mean for the district. “I’d have to say it looks like a wash - we don’t gain anything and we don’t lose anything,” says Rumford. “At least that’s
how it appears for now. “The bill guarantees that no school district will receive less in capital outlay, LOB (local option budget) or hold harmless state aid in 2016-17 than it received in 2015-16,” according to Dale Dennis, deputy commissioner with the Kansas State Department of Education. General state aid will remain the same as it was under the block grant program adopted by the legislature last year. The latest changes are meant
to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court’s call for greater equity in state funding. Overall, the state plan provides another $2.3 million in funds. Critics of the plan, including Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, say that fully funding school equity aid would require about $38 million in additional spending.
given the state’s continuing budget problems. Rumford and school officials across the state are awaiting new state revenue figures to be announced on April 1 which will provide projected estimates through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. If those figures continue a downward trend, as many expect, there could be more cuts awaiting public eduStill No Certainty cation. Even the latest school fundAnd the Kansas Supreme ing plan isn’t etched in stone Court must also weigh in on the
Teen pregnancies above average in Scott County Scott County ranks higher in teen pregnancies than the state average, according to the latest report from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a program that provides a breakdown of health factors on a county-by-county basis across the state. Somewhat surprisingly, Scott county ranks 87th in health outcomes among the states’s 105 counties. That’s despite ranking 27th in health factors. Health factors include clinical care, economic conditions, personal behavior, etc., that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Outcomes measure the length and quality of life. Some data is based on a single year (with 2014 the most recent) and other data is based on findings over multiple years. While the county ranked high in several categories, including the percentage of residents with a high school diploma (93%), and below the state average in the percent of children living in poverty (13%), there were some areas that raised red flags. Among those is the rate of teen pregnancy. From 2007-13, there were 52 births per 1,000 females between the ages of 15-19 years. That’s significantly higher than the state average of 38 births. Scott County Health Nurse Dana Shapland sees that on a regular basis and even suggests that technology is a contributing factor. “I don’t know that the problem is worse than it was 30 years ago, but with social media the kids talk more now. Kids know who is more sexually active,” says Shapland. She’s a strong proponent of giving teenagers more access to birth control and education. “There’s a lot of information we need to be providing to teenagers - particularly girls - before they become sexually active,” says Shapland. The health department is often a preferred means of providing assistance to teenagers because of privacy issues. “Teenagers aren’t going to call the (medical) clinic asking for birth control,” Shapland says. “Through family planning programs we can provide birth control without family consent.” That option currently isn’t available in Scott County because of the lack of state funding, but Shapland is hoping it can be offered. She provided a similar service while serving as the health director in Lane County and it was very successful. With state funding, she was able to provide birth control, pap smears and testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on a sliding fee scale. (See TEEN on page eight)
06 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Extension program brings etiquette tips to SC juniors Page 9
adequacy of the latest funding plan. In its current form, the new finance plan provides USD 466 with $21,880 in capital outlay assistance. Rumford says the district currently receives no capital aid money. On the flip side, the formula cuts local option budget (LOB) aid by $135,092. That adds up to an overall loss in state aid of $113,212. However, the legislature has (See FUNDING on page two)
eggs in one basket
Three-year-old Emme Wishon, Scott City, collects another egg for her basket during the annual Easter egg hunt at Patton Park on Saturday. The hunt was delayed a week because of bad weather, but there was another huge turnout for the popular event. (Record Photo)
Community center remains part of the ‘vision’ for Scott County A community wellness center didn’t do well with Scott County voters last year, but the issue is far from dead. The need for a center was ranked as a top priority among local residents who gathered for the latest in a series of community “vision” meetings that was held on Wednesday evening at Scott Community High School. The need for a wellness center
ranked just ahead of affordable housing - primarily rentals. Among the proponents to resurrect the wellness center was Scott Community Foundation Director Ryan Roberts who noted that it would bring more “cohesiveness.” “Things are so spread out in the community. It would be nice to bring a lot of this together in one facility,” he suggested. Joe Meyer said that when he lived
406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-6 Calendar • Page 7 Youth/education • Page 9 LEC report • Page 10 Lawn/garden • Page 12 Deaths • Page 13
Church services • Page 13 Health care • Pages 14-15 Sports • Pages 17-22 Farm section • Pages 24-25 Classified ads • Pages 27-29
in McCook, Nebr., the YMCA was the community center that brought people together. He said people would use the facility for walking over their noon hour, after-school activities and more. It was felt that Area 96, an activity center supported by the First Baptist Church, has demonstrated that such a facility will be utilized by local youth. (See CENTER on page 16)
Strong winds greet the opening day of area spring sports Page 17
The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Tobacco bonds a costly way to fill budget gap Consultant: annual payment would be reduced for 20 years A discussion that Kansas officials began last fall with representatives of a Wall Street banking firm about securitizing the state’s tobacco settlement could be resurrected if the state’s budget problems continue to worsen. Shawn Sullivan, budget director for Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, said while a
bond deal isn’t under active discussion, it remains a possibility should the state need a quick infusion of cash to balance the budget. “I’m not going to deny it’s an option,” Sullivan said. But several key lawmakers of both parties say it’s not an attractive option, given that it would take at least 20 years for the annual payment to return to its current level. Sen. Laura Kelly of Topeka, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said bonding years
Funding
Currently the state spends much of what it receives annually from the settlement on Children’s Initiatives Fund programs. In the current budget year, that amounts to about $45.9 million. But under the securitization plans outlined for Brownback administration officials last fall by representatives of Citigroup, the state wouldn’t receive an annual payment of that size until at least 2036. And if smoking rates decline faster than expected, it could take even longer for payments to return to
that level. Kansas was one of 46 states that entered into a “master settlement agreement” with four major tobacco companies in 1998. The companies are required to make payments to the states in perpetuity, with original estimates putting the total payments to states in the settlement at $206 billion through 2025. Citigroup’s Pitch Under a securitization deal, bonds backed by the state’s (See TOBACCO on page 16)
(continued from page one)
said Rumford. “I don’t know how you call that equalization.” Wichita County finds itself in a very similar situation. On the one hand, the new finance formula says it will cut $157,678 in LOB aid to the district, but it returns that exact amount in the “hold harmless” provision. The Dighton and Healy districts were scheduled to receive no capital outlay or LOB aid, so are unaffected by the latest finance plan. “I don’t see that this does much more than waste a lot of time and effort,” says Wichita County Supt. Keith Higgins. “It’s an effort to appease the Supreme Court, which I don’t see happening.” If the plan is rejected by the Supreme Court, Higgins wonders how serious the legislature will get in offering another solution before the June 30 deadline. And that’s only part of
also created a “hold harmless” feature in the funding plan. “I don’t know how else to describe it except that it’s giving us back the money they said they were taking away,” says Rumford. In other words, the district is still getting the $113,212 the legislature says elsewhere in the formula that it is cutting. While that would appear to be good news, LOB aid is down considerably from a couple of years ago. Rumford noted that when he arrived in the district at the start of the 2014-15 school year, LOB aid from the state amounted to about $196,000. It remained at that level in the current year’s budget. Next year’s LOB aid represents about a $60,000 loss in funding. “When you look at the numbers, this plan is basically shuffling the money we’re already getting,”
of steady payments for a lumpsum payment would be an act of desperation. “I think it borders on fiscal malpractice,” Kelly said. Several key Republicans also expressed opposition to the idea, including Sen. Les Donovan of Wichita, chairman of the Senate Taxation Committee. “I don’t think it’s a good thing to do,” Donovan said. “You’re going to get less than full value. And a source of income that comes in annually and is used for good purposes will no longer be there.”
the problem he sees facing lawmakers. “On Friday (April 1) we’ll see what revenue estimates are for the rest of the (fiscal) year. I’m not very optimistic,” Higgins says. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see the legislature take away money that (schools) are still supposed to be getting in a final payment.” As he begins looking ahead to the 2016-17 budget, Higgins says there’s a lot of uncertainty facing administrators and their boards of education. “Block grant funding, even though it’s not what it should be, is supposed to provide some certainty when preparing our budget,” he says. “But what happens if revenue continues to be less than projected? Where else will the state turn for money? You have to prepare for what could be a worst case scenario.” Higgins says that can affect decisions to fill vacant staff positions or the
raises a district can afford to give its employees. “I don’t want to issue no-fund warrants next May to pay for salaries,” he says. Budget Planning Even with this formula in hand, school administrators across Kansas may be understandably reluctant to do a lot of planning for the 2016-17 budget until after the Supreme Court weighs in. Because last year’s record-long legislative session and the delay in arriving at a school funding plan, Rumford says he and his board weren’t able to put together a final budget until mid-July. “Normally, we’d like to have the budget process completed by June 30,” he said. A major issue with the ongoing budget uncertainty is knowing how much staff a district will be able to afford. A district has to determine in April which staff members will be
offered contracts and staff members have to declare their intention to accept the contract in May. “Last year, we got hit with more enrollment than we were expecting,” Rumford says. As a result, when the district was awarded $144,146 in “extraordinary needs” funding by the state in November, part of that money was earmarked for an additional teacher. Even though the extraordinary needs money was a one-time disbursement, Rumford says the teacher will remain on staff. Because of the block grant funding in place again this year, the district will receive no additional money, despite an expected increase in enrollment. “We’ll have to see how everything works out with the current funding plan and what the (Supreme Court) determines,” Rumford says.
What’s for Lunch in Scott City? April 4-8
Majestic Theatre 420 Main • 872-3840
Braun’s Butcher Block
No Membership Required
Weekday Soup Specials
Hours
Monday - Chicken Corn Chowder
1211 Main • 872-3215
Lunch • Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Evenings • Thurs., Fri., Sat. 5:30 -10:00 p.m. Dress Casual Tues. • Open faced prime rib sandwich with french fries. $10.95 Wed. • French dip sandwich with chips. $7.95 Thurs. • Reuben sandwich with chips. $7.95 Fri. • Tijuana tostada. $6.95
5Buck Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Chili Cheese Dog • Deluxe Cheeseburger • 3 Piece Chicken Strips
Includes Fries, 21 oz. Drink and Small Sundae
Tuesday - Cheesy Chicken Tortilla
1304 S. Main • 872-5301
Thursday - Cream of Potato with Bacon
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Soup $395 Soup and Drink $495 Soup, Sandwich and Drink $795
$
6
49
Full Buffet
Friday - New England Clam Chowder
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closed Sunday
212 Main St., Scott City 620-872-7238
The Scott County Record
Community Living
Page 3 - Thursday, March 31, 2016
Healthier lifestyle begins with better eating habits It’s common for people trying to lose weight by restricting their diets to struggle in keeping the weight off, according to Sandy Procter, assistant professor in Kansas State University’s College of Human Ecology. Practicing mindful eating can be much more beneficial. To be mindful means simply being present in the moment without judgment, and having mindful eating habits helps amplify our body’s signals of hunger and fullness, break old eating habits and better understand what our body is saying, Procter said. “We often don’t take time to listen to our bodies,” said Procter, a
Genealogy research seminar in Leoti Sun. If you’d like to learn more about how to research your past through homestead records, marriages, microfilm census the internet and more, the Wichita County Genealogy Society can help. Members of the WCGS will open their research library on Sun., April 3, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. The library is located on the south side of the Museum of the Great Plains, 201 E. J Street. Persons wanting to learn how to trace their family roots will be given advice in using wills and probate records, cemetery records and much more. The information is not just limited to Wichita County.
Tips for the kitchen •Will milk curdle if it is allowed to boil? It turns out that this age-old piece of wisdom isn’t true, after all. Milk that has been boiled is perfectly safe to consume. •To clean an electric kettle with calcium buildup on the heating element, boil a mixture of half white vinegar and half water, then empty. •When storing empty airtight containers, throw in a pinch of salt to keep them from getting stinky. •To keep potatoes from budding in the bag, put an apple in with them. •If you manage to have some leftover wine at the end of the evening, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy addition to soups and sauces in the future. Friendship Meals to Go at Scott Co. VIP Center only $3.25 • Call 872-3501
nutrition specialist and registered dietitian with K-State Research and Extension. “Mindfulness is a big part of eating well, but also of healthfulness in general.” She outlined several ways a person can eat more mindfully and develop healthier habits. Shift Thinking Procter’s first suggestion is to shift away from automatic eating, which can help prevent disordered eating patterns and move closer to more regular eating habits. By being deliberately aware of why they’re eating, when they’re eating and other factors such as portion sizes, people can make more mindful eating deci-
sions. People shouldn’t default to eating on a schedule, either; they should think about what they’re eating and whether or not they’re actually hungry, she said. Many people use their break time to have a snack, but according to Procter, they tend to eat just because it’s break time rather than because they’re actually hungry. If only a little hungry, they should consider waiting until a later time to eat when their appetite has increased. “It’s good to be aware of how we eat, to shift out of this auto-eating and think about what we eat every day,” Procter said. “Don’t just do things
Recipe favorites . . . Double Decker Tacos
A soft shell taco is layered with refried beans, then wrapped around a hard shell taco, which is filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and fresh guacamole. Ingredients 1 pound ground beef 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning mix, divided 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans 2/3 cup water 12 prepared crisp taco shells 2 avocados 1 tablespoon sour cream 1 fresh lime, juiced salt and black pepper to taste 12 (7 inch) 2 cups 1 cup 1 large 1/2 cup
flour tortillas shredded Cheddar cheese shredded lettuce tomato, chopped 1/4 red onion, chopped sour cream
Directions Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, and sprinkle about 3/4 of the packet of taco seasoning over the meat. Cook and stir the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until the beef is browned and crumbly, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the excess grease. Mash the refried beans with the water in a small saucepan, and sprinkle with the rest of the seasoning packet. Heat the refried beans over low heat until simmering. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Place the crisp taco shells on a baking sheet, and warm them in the preheated oven for 3 to 5 minutes. To make the guacamole, peel, seed, and mash the avocados in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of sour cream, the lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste, and set aside. To build the tacos, spread each flour tortilla with about 2 tablespoons of heated refried beans. Wrap the tortilla gently around a crisp tortilla shell. Spread ground beef along the bottom of the crisp shell, and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese. Top the cheese with shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of chopped tomato and onion, and a dollop of sour cream and guacamole. Original recipe: 12 tacos
automatically because the clock says it’s time to eat, or because you’ve always used a giant bowl for your cereal. Sit back and think, ‘This is what I want; this is what I feel like I need, and I think I’m done (eating).’” People should also avoid multitasking while eating, she said, because they eat less if they’re only focusing on the meal and are more aware of their hunger signals. “We eat less, we eat more purposefully and we can hear the signals from our body,” she said. “And sometimes, those will say ‘I don’t really need the rest of my sandwich right now; I could eat the rest later or take it home.’” Focusing on the meal
and allotting a proper amount of time to eat can help with more attentive bites. Attentive eating might require planning healthy meals ahead of time, planning what snacks to eat during the day, taking a proper amount of time to eat and even sharing meals with someone who is also practicing mindful eating. Negative Messages While eating, people should check their body signals and avoid focusing on internal negative messages as much as possible, Procter said. Negative messages can cause under- or over-eating, neither of which are beneficial. “Sometimes we are
our own worst enemies, and we can say negative thoughts to ourselves,” she said, adding that by actively disregarding thoughts such as wanting to skip a meal due to their weight, people are avoiding internal stressors that can influence their eating habits. “Remember, they’re just thoughts. If you’re hungry and your body is telling you it’s time to eat, don’t let those negative messages interfere with the actual messages that are coming from your body,” she added. Also, when experiencing negative messages about eating habits or weight, avoid vocalizing them. (See HABITS on page 7)
The Scott County Record
Editorial/Opinion
Page 4 - Thursday, March 31, 2016
editorially speaking
Closing schools:
GOP lawmakers rely on rhetoric to hide the facts
Legislative Republicans and the Brownback Administration love flipping the table on their own failures. When the Kansas Supreme Court set a June 30 deadline to correct unconstitutional inequities in the school funding system, Republican lawmakers complained that if schools close it’s the court’s fault. Republicans kept the rhetoric alive last week when it passed a school finance bill in the House (93-31) and Senate (32-5). GOP leadership said that those opposed to the plan want schools to close. In reality, those opposed to the finance plan realize this is a feeble attempt to satisfy the Supreme Court. Another showdown between the Court and the Kansas Legislature is still pending. Whether or not Kansas schools close this fall remains to be seen. What remains evident is the disdain ultraconservative lawmakers in the House and Senate continue to have for public education and the Supreme Court. Regurgitating a finance plan that provides absolutely no change in funding for 263 of the state’s 286 school districts is unconscionable. Republican lawmakers are continuing to do everything within their power to destroy what’s left of teacher unions, legal protections for teachers and adequate state funding of schools across the state. The courts have repeatedly identified the problem for more than three decades. Democrats in the legislature have tried to fight for education, but are limited as a minority party. It is conservative lawmakers who have repeatedly underfunded public education and forced this battle to be waged in the courts. Keep in mind that school closings are nothing new. In recent years, a number of public schools have been forced to end their school year early not because of the Supreme Court or Democrats, but because Republicans have refused to provide adequate funding. As long as these lawmakers remain in power, and as long as they are well-financed by the Koch brothers, nothing will change - neither the adequacy of school funding nor the “don’t blame us” rhetoric.
Honest elections:
Obstructionism, secrecy has become the GOP way
When you can’t win an election on ideas alone, there are two other options. Hope that a Supreme Court stacked in your favor will bail you out (been there with George W. Bush). Or you can rig the voting process. The latter has been, by far, the method of choice in conservative states that have seen the plurality of white voters diminish significantly. Without ideas that will attract voters, the Republican Party has instead poured their resources into making it more difficult for non-Republicans to vote. Most recently, voters in Maricopa County, Ariz., which includes Phoenix, had to stand in line up to five hours to vote in a presidential primary election. Why the long voting lines? The number of voting sites had been cut from 200 in the last presidential election to just 60 this time around. Maricopa County’s top election official, Helen Purcell, a Republican, said after eliminating 70 percent of the county’s voting sites, “. . . I screwed up.” It’s probably only a coincidence that the majority of Maricopa County’s residents are non-white and Democratic. But this is Arizona, you say. Why should we care? Because long voting lines in heavily Democratic precincts have been a pattern in elections over the past 12 years - as have electronic voting machine “irregularities.” This has become a pattern in recent presidential elections in Ohio, Texas, Florida and South Carolina, just to name a few states. In 2012, the average waiting time for a white voter was 11.2 minutes. It was 23.3 minutes for a black voter. There have been far too many instances of voters standing in line for three, four and five hours. And that doesn’t take into account problems with voting machines and the convenient lack of a paper trail to confirm that the results are accurate. In Kansas, Beth Clarkson, a statistician with Wichita State University has observed voting irregularities in Kansas and has sued the state in an effort to get voting tapes from electronic machines. Secretary of State Kris Kobach - the self-declared champion of protecting the integrity of our election process - refuses to cooperate. Republicans have become the party of voting secrecy and obstruction. That’s what one would expect from a tin-horn dictatorship, not a democracy.
We’re being played for suckers P.T. Barnum declared, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” With that in mind, ultraconservative lawmakers in the Kansas Legislature must have looked across the landscape and concluded they’d reached the Promised Land. These carnival hucksters are wasting their talents in Topeka when they should be taking their circus act on the road, attracting droves of people to their world-famous shell game known as school funding. “Step right up folks as we place a pea under the state aid shell. Following it closely. Heck, don’t follow it closely,” barks Sen. Ty Masterson. “It doesn’t matter because you can’t lose. There’s a winner every time. Trust me.” Actually, referring to Masterson and his traveling band of Republican misfits as carnies is an insult to carnies. At least the people operating a carnival stand know there’s little chance of you being a winner. You shoot at the moving ducks, toss coins in the glass jars or try to
knock over the stack of three milk bottles knowing that the odds are against you. The fun comes from trying to win despite the odds. In response to the Supreme Court’s call for a more honest school funding plan, Masterson and his carnival gang have created a new shell game in which money is carefully moved by sleight of hand between capital outlay aid, LOB aid and hold harmless payments. In this game, however, Republican hucksters want school districts to believe there’s no way they can lose. Being a winner in this game means getting your money back. Here’s how it works. There are 286 school districts in Kansas. The Kansas Legislature just approved a formula that provides additional money for 23 districts. That
means 263 districts have been played for suckers because they get the same amount of money they started with. But lawmakers, being the distinguished carnies they are, don’t like referring to their constituents as suckers. It’s a good way to get tar-and-feathered and ridden out of town on a rail. What Kansas legislators have done is create a school finance spreadsheet which includes a “hold harmless” provision. Now doesn’t that have a nice ring to it? It means that as the finance shells are being moved around, 263 school districts lose money under one shell and they get some of it back under another shell. But don’t worry, when they pick up the third shell - known as “hold harmless” - they get everything back that they lost. No one has to return home and explain to the wife how they were suckered into losing all the rent money at the carnival. It’s almost comical that we have legislators in To-
peka who can spend so much time creating a finance formula that takes 263 Kansas school districts back to where they began. Masterson and the Republican leadership are proud of the new plan because it “shrinks the disparity” between the haves and the have-nots by spreading about $2.3 million among 23 lucky winners. Those districts get to show their taxpayers the stuffed gorilla they won at the legislative carnival. Even better news for Masterson is that the state gets to pocket the remaining $36 million that would have been distributed among Kansas schools as part of the old equalization formula that Republicans thought was “too complicated.” Giving everyone exactly what they started with is so much easier to understand. Of course, those 263 districts are being played for suckers because they’re supposed to walk away from the carnival happy that they didn’t lose money. (See SUCKERS on page six)
Separating wheat from the chaff I like to instill a little shock value into my parenting as part of an ongoing effort to teach my kids to use judgment to evaluate truth. I consider it my parental duty to provide my children with asinine statements, encouraging them to use their own reasoning to determine what is true. Is it partly true? Fully true? Or am I just making stuff up? Discerning truth from hogwash was probably difficult for my kids when they were young, but it didn’t take them long to develop the confidence needed to evaluate the situation. When they seem stumped, I led them with questions to figure out what was real - and what was not. You could call it a game, and it’s played like this: I provide anecdotal evidence, skewed sta-
Where to Write
another view by Emily Parnell
tistics and emphatically implore them to believe me. Then they narrow their eyes at me and determine if mommy is educating them or trying to lead them down a rabbit trail into a pit of lies. I enjoy creatively spinning an alternate universe and presenting it to my children. I’m proud of them when they catch on immediately, but even more so when they join in. Whether this activity represents stellar parenting or is merely providing material for their future visits to a therapist, I’m not sure. But surely many would agree, this world is full of dubious “information” that’s presented as truth. Learning to question
Gov. Sam Brownback 2nd Floor - State Capitol Topeka, Ks. 66612-1501 (785) 296-3232
information, even when it comes from “good” sources, is an important skill in life. It’s a daily occurrence for anyone following controversial, opinion-driven topics. We’re bombarded with news stories and claims that range from hard data to complete fantasy. Yet, it’s all presented as truth. For instance, have you seen the videos showing a parent demonstrating a simple math problem, purportedly using “Common Core math”? With a taut smirk, she emphasizes the “ludicrous” method of breaking a simple math problem into many steps. After watching the video, it’s undeniably clear that the devil himself has created Common Core math to create a new generation of numbskulls unable to work a simple subtraction problem in
Sen. Pat Roberts 109 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-4774 roberts.senate.gov/email.htm
anything less than 20 minutes. Comments on the video simultaneously declared it “dumbed down” while admitting their own inability to understand it, leaving them unable to help their children do math homework. So which is it? Is this method of math making our children dumb? Or is it possible that our kids are learning cool things about math theory and building blocks that we parents were never taught? Could the claims be true that these methods will lead to stronger math skills in the long run? Don’t we owe it to our kids to investigate? Last week, I watched the live Twitter feed of the Kansas Legislature debating whether to abandon Common Core State Standards. (See WHEAT 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 31, 2016
6 years later: still no Republican health care plan by James Downie
Six years ago, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Before and after the stroke of the president’s pen, Republicans predicted doom and gloom for an Obamacare-infected United States: skyrocketing health-care costs, a ruined economy, the end of freedom and so on. It didn’t take long to see that these predictions proved just as true as Ronald Reagan’s prediction that Medicare would lead to a future where “you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it once was like in America when men were free.” Twenty million people have gained health insurance from the Affordable Care Act - a number that would be higher but for the
19 red states that have rejected the law’s Medicaid expansion. The percentage of Americans without insurance has declined from 17.1 percent to 11.9 percent in the past two years. A new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as reported in Forbes, found states “that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act saw more job growth, lower health inflation and spent less on social and health services unneeded once more residents had medical coverage.” Initiatives in the ACA designed to encourage hospitals to reduce errors are credited with helping to save 87,000 lives (and nearly $20 billion). Premium increases on the Obamacare exchanges last year averaged less than four percent - before tax credits. And the law hasn’t just preserved the decline
Initiatives in the ACA designed to encourage hospitals to reduce errors are credited with helping to save 87,000 lives (and nearly $20 billion).
in health-care spending growth; it has also accelerated it. To be sure, the law isn’t an unmitigated success. Fewer people than projected have signed up on the exchanges, which could be a challenge to their long-term stability in some places (though that has led to the law being cheaper than expected). Half the co-ops set up under the law have failed. But overall, the law looks to be a clear victory. Perhaps as a result, Republicans have quietly dialed down the anti-Obamacare rhetoric. Two of the three remaining
Republican candidates embrace key parts of the ACA, and few GOP Senate candidates in close races are trumpeting their opposition to the law. (It can’t help that some conservatives, including Supreme Court justices, still need versing in the law’s basics.) Yet even if Obamacare were the train wreck that Republicans claim it has been, their failure to unite around a replacement would then be all the more incredible. Two thousand and 200 days after Obamacare became law, there have been zero Republican votes on a replacement. In that time, Taylor Swift became a pop artist, the House and the Senate have changed hands in separate elections, Obama won re-election and millions of women have reaped the benefits of free birth control.
All of which brings me to Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). The House speaker’s speech last week was mostly covered as an implied rebuke to the outrageous rhetoric of Donald Trump. Some rightly - took him to task for not mentioning Trump by name. But that dodge was merely a matter of degree. What differentiated Ryan’s speech from a mere critique of Trump’s tone was what he offered against it. “Ideas, passionately promoted and put to the test - that’s what politics can be,” he said. “That’s what our country can be.” Praising Jack Kemp’s push for tax cuts, he said, “All it took was someone willing to put policy on paper and promote it passionately. This is the basic concept behind the policy agenda that House Republicans (See 6 YEARS on page six)
Trump turns white nationalists into political players by Peter Montgomery
Fleecing the 330 million ‘nobodies’ by Jim Hightower
If you wonder why Congress critters keep ignoring what the people want them to do - while doing things that people don’t want them doing - take a peek at the unique PR campaign now being run by the pharmaceutical industry. The public is dismayed and disgusted by the flagrant greed of drugmakers that are shamefully zooming the prices of medicines into the stratosphere, turning necessities into unaffordable luxuries. As a result, there is a growing demand for Congress to take action to stop the industry’s out-of-control gouging. To counter this, drug companies have launched a massive
advertising campaign running on radio, in print and on Facebook, Twitter, and other socialmedia websites. Yet, it’s not likely that you’ve seen or heard any of them. That’s because drug chieftains don’t care what you and I think. Moreover, they know they couldn’t possibly persuade us to let them keep jacking up our prices. So, their “public” relations effort has made the odd and seemingly-counterproductive move of sidestepping the actual public, instead narrowly targeting a very tiny audience. As one CEO arrogantly put it: “We’ve identified 7,000 Americans who matter,” thus dismissing the other 330 million of us as nobodies. “We’re focusing
on those in policy positions… to fight structural issues,” he sniffed. By “structural issues,” he means convincing Congress to take no action to help consumers by reforming the present pricing structure of monopolistic drugmakers, whose guiding corporate ethic is: “Bleed ‘em for all they’ve got.” So this is a surreptitious PR campaign meant to reach only the eyes and ears of policy elites. The goal is to have Congress - once again - ignore what the people want it to do, thus allowing the corporate few “who matter” to keep fleecing the many. The word for this is “plutocracy.” Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author
The staying power of Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy has surprised and unsettled people across the political spectrum. Many voters who are angry about the loss of middleclass jobs and frustrated with our broken politics have rallied to Trump’s outsider campaign. There’s a darker side to Trump’s campaign that should disturb anyone thinking about supporting him: It’s electrifying and energizing the white supremacist movement. “You can’t help who admires you,” says Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center. “But when white supremacists start endorsing you for president, you ought to start asking why.” Less than two weeks after Trump launched his campaign with ugly rhetoric about Mexican immigrants, the neo-Nazi news site The Daily Stormer endorsed him. Since then, he’s attracted praise from icons of the movement like former KKK leader David Duke, who told whites it was “treason against your heritage” not to support Trump. White nationalists have even invested in robo-calls promoting Trump’s candidacy in states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Minnesota. Trump’s incendiary rhetoric against Muslims and Latinos is bringing racist groups like these more openly into our politics. His campaign has become
“a great outreach tool” for the KKK, gushes one Klan activist. According to Media Matters, it’s “a fundraising engine for white nationalist media.” Trump’s Trump c a m p a i g n has said he’ll against “po- re-write laws litical correct- protecting ness” has given the press to make it people permis- easier to go sion to trumpet after jourviews they may nalists who once have kept criticize him. He’s argued to themselves for shut- and rallies to ting down gather together. mosques and Duke has en- discriminatcouraged his ing against Muslims on own followers the basis of to volunteer for their religion. Trump’s cam- He’s a bully paign, prom- who’s used his deep ising them, pockets and “You’re gonna teams of meet people lawyers to who are go- threaten and ing to have the harass his critics. same kind of mindset that you have.” Given all this, it’s hardly surprising that Trump’s rallies have drawn protests. However, Trump didn’t need to openly welcome violence against peaceful protesters. In case you somehow missed it, at recent rallies he’s complained that it’s only “political correctness” that prevents people from beating up protesters - and that in the good old days they would have been “carried out on a stretcher.” Of course, not all of Trump’s (See PLAYERS on page six)
MIA: fiscal reality, leadership in Congress Budget and appropriations train is derailing Every federal budget is a dream sheet. They’re all unrealistic. It goes something like this: The president lays out a slate of new programs, revenue raisers, and strategic cuts. Then Republican leaders pull out their XActo knives, highlighting cuts to programs they oppose. Then the more conservative caucuses sing, with apologies to Irving Berlin, “whatever they can cut, I can cut better.” But budgets also serve real purposes. They dictate how much money can be spent in a
behind the headlines by Ryan Alexander
given year, give directions on how to prioritize that spending, and draw a vision for how to move into the future. It’s natural to expect some posturing in the budget process. But this year, every single budget starts with unrealistic assumptions that the other side will never agree to. The focus is all vision and politics. Utility is ignored. President Barack Obama’s request, for example, assumes massive increases in infrastructure spending, a rollback of special interest tax breaks, the passage of immigration reform, and
no major changes to deal with the fiscal challenges facing Social Security and Medicare. All told, it claims to produce $3.64 trillion in savings over 10 years. But Congress has already said it won’t enact these policies. In fact, many of the same ideas were rejected in the last budget - and, in the case of certain tax breaks, in every one of Obama’s budgets. Why would this change in an election year? The House’s proposed budget also turns a blind eye to political reality. To amass its $7 trillion in savings over a decade, it repeals the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare ($2 trillion), and makes structural changes to Medicaid ($1 trillion). It also cuts - and then freezes for nine years - all non-military
spending ($887 billion), while increasing Pentagon expenditures every year. Even with low inflation, the idea that Washington will go several years without spending one more dime on government outside the Pentagon is laughable. Whether you like it or not, the likelihood that Obama will make one of his last acts as president repealing his signature health care legislation is less than nil. House conservatives go even further, claiming that their budget would save taxpayers $8.6 trillion over the next decade. Faced with all these competing budget proposals, it looks like the budget and appropriations train is about to derail without leaving the station. The conservative House
Freedom Caucus has raised objections to $1.07 trillion top-line spending level in the standardissue House budget - preferring the $1.04 trillion originally included in the Budget Control Act of 2011 instead. Senate leaders want to stick with the $1.07 trillion figure, though they may not even produce a budget resolution. House Speaker Paul Ryan says it’s $1.07 trillion or bust. All signs point to another “omnibus” spending bill, negotiated behind closed doors in the House speaker’s office, to close out Obama’s last year in office. It doesn’t have to be this way. As budgets are political documents, there will always be some disagreements. But the gulf between Congress and the (See REALITY on page six)
The Scott County Record • Page 6 • March 31, 2016
Lawmakers should spend time in public schools Phillip Brownlee
Some local business leaders had eye-opening experiences while shadowing public school principals recently. State lawmakers should try it, too. The “principal for a day” idea was developed by the Business and Education Alliance of Greater Wichita, a group focused on improving the local workforce. Elementary, middle and high schools in Andover,
Wichita, Derby and Goddard participated. Steve Cox, CEO of Cox Machine, wasn’t sure what to expect. His business friends had told him that public schools were inefficient. But after spending half a day at Hyde International Studies and Communications Magnet Elementary School in Wichita, Cox concluded that his friends were wrong. Cox said he saw a very efficiently run organiza-
Part of the problem is that some state lawmakers rarely visit public schools, let alone spend half a day observing teachers and visiting with administrators. As a result, their perceptions of public schools may be based on talking points pushed by anti-tax groups, not on what’s actually happening in classrooms.
tion that was hampered by the weight of the budget-shifting process. He also was stunned to see a gifted education class being taught at the end of an open hallway because there wasn’t enough classroom space. Cox left frustrated that
education has become such a political football. “The people who are hurt are the kids,” he said. Heather Denker of the Greater Wichita Partnership had a similar reaction. She visited Hamilton Middle School in Wichita, where she saw
“passionate teachers and administrators who want to see kids succeed.” She walked away wondering “when schools became the enemy.” Part of the problem is that some state lawmakers rarely visit public schools, let alone spend half a day observing teachers and visiting with administrators. As a result, their perceptions of public schools may be based on talking points pushed by antitax groups, not on what’s
actually happening in classrooms. This can lead to wrongheaded legislation that second-guesses teachers and administrators and undermines teacher unions. For example, the Kansas Senate recently approved a bill forcing public school teachers to vote every three years on whether to retain their local union. No teacher testified in support of this (See SCHOOLS on page 7)
Kobach’s clownish carping about Kansas ‘communists’ by Yael Abouhalkah
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach masks his constant “stomp out the vote” moves by saying he wants to make people “prove” their citizenship. Unfortunately for Kobach, in all the years he’s been making a living off this canard, he has provided no proof that any Kansas election has been rigged, stolen or otherwise tampered with to
Reality (continued from page five)
any meaningful degree. His recent smattering of lawsuits against supposed “illegal” voters shows how flimsy his contentions are about election fraud. And judges have not ruled favorably on some of his efforts. Which brings us to a recent gathering of the Kansas Republican Party in Overland Park. Kobach labeled the American Civil Liberties Union and the League of
Women Voters as “communists” for daring to stand up to his bullying tactics. The ACLU, for instance, recently challenged Kobach’s “proofof-citizenship” laws. As The Lawrence Journal-World reported: “Kobach said: ‘The ACLU and their fellow communist friends, the League of Women Voters - you can quote me on that, the communist League of Women Voters
Trump proposes building a wall inside the uterus
president, between Republicans and Democrats, the House and the Senate, and even within the by Andy Borowitz House Republican majority ranks is only getting GREEN BAY (The Borowitz Report) - Donald larger. There are plenty Trump, the Republican Presidential front-runof ideas that could find ner, touched off a firestorm of controversy on bipartisan agreement, but Wednesday by suggesting that, if elected, he everybody’s talking past would build a wall inside the uterus. each other. In proposing an addition to the uterus, a major What we really need female reproductive sex organ, Trump sought is leadership. Budgetto draw a distinction between such a wall and ing based on politics, acthe wall that the uterus already has, commonly counting gimmicks, and referred to as the uterine wall. the legislative equivalent “No, no, no, this would be a much better wall of putting your opponent than that wall,” Trump said. “People are going to between a rock and a hard love this wall.” place hasn’t worked. As has been his custom on the campaign trail, We need lawmakers Trump offered few details about his plan to build who are willing to step a wall inside the uterus, other than to say that he up, consider the national would make women pay for it. interest, and say no - my parochial project isn’t the Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author most important thing today. We need folks who will tackle the big issues facing our country. (continued from We may all be watchpage five) ing the circus in the presidential primary, but the show in Congress is just supporters are racists. Some are fed up with dwindling economic opportunity and politics as usual. They think as ridiculous. that a strong-willed outsider can somehow shake things Ryan Alexander is president up, or “make America great again.” of Taxpayers for Common But how exactly would that work? Sense Trump has shown contempt for many of our defining constitutional principles: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equality under the law. Trump has said he’ll re-write laws protecting the press to make it easier to go after journalists who criti(continued from page five) cize him. He’s argued for shutting down mosques and discriminating against Muslims on the basis of their are building right now.” Except the “policy on religion. He’s a bully who’s used his deep pockets and paper” is nowhere to be teams of lawyers to threaten and harass his critics. Republican officials helped create the conditions for found. In December, Ryan Trump’s rise by promoting the angriest voices in rightpromised to introduce an alternative to Obamacare wing media when they thought it was to their political this year. Then he began benefit. This sea of anger is everyone’s problem now. to edge away from that. We should all be concerned about the long-term impact (His office tried to spin of the forces Trump and his supporters are unleashing. As Matthew Heimbach, a 24-year-old white nationit as staying out of the alist who thinks America should be divided into ethniprocess of assembling an cally homogenous regions, told The Washington Post: alternative, dodging the reality that choosing a “Donald Trump, whether he meant to or not, has opened specific GOP alternative this floodgate that I don’t think can be restrained rewill require the speaker to gardless of what happens in the 2016 elections.”
Players
6 Years
rally support around it.) Peter Montgomery is a Senior Fellow at People For the Ryan is right that pol- American Way. PFAW.org itics can and should be a battle of real policies. While the GOP’s refusal to offer an Obamacare alternative may not be as harmful to political discourse as Trump, it’s just as unhelpful. James Downie is an opinions editor with the Washington Post
- the ACLU and the communist League of Women Voters sued,’ Kobach said, making sure that reporters in the room heard him.” Sure, the ACLU is a favorite enemy of ultraconservatives like Kobach because of how it challenges the power of government. Yet, it has fought police misconduct and battled for freedom of speech. Those are good things to do. It has stood up for many
Suckers Your district gets a “hold harmless” payment. It’s almost like being a real winner. * * * Which brings us to House Minority Leader Tom Burroughs (DKansas City) who got into a heated exchange with Rep. John Whitmer (R-Wichita) during the school funding debate. Burroughs accused Republicans of not supporting public schools, which makes you wonder where he could have gotten that idea. But he took his insult to yet another level when he pointed in the direction of Whitmer and . . .
Wheat Common Core is a set of national educational standards established to provide guidelines for what kids need to know. Educating kids according to these standards is optional on a national level and states have the choice to adopt these standards - or not. Twitter provided a little window into the decisionmaking process, including the fact that many of the representatives didn’t seem to understand what Common Core is, the difference between standards and curriculum, and didn’t even seem interested in learning the answers to these truths.
gun rights (wait, what?) and supported Christian religious organizations. You know, just like good communists would do. As for piling on the League of Women Voters? Really? Here’s what the Kansas branch does: “We are a non-partisan, grassroots, volunteer and political organization with eight local Leagues across the state. For 93 years,
we have encouraged the informed and active participation of citizens in government and have influenced public policy through education and advocacy.” Ooh, nothing screams “communist” like a group that wants to help people vote in a democratic process, right Kris? Yael Abouhalkah is a columnist for the Kansas City Star. He can be reached at abouhalkah@kcstar.com
(continued from page four)
brace yourself for this . . . referred to him as an “ideologist” and “politician.” Such language was apparently enough to shake the capitol building from its foundation. Republican leaders reportedly jumped to their feet to calm Burroughs down as other Republicans shouted, “Whoa!” and “No!” Burroughs later apologized for his breach of decorum. Apologized for what? After the decades long failure of trickle-down economics, what else do you call someone who still believes that eliminating corporate taxes and cut-
ting taxes for the wealthiest citizens will have no impact on a government’s operating budget? If they aren’t an ideologist then what should we call them, an idiot? And if every elected official under the capitol dome isn’t a politician then tell us what word we should be using that’s less offensive. When it comes to Burroughs’ actions, the proper thing would be for Republicans to hold him harmless . . . as with their latest school finance plan, it would be like it never happened. Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com
(continued from page four)
It appeared that many of them were blinded by shocking scare tactics, content to go by hearsay - perhaps the video of the woman demonstrating subtraction. “What are you doing?” my son asked, peering at my screen over my shoulder. “I’m watching to see if the State of Kansas wants you to be smart or not.” He looked appropriately horrified by my statement. I added, “They’re voting to see if they want to use the tough standards that the rest of the country is using - so your education will be as valuable as education in different
areas of the country. Or if Kansas kids need to learn something totally different.” I could see the gears turning as he wondered if I was making things up pulling his leg - messing with his mind. I wish I was this time. Thankfully, enough of our state representatives were able to see through the hogwash. They voted to keep the standards. The Common Core truth is safe - for now, anyway. Emily Parnell lives in Overland Park and is a guest columnist for the Kansas City Star. She can be reached at emily@emilyjparnell.com
Schools
The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Habits
(continued from page six)
bill, and it was opposed by the Kansas Association of School Boards, the Kansas School Superintendents Association and the United School Administrators of Kansas. The House also spent more than three hours trying to block state education standards that school districts and teachers overwhelmingly support. And, of course, many lawmakers contend that schools are more than adequately funded while districts consider cuts to personnel and programs. If lawmakers spent time in schools, as local business leaders did, they might better understand and appreciate the good work being done throughout this state. Then, instead of pulling down teachers and administrators, they’d be asking how to help them succeed. Phillip Brownlee is opinion editor of the Wichita Eagle
“We do seem fairly quick to jump on the bandwagon about feeling comfortable commenting on someone’s weight change – whether they’re ‘too fat’ or ‘too thin’ – but we have to realize that sometimes we are just as quick to send those messages inward,” Procter said. Studies have shown that young children will repeat messages they
(continued from page three)
hear, she said, and when hearing adults speaking critically of eating habits or of certain foods, children can have these negative messages imprinted upon them. “You hear a lot of this ‘mindful’ speech and the messages we inadvertently send children if we’re always talking about, ‘I’m not going to eat that because it’s fattening,’ or, ‘I’m not going to drink
milk because it’s fattening,’ or, ‘I weigh too much, so I’m going to skip this meal,’” Procter said.
important to find those who are going to support us,” Procter said. It’s also better to make gradual small changes than sudden big ones, she added. By taking gradual steps such as being more mindful of eating habits and adding in small bursts of physical activity rather than trying to fit in a 30-minute session at the gym, people can work toward overall healthier habits.
External Support Procter said having a support system to assist with mindful eating can be helpful. “When we’re trying to change habits, some people are with us and some may not be, and it’s
Diamonds and Champagne to support WKCAC • Sat., April 2 • 6:00 p.m. • The Majestic
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Janel Haug Benefit Lunch @ , First United Methodist Church, Noon
SCMS GWAC Art Festival @ Holcomb
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SCHS GWAC Art Festival @ Holcomb
SCHS GWAC Art Festival @ Holcomb
Attend the Church of Your Choice
SCHS Boys JV Tennis @ SW District LiveSCHS JV Tennis @ stock Contest @ Garden City, 9:00 a.m. WaKeeney, 3:00 p.m. Jetmore SCHS Bsb. @ Lakin, 4:00 p.m.
10
11 BOE Meeting
No charge for community events
12 SCHS Bsb. @ Liberal
7 SCMS 7-8 Track Meet @ Norton, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday
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SCHS ACT @ SCHS, 8:00 a.m.
SCHS V/JV Track @ Liberal, 1:00 p.m.
SCHS Forensics Mr. SCHS Contest, 6:30 p.m. Ham and Bean Feed @ Anthem Masonic Lodge Hall, 5:30 7:30 p.m.
SCHS Softball vs. Liberal, 4:00 p.m.
14 SCMS 7-8 Track
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SCHS Boys V Golf @ Lakin, 1:00 p.m.
SCHS Bsb. @ Holcomb, 4:00 p.m.
13 SCHS Site Council
Friday
15 SCHS Track
16 SCHS Prom
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The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
“Most of the time I was able to break even. We never turned anybody away for lack of money,” she says. “We’d set aside one day each month for women’s health in Dighton and we were always booked.” She says many women would come from surrounding counties seeking services. Shapland says that STDs are a serious issue in Scott and surrounding counties, “but it’s with people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. It’s not just with the teenagers, like some people might expect. “I get a report regularly of every sexually transmitted disease reported in the county. We need to remove the barriers to treatment and getting tested,” she adds.
admitted to the hospital for what is normally considered out-patient care was about 565 (in 2013). This was double the statewide average. “There are a lot of components that would contribute to that,” notes Dr. Christian Cupp, chief medical officer at the Scott County Hospital. A big factor is that more people are going to the emergency room after hours instead of the medical clinic. Some of these people don’t have health insurance, so they find it easier to access the ER. “And some people who have something that could have been treated with a visit to the clinic wait until it becomes so serious that they have to be admitted to the hospital,” Dr. Cupp explains. It’s also an issue that can be attributed to living Delayed Care in a rural community with The county study also an aging population. shows that the number “We aren’t going to of individuals who are turn those people away.
Taylor files for Senate District 33
Mary Jo Taylor, Ed.D (R-Stafford) has filed to run for the Kansas State Senate from the 33rd District. D r . Taylor is the superintendent for Stafford S c h o o l s Mary Jo Taylor (USD 349). She is seeking the Senate seat currently held by Mitch Holmes (R-St. John). “Our state and our rural way of life are under attack by legislation which compromises our very livelihood. Every day, decisions are made which threaten the sustainability of our schools, our infrastructure and our businesses,” Taylor said. “As our state revenues have fallen off a cliff, irresponsible politicians who claim to be fiscally responsible are spending on a credit card instead of addressing real issues.” Dr. Taylor says she will focus her campaign on getting back to the basics of quality education, fiscal responsibility and protecting rural Kansas. She is a native Kansan and has worked in the education field for 30 years as a teacher, principal and now district superintendent. “Our district needs a strong leader to solve problems instead of playing politics. I will fight for a Kansas where my children and grandchildren can grow up to receive a quality education, goodpaying jobs and a bright future,” says Dr. Taylor. “Our state has veered away from these goals.” The 33rd District includes Edwards, Kiowa, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush, Scott, and Stafford counties along with portions of Hodgeman and Rice counties. The primary election will be August 2. Have questions about the Scott Commnity Foundation? Call 872-3790
Johnson County ranks healthiest in Kansas and Wyandotte County is the least healthy county in the state, according to the seventh annual County Health Rankings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI). “Policymakers and members of the health community can use the rankings to better understand the complex connections between the social, economic and behavioral factors that affect the health of the people and communities in our state,” said Gianfranco Pezzino,
M.D., senior fellow and strategy team leader at the Kansas Health Institute. The rankings are a snapshot comparing the health of nearly every county in the nation. The data allows the state to see how its counties compare on more than 30 factors that influence health including education, housing, jobs, smoking, access to healthy food and more. According to the 2016 rankings, the five healthiest counties in Kansas, starting with most healthy, are Johnson County, followed by Thomas, Logan, Pottawatomie and Doniphan.
The five counties in the poorest health, starting with least healthy, are Wyandotte, Labette, Decatur, Cherokee and Wilson. “Communities around the nation are using the County Health Rankings to drive improvements in education, housing, job training, healthy food options, and more, as they work to build a culture of health,” says Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, RWJF president and CEO. This year, the rankings took a closer look at the differences in health between urban, rural, suburban, and smaller metro counties and found that: •Rural counties not
only have higher rates of premature death, but also nearly 1-in-5 rural counties saw rises in premature death rates over the past decade, while most urban counties have experienced consistent improvement. •Rural counties have higher rates of smoking, obesity, child poverty, teen births and higher numbers of uninsured adults than their urban counterparts. •Large urban counties have lower smoking and obesity rates, fewer injury deaths, and more residents who attended some college. •Large suburban counties have the lowest rates of childhood poverty and teen births.
We’re going to do what it takes to help them, even it means putting them in the hospital,” he says. Another statistic in the report indicated that 29 percent of Scott County residents over the age of 20 (in 2012) reported taking part in no leisure-time physical activity. “That’s a little higher
than I would have expected,” says Cupp. “At the same time, we see a lot of people who don’t do anything beyond work. “As a whole,” he adds, “I feel we have a pretty active community.” Other findings in the report include: •31% of the adults in Scott County are obese,
slightly above the state average (2012). •The ratio of residents to primary care physicians is 1,260:1, which is better than the state average of 1,330:1. •On the other hand, the county ranked worse than the state average in the ratio of residents to dentists or mental health
providers. •93% of Scott County residents have graduated high school - above the 85% state average. Only 53% have some college education, compared with 69% statewide. •Unemployment in the county is 2.7% - well below the state average of 4.5%.
Health Report for Kansas and Area Counties Health Outcomes
County Lane Wichita
Scott
Poor physical health days
3.2
Poor mental health days Low birthweight
Ks.
2.9
3.2
3.2
2.9
2.8
3.0
3.0
8%
11%
7%
7%
Adult smoking
16%
15%
17%
18%
Adult obesity
31%
33%
31%
30%
Physical inactivity
29%
26%
27%
25%
Excessive drinking
16%
16%
15%
17%
No health insurance
17%
15%
20%
14%
High school graduate
93%
Health Factors
85%
Social and Economic Factors Some college Unemployment Children in poverty
53%
71%
2.7% 13%
3.2% 18%
54%
69%
2.8% 4.5% 15%
s d e n n o m mpag a i D Cha d n Live Auction a Diamond Giveaways
6th Annual
18%
Physical Environment Drinking water violations
yes
no
yes
Driving alone to work
89%
78%
67%
82%
Long commute alone
16%
15%
13%
20%
Poor physical/mental health days: average number of physically/mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted).
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Adult smoking: percentage of adults who are current smokers. Adult obesity: percentage of adults that report a BMI of 30 or more. Physical inactivity: percentage of adults aged 20 and over reporting no leisure-time physical activity. Excessive drinking: percentage of adults reporting binge or heavy drinking. Preventable hospital stays: number of hospital stays for ambulatory-care sensitive (out-patient) conditions per 1,000 Medicare enrollees. Long commute: at least 30 minutes
Limited seating, call now! 620-872-3706 for tickets or email wkcac@pld.com for more information
Fundraiser for Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center
Give Dr. Rosin a warm pioneer welcome. Robert Rosin, MD, brings over 25 years of experience to Siena Medical of St. Catherine Hospital and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Rosin graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. He specializes in preventative care and health maintenance, the diagnosis and care of acute and chronic medical conditions and the management of adult patients with multiple, complex medical issues. Make an appointment by calling 620-275-3710.
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Teen
Logan, Thomas rank among healthiest counties
(continued from page one)
Youth/Education SCHS students gain etiquette lesson even in a fast-food world The Scott County Record
In a fast-food world, the idea of proper etiquette at the dinner table has nearly become a foreign concept. Who has time to worry about what fork to use at a formal gathering? Should you pass food from left to right or right to left? Or does it matter? What’s the proper way to hold a utensil? What are European and English dining styles? Scott Community High School juniors learned the answers to these questions and more during the etiquette program offered by Scott County FACS Agent Carol Ann Crouch. Another morning session conducted by City Clerk Brenda Davis offered students tips on cell phone etiquette, e-mail correspondence, proper conduct during an interview and more. “I felt this was something that could really benefit our youth,” says Crouch, who started the program four years ago. “The kids may not think much about it until they find themselves in a job interview, or meeting with university officials about a scholarship opportunity and how they handle themselves in a formal situation could determine whether or not they get the job or the scholarship. “I think we have great kids, but I’d hate to see the most
qualified person not get a job because they didn’t know simple etiquette skills.” The students view a media presentation and hear from Crouch about many of the basic skills that a previous generation took for granted - how to use utensils, proper place settings and how to pass food around the table. “It’s surprising how many boys don’t know that you always let the girl go first and that they should hold a door open for girls,” says Crouch. “It’s not that parents don’t want their kids to know these things, but it seems that with every generation we move a little farther away from what is considered proper etiquette,” she notes. “And with more single-parent households or homes where both parents are working, who has the time to teach these things? So many parents are just trying to get a meal on the table and make sure everybody gets where they’re supposed to be. “Just because young people aren’t learning these things at home doesn’t mean they aren’t important,” emphasizes Crouch. She says that universities are recognizing the lack of etiquette skills of students and are offering programs, particularly for their athletes.
Page 9 - Thursday, March 31, 2016
County 4-H Club News Jayhawkers win top honors at regional club day County and Regional 4-H Days were held on Sat., Feb. 27, at Tribune High School. Participants from the Manning Jayhawkers included: Cally Cramer: junior demonstration on “Cutie Pies”: top blue in Scott County; top blue at regional. Marly Cramer: show and tell on reindeer photo. Trella Davis: public speaking on youth entrepreneurship: 2nd blue in Scott County; 2nd blue at regional. Eddie Tilton: extemporaneous speaking: blue. Matthew West: junior project talk on poultry: top blue in Scott County; 2nd blue at regional. Cally Cramer, reporter
Brenda Davis was one of the guest presenters during an etiquette program at SCHS last week. (Record Photo)
“Kansas State recognizes that these students are ambassadors for their school and their community. They want to make sure they know how to handle themselves properly,” Crouch points out. When Crouch began the program two years ago it was for seniors only, “but I decided that wasn’t early enough. Some of these kids were already going
out on scholarship visits.” Last year she expanded the program to include juniors and seniors and this year it was limited to juniors only. In the past, the program has been limited to presentations at the high school. Thanks to an anonymous donor, students were quickly able to put to use what they’d learned during a noon lunch at The Majestic.
Kansas Dems protest school finance bill House and Senate Democrats have lodged a formal protest against the school finance bill passed last week, a move that could draw the attention of the Supreme Court, which will likely review the legislation. By invoking their right to have a written protest placed into both chambers’ official journals, the Democrats are inserting their objections into the records that the court will look to as it determines whether the legislation passes constitutional muster. House Bill 2655 seeks to address a February Supreme Court ruling striking down the state’s school finance formula as unconstitutionally inequitable between rich and poor districts. The bill applies an old formula used to determine capital outlay
state aid to local option budget state aid and adds hold harmless funding for districts that would lose cash under the change. The bill purports to do this with little additional state spending. In their protest, Democrats assail the “artifice” of the hold harmless provision they say benefits wealthier districts at the expense of poorer districts. “The substitute bill is the product of politics rather than a consideration of the actual cost to educate Kansas school children,” the protest reads. It continues: “By passing the (bill), the Legislature once again fails in its duty under the Kansas Constitution to provide for an equitable educational opportunity for all Kansas school children.” The bill passed the Senate 32-5 and the House 93-31.
Although Gov. Sam Brownback hasn’t yet signed the legislation, he has given no indication he is opposed to it - and lawmakers don’t appear to be concerned that he won’t sign it. The governor’s office typically doesn’t say in advance whether the governor will sign or veto a measure. If Brownback signs the bill, it will go to the high court for review. To boost its case, legislative leadership hired an attorney to help create a record of how lawmakers arrived at their decision - including creating transcripts of committee hearings and deposition-like meetings. The hope is that lawmakers will be able to provide the justices with a muscular explanation of the reasoning behind the bill.
Speaker Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) blasted the protests. “After they voted to close schools, it’s not shocking the Democrats are now making excuses. Republicans developed a good-faith solution and voted overwhelmingly to keep classrooms open, Democrats voted to help the Supreme Court close schools. If anything is worthy of protest, it is the Democrats’ inaction,” Merrick said. The protest was filed by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, and Reps. John Carmichael and Jim Ward, of Wichita. “If the Republicans are truly concerned about keeping schools open next fall, they should have passed a bill that complies with the Supreme Court equity test. This bill does not do that,” Hensley said.
Two Apollo 13 astronauts at FHSU on April 13 Two of the Apollo 13 astronauts and the Mission Control flight director who helped return them safely to Earth will speak about the ill-fated moon mission on Wed., April 13, 7:30 p.m., in the Beach/ Schmidt Performing Arts Center at Fort Hays State University. James Lovell and Fred Haise were captain and lunar module pilot of Apollo 13 when it was launched on April 11, 1970. Two days into the flight an oxygen tank on the service module exploded, crippling the spacecraft. Gene Krantz, back at Mission Control in Houston, worked with the crew and a team of NASA engineers and astronauts to solve a series of critical problems. Lovell, Haise and Kranz will recount their experiences, explore the lessons of Apollo 13 and discuss the future of NASA and the U.S. space program. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.fhsu.edu/sebelius and at the Student Service Center in the FHSU Memorial Union.
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**Qualification Information: Account transactions and activities may take one or more days to post and settle to the account and all must do so during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in order to qualify for the account’s rewards. ATM-processed transactions and transfers between accounts do not count toward earning account rewards. “Monthly Qualification Cycle” means a period beginning one (1) business day prior to the first day of the current statement cycle through one (1) business day prior to the close of the current statement cycle. Reward Information: When your Kasasa Cash account qualifications are met during a Monthly Qualification Cycle, (1) Balances up to and including $10,000 receive APY* of 3.00%; and balances over $10,000 earn 0.25% interest rate on the portion of balance over $10,000, resulting in a range from 0.25% to 3.00% APY* depending on the account’s balance and (2) you will receive reimbursements up to $25 ($4.99 per single transaction) for nationwide internal and external ATM fees incurred during the Monthly Qualification Cycle in which you qualified. An ATM receipt must be presented within sixty (60) calendar days of transaction for reimbursements of individual ATM fees of $5.00 or higher. When Kasasa Cash qualifications are not met, all balances in the account earn 0.01% APY and ATM fees are not refunded. Interest and ATM fee reimbursements will be credited to your Kasasa Cash account on the last day of the current statement cycle. APY* = Annual Percentage Yield. APY* is accurate as of 03/28/2016. Rates and rewards are variable and may change after account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional Information: Account approval, conditions, qualifications, limits, timeframes, enrollments, log-ons and other requirements apply. $100 minimum deposit is required to open the account. Enrollment in and log-on to online banking, receipt of electronic statements, and 12 debit card purchases post and settle are qualifications of this account. Limit one (1) account per individual taxpayer identification number. There are no recurring monthly service charges or fees to open, maintain, or close this account. Contact one of our bank representatives for additional information, details, restrictions, processing limitations and enrollment instructions.
Kasasa and Kasasa Cash are trademarks of BancVue, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.
For the Record Does a utility budget billing plan work for you? The Scott County Record
by Nathaniel Sillin
During a particularly cold winter or hot summer, you open your utility bill with a sense of dread. Is it time to consider your utility company’s budgetbilling plan? Maybe so, but do your homework first. Here’s how a utility company’s budget-billing plan generally works.
The Scott County Record Page 10 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Your chosen utility company considers your energy usage patterns over a given period, adds in projections for their wholesale energy costs and your region’s future weather patterns. Based on those calculations, your utility company comes up with an average monthly payment that allows a customer to even out monthly utility pay-
Scott County Commission Agenda Tues., April 5 County Courthouse 3:00 p.m.
Approve accounts payable, payroll, Approve change orders
3:30 p.m.
Beth Bevers to give fiscal update of community corrections
4:00 p.m.
Lila Sager to discuss health dept.
4:30 p.m.
Kent Hill to discuss Scott Community Health Center
5:00 p.m.
Public Works Director Richard Cramer
Agenda may change before the meeting. Contact County Clerk Alice Brokofsky for an updated agenda (872-2420) or visit www.scott.kansasgov.com
Public Notice
ments over a specific time period, usually a year. It may sound good, and for many customers, it adds some stability to their monthly bill payments. However, here’s where a budget-billing plan can go wrong. If you see that fixed monthly payment and think you don’t have to watch your energy usage at all, think again.
After all, your utility is still reading your meter and you might be in for a rude awakening when your budget-billing period ends. You might owe extra money. Here are some things to consider before you sign up for any budget-billing plan: How well do you understand your current bill?
Every utility company designs its bills somewhat differently based on state regulations and the type of energy product being sold. Depending on the community, a variety of utility companies might be competing for your business. Still, many of us rip open our gas, electric or other energy bills without understanding the basics
of what we’re being charged and why. But it’s important to try. It makes sense to study your local utilities company’s charging practices. Also, if there are qualified energy advocacy groups in the state, see whether they offer any specific advice on local utility company practices (See UTILITY on page 11)
Review insurance needs when moving
Americans move an average of 11.7 times in their lifetime. You can make the process easier if you consider insurance implications before you move. The Kansas Insurance Department (KID) suggests reviewing these important tips prior to relocating. Before you move is a great time to take inventory of all the items you own and plan to move. It’s helpful to understand what you’re packing and moving if items end up missing or damaged. The NAIC Home Inventory app, NAIC
commissioner’s corner Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer
MyHOME Scr.APP. book, is available for smartphones, or you can download the KID Home Inventory Booklet at http://www.ksinsurance. org/documents/department/publications/personal-home-inventory.pdf. Contact Insurers It’s important to contact your auto and home insurers prior to your relocation to discuss the specifics of your move.
Contact your auto insurer to do the following: •Give them your new address. Depending on where you’re moving, this could affect your rates. •Update information that may impact your policy, like if your car will be parked on the street or in a garage, or if you’ll no longer use your car for commuting. •Check on your personal property limits for your possessions while they are in your vehicle. You may need to obtain more coverage for transporting your items. •If you’re planning on
renting a truck or trailer to move your items, make sure you speak to your insurance company and review the coverage from the rental company to find out if you’re adequately covered. If you use a credit card to rent the vehicle, that company may provide coverage as well. It’s imperative that you speak to your home or rental insurer prior to moving. Be sure you’ll be covered until you’ve moved out and that you’re going to be covered in the new location. If you bought a home, make sure your coverage starts (See MOVING on page 11)
(Published in The Scott County Record Thurs., March 31, 2016)1t
TREASURER’S QUARTERLY STATEMENT SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS • AS OF JAN. 31, 2016 Total cash in the Scott County Treasury as of the above date $14,436,181.64 FUND
FUND BALANCES
General .................................................................. $ 3,078,360.51 Community Development Block Grant Loan ........ 0.00 Micro-Loan Revolving Loan Fund ......................... 91,606.98 Alcohol Program .................................................... 4,849.99 Indoor Arena Fund ................................................ 13,396.29 26,610.63 Special Cemetery Equipment ................................. County Employee Benefits ..................................... 1,176,379.44 County Health - M. Koehn Memorial ..................... 122.67 County Health - J. Binns Memorial ........................ 391.99 County Health ......................................................... 293,723.51 County Health - Bio-Terrorism ................................ 22,012.64 County Health - Special Assistance ........................ 13,920.00 Home Health ........................................................... 2,327.59 Hospital Maintenance .............................................. 4,341.75 Library Maintenance ................................................ 63,734.15 Library Building ........................................................ 55,512.02 Noxious Weed .......................................................... 112,067.61 Special Noxious Weed Equipment ........................... 107,231.27 Landfill Special Equipment Sales ............................ 49,445.52 Road and Bridge ...................................................... 908,747.98 Fire District ............................................................... 234,722.88 County Public Buildings ........................................... 1,265,768.90 Special Highway Improvement ................................ 569,863.78 Special Road Machinery .......................................... 210,008.57 Equipment Reserve .................................................. 484,721.50 County Bond and Interest ........................................ 2,050,655.63 Hospital Bond and Interest ....................................... 526,122.19 Sheriff Equipment Fund ............................................. 294.64 Special Law Enforcement .......................................... 8,607.05 Prosecutor Training and Assistance ........................... 5,062.60 Attorney Worthless Check Fees ................................. 575.25 Register of Deeds Technology Fund .......................... 50,968.27 Clerk Technology Fund .............................................. 2,601.90 Treasurer Technology Fund ........................................ 1,542.46 Motor Vehicle Operating Fund ................................... 691.54 Zella O. Carpenter (S.A.) ............................................ 333,086.22 Zella O. Carpenter .................................................... 508,740.00 M.F. Barnhart Trust ................................................... 7,850.00 Oil and Gas Valuation Depletion ............................... 1,444,484.14 Keystone General ...................................................... 13.07 Keystone Hall ............................................................. 13.03 Scott Township General ............................................. 537.72 Neighborhood Revitalization ..................................... 84,185.13 Current Tax ................................................................ 304,985.09 Tax Escrow Accounting ............................................. 36,273.97 (263.86) Current Tax Interest ................................................... (484.93) Delinquent Personal Property Tax ............................. Redemptions .............................................................. 5,027.96 Commercial Motor Vehicle ......................................... 0.00 Motor Vehicle Registration Tax .................................. 23,355.86 Rental and Excise Tax ................................................. 27.71 Recreation Vehicle Tax ................................................ 0.00 911 Tariff ..................................................................... 14,214.15 911 Tariff - Wireless .................................................... 197,630.47 Wildlife and Parks ....................................................... 5,860.45 Judgment Fees ............................................................ 72.00 Driver’s Licenses .......................................................... 432.00 Motor Vehicle ................................................................ 1,724.09 Vehicle Registration Tax Interest ................................... 2,437.45 Motor Sales Tax ............................................................. 28,990.22 Total All Funds $ 14,436,181.64 State of Kansas County of Scott I do solemnly swear that the above statement is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, so help me God. Lark Speer County Treasurer Subscribed to and sworn to before me this 21st day of March 2016 Alice Brokofsky Notary Public
Scott Co. LEC Report
Public Notice
Scott City Police Department March 23: James Andrasek was arrested on a Kansas Department of Corrections warrant and transported to the LEC. March 24: A report of a runaway was taken in the 600 block of Madison. March 25: Jose Cruz-Ayala, 48, was arrested for public intoxication and transported to the LEC. March 26: Brock Lane was southbound in the 900 block of Myrtle Street when he struck a legally parked vehicle. Scott County Sheriff’s Department March 25: Bernardino Cortes, 41, was arrested on a municipal warrant and transported to the LEC.
(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
Scott City Council Agenda Mon., April 4 • 7:30 p.m. City Hall • 221 W. 5th
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-
•Call to Order •Approve minutes of March 21 regular meeting •Approve updated aerial applicator requirements •Approve indigent defense agreement •Requested date to use Palmer Park: June 3: Summer reading program, 6:00-8:30 p.m., Scott County Library •Fire Chief Ken Hoover 1) Discuss purchase of bunker gear •Leadership summit for mayor and city officials training, April 22-23 •Open agenda: audience is invited to voice ideas or concerns. A time limit may be requested Pool Department 1) Opening date, hours, fees 2) Dates for Red Cross swim lessons and fees Police Department 1) Request to attend “Advanced ALICE Training in Garden City, April 13-14 2) Request to hire a full-time police officer Parks Department 1) Misc. business Public Works Department 1) Advertise for season park/street employees Clerk’s Department 1) Request to attend pre-retirement seminar •Mayor’s comments
Friendship ‘Meals to Go’ available from the VIP Center Individual frozen/sealed trays • Good for special diets only $3.25/meal • Call 872-3501
Teresita de Jesus Vasquez, female Year of Birth: 2000 Case No. 15-JC-09
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 11 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Cancer ‘charities’, leader banned from fundraising Two fraudulent “cancer charities” and their leader who scammed more than $75 million from consumers across the country have been permanently banned from doing charitable business as a result of a settlement reached this week. Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, along with law enforcement partners from every state, and the Federal Trade Commission, filed a lawsuit in May 2015 alleging that the defendants, including Cancer Fund of America,
Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Cancer Support Services and the Breast Cancer Society, portrayed themselves to donors as legitimate charities with nationwide programs whose primary purposes were to provide direct support to cancer patients, children with cancer, and breast cancer patients in the United States. Specifically, these entities through their telemarketers told donors that contributions would be used to provide pain medication to children suffering from cancer, transport
Utility and how to keep your cost of service low. Evaluate the budgetbilling plan closely. Ask the following questions: •What happens if my actual utility costs exceed the amount I’m paying each month on my billing plan? As mentioned, your utility company will continue to measure your usage on its metering system. If your usage exceeds that budget estimate for any reason, you could face what amounts to a balloon payment covering what you still owe at year-end. If so, your budget-billing plan could put you in debt. •Are there monthly or annual fees in connection with this plan? What are they and what do they cover? Paying anywhere from $5 to $10 a month to be on a “budget” plan should give you pause. Understand any and all fees before you pay them. •What factors go into setting my monthly average? How many years of payments go into that cal-
cancer patients to chemotherapy appointments, and/or pay for hospice care for cancer patients. The complaint alleged this was a sham and the defendants did not operate programs that provided these services. The settlement dissolves the Cancer Fund of America and Cancer Support Services and permanently bans their president from operating a charitable organization or engaging in any type of charity fundraising in the future. Most of the funds
Moving
(continued from page 10)
culation, and what other factors apply to set the amount you want me to pay? In the way many normal utility bills can be a mystery, so can your budget-billing payment. See how well your utility can explain how they would set your bill. •If my budget bill and actual utility cost are getting seriously out of whack, do you let me know, or is there a way I can check that? If your budget-billing payment is actually putting you in the red due to a cold or heat snap or some other factor, it’s best to know that before the end of your term. •Are you building any weather forecasting into my budget-billing estimate? Are you projecting any weather extremes in the coming year? Say I manage to come in under your monthly budget-billing estimate. Do I get my money back? Consider an alternative - your own budget plan. Locate your bills for the last year or two and
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
donated to the scam charities were spent and cannot be recovered. Any funds actually recovered from the defendants will be redirected to legitimate cancer charities and to cover litigation costs. “There are many charitable organizations who are providing important services that support cancer patients and work toward finding a cure,” Schmidt said. “Unfortunately, we frequently see con artists take advantage by setting up fake charities to scam generous donors out of
average your payments, plugging them into your monthly household budget. On the months where your costs come in below your average, deposit the difference into a savings or money market account to cover future months where there could be overages. It’s clearly an experiment - after all, no one knows whether the years ahead will bring mild or ferocious weather or how world events might affect wholesale energy prices. But you’ll be in control of every dime and potentially earning a little interest on anything you don’t spend. Your utility’s budget plan probably won’t do that for you. Bottom line: Utility budget-billing plans might be a good idea for homeowners and renters who want a little more predictability in their monthly payments. But before you sign, you really need to understand how your utility company’s plan works.
County Plat Maps Scott
Logan
Ness
Wichita
Gove
Wallace
Lane
Greeley
Finney
Kearney
406 Main • Scott City 620 872-2090
the day you close on the house. In addition, consider asking the following questions: •What coverage will I have while I’m moving? •Will I need more or less coverage in my new dwelling? If you’ve already moved out of your home but still own it, don’t drop your insurance too soon. If there is damage to the appliances or the home, you’ll be left to cover the cost.
money that they think is going to a good cause.” Schmidt urged Kansans to do their homework when donating to charities. Con artists often use names similar to those of well-known charities and popular charitable causes in efforts to sound legitimate. Schmidt’s office offered the following tips: •Ask for written information, including how much of the money raised is actually used for charitable purposes and how much will end up in the hands of the professional
fundraiser. •Be careful with telemarketers requesting contributions - oftentimes the telemarketer keeps a substantial portion of the donation. •Do not be pressured into making a contribution or pledge. •Do not feel obligated to send a donation to charities that send token gifts such as key chains, greeting cards, mailing labels, etc. •Make certain the charitable organization actually serves the need it claims to serve.
(continued from page 10)
Choosing a Mover If you decide to hire a moving company, make sure the company has proper coverage. •Ask for proof of liability insurance and proof of worker’s compensation insurance. •Find out what the company will cover. Some companies might only offer minimal coverage based on the weight of your items. Coverage cost per pound could be inadequate if valuable items are broken.
If you’re putting your items in storage during the relocation, talk to your insurer about what coverage you will have for your possessions while they are in the facility. You might need to purchase a policy known as an inland marine policy or floater to provide you the coverage you need while your possessions are being stored. However, the vehicle transporting property is not covered under that type of policy.
The Scott County Record • Page 12 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Now’s the time to spring into a greener lawn With winter’s wrath hopefully behind us, it is time to think about spring. Could it also be time to transform lawns from brown and sad to green and luscious? Of course! Proper fertilization, weed control and watering strategies are essential to make this happen. Early spring is an important time of year to think about grass care, especially care for coolseason grasses, said Jared Hoyle, assistant professor in the Department of Horticulture at Kansas State University. “We have had a mild winter, and it seems like we are warming up quickly,” said Hoyle, a K-State Extension turfgrass specialist. “The buds are blooming on the trees, and when I see that, I start to think about what we can do to prepare our lawns for the coming year. If we can get on top of things early, we will be on track for the rest of the year.” Taking Care of Weeds Hoyle said weed control is somewhat different for cool-season and warm-season lawns. “Any of the winter annual weeds like chickweed or henbit that are lingering around can be treated with synthetic auxin herbicides, your typical 2,4-D,” Hoyle said. “It is important that you do not treat warmseason lawns during the transition from dormant to green. This could delay plant growth. Don’t worry about the transitional phase with cool-season lawns.” Hoyle added that while fall is a more effective time to combat weeds compared to spring, it is
best to attempt to exterminate broadleaf weeds before summer and prevent having to deal with them at a later date. “As it warms up, we look at not only broadleaf weeds but our summer annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass as well,” Hoyle said. “Typically in the state of Kansas, our crabgrass inhibitor spray time ranges from April 1 through April 15. Another good time to use the crabgrass preventer is once the forsythias and redbuds begin to bloom.” Dandelions should be exterminated before summertime. The same herbicides used in the fall can be used in the spring, Hoyle said, but it is important to use those on a day with temperatures above 50 degrees, as plants need to be growing to absorb the chemicals. Applying Fertilizer When thinking about weed control, it is also a good time to think about soil fertility. “Warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass and buffalo grass should be fertilized once they turn green,” Hoyle said. “You can use either a quick or slow release method, and typically it is about a pound per 1,000 (square feet) for the first application. When using a slow release method, you may use more fertilizer to last the whole summer.” Hoyle cautioned that many popular fertilizers also contain pre-emergent herbicides, so make sure to read the product labels. Weed control should be done around the beginning of April or before the warm-season grasses turn green, which means
Fruit of the Loam
The Green Haus
Control Borers
Do you have an insect problem with your trees and
shrubs? Borers are difficult to control because they live inside the plant where spray applications can’t touch them.
In the old days we tried to time our application of borer
control as the insect turned from larva into an adult and was crawling around on the outside of the tree or shrub.
We were guessing on when to spray and it took many applications. We also used to tell people to jam a wire in the holes, going into the tree, to kill the worm.
Today we have Fertilome Borer Control which is a
systematic insecticide. You measure the trunk of your
tree. Then mix up this product in a bucket of water. Pour it around the trunk of the tree. Then water it in in with your
lawn sprinkler. You are now done for the next 12 months. No reapplication until next year. Now if you have a severe problem, then yes you can reapply next fall.
Fertilome Borer Control can be used on roses, shrubs,
vines, flowers and lots of other plants for the conrol of other insects besides just borers. If you have been holding off
treating your trees please do so this year to save your trees. There are some new types of borers approaching from the east.
This is one of our best and easiest products to use. So
prevent a future problem long before it develops into a really big problem and forget about that wire in the borer holes!
Now it is the time to apply! The Green Haus is your
people should use a product solely for weed control or that contains little fertilizer. Then consider fertilizing the lawn once the warm-season grasses have turned green and started growing. For cool-season grasses, Hoyle said the “weed and seed” approach can be used, because cool-season grasses start turning green earlier. He still cautioned against using too much fertilizer at one time. “During the spring, the soil is still cool while the ambient air temperature is warmer,” Hoyle explained. “When we fertilize in the spring, we get a lot of shoot growth, or vice versa in the fall when we fertilize we get a lot of good root growth. If you have too much soil fertility in the spring with cool-season grasses, you get more top growth and not much root growth.” “This can be disastrous in the dry summertime,
Tips for choosing spring asparagus
Seeing fresh asparagus in markets signals spring, yet shoppers who didn’t grow up eating asparagus may pass it by - and miss out on one of the season’s best vegetables, says Karen Blakeslee, Kansas State Extension food scientist. Choosing and using fresh asparagus is easy, said Blakeslee, who offered tips on how to choose fresh asparagus: •Look for firm stalks with a rich green or violet-green color.
•Larger stalks typically offer the best flavor and quality; a thinner stalk can indicate toughness or lateseason growth. •Tips should be tightly closed. An open head happens when the weather warms and the head grows too fast. With white asparagus, other than color, the same tips apply, said Blakeslee, who explained that white asparagus is grown in low light, which does not allow it to absorb chlo-
Tim McGonagle
rophyll, which is responsible for the green color. The appearance is different, but the taste is the same. To store fresh asparagus: •Refrigerate after purchase. Trim the stem and wrap the bottom in a damp paper towel or stand up the stalks in a jar with enough water in the bottom to keep the stalks moist and fresh. * Use fresh asparagus within two to three days after purchase.
where the plant has grown above the soil but hasn’t grown roots,” he continued. “With cool-season grasses, it is important to have a good, healthy root stand to survive summer droughts.” Watering Strategies During the spring when the grass starts to grow, give it some water, but let it stress some to prepare it for potential summer stress, Hoyle said. “Otherwise if we just continuously water the grass, it won’t grow deep roots for summertime,” he said. An easy reference point is to give the grass about an inch of water per week, including rainfall, and don’t water daily, Hoyle said. Consider not watering for one or two weeks, as this stress period could be beneficial later. Proper preparation will help the lawn survive better during a dry, hot summer.
local solution for local problems.
Stop Stickers Today! Have questions about the Scott Community Foundation? call 872-3790 or e-mail julie@scottcf.org
The Scott County Record • Page 13 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Deaths
Sr. citizens lunch menu
Elmer D. Erskin Elmer D. Erskin, 89, died March 26, 2016, at the Scott County Hospital in Scott City. H e was born Sept. 22, 1926, in Shallow Wa t e r, the son of John and Elmer Erskin Martha (Allen) Erskin. Elmer was a US Army veteran of World War II. He worked for Shallow Water Refining until 1954, then moved to North Dakota where he worked for Standard Oil Company. In 1970, he moved back to Scott City to farm until he retired in 1993. He was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Scott City. Elmer married Luella B. Wiechman on Dec. 31, 1949, in Scott City. She died on Nov. 17, 2015. Survivors include: one son, Harold Erskin, and wife Susan, Mulvane; three daughters, Sandra
Kahl, and husband Rick, Scott City, Shirly Rogers and husband, Dan, Valley Center, and Sharon Powers and husband, David, Scott City; one brother, Alvy Erskin, and wife Joyce, Davilla, Tex.; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; four brothers, Joe Erskin, Albert Erskin, Leroy Erskin and John Erskin; and three sisters, Lily Sharp, Frances Malchow and Bertha Paul. Funeral service is Fri., April 1, 2:00 p.m., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Scott City, with Pastor Warren Prochnow officiating. Interment will be at the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Park Lane Nursing Home in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington, Scott City, Ks. 67871.
Harold Dale Steele Harold Dale Steele, 81, died March 24, 2016, at his home in Scott City. He was born Oct. 20, 1934, in Scott City, the son of Elba Jerome and Hilda Mae (Dougherty) Steele. A farmer and mechanic, Harold was a lifetime resident of Scott City. He married Laura Louise Dobbins on Nov. 18, 1967, in Prairie Village. She died Oct. 28, 1992. Survivors include: four sons, Dale Steele, Loveland, Colo., Dennis Steele, Greeley, Colo., George Thomas Barber, Dumas, Tex., and Daryl Barber, Dumas, Tex.; three daughters, Teresa Saxbury, Buffalo, Wyo., Tonda Steele,
Richland, Wash., and Darlissa Harp of Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Robert Barber; one brother, John Steele; and one sister, Maxine Callender. Funeral service was March 29 at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Scott City with Rev. Robert Nuckolls officiating. Interment was at the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Harold Steele Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington, Scott City, Ks. 67871.
Week of April 4-8 Monday: Sweet and sour chicken, rice, oriental vegetables, whole wheat roll, blushed pears. Tuesday: Smothered steak, baked potatoes, herbed green beans, cranberry sauce, muffin, applesauce. Wednesday: Baked pollock, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, whole wheat bread, fruit crisp. Thursday: Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, seasoned broccoli, whole wheat roll, apricots. Friday: Barbeque ribette, sweet potato fries, three-bean salad, plums. meals are $3.25 • call 872-3501
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I Don’t Know Job is known for the troubles he experienced and the terrible answers his friends gave to his troubles. Kids die in a natural disaster, cattle rustlers steal the herd, incurable sickness weakens his body. Friends say, “It’s your fault.” Unanswered questions of why. That was Job’s experience. All along Job knows God is the only one with an answer. Eventually, understandably, Job starts to yell at God. He even challenges God to show up and make a case for why this suffering is right. God does show up, but without making a case for suffering. 6) Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm: 7) “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. - Job 40:6-7 NIV God begins to ask questions about weather, creation, animals, and a lot of stuff that Job can’t explain. (Stuff that even today mankind can only truly observe without explaining why it works that way.) Job is left sitting before God’s questions like a school kid who not only didn’t know there was a test that day, but didn’t know it was a school day, didn’t know he was enrolled in school, and just wants his momma to come
take him home so he crawl under the blankets and forget today ever happened. Been there, too, haven’t you? It isn’t that God is being mean. He simply accepts the challenge to talk about big, behind the scenes stuff. And Job quickly realizes how unprepared he is for that conversation. One pastor summarized Job’s response as, “Shut my mouth.” Where am I going with this? Many times I look at my life or the world around me with a question in my mouth: Wasn’t this supposed to be different with Jesus risen from the dead? I know God alone has the full answer. I wish we could just sit down and talk it out, so at least I could have the peace of understanding why it was happening. Reading Job gives me a heads up that much of the discussion would go over my head. What I can hear in my heart is that Christ has conquered all. If even death is defeated, then what I face must be defeated, too. Why it still claims victory, still fights on, I don’t understand most times. God does. I trust him that having raised Jesus to life after death, that there is life beyond the fight I am in, too.
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.
First Christian Church
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
701 Main - Scott City - 872-2937 Scotty Wagner, pastor Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:45 a.m. Wednesday is Family Night Meal: 5:45 p.m. • Study: 6:15 p.m. Website: www.fccscottcity.org
Elizabeth/Epperson Drives • Scott City • 872-3666
Scott Mennonite Church
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
12021 N. Eagle Rd. • Scott City
9th and Crescent - Scott City - 872-2334 Bishop Irvin Yeager • 620-397-2732 Sacrament, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 10:50 a.m. Relief Society and Priesthood, 11:20 a.m. YMYW Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.
120 S. Lovers Lane - Shallow Water Larry Taylor, pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.
Franklin Koehn: 872-2048 Charles Nightengale: 872-3056 Sunday School Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Service: 7:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist - 11:45 a.m. St. Luke’s - 872-3666 (recorded message) Senior Warden Cody Brittan • (913) 232-6127 or Father Don Martin • (785) 462-3041
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 14 • Thursday, March 31, 2015
‘No-drama discipline’ program in GC “No-Drama Discipline,” which offers another approach to relationships with children, is being sponsored by Russell Child Development Center on Fri., April 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Nazarene Church, 2720 Campus Drive, Garden City. Featured speaker will be Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of “The Whole-Brain Child” and “No-Drama Discipline.” The program can be valuable for teachers, parents, child care providers, mental health staff, counselors, school administrators and others. Registration fee is $10, which includes lunch. Visit rcdc4kids.org to download the brochure and registration form or call (620) 275-0291 for more information.
Grief support group meeting is April 12
St. Catherine Hospice chaplains Lynn White and Gerry Dupuis will cofacilitate “My Hope,” a support group for adults who are grieving death of a loved one on Tues., April 12, noon to 1:00 p.m. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at High Plains Public Radio, 210 N. 7th St., Garden City. Participants may bring a sack lunch with them.
Immunization records on-line
Kansas Health Information Network (KHIN), a leader in health information exchange, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announce a new online feature which allows Kansans to have secure access to state-certified immunization records through their MyKSHealth eRecord personal health record. “Kansans can access and print a certified copy of their immunization records any time through their MyKSHealth eRecords online personal health record,” explains Dr. Laura McCrary, Executive Director of KHIN. KHIN will electronically transmit medical records to individuals who have an established MyKSHealth eRecords account. In addition to the immunization feature, other valuable components of MyKSHealth eRecords include online medical record access, secure messaging, health information and education, and new health information alerts. To set up a MyKSHealth eRecord patient portal call 844-4MYHLTH (844-469-4584). To gain access to these benefits as well as your immunization records, contact the KDHE at 877-296-0464.
Medicaid expansion would extend mental health services to Kansans Coverage for 34,000 with mental illness, substance use disorders Bryan Thompson Kansas Health Institute
A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates Medicaid expansion would help 34,000 uninsured Kansans with mental illness or substance use disorders gain access to behavioral health services. The figure represents the number of Kansans with
behavioral disorders whose incomes would have qualified them for Medicaid had the state expanded its privatized program known as KanCare - in 2014. That’s the most recent year for which figures are available. Kansas is one of 19 states that have opted not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Expansion would extend health coverage to an estimated 150,000 Kansans, most of whom are lowincome, non-disabled adults. The HHS report said almost a third of lowincome uninsured Kansans have behavioral health
needs. That compares to a fourth of the state’s overall adult population age 18 to 64. Amy Campbell, a lobbyist for the Kansas Mental Health Coalition, said one reason there’s so much pressure on the state’s mental health hospitals is because many Kansans don’t get treatment until their mental health concerns become a crisis. “Slightly more than half of the people who are screened for inpatient hospitalization have never received any treatment for their mental health situation,” she said. Campbell said the Kansas mental health sys-
tem faces chronic funding issues, causing some people to go without timely access to behavioral health services. “We are already, in some areas, triaging people at the community level for mental health treatment and substance use services,” she said. “If more people who were seeking those services had coverage, that could only improve the situation.” Kyle Kessler, who represents the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, said Medicaid expansion would offer low-income Kansans a way to pay for the services they need and help (See MENTAL on page 15)
State promises money to nursing homes while Medicaid processed Andy Marso Kansas Health Institute
Nursing home representatives were breathing a sigh of relief last Friday as the state announced a program to help them get Medicaid money for some residents whose applications are stuck in processing delays. The delays - traced back to a computer system switch in July and administrative changes in January - have led to thousands in unpaid bills for facilities and prevented some frail Kansans from finding a nursing home bed. The Kansas Department
of Health and Environment and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced they will allow some facilities to petition for half-payments for some residents whose Medicaid applications or renewals are still processing. Cindy Luxem, president and chief executive of the Kansas Health Care Association, said that was good news for the forprofit nursing homes her organization represents. She praised the state and the three insurance companies that administer Kansas Medicaid, or KanCare. “We’re ecstatic that the
Federal rules stipulate the state must respond to Medicaid applications within 45 days unless they require a disability determination. Officials with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid started asking the state for biweekly updates on the backlog last month, when there were 18,000 applications pending and almost 8,000 that had been out for more than 45 days.
state has come up with some kind of an idea,” Luxem said. Debra Zehr, president and chief executive of LeadingAge Kansas, which represents nonprofit nursing homes, was less effusive. “It will help maybe a little bit if it comes off without a hitch, but it’s still not the full solution,” Zehr said. The state’s plan allows facilities to apply for
advanced payments only for residents whose applications have been pending for 60 days or more. Federal rules stipulate the state must respond to Medicaid applications within 45 days unless they require a disability determination. Officials with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid started asking the state for biweekly updates on the backlog last month, (See MEDICAID on page 15)
Mothers’ milk bank depository opens at St. Catherine Hospital St. Catherine Hospital is accepting donations of breast milk for the Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB), a Colorado-based nonprofit program of Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation who collects, processes and provides human donor milk. Donations will be delivered to the Denver facility where it will be pasteurized and distributed to babies across the country whose mothers cannot supply sufficient milk for their needs. Since 2011, MMB has provided more human milk donations to hospitals annually than any other milk
bank in the country, producing an average of 12,000 ounces of human milk every week. Babies who receive milk donations may be premature or have severe illnesses and need human milk to thrive. MMB provides more milk to newborn intensive care units than any other nonprofit milk bank in North America. The only donation sites in Kansas are in Garden City and Wichita. Donors must undergo a blood test and health screening, be willing to donate a minimum of 150 ounces total, and have a release form signed by a medical provider.
Spring has
Sprung
... allergies, hay fever, sinusitis, asthma, hives, and more
Dr. John P. Faraci, board certified Allergist and Immunologist, can help. • Specializing in allergy, asthma and sinus care • Adult & pediatric patients • Self-referrals welcome Call (620) 874-4854 to schedule an appointment
SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL Leading You To A Healthy Future
The Scott County Record • Page 15 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Looking at ACA’s achievements in first six years Roberta Riportella K-State Extension
MANHATTAN - In 2016, we recognize more than 100 years of health care progress in the United States. President Teddy Roosevelt first proposed a national health insurance program in 1912. The Affordable Care Act, also known at Obamacare, turned six years old on March 23 and its elder sibling, Medicare, turns 51 in a few months. In terms of significance, the passage of the ACA in 2010 is often
compared to the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Both programs continue to evolve and provide access to health care for millions of Americans. While political discussions about the best way to expand access to health care remain, 20 million uninsured adults ages 18 to 64 have gained health insurance coverage since the ACA took effect. The number of children insured has also increased, since many children whose parents are signing up for health insur-
Medicaid Mental
ance have been found eligible for already existing Medicaid programs. The uninsured rate has decreased substantially throughout the country. Some of these numbers include those who have gained insurance through Medicaid expansion that has occurred in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Without a Medicaid expansion in Kansas, however, approximately 127,000 Kansans who could be eligible for that program remain uninsured, according to the Kansas Health Institute.
In Kansas, 100,500 people signed up for health insurance through HealthCare.gov during the recent open enrollment period that ended Jan. 31. At least 80 percent of those who enrolled qualified for assistance in paying premiums. Many more have also been impacted by the consumer protections of the ACA, including: •Young adults can stay on a parent plan until age 26. •Insurance companies have to take all applicants; that is, no one can be
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when there were 18,000 applications pending and almost 8,000 that had been out for more than 45 days. “The solution is to fix their systems so they can process all these applications within the 45 days that’s currently required,” Zehr said. After facilities apply for advance payments for residents, the state’s plan is to “complete a highlevel triage of the applicants to determine their probability of becoming eligible” and then offer the facility a payment based on 50 percent of the calculated monthly rate. Facilities will have to repay the state if the applicants are later determined not eligible for Medicaid. The state also plans to give priority to “smaller facilities versus large, corporate-owned facilities.” Luxem said corporateowned facilities “probably need help too” but her organization understood the philosophy behind that provision. Zehr said more details were needed about what it meant. “Some corporate systems have small facilities throughout the state,” Zehr said. “I think they still have more clarification and explanation to do. I hope they’ve got enough staff on board to process all this.” Zehr and Luxem both said the announcement shows that the voices of nursing home administrators are being heard in Topeka, after their organizations spent months raising alarms about the Medicaid processing problems. “We’ve obviously done a lot of advocacy work on this,” Zehr said. “They’re listening. It’s frustrating that the solutions are so slow.”
shore up those community programs. “We’ll be able to retain high-quality professionals, and build upon their skills, and embrace some of the newest treatments and services, and keep people out of the community hospitals as well as the state mental hospitals,” he said. Kessler said the 26 community mental health centers in Kansas served approximately 125,000 people last year. They expect to serve at least that many this year. Three of the community mental health centers are county agencies and the other 23 are not-forprofit, he said. “But we’re not for-loss either,” Kessler said. “You have to be able to pay staff to retain them, and to make the services available.” Kessler cited the Wyandot Center, in Kansas City, Kan., as a prime example of a place where damaging cuts have been made because of a lack of funding. “They cut dozens of staff, and some of those are prevention-oriented programs to prevent people from going into hospitals or losing employment,” Kessler said. According to Kessler, expanding Medicaid to help uninsured patients
pay for their care would help maintain a more robust mental health system in Kansas - and reduce the pressure on state and local governments to subsidize the community mental health system. The health reform law provides 100 percent federal funding of health care costs for people made newly eligible through the Medicaid expansion for the first three years of the program, ending this year. Federal funding will cover 95 percent of the costs starting next year through 2019. From the year 2020 and beyond, the federal government will cover 90 percent of the cost. Other key findings from the HHS report: •Among low-income
adults, Medicaid expansion is associated with a reduction in unmet need for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. For example, one study estimates that low-income adults with serious mental illness are 30 percent more likely to receive treatment if they have Medicaid coverage. This will be especially important to states as they work to address opioid use disorder and serious mental illness. •Access to appropriate treatment results in better health outcomes. For example, projections on the effects of expanded Medicaid coverage suggest that if the remaining states expanded Medicaid, 371,000 fewer people would experience symptoms of depression.
denied coverage because of preexisting conditions, and the rates for those plans are based solely on age and location - not on health status. Additionally, there is now a standardized system so that consumers can appeal any denial of payment decision. •Limiting how much health care an insurance company would pay in a given year or over a lifetime is banned. •Insurance companies must justify unreasonable rate hikes and must spend at least 80 percent of consumer-paid premiums
on health care instead of administrative costs. •Many preventive care services are covered at no cost with qualified health plans and with Medicare. •The Medicare “donut hole” is closing and will be closed by 2020, which means seniors are saving on prescription drug costs. •Medicare payments to hospitals and physicians are now linked to quality instead of quantity of services provided. •States are given incentives to come up with innovative plans to improve the health of their citizens.
a successful egg hunt
The Scott County Record • Page 16 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
(Top left) Aracely Olivas, 7, Scott City, assists her two-year-old sister, Arely, by adding an egg to her bucket during the Easter egg hunt at Patton Park on Saturday. (Top right) Garin Trout, 2, Scott City, drops another egg into his pouch. (Record Photos)
Center “While it wasn’t our original intent, it’s grown into a youth group facility,” says Pastor Kyle Evans. He said that for the Wednesday evening activities young people are often waiting outside for the doors to open and the turnout among the youth has been very good. “It’s shown us there is a need,” he said. The nearly 40 people in attendance were divided into four groups and near the conclusion of their individual discussions each group voted for their priorities. The wellness center narrowly edged out housing with senior hous-
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ing/assisted living another high priority. “It’s obvious the wellness center is not done yet, so we need to mobilize,” said Scott County Development Committee (SCDC) director Katie Eisenhour. Lori Krause suggested that in future discussions the facility be referred to as a community center. Affordable Housing At the same time, Lynnette Robinson said that no matter where the community decides to devote its attention, housing has to be part of the discussion. It was acknowledged that the
Tobacco tobacco settlement revenue would be sold to generate an immediate infusion of cash. In exchange, the state would be required to give up some or all of its annual tobacco payments for about 30 years to compensate the bond holders. Jim MacMurray, senior vice president of finance with the Kansas Development Finance Authority, said Citigroup approached the state in October 2015 about a possible bond deal. The firm, which boasts of pioneering the tobacco bond market, outlined a couple of options during a presentation that Sullivan and KDFA officials attended. One option was called a “residual” plan. The other was labeled a “senior and subordinate” plan. Under the residual plan, Kansas would get less money up front but would continue to receive some amount annually, MacMurray said. “It’s called residual because the state would be expected to receive some residual cash flow” after paying bondholders, he said. If no securitization deal was struck, Citigroup projected the state would receive settlement payments of between $60$70 million a year. Under the residual plan,
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the state would receive a lump sum payment of $474.3 million, but its annual payments would drop below $40 million until 2032. That’s because a substantial portion of the state’s annual payment would be diverted to pay bondholders a total of about $806.7 million, nearly double the amount the state would receive in up-front cash. The other option Citigroup proposed - the senior and subordinate plan - would involve Kansas issuing two series of bonds, MacMurray said. The senior bondholders would have the first claim, followed by the subordinated bondholders and then the state, he said. If tobacco revenues exceeded scheduled payments in a given year, the extra money would go toward paying down the subordinated bonds faster. “This has the effect of leaving the state without residual payments in the early years,” he said, though payments would later resume if revenues come in as projected. Under that plan, Kansas would receive about $782.5 million upfront. However, it would have to pay bondholders $1.2 billion in principal and interest. Annual payments wouldn’t resume until 2029.
shortage of rental housing needs to be addressed, but it may be a little more difficult to reach agreement on what is “affordable.” When it was suggested that rental housing should be in the $500-$700 range, Eisenhour said that is considered “low-income housing” and putting an emphasis on that kind of development has proven detrimental in some communities. “That’s a reality here,” replied Jamie Parkinson, who felt that was a price range most working class people looking at rentals can afford. Eisenhour said SCDC has been surveying more
than 200 local businesses trying to gather information about rental housing and what they would consider is affordable for their employees. “We ask them if they know what their employees want and most of them don’t answer,” Eisenhour said. “It’s hard to decide on a plan of action if we can’t get the data.” “You can’t build something and rent it for $400 or $500 a month. Several factors are going to have to come together for that to work,” emphasized County Commissioner Jim Minnix. Eisenhour noted that even with recent construc-
tion of new housing and rentals the community is still behind what’s needed to keep pace with growth. A housing study conducted in 2011 determined that Scott City was 50 units short of what it needed. In the four years that followed, 44 more units were added, she said, and “we’re still 40 (units) short.” “Until we do something massive we’ll never catch up with our need,” she said. Volunteers agreed to serve on two task forces that will pursue ideas on the community center and housing.
Sports The Scott County Record
hot spot Changes in trout stocking have been well received by anglers at Lake Scott • Page 22
www.scottcountyrecord.com
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Page 17
SC staff roughed up in season opener Scott City couldn’t have asked for a better start to its baseball season . . . at least for the first three innings. The Beavers scored three runs in the bottom of the Hays-TMP 11 17 first inning in Scott City 3 1 their season opener against Hays-TMP and held onto that advantage through the first three innings. After that the flood gates opened and the seasoned Monarchs rolled to an 11-3,
17-1 double-header sweep over SCHS on the home field Tuesday afternoon. During one stretch, the Monarchs exploded for 24 runs over a five inning span between the two games. Defense, which the Beavers were counting on heavily to protect a young and inexperienced pitching staff, didn’t come through as head coach David Dirks had hoped. Scott City committed seven errors in each of the two games which contributed to 11 unearned runs.
“Overall, we didn’t play as bad as the scores look. We didn’t take advantage of opportunities when we had guys on base and that kept us from putting any pressure on (TMP),” says head coach David Dirks. “Once TMP got a little momentum, they were able to keep building on it.” Starting pitcher Gustavo Gonzales looked strong through the first three innings while protecting an early 3-0 advantage. Justin Faurot got the offense started with a bunt, followed
by a hit-and-run by Gonzales. Sophomore Aaron Hoopes then delivered a three-run blast over the left field fence. Scott City looked like they might add to that advantage in the bottom of the second when they had Kevin Aguilera on second base and Justin Faurot on first. Gonzalez hit a single to center that was briefly mishandled, so Aguilera and Faurot each decided to take an extra base. TMP quickly recovered and the cutoff man, instead of trying to
make a close play at home was able to make the throw to third base for the final out. “Give them credit for a good defensive play. If they don’t do that, we score a run and still have a runner on third,” says Dirks. “And we have some momentum.” TMP blew the game open in the fourth inning when an error was followed by a wind-aided two-run home run over the left field fence. That was the start of a six-run inning in which four (See OPENER on page 19)
Speer shatters own record Defending state champion breaks own shot put mark When you’re the defending state champion, expectations are already pretty high any time you step into the shot put ring. Jordan Speer didn’t waste any time meeting - and surpassing - those expectations with a school record toss in her first competition of the year at Tribune on Tuesday. The Dighton High School junior easily won the event, and also set a meet record, with a mark of 41-5. That shattered her own school record of 40-1-1/2 that she set last season. Speer broke her record by three inches on her second toss of the season and then improved on that effort by more than a foot on her third throw. “She did the same thing two years ago to start the season,” says head coach Ken Simon. “Now it’s a matter of maintaining this same level of consistency and building on it.”
The shot put was one of the only events during the day that wasn’t affected by a steady wind of at least 30 mph and sometimes building to more than that. Speer was able to negotiate the wind for a gold medal in the javelin (1067) and added a silver in the discus (103-1). The weather was particularly brutal once athletes hit the track. While the high hurdles and 100m were run with the wind, every other running event had to contend with the conditions which was reflected in the times. Senior Dakota Hoffman was a double gold medalist in the 200m (30.99) and 400m (68.5) while adding silvers in the long jump (14-3 1/4) and shot put (32-6 1/2). “Dakota’s stronger than a lot of girls and you could see the difference in how she was able to run through the wind,” says Simon.
Dighton High School senior Payden Shapland pulls away from the pack as she claimed a silver in the 1600m and added a gold in the 3200m at Tribune on Tuesday. (Record Photo)
He added that with some work on Hoffman’s technique he feels she can be throwing around 34 feet in the shot put by the end of the season. Former state qualifier
Payden Shapland had to battle the elements in the distance events, claiming a gold in the 3200m (13:55.21) and a silver in the 1600m (6:22.62). Adding a bronze in the 1600m
was Mallory Dowell (6:54.62). After fouling on her first three attempts, Maegan Seifried’s fourth and final attempt in the triple jump was 31-8 and earned
the senior a silver medal. “Considering the limited practices we’ve had, that was a pretty good jump to start the season,” Simon says. (See SPEER on page 20)
SCHS softball has sights on winning season
SCHS sophomore Bailey Latta gets ready to lay down a bunt during practice on Wednesday. The Lady Beavers faced Goodland in their season opener on Thursday. (Record Photo)
This is the year the Scott Community High School softball team hopes to accomplish something that’s only happened once in the program’s history. “Our goal is to finish over .500,” says second year head coach Erin Myers. “A lot of these girls have put in the time during the off-season and they’re excited about the season.” A winning season would be a big step for the Lady Beavers who were 4-13 last year. The program started in 1996 and since then the only winning season came in 2011 (12-11). But Myers feels her team is gaining confidence and is developing a different attitude about what it takes to be successful. “It began this summer. We played in tournaments at Russell, Hays, Larned and Dodge City and the girls saw that they’re playing a different level of ball than we’re playing out here,” says Myers. “It motivated them.” Krystal Appel, who will be playing shortstop and outfield, has been making the commitment during the off-season to improve her game. “She’s been working on her hitting throughout the year. She really has a desire (See SOFTBALL on page 18)
Outdoors in Kansas by Steve Gilliland
What a wonderful week to live in Kansas
Well, what a wonderful week it has been to live in Kansas. Half the state has burned to the ground and the other half can’t get their fire trucks out of the garage because they’re snowed in! After church last Sunday I overheard a conversation between a rancher in our congregation and a visitor from out-of-state. “Does it ever rain in this bloomin’ state?” asked the visitor. “Oh sure” answered the rancher. “Do you remember the story in the Bible where it rained for 40 days and 40 nights?” “Yes” answered the visitor, “I’m familiar with the story of Noah’s Ark.” “Well,” began the rancher, “That time we got over two inches!” The blizzard conditions in the northwestern part of the state reminded me of the first youth turkey hunt I attended eight or nine years ago. It took place the first Saturday of April near Hutchinson and I was privileged to tag along to get a story. It was cold the evening before, but when I stepped out of the garage early Saturday morning I was greeted by a frigid north wind and a couple inches of snow. I sat huddled with the youth hunter and his guide in a blind made from large tree limbs stacked together. I’m usually on top of the whole “dressright-for-the-weather” thing, but that morning I got it wrong. I nearly froze, but I got to see a first-time youth turkey hunter bag a beautiful wild turkey. Kansas Youth and Disabled turkey season starts April 1 and runs through April 12. Kids, if you’re signed up for one of these hunts, you are in for a great time. (See KANSAS on page 20)
Softball to play softball,” says Myers. “Defensively, she’s diving for everything. She not afraid of anything.” Appel was the team’s leading hitter last season with a .415 average that included 22 hits. Also sharing duties at shortstop when she’s not on the mound is senior Nicole Latta. The team’s likely ace
The Scott County Record • Page 18 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
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stronger than last season which should pay dividends at the plate. Expected to provide power again will be senior Amanda Kough (.340) who accounted for the team’s only two home runs a year ago along with two triples and three doubles. Roberts (.333), Kaely Zilla (sr., .296) and Jordan Expect More Offense Meyer says her team is Miller (so., .273) were is sophomore Kaitlyn Roberts who appeared in eight games last season and is the team’s most experienced pitcher. “Kaitlyn has been working with a pitching coach and has shown a lot of improvement. She knows there’s going to be a lot expected of her,” says the head coach.
among the team’s top bats last season. Rounding out the varsity roster are Bailey Latta (3rd base), Nancy Wiebe (outfield), Madison Orr (1st base), Karen Hermosillo (2nd base), Alex Castillo (1st base/ DH) and Aspyn Nix (catcher/2nd base). Myers feels that the Great West Activities Conference should be very balanced, which gives the
state medalists
Lady Beavers an opportunity to pick up several wins. In addition, TMPMarian and Spearville are no longer on the schedule and SCHS has picked up Elkhart and Stanton County. “I think it’s very realistic for us to win 10 or 12 games,” says Myers. “That’s what these girls are aiming for. They want to be the group that turns this program around.”
SCHS to 3A state powerlifting Scott Community High School will be sending nine athletes to the Class 3A state powerlifting competition on Saturday in Conway Springs. Competing in the women’s division will be Cami Patton, Delaney Kitch, Ashley Prewit, Tyler Vondracek, Amanda Kough, Olivia Preito and Katie Nowak. Boys who will be competing are Reid Flower and Kyle Sherwood. They are coached by Todd Richardson.
Blastball, t-ball sign-up is underway Takedown Kids Wrestling Club team members wrapped up their regular season at the Kansas Kids Wrestling State Championships held in Topeka on March 26-27. Capturing top honors in their respective weight divisions are (front) Matthew Wheeler, 5th, 8-years and under, 61 lbs.; (back, from left to right) Collin McDaniel, 3rd, 9-10 years, 73 lbs.; Kaden Wren, 3rd, 13-14 years, 120 lbs.; and Jarron Gregory, 4th, 11-12 years, 190 lbs. (Record Photo)
Sign-up has begun for youngsters wanting to participate in blastball (four-year-olds) and t-ball (5- and 6-year-olds) this summer. Deadline for entries with the Scott Recreation Commission is April 30.
Kansas big game seasons are set for 2016
At the March 24 Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission public meeting held in Topeka, a number of items were discussed and voted upon, including changes to the Public Lands Regulations reference document, and regulations for antelope, elk and deer hunting. The Secretary’s Orders for deer permit quotas were also presented.
Public Lands Several changes have been set in place for 2016 on select public lands, including access restriction, boating, alcohol con-
KDWPT Report sumption, and the use of firearms, among others. For more information on specific changes that may have taken place at an area near you, it’s best to contact the area office. For contact information, visit ksoutdoors.com. Changes can also be reviewed by consulting the 2016 Kansas State Park and Public Lands Regulations Summary, visiting ksoutdoors.com, or consulting the 2016 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations
Summary when available arms; and Sept. 1-30 for for 2016 migratory bird seasons and regulations muzzleloaders. this fall. were also presented to the Commission and will be Deer Season Antelope Season The 2016 antelope seaThe 2016 deer season voted on at the April 21 son will be open Sept. will be open Sept. 3-11 for public meeting. 24-Oct. 2 and Oct. 15-31 youth and disabled huntWaterfowl hunting for archery, Oct. 7-10 for ers; Sept. 12-25 for muz- regulations are usually firearms, and Oct. 3-6 for zleloader season; Sept. discussed at the June muzzleloaders. 12-Dec. 31 for archery and August meetings. This year, an additional season; Oct. 8-9 for the However, the U.S. Fish 46 antelope permits will pre-rut white-tailed deer and Wildlife Service has be made available, with antlerless-only season; recently changed its regu36 of those being firearms and Nov. 30-Dec. 11 for lation cycle and released waterfowl regulation permits, and 10 being firearms seasons. muzzleloader permits. Extended firearms sea- frameworks early. sons will be open Jan.1-2 The next Kansas Elk Season in Units 6, 8, 9, 10, 16, or Wildlife, Parks and commission The 2016 elk sea- 17; Jan. 1-8 in Units 1, 2, Tourism son will be open Sept. 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, or meeting is scheduled 12-Dec. 31 for archery; 14; and Jan. 1-15 in Units for April 21 at the Great Plains Nature Center, Nov. 30-Dec. 11 and Jan. 10A, 15, or 19. 1-March 15, 2017 for fireR e c o m m e n d a t i o n s Wichita.
Lake Scott Beach House is now open weekends through Memorial Day
The Scott County Record • Page 19 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Relays, distance could be strength for SCHS girls With all four members of last year’s state qualifying 4x800m relay returning, the Scott Community High School girls figure to be among the area’s best. Add in sophomore Makaela Stevens as an 800m state qualifier and that can provide a good starting point for a successful season. “A lot of these girls had success in cross-country last fall so that should give them some confidence and it will help going into the season,” says head coach Jim Turner as his squad prepares for their season opener on Friday at Ulysses. Returning from the relay which finished sixth in the Class 3A state meet are Olivia Prieto, Paige Winderlin, Cami Patton and Stevens. They posted a time of 10:21.32 at state. The big question facing Turner is how far he can stretch Stevens who was a state runnerup in cross-country last fall. “When you have a girl who took second in state then it only makes sense to see what she can do in the distance events,” says Turner.
Opener runs were scored with two outs. “Any time the ball got into the air it was a nightmare for our outfielders to judge how much to play the wind,” says Dirks. “Because of the wind, we had to play a lot deeper than normal in left and center and then it seemed that TMP was dropping hits into the gap between our infielders and outfielders.” Even after getting rocked in the fourth inning, Gonzales
As a freshman, Stevens focused on the 800m (2:28.77), but did see some competition in the 1600m (5:59.4) and the 3200m (13:08.7). “And we’d like to see if we can put together a 4x400,” says Turner. “We won’t be using Makaela in all four events, but we need to see what she’s capable of doing. She has to want to challenge herself.” The only other state qualifier on the squad is Trella Davis in the 3200m. However, the Lady Beavers have strong prospects in several other events. Turner feels that Kiana Yager, Madison Braun and Lizzy Eikenberry could do well in the javelin. Clarissa Ratzlaff has already thrown over 30 feet in the shot put during practice which is a career best. He also has high hopes for Emily Smith who ran a 50-second flat in the 300m low hurdles and 18.69 in the 100m high hurdles. “Those were pretty good times for a freshman and she’s gained some strength,” Turner says.
Paige Winderlin takes the baton from Olivia Prieto in the 4x800m relay during last year’s Class 3A state track meet. The Lady Beavers finished sixth. (Record Photo)
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quickly recovered and allowed just one run in the fifth inning. “I don’t want to get in the habit of pulling someone when they run into a little trouble. I wanted to see if Gus could work his way through the inning and see how he reacted when he went back out in the fourth,” says Dirks. “I thought he showed a lot with how he handled things. That’s going to make him a better pitcher down the road.”
Gonzales was pulled after the fifth inning, having thrown 85 pitches. “Part of that (pitch count) was due to errors,” said Dirks, who noted the team committed seven errors in each game. “I know the conditions were tough, but that’s still something we have to clean up.” The Beavers were only outhit by TMP 14 to 11 in the opener. Aguilera was 3-of-3 at the plate and Kyle Cure was 3-of-4.
“The biggest difference is inning. During one stretch TMP hit they were able to get hits with runners on base,” noted the three consecutive home runs. Faurot, who was 2-of-2 at head coach. the plate, accounted for half of Blown Out Early Scott City’s hits. The nightcap was a disaster “We had some boys who for the Beavers who gave up 13 looked pretty good at the plate, runs in the first inning. but we have to get better when “They were on Aaron we have two strikes in the (Hoopes) early and there was count,” added Dirks. “We were no way to work his way out swinging and missing or were of it,” says Dirks, who pulled caught looking at a lot of third the starter after just one-third strikes.”
The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Moment of truth for Snyder and the Wildcats Despite a magnificent record at Kansas State, head coach Bill Snyder could be facing a moment of truth as his team began spring practices this week. By most by standards, the Mac 2015 season Stevenson was sub-par for Snyder and his Wildcats. Given what Snyder has accomplished over the years, a 6-7 overall record and 3-6 in the Big 12 is not what K-State fans have come to expect. K-State won three nonconference games (South Dakota, UTSA and Louisiana Tech); three Big 12 games (KU, I-State, and West Virginia); and lost their other six conference games and the Liberty Bowl (45-23) against Arkansas. Snyder’s age has become a focus and it’s a subject that cannot and should not be ignored. He turns 77 next October. The indecision as to when Coach Snyder will retire has hurt recruiting and opposing coaches are using that uncertainty against KState. After last years dismal record, the outlook for 2016 is far from hopeful. K-State lost six starters on offense and seven on defense. On the plus side, most of the second stringers are back. The offensive line has to be rebuilt with just one starter returning and the quarterback position is wide open. Joe Hubener is the only QB with appreciable playing experience. Once a college football program falls from the upper echelon to mediocrity, it’s hard to climb back up. Ask KU. Coach Snyder has spent almost a quarter of a century building a consistent and nationally respected program at Kansas State. It would be heartbreaking to the loyal Wildcat fans to see the program deteriorate to the rebuilding stage. But looking at the 2016 season objectively, that’s a distinct possibility. The Wildcats will hold their spring game on April 23. We may have a little clearer idea then what the upcoming season holds for the Wildcats and their fans. A Disheartening Loss KU ended its basketball season with a disheartening loss to Villanova in the (See MOMENT on page 21)
Kansas
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You will each be paired with a seasoned hunter from the area where you will hunt, and those guys will do whatever it takes to help you harvest a turkey. There are a few things you should do in preparation. First, make sure you have the required tag and license. If you are under 16, you need
Speer
only the youth turkey permit. However, if you are 16, you will need an adult turkey permit and a resident hunting license. This will be checked when you all gather as a group the evening before the hunt. Also when you gather the night before, you will all “pattern” your shotguns. This entails shooting a few shells
through the gun you will carry on the hunt so you know just how the BBs from the shells hit the target, as every shotgun is a little different. If I were you, I would shoot a few shells through that gun at home to get a leg up on the process. And be sure to check the weather so you can dress appropriately for the day. As for our need for rain,
I hear it’s been so dry that the Baptists are now sprinkling, the Methodists are using wet-wipes, the Presbyterians are giving rain checks and the Catholics are praying the wine will turn back to water. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors! Steve can be contacted by email at stevegilliland@idkcom.net
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Junior Sara Cramer was unable to compete because of injury, but is expected to be ready when Dighton returns to Tribune for an invitational on April 8. The Lady Hornets (101) easily captured the team title in the eight school field, finishing ahead of Sharon Springs (87), St. Francis (76) and Triplains (69). 3 Silvers for DHS The DHS boys claimed three silver medals and a third place team finish. Nathaniel Dominguez (26.18) was a runner-up in the 200m, Isaac Torson in the high jump (5-6) and Logan Lingg in the javelin (137-8). Dylan Foos (134-4) finished fourth in the javelin. “Neither boy had a PR in the javelin, but those were pretty good throws to start the season,” says Simon. Dominguez, who was a state qualifier in the 400m last season, added a bronze medal (58.02) in the event on Tuesday. “He’s not a big kid, so the wind really took a toll on him, but I’m looking for him to have a pretty good season,” says the head coach. Chance Perales, a sophomore, “was a nice surprise” with a third place finish in the 1600m (5:34.17) and fourth in the 3200m (13:09.37). Torson added a sixth place finish in the triple jump (38-1 1/4) which was a career best. The 4x100m relay with Marcos Cruz, Dominguez, Blair Hoffman and Foos finished fourth (49.5) with a poor exchange. St. Francis (159) ran away with the team title, followed by Sharon Springs (87), Dighton (58) and Cheylin (58). A Young Squad Simon has 24 thinclads on this year’s roster, but 11 of those boys are freshmen or sophomores. “We’ll use the first couple of meets to rethink in what events these kids can have the most success,” says Simon. “And we have to do a lot more conditioning.”
Dighton High School sophomore Isaac Torson was a sixth place medalist in the triple jump at Tribune with a career best of 38-1 1/4. (Record Photo)
The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Moment Sweet 16. The Jayhawks played poorly, but a lot of that was because of a determined and aggressive Villanova team. Currently, it appears that Coach Bill Self will have a number of his key players returning for the 2016-17 season. Guards Frank Mason and Devontʹe Graham are underclassmen along with center Landen Lucas. Top reserves Svi Mykhailiuk, Carlton Bragg, Lagerald Vick, and Cheick Diallo all have eligibility left. Senior star Perry Ellis will graduate and and small forward Wayne Selden has declared he will enter the NBA draft. Who else might depart early for the draft? Mason and Graham
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and Vick will likely be back. Bragg and Diallo are another matter. Both are rated as probable draft picks. Diallo might go because he’s afraid he’ll spend another season on KU’s bench and Bragg could leave early if he gets some bad advice. There hasn’t been much speculation about Mykhailiuk, but who knows what advice an 18-year-old kid from Ukraine is getting. The 2016 NBA Draft will be held on June 23, but Self will know where he stands for next season well before that. KU has several scholarships to fill in the next few weeks. The exact number won’t be known until the players with eligibility decide to stay or leave early for
Fishing Report Scott State Lake Updated March 31 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. Look for fish to begin moving shallow to spawn soon, especially if we get into a warmer, more stable weather pattern. 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 spawning is likely tailing off. Casting brightly colored jigs and crankbaits along the dam face and adjacent shorelines at night may still be good for a few fish. Look for post-spawners to begin feeding over points and flats where jigs tipped with night crawlers can be an effective bait. Rainbow trout: fair; 13 inch average. The fourth and final stocking of the 2015-16 trout season occurred on March 21. About 750 trout were 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. Anglers reported excellent fising a week ago, but the fishing has been a bit tougher recently with prevailing unstable weather. 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 pros. Opener is April 3 With spring training winding down for the Kansas City Royals, the most important factor has been achieved: no serious injuries had occurred through the March 26 games. In fact, the strained muscle in Jarrod Dyson’s rib area is the only ailment reported by the Royals and it’s not serious. Opening day for KC is Sunday, April 3, at Kauffman Stadium. Manager Ned Yost announced that Edinson Volquez will be the starting pitcher against the New York Mets. Ian Kennedy, Yordano Ventura, Chris Young and Kris Medlen make up the rest of the five-man rotation. Exhibition games
mean nothing, so we’ll just have to wait and see how effective the starting pitching is going to be. All of these starters are right-handers, which isn’t a handicap. Yost needs at least one lefty - and preferably two - in the bullpen. Danny Duffy is certain to be one of those southpaws. The starting lineup will be the same as the end of last season, with the exception of right field and second base. Omar Infante is expected to open the season at second and Paulo Orlando in right field. Kansas City’s players are experienced and have played in a lot of pressure games. With appearances in back-to-back World Series, the outlook for this season is positive indeed.
Takedown Kids Wrestling Kansas Kids Wrestling 2016 State Folkstyle Championship March 26-27, 2016 8-Years and Under 52: Trenton Frank dec. Brady Dewalt (Marysville) 9-2; pinned by Bradlee Thompson (Lawrence) 2:00; dec. Talon Suttles (Winfield) 4-3; dec. by Lucas Kaufman (Newton) 5-0. 61: Matthew Wheeler dec. Knox Karnowski (Wamego) 3-0; maj. dec. by Johnny Leck (Rose Hill) 12-0; dec. Vance Loop (Hutchinson) 2-0; dec. Landen Kocher-munoz (Topeka) 2-0; SV by Blake Winsor (Pratt) 12-0; tie breaker Knox Karnowski (Wamego) 15-3. Fifth Place 10-Years and Under 73: Collin McDaniel tech fall Carter Trimble (Clay County) 15-0; dec. Samuel Albright (Lion) 6-0; dec. by Connor Collins (Osage) 3-0: dec. Rhett Briggs (Wichita) 6-0; maj. dec. Joseph Ord (Chaparral) 11-0. Third Place 85: Houston Frank pinned Dawson Hogan (Smoky Valley) 3:00; tie breaker by Matthew Marcum (Sunflower Kids) 17-2; ultimate tie breaker by Keaton Vogelsberg (SW Timberwolves) 1-0. 12-Years and Under 76: Zach Rohrbough dec. by Teagon Nienke (Ellsworth) 6-4; pinned Caleb Means (Team Haysville) 3:11; maj. dec. by John Szot (Great Bend) 10-2. 105: Kale Wheeler dec. by Brooks Burgoon (Salina) 8-4; dec. by Bobby Thomas (ATTHD) 11-6. 190: Jarron Gregory pinned William Kralicek (Ogden) 0:53; dec. by Maximus Shannon (Winfield) 9-2; pinned Jared Ferguson (Ottawa) 2:15; pinned Declan Ryan (Colby) 2:02; pinned Zane Kincaid (Legacy) 4:00; pinned by Hayden Robb (Lawrence) 0:40. Fourth Place 14-Years and Under 120: Kaden Wren pinned Daron Island-Jones (Manhattan Optimist) 2:54; pinned Wyatt Pringle (Jr. Kaws) 0:53; DQ by Chantz Vath (Salina); dec. Creighton Newell (Hays) 7-0; pinned Caemen Blake (Ogden) 0:49. Third Place
Enter your team in ‘Walk Kansas’ by registering at walkkansas.org
The Scott County Record • Page 22 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
fishing hot spot Trout stocking at Barrel Springs popular with anglers Barrel Springs Pond can often be overlooked by visitors at Lake Scott State Park. Even though it’s located just east of the main entrance to the park, there are seldom more than a couple of vehicles parked there while some diehard fishermen test their skills. This winter and spring, however, have been anything but typical. Rather than stocking rainbow trout in the main body of the lake and adding a few to the pond, this year the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism decided to limit trout stocking to the pond only “It was something we felt we had to do,” says Dave Spalsbury, fisheries biologist with KDWPT. There was less money available for the trout stocking program which meant fewer fish. It was felt the most effective use of limited resources was to stock about 750 trout on a monthly basis in the pond. “If you put that many fish in the big lake they’d hardly be noticed,” says Spalsbury. “But you put those fish in the pond and the catch rates increase significantly. It’s not uncommon for people to catch the limit. “After about a month, the pond is fished out. That’s okay. I think we’ve had a lot of happy fishermen.” That would be an understatement. The pond has been an ideal fishing spot for Ashton Maxfield, Garden City, and his three-year-old son, Owen. “We’ve caught a lot of trout this year,” said Maxfield. Three weeks ago was the first time the two had come away from the pond empty-handed, but the pond hadn’t been stocked in almost three weeks. “I’ve been fishing in Scott Park all my life,” Maxfield says. “It’s been fun bringing my family to the pond.” Everyone was feeling much better following the latest trout stocking that saw area fishermen enjoying a lot of success the weekend of March 26-27. “We came out here a couple of weeks ago and caught one. They’re biting better today,” said Jimmy Rohrbough, Garden City, on Sunday afternoon. While fishing at the pond on Saturday, Ted King, Great Bend, didn’t catch anything “but a cold.” However, he noticed a couple nearby who caught their limit of trout. When they told him they were using powerbait, King returned on Sunday and
Lynwood Rohrbough, 14, shows the trout caught by him and his family on March 27. (Record Photo)
caught three trout. “I’ve had a great time,” he added. Similar stories of success have been shared with Park Manager Greg Mills and Park Ranger Tad Eubanks. “We’re hearing about 100 percent success rates. People are catching their limit,” says Mills. “When you compare putting 750 trout in the pond compared to 2,000 or 2,200 in the big lake, we’re getting a lot more bang for the buck now. More people are catching (trout) and that’s what it’s all about.” Spalsbury says he has heard some negative feedback, but it’s been rare. “Some people like to fish out of the big lake. They like the challenge of hunting fish,” notes Spalsbury. “But there are plenty of other fish in the big lake and they can hunt for them.” One fisherman who prefers stocking the lake is LeRoy Baker, Leoti. While he has previously fished the pond, this winter was the first time he’d fished it for trout.
(Top) Linda Shapland, Garden City, fishes off the dam at Barrel Springs Pond. (Above) Three-year-old Owen Maxfield, Garden City, casts a line into the pond while his father, Ashton, looks on. (Record Photos)
“I’d really like to see them put trout back in the lake,” he said. A frequent fisherman who has enjoyed a lot of success at the pond this winter is Leland Shapland, Garden City. “We’ve caught a lot of fish here. It’s been excellent,” noted Shapland on a recent weekend. “We like that they’re just stocking the pond because we have a better chance at catching something.” Limited to Trout Until this past winter, the pond has been on Spalsbury’s back burner, with most of his attention focused on building and maintaining a diverse fish population in the main lake.
That doesn’t mean fish don’t find their way into the pond. “It’s not something we encourage, but some people will toss fish into the pond and they do pretty well,” says Eubanks. Some have done better than that. Eubanks says he’s seen a 5-1/2 pound bass, two 13-inch channel cats and a 14-inch crappie caught in the pond. Spalsbury says he is looking into making some improvements to the pond, including the cost of dredging and dam repair. Until the fishing environment can be enhanced, he doesn’t want to invest a lot of resources into stocking the pond outside of the trout program. “As a winter trout pond, this
is a pretty ideal situation. Maybe there will be a time when we can put in some other species during warmer weather,” Spalsbury says. “The problem is that no matter what you do it will have to be stocked pretty regularly or it will be fished out.” The lack of habitat doesn’t make it ideal for a diversity of fish species, primarily bluegill and bass, says the biologist. However, Spalsbury couldn’t be more pleased with the feedback he’s been getting from trout fishermen. “We’re fortunate to have the pond as an option,” he adds. “It allows us to use our resources more effectively and provide a lot more people with a great fishing experience.”
A simple explanation for an unusual catch An unusual catch at Barrel Springs Pond by Garden City fisherman Leland Shapland was a yellow trout measuring almost 19 inches and weighing 4.4 pounds. It’s a rainbow trout that lacks black pigment, explains fisheries biologist David Spalsbury. “I’ve seen it in walleye and channel cats. It’s normal in multiple fish species,” Spalsbury explains. “It’s not a complete lack of pigmentation, just the black pigmentation.”
The Scott County Record House tax reform hearings show many Kansans want to do what’s right In the final days of the legislative session, the House Tax Committee on which I serve held two days of hearings on a proposal to reinstate income taxes on those 330,000 business entities which were exempted from taxation as part of the income tax cut enacted in 2012. The proLegislative posal would Update once again tax Rep. Don business “passHineman through” income 118th District from partnerships, LLCs, farming operations and sole proprietorships. Total revenue gained for the state would be $210 million per year. It was an incredible experience to listen to businessmen from across Kansas address the committee. One by one they urged the committee to restore the tax on business. The problem Essentially they that is largely were saying, “This is ignored is that not working and it is much of the not fair. Please restore revenue reducthe tax so that I can tion from the 2012 tax cut was pay my fair share.” due to personal It is certainly an income tax rates unusual occurrence being sliced too for people to travel to aggressively. Topeka and beg to be Exempting busitaxed. It is a manifes- ness from taxatation of the very dif- tion is the part of the plan that ficult fiscal circum- gets the most stances the state has attention but in descended into, and reality we lost fear about what the more revenue future might hold if to the rate cuts than to the busiwe do not adjust our ness exemption. course. The bill would have used that new revenue to reduce sales tax on food in Kansas. That is a worthy goal, as many states do not tax grocery sales, and Kansas’ rate is at the top of the pack among those who do. At some point we must address that issue. But it cannot be now. If the new revenue were used that way we would be ignoring the structural imbalance that presently exists between state revenues and expenditures. Expenditures are higher than revenues, and budgets have been cut as we all wait for the economic stimulus promised by the tax cut. As I have noted before, there is ample evidence, both in real world experience and in economic theory that the original plan was flawed and the promised explosion of economic activity will not come. So now revenues continue to lag, producing a gap between expenditures and revenues of roughly $400 million a year. That must be our top tax reform priority. The problem that is largely ignored is that much of the revenue reduction from the 2012 tax cut was due to personal income tax rates being sliced too aggressively. Exempting business from taxation is the part of the plan that gets the most attention but in reality we lost more revenue to the rate cuts than to the business exemption. Both excesses of the 2012 tax cut must be addressed if we are to restore stability to the state’s fiscal situation and equity to state tax policy.
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community donations
The Scott County Library received a $1,000 check from Love’s Travel Stops during their grand opening in Scott City. General Manager Mark Miller presents the check to county librarian Lori Hawker who is joined by library staff members. (Record Photo)
The SCORE after-school program at Scott City Elementary School was the recipient of a $1,000 check from Love’s Travel Stops during their grand opening in Scott City. General Manager Mark Miller presents the check to SCES Principal Shawn Roberts who was joined by SCORE staff members and students who take part in the program. (Record Photo)
Jamie Rumford, superintendent of Scott County Schools (second from right) accepts a $2,000 check on behalf of the district from some of the partners of Sonic Restaurant in Scott City during the recent grand opening. Pictured with Rumford are (from left) Stacy Hoeme, Kelly Hoeme, Hugh Binns, restaurant manager Paul Smull and Rohn Shellenberger. (Record Photo)
Hear the Vision for public education in Kansas With Dr. Randy Watson commissisoner of the Kansas Department of Education
Scott Community High School auditorium Monday, April 11 4:15-5:15 p.m.
The community is encouraged to hear about the future of education and ask questions.
Melissa
Tuesday, April 5
The Scott County Record
Farm
Page 24 - Thursday, March 31, 2016
Aggressive herd expansion is underway Greg Henderson Drovers CattleNetwork
The factors of expansion have finally all aligned. Just as the severe drought from 2010 to 2012 reduced total herd numbers to 60-year lows, record-high prices in 2014 and abundant moisture have encouraged ranchers to rebuild herds at an unprecedented pace. The USDA-National
ag briefs
Sorghum industry sets production, demand goals The Sorghum Checkoff, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Kansas State University have entered into an agreement to increase grain sorghum productivity and expand markets by 2025. The program will aim to increase the average national yield from 61.95 bushels per acre to 100 bushels per acre by 2025 by funding research in beneficial areas such as over-the-top grass control and yield improvements that involve breeding program developments and field-level management techniques. Long-term research will also include seed innovation and developing genomics databases. The goal is to increase annual demand to 1.25 million bushels of sorghum by 2025. This will include the expansion of international markets, domestic food use, livestock feeding, ethanol production, specialty products and more. There will also be a major effort to decrease the trading discount of sorghum to corn from 4.6 percent to two percent by 2025. “This will provide a valuable investment in long-term sorghum research,” said Stephen Bigge, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission chairman. Support for this program will total $4.8 million, consisting of $2 million from the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and $2 million from the Sorghum Checkoff, in annual payments of $200,000 for 10 years, as well as an $800,000 investment from KSU. Resources will be used to hire a managing director of the program in Manhattan, provide capital for center activities and research funding, and build the Center for Sorghum Improvement Excellence Fund.
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports U.S. cattle inventory stood at 92 million head on Jan. 1 - the first total inventory of more than 90 million since 2012 and the biggest year-over-year increase since 1981. That’s also a 3.5 million-head increase in two years, and the largest total herd since the 92.9 million reported in 2011. Increases in the 2015 and
Reductions in cow slaughter and increases in heifer retention helped increase the 2016 beef-cow inventory to 30.3 million head, an increase of 3.4%. This means producers should expect lower prices in 2016, even after the downtrend in 2015.
2016 inventories followed seven consecutive years of decline. “Cattlemen have aggressively held back heifers for a few years,” says John Nalivka, president of Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.
“Higher prices and excellent cow-calf profits provided the encouragement to do so at a fast pace.” Nalivka’s analysis of NASS data and his own balance sheet comparing slaughter numbers with herd counts suggest the
current expansion phase is occurring at a record pace. Beef-cow slaughter totaled 2.3 million head in 2015,” Nalivka explains. “That represents 7.7% of the beef cowherd - the smallest percentage of beef cows slaughtered since at least 1965.” Reductions in cow slaughter and increases in heifer retention helped increase the 2016 beefcow inventory to 30.3
million head, an increase of 3.4%. This means producers should expect lower prices in 2016, even after the downtrend in 2015. “We are coming off historic highs in the cattle market, created by unique conditions in both the global and domestic protein markets,” said Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO, in January at the 2016 Cattle (See EXPANSION on page 25)
Trump’s tariff plan could boomerang Spark trade wars with China, Mexico by David Lawder and Roberta Rampton
Donald Trump’s threats to slap steep tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports may have won him votes in Republican primaries but they would likely backfire, severely disrupting U.S. manufacturers that increasingly depend on global supply chains. The Republican presidential front-runner’s campaign pledges to impose 45
percent tariffs on all imports from China and 35 percent on many goods from Mexico would spark financial market turmoil and possibly even a recession, according to former trade negotiators, trade lawyers, economists and business executives. “I don’t mind trade wars when we’re losing $58 billion a year,” Trump said in a Feb. 25 debate, referring to the 2015 U.S. goods trade deficit with Mexico. Economists dispute the idea the United States is “losing” money as the trade deficit is simply the difference between what the United States imports and what it exports to a country.
“Imposing tariffs or putting up trade barriers may sound good, but it will hurt our economy and credibility,” said Wendy Cutler, the former acting deputy U.S. Trade Representative who helped lead U.S. negotiations in the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal last year. Among those hardest hit would be the U.S. auto industry, which has fully integrated Mexico into its production network. Some $118 billion worth of vehicles and parts flowed north and south across the border tariff-free last year, according to U.S. Commerce Department data. A 35 percent tariff would
raise costs for Ford Motor Co’s U.S.-assembled F-series and medium-duty pickup trucks that use Mexican-made diesel engines, one of its most profitable vehicle lines. Ford CEO Mark Fields defended the company’s investment strategy, which includes $9 billion for U.S. plants over the next four years, saying, “We will do what makes sense for the business.” Buyers of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s popular Ram 1500 pickup trucks assembled in Saltillo, Mexico, could see their $26,000 base price pushed up by $9,000 if the tariff is fully passed on to (See TARIFF on page 25)
Ag apps provide in-the-field support As new technologies become more integrated into agricultural production, it becomes more important than ever for farmers and ranchers to have access to supportive information about these technologies. Ignacio Ciampitti, assistant professor in Kansas State University’s Department of Agronomy,
Prospective corn plantings up 16% in Ks. Kansas corn growers intend to plant 4.80 million acres this year, up 16 percent from 2015, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Soybeans are expected to be planted on 3.85 million acres, down one percent from last year. Winter wheat acres seeded in the fall of 2015 are estimated at 8.5 million, down eight percent from last year. Sorghum growers in Kansas intend to plant 3.15 million acres, down seven percent from a year ago. All hay acreage to be harvested is expected to total 2.40 million acres, down two percent from last year’s acreage. Sunflower producers expect to plant 58,000 acres, down 31 percent from 2015. Oil type varieties account for 45,000 acres, down 21 percent from a year ago. Nonoil varieties made up the balance of 13,000 acres, down 52 percent.
has begun compiling lists of agricultural mobile applications that can be useful for producers and has made the lists available to the public through weekly eUpdates released through K-State Agronomy Extension. Ciampitti, a K-State Extension crop production and technology specialist, said the goal of
the updates is to provide a summary of different agricultural apps that can help make production more efficient. When looking for apps that will cover producers’ needs, there are some basic guidelines to follow. To begin, apps should be free to download, with the chance to pay for a premium version if the free
Market Report
Weather
Closing prices on March 29, 2016 Bartlett Grain Red Wheat............ $ 4.07 White Wheat ....... $ 4.07 Milo .................... $ 2.88 Corn ................... $ 3.48 Soybeans (new crop) $ 8.21 Scott City Cooperative Wheat.................. $ 4.04 White Wheat ....... $ 4.09 Milo (bu.)............. $ 2.88 Corn.................... $ 3.48 Soybeans ........... $ 8.21 Sunflowers.......... $ 13.70 ADM Grain Wheat.................. Milo (bu.)............. Corn.................... Soybeans............ Sunflowers..........
$ 4.17 $ 2.93 $ 3.53 $ 8.21 $ 14.20
H
L
P
March 22
83
39
March 23
64
32
March 24
55
25
March 25
62
31
March 26
47
32
March 27
63
19
March 28
72
24
Moisture Totals March
0.32
2016 Total
1.46
Food Facts Despite what some people might think or hear, potatoes are less fattening than many foods, are an excellent source of vitamin C, and a good source of potassium, phosphorus and iron.
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
trial works well. “Once I feel comfortable with the application and what it has to offer, then I could recommend paying for the service,” Ciampitti said. “But first, you need to see if the app is worth it for you - if it can help you in your operations - and then, if there is a ‘pro’ version, pay for that.”
Ciampitti said he primarily tries to include free apps in the weekly eUpdates. It is also important that the apps be easy to use and intuitive, since they generally don’t come with a manual or guide. “Once you download the app into your phone or tablet, take a look at the app, and if you don’t fig(See SUPPORT on page 30)
The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Try, try and try again: seeking a source of resistance to TriMV
Sometimes the lack of an answer is an answer in and of itself. Take resistance to wheat Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) for example. Researchers have not yet found a source of resistance to the virus in conventional wheat lines, thus identifying the need for an expanded search for key genetic protection. Armed with funding from the Kansas Wheat Alliance, Dr. Guorong Zhang, Kansas State University wheat breeder, and his team at the K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays are behind this search for resistance to TriMV, the second most common mosaic virus in western Kansas behind wheat streak mosaic virus. “There are no effective chemicals for controlling TriMV,” Zhang’s research proposal stated. “Host resistance is a pri-
Wheat Scoop Julia Debes communications director
Kansas Wheat
mary and effective way to control TriMV.” Why TriMV? TriMV was first discovered in Kansas wheat fields in 2006. But, the virus is now widely distributed throughout the Central Plains, including Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming. According to Zhang’s research proposal, roughly 30 percent of wheat samples with viruslike symptoms tested positive for TriMV in 2008 and 2011. TriMV currently occurs primarily as a double infection with wheat streak mosaic virus, primarily because both diseases are carried by the
Tariff consumers. A Chrysler spokesman declined to comment on Trump’s statements. Trump’s campaign said in a statement that U.S. trade policy constitutes “unilateral economic surrender” and needs complete change because it allows foreign competitors to shut out U.S imports, devalue their currencies and unfairly target U.S. industries. “I don’t think he does our issue any favors by making it so incredibly jingoistic and bombastic,” said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, a group that allies domestic steelmakers and other manufacturers with the United Steelworkers union. “But I believe there’s widespread agreement ... that there is something
“We are trying to prepare for the future,” Zhang said. “We cannot tackle the problem only when it emerges.” Expanding the Search Zhang and his team initially tested 3,559 accessions from wheat germplasm lines around the world for TriMV resistance. When none was found, the team upped the number to more than 6,700 germplasm lines. Each line tested, even those with early promise, eventually failed to resist TriMV. “You cannot always succeed,” Zhang said. Now, Zhang and his team are testing an additional 3,200 lines, primarily from Iran, to search for this virus resistance. “All our breeding lines tested with TriMV showed susceptibility,” Zhang’s research proposal stated.
amiss with our economic relationship with China and it’s past time that our government pushes back a little more forcefully.” Lower Incomes It would take years for U.S. industry to rebuild supply chains devastated by sudden tariff hikes on Chinese and Mexican goods and any retaliatory measures, said Peter Petri, a Brandeis University professor who has coauthored a study on the effects of the TPP trade deal on national income. Even if U.S. firms were able to make such a transition, Petri said this would likely result in a permanent annual reduction in U.S. national income of more than $100 billion, or 0.8 percent. Trump’s tariff plans would effectively violate NAFTA and revoke U.S.
commitments to the World Trade Organization, say trade lawyers. Beijing and Mexico City “are just going to retaliate on the things that are likely to hurt us most,” said Susan Schwab, the U.S. Trade Representative from 2006-09 in the George W. Bush administration. Schwab negotiated major portions of free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. In 2009, Mexico slapped duties up to 25 percent on more than 90 U.S. farm goods, from pork to frozen potatoes due to foot-dragging by U.S. lawmakers on allowing Mexican truckers on U.S. roads, as specified under NAFTA. The National Potato Council estimates that U.S. growers lost about $70 million in revenue
An up close look at Triticum mosaic virus
“Therefore, it is imperative to discover resistant sources in conventional wheat.” Zhang and his team will continue testing for a source of TriMV resistance in existing wheat germplasm and is expand-
ing the search into germplasm from wild wheat relatives. With research projects like this, the Kansas Wheat Alliance is helping develop protection for Kansas wheat fields, even if the answers are not easy to find.
JONES CLUB LAMBS
(continued from page 24)
Expansion Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show. “Dynamics, specifically larger protein supplies, led to a significant correction in price in 2015. A large portion of the market downtrend is over now,” he said. “However, the cycle shows prices continuing to trend lower in 2016, 2017 and 2018.” After a turbulent 2015, CattleFax analysts predict cattle feeders will have a slightly profitable year in 2016. Stocker operators will experience tighter margins, and cow-calf producers will remain profitable. “Cow-calf producers will still be profitable but at substantially lower levels than the past two years,” says Kevin Good, senior analyst and fedcattle market specialist, CattleFax. “We predict the cattle feeder will have tight margins for the year with potential for profitability by midyear.” Ranchers have been primed to expand herds
same vector - the wheat curl mite. Zhang said both viruses show similar symptoms, so a time-consuming ELIA (Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay) test is needed to identify which virus, or both, has infected the plant. A 2011 study reported that the double infection of TriMV and wheat streak mosaic virus could cause up to 90 percent yield loss. Finding the genetic guard against this virus is important because no chemical applications can control it. Furthermore, if wheat breeders like Zhang are successful in efforts to ward off wheat streak mosaic virus, TriMV may become an even bigger problem - like a secondary villain taking over for the Joker in a Batman movie.
over 31 months, a 50 percent cut from their thirdlargest export market. Mexico’s economy minister, Ildefonso Guajardo said last week that big tariffs on Mexico would return the United States to “an isolationist, xenophobic and protectionist vision.” And a full-scale tariff war with China would likely expose the largest U.S. export sectors to steep duties, including aircraft, semiconductors, corn and soybeans, trade lawyers said. Retaliatory tariffs would also hurt growing U.S. vehicle exports to China - at 300,000 a year now equivalent to the annual output of a large assembly plant. General Motors is now planning to import a Buick sport-utility vehicle from a Chinese joint venture plant.
Raising excellent quality show lambs. Winning genetics!
Jeremy • 620-397-1638 Stefanie • 620-397-8075 113 W. Hwy 4, Healy, Ks bustn2kick@st-tel.net
(continued from page 24)
for the past decade, but Mother Nature intervened with a widespread drought that crippled many operations. In Texas, for instance, NASS reports 5.025 million beef cows at the beginning of 2011, but only 3.91 million at the beginning of 2013 - a 22% drop. Nationally, however, the latest inventory report from NASS shows beef replacement-heifer numbers totaled 6.285 million head, a 3% increase
from 2015. It’s also the fifth consecutive year of increasing heifer replacements, and an 18% increase from the 5.138 million head of replacements reported in 2011. Additionally, NASS says the number of beef replacement heifers expected to calve in 2016 is 3.92 million head, a 5.7% increase from 2015. “This suggests the 2016 calf crop should increase by approximately 3.8% this year as compared to
a 2.3% increase in 2015,” says Brenda Boetel, professor of agricultural economics, University of Wiscon-sin–River Falls.
Farm Equipment Wednesday, April 6 • 1:00 p.m.
Location: 2 blocks south of Bartlett Grain, in Healy Jack and Marletta Wilkens - Owners
Tractor 1998 JD 9200 tractor, 4-wheel drive with smart steer, duals, 24-spd. trans., 5,660 hrs. (engine always pulled at 1,750 rpm) oil test records on every oil change, shedded, nice Truck and Pickup 1979 Ford F-600 truck, 33,675 miles, 4 x
2-spd. trans., 370 motor, 16 ft. bed and hoist, Westfield drill fill auger, shedded 1988 Ford F150 pickup, 136,000 miles, auto., 6-cylinder motor, new tires and alternator Farm Equipment 1992 J&M grain cart 500 bushel, shedded (4) 1995 JD 9400 hoe drills, 10 ft., 10”
spacings, markers and transports, shedded 1985 Richardson 9x5 sweep plow with harrows 1981 Flex King 7 x 5 sweep plow with pickers and NH3 Flex King 48 ft. rod weeder converted to Fallow Master sweeps Miller 20 ft. disk, 3 bar JD 400 rotary hoe, 20 ft., 3 pt.
JD 9-shank ripper 2000 Simpson 300-gallon sprayer, 30 ft. booms, electric pump Other Farm Items Speed King 8” x 40 ft. auger with electric motor 500 gal. diesel tank with 110-volt pump 180 gal. square diesel tank with 12-volt pump
Terms: No Lunch Served. Current ID to register. Cash or approved check day of sale. Everything sold as is. No warranties expressed or implied. Not responsible for theft or accident. Announcements day of sale take precedence over printed material. Check us out: www.berningauction.com and facebook. Auctioneers Note: Jack took excellent care of his equipment, most shedded when not in use. Not a large auction so be on time.
$
7
The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, March 31, 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
RT Plumbing 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
Rex Turley, 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 27 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Call 872-2090 today!
Per Week
Professional Directory Continued
Brent Rogers
Sales Consultant b.rogers@officesolutionsinc.biz
Office (620) 276-3131 Toll Free 1-800-794-9052 Cell (620) 874-0014 Fax (620) 276-8876 1007 N. 8th, Garden City, KS 67846 www.officesolutionsinc.biz
Horizon Health For your home medical supply and equipment needs! We service and repair all that we sell. 1602 S. Main • Scott City • 872-2232 Toll Free : 1-866-672-2232
Pro Health Chiropractic Wellness Center
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
www.reganjewelers.com
412 N. Main • Garden City • 620-275-5142
Services
(Scott City Chiropractic) “TLC”... Technology Lead Chiropractic
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
Education
Truck Driving
ENTRY LEVEL heavy equipment operator career. Get trained. Get certified. Get hired. Bulldozers, backhoes and excavators. Immediate lifetime job placement. VA benefits. National average, $18$22/hr. 1-866-362-6497.
OTR/CDL Class A driver. Two years min. experience. Good pay, vacation pay and bonuses. Good home time for a flatbed company. Caudy Trucking, Inc., 402-7686134 ––––––––––––––––––––– 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. 1-800-
Help Wanted EARN $500/DAY. Insurance agents needed. Leads. No cold calls. Commissions paid daily. Lifetime renewals. Complete training. Health/dental insurance. Life license required. Call 1-888-713-6020.
For Sale
Dr. James Yager
Dr. Jeffrey A. Heyd
Kansas Classifieds Ad Network
The classified ads below are appearing in 147 Kansas newspapers with a total circulation of 500,000 the classified display ads appear in 142 Kansas newspapers with a total circulation of 457,000. KCAN line ad is $300 for up to 25 words and $12 each additional word. A 2x2 display ad is $800 per insertion and a 2x4 display ad is $1,650 per insertion. To find out more, contact The Scott County Record at 872-2090.
Your RadioShack Dealer Two-way Radio Sales & Service Locally owned and operated since 1990
1104 Main • Scott City • 872-2625
BABY GRAND PIANO, $1,988. Decorative oak spinet, $1,288. Loaded Yamaha Clavinova, $2,288. 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.
Sports/Outdoors 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.
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 28 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Buy, sell, trade, one call does it all 872-2090 ot fax 872-0009
Classified Ad Deadline: Monday at 5:00 p.m. Classified Ad Rate: 20¢ per word. Minimum charge, $5. Blind ad: $2.50 per week extra. Card of thanks: 10¢ per word. Minimum charge, $3. Classified Display Ad rate: $6.00 per column inch. Classified advertising must be paid in advance unless business account is established. If not paid in advance, there will be a $1 billing charge. Tear sheet for classified ad will be $1 extra.
Help Wanted DRIVERS NEEDED, combine and truck. Call Gerald Baker 620-8742060 or 620-379-4693, evenings. 3416t10 ––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––– SERVERS AND KITCHEN help for evening shift. Monday-Saturday available. Call 620-909-5002 or stop by Tate’s, 405 Main St., Scott City. 3416t1 ––––––––––––––––––––– FULL-TIME OFFICE PROFESSIONAL WANTED! K-State Research and Extension office is now accepting applications for the fulltime position of the Scott County Extension Office Professional. Computer and bookkeeping experience needed. Quick books experience would be helpful. Experience in office support and clerical work along with very good verbal/written communications skills are expected. Benefits include competitive salary and KPERS retirement, along with paid vacation, holiday and sick leave. Please pick up an application between 8:00 a.m - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 pm, Monday –Friday at the Scott County Extension Office located in the basement of the Scott County Courthouse, 303 Court Street, Scott County, Ks. Applications accepted until April 15, 2016. K-State Research and Extension is an Affirmative Action/EOE. KState Research and Extension encourages diversity among its employees.3416t2
Rentals HIDE AND SEEK STORAGE SYSTEMS. Various sizes available. Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, 620-874-2120. 41tfc ________________________________
PLAINJAN’S RENTAL houses and duplexes. Stop by the office or call 620872-5777. 05tfc ________________________________
CUSTOM HARVESTING WANTED! Wheat, corn, milo, etc. Book acres for 2016. References available. Call Dave Duffek at 402-641-0503. 3216t
–––––––––––––––––––– FARM/CATTLE HELP NEEDED! Cattle work, tractor driving, truck driving, fence repairing, and general farm labor. CDL preferred, or willing to get one. Please call 620-8741160. 3416t3
FULL-TIME ROUTE TECHNICIAN WANTED for local extermination company, Pro X! Applicants must have a good driving record and Agriculture be willing to take random drug tests. Please call 620872-2558 or 874-1879 WANT TO BUY. Stored to set up an interview. corn. Call for basis and
3416t3
––––––––––––––––––––– EXPERIENCED AUTO MECHANIC WANTED! Must have own tools, reliable transportation and valid driver’s license. Salary commensurate with job experience. Benefits included. Apply in person at Bretz Inc., 640 West Long, Dighton, Ks, or call Russell at 620-397532929. 3416t3 ––––––––––––––––––––– ASSISTANT COOK WANTED for the Scott City Senior Center, Monday-Friday. Wages depend on experience. Must be able to do baking, use conventional ovens, mixer and dishwasher. Apply at Scott City VIP Center, 302 Church Street, Scott City. If any questions, please call 620-792-1241.
Berry Realty • 872-5700
Farm Services
contract information. 1-800-579-3645. Lane County Feeders, Inc. 32tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– WANT TO BUY. Wheat straw delivered. Call for contracting information. Lane County Feeders. 397-5341. 44tfc
1102 S. Main, Scott City, Ks 67871 www.berryrealtyonline.com
Margie Berry, Broker • 874-5488 Brett Berry, Sales Assoc. • 316-258-3387 Tracy Chambless, Sales Assoc. • 874-2124
Pine Village Apartments 300 E. Nonnamaker
Apartments available for qualifying tenants 62+ or disabled with rental assistance available. Hours: Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. by appointment Call Steve 872-2535 or (620) 255-4824.
Panache
Special sales throughout the store!
Lamps, Desks, Frames, Coffee tables, End tables, Dishes, Baskets, Vintage tea carts, Bar stools, Headboards, Suitcases, Mirrors, Doors and MUCH MORE!
Check out Panache this weekend!
Open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, and 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2
112 Main Street, Scott City
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PRICE SLASHED!
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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
Real Estate COMMERCIAL BUILDING for sale. 133x45 ft. (approx.) round top building. Serious inquiries only. Seller is a real estate agent selling own property. 874-5109 or 874-2124. 26tfc
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 House for Sale floor, exterior dawn-dusk lighting, insulated roof 1-3 BEDROOM, 1 bath, and exterior walls. Call FH/A, basement, new today at 620-872-5777. roof, large yard. Call Mike 3316tfc 620-874-2425. 23tfc
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, that’s ours. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church basement (use west door). 412 College, Scott City. Al-Anon at same time and location. Contact: 874-0472 or 872-3137. 25tfc
You have to see it to believe it! 3 + 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, custom oak trim and kitchen, completely remodeled!!! PLUS... 25’ x 36’ shop garage with floor heat, 3/4 bath, living quarters, wood fence, storage shed, sprinkler, SA garage, and a nice building with FA-CA, office area, and plenty of storage!!! Horse property at the edge of town. Approximately 6 acres! 4 pipe pens, pasture area and 2 bedroom mobile home.
Lawrence and Associates
Deb Lawrence, GRI Broker Shorty Lawrence, Sales Assoc. 513 Main • Scott City 872-5267 ofc. 872-7184 hm. lawrenceandassocrealty.com Sheila Ellis, Broker Assoc. 872-2056 Kerry Gough, Sales Assoc. 872-7337 Russell Berning, 874-4405 www.berningauction.com
District 11 AA Meetings
Scott City
Unity and Hope Mon., Wed. and Fri. • 8:00 p.m. 807 Kingsley Last Sat., Birthday Night, 6:30 p.m. All open meetings, 214-4188 • 214-2877
Dighton
Thursday • 8:30 p.m. 535 Wichita St. All open meetings, 397-2647
The Scott County Record • Page 29 • Thursday, March 31, 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
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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
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County Plat Maps By Western Cartographers Scott • Lane • Wichita • Ness • Logan Gove • Greeley • Finney • Wallace • Kearny Pick them up today at:
SCOTT PRO NEEDS YOU! Scott Pro is accepting applications for: Lead Maintenance Mechanic Day Time Float Night Shift Mixer (4:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.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 17tfc
ACCEPTING BIDS
406 Main • Scott City • 620 872-2090
Specifications may be obtained at City Hall. Bids shall be sealed and marked “2016 CMA Sand Bid.”
SCOTT COUNTY LUMBER Scott County Lumber is accepting applications for: Part-Time Help Applicants must: •Be at least 18 years of age •Have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record •Have basic computer skills •Be able to lift 80 lbs. or more •Be able to meet the public Applications may be obtained and returned to: Scott County Lumber 1510 South Main St. Scott City, Ks 67871 620-872-5334
The City of Scott City is accepting bids for 1,500 tons of CMA sand for chip sealing to be delivered by July 1.
Bids may be mailed or delivered to City Hall, City of Scott City, 221 W. 5th, Scott City, Ks 67871. Bids must be received by 5:00 p.m., April 18, 2016. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
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
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PARK LANE NURSING HOME 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”
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SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL HAS OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS
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.
PATIENT CARE Acute Care RNs Float RN C.N.A.s - FT and PT Outreach/Specialty Clinic RN Physical Therapist Respiratory Therapist Clinic Medical Assistant Clinic RN and LPN - FT Circulating/Pre-Op/Post-Op/PACU RN Information Technician - FT Dietary Aide - FT Housekeeping Aide 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 may be obtained at and returned to: Sheriff Office 602 W. 5th, Scott City • (620) 872-5805
Applications are available on our website at www.scotthospital.net or call 620-872-7772 for more information. 17t2c
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The Scott County Record • Page 30 • Thursday, March 31, 2016
Support ure it out in few minutes, then it’s not worth your time,” Ciampitti said. “You should then just keep exploring for other potential mobile alternatives.” Categories of Apps Ciampitti’s eUpdates are divided into categories, with 10 total to be published in the series. •The first category is identification apps, which can help producers identify weeds, diseases, insects and nutrient needs in crop fields. •The second update focuses on calculator apps that are primarily used for calculations related to planting, spraying, fertilizing, harvesting and estimating yields. •The third update covers scouting apps that are used for scouting purposes or soil sampling, recording notes and soil types, and other geopositioning-related tasks. •The fourth classification, economic apps, covers applications primarily used for checking grain prices, market evolutions, fertilizer price trends, news and finances. •The fifth update covers field guide apps that help determine crop production issues while in the field, including information that would commonly
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be covered in crop management field guides. •The sixth update covers livestock apps and offers resources on animal nutrition, health and market information. •The seventh update covers apps related to crop irrigation and water application. •An update on machinery apps is meant to assist with items such as agricultural equipment preparation and inventory. •Finally, an update on general agricultural apps followed by non-agricultural apps should become available on April 1 and 8, respectively. Other Factors If producers are concerned about paying for an app or any of its functions, they should ask a friend, colleague or a specialist familiar with it for details, Ciampitti said. “You’ll probably find apps that are similar, and it might be personal preference to decide which one of the apps you feel comfortable with,” he said. “Most of the time we are just identifying (apps producers can use), so make sure that you always go back to your extension agent or agronomist for more information.” One key difference in apps from all classifications is whether they
come with information and images pre-loaded, or if they connect to the Internet to give the user access to the most updated information available, which can create limitations when working in the field away from cellular service, according to Ciampitti. “Some of the apps already have images,” Ciampitti said. “Those don’t need an Internet connection; the images are loaded when you are downloading the app. You are downloading the entire package.” Apps that come with all their information preloaded are constrained by not being able to update independently, he added. “The beauty of (Internet-connected) apps is that you can check the app every day, and you will find different information,” Ciampitti said. “It is a constraint on the other apps that you will always find the same information unless there is an update coming from the company or university.” Overall, Ciampitti said he thinks both types of apps have certain roles to play. For more information on agricultural apps, visit the K-State Agronomy Extension eUpdate website.
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
TEACHER of the YEAR
AWARD