The Scott County Record by The Scott County Record

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40 Pages • Four Sections Look Inside

Volume 24 • Number 8

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Published in Scott City, Ks.

Stepping Up

$1 single copy

Housing, supervision an opportunity to break the cycle of dependence, poverty Sports Hugoton’s aerial attack is grounded by SCHS defense Page 21 State Audit raises concerns about foster care program Page 12

It’s easy to criticize people for making “bad” choices in their lives, says Pastor Kyle Evans. “All too often,” says the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Scott City, “it’s because they have no choices.” In hopes of providing individuals an opportunity to turn their lives around, individuals in the community are in the process of purchasing the Plains Inn motel on north US83 Highway and converting it into a “transitional liv-

ing” residence. “You could call it a halfway house,” says Evans. The goal is to provide a safe and structured environment where those who are homeless, wanting to get out of an abusive relationship or stay clean of drugs can reside temporarily while trying to get their lives in order. The property must first be rezoned as residential housing by the city, which will be considered at Monday’s council meeting.

A group of individuals from Scott and Wichita counties are in the process of purchasing the Plains Inn to serve as a transitional living facility. (Record Photo)

The transfer of ownership isn’t expected to take place until late November. The concept isn’t new, says Evans, who says the local pro-

a unique makeover

Schools SCHS Homecoming celebration, crowning is Friday Page 11

Index Opinions...................4-7 Calendar...................... 7 National 4-H Week...... 9 Youth/Education........ 11 Public notices.......12-13 LEC report................. 12 Deaths....................... 14 Church services......... 15 Health Fair................. 17 Health care...........18-19 Sports...................21-28 Pigskin Payoff............ 26 Farm section.........30-36 Classified ads.......37-39

Deaths Curtis Emberton Cynthia Hand David Kheldar Gary McLelland

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

(See STEPPING on page 10)

Bump into Class 4A no surprise for SCHS Higher enrollment numbers have finally begun working their way into Scott Community High School with the expected result. SCHS has been bumped from Class 3A to Class 4A for all activities during the 2016-17 school year. That’s not likely to change in the foreseeable future as larger classes are part of a trend that’s expected to continue for a number of years. With 287 students enrolled in grades 9-12, SCHS isn’t the smallest school in Class 4A. There are 11 schools with lower enrollment. The smallest school in the classification is Colby (264). The largest is Maize South (773) which dropped from Class 5A. Other schools in the area changing classifications were Larned (from 3A to 4A) and Hugoton (from 4A to 3A). Ulysses (467) remains the largest school in the league, followed by Holcomb (305), SCHS, Goodland (275) and Colby.

Heberlee found guilty on 2 counts A jury found Rick Heberlee guilty of two charges against him following a week-long trial in the Scott County District Court. Heberlee, of Scott City, was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine and interference

with law enforcement. The jury found Heberlee not guilty of distribution of a controlled substance causing the death of 20-year-old Sherree Smith. All three verdicts were unanimous.

“It has been a long, arduous trial,” said Judge Wendel Wurst following the jury’s announcement. “Both attorneys in this case represented the legal profession very well.” Heberlee, 32, avoided convic-

tion on the most serious count, which was a Level 1 felony. Assistant Attorney General Lyndzie Carter was trying to earn a guilty verdict under a new state law in which an individual can (See HEBERLEE on page eight)

District seeks answer to utility costs Skyrocketing utility costs over the past year, particularly in the high school, are what prompted the USD 466 (Scott County) board of education to spend nearly $400,000 for an energy audit. And when Building Controls and Services, Wichita, not only promised, but guaranteed, that utility costs would decline by $38,000 a month, board members expected the savings to be apparent on their utility bills.

The savings haven’t materialized as expected. The board of education wanted an explanation after seeing that the district’s utility bills have actually increased since completion of the energy audit and after some of the energy savings were supposed to take effect. For Scott Community High School alone, the utility cost for July (May usage) was $12,561 and it had increased in each of the following months, to $13,977 in

August and $14,726 in September. The September bill was about $2,300 higher than the same month a year ago before the energy savings were being implemented. In a recent meeting with the board of education, BCS attributed the higher utility costs to a sharp rate increase by Wheatland Electric that went into effect on Dec. 15, 2015. In fact, say BCS officials, without the rate increase, they would have deliv-

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

Agriculture What happens once the Ogallala Aquifer is gone? Page 30

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

Community Unusual craft a popular attraction at Whimmydiddle Page 29

Seven-year-old Jayde Andrews-Kirk, Healy, patiently waits while Lauren Speer, Plainville, paints her face during the Whimmydiddle arts and crafts fair on Saturday. Speer had a steady line of youngsters throughout the day as they waited to get an unusual makeover from the talented artist. (Record Photo)

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

Health Obesity rates lead to cancer concerns in rural Kansas Page 18

gram, to be called “Stepping Up,” will be patterned off a successful program in Tulsa, Okla. Evans and several community members

ered on their promise of utility savings. Board member Lynnette Robinson asked if the $14,000 bill for the high school was typical for a building that size. Chadd Currier, director of performance solutions with BCS said, “I don’t know that we’ve seen rates this high for a school district.” “For a building this size, a $10,000 to $12,000 bill is more (See UTILITY on page eight)

The Scott County Record • Page 2 • Thursday, September 29, 2016

Kansas has reserves to operate the state for 2 days Far below national average of 29.2 days in reserves Kansas could run its government for only two days on its cash reserves, according to a study by Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew analyzed cash reserves for all states at the end of the most recent fiscal year and estimated how long state government could continue to function if it relied on reserves. Kansas ended the 2016 fiscal year in June with a $35 million balance, which Pew calcu-

lates would last two days. The average state has about 29.2 days worth of reserve funds, for comparison. “The average state could run for about a month and Kansas could only run for two days. It’s frightening. It’s absolutely frightening that we only have two days of reserves if some kind of catastrophe hit,” said Rep. Kathy Wolfe Moore (D-Kansas City), a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Kansas has struggled to balance its budget since GOP lawmakers slashed personal income

taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Gov. Sam Brownback’s urging, hoping to stimulate the economy. The state’s tax collections have fallen short of expectations for 10 of the past 12 months and 31 of the 44 months since the first income tax cuts took effect in January 2013. Brownback’s spokeswoman, Eileen Hawley, said the report “reflects the steep drop off in both the oil and agriculture economies, as states with similar economies to that of Kansas - Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, and the Dakotas - have experienced similar declines in their state reserve funds.”

Hawley is correct that nearby Nebraska’s reserve funds, which totaled $1.5 billion in 2015, have declined over the past year. But, at the end of the 2016 fiscal year, Nebraska still had $1 billion in reserve funds, which could last 87 days, according to Pew’s analysis. Each of the other states Hawley named has reserves that would last beyond the 29-day national average, with the exception of Oklahoma. North Dakota has $573 million in reserves, for 57.3 days. Iowa has $892 million in reserves, for 45.4 days, while South Dakota could go for 35.5

days on its $143 million in reserves, according to Pew’s analysis. Oklahoma could last 13.3 days on its $231 million in reserves. Hawley said the Pew report “does not reflect how the administration has saved KPERS (the state’s pension system) from bankruptcy, invested in roads resulting in top national rankings, and invested more in K-12 education than ever before, all while returning money to the pockets of hardworking Kansans.” (See RESERVES on page 10)

Tag renewal deadline Friday

Persons whose last name begins with the letters P, Q or R are reminded that license tags must be purchased by Fri., Sept. 30, to avoid a penalty. Tags are due for autos, light trucks, motorcycles and motorized bikes. License tags can be purchased at the county treasurer’s office. Tags must be renewed during October for persons whose last name begins with S.

4-H pancake feed Wednesday

Scott County 4-Hers will sponsor a pancake feed on Wed., Oct. 5, as part of their observance of National 4-H Week. The feed will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 412 Church, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cost is a free-will donation. Proceeds will benefit local veterans and purchase Christmas gifts for Park Lane Residents who are without family members.

Oct. 3 - 7

Majestic Theatre 420 Main • 872-3840

Lunch Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri.-11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Evenings Thurs., Fri., Sat.- 5:30-10:00 p.m.

Tues. • Open faced prime rib sandwich with french fries $11.95 Wed. • Chicken and noodle with mashed potatoes and corn $7.95 Thurs. • French dip sandwich with chips $7.95 Fri. • Tijuana tostada $6.95

1211 Main • 872-3215

5Buck Lunch

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

Includes Fries, 21 oz. Drink and Small Sundae

1718 S. Main • 872-5767 1304 S. Main • 872-5301

49 Full Buffet

Available in: 6 pc. • 12 pc. • 24 pc.

% 100 all white-meat chicken

The Broiler

102 Main Street • 872-5055 Mon. • Steak and velveeta on a hoagie bun $6.00 Taco Tues. • Tacos 99¢ Funny Tacos $1.50 Wed. • 2 pc. chicken dinner includes potato and vegetables $6.25 Thurs. • 4 oz. chicken fry dinner includes potato vegetables $6.25 Fri. • Fish and chips $6.25 Sat. • Farmer skillets $6.95 Sunday Buffet 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Support Your Local Restaurants

1502 S. Main • 872-7288

VIP Center

302 Church St. • 872-3501

$5 ($3 - 60 yrs. up)

Monday • Mexican chicken, Refried beans, Tossed salad with tomatoes, Green peppers and Carrots, Tortilla chips, Peaches Tuesday • Roast pork with gravy, Mashed potatoes, Mix vegetables, WW roll, Strawberries and bananas Wednesday • Chicken griller with gravy, Squash casserole, Savory carrots, WW roll, Blueberry crisp Thursday • Spaghetti with meat, Green beans, Tossed salad with tomatoes, Green pepper carrots, Garlic bread, Pears Friday • Baked tilapia, Chicken fingers, Potato wedges, Marinated tomatoes, WW roll, Creamy fruit salad

The Scott County Record

Community Living

Page 3 - Thursday, September 29, 2016

OCC recipient to speak in SC on Saturday

A former orphan and Operation Christmas Child shoebox recipient will be a guest speaker at the Scott City First United Methodist Church on Sat., Oct. 1, to kickoff the annual event. Irina Creek, who was born into a broken family in the former Soviet

Union, will speak at the church at 11:00 a.m. The event will begin with a community breakfast at 10:00 a.m. in Baker Hall. Cost is a free-will offering. Residents in Southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle are hoping to pack 9,185 empty shoe-

boxes with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for children overseas who are suffering from poverty, natural disaster, war, terror, disease and famine. Through Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, shoeboxes will be

delivered to children in more than 100 countries. After being abandoned by addiction-riddled parents at the age of four, Creek was moved into an orphanage. She remained hopeful of a reunion with her family, but the years passed and after frequent abuse, she was eventually

moved to a new orphanage. When Irina was 10-years-old, a missionary group gave the orphanage children Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. Through her gift, Creek felt unique for the first time and was touched by the message of God’s love. A year later, her

prayer of adoption was answered by a family in South Carolina. Information, updates and OCC supplies will be provided at the workshop to equip volunteers to pack shoebox gifts. A panel of volunteers will be available to answer questions about their experiences.

High Plains Study Club plans a ‘mystery trip’

In 1946 . . .

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Berning

. . . and in 2016

Bernings celebrate 70th anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Berning will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with a come-and-go reception on Sat., Oct. 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the Leoti Community Building. Joe Berning and Bernice Gerstberger were married on Oct. 15, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Marienthal. Hosting the reception will be the couple’s seven children: Mr. and Mrs. James Thurston, Great Bend; Mr. and Mrs. Terry Berning, Scott City; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Weinmann, Scott City; Mr. and Mrs. David Berning, Marienthal; Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Berning, Garden

City; Mr. and Mrs. Brad Berning, Leoti; and Mr. and Mrs. Russell Berning, Leoti. One son, Bruce Berning, is deceased. They also have 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren. Joe has farmed in the Marienthal area most of his life and for many years was a Pioneer Seed salesman. Bernice was a homemaker and cooked for the Marienthal Grade School for 12 years and cleaned the library in Leoti for 10 years. Cards may be sent to the couple at 211 E. Earl St., Leoti, Ks. 67861.

Garden Club has final meeting; consider group tours for 2017

The final regular meeting of the Scott County Garden Club for 2016 was co-hosted by Florence Daubert and Virgie Schwartz on Sept. 20 at the Modoc Town Hall. The ladies served coffee cake with a variety of fresh fruits. President Sherry Novak called the meeting to order. Nine members responded to the roll call question, “Give a Fall Gardening Tip” which generated a lively discussion. Answers included such suggestions as: 1) switch out summer plants for fall plants in your pots; 2) keep watering and weeding; 3) thin out iris, daylilies and similar plants; 4) dig up and bring in

canna and dahlia bulbs before a hard freeze; 5) cut back perennial shrubs; and 6) put down a preemergent like Preen. The August minutes were approved. There were a number of suggestions made for consideration as to what project or projects might take the place of the sixth grade Arbor Day project, which the club decided to terminate. Ideas for possible meetings or tours for 2017 included visiting the KState grounds in Manhattan, hosting a yard/pond tour, and touring Marion Nolan’s greenhouse. It was agreed to have a Garden Club table at the Christmas Open House to be held at the Modoc

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

Town Hall in December. Linda Meyer volunteered to make a Christmas wreath, decorated tree, or floral arrangement to be given away in a drawing. Members volunteered to be contact hostesses for the luncheon meetings to be held in place of regular meetings from October 2016 through March 2017. Ruth Dunn will have a hostess sheet prepared with the calling hostesses for the other months plus the 2017 regular meeting hostesses. A slate of officers for the coming year was proposed and approved as follows: president, Jeannie Compton; vice president, Betty LaToush; secretary/treasurer/publicity/ historian, Ruth Dunn.

High Plains Study Club met on Sept. 15 for their fall brunch at the home of Shirley Griffith. The Social Committee of Jan Winter, Karen Compton, Ann Hawkins and Sidney Janzen served an array of food, including pecan rolls and fruit cups. Members wore hats from the past and for roll call they gave background stories of their hats. There were 22 members in attendance. Following brunch, Vice-President Sue Pammenter led the meeting and new membership

books were distributed. Theme for the 2016-17 year is “Blessed are the Curious for They Shall Have Adventure.” Minutes from the May 5 meeting were approved. Lucky Dip was won by Marvel Hopkins and Madeline Murphy was chosen to bring the Lucky Dip to the next meeting. Thank you notes were read from Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, Park Lane residents and the Scott County Historical Society. Next meeting will be Oct. 6 for a mystery trip.

Buy of the Week

Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Tuesday, Oct. 4

Cheese Shredded Chunk or Cheese 8 oz. bag

1314 S. Main, Scott City

872-5854 www.heartlandfoodsstores.com

The Scott County Record

Editorial/Opinion

Page 4 - Thursday, September 29, 2016

editorially speaking

Marshall plan:

Dodging debates is the new campaign strategy

A debate of First District Congressional candidates was scheduled recently in Hutchinson, but Republican nominee Roger Marshall decided not to tell organizers he wouldn’t be in attendance. Instead, he chose to make a trip to Washington, D.C., and rub elbows with other incoming freshmen lawmakers. It’s a bit ironic how the race for the First District seat has unfolded over the last several months. Before the primary election, Marshall was eager to attend forums while Congressman Tim Huelskamp preferred keeping a low profile, choosing to skip an occasional event. Now that he’s the Republican nominee, Marshall has adopted Huelskamp’s strategy. We shouldn’t be surprised. Marshall has already acknowledged that the only difference between himself and Huelskamp is that he plays better with others. First of all, it’s very arrogant to act as though one is the presumptive Congressman before the general election has been held. Admittedly, the Independent and Democrat candidates have an uphill climb, but humility is always a preferable trait. But, this goes beyond a show of humility. The reason Marshall wasn’t anxious to appear on the same stage with Independent candidate Alan LaPolice at the Kansas State Fair, and why he chose to skip the recent forum, is because LaPolice is a far more formidable opponent in a debate than Huelskamp. LaPolice has the knowledge and ability to engage in real policy on real issues. With Huelskamp, it was about repealing Obamacare, giving a pink slip to the IRS Commissioner or going after prairie chickens. All Marshall had to do was smile and promise that he would get on the House Agricultural Committee a promise that he isn’t in a position to make at this point, but nonetheless seems more than willing to guarantee. If one is going to share a debate stage with LaPolice they had better be knowledgeable about the issues. LaPolice, for example: •is a former educator. He has ideas for establishing accountability in the classroom that go beyond constant testing. •wants to eliminate the pension plan for Congressmen and have them contribute to Social Security. •supports campaign finance reform. •offers a national vision that includes upgrading our electrical grid and developing a national broadband. •wants to tackle unlimited defense spending, noting that, “we can’t keep paying for these endless wars.” •feels that changes are needed to the farm subsidy program. Some of LaPolice’s ideas aren’t going to be popular. But, just because an issue isn’t popular with a particular constituency doesn’t make it any less important. LaPolice has the courage to discuss those issues. He has an understanding of those issues. He has ideas. That’s what an election should be about. That’s why debates are important. That could be why Marshall is choosing to make himself scarce.

Amendment:

Proposed addition to Constitution is meaningless

The U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution are sacred documents that provide a template for our government. As such, any changes or additions to the Constitution should measure up to the stature of the original documents . . . or so it would seem. The November election ballot in Kansas will include an amendment to the Kansas Constitution’s Bill of Rights that will protect the right to hunt, fish and trap wildlife. First of all, we weren’t aware that these rights were being threatened. There’s certainly no movement in Kansas to ban any of these pastimes. To make this an amendment to the Constitution would seem to be overkill. What’s next? An amendment to protect the right to drive a vehicle? Maybe we need an amendment to protect the right to have Homecoming parades on Main Street? According to a statement from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, if the amendment passes “current laws and regulations governing hunting, fishing and trapping of wildlife would still apply.” If the amendment fails, there would be no changes to current laws and regulations. In other words, the amendment does nothing. That seems particularly appropriate for this Kansas Legislature and our governor. It’s so inappropriate for our state’s constitution. This amendment is nothing more than window dressing. Our Constitution deserves to be treated with more dignity.

How much truth do we want?

Jury trials are a rarity in small communities. Fortunately, we don’t have criminal conduct on a scale that often requires the gathering of 12 peers to determine one’s guilt or innocence. Perhaps it’s because we don’t have district attorneys looking to make a name for themselves in pursuit of higher public office (i.e., Rudy Giuliani). And maybe . . . out of expediency . . . small communities and their county attorneys simply decide that plea bargaining is a less costly and much quicker way to satisfy the desire for justice. The Rick Heberlee trial was obviously an exception. Evidence presented over the course of a week demonstrated a series of poor choices and bad decisions before and after the death of an individual. Despite the claim by one witness that, “I just want to tell the truth,” it became evident that any desire for honesty was an afterthought. Everyone was far more concerned

with assuming a CYA (cover your a**) approach in the hours leading up to and following the young woman’s death. That is one of the elements that made the trial so interesting on the one hand, and equally disturbing on the other. We were given a glimpse into a lifestyle that many would find impossible to comprehend and even more difficult to imagine is right in our own backyard. The use of meth by these people in our own community is an inescapable part of their lives - provided they even had the desire to change. For these people, meth use is as casual as drinking a beer. Breaking the cycle isn’t even desirable. One witness admitted it wasn’t their choice to go to a rehab center in Salina. It was evident that after serving time at the rehab

center (his second visit) he would return to the same lifestyle. Rehab is merely a detour, not a solution. * * * The truth, as we’re sure is the case in any trial, is what the witnesses want it to be. It’s up to a jury to determine where the truth exists and to what degree. Often times, the quest for the truth only leaves more questions unanswered. •What happened to Sherree Smith between midnight and 6:45 a.m., before Rick Heberlee’s return? •If her health was in declining condition during that time, was it only due to meth? •At what point did she consume a lethal amount of meth? Forensics pathologists say it had to be two hours, and no more than three, prior to her death at 8:30 a.m. But, how does that explain reports of her health for several hours prior to 6:45 a.m.? •What happened to the meth that Heberlee claims he left behind for Kevin LaPlant? LaPlant says he didn’t know anything

about it. Did it exist? If so, what became of it? •What would cause two individuals to observe that someone was possibly dying - to the point where they used a mirror to see if she was breathing - and still do nothing? There are many unanswered questions to which only one, maybe two, people will ever know the answers. The truth may never be known. * * * An added dimension to this trial was the opportunity to test a new state law in which a person can be convicted for providing the drugs which lead to an individual’s death. For a week, the prosecutor with the Attorney General’s office tried to make that connection, but couldn’t do so in a way that met the requirements of the law and was convincing to a jury. It became clear as the trial unfolded and as evidence was presented that this was going to be a very difficult charge to prove. (See TRUTH on page six)

Politicizing the Kansas courts

Despite having the lowest approval rating of any U.S. governor, Sam Brownback may have just acquired another tool in his effort to politicize the Kansas Supreme Court and rebuild it to his ideological specifications. His ambition is demonstrated by his continuing legislative efforts to change how judges are appointed and by his reason for the change, as expressed in a private conversation reported by former Republican legislator Tim Owens: “So we can get judges who will vote the way we want them to.” Forget the rule of law; just stack the judicial deck. In November, voters could create the opportunity for him to do just that if they vote to dismiss four or five members of the seven-member court.

Where to Write

another view by Davis Merritt

The potential disaster is made possible by a stunning display of civic indifference by 4,246 attorneys in Kansas’ Third Congressional District (Kansas City and its suburbs.) The story of how we came to this point is complex, but stay with what follows, because the ultimate result will be in your hands in a direct “yes” or “no” vote. When a vacancy occurs on the Supreme Court, the nine-member Supreme Court Nominating Commission interviews candidates and evaluates their applications, normally 20 or more. They pick three nominees; the governor makes the final

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

appointment. The commission is composed of five attorneys and four non-attorneys. One attorney and one lay person represent each of the state’s four congressional districts. The governor appoints the lay members, the lawyers in each district vote for their representatives. The fifth lawyer, the chairperson, is elected by a statewide vote of lawyers. The objective is to shield the court from partisan politics. Having attorneys vote on the majority of members may seem counterintuitive, because many lawyers are involved in politics. But, it works, because most lawyers want judges who are intelligent, fair-minded and willing to work hard. Conjuring with a potential judge’s ideo-

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

logical leanings is risky for lawyers, because they never know which side of politically tinged cases they may represent. Commission members can serve two four-year terms, and the terms of both members from a given district end in the same year. When vacancies occur on the commission, the governor appoints the lay member while the clerk of the Supreme Court sends a notice to each attorney in the district inviting them to seek the other spot. Historically, four or five attorneys do so. The district’s lawyers vote for one. The Third District’s two seats came up this year. Brownback re-appointed Robert Hayworth of Overland Park to a second term. But, something (See COURTS on page six)

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

The Scott County Record • Page 5 • Thursday, September 29, 2016

Trump’s Clinton’s stumble on trade night of offers some hope to Trump sniffles and screw-ups by Peter Certo

by Kathleen Parker

My heart went out to Donald Trump Monday night when it appeared that he was under the weather. What could be worse than to be sick, sniffling through his first presidential debate just days after he was challenging Hillary Clinton’s health and, during the debate, taunting her lack of stamina? Trump’s own stamina was not, shall we say, in abundance Monday. Weary-eyed and gulping water, he looked as though he might fall asleep were it not for the lectern’s support. Could his malady perhaps explain his utter incoherence? Might whatever was drying out his mouth, but not his nose, explain his childish running commentary as Clinton was answering a question? As karma would have it, Clinton seemed perky by comparison. Pitch perfect throughout the debate, she was never at a loss for a coherent answer or a rebound. She even managed to conquer her habitual impulse to nod her head affirmatively when someone else is talking. Otherwise, she smiled through her contempt for Trump’s inane responses or nonresponses. In the course of the evening, she seemed to get him to admit to not paying any federal taxes, which Trump appeared to confirm by saying, “That makes me smart.” Moderator Lester Holt’s question about Trump’s birther crusade elicited not only a defense of his efforts, but a declaration of pride that he, Trump, had forced President Obama to present his birth certificate. “I think I did a good job,” he said. This is false, as any serious news consumer knows. But, these two examples illustrate two key components of Trump’s character - braggadocio and preening pride. Translation: insecurity and weakness. He was proud of two things - paying no taxes and racist pandering for which most people of conscience would feel shame. Sure, if you’re someone whose career is built on gaming the system, you might gloat about being the best gamer. But, is this who you want for president? As for racist pandering, that’s what birtherism was. It was never really about Obama’s birthplace, no matter who thought of it first. Democrats aren’t any more virtuous than Republicans when it comes to foul play; Republicans are just better at it. In Sniffles’ hands, the birther issue was an instrument to mine the subliminal racist attitudes that Trump knew were out there. His strategy was to constantly remind voters of Obama’s Kenyan heritage, thus building a rapport with a certain segment of the population that ultimately would catapult him onto the debate stage. He subsequently reinforced his monument to infamy by marginalizing other darker-skinned groups, including Mexicans and Muslims of Middle Eastern extraction. Thusly was Trump’s presidential campaign launched. His made-for-TV descent on the escalator of New York’s Trump Tower was merely a dramatization of the direction he would lead his acolytes and, if elected, the nation. During his part of the “debate,” Trump did manage to make a couple of points, nota(See SNIFFLES on page six)

In her first debate with Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton delivered one of her more memorable one-liners when she quipped, “I think Donald just criticized me for preparing for this debate. You know what else I prepared for? I prepared to be president.” Debate rules be damned, Clinton’s supporters in the room cheered loudly, and the line quickly ricocheted across social media. Indeed, Clinton was well prepared, especially compared to her blustery rival. Yet on one issue - trade - she seemed surprisingly caught off-guard. Early on, when Clinton praised her husband’s economic record, Trump shot back that Bill Clinton had signed the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA, for short - which the GOP candidate called “the single worst trade deal ever approved in this country.” It was a serious charge, since Hillary has often embraced Bill’s business-friendly trade policies. So it was disappointing when the best response she could offer was,

“Well, that’s your opinion.” Seriously? Trump’s not known for his factual precision, but worthier critics have tallied up NAFTA’s extensive failures since it became law two decades ago. The first Clinton administration promised that NAFTA would create hundreds of thousands of jobs. In fact, the consumer rights group Public Citizen noted in a 2014 report, the deal killed a million U.S. jobs in its first decade alone, and created strong downward pressure on wages for what jobs remained. Rust Belt states like Ohio and Michigan were especially devastated. Trade deals liquidated over half a million manufacturing jobs in those two states alone between 1994 and 2015. No wonder Trump mentioned the pair twice. NAFTA also uprooted over a million Mexican workers, leading to an immigration crisis that seemed to pit low-wage Americans and low-wage Mexicans against each other. Meanwhile, it won big corporations some $360 million in judgments against public interest regula-

tions like labor laws. In short, deals like NAFTA accelerated the job losses, immigration tensions, and spiraling inequality that created the social rot Trump is exploiting today. Yet Clinton still defends the pact’s legacy. Pressing his advantage, Trump turned to the Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP - a 12-country trade pact negotiated by the Obama administration that critics have called “NAFTA on steroids.” Consumer groups and labor unions are lobbying hard against it. And, as he courts blue-collar voters, so is Trump. “You were totally in favor of it,” Trump accused Clinton - correctly. Though she denied it at the debate, Clinton once called the TPP “the gold standard in trade agreements,” even as rights groups raised serious concerns about the power it would give corporations over everything from drug prices to food safety laws. Mysteriously, the former secretary of state changed her mind about the TPP during the Democratic primary, announcing last year that (See TRADE on page six)

Scott Walker’s political magic by Jim Hightower

In a mindboggling trick, some magicians levitate themselves. But, remember, the key word in “magic trick” - is trick. And magicians aren’t the only ones performing. Scott Walker, for example, is quite the political trickster. This right-wing extremist became so unpopular in his first term as Wisconsin’s governor that he faced a recall election in 2012. Yet, he seemed to rise in front of our very eyes, miraculously lifting himself above the public’s anger to avoid defeat. How’d he do that? As reported-by The Guardian, some 1,500 secret emails, court testimonies, and financial records were recently uncovered, revealing that Walker had a hidden lifeline

of corporate cash hoisting him up. Despite a Wisconsin law specifically prohibiting corporations from funding political candidates, millions of those banned dollars were pumped into the governor’s campaign. The trick is that corporate checks were sent to supposedly independent political outfits that - thanks to the Supreme Court’s ridiculous Citizens United decree - are allowed to take unlimited campaign funds from corporations without disclosing the names of the donors. This is all provided that the independent groups don’t in any way coordinate their electoral efforts with the campaign of the candidates they want to elect. Even when obeyed, this farcical rule essentially sanc-

tions organized corporate corruption, but Walker and company didn’t even try to follow the rules. Rather, the governor asked everyone from the Koch brothers to Home Depot to Donald Trump to funnel checks to the “independent” political groups backing him. Walker wrote personal thank-you notes to the donors, and even had his media strategist handle the ads for both his campaign and the groups. Scott Walker, his front groups, and his corporate donors aren’t a magic act they’re debouched thieves, stealing our democracy to impose their plutocracy over us. The cat’s out of the bag. Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker and author

Kansans will pay the price for fiscal tricks

by Topeka Capital-Journal

A recent study conducted by Truth in Accounting - a Chicago-based research organization - found that Kansas has the third-highest taxpayer burden in the Midwest. Among Great Plains states - Kansas, Montana, Idaho, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming our burden is the highest. The burden is calculated by adding up a state’s unfunded liabilities and dividing by the number of taxpayers. In Kansas, each taxpayer would have to contribute $6,500 to cover all of the state’s debts and obligations, making it one of only two Great Plains states (the other is Montana) without a taxpayer surplus. This problem has been exacerbated by short-term budget “solutions” like delaying KPERS payments. The authors of “The Financial State of the States” (the Truth in Accounting report) criticize governments that rely on short-term measures instead of attempting to address structural problems with their budgets: “States sink further into debt while keeping the budgets ‘balanced’ through such tricks as borrowing money to balance the budget, delaying the payment of current bills until the next fiscal year, and inflating revenue assumptions.” None of these arguments are unfamiliar to Kansans - we’ve grown accustomed to the fiscal “tricks” employed by Gov. Sam Brownback and the Legislature. Of the $1.3 trillion states owe in unfunded debt, $684 billion is the result of pension deferments. Not only will these withheld contributions eventually be due, but they will also have to be paid back with interest. When Moody’s affirmed its negative outlook on Kansas revenue bonds in August, it again cited the pension delay: “By continuing to balance its budget with unsustainable, nonrecurring resources, including pension underfunding, it is accumulating large and expensive long-term liabilities that it will be paying off for a long time.” Truth in Accounting CEO Sheila Weinberg said she thinks Kansas should do more to address its unfunded liabilities: “We encourage Kansas and Montana government officials to increase transparency and decrease their taxpayer burdens like their neighboring states. Taxpayers in Kansas and Montana deserve a state in good financial health.” As we noted last week, instead of pledging to make the next pension payment as soon as possible, lawmakers are already predicting it will likely be postponed again. Kansas’ taxpayer burden is the 27th worst in the country and all of our neighbors are in better shape. This is a status quo that needs to change immediately, and Kansans need to put pressure on Brownback and next year’s Legislature to find sustainable ways to fund the government. As the Truth in Accounting report explains, our state’s unfunded liabilities impose a “real cost that taxpayers will eventually have to pay, whether it’s in the form of higher interest rates, tax increases, or less government programs.” (See TRICKS on page six)

The Scott County Record • Page 6 • September 29, 2016

Tax cut ‘sunshine’ vanishes behind a cloud by Yael Abouhalkah

Gov. Sam Brownback had a problem about two years ago: A group he had set up in 2011 and led as its chairman kept putting out quarterly reports that showed Kansas’ economy was in the tank. What to do? First, Brownback and his supporters tried to hide the report - issued by his Council of Economic Advisors - from the public. I wrote about that shameful fact last January.

But, now the governor and other state officials have done something else: They have killed the report all together, as the Topeka Capital-Journal recently learned. Why? Because the reports never showed that the 2012 income tax cuts he and the Legislature approved were injecting new life into the state’s economy. Instead, they revealed that Kansas far too often was doing poorly on crucial financial

measuring sticks when compared to other states in this region as well as all of the United States. Even worse, Kansas sometimes was faring worse than it had before Brownback became governor. Remember when Brownback said in his 2014 re-election campaign that “the sun is shining in Kansas”? Alas, all that sunshine has disappeared behind a big, dark cloud of obfuscation.

Of course, these were not the reasons given by state officials for the demise of the reports. “A lot of people found them helpful, but a lot of people were confused by them,” said Nicole Randall, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Commerce. That’s absurd. In reality, the information was pretty specific and easy to understand. Consider these examples from a 2015 report I wrote about in early 2016.

Trump threatens to skip remaining debates by Andy Borowitz

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (The Borowitz Report) - Plunging the future of the 2016 Presidential debates into doubt, Donald J. Trump said on Tuesday morning that he would not participate in the remaining two debates if Hillary Clinton is there. Trump blasted the format of Monday night’s debate by claiming that the presence of Clinton was “specifically designed” to distract him from delivering his message to the American people.

Truth Smith had become part of an environment in which drugs flowed freely. No one seemed to have an answer as to where they came from and who provided them. It was the CYA defense strategy. Fingers were pointed in all directions and nowhere at the same time. It would be unfair to say that justice failed. In this case, the perception of the level of justice that could be delivered may have been unrealistically high. Family members of Smith were understandably disappointed, even

Courts edented, happened on the lawyer side: Of the 4,247 lawyers sent notices, only one applied. Without a single vote, Lenin v. Guerra, a sole practitioner in Olathe, got the position and, thus, may have become the most important attorney Kansans have never heard of. Here’s why. If Kansans vote to dismiss one or more of the Supreme Court justices up for retention in November, Guerra could be the decisive vote on successors. It’s also possible that, because of Guerra and the

Trade she could no longer support it. Had she become a skeptic of corporatefriendly trade deals, or was she buckling under pressure from Bernie Sanders, who’d been hammering away at the TPP for years? Nothing Clinton said

“Every time I said something, she would say something back,” he said. “It was rigged.” He also lambasted the “underhanded tactics” his opponent used during the debate. “She kept on bringing up things I said or did,” he added. “She is a very nasty person.” Turning to CNN, Trump criticized the network’s use of a split screen showing both him and Clinton throughout the telecast. “It should have been just me,” he said. “That way people could have seen how really good my

temperament is.” The billionaire said that debate organizers had not yet responded to his ultimatum, but he warned that if he does not get assurances in writing that future debates will be “un-rigged, Hillary-wise,” he will not participate. “I have said time and time again that I would only do these debates if I am treated fairly,” he added. “The only way I can be guaranteed of being treated fairly is if Hillary Clinton is not there.” Andy Borowitz is a comedian and author

(continued from page four)

angry, at the verdict. For them, justice could only be served if Heberlee was found guilty and sentenced for Smith’s death. As it now stands, no one has been held responsible. The autopsy and subsequent lab reports revealed that a meth overdose was, without doubt, the cause of death. As a forensic toxicologist said, the level of meth in the body was “off the charts.” Another undeniable fact is that no one tried to do anything until it was too late. It became much easier to pass Smith off to anoth-

er individual to transport to the hospital, concoct a story, dispose of her personal belongings and hope that nobody bothered to dig deeper for the truth. There’s that word again. The truth is, despite the death of Sherree Smith, nothing will change. Some individuals will serve jail time, but when that’s done they will return. They will resume the only life they apparently know - a life that was fully exposed during a week of testimony. We cringe at the thought of what happened

in the final hours that Smith was alive. Some may be repulsed by the idea that those who could have done something to perhaps save her life instead chose to do nothing. Yet, how different are we to allow that situation to continue in our community . . . to pretend it isn’t happening here . . . that it doesn’t affect us . . . to go on with our own lives as a matter of convenience? Maybe we’re all just a little afraid of the truth. Rod Haxton can be reached at editor@screcord.com

(continued from page four)

lack of interest or awareness by 4,246 other attorneys, Brownback now can depend on his four lay commissioners and Guerra to offer him at least one ideological soulmate for each vacancy. But, the reality is unknowable, in part because Guerra refuses to talk to journalists. When he answered my call last week and I identified myself, he said, “I have to hang up the phone.” When I hurriedly asked how he learned about the open seat, he blurted, “I have to go,” and hung up. He did not respond to voice mail messages over

three days. Thus, little is known about him, except that his website prominently lists “abortion alternatives information” and “adoption” as primary parts of his law practice. Among the organizations campaigning hard to dismiss four of the five justices up for retention is the anti-abortion group Kansans For Life. It contends that the targeted judges are “pro-abortion.” E-mail and telephone efforts to ask Lance Kinzer, a former legislator also from Olathe and the new president of KFL, about Guerra did not get a

response. There is some risk in assuming that Guerra’s presence assures Brownback five commission votes to lock in at least one candidate for each vacancy who agrees with his personal views on abortion and other issues. But, it is even riskier to assume that it is not so. The only way to protect against Brownback’s ambition to politicize the judicial system is to vote “yes” to retain all of the justices. Davis Merritt is a Wichita journalist and author. He can be reached at dmerritt9@ cox.net

(continued from page five)

in the debate gives any clue. But, when Trump promised to “renegotiate” NAFTA, Clinton refused to follow suit. If she still supports NAFTA, though, how can anyone trust her to block “NAFTA on steroids”? For many of Clinton’s

supporters, it’s enough that she simply isn’t Donald Trump. But, if she fends him off, she’ll need to think long and hard about whether deals like these have any place in the “broad-based, inclusive growth” she says she wants for our country.

If she gets it wrong, the social cancers of job loss and xenophobia will only continue to fester. And we may yet see a “Trump on steroids” rise from the ashes. Peter Certo is the editorial manager of the Institute for Policy Studies

Brown bag lunch at SCHS parking lot • Sun., Oct. 2 • 11:00-2:00

▪Kansas’ gross state product - “providing an overall analysis of the performance of the economy” - rose 3.2 percent over the previous year. But, for the third straight year, the Kansas rate fell behind the six-state region and the nation. Here’s a kick in the teeth to Brownback supporters: The Kansas gross state product grew at a faster rate when compared to the region and the nation in three of the five years before he took

Tricks The report continues: “Perhaps your state won’t fall into complete crisis in your lifetime, but your

Sniffles bly that Clinton is a career politician while he’s a builder and job creator. Noted. Otherwise, he was often if not mostly a donnybrook of babbling nonsense. At one juncture, criticizing Clinton for posting her anti-Islamic State plan on her website (as opposed to not actually having a plan), he said with rough conviction: “No wonder you’ve been fighting ISIS your entire adult life.” Asked by Holt what he would do to prevent cyberattacks, Trump replied: “As far as the cyber . . . we should be better than anybody else, and perhaps we’re not. I don’t think anybody knows it was Russia that broke into the DNC (Democratic National Committee). She’s saying Russia, Russia, Russia. . . . Maybe it was. . . . But, it could also be China, it could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds.” What came next was, well, this: “You don’t know who broke into

office in 2011. ▪Private industry wages in Kansas grew at a slower clip for the last year than they did in the region and America - just as they have over the last five years. ▪The number of private business establishments in Kansas trailed both the region and the nation for the last year, again continuing a five-year trend. The promises that Brownback for years has made about the tax cuts (See CLOUD on page seven)

(continued from page five)

children or grandchildren will be on the hook.” It’s our responsibility to prevent this from happening.

(continued from page five)

DNC, but what did we learn with DNC? We learned that Bernie Sanders was taken advantage of by your people. By (former DNC Chair) Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Look what happened to her.” As a matter of fairness, I would include similarly confused responses by Clinton, but there were none. When the worst criticism is that you’re “overprepared,” as some have accused Clinton, you’re in pretty good shape, debatewise. Meanwhile, the global marketplace may tell the larger story. As the evening concluded, thanks to Clinton’s obvious dominance, as well as her assertion that a Clinton presidency would honor U.S. commitments abroad, the Asian markets recovered, the Mexico peso rallied, and Dow futures added 100 points. That’s nothing to sneeze at - or sniffle about. Kathleen Parker is a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist who writes on politics and culture

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

The Scott County Record • Page 7 • Thursday, September 29, 2016

Cloud

(continued from page six)

The promises that Brownback for years has made about the tax cuts especially that they would lead to a jobs bonanza simply aren’t coming true. Rather than continue to allow the council to put out its information for Kansans to evaluate, the report now will be deepsixed. Heidi Holliday, executive director of the non-

profit Kansas Center for Economic Growth, got it right when she said of the governor: “He specifically asked the council to hold him accountable through rigorous performance metrics. Five years later, the metrics clearly show his tax experiment has failed while business leaders and local chambers of commerce across the state openly ask him

to change course.” Here’s a simple message to Brownback and his backers. Trying to hide the truth about the lagging economy doesn’t make the state’s real problems less painful for the people of Kansas. Yael Abouhalkah is a columnist for the Kansas City Star. He can be reached at abouhalkah@kcstar.com

Correction: Last week’s letter to the editor named C.J. Davis as the EMS assistant director, which was incorrect. Davis is employed by Scott County EMS and volunteers as an EMT.

872-2090

October We’re here for you

872-5328 Sunday

Monday

2 Attend the Church of Your Choice

Brown Bag Lunch, SCHS parking lot, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

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

Tuesday

3 SCHS GWAC Golf, Goodland (T), 1:00 p.m. SCHS JV Tennis, Tribune (T), 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

SCES Team Mtg., 3:30 p.m.

SCMS Site Council Mtg.

SCES Individual Pictures

SCHS Regional Tennis

SCHS Vball “Tri,” Holcomb (T), 5:00 p.m.

4-H Council Pancake Feed, Scott City UMC, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

SCHS V Golf, Syracuse (T), 1:00 p.m.

SCES 3rd Grade Ship Building

SCHS V Vball Inv., 9:00 a.m.

SCMS Fball, Ulysses (T), 4:00 p.m.

SCHS Fball, Wellington (T), 7:00 p.m.

SCMS XC, Lakin (T), 10:00 a.m.

SCHS Vball “Tri” GWAC, Goodland (T), 4:00 p.m.

Free Hearing Tests, Scott City Masonic Lodge Hall, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

SCHS XC, Lakin (T), 10:00 a.m.

SCHS JV Fball, Ulysses (T), 6:00 p.m.

SW Kansas Youth Day, Lake Scott State Park, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

No charge for community events

Scott City Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Scott Community Wellness Fair, Scott County Hospital, 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

National 4-H Week begins

KofC Tootsie Roll Drive, Scott City, 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

19 9

SCHS Regional Golf

SCMS Choir Concert

SCMS Fball vs. Holcomb

SCHS State Tennis

Billy Allen Products, Inc. The complete

HORSE FEED

207 E. Bellevue Scott City 872-2111

with quality ingredients and consistency guaranteed with every sack.

Box 460 • Scott City

872-2778

The Scott County Record • Page 8 • Thursday, September 29, 2016

Utility typical in this part of the state,” he noted. Without the rate hike by Wheatland Electric, Currier said the district would have realized a savings of $4,660 on their September bill. Without the utility upgrade, he claims the utility costs would have been about $6,200 higher. Currier says that the electrical system in the

(continued from page one)

high school, which utilizes underground heat pumps, is operating more efficiently and will continue to improve as the district’s staff becomes more familiar with the computer software that manages the program. Looking for Savings In an effort to reduce energy costs, Supt. Jamie Rumford has met with representatives of

Heberlee be held responsible if someone dies from a controlled substance which they distributed. While several witnesses confirmed that Smith had smoked meth on numerous occasions, and that it was available when she was traveling with Heberlee and in his house, the evidence wasn’t strong enough to link Heberlee with Smith’s death. The seven man, five woman jury began delib-

Wheatland Electric. The utility company is recommending that the district bring its electric system in each building on line gradually to avoid hitting the “peak demand” rates. This would mean turning on some of the system at about 6:30 a.m., for example, and adding more in stages over the next 60-90 minutes. “If you can reduce your consumption by 30 min-

utes or 60 minutes every day, that can add up to a pretty significant amount over 280 (school) days,” said Currier. He also feels the district can improve it’s utility scheduling at night and over the weekend when the building isn’t in use. A major issue for the district from the time that the high school renovation was completed in

2005 was the inability to control the heating/AC system, particularly in the high school. Currier said the automation system was very difficult to use and some of the sensors have been failing. He noted that the previous maintenance director had figured a way to operate the system, but his replacement did not. “Lance (Carter) would feed in the commands

and the system wouldn’t respond,” Currier noted. That would also explain the spike in utility costs for 2015. In most months during that year, utility costs were from $1,000 to $2,000 higher than in 2014. “We’re working with the new maintenance guy. We’re going to tighten up the scheduling,” said Currier.

(continued from page one)

eration shortly before noon on Thurs., Sept. 22, and returned with their decision shortly before 5:00 p.m. The distribution of meth never seemed to be in question. Neither was interference with a law enforcement officer. Heberlee and Kevin LaPlant, who appeared on the witness stand, but wasn’t facing any charges, were responsible for taking Smith to a friend’s house the morn-

ing of January 17, 2014, and from there Smith was transported to the Scott County Hospital where she died shortly afterwards. A story was fabricated about Smith being found at a former motel known as the Cowboy Cabins located on east K96 Highway. LaPlant then admitted on the witness stand that he and Heberlee removed Smith’s personal belongings from Heberlee’s

home and stashed them in a storage shed outside town. LaPlant had limited immunity from prosecution for his testimony. The victim’s father, Robert Smith, was upset when the verdict was announced, but remained stoic. He has indicated his intention to submit a statement during Heberlee’s sentencing which will take place on Wed., October 12, 3:00 p.m., in Scott County District Court.

Do you have a favorite Scott County First Responder? Let them know in the October 20 edition of the Scott County Record The Scott County Record will be dedicating a section honoring our local first responders (EMT, fire, police and sheriff) on October 20. Here’s your chance to let them know how much you appreciate them!

Step 1 - Purchase a First Responder Dedication for $10

Contact Beau at The Record office by phone (620-872-2090), email (g2@screcord.com) or in person (406 S. Main). Dedications are payable by cash, check or credit card.

Step 2 - Write your dedication or thank you!

Write your dedication or thank you to your favorite first responder or group of first responders. Email or deliver it to the The Record on or before Friday, October 14. Please limit dedications to 50 words or less.

Thank you Scott Community High School (band and vocal) music department for helping us move!

Come see the new store!! Scott County Hardware

1320 S. Main • Scott City Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The Scott County Record • Page 9 • Thursday, September 29, 2016

Celebrate National 4-H Week October 2-8

Great work 4-Hers!

ar e H

nds

ad e H

alth

Manning Jayhawkers

New Horizons

Leaders Howard Fisher and Stephanie Fisher

Members Peyton Berry Asher Huck Brynna Burnett Chance Jones Cally Cramer Jaden Jones Marly Cramer Treven Jones Macy Davis Clayton Marquez Trella Davis Gage Marquez Hayla Edwards Garret Marquez Carson Faurot Gabrielle Martinez Hannah Faurot Kenzi Martinez Loren Faurot Jace Miller Marshall Faurot Clarissa Ratzlaff Jacob Fisher Kaitlyn Roberts Rachel Fisher Madison Roberts Aden Frederick Konner Rohrbough Bennet Federick Emily Smith Cale Goodman Nathan Smith Payton Goodman Christina Tilton Tressa Goodman Eddie Tilton Cooper Griffith Melanie Tilton Gui Griffith Jessica West Kalo Hineman Matthew West Maggie Hineman

Leaders Ashlee Logan and Debbie Drohman

Pioneers

Leaders Suzette Price and Tina Metheney Members Treyten Eitel Jaxson Kough Avery Lewis Jaden Lewis Jackson Lewis Dallie Metheney Danean Metheney Katie Nowak Nash Nowak Nate Nowak Nick Nowak Addison Price Emma Price Baylor Vasquez Corbin Wilkinson Rylan Wilkinson

Members Melany Duff Jacy Rose Kally Kough Tara Rose Abbigail LeBeau Carmen Schmitt Conner LeBeau Eric Shapland Nathan LeBeau Hailey Shapland Karlee Logan Madison Shapland Kylee Logan Baron Strine Trace Mulligan Brody Strine Addison Noll Brooke Strine Alivia Noll Theron Tucker Zach Tucker Avry Noll Brodey Rohrbough Tina Wilson Zach Rohrbough Baylee Wolkensdorfer

Country Cousins

Lake Wide Awake

Leaders Stacy Rogers, Anita Rose and Julie Rumford

Leaders Janelle Ervin, Toni Glenn, Janette Storm and Tonya Hoelting Members Alexis Buxton Dylan Metzger Cayden Couchman Mekenzie Metzger KelsiJo Crouch Kamdyn Moore Abbie Dart Waylon Ricker Hailey Dart Wyatt Ricker Jennie Erven Isaac Rowton Taylor Fairleigh Alyssa Storm Emily Glenn Nick Storm Emily Hall Carson Taylor Paige Hoelting Hunter Yager Drew Metzger Kiana Yager

Members Chaseton Cupp Paige Ryan Connor Cupp Kathryn Smith Colton Cupp Brinlie Stevens Ella Frank Makaela Stevens Houston Frank Sawyer Stevens Trenton Frank Annie Talbert Eva Kliesen Isabella Trout McCall Miller Kylee Trout Kate Rogers Landon Trout Kodi Rogers Megan Trout Chelsie Rose Max Tuttle Chase Rumford Hallie Wiechman Claire Rumford Hope Wiechman

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heArTlAnd FoodS

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FirST nATionAl BAnk Member FDIC

501 Main, Scott City 872-2143

ShArp BroS. Seed co.

ScoTT coop ASSn.

410 E. 1st St., Scott City 872-5823 • 800-931-COOP www.scottcoop.com

wheATlAnd elecTric 101 Main St., Scott City 872-5885 www.weci.net

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midweST mixer Service 40 E. Road 160, Scott City 872-7251 • 800-280-7251 www.midwestmixer.com

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wheATlAnd BroAdBAnd FArm crediT oF SouThweST 416 S. Main, Scott City kAnSAS, AcA 872-0006 www.wbsnet.org

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primAry reSidenTiAl morTgAge, inc.

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SAger’S pump Service 303 Glenn 872-2101 • 874-4486

Berning AucTion Leoti 620-375-4130

1851 S. Highway 83 872-2954

325 Main Street, Scott City 872-2161

310 Court St., Scott City 872-5866

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208 W. 5th St, Scott City 872-2103 JRAutoGroupLLC.com

305 W. Bellevue 872-3456

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1130 W. K96 Highway 872-2315

313 S. Main, Scott City 872-2105

1510 S. Main, Scott City 872-5334 www.scottcountylumber.com

Stepping traveled to Tulsa to see how the “Wings of Freedom” program is working first-hand. Even before the idea or starting the Stepping Up program began to take shape, Evans was already keenly aware of a growing need in the community. He has seen it through the Celebrate Recovery program that is sponsored by the First Baptist Church and through the number of people who come to the church on a regular basis seeking assistance. “In a month’s time, we will have anywhere between 25 and 40 requests for assistance,” says Evans. “I’ve had six applications in the last two days.” That can include requests for help with groceries, rent, utilities and more. Evans and members of the church will meet with these individuals to determine their situation and what kind of assistance is needed. “Some people will try to take advantage of us. We can figure that out,” Evans says. “But, the majority aren’t. They are legitimately struggling to get by in their day-to-day lives.” Some may be living with other family members while others are going from place to place - what Evans refers to as “couch surfing” - because they can’t afford rent. “And they are dragging their kids around in this situation,” he notes.

Reserves (continued from page two)

Duane Goossen, the state’s former budget director, said the budget situation is even more tenuous than the Pew study shows. Kansas ended the last fiscal year with $35 million because it delayed a nearly $100 million pension payment and about $75 million in school payments until this fiscal year. If those payments had been made last year, the ending balance “would have been far below zero,” said Goossen, who served under the three governors who preceded Brownback.

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

(continued from page one)

A Homeless Problem Evans says last December and January, five people came to the church who were homeless. One man was living out of his pickup and another was living on a porch. Another woman was going from home to home with her young daughter. “The mother had a drug addiction she was trying to break away from, but every place she stayed there were drugs present,” Evans says. “It’s impossible to break away from that lifestyle when you’re constantly exposed to it. Her daughter has since been taken away from her, but she’s trying to get her life back in order so that she can get her child back.” That, says Evans, is where Stepping Up can help. Interacting with the people who were coming to his church prompted Evans to begin thinking about what a program to help those individuals would look like. It would need to provide housing, while also addressing the social and educational needs of these individuals. “They would need to learn how to interact socially with others, learn how to manage their finances and how to be a responsible employee,” says Evans. “And this would also be done through a Christ-centered environment.” Evans adds that while he is chairman of the Stepping Up board of

directors, the group is not connected to the First Baptist Church. Private donations are providing the seed money to get the program established and they have also made arrangements for an interest-bearing grant through the Scott Community Foundation to purchase the motel. Initially, only about seven rooms will be used for Stepping Up “in order for us to get a feel for how the program will work,” says Evans. The remaining rooms will still be available as a motel to provide some income. His goal is to see the program grow so that about 20 rooms are available to residents. Stepping Up will be an all-encompassing program that offers ministry, education and a secure environment. What it won’t offer is a free ride. Those who take part will pay a monthly fee to help offset costs. While all participants must go through an interview process, Evans says participants will be primarily limited to Scott, Lane and Wichita counties and the immediate area. The Need Exists When she was first approached by Evans about the program, County Attorney Becky Faurot says her first response was, “I have 15 people for you.” She has seen the need for such a program from those getting out of jail,

trying to get out of a bad relationship or looking for a place to stay while gathering the resources to live on their own. “I see it all the time. People getting out of a drug treatment program or getting out of jail who really want to turn their lives around, but they have nothing,” says Faurot. “In order to survive, they turn to the only people they know, which puts them right back into the same environment that got them in trouble in the first place. “These are people in our community. If they can’t find a way to break out of this cycle then we, as a community, live with the consequences.” She says that statistics compiled by the Scott City Police Department point to a growing problem. In 2014 and 2015, the department had about 500 cases each year involving crime and drugs. Through the first six months of 2016, they’ve already had 350 cases. Violent crimes are up 30 percent over the last five years. About half of all crimes investigated by the SCPD are drug or alcohol related. “The thefts and forgeries are, many times, being committed by people who think there is no other way to provide for their needs or their drug habit,” Faurot says. However, she feels the program can offer longterm benefits for the community. “We have a shortage

of good employees in the community. A number of the people hired by local businesses, especially fast-food and convenience stores, don’t last very long because they are unreliable. They bounce around from one place to another because businesses are so desperate for employees,” she says. “If they can have a support mechanism in place so they can hold a job, perhaps get their high school diploma or a GED and learn how to manage their money, it would benefit them and the community,” Faurot notes. Strict Guidelines Evans says the program isn’t for everyone. “There are strict guidelines in order to participate. If you can’t live by the rules then you’ll be asked to leave,” he says. For example, in the first month that someone is a resident with Stepping Up they will need to abide by a strict curfew and they will be subject to frequent drug tests in addition to a requirement that they attend counseling sessions and faith-based meetings. “The process will be stair-stepped so that the longer they live here the more freedom they earn,” he says. He notes that one of the big problems with individuals who have been through drug or alcohol treatment programs is that they are required to live in a very structured environment and when they are released they struggle

with the newfound freedom. “We’ve been told that the process needs to be more gradual,” he says. There will also be an emphasis on life skills, such as balancing a checkbook and managing a budget. Drug/alcohol abuse, marriage and family counseling will be available and attendance will be required. The tentative goal is for individuals to be residents of Stepping Up for six months. “Our ultimate goal is to have someone living on the site full-time to look over the property and to mentor the residents living there,” he says. “That may not happen until six months down the road.” Evans, however, is concerned about what happens after that time. He realizes there is a shortage of suitable - and affordable - housing in the community. He dreams of a time when they can build oneand two-bedroom apartments on vacant lots to the east and provide longterm housing for individuals and families who have gone through the program. “I know we will make mistakes,” concedes Evans, “but we will learn from that. The bottom line is that we can’t stand by and do nothing. “I’ve been asked why do I care. I have no financial gain in this,” he adds. “I truly feel that the Lord has steered me in this direction. God has given me a heart for those who are struggling.”

The Way We Were Check out the temporary exhibit through October, featuring Scott City in the early days!

FREE Admission! Museum Hours: Tuesday - Saturday • 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

902 W. 5th St., Scott City • 872-5912