The Scott County Record

Page 1

Steele Home decorated to bring back memories of Christmas past Page 21

28 Pages • Four Sections

Volume 22 • Number 20

(See COMPLEX on page two)

Published in Scott City, Ks.

$1 single copy

it’s over

USD looks at long-range upgrades to complex The Scott County school district is in the process of developing a “vision” for the high school sports complex. How detailed that vision should be was the subject of extensive debate during the last board of education meeting. With an offer from the Scott Community Foundation to assist with fundraising efforts to upgrade facilities at the football/track/tennis complex, the district has begun developing a preliminary plan for what those improvements should include. Broken into three phases, the proposal would include: Phase 1: new concession stand, restroom facilities and permanent space for the Scott City Booster Club to sell its merchandise. A building that would include space for all three would be located south of the grandstand, in the southwest corner of the complex. Phase 2: Additional bleachers to the north and south of the home grandstand. Each section would provide seating for about 180. Phase 3: A new parking lot in the northwest corner of the complex. At this time, Supt. Jamie Rumford said the preliminary plans are a “vision.” More details are to be worked out by a committee of community members and administrators which will eventually go back to the board for approval. “As we see the funding become available for different phases then we can get more specific with plans,” said Rumford. Board member Lynnette Robinson felt the community would need to see something more specific, including costs, “so they will know what they’re donating to.” “If we say the concession stand will be phase one, then we can get into more detail,” said Board President Mark Davis. “After phase one is ready to happen, then we can get more specific with phase two.” A new concession stand area that includes restrooms was wholeheartedly endorsed by the board. “If you attach restrooms to the project people will donate to that,” said Robinson. “We desperately need to do something.” Rumford said the complex vision is “strictly about improving the experience of attending the games.” Robinson, however, was concerned there is no provision in the plan to address upgrades to the tennis courts. She was further bothered that a proposed parking lot would prevent the construction of additional courts to the west of the current courts.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Bingo players who rarely missed the Thursday night games in Scott City were (from left) Wanda Pinkston, Maxine Carlson, Al Cook and Donna Miller. (Record Photo)

Final bingo brings memories, festive atmosphere and sadness When Susan Hull heard that bingo was going to come to an end at the St. Joseph Parish Center, she gathered up several family members for one final night. Susan hasn’t been a bingo regular for years, but her mother, Doris Reed, was an avid player who rarely missed the Thursday night games in Scott City, along with weekly games in Dighton and Garden City. It wasn’t uncommon for Reed and her friends to hit one of the bingo games in Garden City on a Sunday afternoon and then make the trip to Dighton for more bingo on Sunday evening. It was while returning from a day of bingo in Garden City just over two years ago that Doris and a friend were killed in a two-vehicle accident. “As a tribute to Mom, we thought it would be neat to play one final night of bingo,” says Susan, who was joined by her husband, Brad, her daughters, Stephanie Bailey and Andrea Rodriguez, and grandchildren. But the evening turned into something even more special. The final game of the night was a blackout with a $750 grand prize - the biggest jackpot of the night. Normally, there would have been a 59 number limit with the jackpot carried over to the next week if there wasn’t a winner. But since this was the final night for bingo, the game was going to continue until the prize was claimed. There was no winner after

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

Third grade contest collects money for Breadbasket Page 9

the 59th and 60th numbers had been called. “I looked at Mom’s card and saw she only needed a couple more numbers. I thought it would be so awesome if she could win,” says Stephanie. That’s when B12 flashed on the overhead bingo board, filling one of the spots on Susan’s card. “Stephanie said I was going to win it, that grandma was here with us,” recalls Susan. She watched in amazement as O69 was the next number announced. “I just knew someone else was going to yell bingo, so I waited a few seconds and then I hollered bingo. Then Stephanie and I started crying,” Susan says. “I’d never won a jackpot before. That made it a pretty special night.” That set off a celebration from the packed parish hall. “Everybody was cheering and clapping. There were even some people crying,” says Stephanie. “People knew we were there for Doris. I’m convinced that she was with us.” Bingo night brought back a lot of memories for Susan who used to play fairly regularly with her mother. The granddaughters would also join her on bingo night when they didn’t have school the next day. “This was Mom’s social time. If you were going to have a birthday party or other event you had to plan around bingo nights,” notes Susan. “She and her friends loved to carpool to

Long-time bingo organizer Melvin Lickteig keeps track of the money coming in so he can determine cash payouts during the night. (Record Photo)

bingo in other towns. The bingo crowd was their extended family. “It’s sad to see it come to an end.” That same sentiment was shared by Laurie Hill who moved to Scott City about eight years ago and has been a bingo regular for the last seven.

“I liked to win, of course, but I like the social side of it, too. When you’re around nice people like Mel (Lickteig) and all the players, it’s a good time,” says Hill. She was a $50 winner on Thursday night. Hill says her biggest prize came when she

406 Main, St. Scott City • 620-872-2090 www.scottcountyrecord.com Opinion • Pages 4-6 Calendar • Page 7 LEC report • Page 10 Deaths • Page 12 Church services • Page 13

Sports • Pages 15-20 Farm section • Pages 22-23 Classified ads • Pages 25-27 Don’t Drink/Drive • Page 28

SC matmen collect 3 golds at Abilene Invitational Page 15

(See BINGO on page eight)


Complex “This is something that was talked about at the time the fieldhouse was built. There were even drawings,” Robinson said. “Are we addressing this?” Rumford said additional courts, and upgrades to the current facility, isn’t included in this proposal. “Then this isn’t an encompassing plan,” noted Robinson. Rumford said preliminary plans call for the addition of bleachers at the tennis courts to “improve the experience of attending tennis matches.” “Why not make tennis a phase? Then we could accept donations from people who support the tennis program,” Robinson said.

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

(continued from page one)

“This would be the best of both worlds. The public needs to know these plans include improvements to the tennis courts.” She said the tennis program has been neglected over the years and the facilities aren’t adequate. In addition to poor fencing around the courts, there is no lighting or restrooms. “Am I the only one who sees the need to improve the tennis situation?” she asked the other board members. Board member Leann Wiechman didn’t feel the board needed to make an immediate decision about the tennis courts. Robinson, however, felt they

Tag deadline is Dec. 31

Persons whose last name begins with the letters U, X, Y or Z are reminded that license tags must be purchased by Wed.., Dec. 31, to avoid a penalty. Tags are due for autos, light trucks, motorcycles and motorized bikes. License tags can be purchased at the county treasurer’s office.

Holiday hours at Post Office

The Scott City Post Office will observe shorter hours at its service window on New Year’s Eve. The customer desk will be open from 8:30 to noon. There will be normal mail delivery on Wednesday. The Post Office will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Courthouse closed Friday

The Scott County Courthouse will be closed on Fri., Dec. 26, and on New Year’s Day.

Early copy deadline

needed to be included in future plans regarding the complex. “Why are we talking about a parking lot when we need more tennis courts for a program that’s growing?” wondered Robinson. “I would like our vision to include tennis.” “We can’t with this vision,” replied Rumford. There was some discussion about whether the tennis courts would remain in their current location for the long-term, or possibly become a larger facility at Scott City Middle School, or be rebuilt east of the football practice fields.

“I don’t think the public will be happy if tennis is moved to the woodchuck,” said board member Eric Erven, referring to the tree row east of the practice fields. Board member Chris Price agreed the tennis courts need to be improved. “I’m not the only person who will wonder what happened to the idea of expanding the tennis courts,” Robinson said. “It needs to be discussed.” She asked if a parking lot west of the courts was a higher priority than improving the tennis facility. Rumford said the parking lot was something the district’s administrative team

agreed upon. He added that if improvements are made to the tennis courts they would be financed through the district’s capital outlay fund. The parking lot could be paid for through the Foundation’s fundraising efforts. Rumford said there are also plans to address structural issues with the grandstand. Tentative plans are to get preliminary costs for a concession stand/restroom/Booster Club facility in January. “We can revisit the tennis situation and decide whether we want to change the location or leave it where it is,” added Davis.

Leoti man killed when pickup flips

A 51-year-old Leoti man was killed on Saturday night, Dec. 20, when his vehicle flipped while driving on K96 Highway. A n d r e w Depperschmidt was driving west approximately 1.7 miles east of Tribune in a 1993 Chevrolet 3500 pickup when the accident occurred about 10:24 p.m., according to a report by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Depperschmidt is believed to have overcorrected after his vehicle left the road. The vehicle flipped and landed on its top, the report states. Depperschmidt, who was not wearing a seat belt, died in the crash.

Because of the New Year’s holiday, deadline for all advertising and news copy for next week’s Scott County Record is noon on Monday.

What’s for Lunch in Scott City? Sun. - Sat., Dec. 28-Jan. 3

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 -10:00 p.m.

What’s for Supper?

Wed. • French dip sandwich with chips. Thurs. • Closed. Happy New Year’s Fri. • Tijuana tostada.

102 Main St. • 872-5055

1211 Main • 872-3215

5Buck Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tues. • Open faced prime rib sandwich with french fries.

The Broiler

• Chili Cheese Dog • Bacon Cheeseburger • 3 Piece Chicken Strips

Includes Fries, 21 oz. Drink and Small Sundae

1304 S. Main • 872-5301

6

$

49

Buffet

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

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

Sat. • Prime rib

Breakfast specials every night.


The Scott County Record

Community Living

Page 3 - Thursday, December 25, 2014

Make financial management your goal for ‘15 Are you becoming stressed over your finances or the lack of? Does this time of the year make you want to re-evaluate what you spend your money on? Would you like to improve your personal finances? best describes you current If you answered yes financial management to any of the above ques- practices: tions, maybe you should 5 - always take this quick financial 4 - usually fitness quiz and use the 3 - sometimes New Year to get your per2 - seldom sonal finances into shape. 1 - never Choose the score that When you’re done, add

up your scores for each of the 20 questions below. The summary at the end of the quiz tells how you’re doing.

Financial Management: ____ 1. I have a bank checking account (or credit union share draft account) with which to pay bills (write “5” for “yes” and “1” for “no” for this question). ____ 2. I have enough money each month to pay my rent/mortgage and oth-

er household expenses? ____ 3. I have enough money to pay for an emergency, such as a large car repair? ____ 4. I have written financial goals with a date and dollar cost (e.g., $10,000 for a car in 2015). ____ 5. I have a written a plan (budget) for spending and/or saving my money. ____ 6. I keep organized financial records and can find important documents easily.

____ 7. I know my federal marginal tax bracket (e.g., 15%) ____ 8. I calculate my net worth (assets minus debts) annually.

sible account (e.g., money market mutual fund). ____ 11. I increase my savings when I receive a salary increase. ____ 12. I have a personal investment account for retirement (e.g., 401(k), 403 (k), IRA) other than a pension funded by my employer (write “5” for “yes” and “1” for “no” for this question). ____ 13. I have money spread across more than one type of investment

Savings/Investing: ____ 9. I save regularly for long-term goals, such as education for my children, a house, or retirement. ____ 10. I have at least three month’ expenses set aside in a readily acces- (See FINANCIAL on page 7)

Entertaining ideas to bring in the new year Picture a great New Year’s Eve party at your home with all your friends: Sparkling decorations and candles all about. With a few money-saving tricks up your sleeve, you can host a great New Year’s party on a budget without sacrificing any of the fun. 1) Make it a Bring Your Own Appetizer event. There are a number of cheap and easy appetizers that your guests can bring. If someone claims that’s too difficult, ask them to bring a container or two of mixed nuts - you can provide the bowl. 2) Serve Champagne Sangria for toasting. This is an easy and delicious way to cut down on champagne costs. Follow the instructions below: Ingredients: One 32-ounce bottle of apple juice

One 12-ounce can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate One cup of orange juice One-and-a-half liters of champagne (or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version) Directions: Keep items chilled (or frozen) until use. Combine the apple juice, cranberry juice concentrate, and orange juice in a large bowl. Stir well. Add sliced oranges, kiwi slices, and any other fruit you like. Slowly add the champagne or ginger ale at the last minute to keep it bubbly. This recipe serves 12. 3) Have a midnight supper. After the midnight toast, close the bar and invite everyone to take part in a midnight supper. A baked potato bar is easy, fun and inexpensive.

Put potatoes in the oven at 400 degrees at about 10:30 p.m. They should be done in about an hour. Set out as many toppings as you like: sour cream, bacon bits, chopped scallions, salsa, shredded cheese, jalapenos, chives, steamed broccoli, butter, mushrooms, chili, and anything else you’d like. For dessert, serve chocolate cake from a mix with white icing and colored sprinkles. Serve with ice cream and a little hot fudge sauce. This menu will cost about $2 per person, which is very reasonable for a hearty supper. 4) Timing Is Everything Since you want to keep the party hopping until (and perhaps well past) the midnight hour, consider starting around 10 p.m. But if you prefer to start much earlier, have

the potato bar ready at around 10 p.m. so guests don’t go hungry. If your group wants to spend 5-6 hours together, plan on having a full-scale potluck early in the evening. You can skip the appetizers in this case, but still prepare your midnight supper. 5) Ask guests to write predictions for the new year. Have your guests sign their predictions and place them into a bowl or a box. Then, during supper, take turns reading the predictions while everyone guesses who wrote them. 6) Hang handmade paper snowflakes from the ceiling. White printer paper snowflakes in varying sizes, plain or accented with silver or clear glitter, can be hung from different lengths of thread or ribbon for a festive effect.

7) Hang lengths of curled ribbon for an iconic New Year’s Eve Curling ribbon is very easy, but it looks great everywhere. Try to find the wider variety, about a half-inch thick. You can hang it from light fixtures, doorways, lamps, mantels, even on the bathroom mir-

ror. Scatter a few curls between dishes on your midnight buffet as well. 8) Set out all the candles you own Set out every candle you can find in your house, and consider buying a cheap bag of votives, which can be put into glasses, canning jars, or even apples.


The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, December 25, 2014

editorially speaking

Moving forward:

We need to explore other options for Alco building

The closing of the Alco store in Scott City is unfortunate for the many people employed there and because it will soon leave us with a huge, unoccupied building along a major highway. Quite honestly, there are very few options for leasing a building of this size. If another retail opportunity doesn’t present itself in the near future, perhaps the city can look in a slightly different direction. Over the years, there has been discussion about the need for a building that offers a larger meeting area than the Wm. Carpenter Bldg. at the fairgrounds. Like the Carpenter building, it could also include the capability of serving meals to large gatherings. In addition, it could be renovated with new technology for powerpoint presentations, etc. Would a large, convention-type center be feasible? It’s a question that may be worth researching. In addition, why not allocate some space for business incubators. The Scott County Development Committee could lease low-cost space for a period of 6-12 months for start-up businesses to get established and see if their venture is possible. Sometimes the cost of starting a business can be overwhelming - the insurance, rent, utility deposits, etc. - to say nothing about the lack of available space. A business incubator might be one way of overcoming some of these initial obstacles. We can’t do anything about Alco’s decision to cease its operations. We do have control in how we respond to a bad situation and try to turn a negative into a positive.

Fiscal semantics:

Brownback trying to have it both ways with KPERS

When it comes to budget cuts and state funding, Gov. Sam Brownback is playing both sides of the fiscal fence. While campaigning for re-election, Brownback liked to boast about how funding for public education has increased under his watch. In order to boost those numbers he included money that was going into KPERS, even though this is money that doesn’t make it into the Kansas classroom. The fact this money provides no direct benefit to students was a minor technicality. It didn’t fit into the narrative that Brownback was pushing. Now that the governor’s tax cut program has drained the state’s treasury and is projected to create a deficit of $280 million by June 30, 2015, Brownback has offered a number of budget cuts and money transfers that are designed to keep the state from finishing the year in the red. The governor has pledged, however, that public education won’t be affected by these cuts. Well, that’s not exactly true. One of the governor’s recommendations includes a $40 million reduction in what the state will contribute to KPERS this year. In other words, while on the campaign trail, money going into KPERS counted as money being spent on public education. Now that he’s been re-elected and is facing a budget disaster of his own creation, money taken away from KPERS doesn’t count as a reduction in public education funding. But it doesn’t end there. For years, local school districts have had a 20 mill tax levy at the local level for public education. This was money that remained local, was deposited in local banks, and then drawn upon as needed by the local school district. No more. The legislature now requires local districts to transfer that 20 mill levy to the state which, in turn, sends it back to the local districts. Only now that this money has been routed through the state treasury, the legislature can now claim it as “state funding.” It’s all part of a financial game being played by the governor and the legislature in order to make it appear the state’s role in funding public education is greater than it actually is. The hope is that the Supreme Court won’t see through their shell game when it decides sometime in 2015 whether the state is living up to its obligation in funding Kansas public schools. Brownback and his conservative colleagues in the legislature are much more concerned with perception than reality. They are trying to gloss over a $280 million budget shortfall in the short term and a projected $600 million budget gap in the next fiscal year that begins July 1. That’s the reality and no amount of fiscal fence hopping or political semantics will make that go away.

Regret the words, not the policy Reflecting on his first term in office. Gov. Sam Brownback recently said that, if he had it to do over, he would have “chosen better words at different times” to describe his policies. When a politician doesn’t use caution, said Brownback, “you go through a campaign where you’ve got to eat the words you inartfully said.” To that end, Brownback is reportedly being coached privately by a linguistics counselor in hopes of doing a better job of expressing himself without the bitter aftertaste of chewing on his own words. “It all began when I referred to my tax cut plan for the state as a real live experiment,” Brownback confided with the counselor as he was lying on a couch with a wet towel across his forehead. “I haven’t heard the end of it since.” “It’s important to choose the right words to express your true thoughts,” the counselor offered in a soothing tone.

“Let’s think back to that news conference when you called the tax plan an experiment. You could have used other words to describe the plan, right?” “Yes,” said Brownback as he drifted off. “There were other words that came to mind.” “Such as,” the counselor said in an encouraging tone. “Disaster, Armageddon. Fiscal folly. Catastrophe,” said Brownback in an near hypnotic state. “And why didn’t you use any of those?” the counselor asked. “Because I’m a politician, you fool,” Brownback said, nearly coming out of his trance-like condition. “If I’d have used any of those words to describe my tax plan people would have thought I was a big idiot.” “You mean bigger, don’t you?” said the counselor.

“I don’t get it,” said Brownback. “I was just trying to make sure we’re using the right terminology, but never mind, we’ll move on,” the counselor said. “So you’re saying that calling the tax plan an experiment was better than being honest?” “I didn’t mean to be dishonest,” Brownback said in a slow monotone. “I really thought the tax cut plan would work . . . when pigs fly or when I am elected president . . . whichever happens first.” “Is that the only time you wish that you’d chosen different words?” the counselor asked. “Of course, not. I’m a politician, remember?” said Brownback. “I also called the tax cut plan a shot of adrenaline for the economy.” “And you were serious?” asked the counselor. “I had to be serious. If not, who would believe me?” answered Brownback. “So people really believed what you were saying even though you had absolutely nothing factual

on which to base these wild-eyed claims?” the counselor asked in disbelief. “Hello, are you listening. I’m a Republican politician in Kansas,” Brownback said. “I have the support of Rush Limbaugh, the Koch brothers and the Tea Party. Wildeyed claims are our political platform.” “Fascinating,” says the counselor as he writes down some notes. “And can you give me other examples of where you could have chosen different wording?” “Well, I keep telling people that I’m doing what’s best for all Kansans,” Brownback said. “And you are saying that’s not the case?” asked the counselor. “You obviously haven’t seen my tax cut plan or looked at state revenues lately.” “So it hasn’t been good for all Kansans?” the counselor said. “There are winners and losers with every tax plan. It just so happens there are a lot of losers (See PHRASE on page six)

Policy change a nod to reality President Obama’s decision to normalize relations with Cuba is a decision to recognize reality. For 50 years, the United States has pursued a policy that has failed. The embargo hurt the Cuban people it claimed to help and bolstered the regime that it intended to undermine. The effort to isolate Cuba has been increasingly isolating the United States both in the hemisphere and across the world. And as the president concluded, “I do not believe we can keep doing the same thing for over five decades and expect a different result.” To believe that would be, as Albert Einstein taught us, the very definition of insanity. The best evidence that this change was long overdue was provided by the hysterical and incoherent

Where to Write

another view by Katrina vanden Heuvel

reactions of its opponents. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a potential presidential contender, embraced the initiative, making an indisputable comment about the embargo: “If the goal is regime change, it sure doesn’t seem to be working.” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) replied that Paul “has no idea what he’s talking about.” Rubio argued that the United States gets nothing in return for normalization: no free elections in Cuba, no free press, no democratic progress of any sort. But while we don’t know what the product of the new opening will be, we do know that the half-century of the embargo hasn’t produced free

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

elections or a free press in Cuba either. By making Cuba David against Goliath, the U.S. embargo provides the regime a rationale for its internal crackdowns while elevating its stature across the hemisphere and the developing world. Normalizing relations with Cuba enables the United States to advocate for individual liberty, without being seen as a bully trying to club a small neighbor into submission. Why, the president noted, should we continue to isolate Cuba when we normalized relations with communist Vietnam and communist China decades ago? Well, argues a Washington Post editorial that labels the president’s opening a “betrayal,” opposition movements in those countries “barely

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

existed,” while there are dissident movements in Cuba. But the logic of normalizing relations with regimes that eradicate all opposition but not with those that allow some dissent is hard to discern. Opponents suggest that China and Vietnam prove that “engagement doesn’t automatically promote freedom,” as the Post editorial put it. That is certainly true, as is the fact that 50 years of the Cuba embargo haven’t promoted freedom either. Inescapably, China, a country of more than a billion people on the other side of the world, is likely to be marginally less susceptible to the effects of engagement than a small island of 11 million 90 miles off our coast. In reality, the failed embargo is long past its due date. Cuba is already (See REALITY on page six)

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


The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Good riddance to the worst Congress ever by Dana Milbank

The 113th Congress this week went the way of the dodo - literally. The lawmakers of the 20132014 legislative session finally put themselves out of their misery but not before Harry Reid’s Senate passed one final piece of legislation: S. Res. 564, marking “the centennial of the passenger pigeon extinction.” This bipartisan legislation recalled the Sept. 1, 1914, death at the Cincinnati Zoo of Martha, the last of a population of ectopistes migratorius, once three billion-strong in North America. It hailed the work of Project Passenger Pigeon, devoted to making sure Martha did not die in vain. This commemoration of extinction was a perfect end to what was, by just about every measure, the worst Congress

ever. According to a tally by the Library of Congress, 296 bills were presented to the president by this Congress - nearly the same as the 284 presented by the previous Congress, the fewest of any Congress since the counts began in the 1940s. (The “do nothing” Congress of 1948 passed about 900.) More than 10 percent of the bills presented were about naming or renaming things and awarding medals. House Speaker John Boehner said last year that Congress should be judged not by laws passed but by “how many laws we repeal.” To calculate that, you add the ones column, the tens and the hundreds, and you get - let’s see here - zero. Here is what Congress did achieve: •The 113th Congress was responsible for the 16-day gov-

Lawmakers passed into law not a single one of the 12 annual appropriations bills this year and no budget resolution.

ernment shutdown in 2013, preceded and inspired by the “Green Eggs and Ham” filibuster by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.). The legislative term also saw the criminal indictment of one House Republican on tax-evasion charges (he was re-elected), the resignation of another after a cocaine arrest and the defeat of a third who was caught on video kissing a staffer. Perhaps that’s because they had so little work to do. A Politico count found that the Senate was in session 141 days per year on average in this Congress, and the House 147 days. •Lawmakers passed into law not a single one of the 12 annu-

al appropriations bills this year and no budget resolution. The House voted on seven of the spending bills, and the Senate didn’t vote on a single one. Instead, they passed a series of continuing resolutions that left government spending on autopilot - further squeezing domestic programs and the military while doing little to curb entitlement programs that threaten the nation’s finances. •House Republicans set a record for the number of “closed rules” - those blocking amendments - at 83, compared with a previous record of 61. Rep. Louise Slaughter (N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Rules Committee, said this blocked compromise and created “the least productive Congress in history.” In the Senate, meanwhile, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) used a legislative

maneuver to block amendments more times in his tenure than under the last five majority leaders combined, Republicans point out. Reid also detonated the “nuclear option” during this Congress, stripping decades of tradition that gave the minority the right to filibuster judicial nominations. •Congress failed to take meaningful action on immigration, the economy, the tax code and the fight against Islamic State. But the House continued to hold votes to repeal Obamacare (more than 50 since 2011) and it spent $1.5 million to form a new “select committee” on the Benghazi, Libya, terrorist attacks - even though several congressional investigations led by Republicans and Democrats alike have found no scandal in (See CONGRESS on page six)

How about a lump of coal for fossil fuels? by Emily Schwartz-Greco

Big Beer deceivers and bullies by Jim Hightower

It’s bad enough that the goliaths of Big Beer are consuming each other in a new round of mega-mergers, meaning fewer choices and higher prices for consumers - but the really bad news is that they’re also going after the one bright spot on tap in bars all across the country: Craft beers. These are not merely beers, but jewels of the brewers art – yeasty, hoppy, and malty local delights with unique, deep flavors that put the “fizzy yellow” suds of Budweiser, Miller, and Coors to shame. And, not surprisingly, while the sales of Big Beer’s fizz are declining, the craft brewers are up by 17 percent last year alone.

And the number of craft brewers has nearly doubled since 2010. The giants have noticed and are responding. By making better beer? Don’t be silly. Instead, they’re trying to co-opt the good name of local beer makers and dupe consumers by pretending that the likes of Bud and Miller are “craft” brewers, too. How? Two ways. First, they’ve created false fronts like Blue Moon Brewing Company, Tenth & Blake, and Green Valley Brewery, pretending to be upstart independents. You won’t see the name of MillerCoors, or AnheuserBusch on the labels - but those are the macro-brewers that own and make such ersatz micro-

brews as Blue Moon, Killian’s, and Shock Top. Second, the deep-pocketed beer behemoths are simply buying up small craft brewers, including Goose Island (Anheuser-Busch) and Leinenkugel (MillerCoors). Again, they’re co-opting the imagery of cool independents, but - shhhh - it’s the same old Big Beer hiding behind the small guy labels. When all else fails, the giants get thuggish, using their marketing muscle and political punch to knock the craft beers out of bars and off the shelves. But the independents are scrappy - and it’s up to us quaffers of real beer to stand (and drink) with them. Cheers! Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

The fossil-fuel divestment movement got the perfect holiday gift in 2014: tumbling stocks. Founded only two years ago by experts and students fed up with the glacial pace of climate action, this global effort is already liquidating more than $50 billion of the oil, gas, and coal assets owned both by individuals and institutions like colleges and dioceses. What’s moving that mound of money? For the most part, divestors heeded moral questions of the “how will your grandchildren survive once the seas swallow Florida” variety. But they’re also wagering that fossil fuel investments aren’t the sure bets they used to be. Eventually, as the movement’s “unburnable carbon” logic goes, governments - even our own - will realize that they can’t afford a climate crisis. Authorities will then force companies in dirty-energy businesses to keep their oil, gas, and coal underground by some combination of steep taxes and strict regulations. Once the world stops burning climatechanging carbon, dirty-energy stocks and bonds will become worthless. In other words, move your money before it’s too late. I strongly support this effort and devoted some time to help-

As of mid-December, shares in the broad oil and gas industries had tumbled about 15 percent for the year. The Dow, in contrast, inched up three percent.

ing word a personal divestment pledge a few months ago. I also became one of the first 700 individuals who have promised to rid our personally held investments of oil, gas, and coal exposure within five years and channel that money into better things, like solar power and organic food. The movement’s naysayers claim that investors will suffer without exposure to fossil fuel assets. Really? Investing your life savings in coal these days is as effective as flinging gold coins down a mine shaft. Thanks to crumbling demand and weak prices, the industry’s stocks have plummeted by 60 percent over the past five years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 63 percent over that period. Lackluster forecasts suggest that anyone investing in coal will lose even more money next year. What about swearing off oil and gas stocks? Mainstream advice counsels owning some because of the industry’s historically good performance and big dividends. Not in 2014. Investors who bet on oil and gas lost big. (See FOSSIL on page six)

Brownback is collapsing state government

New figures released last week reveal that Gov. Sam Brownback is not just shrinking Kansas government spending, he’s on his way to collapsing it because of his costly personal income tax cuts. The upshot: The Legislature might have to slash $1 billion or more - that’s billion with a “b” out of the next fiscal year’s budget starting in mid-2015. That would be approximately 15 percent or even more out of the $6 billion proposed budget. That’s a huge threat to every service Kansans expect from their government, starting with public schools and going on through roads, public universities, social services and more. While Brownback and other small-government supporters

behind the headlines by Yael Abouhalkah

such as House Speaker Ray Merrick of Johnson County go around boasting about how they want to trim the fat from Kansas government, what’s actually going to occur could be something entirely different. That’s a wholesale reduction in value of government services for Kansans. Here’s the gist of what’s happening. Just weeks ago, the Legislature’s nonpartisan research staff and others estimated Kansas would have to chop $280 million from this year’s budget and $436 million from next year’s

budget just to avoid running a deficit, which is not legal in the state. But after Brownback said how he was going to balance the budget by reducing it by $280 million, something odd and bad happened. The researchers pointed out that most of Brownback’s fixes are one-time reductions that can’t be repeated in the next fiscal year. As The Associated Press reported: “The Republican governor’s plan for preventing a deficit in the state’s main bank account relies heavily on diverting revenues from other funds to help finance general government programs. The tactic is a short-term solution that allows Brownback to lessen potential

spending cuts for now. But absent a long-term solution, the gap between anticipated revenues and spending in the next fiscal year, beginning in July, will widen, according to the projections.” How much? Instead of $436 million, next year’s spending reduction would balloon to $648 million. And that’s counting on state revenues coming in as predicted; they fell more than $300 million short of expectations in the last fiscal year. But even that $648 million figure understates the problem. As The Kansas City Star’s Brad Cooper has noted, state rules require Kansas government to have some reserves in its general revenue fund. The

state can ignore that rule. However, the bond rating agencies won’t look kindly on a state that’s as broke as Kansas is becoming to keep nothing in its bank account. So Brownback and the Legislature also may have to trim another $400 million or so in expenses in the 2015-16 fiscal year to provide reserves, truly balance the budget and keep the bond rating agencies from downgrading the state once again. That’s how the state’s budget problem becomes in excess of $1 billion, not just shrinking Kansas government but threatening to destroy it. Yael Abouhalkah is a columnist for the Kansas City Star. He can be reached at abouhalkah@kcstar.com


The Scott County Record • Page 6 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Not a good year for K-12 education in Kansas by John Schrock

Reflecting on the past year in Kansas education: •Kansas became the second state to take away tenure from K-12 teachers. Previously teachers had to work three years at a school to prove their effectiveness. During this probationary time, they could be “let go” without explanation. After tenure, they could only be dismissed for cause. Kansas teachers lost this due process in April when this action was tacked to a huge funding

bill. Sixty-three House members voted in favor of the bill - the minimum needed to pass. The Kansas Senate approved the action on a 22-16 vote where 21 votes were needed. In Kansas, conservative legislators saw tenure as the cause for incompetent teachers in the classroom. This is an effort that is spreading to other states. •Kansas K-12 teacher retirements and vacancies accelerated as teachers who held off retirement during the 2008 recession

finally left the classroom. •The numbers of new student teachers graduating from teacher education programs declined nationwide as well as in Kansas. New (initial) secondary science teaching licenses in Kansas dropped to an all-time low at less than 1/10 the 1999 levels needed to replace retiring teachers. •In response to the desperate shortage of science teachers, the Legislature passed SB430 that allows a person who has “ . . . at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following

Fossil Phrase (continued from page five)

Oil prices have slunk below $60 a barrel for the first time in more than five years, dragging stock and bond values along with them. OPEC’s Thanksgiving Day announcement that it wouldn’t cut production to shore up oil prices sent them hurtling downward. The decision gave Black Friday a new meaning for the dirty-energy business. As of mid-December, shares in the broad oil and gas industries had tumbled about 15 percent for the year. The Dow, in contrast, inched up three percent. Over the past five years, oil and gas stocks have made some gains, yet severely underperformed the rest of the stock market. What about shares in companies mostly engaged in fracking? They’ve fared way worse, sinking more than 20 percent over the past five years. With OPEC predicting that low demand may sweep oil prices to 11-year lows - somewhere in the $40-per-barrel neighborhood - don’t hold your breath waiting these stocks to rebound. Divestment foes also claim that the movement probably won’t directly hurt asset prices for fossil fuels. That’s beside the point now. The oil, gas, and coal industries are pulling the rug out from under their own assets by drilling and mining more than the market can bear. The fact is, anyone who stopped investing in the fossil fuel industries had an inherent financial advantage in 2014 over people and institutions that failed to take that step. There’s never been a better time for investors to scrub the dirty energy out of their portfolios.

. . . lots and lots of losers. Thank goodness I’m the governor of Kansas and I can tell people that it’s all President Obama’s fault. And you know what?” Brownback asked. “What?” asked the counselor. “They believe it. What a bunch of idiots.” “Don’t you have any regrets about saying that?” “You mean blaming everything on Obama? Of course, not,” said Brownback.

“No. Referring to the people who voted for you as idiots,” said the counselor. “I thought we were supposed to be honest. If you’re going to change the rules in the middle of this session I need to know or it’s going to be very confusing,” Brownback said. “I’m not sure if we’re making much progress, but let’s try something,” the counselor said. “Repeat after me very slowly,

Rubio vows to keep U.S. from joining 21st century by Andy Borowitz

WASHINGTON (The Borowitz Report) Seizing upon an issue that could become the cornerstone of a possible 2016 Presidential campaign, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said on Thursday that he would do everything in his power to block the 21st century. “A lot of folks in Washington believe that the 21st century is a forgone conclusion, and that there’s nothing we can do about it,” Rubio said. “I say, ‘Not on my watch.’” Explaining his strategy, Rubio said that he and fellow Republicans were exploring ways to stop funding any items in the federal budget that pertain to the current century. “We cannot stop time, perhaps, but we can defund it,” he said. In a blistering attack, he laid blame for the 21st century squarely on the shoulders of someone he accused of “using every trick in the book to make it happen” - President Obama. “Much like Obamacare, the 21st century is something that the American people never asked for and do not want,” Rubio said. Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author

Congress

(continued from page five)

County Plat Maps

Kearney

406 Main • Scott City 620 872-2090

•Realizing that the shortage of special education teachers was in part due to having made it a graduate level “add on” to another teaching field license, special education was allowed to become an initial stand alone endorsement again. However, few teacher education programs have retooled to capitalize upon the idealism of new college students and roll back our desperate shortage of special education teachers in Kansas. •Kansas obtained federal approval to not release test results for the

last school year. Results became invalid due to technical problems and cyber attacks that targeted the state’s computer-based assessment system. For a year, parents, teachers and school administrators will be freed from the data obsession and gaming-of-thesystem driven by these scores. Two decades ago, under then-Commissioner Andy Tompkins, Kansas was a leader in computerized-assessment and placing assessment data online. Kansas is now a leader in being hacked.

maybe you can start by being honest.” “You have no concept of what it means to be a politician,” said Brownback as he came out of his trance. “What kind of a person would I be if I was completely honest with people about my tax policies.” “I thought you had regrets about the words you chose to describe your fiscal policies.” “I regret how I de-

scribed them, not that I did them,” added Brownback. “There’s a huge difference.” “Then I don’t think I can help you,” the counselor said as he closed his notebook. “That’s okay,” Brownback said. “I’ll be in office another four years. Being careful about what I say really isn’t that important anymore.”

(See KANSAS on page 7)

(continued from page four)

the administration’s handling of the incident. House Republicans are also suing Obama over the Affordable Care Act. •The gushing sewer of money into politics - some $4 billion spent on this year’s midterm elections, a record further undermined Americans’ trust. Gallup found that Americans’ approval of Congress averaged 15 percent in 2014 and a record low 14 percent in 2013. Disdain was shared equally by Republican, Democratic and independent respondents. It’s no coincidence that this worst Congress was also Emily Schwartz Greco is a former foreign correspon- the one that saw the departure of its last three World War II veterans: One died, one retired and one was dent and financial reporter defeated. Less than 20 percent of lawmakers now are veterans - compared with about 75 percent a generation ago - and fewer are able to grasp that their political opponents are patriotic Americans and not the enemy. Scott Logan In January, eight years of Democratic control of Wichita Ness the Senate come to an end and Republicans will have sole responsibility for Congress. There’s little prospect Wallace Gove of improvement, but at least Republicans will benefit from low expectations: Americans assume Congress Greeley Lane can fly no better than a passenger pigeon.

Finney

subject matter areas: (1) science; (2) technology; (3) engineering; or (4) math, has at least five years of work experience in such subject matter area and has secured a commitment from the board of education of a school district to be hired as a teacher to teach in such subject matter area.” This act ignores any need for training in teaching, admits persons into the classroom without any gatekeeping, and eliminates a teaching position for a genuinely qualified teacher - thus reducing the shortage on paper.

Dana Milbank is a Washington Post staff writer and author

‘I am sorry.’” “Sorry for what?” wondered Brownback. “Let’s start with being sorry for a tax plan that has become the Armageddon for the Kansas economy.” “Why would I want to say something like that?” Brownback said. “You said that you wish you had chosen your words more carefully. Being dishonest didn’t work the first time around, so

Reality in transition from the Fidel Castro era. It has better relations with countries in this hemisphere than the United States does. Investors from Europe, Brazil and China are already doing business there. Cubans have greater rights to travel to the United States than Americans have to travel to Cuba. What Obama has done is recognize this reality. Opponents don’t seem to realize that history has long since moved on. The Cold War is over; the Soviet Union no more. Cuba is our ally in the drug war; its doctors a blessing in the struggle against Ebola. Cuba’s economy is a shambles, even as its health care and education systems are envied across the hemisphere. Republicans - if Rubio and

Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page four)

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) are able to overcome the business lobby - may refuse to confirm the president’s nominee as ambassador. They can block the legislation needed to lift the embargo. But with the president’s support, travel can be eased, investment and financial restrictions can be lifted, Cuba can be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and something closer to normal relations can begin. Obama’s commonsense initiative also opens the possibility of a sea change in U.S. relations with its neighbors. For more than a century, we have casually and routinely trampled the sovereign rights of our neighbors to the south. We dispatched the Marines to collect debts

and defend United Fruit in the early 1900s. During the Cold War, we armed and trained brutal police and military regimes while destabilizing democratically elected governments. And of course, we tried to overthrow Fidel Castro by invasion, embargo and subversion for decades. In April, Obama will attend the Summit of the Americas in Panama along with other presidents, including Cuba’s Raúl Castro. There, we might listen more and bluster less. The end of the embargo - if it is lifted - may mark the beginning of a new good-neighbor policy, not just toward Cuba but toward other countries in the hemisphere. We would all profit from that. Katrina vanden Heuvel is editor and publisher of The Nation magazine


The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Financial

(continued from page three)

Kansas

•Randy Watson, (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs). ____ 14. The average after-tax yield of my savings superintendent of the and investments over the long term is greater than the McPherson school district rate of inflation. was chosen by the Kansas State Board of Education Insurance/Estate to be the new Kansas Planning: Education Commissioner. ____ 15. I have adequate insurance to cover “big” He had been one of the unexpected expenses, such as a hospital bill, disability, first to seek a federal or liability for damages to others. waiver from the No Child ____ 16. I have a current will (write “5” for “yes” Left Behind Act, allowand “1” for “no” for this question). ing McPherson schools to use other testing methods Credit: ____ 17. Less than half of one week’s pay goes to rather than NCLB-driven, state-mandated assessmy credit cards, student loans, and car payments. ____ 18. I pay credit card bills in full to avoid inter- ments. •Severe tax cuts by est charges. the Kansas Governor and Legislature produced Shopping: ____ 19. I comparison shop for major purchases by a $278 million revenue shortfall. Since Kansas checking at least three sources. ____ 20. I avoid impulse purchases and don’t use shopping as a form of recreation. Scoring is as follows: 0-20: You need lots of help, but don’t despair. It’s never too late to take action to improve your finances. 21-40: You are headed for financial difficulty. Now is the time to take action to reverse the trend. 41-60: You are doing a fair job of managing your finances and have taken some steps in the right directions. 61-80: You are above average in managing your money. 81-100: You are in excellent financial shape. Keep up the good work! Note: Items that you scored with a 1, 2, or 3 are actions that you should consider taking in the future to improve your finances. It is not easy to ask for this kind of help and most of us with difficulties in our finances tend to ignore the warning signs until it’s too late. But, it can be done. For free information on financial help call 872-2930.

(continued from page six)

is a Constitutionallyrequired balanced-budget state, this would normally result in a mid-year rescission where all state agencies and schools would have to give back some percentage of their annual budget. Instead, the Governor is proposing a onetime “transfer” of funds from the KPERS retirement fund and raiding the Department of Transportation. But many legislators favor even more tax cuts. With K-12 education consuming over half of every Kansas tax dollar

and all other state agencies cut to the bone, another K-12 school funding reduction remains possible. •The Kansas Supreme Court ruled that cuts made due to the 2008 recession left unconstitutional gaps in funding between poor and rich school districts. This forced legislators to increase aid to poor districts by $129 million for the 2014-15 school year. While this addressed the “equity” part of the lawsuit, it did not address the larger “adequate funding” issue. The Supreme Court ordered the lower

court judges to consider whether the state’s total spending on schools is adequate. If they order the state to restore the 2008 budget, Kansas will have to raise annual school funds by $450 million. If the courts agree with the school districts’ lawsuit, K-12 school funding would have to increase by over $1 billion. It all makes you wonder where the words “where never is heard, a discouraging word” in our state anthem came from. John Schrock trains biology teachers and lives in Emporia

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The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Laurie Hill (above left) uses a dauber to mark a number on her bingo card after it’s been called. (Top right) During a break in between games, the players would wave cash to indicate they were needing to purchase additional cards. (Record Photos)

Bingo split a $450 jackpot. She’s been invited by a friend to join her on bingo night in Dighton, but Hill doesn’t think she’ll be going. “I’ll play in Scott City, but I don’t think I’ll be traveling,” she says. “I really hope they bring it back.” 40-Year Tradition For Melvin Lickteig, the final night was emotional for another reason. It brought to an end a 40-year tradition that he helped start and was instrumental in continuing. “I’ve had my Thursday nights covered for a long time,” he notes. Lickteig, a member of the Knights of Columbus which sponsored the weekly game, started the first bingo night in July of 1974 - immediately after the state made it legal. “It was a way for the Knights of Columbus to make a little money,” says Lickteig. “But it’s also been good entertainment for a lot of people.” A typical night would bring in 40-60 players, many of them regulars who could be seen just about every Thursday. In addition to Scott City, it would attract players from Dighton, Leoti, Healy and, on occasion, Tribune. Games were played the year round. The only time bingo was put on hold during the past four decades was for several months while the church addition and new parish center were under construction. While volunteers would come and go over the years, Lickteig was the one person who could be counted on to help every Thursday evening.

(continued from page one)

“Once we started it I never felt like I could walk away. I didn’t want to see it stop,” Lickteig says. “But it was getting harder and harder to find volunteers.” It was no surprise that the final night of bingo, with big cash payouts, drew a record-setting 120 participants. Cash payouts for the night totaled $2,280. Seventeen games were played. The 12 regular games awarded $50 to the winner while five special games had payouts of $250-$300 each. Because there were so many players and so many bingo cards being purchased, Lickteig was kept busy at the front table determining what the cash prizes would be. “We had cash coming in all over the place,” he said with a laugh. “We were selling cards right and left.” Prior to the final jackpot game of the night, Dan Weides stepped to the microphone and acknowledged Lickteig’s many years of volunteer service to the bingo crowd. “Something needed to be said,” says Weides. “If not for Melvin for the past 40 years we wouldn’t have had bingo.” Lickteig was also responsible for maintaining records for state officials when they came out to review the books and he would offer provide an accounting of bingo night receipts to the Knights of Columbus. “We knew that with Melvin in charge everything was in good hands. Everything was accounted for down to the penny,” says Weides, also a member of the Knights of Co-

Santos Prieto checks the numbers to confirm a winning bingo card. (Record Photo)

lumbus. Following Weides’ remarks, everyone gave Lickteig a standing ovation. “People are asking what they will be doing on Thursday nights,” Weides says. “For me, bingo was a hit-or-miss thing, but for a lot of people this was their big activity of the week, every single week. It was entertainment and it was social.” Nothing to Do Among those wondering what to do with their Thursday nights is longtime player Donna Miller, Scott City. “I don’t know how long I’ve been playing, but I can remember when it only cost $4 a game in

the 1970s,” Miller says. “And the jackpots were just $50.” Each week Miller could be found at a front table with a regular crew that included Wanda Pinkston, Maxine Carlson and Al Cook. “This was our table and people knew it,” Miller says with a grin. Bingo has been a big part of her life for many years. Miller can recall when they could play games at the local VFW, “and I think the American Legion had bingo, too.” “I would play five times a week when I went to Garden (City). I’d go with the ladies to Garden . . . that was until the accident,” she says. She still goes to Digh-

ton on Sunday nights, but says that’s the only traveling she’ll do anymore when it comes to bingo. “I’m very, very sad to see it ending. I couldn’t wait for Thursday nights to come, just like so many others. Now there’s nothing for me to do but take up smoking again and go to the pool hall,” she adds with a laugh. “We appreciate all that Melvin’s done for so many years. I hope somebody will start it up again.” After spending the last 40 years at the front table, counting the money as it came in and making sure the right amount of money was being paid out, Lickteig says it was time to quit. However, he also has regrets about seeing

something come to an end that has been such a big part of his life. “We’ll miss the entertainment,” says Lickteig. “A lot of people looked forward to this each week.” Officially, bingo has been “suspended” at the parish center. That means the games could someday resume if there is enough interest. However, the Knights of Columbus would have to be the sponsoring organization. Now that he no longer has a weekly commitment, Lickteig says he plans to drive to Dighton on occasion for their Sunday bingo night. “I don’t want to run the bingo games. I want to play,” says Lickteig.

(Above) Knights of Columbus member Mike Becker announces the numbers to a room filled with about 120 bingo players. (Below) Eight-year-old Payton Redburn checks the bingo board to see what number has been called while Lynnette Osborn checks over his card. (Record Photos)


The Scott County Record

Youth/Education

Page 9 - Thursday, December 25, 2014

community Breadbasket donation

The Scott City Elementary School third grade classes of Brian Gentry, Jessica Dearden and Tammy Reed held a food drive contest from December 15-19 to see which class could contribute the most items to the Scott Community Breadbasket. Pictured are all the third graders with their total donation of 431 items ready to be delivered. Mrs. Dearden’s class won the contest with 201 items.

Dear Santa

Kuntzsch earns degree at Pitt State

Levi Kuntzsch, Scott City, has completed requirements for a bachelor of science degree in education and participated in fall commencement exercises on Dec. 12 at Pittsburgh State University. He is the son of Fred and Trudi Kuntzsch. More than 500 students participated in the fall ceremony.

Hess is fall graduate at KU

Emily Hess, Scott City, was among nearly 1,250 candidates for degrees this fall at the University of Kansas. She earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism with a minor in leadership studies. She is the daughter of Mike and Tracy Hess, Scott City. Because KU conducts only one formal commencement ceremony each year, many graduates will return May 17 for the university¹s 143rd commencement.

ESU scholarships to 2 area students

The following letters to Santa were received at his mailbox in Scott City and forwarded to the North Pole just in time for Christmas delivery. Dear Santa, I would like a backhoe and dump truck. I also would like a dinosaur transformer. Love, Landry Beaton * * * Dear Santa, Please bring me an excavator and a striped red jacket when you come to my house. Please bring a rattle with a fish on it for my cousin too. Love, Brogan Dirks * * * Santa, I love you and I love your reindeers and everything. I wish you could bring me toys every week. Santa, I want an Elsa doll and an Elsa house for toys. Can you bring me some? Please, Santa? Love, Harper Stoppel, 4 * * * Dear Santa, I wish that I could have Skylanders Trap Team, some Skylanders and a few Legos. I would also like a nunchuck so my dad can play Skylanders with me. Love, Logan Stoppel, 8 * * * Dear Santa, I have tried real hard to be a very good girl. Could you please bring me some new trucks and loaders like Papa’s and some tools too. I would also like an Elsa doll.

I will bake you some cookies to leave with your milk. I love you, Kynsley Nicholson (Quincy), 2 * * * Dear Santa, I have tried to be a really good boy all year. I would like a Denver Broncos uniform and green slip on shoes. Could you please bring my little sister a baby doll. I will leave cookies and milk for you. Love, Aaren Radke, 4 * * * Dear Santa, This year Ella would like riding toys and more blocks and a baby swing. Love, Ella * * * Dear Santa, This year for Cristmas I want a running watch, lapharp, doll stuff. Love, Brinlie S. * * * Dear Santa, I have tried to be a good boy all year. I would like a Seattle Seahawks uniform and green tie shoes and a green Nike football and Underarmour pants. I will leave you milk and cookies. Love, Avery Radke, 6 * * * Dear Santa, Xbox 1, transformer batel master, new ninja go set, new shows, new pants, new shirts, nerf gun, a

morter sicel, a rial baby wolf, a rial pupey, mine craft new and old, a skatfort, a rial sharck, a gum ball mashin, the hobet set, a dindowdis, a TV, fierwork, my phon, the Transformer movie 1, 2, 3, 4. Cesar Ramirez * * * Xbox 316, ninjago set, toy Jonsena, remot car, toy plane remot, transformers shirt, pants, shoes, Batman toy, reli phon, big trumpoleen, new mincraft game for Xbox, ninjago book, toy eyeball, toy camaraw, jacet, compoter, ninjago game, Batman game, a clook, Iorman toy, trashpack, air hogs. David * * * Dear Santa, I want air hoog, a bunch of prety shirts and pants. I want five boxie of Legos, snowman, noat book, markers, crayons, digigbirds, shopkins, kitin clows, boots, tinishows, bunch of niclies, braslets, errings, snowman that sings and glows and dansis and I want a bunch of tantops and a rander and a real phon and a real compeoter and a Wii and a nintendo and a tablet. Marry Chrismas Santa, Lorena * * * My wish list, Sword, roboton moms phone, bow and arrows, 20m bb’s, hi-cap mag, speed loader, electric blanket, my Ipod and if it’s not to much airsoft vest, x-wing on moms phone.

Over $3.72 million in scholarships are helping more than 1,600 Emporia State students during the 2014-15 academic year. Students from this area who received scholarships include: Parker Nevills, Scott City, ESU Hornet, Presidential, Foundation, Transfer Scholarship; and Hornet, Foundation, Presidential,Transfer scholarships. Zach Steffens, Scott City, Frank B., Meda Mary and Floyd R. Mauck Memorial Scholarship; JohnstonSkiles Scholarship; and Teacher Education Promise Scholarship.

4-H Club News 4-Hers share the spirit of Christmas Merry Christmas! This year, for the New Horizons Christmas party, we all gathered at the Wm. Carpenter 4-H Building and celebrated by eating delicious finger foods and snacks. After having all those delicious snacks we all joined in and made beautiful centerpieces for Park Lane Nursing Home. As a club we decided we would buy gifts for two Angel Tree kids and help give them a very Merry Christmas. We all went out and shopped for the boy and girl after the Christmas party. We all had fun this year in 4-H and hope to have a great time next year. Conner LeBeau, reporter


For the Record Know how Medicare benefits can help you The Scott County Record

Jason Alderman

If your 65th birthday is around the corner, it’s a good time to start focusing on your options. Healthcare choice is becoming a bigger factor in the lives of pre-retirees as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) - better known as Obamacare - brings significant change to employer-sponsored and individually purchased health plans. Though a separate fed-

The Scott County Record Page 10 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

eral health insurance system with no connection to Obamacare or its online marketplaces, Medicare is going through its own evolution in terms of plan offerings and customer access. Here’s a basic primer for future Medicare enrollees: What is Medicare? Medicare is a government-provided health and hospitalization insurance program for people 65 and older and for some people under age 65 based

Scott Co. LEC Report Scott City Police Department Dec. 17: Shirley Chavez-Gonzalez, 26, was arrested on a Finney County warrant and transported to the LEC. Dec. 17: Shonrell Calvin, 39, was arrested for aggravated battery and transported to the LEC. Dec. 19: Daphne Lane, 36, was charged with a DUI after running into a light pole in the 100 block of East 5th St. Dec. 19: Pablo Angeles, 39, was arrested for criminal damage to property, driving on the left side of a roadway, DUI, transporting an open container, failure to report an accident and operating a vehicle without a valid license. He was transported to the LEC. Dec. 19: Thomas Jenkins, 49, was arrested for battery, aggravated battery and disorderly conduct. He was transported to the LEC. Dec. 19: Brock Lane, 22, was arrested on a Wallace County warrant for violation of a protective order. He was transported to the LEC.

on disability or particular forms of illness. * * * What does it cost? Though you’ve likely paid taxes into the Medicare system your entire career, Medicare isn’t a completely free program; you’ll pay premiums deducted from your Social Security checks for some portions of your benefits. There may be copays and deductibles for certain services. If you have health issues already, it’s a good

T-Mobile customers eligible for refunds

T-Mobile customers in Kansas who were charged for third-party services on their mobile phone bills without their consent are eligible to receive refunds as part of a multi-state settlement. The national settlement was reached between T-Mobile, the attorneys general of Kansas and 49 other states and the Federal Communications Commission. It includes a total payment of $90 million to resolve allegations that T-Mobile placed charges Public Notice on consumers’ mobile phone bills for third-party (First published in The Scott and you are hereby required County Record on Thurs., to file your written defenses services that had not been Dec. 11, 2014; last published Thurs., Dec. 25, 2014)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS In the Matter of the Estate of LULA M. DIRKS, Deceased Real Estate Involved Case No. 14-PR-21 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR DETERMINATION OF DESCENT THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in this Court by Darla A. Luebbers, as a person interested in the estate of Lula M. Dirks, deceased, praying for determination of descent;

thereto on or before Monday, January 5, 2014 at 9:45 a.m. of said day, in said Court, in the City of Scott City, 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. DARLA A. LUEBBERS, Petitioner JENNIFER D. WALTERS Supreme Court #10705 2604 General Hays Road, P.O. Box 722 Hays, Kansas 67601 Ph: (785) 625-8040 Fax: (785) 625-9113 Attorney for Petitioner

Public Notice (Published in The Scott County Record Thurs., Dec. 25, 2014) 1t

SCOTT COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S PROCEEDINGS NOVEMBER 2014 GENERAL FUND SALARIES ............................................ $ 95,639.21 COMMODITIES .................................... 10,315.91 CONTRACTUAL SERVICES ................. 68,698.01 CAPITAL OUTLAY.................................. 519.95 OTHER................................................... 4,747.81

authorized by the consumer, a practice known as “mobile cramming.” This settlement follows a similar one reached with AT&T Mobility in October. Under the terms of the settlement, T-Mobile is required to provide at least $67.5 million in refunds to consumers who were victims of cramming. For more information on how to obtain a refund, Kansas consumers should visit the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www. InYourCornerKansas.org or call (800) 432-2310.

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record, Thurs., Dec. 18, 2014; last published Thurs., Jan. 1, 2015)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT R. BROWN a/k/a ROBERT RAY BROWN, deceased Case No. 2014-PR-31 NOTICE OF HEARING AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS You are hereby notified that on the 17th day of December, 2014, a Petition was filed in this Court by Joanne D. Brown, an heir of Robert Ray Brown, deceased, praying: That descent be determined of the following described real property owned by the decedent: Southwest Quarter of Section Seven (7), Township Twenty (20) South, Range Thirty-One (31) West of the 6th P.M. East Half (E/2) of Section

Twelve (12), Township Twenty (20) South, Range Thirty-Two (32) West of the 6th P.M. and all real property and any Kansas real estate owned by decedent at the time of his death. You are required to file your written defenses thereto on or before the 5th day of January, 2014, at 9:45 o’clock a.m., 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. s/s Joanne D. Brown Petitioner WALLACE, BRANTLEY & SHIRLEY 325 Main Street P.O. Box 605 Scott City, Kansas, 67871 Attorneys for Petitioner

Public Notice

COUNTY HEALTH FUND SALARIES ............................................. COMMODITIES ..................................... CONTRACTUAL SERVICES ................. CAPITAL OUTLAY ................................. OTHER...................................................

16,724.14 2,865.45 1,393.58 0.00 0.00

NOXIOUS WEED FUND SALARIES............................................... COMMODITIES ...................................... CONTRACTUAL SERVICES................... OTHER ...................................................

4,587.39 1,416.70 125.00 0.00

ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND SALARIES .............................................. COMMODITIES....................................... CONTRACTUAL SERVICES.................... CAPITAL OUTLAY....................................

29,303.39 41,077.55 9,978.23 0.00

FIRE DISTRICT FUND SALARIES .............................................. COMMODITIES ...................................... CONTRACTUAL SERVICES.................... CAPITAL OUTLAY ..................................

389.28 49.65 1,592.87 0.00

TREASURER’S SPECIAL FUND SALARIES ............................................... COMMODITIES ....................................... CONTRACTUAL SERVICES .................... CAPITAL OUTLAY..................................... OTHER .....................................................

2,974.16 0.00 8.74 0.00 250.83

JAMES M. MINNIX Chairman

idea to investigate coverage based on the services you’re likely to need over time. * * * When do I get to join? You can apply for Medicare through your nearest Social Security office up to three months before your 65th birthday. If you wait longer than three months after your 65th birthday to apply, you may face a late enrollment penalty. If you are already drawing Social Security

ALICE BROKOFSKY Scott County Clerk

Support Your Hometown Merchants!

(First published in The Scott County Record Thurs., Dec. 11, 2014; last published Thurs., Dec. 25, 2014)3t IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS In the Matter of the Estate of Luis Rodriguez, deceased No. 14PR29 NOTICE OF HEARING THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are notified that a Petition has been filed in this Court by Roque Rodriguez, son and one of the heirs of Luis Rodriguez, deceased, requesting: Descent be determined of the following described real estate situated in Scott County, Kansas: Lot 1 & East thirty-three (33) feet Lot 2 Block 1 Eggleston Addition and all personal property and other Kansas real estate owned by decedent at the time of death. And that such property and all personal property

and other Kansas real estate owned by the decedent at the time of death be assigned pursuant to the terms of the “Valid Settlement Agreement” dated March 1, 2010. You are required to file your written defenses to the Petition on or before January 5, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in the District Court of Scott County, Kansas, Scott City, Kansas, at which time and place the cause will be heard. Should you fail to file your written defenses, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition. Roque Rodriguez Petitioner Rebecca J. Faurot Attorney at Law, LLC 211 S. Main St., Suite 118 Scott City, KS 67871 (620)872-3600 Fax: (620)872-5666 rjflaw@att.net Attorney for Petitioner

benefits at age 65, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare. * * * What does Medicare coverage look like? Keep in mind that you can get many current answers to Medicare questions online or in person at your nearest Social Security office. But as of late 2014, here’s an overview of current Medicare plans: Parts A (Hospital) and B (Outpatient). Part A covers inpatient hospital

care and Part B covers outpatient medical care and procedures. You’ll hear Parts A and B referred to as “Original Medicare” or “Traditional Medicare” because if you choose to take this option, you’ll sign up for them as a pair. You’ll get to go to any doctor, hospital or facility that’s enrolled in Medicare and accepting new Medicare patients. You’ll end up paying a premium for Part B which (See BENEFITS on page 11)

Public Notice (First published in The Scott County Record Thurs., Dec. 18, 2014; last published Thurs., Dec. 25, 2014)2t NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR ZONING WAIVER Notice is hereby given that the Scott City Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on Thurs., January 8, 2015, 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: 1. Application for special sign waiver by Bronson Baber and Andrea Scheuerman to allow a sign to be placed in a residential zone. Lots Thirteen (13) and Fifteen (15), Block Four (4) Cases 1st Addition to the city (920 S. Main). All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at such hearing. Dated: December 16, 2014 Rodney Hogg, chairman Scott City Planning Commission


The Scott County Record • Page 11 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Kansas has fourth lowest average gas price

Kansas had the fourthlowest average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the country as of Sunday, according to data compiled by AAA. A gallon of gas cost an average of $2.17 in Kansas on Sunday, behind only Missouri, $2.07; Oklahoma, $2.09; and Texas, $2.16. The last time the average price of a gallon of gas was that low in Kansas was May 14, 2009.

According to AAA, the average gas price in Kansas has been falling since Oct. 29, when it was about $2.99 per gallon. That marks 55 days without an increase in the average price of gas, though individual stations may have raised their prices at some point since that time. The average price of gasoline in Kansas is 20 cents lower than it was a week ago, 54 cents lower than a month ago and 83

County Commission December 2, 2014 Scott County Commissioners met in a regular meeting with the following present: Chairman James Minnix, Commissioners Jerry Buxton and Gary Skibbe; and County Clerk Alice Brokofsky were present. •County Attorney Rebecca Faurot briefed commissioners on the lawsuit filed by former county appraiser John Reeder. •Faurot also reported that Andrew Wiechman has presented her with petition papers to be reviewed regarding a proposed two mill increase for the Scott Recreation Commission. •The commission signed an agreement to remain a member of KCAMP’s risk management and insurance program for three years, from Jan. 1, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2017. •County health nurse Karen Sattler informed the commission she will be resigning her position within the next 6-12 months. •The following road permits were approved: Lario Oil and Gas: entry way for well location. S9, T17S, R31W. Landmark Resources: right-of-way to drilling site. S4, T17S, R34W. •Public Works Director Richard Cramer said the cement crusher had arrived and should complete work at the landfill by the end of December. •Cramer will contact the Northwest Kansas Recycling Organization about extending its contract for six months instead of one year. •The commission approved the payment of 2014 taxes of $7,846.26 for the Zella Carpenter Trust and $2.77 for the Scott County Cemetery. The following change orders were approved: Added Galen Decker $ 336.26 Abatement RonaldRiner $ 104.16 Abatement Ronald Riner $ 130.46 Added Hector Loza $ 275.80 Abatement Double B Dozer $ 26.96 Added Dan Goodman $ 7.86 Added Beaver Ridge AG $ 177.04 Abatement Charles and Shirley Griffith $ 191.44 Abatement Herbert Stevens $ 32.45 Abatement A&D Enterprises $ 16.36 Added Herbert Stevens $ 378.94 Added Robert Artz $ 20.72 Abatement Robert Artz $ 23.94 Added Robert Artz $ 18.22 Added Shelley Richard $ 30.38 Abatement Marc Kessler $ 149.20 Added Jerry D. Richard $ 67.14 Abatement First Baptist Church $ 306.16 Abatement First Baptist Church $ 204.12 Abatement Scott Community Foundation $ 1,528.78 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 2,111.52 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 374.21 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 545.26 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 270.18 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 8,142.01 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 886.12 Abatement FIML Natural Resources $ 310.64 Abatement Scott Co. Extension Council $ 144.38 Abatement Jay Weston $ 69.14 Added Howard Lehman $ 276.92 Added Howard Lehman $ 237.96 Abatement Dunagan Iron Works $ 12.00 Abatement Dunagan Iron Works $ 9.30 Abatement Helena Chemical Company $ 119.73 Abatement Sager’s Pump Service $ 12.00 Abatement Curtiss Chambless $ 107.94 Abatement Flying M. Ranch $ 65.00 Added A&D Enterprises $ 19.50 Abatement Marvin and Dana Hammond $ 65.00 Abatement Fred and Jana Brittan $ 861.64 Abatement Brenda Cejda $ 45.00 Added Adam Blau Imelda Longoria $ 32.32 Added Tricia D Donecker $ 10.56 Added Tricia D Donecker $ 17.64

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

cents lower than one year ago, when it was $3 per gallon. Nationwide, the average price of gas has been falling for 88 days straight since Sept. 25. The previous record was 86 days, set in 2008. “Nationally, the steady decline in gas prices this autumn is now longer than any period AAA has previously tracked,” AAA said in a news release. Gas prices typically fall during recessions

because reduced economic activity lowers demand, and households that feel financially squeezed cut back on nonessential driving. This decrease in gas prices is unusual because it comes during an economic expansion and seems to be driven by an increase in supply. American oil production has increased, and Middle Eastern oil producers haven’t lowered their production to prop up prices. They appear to

Benefits can change from year-toyear while Part A is usually free for most people. Part C (Medicare Advantage). Call this onestop shopping for your hospital, outpatient (Part A and B) and usually your prescription coverage (see Part D, below). Medicare Advantage policies are sold by private insurers Medicare pays their share and you pay your premium. They may include differing assortments of services - vision, prescription drug, dental or hearing. But keep in mind different Medicare Advantage plans have different rules for services and can charge different out-ofnetwork costs. Part D (Prescription drug coverage). Part D added prescription drug coverage to “Original” Medicare, but as mentioned, may be folded into Medicare Advantage coverage if you elect to take it. * * * What’s “Medigap” insurance?

be operating on the belief that drillers in the U.S. won’t be able to hold up in the long term at lower prices - effectively knocking out the competition and giving themselves a larger share of the worldwide oil market and the ability to more effectively raise prices in the future. That strategy has undermined the Russian economy, however, and puts countries like Iraq at higher risk of unrest because their govern-

ments depend so heavily on oil revenue to pay salaries and provide services. For the time being, however, drivers are benefitting. The average price per gallon is below $2.50 in 30 states and the national average is $2.39. Only Alaska and Hawaii still had average prices of more than $3 per gallon. AAA estimated gas prices could drop another 10 cents on average nationwide in the next week.

(continued from page 10)

If you go with “Original” Medicare (Part A and B), you’ll find some gaps in your Medicare coverage. Medigap is the nickname for Medicare Supplement Insurance, which you purchase privately. Some employers and unions offer Medigap coverage to retirees, and these plans can vary widely in terms of cost, coverage and state participation. Also, if you’re on Medicare Advantage, it’s unlikely you’ll need separate Medigap coverage, but it’s important to check. * * * What if you plan to keep working with company health benefits after you turn 65? Confer with your financial advisor, human resources department and Medicare before you make any decisions, but you may qualify for a special enrollment period as a result. You’ll need to coordinate with your spouse as well if you share any

kind of health coverage as part of coordinating your overall retirement picture. People who continue to work past 65 may enroll in Part A but bypass Part B and D if they’re already on a company plan. * * * Are your doctors on the plan? You’ve probably have some experience with this from checking to see whether your physicians are in-network with whatever health insurance you currently carry. You’ll continue to do this on Medicare Advantage. Check availability of doctors and costs on any plan you’re considering, particularly out-of-network costs. * * * What can your state do for you? If you find you’re not getting answers on specific Medicare subjects from Medicare (http://www.medicare. gov) itself, your employer, your financial advisor or Social Security, your state is a participant in the State Health Insurance

Assistance Program or SHIP. SHIP is a national program that offers oneon-one counseling and assistance on Medicare to individuals and their families. * * * What’s the best way to tie all this stuff together? Stop looking at your health, investment, retirement and tax issues separately. Medicare is a critical piece of the healthcare affordability puzzle, but it’s important to consider choices - and potential worst-case scenarios within the scope of your broader retirement plan. If you’ve never sat down with a financial planner and have five years or more until you plan to retire, find one and have a broad discussion about where you stand on health, retirement and estate issues. Bottom line: Whether you plan to retire at 65 or stay in your career as long as possible, it’s important to understand Medicare and how it can work for you.


Pastime at Park Lane We offer our sympathy to the family of Judy Redburn who passed away on Dec. 15. A memorial service was held during morning devotions on Tuesday. The United Methodist Youth brought cookies for the residents on Sunday morning. Alan Graham led church services on Sunday afternoon. Residents played pitch and dominoes on Monday afternoon. Hugh McDaniel, Joy Barnett, Madeline Murphy, Dorothy King, Wanda Kirk and Mandy Barnett were the game helpers. Residents played Wii bowling on Monday evening. Pastor Bob Artz led Bible study on Tuesday morning. Doris Riner and Elsie Nagel led the hymns. Naomi Tuebner gave a musical performance on Tuesday afternoon. Jill Dirks furnished the cookies. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran Bible study on Wednesday morning.

SCHS music students entertain

Scott Community High School band director Suzette Price brought her guitar students to play a variety of Christmas carols with choir director Amy Norris leading everyone in a group sing-along.

Residents make Christmas crafts

D’Ann Markel and Cheryl Perry led afternoon crafts on Friday. Residents made reindeer and snowmen out of mini-donuts, reindeer out of clothes pins, Santa hats, and Christmas picture frames.

Students deliver Christmas gifts

Scott City Elementary School third graders made Christmas placemats for each resident. SCMS Student Council members delivered handmade Christmas cards to every resident. Thanks to the many carolers and family members who brought treats to Park Lane. You made this Christmas extra special for everyone.

Residents played bingo on Wednesday afternoon. Madeline Murphy, Barbara Dickhut and Mandy Barnett were the helpers. Residents played cards on Wednesday evening. Max Moomaw and Company performed on Thursday afternoon. Max-

Deaths one son, Tom Hammons, Mineral Point, Mo.; one daughter, Kelleye Coke, Stella, Mo.; two grandsons, one great-grandson and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son, Eric; twin grandsons; and 10 brothers and sisters. Memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at the Scott County Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Benjamin Hammons Memorial Fund in care of Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City, Ks. 67871.

Bill Craig Bill Craig, 81, died Dec. 18, 2014, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born July 31, 1933, at Lenora, the son of Olen Dale and Jessie (Anglan) Craig. As a young boy he attended school in Lenora, Glad and Kerwin. In 1953, he joined the United States Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Hornet until his discharge in 1957. After his discharge, he began his career in the oil fields as a driller and tool pusher for over 50 years, having worked for Abercrombie Drilling, Sterling Drilling and H2 Drilling. In 1958, he married Nada Holbrook in Phillipsburg. She survives. Other survivors include: seven children, Kipp Garrison, Hays, Daniel Wiley, Cozad, Nebr., Clinton Wiley, Scott City, Bill Craig,

morning. Rev. Warren Prochnow led Lutheran services on Friday afternoon. Residents watched, “A Golden Christmas” on Saturday afternoon. Dottie Fouquet was visited by Jon and Anne Crane, Mark and Terri Foquet, and Donna Gaschler. Joyce Bohnert was visited by Alan and Glenda Graham, Janet Gallardo and Ray Fairchild. Cecile Billings was visited by Ann Beaton and Delinda Dunagan. Nella Funk was visited by Lois Modlin, Ann Hawkins, Kim Smith, Mary Lou Oeser, Karen Harms, Tava See, Janice Drohman, and the Stevens family. Corrine Dean was visited by Lois Modlin, Ann Hawkins, Kim Smith, Karen Harms, Mary Lou Oeser, Aaron and Mandy Kropp, Dianna Howard, Tava See, Janice Drohman and Margie Stevens. Ann Tedford was visited by Mary Plum, Karen Harms and Mary Lou Oeser.

Sr. Citizen Lunch Menu

Benjamin Harmon Hammons Benjamin Harmon Hammons, 82, died Dec. 22, 2014, at the Scott County Hospital, Scott City. H e was born on Sept. 23, 1932, in Mena, Ark., the son of Benjamin Charles Hammons Thomas and Mary (Pyle) Hammons. A resident of Scott City since 2004, moving from Kansas City, Mo., he was a farmer. On March 2, 1956, he married Bessie S. Nickel in Kansas City, Mo. She died Feb. 23, 1995. Survivors include:

ine Wilson and Ed Gough joined Max for this performance. The Wright family performed on Thursday evening. Wanda Wright brought Christmas treats for everyone. Fr. Bernard Felix led Catholic Mass on Friday

The Scott County Record • Page 12 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Jr., Garden City, Steven Craig, Meade, Kevin Craig, Scott City, and Clifton Craig, Hill City; three brothers, Danny Craig, Richie Craig and Lynn Craig; three sisters, Marlene Holloway, Dannieta “Kay” Wendell and Tammy Prater; 15 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters. Funeral service was held Dec. 23 at the United Methodist Church, Meade. Interment was at the Graceland Cemetery, Meade. The family would welcome memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, 212 S. Fowler, Meade, Ks. 67864.

Andrew E. Depperschmidt

Andrew E. Depperschmidt, 51, died Dec. 20, 2014, in Greeley County from injuries suffered in an automobile accident. A memorial service will be held on Sat., Jan. 3, 11:00 a.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home in Garden City.

Week of Dec. 29-Jan. 2 Monday: Chicken fajita, refried beans, savory carrots, tortilla, tropical fruit mix. Tuesday: Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, fruit cocktail. Wednesday: Tuna noodle casserole, Italian vegetables, whole wheat bread, strawberries. Thursday: Closed for New Year’s Day. Friday: Closed for New Year’s holiday. meals are $3.25 • call 872-3501

What you will need when applying for SSI

Q) What information do I need to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? A) Here are some of the things we will ask for when you apply for SSI. Even if you do not have all of the things listed below, apply anyway. Keep in mind that the more information you can provide, the faster the decision process will be. You will need: •Your Social Security number; •Your birth certificate or other proof of your age; •Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord’s name; •Payroll slips, bank statements, insurance policies, burial fund records, and other information about your income and the things you own;

Social Security

Rich Fowler operations supervisor Dodge City

•The names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that you have been to, if you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind; and •Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status. If you have a bank or financial institution account, you should have the account number available so we can deposit your benefits directly into your account. Learn more about SSI by reading our online publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

by Jason Storm

Elsie Coleman was visited by Janice Lockman. Bonnie Pickett was visited by Gloria Wright and Margie Stevens. Yvonne Spangler was visited by Yvette Mills and Les and Mary Ann Spangler. Albert Dean was visited by Mary Lou Oeser and Karen Harms. Lorena Turley was visited by Neta Wheeler, Mary Lou Oeser, Karen Harms, Rex and LuJauna Turley, Alexis Mullen, Lisa Ivey, Emily Hess and Tracy Hess. Boots Haxton was visited by Rod and Kathy Haxton. Arlene Beaton was visited by William Beaton, Joshua Beaton, Bev Brown, Ed Brown, Kelsey and Kathryn Brown, and Margie Stevens. Darlene Richman was visited by Phebe Unruh and Leo and Janelle Caspar. Margaret Koehn was visited by Gerald Koehn, Sharon Roemer and Rick Roemer.

Clifford Dearden was visited by Kirk and Janet Ottaway from Hays, Cindy Scheuerman and Jocelyn Miller. Lucille Dirks was visited by Vicki Dirks and Darla Luebbers. Harriet Jones was visited by Rev. Don Martin from St. Luke’s Church. Mike Leach was visited by Rev. Don Martin from St. Luke’s Church. LaVera King was visited by Velda Riddiough, Gloria Gough, Carol Latham, Danea and Andie Wasinger; Stormy, Tatum and Shanna Wells; Randy and Harrison King; and Margie Stevens. Vivian Kreiser was visited by Sharon Lock. Dona Dee Carpenter was visited by Lois Modlin, Ann Hawkins, Gloria O’Bleness, Larry LaPlant, Bill John, Ashlynn Long, Ryan and Lisa Long, Grant Long, and Roger and Jackie John. Jim Jeffery was visited by Lois Modlin, Ann Hawkins, Jimalene and Speed.


The Scott County Record • Page 13 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

SC Extension sponsoring program to assist caregivers Kansas State Extension in Scott County will be offering a unique program to assist caregivers. Classes for “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” will be available starting on Thurs., Jan. 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Scott City. The program will be held on six Thursdays, through Feb. 19, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The cost is $5 per person which includes a workbook and refreshments. Space is limited to 25 persons, but a minimum of 10 are required for the class to be offered. Deadline to sign-up is Mon., Jan. 5. “This is an education program to help family and friends caring for older adults with long-term health con-

ditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and others,” says Scott County FACS Agent Carol Ann Crouch. The goal is to help caregivers develop skills and confidence to better care for themselves while caring for others. The six-week series is led by trained facilitators using a standardized curriculum. This educational program is designed to empower family caregivers of older adults to take better care of themselves. “The tools learned in this series benefits caregivers by helping them reduce stress, improve caregiving confidence, establish balance in their lives, communicate their needs, make tough deci-

sions and locate helpful resources,” says Crouch. Class topics include: Taking Care of You, Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress, Communicating Feelings, Needs and Concerns, Learning from Emotions, Communicating in Challenging Situations and Mastering Caregiving Decisions. Whether you provide care for someone at home or are responsible for someone in a longterm residence, down the block or miles away, you are a caregiver. These tasks come in many forms including transporting your loved one to doctor’s

appointments, keeping your loved one’s home clean, assisting with bathing, dressing or grooming, helping with financial concerns or insurance matters, contacting a loved one daily to discuss concerns and fears, and coordinating services for a loved one living in another state Powerful Tools is a national education program with class leaders trained in 32 states, including Kansas. To register or for more information contact the county Extension office (872-2930) or e-mail Crouch at ccrouch@ksu. edu.

Attend the Church of Your Choice

You Are Loved About 40 years ago, I walked into a church on Christmas Eve with my parents and sisters. I had just returned home after a year and a half in the Peace Corps in Peru. I had not been to a church service for a long time. At the end of the service, at about midnight as we filed out, everyone was given a round pin, the kind you might attach to a jacket or sports coat. The pin had three words printed on it: You Are Loved. As a young man, somewhat cynical perhaps, too “sophisticated” for something that simple, I thought it was, well, silly. I don’t think that now. To say “You Are Loved” is to confess that as the great and final truth. It is to speak of the intention of God. It is the essence of the celebration of Christmas. It is what the “Word made flesh” is finally about. The next morning, following the birth of Jesus, people around the world woke up and resumed their lives. They worked in their fields, prepared their meals, took care of their children. What would they have found, had newspaper reporters interviewed random persons that day? “Is your life different today?” They might have asked. I suspect that the response would have been, almost unanimously, “no.” Now clearly, life is always different, but the reporters wanted to know if it was truly different. With world had been changed completely. A couple of shepherds understood what few others did. God had come, the Word was made flesh’ the world created by God would never be the same as it was. The Lord had come to earth to save His people. Rev. Don Martin St. Luke’s Episcopal 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 120 S. Lovers Lane - Shallow Water Larry Taylor, pastor Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:30 a.m.

1st United Methodist Church 5th Street and College - Scott City - 872-2401 Dennis Carter, pastor 1st Sunday: Communion and Fellowship Sunday Services at 9:00 a.m. • Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. All Other Sundays • Worship: 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. • MYF (youth groups) on Wednesdays Jr. High: 6:30 p.m. • Sr. High: 7:00 p.m.

First Christian Church

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

701 Main - Scott City - 872-2937 Scotty Wagner, pastor Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:45 a.m. Wednesday is Family Night Meal: 5:45 p.m. • Study: 6:15 p.m. Website: www.fccscottcity.org

Elizabeth/Epperson Drives • Scott City • 872-3666 Father Don Martin Holy Eucharist - 11:45 a.m. St. Luke’s - 872-5734 (recorded message) Senior Warden Bill Lewis • 872-3347 or Father Don Martin - (785) 462-3041

Scott Mennonite Church

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

12021 N. Eagle Rd. • Scott City

9th and Crescent - Scott City - 872-2334 Bishop Irvin Yeager • 620-397-2732 Sacrament, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School, 10:50 a.m. Relief Society and Priesthood, 11:20 a.m. YMYW Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.

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

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, December 25, 2014

Fyler completes commercial lending school Bailey joins Steve Fyler, Jr., a loan tion in the entire com- Lending School is sponanalyst at First National mercial lending process. sored by the Kansas board of SC Bank of Syracuse/Johnson/ Completion of this course and Nebraska Bankers Garden City has complet- assists bankers in devel- Associations and part- Foundation ed the 2014 Commercial Lending School which was held in Topeka. The school provides bankers intense instruc-

oping skills which allow them to better serve their customer’s multiple financial needs. The Commercial

Josh Bailey is the newners with the Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, North est member of the Scott Dakota, South Dakota Community Foundation and Wyoming Bankers board of trustees. Bailey is a vice presiAssociations. dent at Security State Bank in Scott City. He replaces Larry Semmel Use the boughs to add who also represented extra insulation around Security State Bank. semi-hardy perennials or A volunteer Board of to trees and shrubs that Trustees representing a were recently planted. broad cross-section of The leftover trunk may community interests govbe used as a garden stake erns the community founnext spring. dation. Another option might be to cut and let it dry for a few weeks. This will give you some easy lighting firewood. Just beware that most conifer species tend to spark and pop more than hardwoods, as resin pockets in the wood make tiny explosions. This can delight the youngsters, but for safety’s sake, keep an eye on the fire when burning Christmas tree logs!

Post-holiday uses for your Christmas tree There are several options to prolong the useful life of a Christmas tree. First of all, an old Christmas tree can be used to benefit birds by placing it in a corner of your deck and spreading some birdseed nearby, or tying it to a deciduous tree or post near a bird feeder. The birds benefit from having escape cover nearby when hawks or cats threaten, and the dense boughs reduce the wind chill on a cold night. Sinking your Christmas tree in a pond is an easy way to improve fish habitat and fishing. The tree serves as little coral reef,

in that the branches provide an area for water plants to grow, and cover for minnows and other forms of small aquatic life. Larger fish are drawn by the shade and the presence of prey. How do you sink a tree? Tie the base to a cinder block with a short, stout rope and toss it in. Just be sure to get permission from the pond owner first. You can also “spruce up” the yard with the old tree as well. Using the little tree around the landscape requires clipping off all of the branches.

Happy New Year’s greetings! Save $ We look forward to helping you with 23 your lumber, home improvement projects and hardware needs in 2015!

Spend that Christmas Gift Cash at Scott County Lumber!

Holiday Hours

Closed Thursday, Jan. 1 Reopen Friday, Jan. 2

We do accept Chamber Bucks!

“Helping You Get It Done With Excellence” 1510 S. Main, Scott City • 872-5334

www.scottcountylumber.com • Like us at facebook.com/scottcountylumberinc


Sports The Scott County Record

JV opener It was a tough season opener for SCHS JV boys at Hugoton • Page 16

www.scottcountyrecord.com

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Page 15

Scott City senior Sloan Baker dives onto a loose ball just ahead of Hugoton’s Zack Leininger during Friday’s league win over the previously unbeaten Eagles. (Record Photo)

SC brings down high-flying Eagles With Trey O’Neil drawing so much attention from opposing defenses, the Scott City boys need to have other players take advantage of scoring opportunities. On Friday night it was Chantz Yager’s Scott City 59 moment. Hugoton 54 The senior guard finished with a career high 16 points - eight in the final quarter - as the Beavers got a big road win over Class 4A-

Beavers remain unbeaten into the break Division II state-ranked Hugoton, 59-54, Friday night. “Chantz had another solid shooting night. That’s the second straight game in which he’s shot the ball well,” says head coach Glenn O’Neil, referring to Yager’s 11 point effort a week earlier against Pueblo East. He was joined in double figures by O’Neil (26) and junior guard Dylan Hutchins (10).

It was a sporadic offensive night for the Beavers (4-0) who relied on their defense to hand Hugoton (4-1) their first loss of the season. Trailing 31-29 at the half, SCHS throttled the Eagles with just 23 second half points only four of those coming in the third period. Hugoton opened the second half with a field goal and were then bottled up by the SCHS defense which allowed

only one more field goal over the final 7-1/2 minutes. The score was tied at 33-33 and 35-35 before a pair of free throws by Hutchins started an 8-0 scoring run that put the Beavers on top, 42-35, with 5:53 remaining in the game. The closest that Hugoton would get the rest of the night was 44-42 with 4-1/2 minutes to play.

Yager followed with a clutch three-point basket and O’Neil added a pair of free throws that stretched the lead to 49-42 with 3:35 on the clock. Another basket by Yager and an O’Neil free throw gave Scott City its biggest lead of the night, 52-43, with 1:58 to play. However, a frigid night at the free throw line kept the Beaver fans from relaxing with a seemingly comfortable lead. Scott City was just 17-of-34 at the (See EAGLES on page 17)

Jurgens, Kropp roll through Abilene field

After seeing his season interrupted by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for several weeks last year, James Jurgens said he never did get back to where he wanted to be physically or mentally. “After I got hurt I guess you could say I lost my head and never came back from that,” says the Scott Community High School senior. It became sort of a lost year for the two-time state finalist and defending Class 3A wrestling champion. Jurgens is using this season to make up for lost time. He has yet to lose a match while winning three consecutive tournament titles, including last weekend’s Abilene Invitational. “Winning at Hoxie got things started right for me. I hadn’t won there before,” says Jurgens. “But to win against the level of competition we saw this weekend feels pretty good. “I’m wrestling better now than I was at my peak during my sophomore year.” The 138-pounder did nothing to dispute that analysis after rolling through the competition at Abilene. In round-robin matches to open the day, the top-seeded wrestler won by a

SCHS 106-pounder Zach Tucker turns Abilene’s Nick Brooks to his back for a fall during Saturday’s tournament action. (Record Photo)

fall, major decision and technical fall against his first three opponents. Advancing into the championship bracket, he followed with a 15-0 technical fall over Austin Golden (Smokey Valley) and in the first place match he was a 5-0 winner over Trey Hoerner (Abilene). A first period takedown and near-fall was all that Jurgens needed in the final match to claim a tournament title. “As the top seed, James was supposed to win and he looked pretty good doing it,” says head

coach Jon Lippelmann. “He’s starting to get back to where we expect him to be after having a bad year. “What I like seeing is that he has the confidence to wrestle on his feet in the third period and get takedowns.” After wrestling at 132-pounds the previous week at Ulysses, Jurgens seems content to remain at 138-pounds for the remainder of the season. “I tried it at Ulysses, but I feel a lot better and stronger at 138,” he says. “And it’s made me better in the practice room.”

Kropp Claims Gold Collecting the only other undefeated gold medal for SCHS against a tough field of Class 4A and 5A schools was junior Wyatt Kropp in the 160-pound class. Kropp (8-1) won by falls against each of his round-robin opponents and kept that string growing with a first period fall over Kevin Wilson (Abilene) in the bracket semi-finals. He closed out the day with an impressive 9-1 major decision over Cole Brown (Buhler). “I think he had Brown pretty

frustrated,” says Lippelmann. “He looked pretty good on his feet. Even the other coaches were commenting about that.” Kropp dominated the Buhler wrestler with four takedowns, giving him 10 for the day. “You have to be happy about winning all your matches and to wrestle well while doing it,” said Kropp. “It’s nice to be a little older and stronger and not cutting quite so much weight. I’m excited about the start to my season and I’m hoping for bigger things the rest of the way.” (See JURGENS on page 20)


The Scott County Record • Page 16 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

KDWP Report

Get early start on campsites

and cabins With weather in the 30s, it’s hard to picture planning spring and summer fun, but the secret about Kansas state parks is out and reservations are a must for busy holiday weekends. Consider making your 2015 camping and cabin reservations in advance and ensure your family and friends ample space at the lake for your next visit. It is now possible to make campsite and cabin reservations for 2015. Simply visit www. ksoutdoors.com and click on the “Reserve A Cabin Or Campsite Now” button, choose the location you’d like to visit, and begin searching for your ideal date. Camping and cabin reservations guarantee the holder their spot will be open and ready when they arrive at the park. Payment in full is required at the time a reservation is made. Reserving a cabin requires a non-refundable $14 reservation fee. Reserving a campsite requires a non-refundable $3 reservation fee per stay. Daily vehicle entrance permits are $5. Annual vehicle permits are $25 or you can purchase a State Park Passport when you register your vehicle for $15. Annual vehicle permits for seniors and persons with disabilities are available through department offices for $13.75. For more information about Kansas state parks and their amenities, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “State Parks.” Permits on Sale Most annual licenses and permits expire Dec. 31, but you can avoid missing out on another fishing hot spot by buying early. (See CABINS on page 19)

Playoff hopes are in miracle mode

In 2006, the Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) clinched the final wild card berth (as 6th seed) during the final week of the regular season with their win over Jacksonville, a loss by Tennessee, and two overtime losses by Cincinnati and Denver. It will take a minor miracle of similar proportions this weekend for the Chiefs to make it back into the playoffs. It’s pretty simple. If KC defeats the Chargers and if Cleveland loses to Baltimore and Houston loses

Inside the Huddle

with the X-Factor

to Jacksonville, then we slide into the No. 6 spot. It can happen. It’s too bad that the Chiefs find themselves in this position when just four weeks ago we were 7-3 and seemingly locked into the post-season. This has been one of those years when we seemed so close to being

a very good team, but then there were those games when it was obvious we still have some work to do. Sure, it will be a disappointing season if we don’t make the playoffs. But we can’t call it a lost season. For example: •After missing most of the season, inside linebacker Derrick Johnson is hungrier than ever to get back on the field. That’s good for KC; bad for our opponents. •We’ve seen the emergence of potential All-Pro

tight end Travis Kelce and defensive end Dee Ford. •Wide receiver Albert Wilson had a real nice game against Pittsburgh and has started to emerge as a legitimate threat. It’s not often you get to see a first-year player progress the way he has. •We are the second youngest team in the NFL and next season we’ll be another year older. •And, don’t forget, we are officially the loudest stadium in the world. The foundation is in place for success. We

don’t have to shake things up very much in order to be not just a playoff contender, but to also contend for the AFC title. It’s also pretty amazing that we’re even a longshot possibility for the playoffs when you consider we didn’t have offensive lineman Donald Stephenson to start the season because of a PED suspension, we lost Johnson and Mike DeVito to season-ending injuries before the season had hardly begun, offensive guard Jeff Allen was (See MIRACLE on page 19)

JV boys rally from early deficit, can’t overtake Eagles An early 12 point deficit proved to be too much for the Scott City junior varsity boys in a 43-36 season opening loss at Hugoton on Friday. Trailing 12-0 and 16-6 in the first quarter, the Beavers battled back to knot the score at 17-17, but they were never able to take the lead. However, this game was still anyone’s to win with less than 1-1/2 minutes remaining. Twice, sophomore Kyle Cure stepped to the free throw line for twoshot opportunities in the final 1:16 and he hit one charity toss each time. The second free throw cut the Hugoton lead to 38-36 with 1:10 remaining. That was a reflection of Scott City’s night at the free throw line where they were just 5-of-15. The Beavers (0-1) were unable to score again and closed out the final period with just six points. “Actually, we ran the offense pretty well,” says

coach Brian Gentry. “We had some pretty good looks at the basket, even during our first eight possessions when we couldn’t get anything to fall.” The Beavers had to rely on their defense to contain six-foot-six sophomore Tony Kinser. “Draven (McRae) did a good job against Kinser,” says Gentry. “We did a pretty good job of taking away their first shot, but with Kinser’s size they were able to get too many rebounds and putbacks.” Gentry said the second quarter comeback was led by the play of sophomore guard Matt Jenkins until he got into foul trouble. “He did a nice job of running the offense and getting the ball where it needed to be,” says Gentry. “When he had to leave the game that put the ball into the hands of guys who weren’t as comfortable being in that situation. “The effort was good,”

Sophomore Kyle Cure tries to score on a putback between two Hugoton defenders during Friday’s action on the road. (Record Photo)

adds Gentry. “To shoot must have been doing as badly as we did from some things right.” the field and still have a Sophomore guard chance to win says we Justin Faurot led the

Beavers with nine points while Drake McRae and Cure had eight points each.

State-ranked Cats end DHS streak at 3

There w o n ’t be any guessw o r k what the Sharon Sp. 63 message Dighton 38 will be over the Christmas break for the Dighton High School boys. It’s the same message they’ve been hearing before the break. Patience. “Yesterday, in practice, we asked the boys what we need to work on. They said cutting down on turnovers and being more patient on offense,” said head coach Dean Cramer.

“The boys are recognizing what we need to do.” That came three days too late to prevent a 63-38 loss to Sharon Springs in Northwest Kansas League action that snapped Dighton’s three game win streak. The Wildcats (5-1) overcame an early deficit with the help of 21 turnovers and a 30 percent (14-of-46) shooting night by the Hornets. “We had open shots but we weren’t hitting them,” says Cramer. “But the bigger issue was our lack of patience, especially when they were on a scoring

run. When the shots aren’t falling, we need to slow the game down, take them out of what they do well, and work the ball around. We didn’t do that.” The Hornets (3-3) only trailed 12-7 after the opening period, but saw that gap continue to grow the rest of the night. A pair of late baskets by Dighton stopped a 10 point scoring run in the first half and cut the halftime deficit to 2211. Freshman Logan Lingg provided one of the few offensive bright spots, hitting 4-of-7 from the field for a team high 10 points.

Sophomore guard Lake Lewis was 3-of-8 from beyond the three-point line for nine points while sophomore center Tyler Lingg added nine points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots. At the same time, Dighton added only four offensive rebounds, shot 6-of24 from the three-point line and had 21 turnovers. “Most of the turnovers were the result of bad passes and bad decisions,” Cramer says. “Even though they pressed us the entire game, we handled that pretty well. Too many turnovers came once we

got into our half-court game.” The head coach emphasizes the team isn’t going to find success by settling for shots on the perimeter. “If we’re wide open and we’re hitting the threes, that’s one thing. But we can’t keep taking that shot if we aren’t making them. We aren’t going to be successful by shooting 24 threes a night.” Again, it comes down to patience. “We aren’t showing the patience to work the ball inside for a better shot and where we at least have a (See DIGHTON on page 19)


The Scott County Record • Page 17 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Scott City girls fold against Eagle press Even with a week of preparation, the Scott City girls had no answer for Hugoton’s full-court pressure defense. The topranked team in Class 4A-Division II jumped Scott City 35 out to a 15-1 Hugoton 87 lead and never let the foot off the pedal, crushing the Lady Beavers, 87-35, in a Great West Activities Conference road game on Friday. “We were overwhelmed by the press,” says head coach Shelby Crawford. “We worked on it all week in practice and not once tonight did we have a semblance of knowing what to do against it. “It’s frustrating to have a good week of practice, feel you’ve made some progress and then get into a pressure situation and forget what we’ve learned.” The Lady Beavers did show signs of staying with Hugoton during an eight minute stretch in the first and second quarters. After falling behind by 14 points, 15-1, they still trailed by just 16 points, 34-18, following a pair of Taylor Goodman free throws midway into the second period. That’s when the Lady Eagles turned up the pressure at both

Eagles charity stripe for the game, including 11-of-23 in the final period. A number of those missed opportunities came during the final 4-1/2 minutes which eventually allowed Hugoton to pull within striking distance. Hugoton’s Kellen Watkins was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws that cut the SCHS lead to 55-51 with only 23.3 seconds remaining. Hutchins and O’Neil each converted on two free throw attempts in the final 22 seconds for a 59-51 cushion and Hugoton hit a half-court buzzer-beater for the final five point margin.

Scott City sophomore Kiana Yager wins the scramble for a loose ball while teammate Mariah Campbell and a Hugoton player are still on the court during Friday’s GWAC contest. (Record Photo)

ends of the floor for a 53-24 halftime lead. They added an 18-0 scoring run early in the third period. Sophomore guard Kiana Yager led the Lady Beavers in

scoring with 10 points, including three treys. She was followed by sophomore guard Nancy Wiebe (9 points) and freshman guard Bailey Latta (8 points).

The ability to handle defensive pressure remains a primary concern for Crawford. “This is something we have to be prepared for the rest of the season once teams see how well

we handled the press tonight,” he said. “There’s too much second-guessing. We’re hesitating when we get ready to make a pass and, consequently, we’re not making strong passes.”

31-29 lead into the locker room. limited to just two offensive rebounds. Few Offensive Boards Scott City offset that with Aided by Yager’s 3-of-5 6-of-16 from beyond the threenight from beyond the arc, the point line. Beavers hit 6-of-16 from long “Right now we’re a terrible range. O’Neil was the only Bea- offensive rebounding team,” ver able to take the ball to the says Coach O’Neil. “It’s a good rim, hitting 7-of-10 field goals. thing we’re shooting well from “Trey felt he could take on the three-point line because their guys at any time one- we’ve been outshot with makes on-one,” says Coach O’Neil. and misses from two-point “That’s what got their big boys range. We’ve had a couple of in foul trouble.” games where we haven’t had Hugoton’s size limited Scott five offensive rebounds.” City to 12-of-22 from two-point Despite a 4-0 start to the searange and putbacks were almost son that includes wins over two non-existent with Scott City state-ranked teams, O’Neil is

far from satisfied. “It’s kind of frustrating to look at the stats and they indicate you played pretty well, but you know deep down inside you didn’t play as well as the stats say,” says the head coach. “The 4-0 record is deceiving, just like our stats,” he says. “I like being 4-0, but I can’t say that I like where we’re at as a team. I thought we’d pick up things a little quicker with the kids who played together a lot last summer. We’re still searching for some answers. We have a lot to work on over the Christmas break.”

(continued from page 15)

A Slow Start SCHS got off to a slow start, hitting just one of their first seven shots from the field while Hugoton jumped out to a 9-2 lead. Scott City’s first lead of the game didn’t come until early in the second period when Yager connected on the second of his three treys for a 19-18 advantage. O’Neil, who finished with a game high 26 points, followed with another three-point basket for a 22-18 lead. There were three more lead changes in the first half before the Eagles were able to take a


The Scott County Record • Page 18 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Weber is looking like the right fit for K-State Coach Bruce Weber is bringing his Kansas State basketball team (7-4) along at a steady pace. The young Wildcats are improving after a somewhat discouraging start. by It’s worth Mac noting that it Stevenson appears that AD John Currie made a superior decision when he hired Weber. From here, it didn’t look like that at the time. Coach Weber is looking more and more like a perfect fit at Kansas State. Jevon Thomas and Nigel Johnson provide leadership, quickness, and talent at point guard. Senior Thomas Gipson has produced points and defense in the pivot. Marcus Foster’s start has been slower than expected, but he’s a player. Justin Edwards, Wesley Iwundu, and Malek Harris have tightened up their games and they’re coming on fast. K-State’s biggest and most pleasant surprise has been Leavenworth’s Nino Williams who is a force on offense and defense. In addition, he’s the most competitive and aggressive player on the Wildcats’ squad. Reserve center Stephen Hurt (6-11, 240) has been out with a groin injury and K-State needs him badly. It’s critical that Hurt does not miss a lot of team practices during the semester break. If Weber’s team is to reach their potential, Hurt has to play up to his potential. This Kansas State team has more talent than last season’s ball club, but the shakedown cruise is taking longer than expected. Ready for the Alamo K-State’s football team is working hard in preparation for their game in the Alamo Bowl against UCLA on January 2. Kickoff in San Antonio is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. and the game will be televised coast-to-coast on ESPN. The extra practices give Coach Bill Snyder a chance to develop young players who will be counted on to play important roles next season. (See WEBER on page 19)

When message was delivered, it was JV girls paying the price No one felt worse than Shelby Crawford when he began pointing to five different girls on his bench and sent them into the game against Hugoton on Friday. The No. 1-ranked team in Class 4ADivision II was already manhandling his varsity. He knew what would happen to his junior varsity. “But I felt I had no choice at that point,” said Crawford, who was still troubled after the game with what his bench had to experience. The Lady Eagles promptly went on an 18-0 scoring blitz early in the fourth quarter. Not that the game hadn’t been decided long before that. Hugoton was already leading 53-26 when Crawford tossed out the sacrificial lambs. “I was frustrated with the effort I was seeing from the varsity and I apologized to the JV girls for putting them in that situation. If we have to put one or two (JV girls) on the floor that’s one thing, but it’s unfair to have five of them on the floor against a team the caliber of Hugoton. “But I had to send the message somehow that all we can control is doing the little things as best we can.” The message wasn’t lost in the locker room afterwards. “The (first team) girls were upset with what I did, but I think they also understood that we didn’t do what was expected of us,” says Crawford. “There were some (first team) girls who apologized to (the JV) girls afterwards.” The frustration was two-fold, noted Crawford. “We had worked and talked all week about blocking out and yet we were watching shots bounce off the rim without getting into rebounding position. We can’t give up second, third and fourth opportunities to score, especially against

a team like Hugoton that we match up with in size.” The inability to handle the press was equally exasperating. “When Hugoton switched to a 2-2-1 press, the middle is wide open and that’s where we have our cutter looking. If we can hit it then we have a three-ontwo (situation) and we’re a pretty decent three-on-two team. “But there are too many times when we’re dribbling with our heads down and we aren’t seeing what’s happening down the floor.” Crawford knows the Lady Beavers are a very young team, but he’s not looking for excuses. “The score is never under our control. Some teams are better than us. If we can do the little things we can be competitive against the really good teams and we can beat the teams that are similar in ability to us. “We have to focus on the fundamental things that build good teams and we haven’t reached that point yet.” A One-Track Mind? Some might think that Dean Cramer has a one-track mind. It’s even possible that if one were to check his birth certificate his middle name might be Patience. The lack of patience has been evident in the Dighton High School boys’ three losses this season. One doesn’t have to see a game to know what disturbs the

DHS head coach. In the Sharon Springs game two stat lines jump off the page - four offensive rebounds and 24 threepoint attempts. The 21 turnovers is close behind. “We aren’t a team that’s going to win consistently if we’re shooting 24 threes a night,” says Cramer. “The three can’t be our number one option.” Six-foot-four sophomore Tyler Lingg has to establish himself in the low post - and that means dealing with doubleteams. “Tyler played outside during AAU this summer, and that’s fine, but we need him to play both inside and outside,” notes Cramer. “He has to learn how to post up and play big. And our guys have to be able to get the ball to him. Our younger guys have to create better passing lanes.” A point of emphasis during the Christmas break will be where players are positioning themselves. “Our post players are posting up at the block or below which affects our ability to get the ball to them,” Cramer says. “We have to set up higher. “And when we tell boys to play at the elbow, they can’t be so literal that they go to that spot and stay there. If necessary they need to take another step or two out and force the defense to react. “It’s just part of the learning process for a young team,” he adds.

Win over Cats a boost for DHS girls

The Dighton High School girls got an early Christmas present with a 44-21 win over Northwest Kansas League rival Sharon Springs. More importantly, they took a big step towards regaining their confidence Sharon Sp. 21 after back-to- Dighton 44 back losses to Hoxie in the finals of the Castle Rock Classic and to LaCrosse in their first game following the tournament. “We didn’t shoot well in the tournament finals and that carried over to LaCrosse and even

into the first half against Sharon Springs,” says head coach Amy Felker. “In the second half we began playing more like we’re capable of.” Leading just 16-8 at halftime, the Lady Hornets seized control of the game with a 13-3 scoring run in the third period. One thing the DHS girls have been able to rely upon has been their defense and that was true again on Friday when they forced turnovers on the perimeter that led to easy breakaway layups. Junior Dakota Hoffman continues to provide a steady offensive presence in the paint, taking advantage of scoring

opportunities when opposing defenses focus their attention on 5-10 sophomore Jordan Speer. “Dakota came up big when they would collapse on Jordan,” says Felker. “She knows that when Jordan is being double-teamed it’s going to open up scoring opportunities and the other girls are also seeing that and getting the ball to her.” Hoffman scored a team high 11 points (4-of-8 FG) and added nine rebounds while Speer finished with a double-double - 10 points and 11 boards. Junior guard Kiara Budd added nine points on 3-of-6 from behind the three-point

line. As a team, however, DHS hit just 27 percent from the field (15-of-56). They were able to offset that with 31 rebounds (16 offensive) and six blocked shots. “We got contributions from several girls. We were needing a game like this to get our confidence back,” Felker adds. “We still have a lot to work on over the break, offensively and defensively. We’re getting a lot of good shots and we’re making good decisions, now we need to start getting more of those to drop,” she says. “We can’t be content with where we are.”

The X Factor (Ty Rowton) is a former Scott City resident who has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a Chiefs Superfan


The Scott County Record • Page 19 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

SCHS Wrestling Abilene Invitational December 20, 2014 Abilene 183.5, Salina Central 159, Scott City 127.5, Smoky Valley 114.5, Silver Lake 102, McPherson 82, Buhler 73.5, Nickerson 51 106: Zach Tucker dec. Jordan Priddy (Silver Lake) 9-6; pinned Nick Brooks (Abilene) 0:30; tech fall Tanner McGivney (Abilene) 18-2; tech fall by Austin Eldredge (McPherson) 15-0; pinned Trevor Casteel (Abilene) 3:02. Second place 138: James Jurgens pinned Dalton Johnson (Buhler) 0:35; maj. dec. Donivyn Will (Salina) 141; tech fall Caleb Schwarz (Silver Lake) 16-0; tech fall Austin Golden (Smoky Valley) 15-0; dec. Trey Hoemer (Abilene) 5-0. First place 145: Kevin Aguilera dec. by Felix Strauss (Abilene) 8-3; pinned by Brandon Archuleta (Smoky Valley) 1:36; dec. Nathan Elliott (Buhler) 9-7; maj. dec. Alex Snell (Nickerson) 13-5; pinned Nathan Elliott (Buhler) 1:53. Fifth place 152: Trey Loftis pinned by Seth Strauss (Abilene) 1:58; pinned by Hunter Howerton (Silver Lake) 3:48; dec. Bailey Yarborough (McPerson) 14-12; pinned by Zane Nichols (Nickerson) 3:59; pinned Bailey Yarborough (McPherson) 0:38. Seventh place 160: Wyatt Kropp pinned Trent Prothro (Salina) 1:20; pinned Ryan Reed (Nickerson) 2:40; pinned Tyler Dowell (Buhler) 3:03; pinned Kevin Wilson (Abilene) 1:15; maj. dec. Cole Brown (Buhler) 9-1. First place 170: Abe Wiebe pinned Peyton Kuhn (Nickerson) 2:52; pinned by Dalton Peters (Salina) 1:31; pinned by Jerrett Woofter (Abilene) 1:45; dec. Allan Wampler (Smoky Valley) 5-4. Third place 182: Tre Stewart pinned by Logan Lindbloom (Buhler) 5:10; pinned by Kyle True (Salina) 1:59; dec. Jesse Renfro (Siver Lake) 9-3; pinned Ethan Proffitt (Nickerson) 0:35; dec. by Trey Bender (Abilene) 6-4. Sixth place 195: Wyatt Eitel maj. dec. Nils Peterson (Smoky Valley) 12-4; dec. Tate Schenkel (Silver Lake) 9-3; pinned by Cody Curl (Nickerson) 1:28; pinned by Jack Helvev (Salina) 1:01. Fourth place 220: Garrett Osborn pinned by Jacob Weast (Buhler) 4:18; pinned by Blaise Lehman (Abilene) 0:31; pinned Andrew Nisly (Unattached) 0:38; pinned Andrew Nisly (Unattached) 0:19. Fifth place 285: Lane Hayes pinned Chase Livengood (Salina) 5:00; pinned Andy Tope (Abilene) 1:46; dec by Ty Goss (McPherson) 5-0. First place

Dighton (continued from page 16)

chance to get a rebound,” Cramer noted. “We don’t want to force the ball inside, but we still have to get Tyler (Lingg) more involved with the offense.” Cramer feels his young team is gaining a better understanding of what they must do to be successful. “They showed that in the games we won, especially against LaCrosse. We took a big step forward,” says Cramer. “The (Christmas) break is when a young team like this can gain on people, but we have to be focused, It’s not just a matter of saying we understand what has to be done, and saying that we have to be more patient. Now we have to believe in it enough to make it happen during a game on a consistent basis.” Support Your Hometown Merchants

Miracle

(continued from page 16)

lost to an early season injury, and we lost All-Pro safety Eric Berry to lymphoma - possibly never to play again. That’s a lot to overcome. Then again, that’s life in the NFL. Of course, there are a lot of questions to be answered in the upcoming weeks. The status of Stephenson is in question since he’s seen the field very little since coming back from his suspension. He apparently is still in Andy Reid’s dog house. Since he didn’t play much this year that should drive down his value on the free agent market during the off-season. If the Chiefs to bring him back, we may be able to do so at a bargain price. The bigger questions will be what we do with Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. Hali will be due a huge contract and we’ll have to see what kind of cap room the Chiefs are willing to create in order to keep him. While they don’t have to sign Houston to a longterm deal (though it may be in our best interest), the Chiefs could slide by another season and put the franchise tag on the outstanding linebacker who will be coveted by a lot of teams in the NFL. The best news is that we have 12 draft picks in the first four rounds in 2015. We can address a lot of needs in the draft, but more on that later. Spreading Cheer The Christmas season is a special time for a lot of my special friends. Over the past few weeks I’ve been auctioning off a lot of my Chiefs memorabilia (I was running out of space) in order to join with some of my friends in raising money to purchase toys for about 3,000 kids in the Kansas City area. We were able to help four different charities. I was at a Christmas party last week where we made sure that each of the more than 1,000 children with disabilities was able to get at least one gift. It’s events like that which put life . . . and football . . . into the proper perspective.

Cabins

(continued from page 16)

Licenses and permits for the 2015 hunting, fishing seasons, as well as park permits, are on sale and valid through the end of 2014 and all of 2015. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at ksoutdoors.com, at any Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) state park, from county clerks and at any license vendor. Licenses and permits on sale include: •Hunting licenses and annual permits •Fishing licenses and annual permits •Furharvesting licenses •State park vehicle, camping and trail permits.

Takedown Kids Wrestling Tom Faust Memorial Battle Dec. 21, 2014 6-Years and Under 55: Matthew Wheeler pinned Brett Egan (Derby) 1:58; dec. by Maximus Miller (Garden Plain) 3-1; maj. dec. Cael Weilert (Derby) 8-0; pinned Brett Egan (Derby) 0:46. Third place 9-10-Years-Old 130: Lance Miller pinned by Barrett Roads (Haysville) 2:43; dec. Keaton Loop (Hutchinson) 6-0; dec. Tyler Rogers (Hutchinson) 2-0; pinned by Sebastian Lopez (Greater Gold) 2:40; dec. Caden McCandless (Pratt) 2-0. Third place 11-12-Years-Old 96: Kale Wheeler maj. dec. Jace Jenkins (Derby) 102; tech. fall by Mark Butcher (Kansas Young Guns) 17-0; pinned Xavier Sisco (Derby) 1:29; dec. Cayden Hughbanks (Maize) 2-0. Third place

Weber “It’s a great opportunity to have those extra periods of practice that our young people can benefit from. We get 15 opportunities to do that, so it’s kind of staying up with the Joneses,” said Snyder. Other than the playoffs, the K-State-UCLA game shapes up as one of the more attractive bowl games. Both teams have identical 9-3 records. It’s important to finish the year on a winning note. UCLA is a slight favorite, but Coach Snyder will have K-State well prepared. Hawks Making Progress Last Saturday Kansas’ basketball team had Lafayette badly outmanned in the Jayhawks’ 96-69 win. Nevertheless, Coach Bill Self had to be encouraged with the emergence of three young players Svi Mykhailiuk, Hunter Mickelson, and Kelly Oubre. Even though the competition wasn’t up to Big 12 standards, Mickelson’s performance was promising indeed for Jayhawk fans. Mickelson had eight points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

(continued from page 18)

Landen Lucas hasn’t shown the necessary progress and Mickelson’s shooting and rebounding produced his best game at KU. Compared to Lucas, Mickelson is quicker, a better jumper, and a superior shooter. If Mickelson continues to move forward it will give KU a huge boost. Mykhailiuk scored 11 points and had two rebounds and two assists against Lafayette; he hit three straight three-point shots just before the half. Mykhailiuk, who is only 17, is learning what it’s all about and he’s going to become a big-time player at Kansas. In the last three games, Oubre has shown why his preseason ratings were so high. Oubre had 23 points and 10 rebounds in the Lafayette game. Self started him and the guess here is that Oubre will be a fixture in KU’s starting lineup for the rest of the season. Good Juco Prospects KU’s first football recruiting class under new head coach David Beaty appears to be off to a great start. Last week KU signed eight juco transfers

who are expected to be available for winter workouts and spring practice. Beaty’s early recruits included three offensive linemen, three defensive backs, one defensive lineman and one running back. The runningback, Ke’aun Kinner, was named the junior college Offensive Player of the Year. It’s way too early for Jayhawk fans to get excited about these juco players; everything depends on whether or not they have the necessary ability and determination to become competitive Big 12 football players. Beaty bestowed praise where it belonged. “Reggie Mitchell is everything he is advertised to be in terms of building relationships and recruiting . . . he and Clint Bowen, those guys have done a super job. Not good, I mean a great job.” The Kansas football program is down, but the cupboard’s not nearly as bare as it was when Turner Gill exited the scene. If the Jayhawks can land eight or 10 players who can help immediately, they could put a competitive team on the field this coming fall.


The Scott County Record • Page 20 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Minor league baseball coming to Garden City The Garden City Wind will be the newest addition to the Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The team will begin play at Clint Lightner Ballpark next year. Clint Lightner will be the first artificial turf field in the history of the Pecos League. The Wind will play in the Northern Division in the 2015 season with the Las Vegas Train Robbers, Trinidad Triggers and Santa Fe Fuego. Garden City will host Spring Training for both the Trinidad Triggers and the Wind before the two teams open their season in Garden City.

Pecos League commissioner and owner Andrew Dunn said, “I believe Garden City will fit perfectly with the other seven cities in the league. Clint Lightner Ballpark will continue our mission to upgrade facilities in our league.” The Garden City Wind will finalize their coaching staff soon. Players interested in trying out for Wind can contact Eric Schiff at eric.schiff@pecosleague.com or 314-874-6774. The team’s website can be viewed at http://www. GardenCityWind.com

If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Show off your Beaver pride with a 2014-2015 SCHS Basketball shirt!

SCHS sophomore Tre Stewart works for a takedown against Silver Lake’s Jesse Renfor on his way to a 9-3 decision at the Abilene Invitational. (Record Photo)

Jurgens Heavyweight Lane Hayes (8-2) was also a gold medalist while going 2-1 in round-robin action. He won by falls in the first two rounds against Chase Livengood (Salina Central) and Andy Tope (Abilene) before dropping a 5-0 decision against Ty Goss (McPherson). But since Goss had lost his previous two matches, Hayes was the overall champion. “Lane competed well early in the tournament. At times he looks good on his feet,” says Lippelmann. “We need to put together a more consistent effort so we can finish strong at the end of the day.” Tucker Adds Silver Zach Tucker (106) finished with four wins and a silver medal in a five-man round-robin weight division. Through the first three rounds, Tucker’s toughest match was a 9-6 decision over Jordan Priddy (10-3, Silver Lake). Tucker (9-2) followed with a fall and a technical fall over his next two opponents before losing by a technical fall to undefeated Austin Eldredge (McPherson). He closed out the day with a pin over Trevor Casteel (Abilene). The match was tied 4-4 after the first period, but Tucker took control in the second period with a reversal before getting a fall at the 3:02 mark. “We got a better look at what Zach can do against some pretty good competition,” Lippelmann says. “He got a couple of quality wins over the kids from Silver Lake and Abilene.” Abe Wiebe (170) added a third place finish and Wyatt Eitel (195) was fourth. SCHS (127.5) finished third in the team standings behind Abilene (183.5) and Salina Central (159). They were followed by Smoky Valley (114.5), Silver Lake (102), McPherson (82), Buhler (73.5) and Nickerson (51). Lippelmann liked the differ-

(continued from page 15)

ent tournament format which guaranteed wrestlers at least four matches, except the heavyweight division where there were just four competitors. After the initial pool action, wrestlers were slotted into brackets against those of similar ability. As a result, each SCHS grappler finished the day with at least two wins.

“Everyone gained experience and they finished the day feeling pretty good about how they did,” Lippelmann says. “It was also a chance for us to see Silver Lake before the state tournament and we did well against them head-to-head. We also saw some pretty good kids at the (Class) 4A and 5A levels and we did well against them.”

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The Scott County Record • Page 21 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

a pioneer Christmas

Keeping it authentic at the Steele Home

When it comes to decorating the historic Steele Home for the annual Pioneer Christmas, Glenita Dearden and JaneAnn McClellan weren’t leaving anything to chance. Prior to the Friends of Lake Scott hosting the event, the two Scott City ladies traveled to Haviland where they spent an afternoon visiting with Alice Burch, the 95-year-old aunt of Glenita’s husband, Alan. Herb Steele was Alice’s uncle and, as a youngster, she would visit their home while the Steeles were still living there. “On the return trip we had 2-1/2 hours to talk about the things Alice told us and decide how we wanted to decorate the home,” says Dearden. There are no photos and very few written accounts of how the interior of the home may have been decorated after Herbert Steele had built it for his family in 1893.The family started in a simple dugout which was later updated to the four-room, sandstone dwelling that people see today. Now a museum site, the home has been preserved much as it was 100 years ago. Maintaining that authentic look has been the goal of the Friends of Lake Scott during the holidays. Contrary to what some have speculated, Glenita and JaneAnn didn’t think that decorated tumbleweeds were among the holiday decorations that would have been used by the Steeles. “There were plenty of trees nearby, so Herb would have used one of those,” Dearden imagines. Dearden and McClellan agreed that any decorating the Steeles did for the holiday season would have been “very simple,” which is something they kept in mind while preparing the home for about 120 visitors who took part in the tours on Saturday and Sunday nights. “Hard candy would have been a treat. That’s why we didn’t use much. Herb had his orchard, so we used oranges and pears,” says Dearden. “And there were knitted socks . . . very simple.” The lighting was limited to oil lamps and candles. In addition to touring the Steele Home, park visitors could also stop by the shelter house for hot cider, hot chocolate, peanuts and smores. “A lot of people took advantage of that. It was such a beautiful evening,” Dearden says. Dearden says she and McClellan are already brainstorming for next year. “Each year we add something new and change it up a little bit,” adds Dearden. Scenes from the Pioneer Christmas (top to bottom): •Visitors enter the parlor of the Steele Home. •A decorated dresser top in the master bedroom. •The stove is decorated with greenery and also includes a framed photo of the Steeles outside their home. •(Left) A view of the parlor. •(Below) A dresser in the other upstairs bedroom. (Record Photos)


Farm

The Scott County Record

Page 22 - Thursday, December 25, 2014

Vilsack abandons 2nd beef checkoff effort In the waning hours before Santa comes to town, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is doing what he can to stay off the dreaded naughty list by announcing he will abandon recent efforts to create another beef checkoff under the 1996 general commodity checkoff law. Vilsack reportedly cited his reasoning to walk

away from the proposal was two-fold. First, language to prohibit USDA from using any funds to create a second beef checkoff was included in the federal spending bill that passed last weekend and the he said there is little to no support in the industry to have two checkoff programs running side-by-side.

ag briefs

New yield data for safety net calculations The Farm Service Agency (FSA) now has new information available to farmers so they can update program payment yields when protections offered by the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The new programs, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, offer farmers protection when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices and revenues. The Farm Bill provided landowners with the option of updating their farm program payment yields. This is the first time that many producers have been able to update yields since 1986. “We’ve worked with the Risk Management Agency to make available certified yield data that producers can use to better calculate how the new safety net programs can offer the best protection against market swings,” says USDA’s FSA Administrator Val Dolcini. Producers can check with their local FSA office to see if data is available for them. This data belongs to the producer and only the producer associated with the crop insurance records will be provided this service. Updating yield history or reallocating base acres can occur until Feb. 27. Through March 31, producers can also make a one-time election of either ARC or PLC for the 2014 through 2018 crop years. Additional information on the new programs is available at www.fsa.usda. gov/arc-plc.

Two sorghum schools in area

Sorghum production schools, sponsored by the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, will be held at Oakley and Garden City in February. The one-day schools will cover issues facing sorghum producers: weed control strategies, crop production practices, soil fertility and nutrient management, insect control, irrigation and risk management. Dates and locations are: Feb. 10: Garden City, Clarion Inn, 1911 E Kansas Ave. Contact Barbara Addison, Finney County, at baddison@ ksu.edu, or call 620-272-3670. Feb. 11: Oakley, Buffalo Bill Center, 3083 U.S. 83. Contact Julie Niehage, Golden Prairie District, julienie@ksu. edu, or call 785-671-3245. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9:00 a.m. and adjourns at 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The schools are free.

For three years, a checkoff enhancement working group comprised of the industry stakeholders met to discuss potential reform of the beef checkoff in order for it to meet the needs of today’s diverse cattle industry and make it more effective and efficient. In October, Secretary Vilsack decided to take the matter into his own

hands, and in a meeting with some of the members of the working group, he announced he was considering writing a rule under the 1996 Act to create a second checkoff. According to various reports, Vilsack claims to his only reason for proposing the second checkoff was “an effort to get folks to understand what was at stake” and that

“we will have to wait and see” what the industry can come up with now regarding checkoff reforms. While there is a general consensus about a need for additional checkoff resources, since the $1 per head assessment has not been updated since the Beef Checkoff Program was created in the 1985 farm bill, industry stake-

holders disagree about other reforms to the program. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was a vocal opponent of the plan from the beginning, citing concerns that a second checkoff would not only be duplicative but that it would also create confusion in the industry and result in unneces(See CHECKOFF on page 23)

Industry pumps time, resources into debate against antibiotics Let’s see? What would make a good topic for a column aimed at generating controversy? Assuming, of course, that controversy “sells.” Which it does, by the way. I’d argue that few issues would fit that model better than antibiotics. That’s because it’s emotional, it affects nearly everyone (at least indirectly) and there’s enough legitimate uncertainty about the nature and extent of the threat to generate concern among both ends of the public opinion spectrum: well-educated peo-

Ag Commentary Dan Murphy contributing columnist

Drovers CattleNetwork

ple who must be swayed with argumentation and low-information consumers who accept the activist message that antibiotics are being abused, that they’re unnecessary in animal agriculture and that society is in danger thanks to the impact of antibiotic resistance among human microbial pathogens. You doubt that? Just ask the next five or 10 people you

converse with the following question: “What do you think about using antibiotics in meat production?” You won’t find too many who have no opinion, and you’ll find even fewer who think adding low-level antibiotics to animal feed is a great idea that makes producers more efficient, thus lowering prices at the meat case for hard-working Americans. Truth is, antibiotic use in agriculture is the one issue most likely to start an argument, no matter who you are or where you stand on the issue,

and thus it’s one of the most challenging issues for industry to develop a response that resonates with consumers. I don’t have that blueprint, but I do know that industry has gone down many false pathways in an attempt to develop such a response, including: •USDA inspection. While plenty of anti-industry groups make a living attacking USDA for “being in the pocket of industry,” the reality is that most people don’t equate inspection intensity with the perceived problem of worrying (See ANTIBIOTICS on page 23)

Farmers anxious for open trade with Cuba While Cuba and the United States have historically had rocky trade relations, President Obama’s announcement on December 17 that the United States would renew diplomatic relations could signal more wheat sales for Kansas farmers. “U.S. wheat farmers are excited about the prospect of exporting more wheat to Cuba,” says National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President Paul Penner, a wheat farmer in Marion County, Kansas. “NAWG has long supported strengthened trade relations with Cuba and sees this as a

Wheat Scoop Jordan Hildebrand communications director

Kansas Wheat

historic step in that direction.” Cuba, which does not grow wheat commercially, is the largest wheat market in the Caribbean, purchasing most of its wheat from the European Union (44 percent market share) and Canada (27 percent market share). This is in sharp contrast to many other markets in the Caribbean region, where U.S. wheat farmers enjoy a much larger market share. “Since we do have an 80% market share in the Caribbean,

Market Report Closing prices on December 23, 2014 Scoular, at Pence Bartlett Grain Wheat..................

$ 6.27

Wheat..................

$ 6.22

White wheat .......

$ 6.42

White Wheat .......

$

Milo ....................

$ 4.24

Milo (bu.).............

$ 4.19

Corn ...................

$ 4.24

Corn....................

$ 4.19

Soybeans ...........

$ 9.61

Scott City Cooperative Wheat..................

$ 6.27

White Wheat .......

$ 6.42

Milo (bu.).............

$ 4.24

Corn....................

$ 4.24

Soybeans ...........

$ 9.61

Sunflowers..........

$ 17.15

ADM Grain Wheat.................. $ 6.35

NA

Weather H

L

P

Dec. 16

40

20

Dec. 17

43

24

Dec. 18

41

29

Dec. 19

50 26

Dec. 20

56 23

Dec. 21

46

Dec. 22

51 33

24

Milo (bu.).............

$ 4.24

Corn....................

$ 4.32

Soybeans............

$ 9.49

December

0.45

Sunflowers..........

$ 17.70

2014 Total

20.03

Moisture Totals

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

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I think we could have that kind of relationship with Cuba under normalized trade,” said Justin Gilpin, Kansas Wheat CEO. Cuba could import at least 500,000 metric tons of wheat from the United States each year but has not purchased U.S. wheat since 2011. Under the current embargo, the United States can export agricultural products to Cuba through the use of third-party banking institutions, which makes facilitating trade burdensome and often more expensive. If trade were to resume with Cuba, the United States would hold a distinct advantage in shipping wheat to Cuba based

on Cuba’s geographic proximity to the United States. This results in shorter shipping times and lower freight rates. The United States also has a quality advantage over the European Union. Kansas Wheat, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), and U.S. farmers have worked for years to open up the Cuban wheat market, including meetings with Cuban leader Fidel Castro and trade missions to the island nation. On January 8, 2002, the first shipment of hard red winter (HRW) wheat in more than 40 years left the Port of Galveston, (See CUBA on page 23)


The Scott County Record • Page 23 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Long-term meat consumption expected to climb

The next three years are projected to bring a slow but steady decrease in per capita beef consumption. From 2013 to 2014, beef consumption dropped 56.3 retail pounds to 54.6 retail pounds. In 2015, consumption is expected to carry down to 52.2 retail pounds, reaching 48.5 retail pounds by 2017. By 2018 things should be looking up, hitting a

steady 52.4 retail pounds per capita by 2024. However, total meat per capita consumption is projected to be on the rise, with total poultry consumption carrying the weight. From 2014 to 2015, total poultry consumption is expected to rise from 102.5 retail pounds to a hefty 111.9 retail pounds. Pork is also on the rise, with a more gradual

Antibiotics that one day they or a loved one could be imperiled by contracting an infection doctors can’t cure because a bunch of producers are dumping antibiotics into farm animals’ feed rations. Which brings us to non-issue No. 2. •Antibiotic residues. Yes, a segment of the general population is aware of the (alleged) dangers of consuming food products that might contain traces of antibiotics - ironically, it’s the highly educated, well-read folks who have the problem, even though they of all people should know that antibiotic efficacy is completely dependent on dosage. To create the desired medical effect not only requires sufficient quantities but sufficient duration of application. That’s why every physician who’s ever prescribed an antibiotic instructs the patient, “Finish the entire prescription. Don’t stop once you feel better or the infection subsides.” Right?

sary government bureaucracy in what should be an industry-led program. “We greatly appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s action, allowing the industry stakeholders to continue working together to enhance the Beef Checkoff Program,” says Bob McCan, NCBA president and Texas cattleman. “All of us involved in this process have been very mindful of the tremendous producer sup-

Cattle Prices The market for fivearea steers is projected to be volatile. Significant increases are expected to be started in 2015 with cattle bringing $159.50/ cwt. in 2015, continuing to jump up to $165.03 by 2017. The five-area steer

(continued from page 22)

•Veterinary supervision. Again, a non-issue. Even if an actual DVM physically administered every antibiotic dosage, even if a licensed vet personally shoveled antibiotic-treated feed into each and every animal’s feeding trough, it wouldn’t change the opinions of people who believe that antibiotic usage in animal agriculture is wrong and inappropriate. •Scientific credibility. The industry spends enormous amounts of time, efforts and resources trying to establish its spokespeoples’ bona fides as scientifically serious authorities whose pronouncements should be accorded serious consideration. That’s a waste of time. The activists opposed to current production practices have plenty of scientific credibility on their side. It’s useless to try to “out-science” other scientists. Moreover, people don’t care about anyone’s PhDs and DVMs. They’re not uneasy about the practice

Checkoff

increase, jumping from 46.6 retail pounds in 2015 to 49.5 retail pounds in 2024.

of adding antibiotics to animal feed because they don’t understand the biomechanics of bacterial resistance. People choose antibiotic-free meat and poultry products, or privately decide that producers shouldn’t be “dumping antibiotics” into feed or “pumping animals full of drugs” because of the single most powerful human emotion: fear. Opposition to antibiotics in agriculture is driven by the fear that they might find themselves fighting for their life one day while doctors struggle to control an infection with drugs that no longer work because producers overused them to fatten animals and the bottom line. As Jack Nicholson’s character in “A Few Good Men” testifies, “We follow orders, or people die. It’s that simple.” And the majority of Americans believe that producers need to stop using antibiotics, or people will die. It’s that simple.

(continued from page 22)

port of the Checkoff, and we will continue to work with the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group and our members to enhance the program while building on that support.” NCBA was not the only group to weigh in on the Secretary’s plan to walk away from the second checkoff proposal. The Secretary’s homestate Iowa Cattlemen’s

Association was quick to praise the plan to withdraw the proposal. “We agree with the Secretary’s premise that additional dollars are needed to promote beef, but the process he was using left out a key ingredient: the cattle producer,” says ICA Chief Executive Officer Matt Deppe, adding that the current checkoff has tremendous support among Iowa cattlemen.

market is then projected to steadily drop to $152.48/cwt. by 2022, and begin increasing, hitting $158.11 by 2024. Feeder steers in Oklahoma City are expected to peak in 2015 at $226.75/cwt. It’s then estimated to be downhill from there, dropping to $203.70 by 2017 and hitting a low of $181.85 in 2022. The national beef cow herd is projected to steadi-

ly climb from around 29.6 million in 2014 to 33.7 million in 2024, pushing along the cattle inventory from around 87.7 million in 2014 to 94 million in 2024.

Corn Acres to Drop Total acres of corn planted is expected to slightly decline in the coming new year, with the lowest in the spread to 2024 being 88 million acres in 2015.

Cuba

(continued from page 22)

Texas, and began a beneficial trade partnership. That first shipment contained wheat from Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, and was the beginning of a total first shipment of 2.6 million bushels. That trade partnership continued until 2010. During those years of trade, Cuba was a dedicated buyer of U.S. wheat, purchasing up to 70 percent of their wheat imports from the United States. As that first ship-

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Acreage is projected to pick up to 90 million acres from 2016-18 and then settle around 89 million until 2024. Of that, 2016-18 are expected to be the heaviest harvest years with around 82.4 million acres. Bushels per acre are expected to max out in 2014, with an average of 185.3 bushels per acre. Things are expected to be weak in 2016 with 167.2 bushels per acre.

ment left the dock at Galveston in 2002, an expert flour miller funded by the Kansas Wheat Commission was on his way to demonstrate HRW milling techniques. Elie Posner, a U.S. Wheat Associates milling consultant, provided the technical assistance. “It was a very interesting experience to work with the Cuban millers,” said Posner. “The HRW wheat performed well after changes were made,

and it gave the millers hands-on experience in new approaches to milling technology of which they were isolated from.” Kansas wheat farmers have much to gain with an improved trade relationship with Cuba. “The U.S. wheat industry applauds these actions, which take concrete steps away from a policy approach towards Cuba that has accomplished little,” said USW President Alan Tracy.

208 W. 5th St., Scott City 620-872-2103 800-886-2103 Come Grow With Us!

www.JRCARandTRUCK.com 2014 Cars 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXL, V6, HUD, Loaded ............White Dia/Tan Lthr.... 58K mi.....(1676A) ... $18,800 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, GTS Package ...Silver/Black Cloth.. 111K mi.....(1514A) ..... $9,900 2012 Nissan Maxima, S Package, V6, Sunroof ....... Black/Black Leather.... 43K mi.....(1694A) ... $18,500 2012 Chevy Impala LTZ, Sunroof, V6 ....................... Black/Black Leather.... 62K mi.... (1826B) ..... $CALL 2013 Chevy Malibu LT ...................................................White/Gray Cloth.... 26K mi.......(1741) ... $17,900 2014 Chevy Malibu LTZ..................... Black Granite Metallic/Tan Leather.... 25K mi.......(1835) ... $21,900 2014 Chevy Cruze 2LT, RS, Sunroof............... Crystal Red/Black Leather.... 19K mi.......(1844) ... $18,900 2014 Buick Lacrosse Premium 2, V6, Snrf, Heads up, Silver/Tan Leather . 15K mi.......(1869) ... $31,500 SUVs 2004 Chevy Tahoe LT, 4x4, Sunroof, 2nd Row Buckets .. White/Gray Lthr.. 128K mi.... (1821C) ..... $9,900 2008 Buick Enclave CXL, AWD, NAV, DVD, SNRF, White Diamond/Gray Lthr, 90K mi, (1643A) ... $17,900 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, FWD, 3.5L V6 ......................Blue/Black Cloth.. 147K mi.....(1708A) ..... $5,900 2010 Chevy Traverse LTZ, AWD, Sunroof, DVD .......... Blue/Gray Leather.... 71K mi.....(1634A) ... $22,900 2010 GMC Acadia SLT-2, AWD, Sunroof, DVD, V6 ....Silver/Gray Leather.... 82K mi.....(1768A) ... $20,900 2011 GMC Yukon XL Denali, AWD, Sunroof, DVD, NAV, Gold Mist/Tan Lthr, 84K mi ...(1814A) ... $33,500 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4x4, V6 .............. Black/Gray Cloth.... 60K mi.... (1815B) ... $21,600 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-2, AWD, V6, Sunroof .....Red Jewel/Gray Leather.... 45K mi.......(1710) ... $23,900 2013 Ford Escape SEL, FWD, 2.0L Ecoboost ..............Silver/Tan Leather.... 32K mi.... (1616B) ... $22,500 2013 Ford Escape SEL, FWD, 2.0L Ecoboost .......... White/Black Leather.... 45K mi.....(1764A) ... $19,500 2013 Buick Enclave, AWD ........................................ Silver/Black Leather.... 35K mi.......(1790) ... $32,500 2013 GMC Acadia SLT, AWD, 3.6L V6, 2nd R Buckets, Silver/Black Leather, 35K mi .....(1792) ... $32,600 2014 Chevy Equinox LTZ, AWD, Sunroof, V6................ Blue/Tan Leather.... 16K mi.......(1808) ... $29,700 2014 GMC Terrain SLT-2, AWD, Sunrrof, V6 ..............Gray/Black Leather.... 29K mi.......(1807) ... $28,500 Pickups 2010 Ford F150 Crew XLT, 4x4, 5.4L, Bucket Seats..Maroon/Gray Cloth.... 80K mi.....(1625A) ... $23,500 2011 GMC 2500HD Crew SLT, 4x4, 6.6L Diesel .........Silver/Gray Leather.... 92K mi.....(1798A) ... $35,900 2011 Dodge 3500 Crew Longhorn, 4x4, Sunroof, NAVWhite-Gold/Brown Lthr, 27K mi, (1881A) $43,900 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew LT, 4x4, 6.0L Gas, Z71, 20” wheels, Wh/Blk Cloth, 24K mi, (1876A) . $35,900 2013 Chevy 3500HD Crew LTZ, 4x4, 6.6L Diesel, Z71, SRW, Red/Black Lthr, 30K mi, (1877A) ..... $CALL 2013 GMC 2500HD Crew SLT, 4x4, 6.6L Diesel, 20” wheels, Black/Gray Lthr, 40K mi, (1882A) ... $45,500 2013 Chevy 1500 Crew LTZ, 4x4, Z71, 5.3L ..............Black/Gray Leather.... 30K mi.......(1740) ... $33,900 2013 2500 HD Crew, LT, 4x4, 6.6L Diesel, ...................White/Black Cloth.... 56K mi.......(1745) ... $37,900 2013 Ford F350, Ext. Cab, FX4, 4x4, Nav, 6.2L, L Box, ...... Blue/ Tan Lthr.... 29K mi.... (1724B) ... $37,500 2013 Chevy 2500HD Ext Cab LTZ, 4x4, 6.0L Gas, Long Box, Z71,Red/Blk Lthr, 26K mi,(1802A) $35,900 2013 GMC 1500 Crew Denali, AWD, 6.2L, NAV, DVD ...... Black/Tan Lthr.... 63K mi.....(1571A) ... $34,900 2014 Chevy 1500 Crew LTZ, 4x4, NAV, 6’ 6” Box........... Silver/Gray Lthr.... 21K mi.......(1827) ... $41,500 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew, SLE, 4x4, 5.3L..............White/Black Cloth...... 3K mi.......(1750) ... $37,900 2014 Chevy 1500 Crew LTZ, 4x4, NAV, Sunroof, Rhino Lining, Tonneau Cover, 20” Wheels, Brownstone/Tan Leather ... 27K mi .....(1785A) ... $41,900

2014 Chevy 1500 Crew 2LT, 4x4, 5.3L, Z71 .................White/Gray Cloth.... 19K mi.......(1837) ... $34,900


$

7

The Scott County Record • Page 24 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

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

Clifton Smith Construction

Preconditioning and Growing

• 45 Years Experience • Managed and owned by full-time DVM • 2,000 Head capacity Office - 872-5150 • Scott City

Call:

620-214-2674

Stuart Doornbos Home - 872-2775 Cell - 874-0951

Painting • Remodeling • Handicap Bath Remodels

Licensed and Bonded

Construction/Home Repair

Sager’s Pump Service CHAMBLESS • Irrigation • Domestic • Windmills • Submersibles

Cell: 874-4486 • Office 872-2101

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

20 years experience See us for any type of work!

ROOFING Residential

All Types of Roofing

Commercial

Cedar Shake and Shingle Specialists Return to Craftsmanship Attention to Detail and Quality Guaranteed 620-872-2679 • 1-800-401-2683

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

Dirks Earthmoving Co. Precision Land Forming of terraces and waterways; feed lot pens and ponds; building site preparation; lazer equipped

Richard Dirks • Scott City, Ks. (Home) 872-3057 • 877-872-3057 (Cell) 872-1793

Automotive Willie’s Auto A/C Repair Willie Augerot Complete A/C Service Mechanic Work and Diagnostics Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Walker Plumbing, Inc.

404 Kingsley • Scott City • 874-1379

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

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

Contact:

Landscaping • Lawn/Trees

Berning Tree Service David Berning • Marienthal

620-379-4430

Tree Trimming and Removal Hedge and Evergreen Trimming Stump Removal

Fully Insured

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.

We service and repair all that we sell.

Paul Cramer 620-290-2410 620-872-8910 www.pcpaintinginc.com

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

Over 20 Years Experience

Professional Extermination Commercial & Residential

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

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

RT Plumbing Rex Turley, Master Plumber

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

Marienthal, Ks.

Owner, Chris Lebbin • 620-214-4469

For your home medical supply and equipment needs!

PC Painting, Inc.

Pro Ex II

Call today for a Greener Healthier Lawn

Horizon Health

620-909-5014 (H) • 620-874-4128 (C)

Pro Health Chiropractic Wellness Center (Scott City Chiropractic) “TLC”... Technology Lead Chiropractic

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

Dr. Jeffrey A. Heyd Optometrist 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: 872-2736


$

7

The Scott County Record • Page 25 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Call 872-2090 today!

Per Week

Professional Directory Continued

Services

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

For all your auction needs call:

Scott City Clinic Melissa Batternon

(620) 375-4130

872-2187

Russell Berning Box Q • Leoti

Joie Tedder

ARNP

APNP

Megan Dirks

MD

Ryan Michaels

Elizabeth Hineman MD

PA-C

Floyd Hockersmith

Caley Roberts

Matthew Lightener

PA

Sporting Goods

Truck Driving

GUN SHOW. Dec. 26-28. Fri., 1:00-6:00; Sat. 9:005:00; Sunday 9:00-3:00. Kansas Coliseum (I-135 and East 85th Street N), Wichita. Buy-Sell-Trade. For info call (563) 9278176.

BUTLER TRANSPORT. Your partner in excellence. Drivers needed. Great hometime. $650 sign-on bonus. All miles paid. 1-800-528-7825. www.butlertransport.com. ––––––––––––––––––––– DEDICATED HOGAN is hiring CDL-A truck drivers. Up to $75,000 annually. $4,000 signon bonus. Home weekly guaranteed. Roundtrip miles. Great benefits. Call 866-284-3594. ––––––––––––––––––––– NO EXPERIENCE? Some or lots of experience? Let’s talk. No matter what stage in your career, its time. Call Central Refrigerated Home (888) 670-0392. www. CentralTruckDrivingJobs. com. ––––––––––––––––––––– GREAT PLAINS Trucking of Salina is looking for experienced OTR tractor-trailer flatbed drivers or recent driving school graduates. Our drivers travel 48 U.S. states as well as the lower Canadian provinces. We offer excellent compensation, benefits, home time and equipment. Please contact Brett or Randy at 785-823-2261 or brettw@ gptrucking.com, randyl@ gptrucking.com.

Homes LENDERS OFFERING special government programs for manufactured homes. $0 down for land owners. FHA for firsttime buyers. VA: $0 down for veterans. Section 184 for federal tribe members. Lenders accepting less than perfect credit. 866858-6862.

Christian Cupp

APRN

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.

MD MD

Scott City Myofascial Release Sandy Cauthon RN

Legal Aid

105 1/2 W. 11th St., Scott City 620-874-1813 scottcitymfr@gmail.com FB: Scott City Myofascial Release

SOCIAL SECURITY disability benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We can help! Win or pay nothing. Contact Bill Gordon and Associates at 1-800-737-4275 to start your application today.

Call me to schedule your Myofascial Release

For Sale VIAGRA AND CIALIS users. A cheaper alternative to high drug store prices. 50 pill special, $99. Free shipping. 100% guaranteed. Call now, 1-800906-4338. ––––––––––––––––––––– ALL NEW. Happy Jack DuraSpot. Kills and repels fleas, ticks and larvae. Repels mites, lice and mosquitoes. Contains Nylar IGR. Orschlen Farm & Home. www.happyjackinc.com.

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

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

Northend Disposal A garbologist company. Scott City • 872-1223 • 1-800-303-3371

PC Cleaning Services, Inc. Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

www.reganjewelers.com

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

We'll clean your home, business or do remodeling clean-up Available seven days a week! Paul Cramer, Owner

620-290-2410

All Under One Roof

Revcom Electronics

Dining

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

1104 Main • Scott City • 872-2625

C-Mor-Butz BBQ

Barbecue, the only sport where a fat bald man is a GOD...

& Catering

Kyle Lausch 620-872-4209

Bryan Mulligan & Chris Price 620-874-8301 & 620-874-1285

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

www.cmorbutzbbq.com • cmorbutzbbq@gmail.com


Classifieds

The Scott County Record • Page 26 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

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: $5.50 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.

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. 19tfc

NEW LISTING

Help Wanted

Services

Rentals

USD 466 NEEDS substitute route bus drivers. For applications and additional information contact Lance Carter at 620-872-7655.

WANTED: Yards to mow and clean up, etc. Trim smaller trees and bushes too. Call Dean Riedl, (620) 872-5112 or 87434tfc 4135. ––––––––––––––––––––– FURNITURE REPAIR and refinishing. Lawn mower tune-up and blade sharpening. Call Vern Soodsma, 872-2277 or 36tfc 874-1412. ––––––––––––––––––––– MOWER REPAIR, tuneup and blade sharpening. Call Rob Vsetecka at 62036tfc 214-1730. ––––––––––––––––––––– METAL ROOFING, SIDING and TRIMS at direct-to-the-public prices. Call Metal King Mfg., 620-872-5464. Our prices 37tfc will not be beat! ––––––––––––––––––––– “JEN’S GROOMING” By Jennifer Milner, hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. call 620-214-0097. Located in Shallow Water. 09tfc

HIDE AND SEEK STORAGE SYSTEMS. Various sizes available. Virgil and LeAnn Kuntz, (620)874-2120. 41tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– MULTIPLE HOUSES FOR RENT. 1 bedroom homes available. Also 8x10 storage units available. Stop by PlainJans to fill out an application or call 872-5777. 01tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– COMMERCIAL/RETAIL SPACE available Sept. 1. 306 W. 5th Scott City. Contact Jeff 8741659. 50tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– STORAGE UNITS in various sizes available at The Storehouse, Don and Trudy Eikenberry 620872-2914. 07tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– 1 AND 2 BEDROOM apartments for rent. Please call 620-874-8353. 10tfc ––––––––––––––––––––– 2 HOUSES FOR RENT a 3-bedroom, 1 1/2 bath mobile home. And a 2-bedroom, 1 bath mobile home. Trash and water paid on both. Call 620872-2758. 19t2p ––––––––––––––––––––– 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH, single level country home, 12 miles from town, no indoor pets, $750. Call 620872-2930 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. References required. 17t4c

02tfc

––––––––––––––––––––– P E R S O N A L ATTENDANT/CARE PROVIDER to provide in-home services for elderly woman part-time and PRN positions available. Contact Carolyn 620-8722506 or 620-872-3583. 20t2p

Support Your Hometown Merchants

A home for the holidays! Call to make your dreams come true in one of these homes.

Agriculture Beautiful immaculate 2,000 sq. ft./full basement home in a friendly rural community. Near Scott City, Oakley and Garden City. On 1 acre and mature landscape with sprinkler and drip line watering system. Will make a great place to work a sells territory from or a wonderful, beautiful, quiet home to retire in. $232,000.

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

Praire Veiw lots...$16,500 1010 Church...$39,500 105 E. 6th...$49,500 503 York...$69,500

204 Antelope...$93,500

1205 Santa Fe...$96,500

505 S. College...$119,500 10250 N. Indian Rd... $120,000

1012 Kingsley...$159,000 1120 E. 7th...$215,000

1120 Russell...$230,000 Brick home 1,430 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car garage and sprinkler in yard. Buy lots in the Eastridge addition for your new home location.

Thomas Real Estate

www.thomasreal-estate.com

914 W. 12th Scott City, Ks. 67871 (620)-872-7396 Cell: (620)-874-1753 or Cell: (620)-874-5002 14tfc

May your Christmas be blessed with peace and joy!

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

Moving? Remember to contact The Scott County Record with your new address.

PO Box 377, Scott City, Ks. 67871 620-872-2090 • office@screcord.com

New on the Market-Built 2014 Corner lot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath, full unfinished basement, large family room, 2 car garage. Call for your private showing today!

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 8:30 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. 30t52


The Scott County Record • Page 27 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Employment Opportunities SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-PROFESSIONAL

CUSTODIAN

For High Plains Educational Cooperative Scott City Middle School is seeking a special education Para-Professional to work with students. The position is available for the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. Start date is August 21, 2014. For more information and application please contact. Susan Carter Board of Education Building 704 College, Scott City, Ks. 67871 (620) 872-7600

02tfc

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Executive Director: Enjoy life in a quiet, safe, progressive community of 5,000 in Western Kansas. The newly created Scott County Hospital Foundation is seeking a full-time director. Responsibilities to include: fund development, public relations, programming, grant writing and overall management. Applicants need to have: demonstrated abilities in leadership, fundraising, grantsmanship, budgeting, marketing, community outreach, and management. Candidates must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, be a self starter, and possess good computer skills. Experience with foundations and college degree preferred. Salary $45,000-$49,000. Benefits include: medical and dental insurance, 401K, paid time off, extended illness leave, disability and life insurance. To apply, send letter of interest and resume to: Karma Huck, Scott County Hospital Foundation, 201 Albert Avenue, Scott City, Ks. 67871 Deadline to apply, January 9, 2015

19t4c

Unified School District No. 466 is looking for a qualified applicant for a full-time night shift custodian position at Scott City Elementary School. For applications and additional information please contact: Lance Carter Board of Education Building 704 College, Scott City, Ks. 67871 (620)-640-7276 USD #466 is an EOE Employer.

14t1mc

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARA-PROFESSIONAL For High Plains Educational Cooperative Scott Community High School is seeking a special education Para-Professional to work with students. The position is available for the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. Start date is as soon as possible. For more information and application please contact. Susan Carter Board of Education Building 704 College, Scott City, Ks. 67871 (620) 872-7600 20tfc

PARK LANE NURSING HOME Has openings for the following positions: Full-time CNA Part-time CNA (evening) PRN CNA Full-time Housekeeping Aide Shift differential pay offered for evening and night shifts! Please apply in person at:

Park Lane Nursing Home

210 E. Parklane Scott City, KS 67871 Or visit us at our website: www.parklanenursinghome.org “Quality Care Because We Care”

20tfc

SCOTT COUNTY HOSPITAL HAS OPENINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS PATIENT CARE Acute Care RNs Physical Therapist Respiratory Therapist Operating Room RN Clinic RN/LPN C.N.A.s CLERICAL Admissions Clerk Ward Clerk SERVICE PRN Dietary Aide/Cook 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. Due to our recent expansion of services and rapid growth, we are in need of Acute Care RNs and are offering financial incentives. Applications are available through Human Resources at Scott County Hospital 201 Albert Ave. Scott City, Ks. 67871 620-872-7772 or online at www.scotthospital.net

20tfc


The Scott County Record • Page 28 • Thursday, December 25, 2014

Being our guest is a lot easier than you might think. What happens if you get caught? 1st offense: 2 days in jail or 100 hours community service 2nd offense: 90 days to 1 year in jail 3rd offense: 90 days to 1 year in jail 1st offense: 1 year license suspension 2nd offense: 2 year license suspension 3rd offense: 3 year license suspension

Think you can get off light with your first offense? Think again.

Effects of alcohol consumption based on individual’s weight and drinks

Fine: from $500 to $1,000 License suspension: 30 days License restriction: 330 days following

Weight

suspension

Number of Drinks 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Vehicle impound: up to 1 year possible

100

0.032

0.065

0.097

0.0129

0.0162

0.194

0.226

0.258

0.291

Court ordered treatment program is

120

0.027

0.054

0.081

0.108

0.135

0.161

0.188

0.215

0.242

140

0.023

0.046

0.069

0.092

0.115

0.138

0.161

0.184

0.207

Kansas has an implied consent law.

160

0.020

0.040

0.060

0.080

0.101

0.121

0.141

0.161

0.181

That means that if you refuse to submit

180

0.018

0.036

0.054

0.072

0.090

0.108

0.126

0.144

0.162

200

0.016

0.032

0.048

0.064

0.080

0.097

0.113

0.129

0.145

220

0.015

0.029

0.044

0.058

0.073

0.088

0.102

0.117

0.131

240

0.014

0.027

0.040

0.053

0.067

0.081

0.095

0.108

0.121

also possible

to a chemical test you will be subject to a fine and automatic license suspension. All former DUIs on a driving record count toward the sentencing. Plea bargain for a conviction of “wet reckless” (reckless driving involving alcohol) is barred by statute in Kansas.

One drink is considered: 1 beer • 1 3 oz. glass of wine • 1 shot or 1 ounce of hard liquor The legal limit in Kansas is .08%. In other words, if you weigh 180 pounds, your fifth beer will put you over the limit These are estimates. The impact on different individuals will vary.

Scott County law enforcement urges you to have a designated driver, or to celebrate New Year’s Eve in moderation. We will be on the watch for DUI offenders. The following sponsors want you to have a safe and happy start to the upcoming new year.


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