October 17, 2013 by The Scott County Record

Cornhusking tradition continues at state contest in Oakley Page 25

32 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 21 • Number 10

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Published in Scott City, Ks.

County hires DL examiner

blowin’ in the wind

Gui Griffith gives his sail boat a little extra assistance after it was put afloat in a pool outside Scott City Elementary School last Friday afternoon. It’s become a tradition for third graders to construct ships in celebration of Columbus Day. Students and parents gather in the school cafeteria where they construct boats from styrofoam, plastic bottles and other materials and then see how successful their creations hold up once they are put on water. (Record Photo)

No ‘direct care’ issues for Park Lane in latest survey Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City was cited for just 11 violations during the latest survey conducted by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. “None of them were direct care issues,” noted Administrator Nicole Turner. “A couple of them were pretty minor and we could have challenged them had we chosen to.” The 11 violations compares with 10 during the last survey in April 2012 and is down from 21 in February 2011. Surveys are conducted by the

KDADS at least once every 15 months. “We knew that we were due for another survey, but you never know exactly when they’ll be coming in,” said Turner. The most severe violation was an infection control issue in the dietary department. Turner says it involved drinks that were uncovered and undated being kept in a refrigerator for a resident. She says they considered challenging a violation for having an outdated vial for a TB test stored in a refrigerator. Tests are conducted on all new

$1 single copy

employees and residents. “There’s a nationwide shortage of the test solutions and we were advised by our pharmacist not to throw out the vial,” says Turner. Two of the violations were minor issues regarding the availability of information to the general public. Nursing homes are required to keep contact information for an ombudsman (resident advocate) at two locations in the home. Likewise, they are also required to keep reports of the most current survey results at two locations.

Full-service driver’s license examinations will soon be returning to the Scott County treasurer’s office. County commissioners have approved the hiring of a full-time examiner to replace the position that was eliminated by state budget cuts in May. Since then, personnel at the treasurer’s office have been able to process routine license renewals. However, they are not qualified to issue new licenses, renew CDLs or handle permits for concealed carry. Individuals must travel to either Garden City or Colby for those services. Beginning Nov. 1 that will change in Scott County. Kathy McMillan will begin working fulltime out of the treasurer’s office. That will be a huge upgrade from a service which had been available twice a week for many years and, due to state budget cuts in 2009, was then cut to just twice a month in Scott County. McMillan was a former employee with the Kansas Department of Transportation. She was based in Garden City but traveled to area counties where she would assist with driver’s license exams. “We’re excited about becoming a service center. This will be an asset to the community,” says Treasurer Lark Speer. She noted it will be much more convenient for people knowing someone is available in the office each day of the week who can process driver’s license, CDL renewals, etc. “Before the state eliminated this position it was surprising how many people would come here for their licenses,” says Speer. “We’d get them from as far away as Ness City and Sharon Springs. And when they’re here they’d ask about places to eat, shop and they’d even ask if we had a museum.” County commissioners were willing to find the money in their budget for the fulltime position. They agreed to offer her $15 per hour and add McMillan to the county’s health insurance plan. “She brings a skill set and we don’t have to train someone,” said Commissioner Jerry Buxton. “I see this being a great asset to Scott County.”

(See SURVEY on page two)

(See EXAMINER on page two)

National historic site is ‘under siege’

An oil rig is visible about 250 yards north of the stone memorial at Battle Canyon. (Photo by Larry Caldwell)

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

Scott Foundation awards $30,000 in grants Page 8

Scott County Commissioners are sympathetic to those who don’t want to see oil exploration in the vicinity of the Punished Woman’s Fork historic site. Finding a legal means of stopping oil drilling activity is another matter. Commissioners heard from representatives of the Scott County Historical Society on Tuesday who were asking for the county’s assistance in establishing a no-drilling buffer zone near the state and national historic site. There was concern about the aesthetics of having an oil well within 200-300 yards of the site along with the erosion

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-5 Calendar • Page 7 Youth/Education • Page 9 LEC report • Page 10 Deaths • Page 14

Sports • Pages 17-23 Pigskin Payoff • Page 24 Farm section • Pages 26-27 Classified ads • Pages 29-31

damage that results from drilling operations. “The state, sadly, has relinquished its responsibility for protecting our historic sites,” said Jerry Thomas, who was joined by historical society members Jerry Snyder and Denny Siegrist. He said the state once had a buffer zone which protected historic sites from being encroached upon by development, but that law lapsed. He said the buffer zone was a problem when it came to dealing with development around historic sites within cities. (See SIEGE on page two)

SCHS defense nails down league win over Goodland Page 17

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, October 17, 2013

Siege

(continued from page one)

After visiting with Rep. Don Hineman (R-Dighton), Thomas said legislators didn’t understand the consequences that decision could have on historic sites in rural areas. Thomas said that removal of the buffer zone doesn’t only impact Battle Canyon, but the Sundance site near Monument Rocks and another site on the Fairleigh Ranch in northern Scott County. These are sites that were blessed by the Northern Cheyenne when they were in Scott County recently for the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork Symposium. “(Punished Woman’s Fork) isn’t just a national historic site, it’s a sacred site,” emphasized Thomas. “What’s happening here is gaining a lot of attention.” The original state law established a 300 yard buffer zone around historic sites. Thomas says drilling activity by Grand Mesa is within 60 feet of the county’s property line at Battle Canyon. SCHS board member and local historian Jerry Snyder noted that the area’s historical significance extends well beyond the 30 acres of land that were deeded to the county in 1960 by R.B. Christy.

“There was troop activity all around that area,” says Snyder. “And the wells are going up around the draw where the Northern Cheyenne made their escape.” Under Siege According to Thomas, there has been at least one dry hole at the site and whether or not the existing well strikes oil additional drilling operations are planned further south. “There are plans for at least two more wells to go in,” Thomas says. “Battle Canyon is under siege.” “If they go to the south they will put even more battle sites at risk,” added Snyder. Thomas asked the commission to establish a drilling moratorium within 300 yards of the historic site until the state legislature convenes and can address the issue. He said that Chad Griffith, owner of the land, “would welcome the 300 yard buffer zone.” “At Custer Battlefield or Gettysburg you wouldn’t see the depredation we’re seeing here,” said Thomas. “We have a responsibility to protect this site and to keep this kind of activity from occurring.” He said that with the

Examiner Speer said part of the salary can be covered by a $3 per license processing fee that her department is allowed to charge. Commissioners said they would provide funding for the staff position and Speer can see during the upcoming year how much is generated by the processing fee. Speer feels that having an examiner available on a full-time basis will reduce the waiting time for

the county could enact a temporary ban that would prevent further drilling until the legislature has a chance to act. He would like to see a buffer zone that would push drilling activity beyond the sight of visitors to Battle Canyon. “That can be done without preventing drilling activity on (Griffith) land,” he said. Minnix suggested the possibility of meeting with the Griffiths to see if they might be interested in donating the land to the county and maintaining their grazing rights. County Attorney Becky Faurot noted that the transfer of land wouldn’t override exploration and drilling agreements already agreed to by the landowner. “This lease has us by the nose,” acknowledged Commissioner Jerry Buxton. “There isn’t much we can do once the lease is signed.” After meeting with the SCHS board representatives, commissioners had a phone conversation with Michael Reilly, president of Grand Mesa. Reilly said he understood the county’s concerns, but said it was Grand Mesa’s intention to continue drilling opera-

tions and “to have a producing well.” Minnix informed Reilly the county would like to protect the site and is looking at their options, including a buffer zone. “We understand the significance of what’s going on,” said Reilly. “We want to keep it pristine. We’ll do all within our power to preserve it.” “I’m nervous about having you drill a well that close to a historic site,” said Minnix. Following the brief conversation, Commissioner Gary Skibbe observed dryly, “He said everything we wanted to hear.”

(continued from page one)

licenses and relieve congestion in the courthouse lobby. When the state cut the number of license exam days in Scott County from one each week to two days per month in October 2011, the examiner went from seeing an average of 21 people per day to 27. There were numerous days in which the examiner saw more than 30 people, with a peak of 52.

Survey

drilling operation located about 60 feet from the county’s north property line it is a dual problem. “By the time they bring in a dozer and push dirt back into their two pits, they will be on our land,” Thomas said. “That shouldn’t be happening.” Furthermore, they said that sights and sounds of oil operations shouldn’t be part of the Battle Canyon experience. “That’s what has set this place apart from so many others over the years,” says Siegrist, a SCHS board member who conducts tours at the site regularly. “This site looks almost exactly as it did 135 years ago. Now we have oil wells being drilled and there’s a chance we’ll be hearing a pumper going 24/7.” Commission Chairman Jim Minnix acknowledged the drilling operations are a threat to the site, but said it was an issue they should have addressed about four years ago when seismographic crews ignored the county’s request to stay off their land and scarred the surrounding hillside with their large vehicles. “I’m very sympathetic to this. I’d like to know what we can legally do,” Minnix said. Thomas was hopeful

On one day, there were so many people waiting to see the examiner in the courthouse lobby that the staff quit giving out numbers at about 10:00 a.m. Anyone arriving after that was advised to return at 12:30 p.m. While that day was particularly hectic, Speer says it was pretty typical until the license examiner quit coming to the office in May.

(continued from page one)

“We had the information available at one location in the home, but not two. We had the situation corrected before the inspectors had even left the building, but we were

still written up for it,” says Turner. The team of inspectors came from Topeka. “Overall, it was a very good survey,” Turner said. “The survey team

complimented us for a great facility, staff and residents. They were very impressed.” The next survey, she says, will likely be in late 2014.

What’s for Lunch in Scott City? Sun. - Sat., Oct.20-26

Majestic Theatre 420 Main • 872-3840

Hours

Lunch • Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Evenings • Thurs., Fri., Sat.5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Tues. • Open faced prime rib sandwich with fries, $10.95

Wed. • French dip sandwich with french fries, $6.95 Thurs. • Smothered steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, $6.95 Fri. • Taco dinner with rice and beans, $5.95

What’s for Supper?

The Broiler

102 Main St. • 872-5055

1211 Main • 872-3215

Buck Lunch

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

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

1304 S. Main • 872-5301

Buffet

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

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

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

Fries, 21 oz. Drink and Small Sundae

Breakfast specials every night.

The Scott County Record

Community Living

Page 3 - Thursday, October 17, 2013

No one should be subjected to bullying tactics

Many of us might think we know what bullying is based on what we experienced as kids, but we are so far behind the curve. We often think of bullying as physical intimidations, but with social media it is so much more than that, and it never goes away. That is why prevention is so crucial. What we need to understand about bullying today is the way social media can spread information fast and forever. Behaviors can be much more complex and varied than what we dealt with

when we were younger. Definition of bullying can be broad, but most include these features: •The behavior hurts or harms another person physically or emotionally. •The targets have difficulty stopping the behavior directed at them, and struggle to defend themselves.

Kirsten Dearden and Bill John, Jr.

•There is an ”imbalance of power,” described as when the student with the bullying behavior has more “power,” either physically, socially or emotionally, such as a higher social status, is physically larger or emotionally intimidating. A basic guideline for your child is this: Let the child know that if the behavior (of another student) hurts or harms them, either emotionally or physically, it’s bullying. Having said that, you also need to know that

some kids take everything at face value and they need to know that every time someone talks to them doesn’t mean they are being hateful. Does your child have any selfconfidence; if not what can you do to help them with that? When is it harassment? Harassing behaviors may include: •Unwelcome conduct such as: verbal abuse, such as name-calling, epithets, slurs •Graphic or written statements

Mr. and Mrs. David Metzger

Dearden-John to wed on Feb. 8 Metzgers exchange wedding The bride-to-be is cur- vows at ceremony in Colorado Lonny and Colleen

Dearden, Scott City, announce the engagement of their daughter Kirsten, Scott City, to Bill John, Jr., Scott City, son of Bill and Kandi John and Bart and Leann Hunt, all of Scott City.

rently working as an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance, Scott City. The prospective groom is farming for KD Farms, Scott City. The couple is planning a February 8 wedding.

Helpful cooking tips •To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh - if it rises to the surface, throw it away. •When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead - no white mess on the outside of the cake. •If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it’s still cooking, drop in a peeled potato - it absorbs the excess salt for an instant “fix me up.”

David and Maryll Metzger were united in marriage on August 18, 2013, in a private ceremony at The Chapel in Cuchara, Colo., with Dave Middleton officiating. Their parents are Richard and Karyl Hollister,

Scott City, and the late Carl and Irene Metzger. The couple has six children: Matthew, Brian and Angela Metzger, Samantha Schulte, Shelby Bennett and Shane Bennett. The newlyweds reside in Scott City.

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

•Threats •Physical assault •Other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful or humiliating Students have protection under federal laws. Many states have laws that address bullying in the schools. The content of each law varies considerably. In Kansas, we only have a policy. You can find out more information at http://www.ksde.org/ Default.aspx?tabid=3878. If your child feels they are being bullied it

is important that parents approach the situation in a calm manner. Keep records of what happened and when. It is helpful if parents and school staff work together to resolve the issue. Work with your child to understand what is going on. Never ask them to handle it by themselves. They are already feeling isolated. Thank your child for telling you about their situation. Tell them the bullying is not his or her fault. (See TACTICS on page seven)

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, October 17, 2013

editorially speaking

Taking on Big Oil: Buffer zone is one step in protecting Battle Canyon

The Scott County Historical Society, county commissioners and others who have a stake in protecting our historical heritage have a huge mountain to climb if they hope to limit oil drilling activity near Battle Canyon. The cards are stacked against them. The leases have been signed. A buffer zone protecting historic sites is no longer a state law. And we have a governor and state legislature who are willing to give the green light to just about anything and everything if there’s a chance it will create one job in Kansas. Plus, we’re dealing with an industry that, quite frankly, could care less about historic sites or the natural beauty of our state. Several years ago, even when told to stay off the Battle Canyon site, oil company seismograph crews drove their huge trucks into the battle site, cutting huge trenches into the canyon hillside. It’s no different today. Oil companies are going to drill where they believe they’ll find oil. If it happens to be 30 feet or 300 yards from a historic site, so what? If an exploration company thought there was even a remote chance of finding oil under the den where Northern Cheyenne women and children were huddled during the battle, you can bet they’d be looking for a way to get it. Grand Mesa President Michael Reilly or any other oil exploration official can offer that they care about the historical significance of a site, or that they want to maintain a pristine landscape but, at the end of the day, they have one goal in mind: drill, baby, drill. We’re seeing it at Battle Canyon. We’ve seen it at Monument Rocks. And we’ll continue to see it as long as there is nothing to stop these companies who are driven by greed. A 300 yard buffer zone is a start. We aren’t sure it’s enough - not when you consider the harm that occurs near Battle Canyon and Monument Rocks. Punished Woman’s Fork was the site of a historic battle 135 years ago. Today, we’re fighting another battle to protect our heritage. Just as with the Northern Cheyenne, this is a battle we can’t afford to lose.

Free trade:

TPP will further erode U.S. jobs, manufacturing base

When it comes to so-called “free trade” there are many in Congress and various industry trade organizations who like to promote that there are no losers. The fewer barriers there are to trade, the better it is for American agriculture and industry, so we are told. That was the message recently from Kansas Farm Bureau President Steve Baccus during an ag conference in Mexico City. Baccus feels that the few remaining barriers to trade that still exist need to come down. He also used the opportunity to promote adding Japan to the still-to-be-approved and very secretive Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) which would also include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. Unfortunately, Baccus ignores the reality of NAFTA and CAFTA and their detrimental effects on the U.S. economy. As Ross Perot predicted during the 1992 presidential campaign, NAFTA would suck jobs out of the U.S. and into Mexico. He was right. What these trade agreements have successfully accomplished is allowing goods to be manufactured by cheap, unregulated labor outside the U.S. and then imported tariff-free into the U.S. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that 682,900 jobs have been lost to NAFTA. We’ve seen U.S. factories close while corporate profits soar. And manufacturing companies that have remained in the U.S. have used high unemployment and the threat of going overseas as a means of holding down wages for the jobs that are still here. Americans have traded good-paying jobs and considerable purchasing power for the ability to buy goods more cheaply at WalMart. The problem with free trade agreements is that the losers in the U.S. are far more numerous than the winners. Rather than creating one more free trade agreement, we need to start dismantling the two we already have and begin the job of rebuilding our once-great manufacturing base in America.

Tea Party enjoys political victory

A relieved Kansas Congressional delegation joined their Republican colleagues in Washington on Wednesday evening in celebrating the news that the government shutdown was over. “It was a huge victory for Tea Party Republicans across the country,” said Rep. Tim Huelskamp as he joined other members of the Kansas delegation who were giving each other self-congratulatory slaps on the back. “No longer will we have to fight with those goose-stepping national park employees who tried to deny our military veterans access to the World War II Memorial that had been shutdown by President Obama,” says Huelskamp. “I’m not mentioning any names, but an American-born president would never have allowed that to happen.” At that moment a huge cheer went up from the Republican gathering as Sen. Ted Cruz entered the room. “Let’s hear it for our defacto House Speaker,” said Kansas Congressman

Mike Pompeo. “You flatter me,” said Sen. Cruz. “But I believe everyone here deserves credit for how we stood up for Americans. More importantly, we showed how little we depend on the government. For two weeks it was shut down and was there anyone in this room who was hurt because of it? Anyone?” All the Congressmen shook their heads. “Of course, not,” continued Cruz. “We all learned a valuable lesson. The lights didn’t go out, cars didn’t quit running and my paycheck continued to arrive in the mail. In other words, this government ran just the way our Founding Fathers intended. This was a huge victory for freedom and our Constitution.” “When he talks like that I feel so proud to be an American,” said Kansas Congressman Kevin

Yoder. “But what about experimental cancer treatments that were denied to people during the shutdown. Head Start programs were temporarily stopped and WIC payments were halted,” said a CNN reporter who had worked his way to the front of the crowd. “What about those people?” “As someone who has never served in war and never intends to, let me say that in every battle there are casualties. If a young child misses a meal or a single mom can’t afford to pay the heating bill because of a missed government check, then I say blame Obama. When the government was shutdown that didn’t mean everything had to stop. I think that we, as conservatives, have proven once again that this president has no idea how to run the government. And, quite honestly, if I cared at all whether or not we had a government, I’d be more than glad to show him how it’s done.” “It would appear that the real problem is with

Speaker Boehner and his inability to control members of his own party. There’s a feeling that the Tea Party tail is wagging the dog,” said the CNN reporter. “Let me field this one,” said Huelskamp. “I don’t blame Speaker Boehner. It’s the 20 to 30 moderate to liberal Republicans that are actually holding him back.” (Actual quote). “We showed the Speaker a clear path to victory during what may be the most important battle in the history of this great nation. We, as true conservatives, embarked on our own Bataan Death March, our own Trail of Tears, my own personal march of terror to the principal’s office when I was in the third grade. We made the grand sacrifice for the future of our nation. “Tea Party Republicans know exactly where we want to take this party and this country,” continued Pompeo. “And, personally, I’m willing to follow my fellow conservatives over any cliff, at any time.” (See VICTORY on page six)

A tea party purge in the GOP

The Republican Party has reached its Ninotchka period. Ninotchka, you may recall, was the eponymous Soviet commissar played by Greta Garbo in the 1939 MGM comedy, released one year after Stalin’s show trials resulted in the execution of all of the tyrant’s more moderate predecessors in the Soviet leadership. “The last mass trials were a great success,” Ninotchka notes. “There are going to be fewer but better Russians.” Like the Stalinists and the Jacobins, today’s tea party zealots have purified their movement - not by executing but by driving away those Republicans who don’t share their enthusiasm for wrecking their country if they can’t compel the majority to embrace their notions. Today, there are fewer but “better” Republicans

Where to Write

another view by Harold Meyerson

- if “better” means adhering to the tea party view that a United States not adhering to tea party values deserves to be brought to a clangorous halt. NBC News-Wall Street Journal polling last week turned up a bare 24 percent of Americans who have a favorable impression of the Republican Party - a share almost as low as the 21 percent who have a favorable impression of the tea party. Also like the Stalinists and Jacobins, today’s Republicans devour their past leaders. To the hard-core right wing, the Bushes, Mitt Romney, Bob Dole and John McCain are irritating vestiges of the party’s pussyfooting past; none was

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

sufficiently devoted to rolling back the federal government when he had the chance. Thankfully, the Bushes et al. haven’t met the fate of Bukharin and Danton - but they are as conspicuously absent from today’s Republican rallies and state conventions as Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Michele Bachmann and Sarah Palin are conspicuously present. If anything illustrates just how far today’s Republicans have drifted from their traditional moorings, it’s the dismay with which their longtime business allies have greeted their decisions to close the government and threaten default. Such pillars of the Republican coalition as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation

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

have called for an end to the shutdown and an increase in the debt limit. Bruce Josten, the Chamber’s executive vice president for government affairs, told The Washington Post last week that his organization is considering backing primary challenges to tea party incumbents. Today’s tea party-ized Republicans speak less for Wall Street or Main Street than they do for the seething resentments of white Southern backwaters and their geographically widespread but ideologically uniform ilk. Their theory of government, to the extent that they have one, derives from John C. Calhoun’s doctrine of nullification that states in general and white minorities in particular should have the right (See PURGE on page six)

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

Cruz hasn’t learned from his political train wreck

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, October 17, 2013

by Dana Milbank

Ted Cruz did not lose gracefully. The young senator from Texas, after just nine months on the job, had managed to drag down his Republican Party to historic unpopularity. But as Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) went to the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon to announce a deal that would begin to repair the damage Cruz inflicted, the renegade couldn’t resist one more poke at his leadership. As McConnell was speaking on the floor about his compromise to end the government shutdown and to avoid a federal default, Cruz marched up to the bank of TV cameras outside the Senate chamber to deliver his own statement. CNN’s Dana Bash told him that the news networks were

airing McConnell’s speech live. “Do you want to wait until the leaders are done?” she asked. Cruz did not want to wait. He launched right into a condemnation of the deal McConnell had negotiated. “Unfortunately, once again, it appears the Washington establishment is refusing to listen to the American people,” the Texan intoned, his protruding chin bouncing as the vitriol poured from the lips above it. “The United States Senate has stayed with the traditional approach of the Washington establishment of maintaining the status quo.” CNN pulled away from McConnell when the sore loser began talking. The amount of wreckage Cruz has caused in such a short time is truly awe-inspiring. He has damaged his party, hurt the economy, lowered the nation’s

The amount of wreckage Cruz has caused in such a short time is truly awe-inspiring. He has damaged his party, hurt the economy, lowered the nation’s standing and set back the conservative cause.

standing and set back the conservative cause. But appearing at the Capitol on Wednesday morning, he wore a broad smile as reporters and cameras surrounded him to learn what further mayhem he was planning. “Will you filibuster?” called out Nancy Cordes of CBS News. “I’m heading to this meeting now,” he replied, referring to a session held by McConnell outlining the compromise. “Was your fight against Obamacare worth it?” asked Politico’s Seung Min Kim. “As I said, I’m heading to this meeting now.”

“You don’t have any thoughts about whether this was all worth it for your party or the country?” asked Todd Zwillich of Public Radio International. “As I said, I’m heading to this meeting now.” He walked slowly - the better to savor the attention - as reporters clamored for information. “Will you try to block this?” “What’s your plan?” Reporters and photographers slammed into one another. Cruz’s stroll across the second floor of the Capitol was a tour of the disruption he had caused: Past the office of Sen. John Cornyn, the fellow Texas Republican whose reelection Cruz has refused to endorse; alongside the Senate chamber, where he spoke for 21 straight hours last month; past the office of McConnell, whose leadership he had undermined; and down the hall toward the office of House Speaker John Boehner

(Ohio), against whom Cruz had encouraged a rebellion. At a dinner at Tortilla Coast restaurant Monday night, he encouraged House Republicans to resist Boehner’s attempts at compromise. “Cruz-Led Conservatives Put Boehner in Double Bind” was Wednesday’s headline in Roll Call. As they filed in to hear McConnell’s compromise, Republican senators made little effort to conceal their frustration with Cruz. “This has been a very bad two weeks for the Republican brand, for conservatism,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.). Cruz did make one gesture that acknowledged he may have gone too far: He said he wouldn’t use procedural hurdles to delay a vote on the debt-limit bill, a move that could have forced the nation into default. (See WRECK on page six)

Dysfunction is harming the U.S. at home, abroad by Alan Jilka

GOP is unhinged by Obamacare by Jim Hightower

Whacking yourself on the head with a ballpeen hammer would be stupid. But doing it again and again – that’s insane. Welcome to your US House of Representatives, presently led by a pack of tea party Republicans. They are so crazed by Obamacare that they repeatedly hammer themselves over the head with it, having voted 46 times (so far) to dismantle, defund, delay, deny, and otherwise destroy this landmark health care bill - all to no avail. They would be hilarious, were they not so pathetic. But now, their anti-government, anti-Obama obsession has turned into insanity. Acting as though the USA is nothing more

substantial than a banana republic, this tea party clique of petty potentates forced a shutdown of our national government. The craziest part of their stunt is the duplicitous claim that finally providing health care for millions of uninsured Americans will have, as one leader of the mad-dog pack put it, “horrific effects.” Yet, even as they publicly insist that they’re heroes for trying to save the people from the horror of receiving fairly decent health coverage, the GOP hierarchy is quietly warning its members that defeating Obamacare now is essential to their own political health. Why? Because they know the program will work, providing better care and nearly univer-

sal coverage at a cheaper price. It will become widely popular, and any politico who tries to kill it later will become wildly unpopular. Even the Senator from Oz, Ted Cruz, understood that the program had to be aborted before it was born. It will be so loved, Cruz candidly conceded (as he desperately tried to suffocate Obamacare with a painfully-long filibuster), that the public will be “hooked” on it for the long haul. Yes, Sen. Oz, the American people tend to support policies that are beneficial to them. How crazy is that? Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

“While we’ve been busy promoting democracy abroad our own has kind of gone off the rails at home.” - Thomas Pickering, retired U.S. diplomat * * * Individuals channel surfing late at night a couple months ago might have come across an interview with Thomas Pickering on PBS in which he uttered the above statement. His comments came back to me this past week while watching our federal government sit paralyzed with dysfunction. Pickering has the experience and perspective to offer insightful commentary on the subject. During a long and distinguished career in the Foreign Service he served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia, India, Israel, El Salvador, Nigeria, Jordan and the United Nations. In addition to his native English he speaks fluent French, Spanish and Swahili, and is proficient in Arabic, Hebrew and Russian. In short, he has seen quite a bit of the world and has in-depth knowledge of how various people try to govern themselves around the globe. During most of the interview he offered his thoughts on foreign policy - issues ranging from the Arab Spring to Syria and China. But for the final moments the interviewer brought him back home and asked a few questions regarding domestic policy.

Pickering offered a few general comments before zeroing in on the partisan polarization that grips Congress, frequently grinding the business of governing to a halt. A couple months later the problem to which he alluded is on display for all to see. Clearly the U.S. House is no longer the part of our government that reflects the popular will. Public opinion surveys at the beginning of this month consistently showed that over 70 percent of those polled opposed linking the Affordable Care Act to keeping the government open or to raising the debt ceiling. Even majorities of those opposed to the new health care law also opposed efforts to hold the government hostage to demands to defund it. Yet we still found ourselves in a place where few wanted to be. Our partisan polarization has real consequences in the international sphere as well as fostering an attitude of cynicism among our own citizens. Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, an international political consulting firm, wrote recently that “American dysfunction at home is undermining our credibility abroad.” He singled out the fact that President Obama had to cancel a trip to an Asian summit to deal with the government crisis at home, effectively ceding the leadership position at the gathering to the ascendant Chinese. (See ABROAD on page six)

Court could unleash unprecedented corruption The U.S. Supreme Court is mulling a case that could end up giving America’s wealthy a perpetual green light to contribute as much as they want directly to politicians and political parties. Credit Shaun McCutcheon, an Alabama businessman who owns an electrical engineering company, for getting this ball rolling. In the 2012 election cycle, McCutcheon contributed heavily to conservative candidates and Republican Party committees. But the experience left the mega millionaire feeling terribly aggrieved. Federal campaign finance reform legislation enacted four decades ago in the wake of the Watergate scandal limits how much individuals can give directly to candidates

behind the headlines by Sam Pizzigati

and political parties. In 2012, McCutcheon ran up against those limits, then sitting at about $46,000 for candidates and $70,000 for party committees. McCutcheon had wanted to give candidates and party panels much more. Under the law, he couldn’t then - and he can’t now either. The current, inflationadjusted aggregate limit for the 2014 congressional elections: $123,000. But wealthy individuals like McCutcheon, thanks to previous court decisions, can spend on their own, independently of candidate and party campaigns, as

much as they want to influence a federal election’s impact. In other words, a billionaire can’t currently give a particular congressional candidate a $1 million check. But the same billionaire can legally hand a TV station $1 million to run 30-second ads that extol that candidate’s virtues - or attack that candidate’s opponent. This sort of “independent expenditure” can make a major impact as campaigns play out. Independent expenditures can also complicate campaigns, especially when deep-pockets go “off-message” in the advertising they finance. In most situations, candidates and political parties would much rather have billionaires contribute directly to them and not go off and spend independently.

If the Supreme Court uses the McCutcheon case to erase our last remaining Watergate-era campaign funding limits, these political insiders will get their way. For the first time in years, they would be able to solicit unlimited contributions from America’s wealthy. That turn of events, public interest groups point out, would leave political candidates and party officials even more eager to grant wealthy donors improper influence. Fred Wertheimer, America’s elder statesman of campaign finance reform, is imparting a particularly dire warning. Repealing limits on direct contributions to candidates and parties, he contends, would take us right back to the same politi-

cal corruption that led to the Watergate scandals. But Wertheimer may actually be understating the danger. Repealing limits on direct contributions to candidates and parties would likely create a political environment far more toxic than anything we experienced before Watergate. Back before Watergate, in the mid 20th century, America’s rich didn’t have nearly as much wealth. Some numbers: In 1972, the year of the Watergate burglary, the nation’s top 0.1 percent averaged, in today’s dollars, the equivalent of $1.48 million in income. In 2012, America’s top 0.1 percent averaged $6.4 million. That’s more than a fourfold increase. (See COURT on page six)

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • Thursday, October 17, 2013

Abroad

(continued from page five)

The group photo of leaders taken at the summit showed Chinese President Xi Jinping, front and center, with American Secretary of State John Kerry (not a head of state) in the back row. So where do we start to get our government functioning again? Never mind whether one likes/dislikes President Obama or John Boehner. How do we address the systemic problems that lead to this inability to deal with critical issues facing us? Pickering suggests a starting place - undoing the gerrymandering of congressional districts. Due to extreme gerrymandering the majority of congressional races nowadays are decided in primaries. Politicians respond by running towards the extremes. With so few members of the “people’s house” coming from competitive districts (only 19 Republican congressmen, for example, come from districts won by President Obama in 2012), there is little reason to compromise. Competitive congressional districts would give members more incentive to compromise and appeal towards the political center where most of the populace lies. We can only hope that the current crisis will give added impetus to efforts to “fix” flaws in our democratic system. The wisdom of retired public servants like Pickering can guide our efforts and help channel our anger and frustration in a positive direction. Hopefully our current quagmire will give impetus to movements to refine and perfect our country’s great experiment with democracy.

Cruz: this is one dream that must not die by Andy Borowitz

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) - Acknowledging that the government shutdown had come to an end, an emotional Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) took to the Senate floor today to make an impassioned speech, telling his colleagues, “The dream of keeping poor

Victory “And exactly where are you wanting to lead or follow?” asked the reporter. “This is an epic battle for freedom,” said Huelskamp. “This is about every person in this country who can’t afford health insurance being able to tell the government, I don’t want health care for me or my family. That’s what it means to be an American,” said Huelskamp. “If every person was meant

Purge

to overturn federal law and impede majority rule. Like their predecessors in the Jim Crow South, today’s Republicans favor restricting minority voting rights if that is necessary to ensure victory at the polls. The remarkable resurgence of these ancient and despicable doctrines is rooted in the politics of demographic and cultural despair. A series of focus groups that Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg conducted of evangelical and tea party Republicans (who, combined, constitute a majority of party members) found that they entertain a widespread and fatalistic belief that the United States is well on its way to becoming a socialist state by virtue of the growing number of nonAlan Jilka is a former mayor of Salina and a former candi- white Americans’ dependence on government. date for Congress Encapsulating the groups’ perspectives,

Wreck “I never had any intention to delay this vote,” he told a clump of reporters as he emerged from the Senate session, even though he had declined to disavow such a delay when asked only an hour earlier. But otherwise, Cruz refused to admit defeat. “The American people rose up and spoke with an overwhelming voice and at least at this stage Washington isn’t listening to them,” he said. “But this battle will continue.”

people from seeing a doctor must never die.” His eyes welling up with tears, Sen. Cruz said, “I embarked on this crusade with a simple goal: to keep affordable health care out of the reach of ordinary, hard-working Americans. And while this battle was lost, that dream - that precious, cherished dream - will live on.”

Reflecting on the government shutdown and near-default that almost touched off a global financial apocalypse, Sen. Cruz said, “We’ll give it another try in a few weeks.” Sen. Cruz’s closest ally, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) also spoke reverently of the shutdown, calling it “the most expensive Civil

War reënactment in history.” “Unfortunately, once again, the wrong side won,” he said. Over in the House of Representatives, Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) congratulated his colleagues on the deal to resolve the shutdown, telling reporters, “This proves that when we work

together, we can come up with a totally unsatisfactory solution to a completely unnecessary crisis.” But the last word belonged to Sen. Cruz, who ended his emotional speech with a quiet benediction: “Goodnight stars. Goodnight air. Goodnight noises everywhere.”

“It’s so obvious I’m not surprised that you don’t see it,” Huelskamp answered. “The most dangerous person in the world is someone who takes a hostage and doesn’t care whether or not the hostage lives. I believe we’ve proven that. That will only make our opponents respect us even more in the future.” “But what of polls which show Obamacare

is gaining in popularity?” asked the reporter as his eyes glazed over. “The important thing is for the American people to remember that the Tea Party knows what’s best for them. And we’re willing to crash the economy to prove it,” Huelskamp adds. “That’s how much we love this country.”

Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author

(continued from page four)

to have health care there would be something about it in the Bible and there’s nothing. So not only does Obamacare conflict with the teaching of our Founding Fathers, but also of our Founding Father.” “Oh, that’s a good one,” said Cruz. “I hope you don’t mind if I steal that for my next news conference?” “No, I’d be honored,” said Huelskamp.

All the Republicans dip their glasses into the large bowl of koolaid and continue their celebration. “But I’m still confused,” said the reporter as he confronted Huelskamp. “The debt ceiling has been raised, the shutdown is over, Republicans are less popular than they’ve ever been in history and you didn’t end funding for Obamacare. Where’s the victory?”

(continued from page four)

Greenberg writes: “Their party is losing to a Democratic Party of big government whose goal is to expand programs that mainly benefit minorities.” It does not register with these Republicans that Obamacare, which facilitates more widespread access to privatized insurance, is nowhere as socialistic as Medicare and Social Security. It seems that some believe that Obamacare is socialistic because they fear it will chiefly benefit the welfare queens of Republican lore, while Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries include millions of deserving people just like them - the disproportionately elderly and white Republican Party’s members. It should not have been surprising, then, that demonstrators waved

Confederate flags at the tea party demonstration Sunday on the Mall while demanding that congressional Republicans not succumb to the pressure to compromise and that the Obama administration open the Mall’s monuments, the World War II memorial in particular. The tea party’s theory of government and the fear and loathing that many adherents harbor toward minorities find a truer expression in the Confederate flag than in the Stars and Stripes. It’s not clear whether those waving the Confederate flag on Sunday favored opening the Lincoln Memorial. I suspect, however, that the Republican enshrined there wouldn’t have favored them. Harold Meyerson is a political and domestic affairs columnist for the Washington Post

(continued from page five)

(Actually, what’s overwhelming is the 70 percent of Americans who think Republicans put politics ahead of the country in the shutdown.) Cruz left the reporters after a few minutes, but when he noticed the TV lights and microphones outside the Senate chamber, he stopped and reversed himself. After repeating his statement for the cameras, he took a question from CNN’s Bash, who pointed out that there has been

“a lot of bruising political warfare internally, and you’ve got nothing for it.” “I disagree with the premise,” Cruz informed her. He said the House vote to defund Obamacare, rejected by the Senate, was “a remarkable victory.” It was a revealing statement: For Cruz, the victory is not the achievement but the fight. Dana Milbank is a Washington Post staff writer and author

Court But the gap between rich then and rich now becomes even greater when you take taxes into effect. In 1972, taxpayers averaging $1.48 million in today’s dollars paid 40.7 percent of their total incomes in federal income tax. In 2012, note Tax Policy Center estimates, taxpayers in the top 0.1 percent paid federal income taxes at about half that rate. The bottom line: America’s really rich in 2012 had over six times more after-tax dollars in

Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page five)

their pockets, after inflation, than their counterparts in 1972. We shouldn’t fear a wave of Watergate corruption. If the Supreme Court ends all limits on the campaign cash the super rich can throw at their candidates, American politics faces dangers far more troubling than anything Richard Nixon ever imposed upon us. Sam Pizzigati is an Institute for Policy Studies associate fellow and a co-author of the new report ‘Fix the Debt’ CEOs Enjoy TaxpayerSubsidized Pay.”

Tactics Talk with your child about the specifics of the situation and ask: •Who is doing the bullying? •What happened? •Was it verbal? •Was it physical? •Was it cyberbullying? (meet directly with the principal if this is the case) •What days and times were you bullied? Also find out how your child responded and if other children or adults might have observed the bullying. Keep a written record of this information. Practice possible ways for your child to respond to bullying. There are helpful hints on the internet. Tell a school staff (teacher, principal, other staff). •Discuss what is hap-

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, October 17, 2013

(continued from page three)

pening to your child using information that they have shared already •Ask what can be done so your child feels safe at school •Mention your work with your child regarding the situation •Mention how the situation is impacting your child •Does not want to come to school or is fearful he or she will be hurt •Complains of stomach aches, headaches, etc. •Has other new behavior as a result of bullying Keep a written record of what happened at this meeting. School Policy Ask if the school has a written policy on bullying and harassment. If so, ask for a written copy. Ask what the school can do to keep your child

safe at school, on the school bus, etc. Kids need to know ways to safely stand up to bullying and how to get help. Urge them to help kids who are bullied by showing kindness or getting help. The best thing that you can do is to keep the lines of communication open. Sometimes spending 15 minutes a day talking can reassure kids that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem. There are no right or wrong answers, but encourage your kids to be completely honest. Many kids will not want you to “do” something about the bullying if they are a victim. They believe it will get worse, and it might. But standing up for what is right is never wrong.

October

872-2090 No charge for community events

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Monday

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Tuesday

Wednesday

22 SCMS Quiz Bowl @ Tribune, 4:00 p.m.

SCMS start wrestling and girls basketball practice SCHS JV FB vs. Hoisington, 5:30 p.m.

Attend the church of your choice.

Turner Sheet Metal

City Council meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday

Red Ribbon Week

Pack 66 Troop 146, 5:00 p.m.

SCHS FFA Horse Judge @ SCHS Latino Leadership GCCC Parent Teacher Conferences, evening SCMS Site Council meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Christian Writers Critique Group of Scott City @ Shallow Water 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Community Soup Supper @ First United Methodist Church, 5:30 p.m. Friends of Lake Scott @ the Beach House, 6:00 p.m.

COED VB

Friday

HS Scholar Bowl

25 Fall Festival

BINGO

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

Saturday

Parent Teacher Conferences, a.m. No School SCHS Debate @ Garden City SCHS FB @ TMP Marian, 7:00 p.m. (Circus Night)

HS ACT @ SCHS, 8:00 a.m. SCHS Debate @ Garden City SCHS Sub-State VB @ Colby SCHS Regional XCountry @ McPherson

Haunted House @ old hospital, 3:00-5:00 p.m. (0-10 yrs.) 6:00 p.m.-? (11 yrs.-up) Moonshiners @ VIP Center, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

FUMC Cruise In and BBQ, noon

HS State VB

Haunted House @ old hospital, 3:00-5:00 p.m. (0-10 yrs.) 6:00 p.m.-? (11 yrs.-up)

2 HS State XCountry

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The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, October 17, 2013

Scott Foundation awards $30,000 in grants The Scott Community Foundation has awarded $30,000 in grants to local organizations. Since 2000, the Scott Community Foundation and its donors have invested more than $500,000 to help local nonprofit organizations and community groups. “Grant making is one of the most visible activities that the Scott Community Foundation undertakes and it is at the heart and soul of the Foundation,” says SCF Director Ryan Roberts. “The Scott Community Foundation thanks the community for their generous support that enables these grants to be given year after year.” Anyone interested in funding a specific project or creating a fund to support local, non-profit organizations can contact the Foundation for more information, says Alli Conine, SCF development manager. Recipients include: $5,000: Scott County Emergency Medical Services With a shortage of EMTs in the county, and an EMT class costing $775.50, the grant will be used to assist students. Scott County EMS has two full-time employees and 24 volunteers on the roster. By using volunteers the Scott County EMS is able to keep the staffing costs down for Scott County. The success of the EMT course will be based on an increased number of volunteer EMT attendants for Scott County EMS. $2,500: Scott County Library Funding will be used to purchase three laptop computers for the new Teen Tech Café. This area will be set-up with a bistro table and chairs.

Staff members at Scott Community High School will share $8,550 in grant funding. (Front row, from left) Shairlyn Wasinger, Carolyn Hunter and SCF board member Lori Krause. (Back row) SCF development manager Alli Conine, Scott Holt and Karen Pounds.

SCF board member Lori Krause (center) presents a check to full-time EMS staff members Larry Turpin and Brenda Birney.

Funds will also be used to purchase a Flip Pal scanner. This would allow the library to scan large books and delicate documents for the purpose of printing images. $850: Scott County VIP Center Funding will be used to purchase a new fire alarm system for the Center. The system will be connected to the Kansas City VIP Center and be monitored 24/7. $3,000: Scott Community Veteran’s Memorial Funding will be used to help purchase an information kiosk. The kiosk will be a database detailing the military service of veterans who are connected to the Scott Community. $3,000: Scott Community High School digital media production Funding will be used

to purchase equipment for this state-of-the-art classroom. Production classes are being instructed by Scott Holt. The class will also benefit the community so that people unable to attend SCHS activities can watch them online. $2,500: Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center Funding will be used to help bring Cory Jewell Jensen, M.S., to Scott City to train professionals so that they are capable of teaching parents, guardians, teachers and all adults who have oversight of children, how to keep children safe from sexual offenders. The training is called Protecting Our Children “Advice from Child Molesters.” $3,500: Walking Trail Project

FUMC's Pumpkin Patch Cruise-In and BBQ Feed

Sun., Oct. 27 • 11:30-1:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church

412 College St., Scott City

No prizes, No fees,

Bring a car or come and see all the cars. Enjoy some fun, food and fellowship.

Free-will donation for food

Funding will be used to purchase recycled rubber to fill the playground area at Palmer Park. Recycled rubber provides a soft surface to help keep children safe on the playground. The Scott Community Walking Trail Project is near completion. This phase consisted of building an eight-foot wide, 2,609-foot paved concrete sidewalk around a lightly wooded and recreational area in Palmer Park for walking, running, biking or other pedestrian activities. $750: SCHS Survivor Health Fair The health fair is an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to learn about health issues that directly affect them. Students can get their blood chemistry profile done at a minimal cost, blood pressure checked, free fluoride treatment, and chiropractic screening just to name a few. $1,200: K-State Extension in Scott County Funding will be used to help purchase a new laptop for the Fair Management System. This would allow the Extension office and the fair board to work in tandem.

The laptop would help the livestock shows and sale to run smoother and faster. $1,800: SCHS debate/ forensics Funding will be used to help purchase iPads to be used in research and competition. Using iPads, students can organize, file and store all of their materials needed for competition, as well as, the ability to retrieve information without the use of the internet. $3,000: SCHS family and consumer sciences department Funding will be used to purchase new computerized babies for Carolyn Hunter’s parenting course. It simulates what it could be like caring for a baby. A computer randomly will decide whether the baby is crying, hungry, needs a diaper change, is fussy or just needs to be rocked. A computer printout shows any neglect, abuse, care that was given and crying time. This teaches students the challenges of raising a child and becoming a parent. $400: Scott County Historical Society Funding will be used to help purchase a Native

American male mannequin for display in the early Native American exhibit at the El Quartelejo Museum. The mannequin is needed specifically for displaying a handmade buckskin costume made and worn in the 1961 pageant at Battle Canyon. $2,500: Jerry Thomas Gallery and El Quartelejo Museum Funding will be used to help with the cost of the Battle Canyon Symposium held Sept. 27-28. $4,290: Spencer Flight and Education Center This funding was provided from Kelly and Mitzi Hoeme. Funding will be used for the youth Aviation Day Camp to be held in the late spring/early summer of 2014. The camp will also invite a special guest from the aviation industry to share his or her experiences regarding flight and the potential for careers. $1,532: Scott City Elementary School Funding from Kelly and Mitzi Hoeme will be used to purchase four Apple iPad minis for student use.

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The Scott County Record

Community Columbus Day ship building

Page 9 - Thursday, October 17, 2013

FFA News

Scott City 1st in par-law; qualify for state contest The Scott City FFA Chapter traveled to the Greenhand leadership conference at Garden City Community College on Oct. 9. The Greenhands participated in workshops to learn about FFA. Trace Mulligan and Nancy Wiebe participated in the creed speaking competition, with Trace placing fourth and Nancy was ninth. The officer team consisting of Aubrey Davis, Macy Davis, Abe Wiebe, Asher Huck, Austin Beaver and Cooper Griffith participated in the par-law competition placing first overall and qualifying for state competition. Austin Beaver was voted Master Ritual Secretary. In the par-law tests M. Davis finished first; A. Davis, fourth; Griffith, fifth; and Huck was ninth. Cooper Griffith, reporter

School Calendar Fri., Oct. 18: End of the first nine weeks; sophomores order class rings; SCHS football vs Hoisington (T), 7:00 p.m. Sat., Oct. 19: SCHS invitational debate tournament, 8:00 a.m.; SCHS in GWAC volleyball at Colby, 10:00 a.m.; GWAC cross-country meet in Scott City, 11:00 a.m. Mon., Oct. 21: FFA Chapter fruit sales begin; SCHS in marching band contest at Ft. Hays State University; wrestling practices and girl’s basketball practices begin for SCMS athletes; SCHS JV football vs Hoisington, 5:30 p.m. Tues., Oct. 22: SCMS in quiz bowl at Tribune, 4:00 p.m. Wed., Oct. 23: FFA horse judging at Garden City Community College; SCMS site council meeting, 5:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 24: Parent/teacher conferences, 6:00 p.m. Fri., Oct. 25: Parent-teacher conferences in the morning; SCHS debate at Garden City; SCHS football vs Hays-TMP (T), 7:00 p.m. Sat., Oct. 26: ACT testing at SCHS, 8:00 a.m.; SCHS debate at Garden City; SCHS in regional cross-country at McPherson; SCHS volleyball in sub-state tournament at Colby. Mon., Oct. 28: Tickets go on sale for SCHS musical, “Anne of Green Gables.”

Adding some creative touches to their ship during the annual

ship building day at

Scott City Elementary School are (above)

Hailee Amerine and her father, Chad. (Right)

Bryce Byler gets

ready to discover

how seaworthy his ship is.

(Record

Photos)

Duff in royal court at Sterling

Shiloh Duff, Scott City, has been named to the Homecoming court at Sterling College. Coronation ceremonies will take place Sat., Oct. 19 at halftime of the football game against Ottawa University. Candidates are selected by fellow classmates. They must have at least a 2.5 GPA, be in good standing with the college and be a senior or a junior who plans to graduate in the spring. A theatre major, Duff has been in many theatrical productions, including the roles of Jesus in “Godspell” and Elwood P. Dowd in “Harvey.” Duff has also been involved in student-led films. He is the son of Richard and Susan Duff.

USD 466 Lunch Menu Week of October 21-25 Breakfast Monday: Whole grain cereal, sausage patty, rosy applesauce, juice. Tuesday: Biscuits and gravy, fresh apple, juice. Wednesday: Granola bars, sliced peaches, juice. Thursday: Biscuit, ham patties, fresh oranges, juice. Friday: No school. Lunch Monday: Salisbury steak, *chicken fried steak, potatoes and brown gravy, green peas, dinner roll, peach crisp and whip. Tuesday: Pigs in a blanket, *spicy chicken patties, seasoned potato wedges, broccoli and cheese, pears, cookie. Wednesday: Bierocks, *corndogs, tri-tator, corn, cole slaw, mandarin oranges. Thursday: Popcorn chicken, *tuna sandwich, baked beans, tater tots, dinner roll, gelatin and fruit. Friday: No school. *Second choice for SCMS and SCHS

Friday, October 25 • 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (0-10 years old) 6:00 p.m. - ? (11 years and up)

Saturday, October 26 • 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (0-10 years old) 6:00 p.m. - ? (11 years and up)

at the

Old Hospital Building

$ 3 $5 310 E. 3rd St., Scott City

(Please enter through the emergency room doors) Concessions served (if you dare)

11 years and older

10 years and younger

Get your tickets from an SMCS Cheerleader today! Pre-sold tickets are put into a drawing for a chance to win a prize! Tickets also available at the gate (Emergency Room doors of old hospital building)

Sponsored by the SCMS Cheerleaders

The Scott County Record

For the Record

Scott City Council Agenda Mon., October 21 • 7:30 p.m. City Hall • 221 W. 5th •Call to Order •Approve minutes of Oct. 7 regular meeting •Approve temporary notes for street improvements •Approval of Ordinance No. 1147, a zoning change from agricultural district to industrial district for a 3-acre tract in Section 18, T18S-R32W •Scott Development Committee update 1) Report on housing grant •Mayor’s appointment to 1/2% sales tax committee •League of Kansas Municipalities regional supper at Holcomb on Oct. 29 •Open agenda: audience is invited to voice ideas or concerns. A time limit may be requested Pool Department 1) Year-end report 2) Pool report 3) Approval of slide proposal 4) Removal of slides 5) Discussion of security cameras Police Department 1) Misc. business Parks Department 1) Misc. business Public Works Department 1) Water tower inspection report Clerk’s Department 1) Christmas party on Dec. 8 •Financial and investment reports •Mayor’s comments

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., Oct. 17, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 31, 2013)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAM MAYER, deceased, Case No. 2012-PR-21 NOTICE OF HEARING THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are hereby notified that a Petition has been filed in this Court by Richard L. Mayer, duly appointed, qualified and acting executor of the Estate of Charles William Mayer, deceased, praying that her acts be approved; that the Will be construed and the Estate be assigned to the persons entitled thereto; that fees and expenses be allowed; that the costs

be determined and ordered paid; that the administration of the Estate be closed; that the Executor be discharged and that she be released from further liability. You are required to file your written defenses thereto on or before the 14th day of November, 2013, at 11:30 o’clock a.m., of said day, in said Court, in the City of Scott City, in Scott County, Kansas, at which time and place said cause will be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition. Richard L. Mayer WALLACE, BRANTLEY & SHIRLEY 325 Main - P. O. Box 605 Scott City, Kansas 67871 (620)872-2161 Attorneys for Petitioner

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 17, 2013)2t APPLICATION FOR ZONING VARIANCE Notice is hereby given that the Scott City Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on October 28, 2013, at 7:00 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: Application for variance by Owen Unruh to allow curb cuts wider and a rear yard fence taller than allowed by ordinance on: Lot Nine (9), Block Eighteen (18), Webster’s 2nd Addition to the City of Scott City, Scott County Kansas (1209 W. 9th). All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at such hearing. Dated: October 8, 2013 /s/Rodney Hogg, Chairman Scott City Planning Commission

Public Notice (First published in the Scott County Record, Thurs., Oct. 3, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 17, 2013)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NADINE MARIE GIES a/k/a NEVA NADINE GIES, deceased, Case No. 2013-PR-20 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are hereby notified that on September 24, 2013, a Petition for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary was filed in this court by Kathleen Hoeme and Elizabeth Hess, heirs, devisees, legatees, and Co-

Executors named in the Last Will and Testament of Nadine Marie Gies, deceased. All creditors of the above named decedent are notified to exhibit their demands against the Estate within four months from the date of the first publication of this notice, as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred. Kathleen Hoeme Elizabeth Hess WALLACE, BRANTLEY & SHIRLEY 325 Main - P.O. Box 605 Scott City, Kansas 67871 Attorney for Petitioner

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott Co. Sheriff’s Dept. Oct. 10: An injury accident occurred when Alec Malchow failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a vehicle driven by Paul Smull. A passenger in the Malchow vehicle was injured. Oct. 10: Alec Malchow was arrested for DUI, failure to stop at an accident that resulted in great bodily harm and consumption of liquor by a minor. He was transported to the LEC.

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record, Thurs., Oct. 10, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 24, 2013.)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NEVA MERLE GRUVER, deceased Case No. 2013-PR-07 NOTICE OF HEARING THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are hereby notified that a Petition has been filed in this Court by Gene William Gruver, duly appointed, qualified and acting executor of the Estate of Neva Merle Gruver, deceased, praying that his acts be approved; that the Will be construed and the Estate be assigned to the persons entitled thereto; that fees and expenses be allowed; that the costs

be determined and ordered paid; that the administration of the Estate be closed; that the Executor be discharged and that he be released from further liability. You are required to file your written defenses thereto on or before the 6th day of November, 2013, at 10:30 o’clock a.m., of said day, in said Court, in the City of Scott City, in Scott County, Kansas, at which time and place said cause will be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition. Gene William Gruver, Executor WALLACE, BRANTLEY & SHIRLEY 325 Main - P. O. Box 605 Scott City, Kansas 67871 (620) 872-2161 Attorneys for Petitioner

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., Oct. 17, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 31, 2013)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS PROBATE DIVISION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOYDE A. GERBER, deceased Case No. 2012-PR-6 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in said Court by Irene E. Huck and Chad R. Gerber, Co-Executors of the Estate of Loyde A. Gerber, deceased, praying for a final settlement of the Estate, approval of their acts and proceedings as Co-Executors, determination of the heirs, devisees and legatees en-

titled to the Estate and assignment to them in accordance with the Last Will and Testament of Loyde A. Gerber, deceased. YOU ARE HEREBY REQUIRED to file your written defenses thereto on or before November 14, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., on said day, in said Court, in the City of Scott City, in Scott County, Kansas, at which time and place said cause will be heard. Should you fail therein, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon said Petition. IRENE E. HUCK AND CHAD R. GERBER, Petitioners MICHAEL C. DOERING DOERING & GRISELL, P.A. 124 Grant Avenue Garden City, Ks. 67846-5411 Telephone (620) 275-8084 miked@gcnet.com

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 24, 2013)t3 BEFORE THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS NOTICE OF FILING APPLICATION RE: Wilton Petroleum, Inc. - Application for a permit to authorize the enhanced disposal of saltwater into the Scott No. 1 Lease, located in Scott County, Kansas. TO: All Oil and Gas Producers, Unleased Mineral Interest Owners, Landowners, and all persons whomever concerned. You, and each of you, are hereby notified that Wilton Petroleum, Inc. has filed an application to commence the disposal of saltwater into the Cedar Hills formation at the Scott No. 1 Lease, located in the NW NW SW, 36-17S31W, 2310 feet from South Section Line, 4950 feet from East Section Line, all within the SW/4 of 36-17S-31W,

Scott County, Kansas, with a maximum operating pressure of 100 pslg and a maximum injection rate of 3,000 bbls per day. Any persons who object to or protest this application shall be required to file their objections or protest with the Conservation Division of the State Corporation Commission of the State of Kansas within thirty (30) days from the date of this publication. These protests shall be filed pursuant to Commission regulations and must state specific reasons why granting the application may cause waste, violate correlative rights or pollute the natural resources of the State of Kansas. All persons interested or concerned shall take notice of the foregoing and shall govern themselves accordingly. Wilton Petroleum, Inc. Bernard Rundstrom, V.P. PO Box 391 Canton, Kansas 67428

The Scott County Record Page 10 • Thursday, October 17, 2013

Rebuilt I-70 lanes reopen in Western Ks.

Earlier this week, state officials cut the ribbon to officially open reconstructed I-70 in far Western Kansas. The event at the eastbound Travel Information Center west of Goodland marked the completion of the three-year project to rebuild both east and westbound lanes of I-70 from the Colorado border to a point 12 miles into Kansas. Koss Construction Co., of Topeka was the prime contractor for the $48 million project.

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record, Thurs., Oct. 3, 2013; last published Thurs., Oct. 17, 2013)3t 2012 DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX UNCOLLECTED TAX WARRANTS FROM SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF OCTOBER 1, 2013 Warrant Name 35 Marc Kessler

Address 11540 S. Navajo Road Scott City, Ks. 67871

Daniel Lewis

PO Box 1693 Fairplay, Colo. 80440

16.85

Joseph E. Maine

101 N. Venison Road Scott City, Ks. 67871

69.73

Kenneth/Donita Moore

22 W. 56th St., Suite 107 Kearney, Nebr. 68847 394.12

Mary Alice Moore

1106 Glenn Street Scott City, Ks. 67871

245.84

Allen Morse

2040 E. Road 200 Scott City, Ks. 67871

16.85

Kurt Norman

PO Box 421 Scott City, Ks. 67871

338.63

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